Abstract
Purpose
Obesity is associated with an increased risk of aortic diseases and operative risks. Currently, there are no effective drugs available to prevent the occurrence and progression of aortic aneurysms or dissections. We investigated potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets using a multi-omics approach.
Methods
Clinical data from 117 patients with aortic disease were analyzed based on body mass index (BMI) to explore the relationship between BMI and clinical outcomes. An obesity mouse model was developed by feeding high-cholesterol, high-fat diet (HCHFD), and an aortic disease model was established by administering human angiotensin II (AngII) at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day through osmotic minipumps. Through analysis of murine aortic transcriptomics and serum proteomics, we identified potential biomarkers for aortic disease in obesity. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect these biomarkers in human serum.
Results
The duration of hospitalization post-surgery positively correlated with BMI. Transcriptomic analysis revealed an enrichment of genes related to complement and coagulation cascades, as well as the prion disease pathway. Proteomic analysis showed an enrichment of proteins associated with African trypanosomiasis and the estrogen signaling pathway. By integrating transcriptomic and protein profiles, complement C5 and apoD were identified as potential biomarkers for the adverse effects of obesity.
Conclusion
High BMI is associated with an increased risk of aortic disease, especially for aortic dissection. Serum complement C5 and apoD were identified as potential biomarkers for assessing aortic disease risk in obese individuals. Further research is needed to explore the pathophysiological pathways linked to these biomarkers and their potential clinical applications.