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Cholesterol crystals in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis

Nature Reviews - Cardiology

Nature Reviews Cardiology, Published online: 18 November 2024; doi:10.1038/s41569-024-01100-3 Cholesterol crystals (CCs) have a pathogenic role in various cardiovascular diseases, particularly atherosclerosis.

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New genetic risk score identifies individuals at risk for heart disease who may benefit most from cholesterol-lowering therapies

Science Daily - Heart Disease

Atherosclerosis, or the buildup of plaque in the arteries, develops when low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) enters the blood vessel walls through dysfunctional endothelial cells (EC), leading to the formation of plaques.

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High cholesterol levels at a young age significant risk factor for atherosclerosis

Science Daily - Heart Disease

Our risk of developing atherosclerosis -- 'furring' of the arteries -- can begin much earlier in life than was previously thought, highlighting the need to keep cholesterol levels low even when we are young, new research has discovered.

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Lower your cholesterol early, and stick with it!

Nature Reviews - Cardiology

Two new studies document that, despite similar overall exposure to high-fat diet over a lifetime, an intermittent consumption of high-fat diet early in life accelerates atherosclerosis compared with continuous consumption of a high-fat diet. The mechanisms for accelerated atherosclerosis include reprogramming of macrophages and neutrophils.

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The liver immune system eats up 'bad cholesterol'

Science Daily - Heart Disease

A new study reveals that immune cells in the liver react to high cholesterol levels and eat up excess cholesterol that can otherwise cause damage to arteries. The findings suggest that the response to the onset of atherosclerosis begins in the liver.

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Itaconate suppresses atherosclerosis by activating a Nrf2-dependent antiinflammatory response in macrophages in mice

Journal of Clinical Investigation - Cardiology

Here, we examined the therapeutic potential of itaconate in atherosclerosis. Deletion of Acod1 in myeloid cells exacerbated inflammation and atherosclerosis in vivo and resulted in an elevated frequency of a specific subset of M1-polarized proinflammatory macrophages in the atherosclerotic aorta.

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The effect of colchicine on cholesterol crystal formation, expansion and morphology: a potential mechanism in atherosclerosis

Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine

Background Inflammation is pivotal to the progression of atherosclerosis. Cholesterol crystals (CCs) that grow and enlarge within the plaque core can cause plaque rupture and trigger inflammation as they deposit into the atherosclerotic bed. Method Different dosages of colchicine mixed with cholesterol (0.05–5 mg/ml/g