title: The association between plasma caspase-3, atherosclerosis, and vascular function in the Dallas Heart Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Caspase-3, an apoptosis protease, is expressed in atherosclerotic plaques. We examined the relationship between plasma caspase-3 levels, aortic compliance, and atherosclerosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Caspase-3 was measured in 3,221 subjects from the Dallas Heart Study. Electron beam computed tomography measures of coronary calcium (CAC) (n = 2,404) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of abdominal aortic wall thickness (AWT) (n = 2,208) and aortic compliance (AC) (n = 2,328) were obtained. Multivariate analyses were performed, adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and cardiac medications.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In univariable analysis, caspase-3 associated with CAC (P < 0.0001), AWT (P = 0.002), and AC (P < 0.0001). After multivariable adjustment, 4th quartile caspase-3 (compared to 1st quartile) was significantly associated with CAC (P = 0.004), AWT (P = 0.02), and AC (P < 0.0001) with similar findings for caspase-3 as a continuous variable.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Caspase-3 independently associates with CAC, AWT, and AC, suggesting a link between apoptosis and atherosclerosis.
authors.affiliation: Donald W. Reynolds Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Matulevicius
authors.forename: Anand
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rohatgi
authors.forename: Amit
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Khera
authors.forename: Sandeep R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Das
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Owens
authors.forename: Colby R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Ayers
authors.forename: Carlos H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Timaran
authors.forename: Eric B
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Rosero
authors.forename: Mark H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Drazner
authors.forename: Ronald M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Peshock
authors.forename: James A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: de Lemos