Serum ITIH4 in coronary heart disease: a potential anti-inflammatory biomarker related to stenosis degree and risk of major adverse cardiovascular events

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the correlation of ITIH4 with inflammatory cytokines, stenosis degrees and prognosis in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients. Methods: Serum ITIH4 levels of 300 CHD patients and 30 controls, together with levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-17A of CHD patients, were determined using ELISA. Results: Serum ITIH4 was reduced in CHD patients versus controls (p < 0.001). ITIH4 was negatively linked with TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, C-reactive protein, serum creatinine and Gensini score in CHD patients (all p < 0.050). ITIH4 quartile level negatively correlated with the cumulative major adverse cardiovascular event rate (p = 0.041). Conclusion: Serum ITIH4 may serve as an anti-inflammatory biomarker that negatively associates with stenosis degree and major adverse cardiovascular event risk in CHD patients. Plain language summary What is this article about?This study aimed to find the clinical value of measuring the protein ITIH4 in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). What was done?A total of 300 CHD patients and 30 non-CHD people (with chest pain or suspected CHD symptoms) were enrolled in this study. Blood ITIH4 levels of all people were detected. What were the results?Blood ITIH4 levels were lower in CHD patients compared with non-CHD people. In CHD patients, a high level of ITIH4 was associated with low inflammation, reduced vessel narrowness and a good prognosis. What do the results mean?Blood ITIH4 serves as an anti-inflammatory biomarker, whose high level represents better conditions in CHD patients.

Automated summary

This study investigates the relationship between ITIH4 and inflammatory cytokines, stenosis degrees, and prognosis in coronary heart disease patients. The results show that serum ITIH4 levels are reduced in CHD patients and negatively correlated with inflammatory cytokines and stenosis degrees. High levels of ITIH4 are associated with a lower risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in CHD patients.