The document discusses the role of apoptosis in atherosclerosis and the effects of heat on apoptosis of different cell types in atherosclerotic plaques. It finds that heating human carotid plaques to 42°C for 15 minutes significantly increases macrophage apoptosis from 8% to 46% while only slightly increasing smooth muscle cell apoptosis from 4% to 10%. Heat treatment also decreases the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 and inactivates the NFκB transcription factor. The conclusion is that gentle, short-term heating may help treat advanced atherosclerotic plaques by reducing inflammation and triggering macrophage apoptosis.