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Dynamic Changes in Plasma Urotensin II and Its Correlation With Plaque Stability
Chun-Lin Yin1, Xue Liu1, Hong-Xia Wang2
1Department of Cardiology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Beijing, China; and.
Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology
|June 26, 2021
Summary
Urotensin II (UII) levels decrease in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and vulnerable plaques, suggesting a role in plaque instability. This finding may impact understanding of atherosclerosis progression.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Molecular Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Urotensin II (UII) is implicated in atherosclerosis development.
- The specific role of UII in atherosclerotic plaque stability remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate dynamic changes in plasma UII levels.
- To analyze the relationship between UII and atherosclerotic plaque stability.
Main Methods:
- Plasma UII levels were measured in 135 acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients and in a rabbit model of vulnerable plaques.
- A vulnerable plaque model was created via P53 gene transfection in rabbits on a high-cholesterol diet.
- Plaque morphology and UII expression were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Plasma UII levels were lower on admission in ACS patients compared to three-month follow-up.
- In rabbits, UII levels decreased significantly after P53 gene transfection, correlating with plaque instability and rupture.
- Down-regulation of UII was observed in vulnerable plaques.
Conclusions:
- Urotensin II (UII) expression is down-regulated in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques.
- Decreased UII levels may be associated with mechanisms promoting plaque instability.
- UII dynamics offer potential insights into atherosclerosis progression and plaque rupture.
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