The role of CNPY2 in endothelial injury and inflammation during the progress of atherosclerosis

PUVA-i-duced repigmentation of vitiligo was studied using both the split-dopa reaction and scanning electron microscopy. Proliferation of hypertrophic, Dopa-positive melanocytes were observed in the lower portion of some hair follicles, whereas other giant melanocytes were observed along the middle portion. The existence of a melanocyte reservoir in human hair follicles is postulated.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that arises from an imbalance in lipid metabolism and a maladaptive immune response driven by the accumulation of cholesterol-laden macrophages in the artery wall. Through the analysis of the progression and regression of atherosclerosis in animal models, there is a growing understanding that the balance of macrophages in the plaque is dynamic and that both macrophage numbers and the inflammatory phenotype influence plaque fate. In this Review, we summarize recently identified pro- and anti-inflammatory pathways that link lipid and inflammation biology with the retention of macrophages in plaques, as well as factors that have the potential to promote their egress from these sites.

Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of vascular disease worldwide. Its major clinical manifestations include ischemic heart disease, ischemic stroke, and peripheral arterial disease. In high-income countries, there have been dramatic declines in the incidence and mortality from ischemic heart disease and ischemic stroke since the middle of the 20th century. For example, in the United Kingdom, the probability of death from vascular disease in middle-aged men (35-69 years) has decreased from 22% in 1950 to 6% in 2010. Most low- and middle-income countries have also reported declines in mortality from stroke over the last few decades, but mortality trends from ischemic heart disease have been more varied, with some countries reporting declines and others reporting increases (particularly those in Eastern Europe and Asia). Many major modifiable risk factors for atherosclerosis have been identified, and the causal relevance of several risk factors is now well established (including, but not limited to, smoking, adiposity, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and diabetes mellitus). Widespread changes in health behaviors and use of treatments for these risk factors are responsible for some of the dramatic declines in vascular mortality in high-income countries. In order that these declines continue and are mirrored in less wealthy nations, increased efforts are needed to tackle these major risk factors, particularly smoking and the emerging obesity epidemic.