The Urotensin II System and Carotid Atherosclerosis: A Role in Vascular Calcification.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aims

The aims of the present study were to determine the expression of urotensin II (UII), urotensin-II related peptide (URP), and their receptor (UT) in stable and unstable carotid atherosclerosis, and determine the effects of UII on human aortic smooth muscle cell (SMCs) calcification.

Methods and results

We examined UII, URP, and UT protein expression in 88 carotid endarterectomy specimens using immunohistochemistry. Expression of UII, URP, and UT was more evident in unstable compared to stable plaques (P < 0.05). Multivariate Spearman correlation analyses revealed significant positive correlations between UII, URP and UT overall staining and presence of calcification, severity of stenosis and inflammation (P < 0.05). Subjects undergoing carotid endarterect

SUBMITTER: Albanese I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4894881 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature