Background: this study aims to investigate the possible association among the histopathologic features of carotid plaque instability, the presence of micro- or macrocalcifications, the expression of in situ inflammatory biomarkers, and the occurrence of the major risk factors in this process in a large series of carotid plaques. Methods: a total of 687 carotid plaques from symptomatic and asymptomatic patients were collected. Histological evaluation was performed to classify the calcium deposits in micro or macrocalcifications according to their morphological features (location and size). Immunohistochemistry was performed to study the expression of the main inflammatory biomarkers. Results: results here reported demonstrated that calcifications are very frequent in carotid plaques, with a significant difference between the presence of micro- and macrocalcifications. Specifically, microcalcifications were significantly associated to high inflamed unstable plaques. Paradoxically, macrocalcifications seem to stabilize the plaque and are associated to a M2 macrophage polarization instead. Discussion: the characterization of mechanisms involved in the formation of carotid calcifications can lay the foundation for developing new strategies for the management of patients affected by carotid atherosclerosis. Data of this study could provide key elements for an exhaustive evaluation of carotid plaque calcifications allowing to establish the risk of associated clinical events.

Montanaro, M., Scimeca, M., Anemona, L., Servadei, F., Giacobbi, E., Bonfiglio, R., et al. (2021). The paradox effect of calcification in carotid atherosclerosis: microcalcification is correlated with plaque instability. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES, 22(1) [10.3390/ijms22010395].

The paradox effect of calcification in carotid atherosclerosis: microcalcification is correlated with plaque instability

Montanaro, M;Scimeca, M;Anemona, L;Servadei, F;Giacobbi, E;Bonfiglio, R;Bonanno, E;Ippoliti, A;Schillaci, O;Mauriello, A
2021-01-01

Abstract

Background: this study aims to investigate the possible association among the histopathologic features of carotid plaque instability, the presence of micro- or macrocalcifications, the expression of in situ inflammatory biomarkers, and the occurrence of the major risk factors in this process in a large series of carotid plaques. Methods: a total of 687 carotid plaques from symptomatic and asymptomatic patients were collected. Histological evaluation was performed to classify the calcium deposits in micro or macrocalcifications according to their morphological features (location and size). Immunohistochemistry was performed to study the expression of the main inflammatory biomarkers. Results: results here reported demonstrated that calcifications are very frequent in carotid plaques, with a significant difference between the presence of micro- and macrocalcifications. Specifically, microcalcifications were significantly associated to high inflamed unstable plaques. Paradoxically, macrocalcifications seem to stabilize the plaque and are associated to a M2 macrophage polarization instead. Discussion: the characterization of mechanisms involved in the formation of carotid calcifications can lay the foundation for developing new strategies for the management of patients affected by carotid atherosclerosis. Data of this study could provide key elements for an exhaustive evaluation of carotid plaque calcifications allowing to establish the risk of associated clinical events.
2021
Pubblicato
Rilevanza internazionale
Articolo
Esperti anonimi
Settore MED/22
Settore MED/08
Settore MED/46
Settore MEDS-13/B - Chirurgia vascolare
Settore MEDS-04/A - Anatomia patologica
Settore MEDS-26/A - Scienze tecniche di medicina di laboratorio
English
plaque instability; microcalcification; macrophage polarization; macrocalcification; inflammatory biomarkers; carotid plaque; atherosclerosis; vascular calcification; inflammation; risk factors; plaque, atherosclerotic; middle aged; male; macrophages; immunohistochemistry; humans; female; carotid artery diseases; carotid arteries; biomarkers; aged; plaque instability; microcalcification; macrophage polarization; macrocalcification; inflammatory biomarkers; carotid plaque; atherosclerosis
Montanaro, M., Scimeca, M., Anemona, L., Servadei, F., Giacobbi, E., Bonfiglio, R., et al. (2021). The paradox effect of calcification in carotid atherosclerosis: microcalcification is correlated with plaque instability. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES, 22(1) [10.3390/ijms22010395].
Montanaro, M; Scimeca, M; Anemona, L; Servadei, F; Giacobbi, E; Bonfiglio, R; Bonanno, E; Urbano, N; Ippoliti, A; Santeusanio, G; Schillaci, O; Maurie...espandi
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/2108/296919
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