Chromosomal alterations in atherosclerotic plaques.
Alterations of chromosomes 7 and 11 have been involved in the progression of atherosclerosis. Twenty-three carotid endarterectomy specimens were studied for the presence of alterations in chromosomes 7 and 11, and fibroblastic growth factor-3 (FGF-3) gene amplification. Besides classic histological stainings, immunophenotyping of cellular and vascular components and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were performed. At the caps, unstable plaques (n=18) showed inflammatory infiltration of macrophages, smooth muscle cells, and T-lymphocytes. Specifically in these regions, the FISH showed varying percentages of trisomy (15/18) and tetrasomy (8/15) of chromosome 7. In four cases polisomy 7 was noted in some nuclei. Monosomy of chromosome 11 and gene amplification of FGF-3 gene was observed. The FISH of the five stable plaques and normal arterial walls showed no chromosome alterations; furthermore, chromosome 3, which is not involved in atherosclerotic progression, presented a normal ploidy of smooth muscle cells in stable and unstable plaques and normal arterial walls. In conclusion, chromosome 7 and 11 alterations and FGF-3 gene amplification are components of unstable plaques, and might contribute to the evolution of stable plaques into complicated plaques.
Institute of Pathology, University of Milan, Ospedale Maggiore, IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
L
L
Matturri
A
A
Cazzullo
P
P
Turconi
A M
AM
Lavezzi
P L
PL
Vandone
L
L
Gabrielli
G
G
Fernández Alonso
D
D
Grana
J
J
Milei
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D002339:Carotid Arteries / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002880:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 11 / Q000235:genetics*; D002897:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 7 / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D051518:Fibroblast Growth Factor 3; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors / Q000235:genetics; D005784:Gene Amplification; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins / Q000235:genetics
C496444:FGF3 protein, human; D051518:Fibroblast Growth Factor 3; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors