Evolution of cholesterol concept of atherogenesis from Anitchkov to our days

Abstract

Our review addresses the development of the cholesterol concept of atherogenesis from the classical investigations of Anitchkov and Chalatov (1913), who induced experimental cholesterol atherosclerosis in rabbits, to the present time. We conclude that based on data obtained to date relating to the presence of different classes of lipoproteins in blood, on the role of peroxidatively modified low density lipoproteins in atherogenesis, and on the involvement of various arterial and blood cells and other factors, the cholesterol concept of atherogenesis has not lost its significance. Moreover, cholesterol-lowering therapy has a leading role in the primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease events and other clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis.