week 2 Flashcards
define atheroma
the accumulation of intracellular and extracellular lipids in the intima of large and medium sized arteries
name the 3 macroscopic features of an atherosclerotic plaque
fatty streak
simple (fibrous) plaque
complicated plaque
what is a fatty streak and what causes it
a slightly elevated zone on the arterial wall caused by accumulation of (a small number of) lipid cells
what is a simple (fibrous) plaque
accumulation of lipids both free and in cells
smooth muscle cells migrate from the media
fibrosis develops around the lipid and forms a cap over the lesion
what is a complicated plaque and what can it lead to
ulcers and fissures of the fibrous can expose plaque contents
can result in thrombosis
what is atherosclerosis
thickening and hardening of arterial walls as a consequence of atheroma
results from accumulation of lipid, connective tissue, inflammatory cells and smooth muscle cells in the intima
which layer of the artery has the most mechanical strength
medial (middle) layer
how does plaque develop
not fully understood thought to be a response to injury- initiated by endothelial dysfunction
name the 3 main components of plaques
lipid containing macrophages
extracellular matrix
cells, proliferating smooth muscle
describe how LDL is removed from circulation
- removed by LDL receptors and scavenger cells (macrophages)
- 70% is removed via LDL receptor pathway
where are most LDL receptor located- why is this significant
hepatocytes
hence liver is very important in LDL metabolism
what do scavenger cells do to LDL
when do they do this?
oxidise it
this happens when the patients diet contains a high level of trans fats, they smoke or have poorly controlled diabetes
how is hyperlipidaemia related to plaque formation
- when LDL becomes oxidised it enters the endothelium and may alter endothelium permeability
- this promotes accumulation of lymphocytes, dendritic cells and macrophages
- platelets can stick to areas of inflammation and cause hardened areas- called plaques
- oxidised cholesterol loaded macrophages forms a ‘foam cell’ and the plaque gets thicker
- macrophages release growth factors which recruit smooth muscle- these may form a cap around the plaque
non drug prevention of plaque formation
- smoking cessation
- reduce fat intake
- high intake fruit+veg
- alcohol in moderation
- regular exercise and weight management
MOA of aspirin
thromboxane A2 - platelet agonist produced by platelets
- aspirin bocks production of thromboxane A2 by inhibiting the platelet enzyme responsible for its synthesis- COX1
- action of aspirin on COX1 is permanent- lasting the lifetime of platelet (7-10 days)
clopidogrel mode of action
clopidogrel is an irreversible inhibitor of ADP (a platelet agonist produced and released by platelets) receptor on platelets (P2Y12 receptors) and so prevents ADP from activating platelets
statin MOA
HMG-coA reductase inhibitors- HMG-coA is involved in the synthesis of cholesterol
so statins reduce cholesterol synthesis in the liver and increase LDL-cholesterol clearance from the blood
(- given at bedtime because cholesterol synthesis is cyclical with greatest production during fasting states)
antiplatelet antithrombotic functions (3)
adenosine diphosphatase (degrades ADP from platelets)
prostacyclin (produced by the enzyme cyclooxygenase)
nitric oxide
anticoagulant antithrombotic functions (3)
heparin-like molecules (activate antithrombin 3)
thrombomodulin (activates protein C)
protein S
fibrinolytic antithrombin functions
prevents blood clots from growing
t-PA
procoagulant functions (3)
- production of vWF
- production of tissue factor
- binding of factors IXa and Xa
platelet adhesion and activation
- adherent platelets release ADP and thromboxane A2
- ADP and thromboxane A2 are platelet agonists, activate more platelets and recruit them to site of vascular injury
how long can a prescriber take to give a physical Rx after an emergency supply done over the phone, email or fax
72h
what is the maximum quantity a prescriber can give via an emergency supply
any quantity