Title | Plasma Galectin-3 and Sonographic Measures of Carotid Atherosclerosis in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2019 |
Authors | Oyenuga A, Folsom AR, Fashanu O, Aguilar D |
Secondary Authors | Ballantyne CM |
Journal | Angiology |
Volume | 70 |
Issue | 1 |
Pagination | 47-55 |
Date Published | 2019 Jan |
ISSN | 1940-1574 |
Keywords | Aged, Biomarkers, Carotid Arteries, Carotid Artery Diseases, Carotid Intima-Media Thickness, Female, Galectin 3, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Plaque, Atherosclerotic, Risk Factors, Ultrasonography |
Abstract | Galectin-3 is a β-galactoside-binding lectin that plays a role in the regulation of several conditions that are associated with atherosclerosis. The goal of this cross-sectional study was to assess the association of plasma galectin-3 concentrations with sonographic measures of carotid atherosclerosis in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. Linear regression was used to determine the difference and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) by categorical and continuous representations of galectin-3. Logistic regression was used to determine the odds ratio and 95% CI, separately, for dichotomized cIMT (75th percentile = 0.9 mm) and carotid plaque and/or shadowing. Compared to those in the first quintile of galectin-3, those in the fifth quintile of galectin-3 level had higher cIMT (mean difference: 0.020 mm after multivariable adjustment; P trend = .04). Moreover, compared to those in the lowest galectin-3 quintile, those in the highest galectin-3 quintile had higher odds of carotid plaque/and or shadowing (odds ratio 1.13 after multivariable adjustment; P trend = .014). Higher levels of galectin-3 are associated with greater carotid atherosclerosis. Our findings provide support for the role of inflammatory biomarkers in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and suggest galectin-3 as a possible target for intervention in the prevention or management of atherosclerotic disease. |
DOI | 10.1177/0003319718780772 |
Alternate Journal | Angiology |
PubMed ID | 29879846 |
PubMed Central ID | PMC6239970 |
Grant List | HHSN268201700001I / HL / NHLBI NIH HHS / United States HHSN268201700004I / HL / NHLBI NIH HHS / United States HHSN268201700002I / HL / NHLBI NIH HHS / United States HHSN268201700005I / HL / NHLBI NIH HHS / United States HHSN268201700003I / HL / NHLBI NIH HHS / United States |