The effects of CRP and PlGF expression on plaque stability in human carotid atherosclerosis

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of C-reactive protein (CRP) or placenta growth factor (PIGF) on atherosclerotic plaque stability. Methods: Fifty-five patients were recruited from among individuals who underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in the Vascular Surgery department of the Fifth Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2008 to June 2009. The patients were divided into symptomatic and asymptomatic groups. Symptomatic patients were stratified according to the transient ischemic attack (TIA) frequency within six months: level I (1-2), level II (3-5), or level III (6 or more). CRP and PlGF expression were assayed and analyzed to determine whether they were associated with plaque stability. Results: No significant differences were found in CRP expression between the two groups, but PlGF expression in asymptomatic patients was lower in symptomatic patients. PlGF expression in asymptomatic patients was found to be positively related with TIA frequency, suggesting that lowering the PlGF level may represent an effective strategy to stabilize atherosclerotic plaques. [Life Science Journal 2010;7(3):58-63]. (ISSN: 1097-8135).