Cathepsin L expression in the carotid arteries of atherosclerotic swine

摘要

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory condition in which fatty deposits can clog the arteries and the buildups are called plaque [ ]. Stroke remains a massive public health problem with tremendous health care costs. At least 20% of ischemic strokes are caused by carotid artery atherosclerotic plaque [ ]. Even though there are phenomenal gains in clinical management of patients with symptomatic carotid artery disease, the molecular mechanisms and pathways leading to plaque instability remain poorly established [ , ]. Identification of the molecular markers of plaque instability along with signaling mechanisms may help in providing alternatives to surgical treatment and prevention of stroke. Cathepsin L (CTSL) is involved in inflammation and degradation of the extracellular matrix in the fibrous cap, causing destabilization of the plaque. These proteases serve as potential markers for plaque inflammation and vulnerability [ , ]. At present it is still unclear how CTSL plays a role in the development of atherosclerotic plaque instability as well as plaque rupture and necrotic core formation [ , ].