An overview of the evolution of the atherosclerotic plaque: from fatty streak to plaque rupture and thrombosis

Today, there is a wealth of information concerning the chronology of the ce llular and molecular events associated with the development of cardiovascul ar diseases. It is now clear that atherosclerosis is largely a result of a dysregulated fibroproliferative inflammatory response [1]. Treatment of car diovascular disease is rapidly adapting to this new knowledge and the futur e holds great potential for preventing the disease by blocking the process at multiple stages. This short review provides an overview of the evolution of the atherosclerotic plaque. It focuses on three basic stages of the dis ease processes: initiation of the fatty streak, transition of the fatty str eak to an atheroma, and progression and destabilization of the lesions lead ing to plaque rupture and occlusive thrombosis. it includes a discussion of the molecular and cellular biology of the atherogenic process with an emph asis on key molecular mediators of the disease process and provides three t ables which list examples of some of the key molecular mediators and the st ages in which they are purported to play a role.