The unregulated up-take of these circulating oxLDLs into the arterial intima by CD36 altered cytoskeletal dynamics to induce macrophage trapping in arterial intima which might cause foam cells formation leading in to
fatty streaks, the hallmark of atherosclerosis lesion (Park et al.
Atherosclerosis is the net result of the interplay among increased intravascular inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and a host of risk factors (including elevated LDL-C levels) that initiate a cycle of lipid accumulation in the subendothelial space and subsequently lead to
fatty streak and plaque formation, plaque rupture and repair, thrombosis, and progressive stenosis.
"There is a widespread consensus that the more
fatty streaks you have, and the thicker they get, the more likely they are to go on to fibrous plaques," says McGill.
Atherosclerosis starts with
fatty streaks appearing in blood vessel walls.
The microfibre sensor could also be beneficial for patients suffering from atherosclerosis, which is the thickening and stiffening of the arteries caused by the accumulation of
fatty streaks. Over time, these streaks accumulate into plaques which may completely block off blood flow or break apart, resulting in organ failure or may trigger a heart attack or stroke.
Obese children also have risk factors for atherosclerosis such as endothelial dysfunction, carotid intima-media thickening, the development of early aortic and coronary arterial
fatty streaks, decreased arterial distensibility, and increased left atrial diameter (7).
A, Grade 0/1--no or some
fatty streaks. B, Grade 2--less fat than muscle.
For example, the abdominal aorta can show thickening of the walls and
fatty streaks in smokers as young as 15 or 16 years of age.
Excess accumulation of esterified cholesterol, as part of dyslipidemia, in the walls of arteries results in the formation of
fatty streaks.
Fatty streaks can further develop into plaques.
(90) Fuchs et al modified Goutallier's original classification scheme of fatty infiltration to MRI--describing the proportion of
fatty streaks and replacement relative to muscle.
Fatty streaks formed of subendothelial collections of foam cells and lipids now appear.