The meta-analysis of heterogeneous studies with moderate methodological quality suggested that impairment of brachial FMD is significantly associated with future cardiovascular events. Further prospective randomized trials are warranted to confirm the efficacy of the usage of brachial FMD in the management of cardiovascular diseases.
Background
In atherosclerosis, local generation of reactive oxygen species amplifies the inflammatory response and contributes to plaque vulnerability. We used molecular imaging to test whether inhibition of NADPH oxidase with apocynin would reduce endothelial inflammatory activation and endothelial-platelet interactions, thereby interrupting progression to high-risk plaque phenotype.
Methods and Results
Mice deficient for both the LDL receptor and Apobec-1 were studied at 30 weeks of age and again after 10 weeks with or without apocynin treatment (10 or 50 mg/kg/day orally). In vivo molecular imaging of VCAM-1, P-selectin and platelet GPIbα in the thoracic aorta was performed with targeted contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEU) molecular imaging. Arterial elastic modulus and pulse wave transit time were assessed using ultra-high frequency ultrasound and invasive hemodynamic measurements. Plaque size and composition were assessed by histology. Molecular imaging in non-treated mice detected a 2-fold increase in P-selectin expression, VCAM-1 expression, and platelet adhesion between 30 and 40 wks of age. Apocynin reduced all of these endothelial events in a dose-dependent fashion (25% and 50% reduction in signal at 40 weeks for low- and high-dose apocynin). Apocynin also decreased aortic elastic modulus and increased the pulse transit time. On histology, apocynin reduced total monocyte accumulation in a dose-dependent manner as well as platelet adhesion, although total plaque area was reduced in only the high-dose apocynin treatment group.
Conclusions
Inhibition of NADPH oxidase in advanced atherosclerosis reduces endothelial activation and platelet adhesion; which are likely responsible for the arrest of plaque growth and improvement of vascular mechanical properties.
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