Adhesion Molecule CD146 and its Soluble Form Correlate Well with Carotid Atherosclerosis and Plaque Instability

Summary Aims Intraplaque neovascularization and foam cell infiltration contribute to the development of unstable plaque, leading to thromboembolism and stroke. Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) have been reported to be involved in the progression of atherosclerosis and plaque vulnerability. The aim of this study was to assess the association of adhesion molecule CD146 with carotid plaque instability. Methods We collected forty atherosclerotic plaques from 40 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. The clinical information of each patient was obtained, and the plaque morphology and characteristics were examined by the ultrasound. The CD146 expressions of the plaques were graded by using semiquantitative scales. The serum level of soluble form of CD146 was detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results CD146 expression was mainly on the intraplaque blood vessels and infiltrated macrophages. The CD146 expression was strongly correlated with the matrix metalloproteinase‐9(MMP‐9)expressions (P