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Elevated plasma YKL-40 levels and ischemic stroke in the general population

Alisa D Kjaergaard1, Stig E Bojesen, Julia S Johansen

  • 1Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Herlev Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Annals of Neurology
|October 30, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Elevated plasma YKL-40 levels significantly increase the risk of ischemic stroke and cerebrovascular disease in the general population. This association remains independent of C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, highlighting YKL-40 as a potential biomarker.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Epidemiology
  • Biomarker Discovery
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • YKL-40, a protein produced by macrophages in vessel walls, is implicated in inflammatory processes.
  • Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) is a known indicator of inflammation and cardiovascular risk.
  • The role of YKL-40 as a predictor of ischemic cardiovascular disease in the general population requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To test the hypothesis that higher plasma YKL-40 levels are associated with an increased risk of ischemic cardiovascular disease.
  • To compare the predictive value of YKL-40 with CRP for ischemic events.
  • To determine if the association between YKL-40 and ischemic events is independent of CRP and other cardiovascular risk factors.

Main Methods:

  • Plasma YKL-40 levels were measured in 8,899 participants from the Copenhagen City Heart Study.
  • Participants were followed for up to 18 years for endpoints including ischemic stroke, cerebrovascular disease, myocardial infarction, and ischemic heart disease.
  • Hazard ratios were calculated for different percentile categories of plasma YKL-40, adjusting for multiple factors including CRP.

Main Results:

  • Elevated plasma YKL-40 levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke and ischemic cerebrovascular disease.
  • A dose-dependent relationship was observed, with the highest YKL-40 percentile category showing a 2.3-fold increased risk for ischemic stroke.
  • Doubling plasma YKL-40 was linked to a 20% higher risk of ischemic stroke and a 16% higher risk of ischemic cerebrovascular disease, independent of CRP.

Conclusions:

  • Plasma YKL-40 is a significant independent predictor of ischemic stroke and ischemic cerebrovascular disease in the general population.
  • YKL-40 offers valuable prognostic information beyond traditional risk factors and CRP.
  • Further research into YKL-40's role in atherogenesis and its therapeutic potential is warranted.
Abstract

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