Figure 3.

CHI3L1 gene silencing influenced plaque composition and stability. (a) Cross-sections of mice carotid arteries in the control group and silenced group were stained for lipids (oil red O), collagen (Sirius red), SMCs (α-actin), and macrophages (MOMA-2). The relative content of lipids (b), collagen (c), SMCs (d), and macrophages (e) in the plaque tissues. The relative contents of lipids and macrophages in plaque tissues were significantly lower in silenced group than in control group. However, the relative collagen and SMCs contents in plaque tissues were increased in silenced group than in control group. *P < 0.05 versus control group.