Triglycerides and remnant cholesterol associated with risk of aortic valve stenosis: Mendelian randomization in the Copenhagen General Population Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (24) ◽  
pp. 2288-2299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Morten Kaltoft ◽  
Anne Langsted ◽  
Børge G Nordestgaard

Abstract Aims We tested the hypothesis that higher levels of plasma triglycerides and remnant cholesterol are observationally and genetically associated with increased risk of aortic valve stenosis. Methods and results We included 108 559 individuals from the Copenhagen General Population Study. Plasma triglycerides, remnant cholesterol (total cholesterol minus low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol), and 16 genetic variants causing such increased or decreased levels were determined. Incident aortic valve stenosis occurred in 1593 individuals. Observationally compared to individuals with triglycerides <1 mmol/L (<89 mg/dL), the multifactorially adjusted hazard ratio for aortic valve stenosis was 1.02 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.87–1.19] for individuals with triglycerides of 1.0–1.9 mmol/L (89–176 mg/dL), 1.22 (1.02–1.46) for 2.0–2.9 mmol/L (177–265 mg/dL), 1.40 (1.11–1.77) for 3.0–3.9 mmol/L (266–353 mg/dL), 1.29 (0.88–1.90) for 4.0–4.9 mmol/L (354–442 mg/dL), and 1.52 (1.02–2.27) for individuals with triglycerides ≥5 mmol/L (≥443 mg/dL). By age 85, the cumulative incidence of aortic valve stenosis was 5.1% for individuals with plasma triglycerides <2.0 mmol/L (77 mg/dL), 6.5% at 2.0–4.9 mmol/L (177–442 mg/dL), and 8.2% for individuals with plasma triglycerides ≥5.0 mmol/L (443 mg/dL). The corresponding values for remnant cholesterol categories were 4.8% for <0.5 mmol/L (19 mg/dL), 5.6% for 0.5–1.4 mmol/L (19–57 mg/dL), and 7.4% for ≥1.5 mmol/L (58 mg/dL). Genetically, compared to individuals with allele score 13–16, odds ratios for aortic valve stenosis were 1.30 (95% CI 1.20–1.42; Δtriglycerides +12%; Δremnant cholesterol +11%) for allele score 17–18, 1.41 (1.31–1.52; +25%; +22%) for allele score 19–20, and 1.51 (1.22–1.86; +51%; +44%) for individuals with allele score 21–23. Conclusion Higher triglycerides and remnant cholesterol were observationally and genetically associated with increased risk of aortic valve stenosis.

Blood ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 132 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 4305-4305
Author(s):  
Kasper Mønsted Pedersen ◽  
Sabrina Cordua ◽  
Hans Carl Hasselbalch ◽  
Christina Ellervik

Abstract INTRODUCTION Chronic inflammation has recently been proposed as the driving force for the development of the Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Chronic inflammation is associated with various metabolic disturbances and may also contribute to the massive comorbidity burden in MPNs, which include e.g. inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) and polymyalgia rheumatica. Accordingly, MPNs have also been described as "inflammatory diseases". The metabolic syndrome has so far not been shown to be prevalent in patients with MPNs although the chronic inflammatory state might induce insulin resistance as in other chronic inflammatory diseases. If MPNs indeed are preceded by a chronic inflammatory drive eliciting persistent leukocytosis, monocytosis and thrombocytosis, and ultimately clonal myeloproliferation it is intriguing to consider if MPNs and metabolic syndrome share common pathways. If so, an MPN-phenotype might be expected to be associated with metabolic syndrome in the background population. Therefore, in this study, we tested the association between circulating inflammatory markers (CIMs), a phenotypical presentation of MPNs (e.g. erythrocytosis, leukocytosis, and thrombocytosis), and the metabolic syndrome in a general population study. METHODS Data sources In this cross-sectional study, we used data from 20,872 individuals from the Danish General Suburban Population Study (GESUS). Individuals were invited between January 2010 and October 2013 and data were collected through questionnaires, health examinations, and biochemical measurements. Analyses We analyzed eight CIMs (leukocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, thrombocytes, erythrocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and high-sensitive CRP) and their linear association with indicators of the metabolic syndrome (according to a modified version of the US National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III): HbA1c, non-fasting plasma glucose, body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides. With logistic regression, we calculated odds ratios (ORs) of metabolic syndrome in individuals with increased levels of CIMs compared to individuals with normal levels based on current Danish reference ranges. RESULTS In general, there was a positive correlation between most CIMs and indicators of the metabolic syndrome both in the age-sex-adjusted and multivariable linear regression analyses. In the age-sex-adjusted logistic regression analyses, increased levels of all CIMs were associated with increased prevalence of dyslipidemia (OR: 1.4-2.2), hypertension (OR: 1.3-3.1), diabetes mellitus (OR: 1.5-3.4), obesity (1.4-4.6), and the metabolic syndrome (OR: 1.4-2.8). However, neutrophils and thrombocytes were not significant when it came to hypertension and diabetes mellitus, respectively (Table 1). DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION In this study we examined the association between different CIMs and a wide variety of metabolic changes. To our knowledge it is the first comprehensive epidemiological study linking the phenotypical presentation of MPNs in a general population of more than 20.000 individuals with a broad spectrum of metabolic disturbances. With chronic inflammation being proposed as a trigger and consequence of both MPNs and metabolic syndrome and considering the results in the present study it is intriguing to postulate chronic inflammation as the common denominator in both metabolic syndrome leading to MPNs and MPNs leading to metabolic syndrome(Figure 1). It is of great clinical interest to investigate if an increased risk of metabolic syndrome exists in e.g. a cohort of MPN patients and whether people with incident metabolic syndrome have increased risk of MPNs and second cancer. An increased prevalence of a wide variety of metabolic disturbances following increased CIMs could potentially, if similar results are found in the MPN population, support a future change in the MPN-risk stratification. Amongst the tested CIMs only thrombocytes (> 1500 Mia/L) are currently used as a risk factor. In conclusion, elevated levels of CIMs were associated with an increased prevalence of metabolic disturbances. Our results substantiate the need for similar studies in MPN patients, being characterized by chronic inflammation and elevated cell counts. Disclosures Hasselbalch: Novartis: Research Funding.


2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kasper Mønsted Pedersen ◽  
Yunus Çolak ◽  
Stig Egil Bojesen ◽  
Børge Grønne Nordestgaard

Abstract Background Increasing evidence suggests that high-density lipoprotein (HDL) may play a role in cancer development. We tested the hypothesis that low HDL levels are associated with increased risk of cancer. Methods Individuals from two population-based cohorts, the Copenhagen General Population Study (2003–2015, N = 107 341), and the Copenhagen City Heart Study (1991–1994, N = 9387) were followed prospectively until end of 2016 to assess low plasma HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein A1 as risk factors for cancer using Cox proportional hazard regression. Results During up to 25 years follow-up, we observed 8748 cancers in the Copenhagen General Population Study and 2164 in the Copenhagen City Heart Study. In the Copenhagen General Population Study and compared to individuals with HDL cholesterol ≥ 2.0 mmol/L (≥ 77 mg/dL), multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for any cancer were 1.13 (95% confidence interval 1.04–1.22) for individuals with HDL cholesterol of 1.5–1.99 mmol/L (58–77 mg/dL), 1.18 (1.08–1.30) for HDL cholesterol of 1.0–1.49 mmol/L (39–58 mg/dL), and 1.29 (1.12–1.48) for individuals with HDL cholesterol < 1.0 mmol/L (< 39 mg/dL). Correspondingly, compared to individuals with apolipoprotein A1 ≥ 190 mg/dL, HRs for any cancer were 1.06 (0.96–1.17) for individuals with apolipoprotein A1 of 160–189 mg/dL, 1.18 (1.07–1.30) for apolipoprotein A1 of 130–159 mg/dL, and 1.28 (1.13–1.46) for individuals with apolipoprotein A1 < 130 mg/dL. Among 27 cancer types, low HDL cholesterol and/or apolipoprotein A1 were associated with increased risk of multiple myeloma, myeloproliferative neoplasm, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, breast cancer, lung cancer, and nervous system cancer. Results were overall similar in women and men separately, and in the Copenhagen City Heart Study. Conclusions Low HDL levels were associated with increased risk of several cancers. Increased risk was most pronounced for hematological and nervous system cancer, and to a minor extent for breast and respiratory cancer.


2017 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 823-832 ◽  
Author(s):  
Signe Vedel-Krogh ◽  
Sune Fallgaard Nielsen ◽  
Peter Lange ◽  
Jørgen Vestbo ◽  
Børge Grønne Nordestgaard

Abstract BACKGROUND Blood eosinophil count is a marker of eosinophilic airway inflammation and disease severity in asthma. However, blood neutrophil count might also be associated with disease severity. We tested the hypothesis that high blood eosinophil and neutrophil counts are both associated with the risk of asthma exacerbations among individuals with asthma from the general population. METHODS From the Copenhagen General Population Study with 81351 participants, we included 4838 with self-reported asthma. We recorded baseline blood eosinophil and neutrophil counts, and asthma exacerbations during follow-up in 2003–2011, defined as moderate (short-course treatment of prednisolone) or severe (hospitalization). RESULTS The multivariable-adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were 1.28 (95% CI, 1.06–1.55) for moderate exacerbations and 1.55 (1.20–2.00) for severe exacerbations for individuals with blood eosinophil counts &gt;0.29 × 109/L (highest tertile) vs individuals with blood eosinophil counts &lt;0.18 × 109/L (lowest tertile). For blood neutrophils, the multivariable-adjusted IRRs were 2.14 (1.74–2.63) for moderate exacerbations and 1.18 (0.89–1.55) for severe exacerbations for individuals with blood neutrophil counts &gt;4.85 × 109/L (highest tertile) vs individuals with blood neutrophil counts &lt;3.77 × 109/L (lowest tertile). Blood eosinophil and neutrophil counts interacted on moderate exacerbations (P = 3 × 10−4), but not on severe exacerbations. CONCLUSIONS High blood eosinophil counts are associated with an increased risk of both moderate and severe asthma exacerbations, while high blood neutrophil counts are associated with an increased risk of moderate, but not severe exacerbations.


2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (11) ◽  
pp. 1208-1216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Charlotte Näslund-Koch ◽  
Børge G. Nordestgaard ◽  
Stig E. Bojesen

Purpose CHEK2 is a cell cycle checkpoint regulator, and the CHEK2*1100delC germline mutation leads to loss of function and increased breast cancer risk. It seems plausible that this mutation could also predispose to other cancers. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that CHEK2*1100delC heterozygosity is associated with increased risk for other cancers in addition to breast cancer in the general population. Patients and Methods We examined 86,975 individuals from the Copenhagen General Population Study, recruited from 2003 through 2010. The participants completed a questionnaire on health and lifestyle, were examined physically, had blood drawn for DNA extraction, were tested for presence of CHEK2*1100delC using Taqman assays and sequencing, and were linked over 1943 through 2011 to the Danish Cancer Registry. Incidences and risks of individual cancer types, including breast cancer, were calculated using Kaplan-Meier estimates, Fine and Gray competing-risks regressions, and stratified analyses with interaction tests. Results Among 86,975 individuals, 670 (0.8%) were CHEK2*1100delC heterozygous, 2,442 developed breast cancer, and 6,635 developed other cancers. The age- and sex-adjusted hazard ratio for CHEK2*1100delC heterozygotes compared with noncarriers was 2.08 (95% CI, 1.51 to 2.85) for breast cancer and 1.45 (95% CI, 1.15 to 1.82) for other cancers. When stratifying for sex, the age-adjusted hazard ratios for other cancers were 1.54 (95% CI, 1.08 to 2.18) for women and 1.37 (95% CI, 1.01 to 1.85) for men (sex difference: P = .63). For CHEK2*1100delC heterozygotes compared with noncarriers, the age- and sex-adjusted hazard ratios were 5.76 (95% CI, 2.12 to 15.6) for stomach cancer, 3.61 (95% CI, 1.33 to 9.79) for kidney cancer, 3.45 (95% CI, 1.09 to 10.9) for sarcoma, and 1.60 (95% CI, 1.00 to 2.56) for prostate cancer. Conclusion CHEK2*1100delC heterozygosity is associated with 15% to 82% increased risk for at least some cancers in addition to breast cancer. This information may be useful in clinical counseling of patients with this loss-of-function mutation.


BMJ ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. m4266
Author(s):  
Camilla Ditlev Lindhardt Johannesen ◽  
Anne Langsted ◽  
Martin Bødtker Mortensen ◽  
Børge Grønne Nordestgaard

Abstract Objective To determine the association between levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and all cause mortality, and the concentration of LDL-C associated with the lowest risk of all cause mortality in the general population. Design Prospective cohort study. Setting Denmark; the Copenhagen General Population Study recruited in 2003-15 with a median follow-up of 9.4 years. Participants Individuals randomly selected from the national Danish Civil Registration System. Main outcome measures Baseline levels of LDL-C associated with risk of mortality were evaluated on a continuous scale (restricted cubic splines) and by a priori defined centile categories with Cox proportional hazards regression models. Main outcome was all cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were cause specific mortality (cardiovascular, cancer, and other mortality). Results Among 108 243 individuals aged 20-100, 11 376 (10.5%) died during the study, at a median age of 81. The association between levels of LDL-C and the risk of all cause mortality was U shaped, with low and high levels associated with an increased risk of all cause mortality. Compared with individuals with concentrations of LDL-C of 3.4-3.9 mmol/L (132-154 mg/dL; 61st-80th centiles), the multivariable adjusted hazard ratio for all cause mortality was 1.25 (95% confidence interval 1.15 to 1.36) for individuals with LDL-C concentrations of less than 1.8 mmol/L (<70 mg/dL; 1st-5th centiles) and 1.15 (1.05 to 1.27) for LDL-C concentrations of more than 4.8 mmol/L (>189 mg/dL; 96th-100th centiles). The concentration of LDL-C associated with the lowest risk of all cause mortality was 3.6 mmol/L (140 mg/dL) in the overall population and in individuals not receiving lipid lowering treatment, compared with 2.3 mmol/L (89 mg/dL) in individuals receiving lipid lowering treatment. Similar results were seen in men and women, across age groups, and for cancer and other mortality, but not for cardiovascular mortality. Any increase in LDL-C levels was associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction. Conclusions In the general population, low and high levels of LDL-C were associated with an increased risk of all cause mortality, and the lowest risk of all cause mortality was found at an LDL-C concentration of 3.6 mmol/L (140 mg/dL).


Circulation ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 130 (suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomotaka Yoshiyama ◽  
Kei Yunoki ◽  
Ryushi Komatsu ◽  
Kazuo Haze ◽  
Takahiko Naruko ◽  
...  

Background: The development of aortic valve stenosis (AS) involves multiple events, including inflammation and lipid deposition and oxidation. Circulating levels of soluble lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (sLOX-1) play an important role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. The aims of this study were to investigate the serum levels of sLOX-1 in patients with AS and also examine the expression of LOX-1 immunohistochemically in aortic valve specimens from these patients. Methods: Serum sLOX-1 levels were measured in patients with AS (n=128), stable angina pectoris (SAP, n=343) and in 53 control subjects using a sandwich ELISA method. Frozen aortic valve samples were also obtained surgically from a cohort of 20 AS patients. In addition, frozen aortic valve specimens were obtained at autopsy from individuals who died of non-cardiovascular causes (n = 11, mean age 68 yr) as a reference. Immunostaining of the samples was performed using antibodies against smooth muscle cells, macrophages, T-lymphocytes, neutrophils, microvessels, and LOX-1. Results: Serum sLOX-1 levels were significantly higher in AS patients compared with SAP patients ( P <0.0005) or control subjects ( P <0.0001). There were no differences in serum sLOX-1 levels between AS patients with or without coronary artery disease. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the LOX-1-positive area, as a percentage of the total area, was significantly (P<0.01) higher in AS patients compared with reference cases. Double immunostaining for LOX-1 and macrophages revealed that the vast majority of LOX-1-positive cells were macrophages. Conclusions: This study demonstrates for the first time that serum sLOX-1 levels are elevated in patients with AS, and AS lesions contain a significantly higher percentage of LOX-1-positive macrophages. These findings suggest that LOX-1, a marker of oxidative stress, may play an important role in the development of aortic valve stenosis.


Circulation ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (11) ◽  
pp. 1092-1105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Baratchi ◽  
Maria T.K. Zaldivia ◽  
Maria Wallert ◽  
Julia Loseff-Silver ◽  
Sefaa Al-Aryahi ◽  
...  

Background: Aortic valve stenosis is an increasingly prevalent degenerative and inflammatory disease. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has revolutionized its treatment, thereby avoiding its life-threatening/disabling consequences. Whether aortic valve stenosis is accelerated by inflammation and whether it is itself a cause of inflammation are unclear. We hypothesized that the large shear forces exerted on circulating cells, particularly on the largest circulating cells, monocytes, while passing through stenotic aortic valves result in proinflammatory effects that are resolved with TAVI. Methods: TAVI provides a unique opportunity to compare the activation status of monocytes under high shear stress (before TAVI) and under low shear stress (after TAVI). The activation status of monocytes was determined with a single-chain antibody, MAN-1, which is specific for the activated β 2 -integrin Mac-1. Monocyte function was further characterized by the adhesion of myocytes to stimulated endothelial cells, phagocytic activity, uptake of oxidized low-density lipoprotein, and cytokine expression. In addition, we designed a microfluidic system to recapitulate the shear rate conditions before and after TAVI. We used this tool in combination with functional assays, Ca 2+ imaging, siRNA gene silencing, and pharmacological agonists and antagonists to identify the key mechanoreceptor mediating the shear stress sensitivity of monocytes. Last, we stained for monocytes in explanted stenotic aortic human valves. Results: The resolution of high shear stress through TAVI reduces Mac-1 activation, cellular adhesion, phagocytosis, oxidized low-density lipoprotein uptake, and expression of inflammatory markers in monocytes and plasma. Using microfluidics and pharmacological and genetic studies, we could recapitulate high shear stress effects on isolated human monocytes under highly controlled conditions, showing that shear stress–dependent calcium influx and monocyte adhesion are mediated by the mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo-1. We also demonstrate that the expression of this receptor is shear stress dependent and downregulated in patients receiving TAVI. Last, we show monocyte accumulation at the aortic side of leaflets of explanted aortic valves. Conclusions: We demonstrate that high shear stress, as present in patients with aortic valve stenosis, activates multiple monocyte functions, and we identify Piezo-1 as the mainly responsible mechanoreceptor, representing a potentially druggable target. We demonstrate an anti-inflammatory effect and therefore a novel therapeutic benefit of TAVI.


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