Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 8, 2026
Isolation and Characterization of Adult Cardiac Fibroblasts and Myofibroblasts
Published on: March 12, 2020
Changes in concentrations of circulating fibroblast activation protein alpha are associated with myocardial damage in
Jochen Tillmanns1, Daniela Fraccarollo1, Paolo Galuppo1
1Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany.
Background:
Fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP) is a membrane-bound serine protease expressed by activated fibroblasts after myocardial infarction (MI). Reduced circulating FAP levels were associated with increased mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome. We hypothesized that FAP concentrations are altered after acute ST-elevation MI (STEMI), and related to myocardial damage.
Methods:
We measured circulating FAP concentrations in blood plasma of 60 patients on admission, day 1, day 3 and day 5 after STEMI, and in 25 apparently healthy blood donors as controls.
Results:
Plasma FAP concentrations were lower in STEMI patients on admission (71ng/mL) than in blood donors (101ng/mL, P<0.0001). FAP concentrations declined in STEMI patients from admission to day 3 (66ng/mL, P<0.05) and day 5 (57ng/mL, P<0.05). FAP concentrations on day 5 were inversely correlated with maximum CK and maximum CRP levels. In a multiple linear regression analysis, maximum CRP was independently associated with low FAP concentrations on day 5 after STEMI. When stratified according to the absolute amount of FAP change from admission to day 5 (ΔFAP), patients with high ΔFAP (-22ng/mL) had worse left ventricular function, higher levels of hs-cTnT, CK on admission, maximum CK and CRP than patients with low ΔFAP (-3ng/mL).
Conclusions:
Our study first demonstrates alterations of circulating FAP concentrations acutely after STEMI. A greater decline of circulating FAP concentrations in the first 5days after STEMI is associated with increased myocardial damage and inflammation. Measurement of circulating FAP might help to better understand the relation of myocardial injury and inflammatory response in the individual patient.
Insights
Fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP) levels decrease after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). A larger drop in FAP correlates with greater heart damage and inflammation, suggesting FAP may indicate injury severity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP) is a protease on activated fibroblasts post-myocardial infarction (MI).
- Lower FAP levels are linked to higher mortality in acute coronary syndrome.
- This study investigates FAP changes after ST-elevation MI (STEMI) and their relation to myocardial damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if circulating FAP concentrations are altered in patients with acute STEMI.
- To explore the relationship between FAP levels and the extent of myocardial damage and inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Measured plasma FAP concentrations in 60 STEMI patients on days 0, 1, 3, and 5.
- Included 25 healthy blood donors as controls.
- Analyzed correlations between FAP levels, cardiac biomarkers (CK, hs-cTnT), and inflammatory markers (CRP).
Main Results:
- STEMI patients had lower admission FAP levels (71ng/mL) than controls (101ng/mL).
- FAP concentrations decreased significantly from admission to day 5 in STEMI patients.
- Greater FAP decline (ΔFAP) correlated with worse left ventricular function, higher cardiac enzyme and CRP levels, indicating more myocardial damage and inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Circulating FAP concentrations are significantly altered in the acute phase following STEMI.
- A pronounced decrease in FAP levels within 5 days post-STEMI is associated with increased myocardial injury and systemic inflammation.
- Monitoring FAP may offer insights into myocardial damage and inflammatory responses in STEMI patients.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:20Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
01:21Myocarditis I: Introduction
01:19Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
01:19Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies