Soluble CD146 as a marker of functional severity and hemodynamic burden in heart failure
M Rushid, Y Yotov, A Kisheva, T Ivanova, G Chausheva, M GeorgievaAbstract
Background
Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome characterized by progressive functional impairment and systemic congestion. Soluble CD146 (sCD146) has been proposed as a biomarker related to endothelial dysfunction and volume overload; however, its clinical significance in relation to functional status and established biomarkers remains incompletely defined.
Purpose
The present study aimed to investigate the association of sCD146 with functional severity, clinical congestion, and NT-proBNP in patients with heart failure.
Methods
60 patients with HF, encompassing left ventricular, right ventricular, and combined phenotypes, were prospectively investigated. Demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, and physical findings were systematically recorded. All participants underwent comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography. Functional status was assessed using the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification and the 6-minute walk test. Laboratory evaluation included NT-proBNP, sCD146, and standard biochemical parameters. Correlation analyses and multivariable linear regression were performed; sCD146 and NT-proBNP were logarithmically transformed.
Results
The mean age was 65.7 ± 12.7 years; 65% were male, and 50% had combined HF. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 42.2 ± 14.9%. Median sCD146 concentration was 460. sCD146 levels were significantly higher in patients with advanced functional limitation NYHA class IV vs III: 576 vs 418, p=0.001) Fig.1 and in those with clinical signs of systemic congestion, including ascites (510 vs 454.9, p=0.008). sCD146 demonstrated statistically significant positive association with NT-proBNP (Spearman’s ρ=0.44, p=0.017) Fig.2 . In contrast, no significant differences in sCD146 levels were observed according to LVEF or HF phenotype. Multivariable analysis identified NYHA class and NT-proBNP as independent predictors of increased sCD146 levels.
Conclusion
sCD146 is closely associated with functional severity and hemodynamic burden in HF, supporting its potential role as a complementary biomarker of disease severity.For image description, please refer to the figure legend and surrounding text.For image description, please refer to the figure legend and surrounding text.