title: Biomarkers for predicting postmenopausal coronary heart disease.
abstract: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the main cause of death in post-menopausal women (PMW). Beyond the 'traditional' cardiovascular risk factors of CHD, newer biomarkers, reflecting inflammation, endothelial function and oxidative stress, have received growing consideration. We systematically reviewed the literature on the biomarkers for predicting CHD in PMW. C-reactive protein, IL-6 and Lipoprotein (a) have been consistently found to be associated with CHD risk in PMW. However, no evidence supports the existence of a causal and independent link between such biomarkers and CHD in PMW. Also, the new biomarkers only marginally improve cardiovascular risk prediction. Upcoming studies are needed to provide further evidence on the validity of the new biomarkers in PMW and to understand their relationships with hormone therapy, opening new avenues for prevention.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Clinical & Basic Research, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, via della Pisana 235, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Ilaria
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Spoletini
authors.forename: Cristiana
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vitale
authors.forename: Giuseppe M C
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Rosano
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016753:Interleukin-10 / Q000378:metabolism; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000378:metabolism; D017270:Lipoprotein(a) / Q000378:metabolism; D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL / Q000378:metabolism; D017698:Postmenopause; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D014527:Uric Acid / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D015850:Interleukin-6; D017270:Lipoprotein(a); D008075:Lipoproteins, HDL; D016753:Interleukin-10; D014527:Uric Acid; D002097:C-Reactive Protein