Multinucleated giant cells in XXXX plaques of @entity1 carotid arteries: Identification of osteoclast-like cells and their specific proteins in artery wall.

@entity1 @entity5272 @entity3336 @entity82 @entity738 @entity39 @entity548 @entity6823 @entity469 @entity2295 @entity730 @entity79 @entity165 @entity731 @entity2159
UNASSIGNED: The mechanism(s) mediating @entity731 may be similar to those @entity79 have been observed in plaque. We tested the hypothesis that osteoclast-like cells (OLCs) also exist in @entity731 arteries. In 205 tissue blocks obtained from 21 @entity1 undergoing carotid endarterectomy, we performed histopathologic analysis, histochemical staining for @entity5272 -resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), and immunohistochemical analysis for osteoclast and macrophage antigens, including @entity469 , @entity6823 ( @entity6823 ), @entity3336 ( @entity3336 ), receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB (RANK), and @entity2159 ( @entity2159 ). Lesions were classified according to the AHA system, and further grouped as calcified or non-calcified (with @entity39 cores or suture @entity738 ). Multinucleated giant cells morphologically similar to osteoclasts were frequently seen, sometimes exhibited morphologic evidence of polarization, were closely associated with regions of @entity730 , @entity82 , or granulomatous tissue, and also appeared to be associated with @entity2295 and regions of intraplaque @entity548 . TRAP-positive cells often expressed the osteoclast-associated antigens @entity3336 , RANK, and @entity2159 . Calcification typically occurred at the base of plaque or in @entity39 cores in various morphologies, including a fine powdery pattern, a diffuse pattern of larger deposits near @entity165 clefts and @entity39 centers, and nodular forms. Regions of frank ossification were rarely observed. CONCLUSION: OLCs are frequently found in plaque, and co-localize with sub-regions of @entity165 deposition, mineralization, and @entity39 and foreign debris. True bone tissue is rare in carotid plaque, although more common in other arteries. Our findings suggest that arterial OLCs might degrade mineral deposits, prevent formation of @entity730 or both and therefore counterbalance the activity of the osteoblast-like cells in @entity731 .
