Elastin- and Collagen-Rich Human Carotid Plaques Have Increased Levels of the Cysteine Protease Inhibitor Cystatin C.

Summary, in English

Background: Cystatin C is a major inhibitor of the elastin- and collagen-degrading cysteine proteases and may therefore have an important role in preserving atherosclerotic plaque stability. In this study we analyzed the associations between human carotid plaque cystatin C expression and the plaque content of collagen and elastin. Methods: Thirty-one plaques were removed by endarterectomy and homogenized. Cystatin C levels were analyzed by densitometry of Western blots and elastin and collagen levels were determined colorimetrically. Results: The plaque content of cystatin C correlated with total elastin (r = 0.58, p = 0.001) and collagen (r = 0.50, p = 0.004), as well as with cross-linked forms of elastin (r = 0.42, p = 0.022) and collagen (r = 0.52, p = 0.003). Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that cystatin C colocalized with elastin and collagen. No correlation was seen between cystatin C and the amount of degraded elastin or collagen in plaques. Conclusion: The positive correlation between cystatin C levels and collagen and elastin levels in plaques supports the notion that cystatin C plays an important role in maintaining atherosclerotic plaque stability. Copyright (c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.

• Author: Isabel Goncalves; Mikko P S Ares; Anna Moberg; Jonatan Moses; Fong To; Jonathan Montan; Luís M Pedro; Nuno Dias; José Fernandes E Fernandes; Gunilla Nordin Fredrikson; Jan Nilsson; Stefan Jovinge; Eva Bengtsson
• Department/s: Cardiovascular Research - Translational Studies; Cardiovascular Research - Immunity and Atherosclerosis; Vascular Diseases - Clinical Research; Stem Cell Center
• Publishing year: 2008
• Language: English
• Pages: 395-401
• Publication/Series: Journal of Vascular Research
• Volume: 45
• Issue: 5
• Links: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18376131?dopt=Abstract; http://dx.doi.org/10.1159/000121474
• Document type: Journal article
• Publisher: Karger
• Topic: Cardiac and Cardiovascular Systems
• Status: Published
• Research group: Cardiovascular Research - Translational Studies; Cardiovascular Research - Immunity and Atherosclerosis; Vascular Diseases - Clinical Research
• ISBN/ISSN/Other: ISSN: 1423-0135