Abstract T MP30: Biomarkers for the Evaluation of Vulnerability in Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaques

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Several biomarkers, such as the soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), have been known as biomarkers associated with plaque vulnerability in coronary arteries. However, their clinical utility in carotid atherosclerosis remains unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the availability of these biomarkers for the assessment of plaque vulnerability in the patients with carotid artery stenosis. Methods: Between May 2013 and June 2014, the patients with carotid atherosclerotic plaques were enrolled in this study. These patients were divided into two groups (symptomatic and asymptomatic group). The baseline clinical data included age, gender, smoking habit, and the grade of carotid stenosis. Serum levels of biomarkers (MMP-9, IL-6, VEGF and plasma levels of sCD40L) were measured. We also collected the data of biochemical examination (serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglyceride, blood sugar and C-reactive protein). Results: We enrolled 35 consecutive patients (23 in symptomatic and 12 in asymptomatic group) with the carotid artery stenosis (NASCET 53.9 % vs. 47.8 %, p=0.59). There was no significant difference between the two groups in baseline clinical data and biochemical values. Plasma sCD40L level was significantly higher in symptomatic group than in asymptomatic group (1720 vs. 958 pg/ml, respectively, p<0.01). No other biomarkers were correlated significantly in the two groups [serum MMP-9 (171 vs. 149 ng/ml, respectively, p=0.27), IL-6 (3.7 vs. 2.7 pg/ml, p=0.24), and VEGF (56 vs. 46 pg/ml, p =0.48)]. Conclusions: We found that the patients with symptomatic carotid atherosclerosis had higher levels of plasma sCD40L, and it may be useful to evaluate the vulnerability of carotid atherosclerotic plaques.