Inflammation and its echo in atherosclerosis

Inflammation plays a major role during all phases of atherogenesis from plaque initiation up to plaque rupture. In this thesis the role of inflammation in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis is examined from different angles. In part I the effect of various pro-inflammatory mediators is examined in the context of atherogenesis. In part II the relation of atherosclerosis with chronic inflammatory disorders is explored. Part III focuses on the anti-atherosclerotic effects of various immunomodulatory interventions.