Response of growth differentiation factor-15 to percutaneous coronary intervention and regular exercise training.

BACKGROUND

Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is considered to be a cardioprotective cytokine possessing antiapoptotic and antiproliferative properties. If GDF-15 plasma levels are influenced by percutanenous coronary intervention (PCI) or regular exercise training is currently not known.

METHODS

After successful revascularization by PCI with stent implantation 36 consecutive patients with stable angina pectoris were randomized to an exercise training program or to a control group. Patients were followed by serial measurements of GDF-15, high-sensitivity Troponin T (hsTNT) and N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels in peripheral blood after PCI and during six months follow-up.

RESULTS

Plasma levels of GDF-15 showed an early response to PCI with a modest, but significant increase after 30 minutes (p = 0.007) peaking three hours after PCI. Levels of hsTNT rose 5-fold from baseline to 24 hours (p < 0.001) with a normalization at seven days post PCI. Changes in plasma levels of GDF-15, hsTNT and NT-proBNP were not significantly different between the training and control group during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

GDF-15 levels show a modest transient increase in response to coronary intervention with stent implantation. Exercise training over six months does not affect plasma levels of GDF-15, hsTNT or NT-proBNP in patients with stable coronary artery disease.