Diagnostic performance of sASGR1, Cathepsin V, and the systemic immune-inflammation index for coronary vulnerable plaques: A virtual histology-intravascular ultrasound analysis.

BACKGROUND: Coronary vulnerable plaques are closely associated with acute coronary events, and non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers are urgently needed due to the invasiveness of VH-IVUS. This study aimed to explore the value of sASGR1, Cathepsin V, and SII in identifying vulnerable plaques. METHODS: Based on coronary angiography and VH-IVUS, the 175 hospitalized patients admitted to the cardiology department were classified into a non-coronary heart disease (CHD) group and a CHD group (including a stable plaque group and a vulnerable plaque group). Baseline clinical, laboratory, CTSV, sASGR1, and SII data were compared among the groups. Multivariate logistic regression was used to screen independent predictors for vulnerable plaques, and ROC curves and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test were applied to assess diagnostic efficacy and model calibration. RESULTS: CTSV, sASGR1, and SII were significantly higher in the CHD group than in the non-CHD group (all p < 0.05). Univariate analysis in CHD patients showed that triglycerides, LDL-C, neutrophil count, monocyte count, CTSV, sASGR1, and inflammatory markers (SII, MHR, NHR) were significantly associated with vulnerable plaques (all p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that CTSV, sASGR1, and SII were independent risk factors for vulnerable plaques. The ROC curve revealed that the novel model (CTSV, sASGR1, and SII) yielded an AUC of 0.751 (95% CI: 0.665-0.837, P < 0.001), exhibiting superior diagnostic performance compared to any single indicator. Hosmer-Lemeshow test verified satisfactory model calibration (P = 0.941). CONCLUSION: CTSV, sASGR1, and SII are independent risk factors for coronary vulnerable plaques. Their combination achieves favorable diagnostic efficacy to facilitate risk stratification among CHD patients.