Factors affecting high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T elevation in Japanese metabolic syndrome patients

PURPOSE: The blood concentration of cardiac troponin T (ie, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T [hs-cTnT]), measured using a highly sensitive assay, represents a useful biomarker for evaluating the pathogenesis of heart failure or predicting cardiovascular events. However, little is known about the clinical significance of hs-cTnT in metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to examine the factors affecting hs-cTnT elevation in Japanese metabolic syndrome patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We enrolled 258 metabolic syndrome patients who were middle-aged males without a history of cardiovascular events. We examined relationships between hs-cTnT and various clinical parameters, including diagnostic parameters of metabolic syndrome. RESULTS: There were no significant correlations between hs-cTnT and diagnostic parameters of metabolic syndrome. However, hs-cTnT was significantly correlated with age (P<0.01), blood concentrations of brain natriuretic peptide (P<0.01), reactive oxygen metabolites (markers of oxidative stress, P<0.001), and the cardio–ankle vascular index (marker of arterial function, P<0.01). Furthermore, multiple regression analysis revealed that these factors were independent variables for hs-cTnT as a subordinate factor. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that in vivo oxidative stress and abnormality of arterial function are closely associated with an increase in hs-cTnT concentrations in Japanese metabolic syndrome patients.