Plasma cGMP and large artery remodeling in asymptomatic men.

cGMP regulates vascular smooth muscle tone and arterial wall response to proliferative signals. We determined plasma cGMP and carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and diameter in 84 asymptomatic men submitted to investigation of their cardiovascular risk profiles. Plasma cGMP was positively associated with IMT (P<0.01) and diameter (P<0.05), independently of coexisting risk factors. These associations were reinforced in the subgroup of subjects with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein level or multiple atherosclerotic plaques. A positive relationship existed between diameter and IMT (P<0.01) and disappeared after cGMP adjustment. This suggests a link between cGMP pathway and arterial wall geometry that is revealed by vascular injury conditions and may participate in early large artery remodeling.