1. Inverse correlation between activated protein C generation and carotid atherosclerosis in Type 2 diabetic patients.
- Author
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Matsumoto, K., Yano, Y., Gabazza, E. C., Araki, R., Bruno, N. E., Suematsu, M., Akatsuka, H., Katsuki, A., Taguchi, O., Adachi, Y., and Sumida, Y.
- Subjects
PEOPLE with diabetes ,TYPE 2 diabetes ,IMMUNE response ,ATHEROSCLEROSIS ,CAROTID artery ,ATHEROSCLEROTIC plaque - Abstract
Aims Activated protein C (APC) is a key regulator of the clotting system and immune responses. We studied the relationship between the degree of atherosclerosis as measured by the intima-media thickness (IMT) of carotid artery and APC generation in Type 2 diabetic patients. Methods Eighty-seven Type 2 diabetic patients and 35 control subjects participated. APC generation was assessed by the plasma APC–protein C inhibitor complex (APC-PCI) levels and the mean IMT of carotid artery was measured by ultrasonography. The plasma levels of the thrombin–anti-thromobin complex (TAT) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) were measured by enzyme-linked immunoassays. Results Plasma TAT levels were significantly higher in diabetic patients [2.03 (1.12, 2.56) ng/ml, median (25th, 75th percentile)] compared with control subjects [0.85 (0.55, 2.08) ng/ml, P < 0.01]. Plasma APC-PCI levels were significantly lower in diabetic patients [0.93 (0.74, 1.22) ng/ml], than in control subjects [1.66 (1.25, 2.36) ng/ml, P < 0.001]. The mean IMT was significantly increased in diabetic patients (0.881 ± 0.242 mm; mean ± sd) compared with control subjects (0.669 ± 0.140 mm; P < 0.01). Univariate analysis showed a significant and inverse correlation between plasma APC-PCI levels and mean IMT ( r = –0.32, P < 0.005), and multivariate regression analysis confirmed the independent correlation ( P < 0.05). Moreover, plasma APC-PCI levels significantly and inversely correlated with plasma PDGF levels in diabetic patients ( r = –0.30, P < 0.01). Conclusions These results suggest that decreased APC generation is associated with vascular atherosclerotic changes in Type 2 diabetic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2007
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