Biomolecules

Editorial

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Open AccessEditorial

Advances in Molecular Biomarkers in Cardiology

by Pietro Scicchitano and Matteo Cameli

Biomolecules 2022, 12(10), 1530; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12101530 - 21 Oct 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1539

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent the leading cause of death in the world despite innovations in therapies and advances in the general management of patients [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biomarkers In Cardiology 2021)

Research

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7 pages, 515 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differences According to Age in the Diagnostic Performance of Cardiac Biomarkers to Predict Frailty in Patients with Acute Heart Failure

by Lara Aguilar-Iglesias, Ana Merino-Merino, Ester Sanchez-Corral, Maria-Jesus Garcia-Sanchez, Isabel Santos-Sanchez, Ruth Saez-Maleta and Jose-Angel Perez-Rivera

Biomolecules 2022, 12(2), 245; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12020245 - 2 Feb 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2412

Abstract

Frailty has traditionally been studied in the elderly population but scarcely in younger individuals. The objective of the present study is to analyze differences according to age in the diagnostic performance of cardiac biomarkers to predict frailty in patients admitted to the hospital [...] Read more.

Frailty has traditionally been studied in the elderly population but scarcely in younger individuals. The objective of the present study is to analyze differences according to age in the diagnostic performance of cardiac biomarkers to predict frailty in patients admitted to the hospital for acute heart failure (AHF). A frailty assessment was performed with the SPPB and FRAIL scales (score > 3). We included 201 patients who were divided according to age: those older and younger than 75 years. In the younger group, no biomarker was related to the presence of frailty. This was mainly determined by age and comorbidities. In the elderly group, NT-proBNP was significantly related to the presence of frailty, but none of the baseline characteristics were. The best cut-off point in the elderly group for NT-proBNP was 4000 pg/mL. The area under the curve (AUC) for proBNP for frailty detection was 0.62 in the elderly. Another similar frailty scale, the SPPB, also showed a similar AUC in this group; however, adding the NT-proBNP (one point if NT-proBNP < 4000 pg/mL), it showed a slightly higher yield (AUC 0.65). The addition of biomarkers could improve frailty detection in members of the elderly population who are admitted to the hospital for AHF. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biomarkers In Cardiology 2021)

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17 pages, 943 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association of Angio-LncRNAs MIAT rs1061540/MALAT1 rs3200401 Molecular Variants with Gensini Score in Coronary Artery Disease Patients Undergoing Angiography

by Mohamed Y. Elwazir, Mohammad H. Hussein, Eman A. Toraih, Essam Al Ageeli, Safya E. Esmaeel, Manal S. Fawzy and Salwa Faisal

Biomolecules 2022, 12(1), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12010137 - 15 Jan 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2753

Abstract

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as essential biomolecules with variable diagnostic and/or prognostic utility in several diseases, including coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed for the first time to investigate the potential association of five angiogenesis-related lncRNAs (PUNISHER, SENCR, MIAT, MALAT1, and [...] Read more.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as essential biomolecules with variable diagnostic and/or prognostic utility in several diseases, including coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed for the first time to investigate the potential association of five angiogenesis-related lncRNAs (PUNISHER, SENCR, MIAT, MALAT1, and GATA6-AS) variants with CAD susceptibility and/or severity. TaqMan Real-Time genotyping for PUNISHER rs12318065A/C, SENCR rs12420823C/T, MIAT rs1061540C/T, MALAT1 rs3200401T/C, and GATA6-AS1 rs73390820A/G were run on the extracted genomic DNA from 100 unrelated patients with stable CAD undergoing diagnostic coronary angiography and from 100 controls. After adjusting covariates, the studied variants showed no association with disease susceptibility; however, MIAT*T/T genotype was associated with a more severe Gensini score. In contrast, MALAT1*T/C heterozygosity was associated with a lower score. The lipid profile, and to a lesser extent smoking status, male sex, weight, hypertension, and MALAT1 (T > C) (negative correlation), explained the variance between patients/control groups via a principal component analysis. Incorporating the principal components into a logistic regression model to predict CAD yielded a 0.92 AUC. In conclusion: MIAT rs1061540 and MALAT1 rs3200401 variants were associated with CAD severity and Gensini score in the present sample of the Egyptian population. Further large multi-center and functional analyses are needed to confirm the results and identify the underlying molecular mechanisms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biomarkers In Cardiology 2021)

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11 pages, 777 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Atrial Natriuretic Peptides, Right Atrial Infarction and Prognosis of Patients with Myocardial Infarction—A Single-Center Study

by Michal Kacprzak, Magdalena Brzeczek and Marzenna Zielinska

Biomolecules 2021, 11(12), 1833; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11121833 - 4 Dec 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2464

Abstract

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is secreted in response to the stretching of the atrial wall. Atrial ischemia most likely impairs the ability of atrial myocytes to produce ANP. Atrial infarction (AI) is rarely diagnosed but not infrequently associated with myocardial infarction (MI). The [...] Read more.

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is secreted in response to the stretching of the atrial wall. Atrial ischemia most likely impairs the ability of atrial myocytes to produce ANP. Atrial infarction (AI) is rarely diagnosed but not infrequently associated with myocardial infarction (MI). The aim of the study was to assess the association between AI and the prognostic value of N-terminal proANP (NT-proANP) in patients with MI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We evaluated data of 100 consecutive patients. Plasma levels of NT-proANP were measured by the ELISA method. ECG recordings were interpreted to diagnose AI according to Liu’s criteria. All patients were followed-up prospectively for 12 months for the manifestation of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as unplanned coronary revascularization, stroke, reinfarction or all-cause death. AI was diagnosed in 36 patients. 14% of patients developed MACE. AI did not affect the incidence of MACE or any of its components, nor the patients’ prognosis. NT-proANP revealed to be a strong predictor of death but was not associated with other adverse events. Conclusions: AI in patients with MI treated with primary PCI is not connected with their prognosis nor affects the usefulness of NT-proANP in predicting death during the 12-month follow-up. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biomarkers In Cardiology 2021)

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12 pages, 463 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differences in the Biomarker Profile of De Novo Acute Heart Failure versus Decompensation of Chronic Heart Failure

by Sylwia Nawrocka-Millward, Jan Biegus, Magdalena Hurkacz, Mateusz Guzik, Marta Rosiek-Biegus, Ewa Anita Jankowska, Piotr Ponikowski and Robert Zymliński

Biomolecules 2021, 11(11), 1701; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11111701 - 16 Nov 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2630

Abstract

The perception of acute heart failure (AHF) as a single entity is increasingly outdated, as distinct patient profiles can be discerned. Key heart failure (HF) studies have previously highlighted the difference in both the course and prognosis of de novo AHF and acute [...] Read more.

The perception of acute heart failure (AHF) as a single entity is increasingly outdated, as distinct patient profiles can be discerned. Key heart failure (HF) studies have previously highlighted the difference in both the course and prognosis of de novo AHF and acute decompensated chronic HF (ADHF). Accordingly, distinct AHF profiles with differing underlying pathophysiologies of disease progression can be shown. We compared a range of selected biomarkers in order to better describe the profile of de novo AHF and ADHF, including the inter alia—serum lactate, bilirubin, matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9), follistatin, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), lipocalin and galectin-3. The study comprised 248 AHF patients (de novo = 104), who were followed up for one year. The biomarker data of the de novo AHF and ADHF profiles was then compared in order to link biomarkers to their prognosis. Our study demonstrated that, although there are similarities between each patient profile, key biomarker differences do exist—predominantly in terms of NTproBNP, serum lactate, bilirubin, ICAM-1, follistatin, ferritin and sTfR (soluble transferrin receptor). ADHF tended to have compromised organ function and higher risks of both one-year mortality and composite endpoint (one-year mortality or rehospitalization for heart failure) hazard ratios (HR) (95% CI): 3.4 (1.8–6.3) and 2.8 (1.6–4.6), respectively, both p < 0.0001. Among the biomarkers of interest: sTfR HR (95% CI): 1.4 (1.04–1.8), NGAL_(log) (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin) HR (95% CI): 2.0 (1.3–3.1) and GDF-15_(log) (growth/differentiation factor-15) HR (95% CI): 4.0 (1.2–13.0) significantly impacted the one-year survival, all p < 0.05. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biomarkers In Cardiology 2021)

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17 pages, 3960 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Sirtuin 1, Visfatin and IL-27 Serum Levels of Type 1 Diabetic Females in Relation to Cardiovascular Parameters and Autoimmune Thyroid Disease

by Magdalena Łukawska-Tatarczuk, Edward Franek, Leszek Czupryniak, Ilona Joniec-Maciejak, Agnieszka Pawlak, Ewa Wojnar, Jakub Zieliński, Dagmara Mirowska-Guzel and Beata Mrozikiewicz-Rakowska

Biomolecules 2021, 11(8), 1110; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11081110 - 28 Jul 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3634

Abstract

The loss of cardioprotection observed in premenopausal, diabetic women may result from the interplay between epigenetic, metabolic, and immunological factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of sirtuin 1, visfatin, and IL-27 in relation to cardiovascular parameters and Hashimoto’s [...] Read more.

The loss of cardioprotection observed in premenopausal, diabetic women may result from the interplay between epigenetic, metabolic, and immunological factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of sirtuin 1, visfatin, and IL-27 in relation to cardiovascular parameters and Hashimoto’s disease (HD) in young, asymptomatic women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Thyroid ultrasound, carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) measurement, electrocardiography, and echocardiography were performed in 50 euthyroid females with T1DM (28 with HD and 22 without concomitant diseases) and 30 controls. The concentrations of serum sirtuin 1, visfatin and IL-27 were assessed using ELISA. The T1DM and HD group had higher cIMT (p = 0.018) and lower left ventricular global longitudinal strain (p = 0.025) compared to females with T1DM exclusively. In women with a double diagnosis, the sirtuin 1 and IL-27 concentrations were non-significantly higher than in other groups and significantly positively correlated with each other (r = 0.445, p = 0.018) and thyroid volume (r = 0.511, p = 0.005; r = 0.482, p = 0.009, respectively) and negatively correlated with relative wall thickness (r = –0.451, p = 0.016; r = –0.387, p = 0.041, respectively). These relationships were not observed in the control group nor for the visfatin concentration. These results suggest that sirtuin 1 and IL-27 contribute to the pathogenesis of early cardiac dysfunction in women with T1DM and HD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biomarkers In Cardiology 2021)

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21 pages, 3968 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Circulating Extracellular miRNA Analysis in Patients with Stable CAD and Acute Coronary Syndromes

by Andrey V. Zhelankin, Daria A. Stonogina, Sergey V. Vasiliev, Konstantin A. Babalyan, Elena I. Sharova, Yurii V. Doludin, Dmitry Y. Shchekochikhin, Eduard V. Generozov and Anna S. Akselrod

Biomolecules 2021, 11(7), 962; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11070962 - 29 Jun 2021

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 3836

Abstract

Extracellular circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are currently a focus of interest as non-invasive biomarkers of cardiovascular pathologies, including coronary artery disease (CAD) and acute coronary syndromes (ACS): myocardial infarction with and without ST-segment elevation (STEMI and NSTEMI) and unstable angina (UA). However, the current [...] Read more.

Extracellular circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are currently a focus of interest as non-invasive biomarkers of cardiovascular pathologies, including coronary artery disease (CAD) and acute coronary syndromes (ACS): myocardial infarction with and without ST-segment elevation (STEMI and NSTEMI) and unstable angina (UA). However, the current data for some miRNAs are controversial and inconsistent, probably due to pre-analytical and methodological variances in different studies. In this work, we fulfilled the basic pre-analytical requirements provided for circulating miRNA studies for application to stable CAD and ACS research. We used quantitative PCR to determine the relative plasma levels of eight circulating miRNAs that are potentially associated with atherosclerosis. In a cohort of 136 adult clinic CAD patients and outpatient controls, we found that the plasma levels of miR-21-5p and miR-146a-5p were significantly elevated in ACS patients, and the level of miR-17-5p was decreased in ACS and stable CAD patients compared to both healthy controls and hypertensive patients without CAD. Within the ACS patient group, no differences were found in the plasma levels of these miRNAs between patients with positive and negative troponin, nor were any differences found between STEMI and NSTEMI. Our results indicate that increased plasma levels of miR-146a-5p and miR-21-5p can be considered general ACS circulating biomarkers and that lowered miR-17-5p can be considered a general biomarker of CAD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biomarkers In Cardiology 2021)

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18 pages, 4583 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Linking COVID-19 and Heme-Driven Pathophysiologies: A Combined Computational–Experimental Approach

by Marie-Thérèse Hopp, Daniel Domingo-Fernández, Yojana Gadiya, Milena S. Detzel, Regina Graf, Benjamin F. Schmalohr, Alpha T. Kodamullil, Diana Imhof and Martin Hofmann-Apitius

Biomolecules 2021, 11(5), 644; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11050644 - 27 Apr 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4297

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak was declared a worldwide pandemic in 2020. Infection triggers the respiratory tract disease COVID-19, which is accompanied by serious changes in clinical biomarkers such as hemoglobin and interleukins. The same parameters are altered during hemolysis, which is characterized by an [...] Read more.

The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak was declared a worldwide pandemic in 2020. Infection triggers the respiratory tract disease COVID-19, which is accompanied by serious changes in clinical biomarkers such as hemoglobin and interleukins. The same parameters are altered during hemolysis, which is characterized by an increase in labile heme. We present two computational–experimental approaches aimed at analyzing a potential link between heme-related and COVID-19 pathophysiologies. Herein, we performed a detailed analysis of the common pathways induced by heme and SARS-CoV-2 by superimposition of knowledge graphs covering heme biology and COVID-19 pathophysiology. Focus was laid on inflammatory pathways and distinct biomarkers as the linking elements. In a second approach, four COVID-19-related proteins, the host cell proteins ACE2 and TMPRSS2 as well as the viral proteins 7a and S protein were computationally analyzed as potential heme-binding proteins with an experimental validation. The results contribute to the understanding of the progression of COVID-19 infections in patients with different clinical backgrounds and may allow for a more individual diagnosis and therapy in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biomarkers In Cardiology 2021)

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10 pages, 1164 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interferon Regulatory Factor 5 (IRF5) Gene Haplotypes Are Associated with Premature Coronary Artery Disease. Association of the IRF5 Polymorphisms with Cardiometabolic Parameters. The Genetics of Atherosclerotic Disease (GEA) Mexican Study

by Rosalinda Posadas-Sánchez, Guillermo Cardoso-Saldaña, José Manuel Fragoso and Gilberto Vargas-Alarcón

Biomolecules 2021, 11(3), 443; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11030443 - 17 Mar 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2201

Abstract

Interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) has an important role in the inflammatory process, a fundamental component of coronary artery disease (CAD). Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the association of IRF5 polymorphisms with the development of premature CAD [...] Read more.

Interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) has an important role in the inflammatory process, a fundamental component of coronary artery disease (CAD). Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the association of IRF5 polymorphisms with the development of premature CAD (pCAD) and cardiometabolic parameters. IRF5 polymorphisms (rs1874330, rs3778754, rs3757386, rs3757385, rs3807134, rs3807135, and rs6968563) were determined in 1116 pCAD patients and 1003 controls. Polymorphism distribution was similar in patients and controls; however, the haplotype analysis showed five haplotypes with a different distribution. TGCGTCT (OR (odds ratio) = 1.248, p = 0005) and TCTGCCT (OR = 10.73, p < 0.0001) were associated with a high risk, whereas TCCGTCT (OR = 0.155, p < 0.0001), CGCTTTT (OR = 0.108, p < 0.0001), and TCCGCCT (OR = 0.014, p < 0.0001) were associated with a low risk of pCAD. Associations with aspartate aminotransferase, hypertriglyceridemia, magnesium deficiency, triglycerides/HDL-C index, LDL-C, and adiponectin levels were observed in pCAD patients. In controls, associations with hypoalphalipoproteinemia, non-HDL-C, apolipoprotein B, hyperuricemia, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-15, valvular calcification, and subclinical hypothyroidism were observed. In summary, five haplotypes were associated with pCAD, two with high risk and three with low risk. Some IRF5 polymorphisms were associated with cardiometabolic parameters in pCAD patients and control. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biomarkers In Cardiology 2021)

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Review

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12 pages, 1169 KiB

Open AccessReview

Biomarkers in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Device: An Insight on Current Evidence

by Carlotta Sciaccaluga, Nicolò Ghionzoli, Giulia Elena Mandoli, Flavio D’Ascenzi, Marta Focardi, Serafina Valente and Matteo Cameli

Biomolecules 2022, 12(2), 334; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12020334 - 19 Feb 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4371

Abstract

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have been representing a cornerstone therapy for patients with end-stage heart failure during the last decades. However, their use induces several pathophysiological modifications which are partially responsible for the complications that typically characterize these patients, such as right [...] Read more.

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have been representing a cornerstone therapy for patients with end-stage heart failure during the last decades. However, their use induces several pathophysiological modifications which are partially responsible for the complications that typically characterize these patients, such as right ventricular failure, thromboembolic events, as well as bleedings. During the last years, biomarkers involved in the pathways of neurohormonal activation, myocardial injury, adverse remodeling, oxidative stress and systemic inflammation have raised attention. The search and analysis of potential biomarkers in LVAD patients could lead to the identification of a subset of patients with an increased risk of developing these adverse events. This could then promote a closer follow-up as well as therapeutic modifications. Furthermore, it might highlight some new therapeutic pharmacological targets that could lead to improved long-term survival. The aim of this review is to provide current evidence on the role of different biomarkers in patients with LVAD, in particular highlighting their possible implications in clinical practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biomarkers In Cardiology 2021)

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14 pages, 1439 KiB

Open AccessReview

Venous Thromboembolism and Cancer: A Comprehensive Review from Pathophysiology to Novel Treatment

by Mario Enrico Canonico, Ciro Santoro, Marisa Avvedimento, Giuseppe Giugliano, Giulia Elena Mandoli, Maria Prastaro, Anna Franzone, Raffaele Piccolo, Federica Ilardi, Matteo Cameli and Giovanni Esposito

Biomolecules 2022, 12(2), 259; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12020259 - 4 Feb 2022

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 4078

Abstract

Acute thrombotic events can unveil occult cancer, as they are its first manifestation in about 20 to 30% of all cases. Malignancy interacts in an intricate way with the hemostatic system, promoting both thrombosis and bleeding. The main pathway involved in these reactions [...] Read more.

Acute thrombotic events can unveil occult cancer, as they are its first manifestation in about 20 to 30% of all cases. Malignancy interacts in an intricate way with the hemostatic system, promoting both thrombosis and bleeding. The main pathway involved in these reactions involves the activation of tumor-associated procoagulant factors, which eventually results in clot formation. The clinical manifestation of cancer-related thrombotic events mainly involves the venous side, and manifests in a broad spectrum of conditions, including unusual sites of venous thrombosis. The selection of patients who have a balanced risk–benefit profile for management of anticoagulation is complex, given individual patient goals and preferences, different prognosis of specific cancers, common comorbidities, potential drug–drug interactions, underweight states, and the competing risks of morbidity and mortality. Anticoagulant treatment in cancer settings is broadly debated, considering the potential application of direct oral anticoagulants in both thromboprophylaxis and secondary prevention, having demonstrated its efficacy and safety compared to conventional treatment. This review aims to provide a brief overview of the pathophysiology and management of cancer-related thrombosis, summarizing the results obtained in recent clinical trials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biomarkers In Cardiology 2021)

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17 pages, 5098 KiB

Open AccessReview

Confounders in Identification and Analysis of Inflammatory Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Diseases

by Qurrat Ul Ain, Mehak Sarfraz, Gayuk Kalih Prasesti, Triwedya Indra Dewi and Neng Fisheri Kurniati

Biomolecules 2021, 11(10), 1464; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11101464 - 5 Oct 2021

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 4347

Abstract

Proinflammatory biomarkers have been increasingly used in epidemiologic and intervention studies over the past decades to evaluate and identify an association of systemic inflammation with cardiovascular diseases. Although there is a strong correlation between the elevated level of inflammatory biomarkers and the pathology [...] Read more.

Proinflammatory biomarkers have been increasingly used in epidemiologic and intervention studies over the past decades to evaluate and identify an association of systemic inflammation with cardiovascular diseases. Although there is a strong correlation between the elevated level of inflammatory biomarkers and the pathology of various cardiovascular diseases, the mechanisms of the underlying cause are unclear. Identification of pro-inflammatory biomarkers such as cytokines, chemokines, acute phase proteins, and other soluble immune factors can help in the early diagnosis of disease. The presence of certain confounding factors such as variations in age, sex, socio-economic status, body mass index, medication and other substance use, and medical illness, as well as inconsistencies in methodological practices such as sample collection, assaying, and data cleaning and transformation, may contribute to variations in results. The purpose of the review is to identify and summarize the effect of demographic factors, epidemiological factors, medication use, and analytical and pre-analytical factors with a panel of inflammatory biomarkers CRP, IL-1b, IL-6, TNFa, and the soluble TNF receptors on the concentration of these inflammatory biomarkers in serum. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biomarkers In Cardiology 2021)

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9 pages, 221 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Role of Galectin-3 and ST2 in Cardiology: A Short Review

by Ana Merino-Merino, Jeronimo Gonzalez-Bernal, Dario Fernandez-Zoppino, Ruth Saez-Maleta and Jose-Angel Perez-Rivera

Biomolecules 2021, 11(8), 1167; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11081167 - 7 Aug 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3593

Abstract

Galectin-3 is a lectin that binds beta-galactosides. It is involved in cardiac remodeling and fibrosis through the activation of macrophages and fibroblasts. ST2 is secreted by myocardial cells due to cardiac overload. These two biomarkers have been traditionally studied in the field of [...] Read more.

Galectin-3 is a lectin that binds beta-galactosides. It is involved in cardiac remodeling and fibrosis through the activation of macrophages and fibroblasts. ST2 is secreted by myocardial cells due to cardiac overload. These two biomarkers have been traditionally studied in the field of heart failure to guide medical therapy and detect the progression of the disease. Nevertheless, there are novel evidences that connect galectin-3 and ST2 with coronary heart disease and, specifically, with atrial fibrillation. The aim of this article is to concisely review the diagnostic and prognostic role of galectin-3 and ST2 in different cardiac diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biomarkers In Cardiology 2021)

18 pages, 1270 KiB

Open AccessReview

Osteopontin in Cardiovascular Diseases

by Kohsuke Shirakawa and Motoaki Sano

Biomolecules 2021, 11(7), 1047; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11071047 - 16 Jul 2021

Cited by 50 | Viewed by 6322

Abstract

Unprecedented advances in secondary prevention have greatly improved the prognosis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs); however, CVDs remain a leading cause of death globally. These findings suggest the need to reconsider cardiovascular risk and optimal medical therapy. Numerous studies have shown that inflammation, pro-thrombotic [...] Read more.

Unprecedented advances in secondary prevention have greatly improved the prognosis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs); however, CVDs remain a leading cause of death globally. These findings suggest the need to reconsider cardiovascular risk and optimal medical therapy. Numerous studies have shown that inflammation, pro-thrombotic factors, and gene mutations are focused not only on cardiovascular residual risk but also as the next therapeutic target for CVDs. Furthermore, recent clinical trials, such as the Canakinumab Anti-inflammatory Thrombosis Outcomes Study trial, showed the possibility of anti-inflammatory therapy for patients with CVDs. Osteopontin (OPN) is a matricellular protein that mediates diverse biological functions and is involved in a number of pathological states in CVDs. OPN has a two-faced phenotype that is dependent on the pathological state. Acute increases in OPN have protective roles, including wound healing, neovascularization, and amelioration of vascular calcification. By contrast, chronic increases in OPN predict poor prognosis of a major adverse cardiovascular event independent of conventional cardiovascular risk factors. Thus, OPN can be a therapeutic target for CVDs but is not clinically available. In this review, we discuss the role of OPN in the development of CVDs and its potential as a therapeutic target. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biomarkers In Cardiology 2021)

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19 pages, 758 KiB

Open AccessReview

Circulating Biomarkers Reflecting Destabilization Mechanisms of Coronary Artery Plaques: Are We Looking for the Impossible?

by Marko Kumric, Josip A. Borovac, Dinko Martinovic, Tina Ticinovic Kurir and Josko Bozic

Biomolecules 2021, 11(6), 881; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11060881 - 14 Jun 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3728

Abstract

Despite significant strides to mitigate the complications of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), this clinical entity still represents a major global health burden. It has so far been well-established that most of the plaques leading to ACS are not a result of gradual narrowing [...] Read more.

Despite significant strides to mitigate the complications of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), this clinical entity still represents a major global health burden. It has so far been well-established that most of the plaques leading to ACS are not a result of gradual narrowing of the vessel lumen, but rather a result of sudden disruption of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. As most of the developed imaging modalities for vulnerable plaque detection are invasive, multiple biomarkers were proposed to identify their presence. Owing to the pivotal role of lipids and inflammation in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, most of the biomarkers originated from one of those processes, whereas recent advancements in molecular sciences shed light on the use of microRNAs. Yet, at present there are no clinically implemented biomarkers or any other method for that matter that could non-invasively, yet reliably, diagnose the vulnerable plaque. Hence, in this review we summarized the available knowledge regarding the pathophysiology of plaque instability, the current evidence on potential biomarkers associated with plaque destabilization and finally, we discussed if search for biomarkers could one day bring us to non-invasive, cost-effective, yet valid way of diagnosing the vulnerable, rupture-prone coronary artery plaques. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Biomarkers In Cardiology 2021)

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