Balance between Angiopoietin-1 and Angiopoietin-2 Is in Favor of Angiopoietin-2 in Atherosclerotic Plaques with High Microvessel Density

Abstract

In plaques with high MVD, the local balance between Ang-1 and Ang-2 is in favor of Ang-2. Plaque Ang-2 levels are associated with MMP-2 activity. Ang-2-induced MMP-2 activity might play a role in the development of (unstable) plaque microvessels.