Adrenomedullin and cardiovascular diseases

Biomarker patterns in patients with cardiogenic shock versus septic shock

Background

In cardiogenic shock (CS), contractile failure is often accompanied by a systemic inflammatory response syndrome. In contrast, many patients with septic shock (SS) develop cardiac dysfunction. A similar hemodynamic support strategy is often deployed in both syndromes but it is unclear whether this is justified based on profiles of biomarkers expressing neurohormonal activation and cardiovascular stress.

Methods

In this prospective, multicenter cohort, 111 patients with acute myocardial infarction related CS were identified, and matched to patients with SS. Clinical parameters were collected and blood samples were obtained on day 1-3 of Intensive Care admission.

Results

In this shock cohort comprising 222 patients, with a mean age of 61 (±13.5) years and of whom 161 (37 %) were male, we found that despite obvious clinical disparities on admission, mortality at 30-days did not differ (CS: 40.5 % vs. SS 43.1 %, p = 0.56). Overall, plasma concentrations of all biomarkers were higher in SS patients, with the largest difference on the first day. However, only in CS patients the biomarker concentrations were associated with mortality.

Conclusion

In this prospective, multicenter cohort SS and CS patients showed similarities in baseline conditions and had similar mortality. However, several biomarkers only showed prognostic value in CS.

Hypertensive Heart Disease: A Narrative Review Series-Part 3: Vasculature, Biomarkers and the Matrix of Hypertensive Heart Disease

Over the last few decades, research efforts have resulted in major advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of hypertensive heart disease (HHD). This is the third part of a three-part review series. Here, we focus on the influence of high blood pressure on the micro- and macroalterations that occur in the vasculature in HHD. We also provide an overview of circulating cardiac biomarkers that may prove useful for a better understanding of the pathophysiology, development and progression of HHD, and may play a unique role in the diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of patients with HHD, taking into account their properties showing as abnormal long before the onset of the disease. In the conclusion, we propose an updated definition of HHD and a matrix for clinical classification, which we suspect will be useful in practice, allowing an individual approach to HHD patients.

Epigenetics of the far northern Yakutian population

BACKGROUND

Yakuts are one of the indigenous populations of the subarctic and arctic territories of Siberia characterized by a continental subarctic climate with severe winters, with the regular January average temperature in the regional capital city of Yakutsk dipping below - 40 °C. The epigenetic mechanisms of adaptation to such ecologies and environments and, in particular, epigenetic age acceleration in the local population have not been studied before.

RESULTS

This work reports the first epigenetic study of the Yakutian population using whole-blood DNA methylation data, supplemented with the comparison to the residents of Central Russia. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed, among others, geographic region-specific differentially methylated regions associated with adaptation to climatic conditions (water consumption, digestive system regulation), aging processes (actin filament activity, cell fate), and both of them (channel activity, regulation of steroid and corticosteroid hormone secretion). Further, it is demonstrated that the epigenetic age acceleration of the Yakutian representatives is significantly higher than that of Central Russia counterparts. For both geographic regions, we showed that epigenetically males age faster than females, whereas no significant sex differences were found between the regions.

CONCLUSIONS

We performed the first study of the epigenetic data of the Yakutia cohort, paying special attention to region-specific features, aging processes, age acceleration, and sex specificity.

Plasma mid-regional proadrenomedullin level in children with pulmonary hypertension associated with CHD

Adrenomedullin has been shown to inhibit proliferation in pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells and to alleviate pulmonary artery collagen accumulation in pulmonary hypertension. We aimed to assess mid-regional proadrenomedullin level in children with pulmonary hypertension due to CHDs. The current study was conducted in the Pediatric Cardiology Unit, Tanta University Hospital, on 50 children with CHDs: twenty-five patients had a complication of pulmonary hypertension and the other 25 patients without pulmonary hypertension. Another 25 children without CHDs were concluded as a control group. We performed complete history taking, full clinical assessment, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, and echocardiographic assessment. Plasma level of mid-regional proadrenomedullin was assessed using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test. Our results showed that the mean plasma level of mid-regional proadrenomedullin was significantly increased in patients with pulmonary hypertension. Significant positive correlation was found between mid-regional proadrenomedullin and mean pulmonary artery pressure. The best cut-off point of mid-regional proadrenomedullin as a diagnostic biomarker to discriminate patients with CHDs complicated with pulmonary hypertension was 199.22 nmol/l. Mid-regional proadrenomedullin significantly increased in patients with pulmonary hypertension who died as compared to patients who survived, with the best cut-off point was 428,8 nmol/l. We concluded that plasma levels of mid-regional proadrenomedullin were significantly elevated in children with pulmonary hypertension complicated by the CHDs. It could be used as a cardiac biomarker in these patients, with good diagnostic and prognostic value.

Plasma protein signatures for high on-treatment platelet reactivity to aspirin and clopidogrel in peripheral artery disease

BACKGROUND

A significant proportion of patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) displays a poor response to aspirin and/or the platelet P2Y12 receptor antagonist clopidogrel. This phenomenon is reflected by high on-treatment platelet reactivity (HTPR) in platelet function assays in vitro and is associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to elucidate specific plasma protein signatures associated with HTPR to aspirin and clopidogrel in PAD patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Based on targeted plasma proteomics, 184 proteins from two cardiovascular Olink panels were measured in 105 PAD patients. VerifyNow ASPI- and P2Y12-test values were transformed to a continuous variable representing HTPR as a spectrum instead of cut-off level-defined HTPR. Using the Boruta random forest algorithm, the importance of 3 plasma proteins for HTPR in the aspirin, six in clopidogrel and 10 in the pooled group (clopidogrel or aspirin) was confirmed. Network analysis demonstrated clusters with CD84, SLAMF7, IL1RN and THBD for clopidogrel and with F2R, SELPLG, HAVCR1, THBD, PECAM1, TNFRSF10B, MERTK and ADM for the pooled group. F2R, TNFRSF10B and ADM were higher expressed in Fontaine III patients compared to Fontaine II, suggesting their relation with PAD severity.

CONCLUSIONS

A plasma protein signature, including eight targets involved in proatherogenic dysfunction of blood cell-vasculature interaction, coagulation and cell death, is associated with HTPR (aspirin and/or clopidogrel) in PAD. This may serve as important systems-based determinants of poor platelet responsiveness to aspirin and/or clopidogrel in PAD and other cardiovascular diseases and may contribute to identify novel treatment strategies.

Protein Biomarkers of Early Menopause and Incident Cardiovascular Disease

Background Premature and early menopause are independently associated with greater risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, mechanisms linking age of menopause with CVD remain poorly characterized. Methods and Results We measured 71 circulating CVD protein biomarkers in 1565 postmenopausal women enrolled in the FHS (Framingham Heart Study). We examined the association of early menopause with biomarkers and tested whether early menopause modified the association of biomarkers with incident cardiovascular outcomes (heart failure, major CVD, and all-cause death) using multivariable-adjusted linear regression and Cox models, respectively. Among 1565 postmenopausal women included (mean age 62 years), 395 (25%) had a history of early menopause. Of 71 biomarkers examined, we identified 7 biomarkers that were significantly associated with early menopause, of which 5 were higher in women with early menopause including adrenomedullin and resistin, and 2 were higher in women without early menopause including insulin growth factor-1 and CNTN1 (contactin-1) (Benjamini-Hochberg adjusted P<0.1 for all). Early menopause also modified the association of specific biomarkers with incident cardiovascular outcomes including adrenomedullin (Pint<0.05). Conclusions Early menopause is associated with circulating levels of CVD protein biomarkers and appears to modify the association between select biomarkers with incident cardiovascular outcomes. Identified biomarkers reflect several distinct biological pathways, including inflammation, adiposity, and neurohormonal regulation. Further investigation of these pathways may provide mechanistic insights into the pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of early menopause-associated CVD.

Future targets for migraine treatment beyond CGRP

BACKGROUND

Migraine is a disabling and chronic neurovascular headache disorder. Trigeminal vascular activation and release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of migraine. This knowledge has led to the development of CGRP(-receptor) therapies. Yet, a substantial proportion of patients do not respond to these treatments. Therefore, alternative targets for future therapies are warranted. The current narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiological role of these possible non-CGRP targets in migraine.

FINDINGS

We covered targets of the metabotropic receptors (pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), amylin, and adrenomedullin), intracellular targets (nitric oxide (NO), phosphodiesterase-3 (PDE3) and -5 (PDE5)), and ion channels (potassium, calcium, transient receptor potential (TRP), and acid-sensing ion channels (ASIC)). The majority of non-CGRP targets were able to induce migraine-like attacks, except for (i) calcium channels, as it is not yet possible to directly target channels to elucidate their precise involvement in migraine; (ii) TRP channels, activation of which can induce non-migraine headache; and (iii) ASICs, as their potential in inducing migraine attacks has not been investigated thus far. Drugs that target its receptors exist for PACAP, NO, and the potassium, TRP, and ASIC channels. No selective drugs exist for the other targets, however, some existing (migraine) treatments appear to indirectly antagonize responses to amylin, adrenomedullin, and calcium channels. Drugs against PACAP, NO, potassium channels, TRP channels, and only a PAC₁ antibody have been tested for migraine treatment, albeit with ambiguous results.

CONCLUSION

While current research on these non-CGRP drug targets has not yet led to the development of efficacious therapies, human provocation studies using these targets have provided valuable insight into underlying mechanisms of migraine headaches and auras. Further studies are needed on these alternative therapies in non-responders of CGRP(-receptor) targeted therapies with the ultimate aim to pave the way towards a headache-free future for all migraine patients.

Adrenomedullin Improves Hypertension and Vascular Remodeling partly through the Receptor-Mediated AMPK Pathway in Rats with Obesity-Related Hypertension

Adrenomedullin (ADM) is a novel cardiovascular peptide with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Chronic inflammation, oxidative stress and calcification play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of vascular dysfunction in obesity-related hypertension (OH). Our study aimed to explore the effects of ADM on the vascular inflammation, oxidative stress and calcification in rats with OH. Eight-week-old Sprague Dawley male rats were fed with either a Control diet or a high fat diet (HFD) for 28 weeks. Next, the OH rats were randomly subdivided into two groups as follows: (1) HFD control group, and (2) HFD with ADM. A 4-week treatment with ADM (7.2 μg/kg/day, ip) not only improved hypertension and vascular remodeling, but also inhibited vascular inflammation, oxidative stress and calcification in aorta of rats with OH. In vitro experiments, ADM (10 nM) in A7r5 cells (rat thoracic aorta smooth muscle cells) attenuated palmitic acid (PA, 200 μM) or angiotensin II (Ang II, 10 nM) alone or their combination treatment-induced inflammation, oxidative stress and calcification, which were effectively inhibited by the ADM receptor antagonist ADM22-52 and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor Compound C, respectively. Moreover, ADM treatment significantly inhibited Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R) protein expression in aorta of rats with OH or in PA-treated A7r5 cells. ADM improved hypertension, vascular remodeling and arterial stiffness, and attenuated inflammation, oxidative stress and calcification in OH state partially via receptor-mediated AMPK pathway. The results also raise the possibility that ADM will be considered for improving hypertension and vascular damage in patients with OH.

Epigenetic aging in Williams syndrome

BACKGROUND

Williams syndrome (WS) is a rare genetic disorder caused by a microdeletion at the 7q11.23 region and is characterized by diverse symptoms encompassing physical and cognitive features. WS was reported to be associated to altered DNA methylation (DNAm) patterns. However, due to the limited information from long-term studies, it remains unclear whether WS accelerates aging. Genome-wide DNAm profiles can serve as "epigenetic clocks" to help estimate biological aging along with age-related markers, such as plasma proteins and telomere length.

METHODS

We investigated GrimAge, DNAm-based telomere length (DNAmTL), and other epigenetic clocks in blood samples of 32 patients with WS and 32 healthy controls.

RESULTS

We observed a significant acceleration in GrimAge, DNAmTL, and other epigenetic clocks in patients with WS as compared with those of controls. In addition, several GrimAge components, such as adrenomedullin, growth differentiation factor-15, leptin and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, were altered in patients with WS.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides novel evidence supporting the hypothesis that WS may be associated to accelerated biological aging. A better understanding of the overall underlying biological effects of WS can provide new foundations for improved patient care; thus, long-term follow-up studies are still warranted.

Cellular cross talk between epicardial fat and cardiovascular risk

A variety of fat compartments have several local and systemic effect and play a crucial role in the maintenance of health and development of disease. For the past few years, special attention has been paid to epicardial fat. It is the visceral fat compartment of the heart and has several local and systemic effects. It can perform a role in the development of cardiometabolic risk. The epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a unique and multifunctional fat compartment of the heart. It is located between the myocardium and the visceral pericardium. During normal physiological conditions, the EAT has metabolic, thermogenic, and mechanical (cardioprotective) characteristics. The EAT can produce several adipocytokines and chemokines depending on microenvironments. It can influence through paracrine and vasocrine mechanism and participate in the development and progression of cardiovascular (CVS) diseases. In addition, metabolic disease leads to changes in both thickness and volume of the EAT, and it can modify the structure and the function of heart. It has been associated with various CVS diseases such as, cardiomyopathy, atrial fibrillation, and coronary artery disease. Therefore, EAT is a potential therapeutic target for CVS risk.

Low Efficacy of Genetic Tests for the Diagnosis of Primary Lymphedema Prompts Novel Insights into the Underlying Molecular Pathways

Lymphedema is a chronic inflammatory disorder caused by ineffective fluid uptake by the lymphatic system, with effects mainly on the lower limbs. Lymphedema is either primary, when caused by genetic mutations, or secondary, when it follows injury, infection, or surgery. In this study, we aim to assess to what extent the current genetic tests detect genetic variants of lymphedema, and to identify the major molecular pathways that underlie this rather unknown disease. We recruited 147 individuals with a clinical diagnosis of primary lymphedema and used established genetic tests on their blood or saliva specimens. Only 11 of these were positive, while other probands were either negative (63) or inconclusive (73). The low efficacy of such tests calls for greater insight into the underlying mechanisms to increase accuracy. For this purpose, we built a molecular pathways diagram based on a literature analysis (OMIM, Kegg, PubMed, Scopus) of candidate and diagnostic genes. The PI3K/AKT and the RAS/MAPK pathways emerged as primary candidates responsible for lymphedema diagnosis, while the Rho/ROCK pathway appeared less critical. The results of this study suggest the most important pathways involved in the pathogenesis of lymphedema, and outline the most promising diagnostic and candidate genes to diagnose this disease.

Quantitative Real-Time Analysis of Differentially Expressed Genes in Peripheral Blood Samples of Hypertension Patients

Hypertension (HTN) is considered one of the most important and well-established reasons for cardiovascular abnormalities, strokes, and premature mortality globally. This study was designed to explore possible differentially expressed genes (DEGs) that contribute to the pathophysiology of hypertension. To identify the DEGs of HTN, we investigated 22 publicly available cDNA Affymetrix datasets using an integrated system-level framework. Gene Ontology (GO), pathway enrichment, and transcriptional factors were analyzed to reveal biological information. From 50 DEGs, we ranked 7 hypertension-related genes (p-value < 0.05): ADM, ANGPTL4, USP8, EDN, NFIL3, MSR1, and CEBPD. The enriched terms revealed significant functional roles of HIF-1-α transcription; endothelin; GPCR-binding ligand; and signaling pathways of EGF, PIk3, and ARF6. SP1 (66.7%), KLF7 (33.3%), and STAT1 (16.7%) are transcriptional factors associated with the regulatory mechanism. The expression profiles of these DEGs as verified by qPCR showed 3-times higher fold changes (2−ΔΔCt) in ADM, ANGPTL4, USP8, and EDN1 genes compared to control, while CEBPD, MSR1 and NFIL3 were downregulated. The aberrant expression of these genes is associated with the pathophysiological development and cardiovascular abnormalities. This study will help to modulate the therapeutic strategies of hypertension.

Diagnostic Value of Immune-Related Genes in Kawasaki Disease

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systemic vasculitis that predominantly damages medium- and small-sized vessels, and mainly causes coronary artery lesions (CALs). The diagnostic criterion of KD mainly depends on clinical features, so children could be easily misdiagnosed and could suffer from CALs. Through analysis, a total of 14 immune-related DEGs were obtained, of which IL1B, ADM, PDGFC, and TGFA were identified as diagnostic markers of KD. Compared with the non-KD group, KD patients contained a higher proportion of naive B cells, activated memory CD4 T cells, gamma delta T cells, and neutrophils, while the proportions of memory B cells, CD8 T cells, activated memory CD4 T cells, and activated NK cells were relatively lower. In conclusion, immune-related genes can be used as diagnostic markers of KD, and the difference in immune cells between KD and non-KD might provide new insight into understanding the pathogenesis of KD.

Endocardial/endothelial angiocrines regulate cardiomyocyte development and maturation and induce features of ventricular non-compaction

AIMS

Non-compaction cardiomyopathy is a devastating genetic disease caused by insufficient consolidation of ventricular wall muscle that can result in inadequate cardiac performance. Despite being the third most common cardiomyopathy, the mechanisms underlying the disease, including the cell types involved, are poorly understood. We have previously shown that endothelial cell-specific deletion of the chromatin remodeller gene Ino80 results in defective coronary vessel development that leads to ventricular non-compaction in embryonic mouse hearts. We aimed to identify candidate angiocrines expressed by endocardial and endothelial cells (ECs) in wildtype and LVNC conditions in Tie2Cre;Ino80fl/fltransgenic embryonic mouse hearts, and test the effect of these candidates on cardiomyocyte proliferation and maturation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We used single-cell RNA-sequencing to characterize endothelial and endocardial defects in Ino80-deficient hearts. We observed a pathological endocardial cell population in the non-compacted hearts and identified multiple dysregulated angiocrine factors that dramatically affected cardiomyocyte behaviour. We identified Col15a1 as a coronary vessel-secreted angiocrine factor, downregulated by Ino80-deficiency, that functioned to promote cardiomyocyte proliferation. Furthermore, mutant endocardial and endothelial cells up-regulated expression of secreted factors, such as Tgfbi, Igfbp3, Isg15, and Adm, which decreased cardiomyocyte proliferation and increased maturation.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support a model where coronary endothelial cells normally promote myocardial compaction through secreted factors, but that endocardial and endothelial cells can secrete factors that contribute to non-compaction under pathological conditions.

Excess epicardial fat volume in women is a novel risk marker for microvascular dysfunction, which may be a contributing factor in the atypical chest pain syndrome

Background

Excess epicardial fat volume (EFV) has been recently implicated in cardiovascular structural and functional abnormalities. It has been associated with abnormal microvascular stiffness (as reflected by radial artery waveform; C2), which may result in microvascular dysfunction and contribute to the atypical chest pain syndrome without obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD). Women have been statistically shown to present with atypical chest pain more often than men and specifically without obstructive CAD. The aim of this study is to assess whether excess EFV in female subjects is associated with significant microvascular dysfunction (i.e., C2), in subjects without obstructive CAD.

Results

We screened 596 asymptomatic subjects, ages 20–79, using the Early Cardiovascular Health Risk Scoring System (ECVHRS), which has been reported. Out of the 596 total subjects, 230 subjects had a CACS. Out of these 230 subjects, 77 subjects (45 females; 32 males) had a 0 CACS. The 45 females from this cohort were the subjects of this study, and they were further categorized into 3 groups: group 1 (normal EFV, non-obese female subjects; n=16), females with ECVHRS < 3 and ACC/AHA risk score < 5%; group 2 (n = 9), females with elevated EFV and no abdominal visceral obesity; and group 3 (n=20), females with elevated EFV and abdominal visceral obesity. The average EFV was determined to be 72±20 cm³ among group 1, which indicates the values for normal EFV. The results in group 2 indicate that excess EFV is contributing to the development of microvascular dysfunction, resulting in abnormal micro-arterial (C2) elasticity (p< 0.00001), increase in resting blood pressure (p =0.0001), an abnormal rise in blood pressure (BP) at rest and post-mild protocol exercise (PME) (p = < 0.00001), and abnormal increase in carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) (p = 0.000164).

Conclusion

Excess EFV appears to be not only a novel cardiovascular risk marker, but also the culprit for other cardiovascular risk markers. Based on these findings, elevated EFV may contribute to the development of the atypical chest pain syndrome in females without obstructive CAD. Additionally, EFV is emerging as a potential clinically relevant significant cardiovascular risk biomarker and may become a target to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Sleep duration is associated with protein biomarkers for cardiometabolic health: A large-scale population study

Sleep problems and short sleep duration have been linked to adverse health effects, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, but the mechanisms are not fully understood. Finding biomarkers could explain mechanistic pathways and help in understanding relationships between sleep and cardiometabolic health. The aim was to assess if sleep duration and sleep quality affect the cardiometabolic-related protein profile. In total, 242 proteins related to cardiometabolic health were measured in 2,430 plasma samples (male:female ratio 1:1, aged 45-75 years) from the population-based EpiHealth cohort, using a proximity extension assay. The association of self-reported sleep duration and sleep quality with each of the 242 proteins (primary outcome) was assessed with linear regression modelling, adjusting for confounders, and corrected for multiple testing using the false discovery rate (5%). Potential effect modification of age and sex was also tested using an interaction term. We identified U-shaped associations between sleep duration and the plasma levels of the proteins follistatin (more prominent in younger individuals), matrix metallopeptidase 9 (men only), urokinase receptor, adrenomedullin and kidney injury molecule, all previously known to be related to cardiovascular risk. There was no relationship between sleep quality and any of the proteins, after adjustment for confounders. These results give new leads to investigate the potential mechanistic pathways between sleep and cardiometabolic health.

Migraine therapeutics differentially modulate the CGRP pathway

Background

The clinical efficacy of migraine therapeutic agents directed towards the calcitonin-gene related peptide (CGRP) pathway has confirmed the key role of this axis in migraine pathogenesis. Three antibodies against CGRP – fremanezumab, galcanezumab and eptinezumab – and one antibody against the CGRP receptor, erenumab, are clinically approved therapeutics for the prevention of migraine. In addition, two small molecule CGRP receptor antagonists, ubrogepant and rimegepant, are approved for acute migraine treatment. Targeting either the CGRP ligand or receptor is efficacious for migraine treatment; however, a comparison of the mechanism of action of these therapeutic agents is lacking in the literature.

Methods

To gain insights into the potential differences between these CGRP pathway therapeutics, we compared the effect of a CGRP ligand antibody (fremanezumab), a CGRP receptor antibody (erenumab) and a CGRP receptor small molecule antagonist (telcagepant) using a combination of binding, functional and imaging assays.

Results

Erenumab and telcagepant antagonized CGRP, adrenomedullin and intermedin cAMP signaling at the canonical human CGRP receptor. In contrast, fremanezumab only antagonized CGRP-induced cAMP signaling at the human CGRP receptor. In addition, erenumab, but not fremanezumab, bound and internalized at the canonical human CGRP receptor. Interestingly, erenumab also bound and internalized at the human AMY₁ receptor, a CGRP receptor family member. Both erenumab and telcagepant antagonized amylin-induced cAMP signaling at the AMY₁ receptor while fremanezumab did not affect amylin responses.

Conclusion

The therapeutic effect of agents targeting the CGRP ligand versus receptor for migraine prevention (antibodies) or acute treatment (gepants) may involve distinct mechanisms of action. These findings suggest that differing mechanisms could affect efficacy, safety, and/or tolerability in migraine patients.

The relationship between epicardial fat thickness and high-grade varicocele

BACKGROUND

Varicocele is abnormal dilation of testis veins. The precise mechanism of varicocele is not fully understood despite some hypothesis were suggested in the literature. Disequilibrium between constrictor and dilatator mechanism of the veins have been shown to cause varicocele. High-grade varicoceles have been also linked to endothelial dysfunction and increased vasoconstriction.

OBJECTIVES

We hypothesized that epicardial fat thickness (EFT), flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and aortic stiffness (AS) could be associated with varicocele. In the present study, we aimed to compare vascular parameters such as FMD, EFT and AS in healthy subjects and high-grade varicocele patients.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 35 men with high-grade varicocele and 32 age- and sex-matched control subjects younger than 45 years old. This is a cross-sectional study conducted at Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University Hospital between May to October 2018.

RESULTS

EFT, aortic diastolic diameters (AoDD) and EFT/BMI ratio were significantly higher in control group than in patients with high-grade (p=0.012, p=0.044, p=0.026, respectively). EFT and EFT /BMI ratio were significantly and inversely correlated with presence of varicocele (r=-0.422, p=0.009; r=-0.38, p=0.026, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The present study suggests that high-grade varicocele may be associated with decreased echocardiographic EFT but not with aortic stiffness and FMD.

Use of proteomics to identify biomarkers associated with chronic kidney disease and long-term outcomes in patients with myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have poor outcomes following myocardial infarction (MI). We performed an untargeted examination of 175 biomarkers to identify those with the strongest association with CKD and to examine the association of those biomarkers with long-term outcomes.

METHODS

A total of 175 different biomarkers from MI patients enrolled in the Swedish Web-System for Enhancement and Development of Evidence-Based Care in Heart Disease Evaluated According to Recommended Therapies (SWEDEHEART) registry were analysed either by a multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry assay or by a multiplex assay (proximity extension assay). Random forests statistical models were used to assess the predictor importance of biomarkers, CKD and outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 1098 MI patients with a median estimated glomerular filtration rate of 85 mL min^-1 /1.73 m² were followed for a median of 3.2 years. The random forests analyses, without and with adjustment for differences in demography, comorbidities and severity of disease, identified six biomarkers (adrenomedullin, TNF receptor-1, adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein-4, TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor 2, growth differentiation factor-15 and TNF receptor-2) to be strongly associated with CKD. All six biomarkers were also amongst the 15 strongest predictors for death, and four of them were amongst the strongest predictors of subsequent MI and heart failure hospitalization.

CONCLUSION

In patients with MI, a proteomic approach could identify six biomarkers that best predicted CKD. These biomarkers were also amongst the most important predictors of long-term outcomes. Thus, these biomarkers indicate underlying mechanisms that may contribute to the poor prognosis seen in patients with MI and CKD.

Mortality in cardiogenic shock is stronger associated to clinical factors than contemporary biomarkers reflecting neurohormonal stress and inflammatory activation

PURPOSE

To validate the IABP-SHOCK II risk score in a Danish cohort and assess the association between the IABP-SHOCK II risk score and admission concentration of biomarkers reflecting neurohormonal - (Copeptin, Pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (proANP), Mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MRproADM)) and inflammatory (ST2) activation in patients with CS complicating ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

METHODS

A total of 137 consecutive patients admitted with STEMI and CS at two tertiary heart centres were stratified according to the IABP-SHOCK II risk score (0-2; 3/4; 5-9), and had blood sampled upon admission.

RESULTS

Plasma concentrations of Copeptin (median (pmol/L) score 0-2: 313; score 3/4: 682; score 5-9: 632 p < 0.0001), proANP (pmol/L) (1459; 2225; 2876 p = 0.0009) and MRproADM (nmol/L) (0.86; 1.2; 1.4 p = 0.04) were significantly associated with the risk score, whereas ST2 (ng/mL) was not (44; 60; 45 p = 0.23). The IABP-SHOCK II risk score predicted 30-day mortality (score 0-2: 22%; score 4/3: 51%; score 5-9: 72%, area under the curve (AUC): 0.73, plogrank < 0.0001), while the tested biomarkers did not (AUC: 0.51<plogrank < 0.57).

CONCLUSION

Plasma concentrations of Copeptin, MRproADM and proANP were associated with the IABP-SHOCK II risk score in STEMI patients admitted with CS. The risk score predicted 30-day mortality, with no improvement in prediction when concentrations of the assessed biomarkers were added.

Plasma adrenomedullin peptides and precursor levels in pulmonary arterial hypertension disease severity and risk stratification

Adrenomedullin is a potent vasodilatory peptide, linked to pulmonary arterial hypertension pathology. Proximity extension assays were utilized to study plasma biomarkers related to vasoregulation, with focus on adrenomedullin peptides and precursor levels, collectively referred to as ADM. ADM was measured in 48 treatment-naïve pulmonary arterial hypertension patients at diagnosis, and in 31 of them at an early treatment follow-up. Plasma ADM was additionally assessed in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (n = 20) and pulmonary hypertension due to heart failure with preserved (HFpEF_(PH)) (n = 33) or reduced (HFrEF_(PH)) (n = 36) ejection fraction, as well as healthy controls (n = 16). ADM was studied in relation to pulmonary arterial hypertension hemodynamics, risk assessment, prognosis, treatment response, and differentiation. Plasma ADM levels in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients at diagnosis were higher than in healthy controls (p < 0.001), similar as in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients (p = ns), but lower compared to HFpEF_(PH) (p < 0.03) and HFrEF_(PH) (p < 0.001). In pulmonary arterial hypertension, specifically, plasma ADM at diagnosis correlated mainly to mean right atrial pressure (r = 0.73, p < 0.001), N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (r = 0.75, p < 0.001), six-minute walking distance (r = -0.57, p < 0.001), and venous oxygen saturation (r = -0.57, p < 0.001). ADM also correlated to the ECS/ERS- (r = 0.74, p < 0.001) and REVEAL risk scores (r = 0.54, p < 0.001) at pulmonary arterial hypertension diagnosis. Plasma ADM in pulmonary arterial hypertension patients was unaltered at early treatment follow-up compared to baseline (p = ns). Pulmonary arterial hypertension patients with supra-median ADM at diagnosis showed worse overall survival than those with infra-median levels (median survival 34 versus 66 months, p = 0.0077). In conclusion, the present results suggest that baseline plasma ADM levels mirror disease severity, correlating to both ECS/ERS- and the REVEAL risk scores.

DNA methylation GrimAge strongly predicts lifespan and healthspan

It was unknown whether plasma protein levels can be estimated based on DNA methylation (DNAm) levels, and if so, how the resulting surrogates can be consolidated into a powerful predictor of lifespan. We present here, seven DNAm-based estimators of plasma proteins including those of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) and growth differentiation factor 15. The resulting predictor of lifespan, DNAm GrimAge (in units of years), is a composite biomarker based on the seven DNAm surrogates and a DNAm-based estimator of smoking pack-years. Adjusting DNAm GrimAge for chronological age generated novel measure of epigenetic age acceleration, AgeAccelGrim.Using large scale validation data from thousands of individuals, we demonstrate that DNAm GrimAge stands out among existing epigenetic clocks in terms of its predictive ability for time-to-death (Cox regression P=2.0E-75), time-to-coronary heart disease (Cox P=6.2E-24), time-to-cancer (P= 1.3E-12), its strong relationship with computed tomography data for fatty liver/excess visceral fat, and age-at-menopause (P=1.6E-12). AgeAccelGrim is strongly associated with a host of age-related conditions including comorbidity count (P=3.45E-17). Similarly, age-adjusted DNAm PAI-1 levels are associated with lifespan (P=5.4E-28), comorbidity count (P= 7.3E-56) and type 2 diabetes (P=2.0E-26). These DNAm-based biomarkers show the expected relationship with lifestyle factors including healthy diet and educational attainment.Overall, these epigenetic biomarkers are expected to find many applications including human anti-aging studies.

Epicardial Adipose Tissue, Adiponectin and Leptin: A Potential Source of Cardiovascular Risk in Chronic Kidney Disease

The importance of cardiometabolic factors in the inception and progression of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is increasingly being recognized. Beyond diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome, other factors may be responsible in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) for the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease, which is estimated to be 5- to 20-fold higher than in the general population. Although undefined uremic toxins are often blamed for part of the increased risk, visceral adipose tissue, and in particular epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), have been the focus of intense research in the past two decades. In fact, several lines of evidence suggest their involvement in atherosclerosis development and its complications. EAT may promote atherosclerosis through paracrine and endocrine pathways exerted via the secretion of adipocytokines such as adiponectin and leptin. In this article we review the current knowledge of the impact of EAT on cardiovascular outcomes in the general population and in patients with CKD. Special reference will be made to adiponectin and leptin as possible mediators of the increased cardiovascular risk linked with EAT.

Associations of the adrenomedullin gene polymorphism with prehypertension and hypertension in Lithuanian children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of ADM genetic variant and HBP among Lithuanian adolescents aged 12-15 years. This is a cross-sectional study of a randomly selected sample of 675 12-15-years-old schoolchildren who were surveyed during November 2010 to April 2012 in the baseline survey. Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of ADM gene (rs7129220) was evaluated using real-time PCR. Logistic regression analyses were used to test the associations of ADM (rs7129220) polymorphism with HBP under four inheritance models based on the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and to calculate the odds ratios. In the multivariate analysis, boys carrying ADM AG genotype (vs. carriers of ADM GG genotype), ADM AG + AA genotype (vs. carriers of ADM GG genotype) and ADM AG genotype (vs. carriers of ADM GG + AA genotype) had higher odds of having hypertension in codominant, dominant, and overdominant inheritance models. Girls with ADM AG + AA had increased odds of prehypertension compared to girls with the ADM GG genotype carriers in dominant inheritance model. Significant associations were observed in additive models separately for boys (hypertension) and girls (prehypertension). Our results indicate that ADM gene polymorphism was significantly associated with higher odds of HBP in Lithuanian adolescents aged 12-15 years.

Mid regional pro-adrenomedullin for the prediction of organ failure in infection. Results from a single centre study

Biomarkers are widely used to confirm the presence of infection. However, it would be of the greatest importance to predict in advance the occurrence or worsening of organ dysfunction in infected patients allowing timely antibiotic escalation. This study investigates the ability of procalcitonin (PCT) and MR-proADM to predict the transition to sepsis in infected patients. The study was conducted in a neurointensive care unit over a three-month period. We included both patients with and without infection to investigate the specificity of organ dysfunction prediction in infected patients. Daily measurement of PCT and MR-proADM, SOFA, Pitt, and CPIS were performed. To measure the correlation between each biomarker and each severity score, linear mixed-effects models were developed. For each biomarker-score combination we tested the correlation of the score with the biomarker measured one and two days before, the same day, and the day after. Sixty-four critically ill patients, 31 with infection, were enrolled. The statistically significant biomarker-score combinations were PCT-SOFA, MR-proADM-SOFA, MR-proADM-Pitt, and MR-proADM-CPIS. The MR-proADM models predicting Pitt and CPIS variations with 24-hour anticipation showed the best fit. The scores increased by 0.6 ± 0.3 and 0.4 ± 0.2 for each unitary biomarker increase, respectively. The MR-proADM-SOFA combinations were equivalent when the biomarker was measured the day before or the same day (score increases were 1.5 ± 0.4 and 1.9 ± 0.4, respectively). The PCT-SOFA model had the best fit when PCT was measured the same day of the score. There was no difference in the predictive ability of the biomarker in infected and non-infected patients. This was a pivotal study conducted in a single neurointensive centre on a limited number of patients, and as such it does not provide definitive conclusions. PR-proADM predicted occurrence and worsening of organ failure in critically ill patients with and without infection. The combination with infection diagnostic biomarkers such as PCT would allow predicting evolution to sepsis in infected patients.

Diverse exocytic pathways for mast cell mediators

Mast cells play pivotal roles in innate and adaptive immunities but are also culprits in allergy, autoimmunity, and cardiovascular diseases. Mast cells respond to environmental changes by initiating regulated exocytosis/secretion of various biologically active compounds called mediators (e.g. proteases, amines, and cytokines). Many of these mediators are stored in granules/lysosomes and rely on intricate degranulation processes for release. Mast cell stabilizers (e.g. sodium cromoglicate), which prevent such degranulation processes, have therefore been clinically employed to treat asthma and allergic rhinitis. However, it has become increasingly clear that different mast cell diseases often involve multiple mediators that rely on overlapping but distinct mechanisms for release. This review illustrates existing evidence that highlights the diverse exocytic pathways in mast cells. We also discuss strategies to delineate these pathways so as to identify unique molecular components which could serve as new drug targets for more effective and specific treatments against mast cell-related diseases.

Effect of liraglutide on atrial natriuretic peptide, adrenomedullin, and copeptin in PCOS

CONTEXT

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and biomarkers can be used to detect early subclinical CVD. Midregional-pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM), midregional-pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) and copeptin are all associated with CVD and part of the delicate system controlling fluid and hemodynamic homeostasis through vascular tonus and diuresis. The GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide, developed for treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D), improves cardiovascular outcomes in patients with T2D including a decrease in particular MR-proANP.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate if treatment with liraglutide in women with PCOS reduces levels of the cardiovascular biomarkers MR-proADM, MR-proANP and copeptin.

METHODS

Seventy-two overweight women with PCOS were treated with 1.8 mg/day liraglutide or placebo for 26 weeks in a placebo-controlled RCT. Biomarkers, anthropometrics, insulin resistance, body composition (DXA) and visceral fat (MRI) were examined.

RESULTS

Baseline median (IQR) levels were as follows: MR-proADM 0.52 (0.45-0.56) nmol/L, MR-proANP 44.8 (34.6-56.7) pmol/L and copeptin 4.95 (3.50-6.50) pmol/L. Mean percentage differences (95% CI) between liraglutide and placebo group after treatment were as follows: MR-proADM -6% (-11 to 2, P = 0.058), MR-proANP -25% (-37 to -11, P = 0.001) and copeptin +4% (-13 to 25, P = 0.64). Reduction in MR-proANP concentration correlated with both increased heart rate and diastolic blood pressure in the liraglutide group. Multiple regression analyses with adjustment for BMI, free testosterone, insulin resistance, visceral fat, heart rate and eGFR showed reductions in MR-proANP to be independently correlated with an increase in the heart rate.

CONCLUSION

In an RCT, liraglutide treatment in women with PCOS reduced levels of the cardiovascular risk biomarkers MR-proANP with 25% and MR-proADM with 6% (borderline significance) compared with placebo. The decrease in MR-proANP was independently associated with an increase in the heart rate.

Epicardial Fat in the Maintenance of Cardiovascular Health

Epicardial fat is a unique adipose tissue located between the myocardium and the visceral layer of pericardium. This tissue is characterized by highly active fatty acid metabolism and highly expressed thermogenic genes. Epicardial fat and the underlying myocardium share the same microcirculation, suggesting a close and strong interaction between these two structures. Under physiological conditions, epicardial fat protects and supports the heart to exert its normal function. Many clinical studies have shown significant associations between increased amounts of epicardial fat and coronary artery disease (CAD). In patients with CAD, increased epicardial fat becomes inflammatory and may promote plaque development through secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and other mechanisms. Therefore, epicardial fat is a biomarker of cardiovascular risk and a potential therapeutic target for cardiovascular disease. Weight loss and pharmaceuticals can reduce epicardial fat and improve its protective physiological functions.

Sacubitril/valsartan: beyond natriuretic peptides

Natriuretic peptides, especially B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), have primarily been regarded as biomarkers in heart failure (HF). However, they are also possible therapeutic agents due to their potentially beneficial physiological effects. The angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor, sacubitril/valsartan, simultaneously augments the natriuretic peptide system (NPS) by inhibiting the enzyme neprilysin (NEP) and inhibits the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) by blocking the angiotensin II receptor. It has been shown to improve mortality and hospitalisation outcomes in patients with HF due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction. The key advantage of sacubitril/valsartan has been perceived to be its ability to augment BNP, while its other effects have largely been overlooked. This review highlights the important effects of sacubitril/valsartan, beyond just the augmentation of BNP. First we discuss how NPS physiology differs between healthy individuals and those with HF by looking at mechanisms like the overwhelming effects of RAAS on the NPS, natriuretic peptide receptor desensitisation and absolute natriuretic deficiency. Second, this review explores other hormones that are augmented by sacubitril/valsartan such as bradykinin, substance P and adrenomedullin that may contribute to the efficacy of sacubitril/valsartan in HF. We also discuss concerns that sacubitril/valsartan may interfere with amyloid-β homeostasis with potential implications on Alzheimer's disease and macular degeneration. Finally, we explore the concept of 'autoinhibition' which is a recently described observation that humans have innate NEP inhibitory capability when natriuretic peptide levels rise above a threshold. There is speculation that autoinhibition may provide a surge of natriuretic and other vasoactive peptides to rapidly reverse decompensation. We contend that by pre-emptively inhibiting NEP, sacubitril/valsartan is inducing this surge earlier during decompensation, resulting in the better outcomes observed.

Intramyocardial Injection of Recombinant Adeno-Associated Viral Vector Coexpressing PR39/Adrenomedullin Enhances Angiogenesis and Reduces Apoptosis in a Rat Myocardial Infarction Model

Cotransfer of angiogenic and antiapoptotic genes could be the basis of new gene therapy strategies for myocardial infarction. In this study, rAAV-PR39-ADM, coexpressing antimicrobial peptide (PR39) and adrenomedullin (ADM), was designed with the mediation of recombinant adeno-associated virus. In vitro, CRL-1730 cells were divided into four groups, namely, the sham group, the AAV-null group, the NS (normal saline) group, and the PR39-ADM group. Immunocytochemistry analysis, CCK-8 assays, Matrigel assays, and apoptotic analysis were performed; in vivo, myocardial infarction model was established through ligation of the left coronary artery on rats, and treatment groups corresponded to those used in vitro. Myocardial injury, cardiac performance, and the extent of myocardial apoptosis were assessed. Results suggested that rAAV-PR39-ADM administration after myocardial infarction improved cell viability and cardiac function, attenuated apoptosis and myocardial injury, and promoted angiogenesis. Subsequently, levels of 6×His, HIF-1α, VEGF, p-Akt, Akt, ADM, Bcl-2, and Bax were measured by western blot. rAAV-PR39-ADM increased p-Akt, HIF-1α, and VEGF levels and induced higher Bcl-2 expression and lower Bax expression. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that rAAV-PR39-ADM mitigates myocardial injury by promoting angiogenesis and reducing apoptosis. This study suggests a potential novel gene therapy-based method that could be used clinically for myocardial infarction.

Changes of adrenomedullin and natriuretic peptides in patients with adrenal medullary hyperplasia prior to and following pharmacological therapy and adrenalectomy

The aim of the present study was to investigate the pathophysiological functions of adrenomedullin (ADM), atrial and brain natriuretic peptides (ANP and BNP) in patients with adrenal medullary hyperplasia (AMH). Plasma ADM, ANP and BNP concentrations were measured in 20 patients with AMH, 35 patients with essential hypertension (EH), and 40 healthy control subjects. Following effective antihypertensive therapy, the values in AMH and EH patients were measured again and laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed for AMH patients. At 2 weeks after surgery, the three peptides were measured again. The AMH patients had higher plasma concentrations of ADM, ANP and BNP compared with the EH and control subjects. There were significant differences in the values of ADM, ANP and BNP between adrenal vein and inferior vena cava and between AMH and contralateral adrenal vein. Plasma ADM concentration was correlated with serum epinephrine and norepinephrine and urine vanillylmandelic acid, in addition to systolic and diastolic blood pressure, left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular mass index and ANP and BNP values in the AMH group. Following antihypertensive treatment, ADM, ANP and BNP were significantly decreased in EH patients, but remained unchanged in AMH subjects. However, these concentrations significantly decreased following surgery. Therefore, the present results suggest that ADM, ANP and BNP may be involved in regulating adrenal medulla functions.

Adrenomedullin 2.0: Adjusting Key Levers for Metabolic Stability

The 52 amino acid peptide hormone adrenomedullin (ADM) plays a major role in the development and regulation of the cardiovascular and lymphatic system and has therefore gained significant interest for clinical applications. Because adrenomedullin exhibits low metabolic stability, enhancement of the plasma half-life is essential for peptide-based drug design. Fluorescently labeled ADM analogues synthesized by Fmoc/t-Bu solid phase peptide synthesis were used to analyze their enzymatic degradation and specific fragmentation pattern in human blood plasma. The determination of important cleavage sites allowed the development of selectively modified peptides in a rational approach. By combination of palmitoylation, lactam-bridging, and Nα-methylation, ADM analogues protected from enzymatic cleavage in human blood were developed and revealed an explicitly elongated half-life of 5 days in comparison to the wild-type in vitro. This triple-modification did not alter the selectivity of the analogues at the AM1 receptor, highlighting their potential for therapeutic applications.

Epicardial Fat: Physiological, Pathological, and Therapeutic Implications

Epicardial fat is closely related to blood supply vessels, both anatomically and functionally, which is why any change in this adipose tissue's behavior is considered a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease development. When proinflammatory adipokines are released from the epicardial fat, this can lead to a decrease in insulin sensitivity, low adiponectin production, and an increased proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. These adipokines move from one compartment to another by either transcellular passing or diffusion, thus having the ability to regulate cardiac muscle activity, a phenomenon called vasocrine regulation. The participation of these adipokines generates a state of persistent vasoconstriction, increased stiffness, and weakening of the coronary wall, consequently contributing to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Therefore, epicardial adipose tissue thickening should be considered a risk factor in the development of cardiovascular disease, a potential therapeutic target for cardiovascular pathology and a molecular point of contact for "endocrine-cardiology."

Calcitonin and Amylin Receptor Peptide Interaction Mechanisms: INSIGHTS INTO PEPTIDE-BINDING MODES AND ALLOSTERIC MODULATION OF THE CALCITONIN RECEPTOR BY RECEPTOR ACTIVITY-MODIFYING PROTEINS

Receptor activity-modifying proteins (RAMP1-3) determine the selectivity of the class B G protein-coupled calcitonin receptor (CTR) and the CTR-like receptor (CLR) for calcitonin (CT), amylin (Amy), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), and adrenomedullin (AM) peptides. RAMP1/2 alter CLR selectivity for CGRP/AM in part by RAMP1 Trp-84 or RAMP2 Glu-101 contacting the distinct CGRP/AM C-terminal residues. It is unclear whether RAMPs use a similar mechanism to modulate CTR affinity for CT and Amy, analogs of which are therapeutics for bone disorders and diabetes, respectively. Here, we reproduced the peptide selectivity of intact CTR, AMY1 (CTR·RAMP1), and AMY2 (CTR·RAMP2) receptors using purified CTR extracellular domain (ECD) and tethered RAMP1- and RAMP2-CTR ECD fusion proteins and antagonist peptides. All three proteins bound salmon calcitonin (sCT). Tethering RAMPs to CTR enhanced binding of rAmy, CGRP, and the AMY antagonist AC413. Peptide alanine-scanning mutagenesis and modeling of receptor-bound sCT and AC413 supported a shared non-helical CGRP-like conformation for their TN(T/V)G motif prior to the C terminus. After this motif, the peptides diverged; the sCT C-terminal Pro was crucial for receptor binding, whereas the AC413/rAmy C-terminal Tyr had little or no influence on binding. Accordingly, mutant RAMP1 W84A- and RAMP2 E101A-CTR ECD retained AC413/rAmy binding. ECD binding and cell-based signaling assays with antagonist sCT/AC413/rAmy variants with C-terminal residue swaps indicated that the C-terminal sCT/rAmy residue identity affects affinity more than selectivity. rAmy(8-37) Y37P exhibited enhanced antagonism of AMY1 while retaining selectivity. These results reveal unexpected differences in how RAMPs determine CTR and CLR peptide selectivity and support the hypothesis that RAMPs allosterically modulate CTR peptide affinity.

Prognostic Value of Adrenomedullin and Natriuretic Peptides in Uroseptic Patients Induced by Ureteroscopy

The aim of this paper is to investigate whether urosepsis is related to irrigation pressure of ureteroscopy (URS) and evaluate the prognostic value of adrenomedullin (ADM) and atrial and brain natriuretic peptides (ANP and BNP) in URS-induced uroseptic patients. From July 2008 to October 2013, we enrolled 332 patients with untreated unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). The UUO group included three subgroups of, respectively, 118, 132, and 82 patients who underwent URS under intermittent stable irrigation pressure of, respectively, 80, 120, and 160 mmHg. The plasma concentrations of ADM, ANP, and BNP were measured in all subjects. URS was performed for all UUO patients; the values of the three peptides were measured again after URS. Irrigation pressure and stone size were independent risk factors of urosepsis. After URS, the plasma concentrations of ADM, ANP, and BNP were significantly higher in uroseptic patients. Moreover, the concentrations were significantly higher depending on the disease severity. Plasma concentrations of the three peptides were correlated with plasma ET concentration in the uroseptic patients. The areas under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of ADM, ANP, and BNP for predicting urosepsis were 0.811, 0.728, and 0.764, respectively. In conclusion, ADM, along with ANP and BNP, is valuable for prognosis in urosepsis secondary to URS which is associated with irrigation pressure.

The Renal Protective Effect of Jiangya Tongluo Formula, through Regulation of Adrenomedullin and Angiotensin II, in Rats with Hypertensive Nephrosclerosis

We investigated the effect of Jiangya Tongluo (JYTL) formula on renal function in rats with hypertensive nephrosclerosis. A total of 21 spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were randomized into 3 groups: valsartan (10 mg/kg/d valsartan), JYTL (14.2 g/kg/d JYTL), and a model group (5 mL/kg/d distilled water); Wistar Kyoto rats comprised the control group (n = 7, 5 mL/kg/d distilled water). Treatments were administered by gavage every day for 8 weeks. Blood pressure, 24-h urine protein, pathological changes in the kidney, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were estimated. The contents of adrenomedullin (ADM) and angiotensin II (Ang II) in both the kidney and plasma were evaluated. JYTL lowered BP, 24-h urine protein, serum creatinine, and BUN. ADM content in kidneys increased and negatively correlated with BP, while Ang II decreased and negatively correlated with ADM, but there was no statistically significant difference of plasma ADM between the model and the treatment groups. Possibly, activated intrarenal renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays an important role in hypertensive nephrosclerosis and the protective function of ADM via local paracrine. JYTL may upregulate endogenous ADM level in the kidneys and antagonize Ang II during vascular injury by dilating renal blood vessels.

Plasma concentrations of adrenomedullin and atrial and brain natriuretic peptides in patients with adrenal pheochromocytoma

The present study aimed to evaluate any changes in the plasma concentrations of adrenomedullin (ADM), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in patients with adrenal pheochromocytoma (PC). The plasma concentrations of the three peptides were measured in 45 healthy control individuals and 90 untreated patients with PC, who consisted of 20 normotensive patients, 30 borderline hypertensive patients and 40 hypertensive patients. After 4 weeks of effective antihypertensive therapy for hypertensive PC patients, the concentrations of ADM, ANP and BNP were measured again, and laparoscopic adrenalectomy was then performed for all PC patients with values that were measured 2 weeks later. The plasma concentrations of the three peptides were significantly increased in the borderline hypertensive and hypertensive patients compared with the concentrations in control individuals and normotensive patients. In addition, there were significant differences between the levels of ADM, ANP and BNP in the borderline and hypertensive groups. The plasma ADM concentration was not associated with the blood urea nitrogen levels, serum creatinine levels or glomerular filtration rate, but was correlated with the serum epinephrine, serum norepinephrine and urine vanillylmandelic acid levels. In addition, the ADM concentration was associated with the systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular mass index and plasma concentrations of ANP and BNP in the hypertensive patients with PC. After 4 weeks of antihypertensive treatment, the values of the three peptides in the hypertensive patients with PC were not significantly changed. As expected, the values in borderline and hypertensive groups were significantly decreased 2 weeks subsequent to surgery, whereas there were no significant changes in the normotensive group. ADM may participate, along with ANP and BNP, in the mechanisms that counteract further elevation of blood pressure in patients with PC, and there may be an ADM/catecholamine local regulatory mechanism that is important for the control of adrenal medulla functions.

The evaluation of the clinical utility of urocortin 1 and adrenomedullin versus proBNP in systolic heart failure

Objective:

Urocortin 1 (UCN1) has vasodilator, diuretic, and natriuretic effects, and its expression increases in heart failure (HF). Adrenomedullin (ADM) increases cardiac output and lowers blood pressure in healthy men and in patients with heart failure. The aim of the study was to determine UCN1 and ADM levels in patients with HF, to evaluate the relationship of UCN1 and ADM with various clinical parameters, and to assess UCN1 and ADM as diagnostic markers in HF, in comparison with pro-brain natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP).

Methods:

We investigated serum levels of UCN1, ADM, and pro-BNP in 86 consecutive patients with systolic HF [ejection fraction (EF) ≤45%] and 85 healthy controls. Serum UCN1, ADM, and pro-BNP levels were measured with the ELISA method. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed to determine left ventricular EF and pulmonary artery systolic pressure.

Results:

UCN1 and ADM levels were higher in HF patients (446.2±145.7 pg/mL, p<0.001; 87.9±4.2 pg/mL, p<0.001 respectively). UCN1 was positively correlated with pro-BNP (r=0.963, p<0.001), ADM (r=0.915, p<0.001), and NYHA (r=0.879, p<0.001); ADM was positively correlated with pro-BNP (r=0.956, p<0.001) and NYHA (r=0.944, p<0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curves yielded an area under the curve of 1.00 (p<0.001) for UCN1, 1.00 (p<0.001) for ADM, and 0.99 (p<0.001) for pro-BNP in the diagnosis of HF.

Conclusion:

UCN1 and ADM increase with worsening HF and left ventricular dysfunction. They may be used as diagnostic biomarkers in systolic HF, but the incremental value of measuring UCN1 and ADM in patients tested for pro-BNP is questionable.

Adrenomedullin and tumour microenvironment

Adrenomedullin (AM) is a regulatory peptide whose involvement in tumour progression is becoming more relevant with recent studies. AM is produced and secreted by the tumour cells but also by numerous stromal cells including macrophages, mast cells, endothelial cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells. Most cancer patients present high levels of circulating AM and in some cases these higher levels correlate with a worst prognosis. In some cases it has been shown that the high AM levels return to normal following surgical removal of the tumour, thus indicating the tumour as the source of this excessive production of AM. Expression of this peptide is a good investment for the tumour cell since AM acts as an autocrine/paracrine growth factor, prevents apoptosis-mediated cell death, increases tumour cell motility and metastasis, induces angiogenesis, and blocks immunosurveillance by inhibiting the immune system. In addition, AM expression gets rapidly activated by hypoxia through a HIF-1α mediated mechanism, thus characterizing AM as a major survival factor for tumour cells. Accordingly, a number of studies have shown that inhibition of this peptide or its receptors results in a significant reduction in tumour progression. In conclusion, AM is a great target for drug development and new drugs interfering with this system are being developed.

Adrenomedullin and intermedin gene transcription is increased in leukocytes of patients with chronic heart failure at different stages of the disease

Adrenomedullin (ADM) is a vasodilatory peptide expressed in many tissues. Its levels are elevated in various diseases including chronic heart failure (CHF) and it has been suggested that the up-regulation of ADM in cardiac disease represents a protective mechanism. Similarly, intermedin (IMD), a novel member of the calcitonin/calcitonin gene-related peptide family, is considered a potential endogenous protector of the heart. Previous studies demonstrated that in CHF patients, elevated plasma concentrations of ADM and IMD reflect the patient's disease severity and prognosis, while the behavior of mRNA expression is not known. The aim of this study was to evaluate ADM/IDM transcriptomic profiling in human leukocytes of CHF patients as a function of clinical severity, assessing possible changes with respect to healthy subjects (C). mRNA expression was evaluated by Real-Time PCR and total RNA was extracted from leukocytes of C (n=8) and from CHF patients (NYHA I-II n=10; NYHA III-IV n=14) with PAXgene Blood RNA Kit. Significantly higher levels of ADM and IMD mRNA were found in CHF as a function of clinical severity (ADM: C=0.03 ± 0.013, NYHA I-II=0.11 ± 0.084, NYHA III-IV=11.46 ± 4.72, p=0.037 C vs NYHA III-IV, p=0.028 NYHA I-II vs NYHA III-IV; IMD: C=0.158 ± 0.041, NYHA I-II=0.93 ± 0.40, NYHA III-IV=2.6 ± 0.67, p=0.014 C vs NYHA III-IV, p=0.014 NYHA I-II vs NYHA III-IV). This study highlights, for the first time, the possibility of evaluating ADM and IMD mRNA expression in human whole blood samples by Real-Time PCR study providing further relevant information and providing a more complete interpretation of the pathophysiology of the disease.

Blood levels of adrenomedullin on admission predict outcomes after acute intracerebral hemorrhage

Increased plasma adrenomedullin level has been associated with critical illness. This study aimed to investigate the correlations of plasma adrenomedullin concentration with 3-month clinical outcomes and early neurological deterioration of patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage. One hundred fourteen patients and 112 healthy controls were recruited. Relationships of plasma adrenomedullin concentrations with early neurological deterioration, 3-month mortality and unfavorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score >2) were evaluated. Plasma adrenomedullin concentrations were increased in patients than in healthy individuals and were highly associated with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores. A multivariate analysis selected plasma adrenomedullin concentration as an independent predictor for 3-month clinical outcomes and early neurological deterioration. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed plasma adrenomedullin concentration predicted 3-month clinical outcomes and early neurological deterioration with high area under curves. The predictive value of adrenomedullin was similar to that of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score. In a combined logistic-regression model, adrenomedullin did not improve the predictive value of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score. Thus, elevated plasma adrenomedullin concentration is highly associated with 3-month clinical outcomes and early neurological deterioration of patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage.

Plasma adrenomedullin levels are associated with long-term outcomes of acute ischemic stroke

Plasma adrenomedullin concentration has been found to be enhanced in ischemic stroke. Up to now, little is known about the association of plasma adrenomedullin concentration with clinical outcomes of ischemic stroke. This study recruited 138 patients with ischemic stroke and 138 healthy volunteers. Unfavorable outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale score >2 at 3 months. Plasma adrenomedullin concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Plasma adrenomedullin concentrations were statistically significantly higher in patients than in healthy individuals (79.9±27.3pg/mL vs. 36.8±10.4pg/mL; P<0.001). 3-Month mortality was 20.3% (28/138) and sixty-six patients (47.8%) had unfavorable outcome in 3 months. A logistic regression analysis identified plasma adrenomedullin concentration as an independent predictor of 3-month mortality (odds ratio, 1.211; 95% confidence interval, 1.101-1.582; P=0.004) and unfavorable outcome (odds ratio, 1.193; 95% confidence interval, 1.082-1.447; P=0.006). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that plasma adrenomedullin concentration predicted 3-month mortality (area under curve, 0.806; 95% confidence interval, 0.730-0.868) and unfavorable outcome (area under curve, 0.816; 95% confidence interval, 0.742-0.877) with the high predictive value. Its predictive performance was similar to that of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (P=0.694 or 0.206). Its combined use with National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score did not improve the predictive value (P=0.236 or 0.590). Thus, adrenomedullin may aid to predict long-term clinical outcomes of patients with ischemic stroke.