Resumo

FERNANDEZ-BRITTO RODRIGUEZ, José E. La lesión aterosclerótica: estado del arte a las puertas del siglo XXI. Rev Cubana Invest Bioméd [online]. 1998, vol.17, n.2, pp.112-127. ISSN 0864-0300.

Medical literature, particularly the research works carried out by the Center for Investigations and Reference of Atherosclerosis of Havana are reviewed. The most relevant historical events related to the first atherosclerotic lesions studied in Egyptian mummies are stated. Reference is made to the most usual classifications for this type of lesions since 1957 (World Health Organization): fatty streak, fibrous plaque, complicated plaque and calcified plaque. The concept of calcified and complicated plaques unified into equally severe plaque concept are analyzed. Reference is also made to the methods for studying the lesions and to the Stary’s classification into six kinds of atherosclerotic lesions. The factors affecting the development of lesions making special emphasis on the role of lipids, the endothelium, smooth muscle cells (contractile and synthetic), macrophages, various growth factores, free radicals and the response of the connective tissue of the arterial wall are chronologically described. The connective tissue of the arterial wall which includes the inflammatory and immunity mechanisms in its defense actions, causes and develops the atherosclerotic plaque. The mechanisms by which the plaque rupture occurs leading to the thrombosis (atherothrombosis) and infarcts in the affected areas are explained.

Palavras-chave : ATHEROSCLEROSIS [physiopathology]; ATHEROSCLEROSIS [classification.].

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