Evaluation of clinical markers of atherosclerosis in young and elderly Japanese adults

Abstract

In order to be able to take preventative measures early in life against the development of atherosclerosis, it is important to evaluate profiles of subclinical atherosclerosis, especially among young adults. We screened plasma homocysteine levels, highly sensitive C-reactive protein levels and carotid intima-media thickness in young and elderly adults. Among both young and elderly adults, plasma homocysteine and highly sensitive C-reactive protein were significantly lower in females than in males. Highly sensitive C-reactive protein was significantly lower in young adults than in elderly adults, and homocysteine was lower (but not significantly) in young adults than in elderly adults. Among young adults, mean carotid intima-media thickness was lower (but not significantly) in females than in males. Among elderly adults, mean carotid intima-media thickness was significantly lower in females than in males. Among both males and females, mean carotid intima-media thickness was significantly higher in elderly adults than in young adults. These results demonstrate basic profiles of atherosclerosis markers in young and elderly Japanese adults. Further study is needed to evaluate measures developed for application in early adulthood to prevent atherosclerosis.