Infrared Spectroscopic Study and Mathematical Simulations of Carotid Atherosclerosis

The pathogenesis, treatment and prevention of atherosclerosis continue to be the subject of intensive research and study by the scientific community. Based on Fourier-transform infrared spectra and 3D-Doppler echogram, we attempted to develop a computational simulation model for predicting the association of atherosclerotic risk factors with pathogenic molecular structural changes.

Atheromatic carotid arteries from 56 patients (60-85 years old) were used as samples. Color 3D-Doppler echogram screening was performed on all patients preoperatively. Each infrared spectrum consisted of 120 co-added spectra at a spectral resolution of 4 cm^-1 Results: The infrared spectral analysis reveals 'marker bands', such as the 1,744 cm^-1 band assigned to aldehyde formation and to the 'fingerprint' digital spectral region of 1,050-1,169 cm^-1, characteristic of the presence of advanced glycation end products (C-O-C). The accumulation of calcium phosphate salts increases the formation rate of stenosis. The critical point of stenosis risk starts at about 45%, while when stenosis is over 60-70%, the risk of ischemic stroke or other major adverse cardiovascular events increases dramatically.

Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and mathematical simulation models showed that carotid artery stenosis over 45% reduces the blood flow rate, while stenosis over 65% dramatically increases the hemodynamic disturbance, with a parallel increase the rate of ischemic stroke or other major adverse cardiovascular events.