Intracoronary monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 and vascular endothelial growth factor levels are associated with necrotic core, calcium and fibrous tissue atherosclerotic plaque components: an intracoronary ultrasound radiofrequency study.

Aims: To investigate the relationship between various serum biomarkers and coronary atherosclerotic plaque composition obtained by intravascular ultrasound virtual histology (IVUS-VH).

Methods: Using ELISA, we measured the serum levels of CD40 ligand, C-reactive protein, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), metalloproteinase 9, P-selectin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in 40 patients with manifested coronary artery disease.

Results: Correlation analysis between biomarkers levels, IVUS grayscale parameters and VH-defined necrotic core (NC), calcium, fibrous and fibrofatty components was performed.