Investigation of Circulating Endothelial Cells as Potential Predictive Biomarkers in Acute Coronary Syndromes

“Investigation of Circulating Endothelial Cells as Potential Predictive Biomarkers in Acute Coronary Syndromes”

Samir Damani, M.D., Pharm.D., – Cardiologist, Scripps Clinic, Co-Founder, MD Revolution, Inc.

Samir Damani, M.D., Pharm.D., and colleagues at the Scripps Translational Science Institute
 and Veridex have been collaborating to explore the use of circulating endothelial cells (CECs) as a predictive non-invasive biomarker in coronary artery disease (CAD).
Coronary artery disease and its downstream complications remain the leading cause of death worldwide. While stable coronary artery disease (CAD) is readily diagnosed through functional stress testing and coronary angiography, acute cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction remain highly unpredictable. Accordingly, there is a significant need for a non-invasive biomarker such as a protein, nucleic acid, or cellular based assay that can identify those individuals who are at the greatest risk for sudden arterial disruptive events before they are clinically manifested. Our data demonstrate that circulating endothelial cells hold promise to fill this void.