Role of interleukin-18 in destabilization of the atherosclerotic plaque in humans

Bull Exp Biol Med. 2014 Oct;157(6):821-4. doi: 10.1007/s10517-014-2675-x. Epub 2014 Oct 24.

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

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aorta / pathology*
  • Azo Compounds
  • Cadaver
  • Collagen / biosynthesis
  • Collagen / drug effects*
  • Elastin / biosynthesis
  • Elastin / drug effects*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Interferon-gamma / biosynthesis
  • Interleukin-18 / metabolism
  • Interleukin-18 / pharmacology*
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myocytes, Smooth Muscle / metabolism*
  • Plaque, Atherosclerotic / drug therapy*
  • Plaque, Atherosclerotic / metabolism
  • Plaque, Atherosclerotic / pathology
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism

Substances

  • Azo Compounds
  • Interleukin-18
  • Interferon-gamma
  • Collagen
  • Elastin
  • oil red O