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Brunetti G, Barile B, Nicchia GP, Onorati F, Luciani GB, Galeone A. The ST2/IL-33 Pathway in Adult and Paediatric Heart Disease and Transplantation. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1676. [PMID: 37371771 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
ST2 is a member of interleukin 1 receptor family with soluble sST2 and transmembrane ST2L isoforms. The ligand of ST2 is IL-33, which determines the activation of numerous intracytoplasmic mediators following the binding with ST2L and IL-1RAcP, leading to nuclear signal and cardiovascular effect. Differently, sST2 is released in the blood and works as a decoy receptor, binding IL-33 and blocking IL-33/ST2L interaction. sST2 is mainly involved in maintaining homeostasis and/or alterations of different tissues, as counterbalance/activation of IL-33/ST2L axis is typically involved in the development of fibrosis, tissue damage, inflammation and remodeling. sST2 has been described in different clinical reports as a fundamental prognostic marker in patients with cardiovascular disease, as well as marker for the treatment monitoring of patients with heart failure; however, further studies are needed to better elucidate its role. In this review we reported the current knowledge about its role in coronary artery disease, heart failure, heart transplantation, heart valve disease, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and cardiovascular interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomina Brunetti
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Barbara Barile
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Grazia Paola Nicchia
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Onorati
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatrics and Gynecology, Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy
| | - Giovanni Battista Luciani
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatrics and Gynecology, Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy
| | - Antonella Galeone
- Department of Surgery, Dentistry, Pediatrics and Gynecology, Division of Cardiac Surgery, University of Verona, 37129 Verona, Italy
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Stojkovic S, Kampf S, Harkot O, Nackenhorst M, Brekalo M, Huber K, Hengstenberg C, Neumayer C, Wojta J, Demyanets S. Soluble ST2 in Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis-Association with Plaque Morphology and Long-Term Outcome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24109007. [PMID: 37240352 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24109007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin (IL-33) and the ST2 receptor are implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Soluble ST2 (sST2), which negatively regulates IL-33 signaling, is an established biomarker in coronary artery disease and heart failure. Here we aimed to investigate the association of sST2 with carotid atherosclerotic plaque morphology, symptom presentation, and the prognostic value of sST2 in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. A total of 170 consecutive patients with high-grade asymptomatic or symptomatic carotid artery stenosis undergoing carotid endarterectomy were included in the study. The patients were followed up for 10 years, and the primary endpoint was defined as a composite of adverse cardiovascular events and cardiovascular mortality, with all-cause mortality as the secondary endpoint. The baseline sST2 showed no association with carotid plaque morphology assessed using carotid duplex ultrasound (B 0.051, 95% CI -0.145-0.248, p = 0.609), nor with modified histological AHA classification based on morphological description following surgery (B -0.032, 95% CI -0.194-0.130, p = 0.698). Furthermore, sST2 was not associated with baseline clinical symptoms (B -0.105, 95% CI -0.432-0.214, p = 0.517). On the other hand, sST2 was an independent predictor for long-term adverse cardiovascular events after adjustment for age, sex, and coronary artery disease (HR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0-2.4, p = 0.048), but not for all-cause mortality (HR 1.2, 95% CI 0.8-1.7, p = 0.301). Patients with high baseline sST2 levels had a significantly higher adverse cardiovascular event rate as compared to patients with lower sST2 (log-rank p < 0.001). Although IL-33 and ST2 play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, sST2 is not associated with carotid plaque morphology. However, sST2 is an excellent prognostic marker for long-term adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with high-grade carotid artery stenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Stojkovic
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Stephanie Kampf
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Olesya Harkot
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Maja Nackenhorst
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Mira Brekalo
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Kurt Huber
- 3rd Medical Department with Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Klinik Ottakring, 1160 Vienna, Austria
- Medical School, Sigmund Freud University, 1020 Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christian Hengstenberg
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Neumayer
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Vascular Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Johann Wojta
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Core Facilities, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Svitlana Demyanets
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Scicchitano P, Marzullo A, Santoro A, Zito A, Cortese F, Galeandro C, Ciccone AS, Angiletta D, Manca F, Pulli R, Navarese EP, Gurbel PA, Ciccone MM. The Prognostic Role of ST2L and sST2 in Patients Who Underwent Carotid Plaque Endarterectomy: A Five-Year Follow-Up Study. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11113142. [PMID: 35683529 PMCID: PMC9181783 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11113142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Soluble suppressor of tumorigenicity (sST)-2 plasma concentration is related to atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic impact of sST2 and its membrane-associated form (ST2L) in patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaque who underwent endarterectomy (CEA). Eighty-two consecutive patients (age range: 48−86 years) who underwent CEA were enrolled. Anthropometric, clinical, instrumental, and laboratory evaluations were gathered. Thirty-seven (45%) patients were symptomatic of cerebrovascular diseases. Patients underwent a five-year follow-up. Phone calls and the analysis of national and regional databases were performed in order to evaluate the occurrence of the primary outcome (all-cause mortality). The population was divided according to survival status. Statins were administered in 81% and 87.5% of survivors and non-survivors, respectively. sST2 levels were higher in non-survivors than in survivors (117.0 ± 103.9 vs. 38.0 ± 30.0 ng/mL, p < 0.001) and in symptomatic individuals, compared with asymptomatic (80.3 ± 92.1 ng/mL vs. 45.4 ± 41.4 ng/mL, p = 0.02). ROC curve analysis identified sST2 cut-off: >98.44 ng/mL as the best predictor for mortality. At the one-year follow-up, the survival rate decreased up to 20% in patients with sST2 higher than the cut-off value. A multivariate regression analysis revealed that only sST2 (HR: 1.012, 95% CI: 1.008−1.016, p < 0.0001) and triglycerides plasma levels (HR: 1.008, 95% CI: 1.002−1.015, p = 0.0135) remained significantly associated with all-cause mortality. ST2L was not associated with all-cause mortality risk. sST2 may act as an independent prognostic determinant of all-cause mortality and symptomatic cerebrovascular diseases in patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaque who underwent CEA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Scicchitano
- Cardiology Department, Hospital “F. Perinei”, 70022 Altamura, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-080-3108286
| | - Andrea Marzullo
- Pathology Division, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy; (A.M.); (A.S.C.)
| | - Annarita Santoro
- Section of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy; (A.S.); (A.Z.); (F.C.); (M.M.C.)
| | - Annapaola Zito
- Section of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy; (A.S.); (A.Z.); (F.C.); (M.M.C.)
| | - Francesca Cortese
- Section of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy; (A.S.); (A.Z.); (F.C.); (M.M.C.)
| | - Cristina Galeandro
- Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy; (C.G.); (D.A.); (R.P.)
| | - Andrea Sebastiano Ciccone
- Pathology Division, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy; (A.M.); (A.S.C.)
| | - Domenico Angiletta
- Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy; (C.G.); (D.A.); (R.P.)
| | - Fabio Manca
- Department of Science of Educational Psychology and Communication, University of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy;
| | - Raffaele Pulli
- Section of Vascular Surgery, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy; (C.G.); (D.A.); (R.P.)
| | - Eliano Pio Navarese
- Inova Center for Thrombosis Research and Drug Development, Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, Inova Fairfax Medical Center, Falls Church, VA 22042, USA; (E.P.N.); (P.A.G.)
| | - Paul A. Gurbel
- Inova Center for Thrombosis Research and Drug Development, Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, Inova Fairfax Medical Center, Falls Church, VA 22042, USA; (E.P.N.); (P.A.G.)
| | - Marco Matteo Ciccone
- Section of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy; (A.S.); (A.Z.); (F.C.); (M.M.C.)
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Luo G, Qian Y, Sheng X, Sun J, Wu Z, Liao F, Feng Q, Yin Y, Ding S, Pu J. Elevated Serum Levels of Soluble ST2 Are Associated With Plaque Vulnerability in Patients With Non-ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 8:688522. [PMID: 34368249 PMCID: PMC8341076 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2021.688522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Recent studies have suggested that soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 (sST2), an inflammation-related protein receptor, is associated with atherosclerotic diseases. This study aimed to investigate the potential predictive value of sST2 on plaque vulnerability by assessing whether elevated serum levels of sST2 are associated with vulnerable plaque features in patients with non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods: A total of 120 patients with non-ST-elevation ACS (167 lesions) were prospectively enrolled and evaluated by standard coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and coronary angiography in this study. Serum sST2 levels were measured by ELISA (Presage® ST2 Assay Kit, Critical Diagnostics), and semiautomated software (QAngioCT, Medis) was used to quantify coronary plaques. Results: The included patients were divided into 4 groups by serum sST2 level quartiles. Volumetric analysis of the whole lesion revealed that patients with higher sST2 levels had a larger absolute necrotic core (NC) volume (Quartile 4 vs. Quartile 1, 86.16 ± 59.71 vs. 45.10 ± 45.80 mm3, P = 0.001; Quartile 4 vs. Quartile 2, 86.16 ± 59.71 vs. 50.22 ± 42.56 mm3, P = 0.002) and a higher NC percentage (Quartile 4 vs. Quartile 1, 35.16 ± 9.82 vs. 23.21 ± 16.18%, P < 0.001; Quartile 4 vs. Quartile 2, 35.16 ± 9.82% vs. 22.50 ± 14.03%, P < 0.001; Quartile 4 vs. Quartile 3, 35.16 ± 9.82% vs. 25.04 ± 14.48%, P < 0.001). Correlation analysis revealed that serum sST2 levels were positively correlated with the NC (r = 0.323, P < 0.001) but negatively correlated with dense calcium (r = −0.208, P = 0.007). Furthermore, among those with plaque calcification, patients with spotty calcification exhibited higher serum sST2 levels than those with large calcification (26.06 ± 16.54 vs. 17.55 ± 7.65 ng/mL, P = 0.002). No significant differences in plaque components at the level of the minimal lumen area (MLA) were found among the groups. Conclusions: Serum sST2 levels were correlated with different coronary plaque components in patients with non-ST-elevation ACS. A higher serum level of sST2 was correlated with plaque vulnerability. Clinical Trial Registration:www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04797819.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guqing Luo
- Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxuan Qian
- Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xincheng Sheng
- Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiateng Sun
- Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhinan Wu
- Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Liao
- Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Feng
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Yin
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Song Ding
- Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Pu
- Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
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Novel Therapeutical Approaches to Managing Atherosclerotic Risk. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094633. [PMID: 33924893 PMCID: PMC8125277 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial vascular disease that leads to inflammation and stiffening of the arteries and decreases their elasticity due to the accumulation of calcium, small dense Low Density Lipoproteins (sdLDL), inflammatory cells, and fibrotic material. A review of studies pertaining to cardiometabolic risk factors, lipids alterations, hypolipidemic agents, nutraceuticals, hypoglycaemic drugs, atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammation was performed. There are several therapeutic strategies including Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, inclisiran, bempedoic acid, Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), and nutraceuticals that promise improvement in the atheromatous plaque from a molecular point of view, because have actions on the exposure of the LDL-Receptor (LDL-R), on endothelial dysfunction, activation of macrophages, on lipid oxidation, formations on foam cells, and deposition extracellular lipids. Atheroma plaque reduction both as a result of LDL-Cholesterol (LDL-C) intensive lowering and reducing inflammation and other residual risk factors is an integral part of the management of atherosclerotic disease, and the use of valid therapeutic alternatives appear to be appealing avenues to solving the problem.
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Stojkovic S, Demyanets S, Kopp CW, Hengstenberg C, Wojta J, Eichelberger B, Panzer S, Gremmel T. Association of Soluble Suppression of Tumorigenesis 2 (sST2) With Platelet Activation, Monocyte Tissue Factor and Ischemic Outcomes Following Angioplasty and Stenting. Front Cardiovasc Med 2021; 7:605669. [PMID: 33415128 PMCID: PMC7782352 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2020.605669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients undergoing infrainguinal angioplasty with stenting suffer high rates of target lesion restenosis and ischemic events. Blood-based prognostic markers in these patients are currently limited. The IL-33/ST2-system is involved in atherothrombosis. Soluble ST2 has been proposed as a biomarker in patients with cardiovascular disease. Aim: To investigate the association of sST2 with platelet activation and monocyte tissue factor (TF) in 316 patients undergoing elective angioplasty and stenting for cardiovascular disease, and its predictive value for ischemic outcomes following infrainguinal angioplasty with stent implantation in 104 PAD patients within this cohort. Methods and Results: Circulating levels of sST2, platelet surface P-selectin, monocyte TF expression as well as soluble P-selectin were determined in 316 consecutive patients on dual antiplatelet therapy following angioplasty and stenting. sST2 was independently associated with soluble P-selectin (B = 6.4, 95% CI 2.0-10.7, p = 0.004) and TF expression (B = 0.56, 95% CI 0.02-1.1, p = 0.041) but not with platelet surface P-selectin (B = 0.1, 95% CI -0.1-0.3, p = 0.307) after adjustment for age, sex, clinical risk factors and inflammatory parameters. During the follow-up of 24 months, the primary endpoint occurred in 41 of 104 PAD patients (39.4%). However, circulating levels of sST2 did not predict the primary endpoint in PAD patients (HR 1.1, 95% CI 0.76-1.71, p = 0.527). Conclusion: sST2 is associated with soluble P-selectin and monocyte TF expression in atherosclerosis but not with ischemic outcomes following infrainguinal angioplasty with stent implantation for PAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Stojkovic
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Svitlana Demyanets
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph W Kopp
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Johann Wojta
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Core Facilities, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cardiovascular Research, Vienna, Austria
| | - Beate Eichelberger
- Department of Blood Group Serology and Transfusion Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Simon Panzer
- Department of Blood Group Serology and Transfusion Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Gremmel
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Internal Medicine I, Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Landesklinikum Mistelbach-Gänserndorf, Mistelbach, Austria
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Poredos P, Gregoric ID, Jezovnik MK. Inflammation of carotid plaques and risk of cerebrovascular events. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1281. [PMID: 33178813 PMCID: PMC7607075 DOI: 10.21037/atm-2020-cass-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Carotid atherosclerotic plaques represent a risk for ischemic stroke. The data indicate that the risk for distal embolization from atherosclerotic lesions in internal carotid arteries is not related only to the degree of stenosis but also to the composition of plaques. The stability of atherosclerotic plaque depends on the thickness of the fibrous cap and plaque hemorrhage. Recent research indicated that the inflammatory activity of atherosclerotic lesions is pivotal in the progression of atherosclerotic plaques. It also promotes the development of unstable atherosclerotic lesions and is related to thromboembolic cerebrovascular complications. Inflammation destabilizes atherosclerotic plaques through the degradation of their fibrotic structure. Inflammation of atherosclerotic plaques was confirmed by histopathologic findings and levels of circulating inflammatory markers which were correlated to the intensity of the inflammation in atherosclerotic lesions. Recently, new techniques like fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18-FDG PET) were developed for the identification of inflammation of atherosclerotic lesions in the vessel wall in vivo. Systemic inflammatory markers, particularly interleukins, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and metalloproteinases were shown to be related to the intensity of the inflammatory process in atherosclerotic lesions and the cerebrovascular events. Identification of inflamed atherosclerotic plaques may help to identify unstable atherosclerotic lesions and subjects at high risk for cerebrovascular incidents who need intensive preventive measures including anti-inflammatory medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavel Poredos
- Department of Vascular Disease, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Department of Advanced Cardiopulmonary Therapies and Transplantation, The University of Texas Health Science Centre at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Igor D Gregoric
- Department of Advanced Cardiopulmonary Therapies and Transplantation, The University of Texas Health Science Centre at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mateja K Jezovnik
- Department of Advanced Cardiopulmonary Therapies and Transplantation, The University of Texas Health Science Centre at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
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Stankovic M, Ljujic B, Babic S, Maravic-Stojkovic V, Mitrovic S, Arsenijevic N, Radak D, Pejnovic N, Lukic ML. IL-33/IL-33R in various types of carotid artery atherosclerotic lesions. Cytokine 2019; 120:242-250. [PMID: 31132589 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2019.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Inflammation plays a crucial role in the progression of atherosclerotic plaques. The aim of the study was to investigate serum levels and expression of Interleukin-33 (IL-33) and ST2 receptor in atherosclerotic plaques and to analyze correlation with the type of the carotid plaques in patients with carotid disease. METHODS This study included 191 consecutive patients submitted for carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Preoperative serum levels of IL-33 and soluble ST2 (sST2) were measured. Atherosclerotic plaques obtained during surgery were initially histologically classified and immunohistochemical analyzes of IL-33, IL-33R, CD68 and alpha-SMA expression was performed. Ultrasound assessment of the level of carotid stenosis in each patient was performed prior to carotid surgery. Demographic and clinical data such as gender, age, smoking status, blood pressure, glycaemia, hemoglobin and creatinine levels, and comorbidities were collected and the comparisons between variables were statistically evaluated. RESULTS Serum levels of IL-33 (35.86 ± 7.93 pg/ml vs.12.29 ± 1.8 pg/ml, p < 0.05) and sST2 (183 ± 8.03 pg/ml vs. 122.31 ± 15.89 pg/ml, p < 0.05) were significantly higher in the group of CEA patients vs. healthy subjects. We demonstrated abundant tissue expression of IL-33 and ST2 in atherosclerotic carotid artery lesions. The levels of IL-33 and IL-33R expression were significantly higher in vulnerable plaques and significantly correlated with the degree of inflammatory cells infiltration in these plaques (R = 0.579, p = 0.049). Immunohistochemical analysis also revealed that cells responsible for IL-33 expression are not only mononuclear cells confined to inflammatory atherosclerotic lesions, but also smooth muscle cells which gained phenotypic characteristics of foam cells and were loaded with lipid droplets. CONCLUSION The obtained results confirm the importance of IL-33/ST2 axis in the process of atherosclerosis, and indicate its ambiguous function in immune response, whether as proinflammatory cytokine in advanced atherosclerotic lesions, or as profibrotic, in early lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milos Stankovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Biljana Ljujic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Srdjan Babic
- Dedinje Cardiovascular Institute, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vera Maravic-Stojkovic
- Dedinje Cardiovascular Institute, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Slobodanka Mitrovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Nebojsa Arsenijevic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Djordje Radak
- Dedinje Cardiovascular Institute, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nada Pejnovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Miodrag L Lukic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia.
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9
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Taurino M, Dito R, Salerno G, De Giusti M, Cirombella R, Ficarelli R, Rizzo L, Del Porto F. Different ST2 Serum Concentrations in Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis. Ann Vasc Surg 2018; 56:240-245. [PMID: 30339898 DOI: 10.1016/j.avsg.2018.07.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2018] [Revised: 07/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND ST2 represents an interesting biomarker associated with the progression of atherosclerotic disease. METHODS This study aims to detect different ST2 serum concentrations, and intraplaque ST2 expression, in patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. RESULTS The analysis of ST2 expression in the atheromatous plaque did not show any significant difference between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients (39.61 ± 35.97 vs. 38.49 ± 35.26; P = ns). ST2 serum concentrations of asymptomatic and symptomatic patients were statistically different with a concentration of 11.04 ± 8.95 ng/mL and 13.91 ± 8.01 ng/mL, respectively (P = 0.037). We observed statistical difference in serum ST2 levels between asymptomatic and symptomatic patients for cerebrovascular acute disease. No differences have been obtained in intraplaque ST2 expression. CONCLUSIONS Soluble serum ST2 levels can be a useful biomarker to identify patients at risk for cerebrovascular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Taurino
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Sant'Andrea Hospital, University of Rome-"La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Dito
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Sant'Andrea Hospital, University of Rome-"La Sapienza", Rome, Italy.
| | - Gerardo Salerno
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco De Giusti
- Operative Unit of Cardiology and Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, Aurelia Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Cirombella
- Surgical Pathology Units, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Ospedale Sant'Andrea, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Ficarelli
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Sant'Andrea Hospital, University of Rome-"La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Rizzo
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Sant'Andrea Hospital, University of Rome-"La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Del Porto
- Department of clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, University of Rome-"La Sapienza", Rome, Italy
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Aimo A, Migliorini P, Vergaro G, Franzini M, Passino C, Maisel A, Emdin M. The IL-33/ST2 pathway, inflammation and atherosclerosis: Trigger and target? Int J Cardiol 2018; 267:188-192. [PMID: 29793758 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2018.05.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The "inflammatory hypothesis" of atherosclerosis postulates that inflammatory cell signalling drives the formation, growth and ultimately the instability of atherosclerotic plaques, setting up the substrate for the thrombotic response that causes myocardial damage or infarction. The recent Canakinumab Antiinflammatory Thrombosis Outcome Study (CANTOS) trial has been hailed as the first demonstration, ex iuvantibus, of the inflammatory hypothesis. Indeed, interleukin (IL)-1β inhibition was found to reduce cardiovascular events in patients with previous myocardial infarction and raised high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, despite no effects on the lipid profile. These results prompt a dissection of inflammatory mechanisms of atherosclerosis in order to search for specific biomarkers with prognostic value and/or therapeutic targets. Under this respect, the IL-33/suppression of tumorigenesis 2 (ST2) pathway deserves consideration. Indeed, its elements are particularly expressed in the endothelium of arterial vessels, and the interaction between IL-33 and the ST2 receptor blunts the immune response characteristic of atherosclerosis. By contrast, soluble ST2 (sST2) acts as a decoy receptor for IL-33, thus blocking its protective effects. Despite a solid theoretical framework, no definite demonstration of an involvement of the IL-33/ST2 pathway in atherosclerosis has been provided. Therefore, further studies are warranted to verify if elements of the IL-33/ST2 pathway may be proposed as markers of plaque burden and predictors of future cardiovascular events, and to explore the potential clinical benefit of enhanced IL-33/ST2 signalling in atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Aimo
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy; Cardiology Division, University of Pisa, Italy.
| | - Paola Migliorini
- Allergy and Immunology Division, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vergaro
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy; Cardiology Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Claudio Passino
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy; Cardiology Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alan Maisel
- University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Michele Emdin
- Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy; Cardiology Division, Fondazione Toscana Gabriele Monasterio, Pisa, Italy
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Increased Plasma Concentrations of Soluble ST2 Independently Predict Mortality but not Cardiovascular Events in Stable Coronary Heart Disease Patients: 13-Year Follow-up of the KAROLA Study. Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 2017; 31:167-177. [DOI: 10.1007/s10557-017-6718-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Carotid plaque and bone density and microarchitecture in psoriatic arthritis: the correlation with soluble ST2. Sci Rep 2016; 6:32116. [PMID: 27554830 PMCID: PMC4995470 DOI: 10.1038/srep32116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients have increased risk of both atherosclerosis and osteoporosis. Previous studies revealed that IL-33/ST2 axis may be related to both conditions; however, these associations were never evaluated in a single patients’ group. Here we explored the association among plasma levels of IL-33 and its decoy receptor soluble ST2 (sST2), carotid plaque determined by ultrasound, and volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD)/microstructure of distal radius measured by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) in 80 PsA patients (55% male; 53.0 ± 10.1 years). Plasma sST2 levels were significantly higher in 33 (41%) patients with carotid plaques (11.2 ± 4.5 vs 7.7 ± 3.7 ng/ml, P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, sST2 was an independent explanatory variable associated with carotid plaques (OR = 1.296, 95% CI: [1.091,1.540]; P = 0.003). After adjustment for the osteoporotic risk factors, sST2 was significantly associated with higher cortical porosity (β = 0.184, [0.042,0.325]; P = 0.012) and cortical pore volume (2.247, [0.434,4.060]; P = 0.016); and had a trend to be associated with lower cortical vBMD (−2.918, [−6.111,0.275]; P = 0.073). IL-33 was not associated with carotid plaque or vBMD/microstructure. In conclusion, plasma sST2 levels were independently correlated with both carotid plaque and compromised cortical vBMD/microstructure in PsA patients. IL-33/ST2 axis may be a link between accelerated atherosclerosis and osteoporosis in PsA.
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Marzullo A, Ambrosi F, Inchingolo M, Manca F, Devito F, Angiletta D, Zito A, Scicchitano P, Ciccone MM. ST2L Transmembrane Receptor Expression: An Immunochemical Study on Endarterectomy Samples. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0156315. [PMID: 27223112 PMCID: PMC4880330 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background ST2 (suppression of tumorigenity) has been described as a receptor for the interleukin-33, a member of the IL-1 family of cytokines. It is associated to coronary artery disease, all-causes mortality and cardiovascular mortality. Aims The present study was designed to assess the immunohistochemical expression of the ST2 receptor (ST2L/Il-1R) in atherosclerotic plaques of formalin fixed paraffin-embedded internal carotid arteries of patients with and without cerebro-vascular symptoms. Methods and Results The study involved 41 cases (23 asymptomatic and 18 symptomatic). All the clinical and morphological parameters examined were uniformly distributed between the two groups, with a mild predominance of degree of calcification in asymptomatic cases (p = 0.01). ST2L expression was found to be more evident as a membrane pattern in macrophages when observing carotid atherosclerotic plaques of symptomatic patients, rather than in asymptomatic patients’ plaques (77.7% vs 39.1%; p = 0.015), and its expression was particularly remarkable in VI type plaque (AHA). Significantly, ST2L was marked by the endothelium of neoangiogenetic vessels on the shoulder region of the plaque, but not (apart from a few cases) in the endothelium covering the residual lumen of the vessel. Conclusions The ST2L immunohistochemical expression was for the first time investigated in a large number of human carotid atherosclerotic plaques, as for its pattern of distribution in the different plaque cell populations. Furthermore, ST2L was particularly remarkable on macrophages, as a membrane pattern, of symptomatic patients’ plaque. Considering our data, we hypothesize that ST2L/IL33 axis could drive the mechanism of plaque development and eventually rupture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Marzullo
- Pathology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), Medical School, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Ambrosi
- Pathology Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), Medical School, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Mirjam Inchingolo
- Vascular Surgery Section, Medical School, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Fabio Manca
- Department of Science of Educational, Psychology and Communication-University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Fiorella Devito
- Cardiovascular Diseases Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Angiletta
- Vascular Surgery Section, Medical School, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Annapaola Zito
- Cardiovascular Diseases Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Pietro Scicchitano
- Cardiovascular Diseases Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Marco Matteo Ciccone
- Cardiovascular Diseases Section, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation (DETO), University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- * E-mail:
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Ates I, Ozkayar N, Ates H, Karakulak UN, Kursun O, Topcuoglu C, Inan B, Yilmaz N. Elevated circulating sST2 associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in newly diagnosed primary hypertension. Hypertens Res 2016; 39:513-8. [DOI: 10.1038/hr.2016.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Revised: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Markers of inflammation associated with plaque progression and instability in patients with carotid atherosclerosis. Mediators Inflamm 2015; 2015:718329. [PMID: 25960621 PMCID: PMC4415469 DOI: 10.1155/2015/718329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is the focal expression of a systemic disease affecting medium- and large-sized arteries, in which traditional cardiovascular risk factor and immune factors play a key role. It is well accepted that circulating biomarkers, including C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, reliably predict major cardiovascular events, including myocardial infarction or death. However, the relevance of biomarkers of systemic inflammation to atherosclerosis progression in the carotid artery is less established. The large majority of clinical studies focused on the association between biomarkers and subclinical atherosclerosis, that is, carotid intima-media thickening (cIMT), which represents an earlier stage of the disease. The aim of this work is to review inflammatory biomarkers that were associated with a higher atherosclerotic burden, a faster disease progression, and features of plaque instability, such as inflammation or neovascularization, in patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaque, which represents an advanced stage of disease compared with cIMT. The association of biomarkers with the occurrence of cerebrovascular events, secondary to carotid plaque rupture, will also be presented. Currently, the degree of carotid artery stenosis is used to predict the risk of future cerebrovascular events in patients affected by carotid atherosclerosis. However, this strategy appears suboptimal. The identification of suitable biomarkers could provide a useful adjunctive criterion to ensure better risk stratification and optimize management.
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Abstract
Suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2, also known as interleukin [IL]-1 receptor-like-1) is an IL-1 receptor family member with transmembrane (ST2L) and soluble isoforms (sST2). ST2L is a membrane-bound receptor, and IL-33 is the functional ligand for ST2L. sST2, a soluble truncated form of ST2L, is secreted into the circulation and functions as a "decoy" receptor for IL-33, inhibiting IL-33/ST2L signaling. Blood concentrations of sST2 are increased in inflammatory diseases and heart disease and are considered a valuable prognostic marker in both conditions. In multiple clinical trials, sST2 has emerged as a clinically useful prognostic biomarker in patients with cardiac diseases. Interestingly, sST2 even provides prognostic information in low-risk community-based populations. In this review, we will discuss analytical considerations of measuring circulating sST2 including pre-analytical issues, such as in vitro stability of sST2, biological variation of sST2, and postanalytical issues, such as reference ranges and comparisons to diseased cohorts.
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17
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Dieplinger B, Mueller T. Soluble ST2 in heart failure. Clin Chim Acta 2014; 443:57-70. [PMID: 25269091 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2014.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Revised: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 09/16/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In addition to routine clinical laboratory tests (including natriuretic peptides and cardiac troponins), other biomarkers are gaining attention for their utility in heart failure (HF) management. Among them, soluble ST2 (sST2) a novel biomarker integrating inflammation, fibrosis, and cardiac stress has been included in the 2013 ACCF/AHA guideline for additive risk stratification of patients with acute and chronic HF. sST2 is an interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor family member, is secreted into the circulation and functions as a "decoy" receptor for IL-33, inhibiting IL-33/ST2 signaling. Blood concentrations of sST2 are increased in various diseases such as inflammatory diseases and heart diseases and are considered a valuable prognostic marker in both conditions. sST2 lacks disease specificity and, therefore, is not a valuable marker for the diagnosis of HF. In acute and chronic HF, however, sST2 is strongly associated with measures of HF severity and poor outcome. Several studies in patients with HF indicate that serial measurement of sST2 has prognostic value and could have a potential role in future biomarker-directed therapy. In this review, the role of sST2 as a HF biomarker will be discussed, specifically addressing analytical considerations of measuring sST2 as well as the clinical applications of measurement of sST2 for the diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of acute and chronic HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Dieplinger
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Konventhospital Barmherzige Brueder, Linz, Austria.
| | - Thomas Mueller
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Konventhospital Barmherzige Brueder, Linz, Austria
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Gopal DM, Larson MG, Januzzi JL, Cheng S, Ghorbani A, Wollert KC, Kempf T, D'Agostino RB, Polak JF, Ramachandran VS, Wang TJ, Ho JE. Biomarkers of cardiovascular stress and subclinical atherosclerosis in the community. Clin Chem 2014; 60:1402-8. [PMID: 25237063 DOI: 10.1373/clinchem.2014.227116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biomarkers of cardiovascular stress have been associated with incident cardiovascular outcomes. Their relations with measures of subclinical atherosclerosis, as assessed by carotid intima-media thickness, have not been well described. METHODS We measured plasma growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15), soluble ST2 (sST2), and high-sensitivity troponin I (hsTnI) in 3111 Framingham Offspring participants who also underwent carotid ultrasonography during the sixth examination (1995-1998, mean age 58 years, 54% women). Carotid measurements included maximal internal carotid artery (ICA) intima-media thickness (IMT), plaque presence (defined as ICA IMT >1.5 mm), and mean common carotid artery IMT. We carried out multivariable regressions for carotid measurements vs biomarkers using linear and logistic models; P < 0.0056 was deemed statistically significant. RESULTS Maximal ICA IMT was significantly associated with plasma GDF-15 [β-estimate 0.04 per 1-U increase in log(GDF-15), SE 0.01, P < 0.0001]. Similarly, the odds of having carotid plaque increased 33% [odds ratio 1.33 per 1-U increase in log(GDF-15), 95% CI 1.20-1.48, P < 0.0001]. In contrast, there was no significant association of maximal ICA IMT or plaque presence with sST2 or hsTnI, and none of the 3 biomarkers was significantly associated with mean CCA IMT. GDF-15 was a stronger predictor of maximal ICA thickness and plaque presence compared with BNP and CRP when these conventional biomarkers were tested together. CONCLUSIONS Increased GDF-15 concentrations are associated with subclinical atherosclerosis, including maximal ICA IMT and carotid plaque presence. Future studies investigating the role of GDF-15 for screening and management of patients with subclinical atherosclerosis are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepa M Gopal
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Martin G Larson
- Framingham Heart Study of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and Boston University School of Medicine, Framingham, MA; Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Boston University, Boston, MA
| | - James L Januzzi
- Cardiology Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Susan Cheng
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Framingham Heart Study of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and Boston University School of Medicine, Framingham, MA
| | | | - Kai C Wollert
- Division of Molecular and Translational Cardiology, Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Tibor Kempf
- Division of Molecular and Translational Cardiology, Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ralph B D'Agostino
- Framingham Heart Study of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and Boston University School of Medicine, Framingham, MA; Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Boston University, Boston, MA
| | - Joseph F Polak
- Department of Radiology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Vasan S Ramachandran
- Framingham Heart Study of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and Boston University School of Medicine, Framingham, MA; Cardiology and Preventive Medicine and
| | - Thomas J Wang
- Framingham Heart Study of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and Boston University School of Medicine, Framingham, MA; Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Division of Medicine, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
| | - Jennifer E Ho
- Framingham Heart Study of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and Boston University School of Medicine, Framingham, MA; Cardiovascular Medicine Section, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA;
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