Τίτλος:
Vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression in human carotid atherosclerotic plaques: Relationship with plaque destabilization via neovascularization
Γλώσσες Τεκμηρίου:
Αγγλικά
Περίληψη:
Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential impact of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on carotid plaque destabilization in association with matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) production. Methods: Expression of VEGF and MMP-9 were determined immunohistochemically in 53 human endarterectomized atherosclerotic carotid plaques. The relationship to carotid plaque characteristics, clinical data and histological morphology was investigated. Results: VEGF and MMP-9 had parallel overexpression in the inflammatory cells, especially in the neovascularized plaque lesions and around the cholesterol crystals. Strong expression of VEGF was evident in symptomatic patients (p < 0.057), in high-degree stenosis (p = 0.005), and in patients with ischemic infarct in brain scan (p = 0.021). No relation was proved between molecule expression and plaque ultrasonic characteristics. Conclusions: An intense expression of VEGF and MMP-9 in carotid plaques is related to plaque instability, high degree of stenosis and presence of symptomatic carotid occlusive disease. Copyright © 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel.
Συγγραφείς:
Papalambros, E.
Sigala, F.
Georgopoulos, S.
Panou, N.
Kavatzas, N.
Agapitos, M.
Bastounis, E.
Περιοδικό:
Cerebrovascular Diseases
Λέξεις-κλειδιά:
cholesterol; gelatinase B; vasculotropin, adult; aged; artery occlusion; article; atherosclerosis; atherosclerotic plaque; brain scintiscanning; clinical study; endarterectomy; female; histopathology; human; human tissue; immunohistochemistry; major clinical study; male; morphology; neovascularization (pathology); priority journal; protein expression; symptom, Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Carotid Artery Diseases; Cohort Studies; Endothelium, Vascular; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Macrophages; Male; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9; Middle Aged; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular; Neovascularization, Physiologic; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
