Background: Pentraxins are generally considered acute phase
proteins. Pentraxin 3 (PTX3), a long pentraxin, has been identified as
an inflammatory biomarker, and its blood levels increase rapidly and
dramatically in inflammatory conditions. Elevated plasma PTX3
levels were reported in patients with high systolic and diastolic blood
pressures, and PTX3 can be an early marker of arteriosclerotic
vascular damage. Carotid artery intima-media thickness (cIMT) is a
well-established surrogate marker for subclinical atherosclerosis.
However, the association between biomarkers of systemic
inflammation and atherosclerosis progression in carotid artery is not
well established.
Aim of Study: Was to evaluate the value of plasma PTX3 level as a
predictor for asymptomatic preclinical hypertensive-related
atherosclerotic vascular disease.
Subjects and Methods: 75 patients with primary hypertension who
had no history or manifestations suggesting atherosclerotic vascular
disease and 15 healthy subjects (control group) were included. Full
history taking and thorough medical examination were done. Patients'
weight, height, BMI, and blood pressure were assessed. Laboratory
investigations (urine analysis, UACR, CBC, ESR, CRP, liver
enzymes, urea, creatinine, blood sugar levels, HbA1c, uric acid, LDL
cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglyceride, and PTX3 levels), ECG,
echocardiography, and carotid ultrasonography (for measuring cIMT)
were performed for all patients.
Results: The mean age of patients was 54.7±9.3 years (range, 38-73
years). Asymptomatic preclinical atherosclerotic vascular disease, as
reflected by cIMT > 0.1cm, was reported in 39 patients (52%).
Hypertensive patients with LDL cholesterol ≥ 100mg/dL or with HDL
cholesterol < 50mg/dL for males and < 40mg/dL for females had
significantly higher plasma PTX3 levels. Higher degrees of UACR
and albuminuria were associated with significantly elevated plasma
PTX3 levels. Plasma PTX3 levels were significantly higher in
hypertensive patients with preclinical atherosclerotic vascular disease, |
