Age‑related differences in serum MFG‑E8, TGF‑β1 and correlation to the severity of atherosclerosis determined by ultrasound.

Atherosclerosis (AS) is an age‑related inflammatory disease. Globule‑epidermal growth factor‑8 (MFG‑E8) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF‑β1) are involved in the pathogenesis of AS. However, age‑related changes in circulating levels of MFG‑E8 and TGF‑β1, and their correlation with the severity of AS is not well‑characterized. In this study, we investigated age‑related changes in serum levels of MFG‑E8, TGF‑β1 and examined their association with the severity of AS. Sixty healthy volunteers were divided into young, middle‑age and old‑age groups. In addition, carotid ultrasound examination was performed to assess the intima‑media thickness (IMT) of carotid artery. Sixty‑seven patients with carotid AS and 30 age‑matched healthy persons were divided into IMT increased group, plaque group and control group. Serum levels of MFG‑E8, TGF‑β1, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF‑α) and intercellular adhesion molecule‑1 were measured in all subjects. A positive association between serum MFG‑E8 levels and age was observed in healthy volunteers, while a significant negative association was observed between TGF‑β1 levels and age. Serum levels of MFG‑E8 and TNF‑α showed a positive correlation while those of TGF‑β1 showed a negative correlation with Crouse scores for carotid artery IMT (P<0.05 for both). Both MFG‑E8 and TGF‑β1 were age‑related inflammatory factors. MFG‑E8 showed a positive correlation, while TGF‑β1 showed a negative correlation with the severity of AS. Our findings suggest that both MFG‑E8 and TGF‑β1 are age‑related inflammatory factors and are related to the degree of AS. In conclusion, both MFG‑E8 and TGF‑β1 may serve as potential markers of the severity of AS.