[Association of age, inflammatory markers and subclinical atherosclerosis in subjects free from cardiovascular disease].
OBJECTIVE
We assessed whether an independent association between inflammatory markers and age-related subclinical atherosclerosis could be found in subjects free from cardiovascular disease.


METHODS
Metabolic parameters, inflammatory and endothelial markers, such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, fibrinogen and von Willebrand factor, as well as the carotid intima-media thickness were assessed in 890 asymptomatic subjects (mean age: 55 years; range: 20-80 years; 80% men) with cardiovascular risk factors.


RESULTS
Subjects in the upper quartile (age 61-80 years) showed a significant increase of traditional risk factors, particularly arterial pressure and glucose levels (p < 0.01) as compared with lower quartiles. We also found a significant increase in the levels on inflammatory and endothelial markers (p < 0.001) and intima-media thickness (p < 0.001) in older adults. In the multivarate analysis, after adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, intima-media thickness was independently associated with inflammation and endothelial dysfunction in older adults (p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Besides age, systemic inflammation and vascular damage are associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in asymptomatic subjects. The age-related inflammatory profile may predispose to cardiovascular complications.
Area de Ciencias Cardiovasculares, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra, España. japaramo@unav.es
José A
JA
Páramo
Josune
J
Orbe
Oscar
O
Beloqui
Inmaculada
I
Colina
Alberto
A
Benito
José A
JA
Rodríguez
Javier
J
Díez
D000367:Age Factors; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005340:Fibrinogen / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000097:blood*; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D014841:von Willebrand Factor / Q000032:analysis
D015850:Interleukin-6; D014841:von Willebrand Factor; D005340:Fibrinogen; D002097:C-Reactive Protein
Asociación de marcadores inflamatorios y aterosclerosis subclínica en relación con la edad en sujetos sin enfermedad cardiovascular.