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Acute phase proteins in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms
J T Powell1, B R Muller, R M Greenhalgh
1Department of Surgery, Charing Cross & Westminster Medical School, London, England.
The Journal of Cardiovascular Surgery
|September 1, 1987
Summary
Patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms show higher levels of acute phase proteins compared to those with stenosing aortic disease, suggesting inflammation plays a role in aneurysm development.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Atherosclerosis affects the distal aorta, leading to both stenosis and aneurysmal dilatation.
- Factors predisposing to aneurysmal dilatation require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare acute phase protein levels in patients with stenosing versus aneurysmal aortic disease.
- To explore the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of aortic aneurysms.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of acute phase proteins (C-reactive protein, alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor, ceruloplasmin) in patient cohorts.
- Comparison of protein levels between patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms and stenosing aortic disease.
Main Results:
- Significantly increased levels of acute phase proteins were observed in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms compared to those with stenosing aortic disease.
- Specific protein levels: C-reactive protein (56 vs 28 mg/l), alpha 1-proteinase inhibitor (2.5 vs 1.65 g/l), and ceruloplasmin (0.41 vs 0.35 g/l) were elevated in aneurysm patients.
- These findings indicate a heightened inflammatory response in the aortic wall of aneurysm patients.
Conclusions:
- The elevated levels of acute phase proteins support the involvement of an inflammatory process in the aortic wall.
- Inflammation is implicated as a key factor in the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysms.