Clinical and echocardiographic correlates of plasma procollagen type III amino-terminal peptide levels in the community

Diabetes Mellitus Should Be Considered While Analysing Sarcopenia-Related Biomarkers

Sarcopenia is a chronic, progressive skeletal muscle disease characterised by low muscle strength and quantity or quality, leading to low physical performance. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are more at risk of sarcopenia than euglycemic individuals. Because of several shared pathways between the two diseases, sarcopenia is also a risk factor for developing T2DM in older patients. Various biomarkers are under investigation as potentially valuable for sarcopenia diagnosis and treatment monitoring. Biomarkers related to sarcopenia can be divided into markers evaluating musculoskeletal status (biomarkers specific to muscle mass, markers of the neuromuscular junction, or myokines) and markers assuming causal factors (adipokines, hormones, and inflammatory markers). This paper reviews the current knowledge about how diabetes and T2DM complications affect potential sarcopenia biomarker concentrations. This review includes markers recently proposed by the expert group of the European Society for the Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases (ESCEO) as those that may currently be useful in phase II and III clinical trials of sarcopenia: myostatin (MSTN); follistatin (FST); irisin; brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF); procollagen type III N-terminal peptide (PIIINP; P3NP); sarcopenia index (serum creatinine to serum cystatin C ratio); adiponectin; leptin; insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1); dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS); C-reactive protein (CRP); interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). A better understanding of factors influencing these biomarkers' levels, including diabetes and diabetic complications, may lead to designing future studies and implementing results in clinical practice.

Diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers reflective of cardiac remodelling in diabetes mellitus: A scoping review

AIMS

The aim of this scoping review is to evaluate the current biomarkers used in the assessment of adverse cardiac remodelling in people with diabetes mellitus (DM) and in the diagnosis and prognosis of subsequent cardiovascular disease. We aim to discuss the biomarkers' pathophysiological roles as a reflection of the cardiac remodelling mechanisms in the presence of DM.

METHODS

We performed the literature search to include studies from 2003 to 2021 using the following databases: MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Cochrane library. Articles that met our inclusion criteria were screened and appraised before being included in this review. The PRISMA guidelines for Scoping Reviews were followed.

RESULTS

Our literature search identified a total of 43 eligible articles, which were included in this scoping review. We identified 15 different biomarkers, each described by at least two studies, that were used to determine signs of cardiac remodelling in cardiovascular disease (CVD) and people with DM. NT-proBNP was identified as the most frequently employed biomarker in this context; however, we also identified emerging biomarkers including hs-CRP, hs-cTnT, and Galectin-3.

CONCLUSION

There is a complex relationship between DM and cardiovascular health, where more research is needed. Current biomarkers reflective of adverse cardiac remodelling in DM are often used to diagnose other CVDs, such as NT-proBNP for heart failure. Hence there is a need for identification of specific biomarkers that can detect early signs of cardiac remodelling in the presence of DM. Further research into these biomarkers and mechanisms can deepen our understanding of their role in DM-associated CVD and lead to better preventative therapies.

Laboratory and Metabolomic Fingerprint in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: From Clinical Classification to Biomarker Signature

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) remains a poorly characterized syndrome with many unknown aspects related to different patient profiles, various associated risk factors and a wide range of aetiologies. It comprises several pathophysiological pathways, such as endothelial dysfunction, myocardial fibrosis, extracellular matrix deposition and intense inflammatory system activation. Until now, HFpEF has only been described with regard to clinical features and its most commonly associated risk factors, disregarding all biological mechanisms responsible for cardiovascular deteriorations. Recently, innovations in laboratory and metabolomic findings have shown that HFpEF appears to be strictly related to specific cells and molecular mechanisms' dysregulation. Indeed, some biomarkers are efficient in early identification of these processes, adding new insights into diagnosis and risk stratification. Moreover, recent advances in intermediate metabolites provide relevant information on intrinsic cellular and energetic substrate alterations. Therefore, a systematic combination of clinical imaging and laboratory findings may lead to a 'precision medicine' approach providing prognostic and therapeutic advantages. The current review reports traditional and emerging biomarkers in HFpEF and it purposes a new diagnostic approach based on integrative information achieved from risk factor burden, hemodynamic dysfunction and biomarkers' signature partnership.

Biomarkers in HFpEF for Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Biological Phenotyping

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The heterogeneity of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is responsible for the limited success of broad management strategies. The role of biomarkers has been evolving helping to provide insight into the diversity of pathophysiology, prognosis, and potential targets for treatments. We will review the role of traditional and novel biomarkers in diagnosing, prognosticating, and evolving the management of patients with HFpEF. As circulating biomarker discovery rapidly evolves, we will explore technology for new biomarker discovery with examples of successful implementation.

RECENT FINDINGS

Besides cardiac-specific biomarkers (natriuretic peptides and troponin), other novel nonspecific biomarkers increasingly identify the diversity of pathophysiological mechanisms of HFpEF including inflammation, fibrosis, and renal dysfunction. Newer approaches have provided increasing granularity providing opportunities to integrate large amounts of information from proteomics and genomics as biomarkers of interest in HFpEF. HFpEF has been marked with failure of many medications to show benefit, whether measuring single targeted biomarkers or broader targeted discovery proteomics or genomic circulating biomarkers are providing increasing opportunities to better understand and manage HFpEF patients.

Biomarkers in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a heterogeneous disorder developing from multiple aetiologies with overlapping pathophysiological mechanisms. HFpEF diagnosis may be challenging, as neither cardiac imaging nor physical examination are sensitive in this situation. Here, we review biomarkers of HFpEF, of which the best supported are related to myocardial stretch and injury, including natriuretic peptides and cardiac troponins. An overview of biomarkers of inflammation, extracellular matrix derangements and fibrosis, senescence, vascular dysfunction, anaemia/iron deficiency and obesity is also provided. Finally, novel biomarkers from -omics technologies, including plasma metabolites and circulating microRNAs, are outlined briefly. A cardiac-centred approach to HFpEF diagnosis using natriuretic peptides seems reasonable at present in clinical practice. A holistic approach including biomarkers that provide information on the non-cardiac components of the HFpEF syndrome may enrich our understanding of the disease and may be useful in classifying HFpEF phenotypes or endotypes that may guide patient selection in HFpEF trials.

Association of Circulating Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases-1 and Procollagen Type III Aminoterminal Peptide Levels With Incident Heart Failure and Chronic Kidney Disease

Background Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 ( TIMP -1) and procollagen type III aminoterminal peptide are established circulating markers of extracellular matrix remodeling and associated with cardiovascular disease. The association of both biomarkers with incident congestive heart failure and chronic kidney disease ( CKD ) in the community is not well studied. Methods and Results We measured plasma total TIMP -1 and procollagen type III aminoterminal peptide levels in 922 Framingham participants (mean age, 57 years; 57% women) and related both biomarkers to the risk of incident CKD and congestive heart failure in multivariable-adjusted Cox regression models. Plasma total TIMP -1 levels were positively associated with risk of incident CKD (164 events; hazard ratio per 1 SD in log-biomarker, 1.90; 95% CI , 1.53-2.37) in multivariable models, including adjustments for left ventricular mass, C-reactive protein, and B-type natriuretic peptide levels. The association of total TIMP -1 with risk of congestive heart failure was statistically significant in an age- and sex-adjusted model, but was attenuated upon adjustment for conventional risk factors. Blood procollagen type III aminoterminal peptide levels were not related to the risk of CKD or congestive heart failure. Conclusions Higher baseline levels of total TIMP -1 conferred an increased risk for incident CKD , independent of conventional risk factors and circulating biomarkers of chronic systemic inflammation and neurohormonal activation. Our prospective observations in a large community-based sample support the role of matrix remodeling in the pathogenesis of CKD .

Sick fat: the good and the bad of old and new circulating markers of adipose tissue inflammation

Adipose tissue (AT) is one of the largest endocrine organs contributing to metabolic homeostasis. The functional pleiotropism of AT depends on its ability to secrete a large number of hormones, cytokines, extracellular matrix proteins and growth factors, all influencing many local and systemic physiological and pathophysiological processes. In condition of chronic positive energy balance, adipocyte expansion, hypoxia, apoptosis and stress all lead to AT inflammation and dysfunction, and it has been demonstrated that this sick fat is a main risk factor for many metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, fatty liver, cardiovascular disease and cancer. AT dysfunction is tightly associated with aberrant secretion of bioactive peptides, the adipocytokines, and their blood concentrations often reflect the expression in the AT. Despite the existence of an association between AT dysfunction and systemic pro-inflammatory state, most of the circulating molecules detectable in obese and dysmetabolic individuals do not identify specifically the condition of sick fat. Based on this premise, this review provides a concise overview of "classic" and novel promising adipocytokines associated with AT inflammation and discusses possible critical approaches to their interpretation in clinical practice.

Type III collagen (COL3A1): Gene and protein structure, tissue distribution, and associated diseases

Collagen alpha-1(III) chain, also known as the alpha 1 chain of type III collagen, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the COL3A1 gene. Three alpha 1 chains are required to form the type III collagen molecule which has a long triple-helical domain. Type III collagen, an extracellular matrix protein, is synthesized by cells as a pre-procollagen. It is found as a major structural component in hollow organs such as large blood vessels, uterus and bowel. Other functions of type III collagen include interaction with platelets in the blood clotting cascade and it is also an important signaling molecule in wound healing. Mutations in the COL3A1 gene cause the vascular type of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS; OMIM 130050). It is the most serious form of EDS, since patients often die suddenly due to a rupture of large arteries. Inactivation of the murine Col3a1 gene leads to a shorter life span in homozygous mutant mice. The mice die prematurely from a rupture of major arteries mimicking the human vEDS phenotype. The biochemical and cellular effects of COL3A1 mutations have been studied extensively. Most of the glycine mutations lead to the synthesis of type III collagen with reduced thermal stability, which is more susceptible for proteinases. Intracellular accumulation of this normally secreted protein is also found. Ultrastructural analyses have demonstrated dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum and changes in the diameter of collagen fibers. Other clinical conditions associated with type III collagen are several types of fibroses in which increased amounts of type III collagen accumulate in the target organs.

Procollagen-III peptide identifies adipose tissue-associated inflammation in type 2 diabetes with or without nonalcoholic liver disease

BACKGROUND

Procollagen-III peptide (PIIINP) is a marker of fibrosis associated with increased cardiometabolic risk and progression of chronic liver diseases such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and steatohepatitis; its association with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has not been elucidated yet. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship among circulating PIIINP levels, metabolic traits, and body fat distribution in subjects with T2DM with or without NAFLD.

METHODS

Data from 62 T2DM subjects recruited in our diabetes outpatient clinics at Sapienza University of Rome, Italy, were analysed. Participants underwent metabolic and inflammatory profiling (CRP, TNFα, IL-6, IL-8, WISP1, and adiponectin) and magnetic resonance imaging for diagnosing NAFLD on the basis of hepatic fat fraction (≥5.5%) and quantifying visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue (AT) areas. Serum PIIINP was measured by human-PIIINP ELISA kits.

RESULTS

Higher PIIINP levels correlated with greater BMI and visceral AT area and were associated with systemic signatures of AT-associated inflammation-ie, higher WISP-1, IL-8, and lower adiponectin levels; conversely, PIIINP did not differ significantly between T2DM patients with or without NAFLD and were not associated with hepatic fat fraction, Fatty Liver Index, FIB-4, or transaminases.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated circulating PIIINP levels specifically identify T2DM individuals with AT expansion and systemic proinflammatory profile suggestive for AT dysfunction; our results point toward a new role of PIIINP as a marker of fibroinflammation in dysmetabolic conditions, likely related to AT expansion.

Predictive Value of Collagen Biomarkers for Heart Failure With and Without Preserved Ejection Fraction: MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis)

BACKGROUND

Collagen biomarkers may correlate with incident heart failure (HF) and its subtypes. We hypothesized that circulating procollagen type III N-terminal propeptide (PIIINP) and collagen type I carboxy-terminal telopeptide (ICTP) predict incident HF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We used a stratified sampling design in a multiethnic sample of 3187 subjects, initially aged 45 to 84 years and free of cardiovascular disease. We assayed baseline serum PIIINP and ICTP concentrations using radioimmunoassay. Incident HF was adjudicated, distinguishing reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF; EF <45%) from preserved EF (HFpEF; EF ≥45%). The incidence density for HFpEF and HFrEF was computed using Poisson regression per SD for each of PIIINP and ICTP, adjusting in model 1 for age, race, sex, and renal function or in model 2 for these variables plus blood pressure and medication. Mean (SD) ICTP was 3.38±1.77 μg/L, and mean (SD) PIIINP was 5.48±2.04 μg/L. Among the HF cases, 96 were HFrEF and 107 were HFpEF. Neither ICTP nor PIIINP significantly predicted incident HFrEF. The incidence density for HFpEF per 100 people observed for 13 years was 1.65 for low PIIINP (lower 6 octiles) versus 3.00 for higher PIIINP (P=0.002) in model 1 and correspondingly 1.45 versus 2.59 (P=0.003) in model 2. For low ICTP (lower 7 octiles) versus higher ICTP (octile 8), incidence densities were 1.79 versus 3.64 (P=0.002) in model 1 and 1.58 versus 3.12 (P=0.002) in model 2.

CONCLUSIONS

High levels of circulating ICTP and PIIINP as collagen biomarkers appear to be associated with incident HFpEF, but not HFrEF.

Associations between metabolic dysregulation and circulating biomarkers of fibrosis: the Cardiovascular Health Study

AIM

Fibrosis is one postulated pathway by which diabetes produces cardiac and other systemic complications. Our aim was to determine which metabolic parameters are associated with circulating fibrosis-related biomarkers transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and procollagen type III N-terminal propeptide (PIIINP).

METHODS

We used linear regression to determine the cross-sectional associations of diverse metabolic parameters, including fasting glucose, fasting insulin, body mass index, fatty acid binding protein 4, and non-esterified fatty acids, with circulating levels of TGF-β (n = 1559) and PIIINP (n = 3024) among community-living older adults in the Cardiovascular Health Study.

RESULTS

Among the main metabolic parameters we examined, only fasting glucose was associated with TGF-β (P = 0.03). In contrast, multiple metabolic parameters were associated with PIIINP, including fasting insulin, body mass index, and non-esterified fatty acids (P<0.001, P<0.001, P=0.001, respectively). These associations remained statistically significant after mutual adjustment, except the association between BMI and PIIINP.

CONCLUSIONS

Isolated hyperglycemia is associated with higher serum concentrations of TGF-β, while a broader phenotype of insulin resistance is associated with higher serum PIIINP. Whether simultaneous pharmacologic targeting of these two metabolic phenotypes can synergistically reduce the risk of cardiac and other manifestations of fibrosis remains to be determined.

Biomarkers and echocardiographic predictors of myocardial dysfunction in patients with hypertension

The study aimed to identify early echocardiographic and circulating biomarkers of heart failure (HF) in hypertensive patients with normal resting echocardiography. Echocardiography at rest and during exercise, and selected biomarkers were assessed in control group, dyspnea group, and HF group. On exercise dyspnea patients had lower early diastolic (E') and systolic (S') mitral annular velocity (12.8 ± 1.0 vs 14.9 ± 3.0 cm/sec and 9.3 ± 2.0 vs 10.9 ± 2.0 cm/sec, respectively), and higher E/E' ratio compared to control group (6.7 ± 1.0 vs 5.9 ± 1.0) (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). The level of N-terminal propeptide of procollagen type III (PIIINP) was significantly higher in dyspnea group than in controls (p = 0.01). Control and dyspnea patients had lower levels of cardiotrophin-1, cystatin C, syndecan-4, and N terminal-probrain natriuretic peptide than HF patients (all p ≤ 0.01). In multivariate analysis PIIINP (unadjusted odds ratio [OR] = 8.2, 95% confidence interval [Cl] 1.7-40.6; p = 0.001; adjusted OR = 8.7; 95%CI: 1.5-48.3; p = 0.001) and E/E' ratio on exercise (unadjusted OR = 1.8, 95%CI: 0.8-4.0; p = 0.033; adjusted OR = 2.0; 95%CI: 0.8-4.8; p = 0.012) were the only factors significantly associated with the presence of dyspnea. PIIINP is the first early biomarker for the HF development in patients with HA and normal resting echocardiography. Exertional echocardiography may indicate patients with incipient HF with preserved ejection fraction.

The N-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen in patients with acute coronary syndrome: a link between left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and cardiovascular events

Background

Despite the usefulness of N-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) in detecting enhanced collagen turnover in patients with congestive heart failure, the value added by PIIINP to the use of clinical variables and echocardiography in relation to directly measured left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic pressure (EDP) and the outcome of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has not been clearly defined.

Methods and Results

This study involved 168 adult patients with ACS, who underwent echocardiography, measurement of serum PIIINP levels, and cardiac catheterization. Pulsed wave tissue Doppler imaging (PWTDI), which revealed mean peak systolic (s′), early (e′), and late diastolic (a′) velocities, was carried out and the eas index of LV function was evaluated: e′/(a′×s′). The patients were divided into three study groups based on the degree of LVEDP – normal (<16 mmHg), intermediate (16–30 mmHg), and high (>30 mmHg) LVEDP. All patients were followed-up to determine cardiac-related death and revascularization. Patients with high LVEDP had significantly more PIIINP than those with intermediate or normal LVEDP (all post hoc p<0.05). The presence of coronary artery disease, the left atrial volume index (LAVI), the ratio of transmitral early and late diastolic flow velocities, a′, and the eas index were significantly correlated with LVEDP. According to multiple stepwise analysis, PIIINP, LAVI and the eas index were the three independent predictors of the level of LVEDP (PIIINP, p <0.001; LAVI, p = 0.007; eas index, p = 0.021). During follow-up (median, 24 months), 32 participants suffered from cardiac events, PIIINP and LAVI were significant predictors of cardiac mortality and hospitalization (PIIINP, hazard ratio (HR) 2.589, p = 0.002; LAVI, HR 1.040, p = 0.027).

Conclusions

PIIINP is a highly effective means to evaluate LVEDP in patients with ACS. The PIIINP is also correlated with cardiac mortality and revascularization, providing an additional means of evaluating and managing patients with ACS.

Fibrosis-related biomarkers and incident cardiovascular disease in older adults: the cardiovascular health study

BACKGROUND

Fibrotic changes in the heart and arteries have been implicated in a diverse range of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), but whether circulating biomarkers that reflect fibrosis are associated with CVD is unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We determined the associations of 2 biomarkers of fibrosis, transforming growth factor- β (TGF-β), and procollagen type III N-terminal propeptide (PIIINP), with incident heart failure, myocardial infarction, and stroke among community-living older adults in the Cardiovascular Health Study. We measured circulating TGF-β (n=1371) and PIIINP (n=2568) from plasma samples collected in 1996 and ascertained events through 2010. Given TGF-β's pleiotropic effects on inflammation and fibrogenesis, we investigated potential effect modification by C-reactive protein in secondary analyses. After adjustment for sociodemographic, clinical, and biochemical risk factors, PIIINP was associated with total CVD (hazard ratio [HR] per SD=1.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.14) and heart failure (HR per SD=1.08; CI, 1.01-1.16) but not myocardial infarction or stroke. TGF-β was not associated with any CVD outcomes in the full cohort but was associated with total CVD (HR per SD=1.16; CI, 1.02-1.31), heart failure (HR per SD=1.16; CI, 1.01-1.34), and stroke (HR per SD=1.20; CI, 1.01-1.42) among individuals with C-reactive protein above the median, 2.3 mg/L (P interaction <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provide large-scale, prospective evidence that circulating biomarkers of fibrosis, measured in community-living individuals late in life, are associated with CVD. Further research on whether TGF-β has a stronger fibrogenic effect in the setting of inflammation is warranted.

Cardiac biomarkers in heart failure

BACKGROUND

Heart failure is a syndrome characterized by the inability of the heart to meet the body's circulatory demands. Heart failure is a growing health issue worldwide and the prevalence of heart failure is expected to rise as populations age. Therapies and interventions for a variety of cardiac conditions continue to advance and biomarkers will play an increasing role in patient management.

METHODS

This is a review of the clinical research in blood based biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic guidance of heart failure. The focus of this review is biomarkers that are currently available for clinical measurement, and their current and potential for applications for managing heart failure patients.

RESULTS

The various biologic pathways and physiologic processes of heart failure biomarkers represent a host of different including inflammation, remodeling, strain, neurohormonal activation, metabolism and cardiac myocyte injury. The clinical characteristics and applications of each heart failure biomarker are discussed.

CONCLUSION

As populations age and effective treatments and interventions for coronary artery disease improve, heart failure will increase in incidence and prevalence. Blood biomarkers will play an increasing role in the early diagnosis, therapeutic monitoring and management of heart failure patients in the future.

Procollagen type III N-terminal peptide (P3NP) and lean mass: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Procollagen type III N-terminal peptide (P3NP) is released during collagen synthesis in muscle. Increased circulating P3NP is a marker not only of muscle growth, but also of muscle repair and fibrosis. Thus, P3NP may be a potential biomarker for sarcopenia.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between plasma P3NP and lean mass and strength.

DESIGN SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

A cross-sectional study of men and women from the Framingham Offspring Study. Participants included a convenience sample of 687 members with a measure of plasma P3NP and lean mass, and 806 members with P3NP and quadriceps strength assessment.

MEASUREMENTS

Linear regression was used to estimate the association between total and appendicular lean mass and plasma P3NP, and quadriceps strength and P3NP.

RESULTS

Mean age was 58 years. Median plasma P3NP was similar in men (3.4 mg/L), premenopausal women (3.1 mg/L), and postmenopausal women (3.0 mg/L). In adjusted models, higher P3NP was associated with a modest decrease in total and appendicular lean mass in postmenopausal women [β= -0.13 unit P3NP/kg total lean mass; p=0.003]. A similar trend was found among premenopausal women, although results were not statistically significant [β=-0.10 unit P3NP/kg total lean mass; p=0.41]. No association between P3NP and lean mass was observed in men. P3NP was not associated with strength in men or women.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that plasma P3NP might be a useful biomarker of muscle mass in postmenopausal women if longitudinal studies demonstrate that it has adequate sensitivity and specificity to predict muscle loss.

Do we always consistently define the clinically important echocardiographic parameters?

AIMS

The aim of this short communication is to highlight some inconsistencies in defining two clinically important echocardiographic parameters with possible impact on clinical practice.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A surview of publications in reputable cardiological journals revealed inconsistencies posing questions on the validity of the published data and on the scrupulousness of the reviewing process. We demonstrate examples of inconsistencies in the calculation of left ventricular mass using Devereux's formula and in the definition of relative wall thickness, two echocardiographic parameters commonly utilized in a clinical practice.

CONCLUSION

It is desirable to follow exactly the definitions of more complex parameters and to unify ways of presenting those with several definitions.

Procollagen III N-terminal peptide predicts short-term prognosis and cardiac remodeling in coronary heart disease patients with metabolic syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Many patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) also have metabolic syndrome (MS); however, little is known about the condition of cardiovascular remodeling in these patients. The objective of this study to explore the role of plasma procollagen III N-terminal peptide (PIIINP) in predicting the prognosis and cardiac remodeling in patients with CHD with MS.

METHODS

One hundred eight patients were classified into high and low PIIINP groups according to the median value of plasma PIIINP. Cardiovascular examinations including echocardiogram, carotid color ultrasound examination, coronary angiography and the 6-minute walking test (6MWT) were performed before and after a 1-year follow-up. Readmission for cardiac and cerebrovascular events was assessed during the follow-up period.

RESULTS

Plasma PIIINP level was significantly correlated with age, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and body mass index in a multiple stepwise regression model. There was a positive correlation between the LnPIIINP and an increased left ventricular mass index in partial correlation analysis. The Cox proportional hazard model analysis indicated that the level of PIIINP, left ventricular ejection fraction and hs-CRP were independent predictors of readmission owing to cardiac and cerebrovascular events during the follow-up. A PIIINP value of 4.0 μg/L was the best threshold value for determining the need for readmission.

CONCLUSIONS

PIIINP levels rise with increases in age, hs-CRP and body mass index in patients with CHD with MS, and a high level of PIIINP indicates recent deterioration of cardiac remodeling and exercise tolerance and a poor prognosis.

Association between depressive symptoms and fibrosis markers: the Cardiovascular Health Study

OBJECTIVE

Fibrosis plays an important role in heart failure (HF) and other diseases that occur more frequently with increasing age. Depression is associated with an increased risk of heart failure and other age-related diseases. This study examined the association between depressive symptoms and fibrosis markers in adults aged 65 years and above.

METHODS

Fibrosis markers and depressive symptoms were assessed in 870 participants (age=80.9+/-5.9 yrs, 49% women) using a case-control design based on heart failure status (307 HF patients and 563 age- and sex-matched controls, of whom 284 with CVD risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or hypercholesterolemia) and 279 controls without these CVD risk factors). Fibrosis markers were procollagen type I (PIP), type I collagen (CITP), and procollagen type III (PIIINP). Inflammation markers included C-reactive protein, white blood cell counts and fibrinogen. Depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale using a previously validated cut-off point for depression (CES-D > or = 8). Covariates included demographic and clinical variables.

RESULTS

Depression was associated with higher levels of PIP (median=411.0, inter-quartile range (IQR)=324.4-472.7 ng/mL vs. 387.6, IQR=342.0-512.5 ng/mL, p=0.006) and CITP (4.99, IQR=3.53-6.85 vs. 4.53, IQR=3.26-6.22 microg/L, p=0.024), but not PIIIINP (4.07, IQR=2.75-5.54 microg/L vs. 3.58, IQR=2.71-5.01 microg/L, p=0.29) compared to individuals without depression. Inflammation markers were also elevated in depressed participants (CRP, p=0.014; WBC, p=0.075; fibrinogen, p=0.074), but these inflammation markers did not account for the relationship between depression and fibrosis markers.

CONCLUSIONS

Depression is associated with elevated fibrosis markers and may therefore adversely affect heart failure and other age-related diseases in which extra-cellular matrix formation plays a pathophysiological role.

Cross-sectional relations of multiple biomarkers representing distinct biological pathways to plasma markers of collagen metabolism in the community

OBJECTIVE

Hyperhomocysteinemia, neurohormonal activation, inflammation and altered fibrinolysis have been linked to atherothrombosis as well as to myocardial fibrosis and heart failure. Hence, we related a panel of biomarkers representing these pathways to plasma markers of collagen metabolism in a large community-based sample.

METHODS

We related nine biomarkers representing select biologic pathways (independent variables: C-reactive protein, B-type natriuretic peptide, N-terminal proatrial natriuretic peptide, aldosterone, renin, fibrinogen, D-dimer, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and homocysteine) to three plasma markers of collagen turnover [dependent variables, separate models for each: aminoterminal propeptide of type III collagen, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (present versus absent)] in 921 Framingham Heart study participants (mean age 57 years; 58% women). Participants were separated a priori into those with left ventricular end-diastolic dimensions and wall thickness below sex-specific median values (referent group) and either measure at least 90th sex-specific percentile ('remodeled' group). We used stepwise multivariable regression analysis adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors to relate the panel of systemic biomarkers to the three biomarkers of collagen metabolism.

RESULTS

Plasma homocysteine was positively related to all three markers of collagen metabolism in the remodeled group and to aminoterminal propeptide of type III collagen and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 in the referent group. Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 was positively related to aminoterminal propeptide of type III collagen and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 in both groups, whereas the natriuretic peptides were associated positively with these collagen markers in the referent group.

CONCLUSION

In our large community-based sample, plasma homocysteine and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 were positively related to circulating collagen biomarkers, consistent with experimental studies implicating these pathways in cardiovascular collagen turnover.

Association between elevated fibrosis markers and heart failure in the elderly: the cardiovascular health study

BACKGROUND

Myocardial fibrosis reflects excess collagen deposition in the extracellular left ventricular matrix, which has been associated with heart failure (HF). No studies have addressed the relation between fibrosis biomarkers and HF in the elderly.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Serum fibrosis markers were measured in 880 participants of the Cardiovascular Health Study (mean age 77+/-6 years, 48% women). Participants with systolic HF (n=131, left ventricular ejection fraction <55%) and those with diastolic HF (n=179, left ventricular ejection fraction > or =55%) were compared with controls (280 with cardiovascular risk factors, and 279 healthy individuals) using a nested case-control design. Fibrosis markers included carboxyl-terminal peptide of procollagen type I, carboxyl-terminal telopeptide of collagen type I, and amino-terminal peptide of procollagen type III. Echocardiography was used to document systolic and diastolic function parameters. Analysis of variance and logistic regression analysis (per tertile odds ratios [OR]), adjusted by age, gender, race, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, coronary heart disease, baseline serum glucose, serum cystatin C, serum creatinine, C-reactive protein, any angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, spironolactone or any diuretic, NT-proBNP, and total bone mineral density were performed. Systolic HF was associated with significantly elevated carboxyl-terminal telopeptide of collagen type I (OR=2.6; 95% CI=1.2 to 5.7) and amino-terminal peptide of procollagen type III (OR=3.3; 95% CI=1.6 to 5.8), when adjusting for covariates. Associations of diastolic HF were significant for carboxyl-terminal telopeptide of collagen type I (OR=3.9; 95% CI=1.9 to 8.3) and amino-terminal peptide of procollagen type III (OR=2.7; 95% CI=1.4 to 5.4). HF was not associated with elevated carboxyl-terminal peptide of procollagen type I (P>0.10), and fibrosis markers did not significantly differ between HF with diastolic versus those with systolic dysfunction (P>0.10) whereas NT-proBNP mean values were higher in systolic heart failure than in diastolic heart failure (P<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Fibrosis markers are significantly elevated in elderly individuals with diastolic or systolic HF. These associations remained significant when adjusting for covariates relevant to the aging process.

Relations of matrix remodeling biomarkers to blood pressure progression and incidence of hypertension in the community

BACKGROUND

Biomarkers of extracellular matrix remodeling are associated with prevalent hypertension in cross-sectional studies, but their relations to longitudinal changes in blood pressure (BP) and hypertension incidence are unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We evaluated 595 nonhypertensive Framingham Offspring Study participants (mean age 55 years; 360 women) without prior heart failure or myocardial infarction who underwent routine measurements of plasma tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and procollagen III N-terminal peptide. We related plasma TIMP-1, procollagen III N-terminal peptide, and MMP-9 to the incidence of hypertension and progression of BP by >or=1 category (defined on the basis of the sixth report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure). On follow-up (4 years), 81 participants (51 women) developed hypertension, and 198 (114 women) progressed to a higher BP category. In multivariable models, a 1-SD increment of log-TIMP-1 was associated with a 50% higher incidence of hypertension (95% CI 1.08 to 2.08) and a 21% (95% CI 1.00 to 1.47) higher risk of BP progression. Individuals in the top TIMP-1 tertile had a 2.15-fold increased risk of hypertension (95% CI 0.99 to 4.68) and 1.68-fold (95% CI 1.05 to 2.70) increased risk of BP progression relative to the lowest tertile. Individuals with detectable MMP-9 had a 1.97-fold higher risk of BP progression (95% CI 1.06 to 3.64) than those with undetectable levels. Plasma procollagen III N-terminal peptide was not associated with hypertension incidence or BP progression.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present community-based sample, higher TIMP-1 and MMP-9 concentrations were associated with BP progression on follow-up. Additional studies are warranted to confirm our findings.