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Serum sialic acid as an indicator of change in coronary artery disease
1Department of Endocrinology and Chemical Pathology, St Thomas' Hospital (United Medical School), London, UK.
Insights
Serum total sialic acid (TSA) levels can indicate coronary artery disease (CAD) progression. Higher TSA changes correlated with worsening CAD, suggesting TSA as a potential biomarker for cardiovascular health.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) poses a significant global health burden.
- Identifying reliable biomarkers for CAD progression is crucial for effective management.
- Atherosclerosis Regression Study (STARS) provided a cohort for investigating disease markers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum total sialic acid (TSA) levels and the progression of coronary artery disease (CAD).
- To determine if TSA levels can serve as a predictive indicator for CAD advancement.
Main Methods:
- Serum TSA levels were measured using an enzymatic method in 74 male participants of the STARS study.
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) progression was quantified by the change in mean absolute width of coronary segments (MAWS) over 3 years.
- Statistical analysis adjusted for age, blood pressure, smoking status, and LDL cholesterol.
Main Results:
- A significant negative correlation was found between the change in TSA (delta TSA) and the change in MAWS (delta MAWS) (r = -0.50, P < .001).
- A delta TSA exceeding 10 mg/dL was associated with a 4.6-fold increased relative risk of CAD progression.
- These findings remained significant after adjusting for major cardiovascular risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Serial measurements of serum TSA levels may serve as a valuable indicator for monitoring CAD progression.
- TSA has potential as a non-invasive biomarker for assessing cardiovascular disease advancement.
- Further research could explore the mechanistic link between TSA and atherosclerosis.
Abstract:
We measured serum levels of total sialic acid (TSA) by an enzymatic method in 74 men who completed the St Thomas' Atherosclerosis Regression Study (STARS). Coronary artery disease (CAD) was assessed as the change (delta) in mean absolute width of coronary segments (MAWS) over 3 years by a computerized technique. Delta TSA was significantly correlated with delta MAWS (r = -.50, P < .001) after adjusting for age, blood pressure, smoking status, and plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. The relative risk of progression of CAD for a delta TSA exceeding 10 mg/dL as compared with a delta TSA not exceeding 10 mg/dL was 4.6 (95% confidence interval, 2.4 to 8.7). We conclude that serial measurement of serum TSA levels may be a useful indicator of the progression of CAD.