What is Atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is a specific form of arteriosclerosis (although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably) that occurs when the blood vessels that carry oxygen and nutrients from the heart to the rest of the body become thick and stiff as a result of accumulation of fats, cholesterol, calcium and other substances, sometimes restricting blood flow to organs and tissues.

Recent atherosclerosis research has been focused on possible interventions of chronic, low-grade inflammation that is now considered a hallmark of atherosclerosis. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a common inflammatory marker that has been found to be present in increased levels in patients who are at risk for cardiovascular disease. Osteoprotegerin (OPG), a cytokine receptor also known as tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 11B (TNFRSF11B), is involved with regulation of the key inflammatory transcription factor NF-κB, and has also been found to be a risk factor of cardiovascular disease and mortality.

Atherosclerosis research has shown exciting progress in recent years, partially due to new drugs as well as new breakthroughs in molecular medicine. However, scientists are continually striving to improve their understanding of how atherosclerosis develops as well as the role of risk factors. As a result of continued biomedical research, it is the hope that new therapies and preventative strategies will continue to emerge.

Atherosclerosis research requires a great diversity of life science products. We are dedicated to developing cutting edge research products to aid in the study of atherosclerosis, including monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies, antibody conjugates, proteins, immunoassays, and small molecule inhibitors.

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