Background: There is a growing body of evidence for an important role of the apelinergic system in the modulation of cardiovascular homeostasis. The aim of our study was to (1) examine the relationship between apelin serum concentration at index myocardial infarction (MI) and atrioventricular conduction disorders (AVCDs) at 12-month follow-up, and (2) investigate the association between initial apelin concentration and the novel marker of post-MI scar (Q/QRS ratio) at follow-up.
Methods: In 84 patients with MI with complete revascularization, apelin peptide serum concentrations for apelin-13, apelin-17, elabela (ELA) and apelin receptor (APJ) were measured on day one of hospitalization; at 12-month follow-up, 54 of them underwent thorough examination that included 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG), Holter ECG monitoring and echocardiography.
Results: The mean age was 58.9 years. At 12-month follow-up, AVCDs were diagnosed in 21.4% of subjects, with AV first-degree block in 16.7% and sinoatrial arrest in 3.7%. ELA serum concentration at index MI correlated positively with the occurrence of AVCD (p = 0.003) and heart rate (p = 0.005) at 12-month follow-up. The apelin-13 serum concentration at index MI correlated negatively with the Q/QRS ratio.
Conclusions: The apelin peptide concentration during an acute phase of MI impacts the development of AVCD and the value of Q/QRS ratio in MI survivors.
Keywords: Q/QRS ratio; apelin-13; apelinergic system; atrioventricular conduction disorders; coronary artery disease; elabela; myocardial infarction.