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Measuring the Carotid to Femoral Pulse Wave Velocity Cf-PWV to Evaluate Arterial Stiffness
Published on: May 3, 2018
Evaluation of Arterial Stiffness Parameters and the Growth Differentiation Factor-15 Level in Patients with Premature
Zekeriya Dogan1, Cigdem Ileri2, Esin A Kay1
1Department of Cardiology, Marmara University School of Medicine, Istanbul 34890, Turkey.
Insights
Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) is elevated in young patients with myocardial infarction (MI). Higher GDF-15 levels indicate a potential risk factor for early-onset MI, independent of arterial stiffness.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomarkers
- Atherosclerosis Research
Background:
- Myocardial infarction (MI) incidence is rising in younger populations.
- Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) plays a role in atherogenesis.
- Arterial stiffness, measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIx), reflects atherosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess GDF-15 levels and arterial stiffness in patients with premature MI.
- To identify potential biomarkers for early-onset atherosclerosis and MI.
Main Methods:
- Study included 30 patients (≤45 years) who experienced MI and 15 age/sex-matched controls.
- Serum GDF-15 concentrations were measured.
- Arterial stiffness parameters (PWV, AIx) were assessed.
Main Results:
- GDF-15 levels were significantly higher in patients with premature MI.
- No significant differences in PWV or AIx were observed between groups.
- GDF-15 and HDL cholesterol were independent factors associated with premature MI.
Conclusions:
- GDF-15 may serve as a risk factor for premature MI.
- Further research is needed to understand GDF-15's role in early atherosclerosis and MI pathophysiology in young individuals.
Background:
Myocardial infarction (MI) is increasing at a younger age. Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) has been implicated in several key mechanisms of atherogenesis. Arterial stiffness parameters, including pulse wave velocity (PWV) and the augmentation index (AIx), can indicate the presence or progression of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the GDF-15 level and arterial stiffness parameters in patients with premature MI.
Method:
Thirty patients aged ≤45 years (mean age: 39 ± 5 years, 23 male) who recovered from a MI and 15 age and sex-matched subjects were consecutively included. The serum GDF-15 concentration levels and arterial stiffness parameters of the patients and controls were measured.
Results:
GDF-15 levels were significantly higher in patients with premature MI, while there were no significant differences in PWV and AIx between the groups. The GDF-15 level was correlated negatively with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and positively with uric acid levels. Both GDF-15 (p = 0.046, odds ratio: 1.092, 95% confidence interval: 1.003-1.196) and HDL cholesterol (p = 0.037, odds ratio: 0.925, 95% confidence interval: 0.859-0.995) were found as independent factors associated with premature MI.
Conclusions:
GDF-15 could be a risk factor for premature MI. Further studies are needed to elucidate the central role of GDF-15 in the pathophysiology of early atherosclerosis and MI in the young population.
