We describe how innate and adaptive immune cascades trigger the release of cytokines and chemokines, resulting in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. We discuss how cytokines have direct and indirect effects on myocardial function.
Atherosclerosis is the predominant underlying pathology of cardiovascular disease...atherosclerotic lesions are characterized by abundance of immune cells and their effector molecules, eventually leading to unstable angina, myocardial infarction, or strok
The cellular and extracellular matrix accumulations that comprise the lesions of atherosclerosis are driven by local release of cytokines at sites of predilection for lesion formation, and by the specific attraction and activation of cells expressing rece
A relationship exists between cytokines and both leptin (L4146) and insulin ( I1507). Proinflammatory cytokines increase leptin levels while leptin regulates pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine production.
Inflammation: (Latin, inflammatio, to set on fire) is the complex biological response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants.
Central neuropeptides, including corticotropin releasing factor and perhaps substance P as well, initiate a systemic stress mobilization response by activating the sympathetic nervous system, hypothalamic pituitary axis, and the renin angiotensin system,
Baseline values of C reactive protein, serum amyloid A protein, leucocyte count, and serum albumin were associated with one another as well as with future risk of coronary heart disease.
scientists reported that a person's risk of a heart attack is doubled if he or she produces a particular version of FLAP, known more technically as 5-lipoxygenase activating protein. A troublesome variant of this protein boosts production of the inflammat
Accumulating evidence supports the hypothesis that chronic low-grade inflammation and activation of the innate immune system are closely involved in the pathogenesis of the type 2 diabetes.
One hundred and fifty years after Whitman sang "the body electric," we can find in Whitman's fate some clues to the nature of aging. For much of his adult life, he complained of chronic headaches, fevers, and weakness. At the age of 55, he suffered a stro
Scientists have known that macrophages also appear in adipose, or fat, tissue. But their role in the tissue was once thought to be inconsequential. Now, these immune cells appear to be rushing to dead fat cells to mop them up. These macrophages emit poten
Inflammation is a complex biological process in response to cellular perturbation or injury. It is manifest clinically as pain, heat (fever), redness, and loss of tissue function. It serves the important helpful role of initiating the elimination of tumor
Elevated levels of c-reactive protein (CRP) are known to be associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in adults. A substantial prevalence of hyperinsulinaemia and elevated CRP levels have been shown in Indian young adults.
Researchers say circulating mononuclear cells (the largest type of white blood cell) and lymphocytes, exist in a proinflammatory state in obese persons known to be at increased risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, or both.
Exposure to secondhand smoke leads to inflammation and oxidation, representing another pathophysiologic mechanism for the development of atherosclerosis.
Cardiothoracic Surgery Notes, an online interactive review developed by residents in cardiothoracic surgery. CTSN provides a resource for fundamental essential facts for board review and sources for additional information.
Journal of Nutrition, Vol 128 No 2 February 1998 Muredach P Reilly, John A Lawson, and Garret A FitzGerald Center for Experimental Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine Philadelphia, PA 19104
The underlying patho-physiology of asthma, regardless of allergic components or triggering mechanisms, is airway inflammation. At the center of this improper inflammatory reaction is the T-cell. There is increasing evidence that the underlying process dri
The novel neuropeptides hypocretin and orexin, located recently on the lateral hypothalamic cells, has been linked to both feeding and sleeping/waking cycles. Recent studies have found an association between defects in hypocretin/orexin and narcolepsy.