Open Access

Increased cathepsin K levels in human atherosclerotic plaques are associated with plaque instability

Corrigendum in: /10.3892/etm.2017.5660

  • Authors:
    • Huiying Zhao
    • Xiujiao Qin
    • Shuai Wang
    • Xiwei Sun
    • Bin Dong
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: August 16, 2017     https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2017.4935
  • Pages: 3471-3476
  • Copyright: © Zhao et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License.

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Abstract

Investigating the determinants and dynamics of atherosclerotic plaque instability is a key area of current cardiovascular research. Extracellular matrix degradation from excessive proteolysis induced by enzymes such as cathepsin K (Cat K) is implicated in the pathogenesis of unstable plaques. The current study assessed the expression of Cat K in human unstable atherosclerotic plaques. Specimens of popliteal arteries with atherosclerotic plaques were classified as stable (<40% lipid core plaque area; n=6) or unstable (≥40% lipid core plaque area; n=14) based on histopathological examinations of hematoxylin and eosin stained sections. The expression of Cat K and cystatin C (Cys C) were assessed by immunohistochemical examination and levels of Cat K mRNA were detected by semi‑quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Morphological changes including a larger lipid core, endothelial proliferation with foam cells and destruction of internal elastic lamina were observed in unstable atherosclerotic plaques. In unstable plaques, the expression of Cat K protein and mRNA was upregulated, whereas Cys C protein expression was downregulated. The interplay between Cat K and Cys C may underlie the progression of plaques from stable to unstable and the current study indicated that Cat K and Cys C are potential targets for preventing and treating vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque ruptures.

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October-2017
Volume 14 Issue 4

Print ISSN: 1792-0981
Online ISSN:1792-1015

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Spandidos Publications style
Zhao H, Qin X, Wang S, Sun X and Dong B: Increased cathepsin K levels in human atherosclerotic plaques are associated with plaque instability Corrigendum in /10.3892/etm.2017.5660. Exp Ther Med 14: 3471-3476, 2017
APA
Zhao, H., Qin, X., Wang, S., Sun, X., & Dong, B. (2017). Increased cathepsin K levels in human atherosclerotic plaques are associated with plaque instability Corrigendum in /10.3892/etm.2017.5660. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 14, 3471-3476. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2017.4935
MLA
Zhao, H., Qin, X., Wang, S., Sun, X., Dong, B."Increased cathepsin K levels in human atherosclerotic plaques are associated with plaque instability Corrigendum in /10.3892/etm.2017.5660". Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 14.4 (2017): 3471-3476.
Chicago
Zhao, H., Qin, X., Wang, S., Sun, X., Dong, B."Increased cathepsin K levels in human atherosclerotic plaques are associated with plaque instability Corrigendum in /10.3892/etm.2017.5660". Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine 14, no. 4 (2017): 3471-3476. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2017.4935