Microorganisms
The microbiota – all the microorganisms in the body, can contribute to atherosclerosis in many ways: modulation of the immune system, changes in metabolism, processing of nutrients and production of certain metabolites that can get into blood circulation. One such metabolite, produced by gut bacteria, is trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). Its levels have been associated with atherosclerosis in human studies and animal research suggest that there can be a causal relation. An association between the bacterial genes encoding trimethylamine lyases — the enzymes involved in TMAO generation — and atherosclerosis has been noted. Vascular smooth muscle cells
Vascular smooth muscle cells play a key role in atherogenesis and were historically considered to be beneficial for plaque stability by forming a protective fibrous cap and synthesising strength-giving extracellular matrix components. However, in addition to the fibrous cap, vascular smooth muscle cells also give rise to many of the cell types found within the plaque core and can modulate their phenotype to both promote and reduce plaque stability. Vascular smooth muscle cells exhibit pronounced plasticity within atherosclerotic plaque and can modify their gene expression profile to resemble various other cell types, including macrophages, myofibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells and osteochondrocytes. Importantly, genetic lineage‐tracing experiments have unequivocally shown that 40-90% of plaque-resident cells are vascular smooth muscle cell derived. Therefore, it is important to research the role of vascular smooth muscle cells in atherosclerosis to identify new therapeutic targets. References
External links

 Quotations related to Atherosclerosis at Wikiquote
Atherosclerosis at Curlie
Atherosclerosis pathophysiology-stages and types
Onychomatricoma is a cutaneous condition characterized by a distinctive tumor of the nail matrix.This nail disease can mimic many nail problems and should be examined and biopsied by a dermatologist. In particular, a main concern is the malignant and destructive potential that may exist. See also
Nail anatomy
List of cutaneous conditions
Nail disease


== References ==