PubMed Abstract PMID: 15159228
Full Title: Low Plasma Vitamin B-6 Concentrations and Modulation of Coronary Artery Disease Risk
This abstract also posted in the files section of the K9Kitchen discussion group.

Monica's Comments
This study found that low amounts of PLP (found in the vitamin B-6) in blood plasma indicates the presence of inflammation and possible coronary artery disease, especially if other known markers are present as well.

This study DOES NOT mean that B vitamins will make coronary disease go away. The main message is that PLP is one of several markers in the blood stream that indicate the presence of inflammation and possible coronary disease. A low PLP value indicates trouble.

Originally published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, November, 2005. The full study is posted at ajcn.org for $8.00 for two days access from a single computer.

The Abstract
BACKGROUND
Low concentrations of pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (PLP), the active metabolite of vitamin B-6, are associated with high C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations. Both low PLP and elevated inflammatory markers, such as high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) and fibrinogen, are related to higher risk of coronary artery disease (CAD).

OBJECTIVES
The objectives were to evaluate the relation between PLP and acute-phase reactants in affecting CAD risk and to estimate the risk of CAD related to low plasma PLP, either alone or in combination with high concentrations of acute-phase reactants and other classic risk factors for CAD.

DESIGN
A case-control study was conducted with 742 participants: 475 with severe multivessel CAD and 267 free from coronary atherosclerosis (CAD-free). We measured plasma PLP, fibrinogen, hs-CRP, and serum lipid concentrations and all major biochemical CAD risk factors, including total homocysteine.

RESULTS
A significant, inverse, graded relation was observed between PLP and both hs-CRP and fibrinogen (P < 0.001). The prevalence of PLP concentrations in the lower half of the population (<50th percentile: 36.3 nmol/L) was significantly higher among CAD patients than among CAD-free subjects (P < 0.001). The odds ratio for CAD risk related to low PLP concentrations after adjustments for the major classic CAD risk factors, including hs-CRP and fibrinogen, was 1.89 (95% CI: 1.18, 3.03; P = 0.008). The CAD risk as a result of low PLP was additive when considered in combination with elevated hs-CRP concentrations or with an increased ratio of LDL to HDL.

CONCLUSION
Low plasma PLP concentrations are inversely related to major markers of inflammation and independently associated with increased CAD risk.

Study Authors
Friso S, Girelli D, Martinelli N, Olivieri O, Lotto V, Bozzini C, Pizzolo F, Faccini G, Beltrame F, Corrocher R.; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine,University of Verona School of Medicine, Verona, Italy

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