Long-term incidence and prognostic factors of the progression of new coronary lesions in Japanese coronary artery disease patients after percutaneous coronary intervention

Relationship between stress hyperglycemia ratio and progression of non target coronary lesions: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Stress hyperglycemia ratio is a novel indicator of acute coronary synthesis (ACS), which is closely related to the severity and complications of ACS and other cardiovascular diseases. However, its relationship with the progression of non target coronary lesions remains unclear. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between stress hyperglycemia ratio and the progression of non target coronary lesions.

METHODS

This study retrospectively enrolled patients diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome who underwent stent implantation and follow-up evaluations by coronary angiography at Zhongda Hospital between January 2019 and January 2024. Patients were classified into progression and non progression groups based on follow-up angiography findings. Logistic regression models, restricted cubic spline analysis, and machine learning algorithms (LightGBM, decision tree, and XGBoost) were utilized to analyse the relationship of stress hyperglycemia ratio and non target lesion progression.

RESULTS

A total of 1,234 ACS patients were included; 29.1% experienced non target lesions progression. Logistic regression analysis showed that stress hyperglycemia ratio (SHR) was a risk factor for non target disease progression (P < 0.001), and after adjusting for other variables, SHR was still independently associated with non target disease progression (OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.30-3.44, p = 0.003). RCS analysis revealed a near-linear relationship between SHR and nontarget lesions progression (P = 0.14). With the increase of SHR, the risk of non target lesions progression continued to increase, and the risk was significant when the SHR was greater than 0.96, but tended to be stable when the SHR was greater than 1.36 (p = 0.0047). A hybrid model combining logistic regression and XGBoost yielded the best predictive performance, with an AUC of 0.78 (95% CI: 0.72-0.85), incorporating SHR, number and stenosis severity of non target lesions (NTLs), hypertension and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). Subgroup analysis showed that elevated SHR was a stronger predictor of NTL progression in non-diabetic patients (OR = 3.76, p = 0.007) compared with diabetic patients (OR = 1.69, p = 0.083).

CONCLUSION

Stress hyperglycemia ratio is closely related to the progression of non target lesions. This study provides a novel insight for optimizing the long-term management of non target lesions after PCI.

Unraveling the rapid progression of non-target lesions: risk factors and the therapeutic potential of PCSK9 inhibitors in post-PCI patients

BACKGROUND

Rapid progression of non-target lesions (NTLs) leads to a high incidence of NTL related cardiac events post-PCI, which accounting half of the recurrent cardiac events. It is important to identify the risk factors and establish an accurate clinical prediction model for the rapid progression of NTLs post-PCI. PCSK9 inhibitors lower LDL-c levels significantly, also show the anti-inflammation effect, and may have the potential to reduce the rapid progression of NTLs post-PCI. We tried to test this hypothesis and explore the potential mechanisms.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 1250 patients who underwent the first PCI and underwent repeat coronary angiography for recurrence of chest pain within 24 months. General characteristics, laboratory tests and inflammatory factors(IL-10, IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, sIL-2R, and TNF-α) were collected. Machine learning (LASSO regression) was mainly employed to select the important characteristic risk factors for the rapid progression of NTLs post-PCI and build prediction models. Finally, mediator analysis was employed to explore the potential mechanisms by which PCSK9 inhibitors reduce the rapid progression of NTLs post-PCI.

RESULTS

There were more diabetes, less beta-blockers and PCSK9 inhibitors application, higher HbA1c, LDL-c, ApoB, TG, TC, uric acid, hs-CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and sIL-2R in NTL progressed group. LDL-c, hs-CRP, IL-8, and sIL-2R were characteristic risk factors for the rapid progression of NTLs post-PCI, combining LDL-c, hs-CRP, IL-8, and sIL-2R builds the optimal model for predicting the rapid progression of NTLs post-PCI (AUC = 0.632). LDL-c had a clear and incomplete mediating effect (95% CI, mediating effect: 51.56%) in the reduction of the progression of NTLs by PCSK9 inhibitors, and there was a possible mediating effect of IL-8 (90% CI), and sIL-2R (90% CI).

CONCLUSIONS

LDL-c, hs-CRP, IL-8, and sIL-2R may be the key characteristic risk factors for the rapid progression of NTLs post-PCI, and combining these parameters might predict the rapid progression of NTLs post-PCI. The application of PCSK9 inhibitors had a negative correlation with the rapid progression of NTLs. In addition to the significant LDL-c-lowering, PCSK9 inhibitors may reduce the rapid progression of NTLs by reducing local inflammation of plaque.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR2200058529; Date of registration: 2022-04-10.

Impact of risk factors on intervened and non-intervened coronary lesions

INTRODUCTION

In-stent restenosis (ISR) and aggravated non-intervened coronary lesions (ANL) are two pivotal aspects of disease progression in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Established risk factors for both include hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and smoking. However, there is limited research on the comparative risk factors for the progression of these two aspects of progression. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the different impacts of identical risk factors on ISR and ANL.

METHODS

This study enrolled a total of 510 patients with multiple coronary artery lesions who underwent repeated coronary angiography (CAG). All patients had previously undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and presented non-intervened coronary lesions in addition to the previously intervened vessels.

RESULTS

After data analysis, it was determined that HbA1c (OR 1.229, 95% CI 1.022-1.477, P=0.028) and UA (OR 1.003, 95% CI 1.000-1.005, P=0.024) were identified as independent risk factors for ISR. Furthermore, HbA1c (OR 1.215, 95% CI 1.010-1.460, P=0.039), Scr (OR 1.007, 95% CI 1.003-1.017, P=0.009), and ApoB (OR 1.017, 95% CI 1.006-1.029, P=0.004) were identified as independent risk factors for ANL. The distribution of multiple blood lipid levels differed between the ANL only group and the ISR only group. Non-HDL-C (2.17 mmol/L vs. 2.44 mmol/L, P=0.007) and ApoB (63.5 mg/dL vs. 71.0 mg/dL, P=0.011) exhibited significantly higher values in the ANL only group compared to the ISR only group.

CONCLUSIONS

Blood glucose levels and chronic kidney disease were identified as independent risk factors for both ISR and ANL, while elevated lipid levels were only significantly associated with ANL. In patients with non-intervened coronary lesions following PCI, it is crucial to assess the concentration of non-HDL-C and ApoB as they serve as significant risk factors.

The Value of the Apolipoprotein B/Apolipoprotein A1 Ratio in Predicting the Rapid Progression of Non-Culprit Coronary Lesions in Acute Coronary Syndrome in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

This study aims to assess the predictive value of the apolipoprotein B (ApoB) /apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) ratio in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) for the rapid progression (RP) of non-culprit coronary lesions (NCCLs) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and observe the effect of the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio on major adverse cardiac events (MACE).A total of 175 patients with DM presenting with ACS who received a PCI and an average 13-month follow-up coronary angiography (CAG) were enrolled from January 2015 to December 2020. According to the CAG, the patients were divided into the RP group and the non-RP group. MACE was defined as a composite of death from cardiac causes, cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction, or rehospitalization from unstable or progressive angina at the end of a 24-month follow-up.The low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), ApoB, ApoB/ApoA1 ratio, and LDL-C/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio levels at baseline were significantly higher in the RP group than in the non-RP group. The ApoA1 level at baseline in the non-RP group was significantly higher than in the RP group. The predictive significance of the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.712) for the RP of NCCLs was significantly higher than those of ApoA1, ApoB, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio (AUC = 0.628, AUC = 0.640, and AUC = 0.620, respectively). A higher ApoB/ApoA1 ratio and the RP of NCCLs were significantly associated with the occurrence of MACE.The ApoB/ApoA1 ratio was an effective clinical indicator for the RP of NCCLs after PCI in patients with DM presenting with ACS. The high ApoB/ApoA1 ratio and the RP of NCCLs were two risks for MACE.

Obesity May Not Be a Risk of Non-Target Lesion Revascularization in the Elderly Patients

Obesity is assumed to be one of the robust risk factors for coronary artery disease. However, the effects of obesity on the progression of atherosclerosis in patients in different age groups after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the effect of obesity on prognosis in different age groups.Consecutive patients who underwent urgent or elective PCI were surveyed for this study and were then divided into the elderly group and middle-aged group with a cut-off age of 70 years. All patients underwent coronary angiography or coronary computed tomography angiography 1 year after PCI to examine the progression of atherosclerosis. The primary endpoint was revascularization for a new lesion within 2 years after PCI. In addition, the main effects and correlations between obesity and age were examined. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify independent predictors of non-target lesion revascularization (non-TLR).Of the 711 patients who met the criteria and were available for follow-up analysis, the incidence of non-TLR within 2 years was 97/711 (13.6%). The higher incidence of non-TLR in patients with obesity was observed only in the middle-aged group. Furthermore, in the multivariate analysis, obesity was independently associated with non-TLR only in the middle-aged group.The findings of the present study would enable us to construct the hypothesis that obesity in elderly patients may not be an independent predictor of the incidence of non-TLR, indicating that the management to prevent non-TLR may vary depending on the age of the patient.

Safety and cost analysis of early discharge following percutaneous coronary intervention for acute coronary syndrome in patients with diabetes mellitus

Objective

To evaluate the safety and cost of early discharge compared with ordinary discharge in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndrome.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from 474 patients with DM who were discharged from hospital following PCI at a regional center between 2012 and 2015.

Results

A total of 192 patients (40.5%) were included in the early discharge group and 282 patients (59.5%) were included in the ordinary group. Mortality and morbidity after PCI were recorded. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed similar prognosis between the two groups at 30 days and at 1 year after discharge. However, hospitalization expenses for the regular discharge group were significantly higher than those of the early discharge group (RMB65,750 vs. RMB50,983).

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that early discharge of patients with DM following PCI for acute coronary syndrome is safe compared with ordinary discharge, and may reduce hospitalization costs.

Predictors of Progression of Coronary Atherosclerosis after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Objective: This study investigated predictors of progression of coronary atherosclerosis after percutaneous coronary intervention. Their identification may be useful in clinical practice. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the database of the Cardiology Department of the Cardiovascular Disease and Heart Transplant Institute in Tirgu Mures from January 2012 to December 2015 and identified 180 patients readmitted after successful percutaneous coronary intervention. The t-test, chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and mono- and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate associations between the patients’ clinical and angiographic characteristics and the progression of coronary atherosclerosis. Results: The pre-percutaneous coronary intervention atherosclerotic burden was associated with a higher number of new coronary lesions at readmission. Hypertension and the placement of more than one bare-metal stent in the right coronary artery were associated with increased odds of the progression of coronary atherosclerosis. The use of drug-eluting stents at the index percutaneous coronary intervention and a greater number of drug-eluting stents in the left anterior descending artery were associated with a decreased chance of the progression of coronary atherosclerosis. Conclusions: A massive atherosclerotic load at index percutaneous coronary intervention and hypertension were predictors of the progression of coronary artery atherosclerosis. The number, type, and localisation of the stent at the index percutaneous intervention could influence the progression of coronary atherosclerosis. Further research is needed to identify other potential predictors and to determine how to optimize the treatment of known predictors.

Effects of sitagliptin on coronary atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes-A serial integrated backscatter-intravascular ultrasound study

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic effects in an animal model. However, the clinical usefulness of DPP-4 inhibitors, particularly its effects on coronary atherosclerosis, has not been evaluated thus far. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the effects of sitagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor, on coronary atherosclerosis using integrated backscatter (IB)-intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in patients with type 2 diabetes. This trial was a prospective, open-labeled, randomized, multicenter study. Twenty-eight patients with type 2 diabetes who underwent elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were randomly assigned to either the sitagliptin group (group S) or the control group (group C). Non-PCI lesions were evaluated using IB-IVUS at the time of PCI and at the 48-week follow-up. The primary endpoint was the percentage change in plaque volume measured using grayscale IVUS, and the secondary endpoint was changes in plaque composition evaluated using IB-IVUS. Grayscale IVUS analysis demonstrated that plaque volume tended to decrease in both groups (group S: -1.7±8.5%; group C: -3.2±12.2%), but a between-group difference was not observed. A decrease in the lipid plaque volume (group S: from 200.1±116.2 to 179.8±121.0 mm³, P = 0.02; group C: from 298.3±363.0 to 256.6±386.1 mm³, P = 0.1) and an increase in the calcified plaque volume (group S: from 2.1±0.9 to 3.2±1.8 mm³, P = 0.06; group C: from 2.3±1.7 to 4.8±3.5 mm³, P = 0.04) was observed on IB-IVUS analysis. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses showed that the percentage change in serum non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level was an independent and significant predictor of a reduction in lipid plaque volume (β = 0.445, P = 0.04). In conclusions, sitagliptin did not significantly reduce coronary plaque volume in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, a decrease in the lipid plaque volume was observed in the sitagliptin group. A decrease in non-HDL cholesterol level was associated with a reduction in the lipid volume of coronary artery plaques.

Impact of catheter size on reliability of quantitative coronary angiographic measurements (comparison of 4Fr and 6Fr catheters)

To evaluate the feasibility of catheter down sizing for QCA, the reliability of a 4Fr catheter as a calibration device was evaluated. Repeated coronary angiograms of 9 lesions were obtained using 4Fr and 6Fr catheters under otherwise identical conditions. The calibration factor was measured 10 times by 4Fr and 6Fr catheters. QCA measurements including minimal lumen diameter (MLD), interpolated normal reference (Int N), percent diameter stenosis (%DS), and lesion length (LL) were performed by two technicians twice with a 3-month interval. The intraobserver and interobserver variability of each parameter was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Mean of mean SD of calibration factor was significantly larger in 4Fr than in 6Fr in 9 lesions. The mean of mean coefficient of variance was significantly larger in 4Fr catheters vs in 6Fr catheters. A 6Fr catheter showed excellent reliability for both intraobserver and interobserver variability in MLD, Int N, %DS, and LL. In contrast, 4Fr showed that reliability in intraobserver variability depended on the analyst. Although reliability of interobserver variability in Int N measured by the 4Fr catheter was >0.80, the value was less than that by the 6Fr catheter. Taking these results into consideration, 4Fr catheters are less reliable than 6Fr catheters when measuring QCA data especially for follow-up data that need most accurate measurements of MLD and %DS. It would be better to use a 6Fr catheter to evaluate QCA measurements such as acute gain, late loss, restenosis rate, and device size.

Four cases of investigational therapy with interleukin-11 against acute myocardial infarction

We describe four cases of the patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) that were treated with interleukin-11 (IL-11), a cardioprotective cytokine. Recombinant human IL-11 (rhIL-11), was intravenously administered to two cases at low dose (6 µg/kg) and to two at high dose (25 µg/kg). The cytokine administration started just after the coronary occlusion was confirmed by coronary angiography (CAG), taking 3 h. Following CAG, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) was performed as a standard therapy. No serious adverse drug reactions were observed. All the cases left the hospital without the symptom of heart failure. We discuss the possibility of the clinical use of rhIL-11 as an adjunct therapy to PCI for the STEMI patients.

Impact of spotty calcification on long-term prediction of future revascularization: a prospective three-vessel intravascular ultrasound study

To date, there are no prospective studies on the relationship between plaque characteristics identified by 40 MHz IVUS and future adverse events. This prospective study evaluated the relationship between plaque morphology in nonculprit nonsignificant lesions, determined by 40 MHz IVUS, and long-term clinical outcomes. Consecutively, 45 patients who underwent 3-vessel intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) examinations were prospectively enrolled. Qualitative and quantitative IVUS analyses including scoring of echogenicity for assessment of plaque characterization were performed for each nonsignificant nonculprit lesion. The number, the length, the location (superficial or deep), and maximum arc were measured for each calcium deposit within plaques. Spotty calcification was defined as calcium deposits <90° and <6 mm in length. Primary end point was defined as nonsignificant nonculprit lesion-related revascularization (NNLR) during 6 years of follow-up. A total of 163 nonsignificant nonculprit lesions with mild to moderate stenosis were identified on baseline 3-vessel IVUS. Of those 163 lesions, six lesions required NNLR during the follow-up period. There were no differences in quantitative IVUS parameters including remodeling index, plaque burden, and echogenicity between lesions requiring and not requiring NNLR. However, deep spotty calcification was more frequently identified in lesions requiring NNLR than in those not requiring NNLR (33 vs. 8 %, P = 0.02). Spotty calcium deposits identified by 40 MHz IVUS predicted the need for NNLR during a 6-year follow-up period. This finding suggests that deep spotty calcium may be a surrogate marker for plaque progression and the subsequent need for revascularization in the future.

A relative difference in systolic blood pressure between arms by synchronal measurement and conventional cardiovascular risk factors are associated with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis

It is not known the relationships between a difference in systolic blood pressure (SBP) or diastolic BP (DBP) between arms by synchronal measurement and the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD), and between a difference in BP between arms and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis. We enrolled 425 consecutive patients (M/F = 286/139, 67 ± 13 year) who were admitted to our University Hospital and in whom we could measure the absolute (|rt. BP - lt. BP|) and relative (rt. BP - lt. BP) differences in SBP and DBP using a nico PS-501(®) (Parama-Tech). We divided all patients into those who did and did not have CAD. The relative differences in SBP between arms in patients with CAD were significantly lower than those in patients without CAD. However, the relative difference in SBP between arms was not a predictor of the presence of CAD. We also divided 267 patients who underwent coronary angiography into tertiles according to the Gensini score (low, middle, and high score groups). Interestingly, the middle + high score groups showed significantly lower relative differences in SBP between arms than the low score group. The mean Korotkoff sound graph in the middle + high Gensini score group was significantly higher than that in the low Gensini score group. Among conventional cardiovascular risk factors and nico parameters, the relative difference in SBP between arms in addition to the risk factors (age, gender, body mass index, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus) was associated with the score by a logistic regression analysis. In conclusion, the relative difference in SBP between arms as well as conventional risk factors may be associated with the severity of coronary arteriosclerosis.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Rates and Associated Independent Predictors for Progression of Nontarget Lesions in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus After Drug-Eluting Stent Implantation

Little is known about clinically driven percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) rates and predictors for progression of nontarget lesions in diabetic patients who have undergone drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and angiographic data of 2187 diabetic patients undergoing DES implantation. The cumulative rate of nontarget lesion PCI was 6.3% at 1 year, 14.3% at 2 years, and 19.8% at 3 years. The independent predictors of need for clinically driven PCI in patients with diabetes mellitus after DES implantation included obesity (odds ratio [OR] 2.303, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.657-3.199, P < .001), low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR 1.412, 95% CI 1.114-1.789, P = .004), statin use (OR 0.669, 95% CI 0.454-0.986, P = .042), insulin use (OR 1.310, 95% CI 1.030-1.665, P = .027), and Synergy Between PCI With Taxus and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) score (OR 1.061, 95% CI 1.045-1.077, P < .001) at baseline PCI. These findings may facilitate prediction of the risk of repeat revascularization and improve repeat revascularization rates in diabetic patients after DES implantation.

Effects of sitagliptin on coronary atherosclerosis evaluated using integrated backscatter intravascular ultrasound in patients with type 2 diabetes: rationale and design of the TRUST study

Patients with diabetes mellitus are at high risk for developing coronary artery disease (CAD), even if they are treated with statins. Several studies have shown the beneficial effects of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors on the cardiovascular system in an animal model. However, recent clinical trials using DPP-4 inhibitors have shown that these inhibitors fail to reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular events. Therefore, this study will be performed to evaluate the effects of sitagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor, on coronary atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes. This study will be a prospective, open-label, randomized multicenter trial performed in 6 centers in Japan. Stable CAD patients with type 2 diabetes who have undergone successful percutaneous coronary intervention under integrated backscatter (IB)-intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guidance will be studied. They will be randomly assigned to either the sitagliptin group or a control group. After 48 weeks' treatment, the IVUS examination will be repeated in the same coronary artery as at baseline. The primary end point will be the percentage change in plaque volume measured using grayscale IVUS from baseline to the 48-week follow-up. This study will be the first multicenter trial to evaluate the effects of a DPP-4 inhibitor on coronary atherosclerosis evaluated using IB-IVUS, and the findings will clarify the anti-atherogenic effects of sitagliptin.

Triple versus dual antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention for coronary bifurcation lesions: results from the COBIS (COronary BIfurcation Stent) II Registry

The efficacy and safety of adding cilostazol to aspirin plus clopidogrel (triple antiplatelet therapy, TAPT) have not been fully evaluated in complex percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We sought to investigate whether TAPT after PCI for bifurcation lesions improves long-term clinical outcomes. Consecutive patients undergoing PCI for bifurcation lesions were enrolled from 18 centers in Korea between 2003 and 2009. We compared target vessel failure (TVF), defined as a composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), and target vessel revascularization (TVR), among 675 patients who received TAPT and 2081 who received dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT: aspirin plus clopidogrel). Patients who received TAPT had more cardiovascular co-morbidities with regard to clinical, angiographic, and procedural characteristics. During the follow-up (median 36 months), 346 (12.6%) TVFs occurred. The incidence of TVF was significantly higher in the TAPT group, mainly driven by a higher TVR rate. In the TAPT group, however, the risk of TVF was not significantly different from the DAPT group after adjusting for the confounders of TVFs (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.53-1.39, p = 0.53). And also, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of the risks for death, cardiac death, MI, TVR, stent thrombosis, or cerebrovascular accident. These results were consistent after propensity score-matched analysis, and were also constant among the high-risk subgroups. TAPT after bifurcation PCI had no beneficial effect on the risk of long-term clinical outcomes in real-world clinical practice. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Level of urinary liver-type fatty acid-binding protein is associated with cardiac markers and electrocardiographic abnormalities in type-2 diabetes with chronic kidney disease stage G1 and G2

Urinary liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) reflects the degree of stress in proximal tubules of the kidney. We examined the level of L-FABP in type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage G1 and G2, and its relationship with cardiac markers and electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities. T2DM patients whose estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) were recruited [n = 276 (165 males), mean age 64 years]. The median level of urinary L-FABP was 6.6 μg/gCr. Urinary L-FABP showed significant correlation with urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) (r = 0.51, p < 0.0001). Median (25th-75th percentile) eGFR was 82 (72-95) mL/min/1.73 m2. We divided patients into four subgroups (group 1, L-FABP ≤8.4 μg/gCr and ACR ≤30 mg/gCr; group 2, L-FABP ≤8.4 μg/gCr and ACR >30 mg/gCr; group 3, L-FABP >8.4 μg/gCr and ACR ≤30 mg/gCr; group 4, L-FABP >8.4 μg/gCr and ACR >30 mg/gCr). Compared with group 1, group 4 was significantly higher in systolic blood pressure, and eGFR using standardized serum cystatin C, high-sensitivity troponin T, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). Group 4 had significantly higher level of NT-proBNP than group 3. Groups 2, 3 and 4 showed more ECG abnormalities than group 1. These findings suggest that simultaneous measurement of urinary L-FABP and ACR should be useful to assess cardiovascular damage reflecting on the elevation of cardiac markers and ECG abnormalities in T2DM with CKD G1 and G2.

Impact of tissue characteristics on luminal narrowing of mild angiographic coronary stenosis: assessment of integrated backscatter intravascular ultrasound

Integrated backscatter intravascular ultrasound (IB-IVUS) is a useful method for analyzing coronary plaque tissue. We evaluated whether tissue composition determined using IB-IVUS is associated with the progression of stenosis in coronary angiography. Sixty-three nontarget coronary lesions in 63 patients with stable angina were evaluated using conventional IVUS and IB-IVUS. IB-IVUS images were analyzed at 1-mm intervals for a length of 10 mm. After calculating the relative areas of the tissue components using the IB-IVUS system, fibrous volume (FV) and lipid volume (LV) were calculated through integration of the slices, after which percentages of per-plaque volume (%FV/PV, %LV/PV) and per-vessel volume (%FV/VV, %LV/VV) were calculated. Progression of coronary stenosis was interpreted from the increase in percent diameter stenosis (%DS) from baseline to the follow-up period (6-9 months) using quantitative coronary angiography. %DS was 24.1 ± 12.8 % at baseline and 23.2 ± 13.7 % at follow-up. Using IB-IVUS, LV was 31.7 ± 10.5 mm(3), and %LV/PV and %LV/VV were 45.6 ± 10.3 % and 20.2 ± 6.0 %, respectively. FV, %FV/PV, and %FV/VV were 35.5 ± 12.1 mm(3), 52.1 ± 9.5 %, and 23.4 ± 7.1 %, respectively. The change in %DS was -0.88 ± 7.25 % and correlated closely with %LV/VV (r = 0.27, P = 0.03) on simple regression. Multivariate regression after adjustment for potentially confounding risk factors showed %LV/VV to be correlated independently with changes in %DS (r = 0.42, P = 0.02). Logistic regression analysis after adjusting for confounding coronary risk factors showed LV (odds ratio 1.08; 95 % confidence interval 1.01-1.16; P = 0.03) and %LV/VV (odds ratio 1.13; 95 % confidence interval 1.01-1.28; P = 0.03) to be independent predictors of the progression of angiographic coronary stenosis. Our findings suggest that angiographic luminal narrowing of the coronary artery is likely associated with tissue characteristics. IB-IVUS may provide information about the natural progression of luminal narrowing in coronary stenosis.