Relations of growth-differentiation factor-15 to biomarkers reflecting vascular pathologies in a population-based sample of elderly subjects

BACKGROUND: Growth-differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) has recently emerged as a risk predictor in patients with cardiac diseases. GDF-15 is commonly related to cardiovascular risk factors, inflammatory activity and cardiac abnormalities. However, it is not clear whether it might be an indicator of vascular pathologies as well. METHODS: Circulating levels of GDF-15 were measured in 1004 elderly community dwellers participating in the PIVUS study. The relations of GDF-15 to biomarkers of endothelial activation (E-selectin, P-selectin, ICAM-1, VCAM-1), extracellular matrix degradation (MMP-9, TIMP-1), coagulatory activity (D-dimer, von Willebrand factor, prothrombin fragment 1 + 2, factor VIIa), and fibrinolytic activity (PAI-1 activity, tPA-antigen) were assessed by multiple linear regressions. RESULTS: The median GDF-15 level was 1135 ng/L. By linear correlation analysis, GDF-15 exhibited a moderate relation to von Willebrand factor (r = 0.30), and weak, albeit significant relations (r = 0.13-0.29) to E-selectin, P-selectin, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, MMP-9, TIMP-1, D-dimer, PAI-1 activity and tPA-antigen. The relations to the assessed biomarkers of endothelial activation, TIMP-1, D-dimer and von Willebrand factor remained significant applying multiple linear regression models adjusted for clinical covariates and echocardiographic data. There were no significant relations between GDF-15 and biomarkers solely reflecting coagulatory activity. CONCLUSIONS: In the elderly, GDF-15 reflects endothelial activation and vascular inflammation and thus, multiple pathways involved in the development and progression of atherosclerosis.