Preptin is a new predictor of coronary artery calcification

Background: We aimed to assess whether an elevated preptin level is associated with coronary artery calcification (CAC). Methods: Two hundred and twenty participants with suspected cardiovascular disease were recruited. CAC was measured using 320-row-detector dynamic volume CT, and the patients were divided into 2 groups: the non-CAC group (with an Agatston score = 0) and the CAC group (with an Agatston score > 0). Results: The serum preptin level was significantly elevated in the CAC group compared with the non-CAC group. In logistic regression analysis, preptin, as well as age, gender, hypertension history and history of beta-blocker use, were independent predictors of a positive CAC score. The highest preptin quintile of patients had a higher CAC level compared with other quintiles. Binary logistic regression analyses showed that the highest preptin quintile had a 2.9-time increased odds ratio of an elevated CAC level than the other 4 quintile patients. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that serum preptin was associated with coronary artery calcification.