Serum levels of Mac-2 binding protein increase with cardiovascular risk and reflect silent atherosclerosis

Background and aimsMac-2 binding protein (M2BP) was reported to be a useful biomarker for liver fibrosis and malignant tumors. We hypothesized that expression of M2BP might also change in the process of atherosclerosis.MethodsThis study included subjects who visited our hospital for a physical checkup.ResultsThe M2BP levels in subjects with hypertension, dyslipidemia, or abnormal glucose metabolism were higher than those in subjects without such risk factors. Moreover, the M2BP levels were associated with severity of cardiovascular risk. Subdivision of M2BP levels into quartiles revealed that M2BP was significantly associated with reactive oxygen metabolites, central systolic blood pressure, and radial augmentation index (AI). Logistic regression analysis with the endpoint of high radial AI (above mean value) showed that high radial AI was independently associated with high M2BP.ConclusionsAlthough the spectrum was narrow as compared to that in cases of hepatic fibrosis, serum M2BP may reflect silent atherosclerosis in apparently healthy subjects.