Evidence for vascular macrophage migration inhibitory factor in destabilization of human atherosclerotic plaques
Open Access
- 1 January 2005
- journal article
- Published by Oxford University Press (OUP) in Cardiovascular Research
- Vol. 65 (1) , 272-282
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cardiores.2004.09.020
Abstract
Objective: Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine and has been shown to play a role in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential role of MIF in the destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques by stimulation of vascular MMP-1 expression. Methods: MIF and matrix metalloproteinase protein-1 (MMP-1) expression in human atherosclerotic plaques were determined by immunohistochemistry. The functional activity of MIF was examined by its ability to induce MMP-1 expression in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in vitro. Results: Two-color immunohistochemistry demonstrated that MIF was strongly upregulated in vulnerable, but not in fibrous plaques. Upregulation of vascular MIF was associated with macrophage accumulation (pppConclusions: MIF and MMP-1 are markedly upregulated in vulnerable atheromatous plaques and are associated with the weakening of the fibrous cap. The ability of MIF to induce MMP-1 expression and collagenolytic activity in VSMCs suggests that MIF may play a role in the destabilization of human atherosclerotic plaques.Keywords
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