Atherogenesis refers to the development of atheromatous plaques in the inner lining of the
arteries. These atherosclerotic lesions are characterized by accumulation of monocyte-
derived macrophage-foam cells loaded with cholesterol, which eventually undergo apoptotic
death, leading finally to formation of the necrotic core of the plaque. Atheroma formation also
involves the recruitment of smooth muscle cells (SMC) from the media into the intima, where
they proliferate and form the neointima in a process called “remodeling”. Cells in the …