Role and significance of serum Apelin in coronary artery diseases

Abstract

BackgroundWorldwide, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) account for many deaths. Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD) accounts for approximately 45% of all cases. Atherosclerotic plaque builds up in the vascular lumen, leading to CAD. Consequently, the myocardium insufficiently receives oxygenated blood. Although several markers are available for diagnosing CAD, it is important to explore better diagnostic markers for better clinical treatment. Apelin is released by cells including adipocytes, endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. In the heart, it is a powerful inotrope, raises conduction velocity and has anti-arrhythmic effects. Aim To evaluate serum level of Apelin in patients diagnosed with coronary atherosclerosis and to investigate the relation between Apelin level and severity of coronary atherosclerosis.MethodsThe study was conducted on 71 subjects divided into 50 patients diagnosed with CAD by angiography and 21 subjects collected from patients presented with chest pain with normal coronary angiogram as control group, CAD severity was calculated by Gensini score. Serum Apelin level was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsResults revealed that patients with coronary artery atherosclerosis showed statistically significant decrease in serum Apelin when compared to control group) P <0.001). There was significant positive correlation between Apelin and platelet count (r = 0.319, p = 0.024) and significant negative correlation between Apelin and uric acid (r = -0.364, p = 0.009).ConclusionSerum Apelin level was lower among patients with myocardial infarction which highlights its value in CAD progression. Also, it could be an early predictor for atherosclerosis and ischemic events.