[Risk factors and screening for cardiac disease, carotid stenosis and aortic aneurysms in Sicily (Italy): a population-based cross sectional survey].

A cross-sectional survey was performed among 50 to 75 year-old residents in the town of Regalbuto in Sicily (Italy), to evaluate risk factors and prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in this geographically- defined population. Subjects were invited to participate by letter and those accepting to participate were asked to complete a questionnaire collecting personal data and information regarding the presence of risk factors for CVD. All participating subjects aged >50 years and with a minimum of four risk factors for CVD (smoking, hypertension, diabetes, obesity) were screened for cardiac disease and carotid stenosis (> 50% stenosis).

ADAM-10 could mediate cleavage of N-cadherin promoting apoptosis in human atherosclerotic lesions leading to vulnerable plaque: a morphological and immunohistochemical study.

Atherosclerosis remains a major cause of mortality. Whereas the histopathological progression of atherosclerotic lesions is well documented, much less is known about the development of unstable or vulnerable plaque, which can rupture leading to thrombus, luminal occlusion and infarct. Apoptosis in the fibrous cap, which is rich in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and macrophages, and its subsequent weakening or erosion seems to be an important regulator of plaque stability.