Plasma NT-proBNP Levels Research Articles

Prediction of cardiovascular events in statin-treated stable coronary patients of the treating to new targets randomized controlled trial by lipid and non-lipid biomarkers.

Several plasma non-lipid biomarkers have been shown to predict major cardiovascular events (MCVEs) in population studies. Our objective was to investigate the relationship between lipid and non-lipid biomarkers levels achieved during statin therapy and the incidence of MCVEs in patients with stable coronary heart disease (CHD). We conducted a substudy of the TNT (Treating to New Targets) study, which was a randomized trial that compared the efficacy of high (80 mg) versus low (10 mg) dose atorvastatin for the secondary prevention of CHD. Fasting plasma levels of standard lipids and of 18 non-lipid biomarkers were obtained after an 8-week run-in period on atorvastatin 10 mg in 157 patients who experienced MCVEs during the 4.9 years of study follow-up and in 1349 controls. MCVE was defined as CHD death, nonfatal, non-procedure-related myocardial infarction, resuscitated cardiac arrest, and fatal or nonfatal stroke. After adjusting for age, sex and treatment arm, plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), insulin, neopterin, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], and the soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) were predictive of recurrent MCVEs (P≤0.02 for each doubling of plasma concentration). However, no significant association was observed between the risk of recurrent MCVEs and plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, adiponectin, cystatin C, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2, monocyte chemotactic protein-1, matrix metalloproteinase-9, myeloperoxidase, osteopontin, soluble CD40 ligand, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, or soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. After further adjustment for diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and BMI, the relationship between hsCRP, insulin and MCVE were no longer significant, while the relationship between Lp(a), neopterin, NT-proBNP and sRAGE and MCVE remained statistically significant. In conclusion, in patients with CHD treated with atorvastatin, plasma levels of Lp(a), neopterin, NT-proBNP, and sRAGE are associated with the risk of recurrent MCVEs.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT00327691.

Abstract 11460: Chronic Intermittent Low Level Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation of the Auricular Branch of the Vagus Nerve Improves Left Ventricular Remodeling in Conscious Dogs With Healed Myocardial Infarction

Introduction: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) attenuates left ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI) by improving the imbalance of autonomic nervous system. Our previous study found Low-level tragus stimulation (LL-TS) had the same antiarrhythmic effects as VNS by regulation of the autonomic nervous system. Hypothesis: Chronic intermittent LL-TS could attenuate left ventricular remodeling in conscious dogs with healed myocardial infarction. Methods: Thirty beagle dogs were randomly divided into three groups. LL-TS group (n=10) and MI group (n=10) underwent left anterior descending coronary artery and all major diagonal branches ligation to introduce MI under general anesthesia. Control group (n=10) underwent sham surgery. Auricular vagus nerve stimulation (frequency 20Hz, pulse width 1ms) with duty cycle of 5s on and 5s off was delivered to the bilateral tragus in external auditory canal with ear-clips connected to a custom-made stimulator. The voltage slowing sinus rate was used as the threshold for setting LL-TS at 80% below that. The actual voltage of stimulation was in the range of 16 to 24V that did not cause any heart rate changes. LL-TS group was given four hours of LL-TS at 7-9AM and 4-6PM on conscious dogs from the day of MI introduction to the end of 90-day follow-up, MI group and control group were given no stimulations. Results: At the end of 90-days follow-up LL-TS group significantly reduced left ventricular dilatation, improve left ventricular contractile and diastolic function, reduced mean infarct size by about 50% compared with MI group. Also LL-TS treatment alleviated cardiac fibrosis around infarction border and significantly decreased protein level of collagen I, collagen III, TGF-β1, MMP-9 in noninfarcted left ventricular free wall tissue after MI. Moreover, the plasma level of hs-CRP, NE and NT-proBNP in LL-TS group was significantly lower than MI group from the 7th day to the end of follow-up. Conclusions: Chronic intermittent low-level transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve can attenuate left ventricular remodeling and improve cardiac function in conscious dogs with healed myocardial infarction.

Neurohumoral improvement and torsional dynamics in patients with heart failure after treatment with levosimendan

BackgroundLevosimendan improves clinical and hemodynamic parameters exerting an anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effect in decompensated heart failure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of levosimendan on LV torsion, plasma levels of NT-proBNP and on the balance between pro-inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-6) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10). MethodsWe enrolled 24 patients (age 62±7years) with acute HF, NYHA class IV and severe LV dysfunction. All patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography using two-dimensional speckle tracking analysis to detect LV twist angle (LVTA), at baseline and 1week after treatment with levosimendan infusion. Biochemical parameters (pro-BNP, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA). ResultsAfter one week, we observed an improvement in LV function especially in LVTA (4.15±2.54 vs 2.9±2.1 p<0.01), in LV ejection fraction (27.3±8.04 vs 21.6±6.8 p=0.03) and also a significant reduction in BNP levels (1844±560 vs 4713±1050, p=0.03). The multiple linear regression analysis showed a significant relation between a reduction of TNF α/IL-10 ratio (Δ>20%) and BNP (Δ>40%), LVEF (Δ>10%) and LVTA (Δ>20%) (O.R. 1.77, 95% C.I. 1.11–2.83; O.R. 1.49, 95% C.I. 1.08–2.67; O.R. 1.66, 95% C.I. 1.10–2.74, respectively, confirmed p, all <0.01 by Hosmer–Lemeshov confirmation and the formal test for interaction). ConclusionsLevosimendan exerts a hemodynamic effect by improving EF and LV torsion in patients with acute HF in association with a positive effect on the balance between pro and anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Deficiency of filamin A in endothelial cells impairs left ventricular remodelling after myocardial infarction.

Actin-binding protein filamin A (FLNA) regulates signal transduction important for cell locomotion, but the role of FLNA after myocardial infarction (MI) has not been explored. The main purpose of this study was to determine the impact of endothelial deletion of FLNA on post-MI remodelling of the left ventricle (LV). We found that FLNA is expressed in human and mouse endothelial cells (ECs) during MI. To determine the biological significance of endothelial expression of FLNA, we used mice that are deficient for endothelial FLNA by cross-breeding adult mice expressing floxed Flna (Flna(o/fl)) with mice expressing Cre under the vascular endothelial-specific cadherin promoter (VECadCre+). Male Flna(o/fl) and Flna(o/fl)/VECadCre+ mice were subjected to permanent coronary artery ligation to induce MI. Flna(o/fl)/VECadCre+ mice that were deficient for endothelial FLNA exhibited larger and thinner LV with impaired cardiac function as well as elevated plasma levels of NT-proBNP and decreased secretion of VEGF-A. The number of capillary structures within the infarcted areas was reduced in Flna(o/fl)/VECadCre+ hearts. ECs silenced for Flna mRNA expression exhibited impaired tubular formation and migration, secreted less VEGF-A, and produced lower levels of phosphorylated AKT and ERK1/2 as well as active RAC1. Deletion of FLNA in ECs aggravated MI-induced LV dysfunction and cardiac failure as a result of defective endothelial response and increased scar formation by impaired endothelial function and signalling.

The “Wagshurst study”: p.Val40Ile transthyretin gene variant causes late-onset cardiomyopathy

Background: Transthyretin-related amyloidosis (ATTR) is characterized by a wide heterogeneity of genotypes and predominantly neurological and cardiac phenotypes. This study aims to characterize a cohort of patients with the rare transthyretin (TTR) Val20Ile (p.TTRVal40Ile) variant.Methods and results: This study comprises a single-center cohort of 59 individuals subsequently evaluated for TTRVal20Ile variant due to clinical (n = 13) or predictive (n = 46) reasons. All patients were mainly related to Wagshurst, a small village in the South of Germany. Clinical assessment was performed by neurological evaluation, echocardiography, electrocardiography, cardiac biomarkers, cardiac MRI (n = 13), and 99mTc-DPD scintigraphy (n = 16). The rare TTRVal20Ile variant was found in 41 patients; evidence of cardiac amyloidosis was present in 22 patients. Evidence of pulmonary involvement was obtained by 99mTc-DPD scintigraphy in eight patients. No further organ involvement was observed in any of the patients carrying TTRVal20Ile variant. Correlation of inter-ventricular septum thickness as well as decrease of left ventricular longitudinal contractility with age was observed. Moreover, thickness of inter-ventricular septum correlated with NT-proBNP plasma levels and decrease in mitral annular plane systolic excursion. Cardiac manifestation started during the early sixth life decade indicated by higher left ventricular septum thickness and NT-proBNP plasma levels as compared to patients in fifth decade of life. All patients of the seventh and eighth life decade (n = 10) presented with cardiac amyloidosis. During median follow-up of 26 (0–108) months, eight patients underwent heart transplantation with 1-year mortality rate of 25%.Conclusions: This large cohort of individuals carrying the TTRVal20Ile mutation reveals a predominantly cardiac phenotype with high penetrance and late onset of symptoms. Cardiac manifestation progressed to end-stage heart failure within a few years, finally requiring heart transplantation with promising long-term survival rates.

GW25-e0737 The influence of depressive symptoms on plasma levels of soluble ST2, NT-pro BNP and ghrelin in patients with systolic heart failure

GW25-e0737 The influence of depressive symptoms on plasma levels of soluble ST2, NT-pro BNP and ghrelin in patients with systolic heart failure

GW25-e3420 Plasma NT pro-BNP, hs-CRP and big-ET levels at admission as prognostic markers of survival in hospitalized patients with dilated cardiomyopathy: a single-center cohort study

Circulating N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT pro-BNP), high- sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and big endothelin (big-ET) have been shown to be increased in heart failure and to contribute to both hemodynamic deterioration and cardiovascular remodeling. Here, we examined the

GW25-e5320 The correlation of plasma Gal-3 and NT-ProBNP level with the left ventricular structure and function

GW25-e5320 The correlation of plasma Gal-3 and NT-ProBNP level with the left ventricular structure and function

N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Is Inversely Associated With Metabolic Syndrome in Hypertensive Patients

BackgroundIt has been shown that metabolic syndrome is associated with lower levels of plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (Nt-proBNP) in the general population. However, there is no study about the association between Nt-proBNP and metabolic syndrome in hypertensive patients. AimTo elucidate the relationship between Nt-proBNP and components of metabolic syndrome in hypertensive patients. MethodsFasting blood samples were obtained from 74 hypertensive patients in our institution. Plasma levels of Nt-proBNP and other biochemical data were measured. Metabolic syndrome and its components were defined using diagnostic criteria from the International Diabetes Federation. ResultsForty-four hypertensive patients met the criteria for metabolic syndrome. We found that plasma Nt-proBNP levels were lower in hypertensive patients with metabolic syndrome attributable to inverse relationships between Nt-proBNP and albumin, triglyceride, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and pancreatic β-cell function (HOMA-β). We further performed a multivariable linear regression analysis. The result showed that HOMA-IR is the independent predictor of plasma Nt-proBNP levels in hypertensive patients. ConclusionsPlasma Nt-proBNP levels are inversely associated with metabolic syndrome in hypertensive patients. HOMA-IR is the independent predictor of Nt-proBNP in hypertensive patients.

Impacto de los niveles plasmáticos de pro-péptido natriurético tipo B aminoterminal, proteína quimiotáctica de monocitos-1 y galectina 3 en la capacidad predictiva de eventos de la escala clínica LIPID en la enfermedad coronaria estable

IntroductionAt present, there is no tool validated by scientific societies for risk stratification of patients with stable coronary artery disease (SCAD). It has been shown that plasma levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), galectin-3 and pro-B-type natriuretic peptide amino-terminal (NT-proBNP) have prognostic value in this population. ObjetiveTo analyze the prognostic value of a clinical risk scale published in Long-term Intervention with Pravastatin in Ischemic Disease (LIPID) study and determining its predictive capacity when combined with plasma levels of MCP-1, galectin-3 and NT-proBNP in patients with SCAD. Methods and resultsA total of 706 patients with SCAD and a history of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) were analyzed over a follow up period of 2.2±0.99 years. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of an ischemic event (any SCA, stroke or transient ischemic attack), heart failure, or death.A clinical risk scale derived from the LIPID study significantly predicted the development of the primary endpoint, with an area under the ROC curve (Receiver Operating Characteristic) of 0.642 (0.579 to 0.705); P<0.001. A composite score was developed by adding the scores of the LIPID and scale decile levels of MCP -1, galectin -3 and NT-proBNP. The predictive value improved with an area under the curve of 0.744 (0.684 to 0.805); P<0.001 (P=0.022 for comparison). A score greater than 21.5 had a sensitivity of 74% and a specificity of 61% for the development of the primary endpoint (P<0.001, log -rank test). ConclusionPlasma levels of MCP-1, galectin -3 and NT-proBNP improve the ability of the LIPID clinical scale to predict the prognosis of patients with SCAD.

Clinical value of rapid detection of plasma NT-proBNP levels on admission in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Objective To explore the clinical prognostic value of rapid detection for plasma NT-proBNP levels on admission in patients with acute myocardial infarction.Methods 56 patients with AMI were measured plasma NT-proBNP imediately in hospital,and then they were divided into A,B and C group according to NT-proBNP levels (A group:＜ 500ng/L,B group:500-2 000ng/L,C group:＞ 2 000ng/L).The incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE including congestive heart failure,malignant arrhythmia,cardiogenic shock and sudden cardiac death) in subjects were observed respectively during hospitalisation and 30 days.Results The three group subjects with different NT-proBNP levels presented different incidence of MACE(A group:1,0;B group:3,1;C group:8,6) at duration of hospital stay,30days (x2 =6.705,P =0.035 ; x2 =7.957,P =0.008).With the NT-proBNP levels rising in AMI paitents,the inciedence of MACE increased.The incidence of MACE in A,B and C group were 6.6％,18.18％ and 73.69％ respectively.Conclusion In AMI patients,plasma NT-proBNP levels could predict early MACE incidence,which has an important value to evaluate the early clinical prognosis. Key words: Myocardial ischemia; Peptide hormones

Analysis on clinical significance of D-dimer, NT-proBNP levels change in patients with acute coronary syndrome lesions

Objective To investigate the clinical significance of D-dimer,N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels change in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) lesions.Methods 46 cases of ACS in our hospital were selected as the observation group.Other 46 healthy people in same period were chosen as the control group.Blood samples of two groups were taken for routine inspection and plasma D-dimer,NT-proBNP testing.The levels of D-dimer and NT-proBNP of two groups were compared.Results The plasma D-dimer and NT-proBNP levels of observation group were (2.28 ± 0.21) mg/L and (537.13 ± 197.28) μ g/L respectively,which were significantly higher than those of control group:(0.24 ± 0.09) mg/L and (66.54 ± 23.35)μ g/L (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Plasma D-dimer and NT-proBNP levels are closely related to acute coronary syndrome.The combined detection of plasma D-dimer and NT-proBNP levels can effectively improve the detection rate of ACS.It has important clinical significance to early diagnosis and early treatment. Key words: D-dimer; N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide; Acute coronary syndrome

Plasma NT pro-BNP, hs-CRP and big-ET levels at admission as prognostic markers of survival in hospitalized patients with dilated cardiomyopathy: a single-center cohort study.

BackgroundCirculating N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT pro-BNP), high- sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and big endothelin (big-ET) have been shown to be increased in heart failure and to contribute to both hemodynamic deterioration and cardiovascular remodeling. Here, we examined the prognostic value of the three neurohormones at admission in a population of hospitalized patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).Methods and resultsThis cohort study was undertaken in 622 hospitalized patients with DCM in Fuwai Hospital from January 2005 to September 2011 (female 26.5%, 51.4 ± 14.6 years old). Standard demographics, echocardiography and routine blood samples were obtained shortly after admission. NT pro-BNP, hs-CRP and big-ET were measured, and their concentrations in relation to all-cause mortality were assessed through a mean follow-up of 2.6 ± 1.6 years. Kaplan-Meier curves showed that the all-cause mortality rates were higher in patients with NT pro-BNP > 2247 pmol/L compared to patients with NT pro-BNP < 2247 pmol/L (11.9% vs 34.8%, log-rank χ2 = 35.588, P < 0.001), in patients with hs-CRP > 3.90 mg/L compared to patients with hs-CRP < 3.90 mg/L (12.8% vs 33.6%, log-rank χ2 = 39.662, P < 0.001) and in patients with big-ET > 0.95 pmol/L compared to patients with big-ET <0.95 pmol/L (12.5% vs 31.0%, log-rank χ2 = 17.890, P < 0.001). High circulating concentrations of NT pro-BNP (HR 2.217, 95% CI 1.015-4.846, P = 0.046) and hs-CRP (HR 1.922, 95% CI 1.236-2.988, P = 0.004), but not big-ET, in addition to left atrial diameter and fasting blood glucose, were independent predictors of the outcome defined as all-cause mortality.ConclusionsIn a large population of patients with DCM, the circulating concentrations of NT pro-BNP and hs-CRP, but not big-ET, were independent markers of all-cause mortality.

To evaluate the clinical curative effect of meglumine adenosine cyclophosphate combined with perindopril on patients with chronic congestive heart failure

Objective To explore the relationship of plasma NT-proBNP level and severity of chronic congestive heart failure (CHF) and investigate the curative effect and security of meglumine adenosine cyclophosphate (MAC) combined with perindopril on patients with CHF.Methods From June 2011 to June 2013,126 inpatients with chronic congestive heart failure were randomly divided into A group (42 cases,routine therapy),B group (41 cases,routine therapy and perindopril) and C group (43 cases,routine therapy and perindopril plus MAC),all cases treated for 14 days.The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD) by echocardiography and plasma NT-proBNP levels were evaluated before and after 14 days therapy.Results The plasma NT-proBNP levels in NYHA Ⅱ ～ Ⅳ classes were significantly difference compared each other between any two classes (P ＜0.05) and the levels was positively correlated with NYHA cardiac function class and LVEDD (r =0.617,P ＜ 0.01 ; r =0.412,P ＜ 0.01),negatively correlated with LVEF (r =-0.372,P ＜ 0.01).After 14 days therapy,compared with A group,the LVEF and LVEDD significantly improved (P ＜ 0.05) and NT-proBNP level significantly decreased (P ＜ 0.05) in B,C groups; Compared with B group,C group had lower NT-proBNP level (P ＜ 0.05) although no further improvement in cardiac function.Conclusions The plasma NT-proBNP level is correlated closely with the severity of CHF and it is a good examination of diagnose,therapy and evaluating prognosis of CHF.Perindopril may significantly decline plasma NT-proBNP level and improve cardiac function of CHF patients,combined with MAC may further decline plasma NT-proBNP level although not further improved LVEF.Giving MAC and perindopril to patients with CHF was secure and patients tolerated it well. Key words: Melamine adenosine cyclophosphate; Perindopril; N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide; Congestive heart failure

0283: Correlation between N-terminal pro-natriuretic peptide levels and left atrial size in patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction

Elevated N-terminal Pro B-type Natriuretic Peptide (NT Pro-BNP) levels are correlated with the severity of left ventricular systolic dysfunction and left ventricular filling alterations. Besides, left atrial (LA) size is believed to reflect chronic diastolic dysfunction. Evaluate the relationship between NT Pro-BNP and LA size. 81 patients (77.7% males; mean age, 61.55±15 years), with left ventricular systolic dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] <55%), underwent transthoracic echocardiography to evaluate LA size and venous blood sampling to determine NT-pro-BNP levels. Mean LVEF was 35.6±10.8 % (LVEF <35% in 32 patients). The NT Pro-BNP values were elevated (mean 3304±4218.9 pg/ml). Higher NT Pro-BNP was significantly correlated to LA size (r=0.56, p<0.001). The optimal cut-off value to predict LA size >20 cm2 was 1188 pg/mL (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve [AUC] 0.83 [0.71–0.93], p<0.0001, sensitivity 77.6%, specificity 75%). The present study shows that plasma NT Pro-BNP levels is strongly correlated to LA size. NT-proBNP level more than 1188 pg/mL may suggest LA dilatation.

Prognostic Value of Plasma Ghrelin in Predicting the Outcome of Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

Ghrelin is an endogenous ligand of the growth hormone (GH) secretagogue receptor and is closely associated with chronic heart failure (CHF). We undertook this study to investigate the relevance of ghrelin in CHF prognosis. A total of 145 in-patients with CHF in NYHA class II, III or IV despite optimized therapy were prospectively included in the study, grouped according to NYHA class and compared with 55 healthy control subjects. Ghrelin and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (Nt pro-BNP) were measured in plasma by ELISA. Echocardiographic information was also measured, including left atrial dimension, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, LV volume and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Patients were followed for 2 years or until major adverse cardiac events. Plasma ghrelin levels were significantly lower in patients with CHF than in control subjects (p = 0.014). In addition, plasma ghrelin levels differed significantly with the severity of CHF. Notably, survival analysis showed that high ghrelin levels were an indicator of a favorable prognosis for CHF. Our results also showed that ghrelin correlated inversely with plasma Nt pro-BNP levels (r = -0.562, p <0.001) and positively with LVEF (r = 0.620, p <0.001) in patients with CHF. Furthermore, multivariate analysis showed that ghrelin levels were independently associated with adverse cardiac events (hazard ratio: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.64-0.81, p = 0.03). Ghrelin is a new biomarker of CHF severity as well as a new prognostic predictor for patients with CHF. Future experimental and clinical studies are warranted to evaluate ghrelin as a novel prognostic tool and for its therapeutic potential in patients with CHF.

Increased plasma level of soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor is associated with incidence of heart failure but not atrial fibrillation

Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) in plasma is a novel inflammatory marker thought to be released from the cell surface of neutrophils, T cells, and macrophages. Other inflammatory markers, mainly acute phase proteins produced in the liver, have been associated with the incidence of heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF). We investigated the association between suPAR and incident HF and AF in a population-based cohort. Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor was measured in 4530 subjects (aged 46–68 years, 61% women), who participated in the Malmö Diet and Cancer study during 1991–1996. Incident cases of HF and AF were identified from the Swedish hospital discharge register during a median follow-up of 16.3 years. During follow-up, 109 subjects (55% men) were diagnosed with new-onset HF and 321 individuals (50% men) with AF. suPAR was significantly associated with increased plasma levels of NT-proBNP (P<0.001). suPAR was significantly associated with incidence of HF [hazard ratio (HR) for the third vs. first tertile 3.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.91–5.81 after adjustment for age and sex; and HR 1.82, 95% CI 1.02–3.27, P for trend 0.018 after adjustment for conventional risk factors and biomarkers]. suPAR was significantly associated with incidence of AF, when adjusted for age and sex (HR 1.40, 95% CI 1.06–1.85). However, this relationship was non-significant after adjustment for conventional risk factors and biomarkers. Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor was associated with increased plasma levels of NT-proBNP and incidence of HF, but not with AF among middle-aged subjects.

Ruxolitinib leads to improvement of pulmonary hypertension in patients with myelofibrosis

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a frequently under recognized complication of myelofibrosis (MF). The pathophysiology of PH in MF is unknown and no definitive therapies have been established. We studied 15 patients with MF-associated PH and compared their echocardiographic and PH relevant biomarkers (nitric oxide (NO), N-terminal pro-hormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP), von Willebrand antigen (vWB), ristocetin-cofactor activity (RCA) and uric acid (UA)) pre- and post-ruxolitinib treatment. Ruxolitinib decreased the plasma levels of NT-pro BNP (73%; P=0.043), UA (60%), vWB (86%) and RCA (73%; P=0.036). Improvements in echocardiographic findings were also seen in 66% of patients (P=0.022). Furthermore, marked increase in NO compared with baseline (69.75 vs 40.1 picomolar (pM); P=0.001) was observed post-ruxolitinib therapy, whereas no changes were noted with conventional therapies. Treatment with ruxolitinib also resulted in the reduction of key cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-6 and IL-8) and induction of interferon-gamma. Animal studies further supported the role of ruxolitinib in the induction of NO levels. In conclusion, aberrant Janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling in MF may mediate PH through dysregulation of NO and cytokine levels, which can be restored by therapy with JAK inhibitors suggesting that inhibition of this pathway is a novel target for the management of patients with PH.

Association study of plasma NT-proBNP levels and severity of acute coronary syndrome.

The aim of this study was to investigate the N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide precursor (NT-proBNP) levels in the peripheral blood of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and to provide the basis for its application in the early diagnosis of ACS. A total of 440 patients admitted to the hospital for examination and treatment were enrolled, including 330 patients with ACS and 110 cases in the control group. Routine blood examination and determination of NT-proBNP in all subjects were conducted immediately at the time of admission to analyze the difference in plasma NT-proBNP between the two groups. The plasma NT-proBNP levels in ACS were significantly higher (P < 0.01) and were associated with the severity of coronary lesions. The present study indicated that the plasma NT-proBNP level in ACS patients is significantly increased and has a potential value in the early diagnosis of ACS.

Diagnostic Values of Plasma, Fresh and Frozen Urine NT-proBNP in Heart Failure Patients.

Introduction: The plasma N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level is an important diagnostic and prognostic marker of heart failure. Recent studies have suggested urinary NT-proBNP as a new and simple test for diagnosis of heart failure. We aim to compare diagnostic value of plasma, fresh and frozen urine levels of N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) for detecting heart failure. Methods: Between January 2010 and January 2012, we measured urine and plasma levels of NTproBNP in 98 patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and 29 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. Results: There were significant correlations between plasma NT-proBNP and fresh (r=0.45, p<0.001) and frozen (r=0.42, p<0.001) urine NT-proBNP concentrations in CHF patients. Due to receiver operating curve analysis, fresh and frozen urine NT-proBNP could diagnose HF with are aunder curve (AUC) of 0.73±0.04 (p<0.001) and 0.65±0.05 (p=0.01) with sensitivity and specificity of 73.97%, 58.62%, and 65.31%, 62.07%, for a cut-off of 94.2 and 96 pg/mL, respectively. Plasma NT-proBNP had greater AUC (0.94±0.02, p<0.001) and better sensitivity and specificity (94.9%, 89.66% for cut-off of 414.5 pg/mL). There was no significant correlation between LVEF and plasma, fresh and frozen urine NT-proBNP levels in CHF patients. Conclusion: Plasma NT-proBNP is still the best diagnostic marker with high sensitivity and specificity; however, urinary especially fresh urine NT-proBNP may be a surrogate to plasma NTproBNP for diagnosing HF with acceptable accuracy.