In the context of toxicology, foam cells are of interest because they are indicative of cellular responses to toxic insults, particularly in vascular tissues. The formation of foam cells can be triggered by various toxic compounds such as oxidized LDL, environmental pollutants, and certain drugs that induce oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. The presence of foam cells is often a marker of chronic inflammation and can provide insights into the toxicological impacts on cardiovascular health.