Hemoglobin homeostasis in abdominal aortic aneurysm: diagnostic and prognostic potential of hemoglobin/heme and scavenger molecules

There is increasing evidence implicating hemoglobin/heme and their scavengers in oxidative stress-mediated pathologies, but information is limited in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

This study reports the distinct disruption of heme and related markers in both the development and progression of AAA, underscoring their potential in aiding risk stratification and therapeutic strategies.

In this case-control study, we assessed heme/heme-related markers in 142 men with AAA and 279 men with a normal aortic diameter consecutively recruited from an ultrasound screening program in Sweden. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were used to measure heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and hemopexin (Hpx) plasma levels, colorimetric assays for cell-free heme and whole blood hemoglobin (Hb) levels, and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and real-time PCR to determine haptoglobin (Hp) (pheno)type and genotype, respectively. Hpx and heme plasma levels at baseline were elevated, while HO-1 levels were lower in men with AAA (p < 0.001) and were significantly associated with AAA prevalence independently of potential confounders. A combination of heme and HO-1 showed the best diagnostic potential based on the area under the curve (AUC): 0.76, sensitivity: 80%, specificity: 48%. Additionally, when previously described inflammatory biomarker interleukin-6 (IL-6), was added to our model it significantly improved the diagnostic value (AUC: 0.87, sensitivity: 80%, specificity: 79%) compared to IL-6 alone (AUC: 0.73, sensitivity: 80%, specificity: 49%). Finally, Hb (positively) and Hpx (negatively) levels at baseline were associated with AAA growth rate (mm/year), and their combination showed the best prognostic value for discriminating fast and slow-growing AAA (AUC: 0.76, sensitivity: 80%, specificity: 62%). Conclusions: This study reports the distinct disruption of heme and related markers in both the development and progression of AAA, underscoring their potential in aiding risk stratification and therapeutic strategies.