GDF15: A new biomarker in cardiovascular diseases

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a divergent member of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily. It was initially identified as macrophage inhibitory factor-1 (MIC-1). Under normal physiological conditions, its expression level is relatively low, but it significantly increases under conditions such as inflammation, oxidative stress, tissue damage, and hypoxia. Notably, in the context of cardiovascular diseases, GDF15 reflects common pathophysiological processes such as metabolic stress, inflammation, and tissue damage. Furthermore, elevated circulating GDF15 levels are closely associated with major cardiovascular diseases and poor prognosis. In this review, we systematically analyze the differential expression, mechanisms of action, and prognostic prediction functions of GDF15 in five major cardiovascular diseases including hypertension, atherosclerosis, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension and coronary heart disease to demonstrate its significant role as a novel biomarker in CVD.