Plasma proteomics for prediction of subclinical coronary artery calcifications in primary prevention

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Recent developments in high-throughput proteomic technologies enable the discovery of novel biomarkers of coronary atherosclerosis. The aims of this study were to test if plasma protein subsets could detect coronary artery calcifications (CAC) in asymptomatic individuals and if they add predictive value beyond traditional risk factors.

METHODS

Using proximity extension assays, 1,342 plasma proteins were measured in 1,827 individuals from the Impaired Glucose Tolerance and Microbiota (IGTM) study and 883 individuals from the Swedish Cardiopulmonary BioImage Study (SCAPIS) aged 50-64 years without history of ischaemic heart disease and with CAC assessed by computed tomography. After data-driven feature selection, extreme gradient boosting machine learning models were trained on the IGTM cohort to predict the presence of CAC using combinations of proteins and traditional risk factors. The trained models were validated in SCAPIS.

RESULTS

The best plasma protein subset (44 proteins) predicted CAC with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.691 in the validation cohort. However, this was not better than prediction by traditional risk factors alone (AUC = 0.710, P = .17). Adding proteins to traditional risk factors did not improve the predictions (AUC = 0.705, P = .6). Most of these 44 proteins were highly correlated with traditional risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

A plasma protein subset that could predict the presence of subclinical CAC was identified but it did not outperform nor improve a model based on traditional risk factors. Thus, support for this targeted proteomics platform to predict subclinical CAC beyond traditional risk factors was not found.

Body mass index and risk of cancer in young women

It is unclear how increasing body mass index (BMI) influences risk of cancer in young women. We used data from the Medical Birth, Patient and Cause of Death registers collected between 1982 and 2014 to determine the risk of obesity-related cancer types, breast cancer, all cancer and cancer-related death in relation to BMI in 1,386,725 women, aged between 18 and 45 years, in Sweden. During a median follow-up of 16.3 years (IQR 7.7-23.5), 9808 women developed cancer. The hazard ratio (HR) of endometrial and ovarian cancer increased with higher BMI from 1.08 (95% CI 0.93-1.24) and 1.08 (95% CI 0.96-1.21) among women with BMI 22.5-< 25 to 2.33 (95% CI 1.92-2.83) and 1.48 (95% CI 1.24-1.77), respectively, among women with BMI ≥ 30. There were linear and positive associations between BMI and incident cancer in the ovary, colon, endometrium, pancreas, rectum, gallbladder, esophageal cancer and renal cell carcinoma, as well as death from obesity-related cancer forms. In conclusion, we found that elevated BMI in young women linearly associated with several obesity-related cancer forms, including death from these cancers.

Body mass index and fitness in late adolescence and risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and overall death after COVID-19

Objective

Since obesity and poor fitness appear to be unfavorable for both cardiovascular health and coping with viral infections such as COVID-19, they are of specific interest in light of the increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory events now seen after infection with SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate how body mass index (BMI) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in late adolescence are associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), respiratory disease, and mortality after COVID-19.

Methods

In this study, 1.5 million 18-year-old Swedish men with BMI and CRF measured during enlistment for military service 1968-2005 were included. Hospitalized and non-hospitalized COVID-19 cases were identified through the Patient Register or positive polymerase chain reaction tests, and age-matched with non-infected controls. CVD, respiratory disease, and mortality after COVID-19 were divided into <60days, 60-180days, >180days post-infection. Cox regression models were used.

Results

Hospitalized COVID-19 cases (n = 9839), compared to controls, had >10-fold, 50 to 70-fold, and >70-fold hazards of CVD, respiratory disease, and mortality over the initial 60 days post-infection with little variation across BMI or CRF categories. The elevated risks persisted at declining levels >180 days. For non-hospitalized COVID-19 cases (n = 181,822), there was a 4- to 7-fold increased acute mortality risk, and high CRF was associated with lower risk of post-infectious respiratory disease.

Conclusions

The high hazards of adverse outcomes during the first two months after COVID-19 hospitalization, and across BMI and CRF categories, declined rapidly but were still elevated after six months. Adolescent CRF was associated with respiratory disease after COVID-19 without hospitalization, which gives further support to the health benefits of physical activity.

Lipoprotein(a) Is Markedly More Atherogenic Than LDL: An Apolipoprotein B-Based Genetic Analysis

BACKGROUND

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is recognized as a causal factor for coronary heart disease (CHD) but its atherogenicity relative to that of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) on a per-particle basis is indeterminate.

OBJECTIVES

The authors addressed this issue in a genetic analysis based on the fact that Lp(a) and LDL both contain 1 apolipoprotein B (apoB) per particle.

METHODS

Genome-wide association studies using the UK Biobank population identified 2 clusters of single nucleotide polymorphisms: one comprising 107 variants linked to Lp(a) mass concentration, the other with 143 variants linked to LDL concentration. In these Lp(a) and LDL clusters, the relationship of genetically predicted variation in apoB with CHD risk was assessed.

RESULTS

The Mendelian randomization-derived OR for CHD for a 50 nmol/L higher Lp(a)-apoB was 1.28 (95% CI: 1.24-1.33) compared with 1.04 (95% CI: 1.03-1.05) for the same increment in LDL-apoB. Likewise, use of polygenic scores to rank subjects according to difference in Lp(a)-apoB vs difference in LDL-apoB revealed a greater HR for CHD per 50 nmol/L apoB for the Lp(a) cluster (1.47; 95% CI: 1.36-1.58) compared with the LDL cluster (1.04; 95% CI: 1.02-1.05). From these data, we estimate that the atherogenicity of Lp(a) is approximately 6-fold (point estimate of 6.6; 95% CI: 5.1-8.8) greater than that of LDL on a per-particle basis.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that the atherogenicity of Lp(a) (CHD risk quotient per unit increase in particle number) is substantially greater than that of LDL. Therefore, Lp(a) represents a key target for drug-based intervention in a significant proportion of the at-risk population.

The relationship between genetic liver fat and coronary heart disease is explained by apoB-containing lipoproteins

BACKGROUND

The relationship between genetically-driven liver fat and coronary heart disease (CHD) remains unclear. ApoB-containing lipoproteins are known causal factors for CHD and may explain this relationship.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in the UK Biobank to identify genetic variants associated with liver fat. We then investigated the effects that these genetic variants had on both apoB-containing lipoproteins and CHD. Using Mendelian Randomization (MR) analyses, we examined if the relationship between genetically-driven liver fat and CHD could be attributed to its effect on apoB-containing lipoproteins. We found 25 independent liver-fat associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with differing effects on lipoprotein metabolism. The SNPs were classified into three groups/clusters. The first cluster (N = 3 SNPs) displayed lipoprotein-raising effects. The second cluster (N = 12 SNPs) displayed neutral effects on lipoproteins and the third cluster (N = 10 SNPs) displayed lipoprotein-lowering effects. For every 1% higher liver fat, the first cluster showed an increased risk of CHD (OR = 1.157 [95% CI: 1.108-1.208]). The second cluster showed a non-significant effect on CHD (OR = 0.988 [95% CI: 0.965-1.012], whereas the third cluster showed a protective effect of increased liver fat on CHD (OR = 0.942 [95% CI: 0.897-0.989]). When adjusting for apoB, the risk for CHD became null.

CONCLUSIONS

Here, we identify 25 liver-fat associated SNPs. We find that SNPs that increase, decrease or have neutral effects on apoB-containing lipoproteins show increased, decreased or neutral effects on CHD, respectively. Therefore, the relationship between genetically-driven liver fat and CHD is mediated by the causal effect of apoB.

Randomized open-label trial of semaglutide and dapagliflozin in patients with type 2 diabetes of different pathophysiology

The limited understanding of the heterogeneity in the treatment response to antidiabetic drugs contributes to metabolic deterioration and cardiovascular complications1,2, stressing the need for more personalized treatment1. Although recent attempts have been made to classify diabetes into subgroups, the utility of such stratification in predicting treatment response is unknown3. We enrolled participants with type 2 diabetes (n = 239, 74 women and 165 men) and features of severe insulin-deficient diabetes (SIDD) or severe insulin-resistant diabetes (SIRD). Participants were randomly assigned to treatment with the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist semaglutide or the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor dapagliflozin for 6 months (open label). The primary endpoint was the change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Semaglutide induced a larger reduction in HbA1c levels than dapagliflozin (mean difference, 8.2 mmol mol-1; 95% confidence interval, -10.0 to -6.3 mmol mol-1), with a pronounced effect in those with SIDD. No difference in adverse events was observed between participants with SIDD and those with SIRD. Analysis of secondary endpoints showed greater reductions in fasting and postprandial glucose concentrations in response to semaglutide in participants with SIDD than in those with SIRD and a more pronounced effect on postprandial glucose by dapagliflozin in participants with SIDD than in those with SIRD. However, no significant interaction was found between drug assignment and the SIDD or SIRD subgroup. In contrast, continuous measures of body mass index, blood pressure, insulin secretion and insulin resistance were useful in identifying those likely to have the largest improvements in glycaemic control and cardiovascular risk factors by adding semaglutide or dapagliflozin. Thus, systematic evaluation of continuous pathophysiological variables can guide the prediction of the treatment response to these drugs and provide more information than stratified subgroups ( NCT04451837 ).

Incidence of type 2 diabetes after gastric by-pass surgery in a Swedish controlled cohort study

AIMS

To assess the long-term risk of developing type 2 diabetes in patients with obesity who have undergone gastric bypass surgery compared to non-operated patients with obesity and the general population.

METHODS

This study included 71,495 patients aged 20-65 years with a principal diagnosis of obesity in the Swedish Patient Register in 2001-2013. Of these, 23,099 had undergone gastric bypass and 32,435 had not. Each patient was matched by age, sex and geographic region with two controls from the general population without obesity diagnosis, i.e., 44,735 controls for the gastric bypass cohort and 62,522 controls for the non-operated cohort with obesity. Operated and non-operated patients with obesity were also directly compared using Cox regression analysis, providing hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) adjusted for age, education, and sex.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 4.3 years (interquartile range [IQR] 2.4, 7.0 years), 3792 (11.7%) non-operated patients with obesity developed type 2 diabetes (incidence rate 22.8/1000 person-years, 95% CI 22.1-23.6) compared to 394 (1.7%) among gastric bypass patients (incidence rate 4.0/1000 person-years, 95% CI 3.6-4.5). The latter incidence was comparable to population controls (3.5/1000 person-years, 95% CI 3.2-3.8). Gastric bypass patients had 85% lower risk of diabetes compared to non-operated patients with obesity during the first six years of follow-up (HR 0.15; 95% CI 0.13-0.17).

CONCLUSION

Gastric bypass surgery for obesity seems to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes to levels similar to that of the general population during the first six years of follow-up but not thereafter.

Contribution of intestinal triglyceride-rich lipoproteins to residual atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk in individuals with type 2 diabetes on statin therapy

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

This study explored the hypothesis that significant abnormalities in the metabolism of intestinally derived lipoproteins are present in individuals with type 2 diabetes on statin therapy. These abnormalities may contribute to residual CVD risk.

METHODS

To investigate the kinetics of ApoB-48- and ApoB-100-containing lipoproteins, we performed a secondary analysis of 11 overweight/obese individuals with type 2 diabetes who were treated with lifestyle counselling and on a stable dose of metformin who were from an earlier clinical study, and compared these with 11 control participants frequency-matched for age, BMI and sex. Participants in both groups were on a similar statin regimen during the study. Stable isotope tracers were used to determine the kinetics of the following in response to a standard fat-rich meal: (1) apolipoprotein (Apo)B-48 in chylomicrons and VLDL; (2) ApoB-100 in VLDL, intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL) and LDL; and (3) triglyceride (TG) in VLDL.

RESULTS

The fasting lipid profile did not differ significantly between the two groups. Compared with control participants, in individuals with type 2 diabetes, chylomicron TG and ApoB-48 levels exhibited an approximately twofold higher response to the fat-rich meal, and a twofold higher increment was observed in ApoB-48 particles in the VLDL1 and VLDL2 density ranges (all p < 0.05). Again comparing control participants with individuals with type 2 diabetes, in the latter, total ApoB-48 production was 25% higher (556 ± 57 vs 446 ± 57 mg/day; p < 0.001), conversion (fractional transfer rate) of chylomicrons to VLDL was around 40% lower (35 ± 25 vs 82 ± 58 pools/day; p=0.034) and direct clearance of chylomicrons was 5.6-fold higher (5.6 ± 2.2 vs 1.0 ± 1.8 pools/day; p < 0.001). During the postprandial period, ApoB-48 particles accounted for a higher proportion of total VLDL in individuals with type 2 diabetes (44%) compared with control participants (25%), and these ApoB-48 VLDL particles exhibited a fivefold longer residence time in the circulation (p < 0.01). No between-group differences were seen in the kinetics of ApoB-100 and TG in VLDL, or in LDL ApoB-100 production, pool size and clearance rate. As compared with control participants, the IDL ApoB-100 pool in individuals with type 2 diabetes was higher due to increased conversion from VLDL2.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Abnormalities in the metabolism of intestinally derived ApoB-48-containing lipoproteins in individuals with type 2 diabetes on statins may help to explain the residual risk of CVD and may be suitable targets for interventions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02948777.

Triglyceride-rich lipoprotein remnants, low-density lipoproteins, and risk of coronary heart disease: a UK Biobank study

AIMS

The strength of the relationship of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRL) with risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) compared with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is yet to be resolved.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with TRL/remnant cholesterol (TRL/remnant-C) and LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) were identified in the UK Biobank population. In a multivariable Mendelian randomization analysis, TRL/remnant-C was strongly and independently associated with CHD in a model adjusted for apolipoprotein B (apoB). Likewise, in a multivariable model, TRL/remnant-C and LDL-C also exhibited independent associations with CHD with odds ratios per 1 mmol/L higher cholesterol of 2.59 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.99-3.36] and 1.37 [95% CI: 1.27-1.48], respectively. To examine the per-particle atherogenicity of TRL/remnants and LDL, SNPs were categorized into two clusters with differing effects on TRL/remnant-C and LDL-C. Cluster 1 contained SNPs in genes related to receptor-mediated lipoprotein removal that affected LDL-C more than TRL/remnant-C, whereas cluster 2 contained SNPs in genes related to lipolysis that had a much greater effect on TRL/remnant-C. The CHD odds ratio per standard deviation (Sd) higher apoB for cluster 2 (with the higher TRL/remnant to LDL ratio) was 1.76 (95% CI: 1.58-1.96), which was significantly greater than the CHD odds ratio per Sd higher apoB in cluster 1 [1.33 (95% CI: 1.26-1.40)]. A concordant result was obtained by using polygenic scores for each cluster to relate apoB to CHD risk.

CONCLUSION

Distinct SNP clusters appear to impact differentially on remnant particles and LDL. Our findings are consistent with TRL/remnants having a substantially greater atherogenicity per particle than LDL.

Age and sex differences in cause-specific excess mortality and years of life lost associated with COVID-19 infection in the Swedish population

BACKGROUND

Estimating excess mortality and years of life lost (YLL) attributed to coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) infection provides a comprehensive picture of the mortality burden on society. We aimed to estimate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on age- and sex-specific excess mortality and YLL in Sweden during the first 17 months of the pandemic.

METHODS

In this population-based observational study, we calculated age- and sex-specific excess all-cause mortality and excess YLL during 2020 and the first 5 months of 2021 and cause-specific death [deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, other causes and deaths excluding COVID-19] in 2020 compared with an average baseline for 2017-19 in the whole Swedish population.

RESULTS

COVID-19 deaths contributed 9.9% of total deaths (98 441 deaths, 960 305 YLL) in 2020, accounting for 75 151 YLL (7.7 YLL/death). There were 2672 (5.7%) and 1408 (3.0%) excess deaths, and 19 141 (3.8%) and 3596 (0.8%) excess YLL in men and women, respectively. Men aged 65-110 years and women aged 75-110 years were the greatest contributors. Fewer deaths and YLL from CVD, cancer and other causes were observed in 2020 compared with the baseline adjusted to the population size in 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with the baseline, excess mortality and YLL from all causes were experienced in Sweden during 2020, with a higher excess observed in men than in women, indicating that more men died at a younger age while more women died at older ages than expected. A notable reduction in deaths and YLL due to CVD suggests a displacement effect from CVD to COVID-19.

Prepregnancy overweight and obesity and long-term risk of venous thromboembolism in women

Overweight and obesity rates have increased in recent decades, particularly among the younger population. The long-term consequences of obesity with respect to early venous thromboembolism (VTE) in women have not been established. The aim was to investigate the association between body mass index (BMI) in early pregnancy as a proxy for non-pregnant weight and long-term post-pregnancy risk of VTE in women. This registry-based prospective cohort study analysed data from the Swedish Medical Birth Registry, linked to the National Patient and the National Cause of Death Registries for information on post-pregnancy long-term risk of VTE. Cox proportional hazards model were used to determine the association between BMI at baseline and VTE events during follow-up starting 1 year after baseline. The mean age at registration was 27.5 (standard deviation, 4.9) years. During a median follow-up duration of 12 years (interquartile range, 6-21 years) starting 1 year after the first antenatal visit, 1765 and 2549 women had a deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism. The risk of VTE linearly increased with increasing BMI. Compared to women with 20 ≤ BMI < 22.5 kg/m2, women with high normal weight, i.e. with a BMI of 22.5-25.0 kg/m2, had an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1.30 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-1.41), whereas those with a BMI of 30-35 kg/m2 and ≥ 35 kg/m2 (severe obesity) had an adjusted HR of 2.35 (95% CI 2.04-2.70) and 3.47 (95% CI 2.82-4.25, respectively. Using BMI in early pregnancy as a proxy for pre-pregnancy or non-pregnant BMI in young women, we found a significantly increased risk of post-pregnancy long-term risk of VTE even in those with high normal BMI, compared with lean women, whereas those with severe obesity had a markedly high risk.

Mediating role of atherogenic lipoproteins in the relationship between liver fat and coronary artery calcification

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with increased secretion of apoB-containing lipoproteins and increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). ApoB-containing lipoproteins include low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) and triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs); and since both LDLs and TRLs are causally related to CHD, they may mediate a portion of the increased risk of atherosclerosis seen in people with NAFLD. In a cohort of 4161 middle aged men and women, we performed mediation analysis in order to quantify the mediating effect of apoB-containing lipoproteins in the relationship between liver fat and atherosclerosis-as measured by coronary artery calcium score (CACS). We found plasma apoB to mediate 17.6% (95% CI 11-24) of the association between liver fat and CACS. Plasma triglycerides and TRL-cholesterol (both proximate measures of TRL particles) mediated 22.3% (95% CI 11-34) and 21.6% (95% CI 10-33) of the association respectively; whereas LDL-cholesterol mediated 5.4% (95% CI 2.0-9.4). In multivariable models, the mediating effect of TRL-cholesterol and plasma triglycerides showed, again, a higher degree of mediation than LDL-cholesterol, corroborating the results seen in the univariable models. In summary, we find around 20% of the association between liver fat and CACS to be mediated by apoB-containing lipoproteins. In addition, we find that TRLs mediate the majority of this effect whereas LDLs mediate a smaller effect. These results explain part of the observed CAD-risk burden for people with NAFLD and further suggest that TRL-lowering may be particularly beneficial to mitigate NAFLD-associated coronary artery disease risk.

Pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis after COVID-19: long-term risk in a population-based cohort study

Background

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) (pulmonary embolism (PE) or deep venous thrombosis (DVT)) is common during acute COVID-19. Long-term excess risk has not yet been established.

Objective

To study long-term VTE risk after COVID-19.

Methods

Swedish citizens aged 18-84 years, hospitalized and/or testing positive for COVID-19 between January 1, 2020, and September 11, 2021 (exposed), stratified by initial hospitalization, were compared to matched (1:5) non-exposed population-derived subjects without COVID-19. Outcomes were incident VTE, PE or DVT recorded within 60, 60-<180, and ≥180 days. Cox regression was used for evaluation and a model adjusted for age, sex, comorbidities and socioeconomic markers developed to control for confounders.

Results

Among exposed patients, 48,861 were hospitalized for COVID-19 (mean age 60.6 years) and 894,121 were without hospitalization (mean age 41.4 years). Among patients hospitalized for COVID-19, fully adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) during 60-<180 days were 6.05 (95% confidence interval (CI) 4.80─7.62) for PE and 3.97 (CI 2.96─5.33) for DVT, compared to non-exposed with corresponding estimates among COVID-19 without hospitalization 1.17 (CI 1.01─1.35) and 0.99 (CI 0.86─1.15), based on 475 and 2,311 VTE events, respectively. Long-term (≥180 days) HRs in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 were 2.01 (CI 1.51─2.68) for PE and 1.46 (CI 1.05─2.01) for DVT while non-hospitalized had similar risk to non-exposed, based on 467 and 2,030 VTE events, respectively.

Conclusions

Patients hospitalized for COVID-19 retained an elevated excess risk of VTE, mainly PE, after 180 days, while long-term risk of VTE in individuals with COVID-19 without hospitalization was similar to the non-exposed.

Severe COVID-19 Infection in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes During the First Three Waves in Sweden

OBJECTIVE

Type 2 diabetes is an established risk factor for hospitalization and death in COVID-19 infection, while findings with respect to type 1 diabetes have been diverging.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Using nationwide health registries, we identified all patients aged ≥18 years with type 1 and type 2 diabetes in Sweden. Odds ratios (ORs) describe the general and age-specific risk of being hospitalized, need for intensive care, or dying, adjusted for age, socioeconomic factors, and coexisting conditions, compared with individuals without diabetes. Machine learning models were used to find predictors of outcomes among individuals with diabetes positive for COVID-19.

RESULTS

Until 30 June 2021, we identified 365 (0.71%) and 11,684 (2.31%) hospitalizations in 51,402 and 504,337 patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes, respectively, with 67 (0.13%) and 2,848 (0.56%) requiring intensive care unit (ICU) care and 68 (0.13%) and 4,020 (0.80%) dying (vs 7,824,181 individuals without diabetes [41,810 hospitalizations (0.53%), 8,753 (0.11%) needing ICU care, and 10,160 (0.13%) deaths). Although those with type 1 diabetes had moderately raised odds of being hospitalized (multiple-adjusted OR 1.38 [95% CI 1.24-1.53]), there was no independent effect on ICU care or death (OR of 1.21 [95% CI 0.94-1.52] and 1.13 [95% CI 0.88-1.48], respectively). Age and socioeconomic factors were the dominating features for predicting hospitalization and death in both types of diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Type 2 diabetes was associated with increased odds for all outcomes, whereas patients with type 1 diabetes had moderately increased odds of hospitalization but not ICU care and death.

COVID-19 in people aged 18-64 in Sweden in the first year of the pandemic: Key factors for severe disease and death

Background

Studies on risk factors for severe COVID-19 in people of working age have generally not included non-working persons or established population attributable fractions (PAFs) for occupational and other factors.

Objectives

We describe the effect of job-related, sociodemographic, and other exposures on the incidence, relative risks and PAFs of severe COVID-19 in individuals aged 18-64.

Methods

We conducted a registry-based study in Swedish citizens aged 18-64 from 1 January 2020 to 1 February 2021 with respect to COVID-19-related hospitalizations and death.

Results

Of 6,205,459 persons, 272,043 (7.5%) were registered as infected, 3399 (0.05%) needed intensive care, and 620 (0.01%) died, with an estimated case fatality rate of 0.06% over the last 4-month period when testing was adequate. Non-Nordic origin was associated with a RR for need of intensive care of 3·13, 95%CI 2·91-3·36, and a PAF of 32·2% after adjustment for age, sex, work, region and comorbidities. In a second model with occupation as main exposure, and adjusted for age, sex, region, comorbidities and origin, essential workers had an RR of 1·51, 95%CI, 1·35-1·6, blue-collar workers 1·18, 95%CI 1·06-1·31, school staff 1·21, 95%CI 1·01-1·46, and health and social care workers 1·89, 95%CI 1·67-2·135) compared with people able to work from home, with altogether about 13% of the PAF associated with these occupations. Essential workers and blue-collar workers, but no other job categories had higher risk of death, adjusted RRs of 1·79, 95%CI 1·34-2·38 and 1·37, 95%CI 1·04-1·81, with adjusted PAFs of altogether 9%.

Conclusion

Among people of working age in Sweden, overall mortality and case fatality were low. Occupations that require physical presence at work were associated with elevated risk of needing intensive care for COVID-19, with 14% cases attributable to this factor, and 9% of deaths.

Body Mass Index in Adolescence and Long-Term Risk of Early Incident Atrial Fibrillation and Subsequent Mortality, Heart Failure, and Ischemic Stroke

Background We sought to determine the role of obesity in adolescent men on development of atrial fibrillation (AF) and subsequent associated clinical outcomes in subjects diagnosed with AF. Methods and Results We conducted a nationwide, register-based, cohort study of 1 704 467 men (mean age, 18.3±0.75 years) enrolled in compulsory military service in Sweden from 1969 through 2005. Height and weight, blood pressure, fitness, muscle strength, intelligence quotient, and medical disorders were recorded at baseline. Records obtained from the National Inpatient Registry and the Cause of Death Register were used to determine incidence and clinical outcomes of AF. During a median follow-up of 32 years (interquartile range, 24-41 years), 36 693 cases (mean age at diagnosis, 52.4±10.6 years) of AF were recorded. The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for AF increased from 1.06 (95% CI, 1.03-1.10) in individuals with body mass index (BMI) of 20.0 to <22.5 kg/m² to 3.72 (95% CI, 2.44-5.66) among men with BMI of 40.0 to 50.0 kg/m², compared with those with BMI of 18.5 to <20.0 kg/m². During a median follow-up of ≈6 years in patients diagnosed with AF, we identified 3767 deaths, 3251 cases of incident heart failure, and 921 cases of ischemic stroke. The multivariable-adjusted HRs for all-cause mortality, incident heart failure, and ischemic stroke in AF-diagnosed men with baseline BMI >30 kg/m² compared with those with BMI <20 kg/m² were 2.86 (95% CI, 2.30-3.56), 3.42 (95% CI, 2.50-4.68), and 2.34 (95% CI, 1.52-3.61), respectively. Conclusions Increasing BMI in adolescent men is strongly associated with early AF, and with subsequent worse clinical outcomes in those diagnosed with AF with respect to all-cause mortality, incident heart failure, and ischemic stroke.

Severe COVID-19 in people 55 and older during the first year of the pandemic in Sweden

BACKGROUND

Exposure to many contacts is the main risk factor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, while risk of serious disease and death is chiefly determined by old age and comorbidities. Relative and population-attributable fractions (PAFs) of multiple medical and social exposures for COVID-19 outcomes have not been evaluated among older adults.

OBJECTIVES

We describe the effect of multiple exposures on the odds of testing positive for the virus and of severe disease (hospital care or death) and PAFs in Swedish citizens aged 55 years and above.

METHODS

We used national registers to follow all citizens aged 55 years and above with respect to (1) testing positive, (2) hospitalization, and (3) death between 31 January 2020 and 1 February 2021.

RESULTS

Of 3,410,241 persons, 156,017 (4.6%, mean age 68.3 years) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, while 35,999 (1.1%, mean age 76.7 years) were hospitalized or died (12,384 deaths, 0.4%, mean age 84.0 years). Among the total cohort, the proportion living without home care or long-term care was 98.8% among persons aged 55-64 and 22.1% of those aged 95 and above. After multiple adjustment, home care and long-term care were associated with odds ratios of 7.9 (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.8-9.1) and 22.5 (95% CI 19.6-25.7) for mortality, with PAFs of 21.9% (95% CI 20.9-22.9) and 33.3% (95% CI 32.4-34.3), respectively.

CONCLUSION

Among Swedish residents aged 55 years and above, those with home care or long-term care had markedly increased risk for COVID-19 death during the first year of the pandemic, with over 50% of deaths attributable to these factors.

Postprandial metabolism of apolipoproteins B48, B100, C-III and E in humans with APOC3 loss-of-function mutations

BACKGROUND

Apolipoprotein CIII is a regulator of triglyceride (TG) metabolism, and due to its association with risk of cardiovascular disease, is an emergent target for pharmacological intervention. The impact of substantially lowering apoC-III on lipoprotein metabolism is not clear.

METHODS

We investigated the kinetics of apolipoproteins B48 and B100 in chylomicrons, VLDL1, VLDL2, IDL and LDL in subjects heterozygous for a loss-of-function (LOF) mutation in the APOC3 gene. Studies were conducted in the post-prandial state to provide a more comprehensive view of the influence of this protein on TG transport.

RESULTS

Compared to non-LOF subjects, a genetically-determined decrease in apoC-III resulted in marked acceleration of lipolysis of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRL), increased removal of VLDL remnants from the bloodstream, and a substantial decrease in circulating levels of VLDL1, VLDL2 and IDL particles. Production rates for apolipoprotein B48-containing chylomicrons and apoB100-containing VLDL1 and VLDL2 were not different between LOF carriers and non-carriers. Likewise, the rate of production of LDL was not affected by the lower apoC-III level, nor was the concentration of LDL-apoB100 or its clearance rate.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that apoC-III lowering will have a marked effect on TRL and remnant metabolism, with possibly significant consequences for cardiovascular disease prevention.

TRIAL REGISTRATIONS

Clinical Trials NCT04209816 and NCT01445730FUNDING. This project was funded by grants from Swedish Heart-Lung Foundation, Swedish Research Council, ALF grant from the Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Novo Nordisk Foundation, Sigrid Juselius Foundation, Helsinki University Hospital Government Research funds, Finnish Heart Foundation, and Finnish Diabetes Research Foundation.

Role of endogenous incretins in the regulation of postprandial lipoprotein metabolism

OBJECTIVE

Incretins are known to influence lipid metabolism in the intestine when administered as pharmacologic agents. The aggregate influence of endogenous incretins on chylomicron production and clearance is less clear, particularly in light of opposing effects of co-secreted hormones. Here, we tested the hypothesis that physiological levels of incretins may impact on production or clearances rates of chylomicrons and VLDL.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A group of 22 overweight/obese men was studied to determine associations between plasma levels of glucagon-like peptides 1 and 2 (GLP-1 and GLP-2) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) after a fat-rich meal and the production and clearance rates of apoB48- and apoB100-containing triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. Subjects were stratified by above- and below-median incretin response (area under the curve).

RESULTS

Stratification yielded subgroups that differed about two-fold in incretin response. There were neither differences in apoB48 production rates in chylomicrons or VLDL fractions nor in apoB100 or triglyceride kinetics in VLDL between men with above- vs below-median incretin responses. The men with above-median GLP-1 and GLP-2 responses exhibited higher postprandial plasma and chylomicron triglyceride levels, but this could not be related to altered kinetic parameters. No differences were found between incretin response subgroups and particle clearance rates.

CONCLUSION

We found no evidence for a regulatory effect of endogenous incretins on contemporaneous chylomicron or VLDL metabolism following a standardised fat-rich meal. The actions of incretins at pharmacological doses may not be reflected at physiological levels of these hormones.

Surgical treatment of obesity and excess risk of developing heart failure in a controlled cohort study

AIM

We aim to assess the risk of heart failure in patients with obesity with and without gastric bypass surgery compared with population controls.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This cohort study included all patients aged 20-65 years with a first ever registered principal diagnosis of obesity in the Swedish Patient Register in 2001-2013. These patients were matched by age, sex, and region with two population controls from the general Swedish population without obesity diagnosis. The obesity cohort was divided into two groups: 27 882 patients who had undergone gastric bypass surgery within 2 years of obesity diagnosis and 39 564 patients who had not undergone such surgery. These groups were compared with 55 149 and 78 004 matched population controls, respectively. Cox regression provided hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusted for age, education, and sex. During follow-up (maximum 10 years, median 4.4 years, and interquartile range 2.5-7.2 years), 1884 participants were hospitalized for heart failure. Compared with population controls, gastric bypass patients had no excess risk of heart failure during the initial 0-≤4 years of follow-up (HR = 1.35 [95% CI = 0.96-1.91]) but a marked increased risk during the final >4-10 years of follow-up (HR = 3.28 [95% CI = 2.25-4.77]). Non-operated patients with obesity had a marked excess risk of heart failure throughout the study period compared with population controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Gastric bypass for obesity seems to reduce the risk of heart failure to levels similar to the general population during the initial 4 years after surgery, but not thereafter.

BMI in early adulthood is associated with severe COVID-19 later in life: A prospective cohort study of 1.5 million Swedish men

OBJECTIVE

Overweight and obesity have been identified as risk factors for severe COVID-19; however, prospective cohort studies investigating the association between overweight early in life and severity of COVID-19 are lacking.

METHODS

This study included 1,551,670 Swedish men, born between 1950 and 1987, with BMI registered at age 18 years. They were followed until January 9, 2021. COVID-19 cases and comorbidities were identified through the National Patient, Intensive Care, and Cause of Death registries. Outcomes included the following: 1) hospitalization; 2) intensive care unit admission; and 3) death.

RESULTS

The study found 4,315 cases (mean age = 56.4 years [SD 8.8]) of patients hospitalized because of COVID-19, of which 729 were admitted to an intensive care unit, and altogether there were 224 deaths. The risk for hospital admission increased with higher values of BMI at age 18 years, despite adjustment for comorbidities, from an odds ratio (OR) of 1.19 (95% CI: 1.08-1.31) at BMI = 22.5 to 25 to an OR of 1.68 (95% CI: 1.39-2.02) at BMI ≥ 30, compared with BMI = 18.5 to 20. ORs for intensive care unit admission were 1.44 (95% CI: 1.13-1.84) at BMI = 22.5 to 25 and 2.61 (95% CI: 1.73-3.93) at BMI ≥ 30.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher BMI in early adulthood was associated with severe COVID-19 many years later, with a risk increase starting already at BMI ≥ 22.5. This underlines the necessity of preventive actions against overweight in youth to offer protection against coming viral pandemics.

Effects of PNPLA3 I148M on hepatic lipid and very-low-density lipoprotein metabolism in humans

BACKGROUND

The phospholipase domain-containing 3 gene (PNPLA3)-148M variant is associated with liver steatosis but its influence on the metabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins remains unclear. Here, we investigated the kinetics of large, triglyceride-rich very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), (VLDL₁ ), and smaller VLDL₂ in homozygotes for the PNPLA3-148M variant.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The kinetics of apolipoprotein (apo) B100 (apoB100) and triglyceride in VLDL subfractions were analysed in nine subjects homozygous for PNPLA3-148M and nine subjects homozygous for PNPLA3-148I (controls). Liver fat was >3-fold higher in the 148M subjects. Production rates for apoB100 and triglyceride in VLDL₁ did not differ significantly between the two groups. Likewise, production rates for VLDL₂ -apoB100 and -triglyceride, and fractional clearance rates for both apoB100 and triglyceride in VLDL₁ and VLDL₂ , were not significantly different.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the higher liver fat content in PNPLA3 148M homozygotes, there was no increase in VLDL production. Equally, VLDL production was maintained at normal levels despite the putative impairment in cytosolic lipid hydrolysis in these subjects.

Effects of exercise on symptoms of anxiety in primary care patients: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

There is a need for high-quality research regarding exercise interventions for persons with anxiety disorders. We investigate whether a 12-week exercise intervention, with different intensities, could reduce anxiety symptoms in patients with anxiety disorders.

METHODS

286 patients were recruited from primary care in Sweden. Severity of symptoms was self-assessed using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and the Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS-S). Participants were randomly assigned to one of two group exercise programs with cardiorespiratory and resistance training and one control/standard treatment non-exercise group, with 1:1:1 allocation.

RESULTS

Patients in both exercise groups showed larger improvements in both anxiety and depressive symptoms compared to the control group. No differences in effect sizes were found between the two groups. To study a clinically relevant improvement, BAI and MADRS-S were dichotomized with the mean change in the control group as reference. In adjusted models the odds ratio for improved symptoms of anxiety after low-intensity training was 3.62 (CI 1.34-9.76) and after moderate/high intensity 4.88 (CI 1.66-14.39), for depressive symptoms 4.96 (CI 1.81-13.6) and 4.36 (CI 1.57-12.08) respectively. There was a significant intensity trend for improvement in anxiety symptoms.

LIMITATIONS

The use of self-rating measures which bears the risk of an under- or overestimation of symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

A 12-week group exercise program proved effective for patients with anxiety syndromes in primary care. These findings strengthen the view of physical exercise as an effective treatment and could be more frequently made available in clinical practice for persons with anxiety issues.

Prevalence of Subclinical Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis in the General Population

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background:

Early detection of coronary atherosclerosis using coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), in addition to coronary artery calcification (CAC) scoring, may help inform prevention strategies. We used CCTA to determine the prevalence, severity, and characteristics of coronary atherosclerosis and its association with CAC scores in a general population.

Methods:

We recruited 30 154 randomly invited individuals age 50 to 64 years to SCAPIS (the Swedish Cardiopulmonary Bioimage Study). The study includes individuals without known coronary heart disease (ie, no previous myocardial infarctions or cardiac procedures) and with high-quality results from CCTA and CAC imaging performed using dedicated dual-source CT scanners. Noncontrast images were scored for CAC. CCTA images were visually read and scored for coronary atherosclerosis per segment (defined as no atherosclerosis, 1% to 49% stenosis, or ≥50% stenosis). External validity of prevalence estimates was evaluated using inverse probability for participation weighting and Swedish register data.

Results:

In total, 25 182 individuals without known coronary heart disease were included (50.6% women). Any CCTA-detected atherosclerosis was found in 42.1%; any significant stenosis (≥50%) in 5.2%; left main, proximal left anterior descending artery, or 3-vessel disease in 1.9%; and any noncalcified plaques in 8.3% of this population. Onset of atherosclerosis was delayed on average by 10 years in women. Atherosclerosis was more prevalent in older individuals and predominantly found in the proximal left anterior descending artery. Prevalence of CCTA-detected atherosclerosis increased with increasing CAC scores. Among those with a CAC score >400, all had atherosclerosis and 45.7% had significant stenosis. In those with 0 CAC, 5.5% had atherosclerosis and 0.4% had significant stenosis. In participants with 0 CAC and intermediate 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease according to the pooled cohort equation, 9.2% had CCTA-verified atherosclerosis. Prevalence estimates had excellent external validity and changed marginally when adjusted to the age-matched Swedish background population.

Conclusions:

Using CCTA in a large, random sample of the general population without established disease, we showed that silent coronary atherosclerosis is common in this population. High CAC scores convey a significant probability of substantial stenosis, and 0 CAC does not exclude atherosclerosis, particularly in those at higher baseline risk.

Diverging trends for onset of acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, stroke and mortality in young males: role of changes in obesity and fitness

BACKGROUND

As opposed to the decreasing overall rates of coronary heart disease (CHD) incidence and overall cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, heart failure (HF) and stroke incidence are increasing in young people, potentially due to rising rates of obesity and reduced cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF).

OBJECTIVES

We investigated trends in early major CVD outcomes in a large cohort of young men.

METHODS

Successive cohorts of Swedish military conscripts from 1971 to 1995 (N = 1,258,432; mean age, 18.3 years) were followed, using data from the National Inpatient and Cause of Death registries. Cox proportional hazard models were used to analyse changes in 21-year CVD event rates.

RESULTS

21-year CVD and all-cause mortality and incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) decreased progressively. Compared with the cohort conscripted in 1971-1975 (reference), the hazard ratios (HRs) for the last 1991-1995 cohort were 0.50 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.42-0.59] for CVD mortality; 0.57 (95% CI 0.54-0.60) for all-cause mortality; and 0.63 (95% CI 0.53-0.75) for AMI. In contrast, the incidence of ischaemic stroke, intracerebral haemorrhage and HF increased with HRs of 1.43 (95% CI 1.17-1.75), 1.30 (95% CI 1.01-1.68) and 1.84 (95% CI 1.47-2.30), respectively. During the period, rates of obesity increased from 1.04% to 2.61%, whilst CRF scores decreased slightly. Adjustment for these factors influenced these secular trends only moderately.

CONCLUSION

Secular trends of young-onset CVD events demonstrated a marked shift from AMI and CVD mortality to HF and stroke incidence. Trends were significantly, though moderately, influenced by changing baseline BMI and CRF.

Glucosylceramide synthase deficiency in the heart compromises β1-adrenergic receptor trafficking

Aims 

Cardiac injury and remodelling are associated with the rearrangement of cardiac lipids. Glycosphingolipids are membrane lipids that are important for cellular structure and function, and cardiac dysfunction is a characteristic of rare monogenic diseases with defects in glycosphingolipid synthesis and turnover. However, it is not known how cardiac glycosphingolipids regulate cellular processes in the heart. The aim of this study is to determine the role of cardiac glycosphingolipids in heart function.

Methods and results 

Using human myocardial biopsies, we showed that the glycosphingolipids glucosylceramide and lactosylceramide are present at very low levels in non-ischaemic human heart with normal function and are elevated during remodelling. Similar results were observed in mouse models of cardiac remodelling. We also generated mice with cardiomyocyte-specific deficiency in Ugcg, the gene encoding glucosylceramide synthase (hUgcg  ^–/– mice). In 9- to 10-week-old hUgcg  ^–/– mice, contractile capacity in response to dobutamine stress was reduced. Older hUgcg  ^–/– mice developed severe heart failure and left ventricular dilatation even under baseline conditions and died prematurely. Using RNA-seq and cell culture models, we showed defective endolysosomal retrograde trafficking and autophagy in Ugcg-deficient cardiomyocytes. We also showed that responsiveness to β-adrenergic stimulation was reduced in cardiomyocytes from hUgcg  ^–/– mice and that Ugcg knockdown suppressed the internalization and trafficking of β1-adrenergic receptors.

Conclusions 

Our findings suggest that cardiac glycosphingolipids are required to maintain β-adrenergic signalling and contractile capacity in cardiomyocytes and to preserve normal heart function.

Atrial fibrillation and risk of venous thromboembolism: a Swedish Nationwide Registry Study

AIMS

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with arterial thromboembolism, mainly ischaemic stroke, while venous thromboembolism (VTE) in AF is less well studied. The aim of this study, therefore, was to examine the relationship between AF and VTE, including pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep venous thrombosis (DVT).

METHODS AND RESULTS

AF cases without previous VTE, ischaemic stroke or pulmonary arterial hypertension were identified from the Swedish Inpatient Registry between 1987 and 2013 and compared to two population controls per case without AF matched for age, sex, and county with respect to the incidence of VTE, PE, and DVT. In total, 463 244 AF cases were compared to 887 336 population controls. In both men and women, VTE rates were higher among AF patients the first 30 days after an AF diagnosis [40.2 vs. 5.7 in men and 55.7 vs. 6.6 in women per 1000 person-years at risk, respectively; hazard ratios 6.64 (95% confidence interval, 5.74-7.69) and 7.56 (6.47-8.83)]; and then decreasing, simultaneously with an increasing number of AF patients being treated with oral anticoagulation. VTE risk was similar to controls after 9 months in men but remained slightly elevated in women.

CONCLUSION

AF is strongly associated with an increased risk of VTE during the first months after diagnosis. Introduction of anticoagulant therapy soon after AF diagnosis might reduce the risk of VTE as well as of ischaemic stroke.

Fitness, strength and severity of COVID-19: a prospective register study of 1 559 187 Swedish conscripts

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the possible connection between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and muscle strength in early adulthood and severity of COVID-19 later in life.

DESIGN

Prospective registry-based cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

1 559 187 Swedish men, undergoing military conscription between 1968 and 2005 at a mean age of 18.3 (SD 0.73) years.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Hospitalisation, intensive care or death due to COVID-19 from March to September 2020, in relation to CRF and muscle strength.

RESULTS

High CRF in late adolescence and early adulthood had a protective association with severe COVID-19 later in life with OR (95% CI) 0.76 (0.67 to 0.85) for hospitalisation (n=2 006), 0.61 (0.48 to 0.78) for intensive care (n=445) and 0.56 (0.37 to 0.85) for mortality (n=149), compared with the lowest category of CRF. The association remains unchanged when controlled for body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, chronic diseases and parental education level at baseline, and incident cardiovascular disease before 2020. Moreover, lower muscle strength in late adolescence showed a linear association with a higher risk of all three outcomes when controlled for BMI and height.

CONCLUSIONS

Physical fitness at a young age is associated with severity of COVID-19 many years later. This underscores the necessity to increase the general physical fitness of the population to offer protection against future viral pandemics.

Trajectories in HbA1c and other risk factors among adults with type 1 diabetes by age at onset

INTRODUCTION

In type 1 diabetes, potential loss of life-years is greatest in those who are youngest at the time of onset. Using data from a nationwide cohort of patients with type 1 diabetes, we aimed to study risk factor trajectories by age at diagnosis.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We stratified 30 005 patients with type 1 diabetes aged 18-75 years into categories based on age at onset: 0-10, 11-15, 16-20, 21-25, and 26-30 years. HbA1c, albuminuria, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), body mass index (BMI), low-denisty lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure trends were analyzed using mixed models. Variable importance for baseline HbA1c was analyzed using conditional random forest and gradient boosting machine approaches.

RESULTS

Individuals aged ≥16 years at onset displayed a relatively low mean HbA1c level (~55-57 mmol/mol) that gradually increased. In contrast, individuals diagnosed at ≤15 years old entered adulthood with a mean HbA1c of approximately 70 mmol/mol. For all groups, HbA1c levels stabilized at a mean of approximately 65 mmol/mol by about 40 years old. In patients who were young at the time of onset, albuminuria appeared at an earlier age, suggesting a more rapid decrease in eGFR, while there were no distinct differences in BMI, SBP, and LDL-cholesterol trajectories between groups. Low education, higher age, and poor risk factor control were associated with higher HbA1c levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Young age at the diabetes onset plays a substantial role in subsequent glycemic control and the presence of albuminuria, where patients with early onset may accrue a substantial glycemic load during this period.

Effects of liraglutide on the metabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins in type 2 diabetes

AIM

To elucidate the impact of liraglutide on the kinetics of apolipoprotein (apo)B48- and apoB100-containing triglyceride-rich lipoproteins in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D) after a single fat-rich meal.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Subjects with T2D were included in a study to investigate postprandial apoB48 and apoB100 metabolism before and after 16 weeks on l.8 mg/day liraglutide (n = 14) or placebo (n = 4). Stable isotope tracer and compartmental modelling techniques were used to determine the impact of liraglutide on chylomicron and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) production and clearance after a single fat-rich meal.

RESULTS

Liraglutide reduced apoB48 synthesis in chylomicrons by 60% (p < .0001) and increased the triglyceride/apoB48 ratio (i.e. the size) of chylomicrons (p < .001). Direct clearance of chylomicrons, a quantitatively significant pathway pretreatment, decreased by 90% on liraglutide (p < .001). Liraglutide also reduced VLDL₁ -triglyceride secretion (p = .017) in parallel with reduced liver fat. Chylomicron-apoB48 production and particle size were related to insulin sensitivity (p = .015 and p < .001, respectively), but these associations were perturbed by liraglutide.

CONCLUSIONS

In a physiologically relevant setting that mirrored regular feeding in subjects with T2D, liraglutide promoted potentially beneficial changes on postprandial apoB48 metabolism. Using our data in an integrated metabolic model, we describe how the action of liraglutide in T2D on chylomicron and VLDL kinetics could lead to decreased generation of remnant lipoproteins.

Severe COVID-19 in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes in Sweden: A nationwide retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Whether infection with SARS-CoV-2 leads to excess risk of requiring hospitalization or intensive care in persons with diabetes has not been reported, nor have risk factors in diabetes associated with increased risk for these outcomes.

METHODS

We included 44,639 and 411,976 adult patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes alive on Jan 1, 2020, and compared them to controls matched for age, sex, and county of residence (n=204,919 and 1,948,900). Age- and sex-standardized rates for COVID-19 related hospitalizations, admissions to intensive care and death, were estimated and hazard ratios were calculated using Cox regression analyses.

FINDINGS

There were 10,486 hospitalizations and 1,416 admissions into intensive care. A total of 1,175 patients with diabetes and 1,820 matched controls died from COVID-19, of these 53•2% had been hospitalized and 10•7% had been in intensive care. Patients with type 2 diabetes, compared to controls, displayed an age- and sex-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 2•22, 95%CI 2•13-2•32) of being hospitalized for COVID-19, which decreased to HR 1•40, 95%CI 1•34-1•47) after further adjustment for sociodemographic factors, pharmacological treatment and comorbidities, had higher risk for admission to ICU due to COVID-19 (age- and sex-adjusted HR 2•49, 95%CI 2•22-2•79, decreasing to 1•42, 95%CI 1•25-1•62 after adjustment, and increased risk for death due to COVID-19 (age- and sex-adjusted HR 2•19, 95%CI 2•03-2•36, complete adjustment 1•50, 95%CI 1•39-1•63). Age- and sex-adjusted HR for COVID-19 hospitalization for type 1 diabetes was 2•10, 95%CI 1•72-2•57), decreasing to 1•25, 95%CI 0•3097-1•62) after adjustment• Patients with diabetes type 1 were twice as likely to require intensive care for COVID-19, however, not after adjustment (HR 1•49, 95%CI 0•75-2•92), and more likely to die (HR 2•90, 95% CI 1•6554-5•47) from COVID-19, but not independently of other factors (HR 1•38, 95% CI 0•64-2•99). Among patients with diabetes, elevated glycated hemoglobin levels were associated with higher risk for most outcomes.

INTERPRETATION

In this nationwide study, type 2 diabetes was independently associated with increased risk of hospitalization, admission to intensive care and death for COVID-19. There were few admissions into intensive care and deaths in type 1 diabetes, and although hazards were significantly raised for all three outcomes, there was no independent risk persisting after adjustment for confounding factors.

Association between inflammatory response and outcome after subarachnoid haemorrhage

Objectives

Recent reports suggest an association between the inflammatory response after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH) and patients' outcome. The primary aim of this study was to identify a potential association between the inflammatory response after aSAH and 1‐year outcome. The secondary aim was to investigate whether the inflammatory response after aSAH could predict the development of delayed cerebral ischaemia (DCI).

Materials and methods

This prospective observational pilot study included patients with an aSAH admitted to Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden, between May 2015 and October 2016. The patients were stratified according to the extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE) as having an unfavourable (score: 1–4) or favourable outcome (score: 5–8). Furthermore, patients were stratified depending on development of DCI or not. Patient data and blood samples were collected and analysed at admission and after 10 days.

Results

Elevated serum concentrations of inflammatory markers such as tumour necrosis factor‐α and interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐1Ra, C‐reactive protein and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 were detected in patients with unfavourable outcome. When adjustments for Glasgow coma scale were made, only IL‐1Ra remained significantly associated with poor outcome (p = 0.012). The inflammatory response after aSAH was not predictive of the development of DCI.

Conclusion

Elevated serum concentrations of inflammatory markers were associated with poor neurological outcome 1‐year after aSAH. However, inflammatory markers are affected by many clinical events, and when adjustments were made, only IL‐1Ra remained significantly associated with poor outcome. The robustness of these results needs to be tested in a larger trial.

Effects of Evolocumab on the Postprandial Kinetics of Apo (Apolipoprotein) B100- and B48-Containing Lipoproteins in Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in subjects with type 2 diabetes is linked to elevated levels of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and their remnants. The metabolic effects of PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9) inhibitors on this dyslipidemia were investigated using stable-isotope-labeled tracers. Approach and Results: Triglyceride transport and the metabolism of apos (apolipoproteins) B48, B100, C-III, and E after a fat-rich meal were investigated before and on evolocumab treatment in 13 subjects with type 2 diabetes. Kinetic parameters were determined for the following: apoB48 in chylomicrons; triglyceride in VLDL₁ (very low-density lipoprotein) and VLDL₂; and apoB100 in VLDL₁, VLDL₂, IDL (intermediate-density lipoprotein), and LDL (low-density lipoprotein). Evolocumab did not alter the kinetics of apoB48 in chylomicrons or apoB100 or triglyceride in VLDL₁. In contrast, the fractional catabolic rates of VLDL₂-apoB100 and VLDL₂-triglyceride were both increased by about 45%, which led to a 28% fall in the VLDL₂ plasma level. LDL-apoB100 was markedly reduced by evolocumab, which was linked to metabolic heterogeneity in this fraction. Evolocumab increased clearance of the more rapidly metabolized LDL by 61% and decreased production of the more slowly cleared LDL by 75%. ApoC-III kinetics were not altered by evolocumab, but the apoE fractional catabolic rates increased by 45% and the apoE plasma level fell by 33%. The apoE fractional catabolic rates was associated with the decrease in VLDL₂- and IDL-apoB100 concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

Evolocumab had only minor effects on lipoproteins that are involved in triglyceride transport (chylomicrons and VLDL₁) but, in contrast, had a profound impact on lipoproteins that carry cholesterol (VLDL₂, IDL, LDL). Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02948777.

Effects of TM6SF2 E167K on hepatic lipid and very low-density lipoprotein metabolism in humans

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by hepatic lipid accumulation. The transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 (TM6SF2) E167K genetic variant associates with NAFLD and with reduced plasma triglyceride levels in humans. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these associations remain unclear. We hypothesized that TM6SF2 E167K affects hepatic very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) secretion and studied the kinetics of apolipoprotein B100 (apoB100) and triglyceride metabolism in VLDL in homozygous subjects. In 10 homozygote TM6SF2 E167K carriers and 10 matched controls, we employed stable-isotope tracer and compartmental modeling techniques to determine apoB100 and triglyceride kinetics in the 2 major VLDL subfractions: large triglyceride-rich VLDL₁ and smaller, less triglyceride-rich VLDL₂. VLDL₁-apoB100 production was markedly reduced in homozygote TM6SF2 E167K carriers compared with controls. Likewise, VLDL₁-triglyceride production was 35% lower in the TM6SF2 E167K carriers. In contrast, the direct production rates for VLDL₂-apoB100 and triglyceride were not different between carriers and controls. In conclusion, the TM6SF2 E167K genetic variant was linked to a specific reduction in hepatic secretion of large triglyceride-rich VLDL₁. The impaired secretion of VLDL₁ explains the reduced plasma triglyceride concentration and provides a basis for understanding the lower risk of cardiovascular disease associated with the TM6SF2 E167K genetic variant.

Lipid profiling of human diabetic myocardium reveals differences in triglyceride fatty acyl chain length and degree of saturation

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes is a major health problem in the world, and is strongly associated with impaired cardiac function and increased mortality. The causal relationship between type 2 diabetes and impaired cardiac function is still incompletely understood but changes in the cardiac lipid metabolism are believed to be a contributing factor. The objective of this study was to determine the lipid profile in human myocardial biopsies collected in vivo from patients with type 2 diabetes and compare to non-diabetic controls.

METHOD

We conducted full lipidomics analyses, using mass spectrometry, of 85 right atrial biopsies obtained from diabetic and non-diabetic patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. The patients were characterized clinically and serum was analyzed for lipids and biochemical markers.

RESULTS

The groups did not differ in BMI and in circulating triglycerides. We demonstrate that type 2 diabetes is associated with alterations in the cardiac lipidome. Interestingly, the absolute amount of lipids is not altered in the diabetic myocardium. However, triglycerides with longer fatty acyl chains are more abundant and there is a higher degree of unsaturated fatty acid chains in triglycerides in diabetic myocardium.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study reveals that type 2 diabetes is a relatively strong determinant of the human cardiac lipidome (compared to other clinical variables). Although the total lipid content in the diabetic myocardium is not increased, the lipid composition is markedly affected.

Apolipoprotein B48 metabolism in chylomicrons and very low-density lipoproteins and its role in triglyceride transport in normo- and hypertriglyceridemic human subjects

BACKGROUND

Renewed interest in triglyceride-rich lipoproteins as causative agents in cardiovascular disease mandates further exploration of the integrated metabolism of chylomicrons and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL).

METHODS

Novel tracer techniques and an integrated multi-compartmental model were used to determine the kinetics of apoB48- and apoB100-containing particles in the chylomicron and VLDL density intervals in 15 subjects with a wide range of plasma triglyceride levels.

RESULTS

Following a fat-rich meal, apoB48 appeared in the chylomicron, VLDL₁ and VLDL₂ fractions in all subjects. Chylomicrons cleared rapidly from the circulation but apoB48-containing VLDL accumulated, and over the day were 3-fold higher in those with high versus low plasma triglyceride. ApoB48-containing particles were secreted directly into both the chylomicron and VLDL fractions at rates that were similar across the plasma triglyceride range studied. During fat absorption, whilst most triglyceride entered the circulation in chylomicrons, the majority of apoB48 particles were secreted into the VLDL density range.

CONCLUSION

The intestine secretes apoB48-containing particles not only as chylomicrons but also directly into the VLDL₁ and VLDL₂ density ranges both in the basal state and during dietary lipid absorption. Over the day, apoB48-containing particles appear to comprise about 20-25% of circulating VLDL and, especially in those with elevated triglycerides, form part of a slowly cleared 'remnant' particle population, thereby potentially increasing CHD risk. These findings provide a metabolic understanding of the potential consequences for increased CHD risk when slowed lipolysis leads to the accumulation of remnants, especially in individuals with hypertriglyceridemia.

Obesity in adolescent men increases the risk of venous thromboembolism in adult life

BACKGROUND

As the population of obese and severely obese young adults grows, it is becoming increasingly important to recognize the long-term risks associated with adolescent obesity.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine the association between body mass index (BMI) in young men at enlistment for military service and later risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE).

METHODS

Nationwide register-based prospective cohort study of men enlisting 1969 to 2005, followed through the Swedish National Patient and Cause of Death registries. We identified 1 639 838 men (mean age, 18.3 years) free of prior venous thromboembolism, of whom 29 342 were obese (BMI 30 to <35 kg m^-2 ) and 7236 severely obese (BMI ≥ 35 kg m^-2 ). The participants were followed until a first registered diagnosis of VTE.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 28 years (interquartile interval, 20 to 36 years), 11 395 cases of deep vein thrombosis and 7270 cases of pulmonary embolism were recorded. Compared with men with a BMI of 18.5 to <20 kg m^-2 , men with higher BMI in young adulthood showed an incrementally increasing risk of VTE that was moderately but significantly increased already at normal BMI levels. Adolescent obese men with a BMI of 30 to 35 kg m^-2 had an adjusted hazard ratio of 2.93 (95% confidence interval, 2.65 to 3.24) for VTE. Severely obese men with a BMI of ≥35 kg m^-2 had a hazard ratio of 4.95 (95% confidence interval, 4.16 to 5.90).

CONCLUSIONS

Men who were obese or severely obese in young adulthood had a marked increase in risk of VTE.

Elevated resting heart rate in adolescent men and risk of heart failure and cardiomyopathy

Aims

This study aims to investigate the association of resting heart rate (RHR) measured in late adolescence with long‐term risk of cause‐specific heart failure (HF) and subtypes of cardiomyopathy (CM), with special attention to cardiorespiratory fitness.

Methods and results

We performed a nation‐wide, register‐based cohort study of all Swedish men enrolled for conscription in 1968–2005 (n = 1 008 363; mean age = 18.3 years). RHR and arterial blood pressure were measured together with anthropometrics as part of the enlistment protocol. HF and its concomitant diagnoses, as well as all CM diagnoses, were collected from the national inpatient, outpatient, and cause of death registries. Risk estimates were calculated by Cox‐proportional hazards models while adjusting for potential confounders. During follow‐up, there were 8400 cases of first hospitalization for HF and 3377 for CM. Comparing the first and fifth quintiles of the RHR distribution, the hazard ratio (HR) for HF associated with coronary heart disease, diabetes, or hypertension was 1.25 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.13–1.38] after adjustment for body mass index, blood pressure, and cardiorespiratory fitness. The corresponding HR was 1.43 (CI = 1.08–1.90) for HF associated with CM and 1.34 (CI = 1.16–1.54) for HF without concomitant diagnosis. There was an association between RHR and dilated CM [HR = 1.47 (CI = 1.27–1.71)] but not hypertrophic, alcohol/drug‐induced, or other cardiomyopathies.

Conclusions

Adolescent RHR is associated with future risk of HF, regardless of associated aetiological condition. The association was strongest for HF associated with CM, driven by the association with dilated CM. These findings indicate a causal pathway between elevated RHR and myocardial dysfunction that warrants further investigation.

The acute effect of metabolic cofactor supplementation: a potential therapeutic strategy against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) continues to increase dramatically, and there is no approved medication for its treatment. Recently, we predicted the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in the progression of NAFLD using network analysis and identified metabolic cofactors that might be beneficial as supplements to decrease human liver fat. Here, we first assessed the tolerability of the combined metabolic cofactors including l-serine, N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), nicotinamide riboside (NR), and l-carnitine by performing a 7-day rat toxicology study. Second, we performed a human calibration study by supplementing combined metabolic cofactors and a control study to study the kinetics of these metabolites in the plasma of healthy subjects with and without supplementation. We measured clinical parameters and observed no immediate side effects. Next, we generated plasma metabolomics and inflammatory protein markers data to reveal the acute changes associated with the supplementation of the metabolic cofactors. We also integrated metabolomics data using personalized genome-scale metabolic modeling and observed that such supplementation significantly affects the global human lipid, amino acid, and antioxidant metabolism. Finally, we predicted blood concentrations of these compounds during daily long-term supplementation by generating an ordinary differential equation model and liver concentrations of serine by generating a pharmacokinetic model and finally adjusted the doses of individual metabolic cofactors for future human clinical trials.

Obesity, overweight and risk for cardiovascular disease and mortality in young women

AIMS

The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between body mass index (BMI) in young women, using weight early in pregnancy as a proxy for pre-pregnancy weight, and risk for early cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this prospective, registry-based study, we used weight data in early pregnancy from women, registered in the Swedish Medical Birth Registry, and who gave birth between 1982 and 2014 (n = 1,495,499; median age 28.3 years). Of the women, 118,212 (7.9%) were obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) and 29,630 (2.0%) severely obese (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m²). After a follow-up of median 16.3 years, we identified 3295 and 4375 cases of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and ischemic stroke (IS) corresponding to 13.4 and 17.8 per 100,000 observation years, respectively, occurring at mean ages of 49.8 and 47.3 years. Compared to women with a BMI 20-<22.5 kg/m², the hazard ratio (HR) of AMI increased with higher BMI from 1.40 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.27-1.54) among women with BMI 22.5-<25.0 kg/m² to 4.71 (95% CI 3.88-5.72) among women with severe obesity, with similar findings for IS and CVD death, after adjustment for age, pregnancy year, parity and comorbidities at baseline. Women with BMI 30-<35.0 and ≥35 kg/m² had increased all-cause mortality with adjusted HR 1.53 (95% CI 1.43-1.63) and 1.83 (95% CI 1.63-2.05), respectively.

CONCLUSION

A significant increase in the risk for early AMI, IS and CVD death was noticeable in overweight young women, with a marked increase in obese women.

Body Mass Index in Young Women and Risk of Cardiomyopathy: A Long-Term Follow-Up Study in Sweden

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Incidence rates of cardiomyopathies, which are a common cause of heart failure in young people, have increased during the last decades. An association between body weight in adolescence and future cardiomyopathy among men was recently identified. Whether or not this holds true also for women is unknown. The aim was therefore to determine whether for young women being overweight or obese is associated with a higher risk of developing cardiomyopathy.

Contrasting Associations of Body Mass Index and Hemoglobin A1c on the Excess Risk of Acute Myocardial Infarction and Heart Failure in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background Body mass index (BMI) may be a stronger risk factor for heart failure than for coronary heart disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus, but prior studies have not been powered to investigate the relative and absolute risks for acute myocardial infarction and heart failure in type 2 diabetes mellitus by BMI and glycemic level combined as compared with age- and sex-matched general population comparators. Methods and Results We identified 181 045 patients from The Swedish National Diabetes Registry, registered during 1998 to 2012 and 1538 434 general population comparators without diabetes mellitus, matched for age, sex, and county, all without prior major cardiovascular disease. Cases and comparators were followed with respect to the outcomes through linkage to the Swedish Inpatient Registry. Over a median follow-up time of 5.7 years, there were 28 855 acute myocardial infarction and 33 060 heart failure cases among patients and comparators. Excess risk (above that of comparators in whom no data on hemoglobin A1c and BMI was available), incidence rates and hazard ratios for heart failure were substantially higher among the obese patients compared with those with low BMI, where very obese patients (BMI ≥40 kg/m2) who also had poor glycemic control, suffered a 7-fold risk of heart failure versus comparators (reference level). By contrast, for acute myocardial infarction, the highest absolute and relative risks were found among patients with poor glycemic control, with no additional risk conferred by increasing BMI. Conclusions BMI is a strong independent risk factor for heart failure but not for acute myocardial infarction among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Body mass index in women aged 18 to 45 and subsequent risk of heart failure

BACKGROUND

The incidence of heart failure (HF) is decreasing in older ages, but increasing rates have been observed among younger persons in Sweden. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between risk of hospitalization for HF and body mass index (BMI).

METHODS

This was a prospective registry-based cohort study. We included 1,374,031 women aged 18-45 years (mean age 27.9 years) who gave birth during 1982-2014, and were registered in the Medical Birth Register. Information on hospitalization because of HF was collected through linkage to the National Inpatient Register.

RESULTS

Compared to women with a BMI of 20-<22.5 kg/m², women with a BMI of 22.5-<25.0 had a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.24 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.10-1.39) for HF after adjustment for age, year, parity, baseline disorders, smoking, and education. The HR (95% CI) increased to 1.56 (1.36-1.78), 2.39 (2.05-2.78), 2.82 (2.43-3.28), and 4.51 (3.63-5.61) in women with a BMI of 25-<27.5, 27.5-<30, 30-<35, and ≥35 kg/m², respectively. The multiple-adjusted HRs (95% CI) associated with risk of HF per one-unit increase in BMI in women with a BMI ≥ 22.5 kg/m² ranged from 1.01 (0.97-1.06) for HF related to valvular disease to 1.14 (1.12-1.15) for coronary heart disease, diabetes, or hypertension.

CONCLUSION

Increasing body weight was strongly associated with the risk of early HF in women. Compared with lean women, the risk for HF started to increase at high-normal BMI levels, and was nearly five-fold in women with a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m².

P2495Poor cardiorespiratory fitness in adolescence predicts cardiomyopathy risk in mid-life

Background

Cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity have well–known cardio–protective effects. Along with reports on declining levels of physical activity globally, heart failure caused by cardiomyopathy is increasing among young people. Still, it is unknown whether poor fitness in adolescence can be associated with cardiomyopathy in adulthood.

Purpose

To study a possible link between cardiorespiratory fitness in adolescence and being diagnosed with cardiomyopathy in adulthood.

Methods

A nationwide register-based prospective cohort study of 1,668,893 young men (mean age 18.3 years, SD 0.7), enlisting for compulsory military service 1969–2005. Body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure were registered at baseline, along with test results for fitness. Values were trichotomized and about 13.5% were classified as having poor cardiorespiratory fitness. Cardiomyopathy diagnoses were identified from the National Hospital Register and Cause of Death Register, during an up to 46-year follow-up, and divided into categories: 1) dilated, 2) hypertrophic, 3) alcohol/drug-induced, and 4) other. Hazard ratios (HR) were calculated with Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

During follow-up (median 27 years; interquartile interval 19–35 years), 4,477 cases of cardiomyopathy were registered, of which 2,631 (59%) were dilated, 673 (15%) were hypertrophic, and 480 (11%) were alcohol/drug-induced. Poor cardiorespiratory fitness was strongly associated with elevated risk of both dilated (HR 1.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38–1.83) and alcohol/drug–induced cardiomyopathy (HR 2.32, 95% CI 1.68–3.20), adjusted for BMI, age at conscription, conscription year, test center, and baseline comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, congenital heart disease).

Conclusion

The present study shows that poor cardiorespiratory fitness in adolescence may be associated with both dilated and alcohol/drug–induced cardiomyopathy in adulthood. This strengthens the evidence of fitness as a cardio–protective factor, and brings further support to the importance of interventions promoting physical activity already in childhood.

Acknowledgement/Funding

The Swedish Research Council, The Swedish Heart and Lung Foundation

4949Diverging secular trends in cardiovascular disease 21-year incidence in Swedish men born in 1950–1978

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality is decreasing in Western countries, including Sweden. However, there are reports of increases in incidence in young people with respect to heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF). The magnitude and causes of these changes are only partly known.

Aims

We investigated secular trends in incidence in CVD outcomes and their attenuation by changes in body mass index (BMI). The outcomes were risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) as well as cardiovascular and all-cause death in a population of Swedish adolescents.

Methods

We followed a cohort of Swedish men enrolled for military service conscription in 1969–1996 (n=1,326,082; mean age=18.3) until December 2016, collected from the national inpatient (IPR) and outpatient registries (OPR). Cox-proportional hazard models were used to analyse the longitudinal change in incidence by with respect to early (0–21 years) of follow-up for subgroups with conscription 1968–1971, 1971–1976, 1976–1981, 1981–1986, 1986–1991, 1991–1996 (with the group born 1971–1976 as reference). Adjustments for potential confounders including BMI were performed.

Results

We found that CVD and all-cause mortality and MI decreased progressively during the follow-up with hazard ratios (HR) of 0.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.43–0.62, HR 0.51 CI 0.57–0.62, and 0.60 CI 0.50–0.72, respectively. In contrast, we found increases in the incidence of HF (HR 1.86, CI 1.48–2.33], and AF (HR 8.26, CI 6.87–9.92). Adjustments for changes in BMI partly attenuated the changes in secular trends. Cubic spline models showed where the changes in secular trends were most prominent.

Conclusion

The incidences of cardiovascular outcomes show diverging secular changes. While MI and cardiovascular mortality are continually decreasing, there is an increase in HF and AF. The associations appear to be partly explained by changes in index BMI over time.

Acknowledgement/Funding

grants from the Swedish Government and the county councils, the ALF–GBG-719761, ALFGBG-751111, Swedish Stroke Association, Göteborg Medical Society

Role of apolipoprotein C-III overproduction in diabetic dyslipidaemia

AIMS

To investigate how apolipoprotein C-III (apoC-III) metabolism is altered in subjects with type 2 diabetes, whether the perturbed plasma triglyceride concentrations in this condition are determined primarily by the secretion rate or the removal rate of apoC-III, and whether improvement of glycaemic control using the glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue liraglutide for 16 weeks modifies apoC-III dynamics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Postprandial apoC-III kinetics were assessed after a bolus injection of [5,5,5-² H₃ ]leucine using ultrasensitive mass spectrometry techniques. We compared apoC-III kinetics in two situations: in subjects with type 2 diabetes before and after liraglutide therapy, and in type 2 diabetic subjects with matched body mass index (BMI) non-diabetic subjects. Liver fat content, subcutaneous abdominal and intra-abdominal fat were determined using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

RESULTS

Improved glycaemic control by liraglutide therapy for 16 weeks significantly reduced apoC-III secretion rate (561 ± 198 vs. 652 ± 196 mg/d, P = 0.03) and apoC-III levels (10.0 ± 3.8 vs. 11.7 ± 4.3 mg/dL, P = 0.035) in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Change in apoC-III secretion rate was significantly associated with the improvement in indices of glucose control (r = 0.67; P = 0.009) and change in triglyceride area under the curve (r = 0.59; P = 0.025). In line with this, the apoC-III secretion rate was higher in subjects with type 2 diabetes compared with BMI-matched non-diabetic subjects (676 ± 208 vs. 505 ± 174 mg/d, P = 0.042).

CONCLUSIONS

The results reveal that the secretion rate of apoC-III is associated with elevation of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins in subjects with type 2 diabetes, potentially through the influence of glucose homeostasis on the production of apoC-III.

BMI, Mortality, and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 1 Diabetes: Findings Against an Obesity Paradox

OBJECTIVE

Low weight has been associated with increased mortality risks in type 1 diabetes. We aimed to investigate the importance of weight and weight gain/loss in the Swedish population diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Patients with type 1 diabetes (n = 26,125; mean age 33.3 years; 45% women) registered in the Swedish National Diabetes Registry from 1998 to 2012 were followed from the first day of study entry. Cox regression was used to calculate risk of death from cardiovascular disease (CVD), major CVD events, hospitalizations for heart failure (HF), and total deaths.

RESULTS

Population mean BMI in patients with type 1 diabetes increased from 24.7 to 25.7 kg/m² from 1998 to 2012. Over a median follow-up of 10.9 years, there were 1,031 deaths (33.2% from CVD), 1,460 major CVD events, and 580 hospitalizations for HF. After exclusion of smokers, patients with poor metabolic control, and patients with a short follow-up time, there was no increased risk for mortality in those with BMI <25 kg/m², while BMI >25 kg/m² was associated with a minor increase in risk of mortality, major CVD, and HF. In women, associations with BMI were largely absent. Weight gain implied an increased risk of mortality and HF, while weight loss was not associated with higher risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk of major CVD, HF, CVD death, and mortality increased with increasing BMI, with associations more apparent in men than in women. After exclusion of factors associated with reverse causality, there was no evidence of an obesity paradox.

Higher Body Mass Index in Adolescence Predicts Cardiomyopathy Risk in Midlife

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background:

Modifiable lifestyle factors in relation to risk for cardiomyopathy, a common and increasing cause of heart failure in the young, have not been widely studied. We sought to investigate a potential link between obesity, a recognized predictor of early heart failure, in adolescence and being diagnosed with cardiomyopathy in adulthood.

Methods:

This was a nationwide register-based prospective cohort study of 1 668 893 adolescent men (mean age, 18.3 years; SD, 0.7 years) who enlisted for compulsory military service from 1969 to 2005. At baseline, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and medical disorders were registered, along with test results for fitness and muscle strength. Cardiomyopathy diagnoses were identified from the National Hospital Register and Cause of Death Register during an up to 46-year follow-up and divided into categories: dilated, hypertrophic, alcohol/drug-induced, and other. Hazard ratios were calculated with Cox proportional hazards models.

Results:

During follow-up (median, 27 years; Q1–Q3, 19–35 years), 4477 cases of cardiomyopathy were identified, of which 2631 (59%) were dilated, 673 (15%) were hypertrophic, and 480 (11%) were alcohol/drug-induced. Increasing BMI was strongly associated with elevated risk of cardiomyopathy, especially dilated, starting at levels considered normal (BMI, 22.5–<25 kg/m²; hazard ratio, 1.38 [95% CI, 1.22–1.57]), adjusted for age, year, center, and baseline comorbidities, and with a >8-fold increased risk at BMI ≥35 kg/m² compared with BMI of 18.5 to <20 kg/m². For each 1-unit increase in BMI, similarly adjusted hazard ratios were 1.15 (95% CI, 1.14–1.17) for dilated cardiomyopathy, 1.09 (95% CI, 1.06–1.12) for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and 1.10 (1.06–1.13) for alcohol/drug-induced cardiomyopathy.

Conclusions:

Even mildly elevated body weight in late adolescence may contribute to being diagnosed with cardiomyopathy in adulthood. The already marked importance of weight control in youth is further strengthened by these findings, as well as greater evidence for obesity as a potential important cause of adverse cardiac remodeling that is independent of clinically evident ischemic heart disease.

Investigation of human apoB48 metabolism using a new, integrated non-steady-state model of apoB48 and apoB100 kinetics

BACKGROUND

Triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and their remnants have emerged as major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. New experimental approaches are required that permit simultaneous investigation of the dynamics of chylomicrons (CM) and apoB48 metabolism and of apoB100 in very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL).

METHODS

Mass spectrometric techniques were used to determine the masses and tracer enrichments of apoB48 in the CM, VLDL₁ and VLDL₂ density intervals. An integrated non-steady-state multicompartmental model was constructed to describe the metabolism of apoB48- and apoB100-containing lipoproteins following a fat-rich meal, as well as during prolonged fasting.

RESULTS

The kinetic model described the metabolism of apoB48 in CM, VLDL₁ and VLDL₂ . It predicted a low level of basal apoB48 secretion and, during fat absorption, an increment in apoB48 release into not only CM but also directly into VLDL₁ and VLDL₂ . ApoB48 particles with a long residence time were present in VLDL, and in subjects with high plasma triglycerides, these lipoproteins contributed to apoB48 measured during fasting conditions. Basal apoB48 secretion was about 50 mg day^-1 , and the increment during absorption was about 230 mg day^-1 . The fractional catabolic rates for apoB48 in VLDL₁ and VLDL₂ were substantially lower than for apoB48 in CM.

DISCUSSION

This novel non-steady-state model integrates the metabolic properties of both apoB100 and apoB48 and the kinetics of triglyceride. The model is physiologically relevant and provides insight not only into apoB48 release in the basal and postabsorptive states but also into the contribution of the intestine to VLDL pool size and kinetics.