Review

Biomarkers for predicting postmenopausal coronary heart disease

Ilaria Spoletini

Centre for Clinical & Basic Research, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, via della Pisana, 235, 00163 Rome, Italy

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Cristiana Vitale

Centre for Clinical & Basic Research, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, via della Pisana, 235, 00163 Rome, Italy

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Giuseppe MC Rosano

† Author for correspondence

Centre for Clinical Research, San Raffaele Sulmona, Sulmona, Italy.

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Email the corresponding author at giuseppe.rosano@sanraffaele.it

Published Online:23 Aug 2011https://doi.org/10.2217/bmm.11.51

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Abstract

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the main cause of death in post-menopausal women (PMW). Beyond the ‘traditional’ cardiovascular risk factors of CHD, newer biomarkers, reflecting inflammation, endothelial function and oxidative stress, have received growing consideration. We systematically reviewed the literature on the biomarkers for predicting CHD in PMW. C-reactive protein, IL-6 and Lipoprotein (a) have been consistently found to be associated with CHD risk in PMW. However, no evidence supports the existence of a causal and independent link between such biomarkers and CHD in PMW. Also, the new biomarkers only marginally improve cardiovascular risk prediction. Upcoming studies are needed to provide further evidence on the validity of the new biomarkers in PMW and to understand their relationships with hormone therapy, opening new avenues for prevention.

Keywords:

Papers of special note have been highlighted as: ▪ of interest ▪▪ of considerable interest

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The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

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