Abstract 374: Sexual Dimorphism And Elabela Expression In Peripheral Artery Disease

Introduction: Elabela is a component of the apelinergic system known to regulate immune responses and has a cardiovascular protection role, including atherosclerosis. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is the narrowing or blockage of larger arteries in the legs. Patients with PAD suffer from poor perfusion to their lower extremities, in addition to increased rates of cardiovascular complications. The role of sexual dimorphism in the immune system in the PAD is poorly understood. Our previous research suggests that Elabela may hold a gender-dependent protective role that can be used as immunotherapeutic. We hypothesized that in patients with PAD, expression of Elabela will be different between males and females, implicating in sexual dimorphism of the immune response, the disease outcome, and treatment. Methods: Blood samples were collected from PAD patients (n=8) and risk factor closely matched controls (n=8). PBMCs were isolated by gradient centrifugation. By flow cytometry, gating strategy on Elabela, and Elabela expressing leukocytes, using FlowJow software for analysis. Results: The results showed that there is a sexual difference in the expression of Elabela in both controls and patients with PAD. In general, males showed a high level of Elabela than females. PAD decreases Elabela expression in both males and females. Regarding Elabela expressing leukocytes, in female controls, there was no significant difference in leukocyte expression of Elabela as compared to PAD patients, while male controls demonstrated increased leukocyte expression of Elabela. Conclusions: Our findings suggest a potential role for Elabela in PAD. Importantly, these results also indicate a difference in Elabela expression based on sex dimorphism. Such differences could potentially be used as a biomarker in the diagnosis and prognosis of PAD along with therapeutic values.