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Role of nuclear factor‐kappa B in atherogenesis
Author(s) -
Brand K,
Page S,
Walli AK,
Neumeier D,
Baeuerle PA
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
experimental physiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.925
H-Index - 101
eISSN - 1469-445X
pISSN - 0958-0670
DOI - 10.1113/expphysiol.1997.sp004025
Subject(s) - transcription factor , nfkb1 , kappa , pathogenesis , nf κb , biology , pathology , inflammation , immunology , gene , cancer research , medicine , genetics , linguistics , philosophy
Transcription factors of the nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐kappa B)/Rel family have an important function in the regulation of a variety of genes involved in the inflammatory and proliferative responses of cells. Recent studies strongly indicate that the inducible transcription factor NF‐kappa B is involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Activated NF‐kappa B is present in the fibrotic thickened intima‐media and atheromatous areas of the atherosclerotic lesion, within smooth muscle cells, macrophages and endothelial cells, whereas little or no activated NF‐kappa B can be detected in vessels lacking atherosclerosis. A variety of molecules have been identified in the atherosclerotic environment that are able to activate NF‐kappa B in vitro. Furthermore, an increased expression of numerous genes known to be regulated by NF‐kappa B has been found in the atherosclerotic lesion. Possible functional implications for activated NF‐kappa B in atherogenesis are discussed here. The activation and role of NF‐kappa B in atherosclerosis may provide a model for the involvement of the transcription factor in human chronic inflammatory disease.