Utility of novel serum biomarkers to predict subclinical atherosclerosis: A sub-analysis of the EISNER study

Certain novel biomarkers may predict atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events; however, data on their relationship to coronary atherosclerosis and its progression as measured by coronary artery calcium (CAC) scanning is lacking. We evaluated the association between novel biomarkers and presence or progression of CAC. The EISNER study was a prospective trial of patients without known ASCVD. Data on CAC and several biomarkers (hs-CRP, LTβR, osteopontin [OPN], RAGE, TNFR1α and TROY) were available at baseline and 4-year follow-up. Biomarkers were standardized and summed for a composite score. CAC progression was defined by the square-root (CACSQRT) method and rapid (top decile) progression. Adjusted regression models created a final prediction model for baseline CAC and CAC progression. 1207 subjects (mean age 58.4 ± 8 years, 53% male) were evaluated; 621 had a baseline CAC >0, in whom 323 progressed by CACSQRT, and 121 rapidly progressed. Baseline CAC was associated only with OPN (p = 0.03), TROY (p = 0.0058) and TNFR1α (p = 0.0039) in unadjusted analyses. In adjusted analyses, only OPN was independently related to CAC progression using CACSQRT (p = 0.04). OPN identifies progression of atherosclerosis in persons free of ASCVD at baseline and may be a useful predictive tool to guide ASCVD prevention management.

0