Association between plasma sLOX-1 concentration and arterial stiffness in middle-aged and older individuals

Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) is implicated in vascular endothelial function. Vascular endothelial function is a potent regulator of arterial stiffness, an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, it is unknown whether LOX-1 is associated with arterial stiffness. Plasma concentrations of soluble LOX-1 (sLOX-1) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV, an index of arterial stiffness) were measured in 143 individuals between 51 and 83 years of age. Plasma sLOX-1 concentration was correlated with baPWV (r = 0.288, p = 0.0005). In stepwise regression analysis, plasma sLOX-1 concentration was associated with baPWV, after adjusting for age; body mass index; blood pressure; heart rate; blood levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and insulin; sex; and use of antihypertensives, lipid-lowering agents, and other medications (R (2) = 0.575, p<0.0001). Multiple logistic regression demonstrated that plasma sLOX-1 concentration was independently associated with elevated baPWV (≥14.0 m/s; odds ratio, 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.03; p = 0.03). These results suggest that LOX-1 is associated with arterial stiffness.