Vascular expression of NF-KB in human arterial segments of Algerian participants: Implication in inflammation and atherogenesis

The transcription factor NF-κB, plays a central role in the inflammatory response and pro-atherogenic vascular process. Its activation in arterial walls could reflect the local inflammatory state associated with cardiovascular risk factors. The present study analysed NF-κB p50 expression by immunohistochemistry in different human arterial segments. The samples were obtained from patients with high-risk cardiovascular profiles, including diabetes, smoking, obesity and hypertension. Sections of human arteries (thoracic aorta, abdominal aorta, internal carotid artery, femoral artery and mammary artery) were analysed by immunohistochemistry using an anti-NF-κB p50 antibody. Positive (human lung) and negative controls were included in the study. NF-κB p50 expression was assessed according to two main criteria: its cellular location (nuclear vs. cytoplasmic) and its intensity in the different vascular layers. Nuclear labelling of NF-κB p50 was observed in the endothelium and media of aortic segments in hypertensive or smoking patients. These observations suggest local activation of the factor. In addition, internal cores showed intense labelling, particularly in thickened intimal areas. The mammary and femoral arteries, used as negative controls, showed no labelling. These results suggest a possible link between cardiovascular risk factors and NF-κB activation in the vascular wall. Analysis of NF-κB p50 expression in human arterial segments reveals a significant correlation with high-risk cardio-metabolic profiles. This marker could reflect early vascular inflammatory activation, contributing to the initiation or progression of atherogenesis.