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Soluble endothelial protein C receptor levels and protein C activity in patients with acute ST-segment elevation

Ali C Tanalp1, Vecih Oduncu, Ayhan Erkol

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Medicana International Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.

Coronary Artery Disease
|February 5, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Soluble endothelial protein C receptor (sEPCR) levels are elevated and protein C activity is reduced in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. Lower protein C activity correlates with no-reflow, but sEPCR levels do not predict this complication.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Hematology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Soluble endothelial protein C receptor (sEPCR) exhibits procoagulant activity by binding to protein C.
  • The role of sEPCR and its relationship with protein C activity in acute cardiovascular events like STEMI requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between sEPCR levels and protein C activity in patients diagnosed with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Main Methods:

  • Sixty STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention and 29 stable angina pectoris (SAP) patients were included.
  • Preprocedural sEPCR levels and protein C activity were measured in all participants.

Main Results:

  • STEMI patients exhibited significantly higher sEPCR levels and lower protein C activity compared to SAP patients.
  • A significant negative correlation was found between protein C activity and sEPCR in the STEMI cohort (r=-0.38, P=0.002).
  • Lower protein C activity in STEMI patients was associated with increased angiographic thrombus load and higher incidence of no-reflow phenomenon.

Conclusions:

  • Patients with STEMI show an elevated sEPCR to protein C activity ratio.
  • Reduced protein C activity is linked to the development of no-reflow in STEMI, independent of sEPCR levels.
  • Further research in larger cohorts is warranted to clarify the clinical significance of elevated sEPCR in STEMI.
Abstract

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