Nikolai N. Anichkov and his theory of atherosclerosis

Abstract

Nikolai N. Anichkov (1885-1964) first demonstrated the role of cholesterol in the development of atherosclerosis. His classic experiments in 1913 paved the way to our current understanding of the role of cholesterol in cardiovascular disease. Anichkov's research is often cited among the greatest discoveries of the 20th century; however, little is known about Anichkov and his team. Herein, we give a detailed historical account of Anichkov's work, his personality, his research team, and their pioneering effort.

Fig. 1 Nikolai N. Anichkov as a student at the Imperial Military Medical Academy, ca 1904. (Courtesy of the Anichkov family.)

Fig. 2 A) Alexander A. Maximow (1874–1928) as a professor at the University of Chicago, ca 1920s. B) Karl Albert Ludwig Aschoff (1866–1942) as a professor at the University of Freiburg, ca 1910. (Courtesy of the Anichkov family.)

Fig. 3 Dr. Anichkov (2nd row, standing in the middle) with his classmates upon graduation from the Imperial Military Medical Academy in St. Petersburg in 1909. (Courtesy of the Anichkov family.)

Fig. 4 Dr. Anichkov (1st on the left) and co-workers in front of Dr. Aschoff's laboratory, ca 1913; and Dr. Karl Sternberg (2nd on the left). (Courtesy of the Anichkov family.)

Fig. 5 A) Dr. Anichkov as a medical officer during World War I, ca 1915. B) Dr. Anichkov in the company of his wife-to-be, Nataliya Mutapholo, ca 1915. (Courtesy of the Anichkov family.)

Fig. 6 Dr. Anichkov and his research team in St. Petersburg, ca 1920s. From left to right: Drs. M.I. Hesse, N.N. Anichkov, V.D. Zinserling, A.K. Nakonechnaya, A.A. Soloviyov, and K.G. Volkova. (Courtesy of the Anichkov family.)

Fig. 7 Dr. Anichkov, in his office in 1945, in the uniform of a lieutenant general of the Soviet Army. (Courtesy of the Anichkov family.)

Fig. 8 Dr. Anichkov (right) as president of the Academy of Medical Sciences of the USSR, with Dr. A.I. Abrikosov in 1950. (Courtesy of the Anichkov family.)