Atherosclerosis Unplugged: Potential Mechanisms Leading to the Clinical Manifestation of Stroke Caused by Cigarette Smoking

We thank Ding for a comprehensive summary of the possible mechanisms by which cigarette smoke may interact with the underlying pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. These possible mechanisms may explain the clinical impact of smoking on cerebrovascular disease. The presumed role of atherosclerosis in stroke is evident, but the mechanism by which this occurs is not well known. Ding identifies cigarette smoke most likely exacerbates vascular inflammation, thereby accelerating the destabilization of atherosclerotic lesions. He provides possible pathways by which cigarette smoking contributes to atherogenesis resulting in the clinical manifestation of stroke.

Source: Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases - March 1, 2014 Category: Neurology Authors: Rojiemiahd Edjoc, Robert D. Reid, Mukul Sharma, Jiming Fang, Registry of Canadian Stroke Network Tags: Letters to the Editor Source Type: research