Evaluating GDF-15 As A Marker of Atherosclerotic Severity Using TIMI Score Stratification in Non-ST Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome

Authors

  • Shah Namrata
  • Singh Mamta
  • Agarwal Pradeep
  • Saini Shakuntala
  • Gautam Dinesh

Keywords:

Growth differentiation factor-15, Non-ST Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome, TIMI risk score

Abstract

Background: GDF-15, a cytokine of the TGF-β superfamily, is expressed in atherosclerotic plaque macrophages. While several biomarkers have been widely studied in Acute coronary syndrome (ACS), data linking GDF-15 to angiographic severity in non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS), as measured by TIMI score, remain limited. This study investigates the association between GDF-15 levels, atherosclerotic burden, and clinical outcomes in NSTE-ACS patients to enhance risk stratification and guide management.

Methods: The study included 100 diagnosed cases of NSTE-ACS, including 34 patients with Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI) and 66 with Unstable Angina (UA). Patients were stratified into three risk groups based on the TIMI risk score: low (0–2), intermediate (3–4), and high (≥5). Blood samples were collected at admission, and serum GDF-15 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results: Of the 100 NSTE-ACS patients, 46% were classified as low risk, 39% as intermediate risk, and 15% as high risk based on TIMI scores. High-risk status was more common among males and UA patients. A significant association was found between diagnosis and risk categories (P = 0.014). GDF-15 levels significantly increased across risk groups, with the highest levels in the high-risk group (P < 0.001). The ROC curve analysis showed excellent predictive value for GDF-15, with an AUC of 0.985 (p < 0.001). An optimal cut-off value of >954 pg/mL demonstrated 100% sensitivity and 92.94% specificity in identifying high cardiovascular risk.

Conclusion: GDF-15 levels strongly correlate with TIMI risk scores in NSTE-ACS, supporting its role as a promising biomarker for risk assessment and disease severity stratification.

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Published

2025-07-08

How to Cite

1.
Namrata S, Mamta S, Pradeep A, Shakuntala S, Dinesh G. Evaluating GDF-15 As A Marker of Atherosclerotic Severity Using TIMI Score Stratification in Non-ST Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome. J Neonatal Surg [Internet]. 2025Jul.8 [cited 2025Sep.24];14(7):1282-8. Available from: https://www.jneonatalsurg.com/index.php/jns/article/view/8087

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 7 (2025): Journal of Neonatal Surgery

Section

Original Article

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