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Fig. 5 | Journal of Inflammation

Fig. 5

From: Accumulation of free cholesterol and oxidized low-density lipoprotein is associated with portal inflammation and fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Fig. 5

Schematic illustration of oxLDL accumulation in human NAFLD. oxLDL accumulation in the portal vein wall resulted in lumen narrowing, plaque formation, and LOX-1-mediated inflammation, particularly in fragile plaques. oxLDL and free cholesterol accumulation in cirrhotic parenchyma was associated with chicken-wire fibrosis through stellate cell activation. Notably, free cholesterol accumulation in the vessel wall can form crystals, which induce NLRP3 inflammasome activation and subsequent IL-1β production [20, 21]. This activity may destabilize atherosclerotic plaques and account for plaque rupture [32]

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Journal of Inflammation

ISSN: 1476-9255

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