Atherosclerosis

Question 1

What is atherosclerosis?

Answer 1

hardening and narrowing of heart arteries due to plaque buildup

Question 2

What causes atherosclerosis?

Answer 2

High HDL results in plaque accumulation in arterial walls and causes oxidative damage

Question 3

What do macrophages do to contribute to atherosclerosis?

Answer 3

Macrophages carry scavenger receptors similar to LDL receptors that bind oxidized LDL particles, but do not downregulate

In presence of high LDL, macrophages accumulate large amounts of LDL, which converts them to foam cells

Foam cells stick to walls of blood vssels and promote plaque formation

As foam cells necrose, cholesterol crystals form in the plaques

Atheromas (plaques) can block blood flow and rupture vein

Question 4

Where do plaques form?

Answer 4

Plaques form on smooth muscle cells, macrophages, cell debris

Question 5

What types of cholesterol are associated with disease?

Answer 5

High total cholesterol combined with high LDL are strongly associated with cardiovascular disease

Question 6

How can cholesterol level be reduced? What is the side effect? How can it be dealt with?

Answer 6

Statins–lower blood cholesterol by inhibiting HMGR, the rate limiting enzyme of cholesterol biosynthesis

Statins also interfere with Coenzyme Q–this is why statin therapy must be accompanied by CoQ supplement