Subclinical Cushing's Disease with High-Molecular-Weight Forms of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Production

Production of the high-molecular-weight forms of adrenocorticotropic hormone (big-ACTH) has been reported in a small number of ectopic ACTH syndrome and ACTH-producing pituitary macroadenoma. However, perioperative changes in big-ACTH in patients with subclinical Cushing's disease have not been reported. A 63-year-old woman presented 25 × 20 × 20-mm-sized macroadenoma in the pituitary gland. Her early morning plasma ACTH and cortisol levels were 111 pg/mL and 11.6 μg/dL, respectively. Cushingoid features and diurnal variation in plasma cortisol levels were not observed. The patient's urinary free cortisol (UFC) was 59.3 μg/day. The corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) test showed that plasma ACTH levels were 1.5 times higher than the preload value. The overnight dexamethasone suppression test (DST) showed that the plasma cortisol level was not suppressed by 0.5 mg of dexamethasone (DEX) but was suppressed by 8 mg of DEX. Inferior pyramidal sinus sampling was consistent with Cushing's disease. Taken together, the patient was clinically diagnosed with subclinical Cushing's disease caused by an ACTH-producing pituitary adenoma. Endoscopic transsphenoidal adenomectomy was performed. In the postoperative CRH test, plasma ACTH levels showed six-fold increase. The postoperative DST showed cortisol suppression at 0.5 mg of DEX. The UFC levels decreased to 35.1 μg/day. Pituitary contrast-enhanced MRI revealed no residual tumor, and plasma ACTH and cortisol levels remained within normal ranges. Gel filtration of preoperative and postoperative plasma ACTH was performed, and a high molecular weight fraction of ACTH was detected, which markedly decreased postoperatively. The absence of Cushingoid features and the lack of significant cortisol hypersecretion in this case were thought to be due in part to big-ACTH, which has low bioactivity. By careful evaluation of laboratory and clinical findings, we identified it as a big-ACTH-producing adenoma. This is the first report of a case in which the big-ACTH transition was observed perioperative and is a valuable case.

Effects of empagliflozin on progression of chronic kidney disease: a prespecified secondary analysis from the empa-kidney trial

BACKGROUND

Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce progression of chronic kidney disease and the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in a wide range of patients. However, their effects on kidney disease progression in some patients with chronic kidney disease are unclear because few clinical kidney outcomes occurred among such patients in the completed trials. In particular, some guidelines stratify their level of recommendation about who should be treated with SGLT2 inhibitors based on diabetes status and albuminuria. We aimed to assess the effects of empagliflozin on progression of chronic kidney disease both overall and among specific types of participants in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial.

METHODS

EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA), and included individuals aged 18 years or older with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or with an eGFR of 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher. We explored the effects of 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily versus placebo on the annualised rate of change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR slope), a tertiary outcome. We studied the acute slope (from randomisation to 2 months) and chronic slope (from 2 months onwards) separately, using shared parameter models to estimate the latter. Analyses were done in all randomly assigned participants by intention to treat. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110.

FINDINGS

Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and then followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5-2·4). Prespecified subgroups of eGFR included 2282 (34·5%) participants with an eGFR of less than 30 mL/min per 1·73 m2, 2928 (44·3%) with an eGFR of 30 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, and 1399 (21·2%) with an eGFR 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2 or higher. Prespecified subgroups of uACR included 1328 (20·1%) with a uACR of less than 30 mg/g, 1864 (28·2%) with a uACR of 30 to 300 mg/g, and 3417 (51·7%) with a uACR of more than 300 mg/g. Overall, allocation to empagliflozin caused an acute 2·12 mL/min per 1·73 m2 (95% CI 1·83-2·41) reduction in eGFR, equivalent to a 6% (5-6) dip in the first 2 months. After this, it halved the chronic slope from -2·75 to -1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (relative difference 50%, 95% CI 42-58). The absolute and relative benefits of empagliflozin on the magnitude of the chronic slope varied significantly depending on diabetes status and baseline levels of eGFR and uACR. In particular, the absolute difference in chronic slopes was lower in patients with lower baseline uACR, but because this group progressed more slowly than those with higher uACR, this translated to a larger relative difference in chronic slopes in this group (86% [36-136] reduction in the chronic slope among those with baseline uACR <30 mg/g compared with a 29% [19-38] reduction for those with baseline uACR ≥2000 mg/g; ptrend<0·0001).

INTERPRETATION

Empagliflozin slowed the rate of progression of chronic kidney disease among all types of participant in the EMPA-KIDNEY trial, including those with little albuminuria. Albuminuria alone should not be used to determine whether to treat with an SGLT2 inhibitor.

FUNDING

Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly.

Impact of primary kidney disease on the effects of empagliflozin in patients with chronic kidney disease: secondary analyses of the EMPA-KIDNEY trial

BACKGROUND

The EMPA-KIDNEY trial showed that empagliflozin reduced the risk of the primary composite outcome of kidney disease progression or cardiovascular death in patients with chronic kidney disease mainly through slowing progression. We aimed to assess how effects of empagliflozin might differ by primary kidney disease across its broad population.

METHODS

EMPA-KIDNEY, a randomised, controlled, phase 3 trial, was conducted at 241 centres in eight countries (Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, the UK, and the USA). Patients were eligible if their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 20 to less than 45 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or 45 to less than 90 mL/min per 1·73 m2 with a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) of 200 mg/g or higher at screening. They were randomly assigned (1:1) to 10 mg oral empagliflozin once daily or matching placebo. Effects on kidney disease progression (defined as a sustained ≥40% eGFR decline from randomisation, end-stage kidney disease, a sustained eGFR below 10 mL/min per 1·73 m2, or death from kidney failure) were assessed using prespecified Cox models, and eGFR slope analyses used shared parameter models. Subgroup comparisons were performed by including relevant interaction terms in models. EMPA-KIDNEY is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03594110.

FINDINGS

Between May 15, 2019, and April 16, 2021, 6609 participants were randomly assigned and followed up for a median of 2·0 years (IQR 1·5-2·4). Prespecified subgroupings by primary kidney disease included 2057 (31·1%) participants with diabetic kidney disease, 1669 (25·3%) with glomerular disease, 1445 (21·9%) with hypertensive or renovascular disease, and 1438 (21·8%) with other or unknown causes. Kidney disease progression occurred in 384 (11·6%) of 3304 patients in the empagliflozin group and 504 (15·2%) of 3305 patients in the placebo group (hazard ratio 0·71 [95% CI 0·62-0·81]), with no evidence that the relative effect size varied significantly by primary kidney disease (pheterogeneity=0·62). The between-group difference in chronic eGFR slopes (ie, from 2 months to final follow-up) was 1·37 mL/min per 1·73 m2 per year (95% CI 1·16-1·59), representing a 50% (42-58) reduction in the rate of chronic eGFR decline. This relative effect of empagliflozin on chronic eGFR slope was similar in analyses by different primary kidney diseases, including in explorations by type of glomerular disease and diabetes (p values for heterogeneity all >0·1).

INTERPRETATION

In a broad range of patients with chronic kidney disease at risk of progression, including a wide range of non-diabetic causes of chronic kidney disease, empagliflozin reduced risk of kidney disease progression. Relative effect sizes were broadly similar irrespective of the cause of primary kidney disease, suggesting that SGLT2 inhibitors should be part of a standard of care to minimise risk of kidney failure in chronic kidney disease.

FUNDING

Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, and UK Medical Research Council.

Health-Related Quality of Life at Five Years for a Randomized Trial of Tri-Modality Therapy with I-125 Brachytherapy, External Beam Radiation Therapy, and Short- vs. Long-Term Androgen Deprivation Therapy for High-Risk Localized Prostate Cancer (TRIP)

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

To describe the patient-reported health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) outcomes at five years for a multicenter randomized trial of tri-modality therapy with iodine-125 brachytherapy, external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), and short- versus long-term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for high-risk localized prostate cancer (TRIP/TRIGU0907).

MATERIALS/METHODS

A total of 332 men with high-risk prostate cancer were randomized to either 6 months of ADT (n = 165) or 30 months of ADT (n = 167) in conjunction with combined modality radiation therapy. For the HR-QoL assessment, general HR-QoL and disease-specific HR-QoL were measured using the Japanese version of the Medical Outcomes Study 8-items Short-Form Health Survey (SF-8) and the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC). Patient-reported outcome questionnaires were filled out before ADT initiation, and five years after. Scores were reported as mean with the standard deviation. QoL end points were assessed as the change between pre and post treatment using paired student t-test. Changes in the International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS) score, including total score and subscores, were also evaluated. The study was powered according to the primary endpoint of biochemical progression free survival with HR-QoL as a secondary endpoint. In addition, recovery of testosterone level (300ng/dL or higher) was calculated as the cumulative incidence curve and compared between arms by log-rank test.

RESULTS

The cumulative incidence of biochemical progression, and salvage ADT treatment were not different between the arms. Mean domain scores at baseline were well balanced between the two arms in all HR-QoL. There were no differences in the SF-8 assessment and the total and subscore EPIC assessments between the arms. The average sexual function score was lower in short arm versus long arm; 16.24 versus 20.24 at baseline, but not different at five years, 9.96 versus 7.78 (p = 0.164). There were no significant differences between the arms for the total and subscore IPSS. Significantly higher percentage of patients, 71.7% in the short arm recovered to a normal testosterone level at 6 years after the initiation of ADT compared to 43.2% in long arm (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

At five years after ADT initiation, there were no significant differences in all score changes between the two arms with general HR-QoL and disease-specific HR-QoL. Most of HR-QoL returned to baseline level, and sexual function scores were low from baseline in this population. Two-years' adjuvant ADT did not affect HR-QoL at five years, although it significantly retarded testosterone recovery compared to 6 months of hormone therapy.

Ultrafast time-resolved 2D imaging of laser-driven fast electron transport in solid density matter using an x-ray free electron laser

High-power, short-pulse laser-driven fast electrons can rapidly heat and ionize a high-density target before it hydrodynamically expands. The transport of such electrons within a solid target has been studied using two-dimensional (2D) imaging of electron-induced Kα radiation. However, it is currently limited to no or picosecond scale temporal resolutions. Here, we demonstrate femtosecond time-resolved 2D imaging of fast electron transport in a solid copper foil using the SACLA x-ray free electron laser (XFEL). An unfocused collimated x-ray beam produced transmission images with sub-micron and ∼10 fs resolutions. The XFEL beam, tuned to its photon energy slightly above the Cu K-edge, enabled 2D imaging of transmission changes induced by electron isochoric heating. Time-resolved measurements obtained by varying the time delay between the x-ray probe and the optical laser show that the signature of the electron-heated region expands at ∼25% of the speed of light in a picosecond duration. Time-integrated Cu Kα images support the electron energy and propagation distance observed with the transmission imaging. The x-ray near-edge transmission imaging with a tunable XFEL beam could be broadly applicable for imaging isochorically heated targets by laser-driven relativistic electrons, energetic protons, or an intense x-ray beam.

Calmodulinopathy is a common cause of critical cardiac phenotypes in fetus and infancy

Background

Cardiac calmodulinopathy is a life-threatening arrhythmia syndrome which presents several phenotypes of inherited primary arrhythmia syndrome (IPAS), and caused by mutations in calmodulin-encoded genes (CALM1–3). We aimed clarify the frequency and their clinical characteristics of calmodulinopathy in our IPAS cohort.

Methods

By using next generation sequencing, we screened arrhythmia related genes including calmodulin-encoding genes in 322 unrelated symptomatic children (0–12 years) who were suspected as IPAS; they included 40 cases with lethal arrhythmic attacks (LAE) under 6-year-old. After gene screening, we investigated their physiological and clinical characteristics about mutation carriers.

Results

Among 322 children, we identified 6 mutations of calmodulin-encoded genes in 9 probands (2.8%); one CALM1 in 2 probands (N98S), and 5 CALM2 in 7 probands (E46K, D96V, D96G, N98S, E141K). Their clinical diagnoses were long QT syndrome (LQTS, n=4), catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT, n=3) and both (n=2). Their age of diagnosis ranges at 0–9 with the median of 5 years. There were three major clinical phenotypes; 1) CALM2-D96V, and E141K: two infants with advanced atrio-ventricular block, significant QTc prolongation, severe heart failure from their fetal period – both of them deceased within 1.5-year-old. Their clinical phenotypes resembled classical Timothy syndrome caused by CACNA1C mutations. 2) CALM1-N98S (n=2), CALM2-N98S (n=2), and CALM2-D96G: four preschoolers with LAEs and one syncope: all of them were 3–5 years old. In addition, a T wave morphology of CALM2-D96G carrier was very similar to LQT1. 3) CALM2-E46K (n=2): two were first diagnosed with neurological and developmental disorders, and showed phenotype of CPVT: their cardiac phenotypes were milder compared with that of 1) or 2). Overall, these phenotypes seemed to be mutation specific (indicated in figure). Their cardiac features were severer, and the onset of LAEs was earlier compared with other genotypes of LQTS/CPVT. As the treatment, β-blocker was effective for control of LAEs.

Conclusion

Cardiac calmodulinopathy presented serious and potentially lethal phenotypes in fetus or infancy. To prevent cardiac death in them, we must correctly diagnose and start the treatment as earlier as possible.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Public Institution(s). Main funding source(s): MEXT KAKENHI from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology of Japan

Insight into the relationship between heart rate and mortality in patients in sinus rhythm with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Background

There are several reports showing that elevated heart rate (HR) is associated with poor outcomes in patients in sinus rhythm (SR) with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), although the association is weak or none in HFpEF patients with atrial fibrillation (Af). However, in previous studies, cardiac and non-cardiac factors which may be associated with elevated HR, have not been fully adjusted for.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore covariates of elevated HR and to investigate the relationship between heart rate and mortality in HFpEF patients in SR.

Methods and results

Of the 1161 patients, who registered prospective multicenter, observational study of patients with HFpEF (PURSUIT-HFpEF), 726 patients in SR were examined. We performed laboratory testing and echocardiography in the compensated stage (in stable condition after treatment of acute decompensated HF). Geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) was calculated as nutrition index. Resting heart rate (HR) was analyzed as categorical (tertiles, T1–3). We followed the patients for median of 598 days (interquartile range 329–1028 days) to observe the outcome all-cause mortality.

The Kaplan analysis revealed that there was a significant difference between heart rate and mortality (log-rank, p=0.001). Characteristics were compared between patients in T1 (HR ≤63) and T3 (HR ≥75). There were no differences in cardiac factors between patients in T1 and T3. C-reactive protein (CRP) was significantly higher in patients in T3 than those in T1 (p=0.0004,). GNRI was significantly lower in patients in T3 than those in T1 (p=0.001). After adjustment for covariates including N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide and estimated glomerular filtration rate, CRP and GNRI significantly correlated with HR (continuous variable) by multiple regression analysis (beta-coefficient = 1.52, p=0.003 and beta-coefficient = −0.14, p=0.04, respectively). Taking T1 as the reference, multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that T3 was independently associated with mortality (hazard ratio: 2.10, 95% confidence interval: 1.33–3.32, p=0.001).

Conclusion

Although elevated HR was associated with enhanced inflammation and malnutrition, it itself was an independent predictor of death in HFpEF patients in SR.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Roche Diagnosis K.K.Fuji Film Toyama Chemical Co. Ltd.

High-power laser experiment on developing supercritical shock propagating in homogeneously magnetized plasma of ambient gas origin

A developing supercritical collisionless shock propagating in a homogeneously magnetized plasma of ambient gas origin having higher uniformity than the previous experiments is formed by using high-power laser experiment. The ambient plasma is not contaminated by the plasma produced in the early time after the laser shot. While the observed developing shock does not have stationary downstream structure, it possesses some characteristics of a magnetized supercritical shock, which are supported by a one-dimensional full particle-in-cell simulation taking the effect of finite time of laser-target interaction into account.

High-power laser experiment forming a supercritical collisionless shock in a magnetized uniform plasma at rest

We present an experimental method to generate quasiperpendicular supercritical magnetized collisionless shocks. In our experiment, ambient nitrogen (N) plasma is at rest and well magnetized, and it has uniform mass density. The plasma is pushed by laser-driven ablation aluminum (Al) plasma. Streaked optical pyrometry and spatially resolved laser collective Thomson scattering clarify structures of plasma density and temperatures, which are compared with one-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. It is indicated that just after the laser irradiation, the Al plasma is magnetized by a self-generated Biermann battery field, and the plasma slaps the incident N plasma. The compressed external field in the N plasma reflects N ions, leading to counterstreaming magnetized N flows. Namely, we identify the edge of the reflected N ions. Such interacting plasmas form a magnetized collisionless shock.

Early Transformation to Classic Hodgkin Lymphoma in a Chemotherapy-naïve Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patient upon Initial Treatment with Ibrutinib

A 71-year-old woman with a four-year history of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) received ibrutinib as initial treatment due to progressive anemia and thrombocytopenia. Eleven months after the start of the treatments, although her cytopenia had ameliorated, she developed classic Hodgkin lymphoma, a rare form of Richter's transformation. She was successfully treated with two courses of adriamycin, vinblastin, bleomycin and dacarbazine followed by radiotherapy. In general, several clinical, genetic and molecular factors are associated with Richter's transformation. In addition, our present case suggested that ibrutinib could be a potential risk factor for Richter's transformation in CLL patients.

Characteristics and prognosis in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction patients without left ventricular hypertrophy

Background

Clinical heterogeneity exists in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Left ventricular (LV) structure in HFPEF is characterized by normal LV cavity size and LV hypertrophy (LVH). However some of HFPEF patients do not have LV hypertrophy, and these patients may have distinct characteristics,

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to clarify the clinical characteristics and the prognosis for HFPEF patients without LVH.

Methods

We studied 1097 patients, who were hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure with LVEF ≥50%, and enrolled in the PURSUIT-HFpEF registry. Laboratory testing and echocardiography were examined in the compensated stage (in stable condition after treatment of acute decompensated HF). We divided these patients into 2 groups based on LV mass index (LVMI) in the compensated stage according to the American Society of Echocardiography/European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging recommendations; patients with LVH (48%) and those without LVH (52%).

Results

Patients without LVH had significantly lower levels of C-reactive protein and N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and higher levels of estimated glomerular filtration rate in the compensated stage than those with it (p&lt;0.05 for all). Cox hazard regression analysis showed that absence of LVH was favorably associated with the primary composite endpoint of all-cause death, HF rehospitalization, and cerebrovascular events (hazard ratio 0.776, 95% confidence interval 0.620-to 0.970, p&lt;0.05).

On the other hand, the frequency of atrial fibrillation (Af) in the decompensated stage was higher in patients without LVH than those with it (52.1% vs 39.3%, p&lt;0.001). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that absence of LVH was independently associated with presence of Af in the decompensated stage (odds ratio=1.520, 95% confidence interval 1.130 to 2.050, P&lt;0.01)

Conclusions

HFPEF patients without LVH have less organ damage and favorable prognosis. Af may play a role in the decompensation of HF in HFPEF patients without LVH.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): Roche Diagnostics K.K. (Grant number: not applicable)Fuji Film Toyama Chemical Co., Ltd. (Grant number: not applicable)

Involvement of G-CSF, IL-6, and cortisol in transient neutrophilia after marathon races

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to clarify the mechanisms of the transient increase in neutrophils after running standard marathon races by measurement of cytokines involved in the production and survival of neutrophils, and cortisol.

METHODS

Fourteen male runners who participated in the Hokkaido Marathon, which is the sole marathon race held in summer in Japan, and finished the standard marathon were analyzed sequentially from the start until a maximum of 8 days after the finish.

RESULTS

Neutrophilia was observed in all runners just after they reached the goal (mean neutrophils: 13 226/μL). IL-6, G-CSF, and cortisol, but not GM-CSF, increased at the same time. Time-course studies with complete blood counts, biochemical markers, cytokines, and cortisol showed transient increases in neutrophils, monocytes, myoglobin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), G-CSF, IL-6, and cortisol. The increase in hsCRP was delayed 6 hours from the first increase in neutrophils. Correlations were observed between the neutrophil count and G-CSF, IL-6, and cortisol (G-CSF; r = .667, IL-6; r = .667, cortisol; r = .623).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that G-CSF is directly involved, and IL-6 is involved via cortisol in the transient neutrophilia that occurs after marathon races.

Inhibition of fibrotic changes in infrapatellar fat pad alleviates persistent pain and articular cartilage degeneration in monoiodoacetic acid-induced rat arthritis model

OBJECTIVE

We have reported that fibrotic changes in infrapatellar fat pad (IFP) after acute joint inflammation are closely associated with persistent pain in rats. In this study, to examine the effects of anti-fibrotic treatment on persistent pain, we used C-type natriuretic peptides (CNP) at the recovery phase after acute joint inflammation.

DESIGN

Thirty-two male Wistar rats were used in this study. Monoiodoacetic acid (MIA) was injected intra-articularly to induce IFP fibrosis and persistent pain. CNP was injected after acute inflammatory phase in the same knee joint. Time-course pain-avoidance behavior tests and histological analyses were performed to examine the effects of CNP.

RESULTS

Histological evaluations indicated that intra-articular injection of CNP inhibited fibrotic changes in IFP after acute inflammation. Incapacitance tests indicated that MIA injection into rat knee joint quickly decreased the percent weight on ipsilateral limb. In the vehicle group, the decrease was maintained up to day 28, suggesting that pain persistence occurred after acute inflammation (Day 0/Day 28, Est Dif -8.15, CI -10.78∼-5.53, Linear mixed-effect model). In contrast, the pain was alleviated in the CNP group after day 14 (Day0/Day 14, -0.51, -2.62-1.59). In addition, we observed significant improvement in the degree of articular cartilage degeneration at day 14 in the CNP group (OARSI score: vehicle 16.14 ± 4.37 vs CNP 6.87 ± 3.44, P < 0.01; Wilcoxon rank sum test).

CONCLUSION

Fibrotic changes in IFP may play important roles in both persistent pain and articular cartilage degeneration.

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol does not predict future cardiovascular events in patients treated with statins for secondary prevention: an observation from the REAL-CAD study

Background

The relation between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level after statin therapy and cardiovascular events in patients with stable coronary artery disease remains unclear.

Purpose

We sought to determine the association of the HDL-C level after statin therapy with cardiovascular events in stable coronary artery disease patients.

Methods

This study was a post-hoc analysis of the Randomized Evaluation of Aggressive or Moderate Lipid Lowering Therapy with Pitavastatin in Coronary Artery Disease (REAL-CAD) study, which is randomised, open-label, blinded endpoint, physician-initiated, superiority clinical trial. Enrollment was from January 2010 to March 2013, and follow-up was through January 2016. From the main study, we excluded the patients without either HDL-C data at baseline or 6 months, with occurrence of the primary outcome at 6 months and reported poor adherence for pitavastatin. The primary outcome of interest was a composite of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal ischemic stroke, or unstable angina requiring emergent admission after 6 months from randomisation, consistent with the primary analysis of the trial. We constructed landmark Cox proportional hazards regression models with the 18 selected clinically relevant risk-adjusting variables during the entire follow-up period starting at 6 months after randomisation. Absolute and relative changes of HDL-C level were defined as (6 months value – baseline value) and (absolute change / baseline value) × 100, respectively.

Results

Among 14,774 participants in the REAL-CAD study, 9,221 patients were included in this analysis (7652 [83.0%] male; median [IQR] age, 70 [63–75] years; median [IQR] HDL-C, 49 [42–57] mg/dL; median [IQR] low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], 88 [75–101] mg/dL). During a median follow-up period of 4.0 (IQR 3.2–4.7) years, the primary outcome occurred in 417 (4.5%) patients. There was no significant difference in crude and adjusted cumulative incidence of the primary outcome among the quartiles of HDL-C level at 6 months (Figure 1). The adjusted risks of all the HDL-C related variables (baseline value, 6 months value, absolute and relative changes) for the primary outcome were not significant (Figure 2). Furthermore, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) as HDL-C level at 6 months increased by 10 mg/dL remained non-significant for the primary outcome for each on-treatment LDL-C level at 6 months (&lt;70 mg/dL [HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.82–1.15], 70–100 mg/dL [HR 1.10, 95% CI 0.98–1.24], and ≥100 mg/dL [HR 0.94, 95% CI 0.78–1.13]). There was also no significant association between HDL-C level at 6 months and the primary outcome both in the low (1 mg/day [HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.91–1.14], increased by 10 mg/dL) dose and high (4 mg/day [HR 1.04, 95% CI 0.91–1.19]) dose pitavastatin groups

Conclusion

After statin therapy with modestly controlled LDL-C, HDL-C level has little prognostic value in patients with stable coronary artery disease.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): The Comprehensive Support Project for Clinical Research of Lifestyle-Related Disease of the Public Health Research Foundation

NRSF-GNAO1-CaMK2 axis exacerbates cardiac remodeling and progresses heart failure by impairing Ca2+ homeostasis

Background

In the development of heart failure, pathological intracellular signaling reactivates fetal cardiac genes, which leads to maladaptive remodeling and cardiac dysfunction. We previously reported that a transcriptional repressor, neuron restrictive silencer factor (NRSF) represses fetal cardiac genes and maintains normal cardiac function under normal conditions, while hypertrophic stimuli de-repress this NRSF mediated repression via activation of CaMKII. Molecular mechanisms by which NRSF maintains cardiac systolic function remains to be determined, however.

Purpose

To elucidate how NRSF maintains normal cardiac homeostasis and identify the novel therapeutic targets for heart failure.

Methods and results

We generated cardiac-specific NRSF knockout mice (NRSF cKO), and found that these NRSF cKO showed cardiac dysfunction and premature deaths accompanied with lethal arrhythmias, as was observed in our previously reported cardiac-specific dominant-negative mutant of NRSF transgenic mice (dnNRSF-Tg).

By cDNA microarray analysis of dnNRSF-Tg and NRSF-cKO, we identified that expression of Gnao1 gene encoding Gαo, a member of inhibitory G proteins, was commonly increased in ventricles of both types of mice.

ChIP-seq analysis, reporter assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay identified that NRSF transcriptionally regulates Gnao1 gene expression.

Genetic Knockdown of Gαo in dnNRSF-Tg and NRSF-cKO by crossing these mice with Gnao1 knockout mice ameliorated the reduced systolic function, increased arrhythmogenicity and reduced survival rates.

Transgenic mice expressing a human GNAO1 in their hearts (GNAO1-Tg) showed progressive cardiac dysfunction with cardiac dilation. Ventricles obtained from GNAO1-Tg have increased phosphorylation level of CaMKII and increased expression level of endogenous mouse Gnao1 gene. These data suggest that increased cardiac expression of Gαo is sufficient to induce pathological Ca2+-dependent signaling and cardiac dysfunction, and that Gαo forms a positive regulatory circuit with CaMKII and NRSF.

Electrophysiological analysis in ventricular myocytes of dnNRSF-Tg revealed that impaired Ca2+ handling via alterations in localized L-type calcium channel (LTCC) activities; decreased T-tubular and increased surface sarcolemmal LTCC activities, underlies Gαo-mediated cardiac dysfunction.

Furthermore, we also identified increased expression of Gαo in ventricles of two different heart failure mice models, mice with transverse aortic constriction and mice carrying a mutant cardiac troponin T, and confirmed that genetic reduction of Gαo prevented the progression of cardiac dysfunction in both types of mice.

Conclusions

Increased expression of Gαo, induced by attenuation of NRSF-mediated repression forms a pathological circuit via activation of CaMKII. This circuit exacerbates cardiac remodeling and progresses heart failure by impairing Ca2+ homeostasis. Gαo is a potential therapeutic target for heart failure.

Figure 1

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Grants-in –Aid for Scientific Research from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science

Role of tumor suppressor molecules in genomic perturbations and damaged DNA repair involved in the pathogenesis of cancer and neurodegeneration (Review)

Genomic perturbations due to inaccurate DNA replication, including inappropriate chromosomal segregation often underlie the development of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. The incidence of these two diseases increases with age and exhibits an inverse association. Therefore, elderly subjects with cancer exhibit a reduced risk of a neurodegenerative disease, and vice versa. Both of these diseases are associated with aging and share several risk factors. Cells have multiple mechanisms to repair DNA damage and inaccurate replication. Previous studies have demonstrated that tumor suppressor proteins serve a critical role in the DNA damage response, which may result in genomic instability and thus induction of cellular apoptosis. Tumor suppressor genes, such as phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN), breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 (BRCA1) and TP53 reduce genomic susceptibility to cancer by repairing the damaged DNA. In addition, these genes work cooperatively to ensure the inhibition of the development of several types of cancer. PTEN, BRCA1 and TP53 have been recognized as the most frequently deleted and/or mutated genes in various types of human cancer. Recently, tumor suppressor genes have also been shown to be involved in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. The present review summarizes the recent findings of the functions of these tumor suppressors that are associated with genomic stability, and are involved in carcinogenic and neurodegenerative cell signaling. A summary is presented regarding the interactions of these tumor suppressors with their partners which results in transduction of downstream signals. The implications of these functions for cancer and neurodegenerative disease-associated biology are also highlighted.

Special bioactive compounds and functional foods may exhibit neuroprotective effects in patients with dementia (Review)

Dementia is a failure of cognitive ability characterized by severe neurodegeneration in select neural systems, and Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of neurodegenerative disease. Although numerous studies have provided insights into the pathogenesis of AD, the underlying signaling and molecular pathways mediating the progressive decline of cognitive function remain poorly understood. Recent progress in molecular biology has provided an improved understanding of the importance of molecular pathogenesis of AD, and has proposed an association between DNA repair mechanisms and AD. In particular, the fundamental roles of phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) and breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) tumor suppressors have been shown to regulate the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration. Consequently, onset of neurodegenerative diseases may be deferred with the use of dietary neuroprotective agents which alter the signaling mediated by the aforementioned tumor suppressors. In a healthy neuron, homeostasis of key intracellular molecules is of great importance, and preventing neuronal apoptosis is one of the primary goals of treatments designed for dementia-associated diseases. In the present review, progress into the understanding of dietary regulation for preventing or limiting development of dementia is discussed with a focus on the modulatory roles of PTEN and BRCA1 signaling.

Diet induces hepatocyte protection in fatty liver disease via modulation of PTEN signaling

Fatty liver disease (FLD) is characterized by accumulation of excess fat in the liver. The underlying molecular mechanism associated with the progression of the disease has been in elusive. Hepatocellular demise due to increased oxidative stress resulting in an inflammatory response may be a key feature in FLD. Recent advances in molecular biology have led to an improved understanding of the molecular pathogenesis, suggesting a critical association between the PI3K/AKT/PTEN signaling pathway and FLD. In particular, PTEN has been associated with regulating the pathogenesis of hepatocyte degeneration. Given the function of mitochondria in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and the initiation of oxidative stress, the mitochondrial antioxidant network is of interest. It is vital to balance the activity of intracellular key molecules to maintain a healthy liver. Consequently, onset of FLD may be delayed using dietary protective agents that alter PTEN signaling and reduce ROS levels. The advancement of research on dietary regulation with a focus on modulatory roles in ROS generation and PTEN associated signaling is summarized in the current study, supporting further preventive and therapeutic exploration.

Sequentially addressable dielectrophoretic array for high-throughput sorting of large-volume biological compartments

Droplet microfluidics has become a powerful tool in precision medicine, green biotechnology, and cell therapy for single-cell analysis and selection by virtue of its ability to effectively confine cells. However, there remains a fundamental trade-off between droplet volume and sorting throughput, limiting the advantages of droplet microfluidics to small droplets (<10 pl) that are incompatible with long-term maintenance and growth of most cells. We present a sequentially addressable dielectrophoretic array (SADA) sorter to overcome this problem. The SADA sorter uses an on-chip array of electrodes activated and deactivated in a sequence synchronized to the speed and position of a passing target droplet to deliver an accumulated dielectrophoretic force and gently pull it in the direction of sorting in a high-speed flow. We use it to demonstrate large-droplet sorting with ~20-fold higher throughputs than conventional techniques and apply it to long-term single-cell analysis of Saccharomyces cerevisiae based on their growth rate.

Direct measurement of 1-mN-class thrust and 100-s-class specific impulse for a CubeSat propulsion system

This paper presents the development of a thrust stand to enable direct measurement of thrust and specific impulse for a CubeSat propulsion system during firing. The thrust stand is an inverted pendulum and incorporates a mass balance for direct in situ mass measurement. The proposed calibration procedure allows precise performance characterization and achieves a resolution of 80 μN thrust and 0.01 g mass loss, by taking into account the drift of the thrust-stand zero caused by propellant consumption. The performance of a water micro-resistojet propulsion system for CubeSats was directly characterized as a proof of concept of the thrust stand. Continuous profiles of thrust, specific impulse, and mass consumption were acquired under various conditions in a single firing test. A thrust from 1 mN to 10 mN and a specific impulse from 45 s to 100 s with a maximum measurement uncertainty of ±15.3% were measured for the throat Reynolds number in the range 100-400.

P832LDL-C levels on statins and cardiovascular event risk in stable coronary artery disease: An observation from the REAL-CAD study

Background

The relation between very low on-treatment low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level and the cardiovascular event risk is still unclear in patients receiving the same doses of statins.

Methods

From the REAL-CAD study comparing high-dose with low-dose pitavastatin therapy in Japanese patients with stable coronary artery disease, 11105 patients without reported non-adherence for the study drug were divided into 3 groups according to the on-treatment LDL-C level at 6-month (<70 mg/dL, 70–100 mg/dL, and ≥100 mg/dL; N=1016, N=3078, and N=1665 in the pitavastatin 1 mg/day stratum; N=2431, N=2524, and N=391 in the pitavastatin 4 mg/day stratum). Primary outcome measure was a composite of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal ischemic stroke, or unstable angina requiring emergent admission.

Results

In the pitavastatin 1 mg/day stratum, cumulative 4-year incidence of the primary outcome measure was not significantly different across the 3 groups (5.0%, 5.7%, and 5.2%, P=0.51), while in the 4 mg/day stratum, it was significantly higher in the LDL-C ≥100 mg/dL group than in other groups (4.5%, 3.4%, and 9.1%, P<0.001). The adjusted risks of the LDL-C <70 mg/dL group relative to the LDL-C 70–100 mg/dL group (reference) remained insignificant for the primary outcome measure in both 1 mg/day and 4 mg/day strata (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.58–1.18, P=0.32, and HR 1.25, 95% CI 0.88–1.79, P=0.22). The adjusted risk of LDL-C ≥100 mg/dL group relative to the reference group was not significant for the primary outcome measure in the 1 mg/day stratum (HR 0.82, 95% CI 0.60–1.11, P=0.21), while it was highly significant in the 4 mg/day stratum (HR 3.32, 95% CI 2.08–5.17, P<0.001). In the on-treatment LDL-C ≥100 mg/dL group in the 4 mg/day stratum, LDL-C increased by 6.3 mg/dL from baseline to 6-month despite dose escalation of pitavastatin from 1 mg/day to 4 mg/day, suggesting the presence of unreported poor adherence in this small subgroup.

Adjusted Effects of On-treatment LDL-C

Conclusions

Very low on-treatment LDL-C level (<70 mg/dL) was not associated with lower cardiovascular event risk compared with moderately low on-treatment LDL-C level (70–100 mg/dL) in patients receiving the same doses of statins. Too much emphasis on the target LDL-C strategy might mislead the clinical practice.

Acknowledgement/Funding

The Comprehensive Support Project for Clinical Research of Lifestyle-Related Disease of the Public Health Research Foundation.

P4544Impact of hyponatremia improvement on one-year outcomes in patients with acute decompensated heart failure

Background

Impact of hyponatremia improvement on prognosis in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) remains unclear.

Methods

Patients hospitalized for ADHF at 19 hospitals in Japan were enrolled between October 2014 and March 2016. Hyponatremia was defined as serum sodium concentration less than 135 mmol/l. Primary endpoint was composite of all-cause death and heart failure rehospitalization one year after discharge.

Results

Among 3805 patients enrolled, 486 patients with hyponatremia at admission showed higher in-hospital mortality (13.3% vs. 5.4%, p<0.001). Of 486 hyponatremic patients, 396 patients were discharged alive. One hundred forty-three patients showed persistent hyponatremia at discharge (group P), whereas 253 patients showed improvement of hyponatremia (group I). Baseline characteristics are shown in the table. Patients in group I showed higher sodium concentration at admission (132±3 mmol/l vs. 130±4 mmol/l, p<0.001) and more increase in serum sodium concentration at discharge (7±4 mmol/l vs. 1±5 mmol/l, p<0.001). One-year survival rate free from primary endpoint was not different between the groups (56.4% in group P vs. 58.5% in group I, p=0.79). After adjusting for confounders, improvement of hyponatremia was not associated with better prognosis (hazard ratio 1.00; 95% confidence interval 0.70–1.45, p=0.99). Hyponatremia improvement showed significant interaction with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than 40% (p=0.01). In patients with LVEF<40%, improvement of hyponatremia was associated with better prognosis (hazard ratio 0.48, 95% confidence interval 0.28–0.85, p=0.01) whereas not in patients LVEF≥40%.

Patient characteristics Group P (n=143) Group I (n=253) p value Age (years) 81 (72–86) 81 (72–87) 0.73 Female 71 (49.7) 110 (43.5) 0.24 Ischemic etiology 42 (29.4) 81 (32.0) 0.58 Prior hospitalization 62 (43.7) 98 (39.5) 0.42 SBP at admission (mmHg) 140±36 144±38 0.40 HR at admission (bpm) 92±23 95±29 0.27 Atrial Fibrillation 47 (32.9) 103 (40.7) 0.12 NYHA class IV 60 (42.2) 138 (54.8) 0.02 Intravenous inotropic use 35 (24.5) 59 (23.3) 0.80 LVEF <40% 54 (37.8) 95 (37.6) 0.97 Values are median (interquartile range), mean ± standard deviation or number (%).

Conclusion

Improvement of hyponatremia at discharge was not associated with better prognosis in patients hospitalized for ADHF.

P5320Reduction in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein by pitavastatin was associated with improved outcomes in Japanese patients with stable coronary artery disease: results from REAL-CAD study

Background

The effect of statins on lowering high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) as well as low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) has been associated with reduced risk for cardiovascular events in patients with elevated hs-CRP. However, it remains unclear whether this statin effect applies to low-risk patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). In this pre-specified sub-study within the REAL-CAD trial, we explored the association between achieved LDL-C/hs-CRP levels and cardiovascular events in Japanese patients with stable CAD who were treated with pitavastatin 1 mg or 4 mg/day.

Methods

The REAL-CAD trial randomly allocated 13,054 patients with stable CAD to pitavastatin 1 mg or 4 mg/day. LDL-C and hs-CRP were measured at baseline and at 6 months after randomization. We excluded those patients without 6-month data and those with endpoint events before 6 months (N=1915). The primary endpoint of the study was a composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal ischemic stroke, or unstable angina requiring emergency hospitalization. Outcomes were assessed by landmark analysis beyond 6 months among 4 groups that were configured based on LDL-C (median) and hs-CRP (median) targets: achieving neither target, achieving LDL-C target only, achieving hs-CRP target only, and achieving both targets. Data were adjusted for baseline characteristics including age, gender, diabetes and baseline values of LDL-C and hs-CRP.

Results

Median LDL-C and hs-CRP levels were 88 mg/dL and 0.52 mg/L at baseline and 80 mg/dL and 0.48 mg/L after 6 months, respectively. There was no correlation between the change in LDL-C and hs-CRP levels from baseline to 6 months (correlation coefficient: 0.009, P=0.331). Of the 11,677 patients included in the study, 25.1% (N=2799) achieved both LDL-C and hs-CRP targets, 25.3% (N=2282) met neither target, 24.8% (N=2765) met only the hs-CRP target, and 24.7% (N=2753) met only the LDL-C target. Risk of primary endpoint occurrence was significantly lower in those achieving either or both targets than in those meeting neither target (Figure A). In the subgroup analysis stratified by the randomized dose of pitavastatin, the risk for the primary endpoint was significantly lower in patients achieving both targets in both the 1mg and 4 mg arms, and in patients achieving only hs-CRP target in the 1 mg arm (Figure B, C).

Figure 1

Conclusions

In this subanalysis of the REAL-CAD trial, the hs-CRP lowering effect of pitavastatin was independent from LDL-C lowering. Lower achieved hs-CRP was associated with lower risk for cardiovascular events in Japanese patients with stable CAD.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Public Health Research Foundation, The company manufacturing the study drug (Kowa Pharmaceutical Co Ltd) was one of the entities providing financial s

P6356Comparisons of clinical outcomes in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction with and without atrial fibrillation: results from a multicenter PURSUIT-HFpEF registry

Background

The presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) has been demonstrated to be associated with poor clinical outcomes in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction.

Objective

This study aimed to elucidate the impact of the presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) on the clinical characteristics, therapeutics, and outcomes in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Methods

PURSUIT-HFpEF is a multicenter prospective observational study including patients hospitalized for acute heart failure with left ventricular ejection fraction of >50%. Patients with acute coronary syndrome or severe valvular disease were excluded.

Results

Of 486 HFpEF patients (age, 80.8±9.0 years old; male, 47%) from 24 cardiovascular centers, 199 (41%) had AF on admission. Patients with AF had lower systolic blood pressures (142±27 vs. 155±35mmHg, p<0.0001) and higher heart rates (91±29 vs. 82±26bpm, p<0.0001) than those without. There was no difference in the usage of inotropes or mechanical ventilation between the 2 groups. A higher quality of life score (EQ5D, 0.72±0.27 vs. 0.63±0.30, p=0.002) was observed at discharge in patients with than without AF. In addition, AF patients tended to demonstrate lower in-hospital mortality rates (0.5% vs. 2.4%, p=0.09) and shorter hospital stays (20.3±12.1 vs. 22.6±18.4 days, p=0.09) than those without. During a mean follow up of 360±111 days, mortality (14.1% vs. 15.3) and heart failure re-hospitalization rates (13.1% vs. 13.9%) were comparable between the 2 groups.

Conclusion

In contrast to heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction, AF on admission was not associated with poor long-term clinical outcomes among HFpEF patients. Several in-hospital outcomes were better in patients with AF than in those without.

Acknowledgement/Funding

None

P4764Relationship of the duration of pulmonary vein isolation-refractory non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation to the middle- to long-term outcome of the ExTRa Mapping-guided ablation

Introduction

It is reported that for patients with non-paroxysmal (persistent or long-standing persistent) atrial fibrillation (Non-PAF), extended ablation to atrial walls in addition to pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) did not improve the long-term outcome. On the other hand, modulation of Non-PAF drivers (or perpetuators) has been proposed as one of the alternative effective ablation strategies for Non-PAF.

Purpose

To clarify whether the rotor ablation under online real-time high-density phase mapping system is effective for PVI-refractory Non-PAF ablation.

Methods

Under such circumstances, our academic group had recently developed the online real-time high-density phase mapping system (ExTRa Mapping™) by industrial alliance. The phase map moving images were based on 41 intra-atrial bipolar signals recorded by a 20-pole spiral-shaped catheter (2.5 cm in diameter) and on in silicorapid prediction of spatio-temporal atrial excitations (artificial intelligence system). Then we applied the ExTRa Mapping to clinical practice in order to directly visualize rotors in patients with Non-PAF, and investigated the middle- to long-term outcome of the ExTRa Mapping-guided rotor ablation (ExTRa-ABL).

Results

Thirty-eight patients (63±8 y/o, 30 males) with Non-PAF demonstrating refractoriness to PVI were enrolled in this study. Ablation for cavo-tricuspid isthmus and/or superior vena cava isolation was additionally performed at physicians' discretion. After these procedures, the ExTRa-ABL was performed in order to modify Non-PAF substrates, causing rotor control. The modification of the rotors was evaluated by re-mapping with the use of the ExTRa Mapping at the end of each ablation session. Patients were followed at 1, 3, 6 months and every year after the procedure. All of them were followed for 21±8 months. During the follow-up period, Non-PAF was recurred in only 8 of 38 (21%). Furthermore, we found if PVI-refractory Non-PAF duration was shorter than 6 years, the non-recurrence rate remained ≥80% (see Figure), which was markedly better outcome comparing with previous reports with regard to Non-PAF ablation.

Figure 1

Conclusion

Comparing with conventional Non-PAF ablation strategies, our novel approach with the use of the online real-time high-density phase mapping system might improve medium- to long-term outcome of PVI-refractory Non-PAF treatment.

4968Increased Gao expression underlies cardiac dysfunction and lethal arrhythmias accompanied with abnormal Ca2+ handling

Background

We previously demonstrated that a transcriptional repressor, neuron restrictive silencer factor (NRSF), maintains normal cardiac function and electrical stability. Transgenic mice expressing a dominant-negative mutant of NRSF in their hearts (dnNRSF-Tg) exhibit systolic dysfunction with cardiac dilation and premature death due to lethal arrhythmias like human dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Underlining mechanisms remain to be elucidated, however.

Purpose

We studied underling mechanisms by which NRSF maintains normal cardiac function to identify novel therapeutic targets for heart failure.

Methods and results

We generated cardiac-specific NRSF knockout mice (NRSFcKO) and confirmed that cardiac phenotypes of NRSFcKO are similar to those of dnNRSF-Tg.

cDNA microarray analysis revealed that cardiac gene expression of GNAO1 that encodes Gαo, a member of inhibitory G protein Gαi family, is increased in both dnNRSF-Tg and NRSFcKO ventricles.

We confirmed that GNAO1 is a direct target of NRSF through ChIP-seq analysis, reporter assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay.

In dnNRSF-Tg, pharmacological inhibition of Gαo with pertussis toxin improved systolic dysfunction and knockdown of Gαo by crossing with GNAO1 knockout mice improved not only systolic function but also frequency of ventricular arrhythmias and survival rates.

Electrophysiological and biochemical analysis in ventricular myocytes obtained from dnNRSF-Tg demonstrated that genetic reduction of Gαo ameliorated abnormalities in Ca2+ handling, which include increased current density in surface sarcolemmal L-type Ca2+ channel, reduced content of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ and lowered peak of Ca2+ transient. Furthermore, genetic reduction of Gαo attenuated increased phosphorylation levels of CAMKII in dnNRSF-Tg ventricles, which presumably underlies the improvement in Ca2+ handling. In addition, we identified increased Gαo expression in ventricles of heart failure model mice induced by transverse aortic constriction and cardiac troponin T mutant DCM model mice, in both of which, genetic reduction of Gαo ameliorated cardiac dysfunction.

Figure 1

Conclusions

We found that increased expression of Gαo, induced by attenuation of NRSF-mediated repression, plays a crucial role in the progression of cardiac dysfunction and lethal arrhythmias by evoking Ca2+ handling abnormality. These data demonstrate that Gαo is a potential therapeutic target for heart failure.

P862Hypoxemia during sleep in patients with vasospastic angina

Background

Previous studies have shown the associations between sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and vasospastic angina (VSA). However the characteristics of SDB related to VSA have been unknown.

Purpose

We investigate the characteristics of SDB in VSA patients, with focus on the role of nocturnal hypoxemia, which may trigger nocturnal ischemic attacks, typical attacks occurred during sleep in early morning.

Methods

We studied 33 patients who were diagnosed with VSA, based on diagnostic algorithm in the Japanese Circulation Society guidelines 2013 for VSA. All patients underwent polysomnography. Twenty one patients with moderate-severe SDB [apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of at least 15/hour] diagnosed with polysomnography, but without cardiovascular diseases, were served as controls.

Results

Only 3 patients with VSA were free of SDB (AHI less than 5/hour). Moderate to severe SDB was found in 25 of 33 patients with VSA. These 25 patients were further studied. Daytime sleepiness assessed by the Epworth sleepiness scale, was lower in SDB patients with VSA than those without it (4.8±4.2 vs. 8.9±4.0; p=0.02). There were no differences in AHI between SDB patients with and without VSA (41.2±17.2/hour vs. 39.9±14.4/hour), but hypoxemic burden (time with oxygen saturation <90%) was higher in those with VSA than those without it [(median 20.7minitutes, interquartile range 6.4–48.0minitues) vs. median 5.9minitutes, interquartile range 3.9–11.0minitues); p=0.01]. In VSA patients, 39% of hypoxemia was observed in rapid eye movement (REM) periods of sleep, which accounts for only 18% of total sleep.

Conclusions

A high prevalence of moderate-severe SDB was found in VSA patient, although the symptoms were mild. Hypoxemia is a characteristic of SDB associated with VSA, which may be a target for therapeutic intervention in addition to drug therapy.

128Change in geriatric nutritional risk index predicts one-year mortality in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Background

Malnutrition is associated with adverse prognosis in heart failure patients. However, in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), the effects of change in nutritional status during hospitalization on prognosis is unknown. Geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) is a widely used objective index for evaluating nutritional status. Low GNRI (<92) has moderate or severe nutritional risk and high GNRI (≥92) has no or low nutritional risk.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of change in GNRI during hospitalization on one-year mortality and the association between the value of GNRI and one-year mortality in patients with HFpEF.

Methods

We prospectively registered patients with HFpEF in PURSUIT-HFpEF registry when they were hospitalized for heart failure in 29 hospitals. Preserved ejection fraction was defined as more than 50% of left ventricular ejection fraction. Of the 486 patients who registered PURSUIT-HFpEF, 228 cases with one-year follow-up data were examined. GNRI was calculated as follows: 14.89 × serum albumin (g/dl) + 41.7 × body mass index/22.

Results

Mean age was 81±10 years and 100 patients (44%) were male. During a median [interquartile range] follow-up period of 374 [342, 400] days, 28 patients (12%) died. Mortality was significantly higher in patients with low GNRI at admission (n=65) than those with high GNRI at admission (n=163) (26% vs. 9%, log-rank P=0.011) and higher in patients with low GNRI at discharge (n=109) than those with high GNRI at discharge (n=119) (22% vs. 6%, log-rank P=0.002). Multivariate analysis with Cox proportional hazard model with patient characteristics at admission revealed that low GNRI at admission was independently associated with mortality (hazard ratio: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93–0.99, P=0.035) and that with patient characteristics at discharge revealed that low GNRI at discharge was independently associated with mortality (hazard ratio: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.91–0.97, P<0.001). We also compared mortality by dividing patients into 4 group according to whether GNRI was high or low at the time of admission and discharge. Patients with low GNRI at admission and at discharge (n=59) exhibited the highest mortality, on the other hand, patients with high GNRI at admission and low GNRI at discharge (n=50) exhibited higher mortality than those with high GNRI both at admission and at discharge (n=113) (Low and low: 28% vs. High and low: 14% vs. High and high: 6% vs. Low and high: 0%, log-rank P=0.010).

All cause mortality

Conclusion

GNRI at admission or at discharge was independently associated with one-year mortality in patients with HFpEF. Moreover, worsening GNRI during hospitalization is associated with the worse prognosis. It is important to prevent lowering GNRI during treatment of acute decompensated HFpEF.

Acknowledgement/Funding

Roche Diagnostics, FUJIFILM Toyama Chemical

Roles of PI3K/AKT/GSK3 Pathway Involved in Psychiatric Illnesses

Psychiatric illnesses may be qualified to the cellular impairments of the function for survival or death in neurons, which may consequently appear as abnormalities in the neuroplasticity. The molecular mechanism has not been well understood, however, it seems that PI3K, AKT, GSK3, and their downstream molecules have crucial roles in the pathogenesis. Through transducing cell surviving signal, the PI3K/AKT/GSK3 pathway may organize an intracellular central network for the action of the synaptic neuroplasticity. In addition, the pathways may also regulate cell proliferation, cell migration, and apoptosis. Several lines of evidence have supported a role for this signaling network underlying the development and treatment for psychiatric illnesses. Indeed, the discovery of molecular biochemical phenotypes would represent a breakthrough in the research for effective treatment. In this review, we summarize advances on the involvement of the PI3K/AKT/GSK3 pathways in cell signaling of neuronal cells. This study may provide novel insights on the mechanism of mental disorder involved in psychiatric illnesses and would open future opportunity for contributions suggesting new targets for diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures.

Minimally invasive spinal decompression for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis and stenosis maintains stability and may avoid the need for fusion

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of microendoscopic laminotomy in patients with lumbar stenosis and concurrent degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS), and to determine the effect of this procedure on spinal stability.

Patients and Methods

A total of 304 consecutive patients with single-level lumbar DS with concomitant stenosis underwent microendoscopic laminotomy without fusion between January 2004 and December 2010. Patients were divided into two groups, those with and without advanced DS based on the degree of spondylolisthesis and dynamic instability. A total of 242 patients met the inclusion criteria. There were 101 men and 141 women. Their mean age was 68.1 years (46 to 85). Outcome was assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association and Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire scores, a visual analogue score for pain and the Short Form Health-36 score. The radiographic outcome was assessed by measuring the slip and the disc height. The clinical and radiographic parameters were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 4.6 years (3 to 7.5).

Results

There were no significant differences in the preoperative measurements between the group and no significant differences between the clinical parameters at the final follow-up. The mean percentage slip was 17.1% preoperatively and 17.7% at the final follow-up (p = 0.35). Progressive instability was noted in 13 patients (8.2%) with DS and 6 patients (7.0%) with advanced DS, respectively (p = 0.81). There was radiological evidence of restabilization of the spine in 30 patients (35%) with preoperative instability. The success rate of microendoscopic laminotomy was good/excellent in 166 (69%), fair in 49 (20%) and poor in 27 patients (11%) in both groups.

Conclusion

Microendoscopic laminotomy is an effective form of surgical treatment for patients with DS and stenosis. Preservation of the stabilizing structures using this technique prevents postoperative instability. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:499-506.

Implications of PI3K/AKT/PTEN Signaling on Superoxide Dismutases Expression and in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative sickness, where the speed of personal disease progression differs prominently due to genetic and environmental factors such as life style. Alzheimer’s disease is described by the construction of neuronal plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of phosphorylated tau protein. Mitochondrial dysfunction may be a noticeable feature of Alzheimer’s disease and increased production of reactive oxygen species has long been described. Superoxide dismutases (SODs) protect from excess reactive oxygen species to form less reactive hydrogen peroxide. It is suggested that SODs can play a protective role in neurodegeneration. In addition, PI3K/AKT pathway has been shown to play a critical role on the neuroprotection and inhibiting apoptosis via the enhancing expression of the SODs. This pathway appears to be crucial in Alzheimer’s disease because it is related to the tau protein hyper-phosphorylation. Dietary supplementation of several ordinary compounds may provide a novel therapeutic approach to brain disorders by modulating the function of the PI3K/AKT pathway. Understanding these systems may offer a better efficacy of new therapeutic approaches. In this review, we summarize recent progresses on the involvement of the SODs and PI3K/AKT pathway in neuroprotective signaling against Alzheimer’s disease.