Quantitative analysis of the expression of caspase 3 and caspase 9 in different types of atherosclerotic lesions in the human aorta.

The existing data on apoptotic processes in human atherosclerotic lesions is insufficient and is often contradictory. This study was undertaken to evaluate the levels of the expression of key apoptosis-related genes, namely, caspase 3 (CASP3) and caspase 9 (CASP9) in the normal (non-atherosclerotic) intima of the human aorta in comparison with those in different types of atherosclerotic lesions. Twenty-five autopsy samples of thoracic aorta were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis.