Full Description
It has been known for over 150 years that hallmarks of inflammation can be observed in the wall of atherosclerotic vessels. It was, however, not clear if this inflammation is the cause or the consequence of atherogenesis.
More recently, it has become evident that inflammation mediated both by innate and adaptive immunity is instrumental even in the earliest stages of the development of atherosclerotic lesions, i.e., that it plays an important pathogenetic role.
In this volume, international experts in the field discuss the pathogenetic, diagnostic, preventive and possible therapeutic relevance of inflammation in atherogenesis. This book is intended for researchers and physicians in the fields of vascular biology, immunology and atherosclerosis.
Contents
1 Historical Reflections on the Inflammatory Aspects of Atherosclerosis.- 2 Morphology and Clinical Manifestations.- 3 The Vascular System as an Immunological Tissue and an Immunopathological Target.- 4 Animal Models of Atherosclerosis.- 5 A Darwinian-Evolutionary Concept for Atherogenesis: The Role of Immunity to HSP 60.- 6 Mediators of Inflammation and Their Target Cells.- 7 Innate Immunity.- 8 Adaptive Immunity.- 9 Immunity to Low-Density Lipoprotein.- 10 Extracellular Matrix and Smooth Muscle Cells.- 11 The Role of Infection in Atherosclerosis and in Plaque Stability.- 12 Inflammatory Biomarkers.- 13 Atherosclerosis in Rheumatic Diseases.- 14 Anti-Inflammatory Therapeutic Approaches.- 15 Vaccination Against Atherosclerosis.- 16 Endocrinological Aspects of Atherosclerosis.- 17 Imaging of Atherosclerosis.- 18 FutureDirections of Atherosclerosis Research and Translation into Clinical Application.- 19 Controversies and Open Questions.
