CCL3 and CCL5 as potential markers of carotid atherosclerotic plaque stability – preliminary research

Abstract

Introduction: Carotid atherosclerosis is one of the main causes of ischaemic stroke. The study verified the hypothesis on the relationship between the expression of selected inflammatory markers and the stability of atherosclerotic plaque in stroke patients. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine CCL3 and CCL5 levels in both plasma and carotid atherosclerotic plaques in relation to the history of ischaemic stroke, as well as to assess plaque morphology and stability. Materials and methods: The levels of CCL3 and CCL5 chemokines were determined by ELISA for both plasma and supernatants of atherosclerotic plaque homogenates from patients undergoing endarterectomy due to at least 70% carotid artery stenosis. Results: Both chemokines were found in atherosclerotic plaques, with elevated CCL3 in unstable plaques. Furthermore, patients with atherosclerosis showed significantly higher plasma CCL5 compared to healthy individuals. Conclusions: The chemokines CCL3 and CCL5 are likely to be involved in the inflammatory processes contributing to the development of atherosclerotic plaque, but this needs to be confirmed in further studies.