NGAL Correlates with Femoral and Carotid Plaque Volume Assessed by Sonographic 3D Plaque Volumetry

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Inflammation represents a cornerstone in the development of atherosclerosis and early detection is essential to avoid cardiovascular events. Biomarkers like interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, or high sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) have been investigated intensively in this field. Since they have several limitations, additional biomarkers are needed for cardiovascular risk stratification. The acute phase protein, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), modulates inflammation and is elevated in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Moreover, it contributes to plaque destabilization. Methods: In this prospective, single-center study, we included 323 asymptomatic patients with at least one cardiovascular risk factor or established CVD. NGAL levels were measured in plasma samples using a commercially available ELISA. Carotid, femoral, and total atherosclerotic plaque volumes (PV) were measured using a 3D ultrasound system (Philips iU22). Patients were separated into a low (n = 243) and high (n = 80) total PV group. Results: NGAL was significantly higher in patients with high total PV versus patients with low total PV. The NGAL amplitude for the prediction of high total PV was significantly higher when compared with hs-CRP. A high predictive value could also be observed for patients without established CVD. Conclusion: NGAL seems to be a promising biomarker for the identification of asymptomatic patients with atherosclerotic disease.

High baseline fetuin-A levels are associated with lower atherosclerotic plaque progression as measured by 3D ultrasound

“…In our study, hs-CRP showed no significant correlation with baseline plaque volume. This has also been shown in a previous publication [ 22 ].…”

“…Moreover, the presence of chronic kidney disease and male sex is associated with higher plaque volume [ 21 ]. The biomarker neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, but not hsCRP was shown to correlate with peripheral plaque volume at baseline [ 22 ]. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effect of cardiovascular biomarkers, in particular fetuin-A and hsCRP, on atherosclerotic plaque progression.…”

Inflammatory Markers Related to Innate and Adaptive Immunity in Atherosclerosis: Implications for Disease Prediction and Prospective Therapeutics

“…Therefore, it seems that NGAL could be an encouraging inflammatory biomarker to predict cases with asymptomatic atherosclerosis. 131 …”

Inverse Correlation of Cholesterol Efflux Capacity with Peripheral Plaque Volume Measured by 3D Ultrasound

“…The chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables. Total PV was divided into high (501-2048 mm 3 ) and low (0-500 mm 3 ) total PV, with the 75th percentile as the cut-off point for some calculations, as described previously [34].…”