Basic fibroblast growth factor mediates carotid plaque instability through metalloproteinase-2 and -9 expression

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Biomedical Science
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Carotid plaque instability is a significant risk factor for stroke.
• The role of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in modulating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) within carotid plaques remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential role of bFGF in carotid plaque instability.
• To determine if bFGF regulates the expression and activity of MMPs in carotid plaques.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of carotid endarterectomy specimens from 40 patients, classified as soft or hard plaques.
• Measurement of serum bFGF, MMP-2, and MMP-9 levels pre- and post-operatively.
• In vitro studies using human umbilical artery smooth muscle cells (HUASMC) to assess bFGF's influence on MMP activity, production, and expression.

Main Results:

• Soft plaques exhibited significantly higher preoperative serum bFGF levels compared to hard plaques.
• Elevated serum levels and increased activity, production, and expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 were observed in patients with soft plaques.
• In vitro experiments confirmed that bFGF directly influences the activity, production, and expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in HUASMC.

Conclusions:

• Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) plays a crucial role in carotid plaque instability.
• bFGF appears to regulate the activity, production, and expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).
• This regulation by bFGF disrupts the normal physiological balance within carotid plaques, contributing to instability.