Fig. 7From: Potential role of insulin receptor isoforms and IGF receptors in plaque instability of human and experimental atherosclerosisProposed 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 cellsBack to article page