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The Association of Plasma Apelin Levels with Plaque Vulnerability

Kudret Keskin1, Süleyman Sezai Yıldız1, Gökhan Çetinkal1

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.

Sisli Etfal Hastanesi Tip Bulteni
|May 8, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Low plasma apelin levels are linked to vulnerable plaques and acute coronary syndrome. This study investigated the association between apelin and plaque vulnerability in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Endocrinology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Apelin, a peptide abundant in the cardiovascular system, has vasodilatory and positive inotropic effects.
  • Apelin deficiency is implicated in hypertension and heart failure.
  • The role of apelin in atherosclerosis and plaque vulnerability is not well-established.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between plasma apelin levels and plaque vulnerability.
  • To explore the relationship between apelin and acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Main Methods:

  • Prospective enrollment of 80 patients: 40 with ACS and 40 with stable chronic ischemic heart disease.
  • Measurement of plasma apelin levels and routine biochemical parameters.
  • Transthoracic echocardiographic examination for all participants.

Main Results:

  • Plasma apelin levels were significantly lower in patients with ACS compared to controls (221.2±66.7 vs 254.3±77.9, p=0.04).
  • No correlation was found between plasma apelin levels and serum inflammatory markers.
  • No correlation was found between plasma apelin levels and coronary artery disease severity.

Conclusions:

  • Lower plasma apelin levels may be associated with an increased tendency towards vulnerable plaque.
  • Reduced apelin levels might contribute to the development of acute coronary syndrome.
Abstract

Keywords:
Acute coronary syndromeapelinatherosclerosisplaque vulnerability

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