Ceramide levels in blood may predict CV events

WASHINGTON — Plasma ceramides predicted MI and other CV events regardless of whether a patient had obstructive CAD, according to a presentation at the American College of Cardiology Scientific Session.

“Ceramides are predictive for patients with or without known coronary blockages,” Jeffrey W. Meeusen, PhD, clinical chemist and co-director of cardiovascular laboratory medicine at Mayo Clinic, said during a telebriefing. “Ceramides are predictive for patients with low LDL and are lowered by common [CV] therapy such as statins and exercise.”

Jeffrey W. Meeusen

Meeusen and colleagues analyzed 499 patients from Mayo Clinic referred for coronary angiography. Of those, 46% had at least 50% stenosis. The researchers prospectively followed patients for 8 years to determine the relationship between level of plasma ceramides and CV events, including MI, stroke, revascularization and death.

Meeusen said during the telebriefing that ceramides are biologically active lipids linked to atherosclerosis that are carried by LDL, draw immune cells, disrupt vascular functions and accumulate caloric excess, hyperlipidemia and inflammation.

The researchers developed a ceramide risk score based on presence of certain ceramides that were determined to be linked to MI, stroke, revascularization and death.

During the study period, 5.1% of patients had a major CV event. For each one-point rise in the ceramide risk score, risk for MI, stroke, revascularization and death rose by 9% (P < .009), even after adjustment for age, sex, BP, smoking, total cholesterol, HDL and inflammation markers, according to the researchers.

The highest quartile of ceramide risk score, 10 to 12 points, predicted major adverse CV events in patients with CAD (7.7%) or without CAD (7.6%), and in patients with LDL < 100 mg/dL (16.7%) and LDL > 100 mg/dL (6.6%), Meeusen and colleagues found.

“Based on our findings, measuring ceramides in the blood appears to be a new, potentially better marker than LDL in predicting first and repeat cardiac events in both patients with and without established coronary blockages,” Meeusen said in a press release. “Measuring ceramides offers another piece of information to help identify individuals who might need a little more attention, guide treatment decisions and keep patients motivated to [live heart-healthier].” – by Erik Swain

Reference:

Meeusen JW, et al. Abstract 1235-057. Presented at: American College of Cardiology Scientific Session; March 17-19, 2017; Washington, D.C.

Disclosure: Meeusen reports no relevant financial disclosures.