Question 1
What is the initiating event that leads to the development of atherosclerosis?
◦ Release of the inflammatory cytokines
◦ Macrophages adhere to vessel walls.
◦ Injury to the endothelial cells that line the artery walls
◦ Release of the platelet-deprived growth factor
Question 2
When endothelial cells are injured, what alteration contributes to atherosclerosis?
◦ The release of toxic oxygen radicals that oxidize low-density lipoproteins (LDLs)
◦ Cells are unable to make the normal amount of vasodilating cytokines.
◦ Cells produce an increased amount of antithrombotic cytokines.
◦ Cells develop a hypersensitivity to homocysteine and lipids.