Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, a New Predictor of Coronary Artery Calcification

Abstract

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a functional role in vascular endothelium homeostasis and the alleviation of atherosclerosis. Matrix gla protein (MGP) and Nε-(1-carboxymethyl)-l-lysine (CML) are both confirmed to be VC predictors. This study investigated the association between BDNF, MGP, CML and coronary artery calcification (CAC). Plasma BDNF, MGP, and CML levels were measured in 274 patients who underwent computed tomography to determine the CAC score (Agatston score). It was found that patients with CAC exhibited lower BDNF and MGP and higher CML levels than those without CAC. Plasma BDNF levels in patients with diabetes or hypertension were lower compared with the control groups. In logistic regression analysis, age, hypertension, BDNF, and MGP were independent predictors of CAC. Plasma BDNF and MGP levels were both correlated with the Agatston score even after adjustment for age, total cholesterol level, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein level, creatinine clearance rate, and the presence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. In 167 patients with CAC, circulating BDNF level was inversely associated with CML level and positively related to MGP level. In the receiver operating characteristic analysis for CAC, the areas under the curves for BDNF, MGP, and CML were 0.757, 0.777 and 0.653, respectively. In summary, plasma BDNF levels are associated with the Agatston score, and BDNF further predicts the occurrence of CAC.

Serum biomarkers for arterial calcification in humans: A systematic review

“…Eight studies reported on an association between MGP and arterial calcification ( Janus et al, 2021 ; Pesaro et al, 2018 ; Wilund et al, 2008 ; Acar et al, 2012 ; Jin et al, 2021 ; Jono et al, 2004 ; O'Donnell et al, 2006 ; Silaghi et al, 2013 ). Five reported a positive association ( Janus et al, 2021 ; Pesaro et al, 2018 ; Jin et al, 2021 ; O'Donnell et al, 2006 ; Silaghi et al, 2013 ), one a negative association ( Jono et al, 2004 ) and two a non-significant association ( Wilund et al, 2008 ; Acar et al, 2012 ). There were no longitudinal studies included.…”

Correlation analysis of coronary artery tortuosity and calcification score

“…Coronary CTA images were reviewed by two experienced radiologists who were blind to all clinical profiles of the participants. CAC score was calculated by dedicated software and quantified as the Agatston score [11]. According to the ACCF/AHA 2007 clinical expert consensus, the Agatston score was divided into 4 levels (0, 1-100, 101-400, > 400) [12].…”

Analysis of Correlation Between Coronary Tortuosity and Calcification Score

“…Coronary CTA images were reviewed by two experienced radiologists who were blind to all clinical pro les of the participants. CAC score was calculated by dedicated software and quanti ed as the Agatston score 9 . According to the ACCF/AHA 2007 clinical expert consensus, the Agatston score was divided into 4 levels (0, 1-100, 101-400, >400) 10 .…”