Eosinophil Cationic Protein, Carotid Plaque, and Incidence of Stroke. Issue 10 (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sundström, Johannes; Söderholm, Martin; Borné, Yan; Nilsson, Jan; Persson, Margaretha; Östling, Gerd; Melander, Olle; Orho-Melander, Marju; Engström, Gunnar
• Is Part Of: Stroke. Volume 48:Issue 10(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: cohort studies -- eosinophil cationic protein -- epidemiology -- risk factors -- stroke; Cerebrovascular disease -- Periodicals; Cerebral circulation -- Periodicals; 616.81
• DOI: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.117.018450
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0039-2499

Abstract

Abstract : Background and Purpose—: ECP (eosinophil cationic protein) is a marker of eosinophil activity and degranulation, which has been linked to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. We examined the relationship between ECP, carotid plaque, and incidence of stroke in a prospective population-based cohort. Methods—: The subjects participated in the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study between 1991 and 1994. A total of 4706 subjects with no history of stroke were included (40% men; mean age, 57.5 years). Carotid plaque was determined by B-mode ultrasound of the right carotid artery. Incidence of stroke was followed up during a mean period of 16.5 years in relation to plasma ECP levels. Results—: Subjects in the third tertile (versus first tertile) of ECP tended to have higher prevalence of carotid plaque (odds ratio: 1.18; 95% confidence interval: 1.003–1.39; P =0.044 after multivariate adjustments). A total of 258 subjects were diagnosed with ischemic stroke (IS) during follow-up. ECP was associated with increased incidence of IS after risk factor adjustment (hazard ratio, 1.57; 95% confidence interval: 1.13–2.18; for third versus first tertile; P =0.007). High ECP was associated with increased risk of IS in subjects with carotid plaque. The risk factor–adjusted hazard ratio for IS was 1.86 (95% confidence interval: 1.32–2.63) in subjects with carotid plaque and ECP in the top tertile, compared with those without plaque and ECP in the first or second tertiles. Conclusions—: High ECP is associated with increased incidence of IS. The association between ECP and IS was also present in the subgroup with carotid plaque.