Human Atherosclerotic Plaque Progression Is Dependent on Apoptosis According to Bomb-Pulse ¹⁴C Dating

Individuals with rapidly progressing atherosclerotic plaques are at higher risk of experiencing acute complications. Currently, we lack knowledge regarding factors in human plaque that cause rapid progression. Using the ¹⁴C bomb-pulse dating method, we assessed the physical age of atherosclerotic plaques and which biological processes were associated with rapidly progressing plaques. Interestingly, increased apoptosis was the main component associated with a young physical plaque age, reflecting rapid plaque progression. Our findings in combination with recent advances in imaging techniques could guide future diagnostic imaging strategies to identify rapidly progressing plaques or therapeutic targets, halting plaque progression.