Association between angiographically assessed coronary artery disease and serum levels of prostate specific antigen.

BACKGROUND: The increased incidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with conventional cardiovascular risk factors cannot be fully explained by the known risk factors. The aim of the study was to test whether there is an association between the levels of serum total PSA with the presence of CAD and its severity.

METHODS: The study population consisted of 151 male patients aged < 55 years admitted at our center for elective coronary angiography. Patients having angiographic evidence of atherosclerosis (Gensini score > 6) in their epicardial coronary tree were categorized as having coronary artery disease (CAD(+) case group). Patients with Gensini score < or = 6 classified as having normal coronary arteries (CAD(-) control group). The presence and severity of CAD was determined by vessel score and Gensini score. The PSA levels were measured by the electrochemoluminescence (ECLIA) method.

RESULTS: The mean level of serum PSA was found to be significantly higher in CAD patients than in those without CAD. In a multivariable logistic regression model, after adjusting for covariates, PSA level remained as an independent predictor for CAD occurrence (OR = 2.79; 95% CI: 1.04 - 7.49; p = 0.042). No significant correlation was found between the serum PSA level and the severity of CAD (r = 0.127, p = 0.122) or between PSA level and hsCRP level (r = 0.088, p = 0.282).

CONCLUSIONS: It appears that PSA level is significantly associated with the presence of CAD. Further studies with larger sample size are required to confirm this result.