Apelinergic System in the Left Ventricle Adverse Remodeling After Myocardial Infarction: A Preliminary Study

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Biochemistry
• Physiology

Background:

• Animal models suggest the apelinergic system protects the heart during myocardial infarction.
• The role of the apelinergic system in human post-myocardial infarction left ventricle remodeling remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between the apelinergic system and adverse left ventricle remodeling after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in humans.

Main Methods:

• 49 patients with anterior ST-elevation myocardial infarction were studied.
• Echocardiography assessed left ventricle remodeling (increase in LV end-diastolic volume >20%) at baseline and one year.
• Plasma levels of apelin (ELA, AP-17, AP-13) and APJ receptor were measured at one-year follow-up.

Main Results:

• Patients with adverse left ventricle remodeling had significantly higher plasma levels of apelin-13 and apelin-17.
• Univariable analysis showed associations between adverse remodeling and higher LVEDV, LVESV, WMSI, SYNTAX score, hs-CRP, AP-13, and AP-17.
• Multivariable analysis identified AP-17 level as an independent predictor of adverse left ventricle remodeling (p=0.050).

Conclusions:

• The apelinergic system, particularly apelin-17, may be implicated in the development of adverse left ventricle remodeling post-myocardial infarction.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms involved.