A new blood test to detect the presence of an aneurysm

A team of researchers from the University of Dundee School of Medicine in Scotland has developed a new blood test to detect the presence of desmosine in blood and urine. This amino acid, responsible for the elasticity of the arterial wall, is a marker prefiguring the occurrence of an aneurysm. The results of this study were published in the Journal of American Heart Association.

However, now with researchers from the University of Dundee School of Medicine have finally developed the new blood test which is seen as an important step that can help in the development of new therapies that doctors can use to reduce the number of deaths caused by aortic aneurysms.

The aneurysm, the silent killer

Aneurysm is a localized dilation of the arterial wall that can sometimes occur in the aorta, which is responsible for carrying blood from the heart to the organs. The aneurysm is considered a “silent killer” because patients may not show any symptoms until it ruptures. About 80% of patients with a ruptured aneurysm eventually die.

The team of Scottish researchers behind this new blood test believe that by identifying the presence of desmosine in blood and urine, it would improve the diagnosis and monitoring of aortic aneurysms. In the long term, this could also make it possible to develop new therapies in order to possibly slow down the progression of the dilation and the weakening of the arterial wall.

According to research so far, men over 65 are most likely to develop an aneurysm, but also those who can be screened for by ultrasound. If doctors find swelling and weakening of the arterial wall, they might get regular screenings. Since the progression of aneurysms is not linear, the researchers believe that they can grow rapidly between two spaced screenings.

Until now, it is difficult to correlate the size of the aneurysm and the time remaining before it ruptures. However, the Dundee researchers say measuring desmosine levels in the blood may be a more effective way of identifying patients in urgent need of treatment.

According to Dr Anna Maria Choy, senior clinical lecturer and honorary consultant in cardiology at the University of Dundee, patients are currently treated with surgery when the aneurysm reaches a size considered dangerous. However, since the progression of this condition is unpredictable, the aneurysm may rupture even if its size is not particularly large. “ All of this means that we need to find a better way to detect and monitor aneurysms, because this is a terrible source of uncertainty for patients and their families. We established that desmosine was released into the blood when this disease was present, so we investigated whether this might improve screening.”

Blood samples to improve the prediction of complications

By examining the retrospective collection of samples from patients with aneurysms, it is possible to effectively detect aneurysms and improve the prediction of complications and outcomes. “This has the potential to help save lives by detecting danger signs missed by the current screening program, and identifying patients who should be offered surgery.” continues Dr. Anna Maria Choy.

The Dundee team and co-investigators from Edinburgh, Leicester and Singapore checked desmosine levels in patients with aneurysms ranging from very mild to extremely severe. They found that it was not only an effective indicator of the size of the aneurysm, but also of the likelihood of the patient developing complications.

Researchers say more than 5,000 deaths from ruptured aortic aneurysms are reported each year in the UK, and are responsible for one in 75 deaths in men over 65. The incidence increases as the population ages, while smokers, diabetics and people with hypertension are among other risk groups. Dr. Jeffrey Huang, the lead researcher who developed the desmosine assay, says available screening programs have helped reduce the number of deaths from aneurysms, but they are resource-intensive. What’s more, a blood test to determine health status is less expensive and more patient-friendly than an ultrasound.

Predicting aneurysms can lead to the development of treatments

Drs Choy and Huang believe that although there is no known medical intervention to slow the progression of aneurysms, the new blood test could lead to the development of therapies through clinical trials, as these would allow readings faster and clearer desmosine concentrations.

The research team is currently conducting research in women who experience a higher mortality rate, even though they are less likely to be diagnosed with an aneurysm. According to Dr. Choy, “it may also be important for people with genetic conditions that lead to disease of the aortic walls. Ultimately, in any disease of the aorta, we believe this amino acid may have a role to play in detecting, predicting, and tracking.”