The Reduction of COMP Serves as a Predictor for Warning of Aortic Dissection Progression

Thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) is a life-threatening cardiovascular disease that is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The prevailing challenge in TAD monitoring and diagnosis is the lack of novel biomarkers. A significant and sustained reduction in plasma cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) levels was observed through a case control analysis conducted in 362 TAD patients and 136 controls. The protective role of COMP was assessed in two TAD mouse models. These data suggested that a decreased plasma COMP level might serve as a novel biomarker for TAD progression and COMP could suppress the development of TAD and ameliorate vascular pathogenesis.