[Atherosclerotic plaque formation].

Atherosclerotic plaque formation involves 5 steps: 1. low density lipoprotein (LDL) accumulation in the intima; 2. oxidation of LDL; 3. recruitment of monocytes-macrophages; 4. uptake of oxidized LDL by macrophage scavenger receptors, and transformation of macrophages into foam cells; 5. formation of a fibrous cap containing smooth muscle cells, which permits stabilization of the plaque. At each step of this process, inflammatory cytokines are implicated making the atherosclerotic process a chronic inflammatory disease.