Journal
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
Volume 9, Issue 9, Pages -Publisher
MDPI
DOI: 10.3390/jcm9092811
Keywords
atherosclerosis; ultrasound; biomarker; preventive medicine
Categories
Funding
- Jubilaumsfonds from the Osterreichische Nationalbank (ONB) [15656]
- Gesellschaft zur Forderung der Herz-Kreislaufforschung in Tirol
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Background/Objectives: Inflammation represents a cornerstone in the development of atherosclerosis and early detection is essential to avoid cardiovascular events. Biomarkers like interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, or high sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) have been investigated intensively in this field. Since they have several limitations, additional biomarkers are needed for cardiovascular risk stratification. The acute phase protein, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), modulates inflammation and is elevated in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Moreover, it contributes to plaque destabilization. Methods: In this prospective, single-center study, we included 323 asymptomatic patients with at least one cardiovascular risk factor or established CVD. NGAL levels were measured in plasma samples using a commercially available ELISA. Carotid, femoral, and total atherosclerotic plaque volumes (PV) were measured using a 3D ultrasound system (Philips iU22). Patients were separated into a low (n= 243) and high (n= 80) total PV group. Results: NGAL was significantly higher in patients with high total PV versus patients with low total PV. The NGAL amplitude for the prediction of high total PV was significantly higher when compared with hs-CRP. A high predictive value could also be observed for patients without established CVD. Conclusion: NGAL seems to be a promising biomarker for the identification of asymptomatic patients with atherosclerotic disease.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available