Atherosclerosis as an inflammatory process. The roles of the monocyte-macrophage.

In this brief review, we have addressed the roles of the monocyte-macrophage in atherogenesis, with emphasis on the recruitment to the arterial wall. We have presented summary data on the SMC-derived chemoattractant protein and also on the temporal evolution of monocyte-derived macrophages into cholesteryl ester-rich foam cells. The concept of atheroma as an inflammatory process has also been discussed.