A critical analysis of the role of cholesterol in atherogenesis

Serum hypercholesterolemia is theorized to accelerate atherogenesis by augm enting cholesterol accumulation (insudation) in the arterial intima. The au thor views this theory as an example of what the noted philosopher of scien ce Imre Lakatos called 'degenerative science', because data have forced sev eral modifications of the theory. Although the theory that some fraction of intimal cholesterol causes atherosclerosis is not yet disproved, the autho r favors the hypothesis that serum hypercholesterolemia accelerates atherog enesis and contributes to symptomatic atherosclerosis by increasing blood v iscosity and the mechanical fragility of atherosclerotic plaques, making th em vulnerable to rupture and thrombosis. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.