Coronary Progenitor Cells and Soluble Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Prognosis after Coronary Angioplasty

Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) negatively impact the cardiovascular prognosis of patients undergoing coronary angioplasty due to coronary ischemic injury. The extent of coronary damage and the mechanisms of vascular repair are factors influencing the future development of MACEs. Intrinsic vascular features like the plaque characteristics and coronary artery complexity have demonstrated prognostic information for MACEs. However, the use of intracoronary circulating biomarkers has been postulated as a convenient method for the early identification and prognosis of MACEs, as they more closely reflect dynamic mechanisms involving coronary damage and repair. Determination of coronary circulating biomarkers during angioplasty, such as the number of subpopulations of mononuclear progenitor cells (MPCs) as well as the concentration of soluble molecules reflecting inflammation, cell adhesion, and repair, allows for assessment of future developments and the prognosis of MACEs 6 months post coronary angioplasty. This method is highlighted by its translational nature and better performance than peripheral blood circulating biomarkers regarding prediction of MACEs and its effect on the cardiovascular prognosis, which may be applied for risk stratification of patients with coronary artery disease undergoing angioplasty.