Relation between plasma adiponectin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and coronary plaque components in patients

Hiromasa Otake1, Junya Shite, Toshiro Shinke

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Medicine, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan.

Insights

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and low adiponectin levels are linked to coronary plaque characteristics in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients. These inflammatory markers may drive atherosclerosis progression.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Biomarkers
  • Inflammation Research

Background:

  • Inflammation plays a key role in atherosclerosis progression.
  • Biomarkers like hs-CRP and adiponectin have prognostic value in cardiovascular disease.
  • The relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and specific coronary plaque components remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and adiponectin levels with coronary plaque composition in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
  • To explore the link between these biomarkers and plaque characteristics in both culprit and non-culprit lesions.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 93 culprit plaques and 56 non-culprit plaques from ACS and non-ACS patients.
  • Virtual Histology intravascular ultrasound (VH-IVUS) was used to assess plaque components.
  • Plasma levels of hs-CRP and adiponectin were measured and correlated with plaque composition.

Main Results:

  • Patients with ACS exhibited significantly lower plasma adiponectin and higher plasma hs-CRP compared to non-ACS patients.
  • Culprit plaques in ACS patients showed a higher proportion of necrotic core compared to non-ACS patients.
  • An inverse relationship was observed between hs-CRP and adiponectin with necrotic core ratio in ACS patients' lesions.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated plasma hs-CRP and low adiponectin (hypoadiponectinemia) are associated with specific coronary plaque characteristics in ACS.
  • These findings suggest a potential role for hs-CRP and adiponectin in the progression of acute coronary syndrome.
  • Inflammatory pathways involving hs-CRP and adiponectin may contribute to plaque vulnerability in ACS.

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