UNASSIGNED: Endothelial microparticles (EMPs) are released from dysfunctional endothelial cells. We hypothesised that @entity1 with unstable carotid plaque have higher levels of circulating microparticles compared to @entity1 with stable plaques, and may correlate with serum markers of plaque instability and @entity32 . Circulating EMPs, platelet MPs (PMPs) and inflammatory markers were measured in healthy controls and @entity1 undergoing carotid endarterectomy. EMP/PMPs were quantified using flow cytometry. Bioplex assays profiled systemic inflammatory and bone-related proteins. Immunohistological analysis detailed the contribution of differentially-regulated systemic markers to plaque pathology. @entity622 staining showed @entity730 . EMPs and PMPs were significantly higher in @entity1 with @entity543 (>= 70%) compared to controls, with no differences between asymptomatic vs symptomatic @entity1 . Asymptomatic @entity1 with unstable plaques exhibited higher levels of EMPs, @entity373 and SCGF-b compared to those with stable plaques. @entity373 , and SCGF-b were detected within all plaques, suggesting a contribution to both localised and systemic @entity32 . @entity1096 and @entity2159 were significantly elevated in the symptomatic vs asymptomatic group, while osteocalcin was higher in asymptomatic @entity1 with stable plaque. All plaques exhibited @entity730 , which was significantly greater in asymptomatic @entity1 . This may impact on plaque stability. These data could be important in identifying @entity1 at most benefit from intervention.

Elevated levels of endothelial-derived microparticles, and serum XXXX and SCGF-b are associated with unstable asymptomatic carotid plaques.

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['patients'] @entity32 :: ('MESH:D007249', 'Disease') :: ['inflammation'] @entity622 :: ('MESH:C010078', 'Chemical') :: ['Alizarin red'] @entity730 :: ('MESH:D002114', 'Disease') :: ['calcification'] @entity1096 :: ('6696', 'Gene') :: ['Osteopontin'] @entity373 :: ('4283', 'Gene') :: ['CXCL9'] @entity543 :: ('MESH:D016893', 'Disease') :: ['carotid stenosis'] @entity2159 :: ('4982', 'Gene') :: ['osteoprotegerin']
@entity373 :: (4283,Gene) :: ['CXCL9']
