Palmitoleic and oleic fatty acids as biomarkers for coronary heart disease: A predictive model

saturated and unsaturated fatty acid showed a significant link with coronary artery health and disease.

This study aimed to compare plasma levels of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) between individuals with coronary heart disease (CHD) and those without. It also investigated the association between specific UFA ratios and the presence or severity of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Additionally, the study explored the potential of UFAs as biomarkers for assessing CHD risk or disease severity.

Patients suspected of coronary heart disease (CHD) at Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital were categorized by coronary angiography into non-CHD (53 cases) and CHD (182 cases). The CHD group was divided into non-acute coronary syndrome (non-ACS) (40 cases) and ACS (142 cases) subgroups. The ACS group was further classified into unstable angina (61 cases), non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) (40 cases), and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (41 cases). Lipid profiles, myocardial injury markers, and fourteen unsaturated fatty acids were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

The CHD group had significantly higher triglycerides (TG), palmitoleic acid (PA), oleic acid (OA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), ω-6 fatty acids, and a higher ω-6/ω-3 ratio, but lower ω-3 fatty acids compared to non-CHD. In ACS, PA, LA, OA, and the ω-6/ω-3 ratio were elevated, while EPA and HDL were reduced. Logistic regression identified TG, ω-6/ω-3 ratio, PA, OA, and ω-6 fatty acids as risk factors, with ω-3 fatty acids being protective. PA was protective, while OA posed risk. A combined PA and OA model had a diagnostic efficacy (AUC 0.746).

Altered fatty acid metabolism in CHD patients, particularly PA and OA, offers potential as biomarkers. The ω-6/ω-3 ratio is crucial for cardiovascular health.