Extracellular matrix in atherosclerotic plaques: its role in plaque stability
Atherosclerosis is a systemic disease affecting the large arteries caused by the accumulation of lipids in the vessel wall. Cardiovascular disease due to atherosclerosis is today the most common cause of death globally through its end consequences: myocardial infarctions and stroke. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a network of structural fibrous proteins, proteoglycans and glycoproteins. ECM pro