Hyperosmolarity and Increased Serum Sodium Concentration Are Risks for Developing Hypertension Regardless of Salt Intake: A Five-Year Cohort Study in Japan

Association between serum sodium and sporadic Parkinson's disease

Background

The correlation between serum sodium and sporadic Parkinson's disease remains unclear currently. This study aimed to assess the association between serum sodium and sporadic Parkinson's disease.

Objective

The ultimate goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the implications of this relationship between serum sodium and sporadic Parkinson's disease.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study involving 1,189 participants in PPMI cohort. Age, sex, education years, race, body mass index, calcium, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, white blood cell, lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, red blood cell, hemoglobin, platelets, total protein, albumin, serum uric acid, serum sodium, serum potassium, urea nitrogen, creatinine, serum glucose were obtained from all participants. Logistic regression, and smooth curve fitting were utilized to substantiate the research objectives.

Results

The overall sporadic Parkinson's disease was 77.5% (921/1189); it was 71.9% (143/199), 75.4% (295/391), 76.7% (171/223), and 83% (312/376) for serum sodium quantile1 (Q1, 130-138.9 mmol/L), quantile 2 (Q2, 139-140.9 mmol/L), quantile 3 (Q3, 141-141.9 mmol/L), and quantile 4 (Q4, 142-155 mmol/L), respectively (p = 0.011). Multivariate odds ratio regression adjusted for risk factors demonstrates a 1-unit increment in the serum sodium raises the risk of sporadic Parkinson's disease by 1.11 times, respectively. Smooth splines analysis suggested a linear association between levels of serum sodium and risk of sporadic Parkinson's disease (P nonlinearity = 0.5). An interaction was observed between serum sodium and sex in their influence on sporadic Parkinson's disease (p < 0.05). Further exploratory subgroup analysis within the age and BMI groups showed that there were no significant interactions between the subgroups (all p values for interaction were > 0.05). Additional sensitivity analyses supported the primary findings and indicated the conclusions are robust.

Conclusion

This study highlights the influence of inappropriate serum sodium on the risk of incident sporadic Parkinson's disease, independent of confounders. The link between serum sodium and sporadic Parkinson's disease is linear.

The potential role and mechanism of Rhizoma Coptidis in prevention of diabetic encephalopathy: targeting sodium ion and channels

Introduction

Rhizoma Coptidis (RC) is an edible and medicinal herb with anti-hyperglycemia, which has potential application in the prevention of diabetic encephalopathy (DE). However, its efficacy and underlying mechanism in DE prevention have not been elucidated yet. The objective of the current study is to investigate the preventive effect of RC on DE, thereby focusing on the target through the method of network pharmacology and molecular docking.

Methods

Sixty 4-week-old, male C57BL/6 mice were randomly allocated to six groups: control, model, metformin (200 mg/kg), RCL (0.75 g/kg), RCM (1.5 g/kg), and RCH (3 g/kg). The DE-model mice were induced by streptozocin combined with a high-fat diet. In addition, the neuroprotective effect of RC was determined both in vivo and in vitro. Network pharmacology analysis was used to screen the potential mechanism of RC. Thereafter, the underlying mechanism of action of RC was explored by molecular docking prediction and Western blot analysis. An analysis of patients with DE was performed to validate it from another perspective.

Results

The results showed that the cognitive state of DE model mice was improved and neuronal injury was ameliorated after RC administration. Active compounds in RC, berberine and coptisine, were found to ameliorate HT22 injury induced by high glucose. Network pharmacology results suggest that voltage-gated sodium channel subtypes (Nav1.1, Nav1.2, and Nav1.6) may be the targets for RC prevention of DE. Furthermore, the Western blot analysis revealed that RC significantly upregulated Nav1.1 and Nav1.2, while Nav1.6 could not. In addition, serum sodium was related to the cognitive status of DE patients, which can be used as a diagnostic index for mild and moderate-severe DE.

Discussion

RC has the potential to be a functional food or adjuvant drug for DE prevention, and Nav1.1 and Nav1.2 are promising DE intervention targets.

Interplay between energy metabolism and NADPH oxidase-mediated pathophysiology in cardiovascular diseases

Sustained production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an imbalance in the antioxidant system have been implicated in the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), especially when combined with diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and other metabolic disorders. Among them, NADPH oxidases (NOX), including NOX1-5, are major sources of ROS that mediate redox signaling in both physiological and pathological processes, including fibrosis, hypertrophy, and remodeling. Recent studies have demonstrated that mitochondria produce more proteins and energy in response to adverse stress, corresponding with an increase in superoxide radical anions. Novel NOX4-mediated modulatory mechanisms are considered crucial for maintaining energy metabolism homeostasis during pathological states. In this review, we integrate the latest data to elaborate on the interactions between oxidative stress and energy metabolism in various CVD, aiming to elucidate the higher incidence of CVD in individuals with metabolic disorders. Furthermore, the correlations between NOX and ferroptosis, based on energy metabolism, are preliminarily discussed. Further discoveries of these mechanisms might promote the development of novel therapeutic drugs targeting NOX and their crosstalk with energy metabolism, potentially offering efficient management strategies for CVD.

Serum Osmolality as a Predictor of Renal Function Decline: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background and Aims: Dehydration is a prevalent and costly healthcare concern, linked to heightened risks of acute kidney injury and in-hospital mortality. Despite its significance, limited evidence exists regarding its prevalence and correlation with renal function decline in apparently healthy individuals. This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate the prevalence and association of dehydration with renal function decline and the development or progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the general population. Methods: The medical records of subjects undergoing annual health check-ups from 2016 to 2019 at a single center in Taiwan were analyzed, and those with CKD stage V, insufficient data, or an increased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were excluded. Serum osmolality, eGFR, and relevant parameters were measured. Logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to assess associations between osmolality and CKD-related outcomes. Results: Among the 4449 eligible subjects, those in the higher osmolality quartiles had an elevated risk of CKD or CKD progression. Multivariate analyses identified age, systolic blood pressure, serum osmolality, uric acid, proteinuria, and a history of diabetes as independent risk factors, with high-density lipoprotein being protective. Cumulative incidence curves demonstrated a significant increase in the risk of CKD with increasing osmolality levels. Restricted cubic spline analyses confirmed a nonlinear relationship between osmolality and CKD risk. Conclusions: Elevated serum osmolality independently predicted renal function decline and CKD development in apparently healthy individuals, and this effect persisted after adjusting for established risk factors. Our findings underscore the importance of addressing dehydration as a modifiable risk factor for CKD.

Risk for hypertension and heart failure linked to high normal serum sodium and tonicity in electronic medical records

Background and Aims

Population aging is fueling an epidemic of age-related chronic diseases. Managing risk factors and lifestyle interventions have proven effective in disease prevention. Epidemiological studies have linked markers of poor hydration with higher risk of chronic diseases and premature mortality. Many individuals do not adhere to recommended hydration levels and could benefit from improved hydration habits. Our study evaluates the use of electronic medical records to confirm the relationship between inadequate hydration and the risk of chronic diseases, which may inform hydration-focused interventions in general healthcare.

Methods

We analyzed 20-year electronic medical records for 411,029 adults from Israel's Leumit Healthcare Services. Hydration status was assessed using serum sodium and tonicity. We included adults without significant chronic diseases or water balance issues, defined as having normal serum sodium (135-146 mmol/l) and no diagnosis of diabetes. We used Cox proportional hazards models, adjusted for age, to assess the risk of developing hypertension and heart failure.

Results

Our findings showed an increased risk of hypertension with elevated serum sodium levels: a 12% rise for the 140-142 mmol/l group and 30% for levels above 143 mmol/l (HR1.30, 95%CI:1.26-1.34). Tonicity over 287 mosmol/kg was associated with a 19% increased risk of hypertension (HR1.19, 95%CI:1.17-1.22). The risk of heart failure also increased, reaching 20% for sodium levels above 143 mmol/l (HR1.20,95%CI:1.12-1.29) and 16% for tonicity above 289 mosmol/kg (HR1.16, 95%CI: 1.10-1.22). The association between sodium and hypertension was observed across genders, while the risk of heart failure was more pronounced in females. Within the healthy Leumit cohort, 19% had serum sodium levels within the 143-146 mmol/l range, and 39% were in the 140-142 mmol/l range.

Conclusions

Data analysis from electronic medical records identified a link between serum sodium of 140 mmol/l and above and increased risk of hypertension and heart failure in the general Israeli population. Identifying individuals with high-normal sodium values in healthcare records could guide improvements in hydration habits, potentially leading to better health outcomes.

A study on the early metabolic effects of salt and fructose consumption: the protective role of water

Increasing serum osmolality has recently been linked with acute stress responses, which over time can lead to increased risk for obesity, hypertension, and other chronic diseases. Salt and fructose are two major stimuli that can induce acute changes in serum osmolality. Here we investigate the early metabolic effects of sodium and fructose consumption and determine whether the effects of sodium or fructose loading can be mitigated by blocking the change in osmolality with hydration. Forty-four healthy subjects without disease and medication were recruited into four groups. After overnight fasting, subjects in Group 1 drank 500 mL of salty soup, while those in Group 2 drank 500 mL of soup without salt for 15 min. Subjects in Group 3 drank 500 mL of 100% apple juice in 5 min, while subjects in Group 4 drank 500 mL of 100% apple juice and 500 mL of water in 5 min. Blood pressure (BP), plasma sodium, and glucose levels were measured every 15 min in the first 2 h. Serum and urine osmolarity, serum uric acid, cortisol, fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), aldosterone, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) level, and plasma renin activity (PRA) were measured at the baseline and 2 h. Both acute intake of salt or fructose increased serum osmolality (maximum ∼4 mOsm/L peaking at 75 min) associated with a rise in systolic and diastolic BP, PRA, aldosterone, ACTH, cortisol, plasma glucose, uric acid, and FGF21. Salt tended to cause greater activation of the renin-angiotensin-system (RAS), while fructose caused a greater rise in glucose and FGF21. In both cases, hydration could prevent the osmolality and largely block the acute stress response. Acute changes in serum osmolality can induce remarkable activation of the ACTH-cortisol, RAS, glucose metabolism, and uric acid axis that is responsive to hydration. In addition to classic dehydration, salt, and fructose-containing sugars can activate these responses. Staying well hydrated may provide benefits despite exposure to sugar and salt. More studies are needed to investigate whether hydration can block the chronic effects of sugar and salt on disease.

Ten tips on how to care for your CKD patients in episodes of extreme heat

Climate change is responsible for ≈75% of extreme heat events throughout the world. Heat events are associated with an increased risk for acute kidney injury, which contributes to the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular events. Patients with CKD are especially vulnerable to heat stress for a variety of reasons. A disproportionate percentage of patients with CKD live in poverty; experience homelessness, mental illness or disabilities; work outside or are elderly, all demographics that overlap with populations most susceptible to episodes of extreme heat. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that exposure to episodes of extreme heat can lead to the progression of CKD and increases morbidity and mortality. Given these concerns, clinicians must be prepared to promptly recognize complications of heat in CKD patients and to help patients appropriately acclimate. We propose the following tips for clinicians to effectively care for their CKD patients during extreme heat days.

Serum osmolality was non-linearly associated with the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with diabetes

AIMS

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between both low and high osmolarity and the risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality in diabetic population.

METHODS

All participants were included from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2014. Baseline serum osmolality was determined from laboratory tests and cause of death from national death records. HRs and 95% CIs for all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in diabetes were estimated using Cox proportional regression analysis. The non-linear relationship was explored using restricted cubic splines regression.

RESULTS

Among 7622 individuals with diabetes, 1983 (12.4%) died during a total of 3.26 thousand person-years of follow-up. Compared with the reference category (281-284 mmol/kg), the multivariable-adjusted HRs and 95% CIs for all-cause mortality were 1.27 (1.16-1.40; p<0.001) in the lowest osmolality category (<201 mmol/kg) and 1.18 (1.09-1.28; p<0.001) in the highest osmolality category (>312 mmol/kg). Restricted cubic splines results showed that serum levels of osmolality had a U-shaped association with the risk of all-cause mortality, and L-shaped relationship with the risk of cardiovascular death.

CONCLUSIONS

Both low osmolality and high osmolality were predictive of increased all-cause mortality in patients with diabetes, supporting a U-shaped relationship. Also, a lower serum osmolality increased the risk of cardiovascular mortality.

Sugar, salt, immunity and the cause of primary hypertension

Despite its discovery more than 150 years ago, the cause of primary hypertension remains unknown. Most studies suggest that hypertension involves genetic, congenital or acquired risk factors that result in a relative inability of the kidney to excrete salt (sodium chloride) in the kidneys. Here we review recent studies that suggest there may be two phases, with an initial phase driven by renal vasoconstriction that causes low-grade ischemia to the kidney, followed by the infiltration of immune cells that leads to a local autoimmune reaction that maintains the renal vasoconstriction. Evidence suggests that multiple mechanisms could trigger the initial renal vasoconstriction, but one way may involve fructose that is provided in the diet (such as from table sugar or high fructose corn syrup) or produced endogenously. The fructose metabolism increases intracellular uric acid, which recruits NADPH oxidase to the mitochondria while inhibiting AMP-activated protein kinase. A drop in intracellular ATP level occurs, triggering a survival response. Leptin levels rise, triggering activation of the sympathetic central nervous system, while vasopressin levels rise, causing vasoconstriction in its own right and stimulating aldosterone production via the vasopressin 1b receptor. Low-grade renal injury and autoimmune-mediated inflammation occur. High-salt diets can amplify this process by raising osmolality and triggering more fructose production. Thus, primary hypertension may result from the overactivation of a survival response triggered by fructose metabolism. Restricting salt and sugar and hydrating with ample water may be helpful in the prevention of primary hypertension.

Altered Neuronal Discharge in the Organum Vasculosum of the Lamina Terminalis Contributes to Dahl Salt-Sensitive Hypertension

BACKGROUND

Salt-sensitive hypertension in humans and experimental models is associated with higher plasma and cerebrospinal fluid sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations. Changes in extracellular NaCl concentrations are sensed by specialized neurons in the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT). Stimulation of OVLT neurons increases sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) and arterial blood pressure (ABP), whereas chronic activation produces hypertension. Therefore, the present study tested whether OVLT neuronal activity was elevated and contributed to SNA and ABP in salt-sensitive hypertension.

METHODS

Male Dahl salt-sensitive (Dahl S) and Dahl salt-resistant (Dahl R) rats were fed 0.1% or 4.0% NaCl diets for 3 to 4 weeks and used for single-unit recordings of OVLT neurons or simultaneous recording of multiple sympathetic nerves during pharmacological inhibition of the OVLT.

RESULTS

Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid Na+ and Cl- concentrations were higher in Dahl S rats fed 4% versus 0.1% or Dahl R rats fed either diet. In vivo single-unit recordings revealed a significantly higher discharge of NaCl-responsive OVLT neurons in Dahl S rats fed 4% versus 0.1% or Dahl R rats. Interestingly, intracarotid infusion of hypertonic NaCl evoked greater increases in OVLT neuronal discharge of Dahl S versus Dahl R rats regardless of NaCl diet. The activity of non-NaCl-responsive OVLT neurons was not different across strain or diets. Finally, inhibition of OVLT neurons by local injection of the gamma-aminobutyric acid agonist muscimol produced a greater decrease in renal SNA, splanchnic SNA, and ABP of Dahl S rats fed 4% versus 0.1% or Dahl R rats.

CONCLUSIONS

A high salt diet activates NaCl-responsive OVLT neurons to increase SNA and ABP in salt-sensitive hypertension.

Relationship between high fructose corn syrup sweetened drinks, diet soft drinks, and serum sodium: NHANES 2003-2006

BACKGROUND

Consumption of high fructose corn syrup sweetened drinks and diet soft drinks has increased in the United States. However, the relationship between the intake of high fructose corn syrup sweetened drinks and diet soft drinks, and serum sodium has been scarcely studied. Our objective is to evaluate the relation between intake of high fructose corn syrup sweetened drinks and diet soft drinks, and serum sodium, and explore the possible effect modifiers in a nationally representative sample of adults from the United States.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2006. The study participants included 6989 adults aged ≥18 years. Using survey-weighted generalized linear regression analyses, we investigated the relationship between high fructose corn syrup sweetened drink, diet soft drink consumption, and serum sodium. Consumption of high fructose corn syrup sweetened drinks and diet soft drinks was evaluated through a food-frequency questionnaire.

RESULTS

Serum sodium levels increased as high fructose corn syrup sweetened drink intake increased. Serum sodium levels were higher in participants in the highest high fructose corn syrup sweetened drink consumption quantile, compared with those in the lowest high fructose corn syrup sweetened drink intake quantile (p = 0.020). The multivariate betas for serum sodium, according to the corresponding high fructose corn syrup sweetened drink intake quantiles, were 0.16, 0.19, and 0.21, respectively (P for trend = 0.051). We found no relationship between diet soft drink consumption and serum sodium after adjustment of confounding. (multivariate P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

There was a a step-wise increase in serum sodium concentration with increasing consumption of HFCS sweetened beverages. Even moderate HFCS sweetened soft drink intake was associated with an elevated serum sodium level - a risk factor for hypertension.

A prediction model for xerostomia in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients receiving radical radiotherapy

Background

This study was to evaluate the predictors of xerostomia and Grade 3 xerostomia in locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients receiving radical radiotherapy and establish prediction models for xerostomia and Grade 3 xerostomia based on the predictors.

Methods

Totally, 365 patients with locoregionally advanced NPC who underwent radical radiotherapy were randomly divided into the training set (n = 255) and the testing set (n = 110) at a ratio of 7:3. All variables were included in the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression to screen out the potential predictors for xerostomia as well as the Grade 3 xerostomia in locoregionally advanced NPC patients receiving radical radiotherapy. The random forest (RF), a decision tree classifier (DTC), and extreme-gradient boosting (XGB) models were constructed. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), area under the curve (AUC) and accuracy were analyzed to evaluate the predictive performance of the models.

Results

In the RF model for predicting xerostomia, the sensitivity was 1.000 (95%CI 1.000–1.000), the PPV was 0.990 (95%CI 0.975–1.000), the NPV was 1.000 (95%CI 1.000–1.000), the AUC was 0.999 (95%CI 0.997–1.000) and the accuracy was 0.992 (95%CI 0.981–1.000) in the training set. The sensitivity was 0.933 (95%CI 0.880–0.985), the PPV was 0.933 (95%CI 0.880–0.985), and the AUC was 0.915 (95%CI 0.860–0.970) in the testing set. Hypertension, age, total radiotherapy dose, dose at 50% of the left parotid volume, mean dose to right parotid gland, mean dose to oral cavity, and course of induction chemotherapy were important variables associated with the risk of xerostomia in locoregionally advanced NPC patients receiving radical radiotherapy. The AUC of DTC model for predicting xerostomia was 0.769 (95%CI 0.666–0.872) in the testing set. The AUC of the XGB model for predicting xerostomia was 0.834 (0.753–0.916) in the testing set. The RF model showed the good predictive ability with the AUC of 0.986 (95%CI 0.972–1.000) in the training set, and 0.766 (95%CI 0.626–0.905) in the testing set for identifying patients who at high risk of Grade 3 xerostomia in those with high risk of xerostomia.

Conclusions

An RF model for predicting xerostomia in locoregionally advanced NPC patients receiving radical radiotherapy and an RF model for predicting Grade 3 xerostomia in those with high risk of xerostomia showed good predictive ability.

Association of a novel electrolyte index, SUSPPUP, based on the measurement of fasting serum and spot urinary sodium and potassium, with prediabetes and diabetes in Chinese population

BACKGROUND

SUSPPUP, calculated as serum sodium [Na+] to urinary Na+ divided by (serum potassium [K+]) 2 to urinary K+, is a composite electrolyte index that reflects renal Na+ retention and K+ excretion. It remains unclear whether SUSPPUP and its components including serum or urinary Na+ or K+, are associated with glucose metabolism. This study aimed to address their associations.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study enrolling 5,581 Chinese adults (1,269 with prediabetes, 1,044 with diabetes, and 3,268 with normoglycemia). Fasting serum and morning spot urine were used to measure electrolytes that included Na+ and K+.

RESULTS

SUSPPUP was higher in prediabetes and diabetes than normoglycemia. The odds of prediabetes and diabetes were increased by 21% and 39% for every 1-standard deviation increment of SUSPPUP after multivariable-adjustment. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that SUSPPUP correlated positively with fasting plasma glucose, 2 h plasma glucose after OGTT, and glycated hemoglobin A1c. Higher spot urinary Na+ was associated with lower odds of prediabetes and diabetes, while spot urinary K+ showed the opposite.

CONCLUSION

Increases in Na+ retention and K+ excretion in the kidney, as reflected by an elevated SUSPPUP, are associated with increased prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes in Chinese community-dwellers.

Current Hydration Habits: The Disregarded Factor for the Development of Renal and Cardiometabolic Diseases

Improper hydration habits are commonly disregarded as a risk factor for the development of chronic diseases. Consuming an intake of water below recommendations (underhydration) in addition to the substitution of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) for water are habits deeply ingrained in several countries. This behavior is due to voluntary and involuntary dehydration; and because young children are exposed to SSB, the preference for a sweet taste is profoundly implanted in the brain. Underhydration and SSB intake lead to mild hyperosmolarity, which stimulates biologic processes, such as the stimulation of vasopressin and the polyol-fructose pathway, which restore osmolarity to normal but at the expense of the continued activation of these biological systems. Unfortunately, chronic activation of the vasopressin and polyol-fructose pathways has been shown to mediate many diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease. It is therefore urgent that we encourage educational and promotional campaigns that promote the evaluation of personal hydration status, a greater intake of potable water, and a reduction or complete halting of the drinking of SSB.

The Speed of Ingestion of a Sugary Beverage Has an Effect on the Acute Metabolic Response to Fructose

BACKGROUND

The consumption of sweetened beverages is associated with increased risk of metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE

We hypothesized that the metabolic effects of fructose in sugary beverages might be modulated by the speed of ingestion in addition to the overall amount.

DESIGN

Thirty healthy subjects free of any disease and medication were recruited into two groups. After overnight fasting, subjects in group 1 drank 500 mL of apple juice over an hour by drinking 125 mL every 15 min, while subjects in group 2 drank 500 mL of apple juice over 5 min. Blood samples were collected at time zero and 15, 30, 60, and 120 min after ingestion to be analyzed for serum glucose, insulin, homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR) score, fibroblast growth factor 21, copeptin, osmolarity, sodium, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), lactate, uric acid, and phosphate levels.

RESULTS

Serum glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, fibroblast growth factor 21, copeptin, osmolarity, sodium, BUN, and lactate levels increased following apple juice ingestion. The increases were greater in the fast-drinking group, which were more significant after 15 min and 30 min compared to baseline. The changes in uric acid were not statistically different between the groups. Phosphate levels significantly increased only in the fast-drinking group.

CONCLUSION

Fast ingestion of 100% apple juice causes a significantly greater metabolic response, which may be associated with negative long-term outcomes. Our findings suggest that the rate of ingestion must be considered when evaluating the metabolic impacts of sweetened beverage consumption.

Vasopressin mediates fructose-induced metabolic syndrome by activating the V1b receptor

Subjects with obesity frequently have elevated serum vasopressin levels, noted by measuring the stable analog, copeptin. Vasopressin acts primarily to reabsorb water via urinary concentration. However, fat is also a source of metabolic water, raising the possibility that vasopressin might have a role in fat accumulation. Fructose has also been reported to stimulate vasopressin. Here, we tested the hypothesis that fructose-induced metabolic syndrome is mediated by vasopressin. Orally administered fructose, glucose, or high-fructose corn syrup increased vasopressin (copeptin) concentrations and was mediated by fructokinase, an enzyme specific for fructose metabolism. Suppressing vasopressin with hydration both prevented and ameliorated fructose-induced metabolic syndrome. The vasopressin effects were mediated by the vasopressin 1b receptor (V1bR), as V1bR-KO mice were completely protected, whereas V1a-KO mice paradoxically showed worse metabolic syndrome. The mechanism is likely mediated in part by de novo expression of V1bR in the liver that amplifies fructokinase expression in response to fructose. Thus, our studies document a role for vasopressin in water conservation via the accumulation of fat as a source of metabolic water. Clinically, they also suggest that increased water intake may be a beneficial way to both prevent or treat metabolic syndrome.

Early Plasma Osmolality Levels and Clinical Outcomes in Children Admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit: A Single-Center Cohort Study

Objective: Identifying high-risk children with a poor prognosis in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) is critical. The aim of this study was to assess the predictive value of early plasma osmolality levels in determining the clinical outcomes of children in PICUs. Methods: We retrospectively assessed critically ill children in a pediatric intensive care database. The locally weighted-regression scatter-plot smoothing (LOWESS) method was used to explore the approximate relationship between plasma osmolality and in-hospital mortality. Linear spline functions and stepwise expansion models were applied in conjunction with a multivariate logistic regression to further analyze this relationship. A subgroup analysis by age and complications was performed. Results: In total, 5,620 pediatric patients were included in this study. An approximately "U"-shaped relationship between plasma osmolality and mortality was detected using LOWESS. In the logistic regression model using a linear spline function, plasma osmolality ≥ 290 mmol/L was significantly associated with in-hospital mortality [odds ratio (OR) 1.020, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.010-1.031], while plasma osmolality <290 mmol/L was not significantly associated with in-hospital mortality (OR 0.990, 95% CI 0.966-1.014). In the logistic regression model with plasma osmolality as a tri-categorical variable, only high osmolality was significantly associated with in-hospital mortality (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.38-2.64), whereas low osmolality was not associated with in-hospital mortality (OR 1.28, 95% CI 0.84-1.94). The interactions between plasma osmolality and age or complications were not significant. Conclusion: High osmolality, rather than low osmolality, can predict a poor prognosis in children in PICUs.

Trends of stroke attributable to high sodium intake at the global, regional, and national levels from 1990 to 2019: a population-based study

Objectives: High sodium intake is associated with a higher risk of stroke. However, global patterns and trends in the stroke burden attributable to high sodium intake have not been systematically assessed.Methods: We used the numbers and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rate (ASDR) of the stroke burden attributable to high sodium intake by sex, socio-demographic index (SDI), and country, obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2019. We calculated the estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) to assess the trends of ASMR and ASDR of the disease burden attributable to high sodium intake between 1990 and 2019. We further calculated the contribution of changes in population growth, population aging, and mortality or DALYs to changes in total stroke deaths and DALYs.Results: From 1990 to 2019, the global burden of stroke attributable to high sodium intake changed significantly, from a universal burden in Asia and Europe to one that mainly affected some countries in Asia and Oceania. This change was due to the combined effects of demographic changes and changes in mortality or DALY rates. For countries in Asia and Oceania, the effects of population aging and population growth outweighed the effects of declining mortality and DALY rates, resulting in an absolute increase in strokes attributable to high sodium intake.Conclusion: Although the age-standardized global stroke burden attributable to high sodium intake has declined from 1990 to 2019, the burdens in some Asia and Oceania countries, particularly China, remain high.