sSema4D levels are increased in coronary heart disease and associated with the extent of coronary artery stenosis

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between serum soluble semaphorin4D (sSema4D) and coronary heart disease (CHD) and the extent of coronary artery stenosis.

Methods: The study included 188 cases that underwent coronary angiography because of precordial pain. One hundred and twenty-eight cases were diagnosed with CHD; 60 cases with negative coronary angiography served as controls. Coronary stenosis was evaluated by the number of diseased coronary artery and Gensini scoring system. Serum sSema4D and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured.

Results: Serum sSema4D levels in CHD patients were significantly higher than those of controls (p < 0.001) and the levels in those with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were significantly higher than those with stable angina pectoris (p < 0.05) and controls (p < 0.05). Higher levels of serum sSema4D were observed in the group with high Gensini scores. Serum sSema4D concentration was positively correlated with the Gensini score (r = 0.735, p < 0.001) and was the only independent factor that significantly influenced the Gensini score (p < 0.001). Serum sSema4D levels were positively correlated with CRP levels in all subjects (r = 0.182, p = 0.013). Elevated sSema4D and CRP levels were independently associated with the presence of CHD.

Conclusion: Serum sSema4D levels were increased in CHD patients, especially in those with ACS. Serum sSema4D may be an independent risk factor for CHD and reflect the extent of coronary artery stenosis to some extent.

Keywords: Atherosclerosis; CRP; Coronary heart disease; sSema4D.