Article
Detection of MUC18 gene expression in arteriosclerotic arteries
Search Medline for
Authors
-
Roushanak Shayesteh-Kheslat
- Universitätsklinik des Saarlandes, Allgemein-, Viszeral- und Gefäßchirurgie, Homburg
-
Otto Kollmar
- Universitätsklinik des Saarlandes, Allgemein-, Viszeral- und Gefäßchirurgie, Homburg
-
Martin Karl Schilling
- Universitätsklinik des Saarlandes, Allgemein-, Viszeral- und Gefäßchirurgie, Homburg
-
Mohammed Reza Moussavian
- Universitätsklinik des Saarlandes, Allgemein-, Viszeral- und Gefäßchirurgie, Homburg
| Published: | April 23, 2012 |
|---|
Outline
Text
Introduction: MUC18, a cell adhesion molecule previously shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of malignant melanoma and other malignancies, shows proangiogenic potential in malignant tissues. To date, little is known about MUC18 expression in arteriosclerotic arteries. Thus, we explored if the proangiogenic potential of MUC18 may have an impact in stenotic and dilatative arteriosclerotic diseases.
Materials and methods: Using quantitative real-time PCR, Western Blot and immunohistochemistry, we investigated differential expression of human MUC18 (huMUC18) in human arteries without macroscopic arteriosclerosis from transplantation operations (An, n=19), atherosclerotic arteries removed after major lower limb amputation (Ap, n=15), femoral thrombendarteriectomie (TEA, n=20) and aortic specimens within open repair of abdominal (infrarenal) aortic aneurysms (AAA, n=13), respectively.
Results: Human MUC18 mRNA and protein expression was demonstrated in non-sclerotics, amputees, TEA tissues and aortic aneurysms. In aortic aneurysm significant down-regulation of MUC18 mRNA and protein expression was detected with respect to normal arterial tissue, thrombendarteriectomy specimens or ischemic induced occlusive arteries removed from amputated lower limbs (P <0.05). Moreover, immunohistochemical staining of non atherosclerotic tissues revealed predominant MUC18 expression in epithelial cells of the intima.
Conclusion: We have allocated a complete and intact intima as the predominant location of MUC18 expression. Although in Ap and TEA the intima is widely calcified, MUC18 mRNA and protein expression in Ap and TEA was significantly higher in comparison to AAA. We therefore conclude that in PAD the proangiogenic potence of MUC18 may play a role in angiogenesis of collaterals, whereas in AAAs the induction of collaterals is typically not evident. These results further strengthen the hypothesis that MUC18 has an important role in angiogenic potency even in PAD and does not lose this effect by reduced epithelial cells in atherosclerotic tissue.
