Over time, the strong fibrous cap covering the fatty core in the artery got much thinner compared to the size of the fatty core — making the plaque more likely to burst, like a weak roof over a big hole.
Scientific Claim
In apolipoprotein E-knockout mice, the fibrous cap thickness relative to the necrotic core area decreases from 0.47 to 0.12 (p<0.01) between 6 and 14 weeks after collar placement, indicating progression from stable to vulnerable plaque morphology.
Original Statement
“The fibrous cap area and the ratio of the fibrous cap to the necrotic core were smaller at 14 weeks than 6 weeks (fibrous cap area: 8,690±1,635 µm² vs 13,850±4,900 µm², P<0.05; ratio of the cap to the core: 0.12±0.034 vs 0.47±0.17, P<0.01).”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The study reports precise histological measurements with p-values, clearly showing morphological change over time. No causal language is used beyond association.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (0)
Contradicting (1)
The study looks at how certain immune cells cause plaques to burst, but it doesn’t measure whether the plaque’s protective layer gets thinner or its dead cell core gets bigger over time, which is what the claim is about.