PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF INFLAMMATORY REACTION IN DIFFERENT TYPES OF ATHEROSCLEROTIC PLAQUES OF CAROTID ARTERIES

Abstract

Purpose: to compare between the ultrasound investigation data and cytokines level, lipids in blood, histologic pattern in the atherosclerotic plaques of different types in injury of inner carotid arthery.Materials and methods: this work is grounded on study results and treatment of 130 patients, which were divided into two groups: with stable plaques (73 patients) and unstable plaques (57 patients).Results: by comparing the ultrasound imaging results and clinical pattern it was established that the most significant are atherosclerotic plaques near 3 mm and more and plaques with ulceration as well. Atherosclerotic plaque destruction is accompanied by the higher levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF, IL-6, CRP and anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. All the patients experienced an index increase of total cholesterol, HDLP, LDLP, VLDLP and triglycerides.Summary: atherosclerotic plaque destabilization is accompanied by TNF concentration increase 15,9±1,91 pg/ml, IL-6 16,3±1,8 pg/ml, IL-10 4,92±0,82 pg/ml and CRP 8,42±1,21 pg/ml. It was established a strong correlation connection between the confirmed presence of unstable atherosclerotic plaque in patient, ultrasound imaging data as well as histologic investigation.

Keywords

• atherosclerotic plaque
• carotid arteries
• inflammation
• cytokines
• lipidogram