Activator protein-1 in carotid plaques is related to cerebrovascular symptoms and cholesteryl ester content.
INTRODUCTION: Transcription factor activator protein-1 regulates genes involved in inflammation and repair. The aim of this study was to determine whether transcription factor activator protein-1 activity in carotid plaques is related to symptoms, lipid accumulation, or extracellular matrix composition. METHODS: Twenty-eight atherosclerotic carotid plaques were removed by endarterectomy and divide