Related Experiment Videos

Atorvastatin and thrombogenicity of the carotid atherosclerotic plaque: the ATROCAP study

Michele Cortellaro1, Elisabetta Cofrancesco, Eloisa Arbustini

  • 1University of Milan, Italy. centrorc@mailserver.unimi.it

Thrombosis and Haemostasis
|August 3, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Atorvastatin significantly reduced the thrombogenicity of carotid plaques by lowering inflammatory markers and tissue factor activity. This suggests statins may offer protective benefits against cerebrovascular events.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Statins are known to stabilize fibrous caps in atherosclerotic plaques.
  • The impact of statins on plaque thrombogenicity remains largely unreported.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effect of atorvastatin on the thrombogenicity of human carotid plaques.
  • To assess changes in inflammatory and thrombotic markers before and after atorvastatin treatment.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving 59 patients with bilateral carotid stenosis undergoing carotid endoarterectomy (CEA).
  • Patients were assigned to atorvastatin (20 mg/day) or placebo.
  • Histological, immunohistochemical analyses, Tissue Factor (TF) and TF Pathway Inhibitor (TFPI) antigen (Ag) levels, and TF activity were measured in plaque specimens.

Main Results:

  • After placebo, TF and TFPI antigen levels increased in plaques from the second CEA compared to the first.
  • Atorvastatin treatment led to lower macrophage content, TF and TFPI antigen levels, and TF activity in plaques compared to placebo.
  • Specific reductions observed: TF antigen (29%), TFPI antigen (18%), and TF activity (56%) with atorvastatin.

Conclusions:

  • Atorvastatin effectively reduces the inflammatory and thrombotic phenotype of carotid plaques.
  • These findings support a potential beneficial role of statins in preventing cerebrovascular events.

Related Concept Videos

Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors01:20

Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors

Antiplatelet drugs emerge as frontline defenders against the insidious threat of thromboembolic diseases, where abnormal clots obstruct vital blood vessels. These drugs stand as bulwarks, inhibiting platelet aggregation and clot formation, thereby mitigating the risk of life-threatening conditions like myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, and thrombotic strokes.
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, exemplified by the widely known aspirin, wield their power by irreversibly acetylating...
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT01:25

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT

Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...
Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents01:20

Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents

Hyperlipidemia, a medical condition often referred to as high cholesterol, is characterized by abnormally elevated levels of lipids in the bloodstream. When present in excess, these lipids, specifically cholesterol and triglycerides, can lead to serious health complications, often involving cardiovascular diseases. Illnesses like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and pancreatitis have all been linked to untreated hyperlipidemia. This means controlling and regulating cholesterol and triglyceride...