Dynamic Changes in Plasma Urotensin II and its Correlation with Plaque Stability

Abstract Background: Urotensin II (UII) is involved in the formation of atherosclerosis, but its role in the stability of atherosclerotic plaque is undetermined. The purpose of this study was to observe the dynamic change of plasma UII and analyze its relationship with the stability of atherosclerotic plaques. Methods: The plasma UII concentration in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) was detected. A vulnerable plaque model was established by local transfection of a recombinant P53 adenovirus into plaques of rabbits fed with a high-cholesterol diet and subjected to balloon injury, to evaluate the stability of the atherosclerotic plaques. Results: Our results showed that the level of plasma UII was increased in ACS patients compared with healthy subjects. However, it was significantly decreased in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients (STEMI) and increased again in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients that were discharged after three months. UII dynamic change and its correlation with plaques stabilities were further verified in rabbit with atherosclerotic vulnerable plaque. The UII level in rabbits was significantly decreased after P53 gene transfection which can lead to of plaque instability. Conclusions: In conclusion, the level of plasma UII was significantly decreased in ACS with STEMI, which may serve as a reliable biological marker to reflect the progression and stability of atherosclerotic plaques.