Fibulin-1 is associated with cardiovascular risk in non-obese, non-diabetic individuals

Abstract

Background. Fibulin-1 (FBLN1) is an extracellular matrix protein that appears in blood vessels. Recentstudies have confirmed its role in atherogenesis, vascular complications and cardiovascular disease inchronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association betweenserum fibulin-1 and biochemical indicators of cardiovascular risk: lipid profile, apolipoproteins B, AI, vitamin25(OH)D and high sensitivity troponin T (hs-cTnT) in non-diabetic subjects.

Materials and methods. The study consisted of 120 normoglycaemic, non-smoking, non-obese Caucasiansubjects aged 25–40 (66 women and 54 men). Serum FBLN1 and plasma fasting glucose, lipid profile, C-reactive protein, insulin, glycated haemoglobin, apolipoproteins B100 and AI, total 25(OH)D, andhs-cTnT measurements were performed. Anthropometric parameters, HOMA-IR and atherogenic index (apoB:apoAI) were calculated. Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) was measured using an ultrasoundmethod. Subjects were divided by FBLN1 tertiles.

Results. FBLN1 was significantly higher in women than in men (1.06 vs. 0.96; p < 0.05). FBLN1 positively correlated,when adjusted for age, BMI and blood pressure, with lipid profile, atherogenic index, apolipoprotein B (R = 0.28;p < 0.016), and hs-cTnT (R=0.39; p < 0.003) and negatively with 25(OH)D. ApoB and hscTnT were significantly associatedwith fibulin-1 concentration and, together with 25(OH)D, explained 19% of its variation. FBLN1 ≥1.0 ng/mLpredicted atherogenic risk with OR = 3.11 and 4.26 for having elevated apolipoprotein B and hs-TnT.

Conclusions. Fibulin-1 might be a promissing risk factor for cardiovascular risk in young, non-obese,non-diabetic individuals, but this requires further investigation.