Cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) as one of the candidate genes in human carotid plaque imaging: Evaluation of the novel radiotracer [C]RS-016 targeting CB2 in atherosclerosis.

Introduction: Endarterectomized human atherosclerotic plaques are a valuable basis for gene expression studies to disclose novel imaging biomarkers and therapeutic targets, such as the cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2). In this work, CB2 is expressed on activated immune cells, which are abundant in inflamed plaques. We evaluated the CB2-specific radiotracer [C]RS-016 for imaging vascular inflammation in human and mouse atherosclerotic lesions.

CD80 Is Upregulated in a Mouse Model with Shear Stress-Induced Atherosclerosis and Allows for Evaluating CD80-Targeting PET Tracers.

Purpose: A shear stress-induced atherosclerosis mouse model was characterized for its expression of inflammation markers with focus on CD80. With this model, we evaluated two positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracers targeting CD80 as well as 2-deoxy-2-[F]fluoro-D-mannose ([F]FDM) in comparison with 2-deoxy-2-[F]fluoro-D-glucose ([F]FDG).

Procedure: A flow constrictive cuff implanted around the common carotid artery in apolipoprotein E knockout mice resulted in plaque formation.

Preclinical imaging of the co-stimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86 with indium-111-labeled belatacept in atherosclerosis.

Background: The inflammatory nature of atherosclerosis provides a broad range of potential molecular targets for atherosclerosis imaging. Growing interest is focused on targets related to plaque vulnerability such as the co-stimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86. We investigated in this preclinical proof-of-concept study the applicability of the CD80/CD86-binding fusion protein belatacept as a probe for atherosclerosis imaging.

Ex vivo differential phase contrast and magnetic resonance imaging for characterization of human carotid atherosclerotic plaques.

Non-invasive detection of specific atherosclerotic plaque components related to vulnerability is of high clinical relevance to prevent cerebrovascular events. The feasibility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for characterization of plaque components was already demonstrated. We aimed to evaluate the potential of ex vivo differential phase contrast X-ray tomography (DPC) to accurately characterize human carotid plaque components in comparison to high field multicontrast MRI and histopathology.

Evaluation of the radiolabeled boronic acid-based FAP inhibitor MIP-1232 for atherosclerotic plaque imaging.

Research towards the non-invasive imaging of atherosclerotic plaques is of high clinical priority as early recognition of vulnerable plaques may reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events. The fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP) was recently proposed as inflammation-induced protease involved in the process of plaque vulnerability. In this study, FAP mRNA and protein levels were investigated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, respectively, in human endarterectomized carotid plaques.

Gene expression levels of matrix metalloproteinases in human atherosclerotic plaques and evaluation of radiolabeled inhibitors as imaging agents for plaque vulnerability.

Introduction: Atherosclerotic plaque rupture is the primary cause for myocardial infarction and stroke. During plaque progression macrophages and mast cells secrete matrix-degrading proteolytic enzymes, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). We studied levels of MMPs and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-3 (TIMP-3) in relation to the characteristics of carotid plaques.

Towards non-invasive imaging of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques by targeting co-stimulatory molecules.

Background: Myocardial infarction and stroke are the life-threatening consequences after plaque rupture in coronary or carotid arteries. Positron emission tomography employing [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose can visualize plaque inflammation; however, the question remains whether this is specific for plaque vulnerability. The pathophysiology of vulnerable plaques suggests several molecular processes.