Augmentation index and carotid intima-media thickness are differently related to age, C-reactive protein and oxidized low-density lipoprotein.
OBJECTIVE
Ageing, plasma circulating C-reactive protein (CRP), oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) and homocysteine (Hcy) are associated with atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between age, inflammatory and oxidative stress-related markers with functional and structural changes of the arteries in asymptomatic persons.


METHODS
CRP, OxLDL and Hcy were measured in 175 clinically healthy subjects, aged 40-70 years. Ultrasonography and pulse wave analysis were used to measure carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and augmentation index (AIx).


RESULTS
OxLDL was correlated with IMT (r = 0.24, P = 0.003), whereas CRP was correlated with AIx (r = 0.21, P = 0.005). No correlation was detected between Hcy and AIx or age-adjusted IMT. There was a significant association between AIx and age <or=50 years (r = 0.33; P = 0.001) and between IMT and age > 50 years (r = 0.40; P = 0.001). In stepwise regression analysis age, weight, white blood cell count, OxLDL, heart rate and timing of the reflected waveform adjusted for height were significantly and independently associated with IMT (R = 0.41; P < 0.001). At the same time, AIx as the dependent variable correlated positively with age, gender, CRP and mean arterial pressure, and negatively with heart rate, weight and height, in stepwise regression analysis (R = 0.63; P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The results of the present study showed that CRP, OxLDL, Hcy and age are not similarly related to AIx and IMT in asymptomatic persons. The results suggest that CRP and younger age are related to arterial stiffness, whereas OxLDL and older age become more important determinants of structural changes of the arteries in asymptomatic persons.
Kampus
Priit
P
Department of Cardiology, National and European Centre of Excellence of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia. priit.kampus@kliinikum.ee
Kals
Jaak
J
Ristimäe
Tiina
T
Muda
Piibe
P
Ulst
Kai
K
Zilmer
Kersti
K
Salonen
Riitta M
RM
Tuomainen
Tomi-Pekka
TP
Teesalu
Rein
R
Zilmer
Mihkel
M
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001794:Blood Pressure; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology; D017536:Carotid Artery, Common / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000097:blood; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012044:Regression Analysis; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D017540:Tunica Media / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D018084:Ultrasonography, Interventional; D014655:Vascular Resistance
D015415:Biomarkers; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL; C099252:oxidized low density lipoprotein; D006710:Homocysteine; D002097:C-Reactive Protein