[Atherosclerosis and inflammation].

Abstract

Atherosclerosis is a disease of the large arteries. There are several risk factors, mainly genetic and environmental, associated with atherosclerosis. Recently acquired knowledge has clearly shown that a prominent role is played by several inflammatory mechanisms in the pathogenesis of this disease. Several pro-inflammatory molecules such as LDL, macrophage colony stimulating factor, and adhesion molecules, deserve special mention because of their major role in the inflammatory response that takes place in atherosclerosis.