Complementary roles for biomarkers of biomechanical strain ST2 and N-terminal prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Circulating biomarkers in the early detection of hypertensive heart disease: usefulness in the developing world

Although the varying phenotypic spectra of hypertensive heart disease (HHD) can be assessed by electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), ECG criteria for left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) are insensitive, while echocardiography and CMR are expensive, less readily available and often lack requisite expertise. Consequently, the use of circulating biomarkers in the diagnosis and prognostication of HHD beyond the traditional N-terminal pro- b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) have become an attractive alternative. We carried out a PubMed and Google Scholar databases' search of original articles on circulating biomarkers used in the diagnosis of the different spectrum of HHD over the last 10 years [2005-2015] in humans. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria with NT-pro BNP being the most studied circulating biomarker in HHD followed by soluble ST2 (sST2). There is a lack of data on the use of circulating biomarkers in HHD. There is a need to explore further this area of investigative cardiology.

Predicting long-term cardiovascular outcomes of patients with acute myocardial infarction using soluble ST2

Background The increase in soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) both in the diagnosis and prognosis of heart failure is well established; however, existing data regarding sST2 values as the prognostic marker after myocardial infarction (MI) are limited and have been conflicting. This study aimed to assess the clinical significance of sST2 in predicting 1-year adverse cardiovascular (CV) events in MI patients. Materials and methods In this prospective study, 380 MI patients were included. Participants were grouped into low sST2 (n = 264, mean age: 60.0 ± 12.1 years) and high sST2 groups (n = 116, mean age: 60.5 ± 11.6 years), and all study populations were followed up for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) which are composed of CV mortality, target vessel revascularization (TVR), non-fatal reinfarction, stroke and heart failure. Results During a 12-month follow-up, 68 (17.8%) patients had MACE. CV mortality and heart failure were significantly higher in the high sST2 group compared to the low sST2 group (15.5% vs. 4.9%, p = 0.001 and 8.6% vs. 3.4% p = 0.032, respectively). Multivariate Cox regression analysis concluded that high serum sST2 independently predicted 1-year CV mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 2.263, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.124-4.557, p = 0.022)]. Besides, older age, Killip class >1, left anterior descending (LAD) as the culprit artery and lower systolic blood pressure were the other independent risk factors for 1-year CV mortality. Conclusions High sST2 levels are an important predictor of MACE, including CV mortality and heart failure in a 1-year follow-up period in MI patients.

Lack of prognostic significance for major adverse cardiac events of soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 levels in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Elevation of soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) is associated with cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy. Under investigation herein, was whether sST2 level is associated with major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and left ventricular (LV) remodeling after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

METHODS

In total, this study included 184 patients who underwent successful primary PCI. A subsequent guideline-based medical follow-up was included (61.4 ± 11.8 years old, 85% male, 21% with Killip class ≥ I). sST2 concentration correlations with echocardiographic, angiographic, laboratory parameters, and clinical outcomes in STEMI patients were evaluated.

RESULTS

The median sST2 level was 60.3 ng/mL; 6 (3.2%) deaths occurred within 1 year. The sST2 level correlated with LV ejection fraction (LVEF) changes from baseline to 6 months (r= -0.273; p = 0.006) after adjustment for echocardiographic parameters including wall motions score index (WMSI). Recovery of LVEF at 6 months was highest in the tertile 1 group (Δ6 months - baseline LVEF; tertile 1, p = 0.001; tertile 2, p = 0.319; tertile 3, p = 0.205). The decrease in WMSI at 6 months was greater in the tertiles 1 and 2 groups than in the tertile 3 group (Δ6 months - baseline WMSI; tertile 1, p = 0.001; tertile 2, p = 0.013; tertile 3, p = 0.055). There was no association between sST2 levels and short-term (log rank p = 0.598) and long-term (p = 0.596) MACE.

CONCLUSIONS

sST2 concentration have predictive value for LV remodeling on echocardiography in patients with STEMI who underwent primary PCI. However, sST2 concentration was not associated with short-term and long-term MACE.

Extensive Changes in Transcriptomic "Fingerprints" and Immunological Cells in the Large Organs of Patients Dying of Acute Septic Shock and Multiple Organ Failure Caused by Neisseria meningitidis

Background: Patients developing meningococcal septic shock reveal levels of Neisseria meningitidis (10⁶-10⁸/mL) and endotoxin (10¹-10³ EU/mL) in the circulation and organs, leading to acute cardiovascular, pulmonary and renal failure, coagulopathy and a high case fatality rate within 24 h. Objective: To investigate transcriptional profiles in heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and spleen and immunostain key inflammatory cells and proteins in post mortem formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples from meningococcal septic shock patients. Patients and Methods: Total RNA was isolated from FFPE and fresh frozen (FF) tissue samples from five patients and two controls (acute non-infectious death). Differential expression of genes was detected using Affymetrix microarray analysis. Lung and heart tissue samples were immunostained for T-and B cells, macrophages, neutrophils and the inflammatory markers PAI-1 and MCP-1. Inflammatory mediators were quantified in lysates from FF tissues. Results: The transcriptional profiles showed a complex pattern of protein-coding and non-coding RNAs with significant regulation of pathways associated with organismal death, cell death and survival, leukocyte migration, cellular movement, proliferation of cells, cell-to-cell signaling, immune cell trafficking, and inflammatory responses in an organ-specific clustering manner. The canonical pathways including acute phase response-, EIF2-, TREM1-, IL-6-, HMBG1-, PPAR signaling, and LXR/RXR activation were associated with acute heart, pulmonary, and renal failure. Fewer genes were regulated in the liver and particularly in the spleen. The main upstream regulators were TNF, IL-1β, IL-6, RICTOR, miR-6739-3p, and CD3. Increased numbers of inflammatory cells (CD68+, MPO+, CD3+, and CD20+) were found in lungs and heart. PAI-1 inhibiting fibrinolysis and MCP-1 attracting leukocyte were found significantly present in the septic tissue samples compared to the controls. Conclusions: FFPE tissue samples can be suitable for gene expression studies as well as immunostaining of specific cells or molecules. The most pronounced gene expression patterns were found in the organs with highest levels of Neisseria meningitidis DNA. Thousands of protein-coding and non-coding RNA transcripts were altered in lungs, heart and kidneys. We identified specific biomarker panels both protein-coding and non-coding RNA transcripts, which differed from organ to organ. Involvement of many genes and pathways add up and the combined effect induce organ failure.

Combining Novel Biomarkers for Risk Stratification of Two-Year Cardiovascular Mortality in Patients with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is one of the main reasons for morbidity and mortality worldwide. In addition to the classic biomarker NT-proBNP, new biomarkers like ST2 and Pentraxin-3 (Ptx-3) have emerged as potential tools in stratifying risk in cardiac patients. Indeed, multimarker approaches to estimate prognosis of STEMI patients have been proposed and their potential clinical impact requires investigation. In our study, in 147 patients with STEMI, NT-proBNP as well as serum levels of ST2 and Ptx-3 were evaluated. During two-year follow-up (FU; 734.2 ± 61.2 d) results were correlated with risk for cardiovascular mortality (CV-mortality). NT-proBNP (HR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.21–2.21, p = 0.001) but also ST2 (HR = 1.000022, 95% CI = 1.00–1.001, p < 0.001) were shown to be reliable predictors of CV-mortality, while the highest predictive power was observed with Ptx-3 (HR = 3.1, 95% CI = 1.63–5.39, p < 0.001). When two biomarkers were combined in a multivariate Cox regression model, relevant improvement of risk assessment was only observed with NT-proBNP+Ptx-3 (AIC = 209, BIC = 214, p = 0.001, MER = 0.75, MEV = 0.64). However, the highest accuracy was seen using a three-marker approach (NT-proBNP + ST2 + Ptx-3: AIC = 208, BIC = 214, p < 0.001, MER = 0.77, MEV = 0.66). In conclusion, after STEMI, ST2 and Ptx-3 in addition to NT-proBNP were associated with the incidence of CV-mortality, with multimarker approaches enhancing the accuracy of prediction of CV-mortality.

The Predictive Role for ST2 in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes and Heart Failure

Intensive research has shed light on the utilization of novel biomarkers which facilitate the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with different medical problems. One of the most important biomarkers especially in the spectrum of heart failure is soluble ST2 (sST2: soluble Suppression of Tumorigenicity 2), which is involved in inflammation, fibrosis and cardiac stress. In the revised 2017 ACC/AHA/HFSA, "Focused Update Guidelines for the Management of Heart Failure" ST2 was given a class-IIa recommendation for the optimal risk assessment in patients with heart failure. Many studies indicate that not only baseline but also serial measurements of ST2 can accurately predict future cardiovascular events in patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes and heart failure. Therefore, in this review, we are going to discuss the studies about the prognostic significance of ST2 in patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes, acute and chronic heart failure.

Association of Galectin-3 and Soluble ST2, and Their Changes, with Echocardiographic Parameters and Development of Heart Failure after ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

PURPOSE

To investigate the association of galectin-3 (Gal-3) and soluble ST2 (sST2) and their follow-up changes with the development of heart failure (HF) and echocardiographic parameters of HF (ejection fraction, atrial and ventricular size, left ventricular hypertrophy, e', and E/e') in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI).

METHODS

A prospective, observational study, BIOSTRAT (Biomarkers for Risk Stratification After STEMI), enrolled 117 patients between October 2014 and April 2017. Gal-3 and sST2 serum collection and echocardiography were performed twice (during index hospitalization and on a control visit at one-year follow-up). The primary endpoint was HF onset at one-year follow-up. Secondary assessments included associations of biomarker concentration with echocardiographic indices of systolic and diastolic dysfunction at baseline and at one year.

RESULTS

Mean baseline concentrations of Gal-3 and sST2 (7.5 and 26.4 ng/mL, respectively) were significantly increased at one-year follow-up (8.5 ng/mL and p < 0.001 and 31.4 ng/mL and p = 0.001, respectively). Patients who reached the primary endpoint (50 patients (48%)) had significantly higher baseline concentrations of both biomarkers and a higher Gal-3 level at one year compared to patients who did not. Both Gal-3 and sST2 were predictors of the primary endpoint in univariate logistic regression analysis, but only Gal-3 remained significant in multivariate analysis. There was no clear association between both biomarkers and echocardiographic parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Baseline, but not one-year, changes of Gal-3 and sST2 concentrations may be useful for risk stratification after STEMI. However, only Gal-3 was the independent predictor of HF development at one-year observation. This trial is registered with NCT03735719.

Predictive value of soluble suppression of tumourigenicity 2 on myocardial reperfusion

BACKGROUND

High baseline level of soluble suppression of tumourigenicity 2 (sST2) was an independent predictor of cardiovascular death and heart failure in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

AIMS

To investigate the value of serum sST2 baseline levels in predicting myocardial reperfusion in patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI).

METHODS

Consecutive STEMI patients who underwent PPCI within 12 h after the onset of chest pain were enrolled, and were divided into Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) myocardial perfusion grading (TMPG) 0/1/2 group and TMPG 3 group based on post-procedural TMPG. Baseline clinical characteristics, lesions and procedural characteristics were compared. Univariate logistic regression and multivariate linear logistic analysis were performed to identify independent predictors of impaired myocardial reperfusion (TMPG 0/1/2). Receiver-operating characteristics curve (ROC) analysis of sST2 was performed to identify the optimum cut-off value for predicting the myocardial reperfusion.

RESULTS

A total of 121 patients was enrolled in this study. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that Killip II-III, high levels of sST2 and brain natriuretic peptide were risk factors of TMPG 0/1/2. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that sST2 was an independent predictor of impaired myocardial reperfusion (odds ratio 12.318, 95% confidence interval 4.567-33.220, P < 0.001). ROC curve analysis showed that the area under curve of sST2 was 0.849, and the best cut-off value was 2.003 ng/mL, with a sensitivity of 89.2% and a specificity of 67.9%.

CONCLUSION

The elevated levels of sST2 on admission were associated with impaired myocardial reperfusion in STEMI patients undergoing PPCI.

Soluble ST2 links inflammation to outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether soluble growth stimulation expressed gene 2 (sST2), a prognostic marker in cardiovascular and inflammatory disorders, is associated with neurological injury after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

METHODS

We studied SAH patients from 2 independent cohorts. Outcome assessments included functional status at 90 days using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), mortality, and delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI). The relationships between sST2 plasma level and outcome measures were assessed in both cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis. Primary blood mononuclear cells from SAH patients and elective aneurysm controls were analyzed by multiparameter flow cytometry.

RESULTS

In the discovery cohort, sST2 predicted 90-day mRS 3-6 (C index = 0.724, p < 0.001) and mortality in Kaplan-Meier analysis (p < 0.001). The association with functional status was independent of age, sex, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies score, modified Fisher score, treatment modality, and cardiac comorbidities (adjusted odds ratio = 2.28, 95% confidence interval = 1.04-5.00, p = 0.039). Higher sST2 concentration was observed in those patients with DCI (90.8 vs 53.7ng/ml, p = 0.003). These associations were confirmed in a replication cohort. In patients with high sST2, flow cytometry identified decreased expression of CD14 (4.27 × 105 ± 2,950 arbitrary unit (AU) vs 5.64 × 105 ± 1,290 AU, p < 0.001), and increased expression of CD16 (39,960 ± 272 AU vs 34,869 ± 183 AU, p < 0.001).

INTERPRETATION

Plasma sST2 predicts DCI, functional outcome, and mortality after SAH, independent of clinical and radiographic markers. Elevated sST2 is also associated with changes in CD14+ CD16+ monocytes. ANN NEUROL 2019;86:384-394.

Cardiotoxicity of Immune Therapy

The advent of immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, has ushered in a promising new era of treatment of patients with a variety of malignancies who historically had a poor prognosis. However, these therapies are associated with potentially life-threatening cardiovascular adverse effects. As immunotherapy evolves to include a wider variety of malignancies, risk stratification, prompt recognition, and treatment of cardiotoxicity will become increasingly important and hence cardiologists will need to play a fundamental role in the comprehensive care of these patients. This article reviews cardiotoxicity associated with contemporary immunotherapy and discusses potential management strategies.

Independent Prognostic Value of Serum Soluble ST2 Measurements in Patients With Heart Failure and a Reduced Ejection Fraction in the PARADIGM-HF Trial (Prospective Comparison of ARNI With ACEI to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and Morbidity in Heart Failure)

BACKGROUND

Soluble ST2 (sST2) is associated with cardiac remodeling and fibrosis. In chronic heart failure, the predictive value of sST2 has not been evaluated in a model that includes both NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) and hs-TnT (high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T), in a trial in which treatment had a major impact. Therefore, the effects of treatment on sST2 levels in PARADIGM-HF trial (Prospective Comparison of ARNI With ACEI to Determine Impact on Global Mortality and Morbidity in Heart Failure), the relationships between sST2 and outcomes, and the prognostic utility of various sST2 partition values were examined.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Baseline (n=2002), 1-month (n=1936), and 8-month postrandomization (n=1758) sST2 levels were compared between treatment groups (sacubitril/valsartan versus enalapril). Relationships between baseline sST2 and (1) heart failure hospitalization, (2) cardiovascular death, and (3) combined heart failure hospitalization and cardiovascular death were assessed using restricted cubic spline models. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the impact of sST2 change from baseline to 1 month on the hazard of experiencing each outcome. Sacubitril/valsartan led to more reductions and fewer increases in sST2 levels versus enalapril. After adjusting for other predictors, including NT-proBNP and hs-TnT, baseline sST2 remained an independent predictor of outcomes. Associations between baseline sST2 and outcomes were linear. sST2 increases at 1 month were associated with worse subsequent outcomes and decreased with better outcomes (P=0.001, 0.012, and 0.009 for the 3 outcomes, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Sacubitril/valsartan resulted in greater reductions and less increases in sST2 levels than enalapril. No specific threshold was associated with risk, as linear relationships between baseline sST2 and outcomes were observed. Changes in sST2 from baseline to 1 month were independently associated with the risk of outcomes.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01035255.

Short-term and long-term prognostic value of circulating soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 concentration in acute coronary syndrome: a meta-analysis

Background: Higher circulating soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 (sST2) concentration is suggested as a marker of prognosis in many cardiovascular diseases. However, the short-term and long-term prognostic value of sST2 concentration in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains to be summarized.Methods: A meta-analysis of follow-up studies was performed. Studies were identified via systematic search of databases including PubMed, Cochrane's Library, and Embase. A fixed- or random-effect model was applied according to the heterogeneity. We reported the prognostic value of sST2 concentration for all-cause mortality, heart failure (HF) events, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) within 1 month after hospitalization and during subsequent follow-up.Results: Twelve studies with 11690 ACS patients were included. Higher baseline sST2 concentration as continuous variables predicte the increased risk of all-cause mortality (risk ratio [RR]: 3.16, P=0.002), HF events (RR: 1.48, P<0.001), and MACEs (RR: 1.47, P<0.001) within 1 month after hospitalization, which is consistent with the results with sST2 concentration as categorized variables (RR = 2.14, 2.89, and 2.89 respectively, P all <0.001). Moreover, higher baseline sST2 concentration as continuous variables predict the increased risk of all-cause mortality (RR: 2.20, P<0.001), HF events (RR: 1.39, P<0.001), and MACEs (RR: 1.53, P=0.02) during subsequent follow-up. Meta-analysis with sST2 concentration as categorized variables retrieved similar results (RR = 2.65, 2.59, and 1.81 respectively, P all <0.001).Conclusions: Higher circulating sST2 concentration at baseline predicts poor clinical outcome in ACS patients.

Biological markers and cardiac remodelling following the myocardial infarction

AIM

To assess growth stimulating factor ST2 and N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels in the sera of myocardial infraction (MI) patients, and their correlation with the adaptive and maladaptive variants of cardiac remodelling.

METHODS

87 patients (65 male, 22 females; 67±8.36 years) with ST-elevated MI were included in this study, and 67 patients had an adaptive, physiological, while 20 patients had a maladaptive, pathological variant of myocardium remodelling.

RESULTS

On day 1, ST2 and NT-proBNP levels were shown to increase 2.4 and 4.5 folds, respectively, compared with those in the control. ST2 levels in patients with maladaptive remodelling were 1.5-fold higher than those in the adaptive remodelling group. On day 12, a decrease in ST2 levels was observed in both groups. NT-proBNP levels increased 1.8 folds in both groups on day 1, compared with those in the controls. Increased ST2 levels on day 1 after MI were shown to increase the risk of maladaptive remodelling 4.5 folds, while high NT-proBNP levels increased this risk 2.3 times.

CONCLUSIONS

ST2 level determination allows us to predict the risk of maladaptive remodelling with a higher sensitivity and specificity than using NT-proBNP levels.

ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is the most acute manifestation of coronary artery disease and is associated with great morbidity and mortality. A complete thrombotic occlusion developing from an atherosclerotic plaque in an epicardial coronary vessel is the cause of STEMI in the majority of cases. Early diagnosis and immediate reperfusion are the most effective ways to limit myocardial ischaemia and infarct size and thereby reduce the risk of post-STEMI complications and heart failure. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has become the preferred reperfusion strategy in patients with STEMI; if PCI cannot be performed within 120 minutes of STEMI diagnosis, fibrinolysis therapy should be administered to dissolve the occluding thrombus. The initiation of networks to provide around-the-clock cardiac catheterization availability and the generation of standard operating procedures within hospital systems have helped to reduce the time to reperfusion therapy. Together with new advances in antithrombotic therapy and preventive measures, these developments have resulted in a decrease in mortality from STEMI. However, a substantial amount of patients still experience recurrent cardiovascular events after STEMI. New insights have been gained regarding the pathophysiology of STEMI and feed into the development of new treatment strategies.

Biomarkers in the Diagnosis, Management, and Prognostication of Perioperative Right Ventricular Failure in Cardiac Surgery-Are We There Yet?

Right ventricular failure (RVF) is a major risk factor for end organ morbidity and mortality following cardiac surgery. Perioperative RVF is difficult to predict and detect, and to date, no convenient, accurate, or reproducible measure of right ventricular (RV) function is available. Few studies have examined the use of biomarkers in RVF, and even fewer have examined their utility in the perioperative setting of patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Of the available classes of biomarkers, this review focuses on biomarkers of (1) inflammation and (2) myocyte injury/stress, due to their superior potential in perioperative RV assessment, including Galectin 3, ST2/sST2, CRP, cTN/hs-cTn, and BNP/NT-proBNP. This review was performed to help highlight the importance of perioperative RV function in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, to review the current modalities of RV assessment, and to provide a review of RV specific biomarkers and their potential utilization in the clinical and perioperative setting in cardiac surgery. Based on current evidence, we suggest the potential utility of ST2, sST2, Gal-3, CRP, hs-cTn, and NT-proBNP in predicting and detecting RVF in cardiac surgery patients, as they encompass the multifaceted nature of perioperative RVF and warrant further investigation to establish their clinical utility.

Serum Soluble ST2 and Adverse Left Ventricular Remodeling in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Objective:

To assess the dynamics of serum levels of soluble isoform of suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and their correlations with the development of adverse left ventricular remodeling (LVR) through 6 months in patients with primary myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation (STEMI).

Methods:

Subjects were 31 patients with STEMI (median age: 58 years), who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during the first 24 hours of the onset of myocardial infarction (MI). Blood samples and parameters of echocardiography were assessed at days 1, 3, 7, and 14 and 6 months after STEMI.

Results:

Serum levels of sST2 and NT-proBNP decreased during the 6-month period. Levels of sST2 decreased by 48% from admission to day 7, and levels of NT-proBNP decreased by 40% from day 7 to 6 months after STEMI. Serum levels of sST2 at day 1 (r = 0.5, P < .05) and day 3 (r = 0.4, P < .05) were associated with adverse LVR by 6 months after STEMI. Logistic regression analysis showed that a high concentration of sST2 at day 7 increased the risk of adverse LVR (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.5-0.9; areas under curve [AUC] = 0.8; P = .002), with 92% sensitivity and 70% specificity. A multivariate analysis model revealed that adverse LVR was associated with the level of sST2 (P = .003) and with complete revascularization (P = .01) at the admission.

Conclusions:

The dynamics of serum levels of sST2 and NT-proBNP were different. The level of sST2 normalized by the 7th day; NT-proBNP decreased only by the end of the 6-month period after MI. Increased serum levels of sST2 by the 7th day of MI were associated with the development of adverse LVR by the end of the 6-month period.

The Elevated Soluble ST2 Predicts No-Reflow Phenomenon in ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Aim: The primary percutaneous procedure resulted in a significant improvement in the prognosis of myocardial infarction. However, no-reflow phenomenon restrains this benefit of the process. There are studies suggesting that soluble suppression of tumorigenicity (sST2) can be valuable in the diagnosis and progression of heart failure and myocardial infarction. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of sST2 on no-reflow phenomenon in ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Method: This study included 379 patients (258 men; mean age, 60 ± 11 years) who underwent primary percutaneous treatment for STEMI. sST2 levels were measured from blood samples taken at admission. Patients were divided into two groups according to Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction(TIMI) flow grade: group 1 consists of TIMI 0,1,2, accepted as no-reflow, and group 2 consists of TIMI 3, accepted as reflow.

Results: No-reflow phenomenon occurred in 60 patients (15.8%). The sST2 level was higher in the no-reflow group (14.2 ± 4.6 vs. 11.3 ± 5.0, p = 0.003). Moreover, regression analysis indicated that diabetes mellitus, lower systolic blood pressure, multivessel vascular disease, high plaque burden, and grade 0 initial TIMI flow rate were other independent predictors of the no-reflow phenomenon in our study. Besides, when the patients were divided into high and low sST2 groups according to the cut-off value from the Receiver operating characteristics analysis, being in the high sST2 group was associated with 2.7 times increased odds for no-reflow than being in the low sST2 group.

Conclusion: sST2 is one of the independent predictors of the no-reflow phenomenon in STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

Non-cytotoxic Cardiac Innate Lymphoid Cells Are a Resident and Quiescent Type 2-Commited Population

Innate lymphoid cells (ILC) are a subset of leukocytes with lymphoid properties that lack antigen specific receptors. They can be stimulated by and exert their effect via specific cytokine axes, whereas Natural Killers (NK) cells are the only known cytotoxic member of this family. ILCs are considered key in linking the innate and adaptive response in physiologic and pathologic environments. In this study, we investigated the properties of non-cytotoxic cardiac ILCs in physiologic, inflammatory, and ischemic conditions. We found that in healthy humans and mice, non-cytotoxic cardiac ILCs are predominantly a type 2-committed population with progenitor-like features, such as an absence of type-specific immunophenotype, intermediate GATA3 expression, and capacity to transiently express Pro-myelocytic Leukemia Zinc Finger protein (PLZF) upon activation. During myocarditis and ischemia, in both human and mice, cardiac ILCs differentiated into conventional ILC2s. We found that cardiac ILCs lack IL-25 receptor and cannot become inflammatory ILC2s. We found a strong correlation between IL-33 production in the heart and the ability of cardiac ILCs to become conventional ILC2s. The main producer of IL-33 was a subset of CD29+Sca-1+ cardiac fibroblasts. ILC2 expansion and fibroblast-derived IL-33 production were significantly increased in the heart in mouse models of infarction and myocarditis. Despite its progenitor-like status in healthy hearts, cardiac ILCs were unable to become ILC1 or ILC3 in vivo and in vitro. Using adoptive transfer and parabiosis, we demonstrated that the heart, unlike other organs such as lung, cannot be infiltrated by circulating ILCs in adulthood even during cardiac inflammation or ischemia. Thus, the ILC2s present during inflammatory conditions are derived from the heart-resident and quiescent steady-state population. Non-cytotoxic cardiac ILCs are a resident population of ILC2-commited cells, with undifferentiated progenitor-like features in steady-state conditions and an ability to expand and develop pro-inflammatory type 2 features during inflammation or ischemia.

Cardiac Biomarkers in the Emergency Department: The Role of Soluble ST2 (sST2) in Acute Heart Failure and Acute Coronary Syndrome-There is Meat on the Bone

Soluble ST2 (sST2) has recently emerged as a promising biomarker in the field of acute cardiovascular diseases. Several clinical studies have demonstrated a significant link between sST2 values and patients' outcome. Further, it has been found that higher levels of sST2 are associated with an increased risk of adverse left ventricular remodeling. Therefore, sST2 could represent a useful tool that could help the risk stratification and diagnostic and therapeutic work-up of patients admitted to an emergency department. With this review, based on recent literature, we have built sST2-assisted flowcharts applicable to three very common clinical scenarios of the emergency department: Acute heart failure, type 1, and type 2 acute myocardial infarction. In particular, we combined sST2 levels together with clinical and instrumental evaluation in order to offer a practical tool for emergency medicine physicians.

Association between the level of serum soluble ST2 and invasively measured aortic pulse pressure in patients undergoing coronary angiography

Despite the well-documented value of ST2 in heart failure and myocardial infarction, the role of ST2 in vascular biology has not yet been well defined. This study was performed to investigate the association between serum soluble ST2 (sST2) and invasively measured aortic pulse pressure (APP). A total of 167 consecutive patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) (65.1 ± 9.8 years; men, 65.9%) referred for invasive coronary angiography was prospectively enrolled. APP was measured at the ascending aorta with a pig-tail catheter, and arterial blood samples for the measurement of sST2 were collected before coronary angiography. Serum sST2 levels were quantified by radioimmunoassay. Most of the patients (73.9%) had significant CAD (stenosis ≥ 50%) on coronary angiography. Patients with higher APP (≥76 mmHg) showed a significantly higher sST2 level compared to those with lower APP (<76 mmHg) (31.7 ± 13.9 ng/mL vs 26.2 ± 10.2 ng/mL, P < .001). In simple correlation analysis, there was a significant positive correlation between sST2 levels and APP (r = 0.413, P < .001). In multiple linear regression analysis, sST2 had an independent association with APP even after controlling for potential confounders (β = 0.331, P < .001). The serum sST2 level may be independently associated with invasively measured APP in patients undergoing coronary angiography. The result of this study gives insight into the role of sST2 in aortic stiffening, and suggests that the sST2 level may be a useful marker of aortic stiffness.

Novel interleukin-33 and its soluble ST2 receptor as potential serum biomarkers in parotid gland tumors

An increasing number of patients with parotid gland tumors have been observed in recent years. The relationship between the immune system and tumor formation is thoroughly investigated. However, newly discovered molecules offer a new insight into the pathophysiology of malignancies. It would be ideal to find an easily determinable biomarker of tumor existence, its malignant potential or a biomarker suggesting the probability of disease recurrence. Our study is the first to examine serum concentrations of IL-33 and its sST2 receptor in patients with various types of parotid gland tumors. Serum IL33, sST2, IL-4 and IL-10 concentrations were determined in patients with benign and malignant parotid gland tumors (pleomorphic adenoma, Warthin's tumor, myoepithelioma and acinic cell carcinoma). We observed for the first time that serum IL-33 level was significantly elevated in patients with various types of parotid gland tumors and sST2 levels were significantly higher in pleomorphic adenoma and acinic cell carcinoma patients compared to the controls. Our results demonstrate for the first time that serum IL-33 and its sST2 receptor may be important factors in the pathology of parotid gland tumors. Although our results are promising, further investigations are required to detect if serum concentrations of those molecules may be a biomarker in parotid gland tumors. Impact statement Parotid gland tumors seem to be an increasingly important medical challenge, mostly due to a noticeable increase in the incidence. It would be crucial to find an easily determinable biomarker of tumor existence, its recurrence or malignant potential. We observed for the first time that serum IL-33 level was significantly elevated in patients with various types of parotid gland tumors and its sST2 receptor levels were significantly higher in pleomorphic adenoma and acinic cell carcinoma patients compared to the controls. We believe that our study helps to understand the biology of the tumors and a potential role of a relatively newly identified cytokine IL-33 in the pathophysiology of the parotid gland tumors.

Soluble ST2 for Prediction of Clinical Outcomes in Patients with ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Receiving Primary PCI

Soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2), a biomarker representing myocardial fibrosis and inflammation, has been applied in risk stratification of patients with myocardial infarction (MI). However, whether primary PCI (PPCI) will eliminate the predictive value of sST2 in STEMI patients has not been well studied. Here, we conducted a prospective clinical trial to evaluate the correlation between sST2 and prognosis in STEMI patients undergoing PPCI. sST2 levels were measured in 295 STEMI patients (60.2 ± 10.8 years) at admission using a high sensitivity assay. Baseline sST2 levels were significantly associated with heart function, biomarkers of inflammation, and myocardial injury. During a 12-month follow-up, 19 patients had major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Greater sST2 was continuously associated with a higher risk of incident MACEs. Such association remained even after adjusting for other risk factors in a multivariate Cox analysis. A baseline sST2 level in the highest quartile (≥ 58.7 ng/mL) was independently associated with mortality (HR: 5.01, 95%CI: 1.02-16.30, P = 0.048). More incident heart failure was seen in the group with greater sST2, however, the association was not significant after adjustment. Therefore, baseline sST2 may be useful to predict MACEs, especially mortality, in STEMI patients receiving PPCI.

Prediction role of a novel biomarker ST2 in risk assessment of adverse cardiovascular events in chronic heart failure with preserved and intermediate ejection fraction after myocardial revascularization

Aim. To evaluate prediction role of the biomarkers soluble ST2 (sST2) and natriuretic hormone N-terminal propeptide (NT-proBNP) in risk assessment of adverse cardiovascular events (ACVE) in coronary heart disease patients (CHD) with chronic heart failure (CHF) after myocardial revascularization.

Material and methods. Totally, 87 patients included (72 males) with CHD and CHF I-III functional class by NYHA with ejection fraction of the left ventricle (LVEF) 63 [55; 65]%, mean age 63 [57; 69] y.o. Levels of sST2 and NT-proBNP in plasma were measured by immune enzyme assay before myocardial revascularization.

Results. In 12 months of prospective follow-up, patients were selected to 2 groups according to clinical course of CHF. To the group I the patients included (n=35) with ACVE, group II (b=52) — with none. It was found that in the group I the level of sST2 was higher by 41,5% (p<0,001) and reached 46,78 [37,88; 64,96] ng/mL, and in the group II — 27,39 [23,02; 35,4] ng/mL. Concentration of NT-proBNP in the group with ACVE was 2,5 times (p=0,004) higher comparing with group II and reached 189,21 [74,46; 580,79] and 73,58 [26,64; 155,77] pg/mL, respectively. In ROC-analysis it was found that the level of sST2  ≥34,18 ng/mL (sensitivity — 90,6%, specificity — 75,0%, AUC — 0,88, р<0,0001) and level of NT-proBNP  ≥276,96 pg/mL (sensitivity — 88,4%, specificity — 43,7%, AUC — 0,64, р<0,004) can be regarded as markers of ACVE during 12 months in CHD and CHF patients after revascularization. Also, together these two markers increase predictive significance of the analysis (sensitivity — 92,6%, specificity — 77,1%, AUC — 0,90, р<0,0001).

Conclusion. Therefore, the preprocedural level of sST2 can be regarded as non-invasive marker for prediction of ACVE. Combination of sST2 and NT-proBNP shows higher diagnostic sensitvity and specificity for prediction of adverse CHF course.

IL-33/ST2 Axis in Organ Fibrosis

Interleukin 33 (IL-33) is highly expressed in barrier sites, acting via the suppression of tumorigenicity 2 receptor (ST2). IL-33/ST2 axis has long been known to play a pivotal role in immunity and cell homeostasis by promoting wound healing and tissue repair. However, it is also involved in the loss of balance between extensive inflammation and tissue regeneration lead to remodeling, the hallmark of fibrosis. The aim of the current review is to critically evaluate the available evidence regarding the role of the IL-33/ST2 axis in organ fibrosis. The role of the axis in tissue remodeling is better understood considering its crucial role reported in organ development and regeneration. Generally, the IL-33/ST2 signaling pathway has mainly anti-inflammatory/anti-proliferative effects; however, chronic tissue injury is responsible for pro-fibrogenetic responses. Regarding pulmonary fibrosis mature IL-33 enhances pro-fibrogenic type 2 cytokine production in an ST2- and macrophage-dependent manner, while full-length IL-33 is also implicated in the pulmonary fibrotic process in an ST2-independent, Th2-independent fashion. In liver fibrosis, evidence indicate that when acute and massive liver damage occurs, the release of IL-33 might act as an activator of tissue-protective mechanisms, while in cases of chronic injury IL-33 plays the role of a hepatic fibrotic factor. IL-33 signaling has also been involved in the pathogenesis of acute and chronic pancreatitis. Moreover, IL-33 could be used as an early marker for ulcer-associated activated fibroblasts and myofibroblast trans-differentiation; thus one cannot rule out its potential role in inflammatory bowel disease-associated fibrosis. Similarly, the upregulation of the IL-33/ST2 axismay contribute to tubular cell injury and fibrosis via epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) of various cell types in the kidneys. Of note, IL-33 exerts a cardioprotective role via ST2 signaling, while soluble ST2 has been demonstrated as a marker of myocardial fibrosis. Finally, IL-33 is a crucial cytokine in skin pathology responsible for abnormal fibroblast proliferation, leukocyte infiltration and morphologic differentiation of human endothelial cells. Overall, emerging data support a novel contribution of the IL-33/ST2 pathway in tissue fibrosis and highlight the significant role of the Th2 pattern of immune response in the pathophysiology of organ fibrosis.

Conflicting vascular and metabolic impact of the IL-33/sST2 axis

Interleukin 33 (IL-33), which is expressed by several immune cell types, endothelial and epithelial cells, and fibroblasts, is a cytokine of the IL-1 family that acts both intra- and extracellularly to either enhance or resolve the inflammatory response. Intracellular IL-33 acts in the nucleus as a regulator of transcription. Once released from cells by mechanical stress, inflammatory cytokines, or necrosis, extracellular IL-33 is proteolytically processed to act in an autocrine/paracrine manner as an 'alarmin' on neighbouring or various immune cells expressing the ST2 receptor. Thus, IL-33 may serve an important role in tissue preservation and repair in response to injury; however, the actions of IL-33 are dampened by a soluble form of ST2 (sST2) that acts as a decoy receptor and is produced by endothelial and certain immune cells. Accumulating evidence supports the conclusion that sST2 is a biomarker of vascular health with diagnostic and/or prognostic value in various cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, giant-cell arteritis, acute aortic dissection, and ischaemic stroke, as well as obesity and diabetes. Although sST2 levels are positively associated with cardiovascular disease severity, the assumption that IL-33 is always beneficial is naïve. It is increasingly appreciated that the pathophysiological importance of IL-33 is highly dependent on cellular and temporal expression. Although IL-33 is atheroprotective and may prevent obesity and type 2 diabetes by regulating lipid metabolism, IL-33 appears to drive endothelial inflammation. Here, we review the current knowledge of the IL-33/ST2/sST2 signalling network and discuss its pathophysiological and translational implications in cardiovascular diseases.

The Utility of Point of Care Test for Soluble ST2 in Predicting Adverse Cardiac Events during Acute Care of ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Introduction

Soluble ST2 (sST2) is increased during acute myocardial infarction. The point of care test (POCT) for sST2 is currently available. The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of the sST2 POCT measurement for predicting adverse cardiac events during acute care of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Patients and Methods

This research used a cohort study design. Consecutive patients with STEMI were enrolled. Soluble ST2 level was measured from peripheral blood taken on admission with POCT. Observation during acute intensive care was conducted to record adverse cardiac events. Two groups were assigned based on median sST2 level, that is, supramedian and inframedian group. The incidence of adverse cardiac events between groups was analyzed. A p value < 0.05 was statistically significant.

Results

We analyzed 95 subjects with STEMI and 10 patients with stable coronary artery disease as controls. The median sST2 level was significantly higher in subjects with STEMI as compared to controls (152.1 ng/mL versus 28.5 ng/mL, p < 0.01). Among subjects with STEMI, the supramedian group had higher incidence of adverse cardiac events than the inframedian group (38.3% versus 12.5%, p=0.004). Multivariable analysis showed that supramedian sST2 level was independently associated with increased incidence of adverse cardiac events (adjusted OR 6.27; 95% CI: 1.33-29.47, p=0.020).

Conclusions

The sST2 POCT measurement was useful to independently predict adverse cardiac events during acute intensive care of STEMI.

Prognostic value of plasma ST2 in patients with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome

Objective

The aim of this study is to detect plasma ST2 levels in patients who were admitted to emergency department with chest pain and diagnosed with non st segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and to research the relationship between 28-day mortality and ST2 levels.

Methods

The present study was conducted at Emergency Department of Celal Bayar University Hafsa Sultan Hospital between September 2015 and January 2016 as a prospective, single-center, cross-sectional study. Plasma ST2 levels were detected in patients who were diagnosed with NSTEMI based on physical examination, ECG and troponin. The eligible patients were followed up with regard to mortality during 28 days.

Results

A total of 88 patients diagnosed with NSTEMI were included in the study and followed up for 28 days. While 18 (20.5%) patients died at the end of 28 days, 70 (79.5%) patients survived. Mean ST2 level of surviving 70 patients was 651.37 ± 985.66 pg/mL and mean ST2 level of dying 18 patients was 2253.66 ± 1721.15 pg/mL (p < 0.001). ST2 value was higher among the dying (non-survivors) compared to the survivors at the end of 28 days and this was found related to mortality. ST2 cut-off value was found as 1000 pg/mL with 72.2% sensitivity and 20.0% specificity.

Conclusion

Among the patients who were diagnosed with NSTEMI at the emergency department, ST2 levels on admission were found significantly higher among the non-survivors compared to the survivors. ST2 level was accepted as a reliable biomarker for prediction of 28 mortality in patients diagnosed with NSTEMI.

Role of Soluble ST2 Levels and Beta-Blockers Dosage on Cardiovascular Events of Patients with Unselected ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Background:

Serum soluble ST2 (sST2) levels are elevated early after acute myocardial infarction and are related to adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling and cardiovascular outcomes in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Beta-blockers (BB) have been shown to improve LV remodeling and survival. However, the relationship between sST2, final therapeutic BB dose, and cardiovascular outcomes in STEMI patients remains unknown.

Methods:

A total of 186 STEMI patients were enrolled at the Wuhan Asia Heart Hospital between January 2015 and June 2015. All patients received standard treatment and were followed up for 1 year. Serum sST2 was measured at baseline. Patients were divided into four groups according to their baseline sST2 values (high >56 ng/ml vs. low ≤56 ng/ml) and final therapeutic BB dose (high ≥47.5 mg/d vs. low <47.5 mg/d). Cox regression analyses were performed to determine whether sST2 and BB were independent risk factors for cardiovascular events in STEMI.

Results:

Baseline sST2 levels were positively correlated with heart rate (r = 0.327, P = 0.002), Killip class (r = 0.408, P = 0.000), lg N-terminal prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide (r = 0.467, P = 0.000), lg troponin I (r = 0.331, P = 0.000), and lg C-reactive protein (r = 0.307, P = 0.000) and negatively correlated to systolic blood pressure (r = −0.243, P = 0.009) and LV ejection fraction (r = −0.402, P = 0.000). Patients with higher baseline sST2 concentrations who were not titrated to high-dose BB therapy (P < 0.0001) had worse outcomes. Baseline high sST2 (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.653; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.201–8.929; P = 0.041) and final low BB dosage (HR: 1.904; 95% CI, 1.084–3.053; P = 0.035) were independent predictors of cardiovascular events in STEMI.

Conclusions:

High baseline sST2 levels and final low BB dosage predicted cardiovascular events in STEMI. Hence, sST2 may be a useful biomarker in cardiac pathophysiology.

Biomarkers, myocardial fibrosis and co-morbidities in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: an overview

The prevalence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is steadily increasing. Its diagnosis remains difficult and controversial and relies mostly on non-invasive echocardiographic detection of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and elevated filling pressures. The large phenotypic heterogeneity of HFpEF from pathophysiologic al underpinnings to clinical manifestations presents a major obstacle to the development of new therapies targeted towards specific HF phenotypes. Recent studies suggest that natriuretic peptides have the potential to improve the diagnosis of early HFpEF, but they still have significant limitations, and the cut-off points for diagnosis and prognosis in HFpEF remain open to debate. The purpose of this review is to present potential targets of intervention in patients with HFpEF, starting with myocardial fibrosis and methods of its detection. In addition, co-morbidities are discussed as a means to treat HFpEF according to cut-points of biomarkers that are different from usual. Biomarkers and approaches to co-morbidities may be able to tailor therapies according to patients' pathophysiological needs. Recently, soluble source of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2), growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), galectin-3, and other cardiac markers have emerged, but evidence from large cohorts is still lacking. Furthermore, the field of miRNA is a very promising area of research, and further exploration of miRNA may offer diagnostic and prognostic applications and insight into the pathology, pointing to new phenotype-specific therapeutic targets.

ST2: Current status

Cardiovascular diseases are leading cause of mortality and morbidity, and are responsible for 1 out of every 6 deaths in the United States.¹ Cardiac remodeling is an important determinant of long term outcomes and occurrence of heart failure (HF). Many times one requires additional tools like biomarkers to identify high risk individuals, to diagnose disease conditions accurately and to effectively prognosticate the patients. ST2 is a member of the interleukin 1 receptor family and exists in two forms, a trans-membrane receptor (ST2L) as well as a soluble decoy receptor (sST2).² The ligand of ST2 is Interleukin-33 (IL-33), which is involved in reducing fibrosis and hypertrophy in mechanically strained tissues.³

Risk Stratification of Sudden Cardiac Death After Acute Myocardial Infarction

Despite advances in the diagnosis and treatment of acute coronary syndromes and an overall improvement in outcomes, mortality after myocardial infarction (MI) remains high. Sudden death, which is most frequently due to ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation, is the cause of death in 25% to 50% of patients with prior MI, and therefore represents an important public health problem. Use of the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), which is the primary method of reducing the chance of arrhythmic sudden death after MI, is costly to the medical system and is associated with procedural and long-term risks. Additionally, assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), which is the primary method of assessing a patient's post-MI sudden death risk and appropriateness for ICD implantation, lacks both sensitivity and specificity for sudden death, and may not be the optimal way to select the subgroup of post-MI patients who are most likely to benefit from ICD implantation. To optimally utilize ICDs, it is therefore critical to develop and prospectively validate sudden death risk stratification methods beyond measuring LVEF. A variety of tests that assess left ventricular systolic function/morphology, potential triggers for ventricular arrhythmias, ventricular conduction/repolarization, and autonomic tone have been proposed as sudden death risk stratification tools. Multivariable models have also been developed to assess the competing risks of arrhythmic and non-arrhythmic death so that ICDs can be utilized more effectively. This manuscript will review the epidemiology of sudden death after MI, and will discuss the current state of sudden death risk stratification in this population.

Galectin-3 and outcomes after anterior-wall myocardial infarction treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention

AIM

Galectin-3 (Gal-3), a biomarker of inflammation, tissue repair and fibrogenesis, is associated to left ventricular remodeling after ST-elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI), but its relation with long-term outcomes is unclear.

METHODS

In 103 consecutive patients with a first anterior STEMI treated by primary angioplasty, we assayed Gal-3 and NT-proBNP.

RESULTS

Age was 65 (56-76) years, 28% were women. During 18 ± 13 months, 20 patients (19.4%) died or were admitted for heart failure. After adjustment for age, gender, renal and ventricular function, troponin, NT-proBNP and Gal-3 independently predicted the combined end point (hazard ratio: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.05-1.17; per 1 ng/ml increase). Event-free survival was 42.3 versus 93.5% for Gal-3≥ versus <16.8 ng/ml (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Among anterior STEMI patients, early postangioplasty Gal-3 levels may be useful for risk stratification.

Prognostic Biomarkers in Acute Coronary Syndromes: Risk Stratification Beyond Cardiac Troponins

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Cardiac troponin (cTn) plays an essential role for assessment of outcome in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, the prognostic value of cTn is not absolute. In this mini-review, we summarize the evidence on the utility of established biomarkers of left-ventricular dysfunction, hemodynamic stress, inflammation, and renal dysfunction for risk prediction beyond cTn in ACS.

RECENT FINDINGS

Only few biomarkers consistently demonstrate additive prognostic value to cTn levels. The B-type natriuretic peptides (NPs) and growth-differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) are most promising in this regard. However, there are uncertainties regarding the role of these biomarkers for guidance of treatment decisions, and their prognostic increment to cTn levels measured with high-sensitivity assays is largely unknown. The NPs and GDF-15 provide the strongest prognostic increment to cTn levels in ACS. However, the role of these biomarkers for clinical decision-making in contemporary settings has still to be defined.

Contemporary Risk Stratification After Myocardial Infarction in the Community: Performance of Scores and Incremental Value of Soluble Suppression of Tumorigenicity-2

BACKGROUND

Current American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology guidelines recommend the GRACE (Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events) and TIMI (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction) scores to assess myocardial infarction (MI) prognosis. Changes in the epidemiological characteristics of MI and the availability of new biomarkers warrant an assessment of the performance of these scores in contemporary practice. We assessed the following: (1) the performance of GRACE and TIMI to predict 1-year mortality in a cohort of patients stratified by ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI) and non-STEMI (NSTEMI) and (2) the incremental discriminatory power of soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2, a myocardial fibrosis biomarker.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Olmsted County, Minnesota, residents with incident MI (N=1401) were recruited prospectively from November 1, 2002 to December 31, 2012 (mean age, 67 years; 61% men; 79% with NSTEMI). Baseline data were used to calculate risk scores; soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 was measured in stored plasma samples obtained at index MI. C-statistics adapted to survival data were used to assess the discriminatory power of the risk scores and the improvement gained by adding other markers. During the first year of follow-up, 190 patients (14%) died. The discriminatory performance to predict death was reasonable for GRACE and poor for TIMI, and was generally worse in those with NSTEMI versus those with STEMI. In people with NSTEMI, sequential addition of comorbidities and soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 substantially improved the c-statistic over GRACE (from 0.78 to 0.80 to 0.84) and TIMI (from 0.61 to 0.73 to 0.81), respectively (all P≤0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Guideline-recommended scores for risk assessment after MI underperform in contemporary community patients, particularly those with NSTEMI, which now represents most infarcts. Incorporating comorbidities and soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 substantially improves risk prediction, thereby delineating opportunities to improve clinical care.

Prognostic value of soluble ST2 biomarker in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction - A multicenter study

Objective

To study the prognostic value of soluble Suppression of Tumorigenicity-2 (sST2) in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Methods

In this prospective, observational, multicenter study, patients with heart failure (HF) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50% were included. Clinical evaluation and serum levels of sST2 were estimated at five time points during follow up. Study endpoint was the relationship of baseline and serial sST2 concentration in the blood to the composite endpoints of cardiac death and re-hospitalization for worsening of HF during one year follow up period.

Results

A total of 141 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 60 ± 10.4 years. At baseline evaluation, 49.6% patients were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III and 36.2% in class IV. Adverse events were observed in 57 patients (40.4%); 25 (17.7%) were re-hospitalized due to worsening of HF and 32 (22.7%) died due to cardiac causes. The median value of baseline sST2 was 46.36 ng/ml (IQR 31.30–78.38). sST2 concentration at baseline was significantly higher among patients with adverse events in comparison to patients without adverse events (p = <0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) for baseline sST2 concentration identified 49 ng/ml as optimal cut-off value to predict cardiac death and re-hospitalization, with a sensitivity and specificity of 72% and 75%, respectively.

Conclusion

In patients with HFrEF, sST2 concentration at baseline as well as on serial testing was significantly correlated with cardiac death and re-hospitalization for worsening of HF.

Soluble ST2 for Risk Stratification and the Prediction of Mortality in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

This study aimed to assess the prognostic value of soluble ST2 (sST2) for risk stratification in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). In 461 patients undergoing TAVI, sST2 was determined at baseline and categorized into quartiles. An optimum cutoff of 29 ng/ml was calculated. Primary end point was 1-year all-cause mortality. Results were validated in an independent cohort. Patients with sST2 >29 ng/ml had an increased 30-day (9.7% vs 4.6%, p = 0.043) and 1-year mortality (38.1% vs 21.8%, p = 0.001). In accordance, patients with N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) >8145 pg/ml revealed a comparable 30-day mortality (7.9% vs 4.7%, p = 0.189) and 1-year mortality (39.5% vs 21.0%, p <0.001). In univariate regression analysis, sST2 and NT-proBNP were associated with increased mortality risk. In multivariate regression analysis, independent predictors of mortality were logistic EuroSCORE, chronic renal failure, left ventricular ejection fraction, and sST2. In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, sST2 did not provide incremental prognostic information beyond that obtained from surgical risk scores such as the STS-PROM or NT-proBNP. Similar findings could be achieved in an independent validation cohort. In conclusion, sST2 is independently associated with adverse outcome after TAVI but was not superior to NT-proBNP or surgical risk scores for the prediction of postprocedural outcomes.

Prognostic Value of Aortic Stiffness in Patients After ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND

High aortic stiffness has been shown to be a strong predictor of morbidity and mortality in the general population and several patient cohorts. However, in patients after ST-elevation myocardial infarction, the prognostic value of high aortic stiffness is unknown so far.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This prospective observational study included 160 consecutive patients with first acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured 2 (interquartile range 2-4 days) days after infarction using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. The primary end point was defined as a composite end point of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) comprising death, nonfatal myocardial reinfarction, new congestive heart failure, and stroke. During a median follow-up of 1.2 years (interquartile range 1.0-3.1 years), 19 (12%) MACCE events occurred. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a significantly lower MACCE-free survival in patients with high PWV (PWV >7.3 m/s, log-rank P=0.003). Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed PWV >7.3 m/s to be an independent predictor of MACCE after adjustment for age, sex, mean blood pressure, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels, presence of multivessel disease, and left ventricular stroke volume (hazard ratios ≥3.5; 95% confidence interval 1.4-13.3; all P≤0.018). In reclassification analysis the addition of PWV to a risk model comprising major clinical prognostic parameters led to a net reclassification improvement of 0.11 (95% confidence interval 0.06-0.17; P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased aortic stiffness is an independent predictor of MACCE after acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Moreover, the assessment of aortic stiffness in addition to classical risk factors significantly improved early risk stratification.

Prognostic Value of Soluble ST2 After Myocardial Infarction: A Community Perspective

BACKGROUND

Soluble ST2 (sST2) is a marker of cardiac mechanical strain hypothesized to adversely impact short-term prognosis after myocardial infarction. We examined the association of sST2 with longer-term outcomes after myocardial infarction in a geographically defined community.

METHODS

Olmsted County, Minnesota residents who experienced an incident (first-ever) myocardial infarction between November 1, 2002 and December 31, 2012 were prospectively enrolled; sST2 levels were measured. Patients were followed for heart failure and death.

RESULTS

We studied 1401 patients with incident myocardial infarction (mean age 67 years; 61% men; 79% non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction). Median sST2 (ng/mL) was 48.7 (25^th-75^th percentile 32.5-103.3). Soluble ST2 was elevated in 51% of patients. Higher values of sST2 were associated with increased age, female sex, and comorbidities. During 5 years of follow-up, 388 persons died and 360 developed heart failure. After adjustment for age, sex, comorbidities, Killip class, and troponin T, the hazard ratios for death were 1.73 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22-2.45) and 3.57 (95% CI, 2.57-4.96) for sST2 tertiles 2 and 3, respectively (P_trend <.001). For heart failure, the hazard ratios were 1.67 (95% CI, 1.18-2.37) and 2.88 (95% CI, 2.05-4.05), respectively (P_trend <.001). Results were similar among 30-day survivors.

CONCLUSIONS

In the community, sST2 elevation is present in half of myocardial infarctions. Higher values of sST2 are associated with a large excess risk of death and heart failure independently of other prognostic indicators. Measurement of sST2 should be considered for risk stratification after myocardial infarction.

Improved early risk stratification of patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention using a combination of serum soluble ST2 and NT-proBNP

Background

Although soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) in serum is known to be associated with ischemic heart disease and heart failure, data regarding its prognostic impact in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is limited. We evaluated the prognostic impacts of serum sST2 and other serum biomarkers in STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

Consecutive all 323 patients with STEMI that underwent primary PCI were enrolled. Blood tests and samples were obtained in an emergency room. The primary endpoint was 1-year major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs), defined as a composite of cardiovascular death, non-fatal MI, non-fatal stroke, and ischemia-driven revascularization.

Results

Mean age was 59.1±13.1 years (men 84%). MACCE (20 cardiovascular deaths, 7 non-fatal MI, 4 non-fatal stroke, 7 ischemia-driven revascularizations) occurred in 38 patients (12%). After adjusting for confounding factors, Cox regression analysis revealed that high serum sST2 (>75.8 ng/mL mean value, adjusted hazard ratio 2.098, 95% CI 1.008–4.367, p = 0.048) and high serum NT-proBNP level (>400 pg/mL, adjusted hazard ratio 2.606, 95% CI 1.086–6.257, p = 0.032) at the time of presentation independently predicted MACCE within a year of primary PCI. Furthermore, when high serum sST2 level was combined with high serum NT-proBNP level, the hazard ratio of MACCE was highest (adjusted hazard ratio 7.93, 95% CI 2.97–20.38, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Elevated serum levels of sST2 or NT-proBNP at the time of presentation were found to predict 1-year MACCE independently and elevated serum levels of sST2 plus NT-proBNP were associated with even poorer prognosis in patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI.

Prognostic role of soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 on cardiovascular mortality in outpatients with heart failure

Objective:

Soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 (sST2), a member of the interleukin 1 receptor family, is increased in mechanical stress conditions and is produced by cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts. Elevated sST2 level is associated with the prognosis of acute coronary syndrome, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and acute and chronic heart failure (HF). In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between sST2 levels and cardiovascular mortality in outpatients with HF.

Methods:

This study used a prospective observational cohort design. A total of 130 consecutive outpatients with HF were prospectively evaluated. Clinical characteristics, laboratory results, cardiovascular risk factors, comorbidities, and medication use were recorded. The patients were followed up for a mean period of 12±4 months for the development of cardiovascular death. They were classified into two groups: those who survived and those who died.

Results:

Mean age of patients was 67±11 years (69% males). After follow-up, 23 of 130 patients (18%) experienced cardiovascular death. sST2 levels were higher among those who died compared with among those who survived [51 (21–162) vs. 27 (9–198) ng/mL, p<0.001]. Optimal cut-off sST2 level to predict cardiovascular mortality was found to be >30 ng/mL with a sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 67% (AUC =0.808, 95% CI=0.730 to 0.872). sST2 levels were negatively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction and triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and hemoglobin levels and were positively correlated with left atrium size and the presence of right ventricular dilatation. In multiple Cox regression analysis, sST2 level of >30 ng/mL (HR=6.756, p=0.002, 95% CI=1.983–23.018), hemoglobin level (HR=0.705, p<0.001, 95% CI=0.587–0.847), age (HR=1.050, p=0.013, 95% CI=1.010–1.091), and HDL cholesterol level (HR=0.936, p=0.010, 95% CI=0.889–0.984) remained to be associated with an increased risk of mortality.

Conclusion:

sST2 measurement could help risk stratification in outpatients with HF. Moreover, this is the first study describing the impact of sST2 protein in Turkish patients with HF.

Soluble ST2 predicts outcome and hemorrhagic transformation after acute stroke

Objective

ST2 is a member of the toll‐like receptor superfamily that can alter inflammatory signaling of helper T‐cells. We investigated whether soluble ST2 (sST2) could independently predict outcome and hemorrhagic transformation (HT) in the setting of stroke.

Methods

We measured sST2 in patients enrolled in the Specialized Program of Translational Research in Acute Stroke (SPOTRIAS) network biomarker study. 646 patients had plasma samples collected at the time of hospital admission and 210 patients had a second sample collected 48 h after stroke onset. Functional outcome was assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), with good and poor outcomes defined as mRS 0‐2 and 3‐6, respectively. HT was classified using ECASS criteria. The relationships between sST2, outcome, and HT were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves.

Results

646 patients were included in the analysis (mean age 69 years; 44% women), with a median NIHSS of 5 [IQR: 2–12]. The median sST2 level on hospital admission was 35.0 ng/mL [IQR: 25.7–49.8 ng/mL] and at 48 h it was 37.4 ng/mL [IQR 27.9–55.6 ng/mL]. sST2 was independently associated with poor outcome (OR: 2.77, 95% CI: 1.54–5.06; P = 0.003) and mortality (OR: 3.56, 95% CI: 1.58–8.38, P = 0.001) after multivariable adjustment. Plasma sST2 was also associated with hemorrhagic transformation after adjustment for traditional risk factors (OR: 5.58, 95% CI: 1.40–37.44, P = 0.039).

Interpretation

Soluble ST2 may serve as a prognostic biomarker for outcome and hemorrhagic transformation in patients with acute stroke. ST2 may link neuroinflammation and secondary injury after stroke.

Association of soluble ST2 with functional capacity in outpatients with heart failure

BACKGROUND

Biomarkers play an important role in the risk stratification of patients with heart failure (HF). Recent studies have shown that soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2), a member of the interleukin 1 receptor family, is associated with disease prognosis in acute and chronic HF. In this study we aimed to investigate the relation between sST2 level and functional capacity in outpatients with systolic HF.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study included 120 HF patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF; EF ≤ 40%). The mean age of patients was 66 ± 11 years. Advanced HF (New York Heart Association [NYHA] functional class III-IV) was observed in 35 patients (29%).

RESULTS

sST2 levels were on average higher in patients with NYHA functional classes III and IV than in patients with NYHA functional classes I and II (51 [9-198] vs. 25 ng/ml [9-118], p < 0.001). In a multiple logistic regression model, sST2 level (OR: 1.044, p = 0.004, 95% CI: 1.014-1.075), hemoglobin level (OR: 0.590, p = 0.001, 95% CI: 0.433-0.805), total cholesterol level (OR: 0.977, p = 0.004, 95% CI: 0.962-0.993), and age (OR: 1.066, p = 0.047, 95% CI: 1.001-1.136) were associated with poor functional capacity. In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, the optimal cut-off value of sST2 for predicting poor functional capacity was >42 ng/ml, with 63% sensitivity and 88% specificity (AUC: 0.810, 95% CI: 0.728- 0.875).

CONCLUSION

Higher sST2 levels were strongly associated with poor NYHA functional class, independent of cardiac risk factors, in outpatients with HFrEF.