Biomarkers for Premature Coronary Artery Disease (PCAD): A Case Control Study

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Biomarker Discovery
• Preventive Cardiology

Background:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD) prevalence is rising in younger populations, termed premature CAD (PCAD).
• Limited research exists on PCAD biomarkers, particularly in specific ethnic groups like Malay males.
• Understanding distinct biomarkers for PCAD versus older CAD (OCAD) is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare protein biomarkers between premature CAD (PCAD) and older CAD (OCAD) in Malay males.
• To identify potential novel biomarkers specific to PCAD.
• To investigate differences in biomarker profiles between PCAD and OCAD groups.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving four groups: young healthy controls, PCAD patients (<45 years), elderly healthy controls, and OCAD patients (>60 years).
• Analysis of ten potential CAD biomarkers: soluble VCAM-1, ICAM-1, interleukins (IL-2, IL-6, IL-10), Apo-E, Apo-A1, homocysteine, C-reactive protein (CRP), and vitamin D.
• Statistical comparison of biomarker levels between patient groups and their respective age-matched controls.

Main Results:

• PCAD patients exhibited significantly higher levels of soluble VCAM-1, CRP, IL-6, and vitamin D compared to young controls.
• OCAD patients showed elevated levels of soluble VCAM-1, CRP, and IL-2 compared to elderly controls.
• After adjustments, CRP remained a significant marker for PCAD, and IL-2 for OCAD.

Conclusions:

• Premature CAD and older CAD demonstrate different protein biomarker profiles.
• C-reactive protein (CRP) shows potential as a specific biomarker for premature CAD in Malay males.
• Interleukin-2, alongside other established markers, may be more indicative of older CAD.