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Augmentation index and carotid intima-media thickness are differently related to age, C-reactive protein and oxidized

Priit Kampus1, Jaak Kals, Tiina Ristimäe

  • 1Department of Cardiology, National and European Centre of Excellence of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia. priit.kampus@kliinikum.ee

Journal of Hypertension
|March 14, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) are linked to arterial stiffness in younger individuals, while oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) and older age are associated with structural arterial changes in asymptomatic adults.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular research
  • Biomarkers of atherosclerosis
  • Arterial physiology

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis is linked to ageing, C-reactive protein (CRP), oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL), and homocysteine (Hcy).
  • Understanding these associations is crucial for assessing cardiovascular risk in asymptomatic individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between age, inflammatory markers (CRP), oxidative stress markers (OxLDL, Hcy), and arterial changes (IMT, AIx) in healthy adults.
  • To differentiate the roles of these markers in functional (AIx) versus structural (IMT) arterial modifications.

Main Methods:

  • Measured CRP, OxLDL, and Hcy in 175 healthy subjects aged 40-70.
  • Utilized ultrasonography for carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and pulse wave analysis for augmentation index (AIx).

Main Results:

  • Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) correlated with intima-media thickness (IMT).
  • C-reactive protein (CRP) correlated with augmentation index (AIx), indicating arterial stiffness.
  • Age influenced both IMT and AIx, with different associations for those younger or older than 50.
  • Regression analysis identified age, OxLDL, and CRP as independent predictors of arterial changes.

Conclusions:

  • C-reactive protein (CRP) and younger age are associated with arterial stiffness (AIx).
  • Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) and older age are more significant determinants of structural arterial changes (IMT).
  • These findings highlight distinct roles for inflammatory and oxidative markers in arterial ageing.
Abstract

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