Abstract
Precise location of IL-18 in cell and tissue elements of the atherosclerotic lesions in humans and its role in destabilization of the atherosclerotic plaque were detected. The data suggested a hypothesis on indirect involvement of IL-18 in destruction of the elastic and collagen fibers in an unstable plaque due to this cytokine capacity to induce the production of IFN-γ in T cells and macrophages, this eventually leading to inhibition of collagen and elastin synthesis in smooth muscle cells of the vascular wall and to loosening of the plaque cap.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Aged
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Aorta / pathology*
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Azo Compounds
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Cadaver
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Collagen / biosynthesis
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Collagen / drug effects*
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Elastin / biosynthesis
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Elastin / drug effects*
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Humans
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Immunohistochemistry
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Interferon-gamma / biosynthesis
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Interleukin-18 / metabolism
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Interleukin-18 / pharmacology*
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Macrophages / metabolism
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Myocytes, Smooth Muscle / metabolism*
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Plaque, Atherosclerotic / drug therapy*
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Plaque, Atherosclerotic / metabolism
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Plaque, Atherosclerotic / pathology
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T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
Substances
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Azo Compounds
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Interleukin-18
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Interferon-gamma
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Collagen
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Elastin
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oil red O