Association of the metabolic syndrome with mortality and major adverse cardiac events: A large chronic kidney disease cohort

Impact of Age 70 years or Older on Donors for Living-Donor Kidney Transplantation

Introduction

Kidney transplantation (KT) involving elderly living kidney donors (LKDs) is becoming more frequent because of a profound organ shortage. The efficacy of KT involving grafts obtained from LKDs aged 70 years or older has been reported. However, the safety of donor nephrectomy in LKDs aged 70 years or older, including that associated with changes in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), has not been investigated. This study investigated the outcomes of LKDs aged 70 years or older after donor nephrectomy.

Methods

This single-center, retrospective cohort study included 1226 LKDs who underwent donor nephrectomy between January 2008 and December 2020. LKDs were stratified into the following age groups: 30 to 49 years (244 LKDs), 50 to 69 years (803 LKDs), and 70 to 89 years (179 LKDs). Surgical outcomes, postoperative eGFR changes, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) rates, and mortality rates were compared among these groups.

Results

No significant difference in surgical outcomes was identified among the groups. LKDs aged 70 to 89 years experienced the lowest eGFR changes at all time points and the lowest eGFR improvement; however, ESRD was not identified in any group during the observation period. Mortality was the highest among LKDs aged 70 to 89 years compared to the other age groups.

Conclusion

Surgical outcomes, eGFR changes, and ESRD incidences can support the safety of donor nephrectomy in LKDs aged 70 years or older. Considering the advanced age, the high mortality rates in LKDs aged 70 years or older could be considered acceptable.

Causal effects of sleep traits on metabolic syndrome and its components: a Mendelian randomization study

PURPOSE

Previous observational studies have suggested an association between sleep disturbance and metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, it remains unclear whether this association is causal. This study aims to investigate the causal effects of sleep-related traits on MetS using Mendelian randomization (MR).

METHODS

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms strongly associated with daytime napping, insomnia, chronotype, short sleep, and long sleep were selected as genetic instruments from the corresponding genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Summary-level data for MetS were obtained from two independent GWAS datasets. Univariable and multivariable MR analyses were conducted to investigate and verify the causal effects of sleep traits on MetS.

RESULTS

The univariable MR analysis demonstrated that genetically predicted daytime napping and insomnia were associated with increased risk of MetS in both discovery dataset (OR daytime napping = 1.630, 95% CI 1.273, 2.086; OR insomnia = 1.155, 95% CI 1.108, 1.204) and replication dataset (OR daytime napping = 1.325, 95% CI 1.131, 1.551; OR insomnia = 1.072, 95% CI 1.046, 1.099). For components, daytime napping was positively associated with triglycerides (beta = 0.383, 95% CI 0.160, 0.607) and waist circumference (beta = 0.383, 95% CI 0.184, 0.583). Insomnia was positively associated with hypertension (OR = 1.101, 95% CI 1.042, 1.162) and waist circumference (beta = 0.067, 95% CI 0.031, 0.104). The multivariable MR analysis indicated that the adverse effect of daytime napping and insomnia on MetS persisted after adjusting for BMI, smoking, drinking, and another sleep trait.

CONCLUSION

Our study supported daytime napping and insomnia were potential causal factors for MetS characterized by central obesity, hypertension, or elevated triglycerides.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Waist-to-Height Ratio, Waist Circumference, and Body Mass Index in Identifying Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Although numerous studies have indicated the utility of waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) in early screening for individuals with adverse cardiometabolic health, there is controversy on using WHtR as a one-size-fits-all approach, including in older adults.

Objectives

Our study aims to identify the pooled diagnostic accuracy of WHtR in screening for metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components among older adults.

Methods

A systematic review of observational studies was performed using 4 databases. A diagnostic meta-analysis with a random effects model was conducted, and the pooled area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, and diagnostic odds ratio (dOR) of each outcome compared with WHtR, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC) were calculated, with sex-stratified analysis.

Results

A total of 17 studies with 74,520 participants were included. As reflected by the dOR, WHtR (7.65; 95% CI: 6.00, 9.75) performed better than BMI (5.17; 95% CI: 4.75, 5.62) and WC (5.77; 95% CI: 4.60, 7.25) in screening for MetS among older adults and was potentially better among males. For hyperglycemia, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, the performances of WHtR, BMI, and WC were comparable.

Conclusion

More studies focusing on older adults are still needed to determine the cutoff values of WHtR to screen for MetS.The search strategy was registered in PROSPERO as CRD42022350379.

17-year follow-up of association between telomere length and all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality in individuals with metabolic syndrome: results from the NHANES database prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The relationship between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and mortality risk in individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS) remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the association between telomere length and long-term all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, in individuals with MetS in the United States.

METHODS

A total of 1980 participants with MetS aged 18 years or older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) prospective cohort study (1999-2002) were included in this cohort study. Medical records review was used to identify the cause of deaths as of December 2018. We employed Kaplan-Meier curves, fitted curves, and Cox proportional hazards regression models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause and CVD mortality, stratified by tertiles of LTL.

RESULTS

Over a median follow-up of 17.75 years of participants with metabolic syndrome, 819 deaths occurred, including 231 cardiovascular deaths. After adjusting for multiple covariates, participants with shorter telomere length had a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.11-1.6) and CVD mortality (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 0.96-1.93) compared with those in the highest tertile of telomere length. All-cause mortality (P < 0.001) and cardiovascular disease mortality (P = 0.028) followed a similar pattern across tertiles of telomere length.

CONCLUSION

In individuals with MetS, shorter telomere length is associated with increased risks of death from cardiovascular disease and all causes. The underlying mechanisms and clinical implications of these findings require additional investigation.

Clinical implications of changes in metabolic syndrome status after kidney transplantation: a nationwide prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is prevalent in patients with end-stage kidney disease, and kidney transplantation is expected to modify the metabolic status. However, whether changes in metabolic status at the time of transplantation affect recipient outcomes remains unclear.

METHODS

We analyzed 4187 recipients registered in a nationwide prospective cohort from 2014 to 2020. MetS was defined as the presence of three or more components of the metabolic syndrome. Patients were classified based on the pre- and post-transplant MetS status: MetS-free, MetS-developed, MetS-recovered and MetS-persistent. Study outcomes were occurrence of death-censored graft loss and a composite of cardiovascular events and death.

RESULTS

Among recipients without pre-transplant MetS, 19.6% (419/2135) developed post-transplant MetS, and MetS disappeared in 38.7% (794/2052) of the recipients with pre-transplant MetS. Among the four groups, the MetS-developed group showed the worst graft survival rate, and the MetS-persistent group had a poorer composite event-free survival rate. Compared with the MetS-free group, the MetS-developed group was associated with an increased risk of graft loss [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 2.35; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17-4.98] and the risk of graft loss increased with increasing numbers of dysfunctional MetS components. MetS-persistent was associated with increased risks of cardiovascular events and death (aHR 2.46; 95% CI 1.12-5.63), but changes in the number of dysfunctional MetS components was not.

CONCLUSION

Kidney transplantation significantly alters the metabolic status. Newly developed MetS after transplantation was associated with an increased risk of graft loss, whereas persistent MetS exposure before and after transplantation was associated with increased risks cardiovascular events and patient survival.

Research on the relationship between common metabolic syndrome and meteorological factors in Wuhu, a subtropical humid city of China

As climate conditions deteriorate, human health faces a broader range of threats. This study aimed to determine the risk of death from metabolic syndrome (MetS) due to meteorological factors. We collected daily data from 2014 to 2020 in Wuhu City, including meteorological factors, environmental pollutants and death data of common MetS (hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes), as well as a total number of 15,272 MetS deaths. To examine the relationship between meteorological factors, air pollutants, and MetS mortality, we used a generalized additive model (GAM) combined with a distributed delay nonlinear model (DLNM) for time series analysis. The relationship between the above factors and death outcomes was preliminarily evaluated using Spearman analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM). As per out discovery, diurnal temperature range (DTR) and daily mean temperature (T mean) increased the MetS mortality risk notably. The ultra low DTR raised the MetS mortality risk upon the general people, with the highest RR value of 1.033 (95% CI: 1.002, 1.065) at lag day 14. In addition, T mean was also significantly associated with MetS death. The highest risk of ultra low and ultra high T mean occured on the same day (lag 14), RR values were 1.043 (95% CI: 1.010, 1.077) and 1.032 (95% CI: 1.003, 1.061) respectively. Stratified analysis's result showed lower DTR had a more pronounced effect on women and the elderly, and ultra low and high T mean was a risk factor for MetS mortality in women and men. The elderly need to take extra note of temperature changes, and different levels of T mean will increase the risk of death. In warm seasons, ultra high RH and T mean can increase the mortality rate of MetS patients.

Analysis of the association between glomerular filtration rate, proteinuria and metabolic syndrome in chronic kidney patients based on longitudinal data

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a group of chronic diseases caused by kidney damage from multiple causes. Metabolic syndrome (MS) manifests as dysfunction of endothelial cells and chronic functional inflammatory states, and may be involved in pathological changes related to renal impairment. Based on longitudinal data analysis of the association between estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), proteinuria and MS in patients with CKD, this study aims to provide new ideas for the pathophysiological mechanism of CKD and a theoretical basis for the early prevention and effective intervention of MS-related kidney damage. A total of 126 patients with CKD were divided into non-MS group and MS group. According to the eGFR level, 126 patients with CKD were divided into G1 group, G2 group, G3a group, G3b group, G4 group and G5 group. Serum markers such as eGFR, urine protein, and triglycerides (TG) were collected. The correlation between eGFR, urine protein and MS-related indexes was analysed, and the risk factors affecting CKD complicated by MS were analysed. In patients with CKD, the levels of urine protein, abdominal circumference, TG, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and fasting blood glucose (FPG) were increased with the course of the disease, but the levels of eGFR and high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) were decreased (p < 0.05). Abdominal circumference, TG, SBP, DBP, FP were significantly negatively correlated with eGFR, but HDL-C was positively correlated with eGFR (p < 0.05). Diabetes, hyperlipidemia, UA, and SBP were independent risk factors affecting CKD complicated MS, and eGFR were independent protective factors (p < 0.05). The combination of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, UA, SBP, and eGFR exhibited higher prediction value for the CKD patients complicated by MS. There was a certain correlation between between MS components with eGFR and urinary protein in patients with CKD. The early intervention treatment of MS was helpful in delaying the development of CKD and reducing proteinuria.

Associations of perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate with metabolic syndrome and its components among US adults: A cross-sectional study from NHANES

Perchlorate, nitrate and thiocyanate are common endocrine disruptors. Herein, this study was undertaken to evaluate the associations between perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate exposures (alone or in combination) and risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among adults, which has not been explored so far. Analytical data were extracted from different datasets in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to investigate the associations between perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate exposures, and the prevalence of MetS. Subsequently, odds ratios (OR) and their corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were adopted to represent the magnitude of the effect size. We performed a series of subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses as well. Moreover, three commonly used mixture modeling strategies [Weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, quantile-based g-computation (Qgcomp), and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR)] were utilized to evaluate the joint mixture effect on MetS. This study included 12,007 participants in the subsequent analyses. After adjustment for confounding factors, higher levels of perchlorate, and thiocyanate concentrations were significantly associated with the risk of MetS (OR = 1.15, 95%CI:1.00, 1.32; OR = 1.21, 95%CI:1.04, 1.41, respectively). Analyses of WQS and Qgcomp showed that a quartile increase in chemical mixture was correlated with the occurrence of MetS with ORs of 1.07 (95%CI: 0.99, 1.16) and 1.07 (95%CI: 1.00, 1.14), respectively. This positive association was mainly driven by perchlorate and thiocyanate. Analysis of BKMR revealed that perchlorate, nitrate, and thiocyanate mixture was positively associated with the risk of MetS while perchlorate, and thiocyanate were major predictors in the mixture. In summary, our study reveals positive relationships between perchlorate, thiocyanate and MetS. Co-exposure to perchlorate, nitrate and thiocyanate is positively associated with the risk of MetS, with perchlorate and thiocyanate contributing the most to the overall mixture effect.

Non-insulin-based insulin resistance indices for predicting all-cause mortality and renal outcomes in patients with stage 1-4 chronic kidney disease: another paradox

Non-insulin-based insulin resistance (IR) indices serve as the indicators of metabolic syndrome (MetS) but have limited value for predicting clinical outcomes. Whether the obesity paradox affects the predictive value of these indicators in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains unknown. We investigated whether MetS and non-insulin-based IR indices can predict all-cause mortality and renal outcomes in a prospective observational study with stage 1-4 CKD Asians (N = 2,457). These IR indices were associated with MetS. A Cox regression model including body mass index (BMI) revealed an association between MetS and renal outcomes. Among the IR indices, only high triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index was associated with adverse renal outcomes: the hazard ratio of Q4 quartile of the TyG index was 1.38 (1.12-1.70). All-cause mortality was marginally associated with MetS but not high IR indices. Low TyG and TyG-BMI indices as well as low BMI and triglyceride were paradoxically associated with increased risks of clinical outcomes. The triglyceride-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and metabolic score for IR indices were not associated with clinical outcomes. In conclusion, MetS and TyG index predict renal outcome and obesity paradox affects the prediction of IR indices in patients with stage 1-4 CKD.

The eGFR Decline as a Risk Factor for Metabolic Syndrome in the Korean General Population: A Longitudinal Study of Individuals with Normal or Mildly Reduced Kidney Function

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a risk factor for the development and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, it is unclear whether decreased renal function affects MS. Through a longitudinal study, we investigated the effect of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) changes on MS in participants with an eGFR above 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. A cross-sectional (n = 7107) and a 14-year longitudinal study (n = 3869) were conducted to evaluate the association between MS and eGFR changes from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study data. The participants were categorized by their eGFR levels (60–75, 75–90, and 90–105 versus ≥ 105 mL/min/1.73 m2). In a cross-sectional analysis, the MS prevalence was significantly increased with a decline in the eGFR in a fully adjusted model. The odds ratio of individuals with an eGFR of 60–75 mL/min/1.73 m2 was observed to be the highest (2.894; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.984–4.223). In the longitudinal analysis, incident MS significantly increased with an eGFR decline in all the models, with the highest hazard ratio in the lowest eGFR group (1.803; 95% CI, 1.286–2.526). In joint interaction analysis, all covariates showed a significant joint effect with an eGFR decline on the incident MS. MS incidents are associated with eGFR changes in the general population without CKD.

High risk of renal outcome of metabolic syndrome independent of diabetes in patients with CKD stage 1-4: The ICKD database

AIMS

To investigate whether metabolic syndrome (MetS) could predict renal outcome in patients with established chronic kidney disease (CKD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We enroled 2500 patients with CKD stage 1-4 from the Integrated CKD care programme, Kaohsiung for delaying Dialysis (ICKD) prospective observational study. 66.9% and 49.2% patients had MetS and diabetes (DM), respectively. We accessed three clinical outcomes, including all-cause mortality, RRT, and 50% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate events.

RESULTS

The MetS score was positively associated with proteinuria, inflammation, and nutrition markers. In fully adjusted Cox regression, the hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval) of MetS for composite renal outcome (renal replacement therapy, and 50% decline of renal function) in the DM and non-DM subgroups was 1.56 (1.15-2.12) and 1.31 (1.02-1.70), respectively, while that for all-cause mortality was 1.00 (0.71-1.40) and 1.27 (0.92-1.74). Blood pressure is the most important component of MetS for renal outcomes. In the 2 by 2 matrix, compared with the non-DM/non-MetS group, the DM/MetS group (HR: 1.62 (1.31-2.02)) and the non-DM/MetS group (HR: 1.33 (1.05-1.69)) had higher risks for composite renal outcome, whereas the DM/MetS group had higher risk for all-cause mortality (HR: 1.43 (1.09-1.88)).

CONCLUSIONS

MetS could predict renal outcome in patients with CKD stage 1-4 independent of DM.

High Triglyceride-Glucose Index is Associated With Poor Prognosis in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome in Long-Term Follow-Up

The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is calculated from fasting triglycerides and fasting glucose levels and is an indicator of insulin resistance. The present study investigates whether the TyG index has a role in predicting clinical outcomes in cases of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This retrospective study included 646 patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and 1048 patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). The association between major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) that developed in-hospital and at 60 months of follow-up and TyG index values were compared. Patients were divided into 2 groups: TyG index values of ≥8.65 and <8.65. During the hospital stay and 60 months of follow-up, 303 MACEs occurred. In both the STEMI and NSTEMI groups, as the TyG index increased, an increase was observed in MACE rates. MACE rates were also found to be highest in the group with TyG index ≥8.65 (P < .001). TyG index, C-reactive protein, and age were independent predictors of MACEs in both the NSTEMI and STEMI groups. The present study found a significant association between higher TyG index values and increased risk of MACEs in ACS patients. The TyG index may prove useful to predict clinical outcomes in ACS patients.

Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity-Related Indices Are Associated with Rapid Renal Function Decline in a Large Taiwanese Population Follow-Up Study

A rapid decline in renal function can cause many complications, and therefore it is important to detect associated risk factors. Few studies have evaluated the associations among obesity-related indices and metabolic syndrome (MetS) with renal function decline. This longitudinal study aimed to explore these relationships in a large cohort of Taiwanese participants. The studied obesity-related indices were waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), A body shape index (ABSI), visceral adiposity index (VAI), lipid accumulation product (LAP), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body roundness index (BRI), conicity index (CI), body mass index (BMI), body adiposity index (BAI) and abdominal volume index (AVI). We included 122,068 participants in the baseline study, of whom 27,033 were followed for a median of four years. The baseline prevalence of MetS was 17.7%. Multivariable analysis showed that the participants with MetS and high VAI, WHtR, WHR, LAP, CI, BRI, BMI, BAI, AVI, and ABSI values were significantly associated with a high baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (all p < 0.001). In addition, the participants with MetS (p < 0.001), high WHtR (p = 0.007), low LAP (p < 0.001), high BRI (p = 0.002), high CI (p = 0.002), high AVI (p = 0.001), high VAI (p = 0.017), and high ABSI (p = 0.013) were significantly associated with a low △eGFR, indicating a rapid decline in renal function. These results showed associations between MetS and high values of obesity-related indices except LAP with high baseline eGFR and rapid decline in kidney function. These findings suggest that screening for MetS and obesity may help to slow the decline in renal function in high-risk populations.

Metabolic Syndrome-Related Kidney Injury: A Review and Update

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) includes visceral obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. The prevalence of MetS is 20-25%, which is an important risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). MetS causes effects on renal pathophysiology, including glomerular hyperfiltration, RAAS, microalbuminuria, profibrotic factors and podocyte injury. This review compares several criteria of MetS and analyzes their differences. MetS and the pathogenesis of CKD includes insulin resistance, obesity, dyslipidemia, inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction. The intervention of MetS-related renal damage is the focus of this article and includes controlling body weight, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia, requiring all components to meet the criteria. In addition, interventions such as endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, gut microbiota, body metabolism, appetite inhibition, podocyte apoptosis, and mesenchymal stem cells are reviewed.

Serum Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Across Chronic Kidney Disease Stages (Data from 1.9 Million United States Veterans)

In the general population, elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels are an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality; however, the association of LDL with mortality risk and cardiovascular events are less clear in chronic kidney disease (CKD). We sought to examine the relationship of LDL with mortality and rates of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and non-atherosclerotic cardiovascular-related (non-ASCVD) hospitalizations across CKD stages. Our analytical cohort consisted of 1,972,851 United States veterans with serum LDL data between 2004 and 2006. Associations of LDL with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality across CKD stages were evaluated using Cox proportional hazard models with adjustment for demographics, comorbid conditions, smoking status, prescription of statins and non-statin lipid-lowering drugs, body mass index, albumin, high-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides. Associations between LDL and ASCVD and non-ASCVD hospitalizations were estimated using negative binomial regression models across CKD stages. The cohort consisted of 5% female, 14% Black, 29% diabetic, 33% statin-users, and 44% current smokers, with a mean patient age of 64 ± 14 years. Patients with high LDL (≥160 mg/dL) had a higher risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality as well as ASCVD and non-ASCVD hospitalization rates across all CKD stages compared with the reference (LDL 70 to <100 mg/dL). The associations with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality and ASCVD hospitalization rate were attenuated at higher CKD stages. These trends were reversed with amplification of the association of high LDL with non-ASCVD hospitalization at higher CKD stages. In conclusion, associations of LDL with mortality and both ASCVD and non-ASCVD hospitalizations are modified according to kidney disease stage.

Inflammatory markers are associated with the progression of gestational diabetes to metabolic syndrome

The progression of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) to metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with systemic inflammation. The aim of this study was to compare the levels of inflammatory markers in former GDM patients with and without MetS. Medical records were screened retrospectively for patients who were diagnosed with GDM 10 (±2) years ago. Former GDM patients were invited to the hospital for an assessment of their current health status. Of 52 women with former GDM, 27 (52%) had MetS. C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels were significantly higher in the MetS group while adiponectin was significantly lower (p < .001, p = .037, p = .002 and p = .013, respectively). There was no significant difference in plasma levels of visfatin and tumour necrosis factor-α. Interleukin-6, CRP, PAI-1 and adiponectin may be used as biomarkers to detect MetS in the pre-clinical phase. With timely diagnosis, early interventions can be implemented. IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? The progression of 'gestational diabetes mellitus' to 'metabolic syndrome' is associated with systemic inflammation. Up to half of cases with former gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) eventually progress to metabolic syndrome (MetS).What do the results of this study add? Interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and adiponectin may be used as biomarkers to detect MetS in the pre-clinical phase.What are the implications of these findings from clinical practice and/or further research? The progression of GDM to MetS is associated with systemic inflammation. Potential therapies should therefore target this inflammatory state. Interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and adiponectin may be used as biomarkers to detect MetS in the pre-clinical phase. With timely diagnosis, early interventions and lifestyle changes can be implemented to prevent morbidity and mortality associated with full-blown MetS.

PCSK9 and Cardiovascular Disease in Individuals with Moderately Decreased Kidney Function

Background and objectives: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a key regulator of lipid homeostasis. Studies investigating the association between PCSK9 and cardiovascular disease in large cohorts of CKD patients are limited. Design, setting, participants, and measurements: The association of PCSK9 concentrations with prevalent and incident cardiovascular disease was investigated in 5,138 Caucasians of the German Chronic Kidney Disease study with a median follow-up of 6.5 years. Inclusion criteria were eGFR of 30-60 mL/min/1.73 m² or an eGFR>60 mL/min/1.73m² in the presence of overt proteinuria (urine albumin-creatinine ratio >300mg/g or equivalent). Prevalent cardiovascular disease was defined as history of non-fatal myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass grafting, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, carotid arteries interventions and stroke. Incident major adverse cardiovascular disease events included death from cardiovascular causes, acute non-fatal myocardial infarction and non-fatal stroke. Results: Median PCSK9 concentration in the cohort was 285 ng/mL (interquartile range 231-346 ng/mL). There was no association between PCSK9 concentrations and baseline eGFR and albuminuria. With each 100 ng/ml increment of PCSK9, the odds for prevalent cardiovascular disease (n=1,284) was 1.22-fold (95%CI 1.12-1.34, p<0.001) higher in a model with extended adjustment for major confounders. This association was stronger in non-statin than statin-users (p-value for interaction=0.009). During follow-up 474 individuals experienced a major adverse cardiovascular disease event and participants in PCSK9 quartiles 2 to 4 had a 32%-47% higher risk compared to quartile 1 (p<0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed this association was restricted to those participants who already had cardiovascular disease at baseline (all HR>1.75, p<0.05). In addition, PCSK9 showed a valuable gain in classification accuracy both for prevalent cardiovascular disease (NRI=0.27, 95%CI:0.20-0.33) and incident major adverse cardiovascular disease events during follow-up (NRI=0.10, 95%CI:0.008-0.21) when added to an extended adjustment model. Conclusions: Our findings reveal no relation of PCSK9 with baseline eGFR and albuminuria, but a significant association between higher PCSK9 concentrations and risk of cardiovascular disease independent of traditional risk factors including LDL-cholesterol levels.

Metabolic syndrome and the risk of adverse cardiovascular events in patients with myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Metabolic syndrome (MeS) is recognized as a significant predictor of poor outcomes in coronary artery disease. However, its prognostic implications in myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) have not been examined. We aimed at investigating the role of MeS on the clinical outcomes in MINOCA patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients diagnosed with MINOCA between 2015 and 2019 were included. MeS was defined according to modified NCEP-ATPIII criteria. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between MeS and the hazard of MACE. The integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) and net reclassification index (NRI) were performed to assess MeS incremental predictive value. Of 281 MINOCA patients, 83 (29.5%) patients satisfied the MeS criteria. During a median follow-up duration of 28 months, MINOCA patients with MeS had a notably higher rate of MACE than those without MeS (30.1% vs. 17.6%, respectively P = 0.020). Cox regression analysis revealed that MeS was associated with an increased hazard of MACE (adjusted HR 2.126; 95% CI: 1.193-3.787, P = 0.010). When each component of MeS was analyzed as a categorized variable separately, only high fasting blood glucose and BMI ≥25 kg/m² were associated with an increased hazard of MACE. Moreover, MeS had an incremental predictive ability for MACE when added to a model with clinical risk factors.

CONCLUSION

MeS is relatively common in patients with MINOCA. The presence of MeS significantly increased the hazard of MACE among the MINOCA population.

Metabolic Syndrome Components and Chronic Kidney Disease in a Community Population Aged 40 Years and Older in Southern China: A Cross-Sectional Study

PURPOSE

To investigate the correlation between metabolic syndrome components and chronic kidney disease (CKD) among a community population aged 40 years and older in Southern China.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From December 2017 to March 2018, 1969 participants (male n = 715, female n = 1254) aged 40 years and older were recruited in Southern China for a cross-sectional survey. A logistic regression model was established to analyze the correlation between metabolic syndrome components and CKD.

RESULTS

Among the 1969 subjects, 407 (20.7%) were CKD patients, including 152 males (prevalence rate 21.3%) and 255 females (prevalence rate 20.3%). Anthropometric data (waist circumference, age, systolic and diastolic blood pressure), serum/plasma data (serum creatinine, serum uric acid, fasting plasma glucose, C-reactive protein, serum triglyceride), urinary and other findings (body mass index, waist-to-hip and waist-to-height ratios, urinary albumin to creatinine ratio, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance) were significantly higher in patients with than without CKD (P < 0.05). Metabolic syndrome and at least some of its components were statistically significant risk factors for CKD in models with and without adjustment for diabetes, obesity and hypertension.

CONCLUSION

Metabolic syndrome and its single or combined components are independently associated with CKD in community populations aged 40 years and older. The correlation between some components and CKD remained significant in both non-diabetic and non-obese subjects. Correlations between components of metabolic syndrome and CKD show that it is feasible and necessary to carry out targeted screening and intervention tests in people aged 40 and over.

Longitudinal impact of metabolic syndrome and depressive symptoms on subsequent functional disability among middle-aged and older adults in China

BACKGROUND

Few studies examining the impact of metabolic syndrome and depressive symptoms on subsequent functional disability are available.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the impact of baseline metabolic syndrome and depressive symptoms on subsequent functional disability.

METHODS

This study used data from the 2011 baseline and 2013, 2015 and 2018 follow-up waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Functional status was assessed by activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental ADLs (IADLs). Analyses were restricted to middle-aged and older adults (≥50 years) free of functional disability at baseline. Metabolic syndrome, depressive symptoms, and covariates were measured at baseline. New-onset ADL and IADL disability were obtained in follow-up measurements. Competitive risks based on survival analysis were conducted to examine the impact of baseline metabolic syndrome and depressive symptoms on subsequent functional disability after covariates were controlled.

RESULTS

Baseline depressive symptoms significantly predicted functional disability over a 7-year follow-up after adjusting for covariates (Hazard ratio [HR] = 1.54, 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.40-1.70 for ADL disability; HR=1.36, 95% CI=1.25-1.48 for IADL disability). Metabolic syndrome significantly predicted ADL disability (HR=1.25, 95% CI=1.14-1.38) but not IADL disability (HR=1.02, 95% CI=0.94-1.10). No significant additive interaction between metabolic syndrome and depressive symptoms on functional disability was found.

CONCLUSION

The current study found that baseline depressive symptoms were significantly associated with both ADL and IADL disabilities, while metabolic syndrome significantly predicted ADL disability. In addition, some indications showed that the effect in those with both conditions was greater than the sum of the effects separately.