Evaluation of serum soluble OX40 ligand as a prognostic indicator in acute coronary syndrome patients

BackgroundLong-term risk stratification in patients presented with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is possible by measuring cardiac troponin (cTn). The present study evaluates the clinical predictive value of increased serum soluble OX40 ligand (sOX40L) in patients with ACS and acute chest pain.MethodsThe levels of serum soluble OX40L were measured by ELISA in patients with ACS (168) and acute chest pain (106). The platelet activation was assessed by flow cytometry.ResultsThe levels of serum soluble OX40L were increased (> 40.0 ng/ml) in 56 patients with ACS (33.3%) and in 17 patients with acute chest pain (> 40.0 ng/ml), respectively. The increased sOX40L level was significantly correlated with measured levels of troponin I (r = 0.47, p < 0.001) and the increased soluble OX40L levels (> 40.0 ng/ml) were associated with higher risk for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), sudden death and recurrent angina. Both increased serum levels of sOX40L and cTnT showed a significantly increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (including AMI, sudden death and recurrent angina) in two groups during 30 days, 6 months and 9 months of follow-up.ConclusionIn patients with ACS, elevation of baseline sOX40L levels indicates an increased risk for cardiovascular events. Serum soluble OX40L might be a useful prognostic marker or indicator for adverse events in patients with ACS.