Proteomics associated with coronary high-risk plaques by optical coherence tomography

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular disease research
• Proteomics
• Biomarker discovery

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease diagnosis and monitoring rely on biomarkers.
• Specific markers for high-risk coronary plaques remain unidentified.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify novel protein biomarkers specific to coronary high-risk plaques.

Main Methods:

• Prospective enrollment of 51 patients undergoing intracoronary optical coherence tomography.
• Plasma proteomic analysis of 1470 proteins per patient using Olink® Explore 1536 Reagent Kit.

Main Results:

• Increased Calretinin (CALB2), Corticoliberin (CRH), and Alkaline phosphatase, placental type (ALPP) in thin-cap fibroatheroma.
• Decreased Neuroplastin (NPTN), Folate receptor gamma (FOLR3), and Serpin A12 (SERPINA12) in thin-cap fibroatheroma.
• Decreased Fatty acid-binding protein, intestinal (FABP2) and Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in macrophage infiltration.
• Increased Interleukin-17C (IL17C) and decreased Fc receptor-like protein 3 (FCRL3) in lipid-rich plaques.

Conclusions:

• Identified proteins such as CALB2, CRH, ALPP, NPTN, FOLR3, SERPINA12, FABP2, FGF21, IL17C, and FCRL3 may serve as potential biomarkers for coronary high-risk plaques.