AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Alpha 2 Deletion Induces VSMC Phenotypic Switching and Reduces Features of Atherosclerotic Plaque Stability.

ABSTRACT:

Rationale

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has been reported to play a protective role in atherosclerosis. However, whether AMPKα2 controls atherosclerotic plaque stability remains unknown.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of AMPKα2 deletion on atherosclerotic plaque stability in advanced atherosclerosis at the brachiocephalic arteries and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Methods and results

Features of atherosclerotic plaque stability and the markers for contractile or synthetic vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotypes were monitored in the brachiocephalic arteries from Apoe(-/-)AMPKα2(-/-) mice or VSMC-specific AMPKα2(-/-) mice in an Apoe(-/-) background (Apoe(-/-)AMPKα2(sm-/-)) fed Western diet for 10 weeks. We identified th

SUBMITTER: Ding Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6265658 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature