Plasma Ceramides in Relation to Coronary Plaque Characterization Determined by Optical Coherence Tomography

Plasma ceramides (Cer), a subset of bioactive lipids, have mechanistic links to development of atherosclerosis and are related to major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Previous researches have demonstrated vulnerable plaques contribute to acute cardiovascular events and poor prognosis. This study aimed to explore the associations between Cer and culprit plaque characterizations evaluated by optical coherence tomography (OCT). It was found that plasma Cer are associated with culprit plaque vulnerability evaluated by OCT, providing evidence supporting proatherogenic roles and potential to act as markers for plaque vulnerability of Cer. Graphical Abstract With increasing plasma ceramide levels, the prevalence of thin-cap fibroatheroma (TCFA) and plaque rupture (PR) is higher, that is, culprit plaques are more vulnerable.