Immunologic research into pathogenic mechanisms operating in autoimmune-mediated
atherosclerosis initially focused on adaptive immunity. Current interest is directed to more
basic inflammatory mechanisms. Chronic inflammation (innate immunity-associated) may
trigger initial events that can lead to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This chronic
inflammation may start early in life and be perpetuated by classic atherosclerosis risk factors.
Lipid peroxidation of low-density lipoprotein seems to be a key event in the initiation and …

Review of the recent literature on the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis provides firm
experimental proof of the multifactorial nature of the disease. Nutritional, genetic, hormonal,
infectious, autoimmune and behavioral factors are all involved in the development of
atherosclerosis; however, the initiating events remain to be defined. Although the important
roles of hyperlipidemia and disorders of lipoprotein metabolism are generally accepted, it is
not clear whether they initiate the pathologic process or act as secondary, modifying factors …