The Relationship between Pro-inflammatory Factors and Coronary Artery Disease: A Case-control Study

Evidence suggests a potential role of inflammation in increasing the risk of chronic diseases, including coronary artery disease (CAD) and atherosclerosis. This study aims to investigate the association between serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and the risk of coronary artery involvement in individuals with CAD compared to the control group. 

 The study included 60 recently diagnosed CAD patients and 60 CAD-free individuals as the control group. Sociodemographic, clinical, and anthropometric data were collected, and serum samples were obtained to evaluate fasting serum glucose, lipid profile, and inflammatory markers. Logistic regression modeling was performed to estimate the effect of inflammatory markers on the likelihood of developing CAD, with adjustments for age, gender, and body mass index. The Pearson correlation coefficient was also used to assess the relationship between variables.

 The findings indicated a significant difference in the levels of TNF-α (P-value<0.001) and CRP (P-value=0.001) between the two groups. After adjusting for confounding variables and constructing a regression model, it was observed that with every 1 mg/dl increase in CRP level, the likelihood of developing CAD increased by 51% (P-value<0.008). Additionally, with every 1 pg/ml increase in TNF-α level, the risk of CAD increased by 45% (P-value<0.001).

 The obtained results indicate a correlation between inflammation and the pathogenesis of CAD, suggesting that these inflammatory markers may be used for predicting the occurrence and severity of CAD complications.