C-Reactive Protein in Atherothrombosis and Angiogenesis

Intima media thickness of carotid arteries in familial Mediterranean fever: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting data on atherosclerosis and inflammatory markers in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF).

METHODS

EMBASE and PubMed databases were screened according to PRISMA guidelines from inception to January 2022 for articles reporting measurements of the intima media thickness (IMT) of carotid arteries and eventually carotid plaques; random effect meta-analyses for continuous outcomes and Peto's odds ratio for rare events were employed.

RESULTS

The screening and selection search strategy yielded 18 case controls studies (16 full papers and 2 abstracts); the IMT was greater in FMF (n = 1112) than in controls (n = 901) (p < 0.0001) with wide heterogeneity (I2 = 86.4%); a sensitivity analysis according to mean age of participants, male to female ratio, disease duration, C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), fibrinogen (FNG), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), colchicine use and NOQAS revealed that the heterogeneity variance was partly explained by CRP (p = 0.01) and to a much lesser extent by the AIP (p = 0.10). The pooled prevalence of carotid plaques was greater in FMF (n = 137) than in controls (n = 156) (19% vs 8.3%, p = 0.02) with low heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

FMF is characterised by premature atherosclerosis expressed as a thicker intima media and a greater prevalence of carotid plaques, partially related to the C-reactive protein, as expected by the autoinflammatory nature of FMF. Key Points • Familial Mediterranean fever is characterised by premature atherosclerosis. • C-reactive protein relates to intima media thickness in keeping with the autoinflammatory nature Familial Mediterranean fever. • Targeting the inter-critical low-grade inflammation may be relevant to minimise the additional cardiovascular risk posed by premature atherosclerosis.

Targeting the reduction of inflammatory risk associated with cardiovascular disease by treating periodontitis either alone or in combination with a systemic anti-inflammatory agent: protocol for a pilot, parallel group, randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is associated with systemic inflammation. Colchicine, an anti-inflammatory drug, reduces the incidence of CVD events. Periodontitis, a chronic localised inflammatory disease of the tissues supporting the teeth, triggers systemic inflammation and contributes to inflammatory risk. Treatment for periodontitis reduces markers of inflammation, however, there is no evidence on whether an anti-inflammatory medication in combination with periodontal treatment can reduce the inflammatory risk. The aim of this trial is to investigate the effect of periodontal treatment either alone or in combination with an anti-inflammatory agent on inflammation in patients with periodontitis and CVD at 8 weeks.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

60 participants with moderate-to-severe periodontitis, coronary artery disease and an increased inflammatory risk (>2 mg/L high sensitivity C reactive protein (hsCRP) levels) will be recruited from a tertiary referral hospital in Australia in a parallel design, single blind, randomised controlled trial. Baseline hsCRP levels, lipid profile and periodontal assessment will be completed for each participant before they are randomised in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to one of 4 arms as follows: (group A) periodontal treatment and colchicine; (group B) periodontal treatment only; (group C) colchicine only or (group D) control/delayed periodontal treatment. Periodontal treatment will be provided over three treatment visits, 0.5 mg of colchicine will be provided as a daily tablet. Participants will be followed up at 8 weeks to measure primary and secondary outcomes and complete a follow-up questionnaire. The primary outcome is the difference in hsCRP levels, the secondary outcomes are differences in lipid levels and periodontal parameters and the feasibility measures of recruitment conversion rate, completion rate and the safety and tolerability of the trial.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study has been approved by the Western Sydney Local Health District Human Ethics Committee (protocol number 2019/ETH00200). Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12619001573145.

C-reactive protein and coronary atheroma regression following statin therapy: A meta-regression of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

Several clinical trials have indicated that statins stabilize and reverse atherosclerotic plaque. However, different studies have provided inconsistent findings regarding mechanisms and influencing factors of plaque regression under statin therapy. Apart from lipid-lowering effect, statins have pleiotropic effects including anti inflammation in humans. In this study, meta-analysis and meta-regression were used to determine the effects of statin medications on coronary plaque volume. Meanwhile, to assess whether statins promote plaque regression effect was related to their anti-inflammatory ability, the impact of CRP/hsCRP reduction during statin therapy on plaque regression was investigated.

METHODS

Up to June 15, 2022, a systematic PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane search was performed for randomized controlled trials that assessed treatment effect using total atheroma volume (TAV), percent atheroma volume (PAV), or plaque volume (PV). Only CRP/hsCRP and LDL-C values reported before and after treatment were considered.

RESULTS

12 studies (2,812 patients with heart and/or vascular disease) fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. A meta-analysis of 15 statin-treated arms reported a significant reduction in change of TAV/PV [standardized mean difference (SMD): -0.27, 95% confidence intervals (-CI): -0.42, -0.12, p < 0.001], compared with the control arms. Another meta-analysis of 7 trials also found that patients in the intervention group had a significant reduction in change of PAV (SMD: -0.16, 95% CI: -0.29, -0.03, p = 0.019), compared with those in the control group. Meta-regressionanalysis revealed that the percent change of CRP/hsCRP was significantly associated with SMD in change of TAV/PV after adjusting for percent change of LDL-C, age, gender and study duration. Meta-regression analysis showed that percent change of CRP/hsCRP statistically influenced SMD in change of PAV, when percent change of CRP/hsCRP was included separately. However, the percent change of CRP/hsCRP was not significantly associated with SMD of PAV change after adjusting for all covariates.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, statin therapy is beneficial for plaque regression. Statins promote plaque regression, which might be associated to their anti-inflammatory ability.

Vulnerable Atherosclerotic Plaque: Is There a Molecular Signature?

Atherosclerosis and its clinical manifestations, coronary and cerebral artery diseases, are the most common cause of death worldwide. The main pathophysiological mechanism for these complications is the rupture of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques and subsequent thrombosis. Pathological studies of the vulnerable lesions showed that more frequently, plaques rich in lipids and with a high level of inflammation, responsible for mild or moderate stenosis, are more prone to rupture, leading to acute events. Identifying the vulnerable plaques helps to stratify patients at risk of developing acute vascular events. Traditional imaging methods based on plaque appearance and size are not reliable in prediction the risk of rupture. Intravascular imaging is a novel technique able to identify vulnerable lesions, but it is invasive and an operator-dependent technique. This review aims to summarize the current data from literature regarding the main biomarkers involved in the attempt to diagnose vulnerable atherosclerotic lesions. These biomarkers could be the base for risk stratification and development of the new therapeutic drugs in the treatment of patients with vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques.

Glutathione: A Samsonian life-sustaining small molecule that protects against oxidative stress, ageing and damaging inflammation

Many local and systemic diseases especially diseases that are leading causes of death globally like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, atherosclerosis with ischemic heart disease and stroke, cancer and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), involve both, (1) oxidative stress with excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that lower glutathione (GSH) levels, and (2) inflammation. The GSH tripeptide (γ- L-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine), the most abundant water-soluble non-protein thiol in the cell (1-10 mM) is fundamental for life by (a) sustaining the adequate redox cell signaling needed to maintain physiologic levels of oxidative stress fundamental to control life processes, and (b) limiting excessive oxidative stress that causes cell and tissue damage. GSH activity is facilitated by activation of the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)-Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-antioxidant response element (ARE) redox regulator pathway, releasing Nrf2 that regulates expression of genes controlling antioxidant, inflammatory and immune system responses. GSH exists in the thiol-reduced (>98% of total GSH) and disulfide-oxidized (GSSG) forms, and the concentrations of GSH and GSSG and their molar ratio are indicators of the functionality of the cell. GSH depletion may play a central role in inflammatory diseases and COVID-19 pathophysiology, host immune response and disease severity and mortality. Therapies enhancing GSH could become a cornerstone to reduce severity and fatal outcomes of inflammatory diseases and COVID-19 and increasing GSH levels may prevent and subdue these diseases. The life value of GSH makes for a paramount research field in biology and medicine and may be key against systemic inflammation and SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease. In this review, we emphasize on (1) GSH depletion as a fundamental risk factor for diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and atherosclerosis (ischemic heart disease and stroke), (2) importance of oxidative stress and antioxidants in SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease, (3) significance of GSH to counteract persistent damaging inflammation, inflammaging and early (premature) inflammaging associated with cell and tissue damage caused by excessive oxidative stress and lack of adequate antioxidant defenses in younger individuals, and (4) new therapies that include antioxidant defenses restoration.

Serum Bilirubin and Markers of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in a Healthy Population and in Patients with Various Forms of Atherosclerosis

Oxidative stress and inflammation contribute significantly to atherogenesis. We and others have demonstrated that mildly elevated serum bilirubin levels protect against coronary and peripheral atherosclerosis, most likely due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of bilirubin. The aim of the present study was to assess serum bilirubin and the markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in both healthy subjects and patients with various forms of atherosclerosis. The study was performed in patients with premature myocardial infarction (n = 129), chronic ischemic heart disease (n = 43), peripheral artery disease (PAD, n = 69), and healthy subjects (n = 225). In all subjects, standard serum biochemistry, UGT1A1 genotypes, total antioxidant status (TAS), and concentrations of various pro- and anti-inflammatory chemokines were determined. Compared to controls, all atherosclerotic groups had significantly lower serum bilirubin and TAS, while having much higher serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and most of the analyzed proinflammatory cytokines (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). Surprisingly, the highest inflammation, and the lowest antioxidant status, together with the lowest serum bilirubin, was observed in PAD patients, and not in premature atherosclerosis. In conclusion, elevated serum bilirubin is positively correlated with TAS, and negatively related to inflammatory markers. Compared to healthy subjects, patients with atherosclerosis have a much higher degree of oxidative stress and inflammation.

Risk factors for early complications following arthroplasty in elderly patients with a femoral neck fracture

BACKGROUND

Early complications after arthroplasty for geriatric femoral neck fractures are known to negatively affect postoperative recovery and increase postoperative mortality. Identifying risk factors associated with early complications after arthroplasty may offer an opportunity to address and prevent these complications in many patients.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate preoperative risk factors for early complications after arthroplasty in elderly patients with a femoral neck fracture.

METHODS

119 elderly patients with femoral neck fractures who had been treated with arthroplasty (hemiarthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty) between December 2015 and December 2018 were retrospectively analysed. Early complications were defined as any complications that did not exist preoperatively, and occurred during hospital stay after arthroplasty Preoperative clinical, epidemiological and laboratory data were collected. Binary univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis were applied to identify predictors of early complications after arthroplasty for geriatric femoral neck fractures.

RESULTS

Median age of all patients was 80.0 (IQR 74.0-84.0) years. We identified 28 (23.5%) early complications after arthroplasty. Univariable logistic regression analysis found that preoperative body mass index (BMI p= 0.031), C-reactive protein (CRP p= 0.017) and serum Albumin (p= 0.006) were potential risk factors for early complications. Then preoperative BMI, CRP and serum Albumin were stratified and used for multivariable logistic regression analysis The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative higher BMI (⩾ 28 kg/m2; OR 10.440; 95% CI 2.674-41.170; p= 0.001) and lower serum Albumin (⩽ 35 g/L; OR 3.933; 95% CI 1.509-10.800; p= 0.006) were independent risk factors for early complications after arthroplasty in geriatric femoral neck fractures. However, preoperative higher CRP levels (> 10 mg/L; OR 1.139; 95% CI 1034-1428; p= 0.833) was found to be not an independent risk factor for early complications.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that obesity and hypoalbuminemia are independent predictors for early complications during hospital stay after arthroplasty, which should be meticulously noted to minimize these risk factors in geriatric femoral neck fractures.

The Effect of α-lipoic Acid on C-Reactive Protein Level: A Meta-analysis of Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Studies

The C-reactive protein is generally considered a marker of inflammation, and it is widely used in clinical practice as a minimally invasive index of any ongoing inflammatory response. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) supplementation can be beneficial for human health, especially in the sense of its anti-inflammatory action. The aim of this meta-analysis was to, based on the currently available highest level of evidence (prospective, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled data), investigate the effect of ALA supplementation on CRP levels. Prospective, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical trials were extracted after a systematic search of PubMed, the Cochrane Library, the Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Scopus databases. A random effect model was used in this meta-analysis to investigate the influence of ALA on the blood CRP level. The subgroup analysis and meta-regression were used to identify the source of heterogeneity. This meta-analysis provided evidence of the positive effect of ALA on the reduction of the blood CRP level. The subgroup analysis and meta-regression results indicated that ALA can reduce the CRP level when administrated at a 600 mg dose, and not in higher or lower doses. Also, a shorter duration of study positively correlates with the reduction of CRP after ALA supplementation.

The possible correlation between serum GRB2 levels and carotid atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background and purpose

Growth factor receptor-bound protein 2(GRB2), a bridging protein. An animal study showed that downregulation of GRB2 inhibited the activation of PI3K/AKT/NF-kB pathway which improved lipid accumulation and inflammatory infiltration in rats with atherosclerosis (AS), resulting in an anti-AS effect. This was the first study to investigate blood GRB2 levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) patients with carotid atherosclerosis (CAS), exploring its relationship with various metabolic indicators, and further, examining whether GRB2 has an AS effect in patients with T2DM.

Methods

A total of 203 participants were recruited in the study, including 69 T2DM patients without CAS (T2DM group), 67 T2DM patients with CAS (CAS group), and 67 in the age-sex-matched healthy subjects (Control group). Serum GRB2 levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 203 subjects who had received carotid ultrasonography. In addition, cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HBA1c), fasting insulin (FINS), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), and Interleukin 6 (IL-6) were also tested. The correlation between serum GRB2 levels and other indexes was analyzed. Finally, we analyzed the risk factors affecting carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in T2DM patients.

Results

Serum GRB2 levels were increased in the T2DM group than in the control group, and further elevated in the CAS group (median 3.05 vs 4.40 vs 7.09 ng/ml, P<0.001). Spearman correlation analysis showed that GRB2 concentrations were negatively correlated with HDL-C, and positively associated with duration of diabetes, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), TC, HBA1c, FPG, FINS, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), Hs-CRP, IL-6 and CIMT (P<0.01). Furthermore, serum GRB2 levels (P<0.001) remained independently related to CIMT after adjusting for the age, sex, duration of diabetes, and Body Mass Index (BMI) variables. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis showed that IL-6, HDL-C, HBA1c, and CIMT are independent correlation factors of serum GRB2 (P<0.01). Univariate logistic regression suggested that disease duration, WHR, systolic blood pressure (SBP), TG, HDL-C, HBA1c, FPG, HOMA-IR, IL-6, Hs-CRP, and GRB2 independently associated with T2DM is combined with CAS(P<0.05). And multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that duration of diabetes, IL-6, and serum GRB2 levels were independent risk factors for T2DM combined with CAS (P<0.05), and serum GRB2 levels were a highly sensitive indicator of early AS (OR=1.405, 95% CI: 1.192-1.658 P<0.001). Moreover, the ROC curve AUC area of serum GRB2 expression levels was 0.80 (95%CI: 0.7291-0.8613, P < 0.001), with a sensitivity of 83.58% and specificity of 70.59%. The risk of CAS was substantially higher in patients with T2DM whose serum GRB2 concentration was >4.59 ng/ml.

Conclusions

Serum GRB2 concentrations were significantly increased in T2DM combined with CAS, and serum GRB2 levels were linearly correlated with CIMT, suggesting that GRB2 may be involved in the occurrence and development of T2DM with CAS, which can be used as a predictor of whether T2DM is combined with CAS.

Relevance of lipoproteins, membranes, and extracellular vesicles in understanding C-reactive protein biochemical structure and biological activities

Early purification protocols for C-reactive protein (CRP) often involved co-isolation of lipoproteins, primarily very low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs). The interaction with lipid particles was initially attributed to CRP’s calcium-dependent binding affinity for its primary ligand—phosphocholine—the predominant hydrophilic head group expressed on phospholipids of most lipoprotein particles. Later, CRP was shown to additionally express binding affinity for apolipoprotein B (apo B), a predominant apolipoprotein of both VLDL and LDL particles. Apo B interaction with CRP was shown to be mediated by a cationic peptide sequence in apo B. Optimal apo B binding required CRP to be surface immobilized or aggregated, treatments now known to structurally change CRP from its serum soluble pentamer isoform (i.e., pCRP) into its poorly soluble, modified, monomeric isoform (i.e., mCRP). Other cationic ligands have been described for CRP which affect complement activation, histone bioactivities, and interactions with membranes. mCRP, but not pCRP, binds cholesterol and activates signaling pathways that activate pro-inflammatory bioactivities long associated with CRP as a biomarker. Hence, a key step to express CRP’s biofunctions is its conversion into its mCRP isoform. Conversion occurs when (1) pCRP binds to a membrane surface expressed ligand (often phosphocholine); (2) biochemical forces associated with binding cause relaxation/partial dissociation of secondary and tertiary structures into a swollen membrane bound intermediate (described as mCRP_m or pCRP*); (3) further structural relaxation which leads to total, irreversible dissociation of the pentamer into mCRP and expression of a cholesterol/multi-ligand binding sequence that extends into the subunit core; (4) reduction of the CRP subunit intrachain disulfide bond which enhances CRP’s binding accessibility for various ligands and activates acute phase proinflammatory responses. Taken together, the biofunctions of CRP involve both lipid and protein interactions and a conformational rearrangement of higher order structure that affects its role as a mediator of inflammatory responses.

Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index and C-Reactive Protein/Albumin Ratio Could Predict Acute Stent Thrombosis and High SYNTAX Score in Acute Coronary Syndrome

Acute stent thrombosis (AST) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and C-reactive protein (CRP) to albumin ratio (CAR) in predicting AST and high SYNTAX score in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The criteria of the Academic Research Consortium were used to determine definite stent thrombosis. A total of 2077 consecutive patients with ACS undergoing PCI were retrospectively enrolled. Platelet, white blood cell and neutrophil counts, as well as SII, CRP, CAR, and peak cardiac troponin I (cTnI) values were significantly higher, whereas the lymphocyte count and albumin values were significantly lower in the AST (+) group compared with the AST (-) group (P < .05). SYNTAX score showed significant positive correlations with SII (r = .429, P < .001) and CRP (r = .402, P < .001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that SII and CAR, as well as age, diabetes mellitus, stent length, and peak cTnI are independent predictors of AST and high SYNTAX score. In conclusion, the SII and CAR are simple, relatively cheap, and reliable inflammatory biomarkers that can predict AST and high SYNTAX scores in ACS.

Serum level of total histone 3, H3K4me3, and H3K27ac after non-emergent cardiac surgery suggests the persistence of smoldering inflammation at 3 months in an adult population

Background

Despite clinical relevance of immunological activation due to histone leakage into the serum following cardiac surgery, long-term data describing their longitudinal dynamic are lacking. Therefore, this study examines the serum levels of histone 3 (tH3) and its modifications (H3K4me3 and H3K27ac) alongside immune system activation during the acute and convalescence phases of cardiac surgery.

Methods

Blood samples from fifty-nine individuals were collected before non-emergent cardiac surgery (t_pre-op) and 24 h (t_24hr), seven days (t_7d), and three months (t_3m) post-procedure to examine serum levels of tH3, H3K4me3, and H3K27ac. Serum heat shock protein-60 (HSP-60) was a surrogate of the cellular damage marker. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) assessed smoldering inflammation. TNFα and IL-6 production by whole blood in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) evaluated immunological activation. Electronic medical records provided demographic, peri-operative, and clinical information. Paired longitudinal analyses were employed with data expressed as mean and standard deviation (X ± SD) or median and interquartile range (Me[IQ25; 75%].

Results

Compared to pre-operative levels (tH3_Pre-op = 1.6[0.33;2.4]), post-operative serum tH3 significantly (p > 0.0001) increased after heart surgery (tH3_24hr = 2.2[0.3;28]), remained elevated at 7 days (tH3_7d = 2.4[0.37;5.3]), and at 3 months (tH3_3m = 2.0[0.31;2.9]). Serum H3K27ac was elevated at 24 h (H3K27ac_24hr = 0.66 ± 0.51; p = 0.025) and seven days (H3K27ac_7d = 0.94 ± 0.95; p = 0.032) as compared to baseline hours (H3K27ac_Pre-op = 0.55 ± 0.54). Serum H3K4me3 was significantly diminished at three months (H3K4me3_Pre-op = 0.94 ± 0.54 vs. H3K27ac_3m = 0.59 ± 0.89; p = 0.008). tH3 correlated significantly with the duration of anesthesia (r² = 0.38). In contrast, HSP-60 normalized seven days after surgery. Peri-operative intake of acetaminophen, but no acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), acid, ketorolac or steroids, resulted in the significant depression of serum H3K4me3 at 24 h (H3K4me3_acetom- = 1.26[0.71; 3.21] vs H3K4me3_acetom+ = 0.54[0.07;1.01]; W[50] = 2.26; p = 0.021). CRP, but not IL-6, remained elevated at 3 months compared to pre-surgical levels and correlated with tH3_24hrs (r² = 0.43), tH3_7d (r² = 0.71; p < 0.05), H3K4me3_7d (r² = 0.53), and H3K27ac_7d (r² = 0.49). Production of TNFα by whole blood in response to LPS was associated with serum tH3_24hrs (r² = 0.67). Diminished H3K4me3_24hrs, H3K27ac_24hrs, and H3K27ac_3m, accompanied the emergence of liver failure.

Conclusions

We demonstrated a prolonged elevation in serum histone 3 three months after cardiac surgery. Furthermore, histone 3 modifications had a discrete time evolution indicating differential immune activation.

C-reactive Protein as a Predictor of Severity in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: An Experience From a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background

In this study, we aimed to determine the frequency of raised C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and their association with the severity of the disease.

Methodology

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, from June 2018 to December 2018 in the Department of Medicine. Patients attending the respiratory outpatient clinic in the Department of Medicine, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, meeting the sample selection criteria, were included in our study. A total of 104 patients were enrolled. All patients had plasma CRP levels measured, and forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity ratio was calculated to quantify the severity of the disease. We used SPSS version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) for data analysis.

Results

All patients with levels of hs-CRP greater than 3 mg/L had stage 3 or 4 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) according to Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) criteria, which accounted for 16.4% of the sample, while 81.7% of all patients suffering from COPD had levels greater than 1 mg/L. Only a small minority of patients, 1.9%, had normal high-sensitivity (hs)-CRP levels. The relationship between high levels of hs-CRP levels and advanced stages of COPD was statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The severity of COPD is directly related to the raised CRP levels, which can help in identifying these patients and managing them subsequently. It can be a useful indicator and a basis for high suspicion index and close follow-up for patients with high levels.

Mortality and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients Presenting With Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction Despite No Standard Modifiable Risk Factors: Results From the SWEDEHEART Registry

Background A significant proportion of patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (MI) have no standard modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (SMuRFs) and have unexpected worse 30-day outcomes compared with those with SMuRFs. The aim of this article is to examine outcomes of patients with non-ST-segment-elevation MI in the absence of SMuRFs. Methods and Results Presenting features, management, and outcomes of patients with non-ST-segment-elevation MI without SmuRFs (hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, smoking) were compared with those with SmuRFs in the Swedish MI registry SWEDEHEART (Swedish Web-System for Enhancement and Development of Evidence-Based Care in Heart Disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies; 2005-2018). Cox proportional hazard models were used. Out of 99 718 patients with non-ST-segment-elevation MI, 11 131 (11.2%) had no SMuRFs. Patients without SMuRFs had higher all-cause and cardiovascular mortality at 30 days (hazard ratio [HR], 1.20 [95% CI, 1.10-1.30], P<0.0001; and HR, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.13-1.38]), a difference that remained after adjustment for age and sex. SMuRF-less patients were less likely to receive secondary prevention statins (76% versus 82%); angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockade (54% versus 72%); or β-blockers (81% versus 87%, P for all <0.0001), with lowest rates observed in women without SMuRFs. In patients who survived to 30 days, rates of all-cause and cardiovascular death were lower in patients without SMuRFs compared with those with risk factors, over 12 years. Conclusions One in 10 patients presenting with non-ST-segment-elevation MI present without traditional risk factors. The excess 30-day mortality rate in this group emphasizes the need for both improved population-based strategies for prevention of MI, as well as the need for equitable evidence-based treatment at the time of an MI.

Observation on the Efficacy of Ginkgo Ketone Ester Drop Pill in Improving Hypertension Combined with Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaque

Purpose. To observe and analyze the efficacy of Ginkgo ketone ester drop pill intervention in patients with hypertension combined with carotid atherosclerotic plaque. Methods. The subjects were 300 patients with hypertension complicated with carotid atherosclerotic plaque treated in our hospital from January 2019 to September 2021. The grouping was done by the random number table method and 300 patients were divided equally into 2 groups. One group was treated with Western medicine alone (clopidogrel sulfate tablets, phenyl amlodipine tablets, irbesartan tablets, and resorvastatin) as the Western medicine group (WM group, n = 150), and one group was added to this intervention with Ginkgo ketone ester drop pill as the Chinese medicine group (CM group, n = 150). The observation indexes were the improvement of blood pressure (systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP)), blood lipids (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (TC)), vascular endothelial function (nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin-1 (ET-1)), inflammatory factors (C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)), plaque (intimal medial thickness (IMT) of carotid artery and plaque area), and efficacy after intervention and adverse effects during intervention in both groups. Results. After intervention, SBP, DBP, LDL-C, TG, and TC levels were lower and HDL-C levels were higher in both groups than before intervention in the same group, and both CM groups improved significantly compared with the WM group ( $P<0.05$ ). After intervention, NO levels were higher and ET-1 levels were lower in both groups than before the intervention in the same group, and both CM groups improved significantly compared with the WM group ( $P<0.05$ ). After intervention, CRP and IL-6 levels were lower in both groups than before intervention in the same group, and both CM groups improved significantly compared with the WM group ( $P<0.05$ ). After intervention, IMT and plaque area were lower in both groups than before intervention in the same group and both CM groups improved significantly compared with the WM group ( $P<0.05$ ). The total effective number of the CM group was better than the WM group ( $P<0.05$ ), and there was no significant difference in the adverse reactions number in both groups ( $P>0.05$ ). Conclusions. The treatment of hypertension combined with carotid atherosclerotic plaque with Ginkgo ketone ester drop pill helps to improve the blood pressure, blood lipid, and vascular endothelial function of patients and helps to inhibit the inflammation level and atherosclerotic plaque of patients, with significant efficacy and no significant adverse effects in patients, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Self-reported Frailty Screening Tools: Comparing Construct Validity of the Frailty Phenotype Questionnaire and FRAIL

OBJECTIVES

We examined the construct validity of 2 self-reported frailty questionnaires, the Frailty Phenotype Questionnaire (FPQ) and FRAIL, against the Cardiovascular Health Study frailty phenotype (CHS-FP).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional data analysis of longitudinal prospective cohort study.

SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS

We included data from 230 older adults (mean age: 67.2 ± 7.4 years) from the "Longitudinal Assessment of Biomarkers for characterization of early Sarcopenia and Osteosarcopenic Obesity in predicting frailty and functional decline in community-dwelling Asian older adults Study" (GeriLABS 2) recruited between December 2017 and March 2019.

METHODS

We compared area under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC), agreement, correlation, and predictive validity against outcome measures (Short Physical Performance Battery, 5 times repeat chair stand [RCS-5], Frenchay activities index, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, life-space assessment, Social Functioning Scale 8 [SFS-8], EuroQol-5 dimensions [utility value]) using logistic regression adjusted for age, gender, and vascular risk factors. We examined concurrent validity across robust versus prefrail/frail for inflammatory blood biomarkers (tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 and C-reactive protein [CRP]) and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry body composition (bone mineral density (BMD); appendicular lean mass index [ALMI], and fat mass index [FMI]).

RESULTS

Prevalence of prefrail/frail was 25.7%, 14.8%, and 48.3% for FPQ, FRAIL, and CHS-FP, respectively. Compared with FRAIL, FPQ had better diagnostic performance (AUC = 0.617 vs 0.531, P = .002; sensitivity = 37.8% vs 18.0%; specificity = 85.6% vs 88.2%) and agreement (AC1-Stat = 0.303 vs 0.197). FPQ showed good predictive validity (RCS-5: odds ratio [OR] 2.38; 95% CI: 1.17-4.86; International Physical Activity Questionnaire: OR 3.62; 95% CI:1.78-7.34; SFS-8: OR 2.11; 95% CI: 1.64-5.89 vs FRAIL: all P > .05). Only FRAIL showed concurrent validity for CRP, compared with both FPQ and FRAIL for TNF-R1. FRAIL showed better concurrent validity for BMD, FMI, and possibly ALMI, unlike FPQ (all P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Our results support complementary validity of FPQ and FRAIL in independent community-dwelling older adults. FPQ has increased case detection sensitivity with good predictive validity, whereas FRAIL demonstrates concurrent validity for inflammation and body composition. With better diagnostic performance and validity for blood biomarkers and clinical outcomes, FPQ has utility for early frailty detection in the community setting.

Portable air cleaner use and biomarkers of inflammation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Fine particulate matter air pollution (PM2.5) is a major contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, potentially via increased inflammation. PM2.5 exposure increases inflammatory biomarkers linked to cardiovascular disease, including CRP, IL-6 and TNFα. Portable air cleaners (PACs) reduce individual PM2.5 exposure but evidence is limited regarding whether PACs also reduce inflammatory biomarkers. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of trials evaluating the use of PACs to reduce PM2.5 exposure and inflammatory biomarker concentrations. We identified English-language articles of randomized sham-controlled trials evaluating high efficiency particulate air filters in non-smoking, residential settings measuring serum CRP, IL-6 and TNFα before and after active versus sham filtration, and performed meta-analysis on the extracted modeled percent change in biomarker concentration across studies. Of 487 articles identified, we analyzed 14 studies enrolling 778 participants that met inclusion criteria. These studies showed PACs reduced PM2.5 by 61.5 % on average. Of the 14 included studies, 10 reported CRP concentrations in 570 participants; these showed active PAC use was associated with 7 % lower CRP (95 % CI: -14 % to 0.0 %, p = 0.05). Nine studies of IL-6, with 379 participants, showed active PAC use was associated with 13 % lower IL-6 (95 % CI: [-23 %, -3 %], p = 0.009). Six studies, with 269 participants, reported TNF-α and demonstrated no statistical evidence of difference between active and sham PAC use. Portable air cleaners that reduce PM2.5 exposure can decrease concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers associated with cardiovascular disease. Additional studies are needed to evaluate clinical outcomes and other biomarkers.

Role of C-Reactive Protein in Diabetic Inflammation

Even though type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) represents a worldwide chronic health issue that affects about 462 million people, specific underlying determinants of insulin resistance (IR) and impaired insulin secretion are still unknown. There is growing evidence that chronic subclinical inflammation is a triggering factor in the origin of T2DM. Increased C-reactive protein (CRP) levels have been linked to excess body weight since adipocytes produce tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), which are pivotal factors for CRP stimulation. Furthermore, it is known that hepatocytes produce relatively low rates of CRP in physiological conditions compared to T2DM patients, in which elevated levels of inflammatory markers are reported, including CRP. CRP also participates in endothelial dysfunction, the production of vasodilators, and vascular remodeling, and increased CRP level is closely associated with vascular system pathology and metabolic syndrome. In addition, insulin-based therapies may alter CRP levels in T2DM. Therefore, determining and clarifying the underlying CRP mechanism of T2DM is imperative for novel preventive and diagnostic procedures. Overall, CRP is one of the possible targets for T2DM progression and understanding the connection between insulin and inflammation may be helpful in clinical treatment and prevention approaches.

Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IVA: Extracellular Matrix Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IVA (Morquio A), signified by valvular disease and cardiac hypertrophy, is the second leading cause of death and remains untouched by current therapies. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is the gold-standard treatment for MPS disorders including Morquio A. Early administration of ERT improves outcomes of patients from childhood to adulthood while posing new challenges including prognosis of CVD and ERT's negligible effect on cardiovascular health. Thus, having accurate biomarkers for CVD could be critical. Here we show that cathepsin S (CTSS) and elastin (ELN) can be used as biomarkers of extracellular matrix remodeling in Morquio A disease. We found in a cohort of 54 treatment naïve Morquio A patients and 74 normal controls that CTSS shows promising attributes as a biomarker in young Morquio A children. On the other hand, ELN shows promising attributes as a biomarker in adolescent and adult Morquio A. Plasma/urine keratan sulfate (KS), and urinary glycosaminoglycan (GAG) levels were significantly higher in Morquio A patients (p < 0.001) which decreased with age of patients. CTSS levels did not correlate with patients' phenotypic severity but differed significantly between patients (median range 5.45-8.52 ng/mL) and normal controls (median range 9.61-15.9 ng/mL; p < 0.001). We also studied α -2-macroglobulin (A2M), C-reactive protein (CRP), and circulating vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) in a subset of samples to understand the relation between ECM biomarkers and the severity of CVD in Morquio A patients. Our experiments revealed that CRP and sVCAM-1 levels were lower in Morquio A patients compared to normal controls. We also observed a strong inverse correlation between urine/plasma KS and CRP (p = 0.013 and p = 0.022, respectively) in Morquio A patients as well as a moderate correlation between sVCAM-1 and CTSS in Morquio A patients at all ages (p = 0.03). As the first study to date investigating CTSS and ELN levels in Morquio A patients and in the normal population, our results establish a starting point for more elaborate studies in larger populations to understand how CTSS and ELN levels correlate with Morquio A severity.

Atherogenesis, Transcytosis, and the Transmural Cholesterol Flux: A Critical Review

The recently described phenomenon of cholesterol-loaded low-density lipoproteins (LDL) entering the arterial wall from the lumen by transcytosis has been accepted as an alternative for the long-held concept that atherogenesis involves only passive LDL movement across an injured or dysfunctional endothelial barrier. This active transport of LDL can now adequately explain why plaques (atheromas) appear under an intact, uninjured endothelium. However, the LDL transcytosis hypothesis is still questionable, mainly because the process serves no clear physiological purpose. Moreover, central components of the putative LDL transcytosis apparatus are shared by the counter process of cholesterol efflux and reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) and therefore can essentially create an energy-wasting futile cycle and paradoxically be pro- and antiatherogenic simultaneously. Hence, by critically reviewing the literature, we wish to put forward an alternative interpretation that, in our opinion, better fits the experimental evidence. We assert that most of the accumulating cholesterol (mainly as LDL) reaches the intima not from the lumen by transcytosis, but from the artery's inner layers: the adventitia and media. We have named this directional cholesterol transport transmural cholesterol flux (TCF). We suggest that excess cholesterol, diffusing from the avascular (i.e., devoid of blood and lymph vessels) media's smooth muscle cells, is cleared by the endothelium through its apical membrane. A plaque is formed when this cholesterol clearance rate lags behind its rate of arrival by TCF.

Systematic Bioinformatics Analysis Based on Public and Second-Generation Sequencing Transcriptome Data: A Study on the Diagnostic Value and Potential Mechanisms of Immune-Related Genes in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the most serious cardiovascular diseases worldwide. Advances in genomics have provided new ideas for the development of novel molecular biomarkers of potential clinical value for AMI.

Amelioration of C-Reactive Protein and Lectin Like Oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor Complex Induced Endothelial Dysfunction by Oligomeric Proanthocyanidins

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a well-established biochemical marker for atherosclerosis. Modification of LDL inside the artery wall favors the elevation of this acute phase protein. Hence, this mechanism is considered an important factor to trigger the monocyte to macrophages differentiation which results in the formation of foam cells. Therefore, this key event should be targeted and focused on how this complex (OxLDL + CRP) proceeds to endothelial dysfunction. Oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC) is a well-known cardioprotective flavon-3-ols. The present study is challenged between the cardioprotective roles of OPC against the deleterious effect of OxLDL + CRP complex upon endothelial cells. Protein-protein docking was carried out between CRP and LOX-1. This docked protein complex was again docked with OPC to show the inhibitory mechanism of CRP binding with LOX-1. OPC showed a promising inhibitory mechanism against OxLDL + CRP complex. Docking studies showed that in the absence of ligands (OPC), binding of CRP and LOX-1 was greater and vice versa in the presence of ligands. Based on these molecular docking results, in vitro studies have been carried out. The monolayer of endothelial cells was incubated with THP-1 monocytes for 48 h, induced with OxLDL (10 μg/ml) + CRP (15 μg/ml) and cotreated with OPC (100 μg/ml). Morphological changes, cell migration assay, and capillary tube forming assay were carried out. Myeloperoxidase levels were estimated to determine the adhesion of monocytes onto EC monolayer. RT-PCR analysis of L-Selectin was also done. The quantification of NO levels and analysis of mRNA expressions of eNOS was to determine the nitric oxide demand caused due to OxLDL + CRP complex. LOX-1, scavenger receptor levels were analyzed by mRNA expression. Proinflammatory markers such as IL-6, MCP-1, and IL-1β were studied. Accumulation of ROS levels was measured fluorimetrically using DCF-DA staining. Mitochondrial membrane potential was determined by JC-1 dye and cell cycle analysis was done by FACS analysis. To emphasis the results, the OPC-treated group showed decreased levels of proinflammatory markers, LOX-1 and L-selectin levels. Endothelial nitric oxide levels were increased upon OPC treatment and reduction in the ROS levels was also observed. Endothelial cells apoptosis was prevented by OPC. To conclude, OxLDL + CRP complex inhibitory effects of OPC could maintain the normal homeostasis.

Comprehensive Meta-Analysis of Functional and Structural Markers of Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

The relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and subclinical atherosclerosis remains unclear. We performed a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of PCOS on functional and structural markers of subclinical atherosclerosis as measured by carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), nitroglycerin-mediated vasodilation (NMD), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and coronary artery calcium (CAC). Standard mean differences (SMDs) or odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Ninety-six articles involving 5550 PCOS patients and 5974 controls were included. Compared with controls, PCOS patients showed significantly thicker cIMT (SMD (95% CI) = .587 (.398, .776), P < .001), lower FMD (SMD (95% CI) = -.649 (-.946, -.353), P < .001) and NMD (SMD (95% CI) = -.502 (-.686, -.317), P < .001), as well as higher PWV (SMD (95% CI) = .382 (.019, .746), P = .039), and increased CAC incidence (OR (95% CI) = 2.204 (1.687, 2.879), P < .001). When analyzing subgroups by age and body mass index (BMI), results were still significant (P < .05) except for PWV in the BMI subgroup. There was no significant result on sensitivity analysis, and Begg' test or Egger's test. PCOS contributes to subclinical atherosclerosis, resulting in functional and structural changes in cIMT, FMD and NMD, PWV, and CAC incidence.

Lower Plasma Albumin, Higher White Blood Cell Count and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein are Associated with Femoral Artery Intima-Media Thickness Among Newly Diagnosed Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction

Low albumin levels, high levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and high white blood cell count were risk factors for changes in arterial intima-media thickness (IMT). Femoral artery IMT damages were one of the common peripheral artery type 2 diabetes. This study was conducted to determine the association between femoral artery IMT and plasma albumin, hs-CRP levels, and white blood cell count in newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (nT2D).

Materials and Methods

From January 2015 to May 2020, 306 patients with nT2D were recruited for this cross-sectional descriptive study at Vietnam's National Endocrinology Hospital. We measured IMT by Doppler ultrasound.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference in albumin, hs-CRP levels, hs-CRP-to-albumin ratio, and white blood cell counts between three different IMT groups namely normal IMT, thick IMT, and atherosclerosis (p = 0.003, p = 0.001, p = 0.001 and p = 0.049, respectively). In the multivariate linear regression analysis, white blood cell count, and hs-CRP levels showed a significantly positive correlation to IMT (standardized B and p of 0.17, 0.015 and 0.163, 0.024, respectively), but albumin levels were a significantly negative correlation to IMT (standardized B = -0.151, p = 0.029). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that albumin (OR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.65-0.90, p = 0.018), hs-CRP (OR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.01-1.18, p = 0.026), and white blood cell count (OR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.03-1.81, p = 0.033) had correlation to atherosclerosis of femoral artery.

Conclusion

Reduced plasma albumin, elevated hs-CRP, and white blood cell count associated with IMT increased the odds for atherosclerosis of femoral artery among nT2D.

Monomeric C-Reactive Protein: Current Perspectives for Utilization and Inclusion as a Prognostic Indicator and Therapeutic Target

Monomeric C-reactive protein (mCRP), once thought to be a figment of the imagination and whose biological activity was ascribed to its sodium azide preservative, has now pronounced itself as a critical molecule playing a direct role in mediating many of the acute and chronic aberrant pathological responses to inflammation. In this focused mini review, we describe the currently attributed pathobiological interactions of mCRP in disease, where its tissue and cellular distribution and deposition have recently been clearly characterized and linked to inflammation and other pathway-associated progression of neurological and cardiovascular complications and deleterious outcomes. and focus upon current opinions as to the diagnostic and prognostic potential of mCRP-plasma circulating protein and define the possible future therapeutics including ongoing research attempting to block CRP dissociation with small molecule inhibitors or prevention of cell surface binding directly using antibodies or modified orphan drug targeting directed towards CRP, inhibiting its cellular interactions and signaling activation. There is no doubt that understanding the full influence of the biological power of mCRP in disease development and outcome will be considered a critical parameter in future stratified treatment.

Elevated C-Reactive Protein/Albumin Ratio Is Associated With Lesion Complexity, Multilevel Involvement, and Adverse Outcomes in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease

Inflammation plays an important role in the progression of peripheral artery disease (PAD). We investigated the predictive value of the C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (CAR) on the severity of PAD and outcomes after endovascular therapy (EVT). Patients (n = 307) with PAD who underwent EVT were retrospectively reviewed and categorized according to CAR tertiles. The groups were compared for the prevalence of complex lesions and multilevel involvement as well as the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and major adverse limb events (MALEs). The rates of complex lesions and multilevel involvement increased with increasing CAR tertiles (all P < .001). These associations remained significant even after adjustment for other confounders (complex lesion odds ratio, 1.22 [1.03-1.50]; P = .036; multilevel disease odds ratio, 1.20 [1.01-1.44]; P = .041). The third CAR tertile showed a significantly higher incidence of MACEs and MALEs than the second and first tertiles within a year (log-rank P < .001). A higher CAR as a continuous variable was also independently associated with the 4-year rate of MACE (hazard ratio, 1.20 [1.04-1.38]; P = .015). Elevated CAR was a powerful surrogate marker of severe PAD and worse outcomes. Thus, CAR might become a predictor of poor prognosis in patients with PAD.

Biomarkers of non-communicable chronic disease: an update on contemporary methods

Chronic diseases constitute a major global burden with significant impact on health systems, economies, and quality of life. Chronic diseases include a broad range of diseases that can be communicable or non-communicable. Chronic diseases are often associated with modifications of normal physiological levels of various analytes that are routinely measured in serum and other body fluids, as well as pathological findings, such as chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Identification of at-risk populations, early diagnosis, and prediction of prognosis play a major role in preventing or reducing the burden of chronic diseases. Biomarkers are tools that are used by health professionals to aid in the identification and management of chronic diseases. Biomarkers can be diagnostic, predictive, or prognostic. Several individual or grouped biomarkers have been used successfully in the diagnosis and prediction of certain chronic diseases, however, it is generally accepted that a more sophisticated approach to link and interpret various biomarkers involved in chronic disease is necessary to improve our current procedures. In order to ensure a comprehensive and unbiased coverage of the literature, first a primary frame of the manuscript (title, headings and subheadings) was drafted by the authors working on this paper. Second, based on the components drafted in the preliminary skeleton a comprehensive search of the literature was performed using the PubMed and Google Scholar search engines. Multiple keywords related to the topic were used. Out of screened papers, only 190 papers, which are the most relevant, and recent articles were selected to cover the topic in relation to etiological mechanisms of different chronic diseases, the most recently used biomarkers of chronic diseases and finally the advances in the applications of multivariate biomarkers of chronic diseases as statistical and clinically applied tool for the early diagnosis of chronic diseases was discussed. Recently, multivariate biomarkers analysis approach has been employed with promising prospect. A brief discussion of the multivariate approach for the early diagnosis of the most common chronic diseases was highlighted in this review. The use of diagnostic algorithms might show the way for novel criteria and enhanced diagnostic effectiveness inpatients with one or numerous non-communicable chronic diseases. The search for new relevant biomarkers for the better diagnosis of patients with non-communicable chronic diseases according to the risk of progression, sickness, and fatality is ongoing. It is important to determine whether the newly identified biomarkers are purely associations or real biomarkers of underlying pathophysiological processes. Use of multivariate analysis could be of great importance in this regard.

Prognostic Value of N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Patients With Previous Myocardial Infarction

Background

Patients with previous myocardial infarction (MI) have a poor prognosis and stratification for recurrent major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) among these patients is of considerable interest. N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) are considered to be potential cardiovascular risk factors, but less is known about their prognostic importance in post-MI patients. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of NT-proBNP and hs-CRP alone or together in patients who reported a prior MI.

Methods

In this prospective study, we consecutively enrolled 3,306 post-MI patients to assess the recurrent MACE. The predictive values of NT-proBNP and hs-CRP alone and together were assessed by multivariable Cox regression using hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

During the 4-year follow-up period, 335 patients developed recurrent MACE. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed a significant correlation between NT-proBNP levels and MACE (HR: 2.99, 95%CI: 2.06–4.36, p < 0.001), hard endpoints (HR: 5.44, 95%CI: 2.99–9.90, p < 0.001), cardiac mortality (HR: 5.92, 95%CI: 2.34–14.96, p < 0.001) and all-cause mortality (HR: 5.03, 95%CI: 2.51–10.09, p < 0.001). However, hs-CRP was not an independent predictor after adjusting for NT-proBNP. When patients were divided into six groups by using tertiles values of NT-proBNP and median values of hsCRP, patients with high NT-proBNP/hs-CRP values were 3.27 times more likely to experience MACE than patients with low NT-proBNP/hs-CRP values. The addition of NT-proBNP and hs-CRP to a prognostic model revealed a significant improvement in C-statistic, net reclassification, and integrated discrimination.

Conclusions

Increased NT-proBNP levels were associated with long-term worse outcomes and the combination of NT-proBNP and hs-CRP has an incremental value in the further risk stratification of post-MI patients.

Retinal Microcirculation Changes in Crohn’s Disease Patients under Biologics, a Potential Biomarker of Severity: A Pilot Study

Crohn’s disease (CD) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk and the retinal microcirculation is a reflection of the systemic microcirculation. Is the retinal microcirculation altered in relation to the severity of Crohn’s disease? This cross-sectional case-controlled study was conducted in a university hospital center from November 2020 to February 2021. We prospectively included patients with moderate (biologic therapy) or severe (biologic therapy + peri-anal disease and/or digestive resection) CD and age- and sex-matched controls. Individuals with diabetes, renal disease, cardiovascular disease, ophthalmological history or poor quality images were excluded. All participants underwent OCT angiography (OCT-A) imaging (Optovue, Fremont, CA). Analysis of covariance was used. 74 CD patients (33 moderate, 41 severe) and 74 controls (66 (44.6%) men; mean (SD) age 44 (14) years) were included. Compared with the controls, the severe CD patients showed a significantly reduced mean foveal avascular zone area (p = 0.001), superficial macular capillary plexus vessel density (p = 0.009) and parafoveal thickness (p < 0.001), with no difference in mean superficial capillary flow index (p = 0.06) or deep macular capillary plexus vessel density (p = 0.67). The mean foveal avascular zone was significantly lower in the severe than the moderate CD patients (p = 0.010). OCT-A can detect alterations in retinal microcirculation in patients with severe versus moderate CD and versus age- and sex-matched controls.

Effects of Colchicine in a Rat Model of Diet-Induced Hyperlipidemia

Inflammation and hyperlipidemia play an essential role in the pathophysiology of endothelial dysfunction as well as atherosclerotic plaque formation, progression and rupture. Colchicine has direct anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting multiple inflammatory signaling pathways. The purpose of our study was to evaluate colchicine activity in an animal model of hyperlipidemia induced by diet. A total of 24 male rats (wild type, WT) were divided into three groups: group one fed with a basic diet (BD) (WT + BD, n = 8), group two fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) (WT + HFD, n = 8)), and group three which received HFD plus drug treatment (colchicine, 0.5 mg/kg, i.p., daily administration). Total cholesterol, LDL-, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides were determined. In addition, plasma transaminases, inflammation of oxidative stress markers, were measured. Tissue samples were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin and red oil stain. At the end of the study, rats presented increased serum lipid levels, high oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory markers. The aortic histopathological section revealed that HFD induced signs of endothelial dysfunction. Colchicine treatment significantly resolved and normalized these alterations. Moreover, colchicine did not influence NAFLD activity score but significantly increased ALT and AST levels, suggesting that colchicine amplified the hepatocellular injury produced by the diet. Colchicine reduces plasma lipid levels, oxidative stress and inflammation markers and leads to more favorable histopathologic vascular and cardiac results. However, the adverse effects of colchicine could represent an obstacle to its safe use.

Diagnostic and Prognostic Blood Biomarkers in Transient Ischemic Attack and Minor Ischemic Stroke: An Up-To-Date Narrative Review

INTRODUCTION

Early diagnosis and correct risk stratification in patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) and minor ischemic stroke (MIS) is crucial for the high rate of subsequent disabling stroke. Although highly improved, diagnosis and prognostication of TIA/MIS patients remain still based on clinical and neuroimaging findings, with some inter-rater variability even among trained neurologists.

OBJECTIVES

To provide an up-to-date overview of diagnostic and prognostic blood biomarkers in TIA and MIS patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We performed a bibliographic search on PubMed database with last access on July 10^th 2021. More than 680 articles were screened and we finally included only primary studies on blood biomarkers.

RESULTS

In a narrative fashion, we discussed about blood biomarkers investigated in TIA/MIS patients, including inflammatory, thrombosis, neuronal injury and cardiac analytes, antibodies and microRNAs. Other soluble molecules have been demonstrated to predict the risk of recurrent cerebrovascular events or treatment response in these patients. A rapid point of care assay, combining the determination of different biomarkers, has been developed to improve triage recognition of acute cerebrovascular accidents.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of blood biomarkers in the clinical management of TIA/MIS could ameliorate urgent identification, risk stratification and individual treatment choice. Large prospective and longitudinal studies, adopting standardized sampling and analytic procedures, are needed to clarify blood biomarkers kinetic and their relationship with TIA and minor stroke etiology.

Monomeric CRP Aggravates Myocardial Injury After Myocardial Infarction by Polarizing the Macrophage to Pro-Inflammatory Phenotype Through JNK Signaling Pathway

Objective

A polarized macrophage response plays a critical role in the pathophysiological process of myocardial infarction (MI). Several studies have shown a pro-inflammatory role for monomeric C-reactive protein (mCRP) in cardiovascular disease. However, the mechanism of how mCRP regulates macrophage phenotype switching remains unknown. In the present study, the effect of mCRP on macrophage polarization and its pathological function in myocardial repair after myocardial infarction was investigated.

Methods

MI was induced by permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in ICR mice. Adult mice were injected with mCRP (2.5 mg/kg) with or without SP600125 (15 mg/kg, JNK inhibitor) 45 min before MI. The cardiac function, scar size as well as cardiac fibrosis, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and the level of proteins in the JNK signaling pathway in infarcted myocardium were assessed. In addition, the phenotypic characterization of macrophages was further measured by ELISA, flow cytometry and quantitative RT-PCR in cultured THP-1 cells or peritoneal macrophages.

Results

Cardiac function deterioration, ventricular dilatation and fibrosis were exacerbated in mice pretreatment with mCRP following MI. Meanwhile, an increased accumulation of infiltrated inflammatory cells in infarcted myocardium was observed in the mCRP group. Moreover, activation of the JNK signaling pathway was markedly elevated in mCRP treated animals post-MI. In contrast, pharmacological inhibition of JNK phosphorylation activity by SP600125 muted the detrimental effects of mCRP in MI mice. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo co-culture experiments showed that mCRP shifted macrophage polarization towards pro-inflammatory phenotypes, and this polarization could be abolished by sp600125.

Conclusion

Taken together, our results imply that mCRP impairs myocardial repair after myocardial infarction by polarizing the macrophages into the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype via the JNK-dependent pathway.

Dietary protein intake and the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in maintenance hemodialysis patients: A multicenter, prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

The association between dietary protein intake (DPI) and mortality in people receiving maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) remains uncertain. We aimed to explore the relationship of DPI with all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality, and to examine the possible modifiers for the associations, in Chinese MHD patients.

METHODS

This multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted in eight outpatient dialysis centers in South China. We enrolled 1044 MHD patients in 2014 and 2015. The DPI was assessed using a 3-d 24-h dietary recall. Using Cox proportional hazard models, we estimated the hazard ratios (HRs) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all analyzed end points.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 45 mo, there were 354 (33.9%) deaths, 210 of which were CV related. Compared with patients with a DPI of 1.0 to < 1.4 g/kg ideal body weight (IBW)/d, a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality was found in those with a DPI < 1.0 g/kg IBW/d (adjusted HR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.42-2.38) or ≥ 1.4 g/kg IBW/d (adjusted HR, 1.49; 95% CI, 1.00-2.22). Similar trends were found for CV mortality. Moreover, we found a significantly stronger positive association between DPI (≥ 1.4 versus 1.0 to < 1.4 g/kg IBW/d) and all-cause mortality in women (adjusted HR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.00-4.22) than in men (adjusted HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.49-1.63; P for interaction = 0.0487).

CONCLUSION

In Chinese MHD patients, a DPI of 1.0 to < 1.4 g/kg IBW/d was associated with lower risks of all-cause and CV mortality.

Normal weight obesity and unaddressed cardiometabolic health risk-a narrative review

Normal weight obesity (NWO) is defined as having a normal body mass index (BMI), but a high body fat mass. There is growing interest in individuals with NWO, which is an underdiagnosed and understudied group, because of their increased risk for cardiometabolic morbidity and mortality. In this review, we summarized the definition, prevalence, etiology, pathophysiology, and cardiovascular outcomes seen in NWO. We have also summarized the available literature on interventions for NWO. There is a wide variation in the body fat percent cutoffs used to diagnose excess body fat. Hence, the prevalence rates of NWO vary between different populations and studies. It is estimated that about 30 million Americans have NWO and the worldwide prevalence ranges from 4.5% to 22%. Genetics, diet, and physical activity are related to NWO. However, etiological factors are not clear. Changes in body composition, inflammation, oxidative stress are present in NWO in comparison to normal weight lean (NWL) who have a normal BMI and normal body fat amount. Furthermore, cardiometabolic changes are observed and some are subclinical. Thus, screening for NWO will enhance the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Due to the use of various body fat percent cutoffs and methods to measure body fat, it is challenging to compare between studies. Researchers working in this field should ideally work towards developing standard body fat percent cutoffs for diagnosing NWO. There are many gaps in the literature on NWO unlike for overt obesity and future studies should explore the etiology, molecular mechanisms, and adipose tissue changes of NWO as well as conduct well planned and executed randomized controlled trials testing dietary, physical, and behavioral interventions for NWO in both males and females of different racial and age groups.

Pattern Recognition Proteins: First Line of Defense Against Coronaviruses

The rapid outbreak of COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in Wuhan, China, has become a worldwide pandemic affecting almost 204 million people and causing more than 4.3 million deaths as of August 11 2021. This pandemic has placed a substantial burden on the global healthcare system and the global economy. Availability of novel prophylactic and therapeutic approaches are crucially needed to prevent development of severe disease leading to major complications both acutely and chronically. The success in fighting this virus results from three main achievements: (a) Direct killing of the SARS-CoV-2 virus; (b) Development of a specific vaccine, and (c) Enhancement of the host's immune system. A fundamental necessity to win the battle against the virus involves a better understanding of the host's innate and adaptive immune response to the virus. Although the role of the adaptive immune response is directly involved in the generation of a vaccine, the role of innate immunity on RNA viruses in general, and coronaviruses in particular, is mostly unknown. In this review, we will consider the structure of RNA viruses, mainly coronaviruses, and their capacity to affect the lungs and the cardiovascular system. We will also consider the effects of the pattern recognition protein (PRP) trident composed by (a) Surfactant proteins A and D, mannose-binding lectin (MBL) and complement component 1q (C1q), (b) C-reactive protein, and (c) Innate and adaptive IgM antibodies, upon clearance of viral particles and apoptotic cells in lungs and atherosclerotic lesions. We emphasize on the role of pattern recognition protein immune therapies as a combination treatment to prevent development of severe respiratory syndrome and to reduce pulmonary and cardiovascular complications in patients with SARS-CoV-2 and summarize the need of a combined therapeutic approach that takes into account all aspects of immunity against SARS-CoV-2 virus and COVID-19 disease to allow mankind to beat this pandemic killer.

Influenza vaccination and prognosis for patients with high cardiovascular risk

Cardiovascular and respiratory diseases have been one of the leading causes of mortality in the world for over 15 years. According to the results of various studies, a clear connection was revealed between the incidence of influenza and the decompensation of cardiovascular diseases, which leads to the development of acute coronary syndrome, acute heart failure and myocardial infarction. Also, the incidence of influenza is associated with an increase in the length of hospitalization, treatment costs and patient mortality. Influenza vaccination, especially in patients with high cardiovascular risk, is one of the most important secondary prevention measures. The article is dedicated to an overview of the problems of vaccination against influenza, the study of the prognosis of patients with high cardiovascular risk, as well as general points in the pathogenesis of influenza and cardiovascular diseases.

Synthesis of novel calcium channel blockers with ACE2 inhibition and dual antihypertensive/anti-inflammatory effects: A possible therapeutic tool for COVID-19

Hypertension has been recognized as one of the most frequent comorbidities and risk factors for the seriousness and adverse consequences in COVID-19 patients. 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H) ones have attracted researchers to be synthesized via Beginilli reaction and evaluate their antihypertensive activities as bioisosteres of nifedipine a well-known calcium channel blocker. In this study, we report synthesis of some bioisosteres of pyrimidines as novel CCBs with potential ACE2 inhibitory effect as antihypertensive agents with protective effect against COVID-19 infection by suppression of ACE2 binding to SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD. All compounds were evaluated for their antihypertensive and calcium channel blocking activities using nifedipine as a reference standard. Furthermore, they were screened for their ACE2 inhibition potential in addition to their anti‐inflammatory effects on LPS-stimulated THP‐1 cells. Most of the tested compounds exhibited significant antihypertensive activity, where compounds 7a, 8a and 9a exhibited the highest activity compared to nifedipine. Moreover, compounds 4a,b, 5a,b, 7a,b, 8a,c and 9a showed promising ACE2:SARS-CoV-2 Spike RBD inhibitory effect. Finally, compounds 5a, 7b and 9a exerted a promising anti-inflammatory effect by inhibition of CRP and IL-6 production. Ultimately, compound 9a may be a promising antihypertensive candidate with anti-inflammatory and potential efficacy against COVID-19 via ACE2 receptor inhibition.

Systemic Vulnerability, as Expressed by I-CAM and MMP-9 at Presentation, Predicts One Year Outcomes in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction-Insights from the VIP Clinical Study

(1) Background: The prediction of recurrent events after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) does not sufficiently integrate systemic inflammation, coronary morphology or ventricular function in prediction algorithms. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of inflammatory biomarkers, in association with angiographical and echocardiographic parameters, in predicting 1-year MACE after revascularized AMI. (2) Methods: This is an extension of a biomarker sub-study of the VIP trial (NCT03606330), in which 225 AMI patients underwent analysis of systemic vulnerability and were followed for 1 year. Hs-CRP, MMP-9, IL-6, I-CAM, V-CAM and E-selectin were determined at 1 h after revascularization. The primary end-point was the 1-year MACE rate. (3) Results: The MACE rate was 24.8% (n = 56). There were no significant differences between groups in regard to IL-6, V-CAM and E-selectin. The following inflammatory markers were significantly higher in MACE patients: hs-CRP (11.1 ± 13.8 vs. 5.1 ± 4.4 mg/L, p = 0.03), I-CAM (452 ± 283 vs. 220.5 ± 104.6, p = 0.0003) and MMP-9 (2255 ± 1226 vs. 1099 ± 706.1 ng/mL p = 0.0001). The most powerful predictor for MACE was MMP-9 of >1155 ng/mL (AUC-0.786, p < 0.001) even after adjustments for diabetes, LVEF, acute phase complications and other inflammatory biomarkers. For STEMI, the most powerful predictors for MACE included I-CAM > 239.7 ng/mL, V-CAM > 877.9 ng/mL and MMP-9 > 1393 ng/mL. (4) Conclusions: High levels of I-CAM and MMP-9 were the most powerful predictors for recurrent events after AMI for the overall study population. For STEMI subjects, the most important predictors included increased levels of I-CAM, V-CAM and MMP-9, while none of the analyzed parameters had proven to be predictive. Inflammatory biomarkers assayed during the acute phase of AMI presented a more powerful predictive capacity for MACE than the LVEF.

Pharmacological Effects of Methotrexate and Infliximab in a Rats Model of Diet-Induced Dyslipidemia and Beta-3 Overexpression on Endothelial Cells

BACKGROUND

Hyperlipidemia and inflammation are critical components in the pathophysiology of endothelial disorder, which can lead to vascular complications. Our study aimed to evaluate the effects of immunomodulatory therapy (methotrexate and infliximab) in a diet-induced hyperlipidemia rat model.

METHODS

Sprague-Dawley (wild type (WT), male, n = 32) rats&nbsp;were divided into four groups: one group fed with standard diet (SD), one group fed with high lipid diet (HLD), and two groups that received HLD and drug treatment (methotrexate (Mtx) or infliximab (Ifx)). In order to evaluate if modifications to the endothelial cells may influence the risk of vascular complications following hyperlipidemia or treatment reactivity, each group was doubled by a rats group that overexpressed beta-3 receptors on the endothelial cells (transgenic (TG-beta 3), male, n = 32). Serum lipid profile, liver enzymes, oxidative stress, and inflammation markers were determined. Histopathologic analysis of the liver and aorta was performed.

RESULTS

After 9 weeks of HLD, rats exhibited significant pathologic serum lipid profiles, elevated oxidative stress, and pro-inflammatory markers. Additionally, the aortic histopathological analysis revealed aorta media-intima thickening (p < 0.05) in the transgenic group. Methotrexate and infliximab significantly decreased inflammation and oxidative stress parameters, but presented opposing effects on lipid profiles (methotrexate decreased, whereas infliximab increased the atherosclerosis index). Drug treatment decreased the aorta media-intima thickness (p < 0.05) only in transgenic rats.

CONCLUSIONS

HLD was associated with hyperlipidemia, inflammation and oxidative stress. The overexpression of beta-3 receptors on endothelial cells increased aortic thickening in response to the HLD. Methotrexate and infliximab reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in all groups, but led to favorable histopathologic vascular results only in the transgenic groups.

Traditional plants with antioxidant properties in clinical trials-A systematic review

There is a trend toward the use of natural substances present in plants and vegetables. In general, foods rich in antioxidants are complex matrices; therefore, understanding its absorption effects is extremely relevant to know its bioactive potential. Thus, this systematic review focused on clinical trials involving plants (or compounds) registered on the National List of Medicinal Plants of Interest to the Unified Health System (RENISUS) with antioxidant properties. Following the reporting guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes studies of interest indexed in the PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were analyzed. Of the 59 clinical trials found, Allium sativum and Curcuma longa are the plant species with the highest percentage of clinical research. Prevention/attenuation of oxidative stress was one of the main antioxidant mechanisms indicated in the studies. The most tested compounds of the RENISUS plants in clinical trials were curcumin and soy isoflavone. In this review, we selected studies in advanced stages that highlight plants' value in optimizing antioxidant status; however, even with high-quality studies, it is not prudent to overstate the clinical efficacy of these plants.

Vascular consequences of inflammation: a position statement from the ESH Working Group on Vascular Structure and Function and the ARTERY Society

: Inflammation is a physiological response to aggression of pathogenic agents aimed at eliminating the aggressor agent and promoting healing. Excessive inflammation, however, may contribute to tissue damage and an alteration of arterial structure and function. Increased arterial stiffness is a well recognized cardiovascular risk factor independent of blood pressure levels and an intermediate endpoint for cardiovascular events. In the present review, we discuss immune-mediated mechanisms by which inflammation can influence arterial physiology and lead to vascular dysfunction such as atherosclerosis and arterial stiffening. We also show that acute inflammation predisposes the vasculature to arterial dysfunction and stiffening, and alteration of endothelial function and that chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis are accompanied by profound arterial dysfunction which is proportional to the severity of inflammation. Current findings suggest that treatment of inflammation by targeted drugs leads to regression of arterial dysfunction. There is hope that these treatments will improve outcomes for patients.

Monomeric C-Reactive Protein - A Feature of Inflammatory Disease Associated With Cardiovascular Pathophysiological Complications?

Monomeric C-reactive protein (mCRP), the dissociated form of native C-reactive protein, is a critical molecule that causes and perpetuates inflammation in serious diseases. It has 'adhesive'-like properties causing aggregation of blood cells and platelets, and can stick permanently within arterial tissue where it can contribute to further complications including thrombosis, linking it potentially to atherosclerosis and subsequent acute coronary events. In this mini review, we discuss briefly the implications and the potential value of measuring and manipulating it for clinical diagnostics and therapeutic purposes.

Cardiovascular Disease Prediction by Machine Learning Algorithms Based on Cytokines in Kazakhs of China

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Accurately identifying subjects at high-risk of CVD may improve CVD outcomes. We sought to systematically examine the feasibility and performance of 7 widely used machine learning (ML) algorithms in predicting CVD risks.

Methods

The final analysis included 1508 Kazakh subjects in China without CVD at baseline who completed follow-up. All subjects were randomly divided into the training set (80%) and the test set (20%). L1-penalized logistic regression (LR), support vector machine with radial basis function (SVM), decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), k-nearest neighbors (KNN), Gaussian naive Bayes (NB), and extreme gradient boosting (XGB) were employed for prediction CVD outcomes. Ten-fold cross-validation was used during model developing and hyperparameters tuning in the training set. Model performance was evaluated in the test set in light of discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness. RF was applied to obtain the variable importance of included variables. Twenty-two variables, including sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, cytokines, and synthetic indices, were used for model development.

Results

Among 1508 subjects, 203 were diagnosed with CVD over a median follow-up of 5.17 years. All 7 models had moderate to excellent discrimination (AUC ranged from 0.770 to 0.872) and were well calibrated. LR and SVM performed identically with an AUC of 0.872 (95% CI: 0.829–0.907) and 0.868 (95% CI: 0.825–0.904), respectively. LR had the lowest Brier score (0.078) and the highest sensitivity (97.1%). Decision curve analysis indicated that SVM was slightly better than LR. The inflammatory cytokines, such as hs-CRP and IL-6, were identified as strong predictors of CVD.

Conclusion

SVM and LR can be applied to guide clinical decision-making in the Kazakh Chinese population, and further study is required to ensure their accuracies.

C-reactive protein-to-serum albumin ratio as a novel predictor of long-term outcomes in coronary artery disease patients who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention: analysis of a real-world retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

C-reactive protein (CRP) has been proposed as a contributor to the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD) and inflammatory reactions, which are associated with a decrease in serum albumin, and it has been reported that the CRP-to-serum albumin ratio (CAR) can predict CAD severity in inpatient ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) patients. However, the relationship between the CAR and long-term adverse outcomes in CAD patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is still unknown.

METHODS

A total of 3561 CAD patients enrolled in the Outcomes and Risk Factors of Patients with Coronary Heart Disease after PCI: an investigation based on case records and follow-up (CORFCHD-ZZ), a retrospective cohort study conducted from January 2013 to December 2017, and 1630 patients meeting the study inclusion criteria were divided into two groups based on the CAR (CAR < 0.186; n = 1301 and CAR ≥ 0.186; n = 329). The primary outcome was long-term mortality, including all-cause mortality (ACM) and cardiac mortality. The average follow-up time was 37.59 months.

RESULTS

We found that there were significant differences between the two groups in the incidences of ACM (P < 0.001) and cardiac mortality (P  = 0.003). Cox multivariate regression analyses demonstrated that CAR was an independent predictor of ACM [hazard ratio, 2.678; (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.568-4.576); P < 0.001] and cardiac mortality (hazard ratio, 2.055; 95% CI, 1.056-3.998; P = 0.034) in CAD patients after PCI.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that the CAR is an independent and novel predictor of long-term adverse outcomes in CAD patients who have undergone PCI.

Pre-coated interface proximity extension reaction assay enables trace protein detection with single-digit accuracy

Advances in trace protein detection contribute to the early diagnosis of diseases and exploration of stem cell development. The pre-coated interface proximity extension reaction (PIPER) assay enables target protein detection at trace levels and was developed based on protein biomarker recognition using sets of three specific antibodies and the extension of antibody-bound nucleic acid chains in proximity, accompanied by amplification and reading of protein signals via real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Noise generated in binding reactions and enzymatic steps was decreased by transferring the liquid-liquid reactions onto a liquid-solid interface in glutaraldehyde-treated tubes pre-coated with antibodies. Nucleic acid sequences of oligo-antibody-based probes were designed for extension and qPCR without pre-amplification when binding to a target molecule. As a proof of concept, the PIPER assay was used to profile slight variations in crucial biomarkers, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and cardiac troponin I. The detection sensitivity of the assay for the biomarkers was 0.05 pg/mL (1.25 fM) in 10% human serum. In phosphate-buffered saline, the PIPER assay detected fewer than 10 protein molecules per μL. The simple, widely applicable PIPER assay can detect trace protein biomarkers with single-digit accuracy, making it appropriate for the development of clinical hypersensitive protein detection and single-cell protein detection technology.

Monomeric C-Reactive Protein Localized in the Cerebral Tissue of Damaged Vascular Brain Regions Is Associated With Neuro-Inflammation and Neurodegeneration-An Immunohistochemical Study

Monomeric C-reactive protein (mCRP) is now accepted as having a key role in modulating inflammation and in particular, has been strongly associated with atherosclerotic arterial plaque progression and instability and neuroinflammation after stroke where a build-up of the mCRP protein within the brain parenchyma appears to be connected to vascular damage, neurodegenerative pathophysiology and possibly Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and dementia. Here, using immunohistochemical analysis, we wanted to confirm mCRP localization and overall distribution within a cohort of AD patients showing evidence of previous infarction and then focus on its co-localization with inflammatory active regions in order to provide further evidence of its functional and direct impact. We showed that mCRP was particularly seen in large amounts within brain vessels of all sizes and that the immediate micro-environment surrounding these had become laden with mCRP positive cells and extra cellular matrix. This suggested possible leakage and transport into the local tissue. The mCRP-positive regions were almost always associated with neurodegenerative, damaged tissue as hallmarked by co-positivity with pTau and β-amyloid staining. Where this occurred, cells with the morphology of neurons, macrophages and glia, as well as smaller microvessels became mCRP-positive in regions staining for the inflammatory markers CD68 (macrophage), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), showing evidence of a perpetuation of inflammation. Positive staining for mCRP was seen even in distant hypothalamic regions. In conclusion, brain injury or inflammatory neurodegenerative processes are strongly associated with mCRP localization within the tissue and given our knowledge of its biological properties, it is likely that this protein plays a direct role in promoting tissue damage and supporting progression of AD after injury.

Inflammatory bowel disease and the risk of cardiovascular diseases

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes both ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, which are well recognised as chronic systemic and immune-mediated conditions that frequently involve extraintestinal manifestations. Although comorbidities have long been the subject of research in other chronic inflammatory diseases, this concept is also emerging in IBD. Many pathologies have been linked to IBD, including cardiovascular disease, which is the main cause of death in developed countries. IBD patients are at increased risk of conditions such as early atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction or venous thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism. The aim of this review is to make an approximation of the physiopathology of the different manifestations of cardiovascular disease in patients with IBD and how to prevent them.