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Lipid lowering treatment substantially reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The effects of lipid lowering go far beyond limiting the extent of atheroslcerotic lesions and decreasing the severity of atherosclerotic stenoses. Recently recognised effects of cholesterol on plaque stability, endothelial function, thrombosis, and plaque inflammation have been subject to intensive research during the past two decades. The effect lipid lowering treatment on the various aspects of the plaque development are being investigated in search of novel therapies to reduce the risk of ahterosclerosis. In this work, we examined cell adhesion molecules, microvascular reactivity and metalloproteinase PAPP-A in patients with hypercholesterolemia and investigated the effect of lipid lowering with atorvastatin and LDL-apheresis. Leukocyte and endothelial adhesion molecules mediate leukocyte recruitment into subendothelial space, contributing thus to plaque inflammation. PAPP-A is a protease which has been related to plaque instability and acute coronary events; it's role in stable atherosclerotic lesions hasn't been studied yet Microvascular reactivity is supposed to reflect endothelial function in the microvascular bed; the knowledge of the effect of hyperlipidemia on microvasculature is currently limited. Patients with... |
