Evolution of Biomarkers of Atherogenic Risk in Liver Transplantation Recipients

Abstract

Background. Cardiovascular disease is a major contributing factor to long-term mortality after liver transplantation (LT). Methods. This study evaluated the evolution of atherogenic risk in liver transplant recipients (LTRs). Thirty-six subjects were prospectively enrolled at 12 months and followed for 48 months after liver transplantation. Serum biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction (sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1), chronic inflammation (serum amyloid A), and oxidative stress (myeloperoxidase) were measured at 12 and 48 months after LT. Additionally, at 12 months all patients underwent a cardiac computed tomography (CT) scan and a coronary artery calcium score (CACS). Results. The prevalence of risk factors of metabolic syndrome (MS) increased over the course of the study. The patients' sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1 increased from 1.82 +/- 0.44 ng/mL to 9.10 +/- 5.82 ng/mL (P < .001) and 0.23 +/- 0.09 ng/mL to 2.7 +/- 3.3 ng/mL, respectively from month 12 to 48. Serum myeloperoxidase increased from 0.09 +/- 0.07 ng/mL to 3.46 +/- 3.92 ng/mL (P < .001) over the course of the study. Serum amyloid A also increased from 21.4 +/- 40.7 ng/mL at entry to 91.5 +/- 143.6 ng/mL at end of study (P < .001). Conclusion. No association between these biomarkers and MS was noted. The cardiac CT revealed mild and moderate disease in 19% and 25% of the cohort, respectively. No association between serum biomarkers and CACS was noted. Serum biomarkers of atherogenic risk increase rapidly in LTRs and precede coronary plaques.