Clinical diagnostic value of serum Trim24 in patients with atherosclerosis

Trim24 has been implicated in inflammatory processes and lipid metabolism, yet its role in atherosclerosis (AS) remains insufficiently explored. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum Trim24 in AS and its association with disease severity. This prospective case-control study included 137 AS patients and 137 healthy controls. Serum Trim24 and sCD163 levels were measured using ELISA. Clinical characteristics, including lipid profiles, inflammatory markers, and the Gensini score, were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for AS, severe AS, and severe stenosis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was employed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of Trim24. Serum Trim24 levels were significantly higher in AS patients compared to healthy controls. Within the AS group, Trim24 levels were higher in patients with severe AS and severe stenosis compared to their non-severe counterparts. Trim24 exhibited strong diagnostic performance for AS (AUC = 0.928), severe AS (AUC = 0.826), and severe stenosis (AUC = 0.928). Additionally, sCD163 levels were significantly lower in AS patients, especially in those with high Trim24 expression, severe AS, and severe stenosis. ROC analysis showed moderate diagnostic value of sCD163 for AS and its severity (AUC = 0.708-0.778). Curve Estimation revealed a negative correlation between Trim24 and sCD163. Multivariate logistic regression identified Trim24 was an independent risk factors for AS, severe AS, and severe stenosis, respectively. Elevated serum Trim24 levels are associated with increased AS risk and severity, likely through modulation of macrophage polarization. Trim24 demonstrates strong potential as a diagnostic biomarker for AS and its progression, supporting further investigation in larger, more diverse populations.