Abstract

RODRIGUEZ-MALDONADO, Emma et al. Participation of the tumor necrosis factor alpha in atherosclerosis. Arch. Cardiol. Méx. [online]. 2001, vol.71, n.3, pp.241-249. ISSN 1665-1731.

We describe tumour necrosis factor alpha and its role in the development of the atherosclerotic lesion, and detail the effects of this cytokine upon vascular endothelial cells under normal and high risk conditions. We propose that TNF-α performs a central role in the progression of the lesion since, once the endothelial cell feedback regulatory mechanisms are altered, there is an increase in the microenvironment TNF-α concentration, which together with some of the alreadv well known risk factors, generates an environment that favours and perpetuates the development of the atheromatous lesion.

Keywords : Atherosclerosis; Adhesion molecules; Endothelium; Cytokines; Tumor necrosis factor-α; Ruclear transcription factor κB.