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Acute phase proteins activation in subjects with coronary atherosclerosis and micro-vessel coronary circulation

Natale Daniele Brunetti1, Roberto Padalino, Luisa De Gennaro

  • 1Cardiology Department, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy. dr.natale.daniele.brunetti@hotmail.it

Journal of Thrombosis and Thrombolysis
|August 12, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Elevated levels of acute phase proteins (APPs) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are linked to coronary atherosclerosis and reduced coronary flow in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). This suggests inflammation plays a role in microcirculation impairment.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Immunology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a significant health concern.
  • Inflammation is increasingly recognized as a key factor in the development and progression of atherosclerosis.
  • Acute phase proteins (APPs) are markers of systemic inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the relationship between the activation of acute phase proteins (APPs) and coronary blood flow in patients with CAD.
  • To assess the correlation between specific APPs (CRP, alpha-1-anti-trypsin, alpha-1-glyco-protein, haptoglobin) and indicators of coronary atherosclerosis and flow.

Main Methods:

  • Fifty-nine patients with CAD undergoing coronary angiography were included.
  • Plasmatic concentrations of CRP and APPs (A1AT, A1GP, HG) were measured.
  • Coronary flow in the left anterior descending artery was assessed using the TIMI frame count (TFC).
  • Patients with severe flow impairment (TIMI 0-1) were excluded.

Main Results:

  • Coronary atherosclerosis severity correlated with serum concentrations of A1GP, A1AT, and HG.
  • Coronary flow (TFC) was significantly associated with A1GP, A1AT, HG, and log CRP levels, even after adjusting for confounding factors.
  • Patients with drug-eluting stents showed slower coronary flow compared to those with bare metal stents.

Conclusions:

  • Increased systemic inflammation, indicated by elevated CRP and APPs, is associated with coronary atherosclerosis.
  • Inflammatory markers may also be linked to impaired coronary microcirculation in CAD patients.
Abstract

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