Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death globally, claiming approximately 17.9 million lives each year, according to the World Health Organization. Identifying individuals at risk is vital for preventing premature death from these conditions, and new research from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden suggests a promising method for assessing heart disease risk in women.
Previous studies have indicated that the biomarker immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies against phosphorylcholine (anti-PC) possess anti-inflammatory properties that may help protect against CVD in men. The latest study, explores the effects of IgM anti-PC in postmenopausal women, revealing that higher antibody levels are associated with reduced risk of CVD.
Researchers discovered that lower levels of IgM anti-PC correlated with atherosclerosis and increased instances of heart attacks (myocardial infarction). Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, a board-certified interventional cardiologist, noted, “This study identifies a link between IgM anti-PC levels and future cardiovascular disease in women, potentially offering a new marker for assessing heart disease risk.”
Heart disease is often perceived as a male-dominated issue, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that it is the leading cause of death among women in the United States. The risk escalates with age, particularly following menopause, when hormonal changes can lead to coronary artery disease.
In this study, researchers analyzed IgM anti-PC levels in 932 women, averaging 67 years old and without prior heart disease. Participants completed health questionnaires and underwent tests for body mass index (BMI), diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Blood samples taken after a 12-hour fast allowed researchers to measure IgM anti-PC levels, dividing the women into five equal groups based on these levels.
Over 16 years, the team tracked participants until December 31, 2020, or until significant cardiovascular events occurred, such as heart attacks, ischemic heart disease, or strokes. Among the 932 women, 113 developed composite CVD, with 69 experiencing ischemic heart disease and 44 suffering heart attacks.
Findings revealed that women with the highest IgM anti-PC levels had a 73% lower risk of CVD compared to those in the lowest group, with the most significant reductions observed in ischemic heart disease and heart attacks. Lead author Johan Frostegård, a Professor of Medicine at Karolinska Institutet, emphasized the inflammatory nature of CVD and suggested that anti-PC plays a role in immunity and chronic inflammation.
As reported by medicalnewstoday, the research team is conducting further studies to explore anti-PC levels in both men and women to determine specific thresholds for assessing CVD risk. Dr. Chen underscored the necessity for larger prospective studies to validate these findings and clarify the antibody’s role.
Additionally, Frostegård noted that a study in wild brown bears showed they possess high levels of anti-PC and do not develop atherosclerosis, despite obesity. This observation has led him to propose the possibility of developing a vaccine to boost anti-PC levels in people, especially those at risk of heart disease.
While the potential for a vaccine raises hope, Dr. Chen cautioned that more research is needed to establish whether anti-PC antibodies provide direct protection against heart disease or merely serve as a risk marker. The findings underscore the importance of understanding the relationship between biomarkers and heart health, particularly for older women.