Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
2A
pubmed:dateCreated
1998-4-22
pubmed:abstractText
Emerging evidence is redefining traditional concepts of coronary atherosclerosis. Recent data indicate that severe stenoses, the traditional focus of attention, do not cause most coronary events. Rather, interest has increased in the often less stenotic but more vulnerable lesions that are characterized by thin fibrous caps, large lipid accumulations, large numbers of macrophages, and depletion of smooth muscle cells. Such lesions appear prone to rupture, which allows the blood to come into contact with the highly thrombogenic material in the lipid core of the plaque, thereby precipitating thrombosis. The fibrous cap may become weakened through decreased synthesis of the extracellular matrix or increased degradation of the matrix. The cytokine interferon-gamma, produced by T-lymphocytes, inhibits the ability of smooth muscle cells to synthesize collagen, a structurally important component of the fibrous cap. A family of enzymes known as matrix metalloproteinases can degrade all major constituents of the vascular extracellular matrix: collagen, elastin, and proteoglycans. Additional studies on the biochemical mechanisms of atherosclerosis may provide a fuller understanding of the ways in which lipid-lowering therapy can confer clinical benefit.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
AIM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Feb
pubmed:issn
0002-9343
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:day
23
pubmed:volume
104
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
14S-18S
pubmed:dateRevised
2007-11-15
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
1998
pubmed:articleTitle
Current concepts in cardiovascular pathology: the role of LDL cholesterol in plaque rupture and stabilization.
pubmed:affiliation
Vascular Medicine and Atherosclerosis Unit, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Review