Plasma Betatrophin Levels and Carotid Atherosclerosis.
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ABSTRACT: Aims:Betatrophin is a recently identified circulating adipokine that may affect lipid and glucose metabolism. However, the association between plasma betatrophin levels and carotid atherosclerosis has not been elucidated. Methods:We investigated plasma betatrophin levels in 153 subjects undergoing carotid ultrasonography. The severity of plaque was evaluated as plaque score. Results:Of the 153 subjects, plaque was found in 63 (41%). Plasma betatrophin levels were higher in 63 subjects with plaque than in 90 without plaque (median 906 vs. 729?pg/mL, P < 0.025). A stepwise increase in betatrophin levels was found depending on the plaque score: 729?pg/mL in score = 0 (n = 90), 802?pg/mL in score = 1 (n = 31), and 978?pg/mL in score ? 2 (n = 32) (P < 0.01). In particular, betatrophin levels in subjects with score ? 2 were higher than in those with score = 0 (P < 0.05). Moreover, betatrophin levels correlated with plaque score (r = 0.23, P < 0.01), but no significant correlation was found between betatrophin levels and triglyceride or HbA1c levels. The percentage of subjects with betatrophin > 800?pg/mL was higher in subjects with plaque than in those without plaque (65% vs. 44%) and was highest in score ? 2 (78%) (P < 0.005). In the multivariate analysis, betatrophin level was not a significant factor for the presence of plaque but was a significant factor for plaque score ? 2, independent of atherosclerotic risk factors. The odds ratio for score ? 2 was 4.9 (95% CI = 1.9-12.8) for betatrophin > 800?pg/mL. Conclusions:Plasma betatrophin levels were found to be high in subjects with carotid plaque and to be associated with the severity of plaque. Betatrophin may play a role in the progression of carotid atherosclerosis.
SUBMITTER: Niki H
PROVIDER: S-EPMC6854246 | biostudies-literature | 2019
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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