Polycystin-1 as a Novel Biomarker for Peripheral Artery Disease: Findings from a Pilot Prospective Study

Atherosclerosis remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recent studies highlight the potential role of mechanosensitive molecules, particularly Polycystin-1 (PC-1), in vascular pathology. However, its significance in carotid atherosclerosis remains largely unexplored. This study aims to evaluate PC-1 serum levels and its association with atherosclerotic plaque characteristics and the p53/p38/p21 signaling pathway.

A total of 70 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy were prospectively enrolled in this study. PC-1 levels in serum were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, while Western blot analysis was performed to assess p53/p38/p21 signaling pathway activation. Patients were stratified into symptomatic (n = 17) and asymptomatic (n = 53) groups. Correlations between PC-1 levels, clinical parameters, plaque characteristics, and protein expression were analyzed using Student's t-test and chi-square tests.

PC-1 was detected in ten patients (7 asymptomatic, 3 symptomatic), with levels significantly correlating with age (P < 0.0001), body mass index (P < 0.0001), lipid profile (P < 0.0001), hemoglobin A1c (P < 0.0001), and carotid stenosis severity (P < 0.0001). No significant correlation was found between PC-1 levels and serum creatinine. Western blot analysis revealed an increase in p21 and phospho-p38 expression in PC-1-positive samples, although this difference did not reach statistical significance. Heatmap analysis showed greater p53/p38/p21 activation in PC-1-positive samples, particularly in male patients.

These findings suggest that PC-1 may serve as a potential biomarker for carotid atherosclerosis, with implications for disease progression and mechanotransduction signaling. Further studies with larger cohorts are needed to validate these observations and explore the role of PC-1 as a therapeutic target in vascular disease.