Serum level of pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) is an independent determinant of resting heart rate in Japanese subjects

We have recently found that serum level of pigment epithelium derived factor (PEDF) is significantly increased in proportion to the accumulation of the number of the components of the metabolic syndrome. Although high heart rate is also associated with metabolic risk factors for atherosclerosis, the correlation between serum level of PEDF and resting heart rate remains to be elucidated. In this study, we examined their relationship in Japanese outpatients. Four hundred two consecutive outpatients at Nakamura Clinic (141 male and 261 female; mean age 74.9 ± 9.9) underwent a complete history and physical examination, determination of blood chemistries and PEDF levels. In multiple regression analysis, smoking (p = 0.003), use of β-blockers (p = 0.010, inversely), presence of atrial fibrillation (p = 0.014), PEDF (p = 0.018) and glucose levels (p = 0.033) were independently correlated to resting heart rate. Further, when mean serum PEDF levels were stratified by resting heart rates, a linear and significant trend (p = 0.025) was observed. The present study demonstrated for the first time that serum level of PEDF was one of the independent determinants of resting heart rate in Japanese outpatients. PEDF may play some role in sympathetic nerve activity.