A cross-sectional study of plasma proteomics in coronary artery disease (ProteoCAD).

Abstract

The presence and clinical evolution of coronary atherosclerosis depend on various classic risk factors and biomarkers. However, the search for more specific markers is necessary, especially for individuals with non-obstructive coronary artery disease, lesions < 50%. In this regard, the field of plasma proteomics could enable the discovery of these novel biological indicators.To evaluate and compare the differences in the proteomic profile among three groups of individuals, namely those without atherosclerotic lesions, those with non-obstructive lesions in coronary flow (< 50%), and those with obstructive lesions (e 50%), as determined by findings from coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) or invasive coronary angiography (ICA). The aim is to assess their relationship with typical clinical events of coronary artery disease (CAD) and detect potential prognostic biomarkers associated with each group. A cross-sectional cohort study involving 51 patients selected and recruited based on CCTA and ICA results obtained at the Heart Institute of the Hospital das Clínicas of the School of Medicine, University of São Paulo (InCor, HC-FMUSP). The patients were divided into the aforementioned three groups, with 17 individuals in each group, and underwent blood collection for biochemical and proteomic analysis, as well as clinical and demographic characterization. The likely differentiation of the proteomic profile among the groups and identification of biological markers for CAD would contribute to the understanding of its pathophysiology and enable a change in clinical decision-making, particularly regarding disease progression prevention and clinical events. (AU)