Is atherosclerosis an autoimmune disease?

Abstract

Immunologic research into pathogenic mechanisms operating in autoimmune-mediated atherosclerosis initially focused on adaptive immunity. Current interest is directed to more basic inflammatory mechanisms. Chronic inflammation (innate immunity-associated) may trigger initial events that can lead to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This chronic inflammation may start early in life and be perpetuated by classic atherosclerosis risk factors. Lipid peroxidation of low-density lipoprotein seems to be a key event in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein triggers inflammatory and immunogenic events that promote endothelial dysfunction and the synthesis and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to an autoimmune response capable of accelerating the intracellular accumulation of lipids within atherosclerotic plaques. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein binds β2-glycoprotein I to form circulating complexes found in both autoimmune and non-autoimmune atherosclerosis. It is likely that β2-glycoprotein I and/or these complexes contribute to early atherogenesis by stimulating pro-inflammatory innate immunity through endogenous sensors and inflammasome/interleukin-1 pathways. We discuss the chronic inflammatory (innate) and autoimmune (adaptive) responses operating in atherosclerosis to discern the role of autoimmunity in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Thyroid Function and the Risk of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Morbidity and Mortality

“…Thus far, it has been speculated that thyroid autoantibodies may target the arterial wall and ultimately enhance the development of atherosclerotic plaque. 23,24 However, we found no association between TPOAb positivity and atherosclerotic outcomes. Taken together, these data suggest that the link between thyroid function and atherosclerosis could be explained by yet unexplored cardiovascular risk factors, Adjusted for age, sex, cohort, prevalent atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, smoking, alcohol intake, body mass index, total cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, prevalent diabetes mellitus, and use of antihypertensive and lipid-lowering medications.…”

Glutathione-S-Transferase Variants are not Associated With Increased Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Turkish Familial Mediterranean Fever Patients

“…Moreover, there is a link between cholesterol metabolism and inflammation in atherosclerotic lesions. 19 FMF is a disease of recurrent chronic inflammation and increased carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) might reflect the continuous systemic inflammation in this disease.…”

Atherogenic modification of low-density lipoproteins

“…Одним из наиболее ранних проявлений атеросклероза является вне-и внутриклеточное отложение липидов, преимущественно эфиров холестерина, в артериальной интиме [1][2][3][4]. Формирование пенистых клеток принято считать начальным моментом патогенеза атеросклероза [5,6].…”