Aims: Levels of the secreted glycophosphoprotein osteopontin (OPN) have been associated with the presence and extent of coronary artery disease (CAD). The present study assessed the relationship between plasma OPN concentrations and prognosis in patients with chronic stable angina (CSA).
Methods and results: OPN was measured in baseline plasma samples from 799 patients with stable angina pectoris and angiographically documented CAD. Participants were prospectively followed-up for a median of 2.7 years (maximum 4.1 years). The primary study endpoint was the composite of non-fatal myocardial infarction and death from cardiovascular causes. In the univariate Cox proportional hazard analysis, the log-transformed OPN level [hazard ratio (HR) 1.79, 95% CI 1.35-2.36, P < 0.001] was significantly related to adverse outcome. In addition, hypertension, levels of C-reactive protein, and statin use were associated with future adverse events. Levels of OPN (HR, 1.88; P < 0.001) and C-reactive protein (HR, 1.42; P = 0.003), as well as the presence of hypertension (HR, 2.39; P = 0.008) remained statistically significant, independent predictors of adverse cardiovascular outcome in a multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis.
Conclusion: Baseline levels of OPN are an independent predictor of future adverse cardiac events in patients with CSA and may be useful for risk stratification.