Circulating osteonectin predicts postural imbalance and cardiac dysfunction in heart failure

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Biochemistry
• Geriatrics

Background:

• Osteonectin is involved in muscle wasting but its role in chronic heart failure (CHF) is unclear.
• CHF is associated with systemic inflammation and impaired postural control.
• The relationship between osteonectin, cardiac function, and balance in CHF requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the association between soluble osteonectin levels and cardiac dysfunction.
• To evaluate the link between osteonectin and postural imbalance in patients with CHF.
• To explore osteonectin as a potential biomarker for physical disability in CHF.

Main Methods:

• Assessed cardiac function, physical performance (SPPB, HGS), plasma osteonectin, and CRP in controls and CHF patients.
• Included patients with ischemic and non-ischemic CHF.
• Correlational and ROC curve analyses were performed.

Main Results:

• CHF patients had lower HGS, poorer balance, and higher cardiac dysfunction compared to controls.
• Osteonectin and CRP levels were significantly elevated in CHF patients.
• Osteonectin inversely correlated with LVEF and SPPB scores, and showed high diagnostic accuracy for CHF.

Conclusions:

• Elevated osteonectin is associated with left ventricular dysfunction and postural imbalance in CHF, regardless of etiology.
• Osteonectin may serve as a biomarker for physical disability and contractile dysfunction in CHF.
• Further research into osteonectin's role in CHF pathophysiology is warranted.