Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels in isolated coronary artery ectasia.

Background: The pathophysiology of coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is still unknown. Inflammation and degradation of connective tissue may have a role in the development of coronary ectasia. In the present study, the authors examined neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels in isolated CAE patients.

Methods: Thirty-five patients with isolated CAE (25 males; mean age, 59±10 years) and 35 age- and sex-matched healty volunteers (22 males; mean age, 57±11 years) who had been shown to have normal coronary arteries were included in the study. Basal characteristics were recorded. Serum NGAL levels were determined with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit.

Results: NGAL levels were significantly higher in the isolated CAE group than in the control group (65.1±13 vs 53.7±19 ng/mL; P=0.006). There were also significant difference in NGAL levels according to the number of ectatic coronary arteries (58.1±13, 70.9±9, and 71.1±11 ng/mL for 1, 2, and 3 arteries, respectively; P=0.015). Level of NGAL was lowest in patients who have only 1 ectatic coronary artery.

Conclusion: Serum NGAL levels increased in patients with isolated CAE, and NGAL may play a crucial role in the development and/or progression of coronary artery ectasia.