Foam cells are lipid-loaded macrophages and neutrophils that are generated from a massive uptake of oxidized lipid. Foam cells are a pathological hallmark of atherosclerosis, and have also been found in acne lesions. The same pathological changes determine the common pathogenesis. According to the pathological function of foam cells in these lesions, we put forward a viewpoint on the pathogenesis of acne and atherosclerotic plaques.
Keywords: acne; atherosclerosis; foam cells; macrophages; sebum.