Hyperglycemia and Endothelial Dysfunction in Atherosclerosis: Lessons from Type 1 Diabetes

Figure 1

Stages of atherosclerotic plaque formation. Early apoB-containing lipoprotein accumulation and monocyte binding drive the early stages of plaque development forming fatty streaks in the vessel wall. While these processes continue in advanced atherosclerosis, monocyte cell death, smooth muscle recruitment, and matrix deposition are hallmarks of atheroma formation. Superficial plaque erosion and rupture of the smooth muscle-rich fibrotic cap cause plaque-associated thrombosis culminating in a clinical event.