Diagnostic and prognostic significance of miR-451a in patients with atherosclerosis

Objectives Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory vascular disease. This study aimed to detect the expression level of miR-451a and investigate the diagnostic and prognostic values of miR-451a for AS patients. Methods The relative expression of miR-451a was assessed by qRT-PCR. Comparison of groups was analyzed with the t-test and chi-squared test. Pearson analysis was used to validate the correlation of miR-451 with CRP and CIMT. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, K-M analysis, and Cox regression analysis were conducted to explore the roles of miR-451a in diagnosing AS patients and predicting outcomes of AS patients. Results The expression of miR-451a was significantly decreased in the serum of AS patients. The results of Pearson analysis showed the expression of miR-451a was negatively correlated with CRP and CIMT. The data of ROC proposed miR-451a could differentiate AS patients from healthy individuals with high sensitivity and specificity. K-M analysis and Cox regression showed miR-451a might be an independent biomarker of suffering cardiovascular endpoint diseases in AS patients. The expression of miR-451a was obviously inhibited in AS patients with cardiovascular endpoint events. Conclusion Deregulation of miR-451a might be associated with the development of AS. MiR-451a might be used as a promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for clinical treatment of AS patients.

Pharmacogenomic study of heart failure and candesartan response from the CHARM programme

Aims. The Candesartan in Heart failure Assessment of Reduction in Mortality and morbidity (CHARM) programme consisted of three parallel, randomised, double-blind clinical trials comparing candesartan with placebo in patients with heart failure (HF) categorised according to left ventricular ejection fraction and tolerability to an ACE inhibitor. We conducted a pharmacogenomic study of the CHARM studies to identify genetic predictors of heart failure progression and the efficacy and safety of treatment with candesartan. Methods. We performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with the composite endpoint of cardiovascular death or hospitalisation for heart failure in 2727 patients from CHARM-Overall and stratified by CHARM study according to preserved and reduced ejection fraction. The safety endpoints were hyperkalaemia, renal dysfunction, hypotension, and change in systolic blood pressure. We also conducted a genome-wide gene-level collapsing analysis from whole-exome sequencing data with the composite cardiovascular endpoint. Results. We found the genetic variant rs66886237 at 8p21.3 near the gene GFRA2 to be associated with the composite cardiovascular endpoint in 1029 HF patients with preserved ejection fraction from the CHARM-Preserved study [hazard ratio (HR): 1.91, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.55-2.35; P=1.7x10-9], but not in patients with reduced ejection fraction. None of the GWAS for candesartan safety or efficacy passed the significance threshold. Conclusions. We have identified a candidate genetic variant potentially predictive of the progression of heart failure in patients with preserved ejection fraction. The findings require further replication and we cannot exclude the possibility that the results may be chance findings.

Effects of Dapagliflozin in Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease

Background In the Dapagliflozin And Prevention of Adverse Outcomes in Chronic Kidney Disease (DAPA-CKD) randomized placebo-controlled trial, the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor dapagliflozin significantly reduced risk of kidney failure and prolonged survival in CKD patients with or without type 2 diabetes. Methods In this prespecified analysis of dapagliflozin's effects in patients with stage 4 CKD (eGFR<30 mL/min per 1.73m2) at baseline, we randomized adults with eGFR of 25-75 mL/min per 1.73m2 and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio of 200-5000 mg/g to receive dapagliflozin 10 mg/day or placebo. The primary outcome was a composite of time to ≥50% sustained decline in eGFR, end-stage kidney disease, or kidney or cardiovascular death. Secondary outcomes were a kidney composite (same as the primary endpoint but without cardiovascular death), a composite of cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization, and all-cause death. Results A total of 293 participants received dapagliflozin and 331 received placebo. Relative to placebo, dapagliflozin was associated with reductions in the primary composite endpoint (hazard ratio [HR], 0.73; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.53 to 1.0), the kidney endpoint (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.49 to 1.02), the cardiovascular endpoint (HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.45 to 1.53), and the mortality endpoint (HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.39 to 1.21). The eGFR slope declined by 2.15 and 3.38 mL/min per 1.73m2 per year in the dapagliflozin and placebo groups, respectively (P=0.005). Patients treated with dapagliflozin or placebo had similar rates of serious adverse events and adverse events of interest. Conclusions Among patients with stage 4 CKD and albuminuria, dapagliflozin's benefits were consistent with those observed in the DAPA-CKD trial overall, with no evidence of increased risks.

Glycaemic Control in Diabetes

Reduction of glucose is the hallmark of diabetes therapy proven to reduce micro- and macro-vascular risk in patients with type 1 diabetes. However glucose-lowering efficacy trials in type 2 diabetes didn’t show major cardiovascular benefit. Then, a paradigm change in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes has emerged due to the introduction of new blood glucose-lowering agents. Cardiovascular endpoint studies have proven HbA1c-independent cardioprotective effects for GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors. Furthermore, SGLT-2 inhibitors reduce the risk for heart failure and chronic kidney disease. Mechanisms for these blood glucose independent drug target-related effects are still an enigma. Recent research has shown that GLP-1 receptor agonists might have anti-inflammatory and plaque stabilising effects whereas SGLT-2 inhibitors primarily reduce pre- and after-load of the heart and increase work load efficiency of the heart. In addition, reduction of intraglomerular pressure, improved energy supply chains and water regulation appear to be major mechanisms for renoprotection by SGLT-2 inhibitors. These studies and observations have led to recent changes in clinical recommendations and treatment guidelines for type 2 diabetes. In patients with high or very high cardio-renal risk, SGLT-2 inhibitors or GLP-1 receptor agonists have a preferred recommendation independent of baseline HbA1c levels due to cardioprotection. In patients with chronic heart failure, chronic kidney disease or at respective risks SGLT-2 inhibitors are the preferred choice. Therefore, the treatment paradigm of glucose control in diabetes has changed towards using diabetes drugs with evidence-based organ protection improving clinical prognosis.

Copeptin and renal function decline, cardiovascular events and mortality in type 1 diabetes

Background Plasma copeptin is a surrogate of arginine vasopressin (AVP) secretion and is associated with a risk of renal and cardiovascular disease. We investigated associations between copeptin and renal events, cardiovascular events and mortality in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study on 658 individuals with T1D from Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen. Plasma copeptin concentrations and conventional risk factors were assessed at baseline. The five endpoints were traced through national registries and electronic laboratory records. Results Baseline mean age was 55 ± 13 years and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 81 ± 26 mL/min/1.73 m2. The median follow-up was 6.2 years (interquartile range 5.8–6.7); 123 participants reached a combined renal endpoint [decline in eGFR ≥30%, end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) or all-cause mortality], 93 had a decrease in eGFR ≥30%, 21 developed ESKD, 94 experienced a combined cardiovascular endpoint and 58 died from all causes. Higher copeptin was associated with all endpoints in unadjusted Cox regression analyses. Upon adjustment for baseline eGFR, the associations were attenuated and remained significant only for the combined renal endpoint and decrease in eGFR ≥30%. Results were similar upon further adjustment for other risk factors, after which hazard ratios for the two renal endpoints were 2.27 (95% confidence interval 1.08–4.74) and 4.49 (1.77–11.4), respectively, for the highest versus the lowest quartile of copeptin. Conclusions Higher copeptin was an independent risk marker for a combined renal endpoint and decline in renal function. AVP may be a marker of renal damage or a factor whose contribution to renal and cardiovascular risk is partially mediated by renal damage.

Effects of Erythropoietin Payment Policy on Cardiovascular Outcomes of Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: Observational Study

Background The change in the reimbursement policy of erythropoietin administration to patients receiving peritoneal dialysis by the Taiwan National Health Insurance (NHI) system provided a natural experimental venue to examine whether cardiovascular risk differs when maintaining the hematocrit (Hct) level below or above 30%. Objective The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of loosening the erythropoietin payment criteria for peritoneal dialysis patients on their cardiovascular outcomes. Methods Two cohorts of incident peritoneal dialysis patients were identified according to the time before and after relaxation of the NHI’s erythropoietin payment criteria, designated cohort 1 (n=1759) and cohort 2 (n=2981), respectively. The cohorts were matched according to propensity scores (1754 patients in each cohort) and then followed up for cardiovascular events, which were analyzed with Cox regressions. Results For the composite cardiovascular endpoint, patients in cohort 2 had a significantly lower risk than those in cohort 1. However, subgroup analysis showed that this risk reduction was observed only in patients with diabetes. Conclusions After loosening erythropoietin payment criteria, reduced cardiovascular risks were observed, particularly for patients with diabetes. These results indicate that it is crucial to maintain an Hct level above 30% to reduce the cardiovascular risk in patients with diabetes undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

Asymmetric dimethylarginine predicts perioperative cardiovascular complications in patients undergoing medium-to-high risk non-cardiac surgery

Objectives Perioperative cardiovascular events remain an important factor that affects surgery outcome. We assessed if asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthesis, predicts perioperative risk, and if pre-operative supplementation with L-arginine/L-citrulline improves the plasma L-arginine/ADMA ratio. Methods In this prospective study, planned thoracic and/or abdominal surgery patients were randomized to receive L-arginine/L-citrulline (5 g/day) or placebo 1 to 5 days before surgery. We measured perioperative plasma ADMA and L-arginine levels. The primary outcome was a 30-day combined cardiovascular endpoint. Results Among 269 patients, 23 (8.6%) experienced a major adverse cardiovascular event. ADMA and C-reactive protein were significantly associated with the incidence of cardiovascular complications in the multivariable-adjusted analysis. The L-arginine plasma concentration was significantly higher on the day of surgery with L-arginine/L-citrulline supplementation compared with placebo. In patients with high pre-operative ADMA, there was a non-significant trend towards reduced incidence of the primary endpoint with L-arginine/L-citrulline supplementation (six vs. nine events). Conclusions ADMA is a predictor of major adverse cardiovascular complications in the perioperative period for patients who are undergoing major abdominal and/or thoracic surgery. Supplementation with L-arginine/L-citrulline increased the L-arginine plasma concentration, enhanced the L-arginine/ADMA ratio, and induced a trend towards fewer perioperative events.

P1371HEART FAILURE HOSPITALISATIONS IN THE PIVOTAL TRIAL OF IV IRON IN HAEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS: A PRE-SPECIFIED SECONDARY ANALYSIS

Background and Aims Heart failure (HF) is a common and potentially deadly complication in patients receiving haemodialysis which is difficult to diagnose and treat. The impact of a proactive high-dose strategy compared to a reactive low-dose strategy of IV iron administration was investigated in the PIVOTAL randomised trial in incident haemodialysis patients, with fatal HF and HF hospitalisation being components of the composite primary cardiovascular endpoint as well as a pre-specified key secondary event. The aim of this analysis was to examine the effect of a proactive high-dose strategy compared to a reactive lower dose strategy on HF events in patients recruited to PIVOTAL. Method As with the primary composite cardiovascular endpoint, HF hospitalisations in PIVOTAL were recorded prospectively via an electronic database, and events were then adjudicated by a blinded Endpoint Adjudication Committee. The time-to-event analyses of the primary, secondary and post hoc outcomes were performed in the intention-to-treat population using Cox proportional hazards regression, with treatment group as the only explanatory variable. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate event rates. Both fatal and non-fatal HF events were analysed as time to first event, and a recurrent event analysis was also performed for non-fatal events. Results Overall, 2141 participants were followed for a median of 2.1 years. A first fatal or non-fatal HF event occurred in 51 of 1093 patients (4.7%) in the high-dose iron group and in 70 of 1048 patients (6.7%) in the low-dose iron group (hazard ratio 0.66, 95% confidence interval 0.46 to 0.94; P&lt;0.001) (Figure). There was a total of 63 HF events (including first and recurrent events) in the high-dose iron group and 98 in the low-dose iron group, giving a rate ratio of 0.59 (0.40-0.87); p=0.0084. A history of HF and diabetes were independent predictors of a heart failure event. Conclusion Compared with a low-dose regimen, high-dose intravenous iron decreased the occurrence of first and recurrent heart failure events in incident patients undergoing haemodialysis, with large relative and absolute risk reductions.

P1252ASSOCIATIONS OF SERUM SCLEROSTIN AND DKK-1 PROTEIN WITH FUTURE CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS AND MORTALITY IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS; A PROSPECTIVE COHORT STUDY

Background and Aims Sclerostin and Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1) protein are inhibitors of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin bone pathway. Sclerostin but not Dkk-1 is associated with increased arterial stiffness. This study examined the prognostic significance of serum sclerostin and Dickkopf-related protein-1 (Dkk-1) levels for cardiovascular outcomes and mortality in hemodialysis patients. Method Serum sclerostin and Dkk-1 levels were measured with ELISA in 80 hemodialysis patients that were followed-up for a median of 45 months. Several factors that could interfere in the association of sclerostin and Dkk-1 with outcomes (including carotid-femoral pulse-wave-velocity (PWV), parathyroid hormone, calcium-phospate product and others) were assessed at baseline The primary end-point was a combination of all-cause death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, coronary revascularization, hospitalization for decompensated heart failure and new-onset atrial fibrillation. Secondary end-points included cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Results Cumulative freedom from the primary endpoint was significantly lower for higher tertiles of sclerostin (77.8%, 69.2%, and 40.7% for tertiles 1 to 3 respectively; log-rank-p=0.004). The corresponding risk for the primary outcome was gradually increasing for higher tertiles of sclerostin (Tertile 3: HR: 3.847, 95%CI: 1.502-9.851). No significant association was evident between sclerostin and all-cause mortality, whereas higher sclerostin levels presented a trend towards higher risk for cardiovascular mortality. Dkk-1 levels exhibited no association with the risk of the primary or the secondary endpoints. In stepwise Cox regression modeled analysis, sclerostin levels were associated with the primary outcome, independently of PTH, calcium-phosphate product, serum albumin, CRP and PWV levels (HR: 2.921, 95%CI: 1.401–6.090; p=0.004). Conclusion High serum sclerostin levels are associated with lower cumulative freedom and higher risk for a composite cardiovascular endpoint but not for all-cause mortality. Dkk-1 protein exhibited no association with the future risk of cardiovascular events.

Therapie des Typ-2-Diabetes

New joint clinical recommendations for the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes of the european (EASD) and american (ADA) diabetes associations and the european society for cardiology (ESC) implement the evidence from clinical cardiovascular endpoint studies into daily clinical practice. The individual patient profile and it´s cardiovascular risk rather than HbA1c levels alone dominate treatment strategies. In case of high oder very high cardiovascular risk GLP-1-receptor agonists or SGLT-2-inhibitors are the preferred choice, the latter especially in patients with chronic heart failure or increased risk, respectively.