Sometimes it can persist long-term, even when no explanation for the lymphadenopathy can be found.PGL is often found in cases of autoimmune disease (where the body is attacking itself). These include diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and sarcoidosis. Some forms of cancer will also cause PGL. Sometimes, despite exhaustive investigation, no cause for PGL is found. For the patient and the physician, this can continue to be a source of concern, but many adults have had PGL all their lives and suffered no ill effects. In others, the PGL may persist for a decade or more and then mysteriously subside. Children often have generalized lymphadenopathy of the head and neck, or even PGL, without the finding of a sinister cause. At puberty this usually disappears.The immune system of some people may be sensitized by exposure to a living exogenous irritant such as a bacterial or viral infection, which then results in PGL after the organism has been cleared from the body. In some cases the sensitization is caused by non-living exogenous irritants such as cyclic hydrocarbons (for example, resinous vapours) or pesticides and herbicides. == References ==
This retention may be a cause, an effect, or both, of the underlying inflammatory process.The presence of the plaque induces the muscle cells of the blood vessel to stretch, compensating for the additional bulk. The endothelial lining then thickens, increasing the separation between the plaque and lumen. The thickening somewhat offsets the narrowing caused by the growth of the plaque, but moreover, it causes the wall to stiffen and become less compliant to stretching with each heartbeat. Modifiable
Western pattern diet
Abdominal obesity
Insulin resistance
Diabetes
Dyslipidemia
Hypertension
Trans fat
Tobacco smoking
Bacterial infections
HIV/AIDS

Nonmodifiable
South Asian descent
Advanced age
Genetic abnormalities
Family history
Coronary anatomy and branch pattern

Lesser or uncertain
Thrombophilia
Saturated fat
Excessive carbohydrates
Elevated triglycerides
Systemic inflammation
Hyperinsulinemia
Sleep deprivation
Air pollution
Sedentary lifestyle
Arsenic poisoning
Alcohol
Chronic stress
Hypothyroidism
Periodontal disease

Dietary
The relation between dietary fat and atherosclerosis is controversial. The USDA, in its food pyramid, promotes a diet of about 64% carbohydrates from total calories. The American Heart Association,  the American Diabetes Association and the National Cholesterol Education Program make similar recommendations. In contrast, Prof Walter Willett (Harvard School of Public Health, PI of the second Nurses Health Study) recommends much higher levels of fat, especially of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat. These dietary recommendations reach a consensus, though, against consumption of trans fats.The role of eating oxidized fats (rancid fats) in humans is not clear. Rabbits fed rancid fats develop atherosclerosis faster. Rats fed DHA-containing oils experienced marked disruptions to their antioxidant systems, and accumulated significant amounts of phospholipid hydroperoxide in their blood, livers and kidneys.Rabbits fed atherogenic diets containing various oils were found to undergo the most oxidative susceptibility of LDL via polyunsaturated oils.