Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is strongly linked to inflammation, and inflammatory markers may indicate whether someone is at risk of developing CVD. A new study has found that low levels of one anti-inflammatory antibody — IgM anti-PC — are also associated with atherosclerosis and heart attacks in older women, while higher levels appear to have a protective effect. The researchers suggest that this finding could be used to identify women at risk of CVD, and may even form the basis of a vaccine against atherosclerosis.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are conditions that affect the circulatory system and are the leading cause of death worldwide. Identifying those at risk is essential for preventing premature death from CVD. In a recent study, researchers from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden investigated the effects of IgM anti-PC in postmenopausal women. They found that higher levels of the antibody protected women against CVD, while low levels were associated with both atherosclerosis and heart attacks.
Although it is commonly believed that heart disease affects more men than women, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that it is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. Hormonal changes following menopause increase the likelihood of coronary artery disease, which can lead to heart attacks. The researchers measured the levels of IgM anti-PC in 932 women and found a clear link between this anti-inflammatory antibody and CVD risk.
The women with the highest levels of IgM anti-PC had a significantly lower risk of CVD compared to those with the lowest levels. Lead author Johan Frostegård believes that CVD and atherosclerosis are inflammatory conditions in which immunity plays a central role. He suggests that increasing anti-PC levels in individuals with low levels could be a promising approach for preventing and treating CVD, especially among women who typically have higher anti-PC levels than men.
Frostegård and his team are currently conducting a more extensive study involving both men and women to determine the specific levels of anti-PC that can indicate CVD risk. They found in a study with wild brown bears that hibernating bears, which have high anti-PC levels, do not develop atherosclerosis or CVD despite high levels of obesity before hibernation. This discovery has led to the suggestion that immunization against anti-PC could be a potential strategy for increasing protection against CVD.
While there is still uncertainty about whether anti-PC antibodies directly protect against heart disease or simply act as a marker of future risk, the possibility of developing a vaccine to raise anti-PC levels holds promise. This vaccine could potentially be administered in middle age or earlier to individuals with low levels of anti-PC, offering protection against atherosclerosis and other diseases characterized by chronic inflammation. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and determine the effectiveness of anti-PC immunization in preventing CVD.
