# Correlation Analysis of Acute Coronary Syndrome with Serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and Plasma FIB

Authors: Yuexia Yang; Guoming Li; Ruiqin Zhang
Journal: BioMed Research International
 (2022)

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## Abstract

Aim. This study attempted to investigate the diagnostic value of interleukin-18 (IL-18), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and fibrinogen (FIB) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and their correlation with the degree of vascular lesions. Materials and Methods. Altogether 206 patients with coronary heart disease admitted to our hospital were selected as research objects, including 136 patients with ACS (group A), 70 patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP) (group B), and 60 patients with noncoronary heart disease who had normal coronary angiography during the same period were selected as group C. The levels of IL-18, MMP-9, and hs-CRP in the serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the level of FIB in plasma was detected by automatic coagulation analyzer. Results. Serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB levels in group A were significantly higher than those in group B and group C (p<0.05). ROC curve and multivariate logistic regression showed that the sensitivity and specificity of combined diagnosis of ACS with serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB were 86.03% and 95.71%, respectively. Serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB were positively correlated with Gensini grading (p<0.001). Serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB levels were positively correlated (p<0.001). Conclusion. The combined detection of serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB has good diagnostic value for ACS, and these index levels are positively correlated with the degree of vascular lesions.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

Coronary heart disease is a kind of stable or unstable disease, which can rapidly develop into acute coronary syndrome (ACS) within a few years, cause myocardial infarction, and then lead to sudden death of patients [1]. ACS is defined as ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and unstable angina pectoris (UAP). ACS is a serious manifestation of cardiovascular diseases and is one of the major diseases with high mortality in the world including China [2]. At present, the diagnosis of ACS mainly depends on electrocardiogram, clinical symptoms, and biochemical markers. A single biochemical marker lacks certain specificity. However, patients with ACS often have poor prognosis if they are not treated in time [3]. Therefore, the timely diagnosis and evaluation of ACS is of great significance for subsequent treatment.Inflammatory reaction plays a key role in the occurrence and promotion of atherosclerosis, which can trigger ACS by inducing plaque instability [4]. The occurrence of ACS is closely related to unstable plaque and secondary thrombosis. Inflammatory cells in plaque and its inflammatory products may be the inducement of plaque instability and rupture [5]. Proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a proatherosclerotic cytokine. Elevated IL-18 levels and the genetic variation of the IL-18 have been previously linked with acute coronary events and cardiovascular mortality among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Previously, it has been shown that IL-18 receptor subunits as well as IL-18 are expressed in atherosclerotic lesions [6]. IL-18 has been associated with the development of subclinical atherosclerosis [3–6]. The production of IL-18 seems to affect not only the overall amount of atherosclerosis but also the stability of atherosclerotic lesions. IL-18 stimulates the production of interferon c (IFN-c), and the proatherogenic and atherosclerotic plaque destabilizing influence of IL-18 is likely due to this IL-18-dependent production of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) [6]. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), also known as gelatinase B, which has numerous substrates, is involved in a wide range of physiological functions, including regulation of protease and cytokine activity. In addition, MMP-9 plays a role in elastin degradation, which promotes breakdown of the thin, fibrous caps of plaques [7]. MMP-9, an important member of the matrix metalloproteinase family, is involved in the invasion and metastasis of cancer cells, inflammation, and angiogenesis, as well as the initiation and development of atherosclerosis. One study has demonstrated that MMP-9 levels were significantly higher in patients with vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques than in patients without vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques, indicating that MMP-9 levels were closely associated with vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques [7]. Hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a kind of systemic inflammatory reactant in acute phase and is an established marker of cardiovascular risk. The level of hs-CRP is closely related to the degree of atherosclerosis and is a clinical marker of potential modifiable risk for patients with coronary artery disease [8]. hs-CRP is produced by hepatocytes and is involved in inflammation. Clinical studies have demonstrated that hs-CRP levels can be used as predictors of cardiovascular disease. Levels of hs-CRP change with coronary artery plaque characteristics, and hs-CRP is also a predictor of coronary artery disease-associated mortality. Fibrinogen (FIB) is a complex protein, which can reflect hypercoagulable state of blood and is a marker of atherosclerosis activity [9]. Although there have been many studies on IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and FIB in ACS [10–13] in the past, there are few studies on the diagnostic value of combined detection of these indicators in ACS and the correlation with the degree of vascular lesions.In this study, the levels of IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and FIB in the peripheral blood of ACS patients were detected to explore the diagnostic value of IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and FIB in ACS and the correlation with the severity of coronary artery lesions.


## 2. Materials and Methods

### 2.1. General Information

Altogether 206 patients with coronary heart disease admitted to our hospital were selected as research objects, including 136 patients with ACS (group A), 70 patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP) (group B), and 60 patients with noncoronary heart disease who had normal coronary angiography during the same period were selected as group C. In group A, there were 71 males and 65 females, aged 52-77 years with an average age of64.4±9.6 years. In group B, there were 38 males and 32 females, aged 52-76 years with an average age of 63.6±7.5 years. In group C, there were 35 males and 25 females, aged 50-76 years, with an average age of 63.4±9.7 years. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of our hospital. The subjects and their families were informed and signed a fully informed consent form.


### 2.2. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

The inclusion criteria were as follows: Group A met ACS diagnostic criteria of American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) [14], accompanied by chest pain, abnormal electrocardiogram, and elevated serum troponin I level, etc.; group B met the SAP diagnostic criteria in ACC/AHA [15]; patients with complete clinical data. The exclusion criteria were as follows: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and immunosuppressants were used one week before admission; patients combined with severe liver and kidney dysfunction, coronary artery malformation, valvular heart disease, malignant tumor, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, severe organic diseases, mental diseases, dilated cardiomyopathy, heart failure, cognitive dysfunction, thyroid dysfunction, infectious diseases, stroke, renal artery stenosis, an dautoimmune diseases.


### 2.3. Detection Method

A total of 4 mL of fasting venous blood was sampled from the subjects and placed in blood collection tube without anticoagulant and containing sodium citrate anticoagulant. Then, the blood was centrifuged at 1450 × g for 10 min with a centrifuge radius of 10 cm. The upper serum was separated for later use. The levels of IL-18, MMP-9, and hs-CRP in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) [16], and the detection was carried out with reference to the instruction manual of human IL-18, MMP-9, and hs-CRP ELISA kit (Shanghai Guang Rui Biological Technology Co., Ltd., China, batch number: 1057, 716, 1497). A blank well, a sample well to be tested, and a standard well were set up, and no samples and enzyme-labeled reagents were added to the blank well; 50 μL of standard substance and 50 μL of streptomycin HRP were added to the standard well, and 40 μL of sample, 10 μL of antibody ,and 50 μL of streptomycin HRP were added to the sample well to be tested; then, the wells were covered with film and incubated at 37°C for 60 min; the liquid were discarded and dried, and the rinse were repeated for 5 times; 50 μL of developer A and then 50 μL of developer B were added to each well. The mixture was shaken and mixed evenly. The color reaction was developed at 37°C in the dark for 10 min. A 50 μL of stop solution was added to each well to stop the reaction. The absorbance (OD value) of each well was measured sequentially at 450 nm wavelength using RAD550 microplate reader (Bio-Rad, Hercules, CA, USA), and IL-18, MMP-9, and hs-CRP levels were calculated. Sta-R Evolution fully automatic hemagglutination analyzer (Sichuan Asia-Core Medical Instruments Co., Ltd., China) was used to detect the level of FIB in plasma. The detection process was strictly carried out in accordance with the operation instructions of the instrument and kit.


### 2.4. Coronary Gensini Score

Coronary angiography was performed using NSX-6000SONATA digital vascular X-ray machine (General Electric Company, Schenectady, NY, USA). Left and right coronary angiographies were performed sequentially. The left coronary artery was observed at more than or equal to 5 positions, the right coronary artery was observed at more than or equal to 2 positions, and the stenosis degree of vascular lesions was measured. The Gensini score was evaluated combining the stenosis degree results of coronary angiography [17]. A degree of 100% stenosis indicates 32 points, 91%-99% indicates 16 points, 76%-90% indicates 8 points, 51%-75% indicates 4 points, 26%-50% indicates 2 points, and 1%-25% indicates 1 point. The lesions in the middle and distal segments of the left circumflex branch and distal segment of descending branches represent 1 point, lesions in the right coronary artery represent 1 point, lesions in the middle segment of the left anterior descending branch represent 1.5 points, lesions in the proximal segment of the left anterior circumflex branch and descending branch represent 2.5 points, and lesions in the left main artery represent 5 points. The coronary artery Gensini score was obtained by multiplying the lesion site and stenosis degree score and then adding the products together. Gensini grade: mild lesion: less than 50 points; moderate lesions: 50-99 points; severe lesions: more than or equal to 100 points. In group A, there were 31 cases of mild lesions, 40 cases of moderate lesions, and 65 cases of severe lesions.


### 2.5. Statistical Method

SPSS 22.0 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, USA) was used for statistical analysis. The measurement data were expressed bymean±standarddeviation (x¯±SD). Independent sample t-test was used for the comparison of measurement data between groups, and paired t-test was used for the comparison before and after treatment within the group. Counting data was expressed by the number of cases/percentage (n (%)), and chi-square test was used for comparison of counting data between groups. One-way ANOVA was used for the comparison of multiple groups’ mean values, and LSD-t test was used for pairwise comparison in multiple groups. ROC curve and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the diagnostic value of IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and FIB in ACS. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation of serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB levels with Gensini grading. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB. The p value less than 0.05 was regarded as the statistical significance.


## 2.1. General Information

Altogether 206 patients with coronary heart disease admitted to our hospital were selected as research objects, including 136 patients with ACS (group A), 70 patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP) (group B), and 60 patients with noncoronary heart disease who had normal coronary angiography during the same period were selected as group C. In group A, there were 71 males and 65 females, aged 52-77 years with an average age of64.4±9.6 years. In group B, there were 38 males and 32 females, aged 52-76 years with an average age of 63.6±7.5 years. In group C, there were 35 males and 25 females, aged 50-76 years, with an average age of 63.4±9.7 years. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of our hospital. The subjects and their families were informed and signed a fully informed consent form.


## 2.2. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

The inclusion criteria were as follows: Group A met ACS diagnostic criteria of American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) [14], accompanied by chest pain, abnormal electrocardiogram, and elevated serum troponin I level, etc.; group B met the SAP diagnostic criteria in ACC/AHA [15]; patients with complete clinical data. The exclusion criteria were as follows: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and immunosuppressants were used one week before admission; patients combined with severe liver and kidney dysfunction, coronary artery malformation, valvular heart disease, malignant tumor, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, severe organic diseases, mental diseases, dilated cardiomyopathy, heart failure, cognitive dysfunction, thyroid dysfunction, infectious diseases, stroke, renal artery stenosis, an dautoimmune diseases.


## 2.3. Detection Method

A total of 4 mL of fasting venous blood was sampled from the subjects and placed in blood collection tube without anticoagulant and containing sodium citrate anticoagulant. Then, the blood was centrifuged at 1450 × g for 10 min with a centrifuge radius of 10 cm. The upper serum was separated for later use. The levels of IL-18, MMP-9, and hs-CRP in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) [16], and the detection was carried out with reference to the instruction manual of human IL-18, MMP-9, and hs-CRP ELISA kit (Shanghai Guang Rui Biological Technology Co., Ltd., China, batch number: 1057, 716, 1497). A blank well, a sample well to be tested, and a standard well were set up, and no samples and enzyme-labeled reagents were added to the blank well; 50 μL of standard substance and 50 μL of streptomycin HRP were added to the standard well, and 40 μL of sample, 10 μL of antibody ,and 50 μL of streptomycin HRP were added to the sample well to be tested; then, the wells were covered with film and incubated at 37°C for 60 min; the liquid were discarded and dried, and the rinse were repeated for 5 times; 50 μL of developer A and then 50 μL of developer B were added to each well. The mixture was shaken and mixed evenly. The color reaction was developed at 37°C in the dark for 10 min. A 50 μL of stop solution was added to each well to stop the reaction. The absorbance (OD value) of each well was measured sequentially at 450 nm wavelength using RAD550 microplate reader (Bio-Rad, Hercules, CA, USA), and IL-18, MMP-9, and hs-CRP levels were calculated. Sta-R Evolution fully automatic hemagglutination analyzer (Sichuan Asia-Core Medical Instruments Co., Ltd., China) was used to detect the level of FIB in plasma. The detection process was strictly carried out in accordance with the operation instructions of the instrument and kit.


## 2.4. Coronary Gensini Score

Coronary angiography was performed using NSX-6000SONATA digital vascular X-ray machine (General Electric Company, Schenectady, NY, USA). Left and right coronary angiographies were performed sequentially. The left coronary artery was observed at more than or equal to 5 positions, the right coronary artery was observed at more than or equal to 2 positions, and the stenosis degree of vascular lesions was measured. The Gensini score was evaluated combining the stenosis degree results of coronary angiography [17]. A degree of 100% stenosis indicates 32 points, 91%-99% indicates 16 points, 76%-90% indicates 8 points, 51%-75% indicates 4 points, 26%-50% indicates 2 points, and 1%-25% indicates 1 point. The lesions in the middle and distal segments of the left circumflex branch and distal segment of descending branches represent 1 point, lesions in the right coronary artery represent 1 point, lesions in the middle segment of the left anterior descending branch represent 1.5 points, lesions in the proximal segment of the left anterior circumflex branch and descending branch represent 2.5 points, and lesions in the left main artery represent 5 points. The coronary artery Gensini score was obtained by multiplying the lesion site and stenosis degree score and then adding the products together. Gensini grade: mild lesion: less than 50 points; moderate lesions: 50-99 points; severe lesions: more than or equal to 100 points. In group A, there were 31 cases of mild lesions, 40 cases of moderate lesions, and 65 cases of severe lesions.


## 2.5. Statistical Method

SPSS 22.0 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY, USA) was used for statistical analysis. The measurement data were expressed bymean±standarddeviation (x¯±SD). Independent sample t-test was used for the comparison of measurement data between groups, and paired t-test was used for the comparison before and after treatment within the group. Counting data was expressed by the number of cases/percentage (n (%)), and chi-square test was used for comparison of counting data between groups. One-way ANOVA was used for the comparison of multiple groups’ mean values, and LSD-t test was used for pairwise comparison in multiple groups. ROC curve and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the diagnostic value of IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and FIB in ACS. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation of serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB levels with Gensini grading. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB. The p value less than 0.05 was regarded as the statistical significance.


## 3. Results

### 3.1. Baseline Data of Three Groups

There was no significant difference in clinical baseline data such as gender, age, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, drinking history, smoking history, blood glucose (Glu), blood urea (urea), serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) among groups A, B, and C (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the disease course between group A and group B (p<0.05), see Table 1.Table 1
Baseline data of three groups (n (%))/(x¯±SD).
CategoryGroup A (n=136)Group B (n=70)Group C (n=60)t/F/χ2PSex0.6300.730Male71 (52.21)38 (54.29)35 (58.33)Female65 (47.79)32 (45.71)25 (41.67)Age (years)64.4±9.663.6±7.563.4±9.70.3260.722BMI (kg/m2)21.24±1.7320.97±1.2921.62±1.452.8040.062Hypertension5.8680.053Yes73 (53.68)29 (41.43)22 (36.67)No63 (46.32)41 (58.57)38 (63.33)Diabetes0.4190.811Yes28 (20.59)14 (20.00)10 (16.67)No108 (79.41)56 (80.00)50 (83.33)Hyperlipidemia3.3970.183Yes46 (30.88)18 (25.71)11 (18.33)No94 (69.12)52 (74.29)49 (81.67)Drinking history0.3100.856Yes42 (30.88)23 (32.86)17 (28.33)No94 (69.12)47 (67.14)43 (71.67)Smoking history1.8280.401Yes64 (47.06)31 (44.29)22 (36.67)No72 (52.94)39 (55.71)38 (63.33)Glu (mmol/L)5.16±0.725.02±0.675.29±0.512.6810.070Urea (mmol/L)5.41±1.525.18±1.395.09±0.971.3560.260Scr (μmol/L)70.85±15.7369.52±15.7466.15±10.872.1060.124BUN (mmol/L)4.34±1.574.27±1.324.16±1.280.3260.723AST (U/L)26.26±11.0725.28±10.4623.85±9.281.1040.333ALT (U/L)30.47±10.2528.58±8.1427.53±7.452.4500.088Course of disease (year)1.6±0.91.5±0.8—0.7840.434


### 3.2. Results of Serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and Plasma FIB Levels in Three Groups

The levels of serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB in group A were significantly higher than those in group B and group C (p<0.05). The levels of serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB in group B were significantly higher than those in group C (p<0.05), see Table 2.Table 2
Comparison of serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB levels in three groups (x¯±SD).
IndicatorGroup A (n=136)Group B (n=70)Group C (n=60)FPIL-18 (ng/mL)51.25±13.45∗,#37.68±9.56∗20.68±11.48136.000<0.001MMP-9 (ng/mL)103.48±28.59∗,#83.69±23.68∗77.15±21.3244.060<0.001hs-CRP (mg/L)6.73±1.46∗,#5.08±1.07∗3.32±0.63169.500<0.001FIB (g/L)4.91±1.33∗,#3.67±1.04∗2.81±0.9677.220<0.001Note:∗compared with group C, p<0.05; #compared with group B, P<0.05.


### 3.3. Diagnostic Value of Serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and Plasma FIB Levels in ACS

The ROC curves of serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB for diagnosing ACS were drawn. The optimal critical value of serum IL-18 for diagnosing ACS was 45.62 ng/mL, the diagnostic sensitivity was 70.59%, and the specificity was 75.71%. The optimal critical value of serum MMP-9 in diagnosing ACS was 84.70 ng/mL, the diagnostic sensitivity was 78.68%, and the specificity was 70.00%. The optimal critical value of serum hs-CRP for diagnosing ACS was 6.12 mg/L, the diagnostic sensitivity was 65.44%, and the specificity was 90.00%. The optimal critical value of plasma FIB for diagnosing ACS was 4.72 g/L, the diagnostic sensitivity was 59.56%, and the specificity was 92.86%. We further drew ROC curves of combined diagnosis of ACS by serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB levels and established a combined detection model of IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and FIB according to logistic regression analysis. The combined model wasLogitp=−18.201+0.106×IL−18+0.062×MMP−9+0.830×hs−CRP+0.883×FIB. The area under curve of combined detection was fitted by the probability value in the model. The sensitivity and specificity of combined diagnosis of ACS by serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB were 86.03% and 95.71%, see Tables 3 and 4 and Figure 1.Table 3
Diagnostic value of serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB for ACS.
IndicatorAUC95% CIS. ECut-offSensitivity (%)Specificity (%)IL-18 (ng/mL)0.8040.746-0.8630.03045.6270.5975.71MMP-9 (ng/mL)0.8140.754-0.8740.03084.7078.6870.00hs-CRP (mg/L)0.8420.789-0.8940.0276.1265.4490.00FIB (g/L)0.7950.734-0.8560.0314.7259.5692.86IL-18+MMP-9+hs-CRP+FIB0.9580.932-0.9830.0130.7186.0395.71Table 4
Logistic regression analysis of predicting ACS by serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB.
VariableBS. EWalsPOR95% CIIL-18 (ng/mL)0.1060.02517.342<0.0011.1121.058-1.168MMP-9 (ng/mL)0.0620.01419.583<0.0011.0641.035-1.094hs-CRP (mg/L)0.8300.21914.301<0.0012.2931.492-3.526FIB (g/L)0.8830.21816.423<0.0012.4171.577-3.704Constant-18.2012.74543.971<0.001——Figure 1
ROC curve of serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB diagnosing ACS. (a) The sensitivity and specificity of serum IL-18 in diagnosing ACS were 70.59% and 75.71%, respectively. (b) The sensitivity and specificity of serum MMP-9 in diagnosing ACS were 78.68% and 70.00%, respectively. (c) The sensitivity and specificity of serum hs-CRP in diagnosing ACS were 65.44% and 90.00%, respectively. (d) The sensitivity and specificity of plasma FIB in diagnosing ACS were 59.56% and 92.86%, respectively. (e) The sensitivity and specificity of combined diagnosis of ACS by serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB were 86.03% and 95.71%, respectively. IL-8: interleukin-8; MMP-9: matrix metalloproteinase-9; hs-CRP: high-sensitivity C-reactive protein; FIB: fibrinogen.
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)


### 3.4. Correlation of Serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and Plasma FIB with Gensini Score Grading in Group A

The levels of serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB in patients with severe lesions were significantly higher than those in patients with mild and moderate lesions (p<0.05). The levels of serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB in patients with moderate lesions were significantly higher than those in patients with mild lesions (p<0.001). According to Gensini grading, patients with mild lesions were set as 1, patients with moderate lesions as 2, and patients with severe lesions as 3. Spearman’s correlation coefficient showed that serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB were positively correlated with Gensini score classification (r=0.571, p<0.001; r=0.510, p<0.001; r=0.518, p<0.001; r=0.505, p<0.001), see Table 5 and Figure 2.Table 5
Comparison of serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB levels (x¯±SD).
IndicatornIL-18 (ng/mL)MMP-9 (ng/mL)hs-CRP (mg/L)FIB (g/L)Mild lesion3139.15±10.6586.48±22.185.25±1.433.94±1.02Moderate lesion4047.53±12.69∗93.37±24.63∗6.59±1.44∗4.62±1.25∗Severe lesion6557.37±13.56∗,#116.28±29.53∗,#7.16±1.53∗,#5.64±1.38∗,#F—18.97016.67017.45020.790P—<0.001<0.001<0.001<0.001Note:∗compared with mild lesions, p<0.05; #compared with moderate lesions, P<0.05.Figure 2
Correlation between serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB levels and Gensini score grading in group A. (a) Serum IL-18 level was positively correlated with Gensini score classification (r=0.571, p<0.001). (b) Serum MMP-9 level was positively correlated with Gensini score classification (r=0.510, p<0.001). (c) hs-CRP level was positively correlated with Gensini grading (r=0.518, p<0.001). (d) Plasma FIB level was positively correlated with Gensini score classification (r=0.505,p<0.001). IL-8: interleukin-8; MMP-9: matrix metalloproteinase-9; hs-CRP: high-sensitivity C-reactive protein; FIB: fibrinogen.
(a)(b)(c)(d)


### 3.5. Correlation between Serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and Plasma FIB Levels in Group A

The level of serum IL-18 in group A was positively correlated with MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB (r=0.505, p<0.001; r=0.525, p<0.001; r=0.511, p<0.001); serum MMP-9 level was positively correlated with hs-CRP and plasma FIB (r=0.494, p<0.001; r=0.406, p<0.001); serum hs-CRP level was positively correlated with plasma FIB (r=0.408, p<0.001), see Figure 3.Figure 3
Correlation between serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB levels in group A. (a) Serum IL-18 level is positively correlated with MMP-9 (r=0.505, p<0.001). (b) Serum IL-18 level was positively correlated with hs-CRP (r=0.525, p<0.001). (c) Serum IL-18 level was positively correlated with plasma FIB (r=0.511, p<0.001). (d) Serum MMP-9 level was positively correlated with hs-CRP (r=0.494, p<0.001). (e) Serum MMP-9 level was positively correlated with plasma FIB (r=0.406, p<0.001). (f) Serum hs-CRP level was positively correlated with plasma FIB (r=0.408, p<0.001). IL-8: interleukin-8; MMP-9: matrix metalloproteinase-9; hs-CRP: high-sensitivity C-reactive protein; FIB: fibrinogen.
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)


## 3.1. Baseline Data of Three Groups

There was no significant difference in clinical baseline data such as gender, age, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, drinking history, smoking history, blood glucose (Glu), blood urea (urea), serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) among groups A, B, and C (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the disease course between group A and group B (p<0.05), see Table 1.Table 1
Baseline data of three groups (n (%))/(x¯±SD).
CategoryGroup A (n=136)Group B (n=70)Group C (n=60)t/F/χ2PSex0.6300.730Male71 (52.21)38 (54.29)35 (58.33)Female65 (47.79)32 (45.71)25 (41.67)Age (years)64.4±9.663.6±7.563.4±9.70.3260.722BMI (kg/m2)21.24±1.7320.97±1.2921.62±1.452.8040.062Hypertension5.8680.053Yes73 (53.68)29 (41.43)22 (36.67)No63 (46.32)41 (58.57)38 (63.33)Diabetes0.4190.811Yes28 (20.59)14 (20.00)10 (16.67)No108 (79.41)56 (80.00)50 (83.33)Hyperlipidemia3.3970.183Yes46 (30.88)18 (25.71)11 (18.33)No94 (69.12)52 (74.29)49 (81.67)Drinking history0.3100.856Yes42 (30.88)23 (32.86)17 (28.33)No94 (69.12)47 (67.14)43 (71.67)Smoking history1.8280.401Yes64 (47.06)31 (44.29)22 (36.67)No72 (52.94)39 (55.71)38 (63.33)Glu (mmol/L)5.16±0.725.02±0.675.29±0.512.6810.070Urea (mmol/L)5.41±1.525.18±1.395.09±0.971.3560.260Scr (μmol/L)70.85±15.7369.52±15.7466.15±10.872.1060.124BUN (mmol/L)4.34±1.574.27±1.324.16±1.280.3260.723AST (U/L)26.26±11.0725.28±10.4623.85±9.281.1040.333ALT (U/L)30.47±10.2528.58±8.1427.53±7.452.4500.088Course of disease (year)1.6±0.91.5±0.8—0.7840.434


## 3.2. Results of Serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and Plasma FIB Levels in Three Groups

The levels of serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB in group A were significantly higher than those in group B and group C (p<0.05). The levels of serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB in group B were significantly higher than those in group C (p<0.05), see Table 2.Table 2
Comparison of serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB levels in three groups (x¯±SD).
IndicatorGroup A (n=136)Group B (n=70)Group C (n=60)FPIL-18 (ng/mL)51.25±13.45∗,#37.68±9.56∗20.68±11.48136.000<0.001MMP-9 (ng/mL)103.48±28.59∗,#83.69±23.68∗77.15±21.3244.060<0.001hs-CRP (mg/L)6.73±1.46∗,#5.08±1.07∗3.32±0.63169.500<0.001FIB (g/L)4.91±1.33∗,#3.67±1.04∗2.81±0.9677.220<0.001Note:∗compared with group C, p<0.05; #compared with group B, P<0.05.


## 3.3. Diagnostic Value of Serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and Plasma FIB Levels in ACS

The ROC curves of serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB for diagnosing ACS were drawn. The optimal critical value of serum IL-18 for diagnosing ACS was 45.62 ng/mL, the diagnostic sensitivity was 70.59%, and the specificity was 75.71%. The optimal critical value of serum MMP-9 in diagnosing ACS was 84.70 ng/mL, the diagnostic sensitivity was 78.68%, and the specificity was 70.00%. The optimal critical value of serum hs-CRP for diagnosing ACS was 6.12 mg/L, the diagnostic sensitivity was 65.44%, and the specificity was 90.00%. The optimal critical value of plasma FIB for diagnosing ACS was 4.72 g/L, the diagnostic sensitivity was 59.56%, and the specificity was 92.86%. We further drew ROC curves of combined diagnosis of ACS by serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB levels and established a combined detection model of IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and FIB according to logistic regression analysis. The combined model wasLogitp=−18.201+0.106×IL−18+0.062×MMP−9+0.830×hs−CRP+0.883×FIB. The area under curve of combined detection was fitted by the probability value in the model. The sensitivity and specificity of combined diagnosis of ACS by serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB were 86.03% and 95.71%, see Tables 3 and 4 and Figure 1.Table 3
Diagnostic value of serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB for ACS.
IndicatorAUC95% CIS. ECut-offSensitivity (%)Specificity (%)IL-18 (ng/mL)0.8040.746-0.8630.03045.6270.5975.71MMP-9 (ng/mL)0.8140.754-0.8740.03084.7078.6870.00hs-CRP (mg/L)0.8420.789-0.8940.0276.1265.4490.00FIB (g/L)0.7950.734-0.8560.0314.7259.5692.86IL-18+MMP-9+hs-CRP+FIB0.9580.932-0.9830.0130.7186.0395.71Table 4
Logistic regression analysis of predicting ACS by serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB.
VariableBS. EWalsPOR95% CIIL-18 (ng/mL)0.1060.02517.342<0.0011.1121.058-1.168MMP-9 (ng/mL)0.0620.01419.583<0.0011.0641.035-1.094hs-CRP (mg/L)0.8300.21914.301<0.0012.2931.492-3.526FIB (g/L)0.8830.21816.423<0.0012.4171.577-3.704Constant-18.2012.74543.971<0.001——Figure 1
ROC curve of serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB diagnosing ACS. (a) The sensitivity and specificity of serum IL-18 in diagnosing ACS were 70.59% and 75.71%, respectively. (b) The sensitivity and specificity of serum MMP-9 in diagnosing ACS were 78.68% and 70.00%, respectively. (c) The sensitivity and specificity of serum hs-CRP in diagnosing ACS were 65.44% and 90.00%, respectively. (d) The sensitivity and specificity of plasma FIB in diagnosing ACS were 59.56% and 92.86%, respectively. (e) The sensitivity and specificity of combined diagnosis of ACS by serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB were 86.03% and 95.71%, respectively. IL-8: interleukin-8; MMP-9: matrix metalloproteinase-9; hs-CRP: high-sensitivity C-reactive protein; FIB: fibrinogen.
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)


## 3.4. Correlation of Serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and Plasma FIB with Gensini Score Grading in Group A

The levels of serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB in patients with severe lesions were significantly higher than those in patients with mild and moderate lesions (p<0.05). The levels of serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB in patients with moderate lesions were significantly higher than those in patients with mild lesions (p<0.001). According to Gensini grading, patients with mild lesions were set as 1, patients with moderate lesions as 2, and patients with severe lesions as 3. Spearman’s correlation coefficient showed that serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB were positively correlated with Gensini score classification (r=0.571, p<0.001; r=0.510, p<0.001; r=0.518, p<0.001; r=0.505, p<0.001), see Table 5 and Figure 2.Table 5
Comparison of serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB levels (x¯±SD).
IndicatornIL-18 (ng/mL)MMP-9 (ng/mL)hs-CRP (mg/L)FIB (g/L)Mild lesion3139.15±10.6586.48±22.185.25±1.433.94±1.02Moderate lesion4047.53±12.69∗93.37±24.63∗6.59±1.44∗4.62±1.25∗Severe lesion6557.37±13.56∗,#116.28±29.53∗,#7.16±1.53∗,#5.64±1.38∗,#F—18.97016.67017.45020.790P—<0.001<0.001<0.001<0.001Note:∗compared with mild lesions, p<0.05; #compared with moderate lesions, P<0.05.Figure 2
Correlation between serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB levels and Gensini score grading in group A. (a) Serum IL-18 level was positively correlated with Gensini score classification (r=0.571, p<0.001). (b) Serum MMP-9 level was positively correlated with Gensini score classification (r=0.510, p<0.001). (c) hs-CRP level was positively correlated with Gensini grading (r=0.518, p<0.001). (d) Plasma FIB level was positively correlated with Gensini score classification (r=0.505,p<0.001). IL-8: interleukin-8; MMP-9: matrix metalloproteinase-9; hs-CRP: high-sensitivity C-reactive protein; FIB: fibrinogen.
(a)(b)(c)(d)


## 3.5. Correlation between Serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and Plasma FIB Levels in Group A

The level of serum IL-18 in group A was positively correlated with MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB (r=0.505, p<0.001; r=0.525, p<0.001; r=0.511, p<0.001); serum MMP-9 level was positively correlated with hs-CRP and plasma FIB (r=0.494, p<0.001; r=0.406, p<0.001); serum hs-CRP level was positively correlated with plasma FIB (r=0.408, p<0.001), see Figure 3.Figure 3
Correlation between serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB levels in group A. (a) Serum IL-18 level is positively correlated with MMP-9 (r=0.505, p<0.001). (b) Serum IL-18 level was positively correlated with hs-CRP (r=0.525, p<0.001). (c) Serum IL-18 level was positively correlated with plasma FIB (r=0.511, p<0.001). (d) Serum MMP-9 level was positively correlated with hs-CRP (r=0.494, p<0.001). (e) Serum MMP-9 level was positively correlated with plasma FIB (r=0.406, p<0.001). (f) Serum hs-CRP level was positively correlated with plasma FIB (r=0.408, p<0.001). IL-8: interleukin-8; MMP-9: matrix metalloproteinase-9; hs-CRP: high-sensitivity C-reactive protein; FIB: fibrinogen.
(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)(f)


## 4. Discussion

ACS is a kind of coronary heart disease emergency, which is caused by unstable rupture of arterial plaque and can cause sudden cardiac death [18]. ACS is characterized by inflammatory reaction, platelet activation, and myocardial ischemia, with the key link of thrombosis [19]. ACS has the characteristics of rapid onset, rapid disease change, and high mortality rate [20]. Therefore, the early diagnosis of ACS and the prediction of the severity of coronary artery disease are of great significance to the prevention, treatment, and prognosis of ACS.A large number of studies have confirmed the close relationship between inflammation and ACS [21]. During the development of ACS, the interaction between leukocytes and endothelial cells can promote the release of various cytokines, which can stimulate liver synthesis of acute phase reaction proteins (including CRP and FIB) [22]. IL-18 is an important pro-inflammatory factor, and its expression is elevated in atherosclerotic plaques [23]. MMP-9 is an enzyme analog that damages the elastic membrane of blood vessels and is closely related to atherosclerotic plaque and vascular reconstruction [24]. hs-CRP is an indicator of inflammatory state, and the level of hs-CRP can change with the characteristics of coronary plaque, which is a predictor of coronary disease-related mortality [25]. FIB can promote the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells and the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, which is an indicator of thrombosis [26]. There have been many studies on IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and FIB in ACS in the past. For example, in the study of Li et al. [27], the plasma levels of IL-18 and IL-10 in SAP patients are closely related to the occurrence of ACS. The increased IL-18/IL-10 ratio has positive predictive value for the occurrence of ACS in SAP patients. In the study of Inokubo et al. [28], elevated plasma MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels can be detected in coronary circulation of ACS patients, which are involved in the process of active plaque rupture in ACS. However, studies by Shi et al. [29] have confirmed that the plasma FIB level of ACS patients is significantly higher than that of stable coronary heart disease patients and healthy people. High CRP and FIB levels are predictive factors for long-term poor prognosis of ACS patients. In this study, the levels of serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB in group A are significantly higher than those in groups B and C, which indicates that IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and FIB may participate in the occurrence and development of ACS, and is similar to the above research. Although IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and FIB play an important role in the occurrence and development of ACS, there is little research on the diagnostic value of combined detection of these indicators for ACS. The study further showed that the sensitivity and specificity of the combined detection of serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB in the diagnosis of ACS were 86.03% and 95.71%, respectively. The combined detection of the four has good predictive value for ACS. The Gensini score is a scoring system for stenosis degree of coronary artery disease, which is of great significance for prognosis prediction of patients with coronary heart disease [30]. In this study, serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB are positively correlated with Gensini score grading, indicating that IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and FIB were positively correlated with vascular lesion degree. Guo et al. [31] believe that the levels of hs-CRP and MMP-9 are significantly correlated with the severity of coronary artery lesions, and the levels of serum estrogen, hs-CRP, and MMP-9 are also significantly correlated, which can be used as biomarkers for the severity of coronary artery lesions and the stability of coronary artery plaques. In the study by Wang et al. [32], the levels of serum hs-CRP and IL-6 in the serum of ACS patients are significantly increased, which can be used to determine the stability of plaque and has some correlation in the development of ACS, and is of great significance to the prognosis judgment of ACS patients. In this study, serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB levels in ACS patients are positively correlated. FIB can increase the viscosity of blood, regulate the synthesis of inflammatory cells and endothelial cells, and mediate inflammatory reactions by changing hemorheology and damaging endothelium, thus participating in the progress of atherosclerosis [33]. Therefore, the occurrence and development of ACS may be the result of the synergistic effect of inflammatory reaction and thrombosis, but the mechanism remains to be further observed.This study confirmed the diagnostic value and effect of combined detection of serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB on ACS, but there are still some deficiencies in the experiment. First, the risk factors of ACS are not observed. Second, the role of IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and FIB in the prognosis of ACS patients has not been studied. These deficiencies need to be further supplemented in future research.The combined detection of serum IL-18, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and plasma FIB has a good diagnostic value for ACS, and these index levels are positively correlated with the degree of vascular lesions.



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*Source: 5984184-2022-01-04.xml*