Fig. 6.

Schematic diagram showing the relationship between CFA and the pathological Cal process. (A) As the disease progresses, the changes in the innermost layer of media are gradual, with an increase in thickness and the CFA progressively becoming random. The morphology and phenotype of SMCs also change, and the content of Anx increases. (B) In contrast, the other layers of media retain their original structure. (C) From the onset of plaque formation, the CFA inside is random, with SMCs lacking orientation, and there is a marked increase in the levels of macrophages, MMPs, and Anx. These phenomena collectively suggest that CFA is closely associated with the development of AS and may serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker.