fig1

Figure 1. Schematic Diagram of the Initiation Process of Atherosclerosis. When endothelial cells are activated by cardiovascular risk factor-associated stimuli, they express leukocyte adhesion molecules and recruit monocytes. Monocytes migrate and adhere to the endothelium of blood vessels, and subsequently differentiate into macrophages. In addition, endothelial cell damage increases the permeability of arterial walls to lipoproteins and promotes the accumulation and oxidation of LDL. The scavenger receptor CD36 on inflammatory macrophages has a stronger affinity for ox-LDL, leading to the accumulation of lipids in macrophages and foam cell formation. Foam cells and immune cells accumulate within the necrotic core, and vascular smooth muscle cells form fibrous caps mainly composed of collagen. As the disease progresses, it gradually develops into a mature atherosclerotic plaque. The figure created with BioRender.com. LDL: Low-density lipoprotein; oxLDL: oxidized low-density lipoprotein.