The inflammatory biomarker YKL-40 decreases stepwise after exercise stress test. Issue 1 (March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dam Mygind, Naja; Axelsson, Anna; Ruwald, Martin H.; Dalsgaard, Morten; Steffensen, Rolf; Iversen, Kasper; Johansen, Julia S.; Kastrup, Jens
• Is Part Of: Cardiovascular endocrinology. Volume 5:Issue 1(2016:Mar.)
• Publication Date: 2016-03
• Subjects: biomarkers -- coronary artery disease -- exercise test -- inflammation -- serum YKL-40 -- stable angina pectoris; Cardiovascular system -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Endocrine glands -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Endocrinology -- Periodicals; Cardiovascular Diseases -- Periodicals; Endocrine System Diseases -- Periodicals; Cardiovascular system -- Diseases; Endocrine glands -- Diseases; Endocrinology; Periodicals; 616.1
• DOI: 10.1097/XCE.0000000000000073
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2162-688X

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Serum YKL-40 is an inflammatory biomarker associated with disease activity and mortality in diseases characterized by inflammation such as coronary artery disease (CAD). Exercise has a positive effect on CAD, possibly mediated by a decreased inflammatory activity. This study aimed to compare serial measurements of serum YKL-40 before and after exercise in patients with stable CAD versus controls. Materials and methods: Eleven patients with stable CAD verified by coronary angiography (>70% stenosis) and 11 patients with a computer tomography angiography with no stenosis or calcification (calcium score=0) (controls) performed a standard clinical maximal exercise test. Serum YKL-40 was measured before exercise, immediately after exercise, and every hour for 6 h. Results: Cardiovascular risk factors were more prevalent among the CAD patients compared with the controls. CAD patients had higher serum concentration of YKL-40 at baseline compared with controls, median (interquartile range) 94 (52–151) versus 57 (45–79) μg/l. Serum YKL-40 decreased stepwise after exercise, with a median decrease of 16 (13–39) μg/l for the CAD patients and 13 (10–22) μg/l for the controls from baseline to the lowest value. Thereafter, values increased again toward baseline level. Time after exercise was a significant factor for decrease in serum YKL-40 ( P <0.0001), but no difference in YKL-40 decrease over time could be demonstrated between the groups ( P =0.12). Conclusion: Serum YKL-40 is elevated in patients with documented CAD compared with controls, and it decreases stepwise after exercise in both groups, indicating an anti-inflammatory effect of exercise independent of the presence of coronary atherosclerosis.