Effects of genetically proxied lipid-lowering drugs on acute myocardial infarction: a drug-target mendelian randomization study

OBJECTIVE

High low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol has been associated with an increased risk of coronary artery diseases (CAD) including acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, whether lipids lowering drug treatment is causally associated with decreased risk of AMI remains largely unknown. We used Mendelian randomization (MR) to evaluate the influence of genetic variation affecting the function of lipid-lowering drug targets on AMI.

METHODS

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with lipids as instruments were extracted from the Global Lipids Genetics Consortium (GLGC). The genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for AMI were obtained from UK Biobank. Two sample MR analysis was used to study the associations between high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides (TG) with AMI (n = 3,927). Genetic variants associated with LDL cholesterol at or near drug target gene were used to mimic drug effects on the AMI events in drug target MR.

RESULTS

Genetically predicted higher LDL-C (per one SD increase in LDL-C of 38.67 mg/dL, OR 1.006, 95% CI 1.004-1.007) and TG (per one SD increase in TG of 90.72 mg/dL, 1.004, 1.002-1.006) was associated with increased risk of AMI, but decreased risk for higher HDL-C (per one SD increase in HDL-C of 15.51 mg/dL, 0.997, 0.995-0.999) in univariable MR. Association remained significant for LDL-C, but attenuated toward the null for HDL-C and TG in multivariable MR. Genetically proxied lower LDL-C with genetic variants at or near the PCSK9 region (drug target of evolocumab) and NPC1L1 (drug target of ezetimibe) were associated with decreased risk of AMI (0.997, 0.994-0.999 and 0.986, 0.975-0.998, respectively), whereas genetic variants at HMGCR region (drug target of statin) showed marginal association with AMI (0.995, 0.990-1.000). After excluding drug target-related SNPs, LDL-C related SNPs outside the drug target region remained a causal effect on AMI (0.994, 0.993-0.996).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that genetically predicted LDL-C may play a predominant role in the development of AMI. The drug MR results imply that ezetimibe and evolocumab may decrease the risk of AMI due to their LDL-C lowering effect, and there are other non-drug related lipid lowering pathways that may be causally linked to AMI.

Predictive value of triglyceride glucose index combined with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio for major adverse cardiac events after PCI for acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is a severe cardiovascular disease that poses a significant threat to the life and health of patients. This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of triglyceride glucose index (TyG) combined with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for in-hospital cardiac adverse event (MACE) after PCI in STEMI patients. From October 2019 to June 2023, 398 STEMI patients underwent emergency PCI in the Second People's Hospital of Hefei. Stepwise regression backward method and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to screen the independent risk factors of MACE in STEMI patients. To construct the prediction model of in-hospital MACE after PCI in STEMI patients: Grace score model is the old model (model A); TyG combined with NLR model (model B); Grace score combined with TyG and NLR model is the new model (model C). We assessed the clinical usefulness of the predictive model by comparing Integrated Discrimination Improvement (IDI), Net Reclassification Index (NRI), Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve (ROC), and Decision Curve Analysis (DCA). Stepwise regression and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that TyG and NLR were independent risk factors for in-hospital MACE after PCI in STEMI patients. The constructed Model C was compared to Model A. Results showed NRI 0.5973; NRI + 0.3036, NRI - 0.2937, IDI 0.3583. These results show that the newly developed model C predicts the results better than model A, indicating that the model is more accurate. The ROC analysis results showed that the AUC of Model A for predicting MACE in STEMI was 0.749. Model B predicted MACE in STEMI with an AUC of 0.685. Model C predicted MACE in STEMI with an AUC of 0.839. For DCA, Model C has a better net return between threshold probability 0.1 and 0.78, which is better than Model A and Model B. In this study, by combining TyG, NLR, and Grace score, it was shown that TyG combined with NLR could reasonably predict the occurrence of MACE after PCI in STEMI patients and the clinical utility of the prediction model.

Effectiveness of 1-year pemafibrate treatment on steatotic liver disease: the influence of alcohol consumption

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Pemafibrate is a selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α modulator that improves serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in dyslipidemia patients. We previously reported that pemafibrate significantly improves liver function, serum triglyceride (TG) levels and liver stiffness in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients, however the influence of alcohol consumption was not considered. Therefore, we explored pemafibrate efficacy in patients with steatotic liver disease (SLD) and alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD).

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated pemafibrate efficacy on liver enzymes and lipids in metabolic dysfunction-associated SLD (MASLD) (n = 93), MASLD plus increased alcohol intake (MetALD; n = 23) and ALD (n = 22) patients who had taken pemafibrate for at least 48 weeks. Liver shear wave velocity (SWV, n = 75) was also evaluated.

RESULTS

In MASLD group, ALT, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GTP) and TG values were significantly decreased from baseline to week 24 and week 48 ( P  < 0.0001). ALT and TG values in MetALD group and ALT and AST values in ALD group were also significantly decreased from baseline to week 24 and week 48. Study participant SWV values decreased from baseline to week 48. We observed no significant difference in changes to ALT, AST, γ-GTP and TG (value at week 24 or week 48 minus value at baseline) among the three groups.

CONCLUSION

Pemafibrate improves liver function and liver stiffness thus making it a promising therapeutic agent for SLD, even in patients with excess alcohol consumption (MetALD and ALD groups).

Effect of Nutritional Supplementation on Illness Outcome in Adolescents with HIV on HAART: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of macronutrient and micronutrient supplementation on body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin (Hb), CD4 count, triglyceride levels, and morbidity among adolescents with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) living in India.

METHODS

A prospective, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 80 adolescents (10-19 y) with HIV on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for a minimum of 6 mo using simple randomization. Participants in the intervention arm received 400 kcal and 15 g protein as a powder daily and multivitamin tablets thrice weekly for 3 mo. Those in the placebo arm received a similar-appearing sachet containing 100 kcal and 2 g protein daily and a placebo tablet thrice weekly. Weight, height, BMI, Hb, CD4 count, triglycerides, and number of intercurrent illnesses were measured at 3 and 6 mo.

RESULTS

At 6 mo, the intervention group showed an increase in weight from 36.4 ± 10.9 kg to 39.7 ± 8.5 kg and a significant increase in BMI from 16.6 ± 2.3 kg/m2 to 17.5 ± 2.3 kg/m2. Increase in CD4 count in the placebo arm was more than that in the intervention arm, but the difference between the arms was not statistically significant. Intervention group showed a pronounced rise in Hb from 9.7 ± 2.3 g/dL to 11.4 ± 1.6 g/dL, significant reduction in triglyceride levels from 99.2 ± 92.7 mg/dL to 81.0 ± 12.8 mg/dL and reduction in intercurrent illnesses from 32.5% to none.

CONCLUSIONS

Nutritional supplementation of adolescents with HIV on HAART improves BMI, hemoglobin, and reduces triglyceride levels and intercurrent illnesses.

Validity of the Triglyceride-Glucose Indices for Predicting the Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients With Nondiabetic Chronic Coronary Syndrome

BACKGROUND

The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index was shown to be an independent predictor of coronary artery disease (CAD) progression and prognosis. However, whether the TyG index can predict the severity of CAD in nondiabetic patients with chronic coronary syndrome remains unclear.

METHODS

A total of 118 individuals who underwent elective coronary angiography were classified into group A (59 with coronary lesions) and group B (59 with normal coronary arteries; as a control group) after coronary angiography and laboratory tests for fasting and the postprandial (PP) TyG index. The complexity of CAD was determined by the Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (SYNTAX) score (SYNTAX score >22 indicated moderate-high risk), and patients diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes were excluded.

RESULTS

The TyG index was not related to the SYNTAX score in groups A and B; however, in the CAD group with an low-density lipoprotein (LDL) concentration <70 mg/dL (group A1), a fasting TyG index ≥8.25 and a PP TyG index ≥11 could predict moderate-high SYNTAX risk score; in addition, the odds ratio (OR) was 4.3× higher and the relative risk (RR) was 1.8× greater (OR = 4.3, RR = 1.8, 95% confidence interval = 1.4-13.5, P < 0.05) for individuals with a higher fasting TyG index ≥8.25 to have a moderate-high SYNTAX risk score. Individuals with a higher PP TyG index ≥11 had OR of 2.6× higher and a RR of 1.4× greater to have moderate-high SYNTAX risk score.

CONCLUSIONS

Both fasting and PP TyG levels were associated with greater coronary anatomical complexity (SYNTAX score >22) in nondiabetic chronic coronary patients with LDL <70 mg/dL. Fasting and the PP TyG indices can serve as noninvasive predictors of CAD complexity in nondiabetic patients with LDL <70 mg/dL and could change the management and therapeutic approaches.

Triglycerides: A Sensitizer but Not a Trigger for Hypertriglyceridemic Acute Pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

The incidence of hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis (HTG-AP) is increasing. Although the guideline defines the diagnostic criteria as triglyceride (TG) greater than 11.3 mmol/L, there is actually no specific threshold. Many people with hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) or obvious chyloid blood do not develop acute pancreatitis (AP).

AIMS

To explore the role of HTG in the pathogenesis of AP.

METHODS

Thirty-six male SD rats were randomly assigned into normal control, AP, HTG, HTG-AP, low-dose fenofibrate and high-dose fenofibrate groups. Serum indices and cytokine levels in serum, and pathological changes in pancreatic tissues were observed. The expression levels of TLR4 and NF-κBp65 in pancreatic tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot.

RESULTS

In normal rats, HTG alone did not induce AP. However, after establishing the HTG-AP model with Poloxam 407 and L-arginine, serum-free fatty acid and TG levels were positively correlated with the levels of lipase, amylase, IL-1β, IL-6, pancreatic inflammation scores, and the expressions of TLR4 and NF-κBp65 (all P < 0.001). Expressions of TLR4 and NF-κBp65 were significantly increased in the pancreatic tissues of HTG-AP rats. Fenofibrate effectively decreased TG levels in HTG-AP rats and reduced the expression of TLR4 and NF-κBp65 (all P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

HTG does not directly cause AP, but rather increases the susceptibility to AP or aggravates the inflammatory response. It is more like a sensitizer of inflammation rather than an activator.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of serum lipid concentrations in people with Down syndrome

BACKGROUND

Down syndrome (DS) is the most prevalent chromosomal disorder, being the leading cause of intellectual disability. The increased life expectancy of individuals with DS has led to a shift in the incidence of non-communicable chronic diseases, resulting in new concerns, particularly cardiovascular disease (CVD) and Alzheimer's disease. This study aimed to analyse the blood lipid profile of a large DS cohort to establish a baseline for evaluating health risk parameters.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed and Virtual Health Library databases to identify original articles published before July 2022. Selected studies were included in the meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies reporting serum lipid levels in individuals with DS were incorporated into the analysis. The meta-analysis used the means and standard deviations extracted from the selected studies. The analysis encompassed 671 participants in the DS group and 898 euploid controls. The results indicated significant differences in total cholesterol [C] (mean difference [MD]: -3.34; CI: 95%: -4.94 to -1.73; P < 0.0001), HDL-C (MD: -3.39; CI: 95%: -6.72 to -0.06; P = 0.05) and triglycerides (MD: 21.48; CI: 95%: 9.32 to 33.65; P = 0.0005) levels between individuals with DS and their control counterparts.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with DS have less favourable blood lipid concentrations than their controls, particularly HDL-C, triglycerides, and total-C, even when grouped by age. These findings underscore the importance of closer monitoring of lipid profiles in people with DS and the necessity for specific cut-offs for this population, considering the risk for ischemic heart and Alzheimer's diseases.

Relationship of device measured physical activity type and posture with cardiometabolic health markers: pooled dose-response associations from the Prospective Physical Activity, Sitting and Sleep Consortium

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this study was to examine the dose-response associations of device-measured physical activity types and postures (sitting and standing time) with cardiometabolic health.

METHODS

We conducted an individual participant harmonised meta-analysis of 12,095 adults (mean ± SD age 54.5±9.6 years; female participants 54.8%) from six cohorts with thigh-worn accelerometry data from the Prospective Physical Activity, Sitting and Sleep (ProPASS) Consortium. Associations of daily walking, stair climbing, running, standing and sitting time with a composite cardiometabolic health score (based on standardised z scores) and individual cardiometabolic markers (BMI, waist circumference, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, HbA1c and total cholesterol) were examined cross-sectionally using generalised linear modelling and cubic splines.

RESULTS

We observed more favourable composite cardiometabolic health (i.e. z score <0) with approximately 64 min/day walking (z score [95% CI] -0.14 [-0.25, -0.02]) and 5 min/day stair climbing (-0.14 [-0.24, -0.03]). We observed an equivalent magnitude of association at 2.6 h/day standing. Any amount of running was associated with better composite cardiometabolic health. We did not observe an upper limit to the magnitude of the dose-response associations for any activity type or standing. There was an inverse dose-response association between sitting time and composite cardiometabolic health that became markedly less favourable when daily durations exceeded 12.1 h/day. Associations for sitting time were no longer significant after excluding participants with prevalent CVD or medication use. The dose-response pattern was generally consistent between activity and posture types and individual cardiometabolic health markers.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

In this first activity type-specific analysis of device-based physical activity, ~64 min/day of walking and ~5.0 min/day of stair climbing were associated with a favourable cardiometabolic risk profile. The deleterious associations of sitting time were fully attenuated after exclusion of participants with prevalent CVD and medication use. Our findings on cardiometabolic health and durations of different activities of daily living and posture may guide future interventions involving lifestyle modification.

Association between cardiometabolic index and erectile dysfunction among US adults: a cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2004

The aim of this study was to assess the association between a new metabolic index, the cardiometabolic index (CMI) and erectile dysfunction (ED). The data for this study relied on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a cross-sectional database, between 2001 and 2004. The CMI was calculated as the following formula: Triglyceride (TG) (mmol/L)/ High density lipid-cholesterol (HDL-C) (mmol/L) ×waist-height ratio (WHtR). The multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between CMI and ED, supplemented by subgroup analysis and dose-response curves. Finally, a total of 1367 adult male participants were identified, and the mean CMI was 0.83 ± 0.02. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that in model 2 controlling for all potential confounders, CMI was significantly associated with ED (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.04) (p = 0.017). Subsequently, we convert the CMI from a continuous variable to a categorical variable (Tertiles). The results showed that male participants in CMI Tertile 3 group had a higher risk of ED than those in Tertile 1 group in model 2 (OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.12, 3.83, P = 0.024). The subgroup analysis of model 2 demonstrated that CMI was significantly associate with ED in participants aged ≥50 y (OR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.35, 3.95, P = 0.005), body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2 (OR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.10, 2.90, P = 0.023), with hypertension (OR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.63, 3.45, P = 0.020), with diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.13, 2.47, P = 0.015), with cardiovascular disease (CVD) (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.12, 2.10, P = 0.011) and smoking (OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.26, 3.39, P = 0.007). This study demonstrates a strong association between CMI and ED and an increased risk of ED with higher CMI levels. More prospective studies with large samples and good designs are needed to validate our results in the future.

Cumulative remnant cholesterol burden increases the risk of cardiovascular disease among young adults

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that remnant cholesterol (RC) was associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) among middle-aged or older adults. However, lack of evidence on long-term exposures to RC and their role in CVD risk among young adults. We thus aimed to explore the association between cumulative RC burden and CVD in young adults.

METHODS

We enrolled participants younger than 45 years free of CVD history in the Kailuan Study who completed the first three health examinations from 2006 to 2010. Cumulative RC burden included cumulative RC burden score, time-weighted cumulative RC, exposure duration of high RC, and time course of RC accumulation. The outcome was the incidence of CVD. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between cumulative RC burden and CVD risk.

RESULTS

A total of 15,219 participants were included (73.70% male, median age 39.13 years). During a median follow-up duration of 8.71 years (interquartile range: 8.4-9.15 years), 502 individuals developed CVD. After adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, highest risk of CVD was observed in participants with the highest cumulative RC burden score (HR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.29-2.12), the highest quartile time-weighted cumulative RC (HR,1.50; 95% CI, 1.15-1.96), the longest exposure duration of high RC (HR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.21-2.42), and those with cumulative RC burden and positive slope (HR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.35-2.36).

CONCLUSIONS

Cumulative RC burden increased the risk of CVD among young adults, suggesting that maintaining low RC levels throughout young adulthood may minimize CVD risk.

KEY LEARNING POINTS

Ameliorative effect of bofutsushosan (Fangfengtongshengsan) extract on the progression of aging-induced obesity

This study aimed to compare fat accumulation in young and aged mice raised on a high-fat diet and to characterize the obesity-reducing effects of a Kampo medicine, bofutsushosan (BTS; fangfengtongshengsan in Chinese). Aged mice fed a high-fat diet containing 2% BTS extract for 28 days exhibited a significant reduction in weight gain and accumulation of visceral and subcutaneous fat, which were greater degree of reduction than those of the young mice. When the treatment period was extended to two months, the serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels and the accumulation of fat droplets in the hepatocytes decreased. The mRNA expression of mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in the brown adipose tissue was significantly reduced in the aged mice compared to the young mice but increased by 2% in the BTS-treated aged mice. Additionally, the effect of BTS extract on oleic acid-albumin-induced triglyceride accumulation in hepatoblastoma-derived HepG2 cells was significantly inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner. Evaluation of the single crude drug extracts revealed that Forsythia Fruit, Schizonepeta Spike, and Rhubarb were the active components in BTS extract. These results suggest that BTS extract is effective against visceral, subcutaneous, and ectopic fats in the liver, which tend to accumulate with aging. Thus, BTS extract is useful in preventing and ameliorating the development of obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Effects of Nigella sativa supplementation on lipid profiles in adults: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Several experiments have suggested that Nigella sativa (N. sativa) supplementation may have a beneficial effect on the lipid profile. However, the results from these trials have been inconclusive. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the impact of N. sativa supplementation on the lipid profile of adult participants.

METHODS

We searched Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases until December 2022. Random effects models were used, and pooled data were determined as standardized mean differences with a 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS

The findings of 34 studies with 2278 participants revealed that N. sativa supplementation significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC) (SMD: -1.78; 95% CI: -2.20, -1.37, p < 0.001), triglycerides (TG) (SMD: -1.2725; 95% CI: -1.67, -0.83, p < 0.001), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (SMD: -2.45; 95% CI: -3.06, -1.85; p < 0.001) compared to control groups. However, a significant increase was found in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (SMD: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.38, 1.20, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

N. sativa has improved effects on TG, LDL-C, TC, and HDL-C levels. Overall, N. sativa may be suggested as an adjuvant anti-hyperlipidemic agent.

ANGPTL3 and ApoC-III inhibitors for treating hypertriglyceridemia in context: horses for courses?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is an independent and casual risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). There is an unmet need for more effective treatments for patients with HTG. Angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) and apolipoprotein C-III (apoC-III) are key regulators of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein (TRL) metabolism. We review recent clinical trials targeting ANGPTL3 and apoC-III with monoclonal antibody and nucleic acid therapies, including antisense oligonucleotides and small interfering RNA.

RECENT FINDINGS

ANGPTL3 and apoC-III inhibitors are effective in lowering plasma triglycerides and TRLs, with possibly greater efficacy with the inhibition of apoC-III. By contrast to ANGPTL3 inhibition that has the advantage of greater lowering of plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and apoB levels, apoC-III inhibition only has a modest or no effect in lowering plasma LDL-cholesterol and apoB concentrations. Therapeutic inhibition of ANGPTL3 and apoC-III can correct HTG possibly by reducing production and increasing catabolism of TRL particles, but this remains to be formally investigated in patients with HTG.

SUMMARY

Novel agents targeting ANGPTL3 and apoC-III can correct HTG and potentially lower risk of ASCVD in patients with HTG. The long-term safety and cost-effectiveness of these agents await confirmation in ongoing and future studies.

Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum supplementation on glucose and lipid metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus and prediabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Lactobacillus plantarum has been shown to improve glucose and lipid metabolism in mouse models of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, it remains unclear whether such benefits extend to humans. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to clarify the effect of L. plantarum supplementation on glucose and lipid metabolism in T2DM and prediabetes. The PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases were searched. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled mean difference with 95% CI (confidence interval). L. plantarum supplementation reduced the levels of fasting plasma glucose (-0.41, 95%CI -0.63, -0.19 mg/dL; n = 5) and hemoglobin A1c (-0.2, 95%CI: -0.3, 0%; n = 4). A non-statistically significant tendency towards improvements in the Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (MD: -0.74, 95%CI: -1.72, 0.25; n = 3), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-6.87; 95%CI: -15.03, 1.29 mg/dL; n = 3), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD: 1.34; 95%CI: -0.78, 3.46 mg/dL; n = 3), triglyceride (MD: -3.90; 95%CI: -11.05, 3.24 mg/dL; n = 3), and total cholesterol (MD: -4.88; 95%CI: -11.84, 2.07 mg/dL; n = 3) was observed with the supplementation. In summary, while the evidence from the currently available RCTs provides a crude indication that L. plantarum supplementation might improve glucose and lipid metabolism in patients with T2DM and prediabetes, the benefits of the supplementation are likely subtle, and its clinical significance requires further investigation.

Impact of pemafibrate on lipid profile and insulin resistance in hypertriglyceridemic patients with coronary artery disease and metabolic syndrome

This study examined the effects of pemafibrate, a selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α agonist, on the serum biochemical parameters of male patients with coronary artery disease and metabolic syndrome (MetS). This was a post hoc analysis of a randomized, crossover study that treated hypertriglyceridemia with pemafibrate or bezafibrate for 24 weeks, followed by a crossover of another 24 weeks. Of the 60 patients enrolled in the study, 55 were male. Forty-one of 55 male patients were found to have MetS. In this sub-analysis, male patients with MetS (MetS group, n = 41) and those without MetS (non-MetS group, n = 14) were compared. The primary endpoint was a change in fasting serum triglyceride (TG) levels during pemafibrate therapy, and the secondary endpoints were changes in insulin resistance-related markers and liver function parameters. Serum TG levels significantly decreased (MetS group, from 266.6 to 148.0 mg/dL, p < 0.001; non-MetS group, from 203.9 to 97.6 mg/dL, p < 0.001); however, a percent change (%Change) was not significantly different between the groups (- 44.1% vs. - 51.6%, p = 0.084). Serum insulin levels and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance significantly decreased in the MetS group but not in the non-MetS group. %Change in liver enzyme levels was markedly decreased in the MetS group compared with that in the non-MetS group (alanine aminotransferase, - 25.1% vs. - 11.3%, p = 0.027; gamma-glutamyl transferase, - 45.8% vs. - 36.2%, p = 0.020). In conclusion, pemafibrate can effectively decrease TG levels in patients with MetS, and it may be a more efficient drug for improving insulin resistance and liver function in such patients.

Probabilistic Scatter Plots for visualizing carbohydrate and lipid metabolism states in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by dysregulated carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, which are its primary features. However, traditional biochemical markers pose challenges for accurate quantification and visualization of metabolic states. This study introduces a novel states-based approach for accurate NAFLD assessment.

METHODS

Joint probabilistic distributions of triglycerides and glycemia were constructed using dual-indicator Probabilistic Scatter Plots based on clinical data (healthy controls: n = 1978; NAFLD patients: n = 471). Patterns of metabolic dysregulation were revealed through comparison against healthy profiles. Self-organizing feature mapping (SOFM) clustered the distributions into four dominant states.

RESULTS

Healthy scatter plots demonstrated a distinct progression of sub-states ranging from very healthy to sub-healthy. In contrast, NAFLD plots exhibited shifted probability centers and outward divergence. SOFM clustering classified the states into: mild; moderate and severe lipid metabolism disorders; and carbohydrate metabolism disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

Probabilistic Scatter Plots, when combined with SOFM clustering, facilitate a states-based quantification of NAFLD metabolic dysregulation. This method integrates multi-dimensional biochemical indicators and their distributions into a cohesive framework, enabling precise and intuitive visualization for personalized diagnosis and monitoring of prognostic developments.

A novel mouse model of familial combined hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis

Within the context of residual cardiovascular risk in post-statin era, emerging evidence from epidemiologic and human genetic studies have demonstrated that triglyceride (TG)-rich lipoproteins and their remnants are causally related to cardiovascular risk. While, carriers of loss-of-function mutations of ApoC3 have low TG levels and are protected from cardiovascular disease (CVD). Of translational significance, siRNAs/antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) targeting ApoC3 is beneficial for patients with atherosclerotic CVD. Therefore, animal models of atherosclerosis with both hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia are important for the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies targeting TG-lowering on top of traditional cholesterol-lowering. In this study, we constructed a novel mouse model of familial combined hyperlipidemia through inserting a human ApoC3 transgene (hApoC3-Tg) into C57BL/6 J mice and injecting a gain-of-function variant of adeno-associated virus-proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (AAV-PCSK9)-D377Y concurrently with high cholesterol diet (HCD) feeding for 16 weeks. In the last 10 weeks, hApoC3-Tg mice were orally treated with a combination of atorvastatin (10 mg·kg-1·d-1) and fenofibrate (100 mg·kg-1·d-1). HCD-treated hApoC3-Tg mice demonstrated elevated levels of serum TG, total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C). Oral administration of atorvastatin and fenofibrate significantly decreased the plaque sizes of en face aorta, aortic sinus and innominate artery accompanied by improved lipid profile and distribution. In summary, this novel mouse model is of considerable clinical relevance for evaluation of anti-atherosclerotic drugs by targeting both hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia.

Dietary chlorogenic acid alleviates high-fat diet-induced steatotic liver disease by regulating metabolites and gut microbiota

The high-fat diet would lead to excessive fat storage in the liver to form metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and the trend is burgeoning. The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA) on metabolites and gut microorganisms in MASLD mice induced by a high-fat diet. In comparison to the HF group, the TC (total cholesterol), TG (total triglycerides), LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine transaminase) levels were reduced after CGA supplement. CGA led to an increase in l-phenylalanine, l-tryptophan levels, and promoted fatty acid degradation. CGA increased the abundance of the Muribaculaceae, Bacteroides and Parabacteroides. Changes in these microbes were significantly associated with the liver metabolites level and lipid profile level. These data suggest important roles for CGA regulating the gut microbiota, liver and caecum content metabolites, and TG-, TC- and LDL-C lowering function.

The Prognostic Value of the Triglyceride-Glucose Index in Forecasting Ten-Year Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Non-Diabetic Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the association between the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) over a ten-year period in non-diabetic patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

We included 375 consecutive non-diabetic patients presenting with acute MI who underwent primary PCI. The TyG index was calculated and patients were divided based on a cut-off value of ≥ 8.84 into high and low TyG index groups. The incidence of MACE, including all-cause mortality, target vessel revascularization, reinfarction, and rehospitalization for heart failure, was assessed over 10 years.

RESULTS

Over the next 10 years, patients who underwent PCI for acute MI experienced a significantly higher incidence of MACE in the group with a high TyG index (≥ 8.84) (P = 0.004). Multivariable analysis revealed that the TyG index independently predicted MACE in these patients [odds ratio = 1.64; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.22-2.21; P = 0.002]. Analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curve indicated that the TyG index effectively predicted MACE in patients with acute MI following PCI, with an area under the curve of 0.562 (95% CI: 0.503-0.621; P = 0.038).

CONCLUSION

This study established a correlation between high TyG index levels and an elevated risk of MACE in non-diabetic patients with acute MI. The findings suggest that the TyG index could be a reliable indicator of clinical outcomes for non-diabetic acute MI patients undergoing PCI.

Triglyceride-glucose index's link to cardiovascular outcomes post-percutaneous coronary intervention in China: a meta-analysis

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) addresses myocardial ischaemia, but a significant subset of patients encounter major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) post-treatment. This meta-analysis investigated the relationship between the post-PCI triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and MACE. Comprehensive searches of the Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were conducted up to 3 March 2023, using relevant keywords. The effect size was determined based on I2 statistic using random-effects models. Cluster-robust standard errors crafted the dose-response curve, and the GRADE Evaluation Scale was employed to rate the quality of evidence. The group with the highest TyG index had significantly higher post-PCI MACE rates than the lowest index group, with hazard ratios (HRs) of 2.04 (95% CI 1.65-2.52; I2 = 77%). Each unit increase in TyG index corresponded to HRs of 1.82 for MACE (95% CI 1.34-2.46; I2 = 92%), 2.57 for non-fatal MI (95% CI 1.49-4.41; I2 = 63%), and 2.06 for revascularization (95% CI 1.23-3.50; I2 = 90%). A linear relationship between TyG index and MACE risk was established (R2 = 0.6114). For all-cause mortality, the HR was 1.93 (95% CI 1.35-2.75; I2 = 50%), indicating a higher mortality risk with elevated TyG index. The GRADE assessment yielded high certainty for non-fatal MI but low certainty for all-cause mortality, revascularization, and MACE. The TyG index may predict risks of post-PCI MACE, all-cause mortality, non-fatal MI, and revascularization, with varied levels of certainty. A potential linear association between the TyG index and MACE post-PCI was identified. Future research should validate these findings.

Daily spiritual experiences and allostatic load trajectories: a longitudinal study of midlife African American women

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the association between daily spiritual experiences and allostatic load (AL) trajectories in midlife African American women.

METHODS

A longitudinal analysis of public-use data from 727 African American women in the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation (SWAN) was performed. We included African American women who completed the Daily Spiritual Experiences Scale at SWAN visit 4 (2000-2001) and had AL data at three or more study visits over 7 years. AL was calculated at each visit using 10 biomarkers: systolic and diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, C-reactive protein, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, waist-to-hip ratio, fasting serum glucose, triglycerides, and dehydroepiandrosterone. Group-based trajectory modeling identified women with similar patterns of AL. We used multinomial logistic regression to estimate associations between daily spiritual experiences (some days or less, most days, daily, many times a day) and AL trajectories.

FINDINGS

Our sample had a mean ± SD age of 49.9 ± 2.66 years, 47% were early perimenopausal, and 17% earned <$19,999 annually. The mean ± SD AL score was 2.52 ± 1.68. Three AL trajectories were identified: low (35.1%), moderate (44.7%), and high (20.2%). In age-adjusted models, women who reported daily comfort in religion and spirituality were less likely to follow a high AL trajectory (odds ratio, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.18-0.93); the association was attenuated when controlling for depressive symptoms (odds ratio, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.19-1.21).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from this study do not support an independent association between spirituality in African American women and AL trajectories in midlife. Studies with a larger sample and additional measures of spirituality are warranted in this population.

TyG index is positively associated with HOMA-IR in cholelithiasis patients with insulin resistance: Based on a retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Cholelithiasis is a common disease but pose significant global health and financial burdens. Mechanisms of the disease are associated with insulin resistance (IR), obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance is commonly observed in cholelithiasis patients. More recently, the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index has been proposed as an alternative marker of insulin resistance. In our study we aimed to understand whether the TyG index is correlated with HOMA-IR in cholelithiasis patients. And also we aimed the predict a cutoff value for determining insulin resistance in cholelithiasis patients.

METHODS

A total of 184 cholelithiasis patients were matched in terms of age, gender, and BMI. They were divided into two groups based on their Homa IR levels (IR and Non-IR group). This study was a retrospective, observational study and clinical data was obtained from electronic medical records. Cutoff value for Tyg index was established through ROC Analysis. Binary Logistic Regression was used to identify factors affecting insulin resistance.

RESULTS

A significant cutoff value was found for the TyG index in determining the presence of insulin resistance. Having a TyG index of ≥8.71 indicates the presence of insulin resistance. The sensitivity was 68.48%, the specificity was 58.70%. Binary Logistic Regression analyses showed that an increase in Tyg Index, waist circumference and waist-to-height ratio values increases the risk of insulin resistance by 2.705 (p = 0.001), 1.032 (p = 0.029), and 334.057 (p = 0.012) times respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicated that TyG index is positively correlated with HOMA-IR. TyG index was found as a risk factor for insulin resistance.

Plasma triglyceride is associated with the recurrence of atrial fibrillation after radiofrequency catheter ablation: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to explore the association between triglycerides (TGs) and the risk of atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Included were adult patients with AF who underwent radiofrequency catheter ablation in the Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. The enrolled patients were divided into the AF recurrence group and the sinus rhythm (SR) maintenance group. The univariate Cox regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival curve were performed estimate the association between TG and the risk of AF recurrence. Of the 402 patients, 79 (19.7%) experienced recurrence of AF after ablation. The TG level was significantly higher in the AF recurrence group than in the SR-maintaining group. Patients were grouped by quartile of TG levels, with Quartile 1 and Quartile 2 defined as the low concentration group, Quartile 3 as the moderate concentration group, and Quartile 4 as the high concentration group. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the moderate concentration group (p = .02, hazard ratio [HR]: 2.331, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.141-4.762) and high concentration group (p = .007, HR: 2.873, 95% CI: 1.332-6.199) were associated with an increased risk of AF recurrence compared with the low concentration group. The median follow-up was 1.17 years, it is indicated that a higher risk of recurrent AF was observed in the moderate concentration and high concentration group (log-rank: χ2 = 7.540, p = .023).

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that an elevated TG level measured before catheter ablation is associated with an increased risk of AF recurrence.