Abstract
Early microcalcification is a feature of coronary plaques with an increased propensity to rupture and to cause acute coronary syndromes. In this ex vivo imaging study of coronary artery specimens, the non-invasive imaging radiotracer, 18F-fluoride, was highly selective for hydroxyapatite deposition in atherosclerotic coronary plaque. Specifically, coronary 18F-fluoride uptake had a high signal to noise ratio compared with surrounding myocardium that makes it feasible to identify coronary mineralisation activity. Areas of 18F-fluoride uptake are associated with osteopontin, an inflammation-associated glycophosphoprotein that mediates tissue mineralisation, and Runt-related transcription factor 2, a nuclear protein involved in osteoblastic differentiation. These results suggest that 18F-fluoride is a non-invasive imaging biomarker of active coronary atherosclerotic mineralisation.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Journal | Scientific Reports |
Early online date | 19 Nov 2020 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 19 Nov 2020 |
Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics of 'Ex vivo 18F-fluoride uptake and hydroxyapatite deposition in human coronary atherosclerosis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Equipment
-
Edinburgh Preclinical Imaging
Moran, C. (Manager), Thomson, A. (Manager), Lennen, R. J. (Manager), Tavares, A. (Manager), Alcaide-Corral, C. J. (Manager), Morgan, T. (Other), Cranston, I. (Other) & O'Rourke, K. (Other)
Deanery of Clinical SciencesFacility/equipment: Facility