Investigating IGF-1 and sKlotho's Correlation with Atherosclerotic Plaque Vulnerability in Chronic Coronary Syndrome

Atherosclerosis, a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, involves complex mechanisms including inflammation and extracellular matrix degradation. While current treatments manage symptoms, understanding factors influencing plaque vulnerability remains critical for preventing adverse events. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a key mediator of the growth hormone (GH) axis, is hypothesized to protect against atherosclerosis by suppressing macrophage activity and promoting smooth muscle cell proliferation. Similarly, the protein sKlotho is also linked to the GH-IGF-1 axis and is theorized to play a protective role in the cardiovascular system, influencing mechanisms that determine coronary atherosclerosis. This study aims to explore if circulating levels of these factors correlate with plaque morphology and vulnerability.

This observational study will enroll patients diagnosed with chronic coronary syndrome who meet specific inclusion/exclusion criteria and are scheduled for coronary angiography with intravascular imaging using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). Following the procedure, a single blood sample will be collected from each patient. These samples will be analyzed to measure circulating levels of IGF-1, sKlotho, and to assess GH receptor (GHR) polymorphism. The primary objective is to evaluate the correlation between these biomarkers and the phenotype and vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaques as visualized by OCT.