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Fig. 7 | Cardiovascular Diabetology

Fig. 7

From: Potential role of insulin receptor isoforms and IGF receptors in plaque instability of human and experimental atherosclerosis

Fig. 7

Proposed scheme of an advanced atherosclerotic plaque showing the expression profiles of IR isoforms (IRA and IRB), IGF-IR and IGF-IIR. We found a decreased IRA/IRB ratio, increased IGF-IIR expression, and reduced IGF-IR expression, as well as lower VSMCs content in complicated versus non-complicated regions of human carotid plaques. In experimental models developing advanced atherosclerotic plaques, we also observed a reduced IRA/IRB ratio, a decrease of VSMCs content and an increase of apoptotic cell number. Finally, our in vitro results show that a decrease of IGF-IR expression and the presence of IRB as the predominant IR isoform increase the apoptosis of VSMCs. Therefore, this scenario could contribute to a loss of VSMCs, promoting plaque instability and leading to a higher risk of plaque rupture with the outcome of vascular complications aggravation. ECs endothelial cells, VSMCs vascular smooth muscle cells

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