Association of C1q/TNF-related protein-1 (CTRP1) serum levels with coronary artery disease

Objective: Complement C1q tumor necrosis factor-related proteins (CTRPs), belonging to the CTRP superfamily, are extensively involved in regulating metabolism and the immune-inflammatory response. The inflammatory process is linked to the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). Here, we investigated the association of serum levels of CTRP1 with CAD.

Methods: Study participants were divided into two groups according to the results of coronary angiography: a control group (n = 63) and a CAD group (n = 76). The concentrations of serum CTRP1 and inflammatory cytokines were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Further analysis of CTRP1 levels in individuals with different severities of CAD was conducted. The CAD severity was assessed by Gensini score.

Results: Serum levels of CTRP1 were significantly higher in CAD patients than in controls (17.24 ± 1.07 versus 9.31 ± 0.56 ng/mL), and CTRP1 levels increased with increasing severity of CAD. CTRP1 levels were positively correlated with concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that CTRP1 was significantly associated with CAD.

Conclusions: Our data showed close associations of serum CTRP1 levels with the prevalence and severity of CAD, indicating that CTRP1 can be regarded as a novel and valuable biomarker for CAD.