Elevated serum sortilin is related to carotid plaque concomitant with calcification

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Biomarkers
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Carotid atherosclerosis is a significant risk factor for ischemic stroke.
• Identifying reliable biomarkers for carotid plaque development is crucial for risk stratification.
• Sortilin, a protein involved in cellular processes, has emerged as a potential cardiovascular marker.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serum sortilin levels and the presence and severity of calcified carotid plaque.
• To determine if serum sortilin is linked to ischemic stroke risk in patients with cardiovascular risk factors.

Main Methods:

• Serum sortilin concentrations were quantified using ELISA in 171 patients with cardiovascular risk factors.
• Carotid plaque characteristics, including calcified and noncalcified plaques, were assessed via ultrasonography.
• Statistical analyses, including multivariable logistic regression and ROC analysis, were employed.

Main Results:

• Serum sortilin levels were significantly higher in patients with calcified carotid plaque.
• A positive correlation was observed between serum sortilin levels and carotid plaque burden.
• Serum sortilin was identified as an independent determinant of calcified carotid plaque (p = 0.001), with an AUC of 0.759 for carotid calcification.

Conclusions:

• Elevated serum sortilin is associated with the presence of carotid calcification.
• Higher serum sortilin levels correlate with a more severe carotid plaque burden.
• Serum sortilin may serve as a valuable biomarker for detecting carotid calcification.