HDL-bound sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) predicts the severity of coronary artery atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: We have recently demonstrated a reduction in HDL-bound sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). In the current study, we tested whether HDL-associated S1P is predictive for the degree of coronary stenosis, restenosis and overall CAD severity on follow up in patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). METHODS: Coronary angiography of patients with CAD (n=59) undergoing elective PCI and presenting for a follow up after 6 months (n=48) was graded for disease severity defined clinically as 1- or multi-vessel disease. Target lesion stenosis was quantified by quantitative coronary angiography (QCA). S1P in plasma and isolated HDL were measured by mass spectrometry in the initial samples and in 32 available follow up samples. RESULTS: HDL-bound S1P levels remained stable over time and correlated closely at first visit and follow up. While not associated with the extent of target lesion stenosis or restenosis, HDL-bound S1P correlated negatively with the overall severity of CAD and discriminated 1-vessel-disease from multi-vessel disease. Furthermore, low HDL-bound S1P was predictive for CAD extent. CONCLUSION: In stable CAD, HDL-bound S1P does not predict the degree of stenosis or restenosis of the target lesion but constitutes a marker of clinically defined disease burden.