Increasing Soluble P-Selectin Levels Predict Higher Peripheral Atherosclerotic Plaque Progression

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Biomarkers
• Atherosclerosis Research

Background:

• P-selectin is an adhesion molecule involved in atherosclerosis pathogenesis.
• Soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin) is a marker of endothelial cell and platelet activation.
• Peripheral atherosclerosis progression is a significant clinical concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the predictive value of sP-selectin for peripheral atherosclerosis progression.
• To assess the association between sP-selectin levels and atherosclerotic plaque volume changes.
• To determine if sP-selectin can enhance existing cardiovascular risk scores.

Main Methods:

• Observational, single-center cohort study of 443 patients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors.
• Annual 3D ultrasound assessment of carotid and femoral artery plaque volume over 4 years.
• Serial plasma sP-selectin measurements and growth curve modeling to analyze associations.

Main Results:

• A 1 SD increase in sP-selectin correlated with a 46.09 mm³ increase in plaque volume (p < 0.001).
• Changes in sP-selectin improved the predictive value of the ESC-SCORE (AUC 0.75).
• Increasing sP-selectin levels were linked to significantly higher plaque progression (202 mm³ vs. 110 mm³).

Conclusions:

• Rising sP-selectin levels predict increased atherosclerotic plaque progression.
• Serial sP-selectin measurements serve as an accessible biomarker for peripheral atherosclerosis.
• sP-selectin holds potential for improved risk stratification in cardiovascular disease.