Circulating Amyloid Beta 1–40 Is Associated with Increased Rate of Progression of Atherosclerosis in Menopause: A Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence suggests that circulating amyloidβ 1-40 (Αβ1-40), a proatherogenic aging peptide, may serve as a novel biomarker in cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aimed to explore the role of plasma Αβ1-40 and its patterns of change over time in atherosclerosis progression in postmenopausal women, a population with substantial unrecognized CVD risk beyond traditional risk factors (TRFs). METHODS: In this prospective study, Αβ1-40 was measured in plasma by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and atherosclerosis was assessed using carotid high-resolution ultrasonography at baseline and after a median follow-up of 28.2 months in 152 postmenopausal women without history or symptoms of CVD. RESULTS: < 0.05 for all) after adjustment for baseline Αβ1-40 levels, TRFs, and renal function. CONCLUSION: In postmenopausal women, a pattern of increasing or persistently high Αβ1-40 was associated with the rate of progression of subclinical atherosclerosis irrespective of its baseline levels. These findings provide novel insights into a link between Αβ1-40 and atherosclerosis progression in menopause and warrant further research to clarify the clinical value of monitoring its circulating levels as an atherosclerosis biomarker in women without clinically overt CVD.