Novel Mix of DNA, Inflammation Markers May Predict Cardiac Risk

Markers of cell death and formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are independently associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) severity and occurrence of adverse cardiac events, according to a study published July 1 inArteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology. A novel combination of these biomarkers could potentially aid in the prediction of cardiovascular risk in patients presenting with chest discomfort, the authors say. Data were analyzed from 282 patients (median age 60 years) with nonacute chest discomfort and suspected CAD who were referred for outpatient cardiology evaluations. Coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) was used to assess atherosclerosis, while in vivo markers of atherosclerosis progression (plaque and thrombotic debris, cellular constituents from the vessel wall, and cell types associated with inflammatory processes) were analyzed in blood. Patients with severe CAD or abundant coronary artery calcification had significantly greater circulating extracellular double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) compared to individuals with no angiographically detected CAD. High plasma nucleosome levels were significantly independently associated with more than a two-times increased risk of severe coronary stenosis. The number of atherosclerotic coronary vessels and the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events were also independently predicted by markers of NETs, including MPO-DNA complexes. Finally, increased baseline levels of circulating dsDNA, […]