Calprotectin as Biomarker in Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Calprotectin, also known as S1008/A9 or MRP8/14, is a peptide secreted during active immune responses that serves as an indicator of inflammation. It has been widely studied as a biomarker for various inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases. Recent research has explored the potential prognostic and diagnostic implications of calprotectin in cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases, which are associated with chronic inflammation. Elevated levels of calprotectin have been positively associated with the severity and adverse outcomes of cardiovascular diseases, such as stroke, myocardial infarction, and heart attack. The underlying mechanisms through which calprotectin contributes to the pathology of cardiovascular disease are not fully understood but may involve promoting inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and plaque destabilization within blood vessels. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the role of calprotectin as a biomarker for prognostic and diagnostic abilities in predicting the progression and severity of cardiovascular diseases. Methods: This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines and identified relevant studies through a comprehensive search of electronic databases. Results: Several studies have demonstrated an association between calprotectin levels and cardiovascular risk, including studies on patients with peripheral arterial disease, acute coronary syndrome, Kawasaki disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus. These findings suggest that calprotectin could serve as a useful prognostic factor, providing additional insights into the underlying inflammatory processes and aiding risk stratification and treatment decisions. Conclusion: Further research is needed to validate its clinical utility and establish standardized measurement protocols for calprotectin in the context of cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases.