Comparison between early and late carotid endarterectomy for symptomatic carotid stenosis in relation to oxidized low-density lipoprotein and plaque vulnerability

Distribution of the timing of carotid endarterectomy after the last neurologic symptoms in groups A and B.

Plaques and plasma oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) levels in group A and B patients. *P < .05.

A, Ratio of vulnerable plaques in each group (A, group A; B, group B). *P < .05. B, Plaque oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) level in each group. **P < .01. C, Plaque matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 activity in groups A and B. D, Plaque MMP-9 activity in each group. *P < .05. E, Plaque zymography in each group. The individual three experiments were repeated in each plaque sample. MMP-9 was strongly positive in groups Av and Bv. M, maker (positive control).

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) staining of vulnerable plaques in groups Av and Bv. In sequential specimens from each plaque sample, the immunostaining against each antigen was performed at least two times.

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) staining of stable plaques in groups As and Bs. In sequential specimens from each plaque sample, the immunostaining against each antigen was performed at least two times.