Povezanost izraženosti rezistina s histološkom slikom aterosklerotskoga plaka [Expression of resistin in atherosclerotic plaque]

The principal aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between serum and atherosclerotic plaque expression of resistin and clinical symptomatology as well as histological features of atherosclerotic plaque. The study included 78 patients with significant (>60 %) unilateral stenosis of carotid artery hospitalized due to carotid endarterectomy. Patients were divided into two groups based on clinical symptoms. Based on the histological features, the plaques were divided into groups I-VIII according AHA classification and into groups with unstable and stable plaque phenotype. \nImmunohistochemistry was performed with the primary antibody for human resistin (Resistin/RETN antibody, eBioscience), and the resistin expression was determined semi-quantitatively. The serum concentration of resistin was determined by the ELISA method. \nA confirmed hypothesis that expression of resistin is higher in unstable plaques indicates its association with the plaque destabilization process and suggests that resistin could potentially be used as one of the histological markers of plaque instability. Significant correlation of resistin with the symptoms of the patient also indicates potential utilization of resistin to stratify high-risk patients. Further research will be required to detect potential drugs whose purpose would be to reduce serum resistin values and consequently reduce cardiovascular risk.