Low TLR7 gene expression in atherosclerotic plaques is associated with major adverse cardio- and cerebrovascular events.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

Processes in the development of atherosclerotic lesions can lead to plaque rupture or erosion, which can in turn elicit myocardial infarction or ischaemic stroke. The aims of this study were to determine whether Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) gene expression levels influence patient outcome and to explore the mechanisms linked to TLR7 expression in atherosclerosis.

Methods and results

Atherosclerotic plaques were removed by carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and subjected to gene array expression analysis (n = 123). Increased levels of TLR7 transcript in the plaques were associated with better outcome in a follow-up study over a maximum of 8 years. Patients with higher TLR7 transcript levels had a lower risk of experiencing major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE)

SUBMITTER: Karadimou G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5220676 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature