Proteomics and multivariate modelling reveal sex-specific alterations in unique regions of human carotid atheroma

Atherosclerotic sores are consisted of unique regions with different proteomic profiles. Guy and females establish differences in sore phenotype, with lesions from women typically being more stable and less susceptible to rupture. We intended to examine the differences in proteomic profiles in between sexes, consisting of unique lesion areas, to identify transformed proteins that add to these differences observed medically.

Approaches

Carotid endarterectomy samples (10 men/ten ladies) were acquired, and intraplaque biopsies from 3 distinct regions (internal control, fatty streak and plaque) were evaluated by tandem-mass spectrometry. Multivariate statistical modelling, using orthogonal partial least square-discriminant analysis, was used to discriminate the proteomes in between males and females.

Outcomes

Transport protein afamin and blood coagulation proteins antithrombin-III and coagulation factor XII were significantly increased in plaque region from ladies. Inflammatory action proteins lysozyme C and phospholipase A2 membrane-associated were significantly increased in plaque area from men.

Conclusions

This pilot study, for the very first time, makes use of a multivariate proteomic technique to examine sexual dimorphism in human atherosclerotic tissue, and offers a vital proteomic platform for further examinations to help comprehend sexual dimorphism and plaque vulnerability in atherosclerosis.