The association between plasma inflammatory, oxidant, and antioxidant status with cardiometabolic indices and coronary artery stenosis in participants undergoing coronary angiography: a case-control study

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic factors playing key roles in its pathogenesis. This study examined the association between plasma inflammatory, oxidant, and antioxidant status with cardiometabolic indices, anthropometric indicators, and the severity of coronary artery stenosis in individuals undergoing coronary angiography. METHODS: This case-control study included 112 participants (aged 35-75 years) undergoing coronary angiography. Plasma levels of inflammatory markers (Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α), and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)), oxidative stress markers (Total Oxidant Status (TOS), Malondialdehyde (MDA), Nitrate and Nitrite), and antioxidant enzymes (catalase(CAT), Paraoxonase (PON), Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), and vitamin C) were measured. Anthropometric assessments included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, visceral fat percentage, and skeletal muscle percentage. The CAD severity was determined using the Gensini score (GS). Statistical analyses, including ANCOVA and regression models, were adjusted for confounders, such as age, BMI, and lifestyle factors. RESULTS: According to this study, the case group had significantly higher serum levels of IL-6 and CAT than the control group. Furthermore, both IL-6 and CAT levels were significantly positively associated with the GS. Additionally, TOS was positively associated with triglyceride levels after adjusting for multiple variables. In contrast, elevated hs-CRP levels were inversely associated with skeletal muscle percentage, whereas higher TAC was associated with a higher BMI (β:0.32, 95%CI:0.12-0.52; P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Inflammatory markers, particularly IL-6, are strongly associated with CAD severity. Oxidative stress markers, such as TOS, may be associated with lipid metabolism, and antioxidant responses, such as increased CAT activity, could reflect compensatory mechanisms. Furthermore, anthropometric measures, particularly BMI and skeletal muscle percentage, may be associated with inflammation and oxidative stress, reinforcing their role in cardiovascular risk assessment. Further studies are warranted to establish causality and potential intervention strategies.