[Atherosclerosis: a chronic inflammatory diseases].

: In spite of years of intense investigations, the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis awaits final elucidation and its complications continue to challenge contemporary medicine. It is generally believed that atherosclerosis is the result of chronic and evolving fibroproliferative inflammatory response against harmful factors acting on the vascular wall. This work is a concise review of mechanisms participating in the initiation, evolution and complications of atherosclerosis. Endothelial cell dysfunction is discussed with emphasis on the role of endothelial adhesion molecules. Attention is focused on the function of monocytes/macrophages and lymphocytes as mediators of inflammation and immune response.