The expression of chemokine-like factor 1 in human atherosclerotic plaques / 中华外科杂志

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the difference of the expression level of chemokine-like factor 1 (CKLF1) mRNA and protein between human atherosclerotic plaques and normal arteries.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Real-time quantitative PCR was performed with experimental group (24 cases of atherosclerotic plaques) specimens and control group (25 cases of normal arteries) specimens. Serial microscopic sections were used for immunohistochemistry with CKLF1 antibody in 17 experimental group specimens and 10 control group specimens.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The endothelial cell, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) and macrophage were CKLF1 positive expression cells in atherosclerotic plaques. There was a foundational expression of CKLF1 mRNA in control group (RQ(Median) = 2.4), and the expression of CKLF1 mRNA in experimental group is up-regulated significantly (RQ(Median) = 132.2, P < 0.05). The VSMC positive expression rate of CKLF1 protein was 100% in experimental group and 70% in control group, the former was up-regulated significantly.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The expression of CKLF1 is up-regulated in atherosclerotic plaques. It may play an important role in the process of immune and inflammatory responses of atherogenesis.</p>