Expression of interleukin-18 in human atherosclerotic plaques and relation to plaque instability

Article

关键词: ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROMES;    GAMMA-INDUCING FACTOR;    IFN-GAMMA;    INTERFERON-GAMMA;    ARTERY DISEASE;    IL-18;    INFLAMMATION;    MECHANISMS;    MICE;    PATHOGENESIS;   

DOI  :  10.1161/hc3901.096721

来源: SCIE

【 摘 要 】

Background-Interleukin (IL)-18 is a potent proinflammatory cytokine with potential atherogenic properties. Its expression and role in atherosclerosis, however, are unknown. Methods and Results-In the present study, we examined stable and unstable human carotid atherosclerotic plaques retrieved by endarterectomy for the presence of IL-18 using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Western blot, and immunohistochemical techniques. IL-18 was highly expressed in the atherosclerotic plaques compared with control normal arteries and was localized mainly in plaque macrophages. IL-18 receptor was also upregulated in plaque macrophages and endothelial cells, suggesting potential biological effects. To examine the role of IL-18 in atherosclerosis, we determined the relation between IL-18 mRNA expression and signs of plaque instability using real-time quantitative PCR. Interestingly, significantly higher levels of IL-18 mRNA were found in symptomatic (unstable) plaques than asymptomatic (stable) plaques (P <0.01). Conclusions-These results suggest, for the first time, a major role for IL-18 in atherosclerotic plaque destabilization leading to acute ischemic syndromes.

【 授权许可】

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