title: The molecular role of mast cells in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
abstract: Human atherosclerosis has many characteristics of an inflammatory disorder. Recent data suggest that mast cells might be important in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic disease. By secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, mast cells can assist in the recruitment of monocytes and lymphocytes into vascular tissue, thereby propagating the inflammatory response. Mast cell enzymes might activate pro-metalloproteinases, thereby destabilizing atheromatous plaques. Mast cells can facilitate foam cell formation by promoting cholesterol accumulation. However, mast cell tryptase could slow thrombus formation at sites of plaque rupture by interfering with coagulation. Therefore, mast cells can modulate coronary artery disease by both facilitatory and inhibitory pathways.
authors.affiliation: East Tennessee State University, Department of Medicine, P.O. Box 70622, Johnson City, TN 37614, USA.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Kelley
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Chi
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Abou-Auda
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Krishnaswamy
mesh_terms: D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*; D053818:Chymases; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D005487:Foam Cells / Q000276:immunology; D006487:Hemostasis; D006801:Humans; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000378:metabolism; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000201:enzymology / Q000276:immunology*; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases / Q000378:metabolism; D053802:Tryptases
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases; C083294:chymase 2; D053818:Chymases; D053802:Tryptases