PAPP-A in cardiac and non-cardiac conditions

Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), a newly discovered member of insulin like growth factors (IGFs) axis, has been reported to be a biomarker in both cardiac and non-cardiac conditions. PAPP-A mainly acts as a protease cleaving IGF inhibitors — IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs), thereby setting free IGFs. In cardiac conditions, PAPP-A plays an important role in progressive atherosclerosis. As a biomarker, PAPP-A is not only sensitive, specific and early for diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome, but also an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality or combined cardiovascular events. In non-cardiac conditions, PAPP-A is a new anti-aging target. PAPP-A knock out (KO) mice have a prolonged lifespan than the wild type. In addition, PAPP-A is also a biomarker associated with malignant cancer and end stage renal disease.

► PAPP-A is a newly discovered protease cleaving insulin-like growth factor binding protein.
► PAPP-A plays an important role in advanced atherosclerosis.
► PAPP-A is a useful biomarker for both diagnosis and prognosis in patients with coronary heart disease.
► PAPP-A acts as a new anti-aging target.
► PAPP-A is a new biomarker for cancer and end stage renal disease.