Abstract
BACKGROUND: Studies of animal and human aortic tissue samples showed that sirtuins may protect against aortic aneurysm (AA). However, to date, no studies have assessed plasma or serum sirtuin levels in humans. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate associations between plasma sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) levels and the presence of ascending AA. METHODS: Plasma SIRT1 and SIRT2 levels were assessed in patients with and without ascending AA using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The study included 32 patients with ascending AA (median age: 67 years) and 37 controls without AA (median age: 68 years). Plasma SIRT1 and SIRT2 levels did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). However, slightly higher sirtuin levels were observed in patients with ascending AA than in controls, particularly for SIRT1 in the subgroups of patients without coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Among patients with ascending AA, higher SIRT2 levels were noted for those without COPD vs. those with COPD (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The study showed no significant differences in SIRT1 and SIRT2 levels between patients with and without ascending AA. However, there was a trend towards higher SIRT1 levels in patients with AA, especially in those without comorbidities.