Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
6
pubmed:dateCreated
2003-12-3
pubmed:abstractText
Emerging evidence supports a role for platelets in the progression of atherosclerosis in addition to an involvement in thrombotic vascular occlusion. Platelet Factor 4 (PF4), a chemokine released by activated platelets, stimulates several pro-atherogenic processes. Therefore, we examined the localization of PF4 and the homologous protein, Neutrophil Activating Protein-2 (NAP-2) in lesions representing the evolution of human atherosclerotic plaques. Carotid plaques from 132 patients with critical carotid stenosis and 6 autopsy specimens were studied. Clinical, histologic and immunohistochemical data were analyzed using a chi(2)-test. PF4 was detected in the cytoplasm of luminal and neovascular endothelium, in macrophages and in regions of plaque calcification. The presence of PF4 in macrophages and neovascular endothelium correlated with lesion grade (p = 0.004; p = 0.044). Staining of macrophages for PF4 correlated with the presence of symptomatic atherosclerotic disease (p = 0.028). In early lesions, PF4 was commonly found in macrophages of early lesions (Grade I/II), whereas NAP-2 was rarely present. In conclusion, correlation between PF4 deposition, lesion severity and symptomatic atherosclerosis suggests that persistent platelet activation may contribute to the evolution of atherosclerotic vascular lesions. These studies support the rationale for the chronic use of anti-platelet therapy in patients at risk for developing symptomatic atherosclerosis.
pubmed:grant
pubmed:commentsCorrections
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Dec
pubmed:issn
0340-6245
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
90
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
1112-20
pubmed:dateRevised
2007-11-14
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
2003
pubmed:articleTitle
Platelet factor 4 localization in carotid atherosclerotic plaques: correlation with clinical parameters.
pubmed:affiliation
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 19104, USA.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S., Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't