Monocyte-Chemoattractant Protein-1 Levels in Human Atherosclerotic Lesions Associate With Plaque Vulnerability

Objective: To determine whether MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein 1) levels in human atherosclerotic plaques associate with plaque vulnerability features. Approach and Results: We measured samples from 1199 patients the Athero-EXPRESS Biobank who underwent endarterectomy for treatment of carotid stenosis. explored associations histopathologic molecular features vulnerability, clinical manifestations, vascular events up to 3 years after endarterectomy. Following adjustments age, sex, risk factors, were associated markers (large lipid core, low collagen content, high macrophage burden, smooth muscle cell intraplaque hemorrhage) a composite index (range 0–5, ? per SD increment MCP-1, 0.42 [95% CI, 0.30–0.53], P =5.4×10 ?13 ). further found significant higher other chemokines proinflammatory molecules neovascularization matrix turnover. When exploring instability, among individuals symptomatic as compared those asymptomatic (odds ratio 1.36 1.09–1.69]). periprocedural major adverse strokes occurring first 30 days removal. Conclusions: Higher are histopathologic, molecular, hallmarks undergoing Our findings highlight role instability humans complement previous epidemiological, genetic, experimental studies supporting translational perspective targeting signaling atherosclerosis.