Selected endothelial markers in atherosclerotic plaques and plasma of patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy

Abstract

Background. In spite of many experimental and clinical examinations, the composition of atherosclerotic plaques is not quite known. The aim of our study was to determine the concentration of selected endothelial cell markers: thrombomodulin (TM), endothelin (ET) and selectins E and P (sel E, P) in extracts of carotid bifurcation plaques and in plasma.
Material and methods. Thirty-eight patients (20 symptomatic, 18 asymptomatic) undergoing carotid endarterectomy were enrolled in this study. The concentration of selected endothelial cell factors in extracts of carotid plaques and plasma was measured with enzyme immunoassay (ELISA). The concentration of these factors was calculated per mg of protein (mg/P).
Results. In extracts of carotid plaques, a much higher concentration of TM, ET and sel. E and P was observed than in patient’s plasma. The concentration of examined parameters in plaques was uninfluenced by sex, age, arterial hypertension, the degree of arterial stenosis, hyperlipidemia and smoking. Only diabetes increased its level in plaques.
Conclusions: All evaluated factors TM, ET, sel. E and P are the components of the carotid plaque. Its concentrations are much higher in plaques than in plasma. Therefore, they take part in the pathogenesis of carotid plaque formation and arterial stenosis.