Plasma sestrin2 concentrations and carotid atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Sestrin2 is a stress-inducible antioxidant protein that plays a protective role against oxidative stress. However, blood sestrin2 concentrations in subjects with carotid atherosclerosis have not been elucidated. METHODS: We investigated plasma sestrin2 concentrations in 152 subjects undergoing carotid ultrasonography. Plaque severity was evaluated as plaque score. RESULTS: Of the 152 subjects, plaque was found in 63 (41%). Plasma sestrin2 concentrations were higher in 63 subjects with plaque than in 89 without plaque (median 14.1 vs. 12.8 ng/ml, P < 0.02). A stepwise increase in sestrin2 concentrations was found depending on plaque score: 12.8 ng/ml in score = 0 (n = 89), 12.7 ng/ml in score = 1 (n = 31), and 15.9 ng/ml in score ≥2 (n = 32)(P < 0.005). Especially, sestrin2 concentrations in subjects with score ≥ 2 were higher than in score = 0 and score = 1 (P < 0.05). Sestrin2 concentrations correlated with plaque score (r = 0.24, P < 0.005). In multivariate analysis, sestrin2 concentration was an independent factor associated with score ≥ 2. Odds ratio for score ≥ 2 was 5.70 (95%CI = 1.99-16.35) for high sestrin2 concentration (>13.0 ng/ml). CONCLUSION: Plasma sestrin2 concentrations were found to be high in subjects with carotid plaque and to be associated with plaque severity. High plasma sestrin2 concentrations in subjects with carotid plaque may reflect a protective response against the progression of carotid atherosclerosis.