Circulating levels of TNF-like cytokine 1A correlate with reflected waves and atherosclerosis extent and may predict cardiac death in patients with stable coronary artery disease

Abstract Background TNF-like cytokine 1A (TL1A)-mediated interactions are involved in atheromatic plaque formation. In stable coronary artery disease (CAD) we examined whether circulating TL1A levels correlate with coronary and/or peripheral atherosclerosis extent and predict future cardiovascular events. Methods In this cross-sectional study, peripheral vascular studies and TL1A serum measurements were performed in 122 consecutive patients with angiographically confirmed CAD who were followed for a median of 41.9 months. TL1A levels were compared against controls ( n  = 63) and 20 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Results TL1A was higher in ACS than the 2 other groups ( p p  = 0.049), and carotid atheromatic plaque score ( p  = 0.049) were evident. In stable patients with a history of ACS, TL1A levels correlated with worse endothelial function ( p  = 0.006), extent of CAD assessed by Gensini score ( p  = 0.042), and cardiac mortality ( p  = 0.051). Conclusions This pilot study suggests that serum TL1A measurements are of clinical value in CAD. Studies on the pathogenetic role of TL1A in atherosclerosis and its sequelae are warranted.