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Published on: February 28, 2018

Alterations in biomarkers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in active acromegaly

L Boero1, M Manavela, L Gómez Rosso

  • 1Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, CONICET, University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina. lauraboero@fibertel.com.ar

Clinical Endocrinology
|January 9, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Active acromegaly patients exhibit an atherogenic lipoprotein profile, including elevated triglycerides and apolipoprotein B. These lipid alterations, along with increased cholesteryl ester transfer protein and endothelin-1, suggest a heightened risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Acromegaly is associated with increased mortality due to cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities.
  • The lipoprotein profile in acromegaly patients is not well-established, with conflicting data.
  • Understanding these profiles is crucial for managing cardiovascular risk in acromegaly.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the lipoprotein profile in active acromegaly patients.
  • To identify emergent biomarkers of cardiovascular disease in acromegaly.
  • To compare these profiles with sex- and age-matched healthy controls.

Main Methods:

  • Studied 18 active acromegaly patients and 18 healthy controls.
  • Assessed glucose, hormonal status, lipoprotein profile, and C-reactive protein (CRP).
  • Measured cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), endothelin-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), and leukocyte markers (CD18, CD49d, CD54).

Main Results:

  • Acromegalic patients showed a more atherogenic lipoprotein profile after BMI adjustment, with higher triglycerides and apolipoprotein B.
  • Increased cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity and endothelin-1 levels were observed in acromegaly patients.
  • Elevated CD49d content on lymphocytes and correlations between endothelin-1 with GH, IGF-1, and IGFBP-3 were noted.

Conclusions:

  • Lipoprotein profile alterations in acromegaly contribute to an increased propensity for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
  • These findings add to the known specific cardiomyopathy in acromegaly.
  • Further research is warranted to explore therapeutic strategies targeting these metabolic and cardiovascular risks.
Abstract

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