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Title
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Transglutaminase 2 deficiency decreases plaque fibrosis and increases plaque inflammation in apolipoprotein-E-deficient mice
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Author
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Abstract
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| Aim: Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is important for the deposition and stability of the extracellular matrix via effects on cross-linking of matrix proteins and transforming growth factor (TGF ) activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of TG2 deficiency on the composition of atherosclerotic plaques. Methods: Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) / mice were crossbred with TG2 / mice to obtain ApoE / TG2 / mice. ApoE / and ApoE / TG2 / mice were fed a Western-type diet for 16 or 30 weeks to determine the effect of TG2 deficiency on early and advanced atherosclerosis, respectively. Results: Atherosclerotic plaques of ApoE / TG2 / mice showed decreased cross-linking of matrix proteins, as well as decreased nuclear staining for phospho- Smad2/-Smad3, indicative of decreased TGF activity. Compared to ApoE / mice, plaque area was decreased by 45 and 48% in ApoE / TG2 / mice after 16 and 30 weeks, respectively. Sirius red staining showed a significant decrease in collagen content in early and advanced atherosclerotic plaques of ApoE / TG2 / mice. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in macrophages in advanced atherosclerotic plaques of ApoE / TG2 / mice. Conclusion: TG2 deficiency resulted in a decreased collagen content and increased inflammation, which are features of a more unstable plaque. |
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Language
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English
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Source (journal)
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Journal of vascular research. - Basel
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Publication
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Basel
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2010
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ISSN
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1018-1172
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DOI
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10.1159/000255966
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Volume/pages
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47
:3
(2010)
, p. 231-240
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ISI
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000276778400005
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Full text (Publisher's DOI)
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Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
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