Abstract
Background and Purpose - The local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and cyclooxygenase-2 contribute to the activation of nuclear factor κB (NFκB) and C-reactive protein (CRP). We hypothesized that the combination of RAS blockers (RASb) and ASA reduces NFκB and CRP within atherosclerotic plaques. Methods - Patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy were divided into groups according to treatment (RASb-acetylsalicylic acid [ASA], ASA, RASb, and control). The expression of NFκB, CRP, and CD40L was analyzed through Western blots in the obtained plaques. Results - Plaques from patients treated with the combination of RASb and ASA showed lower expression of NFκB (25.4±9.8 densitometric units [DU]) than those of the control group (57.6±13.2 DU, P=0.03) as well as lower expression of CRP (20.9±9.6 DU) than those of the other treatment groups (ASA 86.1±13 DU, RASb 88.4±31 DU, controls 67.8±18.6, P=0.004). A negative expression of NFκB was associated with a reduced incidence of symptoms compared with a positive expression (5/33 [15.1%] versus 14/35 [40%], P=0.031). Conclusions - The combined treatment with RASb and ASA decreases the expression of inflammatory markers in atherosclerosis in humans. This study supports the role of the local RAS and cyclooxygenase-2 in the progression of atherosclerosis.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 14-20 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Stroke |
Volume | 36 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2005 |
Keywords
- Aspirin
- Atherosclerosis
- Carotid endarterectomy
- Growth factors
- Inflammation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Clinical Neurology
- Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
- Advanced and Specialized Nursing