Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic strategies of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques

Abstract

Vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque rupture leading to thrombosis is the major cause of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Studies on the pathophysiologic mechanism of both ACS and plaque stabilizing treatment are driving the development of animal models of vulnerable plaque. In our laboratory, we established animal models of plaque rupture and thrombosis in rabbits and mice that are similar to human plaque rupture. Potential mechanisms involved in plaque vulnerability were studied from the inflammation-immunity, proliferation-apoptosis, oxidative stress and biomechanics aspects. Imaging markers and biomarkers were used to detect vulnerable plaques, including high frequency duplex ultrasound, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), intravascular ultrasound elastography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and inflammatory markers. Effective gene and drug strategies to treat vulnerable plaques were explored.

Keywords

vulnerable plaque / animal models / mechani-sm / detection / treatment