Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events and Mortality Prediction by Circulating GDF-15 in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Methods to predict heart failure in diabetes patients

INTRODUCTION

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease and powerful predictor for new-onset heart failure (HF).

AREAS COVERED

We focus on the relevant literature covering evidence of risk stratification based on imaging predictors and circulating biomarkers to optimize approaches to preventing HF in DM patients.

EXPERT OPINION

Multiple diagnostic algorithms based on echocardiographic parameters of cardiac remodeling including global longitudinal strain/strain rate are likely to be promising approach to justify individuals at higher risk of incident HF. Signature of cardiometabolic status may justify HF risk among T2DM individuals with low levels of natriuretic peptides, which preserve their significance in HF with clinical presentation. However, diagnostic and predictive values of conventional guideline-directed biomarker HF strategy may be non-optimal in patients with obesity and T2DM. Alternative biomarkers affecting cardiac fibrosis, inflammation, myopathy, and adipose tissue dysfunction are plausible tools for improving accuracy natriuretic peptides among T2DM patients at higher HF risk. In summary, risk identification and management of the patients with T2DM with established HF require conventional biomarkers monitoring, while the role of alternative biomarker approach among patients with multiple CV and metabolic risk factors appears to be plausible tool for improving clinical outcomes.

Relationships between Circulating Biomarkers and Body Composition Parameters in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Community-Based Study

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex disease involving multiple physiological, biochemical, and metabolic abnormalities. The search for reliable biomarkers may help to better elucidate its pathogenesis and develop new preventive and therapeutic strategies. In the present population-based study, we looked for biomarkers of MetS among obesity- and inflammation-related circulating factors and body composition parameters in 1079 individuals (with age range between 18 and 80) belonging to an ethnically homogeneous population. Plasma levels of soluble markers were measured by using ELISA. Body composition parameters were assessed using bioimpedance analysis (BIA). Statistical analysis, including mixed-effects regression, with MetS as a dependent variable, revealed that the most significant independent variables were mainly adipose tissue-related phenotypes, including fat mass/weight (FM/WT) [OR (95% CI)], 2.77 (2.01-3.81); leptin/adiponectin ratio (L/A ratio), 1.50 (1.23-1.83); growth and differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) levels, 1.32 (1.08-1.62); inflammatory markers, specifically monocyte to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR), 2.53 (2.00-3.15), and a few others. Additive Bayesian network modeling suggests that age, sex, MHR, and FM/WT are directly associated with MetS and probably affect its manifestation. Additionally, MetS may be causing the GDF-15 and L/A ratio. Our novel findings suggest the existence of complex, age-related, and possibly hierarchical relationships between MetS and factors associated with obesity.

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) in endocrinology

Human growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is a widely distributed protein that has shown to play multiple roles in both physiological and pathological conditions. In healthy individuals, GDF-15 is mainly expressed in the placenta, followed by the prostate, although low levels of expression have also been detected in different organs. GDF-15 acts through a recently identified receptor called glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) receptor alpha-like (GFRAL) which signals through the rearranged during transfection (RET) tyrosine kinase receptor. The effects of GDF-15 are pleiotropic and include appetite regulation, and actions on metabolism, pregnancy, cell survival, immune response, and inflammation. GDF-15 also plays different roles in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease, autoimmunity, cancer-associated anorexia/cachexia, and diabetes. In recent years, several studies have reported a link between GDF-15 and the endocrine system. In this review, we up-date and summarize the relevant investigations of the relationships between GDF-15 and different endocrine conditions. We also assess the potential pathogenic role and potential therapeutic applications of GDF-15 in the field of endocrinology.

Circulating GDF-15 in relation to the progression and prognosis of chronic kidney disease: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) typically exhibit circulating growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) at high levels. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the potential value of GDF-15 in predicting CKD progression and prognosis. Furthermore, when sufficient information was provided, the dose-response correlation was studied.

METHODS

Studies were searched in Web of Science, Embase, and PubMed from inception until November 2022. By using random- or fixed-effects models, the pooled effect size was estimated in accordance with heterogeneity in existing research.

RESULTS

This study covered 14 studies from 12 articles with 7813 subjects participating in the research. CKD patients in the top GDF-15 tertile had notably higher risks of CKD progression (HR 2.60, 95% CI 2.06-3.27), all-cause mortality (HR 2.05, 95% CI 1.44-2.92), cardiovascular mortality (HR 2.82, 95% CI 1.85-4.30), and cardiovascular events (HR 2.74, 95% CI 2.21-3.40), as compared to CKD patients in the bottom tertile. In the dose-response study, the risks for CKD progression, all-cause death, cardiovascular death, and cardiovascular events were increased by 31% (HR 1.31, 95% CI 1.06-1.61), 44% (HR 1.44, 95% CI 1.08-1.92), 67% (HR 1.67, 95% CI 1.37-2.03), and 55% (HR 1.55, 95% CI 1.31-1.83), respectively, with per 1 ng/mL increase in GDF-15. The positive linear correlations between GDF-15 and CKD progression and prognosis in a certain GDF-15 concentration range of approximately 0-3 ng/mL were indicated by the dose-response curve.

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating GDF-15 independently predicted CKD progression and worse prognosis; however, the predicted correlations may fall into a specific range of GDF-15 concentrations.