Numerous clinical studies have highlighted the role of macrophages in the destabilization of coronary lesions; however, there is limited literature on the relationship between circulating monocytes and intraplaque macrophages.

This study aims to evaluate and compare the presence of macrophages and their subsequent activation within coronary and peripheral atherosclerotic lesions, and to correlate these findings with the distribution of circulating monocyte subpopulations.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with chronic coronary artery disease;
• Patients with no-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome;
• Patients with chronic claudication (Rutherford II-III)
• Patients with critical limb ischemia (Rutherford IV-V).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe renal dysfunction
• Severe valve disease
• Advanced heart failure
• Advanced liver disease
• Chronic inflammatory or autoimmune disease
• Use of antinflammatory drugs
• Acute infection
• Recent surgical procedures