Circulating biomarkers and abdominal aortic aneurysm size

BACKGROUND: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a degenerative disease of the abdominal aorta leading to progressive dilatation, intra-luminal thrombus (ILT) formation, and rupture. Understanding the natural history of AAA is essential, because different processes and, therefore, different biomarkers, could be involved at each stage of disease progression. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between systemic expression of biomarkers of inflammation and extracellular matrix remodeling and aneurysm size in AAA patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: All consecutive patients admitted to the (out-) patient clinic of the surgical department of two large community centers were prospectively included. Patients were divided into three groups based on their aneurysm diameter: small (30-44 mm; n = 59), medium-sized (45-54 mm; n = 64) or large (>/= 55 mm; n = 95) AAA. Linear regression modeling showed that age and serum hsCRP concentration were positively associated, whereas serum HDL and IgG concentrations were negatively associated with aneurysm size. This regression model was corrected for possible bias due to statin use and center of inclusion; and also indicated that in general men have larger aneurysms compared with women. CONCLUSIONS: Different aneurysm sizes showed different expression pattern of HDL, IgG, and hsCRP. These biomarkers may be useful in predicting AAA progression.