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The association between plasma caspase-3, atherosclerosis, and vascular function in the Dallas Heart Study

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Abstract

Background

Caspase-3, an apoptosis protease, is expressed in atherosclerotic plaques. We examined the relationship between plasma caspase-3 levels, aortic compliance, and atherosclerosis.

Methods

Caspase-3 was measured in 3,221 subjects from the Dallas Heart Study. Electron beam computed tomography measures of coronary calcium (CAC) (n = 2,404) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of abdominal aortic wall thickness (AWT) (n = 2,208) and aortic compliance (AC) (n = 2,328) were obtained. Multivariate analyses were performed, adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), traditional cardiovascular risk factors, and cardiac medications.

Results

In univariable analysis, caspase-3 associated with CAC (P < 0.0001), AWT (P = 0.002), and AC (P < 0.0001). After multivariable adjustment, 4th quartile caspase-3 (compared to 1st quartile) was significantly associated with CAC (P = 0.004), AWT (P = 0.02), and AC (P < 0.0001) with similar findings for caspase-3 as a continuous variable.

Conclusions

Caspase-3 independently associates with CAC, AWT, and AC, suggesting a link between apoptosis and atherosclerosis.

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Acknowledgments

Dr. de Lemos receives both grant support from and is a consultant for Biosite/Inverness (San Diego, CA). The other authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Donald W. Reynolds Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Professional Office Building 2, 5939 Harry Hines Blvd., 9th Floor, Suite 935, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA

    Susan Matulevicius, Anand Rohatgi, Amit Khera, Sandeep R. Das, Andrew Owens, Colby R. Ayers, Mark H. Drazner, Ronald M. Peshock & James A. de Lemos

  2. Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Division, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Professional Office Building 2, 5939 Harry Hines Blvd., 9th Floor, Suite 920, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA

    Carlos H. Timaran & Eric B. Rosero

  3. University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX, 75390-9047, USA

    James A. de Lemos

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  1. Susan Matulevicius
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  2. Anand Rohatgi
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  3. Amit Khera
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  4. Sandeep R. Das
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  11. James A. de Lemos
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Correspondence to James A. de Lemos.

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Matulevicius, S., Rohatgi, A., Khera, A. et al. The association between plasma caspase-3, atherosclerosis, and vascular function in the Dallas Heart Study. Apoptosis 13, 1281–1289 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10495-008-0254-1

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