Is TGF-β Associated with Cytokines and Other Biochemical or Clinical Risk Parameters in Early-Onset CAD Patients?

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Immunology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is an immunosuppressive cytokine crucial for anti-inflammatory responses.
• Coronary artery disease (CAD) involves chronic inflammation and platelet mediators, including TGF-β.
• Atherosclerosis underlies CAD, necessitating investigation into inflammatory markers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate the diagnostic utility of TGF-β levels in relation to classical and molecular risk factors for early-onset CAD.
• To explore the association between TGF-β and various biochemical and clinical parameters in CAD patients.

Main Methods:

• Plasma levels of TGF-β, sCD36, PCSK9, TNF, VEGF, IL-6, and E-selectin were measured using ELISA in 100 early-onset CAD patients (25 women, 75 men).
• Lipid profile, apolipoproteins (Lp(a), ApoA1, ApoB), hsCRP, and blood morphology were analyzed.
• Physical examinations were conducted alongside laboratory analyses.

Main Results:

• Positive associations were found between TGF-β concentration and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), platelet count, and triglyceride levels.
• TNF and platelet concentration emerged as significant independent predictors of elevated plasma TGF-β.
• No statistically significant associations were observed between plasma TGF-β concentration and clinical parameters.

Conclusions:

• TGF-β levels are linked to specific biochemical risk factors, including circulating TNF, triglycerides, and platelets, in early-onset CAD.
• These findings suggest TGF-β's potential role as a biomarker in the context of CAD's inflammatory profile.
• Further research may elucidate the precise mechanisms connecting TGF-β to these risk factors in CAD pathogenesis.