Thioflavin T fluorescence in human serum: Correlations with vascular health and cardiovascular risk factors

Abstract

Objectives: Amyloid fibrils and amyloid-like structures are implicated in atherosclerosis via macrophage activation and inflammation. A common property of amyloid-like structures is their ability to induce thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence. We measured ThT fluorescence in serum and related these levels to traditional cardiovascular risk factors and non-invasive measures of vascular dysfunction (elasticity). In addition, chemically modified serum components that contribute to serum ThT fluorescence were explored and identified. Design, Methods, and Results: Sera from 105 people, including 35 healthy subjects, and 70 high cardiovascular risk patients (36 with rheumatoid arthritis and 34 with sys..