Can apelins guide the diagnosis of coronary artery disease in COPD patients?

Abstract

Background

Apelins are adipokines known for their anti-inflammatory, vasodilator, and antiatherosclerotic effects. They are involved in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and coronary artery disease (CAD).

Objectives

This study aims to investigate apelin as a potential biomarker for early diagnosis and management of CAD in COPD patients.

Methods

The study included 73 stable COPD patients admitted between June 2023 and June 2024 and 35 healthy volunteers matched by age and gender. COPD patients were categorized into two groups: those without CAD (Group 1) and those with CAD (Group 2). Serum levels of apelin 12, 13, 17, and 36 were measured using ELISA.

Results

Serum apelin levels were significantly lower in COPD patients than in controls (p < 0.001). Among COPD patients, those with CAD showed lower serum apelin levels compared to those without CAD (p = 0.005 for apelin 12, p < 0.001 for apelin 13, 17, and 36). ROC analysis indicated high sensitivity and specificity for apelin 13 and 36 in predicting CAD in COPD patients. Apelin 13 and 36 were positively correlated with ejection fraction (EF) (R = 0.43, p = 0.01; R = 0.4, p = 0.01), and apelin 12 was positively correlated with FEV1 and FVC (R = 0.24, p = 0.04; R = 0.27, p = 0.02).

Conclusion

While CAD worsens the prognosis in COPD patients, it remains underdiagnosed. Serum apelin, especially apelin 13 and 36, may assist in the early diagnosis and management of CAD in COPD patients.