COVID-19 Linked to Increased Risk of Acute Coronary Syndrome

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at Peking University Third Hospital have conducted a study to determine the role of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) as biomarkers for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) following COVID-19 infection. The study involved analyzing genome-wide 5hmC profiles from plasma cfDNA in three cohorts: ACS patients without prior COVID-19 infection (ACS, n = 16), patients experiencing ACS within 2 months post-COVID-19 (ACS2N, n = 24), and patients experiencing ACS beyond 2 months post-COVID-19 (ACS2W, n = 28). The study found that plasma cfDNA 5hmC markers can distinguish ACS occurring shortly after COVID-19 infection (ACS2N) from ACS without prior infection. The researchers identified phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D) as a potential key mediator and suggested that recent COVID-19 infection may contribute to ACS onset by abnormally upregulating PDE4D expression.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study investigated the role of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) as biomarkers for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) following COVID-19 infection.
  • The study involved analyzing genome-wide 5hmC profiles from plasma cfDNA in three cohorts: ACS patients without prior COVID-19 infection (ACS, n = 16), patients experiencing ACS within 2 months post-COVID-19 (ACS2N, n = 24), and patients experiencing ACS beyond 2 months post-COVID-19 (ACS2W, n = 28).
  • The study found that plasma cfDNA 5hmC markers can distinguish ACS occurring shortly after COVID-19 infection (ACS2N) from ACS without prior infection.
  • The researchers identified abnormal neutrophil activation specifically in the ACS2N group.
  • Phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D) was identified as a key hub gene and was highly expressed in the ACS2N group, suggesting a potential key mediator in the development of ACS following COVID-19 infection.
  • The study suggests that recent COVID-19 infection may contribute to ACS onset by abnormally upregulating PDE4D expression.
  • The researchers propose 5hmC signatures and PDE4D as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for post-COVID ACS.

Statistics:

  • 16 patients with ACS without prior COVID-19 infection (ACS group)
  • 24 patients with ACS within 2 months post-COVID-19 (ACS2N group)
  • 28 patients with ACS beyond 2 months post-COVID-19 (ACS2W group)
  • 5hmC profiles were generated from plasma cfDNA using the 5hmC-Seal technique
  • Significant differences in 5hmC profiles were identified between ACS2N and ACS patients (p-value not specified)
  • Abnormal neutrophil activation was observed specifically in the ACS2N group
  • PDE4D was identified as a key hub gene and was highly expressed in the ACS2N group (p-value not specified)
  • The study highlights 5hmC signatures and PDE4D as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for post-COVID ACS

Sources:

  • International Journal of Cardiology Heart & Vasculature, 2025;60:101727.
  • NewsRx. Researchers at Peking University Third Hospital Report New Data on COVID-19 (5-Hydroxymethylcytosine signatures in cell-free DNA as biomarkers for distinguishing acute coronary syndrome following COVID-19 infection and its association with ...). Heart Disease Weekly. August 31, 2025; p 218.