Identification of Mature Atherosclerotic Plaque Proteome Signatures Using Data-Independent Acquisition Mass Spectrometry.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease with complex pathobiology and one of the most common causes of cardiovascular events. The process is characterized by complex vascular remodeling processes that require the actions of numerous proteins. The composition of atherosclerotic plaque is increasingly recognized as a major factor governing the occurrence of cardiovascular or neurological symptoms.

The Nature of Iron Deposits Differs between Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaques.

Iron within atherosclerotic plaque has been implicated as a catalyst of oxidative stress that causes progression of plaque, and plaque rupture. Iron is believed to accumulate within plaque by incorporation of erythrocytes following plaque rupture and hemorrhage. There is only indirect evidence to support this hypothesis.