Myocardial remodeling is pivotal in the progression and complication of chronic heart failure (HF). We assessed serial measurement of five biomarkers with biologic links to remodeling (biglycan, secreted frizzled-related protein 3, endostatin, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 [IGFBP7], mimecan) in 142 patients with HF followed through 882 office visits. IGFBP7 and mimecan were most associated with events; in fully adjusted models, lower IGFBP7 concentrations across visits independently predicted fewer events (odds ratio [OR] = 0.83; 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 0.73-0.95, p = 0.01). Subjects with rising mimecan had greater decrease in left ventricular end diastolic (p = 0.07) and systolic (p = 0.01) volumes, greater increase in ejection fraction (p = 0.02), and had lowest event rates. Statistical models suggested several HF medications might lead to changes in both IGFBP7 and mimecan values. The results suggest serial measurement of IGFBP7 provides prognostic information, while changes in mimecan provide unique information regarding myocardial remodeling.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00351390.