Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 21, 2025

Coronary Progenitor Cells and Soluble Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Prognosis after Coronary Angioplasty
10:03

Coronary Progenitor Cells and Soluble Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Prognosis after Coronary Angioplasty

Published on: January 28, 2020

5.7K

Relationship between elevated plasma ceramides and plaque rupture in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial

Weili Pan1, Meng Sun1, Jianjun Wu1

  • 1Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Province, Heilongjiang, China; The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, Province, Heilongjiang, China.

Atherosclerosis
|May 11, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Higher plasma ceramide levels are linked to plaque rupture in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. These ceramides may serve as biomarkers for plaque rupture, aiding in risk stratification.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Biochemistry
  • Biomarker Discovery

Background:

  • Ceramides (Cer) are implicated in atherosclerosis.
  • The relationship between specific plasma ceramide levels and culprit plaque morphology in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between plasma ceramide levels and culprit plaque morphology in STEMI patients.
  • To determine if plasma ceramides can serve as biomarkers for plaque rupture (PR) versus plaque erosion (PE).

Main Methods:

  • Two cohorts of STEMI patients were analyzed.
  • Plasma ceramide levels were measured using RRLC-Q-TOF/MS.
  • Culprit plaque morphology was assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and classified as plaque rupture (PR) or plaque erosion (PE).

Main Results:

  • STEMI patients exhibited higher plasma levels of specific ceramides (Cer(d18:1/16:0), Cer(d18:1/18:0), Cer(d18:1/24:1), Cer(d18:1/24:0)) compared to normal donors and stable angina patients.
  • Significantly elevated plasma ceramide levels were observed in STEMI patients with PR compared to those with PE.
  • The frequency of PR increased with higher plasma ceramide tertiles, showing a positive association.

Conclusions:

  • Plasma ceramide concentrations are independently associated with plaque rupture in STEMI.
  • Specific plasma ceramides may function as valuable biomarkers for identifying plaque rupture.
  • These findings suggest potential for improved risk stratification in STEMI patients using plasma ceramide levels.
Abstract

Keywords:
Plaque rupturePlasma ceramidesRRLC-Q-TOF/MSSTEMI

More Related Videos

A Method to Study the Correlation Between Local Collagen Structure and Mechanical Properties of Atherosclerotic Plaque Fibrous Tissue13:45

A Method to Study the Correlation Between Local Collagen Structure and Mechanical Properties of Atherosclerotic Plaque Fibrous Tissue

Published on: November 11, 2022

2.4K
A Magnetic Resonance Imaging-based Computational Protocol for Analysis of Plaque Morphology and Hemodynamics in Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis09:36

A Magnetic Resonance Imaging-based Computational Protocol for Analysis of Plaque Morphology and Hemodynamics in Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis

Published on: August 12, 2025

463

Related Concept Videos

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
281
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...
647
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...
289
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:19

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
289
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
779
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of heart conditions caused by sudden obstruction of coronary arteries, typically resulting from the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombus (blood clot) formation. This obstruction can lead to partial or complete blockage of blood flow, causing varying degrees of myocardial ischemia or infarction.ACS includes the following clinical entities:Unstable Angina (UA)Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)ST-Elevation...
564