Atherothrombosis Markers in Diabetics

Intraplaque hemorrhage is the driving force of atherothrombotic plaque vulnerability to rupture and associated clinical complications. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) represent about 70% of leukocytes and may constitute a source of proteases and oxidants that favour plaque rupture. Our objective is to evaluate PMN activation in atherosclerotic plaque of non-diabetic versus type 2 diabetic patients. For this purpose, investigators will quantify the presence of cell-free DNA, that reflect the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in carotid endarterectomy samples.