Age-related differences in serum MFG-E8, TGF-β1 and correlation to the severity of atherosclerosis determined by ultrasound

Abstract

Atherosclerosis (AS) is an age-related inflammatory disease. Globule-epidermal growth factor-8 (MFG-E8) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) are involved in the pathogenesis of AS. However, age-related changes in circulating levels of MFG-E8 and TGF-β1, 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-β1 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-β1, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) 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-β1 levels and age. Serum levels of MFG-E8 and TNF-α showed a positive correlation while those of TGF-β1 showed a negative correlation with Crouse scores for carotid artery IMT (P<0.05 for both). Both MFG-E8 and TGF-β1 were age-related inflammatory factors. MFG-E8 showed a positive correlation, while TGF-β1 showed a negative correlation with the severity of AS. Our findings suggest that both MFG-E8 and TGF-β1 are age-related inflammatory factors and are related to the degree of AS. In conclusion, both MFG-E8 and TGF-β1 may serve as potential markers of the severity of AS.