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UrduCardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally, responsible for an estimated 17.9 million deaths annually and is often the result of plaques that build up in the arteries. When these plaques burst, they can release material into the bloodstream that blocks oxygen from reaching the heart or brain. There is no way to determine precisely when a plaque will rupture.
Previous studies have relied on carotid artery samples obtained after the patient’s death or months after the stroke or heart attack. This either limits the information that can be obtained or misses events that occur only at the time of rupture. For the first time, the current study sequenced the RNAs in plaques from patients who had experienced a stroke within two to five days. In doing so, the team created a picture of the RNAs active closer to the time of rupture than previously possible.
The investigators found that plaques that rupture have increased inflammation coupled with processes that would cause the loss of a portion of the plaque that protects against rupture, known as the fibrous cap. Surprisingly, the researchers found that ruptured plaques had increased B-cell markers, a white blood cell whose role in plaque rupture has not previously been appreciated.
Carotid artery blockage is a common cause of some ischemic strokes, which happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, preventing brain tissue from getting necessary oxygen and nutrients. Because the mechanisms that lead to some strokes and most heart attacks involve the same plaque rupture events, these findings also have implications for heart disease.
“Inflammation is a known risk factor in atherosclerosis, leading to stroke and heart attacks,” said Hernan Bazan, MD, the John Ochsner Endowed Professor for Cardiovascular Innovation at Ochsner Health. “Carotid and coronary plaques develop a protective cap that, for unclear reasons, thins, making strokes and heart attacks more likely.”
Study senior author Cooper Woods, PhD, Associate Professor of Physiology and Medicine at Tulane University School of Medicine, emphasizes, “Identifying the genes that promote this thinning gives us new targets for therapeutics and diagnostics to prevent heart attacks and strokes.”
The National Institutes of Health and the Endowed John Ochsner Professorship in Cardiovascular Innovation support the research. Dr. Bazan was appointed as John Ochsner Chair in Cardiovascular Innovation last year, a position created following the death of nationally renowned cardiovascular surgeon Dr. John Ochsner to honor his legacy and impact the field of medicine. Dr. Bazan carries innovation in atherosclerotic mechanisms and acute carotid and stroke clinical research through the position. This support will continue through at least 2026.
A Nature journal, Scientific Reports, is the 5th most-cited journal in the world, with more than 696,000 citations in 2021. The full study is online at https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-17546-9.
To learn more about the Endowed John Ochsner Professorship in Cardiovascular innovation: https://research.ochsner.org/research-announcements/2021/johvi
To learn more about heart disease and stroke statistics from the American Heart Association, click here.
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About Ochsner Health
Ochsner Health is an integrated healthcare system with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate. Celebrating 80 years in 2022, it leads nationally in cancer care, cardiology, neurosciences, liver and heart transplants and pediatrics, among other areas. Ochsner is consistently named both the top hospital and top children’s hospital in Louisiana by U.S. News & World Report. The not-for-profit organization is inspiring healthier lives and stronger communities. Its focus is on preventing diseases and providing patient-centered care that is accessible, affordable, convenient, and effective. Ochsner Health pioneers’ new treatments, deploys emerging technologies and performs groundbreaking research, including over 700 clinical studies. It has more than 34,000 employees and over 4,500 employed and affiliated physicians in over 90 medical specialties and subspecialties. It operates 40 hospitals and more than 300 health and urgent care centers across Louisiana, Mississippi, and the Gulf South; and its cutting-edge Connected Health digital medicine program is caring for patients beyond its walls. In 2021, Ochsner Health treated more than 1 million people from every state and 75 countries. As Louisiana’s top healthcare educator, Ochsner Health and its partners educate thousands of healthcare professionals annually. To learn more, visit https://www.ochsner.org/.
About Tulane University School of Medicine
One of the nation’s most recognized centers for medical education, Tulane University School of Medicine is a vibrant center for education, research and public service. Tulane University School of Medicine is the second-oldest medical school in the Deep South and the 15th oldest medical school in the United States. Tulane School of Medicine is fully accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education. To learn more, visit https://medicine.tulane.edu/about-us.
About The Endowed John Ochsner Chair in Cardiovascular Innovation.
The Ochsner Clinic is committed to the tradition and importance of endowed professors in recognizing and fostering excellence in innovative patient care among its physicians and scientists. In honoring the legacy of Dr. John Ochsner and his commitment to impacting patient care, a distinguished Professor position has been created. This John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute Distinguished Professor endowment provides funds to protect time dedicated to developing innovation in clinical care, research, or the training of physicians. Endowment funds and their payouts are used for this purpose.
https://research.ochsner.org/research-announcements/2021/johvi
