Atherosclerosis progression

Libby P, Shcwartz D, Brogi E, Tanaka H, Clinton S. A cascade model for restenosis. A special case of atherosclerosis progression. Circulation 1992 86 11147-III52. 

ARICa 11 yr 13,136 M-F Reduction of cholesterol, increase HDL cholesterol control of hypertension can lower atherosclerosis progression (187)... 

Atherosclerosic aortic sinuses from ApoE knockout mice Cholesterol esters (cholesteryl palmitate and cholesteryl oleate) markers of atherosclerosis progression ... 

Atherosclerosis progresses in a series of stages, although some lesions at each stage may not progress further or may even regress if inciting events, such as hypercholesterolemia. 

Cholesteryl ester transfer protein Statins (e.g., pravastatin) Slowing atherosclerosis progression... 

C., Liu, C., and Hodis, H.N., Does elevated body mass modify the influence of postmenopausal estrogen replacement on atherosclerosis progression results from the estrogen in the prevention of atherosclerosis trial. Atherosclerosis, 168, 91-98, 2003. 

Bursill, C.A., McNeill, E., Wang, L., Hibbitt, O.C., Wade-Martins, R., Paterson, D.J., Greaves, D.R., and Channon, KM. (2009) Lentiviral gene transfer to reduce atherosclerosis progression by long-term CC-chemokine inhibition. 

Chocolate is mostly not included in "healthy food" however, it has recently received much attention, since it is an important dietary source of polyphenols. Recent studies have tried to validate the role of chocolate and a large number of experimental studies indicated beneficial effects of polyphenols in preventing atherosclerosis progression. Di Giuseppe et al. in 2008 analyzed cross-sectional data of the Moli-sani study and indicated a J-shaped relationship between dark chocolate consumption and serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), an antiinflammatory marker. Consumers of up to 1 serving (20 g) of dark chocolate every 3 days had serum CRP concentrations that were significantly lower than non-consumers or higher consumers. 

Taylor, A.J., Sullenberger, L.E., Lee, H.J., Lee, J.K., and Grace, K.A., 2004. Arterial Biology for the Investigation of the Treatment Effects of Reducing Cholesterol (ARBITER) 2 a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of extended-release niacin on atherosclerosis progression in secondary prevention patients treated with statins. Circulation. 110 3512-3517. 

MCP-1 and chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) play important roles in monocyte recruitment MCP-1 expression is increased in human atherosclerotic plaques, vascular endothelium, and VSMC exposed to minimally modified lipids. In Apo E deficient mice that lack CCR2, lesion formation was decreased with no effects on lipids (164) on the other hand, MCP-1 expression by leukocytes (macrophages) increases macrophage number and oxidized lipid accumulation and atherosclerosis progression in Apo E deficient MCP-1 transgenic mice, with no effects on plasma lipoprotein profile (165). However, local MCP-1 overexpression at the vessel is not sufficient in rabbits, and activation by other factors induced by hypercholesterolemia is required (166). 

Also, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism improves endothelial function and reduces 02 -generation in diet-induced atherosclerosis (271). In Apo E -/- mice, administration of the selective aldosterone blocker, eplerenone, significantly reduced oxidative stress and atherosclerosis progression (272). 

Incubation with oxLDL enhances EC production of colony stimulating factors (115). However, MCSF prevents atherosclerosis progression in WHHL rabbits by increasing net CE hydrolysis (393). 

Clarkson, T.B., Anthony, M.S., and Morgan, T.M. 2001. Inhibition of postmenopausal atherosclerosis progression a comparison of the effects of conjugated equine estrogens and soy phytoestrogens. J. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 86, 41 7. 

Fig. 3. Relationships between cardiovascular risk factors and atherosclerosis progression in the left main coronary artery. Data from von Birgelen et al. (2004). Reprinted from Circulation 110 1579-1585.

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