Alpha-2-macroglobulin as a Promising Biological Marker of Endothelial Function

Abstract

AIMS: MG levels, endothelial function, and endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) number were associated in patients with chronic stroke or cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: MG levels were measured by nephelometry. RESULTS: MG levels were independently associated with FMD values (standardized partial regression coefficient [β] -0.185; P=0.033), although not significantly associated with EPC numbers. CONCLUSION: MG levels might reflect endothelial dysfunction evaluated by FMD in patients with chronic stroke or cardiovascular risk factors.