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Apopotic gene Bax expression in carotid plaque
Bao-Zhong Men1, Ding-Biao Zhou, Huai-Yin Shi
1Department of Neurosurgery, Department of Pathology, the General Hospital of PLA, Beijing 100853, China;
Neuroscience Bulletin
|August 9, 2007
Summary
Higher BAX protein expression in vulnerable carotid plaques suggests a role in atherosclerosis progression. This finding may offer new therapeutic targets for preventing stroke by regulating BAX in carotid atherosclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Molecular Pathology
- Atherosclerosis Research
Background:
- The role of BAX protein expression in carotid atherosclerosis remains unclear.
- Understanding BAX regulation is crucial for defining its impact on plaque stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate BAX expression in stable/fibrous versus unstable/vulnerable carotid plaques.
- To determine the clinical significance of BAX expression in carotid atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Carotid plaque specimens from endarterectomy (stable/fibrous and vulnerable) and healthy aortic tissue were analyzed.
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC), in situ hybridization (ISH), and TUNEL assays were used to detect BAX expression.
Main Results:
- BAX expression was significantly higher in vulnerable carotid plaques compared to stable/fibrous plaques (P < 0.05 for IHC, P < 0.01 for ISH and TUNEL).
- BAX expression intensity was markedly elevated in vulnerable plaques.
- No BAX expression was detected in the control group.
Conclusions:
- Elevated BAX expression in vulnerable carotid plaques may contribute to atherosclerosis pathogenesis and plaque instability.
- BAX may play a role in the increased stroke incidence associated with vulnerable plaques.
- Targeting BAX expression regulation could offer novel therapeutic strategies for carotid atherosclerosis.
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