Correlation between vitamin D binding protein expression and angiographic-proven coronary artery disease

Proteomics is considered a promising tool in the discovery of new biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets. The aim of this study was to identify proteins expressed in the plasma of survivors of myocardial infarction and possible correlations between expression of some proteins and the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in this population.

The study included 17 survivors (15 men; age=53±9 years) of myocardial infarction at young age (age<60 years) classified for the severity of CAD graded according to angiography and 10 healthy volunteers (nine men; age=54±9 years). Proteomic analysis was carried out using a high-throughput technology and MALDI TOF/TOF mass spectrometry.

Compared with the healthy population, 14 proteins were differentially expressed in patients, and were classified in three principal categories: contraction, inflammation, and coagulation. Results show a correlation between the angiographic severity, the extension of CAD, and the expression of some proteins. In particular decreased levels of vitamin D binding protein (VDBP) in the plasma of patients statistically correlated with the number of affected coronary arteries. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test confirmed modulation of VDBP.

Our results suggest that some proteins are differentially expressed in atherosclerotic patients and their disregulation is strongly dependent on the severity of the artery disease. The down regulation of VDBP is confirmed and marked in multivessel disease patients.