Local Expression of Inflammatory Cytokines in Human Atherosclerotic Plaques

Calcium-Independent Phospholipase A2 Is Required for Human Monocyte Chemotaxis to Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein 1

“…Two well-documented atherogenic stimuli such as modified low-density lipoprotein (16) and fluid shear stress (17) induce MCP-1 expression. The cellular components of the arterial wall, including endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, secrete MCP-1 (18 -20), and MCP-1 is up-regulated in human atherosclerotic plaques (21). These studies indirectly support a role for MCP-1 in atherogenesis, however, direct evidence was recently obtained with double-knockout mice fed Western diets.…”

Novel uses for anti‐platelet agents as anti‐inflammatory drugs

“…In particular, activated endothelium attracts the adherence and accumulation of monocytes and CD4 and CD8T cells (Hansson et al, 1989;Hansson and Libby, 1996). In addition to this, evidence is accumulating to suggest that chemokines play a central role in the development of atherosclerotic plaques, with stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1, CXCL-12), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1, CCL-2), RANTES, interleukin-8 (IL-8) and eotaxin observed in atherosclerotic plaques (Wilcox et al, 1994;Abi-Younes et al, 2000;Haley et al, 2000). This leads to macrophage infiltration into fatty streaks where the production of cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor-a (TNFa), IL-1, transforming growth factor-b (TGFb), proteolytic enzymes and growth factors secreted by immune cells precede plaque destabilization and rupture.…”

Nox5 mediates PDGF-induced proliferation in human aortic smooth muscle cells

“…In the normal vessel wall, smooth muscle cells (SMCs) maintain and regulate vascular tone. However, VSMCs change their phenotype to a synthetic, proliferative state when stimulated by a number of different growth factors.One such growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), is expressed by all vascular cell types [1,2] and by invading inflammatory cells, such as monocytes and lymphocytes, in atherosclerosis [1]. PDGF has long been recognized as a powerful VSMC mitogen [3] and the induction of PDGF receptors in VSMCs during atherogenesis has been demonstrated in several studies [4,5].…”