Expression of FFAR2 and FFAR3 in peripheral blood leukocytes: Correlation with coronary artery stenosis, calcium score, and serum IL-1β levels in male patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Cardiovascular diseases pose a major health threat, with atherosclerosis being the leading cause. Free fatty acids (FFAs) can act as signaling molecules, influencing inflammation and oxidative stress, thereby potentially impacting atherosclerosis risk. This study examined the expression of FFAR2 and FFAR3 and their relationship with serum IL-1β, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in patients undergoing CT angiography.

METHODS AND RESULTS: Fasting blood samples from 113 patients were collected, dividing them into a high coronary artery disease risk group (n = 52), Low Risk of CAD (n = 37) and a control group (n = 24) based on calcium scores. FFAR2 expression was significantly lower in the case group, while FFAR3 levels showed no difference. Increased interleukine-1 beta (IL-1β) and MDA levels, alongside decreased total antioxidant capacity (TAC), were noted in the case group.

CONCLUSION: The study identified a negative correlation between FFAR2 expression and atherosclerotic indices, while serum IL-1β and MDA exhibited positive correlations. Thus, FFAR2 and IL-1β may be potential biomarkers for coronary artery disease risk.