Luana U. Pagan et al. Mariana Gatto Paula F. Martinez Katashi Okoshi Marina P. Okoshi
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) represents a serious health public concern worldwide due to its high rates of morbidity and mortality. Extensive research has been performed in the search for biomarkers associated with CVD.,
Fetuin-A is a multifunctional glycoprotein, predominantly expressed in the liver, which modulates the function of several cells and systems, such as vascular calcification, systemic inflammatory response, bone metabolism, and insulin activity., In the last decade, researchers have evaluated the role of fetuin-A in the development and prognosis of patients with different CVDs. Lower plasma levels of fetuin-A were associated with a higher severity of coronary artery calcification and its plasma levels were lower in acute myocardial infarction patients than in healthy individuals. By contrast, Vörös et al. reported that individuals with a previous infarction have a significantly higher plasma concentration of fetuin-A than healthy controls. High concentrations of fetuin-A were also associated with a higher risk of ischemic stroke. These data show that the involvement of fetuin-A with CVD is not completely understood, as both lower and higher levels of fetuin-A were associated with a higher risk or presence of CVD. Thus, it is important to carry out studies that address this topic and highlight fetuin-A as a possible biomarker of CVD.
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