Correlation between the serum lumican level and the severity of coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVE: Several studies have previously shown that some small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) are associated with atherosclerotic plaque. We aim to investigate the relationship between circulating lumican levels and the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 255 consecutive patients who underwent coronary angiography for stable angina pectoris. All demographic and clinical data were collected prospectively. The severity of CAD was assessed based on the Gensini score and a value >40 was defined as advanced CAD. RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients were in the advanced CAD group; these are older and the frequency of diabetes mellitus, cerebrovascular accidents, reduced ejection fraction (EF), left atrium diameter was higher. Serum lumican levels were found as higher in advanced CAD group (0.4 ng/ml vs. 0.6 ng/ml, respectively, p<0.001). When the Gensini score increased, a statistically significant increase was observed in lumican levels with a good correlation (r=0.556 and p<0.001). In multivariate analysis, diabetes mellitus, EF and lumican were predictive for advanced CAD. Lumican level predicts CAD seriousness with a sensitivity rate of 64%, specificity rate of 65%. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we reveal a relationship between serum lumican levels and CAD severity. More research is warranted to determine the mechanism and prognostic values of lumican in the atherosclerosis.