The role of novel atherosclerosis markers in peripheral artery disease: is there a gender difference?

Cardiovasc J Afr. 2018;29(5):322-330. doi: 10.5830/CVJA-2018-023. Epub 2018 Apr 20.

Abstract

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) represents a major public health problem due to its high and increasing prevalence, worldwide distribution, and significant morbidity and mortality rate. Female gender is a risk factor for PAD globally and especially in low-income countries. In this review, we summarise the present knowledge regarding the role of novel atherosclerosis markers in the development of PAD in women. We discuss inflammatory markers, cytokines, cellular adhesion molecules, markers of oxidative stress and other circulating markers, and their role in the prediction of presence, severity and complications of PAD, with particular emphasis on gender. Although many PAD biomarkers are indicative of PAD in both males and females, some are strongly correlated with the disease in females. These gender differences could be useful for the early identification and management of PAD in women.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / blood*
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / blood
  • Cytokines / blood
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inflammation Mediators / blood
  • Male
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease / blood*
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease / diagnosis
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease / epidemiology
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease / therapy
  • Plaque, Atherosclerotic*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prevalence
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Factors
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sex Factors

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Cytokines
  • Inflammation Mediators