Association of serum MMP9 with adverse features of plaque progression in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS)

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated that MMP-9 may be a predictor of atherosclerotic plaque instability and future adverse cardiovascular events, but longitudinal data on the association between MMP9 and coronary disease progression are lacking.

Purpose

This study is aimed at investigating whether MMP9 is associated with atherosclerotic plaque progression.

Methods

MMP9 serum levels were measured in stable patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography at baseline and after a period of 6.5±1.1 years of follow up to assess progression of Total, Fibrous, Fibro-fatty, Necrotic Core, and Dense Calcium plaque volume (PV). The relationship of serum MMP9 with plaque progression was assessed using linear regression analysis, adjusting for clinical variables including, age, sex, risk factors, medical therapy, LDL-C, TG/HDL-C ratio, hs-CRP, and the presence of obstructive CAD (>50% coronary stenosis in at least one major coronary vessels).

Results

A total of 157 patients (58±8 years of age; 66% males) were included in the analysis, with median MMP9 values of 135±186 mg/dL (mean ± SD). Annual changes of Total, Fibrous-Fatty and Necrotic Core PV were significantly different across MMP9 tertiles (Figure 1). Multivariable linear regression analysis demonstrated a positive association between serum levels of MMP9 and annual change of Total and Necrotic Core PV (Figure 1).

Conclusion

Among patients with CCS, MMP9 serum levels were an independent predictor of progression of coronary plaque burden and, in particular, of adverse plaque features, such as Necrotic Core PV. This association was robust and independent from baseline traditional cardiovascular risk factors and medications, supporting for MMP9 a role as a novel marker of residual coronary risk.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): Horizon 2020 - Project “Simulation Modeling of coronary ARTery disease: a tool for clinical decision support–SMARTool”

A common plasma lipidomics signature of cardiometabolic and coronary risk in statin users

Funding Acknowledgements

Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): European Commission in the H2020 program: Project SMARTool, “Simulation

Modeling of coronary ARTery disease: a tool for clinical decision support—SMARTool”

Background and aims

The coexistence of elevated plasma triglycerides (TG) and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) may contribute to the residual cardiometabolic risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) independently of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) absolute plasma levels [1]. Aim of this study is to assess whether a high TG/HDL-C ratio is characterized by a specific lipidomics signature in statin users and its relationship with the coronary risk score defined by coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA).

Methods

TG/HDL-C ratio was calculated in 132 patients (68.8±7.7 years, 85 males) with suspected or known CAD referred to coronary CTA and receiving statins treatment in the last 6.3 ± 1.4 years before enrolment. Patients were grouped according to TG/HDL-C ratio quartiles: IQ (≤1.694), IIQ (1.695-2.399), IIIQ (2.400-3.281), and IVQ (>3.282). Coronary CTA exams were analysed according to the modified 17-segment American Heart Association classification [2] and interpretable segments were visually assessed for degree of stenosis and plaque composition. A comprehensive coronary risk score (CTA score) [3], previously validated as predictor of adverse outcome, was calculated in each patient. Except for subjects with normal arteries (CTA score = 0), all patients were classified into 3 groups of CTA score severity:  low (score < 5), intermediate (score 5-20) and high (score > 20) risk [4]. Patient-specific plasma targeted lipidomics was performed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). This approach allowed to quantify 69 circulating lipids encompassing six lipid classes (triacylglycerol [TG], phosphatidylcholine [PC], phosphatidylethanolamine [PE], ceramide [Cer], sphingomyelin [SM], cholesterol ester [CE]). Differential analysis was performed using TG/HDL-C and CTA score annotation.

Results

18 altered lipid species in the group with higher TG/HDL-C ratio were also altered in the group with higher CTA risk score. This common set of lipids is composed of CE(16:0), CE(18:0), PC(38:2), 8 SM [SM(34:2), SM(38:2), SM(41:2), SM(41:1), SM(42:4), SM(42:3), SM(42:1), SM(43:3)], TG(52:1) and 6 PE [PE(34:0), PE(34:1), PE(34:2), PE(36:1), PE(36:2), PE(36:3)], and represents the lipidomics signature associating elevated plasma TG/HDL-C ratio with high CTA risk score in statin users.

Conclusion

In patients with stable CAD under statin treatment, a specific pattern of altered lipids, characterized by reduced plasma levels of cholesterol esters and sphingomyelins and increased levels of triacylglicerols and phosphatidylethanolamines, is associated with high TG/HDL-C ratio and high CTA score. This specific lipidomic signature identifies patients with higher residual cardiometabolic and coronary risk, not tackled by current lipid lowering therapy, unveiling possible new molecular targets of treatment.

Elevated TG/HDL-C ratio is an independent predictor of outcome and it is associated with CAD progression in patients with stable coronary artery disease

Background

Elevated TG/HDL-C ratio is associated with CVD outcomes in high-risk populations presenting for coronary angiography, but studies were limited in gender-specific populations or in pts with ACS.

Purpose

Aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic role of TG/HDL-C levels and their association with CAD progression in pts with suspected stable CAD.

Methods

TG/HDL-C ratio was calculated in 545 pts (60±9yrs,330males) with symptoms of stable CAD enrolled in the EVINCI study. 490 pts underwent coronary CTA to assess the presence of CAD (>50%stenosis) and entered a clinical follow up (4.5±0.9yrs). The CVD outcome measure included all cause mortality, non fatal MI, hospitalization for unstable angina or HF. After 6±1yrs, during the SMARTool study, a second CTA was obtained in 171 EVINCI pts and a CTA risk score (based on plaque extent, severity, composition, and location) was calculated at enrolment and at follow up to assess CAD progression (ΔCTA score).

Results

Pts were divided according to TG/HDL-C quartiles: IQ (<1.32), IIQ (1.32–2.03), IIIQ (2.04–3.33), and IVQ (>3.33). As reported in Table, the frequency of male, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and obesity increased among quartiles. Glucidic biomarkers progressively increased from quartile I to IV, while LDL-C decreased. The prevalence of obstructive CAD at CTA did not differ among groups. The CVD endpoint occurred in 7% of pts. At multivariable analyses, high TG/HDL-C ratio (IVQ) was associated with the outcome endpoint independently from presence of obstructive CAD and treatment (HR 3.477, 95% CI 1.181–10.239, P=0.0237). CTA score was significantly higher in pts in IVQ compared to IQ at both SMARTool enrolment and follow up (Figure1). A significantly higher ΔCTA score was observed in pts in III-IVQ compared with those in I-IIQ (Figure2).

Conclusion

Elevated TG/HDL-C ratio is an independent predictor of outcome and it is associated with CAD progression in patients with stable CAD.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): “EValuation of INtegrated Cardiac Imaging” - EVINCI [GA number: 222915]; “Simulation Modeling of coronary ARTery disease: a tool for clinical decision support - SMARTool” [GA number: 689068]

Sex differences in the natural history of plaque progression by serial coronary computed tomography angiography

Background

Sex related differences exist for coronary artery disease (CAD). Women tend to be older when presenting with CAD and have lower rates of obstructive disease. Invasive intravascular ultrasound studies have shown differences in plaque composition between males and females. However, these studies were performed in a high risk population needing invasive imaging. Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) allows for a fast and non-invasive quantification of CAD in low risk patients. Sex differences and quantitative analysis of plaque progression and changes in plaque composition have not been studied intensively.

Purpose

To evaluate the role of sex on long term plaque progression and on the change of plaque composition in a population with low-intermediate risk.

Methods

Patients that received a coronary CTA were prospectively included in the SMARTool study to receive a follow-up coronary CTA. In total, 275 patients from 5 European countries were recruited in 7 centers. Baseline and follow-up coronary CTA were quantitative analyzed on a per-lesion basis using dedicated software package. Patients without coronary plaques at follow-up or with uninterpretable coronary CTA results were excluded. Total plaque volume and compositional volumes, calcified or non-calcified (defined as fibrous, fibro-fatty or necrotic core), were normalized using the vessel volume to calculate a percentage atheroma volume (PAV). Lesions between males and females were compared using linear mixed models. We further classified patients into age groups <55 and ≥55 years to evaluate the influence of menopause on plaque progression.

Results

In total, 211 patients were included in this analysis, 146 (69%) were male and 65 (31%) were female. Mean interscan period was 6.2±1.4 years. Females were older (64±7 vs 61±8 years; p<0.001), had higher HDL levels (56±15 vs 49±15 mg/dL; p=0.003) and presented more often with atypical chest pain (62 vs 38%; p=0.017). Males had 434 plaque sites and females 156. On a per-lesion analysis females had less fibro-fatty PAV compared to males (β −1.3±0.4%; p<0.001), no other differences were seen (p>0.05). When stratifying the patients in above and below 55 years old, females still had less fibro-fatty PAV compared to males in both age groups (p<0.05). However, females in the age group <55 years showed more regression of fibrous PAV compared to males (β −0.8±0.3% per year; p=0.002) and non-calcified plaque PAV (β −0.7±0.3% per year; p=0.027) (Figure).

Conclusions

Males have larger fibro-fatty PAV compared to females, however the rate of change did not differ. Younger women showed more regression of fibrous PAV and non-calcified PAV compared to males. No differences in the rate of plaque progression or plaque composition changes were seen between males and females in the older age group.

Figure plaque progression and sex diff

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): EU H2020 research and innovation program

P825 Multi-modality imaging for noninvasive diagnosis of transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy-single centre experience

Background

Thransthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) is a rare progressive disease that may present as heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, severe aortic stenosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) or resctrictive cardiomyopathy. There are two types of ATTR: hereditary ATTR (hATTR) caused by mutations in the TTR gene and wild-type ATTR (wtATTR) resulting from deposition of wild-type TTR protein.

Purpose

We describe the clinical heterogeneity of ATTR patients from our centre diagnosed noninvasively in 2018-2019.

Methods

All patients presented intensive cardiac uptake at 99mTc-DPD scintigraphy. Light chain amyloidosis was excluded.

Results

8 patients were diagnosed with ATTR (Table 1). Three unrelated male patients were diagnosed with hATTR due to rare mutations: 2 of them had Phe33Leu, 1 patient had Glu89Lys mutation. Five

patients (males) were diagnosed with wtATTR. Age of onset differed among the patients. Characteristic clinical features included cardiomyopathy with increased left and right ventricular wall thickness. Only 2 patients had restrictive filling pattern, 3 patients had atrial fibrillation. Laboratory examination showed increased level of troponin T and NT-proBNP. Three patients had bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. Thanks to DPD-scintygraphy we excluded ATTR in two patients with false-positive results of histological exam for TTR-related amyloid deposits.

Conclusions

Although ATTR is known for its broad clinical spectrum, patients from our center presented mostly as HCM phenocopies but in different stages of heart failure. Appropriate diagnosis of ATTR is crucial and have direct therapeutic impact. Echocardiography raise the suspicion of amyloid cardiomyopathy, while other imaging technique (DPD-scintigraphy) confirm it or exclude it in noninvasive way.

Patient 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Mutation Glu89Lys Phe33Leu Phe33Leu wild type wild type wild type wild type wild type Sex male male male male male male male male Age of onset 57 56 55 77 78 80 77 76 Electrocardiogram AF low QRS voltage low QRS voltage AF, RBBB LVH LVH pseudoinfarct pattern, low QRS voltage AF, LVH Maximal wall thickness [mm] 23 20 18 28 22 23 18 20 LVEF% 45 40 40 60 65 60 45 55 Asymmetric hypertrophy pattern + - - - + + - + NYHA III II II II III II II II NT-proBNP pg/ml 2122 1200 1500 2755 222 2630 2426 hs-Troponin T ng/l 50 98 42 65 35 63 64

Abstract P825 Figure 1

P6167Low leptin plasma levels are associated with progression of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with stable coronary artery disease from the SMARTool Study

Background

Leptin is an adipokine involved in energy homeostasis and has been related with established vascular risk factors. However, studies on the association of leptin plasma levels with coronary artery disease (CAD) have yielded conflicting results.

Purpose

Aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between leptin plasma levels and presence, severity and progression of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with suspected stable CAD.

Methods

In a cohort of 257 patients with symptoms of stable CAD enrolled in the SMARTool study, coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA), plasma leptin levels and clinical and bio-humoral CAD risk profile (including glucose, lipid and inflammation variables) were obtained at enrolment and after 6±1yrs of follow-up. Sixty-four patients were revascularized and the remaining 193 represent the population for the present study. CTA findings were categorised as no-minimal CAD (<30% stenosis), non-obstructive CAD (30%-50% stenosis) and obstructive CAD (≥50% stenosis in at least one major coronary vessel). A CTA risk score (based on plaque extent, severity, composition, and location) was calculated at baseline and at follow-up to assess coronary atherosclerotic burden and its progression (Δ CTA score≥5).

Results

CTA findings showed obstructive CAD in 11% of patients at baseline and in 15% at follow-up (p<0.0001). CTA risk score, was 8.03±7.80 at baseline and increased to 10.33±8.17 at follow-up (p<0.0001) with CAD progression in 20% of patients. Leptin plasma levels were inversely related with CTA findings both at baseline and follow-up (Figure). In a Cox model, baseline plasma leptin was an independent predictor of CAD progression, after adjustment for clinical risk factors, biomarkers, and treatment (HR 0.572, 95% CI 0.393–0.834, P=0.0037).

Figure 1

Conclusion

Plasma leptin is inversely associated with coronary atherosclerotic burden and disease progression in patients with stable CAD. This association is independent of known factors affecting leptin levels. These results could prompt further investigations on the pathophysiological mechanisms of this association.

Acknowledgement/Funding

EU H2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 689068