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Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Induction of Atherosclerotic Plaques Through Activation of Mineralocorticoid Receptors in Apolipoprotein E-deficient Mice
Published on: September 26, 2018
Adiponectin and vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques.
Ailin Barseghian1, Dipika Gawande, Mandeep Bajaj
1University of California, Irvine, California, USA.
Vulnerable plaque rupture in coronary artery disease is linked to specific features and low adiponectin levels. Adiponectin may play a role in the inflammatory processes driving atherosclerosis progression.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Pathology
Background:
- High-risk plaques prone to rupture exhibit distinct morphology: large necrotic cores, thin fibrous caps, and positive remodeling.
- Stable coronary artery disease lesions differ morphologically from rupture-prone plaques.
- Adiponectin, an adipocytokine, is decreased in obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of adiponectin in coronary artery disease progression.
- To investigate the association between hypoadiponectinemia and increased risk of coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Morphological analysis of coronary plaques.
- Assessment of adiponectin levels in patients with coronary artery disease.
- Correlation analysis between adiponectin levels, plaque characteristics, and clinical outcomes.
Main Results:
- Distinct morphological features characterize high-risk, rupture-vulnerable plaques.
- Hypoadiponectinemia is associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease and acute coronary syndrome in some studies.
- Adiponectin levels correlate with inflammatory and atherogenic mechanisms in pathological coronary disease.
Conclusions:
- Adiponectin levels offer insights into the inflammatory and atherogenic pathways of coronary atherosclerosis.
- Understanding adiponectin's role may elucidate mechanisms underlying vulnerable plaque formation and rupture.
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Atherosclerosis I: Introduction
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests
Atherosclerosis III: Management
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