Evaluation of serum YKL/40 levels in patients with aortic sclerosis

Objective:Aortic valve sclerosis is a disease characterized by calcification in the aortic valves without developing symptoms in patients. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum YKL-40 levels and aortic valve sclerosis, and to investigate the clinical importance of YKL-40 as a potential biomarker that can be used in the diagnosis and follow-up of aortic valve sclerosis. Material and method:In our study, we evaluated 40 patients with echocardiographic diagnosis of aortic valve sclerosis and no additional cardiovascular disease. 40 patients with similar sociodemographic characteristics were included in the control group. All patients: age, gender, body mass index, systemic blood pressure values were recorded and serum YKL-40 levels were measured. Results:As a result of the study, serum YKL-40 serum levels of patients with aortic valve sclerosis and in the control group were measured respectively as 3,522 ± 0,536 ng/ml and 3,132 ± 0,642 ng/ml. Serum YKL-40 levels were significantly higher in patients with aortic valve sclerosis (p<0.01).Systolic and diastolic blood pressures of patients with aortic valve sclerosis were significantly higher (p<0.01).There was no significant correlation among YKL-40 levels and age, gender and body mass index (p>0.05). Conclusion:We have detected higher serum levels of YKL-40 in patients with aortic valve sclerosis. Therefore, we think that YKL-40 is a biomarker that can be used in the diagnosis and follow-up of aortic valve sclerosis.