The tendency of atherosclerotic plaques to develop at arterial branch points is likely due to both the hemodynamics and macromolecular environment associated with these branch points. Arterial branches experience flow separation, which results in regions of low shear stress, and contributes to longer residence times that may allow for deposition of pro-atherogenic material in the vessel wall. In addition, low shear stress itself may provide cellular signals that alter the tissue microenvironment in favor of atherogenesis [3, e.g.].
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