Blood lipids and molecular pathways of atherogenesis

TLDR: In this article , the importance of lipoproteins in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is discussed and major molecular mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of ASCVD are discussed.

Abstract: Atherogenesis is a highly complex and silent condition that develops over years. In the past, it was thought that only the accumulation of lipids in the tunica intima was involved in this process. However, today it is also known that a series of environmental, inflammatory, immunological, and genetic factors are strongly implicated in its pathophysiology. One of the main triggers of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is lifetime exposure to high cholesterol levels, especially low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). This, in turn, accumulated in the subendothelial space, becomes susceptible to changes, such as oxidation, giving rise to endothelial dysfunction, a wide cascade of pro-inflammatory processes and atherosclerotic plaque formation. Finally, there may be luminal narrowing, thrombus formation, and ischemia. This chapter reviews the importance of lipoproteins in atherogenesis and discusses some of the major molecular mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of ASCVD.