Chemerin: A Novel Biomarker of Coronary Artery Disease

Introduction: Dysregulated secretion of adipokines causing adipose tissue dysfunction can contribute to the pathogenesis of obesity-linked complications like atherosclerosis. Chemerin, a newly discovered adipokine, secreted by visceral adipose tissue and liver, is involved in the regulation of glucose and lipid homeostasis. Elevated levels of chemerin in the blood have been associated with atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. Aim: To examine the chemerin levels in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients, to determine its association with CAD, and to find the correlation of chemerin with HsCRP and other lipid parameters. Materials and Method: This is a cross-sectional study that included 100 participants divided into two groups namely, group I comprising CAD patients, and group II healthy individuals. Serum levels of chemerin were measured by ELISA. HsCRP were measured by immunoturbidimetry method. Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), LDL and TC/ HDL ratios were calculated parameters. Results: Chemerin levels were significantly increased in CAD patients (48.66 ± 12.7) (ng/ml) compared to healthy controls (32.92 ± 17) (ng/ml) (p = 0.04). AIP was significantly increased in CAD patients (6.92 ± 3.10) compared to healthy controls (3.27 ± 1.42) (p = 0.000). Chemerin had a good correlation with AIP (p = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed a significant association of chemerin with the occurrence of CAD (OR = 1.09, 95% CI, p = 0.004). ROC curve obtained with the area under the curve being 0.79. Conclusion: Chemerin, a pro-inflammatory adipokine, could play an important role in atherosclerosis and can be used as a marker for the diagnosis of CAD patients