title: Apoptosis in atherosclerosis: a mini-review.
abstract: Apoptosis in atherosclerotic lesions is triggered by inflammatory processes, both via cell-cell contact and by cytokines and oxidized lipids. The role of apoptosis in atherogenesis is dual, depending on the stage of the plaque: In early stages, apoptotic death of smooth muscle--and inflammatory cells, such as lymphocytes and macrophages--may delay atherosclerotic process. However, once the plaque is formed, apoptosis may lead to plaque rupture and thrombosis.
authors.affiliation: 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens, Aretaieion Hospital, 27 Themistokleous Street, Dionysos, Athens, Greece. ilambrinoudaki@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Karaflou
authors.forename: Irene
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Lambrinoudaki
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Christodoulakos
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D002450:Cell Communication; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000378:metabolism; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation; D050356:Lipid Metabolism; D008055:Lipids / Q000737:chemistry; D008264:Macrophages / Q000378:metabolism; D008954:Models, Biological; D010100:Oxygen / Q000378:metabolism; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D008055:Lipids; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D010100:Oxygen