Plasma Heme Oxygenase-1 Levels and Carotid Atherosclerosis. Issue 9 (September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kishimoto, Yoshimi; Sasaki, Kenji; Saita, Emi; Niki, Hanako; Ohmori, Reiko; Kondo, Kazuo; Momiyama, Yukihiko
• Is Part Of: Stroke. Volume 49:Issue 9(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-09
• Subjects: atherosclerosis -- biliverdine -- carbon monoxide -- carotid artery diseases -- heme oxygenase-1; Cerebrovascular disease -- Periodicals; Cerebral circulation -- Periodicals; 616.81
• DOI: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.118.022256
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0039-2499

Abstract

Abstract : Background and Purpose—: Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) catalyzes the oxidation of heme to generate carbon monoxide, biliverdin, and iron. Because these products have antiatherogenic properties, HO-1 may play a protective role against atherosclerosis. However, plasma HO-1 levels in patients with carotid atherosclerosis have not been reported. Methods—: We investigated plasma HO-1 levels by ELISA in 136 subjects (age, 66±9 years) undergoing carotid ultrasonography. Results—: Of the 136 study subjects, carotid plaque was found in 61 subjects (45%). Compared with 75 subjects without plaque, 61 with plaque were older and predominantly male ( P <0.05). Plasma HO-1 levels were higher in subjects with plaque than in those without plaque (median, 0.56 versus 0.44 ng/mL; P <0.05). The percentage of subjects with HO-1 level >0.50 ng/mL was higher in subjects with plaque than without plaque (66% versus 44%; P <0.025). In multivariate analysis, HO-1 level was a significant factor for carotid plaque independent of atherosclerotic risk factors. Odds ratio for plaque was 2.33 (95% CI, 1.15–4.75) for HO-1 level >0.50 ng/mL. Conclusions—: Plasma HO-1 levels were high in subjects with carotid plaques, probably reflecting a protective response against carotid atherosclerosis. Abstract : Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.