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Relation of C4b-binding protein to athero-sclerosis of the descending thoracic aorta
1Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Japan.
Insights
C4b binding protein (C4bp) is linked to aortic atherosclerosis severity in Japanese men. Higher C4bp levels independently predict more severe atherosclerosis, even after accounting for risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- C4b binding protein (C4bp) regulates the complement system.
- C4bp is an acute phase reactant associated with lipid levels.
- Previous findings suggest a potential link between C4bp and atherosclerosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between serum C4bp levels and the severity of aortic atherosclerosis.
- To determine if C4bp is an independent predictor of atherosclerosis.
Main Methods:
- Assessed aortic atherosclerosis severity using average sclerotic length (ASL) and area (ASA) via transesophageal echocardiography in 98 Japanese men.
- Measured serum C4bp levels.
- Performed immunohistochemical analysis on autopsy specimens.
Main Results:
- Serum C4bp levels significantly increased with greater ASL and ASA.
- This association remained significant after adjusting for age, lipids, hypertension, smoking, BMI, and other factors.
- C4bp was detected in macrophages within atherosclerotic lesions.
Conclusions:
- Serum C4bp levels are independently associated with the severity of aortic atherosclerosis.
- C4bp may play a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
- Serum C4bp can serve as a potential biomarker for aortic atherosclerosis.
Abstract:
C4b binding protein (C4bp) is a regulator of the classical pathway of the complementing system. It forms a complex with protein S which serves as a cofactor of coagulation inhibitor, protein C. We have reported that C4bp is an acute phase reactant and associated with total cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations (Biochim. Biophys. Acta 963 (1988) 98-108). This suggests a possible association of C4bp with athero-sclerosis. We examined the relation of C4bp levels and the severity of atherosclerosis of the descending thoracic aorta in 98 Japanese men. The severity of aortic atherosclerosis was assessed by average sclerotic length (ASL) and average sclerotic area (ASA), using transesophageal echocardiography. After adjustment for age, C4bp levels increased significantly with increasing ASL and ASA. The association remained significant even after adjusting for total cholesterol, hypertension, smoking, drinking, body mass index, fasting blood sugar, and uric acid. Immunohistochemical analysis of specimens of the descending thoracic aorta from autopsies, demonstrated the presence of C4bp in the foamy macrophages of fatty streaks and the necrotic core of atheromatous plaque. These findings indicate that the serum level of C4bp can serve as an independent indicator of aortic athero-sclerosis.