DEPENDENCE OF ATHEROSCLEROTIC PLAQUE STABILITY ON ITS CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
Abstract
The article analyzes the results of a study on the stability of atherosclerotic plaque and its dependence on the chemical composition of the plaque. Studies have shown that the tendency of atherosclerotic plaques to damage depends on the content of lipids in them and the distribution of these lipids inside the plaque. Destroyed plaques have a higher content of lipids and macrophages, as well as a thinner cap than intact plaques. Lipid concentrations were positively associated with macrophage accumulation in all types (intact and disrupted) of plaques and negatively associated with the minimum cap thickness at the edge of disrupted plaques. These data demonstrate differences in the lipid composition and lipid distribution within the plaque between intact and disrupted plaques. At the edge of progressive plaques, elevated concentrations of esterified lipids, inversely proportional to cap thickness, may reflect macrophage activity and susceptibility to rupture.