Is plasma urotensin II concentration an indicator of myocardial damage in patients with acute coronary syndrome?

Abstract

A b s t r a c tIntroduction: Urotensin II (UII) is a vasoactive peptide secreted by endothelial cells. Increased plasma UII concentration was observed in patients with heart failure, liver cirrhosis, diabetic nephropathy and renal insufficiency. In patients with myocardial infarction both increased and decreased plasma UII concentrations were demonstrated. The aim of this study was to analyze whether plasma UII concentration reflects the severity of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Material and methods: One hundred and forty-nine consecutive patients with ACS, without age limit, were enrolled in the study. In all patients plasma concentration of creatinine, creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB), troponin C, N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP), and UII were assessed, and echocardiography was performed in order to assess the degree of left ventricular hypertrophy, ejection fraction (EF) and mass (LVM). Results: In patients with the highest risk (TIMI 5-7) plasma UII concentration was significantly lower than in those with low risk (TIMI 1-2): 2.61 ±1.47 ng/ml vs. 3.60 ±2.20 ng/ml. Significantly lower plasma UII concentration was found in patients with increased concentration of troponin C (2.60 ±1.52 ng/ml vs. 3.41 ±2.09 ng/ml). There was a significant negative correlation between plasma UII concentration and TIMI score or concentration of troponin C, but not CK-MB. Borderline correlation between plasma UII and ejection fraction (R = 0.157; p = 0.063) or NT-proBNP (R = -0.156; p = 0.058) was found. Conclusions: Decreased plasma urotensin II concentration in patients with ACS could be associated with more severe injury of myocardium.

Plasma urotensin II levels in primary Raynaud’s phenomenon and systemic sclerosis

“…In addition to its vasoconstrictor effects, these studies performed on the cardiovascular system have demonstrated that UII can affect the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis (17) and induce fibrosis, cardiac hypertrophy, and coronary vasoconstriction (18). Contrary to these unfavorable data (17,18), Babińska et al (19) documented the potential cardioprotective effects of UII. In another study (20), it was shown that UII ameliorates reperfusion injury in ischemic heart disease.…”

“…It is widely known that hypertension affects UII level; this subject has been investigated in many studies (6,19). In some studies, increased UII levels have been reported (6).…”

“…It is widely known that one of the earliest changes in the pathogenesis of SSc is vascular dysfunction (22). The effects of UII on the vascular system have been intensively investigated (17)(18)(19)(20). Increased UII levels were reported in SSc patients (23).…”

Effects of Varenicline on Cardiovascular Parameters and Oxidative Stress

“…Urotensin II has been used as a marker of myocardial injury and ischemia reperfusion injury (23,24). In a previous study, urotensin II levels were found to be increased in smokers but the relationship between this marker and varenicline has not been considered so far (25).…”

“…In addition, this peptide may contribute to the physiological regulation of cardiovascular homeostasis in humans (21,22). It was suggested that urotensin II can be used as a marker of myocardial and ischemia reperfusion injuries (23,24). Previously, it was shown that plasma urotensin II levels increased in smokers (25).…”