Coronary Artery Disease and Type 2 Diabetes: A Proteomic Study

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Endocrinology
• Proteomics

Background:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD) poses significant challenges for individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D).
• Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) offers detailed anatomical insights into coronary circulation.
• Proteomics is increasingly vital for enhancing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the differential associations between a protein panel, T2D, and CAD.
• To identify shared and specific protein biomarkers for T2D and CAD.

Main Methods:

• The CAPIRE cohort included 528 individuals without prior cardiovascular events, assessed via CCTA.
• Participants were categorized into CAD-negative and CAD-positive groups.
• Plasma proteins were analyzed using aptamer screening, with two-way partial least squares used for simultaneous ranking by diabetes status and CAD.

Main Results:

• While CAD was more prevalent in T2D patients (56% vs. 30%), CCTA-defined atherosclerosis burden did not differ between groups.
• Fifteen of the top 20 ranked proteins were associated with both T2D and CAD.
• Renin, GDF15, and adiponectin were independently associated with both conditions; osteomodulin, cartilage intermediate-layer protein 15, and HTRA1 were specific to T2D, while epidermal growth factor receptor and contactin-1 were specific to CAD.

Conclusions:

• CAD severity and quality are comparable between individuals with and without T2D.
• Renin, GDF15, and adiponectin serve as shared protein markers for T2D and CAD.
• Specific proteins are uniquely associated with either T2D or CAD, and lower renin levels may confer protection against CAD in T2D patients.