Novel Biomarker Assays for Heart Disease

February is designated as “Heart Month,” focusing on raising awareness about heart disease. Advances in biomarker research have transformed the diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions. Current studies on novel exploratory protein biomarkers may provide insight into the intricate mechanisms that underlie the disease process.

Novel Biomarker Assays for Heart Disease

BIG ENDOTHELIN-1, ENDOSTATIN, FGF23, LRG

Big Endothelin-1 (Big ET-1)  is a precursor to the potent vasoconstrictor peptide Endothelin-1 (ET-1), produced by endothelial cells. While ET-1 plays a crucial role in regulating vascular tone and blood pressure, Big ET-1 itself is biologically inactive and serves mainly as a reservoir for ET-1. Big ET-1 has a longer half-life than ET-1 and circulates in equimolar amounts as ET-1, making it a more reliable biomarker.Elevated levels of Big ET-1 can indicate vascular dysfunction and are associated with cardiovascular diseases like hypertension and heart failure (1).

Endostatin  is a naturally occurring protein and a fragment of collagen XVIII that has potent anti-angiogenic properties, inhibiting the formation of new blood vessels. Endostatin has gained attention in the context of heart disease due to its role in modulating angiogenesis and vascular health. In cardiovascular conditions, such as heart failure and ischemic heart disease, endostatin may help regulate the formation of new blood vessels, potentially improving blood flow to damaged heart tissue. Elevated levels of endostatin have been associated with adverse cardiac outcomes (2), suggesting it could serve as a biomarker for heart disease severity.

Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23)  is a hormone primarily produced by osteocytes in bone that plays a significant role in phosphate metabolism and vitamin D regulation. In the context of heart disease, elevated levels of FGF23 have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular events and poor outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease, heart failure, and other cardiovascular conditions. FGF23’s actions can promote left ventricular hypertrophy and contribute to arterial stiffness, which are important factors in heart disease progression. Its rise in response to phosphate overload and inflammation signifies a potential pathophysiological link between mineral metabolism and cardiovascular health.

Leucine-riche alpha-2-glyoprotein (LRG) is a protein involved in the inflammatory response and has emerged as a marker for various cardiovascular diseases. Elevated levels of LRG have been associated with a higher risk of heart disease, including conditions like heart failure and myocardial infarction. This protein is thought to play a role in the pathophysiology of heart disease by influencing inflammation and fibrosis in cardiac tissue. Its presence in the bloodstream may reflect underlying systemic inflammation, which is a crucial factor in the development and progression of cardiovascular disorders (5-7).

NOVEL BIOMARKERS FOR HEART DISEASE

Biomedica offers a range of top-quality ELISA Assay kits for your clinical & preclinical research.

-Big Endothelin-1 (cat. no. BI-20082H)

-Endostatin (cat. no. BI-20742)

-FGF23 intact (cat. no. BI-20700)

-FGF23 c-terminal (cat. no. BI-20702)

-LRG (cat. no. BI-LRG)

 

LITERATURE

1. Plasma concentration of big endothelin-1 and its relation with plasma NT-proBNP and ventricular function in heart failure patients. Rivera M et al., Rev Esp Cardiol. 2005;  58(3):278-84.
2. Endostatin in Renal and Cardiovascular Diseases. Li M et al., Kidney Dis. 2021; 9;7(6):468-481.
3. Circulating endostatin and the incidence of heart failure. Ruge T et al., 2018; 52(5):244-249.
4. FGF23 and Cardiovascular Risk. Prié D. Ann Endocrinol (Paris). 2021 ; 82(3-4):141-143. PMID: 32950228.
5. Leucine-Rich Alpha-2-Glycoprotein: A Novel Predictor of Diastolic Dysfunction. Biomedicines. Loch A, Tan KL, Danaee M, Idris I, Ng ML. 2023 Mar 20;11(3):944. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines11030944. PMID: 36979923; PMCID: PMC10045934.
6. Proteomic analysis of coronary sinus serum reveals leucine-rich α2-glycoprotein as a novel biomarker of ventricular dysfunction and heart failure. Watson CJ et al., Circ Heart Fail. 2011; 4(2):188-97.
7. Serum biomarker discovery related to pathogenesis in acute coronary syndrome by proteomic approach  Shin M et al.,Biosci Rep. 2021; 25;41(6):BSR20210344.