Association between serum HER2/ErbB2 levels and coronary artery disease: a case-control study

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Oncology
• Metabolic Syndrome

Background:

• Human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2) is implicated in glucose and lipid metabolism.
• The relationship between circulating HER2 levels and coronary artery disease (CAD) requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serum HER2 levels and the presence of CAD.
• To explore the potential interaction between HER2 and body mass index (BMI) in relation to CAD risk.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study involving 435 participants (237 with CAD, 198 controls) undergoing coronary angiography.
• Multiple logistic regression models were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CAD.
• Subgroup analysis was performed to assess the interaction between HER2 and BMI.

Main Results:

• Increased serum HER2 levels were independently associated with the presence of CAD (OR per 1-SD increase: 1.438) and the number of stenotic vessels (OR per 1-SD increase: 1.399).
• A significant interaction between HER2 and BMI was observed regarding CAD presence.
• The association between elevated HER2 and CAD was significantly stronger in participants with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m² (OR per 1-SD increase: 2.143) compared to those with BMI < 25 kg/m² (OR per 1-SD increase: 1.225).

Conclusions:

• Elevated HER2 levels are associated with an increased risk of CAD, especially in individuals with obesity.
• These findings offer novel insights into CAD's pathological mechanisms.
• Further research is warranted to explore HER2 as a potential preventive and therapeutic target for CAD.