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Kersche G, Liblik D, Hétu MF, Matangi MF, Mantella L, Pal RS, Blaha MJ, Johri AM. The association of carotid plaque burden and composition and the coronary artery calcium score in intermediate cardiovascular risk patients. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR IMAGING 2024; 40:1683-1692. [PMID: 38831220 DOI: 10.1007/s10554-024-03153-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Both the carotid ultrasound and coronary artery calcium (CAC) score quantify subclinical atherosclerosis and are associated with cardiovascular disease and events. This study investigated the association between CAC score and carotid plaque quantity and composition. Adult participants (n = 43) without history of cardiovascular disease were recruited to undergo a carotid ultrasound. Maximum plaque height (MPH), total plaque area (TPA), carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), and plaque score were measured. Grayscale pixel distribution analysis of ultrasound images determined plaque tissue composition. Participants then underwent CT to determine CAC score, which were also categorized as absent (0), mild (1-99), moderate (100-399), and severe (400+). Spearman correlation coefficients between carotid variables and CAC scores were computed. The mean age of participants was 63 ± 11 years. CIMT, TPA, MPH, and plaque score were significantly associated with CAC score (ρ = 0.60, p < 0.0001; ρ = 0.54, p = 0.0002; ρ = 0.38, p = 0.01; and ρ = 0.49, p = 0.001). Echogenic composition features %Calcium and %Fibrous tissue were not correlated to a clinically relevant extent. There was a significant difference in the TPA, MPH, and plaque scores of those with a severe CAC score category compared to lesser categories. While carotid plaque burden was associated with CAC score, plaque composition was not. Though CAC score reliably measures calcification, carotid ultrasound gives information on both plaque burden and composition. Carotid ultrasound with assessment of plaque features used in conjunction with traditional risk factors may be an alternative or additive to CAC scoring and could improve the prediction of cardiovascular events in the intermediate risk population.
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Berisha-Muharremi V, Majnaric-Trtica L, Mujaj B. Insulin resistance is an important index to assess glucose and insulin metabolism, but not a biological risk factor for high-risk coronary artery plaque composition. Atherosclerosis 2024; 392:117484. [PMID: 38433071 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2024.117484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Venera Berisha-Muharremi
- Department of Endocrinology University Clinical Center, University of Prishtina, Faculty of Medicine, Bulevardi i Dëshmorëve PN, 10000, Prishtina, Republic of Kosovo
| | - Ljiljana Majnaric-Trtica
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Blerim Mujaj
- Alliance Institute for the Promotion of Preventive Medicine (APPREMED), Leopoldstraat 59, 2800, Mechelen, Belgium; General Practice, Huisartsenpraktijk, Bremtstraat 116, 9320, Aalst, Belgium.
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Miceli G, Basso MG, Pintus C, Pennacchio AR, Cocciola E, Cuffaro M, Profita M, Rizzo G, Tuttolomondo A. Molecular Pathways of Vulnerable Carotid Plaques at Risk of Ischemic Stroke: A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4351. [PMID: 38673936 PMCID: PMC11050267 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The concept of vulnerable carotid plaques is pivotal in understanding the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke secondary to large-artery atherosclerosis. In macroscopic evaluation, vulnerable plaques are characterized by one or more of the following features: microcalcification; neovascularization; lipid-rich necrotic cores (LRNCs); intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH); thin fibrous caps; plaque surface ulceration; huge dimensions, suggesting stenosis; and plaque rupture. Recognizing these macroscopic characteristics is crucial for estimating the risk of cerebrovascular events, also in the case of non-significant (less than 50%) stenosis. Inflammatory biomarkers, such as cytokines and adhesion molecules, lipid-related markers like oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and proteolytic enzymes capable of degrading extracellular matrix components are among the key molecules that are scrutinized for their associative roles in plaque instability. Through their quantification and evaluation, these biomarkers reveal intricate molecular cross-talk governing plaque inflammation, rupture potential, and thrombogenicity. The current evidence demonstrates that plaque vulnerability phenotypes are multiple and heterogeneous and are associated with many highly complex molecular pathways that determine the activation of an immune-mediated cascade that culminates in thromboinflammation. This narrative review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current knowledge on molecular biomarkers expressed by symptomatic carotid plaques. It explores the association of these biomarkers with the structural and compositional attributes that characterize vulnerable plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Miceli
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (ProMISE), University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.M.); (M.G.B.); (C.P.); (A.R.P.); (E.C.); (M.C.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
- Internal Medicine and Stroke Care Ward, University Hospital, Policlinico “P. Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Basso
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (ProMISE), University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.M.); (M.G.B.); (C.P.); (A.R.P.); (E.C.); (M.C.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
- Internal Medicine and Stroke Care Ward, University Hospital, Policlinico “P. Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Chiara Pintus
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (ProMISE), University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.M.); (M.G.B.); (C.P.); (A.R.P.); (E.C.); (M.C.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
- Internal Medicine and Stroke Care Ward, University Hospital, Policlinico “P. Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Andrea Roberta Pennacchio
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (ProMISE), University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.M.); (M.G.B.); (C.P.); (A.R.P.); (E.C.); (M.C.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
- Internal Medicine and Stroke Care Ward, University Hospital, Policlinico “P. Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Elena Cocciola
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (ProMISE), University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.M.); (M.G.B.); (C.P.); (A.R.P.); (E.C.); (M.C.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
- Internal Medicine and Stroke Care Ward, University Hospital, Policlinico “P. Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Mariagiovanna Cuffaro
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (ProMISE), University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.M.); (M.G.B.); (C.P.); (A.R.P.); (E.C.); (M.C.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
- Internal Medicine and Stroke Care Ward, University Hospital, Policlinico “P. Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Martina Profita
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (ProMISE), University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.M.); (M.G.B.); (C.P.); (A.R.P.); (E.C.); (M.C.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
- Internal Medicine and Stroke Care Ward, University Hospital, Policlinico “P. Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuliana Rizzo
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (ProMISE), University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.M.); (M.G.B.); (C.P.); (A.R.P.); (E.C.); (M.C.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
- Internal Medicine and Stroke Care Ward, University Hospital, Policlinico “P. Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonino Tuttolomondo
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (ProMISE), University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (G.M.); (M.G.B.); (C.P.); (A.R.P.); (E.C.); (M.C.); (M.P.); (G.R.)
- Internal Medicine and Stroke Care Ward, University Hospital, Policlinico “P. Giaccone”, 90127 Palermo, Italy
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Li Y, Zhang Y, Xiao K, Si J, Zhang H, Sun L, Miao Z, Zhao T, Sun J, Sun X, Liu Z, Gao J, Zhao J, Chu X, Li J. The incidence of subclinical atherosclerosis in subjects with low and moderate cardiovascular risk. Clin Cardiol 2023; 46:1260-1267. [PMID: 37522647 PMCID: PMC10577528 DOI: 10.1002/clc.24087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cardiovascular risk models and subclinical atherosclerotic indicators are both recommended for cardiovascular risk stratification. The accordance between the incidence of subclinical atherosclerosis and subjects with low and moderate cardiovascular risk is unclear. HYPOTHESIS Subjects with low and moderate cardiovascular risk have a lower incidence of subclinical atherosclerosis compared with subjects with high risk. METHODS Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (BaPWV) and brachial flow-mediated dilation (BFMD) were measured in 421 subjects without a history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) from October 2016 to January 2020. All subjects were classified into low, moderate, and high risk based on Framingham and China-par risk models respectively. RESULTS Mean age was 57.05 ± 9.35 years and 248 (58.9%) were male. In subjects with low, moderate, and high risk assessed by Framingham and China-par risk models, the percentage of abnormal BaPWV ( > 1400 cm/s) was 42.9%, 70.1%, 85.7%, and 40.4%, 71.4%, 89.7%, respectively. Meanwhile, the percentage of abnormal BFMD ( ≤ 7%) was 43.8%, 68.5%, 77.3%, and 44.9%,72.1%, and 76.6%. According to Framingham-based high-risk categories, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), sensitivity and specificity for BaPWV abnormality were 85.7%, 39.4%, 36.1%, and 87.5%, respectively. For BFMD abnormality, the values were 77.3%, 40.1%, 34.1%, and 81.8%, respectively. According to China-par high-risk categories, the values for BaPWV abnormality were 89.7%, 43.8%, 45.6%, and 89.0%, respectively. For BFMD abnormality, the values were 76.6%, 41.3%, 40.7%, and 77%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, age and blood pressure were the independent predictors for subclinical atherosclerosis in subjects with low-moderate risk. CONCLUSIONS More than one-half of subjects with low and moderate risk already have detectable subclinical atherosclerosis, indicating higher cardiovascular risk beyond the traditional stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Department of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityNational Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DiseasesBeijingChina
| | - Yinghua Zhang
- Department of CardiologyChui Yang Liu Hospital affiliated to Tsinghua UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Keling Xiao
- Department of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityNational Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DiseasesBeijingChina
| | - Jin Si
- Department of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityNational Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DiseasesBeijingChina
| | - Haoyu Zhang
- Department of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityNational Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DiseasesBeijingChina
| | - Lijie Sun
- Department of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityNational Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DiseasesBeijingChina
| | - Zupei Miao
- Department of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityNational Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DiseasesBeijingChina
| | - Ting Zhao
- Department of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityNational Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DiseasesBeijingChina
| | - Jinghao Sun
- Department of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityNational Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DiseasesBeijingChina
| | - Xipeng Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Xuanwu HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Zhi Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Xuanwu HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jing Gao
- Department of Cardiology, Xuanwu HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jing Zhao
- Health Management Center, Xuanwu hospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xi Chu
- Health Management Center, Xuanwu hospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Geriatrics, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityNational Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DiseasesBeijingChina
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Benson JC, Saba L, Bathla G, Brinjikji W, Nardi V, Lanzino G. MR Imaging of Carotid Artery Atherosclerosis: Updated Evidence on High-Risk Plaque Features and Emerging Trends. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2023; 44:880-888. [PMID: 37385681 PMCID: PMC10411837 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a7921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
MR imaging is well-established as the criterion standard for carotid artery atherosclerosis imaging. The capability of MR imaging to differentiate numerous plaque components has been demonstrated, including those features that are associated with a high risk of sudden changes, thrombosis, or embolization. The field of carotid plaque MR imaging is constantly evolving, with continued insight into the imaging appearance and implications of various vulnerable plaque characteristics. This article will review the most up-to-date knowledge of these high-risk plaque features on MR imaging and will delve into 2 major emerging topics: the role of vulnerable plaques in cryptogenic strokes and the potential use of MR imaging to modify carotid endarterectomy treatment guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Benson
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.C.B., G.B., W.B.)
| | - L Saba
- Department of Medical Sciences (L.S.), University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - G Bathla
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.C.B., G.B., W.B.)
| | - W Brinjikji
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.C.B., G.B., W.B.)
| | - V Nardi
- Cardiovascular Medicine (V.N.)
| | - G Lanzino
- Neurosurgery (G.L.), Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
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6
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Skenteris NT, Hemme E, Delfos L, Karadimou G, Karlöf E, Lengquist M, Kronqvist M, Zhang X, Maegdefessel L, Schurgers LJ, Arnardottir H, Biessen EAL, Bot I, Matic L. Mast cells participate in smooth muscle cell reprogramming and atherosclerotic plaque calcification. Vascul Pharmacol 2023; 150:107167. [PMID: 36958707 DOI: 10.1016/j.vph.2023.107167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calcification, a key feature of advanced human atherosclerosis, is positively associated with vascular disease burden and adverse events. We showed that macrocalcification can be a stabilizing factor for carotid plaque molecular biology, due to inverse association with immune processes. Mast cells (MCs) are important contributors to plaque instability, but their relationship with macrocalcification is unexplored. With a hypothesis that MC activation negatively associates with carotid plaque macrocalcification, we aimed to investigate the link between MCs and carotid plaque vulnerability, and study MC role in plaque calcification via smooth muscle cells (SMCs). METHODS Pre-operative computed tomography angiographies of patients (n = 40) undergoing surgery for carotid stenosis were used to characterize plaque morphology. Plaque microarrays (n = 40 and n = 126) were used for bioinformatic deconvolution of immune cell populations. Tissue microarrays (n = 103) were used to histologically validate the contribution of activated and resting MCs in plaques. RESULTS Activated MCs and their typical markers were negatively correlated with macrocalcification. The ratio of activated vs. resting MCs was increased in low-calcified plaques from symptomatic patients. There was no modulating effect of medication on MC ratios. In vitro experiments showed that SMC calcification attenuated MC activation, while both active and resting MCs stimulated SMC calcification and induced dedifferentiation towards a pro-inflammatory-, osteochondrocyte-like phenotype, without modulating their migro-proliferative function. CONCLUSIONS Integrative analyses from human plaques showed that MC activation is inversely associated with macrocalcification and positively with parameters of plaque vulnerability. Mechanistically, MCs induce SMC osteogenic reprograming, while matrix calcification in turn attenuates MC activation, offering new therapeutic avenues for exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos T Skenteris
- Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Vascular Surgery, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Centre, the Netherlands
| | - Esmeralda Hemme
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, the Netherlands
| | - Lucie Delfos
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, the Netherlands
| | - Glykeria Karadimou
- Vascular Surgery, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Karlöf
- Vascular Surgery, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mariette Lengquist
- Vascular Surgery, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Malin Kronqvist
- Vascular Surgery, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Vascular Surgery, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars Maegdefessel
- Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden; Technical University Munich, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Department for Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Germany
| | - Leon J Schurgers
- Department of Biochemistry and CARIM, School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Netherlands; Institute of Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Hildur Arnardottir
- Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erik A L Biessen
- Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Centre, the Netherlands
| | - Ilze Bot
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, the Netherlands
| | - Ljubica Matic
- Vascular Surgery, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Henein MY, Vancheri S, Longo G, Vancheri F. The Role of Inflammation in Cardiovascular Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12906. [PMID: 36361701 PMCID: PMC9658900 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease, in which the immune system has a prominent role in its development and progression. Inflammation-induced endothelial dysfunction results in an increased permeability to lipoproteins and their subendothelial accumulation, leukocyte recruitment, and platelets activation. Recruited monocytes differentiate into macrophages which develop pro- or anti-inflammatory properties according to their microenvironment. Atheroma progression or healing is determined by the balance between these functional phenotypes. Macrophages and smooth muscle cells secrete inflammatory cytokines including interleukins IL-1β, IL-12, and IL-6. Within the arterial wall, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol undergoes an oxidation. Additionally, triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and remnant lipoproteins exert pro-inflammatory effects. Macrophages catabolize the oxidized lipoproteins and coalesce into a lipid-rich necrotic core, encapsulated by a collagen fibrous cap, leading to the formation of fibro-atheroma. In the conditions of chronic inflammation, macrophages exert a catabolic effect on the fibrous cap, resulting in a thin-cap fibro-atheroma which makes the plaque vulnerable. However, their morphology may change over time, shifting from high-risk lesions to more stable calcified plaques. In addition to conventional cardiovascular risk factors, an exposure to acute and chronic psychological stress may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease through inflammation mediated by an increased sympathetic output which results in the release of inflammatory cytokines. Inflammation is also the link between ageing and cardiovascular disease through increased clones of leukocytes in peripheral blood. Anti-inflammatory interventions specifically blocking the cytokine pathways reduce the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke, although they increase the risk of infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Y. Henein
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umea University, 90187 Umea, Sweden
- Institute of Environment & Health and Societies, Brunel University, Middlesex SW17 0RE, UK
- Molecular and Clinical Sciences Research Institute, St. George’s University, London UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Sergio Vancheri
- Interventional Neuroradiology Department, Besançon University Hospital, 25000 Besançon, France
| | - Giovanni Longo
- Cardiovascular and Interventional Department, S.Elia Hospital, 93100 Caltanissetta, Italy
| | - Federico Vancheri
- Department of Internal Medicine, S.Elia Hospital, 93100 Caltanissetta, Italy
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邢 海, 陈 玉, 许 珂, 黄 点, 彭 清, 刘 冉, 孙 葳, 黄 一. [Evaluation of carotid atherosclerotic plaques by vascular plaque quantification (VPQ) technology of three-dimensional ultrasonography]. BEIJING DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF PEKING UNIVERSITY. HEALTH SCIENCES 2022; 54:991-999. [PMID: 36241243 PMCID: PMC9568392 DOI: 10.19723/j.issn.1671-167x.2022.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the feasibility of using vascular plaque quantification (VPQ) to evaluate carotid atherosclerotic plaques and to observe the effect of statins on carotid atherosclerotic plaques. METHODS Patients with carotid plaques from January 2016 to September 2018 in Peking University First Hospital Neurology Department were recruited and underwent three-dimonsional ultrasound (3DUS). Their gray scale median (GSM) and other parameters of carotid plaques were measured with VPQ. The patients were divided into low GSM group (GSM < 40) and high GSM group (GSM≥40). The clinical characteristics and plaque characteristics of the patients in the two groups were compared to analyze the stability of plaques. According to whether taking statins or not, the patients were further divided into statin group and non-statin group, plaque GSM and other parameters of their carotid plaques were measured and the changes of carotid plaques at the end of 3 months and 2 years were observed. RESULTS A total of 120 patients were enrolled, including 79 males and 41 females, with an average age of (65.39±9.11) years. The patients were divided into low GSM group (31 cases) (GSM < 40) and high GSM group (89 cases) (GSM≥40). The stenosis of the lumen in the low GSM group was more severe (the area stenosis rate was 41.32%±21.37% vs. 29.79%±17.16%, P < 0.05). The nor-malized wall index (NWI) of plaque in low GSM group was significantly higher than that in high GSM group (0.61 ±0.14 vs. 0.52±0.12, P < 0.01). A total of 77 patients, including 51 males and 26 females, aged (64.96±9.58) years, were enrolled to observe the statin effects on carotid plaque. They were divided into statin group (n=56) and non-statin group (n=21) according to whether taking statins or not. At the baseline and 3-month follow-up, there were no significant differences in carotid plaque volume, area, degree of luminal stenosis and GSM between the two groups (P>0.05). At the end of the 2-year follow-up, GSM increased in the statin group [median 10.00 (2.00, 28.00)] but decreased in the non-statin group [median -7.00 (-11.00, 5.50)], with a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.01). There was no significant increase in carotid plaque volume in the statin group, while there was a slight increase in the non-statin group, but there was no significant difference between the two groups [median increase in plaque volume was 0.00 (-30.00, 40.00) mm3 in the statin group and 30.00 (10.00, 70.00) mm3 in the non-statin group, P>0.05]. CONCLUSION The VPQ technology of 3DUS can be used to evaluate carotid atherosclerotic plaques. Patients with low GSM (GSM < 40) have more severe vascular stenosis and higher normalized wall index. VPQ technology can also be used to observe the effect of statins on carotid plaque, the GSM of plaques increase in patients who are taking moderate-intensity statin treatment for two years.
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Affiliation(s)
- 海英 邢
- 北京大学第一医院神经内科, 北京 100034Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
- 神经系统小血管病探索北京市重点实验室, 北京 100034Department of Neurology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neurovascular Disease Discovery, Beijing, China
| | - 玉辉 陈
- 北京医院神经内科, 北京 100730Department of Neurology, Beijing Hospital, Beijing 100730, China
| | - 珂 许
- 北京大学第一医院神经内科, 北京 100034Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
- 神经系统小血管病探索北京市重点实验室, 北京 100034Department of Neurology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neurovascular Disease Discovery, Beijing, China
| | - 点点 黄
- 北京大学第一医院神经内科, 北京 100034Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
- 神经系统小血管病探索北京市重点实验室, 北京 100034Department of Neurology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neurovascular Disease Discovery, Beijing, China
| | - 清 彭
- 北京大学第一医院神经内科, 北京 100034Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
- 神经系统小血管病探索北京市重点实验室, 北京 100034Department of Neurology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neurovascular Disease Discovery, Beijing, China
| | - 冉 刘
- 北京大学第一医院神经内科, 北京 100034Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
- 神经系统小血管病探索北京市重点实验室, 北京 100034Department of Neurology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neurovascular Disease Discovery, Beijing, China
| | - 葳 孙
- 北京大学第一医院神经内科, 北京 100034Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
- 神经系统小血管病探索北京市重点实验室, 北京 100034Department of Neurology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neurovascular Disease Discovery, Beijing, China
| | - 一宁 黄
- 北京大学第一医院神经内科, 北京 100034Department of Neurology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
- 神经系统小血管病探索北京市重点实验室, 北京 100034Department of Neurology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Neurovascular Disease Discovery, Beijing, China
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Perioperative Medical Management for Symptomatic Carotid Artery Interventions. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11936-022-00966-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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10
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Che F, Mi D, Wang A, Ju Y, Sui B, Geng X, Zhao X, Zhao X. Extracranial carotid plaque hemorrhage predicts ipsilateral stroke recurrence in patients with carotid atherosclerosis – a study based on high-resolution vessel wall imaging MRI. BMC Neurol 2022; 22:237. [PMID: 35764942 PMCID: PMC9238155 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-022-02758-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) is a hallmark of carotid plaque vulnerability. We aim to investigate the association between IPH and recurrent ipsilateral ischemic stroke.
Methods
Patients with a recent stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) were prospectively recruited and underwent an ultrasonographic examination and carotid HR VWMRI on the side consistent with symptoms. Carotid plaque was defined as carotid intima-media-thickness (IMT) by ultrasound≥1.5 mm. IPH was determined that the ratio of the plaque signal intensity relative to that of adjacent muscle was > 1.5. All enrolled patients were clinically followed until an ipsilateral ischemic stroke, TIA, carotid endarterectomy (CEA)/carotid artery stenting (CAS), or death within 12 months. Univariate analysis was used to analyze the correlation between clinical characteristics and IPH. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and a log-rank test were used to compare recurrence-free survival time between the IPH and non-IPH groups. Cox regression models evaluated IPH as the predictor of ipsilateral stroke recurrence.
Results
A total of 171 patients (mean age, 60.13 ± 10.04 years; 118 males) were included in the final analysis. Thirty-two patients (18.7%) showed carotid IPH. During the follow-up, patients with carotid IPH suffered 60.9% (14 of 23) of recurrent ipsilateral strokes and 60.0% (3 of 5) TIA. Multivariate Cox regression analysis proved IPH as a strong predictor of ipsilateral stroke; the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) was 6.64 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.84–15.54, P < 0.001). Meanwhile, Cox regression analysis also proved that IPH could predict recurrent ischemic events; the adjusted HR was 8.08 (95% CI, 3.65–17.91, P < 0.001).
Conclusions
Carotid intraplaque hemorrhage is strongly associated with recurrent ischemic events and could predict recurrent ipsilateral stroke.
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11
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Association between Adipose Tissue Depots and Dyslipidemia: The KORA-MRI Population-Based Study. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14040797. [PMID: 35215449 PMCID: PMC8879798 DOI: 10.3390/nu14040797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), however, whether adipose tissue relates to dyslipidemia, and consequently to cardiovascular events remains unknown. Thus, we investigated the association of adipose tissue with circulating lipoproteins and triglycerides (TG) in subjects without CVD. 384 participants from the KORA-MRI study (mean age 56.2 ± 9.2 years; 41.9% female) underwent whole-body 3T-MRI. Visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) derived from T1-DIXON-sequence using a semi-automatic algorithm. Total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and TG were measured. Linear regression was applied to examine the relationships between adipose tissue, circulating lipoproteins, and TG, adjusting for risk factors. VAT was associated with total cholesterol (per SD increase) (ß = 0.39, p < 0.001). Total adipose tissue (TAT) and VAT were inversely associated with HDL (ß = -0.09, p = 0.009; ß = -0.14, p < 0.001), and positively associated with LDL (ß = 0.32, p < 0.001; ß = 0.37, p < 0.001). All adipose tissues were associated with TG (ß = 0.20, p < 0.001; ß = 0.27, p < 0.001; ß = 0.11, p = 0.004). Stratified analysis by sex and body mass index (BMI) was confirmatory in women and in individuals with BMI < 30. Our results suggest that adipose tissue plays an important role in increasing CVD risk independent of BMI, whereas gender imbalance may be explained by accurate characterization and quantification of adipose tissue.
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12
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Bonati LH, Brown MM. Carotid Artery Disease. Stroke 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-69424-7.00022-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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13
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Gao Y, Xu B, Yang Y, Zhang M, Yu T, Zhang Q, Sun J, Liu R. Association Between Serum Uric Acid and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Different Fasting Blood Glucose Patterns: A Case-Control Study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:899241. [PMID: 35712254 PMCID: PMC9197240 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.899241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Our objective was to analyze the correlation between serum uric acid (SUA) levels and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and explore the relationship between SUA and carotid atherosclerosis in different glucose metabolism patterns. A total of 614 patients were enrolled in this case-control study, including 406 in the normouricemia group and 208 in the hyperuricemia group. The two groups were each divided into three groups according to fasting blood glucose (FBG) level: normal, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and diabetes mellitus (DM). CIMT and the CIMT thickening rate in the hyperuricemia group were significantly higher than those in the normouricemia group: 0.17 (0.11-0.24) cm vs. 0.12 (0.08-0.15) cm and 73.56% vs. 51.97% (p < 0.001). Pearson's correlation analysis showed that age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure, FBG, triglyceride, SUA, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen were positively correlated with CIMT, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol were negatively correlated with CIMT. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that age, SUA, FBG, and SBP were independent factors that affected CIMT. Furthermore, age and SBP were independent factors in the normouricemia group, and FBG was an independent factor that affected CIMT in the hyperuricemia group (p < 0.05). In the hyperuricemia group, CIMT in the DM group was significantly higher than that in the normal group [0.20 (0.14-0.25)cm vs. 0.15 (0.1-0.25); p < 0.05], and the CIMT thickening rate in the DM group was significantly higher than those in the IFG and normal groups (90.38% vs. 78.38%, 90.38% vs. 65.81%; p < 0.05). The ROC curve analysis showed that uric acid combined with age, SBP, and FBG had the highest area under the curve (AUC) for predicting CIMT thickening [0.855 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.804-0.906)], followed by uric acid combined with FBG [AUC: 0.767 (95% CI: 0.726-0.808)]. In conclusion, SUA was closely associated with an increase in CIMT in patients with specific FBG metabolic patterns and may be an independent risk factor for carotid atherosclerosis. SUA, especially in combination with other factors (such as age, SBP, FBG), may serve as a specific model to help predict the incidence of CIMT thickening. Clinical Trial Registration: http://www.chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR2000039124.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Gao
- Department of VIP Unit, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Endocrinology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Baofeng Xu
- Department of Stroke Center, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yanyan Yang
- Department of Ultrasound, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Mei Zhang
- Department of VIP Unit, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Tian Yu
- Department of VIP Unit, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qiujuan Zhang
- Department of VIP Unit, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jianwei Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Weifang People’s Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of VIP Unit, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Rui Liu,
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14
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Zhou P, Wang Y, Sun J, Yu Y, Mossa-Basha M, Zhu C. Assessment of Therapeutic Response to Statin Therapy in Patients With Intracranial or Extracranial Carotid Atherosclerosis by Vessel Wall MRI: A Systematic Review and Updated Meta-Analysis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:742935. [PMID: 34778404 PMCID: PMC8578267 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.742935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims: Statin therapy is an essential component of cardiovascular preventive care. In recent years, various vessel wall MRI (VW-MRI) techniques have been used to monitor atherosclerosis progression or regression in patients with extracranial or intracranial large-artery atherosclerosis. We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of statin therapy on plaque evolution as assessed by VW-MRI. Materials and Methods: Prospective studies investigating carotid and intracranial atherosclerotic plaques in patients on statin therapy monitored by serial VW-MRI were systematically identified in the literature. The plaque burden and lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC) volume of carotid plaque and the imaging features of intracranial plaques were extracted and summarized. For studies investigating carotid artery wall volume and LRNC volume, combined estimates were derived by meta-analysis. Results: The study identified 21 studies of carotid plaque and two studies of intracranial plaque. While 16 studies investigating carotid plaques that included 780 patients by High-resolution VW-MRI were included in the meta-analysis. There was no significant change in carotid wall volume from baseline to 12 months. A significant change in LRNC volume was observed at > 12 months compared with baseline (Effect = −10.69, 95% CI = −19.11, −2.28, P < 0.01), while no significant change in LRNC volume at 3–6 months or 7–12 months after statin therapy initiation in 6 studies. Increases in fibrous tissue and calcium and reduction in neovascularization density of the plaque were seen in 2/3 studies (including 48/59 patients), 1/3 studies (including 17/54 patients), and 2/2 studies (including 71 patients) after statin therapy, respectively. Two studies with 257 patients in intracranial atherosclerosis showed that statins could effectively decrease wall volume and plaque enhancement volume. Conclusions: Collective data indicated that statins could potentially stabilize carotid plaques by significantly reducing LRNC with 1 year of therapy as shown on serial carotid VW-MRI. There was no significant decrease in wall volume, which nonetheless indicated that plaque composition changes might be more sensitive to response monitoring than wall volume. It is likely that more sensitive, clinically relevant, and preferably quantitative indicators of therapeutic effects on intracranial vessel plaque morphology will be developed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyu Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuting Wang
- Department of Radiology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Yannan Yu
- Internal Medicine Department, University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Mahmud Mossa-Basha
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Chengcheng Zhu
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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15
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Bartstra JW, van Tuijl RJ, de Jong PA, Mali WPTM, van der Schaaf IC, Ruigrok YM, Rinkel GJE, Velthuis BK, Spiering W, Zwanenburg JJM. Pulsatility Attenuation along the Carotid Siphon in Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2021; 42:2030-2033. [PMID: 34561212 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a7288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
We compared velocity pulsatility, distensibility, and pulsatility attenuation along the intracranial ICA and MCA between 50 patients with pseudoxanthoma elasticum and 40 controls. Patients with pseudoxanthoma elasticum had higher pulsatility and lower distensibility at all measured locations, except for a similar distensibility at C4. The pulsatility attenuation over the siphon was similar between patients with pseudoxanthoma elasticum and controls. This finding suggests that other disease mechanisms are the main contributors to increased intracranial pulsatility in pseudoxanthoma elasticum.
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Affiliation(s)
- J W Bartstra
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.W.B., R.J.v.T., P.A.d.J., W.P.T.M.M., I.C.v.d.S., B.K.V., J.J.M.Z.)
| | - R J van Tuijl
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.W.B., R.J.v.T., P.A.d.J., W.P.T.M.M., I.C.v.d.S., B.K.V., J.J.M.Z.)
| | - P A de Jong
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.W.B., R.J.v.T., P.A.d.J., W.P.T.M.M., I.C.v.d.S., B.K.V., J.J.M.Z.)
| | - W P T M Mali
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.W.B., R.J.v.T., P.A.d.J., W.P.T.M.M., I.C.v.d.S., B.K.V., J.J.M.Z.)
| | - I C van der Schaaf
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.W.B., R.J.v.T., P.A.d.J., W.P.T.M.M., I.C.v.d.S., B.K.V., J.J.M.Z.)
| | - Y M Ruigrok
- Neurology and Neurosurgery (Y.M.R., G.J.E.R.), Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - G J E Rinkel
- Neurology and Neurosurgery (Y.M.R., G.J.E.R.), Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - B K Velthuis
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.W.B., R.J.v.T., P.A.d.J., W.P.T.M.M., I.C.v.d.S., B.K.V., J.J.M.Z.)
| | - W Spiering
- Department of Vascular Medicine (W.S.), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - J J M Zwanenburg
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.W.B., R.J.v.T., P.A.d.J., W.P.T.M.M., I.C.v.d.S., B.K.V., J.J.M.Z.)
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16
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Siniscalchi A, Murphy S, Gray C, De Sarro G, Gallelli L. Biomarkers in unstable carotid plaque: Physiopathology and Prediction. Cardiovasc Hematol Agents Med Chem 2021; 20:13-19. [PMID: 34468303 DOI: 10.2174/1871525719666210901131509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To study the role of cytokines and vascular inflammatory biomarkers in unstable carotid plaque. BACKGROUND Clinical studies showed that not only the degree of stenosis but also the type of carotid plaque can be responsible for ipsilateral ischemic stroke. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to suggest a role for vulnerable carotid atherosclerotic disease in the occurrence of ischemic stroke. METHODS PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, and reference lists have been used to evaluate articles published until February 15, 2021. RESULTS Several factors may be involved in unstable plaque. Clinical studies support the involvement of brain inflammatory biomarkers as well as cytokines in the unstable carotid plaque. CONCLUSIONS Biomarkers could help to stratify patients with a vulnerable carotid plaque and to personalize the drug treatment. In this review, we briefly discuss the characteristics of vulnerable plaque and the role of biomarkers in the vulnerable carotid plaque.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Siniscalchi
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Unit, Annunziata Hospital of Cosenza, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Sean Murphy
- General Medicine, Stroke Unit, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cleona Gray
- Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Unit, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Giovambattista De Sarro
- Chair of Pharmacology, Department of Health Science, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Mater Domini University Hospital, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Luca Gallelli
- Department of Health Science, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
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17
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Good E, Ziegler M, Warntjes M, Dyverfeldt P, de Muinck E. Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assessment of the Relationships Between Fat Fraction and R2* Inside Carotid Plaques, and Circulating Lipoproteins. J Magn Reson Imaging 2021; 55:1260-1270. [PMID: 34390516 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.27890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC) and intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) are morphological features of high-risk atherosclerotic plaques. However, their relationship to circulating lipoproteins is unclear. PURPOSE To study associations between changes in lipoproteins vs. changes in LRNC (represented by fat fraction [FF]) and IPH (represented by R2*). STUDY TYPE Prospective. SUBJECTS Fifty-two patients with carotid plaques, 33 males (63.5%), mean age 72 (±5). FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE Four-point fast gradient Dixon magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to quantify FF and R2* (to measure IPH) inside plaques and in vessel wall. Turbo-spin echo was used for T1 weighted sequences to guide manual segmentation. ASSESSMENT Carotid MRI and serum lipid levels were assessed at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. For patients, lipid-lowering therapy was customized to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels below 1.8 mmol/L. Segmentation was performed with one set of regions of interest for the plaque and one for the vessel wall at the location of the plaque. Thereby MRI data for FF, R2*, and volumes in plaque- and vessel-wall segmentations could be obtained from baseline and follow-up, as well as changes over the study year. STATISTICAL TESTS Pearson correlation coefficient for correlations. Paired samples t-test for changes over time. Significance at P < 0.05, 95% confidence interval. RESULTS LDL decreased significantly (2.19-1.88 mmol/L, Z - 2.9), without correlation to changes in plaque composition, nor to the significant reduction in vessel-wall volume (-106.3 mm3 ). Plaque composition remained unchanged, FF +8.5% (P = 0.366) and R2* +3.5% (P = 0.304). Compared to plaque segmentations, R2* was significantly lower in the vessel-wall segmentations both at baseline (-9.3%) and at follow-up (-9.1%). DATA CONCLUSION The absence of correlations between changes in lipoproteins and changes in plaque composition indicates more complex relationships between these parameters than previously anticipated. The significant differences in both R2* and volume dynamics comparing plaque segmentations and vessel-wall segmentations suggest differences in their pathobiology of atherosclerosis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elin Good
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV), Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Cardiology in Linköping, and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Magnus Ziegler
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV), Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Marcel Warntjes
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV), Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,SyntheticMR AB, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Petter Dyverfeldt
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV), Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Ebo de Muinck
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Center for Medical Image Science and Visualization (CMIV), Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Cardiology in Linköping, and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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18
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Saba L, Brinjikji W, Spence JD, Wintermark M, Castillo M, Borst GJD, Yang Q, Yuan C, Buckler A, Edjlali M, Saam T, Saloner D, Lal BK, Capodanno D, Sun J, Balu N, Naylor R, Lugt AVD, Wasserman BA, Kooi ME, Wardlaw J, Gillard J, Lanzino G, Hedin U, Mikulis D, Gupta A, DeMarco JK, Hess C, Goethem JV, Hatsukami T, Rothwell P, Brown MM, Moody AR. Roadmap Consensus on Carotid Artery Plaque Imaging and Impact on Therapy Strategies and Guidelines: An International, Multispecialty, Expert Review and Position Statement. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2021; 42:1566-1575. [PMID: 34326105 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a7223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Current guidelines for primary and secondary prevention of stroke in patients with carotid atherosclerosis are based on the quantification of the degree of stenosis and symptom status. Recent publications have demonstrated that plaque morphology and composition, independent of the degree of stenosis, are important in the risk stratification of carotid atherosclerotic disease. This finding raises the question as to whether current guidelines are adequate or if they should be updated with new evidence, including imaging for plaque phenotyping, risk stratification, and clinical decision-making in addition to the degree of stenosis. To further this discussion, this roadmap consensus article defines the limits of luminal imaging and highlights the current evidence supporting the role of plaque imaging. Furthermore, we identify gaps in current knowledge and suggest steps to generate high-quality evidence, to add relevant information to guidelines currently based on the quantification of stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Saba
- From the Department of Radiology (L.S.), University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - J D Spence
- Stroke Prevention and Atherosclerosis Research Centre (J.D.S.), Robarts Research Institute, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - M Wintermark
- Department of Neuroradiology (M.W.), Stanford University and Healthcare System, Stanford, California
| | - M Castillo
- Department of Radiology (M.C.), University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - G J D Borst
- Department of Vascular Surgery (G.J.D.B.), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Q Yang
- Department of Radiology (Q.Y.), Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - C Yuan
- Departments of Radiology (C.Y., J.S., N.B.)
| | - A Buckler
- Elucid Bioimaging (A.B.), Boston, Massachusetts
| | - M Edjlali
- Department of Neuroradiology (M.E.), Université Paris-Descartes-Sorbonne-Paris-Cité, IMABRAIN-INSERM-UMR1266, DHU-Neurovasc, Centre Hospitalier Sainte-Anne, Paris, France
| | - T Saam
- Department of Radiology (T.S.), University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,Radiologisches Zentrum (T.S.), Rosenheim, Germany
| | - D Saloner
- Departments of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging (D.S., C.H.), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - B K Lal
- Department of Vascular Surgery (B.K.L.), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - D Capodanno
- Division of Cardiology (D.C.), A.O.U. Policlinico "G. Rodolico-San Marco," University of Catania, Italy
| | - J Sun
- Departments of Radiology (C.Y., J.S., N.B.)
| | - N Balu
- Departments of Radiology (C.Y., J.S., N.B.)
| | - R Naylor
- The Leicester Vascular Institute (R.N.), Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | - A V D Lugt
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (A.v.d.L.), Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - B A Wasserman
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science (B.A.W.), Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - M E Kooi
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (M.E.K.), CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - J Wardlaw
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences (J.W.), United Kingdom Dementia Research Institute and Edinburgh Imaging, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - J Gillard
- Christ's College (J.G.), Cambridge, UK
| | - G Lanzino
- Neurosurgery (G.L.) Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - U Hedin
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery (U.H.), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Vascular Surgery (U.H.), Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - D Mikulis
- Joint Department of Medical Imaging and the Functional Neuroimaging Laboratory (D.M.), University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - A Gupta
- Department of Radiology (A.G.), Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - J K DeMarco
- Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (J.K.D.), Bethesda, Maryland
| | - C Hess
- Departments of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging (D.S., C.H.), University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - J V Goethem
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences (J.V.G.), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - T Hatsukami
- Surgery (T.H.), University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - P Rothwell
- Centre for Prevention of Stroke and Dementia (P.R.), Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, UK
| | - M M Brown
- Stroke Research Centre (M.M.B.), Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, University College of London Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, UK
| | - A R Moody
- Department of Medical Imaging (A.R.M.), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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19
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AbuRahma AF, Avgerinos ED, Chang RW, Darling RC, Duncan AA, Forbes TL, Malas MB, Perler BA, Powell RJ, Rockman CB, Zhou W. The Society for Vascular Surgery implementation document for management of extracranial cerebrovascular disease. J Vasc Surg 2021; 75:26S-98S. [PMID: 34153349 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2021.04.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ali F AbuRahma
- Department of Surgery, West Virginia University-Charleston Division, Charleston, WV.
| | - Efthymios D Avgerinos
- Division of Vascular Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UPMC Hearrt & Vascular Institute, Pittsburgh, Pa
| | - Robert W Chang
- Vascular Surgery, Permanente Medical Group, San Francisco, Calif
| | | | - Audra A Duncan
- Division of Vascular & Endovascular Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thomas L Forbes
- Division of Vascular & Endovascular Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mahmoud B Malas
- Vascular & Endovascular Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, Calif
| | - Bruce Alan Perler
- Division of Vascular Surgery & Endovascular Therapy, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Md
| | | | - Caron B Rockman
- Division of Vascular Surgery, New York University Langone, New York, NY
| | - Wei Zhou
- Division of Vascular Surgery, University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz
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20
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Kim JS. Role of Blood Lipid Levels and Lipid-Lowering Therapy in Stroke Patients with Different Levels of Cerebral Artery Diseases: Reconsidering Recent Stroke Guidelines. J Stroke 2021; 23:149-161. [PMID: 34102752 PMCID: PMC8189863 DOI: 10.5853/jos.2021.01249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperlipidemia is an important risk factor for ischemic stroke; the Stroke Prevention by Aggressive Reduction in Cholesterol Level and Treat Stroke to Target studies have shown that statins are beneficial for patients with stroke and that a low target for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentration may maximize this benefit. Based on these results, recent guidelines have emphasized the application of "high-intensity statins" and "low LDL-C target" strategies in patients with stroke. However, it should be kept in mind that the role of blood lipids as a risk factor and benefit of lipid-lowering therapy are different among patients with different levels of cerebral arterial diseases. Studies have suggested that hypolipidemia, but not hyperlipidemia, is a risk factor for small vessel diseases (SVDs) such as intracerebral hemorrhages, microbleeds, white matter hyperintensities, and perhaps, lacunar infarction. Although lipid-lowering agents might benefit certain patients with SVD, high-intensity statin and low LDL-C target strategies cannot be applied. In contrast, these strategies are important in patients with extracranial atherosclerosis, such as internal carotid disease, considering ample evidence of the benefits of lipid-lowering agents. Imaging studies have shown that statins stabilize vulnerable plaques in these patients. Although lipid-lowering agents are likely to benefit patients with intracranial atherosclerosis, the degree of their benefit and appropriate target LDL-C level for these patients remain unclear. More studies are needed to elucidate the appropriate lipid-modifying strategies in patients with stroke with different levels of cerebral artery disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong S Kim
- Department of Neurology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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21
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Xian JZ, Lu M, Fong F, Qiao R, Patel NR, Abeydeera D, Iriana S, Demer LL, Tintut Y. Statin Effects on Vascular Calcification: Microarchitectural Changes in Aortic Calcium Deposits in Aged Hyperlipidemic Mice. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2021; 41:e185-e192. [PMID: 33472400 PMCID: PMC7990692 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.120.315737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Zhaojun Xian
- Department of Medicine (J.Z.X., M.L., F.F., R.Q., N.R.P., D.A., S.I., L.L.D., Y.T.), University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Mimi Lu
- Department of Medicine (J.Z.X., M.L., F.F., R.Q., N.R.P., D.A., S.I., L.L.D., Y.T.), University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Felicia Fong
- Department of Medicine (J.Z.X., M.L., F.F., R.Q., N.R.P., D.A., S.I., L.L.D., Y.T.), University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Rong Qiao
- Department of Medicine (J.Z.X., M.L., F.F., R.Q., N.R.P., D.A., S.I., L.L.D., Y.T.), University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Nikhil Rajesh Patel
- Department of Medicine (J.Z.X., M.L., F.F., R.Q., N.R.P., D.A., S.I., L.L.D., Y.T.), University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Dishan Abeydeera
- Department of Medicine (J.Z.X., M.L., F.F., R.Q., N.R.P., D.A., S.I., L.L.D., Y.T.), University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Sidney Iriana
- Department of Medicine (J.Z.X., M.L., F.F., R.Q., N.R.P., D.A., S.I., L.L.D., Y.T.), University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Linda L Demer
- Department of Medicine (J.Z.X., M.L., F.F., R.Q., N.R.P., D.A., S.I., L.L.D., Y.T.), University of California, Los Angeles
- Department of Bioengineering (L.L.D.), University of California, Los Angeles
- Department of Physiology (L.L.D., Y.T.), University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Yin Tintut
- Department of Medicine (J.Z.X., M.L., F.F., R.Q., N.R.P., D.A., S.I., L.L.D., Y.T.), University of California, Los Angeles
- Department of Physiology (L.L.D., Y.T.), University of California, Los Angeles
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (Y.T.), University of California, Los Angeles
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22
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Kim HO, Kim CJ, Cho JM, Soeda T, Kurihara O, Russo M, Araki M, Lee H, Minami Y, Jang IK. Characteristics of non-culprit plaques in acute coronary syndrome patients with calcified plaque at the culprit lesion. Catheter Cardiovasc Interv 2021; 97:E298-E305. [PMID: 32463983 DOI: 10.1002/ccd.29005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the non-culprit plaques (NCPs) characteristics in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with calcified plaques (CP). BACKGROUND Recently, a new in vivo classification of calcified culprit plaques in patients with ACS was proposed. Characteristics of NCPs in this group of patients are unknown. METHODS A total of 692 NCPs from 492 ACS patients were retrospectively compared based on the culprit plaque phenotype: 71 from CP patients, 383 from plaque rupture (PR) patients, 238 from plaque erosion (PE) patients. RESULTS NCPs of CP patients had greater maximal calcium thickness, wider calcium arc, longer calcium length, and greater calcium index, compared to PR or PE patients (CP vs. PR: all p < .001, CP vs. PE: all p < .001). Thin-cap fibroatheroma was less prevalent (p = .023), fibrous cap was thicker (p = .035), and mean lipid arc was narrower in CP than in PR (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, NCPs of CP patients had greater calcium burden and less vulnerability. This information may help to better understand the underlying mechanisms of ACS and to develop strategy for tailored management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyung Oh Kim
- Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chong Jin Kim
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jin-Man Cho
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Tsunenari Soeda
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Osamu Kurihara
- Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michele Russo
- Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Makoto Araki
- Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hang Lee
- Division of Biostatistics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yoshiyasu Minami
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Ik-Kyung Jang
- Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
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23
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Kassem M, Florea A, Mottaghy FM, van Oostenbrugge R, Kooi ME. Magnetic resonance imaging of carotid plaques: current status and clinical perspectives. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1266. [PMID: 33178798 PMCID: PMC7607136 DOI: 10.21037/atm-2020-cass-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Rupture of a vulnerable carotid plaque is one of the leading causes of stroke. Carotid magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is able to visualize all the main hallmarks of plaque vulnerability. Various MRI sequences have been developed in the last two decades to quantify carotid plaque burden and composition. Often, a combination of multiple sequences is used. These MRI techniques have been extensively validated with histological analysis of carotid endarterectomy specimens. High agreement between the MRI and histological measures of plaque burden, intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH), lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC), fibrous cap (FC) status, inflammation and neovascularization has been demonstrated. Novel MRI sequences allow to generate three-dimensional isotropic images with a large longitudinal coverage. Other new sequences can acquire multiple contrasts using a single sequence leading to a tremendous reduction in scan time. IPH can be easily identified as a hyperintense signal in the bulk of the plaque on strongly T1-weighted images, such as magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition gradient echo images, acquired within a few minutes with a standard neurovascular coil. Carotid MRI can also be used to evaluate treatment effects. Several meta-analyses have demonstrated a strong predictive value of IPH, LRNC, thinning or rupture of the FC for ischemic cerebrovascular events. Recently, in a large meta-analysis based on individual patient data of asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals with carotid artery stenosis, it was shown that IPH on MRI is an independent risk predictor for stroke, stronger than any known clinical risk parameter. Expert recommendations on carotid plaque MRI protocols have recently been described in a white paper. The present review provides an overview of the current status and applications of carotid plaque MR imaging and its future potential in daily clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Kassem
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Alexandru Florea
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Felix M Mottaghy
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Robert van Oostenbrugge
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, MUMC+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - M Eline Kooi
- CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), Maastricht, The Netherlands
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24
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MicroRNAs as sentinels and protagonists of carotid artery thromboembolism. Clin Sci (Lond) 2020; 134:169-192. [PMID: 31971230 DOI: 10.1042/cs20190651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Stroke is the leading cause of serious disability in the world and a large number of ischemic strokes are due to thromboembolism from unstable carotid artery atherosclerotic plaque. As it is difficult to predict plaque rupture and surgical treatment of asymptomatic disease carries a risk of stroke, carotid disease continues to present major challenges with regard to clinical decision-making and revascularization. There is therefore an imminent need to better understand the molecular mechanisms governing plaque instability and rupture, as this would allow for the development of biomarkers to identify at-risk asymptomatic carotid plaque prior to disease progression and stroke. Further, it would aid in creation of therapeutics to stabilize carotid plaque. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated as key protagonists in various stages of atherosclerotic plaque initiation, development and rupture. Notably, they appear to play a crucial role in carotid artery thromboembolism. As the molecular pathways governing the role of miRNAs are being uncovered, we are learning that their involvement is complex, tissue- and stage-specific, and highly selective. Notably, miRNAs can be packaged and secreted in extracellular vesicles (EVs), where they participate in cell-cell communication. The measurement of EV-encapsulated miRNAs in the circulation may inform disease mechanisms occurring in the plaque itself, and therefore may serve as sentinels of unstable plaque as well as therapeutic targets.
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25
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Aradine E, Hou Y, Cronin CA, Chaturvedi S. Current Status of Dyslipidemia Treatment for Stroke Prevention. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 2020; 20:31. [DOI: 10.1007/s11910-020-01052-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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26
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Ikram MA, Brusselle G, Ghanbari M, Goedegebure A, Ikram MK, Kavousi M, Kieboom BCT, Klaver CCW, de Knegt RJ, Luik AI, Nijsten TEC, Peeters RP, van Rooij FJA, Stricker BH, Uitterlinden AG, Vernooij MW, Voortman T. Objectives, design and main findings until 2020 from the Rotterdam Study. Eur J Epidemiol 2020; 35:483-517. [PMID: 32367290 PMCID: PMC7250962 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-020-00640-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 304] [Impact Index Per Article: 76.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The Rotterdam Study is an ongoing prospective cohort study that started in 1990 in the city of Rotterdam, The Netherlands. The study aims to unravel etiology, preclinical course, natural history and potential targets for intervention for chronic diseases in mid-life and late-life. The study focuses on cardiovascular, endocrine, hepatic, neurological, ophthalmic, psychiatric, dermatological, otolaryngological, locomotor, and respiratory diseases. As of 2008, 14,926 subjects aged 45 years or over comprise the Rotterdam Study cohort. Since 2016, the cohort is being expanded by persons aged 40 years and over. The findings of the Rotterdam Study have been presented in over 1700 research articles and reports. This article provides an update on the rationale and design of the study. It also presents a summary of the major findings from the preceding 3 years and outlines developments for the coming period.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Arfan Ikram
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Guy Brusselle
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mohsen Ghanbari
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - André Goedegebure
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M Kamran Ikram
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maryam Kavousi
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Brenda C T Kieboom
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline C W Klaver
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert J de Knegt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annemarie I Luik
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tamar E C Nijsten
- Department of Dermatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robin P Peeters
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank J A van Rooij
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bruno H Stricker
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - André G Uitterlinden
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Meike W Vernooij
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Trudy Voortman
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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27
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Mujaj B, Bos D, Kavousi M, van der Lugt A, Staessen JA, Franco OH, Vernooij MW. Serum insulin levels are associated with vulnerable plaque components in the carotid artery: the Rotterdam Study. Eur J Endocrinol 2020; 182:343-350. [PMID: 31958313 PMCID: PMC7087499 DOI: 10.1530/eje-19-0620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate the association between fasting serum insulin and glucose levels with atherosclerotic plaque composition in the carotid artery. Impaired insulin and glucose levels are implicated in the etiology of cardiovascular disease; however, their influence on the formation and composition of atherosclerotic plaque remains unclear. METHODS In 1740 participants (mean age 72.9 years, 46% women, 14.4% diabetes mellitus) from the population-based Rotterdam Study, we performed carotid MRI to evaluate the presence of calcification, lipid core, and intraplaque hemorrhage in carotid atherosclerosis. All participants also underwent blood sampling to obtain information on serum insulin and glucose levels. Using logistic regression models, we assessed the association of serum insulin and glucose levels (per s.d. and in tertiles) with the different plaque components, while adjusting for sex, age, intima-media thickness, and cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS Serum insulin levels were associated with the presence of intraplaque hemorrhage (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 1.42 (95% CI: 1.12-1.7)) We found no association with the presence of calcification or lipid core. Sensitivity analyses restricted to individuals without diabetes mellitus yielded similar results. No associations were found between serum glucose levels and any of the plaque components. CONCLUSIONS Serum insulin levels are associated with the presence of vulnerable components of carotid plaque, specifically with intraplaque hemorrhage. These findings suggest a complex role for serum insulin in the pathophysiology of carotid atherosclerosis and in plaque vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blerim Mujaj
- Departments of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Studies Coordinating Centre, Research Unit Hypertension and Cardiovascular Epidemiology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Daniel Bos
- Departments of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Correspondence should be addressed to D Bos;
| | - Maryam Kavousi
- Departments of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aad van der Lugt
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan A Staessen
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Studies Coordinating Centre, Research Unit Hypertension and Cardiovascular Epidemiology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Oscar H Franco
- Departments of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Meike W Vernooij
- Departments of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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28
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Hajhosseiny R, Bahaei TS, Prieto C, Botnar RM. Molecular and Nonmolecular Magnetic Resonance Coronary and Carotid Imaging. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2020; 39:569-582. [PMID: 30760017 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.118.311754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Over the past 2 decades, increasing research attention is converging on the early detection and monitoring of atherosclerotic plaque. Among several invasive and noninvasive imaging modalities, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is emerging as a promising option. Advantages include its versatility, excellent soft tissue contrast for plaque characterization and lack of ionizing radiation. In this review, we will explore the recent advances in multicontrast and multiparametric imaging sequences that are bringing the aspiration of simultaneous arterial lumen, vessel wall, and plaque characterization closer to clinical feasibility. We also discuss the latest advances in molecular magnetic resonance and multimodal atherosclerosis imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Hajhosseiny
- From the School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom (R.H., T.S.B., C.P., R.M.B.).,National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, United Kingdom (R.H.)
| | - Tamanna S Bahaei
- From the School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom (R.H., T.S.B., C.P., R.M.B.)
| | - Claudia Prieto
- From the School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom (R.H., T.S.B., C.P., R.M.B.).,Escuela de Ingeniería, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile (C.P., R.M.B.)
| | - René M Botnar
- From the School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, United Kingdom (R.H., T.S.B., C.P., R.M.B.).,Escuela de Ingeniería, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Santiago, Chile (C.P., R.M.B.)
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The goal of this paper is to provide the reader with a review of the evidence supporting the surgical and medical management of patients with asymptomatic internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis. RECENT FINDINGS Based on the results of earlier clinical trials, surgical intervention with carotid endarterectomy (CEA) has long been the preferred method of management for patients with asymptomatic severe carotid stenosis. Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is another less invasive surgical option that has similar outcomes over the long-term. However, more recent improvements in medical management have reduced the risk of stroke in this population to comparable rates seen with CEA. As a result, medical management alone is advocated as well for patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis. In addition to stenosis severity, there are a number of features of plaque morphology associated with vulnerable plaque that predict future stroke risk. Rates of stroke in patients with asymptomatic severe carotid stenosis with modern surgical techniques, CEA and CAS, are similar to modern medical therapy alone. Both surgery and medical therapy are good treatment options but it is not known which treatment is superior. The Carotid Revascularization and Medical Management for Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis Trial (CREST-2), an NIH-sponsored, multicenter, randomized trial that aims to answer this important management decision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Silverman
- Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
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30
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Coronary artery calcification: recent developments in our understanding of its pathologic and clinical significance. Curr Opin Cardiol 2019; 33:645-652. [PMID: 30307412 DOI: 10.1097/hco.0000000000000558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Prior investigations have shown the close association between coronary artery calcification (CAC) and total atherosclerotic plaque burden as well as the risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. However, recent pathologic and imaging-based studies suggested that massive dense calcifications are usually associated with stable plaque; whereas, micro calcifications, especially in the thin fibrous cap, are related to vulnerable characteristics. Further, the molecular mechanisms for initiation/progression of vascular calcification are highly complex and still need to be elucidated. In this manuscript, we discuss recent advancement in our understanding of CAC from the basic, pathologic, and clinical perspectives. RECENT FINDINGS Research on the relationship between genetic polymorphisms and CAC has been growing and may potentially lead to future precision-based medicine. In basic research field, more attention has been focused on the relationship between inflammation and vascular calcification. Large-scale imaging based studies support the association between statin and calcification progression, maybe one of the ways by which statins prevent cardiovascular events. Nevertheless, the mechanism responsible for this effect is still not fully understood. Optical coherence tomography has improved resolution to detect CAC over traditional CT and may be especially promising for the detection of calcified nodules. SUMMARY A better understanding of CAC in all of its forms will advance our understanding of its natural history of atherosclerosis. More work is needed to understand the basic molecular mechanisms responsible for the initiation/progression of CAC, which may eventually lead to the development of effective treatments for atherosclerosis.
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Saba L, Saam T, Jäger HR, Yuan C, Hatsukami TS, Saloner D, Wasserman BA, Bonati LH, Wintermark M. Imaging biomarkers of vulnerable carotid plaques for stroke risk prediction and their potential clinical implications. Lancet Neurol 2019; 18:559-572. [PMID: 30954372 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(19)30035-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 270] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Stroke represents a massive public health problem. Carotid atherosclerosis plays a fundamental part in the occurence of ischaemic stroke. European and US guidelines for prevention of stroke in patients with carotid plaques are based on quantification of the percentage reduction in luminal diameter due to the atherosclerotic process to select the best therapeutic approach. However, better strategies for prevention of stroke are needed because some subtypes of carotid plaques (eg, vulnerable plaques) can predict the occurrence of stroke independent of the degree of stenosis. Advances in imaging techniques have enabled routine characterisation and detection of the features of carotid plaque vulnerability. Intraplaque haemorrhage is accepted by neurologists and radiologists as one of the features of vulnerable plaques, but other characteristics-eg, plaque volume, neovascularisation, and inflammation-are promising as biomarkers of carotid plaque vulnerability. These biomarkers could change current management strategies based merely on the degree of stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Saba
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Tobias Saam
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany; Radiologisches Zentrum Rosenheim, Rosenheim, Germany
| | - H Rolf Jäger
- Neuroradiological Academic Unit, Department of Brain Repair and Rehabilitation, University College London Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Chun Yuan
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - David Saloner
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Bruce A Wasserman
- The Russell H Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Leo H Bonati
- Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, Department of Clinical Research, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Max Wintermark
- Department of Radiology, Neuroradiology Division, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
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32
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Mazzone A, Clemente A, Chiappino D, Berti S, Vassalle C. Double Face of Statins at the Crossroad of Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaque and Aortic Valve Calcification? JACC Cardiovasc Imaging 2018; 11:1930-1931. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmg.2018.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Tintut Y, Hsu JJ, Demer LL. Lipoproteins in Cardiovascular Calcification: Potential Targets and Challenges. Front Cardiovasc Med 2018; 5:172. [PMID: 30533416 PMCID: PMC6265366 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2018.00172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously considered a degenerative process, cardiovascular calcification is now established as an active process that is regulated in several ways by lipids, phospholipids, and lipoproteins. These compounds serve many of the same functions in vascular and valvular calcification as they do in skeletal bone calcification. Hyperlipidemia leads to accumulation of lipoproteins in the subendothelial space of cardiovascular tissues, which leads to formation of mildly oxidized phospholipids, which are known bioactive factors in vascular cell calcification. One lipoprotein of particular interest is Lp(a), which showed genome-wide significance for the presence of aortic valve calcification and stenosis. It carries an important enzyme, autotaxin, which produces lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), and thus has a key role in inflammation among other functions. Matrix vesicles, extruded from the plasma membrane of cells, are the sites of initiation of mineral formation. Phosphatidylserine, a phospholipid in the membranes of matrix vesicles, is believed to complex with calcium and phosphate ions, creating a nidus for hydroxyapatite crystal formation in cardiovascular as well as in skeletal bone mineralization. This review focuses on the contributions of lipids, phospholipids, lipoproteins, and autotaxin in cardiovascular calcification, and discusses possible therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Tintut
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Department of Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Jeffrey J Hsu
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Linda L Demer
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Department of Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Du X, Zhang S, Liu L. Statin therapy contributes to plaque-stability by increasing the presence of calcification of plaque. Int J Cardiol 2018; 271:24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2018.04.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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