Question

Discussed in lecture was the mechanism involved with ARTERIAL plaque formation. Early features of the disorder often include _____ and later _____.

A. elevated fibrinolysis; increase levels of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) levels.
B. thrombocytopenia; reduced Tissue Factor levels.
C. reduced fibrinogen levels; reduced Factor XIIla levels.
D. high LDL cholesterol levels and arterial wall injury; macrophage activation, elevated ROS and cytokine levels.
E. full platelet activation; reduced Thrombin levels.

Answer 1

Arterial plaque formation begins with high LDL cholesterol levels and arterial wall injury, progressing to macrophage activation and elevated levels of ROS and cytokines.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question discusses the mechanism involved with arterial plaque formation. The early features of this disorder often include high LDL cholesterol levels and arterial wall injury; later features include macrophage activation, elevated ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species), and increased cytokine levels. Therefore, the correct answer is D. Arterial plaque formation begins with the accumulation of LDL cholesterol within the arterial walls, which triggers inflammation.

This, in turn, attracts white blood cells and other substances that contribute to the formation of plaques. As the inflammation continues and with the participation of macrophages, ROS, and cytokines, the plaques grow, potentially leading to atherosclerosis, which is characterized by the narrowing of the arteries that can impair blood flow.