PHYS Atherosclerosis

Question 1

Lipoproteins

Answer 1

In decreasing size…
* Chylomicrons (triglycerides)
* VLDL (triglycerides) – include Apo B-100-ligand for LDL re-uptake
* LDL (cholesterol) – includes Apo B-100-ligand
* HDL (cholesterol) – includes apo-A-I ‘protective’ structure

Question 2

Good vs bad cholesterol

Answer 2

HDL vs LDL

Question 3

Process of plaque build-up

Answer 3

Excess LDL infiltrates artery -> ox. LDL induces adhesion molecules express on endothelium cells -> ox. LDL phagocytosed by macrophages = foam cells.
Adhesion molecules of monocyte’s facilitate their entry into the endothelium -> monocytes differentiate into macrophages -> release mediators to create inflammatory molecules.
T cells infiltrated -> cytokine production -> vascular inflammation amplification.

Question 4

Types of blood vessel lesions. What type of lesion is associated with higher risk of plaque rupture?

Answer 4

Stenotic - thick cap, fibrous
Non-stenotic (highest risk) - thin cap, lipid-filled