Background: Preliminary data suggest that apolipoprotein J (ApoJ) may play a role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Leptin, an adipose tissue hormone, exerts important cardiovascular effects. The association between serum ApoJ and leptin concentrations was assessed in patients with established or suspected coronary heart disease (CHD).
Patients and methods: Serum ApoJ and leptin concentrations were evaluated in 67 CHD patients undergoing coronary angiography [54 individuals with significant (> or =50%) coronary artery stenosis and 13 patients without significant coronary artery stenosis on angiography].
Results: Serum ApoJ concentrations in patients with significant coronary artery stenosis were significantly higher than in those without (303.9+/-118.6 vs. 121.2+/-37.5 microg/mL, respectively; p<0.001). The reverse pattern was observed for serum leptin levels (8.6+/-5.5 vs. 20.6+/-17.1 ng/ml, respectively; p=0.016). There was a significant negative correlation between ApoJ and leptin levels (r=-0.353; p=0.003).
Conclusion: ApoJ and leptin may be markers for CHD.