Abstract
The formation of atherosclerotic plaque is a long and very complex process. The first signs of development of atherosclerosis occur in areas where the blood vessels are strongly stressed.
Although it clinically manifests from middle age, the first signs of plaque formation are detectable at a very early age [1]. Although the endothelium consists of only one layer of cells, it plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis.
The endothelium produces a wide range of factors that influence vascular tone, cellular adhesion, vessel wall injury, thromboresistance and smooth muscle cell proliferation. Adhesion and migration of monocytes occur at the beginning of atherosclerotic plaque formation.
These cells later differentiate into tissue macrophages and this leads to the development and stabilisation of local inflammation and their transformation into foam cells.