Elevated resistin opposed to adiponectin or angiogenin plasma levels as a strong, independent predictive factor for the occurrence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events in patients with stable multivessel coronary artery disease over 1-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND

Adipokines such as adiponectin and resistin, as well as angiogenin, may be associated with inflammation and atherosclerosis. The relationship between their levels and prognosis in high risk patients is, however, still unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of these adipokines in patients with stable multivessel coronary artery disease (MCAD).

MATERIAL/METHODS: The study group comprised 107 MCAD patients (74% males, mean age 63 ± 8 years). Adiponectin, resistin and angiogenin plasma levels were measured at admission and after 1-year follow-up. Primary end point (major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events--MACCE) was defined as cardiac death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, and hospitalization for angina or heart failure over a 1-year period.

RESULTS

After 1-year follow-up, 9 (8%) patients died, all from cardiovascular causes. Primary end point was experienced by 32% of patients. Surgical treatment (CABG) was received by 51% of patients, while 49% were treated medically alone. Total cholesterol concentration levels ≥ 173 mg/dl were associated with a 7-fold increase (OR 7.3; 95% CI, 1.6-33.0); LDL ≥ 93.5 mg/dl with a 16-fold increase (OR 16.3; 95% CI, 2.8-93.8), and resistin ≥ 17.265 ng/ml with a 13-fold increase in MACCE risk (OR 13.5; 95% CI, 2.3-80.3). In multivariate analysis, a medical treatment strategy (p = 0.001), a higher CCS class (p = 0.004), resistin levels (p = 0.003) and a higher Gensini score (p = 0.03) were independent predictors of MACCE.

CONCLUSIONS

In stable patients with MCAD, elevated plasma resistin (as opposed to adiponectin or angiogenin) is a strong, independent predictive factor for the occurrence of MACCE over 1-year follow-up.