Preptin is a new predictor of coronary artery calcification

Abstract Background We aimed to assess whether an elevated preptin level is associated with coronary artery calcification (CAC). Methods Two hundred and twenty participants with suspected cardiovascular disease were recruited. CAC was measured using 320-row-detector dynamic volume CT, and the patients were divided into 2 groups: the non-CAC group (with an Agatston score = 0) and the CAC group (with an Agatston score > 0). Results The serum preptin level was significantly elevated in the CAC group compared with the non-CAC group. In logistic regression analysis, preptin, as well as age, gender, hypertension history and history of β-blocker use, were independent predictors of a positive CAC score. The highest preptin quintile of patients had a higher CAC level compared with other quintiles. Binary logistic regression analyses showed that the highest preptin quintile had a 2.9-time increased odds ratio of an elevated CAC level than the other 4 quintile patients. Conclusions This study demonstrated that serum preptin was associated with coronary artery calcification.