Hypothetical Pathway for Formation of Cholesterol Microcrystals Initiating the Atherosclerotic Process

Major factors leading to the development of atherosclerosis are a high cholesterol (Chol) level in the blood and oxidative stress. Both promote the formation of Chol microcrystals in blood vessel walls. Deposition of Chol microcrystals in arterial intima causes inflammation, which initiates and accompanies the atherosclerotic process in all its phases. One of the possible sources of Chol in the blood vessel walls is oxidized low-density lipoproteins—this atherosclerotic plaque formation pathway has already been described in the literature. Here, we hypothesize that initiation of the atherosclerotic process may involve Chol domains in the plasma membranes of arterial cells. Increased Chol content and the presence of polyunsaturated phospholipids in these membranes together with oxidative stress (phospholipid peroxidation) may lead to the formation of pure Chol bilayer domains that, with further peroxidation and increased Chol content, may collapse in the form of Chol seed crystals. Independent of their origin, Chol microcrystals activate inflammasomes, thereby stimulate immune responses, and initiate inflammation that may lead to the development of atherosclerosis. This new, hypothetical pathway has not yet been investigated in depth; however, data from the literature and our own results support its feasibility.