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Updated: Feb 3, 2026
08:42
Ultrasound Assessment of Endothelial-Dependent Flow-Mediated Vasodilation of the Brachial Artery in Clinical Research
Published on: October 22, 2014
28.0K
Proteomic profiling of endothelium-dependent vasodilation
Lars Lind1, Johan Sundström1, Johan Ärnlöv2,3
1Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala.
Journal of Hypertension
|October 20, 2018
Summary
This study found that higher plasma cathepsin D levels are linked to reduced endothelial-dependent vasodilation, an early sign of atherosclerosis. This suggests cathepsin D may play a role in cardiovascular health.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Proteomics
- Endothelial Function
Background:
- Endothelial dysfunction is an early indicator in atherosclerosis development.
- Understanding the relationship between cardiovascular disease proteins and endothelial function is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if cardiovascular disease-related proteins are associated with endothelial function.
- To utilize a novel targeted proteomics approach to identify such associations.
Main Methods:
- Employed a discovery/validation approach using two cohorts: Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS) and Prospective Investigation of Obesity, Energy and Metabolism (POEM).
- Assessed endothelium-dependent vasodilation (EDV) and flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) in participants aged 50 and 70.
- Analyzed 84 cardiovascular-related proteins using proximity extension assay in relation to EDV and FMD.
Main Results:
- Fifteen proteins showed a significant relationship with EDV in the PIVUS cohort.
- Seven of these proteins were replicated in the POEM cohort.
- Only cathepsin D remained significantly associated with EDV after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors, showing an inverse association (beta = -0.08, P = 0.033).
- No significant associations were found between any proteins and FMD.
Conclusions:
- Plasma cathepsin D levels are inversely associated with endothelial-dependent vasodilation.
- Cathepsin D may be a potential biomarker or therapeutic target for endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis.
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