Hepatocyte growth factor--a new marker for prognosis in acute coronary syndrome

Anna Konopka1, Jadwiga Janas, Walerian Piotrowski

  • 1Institute of Cardiology CCU, ul. Alpejska 42, Warsaw, Poland. akonopka@ptkardio.pl

Insights

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) shows promise as an early marker for myocardial necrosis in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Higher HGF levels correlate with adverse outcomes, indicating its prognostic value.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Biomarker Discovery
  • Molecular Medicine

Background:

  • Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) necessitates reliable markers for myocardial necrosis.
  • Early identification of myocardial damage is crucial for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) as a novel biomarker for myocardial necrosis.
  • To assess the prognostic significance of HGF in patients with ACS.

Main Methods:

  • Plasma human HGF (hHGF) concentrations were measured in 104 ACS patients upon admission and 24 hours later.
  • Correlation analysis was performed between hHGF levels and established cardiac biomarkers (NT-proBNP, troponin I).
  • A three-month follow-up assessed a composite primary endpoint.

Main Results:

  • Maximal hHGF levels were observed at hospital admission, decreasing significantly by 24 hours (p < 0.0001).
  • Elevated hHGF levels were noted in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) compared to non-STEMI.
  • Patients reaching the composite endpoint had significantly higher hHGF levels (4211 pg/ml) than event-free patients (1013 pg/ml, p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

  • HGF serves as a very early and effective marker of myocardial necrosis.
  • HGF demonstrates sensitivity as both a short- and long-term prognostic factor in ACS patients.
Abstract

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