Plasma BNP Levels Research Articles

The association between alpha-1 antitrypsin and B-type natriuretic peptide blood levels in healthy African Americans

ObjectiveB-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a neurohormone primarily secreted from cardiac ventricles in reaction to increased volume and pressure. The plasma level of BNP is used to measure the mechanical function of the heart and the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) is a glycoprotein that acts as an inhibitor of serine proteases and plays a crucial role in protecting the lungs against potential harm. AAT deficiency also causes COPD. The data on the prevalence of BNP and AAT in African Americans (AA) are limited and inconsistent. No previous studies have investigated whether any association exists between BNP and AAT. We collected fasting blood samples from 114 AA subjects who provided informed consent. The plasma levels of the biomarkers were measured using ELISA.ResultsOur findings revealed a significant negative correlation between AAT and BNP (r=-0.266, p = 0.01) as well as between AAT and TNF-α (r=-0.242, p = 0.01). Sex hormones (estrogen and testosterone) have a significant relationship with the levels of AAT and BNP. Increasing the AAT and reducing the levels of inflammation can lower the levels of BNP, which in turn could help lower the risk of heart disease in the AA population.

Effectiveness of Vericiguat on right ventricle to pulmonary artery uncoupling associated with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

BackgroundsA soluble guanylyl cyclase stimulator vericiguat has been shown to reduce cardiovascular mortality or hospitalization for heart failure in patients with worsening heart failure in the VICTORIA study. However, little is known about the effects of vericiguat on biventricular structure and function. Methods and resultsA retrospective analysis of 63 consecutive patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) who were treated with vericiguat was performed. Clinical data and echocardiographic parameters were compared between baseline and follow-up after the initiation of vericiguat. The median follow-up duration was 266 days. Treatment with vericiguat significantly reduced the plasma BNP levels (log-transformed) compared to baseline (2.46 ± 0.51 vs. 2.14 ± 0.58, p < 0.0001). Left ventricular end-diastolic volume index and left ventricular end-systolic volume index were significantly reduced (LVEDVI, 113.5 ± 46.3 vs. 103.6 ± 51.0, p = 0.0056; LVESVI, 82.0 ± 41.9 vs. 72.8 ± 44.7, p = 0.0077; respectively). The tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion to pulmonary artery systolic pressure (TAPSE/PASP) ratio, an indicator of right ventricle-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) coupling, increased significantly after the treatment (0.56 ± 0.29 vs. 0.92 ± 1.09, p < 0.0001). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the treatment effects of vericiguat on BNP levels, LV reverse remodeling, and RV-PA coupling were not correlated with the achievement of the quadruple therapy with beta-blockers, renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, mineralocorticoid inhibitors, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, nor with worsening heart failure (WHF). ConclusionTreatment with vericiguat improved adverse LV remodeling and RV-PA uncoupling in HFrEF patients. These effects were independent of WHF and achieving the quadruple therapy. Patients with HFrEF may benefit from early initiation of vericiguat to prevent biventricular adverse remodeling.

Haemodynamic, hormonal and renal actions of osteocrin in normal sheep.

Osteocrin (OSTN) is an endogenous protein sharing structural similarities with the natriuretic peptides [NPs; atrial (ANP), B-type (BNP) and C-type (CNP) NP], which are hormones known for their crucial role in maintainingpressure/volume homeostasis. Osteocrin competes with the NPs for binding to the receptor involved in their clearance (NPR-C). In the present study, having identified, for the first time, the major circulating form of OSTN in human and ovine plasma, we examined the integrated haemodynamic, endocrine and renal effects of vehicle-controlled incremental infusions of ovine proOSTN (83-133) and its metabolism in eight conscious normal sheep. Incremental i.v. doses of OSTN produced stepwise increases in circulating concentrations of the peptide, and its metabolic clearance rate was inversely proportional to the dose. Osteocrin increased plasma levels of ANP, BNP and CNP in a dose-dependent manner, together with concentrations of their intracellular second messenger, cGMP. Increases in plasma cGMP were associated with progressive reductions in arterial pressure and central venous pressure. Plasma cAMP, renin and aldosterone were unchanged. Despite significant increases in urinary cGMP levels, OSTN administration was not associated with natriuresis or diuresis in normal sheep. These results support OSTN as an endogenous ligand for NPR-C in regulating plasma concentrations of NPs and associated cGMP-mediated bioactivity. Collectively, our findings support a role for OSTN in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis.

Arterial Stiffness Is an Important Predictor of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF)—The Effects of Phosphate Retention

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a major health concern. There is a growing recognition of the causal interplay between arterial stiffness and HFpEF. We recently reported that phosphate retention is a trigger for arterial stiffness. This study focuses on whether arterial stiffness due to phosphate retention could be a predictor for HFpEF. Methods: The subjects of this study were 158 patients (68 males and 90 females, mean age 74.8 ± 11.2). HFpEF was defined according to the guidelines of the ESC 2019. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) and central systolic blood pressure (CSBP) were used as markers for arterial stiffness and afterload, respectively. We measured serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) as a marker of phosphate retention. Results: The serum levels of FGF23 had a significant relationship with PWV. PWV had significant relationships with LV mass index, plasma BNP levels, and relative wall thickness, e′, and E/e′ (p &lt; 0.001, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that higher PWV values and hypertension were significant predictors for the dependent factor (HFpEF). Arterial stiffness amplified afterload, leading to LV concentric hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction. This study presents that arterial stiffness is a key predictor of HFpEF, and that phosphate retention is involved in the pathology of HFpEF.

Plasma microRNA-143 and microRNA-145 levels are elevated in patients with left ventricular dysfunction.

MicroRNA(miR)-143 and miR-145 are mainly expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells. However, the relationship between plasma miR-143 or miR-145 levels and the left ventricular (LV) function in patients with heart diseases remains unclear. Blood samples were taken from the antecubital vein in patients with heart diseases (n = 52), such as coronary artery disease, old myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, and valvular heart disease, and controls without heart diseases (n = 22). We measured plasma miR-143 and -145 levels by quantitative RT-PCR using TaqMan MicroRNA Assays and THUNDERBIRD Probe qPCR Mix. Plasma BNP levels were also measured. Echocardiography was performed to measure the LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and LV dilation. Plasma miR-143 and miR-145 levels were significantly higher in patients with heart diseases than in controls, respectively. Plasma miR-143 and miR-145 levels were significantly higher in patients with LVEF < 50% than in those with LVEF ≧ 50%, respectively. Plasma miR-143 and miR-145 levels were inversely correlated with LVEF, respectively. Plasma miR-143 and miR-145 levels were positively correlated with LV end-systolic dimension, respectively. Plasma miR-143 and -145 levels were positively correlated with plasma BNP levels, respectively. Plasma BNP levels were inversely correlated with LVEF. Plasma miR-143 and miR-145 levels are elevated in patients with LV dysfunction and may counteract LV dysfunction.

Association of depressive symptoms with cardiovascular events and plasma BNP: A prospective cohort study of the elderly Chinese population

ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and to evaluate the associations of mild and significant depressive symptoms with cardiovascular events and plasma BNP levels (which are surrogate endpoints for cardiovascular events) among older adults in a population-based study. MethodsA population-based prospective study of 1,432 elderly people (aged 70–84 years and without cardiovascular disease) was conducted, and the median duration of follow-up for participants with outcomes was 18 weeks. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). The hazard ratios (HRs) for the time to events and time to death were calculated using the Cox regression analysis. Multiple linear regression models and Spearman rank correlations were used to examine the association of depressive symptoms with Log BNP values. ResultsThe prevalence of mild (GDS-15 scores ≥ 6) and significant (GDS-15 scores ≥ 10) depressive symptoms were 7.3% and 2.0% at baseline, respectively. Older adults with significant depressive symptoms exhibited increased risks of time to death (HR: 12.56; 95% CI: 3.58–43.99) and composite cardiovascular endpoints (HR: 3.46; 95% CI: 1.19–3.75). Significant depressive symptoms were associated with Log BNP levels (β=0.56, P = 0.02). Depressive symptom scores were also associated with Log BNP levels (rs=0.21, P = 0.04) in the older adults with depressive symptoms. ConclusionsSignificant depressive symptoms were associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events and higher BNP levels in the elderly.

Flaxseed oil fraction reverses cardiac remodeling at a molecular level: improves cardiac function, decreases apoptosis, and suppresses miRNA-29b and miRNA 1 gene expression.

Flaxseed is an ancient commercial oil that historically has been used as a functional food to lower cholesterol levels. However, despite its longstanding treatment, there is currently a lack of scientific evidence to support its role in the management of cardiac remodeling. This study aimed to address this gap in knowledge by examining the molecular mechanism of standardized flaxseed oil in restoring cardiac remodeling in the heart toxicity vivo model. The oil fraction was purified, and the major components were standardized by qualitative and quantitative analysis. In vivo experimental design was conducted using isoproterenol ISO (85mg/kg) twice subcutaneously within 24h between each dose. The rats were treated with flaxseed oil fraction (100mg/kg orally) and the same dose was used for omega 3 supplement as a positive control group. The GC-MS analysis revealed that α-linolenic acid (24.6%), oleic acid (10.5%), glycerol oleate (9.0%) and 2,3-dihydroxypropyl elaidate (7%) are the major components of oil fraction. Physicochemical analysis indicated that the acidity percentage, saponification, peroxide, and iodine values were 0.43, 188.57, 1.22, and 122.34 respectively. As compared with healthy control, ISO group-induced changes in functional cardiac parameters. After 28-day pretreatment with flaxseed oil, the results indicated an improvement in cardiac function, a decrease in apoptosis, and simultaneous prevention of myocardial fibrosis. The plasma levels of BNP, NT-pro-BNP, endothelin-1, Lp-PLA2, and MMP2, and cTnI and cTn were significantly diminished, while a higher plasma level of Topo 2B was observed. Additionally, miRNA - 1 and 29b were significantly downregulated. These findings provide novel insight into the mechanism of flaxseed oil in restoring cardiac remodeling and support its future application as a cardioprotective against heart diseases.

Vascular endothelial growth factor-D plasma levels in fluid overload and cardiac function evaluation of elderly patients with cardiovascular disease.

This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) subtypes and growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) plasma levels in evaluating the fluid overload and cardiac function of elderly patients with cardiovascular disease. The plasma levels of VEGF-C, VEGF-D, and GDF-15 were measured using ELISA. Their correlations with N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-Pro BNP) and echocardiography data were analyzed. 1. Higher plasma levels of VEGF-D and GDF-15 were observed in elderly patients with cardiovascular disease and heart failure(P < .01). VEGF-D plasma levels were higher in patients with chronic heart failure than those with acute myocardial infarction (P < .01). VEGF-D plasma levels were positively correlated with amino-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) (P < .001). VEGF-D plasma levels were positively correlated with echocardiographic parameters, including left atrial diameter, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and left ventricular ejection fraction, in patients with cardiovascular disease (P < .01). 2. VEGF-C plasma levels were higher in acute myocardial infarction group (P < .05). The plasma levels of VEGF-C were not correlated with either VEGF-D or NT-pro BNP plasma levels. VEGF-C plasma levels had no correlation with echocardiographic parameters. 3. GDF-15 plasma levels were positively correlated with sera biomarkers of cardiac injury (creatine kinase isoenzyme MB and cardiac troponin I). GDF-15 plasma levels were positively correlated with urinary biomarkers of tubular injury (N-acetyl-β-galactosidase and α1-microglobulin). Both GDF-15 and NT-pro BNP plasma levels were correlated with age, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and nutritional biomarkers (albumin and hemoglobin plasma levels). VEGF-D plasma levels is a potential biomarker of fluid overload and cardiac function in elderly patients with cardiovascular disease. Age, nutrition, and kidney injury are factors influencing both GDF-15 and NT-pro BNP plasma levels in estimating cardiac function and fluid overload.

Effects of beta-blocker withdrawal in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

The primary chronic symptom of patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is severe exercise intolerance. The inability to adequately increase heart rate during exercise (chronotropic incompetence) is commonly present in HFpEF patients and contributes importantly to exercise intolerance in these patients. Since HFpEF patients often have cardiac comorbidities such as hypertension, coronary artery disease, and atrial fibrillation, beta-blockers are frequently prescribed for the treatment of these comorbidities. However, there is a concern that beta-blockers may worsen chronotropic incompetence by slowing heart rate in HFpEF patients and may further exacerbate their symptoms. There are several studies on the effects of beta-blocker withdrawal in HFpEF patients. We aim to perform the systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on the effects of beta-blocker withdrawal in HFpEF patients. This meta-analysis will include randomized controlled trials and prospective cohort studies on the effect of beta-blocker withdrawal in HFpEF patients. Information of studies will be collected from PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. The primary outcome will be peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2). The secondary outcome will be 6-minute walk distance. Other outcomes of interest will be health-related quality of life, plasma BNP levels, and cardiac structure and function. This systematic review and meta-analysis will evaluate whether beta-blocker withdrawal is beneficial for HFpEF patients, providing evidence regarding beta-blocker withdrawal in these patients. Systematic review registration: INPLASY202370066.

Metformin mitigates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity via the AMPK pathway

To explore whether metformin reduces cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin through the AMPK pathway. We analyzed the data of 123 patients with myeloid leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, or breast cancer receiving doxorubicin for phased chemotherapy, including 43 patients receiving combined treatment with metformin (test group) and 80 without metformin treatment (control group). The changes in plasma levels of CK-MB, LDH, and BNP, left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (FS) of the patients were observed. The effect of treatments with metformin and doxorubicin, alone or in combination, on myocardial damage, cardiac function and myocardial cell apoptosis were also observed in C57BL/6 mice with AMPKα2 gene knockout (AKO). CK-MB, LDH and BNP levels increased and EF and FS decreased significantly in the control group after chemotherapy (P<0.05). In the test group, CK-MB, LDH and BNP levels were significantly lowered after the combined treatment (P<0.05), while EF and FS did not undergo obvious changes (P>0.05). CK-MB, LDH and BNP levels were lower and EF and FS were higher significantly in the test group than in the control group after the treatment (P<0.05). Doxorubicin treatment reduced FS in both wild-type and AKO mice, but the reduction was less obvious in AKO group (P<0.05). The combined treatment restored FS in wild-type mice (P<0.05) but not in AKO mice. Doxorubicin significantly increased LDH and cTnI levels in both wild-type and AKO mice, but with smaller increments in the latter (P<0.05); The combined treatment with metformin reduced doxorubicin-induced elevation of LDH and cTnI levels in the wild-type mice (P<0.05) but not in AKO group (P>0.05). Doxorubicin increased myocardial cell apoptosis in both mice (P<0.01) but less strongly in AKO mice (P<0.05). Chemotherapy with doxorubicin causes cardiotoxicity, which can be mitigated by combined treatment with metformin possibly through a mechanism involving the AMPK pathway.

#2871 BRAIN NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE LEVEL IN CHRONIC EGYPTIAN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS: ITS RELATION TO VENTRICULAR FUNCTION AND VOLUME STATUS

Abstract Background and Aims Volume overload is major problem in chronic hemodialysis patient and BNP level is related to volume status of the patient . Aims To assess BNP level in hemodialysis patient before and after HD session and to study its role as a marker for volume overload in hemodialysis patient depending on clinical findings and echocardiography parametershemodialysis. Method The study was conducted on 50 patients of Nephrology and hemodialysis unit, Mansoura University Hospital. Our patients were classified according to left ventricular mass index (LVMI) into patients with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH)(35 patients) and patients without LVH (15 patients). We classified our patients into another two groups according to predialysis BNP level to group with BNP level˃100pg/ml(33 patients) which was associated with cardiac dysfunction and group with BNP level˂100pg/ml (17 patients). Results In the present study, the median of pre-dialysis BNP level was 126 pg/ml and the median of post- dialysis BNP was 25 pg/ml, this demonstrate that BNP plasma level decline after the hemodialysis session. Among The studied patients, the mean of predialysis systolic BP in patients with high BNP level ˃100 pg/ml is (155.65) higher than patients with low BNP level˂100 pg/ml . The incidence of lower limb edema, congested neck veins and chest crepitations was high in the group with BNP level (˃100 pg/ml) when compared with BNP level (&amp;lt;100 pg/ml). In the present study, according to ROC curve, predialysis BNP level may be a marker for lower limb edema with cutoff point (140.8) pg/ml with (85%) sensitivity and (77%) specificity and shows that the best cutoff point of predialysis BNP level in prediction of neck veins is (40.4) pg/ml with (94%) sensitivity and(28%) specificity and shows that the best cutoff point of predialysis BNP level in prediction of chest crepitation is (42.8) with (82%) sensitivity and (30%) specificity . Conclusion In Egyptian hempodialysis patients, there is a negative correlation between BNP predialysis and weight pre and post dialysis.There is significant correlation between BNP postdialysis and systoilc BP predialysis, RVD and COP. There is signifcant correlation between delta BNP and systoilc BP predialysis and ultrafiltration volume.

DIETARY SODIUM RESTRICTION REDUCES NOCTURNAL BLOOD PRESSURE IN PATIENTS WITH TREATMENT RESISTANT HYPERTENSION

Objective: Patients with treatment resistant hypertension (TRH) are characterised by lack of blood pressure (BP) control despite antihypertensive treatment. They are at particular risk of cardiovascular disease and more likely to experience BP increase as a response to sodium loading than other individuals. In this study, we aimed to analyse if self-performed dietary sodium restriction could be implemented in patients with TRH. Moreover, we aimed to analyse the effect of this on nocturnal and 24h BP, and how BP changes were correlated to changes in plasma levels of BNP, nitric oxide and body water content. Design and method: The study was conducted as an interventional cross-over study including patients with TRH from 20-70 years. Patients were screened with 24h ambulatory BP monitoring initiated after observed intake of usual antihypertensive medication. They were included if 24h systolic BP&gt;130/80 mmHg. Study participation included two periods of 14 days; a standard period with usual diet and an interventional period with instructed dietary sodium restriction and handed-out sodium-free bread. At the end of each period, patients were examined with 24h BP monitoring, 24h urine collection (sodium excretion), blood samples (nitric oxide, BNP), and bioimpedance measurement (body water content). Results: Participation was completed by 15 patients with mean age 59 years and mean 24h BP 144/82 mmHg. Mean baseline urinary sodium excretion was 192(86) mmol/24h (11.2 grams of salt). As seen in Table 1, sodium excretion was reduced to 91 mmol/24h equalling 5.3 grams of salt. BP levels were reduced significantly. Plasma levels of nitric oxide increased significantly, and this was correlated to the change in 24h BP. Total body water content and plasma levels of BNP was reduced significantly. The changes in BP were not correlated to changes in sodium excretion, body water or BNP. Conclusions: Self-performed dietary sodium restriction could be implemented resulting in a significant reduction in BP levels. BP change was not related to changes in body water or sodium excretion. Increased levels of nitric oxide may be evidence of improved endothelial function and may be one of the involved mechanisms in BP decrease following sodium restriction

Clinical observation of Qiliqiangxin capsule combined with recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide in patients with acute heart failure

Objective: To observe the clinical effect of Qiliqiangxin capsule combined with recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide in acute left heart failure patients 7 days after onset as well as the effects of plasma MDA and ET-1. Methods: In total, 240 hospitalized patients with acute left heart failure from October 2017 to May 2021 were selected from the Department of Emergency and Critical Care Center of Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University and the Department of Cardiology of the Jilin Provincial People's Hospital. They were randomly divided into routine treatment group and combined treatment group, with 120 cases in each group. The routine treatment group was treated with vasodilation, diuresis, cardiotonic and recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide. The combined treatment group was treated with Qiliqiangxin capsules based on the routine treatment group. One week later, the changes in clinical efficacy, ejection fraction, left ventricular commoid diameter, and plasma BNP, MDA, and ET-1 were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. SPSS 11.5 statistical software was used. The measurement data was expressed in x¯±s, the independent sample t-test was used for comparison between groups, and the paired t-test was used for comparison before and after treatment within groups. Counting data was expressed as case (%), and the rank sum test was used for inter-group comparison. Result: In terms of clinical efficacy, the total effective rate of the combined treatment group was significantly higher than that of the conventional treatment group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Compared with the routine treatment group, the left ventricular ejection fraction in the combined treatment group was significantly increased (P<0.05). The levels of plasma BNP, MDA and ET-1 were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Conclusion: Qiliqiangxin capsule combined with rhBNP treatment can effectively improve the clinical symptoms of acute heart failure, as well as reduce the lipid peroxidation product MDA content and endothetin ET-1 level in blood. The clinical application value of the Qiliqiangxin capsule needs to be further confirmed by further trials.

Retracted: Levels of Serum IGF-1, HCY, and Plasma BNP in Patients with Chronic Congestive Heart Failure and Their Relationship with Cardiac Function and Short-Term Prognosis.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2022/4118976.].

The role of 3D speckle tracking echocardiography in the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea and its severity

There is a consistent relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cardiovascular diseases. It is already recognized that OSA may influence the geometry and function of the right ventricle (RV). This has encouraged the development of echocardiographic evaluation for screening of OSA and its severity. Three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3D STE) is in assumption better, compared with 2D STE, because it overcomes the standard 2D echo limitations. Thus, the purpose of our study is to evaluate whether 3D STE measurements, could predict the positive diagnosis and severity of OSA. We enrolled 69 patients with OSA and 37 healthy volunteers who underwent a cardiorespiratory sleep study. 2DE was performed in all patients. RVEF and 3D RVGLS were measured by 3DSTE. NT pro BNP plasma level was also assessed in all participants. 3D RV GLS (− 13.5% vs. − 22.3%, p < 0.001) and 3D RVEF (31.9% vs. 50%, p < 0.001) were reduced in patients with OSA, compared with normal individuals. 3D Strain parameters showed better correlation to standard 2D variables, than 3D RVEF. Except for NT pro BNP (p = 0.059), all parameters served to distinguish between severe and mild-moderate cases of OSA. 3D STE may be a reliable and accurate method for predicting OSA. Consequently, 3D RV GLS is a good tool of assessing the RV global function in OSA, because it correlates well with other established measurements of RV systolic function. Furthermore, 3D RV GLS was a precise parameter in identifying severe cases of OSA, while NT pro BNP showed no association.

Influence of fasting plasma glucose-lowering rate on BNP levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with coronary microcirculation dysfunction.

The aim was to analyze the influence of fasting plasma glucose-lowering rate (FPGLR) on plasma BNP levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with coronary microcirculation dysfunction (CMD) and to determine the optimal FPGLR for these patients. A total of 170 T2DM patients who received intensive glucose-lowering therapy during hospitalization in the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University were enrolled. Ninety-two patients with CMD and 78 patients without CMD were assigned to a study and a control group, respectively. The study group was stratified as S1 (4.1 ~ 6.0mmol·L-1·day-1), S2 (2.1 ~ 4.0mmol·L-1·day-1), and S3 (≤ 2.0mmol·L-1·day-1) by different FPGLR, and the same in the control group (C1, C2, and C3). The plasma BNP levels with the same FPGLR were compared between the study and the control group, and patients with a different FPGLR in the study group were also compared. In the study and the control group, the BNP level in S1 was significantly higher than that in C1 (87 vs. 12pg/ml, P < 0.001), although there was no significant difference between S2 and C2, S3 and C3. In the study group, the BNP level in S1 was significantly higher than that in S2 (87 vs. 22pg/ml, P < 0.001) and S3 (87 vs. 15pg/ml, P < 0.001), but there was no significant difference between S2 and S3. Rapid intensive glucose-lowering may lead to increased plasma BNP levels in T2DM patients with CMD. Optimal FPGLR for these patients was determined to be no more than 4.0mmol·L-1·day-1.

Plasma thrombomodulin levels are associated with acute kidney injury in patients with acute heart failure

Cardiorenal syndrome type I (CRS I) is defined as the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) following acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). The clinical significance of endothelial markers in ADHF-associated AKI has yet to be clarified. This study therefore investigated the biological processes linking ADHF and AKI with the aim of determining whether the plasma markers of endothelial injury and activation are associated with AKI in patients with ADHF. The study prospectively recruited 125 consecutive patients admitted to a coronary critical unit due to ADHF. Patients with and without AKI were compared in terms of soluble thrombomodulin (sTM), angiopoietin (Ang)-1 and −2 plasma levels as well as baseline characteristics. Among the study population, 14 (11.2%) patients developed CRS within 7 days after admission. The hemoglobin levels (median [IQR]11.3[10.8–12.6] vs. 13.5 [12.2–15.0] g/dL, p = 0.003) and baseline eGFR (66.5[35.7–87.9] vs. 78.5 [64.9–107.5] mL/minute/1.73m2, p = 0.044) of patients with CRS were lower than those of patients without CRS. Patients with CRS also presented elevated plasma levels of BNP (1317.5 [222.6–3375.5] vs. 258.2 [63.2–925.8] pg/mL, p = 0.008), Ang-2 (3993.0 [1561.3–15722.7] vs. 1805.9 [1196.9–3302.3] pg/mL, p = 0.006), and sTM (6665.7 [4707.1–11947.3] vs. 4132.2 [3338.0–5531.8] ng/mL, p < 0.001), compared to patients without CRS. Multivariate logistic regression analysis based on forward stepwise method identified that log sTM was the only independent risk factor for AKI (OR, 13.83; 3.02–63.28, p = 0.001). Furthermore, higher sTM levels were associated with AKI in patients with ADHF. These findings suggest a novel approach to dealing with kidney injury in the context of ADHF, involving the use of baseline biomarker profiles to identify individuals at risk of developing AKI. KEY MESSAGES The clinical significance of endothelial markers in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF)-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) has not previously been clarified. This study revealed that markers of endothelial injury (i.e. plasma soluble thrombomodulin (sTM) levels) were higher in ADHF patients with AKI than in those without AKI. Multivariate analysis identified sTM level > cutoff value of 4,855.2 pg/mL as an independent factor associated with the development of AKI. sTM could potentially be used as a biomarker to predict the development of AKI in patients with heart failure. These findings suggest a novel approach to dealing with kidney injury in the context of ADHF, involving the use of baseline biomarker profiles to identify individuals at risk of developing AKI.

Abstract 13130: Impact of Midregional N-Terminal Pro-Atrial Natriuretic Peptide, Soluble Suppression of Tumorigenicity 2 and Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels on Heart Rhythm in Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Treated by Electrical Cardioversion: The Biorhythm 2 Study

Introduction: We assessed the impact of plasma levels of MRproANP, sST2 and BNP on the maintenance of sinus rhythm at one year after a successful electrical cardioversion of atrial fibrillation. Methods: Prospective, multicenter, observational study including patients undergoing electrical cardioversion of persistent AF. MRproANP, sST2 and BNP were measured in peripheral venous blood before cardioversion. Primary endpoint was recurrent AF detected during the 12 month follow-up, defined as ECG showing AF, or any AF episode lasting &gt;30 seconds on 24 hour Holter monitoring. Results: We included 61 patients from 12/2017 to 03/2019. Average was 67.4±7.8 years, 46 were males (75.4%). Sinus rhythm was restored in 51 patients (83.6%). In these 51 patients, plasma concentrations of MRproANP were significantly higher among patients with recurrent AF at 12 months than among those in sinus rhythm (314.45 [210.90-342.50] vs 214.50 [138.97-264.72] pmol/L, p&lt;0.01). There was no difference between groups in terms of sST2 and BNP concentrations. ROC curve analysis identified an MRproANP threshold of 311.5pmol/L as having the best predictive value for recurrent AF at 12 months. By multivariable analysis, MRproANP &gt;311.5 pmol/L was found to be the sole predictor of AF recurrence (odds ratio 13.57; 95% CI, 2.01-91.54), and identified subjects at very high risk of recurrence (positive predictive value=83.3%). Conclusion: Elevated MRproANP level independently predicts recurrent AF, whereas sST2 and BNP levels do not appear to have any prognostic value in assessing the risk of recurrence of AF at one year after successful electrical cardioversion.

Dapagliflozin Inhibits Ventricular Remodeling in Heart Failure Rats by Activating Autophagy through AMPK/mTOR Pathway.

Objective Heart failure (HF) is the end stage of heart disease caused by various factors which mainly involves ventricular remodeling (VR). In HF patients with reduced ejection fraction, dapagliflozin (DAPA) reduced the risk of worsening HF or cardiovascular death. Thus, we attempted to clarify the specific role of DAPA underlying HF progression. Methods The HF rat model was established to mimic characteristics of HF in vivo. HE staining assessed histopathological changes in left ventricular myocardial tissue of rats in each group. ELISA measured plasma ANP and BNP levels of rats in each group. M-mode echocardiography detected cardiac function of rats in each group. TUNEL staining detected apoptosis of infarct margin cells in myocardial tissue of rats in each group. Western blot detected levels of apoptosis-related proteins, autophagy-related proteins, and AMPK/mTOR-related proteins in myocardial tissue of rats in each group. Immunohistochemical staining detected caspase-3 or LC3B level in myocardial tissue of rats in each group. The HF cellular model was established to mimic characteristics of HF in vitro. Flow cytometry detected H9C2 cell apoptosis under different conditions. Western blot detected levels of apoptosis-related proteins, autophagy-related proteins, and AMPK/mTOR-related proteins in H9C2 cells under different conditions. Immunofluorescence detected caspase-3 or LC3B level in H9C2 cells under different conditions. Results DAPA attenuated left VR and improved cardiac function in HF rats. DAPA attenuated cardiomyocyte apoptosis in HF rats. DAPA facilitated cardiomyocyte autophagy in HF rats via the AMPK/mTOR pathway. DAPA repressed hypoxia-induced H9C2 cell apoptosis by facilitating autophagy. DAPA repressed hypoxia-induced H9C2 cell apoptosis via the AMPK/mTOR pathway. Conclusion DAPA suppresses ventricular remodeling in HF through activating autophagy via AMPK/mTOR pathway, which provides a potential novel insight for seeking therapeutic plans of HF.

Brain-type natriuretic peptide levels and invasive hemodynamic parameters in dialysis dependent patients

BackgroundPulmonary hypertension (PH) is associated with increased mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The prevalence of PH within ESRD as measured by right heart catheterization (RHC) is poorly described, and the correlation of BNP to pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) is unknown. MethodsThe renal transplant database at our center was used to identify adult ESRD patients from July 2013 to July 2015 who had a plasma BNP level measurement and invasive hemodynamic assessment by RHC within a 1-month period. Pulmonary hypertension was defined as a mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) ≥ 25 mmHg. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to identify correlations between BNP and RHC parameters. To estimate the utility of BNP in the screening of PH, a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated. ResultsEighty-eight patients were included in the study of which 43 had PH. Compared to patients without PH, BNP was significantly higher within the PH cohort (1619 ± 2602 pg/ml vs. 352 ± 491 pg/ml). A statistically significant association (r [86] = 0.60, p<0.001) between plasma BNP and mean PAP was identified. ROC curve indicated an acceptable predictive value of BNP in PH with a c-statistic of 0.800 (95% CI 0.708 – 0.892). ConclusionsIn ESRD patients being considered for renal transplantation, PH is highly prevalent and BNP levels are elevated and significantly correlated with higher PAP. BNP may be a useful non-invasive marker of PH in these patients.