Summary
Perivascular inflammation plays a key role in the development of restenosis after
percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA).The adherence of leucocytes to the activated
endothelium, an essential feature in the restenotic process, is mediated by the cellular
adhesion molecule E-Selectin. A DNA polymorphism in the regulator region of E-Selectin
at codon 561 (Ser128Arg) is suggested to modulate the molecule’s physiological effects.
Therefore, we investigated the association between the E-Selectin Ser128Arg genotype,
E-Selectin plasma levels and restenosis after femoropopliteal PTA. We prospectively
studied 175 consecutive patients with peripheral artery disease and intermittent claudication
(n=126) or critical limb ischemia (n=49) who underwent primary successful femoropopliteal
balloon angioplasty. E-Selectin Ser128Arg genotype and baseline E-Selectin plasma
levels were determined and patients were followed up for median 12 months (IQR 11
to 14, total range 6 to 24) for the occurrence of postangioplasty restenosis (≥50%).
E-Selectin plasma levels in homozygous Arg128Arg and heterozygous Ser128Arg patients
were significantly higher compared to wildtype Ser128Ser patients (p=0.041). Patency
rates for wildtype Ser128Ser, heterozygous Ser128Arg and homozygous Ser128Ser patients
were 57%, 44% and 50% at 6 months, and 46%, 40% and 17%, at 12 months, respectively
(Log Rank p=0.31). Patency rates for increasing tertiles of E-Selectin were 61%, 58%
and 37% at 6 months, and 54%, 45% and 30% at 12 months, respectively (Log Rank p=0.020).
Patients with an E-Selectin plasma level above 44.9 mg/dL (third tertile) had an 1.9-fold
increased adjusted risk for restenosis (95% CI 1.09 to 3.30). E-Selectin plasma levels
are modulated by the E-Selectin Ser128Arg genotype, and predict the risk for restenosis
after PTA in patients with PAD. A direct association of the Ser128Arg polymorphism
with late postangioplasty failure could not be demonstrated.
Keywords
Angioplasty - restenosis - genes - polymorphism - E-Selectin