Abdominal Aortic Wall Thickness Research Articles

Apo-B Levels and Abdominal Aortic Wall Thickness in Hypercholesterolemic Rats Treated with Red Guava Fruit

Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is mainly related to hypercholesterolemia. Sometimes CHD occurs in people with normal cholesterol. Therefore, it is necessary to study other factors that cause CHD: apolipoprotein B (apo-B). Atherosclerosis is a marker of CHD, characterized by the thickening of the walls of blood vessels and the narrowing of blood vessels. Non-pharmacologically, CHD can be managed by consuming foods with high fiber and antioxidants, such as red guava fruit. Objectives: This research aimed to analyze the consequence of red guava fruit on the Apo-B levels and the thickness of the abdominal aortic wall in hypercholesterolemic rats. Methods: The research design was a pre and post-test and a randomized control group. Fifty hypercholesterolemic adults male Sprague Dawley rats were given red guava fruit. The primary treatment used red guava fruit as a treatment group, referring to the fiber requirement of 38 g/day, and simvastatin as a positive control group based on a human dose of 10 mg/day, the conversion of human to mouse dose, according to Laurence-Bacarach is 0.018. The negative control group was hypercholesterolemic rats. The standard feed for the rats was based on AIN93. The Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay method measures apo-B levels, Kit For apo-B Rattus norwegicus, Catalog No. E92003Ra, produced by Uscn Life Science Inc. The aorta was taken after going through general anesthesia and thoracotomy. Furthermore, the aorta was processed for making histological preparations with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining to observe histopathological changes. Results: Observation of aortic wall thickness using a microscope with a magnification of 400X. Simvastatin and red guava fruit have reduced Apo-B by 7% and 6%, respectively. Conclusions: The performance of red guava fruit in reducing Apo-B concentration and the thickness of the abdominal aortic wall was equal to the simvastatin.

Soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) is associated with subclinical and clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: The Dallas Heart Study

Background and aimsSoluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) plays a role in angiogenesis, atherogenesis, and preeclampsia. The relationship of sFlt-1 with markers of subclinical atherosclerosis and future atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events in a generally healthy population is unknown. MethodsParticipants in the Dallas Heart Study with sFlt-1 measured were included (n = 3292). Abdominal aortic atherosclerosis was measured by MRI and coronary artery calcium (CAC) by CT. The cohort was also followed for subsequent ASCVD events (CV death, MI, stroke, unstable angina, revascularization). Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses and Cox regression analyses were performed adjusting for demographics and traditional cardiac risk factors. ResultssFlt-1 levels were higher in older individuals, males, and African Americans, and tracked with most traditional risk factors. sFlt-1 was significantly associated with higher prevalence of aortic plaque [OR 1.33 (95% CI 1.02–1.73)], greater abdominal aortic wall thickness (p<0.01) and aortic plaque area (p<0.02) but no difference in coronary artery calcification. There were 322 ASCVD events over 12 years of follow-up. Higher sFlt-1 levels associated with increased ASCVD events in unadjusted (16.1% vs. 8.9%, p<0.001, quartile 4 vs. quartile 1) and adjusted analyses (HR 1.58 [1.14–2.18], p<0.01, quartile 4 vs. quartile 1). Findings were unchanged when analyzing sFlt-1 as a continuous variable or when excluding those with a history of ASCVD. ConclusionsIn a population-based cohort, sFlt-1 is associated with measures of subclinical aortic atherosclerosis and clinical ASCVD events. Future studies are warranted on the therapeutic potential of targeting sFlt-1 for atherosclerotic disease.

Daxx ameliorates abdominal aortic aneurysm through inhibiting the TGF-β1-mediated PI3K/AKT/ID2 signaling pathway

Background Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a potentially life-threatening vascular abnormality, that, if ruptured, is almost universally fatal without repair, and is associated with up to 50% mortality even if repaired in hospital. To date, there is no drug therapy that has clinically proven benefit to reduce or prevent expansion of AAA. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Daxx could affect AAA through inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/ID2 signaling pathway mediated by transforming growth factor β-1 (TGFβ1). Methods The AAA model was constructed by injecting angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang-Ⅱ) into rats, and the Daxx lentivirus vector was constructed. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to detect the wall thickness of the abdominal aorta in rats. The gene and protein expressions in abdominal aortic tissues were detected utilizing western blot, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Finally, the concentration of TGF-β1 in abdominal aortic tissue was determined by ELISA. Results The abdominal aortic wall thickness was decreased in the Daxx expression group (by HE staining), and Daxx overexpression markedly reduced the protein expression levels of MMP2 and MMP9. Proteins related to the PI3K/AKT/ID2 signaling pathway were highly enhanced in the aneurysm wall of rats, but were reduced following Daxx addition. Moreover, Daxx reduced the damage to elastin (by IHC), and the expression levels of α-SMA and SM22α were up-regulated by Daxx (by qRT-PCR). The concentration of TGF-β1 was correlated with the activation of the PI3K/AKT/ID2 signaling pathway (by ELISA), whereas AKT overexpression weakened the inhibitory effect of Daxx. Conclusion Daxx ameliorated several mechanisms that contributed to expansion of AAA suppressing the tissue concentration of TGF-β1, thereby inhibiting the activation of the PI3K/AKT/ID2 signaling pathway. This evidence might form the basis to develop a therapeutic target for AAA.

The Efficacy of Genistein-Rich Edamame as a Prevention of Atherosclerotic Lesion in Abdominal Aorta: Study in Rats Model of Atherosclerosis

Background: Atherosclerosis is the main cause of ischemic heart disease which leads to death for people aged more than 40 years old. Genistein is an important isoflavone compound which may protect the blood vessels from endothelial injury. This research is to observe the efficacy of genistein rich edamame as a prevention for atherosclerotic abdominal aortic lesions that seen from abdominal aortic thickness and foam cells count.&#x0D; Method: Thirty rats were divided randomly into five groups and treated for 28 days. The negative control group was given food and drink ad libitum. The positive control group was induced for atherosclerosis using adrenaline 0.006 mg / 200 gr BW injected on the first day and then the next day was given egg yolk 5 gr / 200 gr BW on next day for 28 days. All of the treatment groups were induced for atherosclerosis and treated with genistein-rich edamame extract 5 mg / 200 gr BW, edamame extract 38 mg / 200 gr BW and atorvastatin 1.5 mg / 200 grBW. Data were analyzed using One Way ANOVA - post hoc Bonferroni test, Kruskal Wallis - Mann Whitney test, and Pearson correlation test.&#x0D; Results: There were significant differences (p&lt;0,001) in abdominal aortic thickness and foam cells count between positive control group and treatment genistein-rich edamame extract, edamame extract and atorvastatin. There was a significant correlation between the abdominal aortic wall thickness and foam cells count (correlation coefficient value 0,753; p&lt;0,001).&#x0D; Conclusion: The administration of genistein-rich edamame extract can prevent the thickening of abdominal aorta and foam cell formation. Genistein-rich edamame can prevent foam cells formation better than atorvastatin.&#x0D;

3D black-blood 3T-MRI for the diagnosis of abdominal large vessel vasculitis.

To assess the value of a T1-3D black-blood turbo spin echo (TSE) sequence for the diagnosis of abdominal large vessel vasculitis (LVV). The study included 20 patients with abdominal LVV and 17 controls, who underwent a 3T-MRI scan using a modified T1-3D volumetric isotropic TSE acquisition and a segmented T1-3D turbo field echo sequence (T1-mVISTA/T1-eTHRIVE). Two radiologists independently analyzed the aorta for concentric contrast enhancement, concentric wall thickening, image quality, and flow artifact intensity (CCE/CWT/IQ/FAI; 4-point scales). The mean aortic wall thickness (MAWT) in post-contrast T1-mVISTA was compared between patients and controls. IQ of T1-mVISTA was rated good to excellent in 91.5% of 282 evaluated vessel segments with no or minor FAI present in 85.5%. The inter-observer reproducibility for the identification of CCE/CWT on T1-mVISTA was 0.92 and 0.93 (p < 0.001). The distribution of segmental inflammation in T1-mVISTA significantly correlated with T1-eTHRIVE (CCE, κ= 0.768; CWT, κ = 0.715; p < 0.001), resulting in a sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of 100%, 81.3%, and 83.3%. The MAWT significantly differed between patients and controls (3.29 ± 0.81 vs. 2.24 ± 0.45mm; p < 0.001). T1-mVISTA enables the evaluation of the MAWT and allows the detection of abdominal LVV. • 3D T1w-mVISTA accurately depicted the large abdominal vessels. • 3D T1w-mVISTA enables accurate measurements of the abdominal aortic wall thickness. • 3D T1w-mVISTA is useful for the detection of abdominal LVV.

GW29-e1172 TNF-α, Foam Cells and Abdominal Aortic Wall Thickness in Rats with Subchronical Inhalation Exposure of Transfluthrin

Transfluhtrin is one that is widely used insecticide in South East Asia. Transfluthrin with subchronic exposure, known as a endocrine-disrupting chemicals which affect the endocrine system through a variety of disorders of various genes, nuclear receptors and cell's morphology, so it can increased

Shortening tends to increase aortic foam cell count and wall thickness in male Wistar rats

BackgroundShortening is widely used as raw material for bread and other foods. Hypercholesterolemia increases aortic arch foam cell formation and abdominal aortic wall thickness. This study aimed to determine the effect of shortening on the number of aortic arch foam cells and abdominal aortic wall thickness in rats.MethodsThis study was of experimental posttest control group design. Twenty four male Wistar rats were randomized into 4 groups. The negative control group (C-) received standard feed, the positive control group (C+) standard high-fat feed, group T1 shortening and standard feed at a ratio of 1:5 and group T2 shortening and standard feed at a ratio of 1:10. The interventions were given for 6 weeks through gavage. The foam cell count in the aortic arch and the thickness of the abdominal aortic wall were measured. One-way ANOVA test was used to analyze the data. ResultsThere was no significant difference in the mean foam cell count of the aortic arch between the four groups C- (7.17 ± 4.17), C + (9.33 ± 7.01), T1 (11.83 ± 4.88) and T2 (9.33 ± 6.80) (p=0.598). The mean thickness of the abdominal aortic wall between the four groups C- (741.98 ± 60.67μm), C + (714.29 ± 90.59μm), T1 (838.90 ± 75.86 μm), and T2 (749.88 ± 99.37μm) also was not significantly different (p=0.110).Conclusion Shortening tends to increase the foam cell count of the aortic arch and the thickness of the abdominal aortic wall of rats.

High Dietary Fructose Intake on Cardiovascular Disease Related Parameters in Growing Rats.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a high-fructose diet on cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related parameters in growing rats. Three-week-old female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four experimental groups; a regular diet group (RD: fed regular diet based on AIN-93G, n = 8), a high-fructose diet group (30Frc: fed regular diet with 30% fructose, n = 8), a high-fat diet group (45Fat: fed regular diet with 45 kcal% fat, n = 8) or a high fructose with high-fat diet group (30Frc + 45Fat, fed diet 30% fructose with 45 kcal% fat, n = 8). After an eight-week treatment period, the body weight, total-fat weight, serum glucose, insulin, lipid profiles and pro-inflammatory cytokines, abdominal aortic wall thickness, and expressions of eNOS and ET-1 mRNA were analyzed. The result showed that total-fat weight was higher in the 30Frc, 45Fat, and 30Frc + 45Fat groups compared to the RD group (p < 0.05). Serum triglyceride (TG) levels were highest in the 30Frc group than the other groups (p < 0.05). The abdominal aorta of 30Frc, 45Fat, and 30Frc + 45Fat groups had higher wall thickness than the RD group (p < 0.05). Abdominal aortic eNOS mRNA level was decreased in 30Frc, 45Fat, and 30Frc + 45Fat groups compared to the RD group (p < 0.05), and also 45Fat and 30Frc + 45Fat groups had decreased mRNA expression of eNOS compared to the 30Frc group (p < 0.05). ET-1 mRNA level was higher in 30Frc, 45Fat, and 30Frc + 45Fat groups than the RD group (p < 0.05). Both high fructose consumption and high fat consumption in growing rats had similar negative effects on CVD-related parameters.

Subclinical atherosclerosis and subsequent cognitive function

ObjectiveTo examine the relationship between measures of subclinical atherosclerosis and subsequent cognitive function. MethodParticipants from the Dallas Heart Study (DHS), a population-based multiethnic study of cardiovascular disease pathogenesis, were re-examined 8 years later (DHS-2) with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA); N = 1904, mean age = 42.9, range 8–65. Associations of baseline measures of subclinical atherosclerosis (coronary artery calcium, abdominal aortic plaque, and abdominal aortic wall thickness) with MoCA scores measured at follow-up were examined in the group as a whole and in relation to age and ApoE4 status. ResultsA significant linear trend of successively lower MoCA scores with increasing numbers of atherosclerotic indicators was observed (F(3, 1150) = 5.918, p = .001). CAC was weakly correlated with MoCA scores (p = .047) and MoCA scores were significantly different between participants with and without CAC (M = 22.35 vs 23.69, p = 0.038). With the exception of a small association between abdominal AWT and MoCA in subjects over age 50, abdominal AWT and abdominal aortic plaque did not correlate with MoCA total score (p ≥ .052). Cognitive scores and atherosclerosis measures were not impacted by ApoE4 status (p ≥ .455). ConclusionIn this ethnically diverse population-based sample, subclinical atherosclerosis was minimally associated with later cognitive function in middle-aged adults.

TNF-α, foam cells and abdominal aortic wall thickness in rats with subchronical inhalation exposure of transfluthrin

Introduction: Transfluthrin is widely used insecticide in South East Asia, known as a endocrine-disrupting chemicals in subchonical exposure, which affect the cardiovascular system through the alteration of the cell's morphology, and increasing pro-inflammatory cytokines. Aim: Determine TNF-α, foam cells and abdominal aortic wall thickness in rats with subchronical inhalation of transfluthrin. Methods: Experimental in vivo in 35 male rats, divided into five groups, namely negative control, positive control (inhalation with solvent of transfluthrin), group 1,2, and 3 (inhalation transfluthrin 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mg/dl). On the 56th day, the TNF-α serum (ELISA, Biologend kit) was measured and aorta histopathological was examined. Results: Means of serum TNF-α in negative control was 15.93±12.76 ng/mL, positive control 16.64±14.91 ng/mL, group 1, 2, and 3 (42.42±9.99 ng/mL, 97.86±17.76 ng/mL, and 135.56±35.80 ng/mL). There was an increaing means of foam cells in negative control (5/hpf), positive control (15/hpf), group 1, 2, and 3 (24/hpf, 34/hpf, and 70/hpf). Means of abdominal aortic wall thickness in negative control was 2173.99±305.56 μ, positive control was 2206±269.75 μ, group 1, 2, and 3 was 2297.22±301.52 μ, 2494.30±399.34 μ, and 2459.74±319.02 μ. One way ANOVA shows differences between groups. There was correlation between transfluthrin's concentration with TNF-α (r=0.853) and foam cells (r=0.865), but not in abdominal aortic wall thickness (r=0.317). Presumabely due to oxidative stress which increased the inflammatory cytokines, and changed the cells, including macrophage and smooth muscle cells, but not in whole tissue changes.

Symmetrical Dimethylarginine Predicts Mortality in the General Population

Objective— Increased asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA), a NO synthase inhibitor, and its congener symmetrical dimethylarginine (SDMA), predict cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in at-risk populations. Their prognostic value in the general population remains uncertain. We investigated the correlations of SDMA and ADMA with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular/all-cause mortality in the Dallas Heart Study, a multiethnic probability-based cohort aged 30 to 65 years. Approach and Results— SDMA and ADMA were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass-spectrometry (n=3523), coronary artery calcium by electron-beam computed tomography, and abdominal aortic wall thickness by MRI. In unadjusted analyses, categories of increasing SDMA and ADMA were associated with higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, increased risk markers, and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality (median follow-up, 7.4 years). After adjustment for age, sex, and race, traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and renal function, SDMA and ADMA analyzed as continuous variables were associated with coronary artery calcium &gt;10, but only SDMA was associated with abdominal aortic wall thickness. SDMA, but not ADMA, was associated with cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio per log unit change, 3.36 [95% confidence interval, 1.49–7.59]; P =0.004). SDMA and ADMA were both associated with all-cause mortality, but after further adjustment for N-terminal pro–brain-type natriuretic peptide, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T, only SDMA was associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio per log unit change, 1.86 [95% confidence interval, 1.04–3.30]; P =0.01). Conclusions— SDMA, but not ADMA, was an independent predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in a large multiethnic population-based cohort.

Importance of accurate measurement of carotid intima–media thickness for evaluating epileptic children treated with valproate

Dear Editor: We read with great interest the article by Tokgoz et al. [1] who obtained carotid intima–media thickness (CAIMT) in 6to 12-year-old epileptic children treated with valproate. In addition, they assessed plasma leptin, neuropeptide Y, ghrelin, and adiponectin levels of epileptic children treated with valproate and compared the data at the end of 6 and 12 months. In conclusion, they reported that plasma insulin, leptin, neuropeptide Y levels, and fasting insulin glucose ratio were increased, whereas plasma ghrelin and adiponectin levels, lipid profiles, and especially CAIMT did not change significantly at the end of 6 and 12 months. Dorsolateral aorta just before the bifurcation into the iliac arteries is the site of the earliest fatty streaks; the presence of these lesions is related to cardiovascular risk factors [2]. Moreover, involvement of the coronary and carotid arteries occurs later in life [2, 3]. Therefore, noninvasive measurement of the abdominal aortic wall thickness using highresolution ultrasonography is a better indicator for early atherosclerosis in children than CAIMT with low rates of missing data and reasonable reproducibility [3, 4]. We think that the results reported in this article should be confirmed by measurement of the abdominal aortic wall thickness. With an ever increasing number of studies for detecting development of subclinical atherosclerosis utilizing ultrasound evaluation of CAIMT as the primary endpoint, it is of vital interest to critically evaluate the validity of thesemeasurements [5]. In order to guide precise measurements of CAIMT, several studies reviewed the important methodologic aspects that exclude valid measurements of near-wall intima–media thickness, but permit reliable and valid measurements of far-wall intima–media thickness [4, 5]. The authors have not mentioned about this issue in section of materials and methods of their study. Moreover, some additional technical issues that deserve attention include a variety of acoustic settings inherent in the ultrasound imaging device, such as dynamic range, output and receiver gains, transducer frequency, etc. [6]. For example, for a fixed gain level, a 5-dB increase in dynamic range will result in an increased wall thickness of 0.003± 0.002 mm (p<0.001) [6]. We wonder that the authors took care of these parameters. It is recommended that for prospective clinical trials, one should analyze CAIMT measurements using semiautomated software systems. Because the older “on-screen” measurement methods appear dated and inadequate, due to limited quality-control issues [6], we think that it is especially important in children because of having thinner CAIMT. On the other hand, we had trouble understanding why the authors choose the left common carotid artery (CCA) for measuring. According to American Society of Echocardiography consensus statement, in measuring of CAIMT, ultrasound images of the distal 1 cm of the far wall of each CCA should be obtained and compared with values from a normative dataset [7]. Moreover, many well-known studies had measured bilateral CCA for evaluating effect of antiepileptic drug therapy to CAIMT [8, 9]. In conclusion, meticulous attention to quality control in image acquisition, measurement, interpretation, and reporting F. Ozkan (*) :M. F. Inci Department of Radiology Kahramanmaras, Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, 46100 Yorukselim mah, Hastane Cad. No:32, Kahramanmaras, Turkey e-mail: drfozkan@yahoo.com

Association of Abdominal Aortic Wall Thickness in the Newborn with Maternal Factors

The goal of the present study is to carry out prospective echocardiographic measurements of intima-media thickness (IMT) in the abdominal artery of newborns. Study subjects were 96 mothers and their newborns. We measured the adjusted IMT (aIMT, mm/mm) of newborn abdominal arteries by high-resolution ultrasound and evaluated the association of aIMT with various maternal and newborn factors. Negative correlations were observed between aIMT and gestational age (r = - 0.678, p < 0.01) and positive correlations between aIMT and placenta-to-fetus weight ratio (r = 0.418, p < 0.01). Comparing the small-for-gestational-age (SGA) versus appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) categories, aIMT in the SGA (n = 14) was greater than in the AGA (n = 82), with values of [0.115 (0.117) mm/mm versus 0.084 (0.074) mm/mm, p < 0.01], respectively. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed with aIMT as a dependent variable, and significant correlations were noted with gestational age (R2 = 0.524, β = - 0.515, p < 0.001 for gestational age). On the basis of these findings, we suggest that aIMT thickness is associated with placenta-to-fetus weight ratio and gestational age, and that increased values of aIMT in SGA may indicate presence of a latent link to cardiovascular disease that might otherwise go undetected in infancy.

Differential Associations Between Soluble Cellular Adhesion Molecules and Atherosclerosis in the Dallas Heart Study

Endothelial cell-selective adhesion molecule (ESAM) is a junctional-type cellular adhesion molecule (CAM) that is uniquely expressed in vascular endothelium and activated platelets and mediates neutrophil and monocyte diapedesis across the endothelium. Given its role in endothelial pathobiology, we hypothesized that soluble ESAM (sESAM) would be independently associated with atherosclerosis and vascular stiffness. We measured sESAM, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM)-1, and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM)-1 in 3222 subjects participating in the Dallas Heart Study, a probability-based population sample. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) was measured by electron beam computed tomography, and abdominal aortic wall thickness (AWT), aortic plaque burden (APB), and aortic compliance (AC) by MRI. Increasing levels of sESAM were associated with all major cardiovascular risk factors as well as with inflammatory markers such as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, but only weakly correlated with sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1. In multivariate analyses, sESAM was independently associated with prevalent CAC (OR 1.2 per SD increase, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.3; P=0.005), AWT (P=0.035), and AC (P=0.006), but not APB (P=0.15). In contrast, no independent associations were observed between sICAM-1 or sVCAM-1 and any of the atherosclerosis phenotypes. In this first reported clinical study of sESAM in humans, sESAM levels were independently associated with CAC, AWT, and AC, whereas sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1 were not. These findings support a unique role of this cellular adhesion molecule in atherosclerosis and suggest the need for further exploration of sESAM as a predictive biomarker and potential mediator of atherosclerosis.

The association between plasma caspase-3, atherosclerosis, and vascular function in the Dallas Heart Study

Caspase-3, an apoptosis protease, is expressed in atherosclerotic plaques. We examined the relationship between plasma caspase-3 levels, aortic compliance, and atherosclerosis. Caspase-3 was measured in 3,221 subjects from the Dallas Heart Study. Electron beam computed tomography measures of coronary calcium (CAC) (n = 2,404) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of abdominal aortic wall thickness (AWT) (n = 2,208) and aortic compliance (AC) (n = 2,328) were obtained. Multivariate analyses were performed, adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and cardiac medications. In univariable analysis, caspase-3 associated with CAC (P < 0.0001), AWT (P = 0.002), and AC (P < 0.0001). After multivariable adjustment, 4th quartile caspase-3 (compared to 1st quartile) was significantly associated with CAC (P = 0.004), AWT (P = 0.02), and AC (P < 0.0001) with similar findings for caspase-3 as a continuous variable. Caspase-3 independently associates with CAC, AWT, and AC, suggesting a link between apoptosis and atherosclerosis.

The association between peptidoglycan recognition protein-1 and coronary and peripheral atherosclerosis: Observations from the Dallas Heart Study

Background Peptidoglycan recognition protein-1 (PGLYRP-1) is part of the innate immune system and binds to peptidoglycan, a component of bacterial cell walls that has been found in human atherosclerotic lesions. Chronic exposure to bacterial antigens may cause or exacerbate the inflammatory response to lipid deposition within arterial walls. We hypothesized that PGLYRP-1 is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis as measured by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Methods and results PGLYRP-1 was measured in 3222 subjects in the Dallas Heart Study, a probability-based population sample age 30–65 including 50% African-Americans and 56% women. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) was measured by electron beam computed tomography ( n = 2467), abdominal aortic wall thickness (AWT) by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) ( n = 2270), and abdominal aortic plaque burden (APB) by MRI ( n = 2256). In univariable analyses, increasing levels of PGLYRP-1 were associated with all major cardiovascular risk factors, with inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein, and with CAC, AWT, and APB ( p < 0.0001 for each). In multivariable models adjusted for traditional risk factors, log PGLYRP-1 remained significantly associated with CAC (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.01–1.3 per S.D.; p = 0.04) and AWT ( p = 0.009) but not APB ( p = 0.09). Further adjustment for novel biomarkers associated with PGLYRP-1 and atherosclerosis attenuated the association with CAC ( p = 0.18) but not with AWT ( p = 0.01) or APB ( p = 0.037). Conclusion In this first reported clinical study of PGLYRP-1 in humans, PGLYRP-1 levels were independently associated with atherosclerosis phenotypes that represent different vascular beds and stages of atherosclerosis.

OC43: Intrauterine growth restriction and cardiovascular disease before and after birth

Objectives: To assess abdominal aortic wall thickness in utero and after birth in fetuses affected by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and according to gestational age (AGA), and to evaluate at birth troponin I and T and high-sensibility C-reactive protein levels to determine if IUGR fetuses have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease after birth. Methods: A prospective study has been performed on 32 IUGR fetuses and 32 AGA fetuses. In all fetuses measurements of abdominal aorta thickness were performed in utero and after delivery. At delivery a sample was taken from the umbilical vein for analysis of troponin I and T and high-sensibility C-reactive protein. Results: In IUGR fetuses abdominal aortic thickness (2.3 ± 0.5 mm) was significantly higher than that in AGA fetuses (1.5 ± 0.45 mm) (P 6 mg/L), whereas values were normal in AGA fetuses (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Signs of cardiovascular diseases in IUGR fetuses may be investigated by ultrasonography and biochemical markers before and after birth.