Abstract
Objective To evaluate the association of NLR family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome expression with plaque vulnerability in a carotid atherosclerotic swine model. Methods Carotid atherosclerosis models were created in 6 Chinese miniswines using the combination of partial ligation and high cholesterol diet for 3 months. Animals were sacrificed to obtain bilateral carotid arteries for histological analysis. The relationship of morphological carotid plaque features and NLRP3 expression was also evaluated. Results Atherosclerotic plaques were developed in all 12 carotid arteries. Typical features of unstable plaque were also found. NLRP3 was expressed in both the early atherosclerotic lesions and advanced plaques. Increased NLRP3 expression was associated with the presence of plaque rupture (6.65±4.32 vs. 1.77±3.15, P<0.01), intraplaque hemorrhage (6.18±4.31 vs. 1.83±3.30, P<0.05)and marked neovascularization (6.10±4.56 vs. 3.69±3.57, P<0.05). Conclusion Increased expression of NLRP3 may be associated with vulnerable carotid atherosclerotic plaques in a swine model. Key words: Atherosclerosis; Carotid artery; Swine; NLR family, pyrin domain containing 3 inflammasome
Published Version
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