Distribution of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Human Atherosclerotic Carotid Plaques and Their Production by Smooth Muscle Cells and Macrophage Subsets.

Purpose: In this study, the potential of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) sense for detection of atherosclerotic plaque instability was explored. Secondly, expression of MMPs by macrophage subtypes and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) was investigated.

Procedures: Twenty-three consecutive plaques removed during carotid endarterectomy were incubated in MMPSense™ 680 and imaged with IVIS® Spectrum.

Does reduction of disease activity improve early markers of cardiovascular disease in newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis patients?

Objective: The incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increased in RA. This study was designed to evaluate whether a reduction in disease activity influences early markers of CVD.

Methods: In a prospective longitudinal study, 58 newly diagnosed RA patients and 58 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) were included.

Folate receptor-β imaging using 99mTc-folate to explore distribution of polarized macrophage populations in human atherosclerotic plaque.

Unlabelled: In atherosclerotic plaques, the risk of rupture is increased at sites of macrophage accumulation. Activated macrophages express folate receptor-β (FR-β), which can be targeted by folate coupled to radioactive ligands to visualize vulnerability. The aim of this study was to explore the presence of activated macrophages in human atherosclerotic plaques by (99m)Tc-folate imaging and to evaluate whether this technique can discriminate between an M1-like and M2-like macrophage phenotype.

Targeted folate receptor β fluorescence imaging as a measure of inflammation to estimate vulnerability within human atherosclerotic carotid plaque.

Unlabelled: The probability of atherosclerotic plaque rupture and its thrombotic sequelae are thought to be increased at sites of macrophage accumulation. Folate receptor β (FR-β) is present on activated macrophages but not on quiescent macrophages or other immune cells. By conjugating the ligand folate with a fluorescent contrast agent, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), we aimed to explore the potential role of FR-β fluorescence imaging in the distinction of vulnerable sites from more stable regions.

Macrophage folate receptor-β (FR-β) expression in auto-immune inflammatory rheumatic diseases: a forthcoming marker for cardiovascular risk?

In patients with systemic auto-immune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRD) like rheumatoid arthritis the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increased. In the pathogenesis of AIIRD and atherosclerosis many similarities can be found in the process underlying CVD. Accumulation of inflammatory cells, in particular macrophages at the site of inflammation producing inflammatory mediators serve as a prominent feature in both systemic inflammation and atherosclerosis.