Could BMP-2 and BMP-7 be biomarkers of coronary artery disease? A pilot clinical study

Abstract

BackgroundCoronary artery calcification (CAC) is utilized as an important tool for the global risk assessment of cardiovascular events in individuals with intermediate risk. BMP-2 is a powerful inducer of bone formation and exposure to BMP-2 in the arteries leads to the loss of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) markers and increase gene expression in favor of osteoblasts. BMP-7 is key factor in the bone and kidney and is suggested as inhibitor of vascular calcification. The main purpose of this clinical study was to find out the correlation between BMP-2 and BMP-7serum concentration and CAC in human for the first time. MethodsIn this study 84 patients with coronary artery disease who fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria, entered the study. For all patients a questionnaire consisting demographic data and traditional cardiovascular risk factors were completed. CT-Angiography was carried out to determine coronary artery calcium score and ELISA method was used for measuring BMP-2 and BMP-7serum concentrations. ResultsThere was a significant positive correlation between BMP-2 serum concentration and total CAC score and also CAC of right coronary artery (RCA), left anterior descending (LAD), circumflex (CX), left main coronary artery (LMCA) (P < 0.05). Similar result was found for BMP-7 serum concentration except in LMCA (P > 0.05). ConclusionBased on our results, we can suggest BMP-2 and BMP-7 serum concentration as a probable biomarker for coronary artery disease. However, more studies with higher sample size are necessary for its confirmation.