Role of the OPG/RANK/RANKL triad in calcifications of the atheromatous plaques: Comparison between carotid and femoral beds

Recent works demonstrated the difference of calcification genesis between carotid and femoral plaques, femoral plaques being more calcified. It has been clearly demonstrated that the molecular triad osteoprotegerin (OPG)/Receptor Activator of NFkB (RANK)/RANK Ligand (RANKL) exerts its activities in the osteoimmunology and vascular system. The aim of this study was to determine their expression and their potential role in calcifications of the atheromatous plaques located in two different peripheral arterial beds, carotid and femoral. The expression of OPG, RANK and RANKL was analyzed by immunochemistry in 40 carotid and femoral samples. Blood OPG and RANKL were quantified using specific ELISA assays. OPG staining was more frequently observed in carotid than in femoral plaques, especially in lipid core. Its expression correlated with macrophage infiltration more abundantly observed in carotid specimens. Surprisingly, serum OPG concentration was significantly lower in carotid population compared to femoral population while RANK and RANKL were equally expressed in both arterial beds. Carotid plaques that are less rich in calcium than femoral specimens, express more frequently OPG, this expression being correlated with the abundance of macrophages in the lesions. These data strengthen the key role played by OPG in the differential calcification in carotid and femoral plaques

Carotid and femoral atherosclerotic plaques show different morphology

International audienceOBJECTIVE: Results of endovascular repair vary according to the arterial bed. We hypothesized that these differences may be related to the plaque features. To explore this hypothesis, we designed a prospective study that compared carotid and femoral atheroma. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients that underwent femoral or carotid endarterectomy were included in our study. Demographic data and blood sampling were obtained prior to surgery. Plaques were evaluated for AHA grading, calcification and lipid content. Eighty-eight plaques were harvested during this study (45 carotid specimens and 43 femoral specimens). No differences were noted between carotid and femoral groups regarding demographic and biological data. Histological data more frequently showed fibrous cap atheroma in carotid arteries (75%) and fibrocalcific plaques in femoral arteries (93%), p<0.001. Morphological analyses showed a high prevalence of osteoid metaplasia in femoral arteries (63%) compared to carotid arteries (20%, p<0.001). Biochemical analyses were consistent with histological data, showing higher calcium and lesser cholesterol concentrations in femoral than in carotid plaques (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Femoral and carotid plaques showed different morphology in comparable groups of patients

Radial access for peripheral vascular intervention: the S.M.A.R.T. RADIANZ Vascular Stent System

IntroductionRadial access is the standard of care for nearly all cardiac catheterization procedures. It improves patient satisfaction, reduces the length of stay, and is associated with fewer complications. However, few devices and tools are available for the treatment of peripheral arterial disease via a transradial approach (TRA). The S.M.A.R.T. RADIANZ Vascular Stent System is among the RADIANZ suite of products, which is aimed at expanding the portfolio of devices to treat peripheral arterial disease.Areas CoveredIn this Expert review, the following areas will be covered: (1) Current Landscape of peripheral vascular intervention (PVI) using TRA (2) Detailed description of the S.M.A.R.T. RADIANZ Vascular Stent System. (3) Ongoing clinical trials to evaluate safety of this approach. (4) Future directions and current regulatory status.Expert OpinionTRA for PVI is a promising approach. It holds the possibility of substantially improving the care of patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Numerous challenges must be overcome to realize the full potential of a radial-to-peripheral (RTP) approach. The length of devices and the small sheath size are the main constraints of this approach. The results of the ongoing RADIANCY trial will demonstrate the safety, in selected patients, of the RADIANZ suite of products