Atherosclerosis (AS) is an age-related inflammatory disease. Globule-epidermal growth factor-8 (MFG-E8) and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) are involved in the pathogenesis of AS. However, age-related changes in circulating levels of MFG-E8 and TGF-beta 1, and their correlation with the severity of AS is not well-characterized. In this study, we investigated age-related changes in serum levels of MFG-E8, TGF-beta 1 and examined their association with the severity of AS. Sixty healthy volunteers were divided into young, middle-age and old-age groups. In addition, carotid ultrasound examination was performed to assess the intima-media thickness (IMT) of carotid artery. Sixty-seven patients with carotid AS and 30 age-matched healthy persons were divided into IMT increased group, plaque group and control group. Serum levels of MFG-E8, TGF-beta 1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 were measured in all subjects. A positive association between serum MFG-E8 levels and age was observed in healthy volunteers, while a significant negative association was observed between TGF-beta 1 levels and age. Serum levels of MFG-E8 and TNF-alpha showed a positive correlation while those of TGF-beta 1 showed a negative correlation with Crouse scores for carotid artery IMT (P<0.05 for both). Both MFG-E8 and TGF-beta 1 were age-related inflammatory factors. MFG-E8 showed a positive correlation, while TGF-beta 1 showed a negative correlation with the severity of AS. Our findings suggest that both MFG-E8 and TGF-beta 1 are age-related inflammatory factors and are related to the degree of AS. In conclusion, both MFG-E8 and TGF-beta 1 may serve as potential markers of the severity of AS.
[1]Jilin Univ, Hosp 1, Dept Geriatr, 71 Xinmin Rd, Changchun 130000, Jilin, Peoples R China.
[2]Seventh Peoples Hosp Zhengzhou, Dept Intens, Cardiac Care Unit, Zhengzhou 450006, Henan, Peoples R China.
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