Inflammatory biomarkers and risk of cardiovascular events in patients undergoing coronary angiography

Amelioration of Isoproterenol-Induced Myocardial Infarction by the Phytochemical Koenigicine via Modulation of NF-κB/HO-1/NQO-1 Pathways: An In Vivo Analysis

Phytochemicals exhibit diverse cardioprotective properties that contribute to the prevention and management of myocardial infarction (MI). In our study, we examined the potency of the phytochemical Koenigicine, which belongs to the carbazole alkaloid, in alleviating MI in an animal model. The animals were supplemented with Koenigicine before MI induction using isoproterenol, with supplementation continuing during the MI induction period. The impact of Koenigicine on mitigating the onset of MI was evaluated by quantifying lipid levels and arterial blood pressure. Its ameliorative potential against isoproterenol-induced cardiac damage was assessed by measuring antioxidant levels and critical biomarkers of MI in the experimental animals. Protein, C-reactive protein (CRP), and uric acid levels were assessed to determine the effect of Koenigicine on immune function and inflammation. Additionally, the impact of Koenigicine on cardiac muscle function and its role in healing ischemic-induced cardiac tissues were examined in MI-induced rats. The effect of Koenigicine treatment on post-ischemic injury was analyzed by quantifying NF-κB, HO-1, and NQO-1 levels, and the findings were confirmed through cardiac histopathological analysis. Koenigicine administration effectively mitigated MI induction by regulating lipid levels and arterial blood pressure. It enhanced the antioxidant defense system, attenuated inflammatory signaling, and thereby prevented MI-induced cardiac tissue damage. The results of MI biomarker analysis confirmed the ameliorative potential of Koenigicine against isoproterenol-induced cardiac inflammation. Furthermore, it demonstrated a positive effect on cardiac function and facilitated the healing process following MI induction. Overall, our findings suggest that Koenigicine provides preventive, suppressive, and ameliorative effects at all stages of MI, addressing gaps in the efficacy of currently available treatments.

IL-6 induces mitochondrial ROS production and blunts NO bioavailability in human aortic endothelial cells

Chronic inflammation is a major contributor to the development of endothelial dysfunction. Circulating concentrations of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) have been shown to predict cardiovascular disease risk and are associated with the development of vascular dysfunction. However, the mechanisms that underlie inflammation-induced endothelial dysfunction are not fully understood. Vascular endothelial dysfunction is characterized by blunted nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), with mitochondrial ROS suggested to play a primary role. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that IL-6 induces mitochondrial ROS production and blunts NO bioavailability in endothelial cells. To study the effect of IL-6, we treated the human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) with IL-6, MitoTEMPOL (MT; a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant), and/or a nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor (l-NAME) with and without ACh stimulation. Results are expressed as means ± SD (n = 4 replicates), one-way ANOVA, and Bonferroni's post hoc tests were performed. IL-6 treatment resulted in greater mitochondrial ROS (IL-6: 2.94 ± 0.93 a.u.) when compared with the untreated cells (Control: 1 ± 0; P = 0.0021) and also blunted NO bioavailability at baseline (Control: 1 ± 0; IL-6: 0.57 ± 0.08 a.u. P = 0.0008) and with acetylcholine stimulation (Control Ach: 1.27 ± 0.09; IL-6 Ach: 0.60 ± 0.13 a.u. P < 0.0001). Scavenging mitochondrial ROS with MT restored NO bioavailability in the IL-6-treated cells (IL-6: 0.57 ± 0.08; IL-6 MT: 1.16 ± 0.20 a.u. P < 0.0001). These findings indicate that IL-6 has a direct effect on mitochondrial ROS in human aortic endothelial cells, which leads to reduced nitric oxide bioavailability.NEW & NOTEWORTHY In this study, we provide evidence that IL-6 induces mitochondrial ROS production, which impairs nitric oxide bioavailability in human aortic endothelial cells. This finding adds an important perspective to the existing literature on the mechanism by which IL-6 contributes to endothelial dysfunction.

Advances in the study of S100A9 in cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a group of diseases that primarily affect the heart or blood vessels, with high disability and mortality rates, posing a serious threat to human health. The causative factors, pathogenesis, and characteristics of common CVD differ, but they all involve common pathological processes such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis. S100A9 belongs to the S100 family of calcium-binding proteins, which are mainly secreted by myeloid cells and bind to the Toll-like receptor 4 and receptor for advanced glycation end products and is involved in regulating pathological processes such as inflammatory response, fibrosis, vascular calcification, and endothelial barrier function in CVD. The latest research has found that S100A9 is a key biomarker for diagnosing and predicting various CVD. Therefore, this article reviews the latest research progress on the diagnostic and predictive, and therapeutic value of S100A9 in inflammatory-related CVD such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and arterial aneurysm and summarizes its molecular mechanisms in the progression of CVD, aiming to explore new predictive methods and to identify potential intervention targets for CVD in clinical practice.

Inflammatory Biomarkers to Predict Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Carotid Artery Stenosis

Background and Objectives: Inflammatory proteins and their prognostic value in patients with carotid artery stenosis (CAS) have not been adequately studied. Herein, we identified CAS-specific biomarkers from a large pool of inflammatory proteins and assessed the ability of these biomarkers to predict adverse events in individuals with CAS. Materials and Methods: Samples of blood were prospectively obtained from 336 individuals (290 with CAS and 46 without CAS). Plasma concentrations of 29 inflammatory proteins were determined at recruitment, and the patients were followed for 24 months. The outcome of interest was a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE; composite of stroke, myocardial infarction, or death). The differences in plasma protein concentrations between patients with vs. without a 2-year MACE were determined using the independent t-test or Mann-Whitney U test to identify CAS-specific prognostic biomarkers. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards analyses with adjustment for baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were performed to assess the prognostic value of differentially expressed inflammatory proteins in predicting a 2-year MACE in patients with CAS. Results: The mean age of the cohort was 68.8 (SD 10.2) years and 39% were female. The plasma concentrations of two inflammatory proteins were significantly higher in individuals with a 2-year MACE relative to those without a 2-year MACE: IL-6 (5.07 (SD 4.66) vs. 3.36 (SD 4.04) pg/mL, p = 0.03) and CD163 (233.825 (SD 230.306) vs. 159.673 (SD 175.669) pg/mL, p = 0.033). Over a follow-up period of 2 years, individuals with elevated levels of IL-6 were more likely to develop MACE (HR 1.269 (95% CI 1.122-1.639), p = 0.042). Similarly, over a 2-year period, patients with high levels of CD163 were more likely to develop MACE (HR 1.413 (95% CI 1.022-1.954), p = 0.036). Conclusions: The plasma levels of inflammatory proteins IL-6 and CD163 are independently associated with adverse outcomes in individuals with CAS. These CAS-specific prognostic biomarkers may assist in the risk stratification of patients at an elevated risk of a MACE and subsequently guide further vascular evaluation, specialist referrals, and aggressive medical/surgical management, thereby improving outcomes for patients with CAS.

Albumin combined with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio score and outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome treated with percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Evidence about the association between albumin combined with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio score (ANS) and survival outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is rare. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of ANS in patients with ACS undergoing PCI by propensity score matching (PSM) analysis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with ACS undergoing PCI were consecutively enrolled in this prospective cohort study from January 2016 to December 2018. The albumin and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio cutoff values for predicting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) were calculated using receiver operating characteristic curves. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier estimates, the Cox proportional hazard regression models and PSM. The study endpoint was the occurrence of a MACE, which included all-cause mortality and rehospitalization for severe heart failure during follow-up.

RESULTS

Overall, 1549 patients with adequate specimens were identified and assigned into different groups for comparison. Before and after PSM, the Kaplan-Meier curves showed that a higher ANS value was associated with a higher risk of MACEs (all P  < 0.001). The multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model showed that the ANS (per 1 score increase) [hazard ratio (HR), 2.016; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.329-3.057; P  = 0.001 vs. HR, 2.166; 95% CI, 1.344-3.492; P  = 0.002] was an independent predictor for MACEs.

CONCLUSION

This study tentatively confirms that ANS may be a valuable clinical indicator to identify high-risk ACS patients after PCI. More high-quality prospective studies are needed in the future.

The role of early-phase trials and real-world evidence in drug development

Phase 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), while the gold standard for treatment efficacy and safety, are not always feasible, are expensive, can be prolonged and can be limited in generalizability. Other under-recognized sources of evidence can also help advance drug development. Basic science, proof-of-concept studies and early-phase RCTs can provide evidence regarding the potential for clinical benefit. Real-world evidence generated from registries or observational datasets can provide insights into the treatment of rare diseases that often pose a challenge for trial recruitment. Pragmatic trials embedded in healthcare systems can assess the treatment effects in clinical settings among patient populations sometimes excluded from trials. This Perspective discusses potential sources of evidence that may be used to complement explanatory phase 3 RCTs and to speed the development of new cardiovascular medications. Content is derived from the 19th Global Cardiovascular Clinical Trialists meeting (December 2022), involving clinical trialists, patients, clinicians, regulators, funders and industry representatives.

Acute Coronary Syndrome Subphenotypes Based on Repeated Biomarker Measurements in Relation to Long-Term Mortality Risk

BACKGROUND

We aimed to identify patients with subphenotypes of postacute coronary syndrome (ACS) using repeated measurements of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and growth differentiation factor 15 in the year after the index admission, and to investigate their association with long-term mortality risk.

METHODS AND RESULTS

BIOMArCS (BIOMarker Study to Identify the Acute Risk of a Coronary Syndrome) was an observational study of patients with ACS, who underwent high-frequency blood sampling for 1 year. Biomarkers were measured in a median of 16 repeated samples per individual. Cluster analysis was performed to identify biomarker-based subphenotypes in 723 patients without a repeat ACS in the first year. Patients with a repeat ACS (N=36) were considered a separate cluster. Differences in all-cause death were evaluated using accelerated failure time models (median follow-up, 9.1 years; 141 deaths). Three biomarker-based clusters were identified: cluster 1 showed low and stable biomarker concentrations, cluster 2 had elevated concentrations that subsequently decreased, and cluster 3 showed persistently elevated concentrations. The temporal biomarker patterns of patients in cluster 3 were similar to those with a repeat ACS during the first year. Clusters 1 and 2 had a similar and favorable long-term mortality risk. Cluster 3 had the highest mortality risk. The adjusted survival time ratio was 0.64 (95% CI, 0.44-0.93; P=0.018) compared with cluster 1, and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.39-1.32; P=0.281) compared with patients with a repeat ACS.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with subphenotypes of post-ACS with different all-cause mortality risks during long-term follow-up can be identified on the basis of repeatedly measured cardiovascular biomarkers. Patients with persistently elevated biomarkers have the worst outcomes, regardless of whether they experienced a repeat ACS in the first year.

Oxidant-modified amylin fibrils and aggregates alter the inflammatory profile of multiple myeloid cell types, but are non-toxic to islet β cells

Diabetes mellitus currently affects ∼10% of the population worldwide, with Type 2 predominating, and this incidence is increasing steadily. Both Type 1 and 2 are complex diseases, involving β-cell death and chronic inflammation, but the pathways involved are unresolved. Chronic inflammation is characterized by increased oxidant formation, with this inducing protein modification, altered function and immunogenicity. Amylin, a peptide hormone co-secreted with insulin by β-cells, has attracted considerable interest for its amyloidogenic properties, however, the effects that oxidants have on amylin aggregation and function are poorly understood. Amylin was exposed in vitro to hypochlorous acid, hydrogen peroxide and peroxynitrous acid/peroxynitrite to investigate the formation of post-translational oxidative modifications (oxPTMs, via mass spectrometry) and fibril formation (via transmission electron microscopy). Amylin free acid (AFA) was also examined to investigate the role of the C-terminal amide in amylin. Oxidant exposure led to changes in aggregate morphology and abundance of oxPTMs in a concentration-dependent manner. The toxicity and immunogenic potential of oxidant-modified amylin or AFA on pancreatic islet cells (INS-1E), human monocyte cell line (THP-1) and monocyte-derived dendritic cells (moDCs) were examined using metabolic activity and cytokine assays, and flow cytometry. No significant changes in vitality or viability were detected, but exposure to oxidant-modified amylin or AFA resulted in altered immunogenicity when compared to the native proteins. THP-1 and moDCs show altered expression of activation markers and changes in cytokine secretion. Furthermore, oxidant-treated amylin and AFA promoted maturation of THP-1 and pre-mature moDCs, as determined by changes in size, and maturation markers.

Serum IL-38 Level Was Associated with Incidence of MACE in the STEMI Patients

Background

The relationship between serum IL-38 and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains unclear.

Methods

In the present study, 589 STEMI patients were included, the serum level of IL-38 was measured. The median follow-up time was 720 days, the STEMI patients were divided into high IL-38 (IL-38>6.49ng/mL) and low IL-38 groups (IL-38≤6.49ng/mL) to compare the probability of MACE.

Results

Plasma IL-38 levels were significantly lower in STEMI patients than in SAP patients (4.0±2.2 vs 6.9±3.2 ng/mL, P < 0.001). Ninety-three STEMI patients met the defined MACE study endpoint. The incidence of MACE was significantly lower in patients with high IL-38 group than in patients with low IL-38 group (7.8% vs 23.7%, P < 0.001). Low plasma IL-38 levels were independently associated with the occurrence of MACE (OR = 0.90, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

We get a conclusion that low plasma levels of IL-38 are independently associated with the occurrence of MACE.