Diagnostic potential of differentially expressed Homer1, IL-1β, and TNF-α in coronary artery disease

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Molecular Biology
• Inflammation Studies

Background:

• Inflammation is increasingly recognized as a key factor in coronary artery disease (CAD) pathogenesis.
• Specific inflammatory cytokines and genes, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and Homer, are implicated in CAD.
• Understanding the role of these molecules is crucial for diagnosing and treating cardiovascular events.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the gene expression levels of Homer1, Homer2, Homer3, IL-1β, and TNF-α in peripheral blood leukocytes of CAD patients.
• To assess the diagnostic value of these genes in distinguishing CAD patients from controls and within different CAD subgroups.
• To explore Homer1 as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in CAD.

Main Methods:

• Gene expression analysis using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
• Study population included 163 CAD patients across different stages and 68 healthy controls.
• Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was employed to evaluate diagnostic performance.

Main Results:

• Significantly higher mRNA levels of Homer1, IL-1β, and TNF-α were observed in CAD patients compared to controls.
• No significant differences in Homer1, IL-1β, and TNF-α mRNA levels were found among acute myocardial infarction (AMI), unstable angina (UAP), and stable angina (SAP) subgroups.
• Homer1 demonstrated superior diagnostic value for UAP compared to IL-1β and TNF-α.

Conclusions:

• Homer1, IL-1β, and TNF-α are elevated in CAD patients, suggesting their involvement in the disease process.
• Homer1 may serve as a valuable diagnostic biomarker for unstable plaque in CAD.
• These findings highlight Homer1 as a potential therapeutic target for CAD management and atherosclerotic plaque stabilization.