Blood biomarkers in patients with bicuspid aortic valve disease

Abstract

A bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is an aortic valve with only two cusps instead of three or with three cusps of which two or more are fused with a raphe in between the cusps. It is the most common

Update in Biomolecular and Genetic Bases of Bicuspid Aortopathy

“…However, in other later studies, no association was found between serum levels of TGF-β1 and aortic diameter in BAV patients [90,104]. Contradictorily, other studies presented a group of BAV patients in whom TGF-β1 levels were decreased [90]. One thing to consider is the variability of the reference levels of TGF-β1 in serum according to the study, which compromises the interpretation of results [105].…”

“…Remember that a biomarker is a measurable biological molecule that is found in the blood and other fluids or tissues of the body, and is a sign that allows evaluating the process of a disease. To date, no specific biomarker of bicuspid aortopathy is used in daily clinical practice and current data are limited, mainly focusing on alterations of the aorta [ 90 , 91 ]. To make decisions about the optimal time for surgery, establish risk profiles, assess the patient’s prognosis, and monitor the progression of aortic calcification or dilation of the aortic wall, etc., it would be extremely important to have reliable biomarkers.…”

“…Currently, it is known that patients with BAV and a higher degree of severity of stenosis or regurgitation have higher levels of N-terminal pro B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) compared to the low-grade ones, and those with severe aortic regurgitation have higher levels of troponin-T (measured as high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT) [ 90 ]. However, these two biomarkers are not specific for bicuspid aortopathy but rather reflect the impact of severe valvular disease in ventricular malfunction.…”

“…Remember that a biomarker is a measurable biological molecule that is found in the blood and other fluids or tissues of the body, and is a sign that allows evaluating the process of a disease. To date, no specific biomarker of bicuspid aortopathy is used in daily clinical practice and current data are limited, mainly focusing on alterations of the aorta [90,91].…”

“…In 2017, Forte et al published a study in a small series suggesting that during the 3-year follow-up, a high TGF-β1/sENG (circulating TGF-β1 to its soluble co-receptor Endoglin) ratio is associated with a damaging pattern with high progression towards aortic dilation [98]. However, in other later studies, no association was found between serum levels of TGF-β1 and aortic diameter in BAV patients [90,104]. Contradictorily, other studies presented a group of BAV patients in whom TGF-β1 levels were decreased [90].…”