Prospects for a comprehensive assessment of sclerostin, arterial calcification and stiffness in the context of coronary heart disease

Keywords: sclerostin, arterial stiffness, vascular calcification, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction

Abstract

Background. Coronary heart disease is accompanied by increased calcification and vascular stiffness, which is associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events. This manuscript focuses on the contribution of sclerostin to the development of vascular calcification and arterial stiffness, which is a key aspect of coronary heart disease.

Purpose. To assess the possibility of developing a comprehensive approach to assessing the likelihood of vascular calcification, taking into account indicators of arterial stiffness and a marker of extraosseous calcification (sclerostin) to improve noninvasive diagnostics of cardiovascular risk.

Materials and methods. The study included patients with myocardial infarction and unstable angina. Arterial stiffness index and calcification were assessed taking into account coronary angiography data and 24-hour blood pressure monitoring. Serum sclerostin concentrations were measured using ELISA.

Results. An increase in sclerostin concentration was found in patients with coronary artery stenosis of more than 50% in combination with intravascular calcified atherosclerotic plaques. A strong correlation was found between serum sclerostin concentration and arterial stiffness index. Results on a significant increase in the arterial stiffness index against the background of coronary artery calcification were obtained. The results of ROC analysis showed the possibility of using threshold value of arterial stiffness index in assessing the severity of coronary artery disease.

Conclusion. Understanding the relationship between sclerostin, calcification and vascular stiffness can help in the development of new strategies for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of coronary artery disease.

Sponsorship information. The work was done at the Orel State University named after I.S. Turgenev (Russia) within the framework of the state assignment No. 075-00196-24-08 for 2024 and for the planning period of 2025 and 2026 since 08/23/2024, project № FSGN-2024-0014 (1024041900023-6-1.2.1;2.6.2;3.1.3;3.2.12;3.2.4).

EDN: NXRFOQ

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Author Biographies

Irina A. Snimshchikova, Orel State University named after I.S. Turgenev

Leading Researcher of the Laboratory of New Medical Technologies, Head of the Department of Immunology and Specialized Clinical Disciplines, Director of the Medical Institute, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor

Maria O. Revyakina, Orel State University named after I.S. Turgenev

Senior Researcher, Laboratory of New Medical Technologies, Associate Professor, Department of Immunology and Specialized Clinical Disciplines, Candidate of Medical Sciences

Natalia A. Kabina, Orel State University named after I.S. Turgenev

Senior Lecturer, Department of Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacy

Ekaterina V. Mityaeva, Orel State University named after I.S. Turgenev

Associate Professor of the Department of Internal Medicine, PhD in Medicine

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Published
2025-08-31
How to Cite
Snimshchikova, I., Revyakina, M., Kabina, N., & Mityaeva, E. (2025). Prospects for a comprehensive assessment of sclerostin, arterial calcification and stiffness in the context of coronary heart disease. Siberian Journal of Life Sciences and Agriculture, 17(3), 336-357. https://doi.org/10.12731/2658-6649-2025-17-3-1216
Section
Public Health and Preventive Medicine