Sex differences in factors associated with poor subjective sleep quality in athletes

BACKGROUND

Sleep is an important recovery period for athletes. In general, women are not satisfied with their sleep quality, which is also true for female soccer players, although the reasons remain to be elucidated. This study aimed to confirm sex difference in sleep quality among athletes from various fields of sport, and to investigate factors related to poor subjective sleep quality in male and female athletes.

METHODS

We collected data concerning subjective sleep quality, measured by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), from athletes who were 16 to 40 years of age and played various types of sports. Data concerning their sports, lifestyle, and sleep issues and sleep environments, and also menstrual issues for females, were collected.

RESULTS

Data from 207 male athletes and 215 female athletes were assessed. Among them, 31.4% of men and 48.8% of women had poor subjective sleep quality (i.e., PSQI≥6). In male athletes, witnessed apnea, episodes of disorientation or confusion during the time of sleep, long time gap between dinner and bedtime, and turning on the heating in the winter, were identified as factors associated with poor sleep quality by multivariate analysis, whereas in female athletes, bathing close to bedtime, habitual drinking, and being annoyed by noises at bedtime were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

In both populations, females had poorer subjective sleep quality than males. Sex differences exist in factors associated with poor subjective sleep quality. Thus, different approaches should be considered to improve their sleep quality.

Abstract 106: The Association Between Overnight Rostral Fluid Shift and Sleep Disordered Breathing in Patients With Treatment Resistant Hypertension

Background: Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is an important modifiable risk factor of treatment resistant hypertension (TRH). Overnight rostral fluid shift from lower extremities is associated with the severity of SDB in patients prone to fluid accumulation (e.g. TRH, heart failure, and end-stage renal disease). However, the association between overnight rostral fluid shift and SDB in Japanese patients with TRH remains unclear.

Methods: All patients with TRH underwent polysomnography. Neck circumference (NC) and leg fluid volume (LFV) were measured by tape measure and bioelectrical impedance just before sleep and after waking up. Correlation between apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), overnight change of LFV (ΔLFV), and overnight change of NC (ΔNC) were assessed by regression analysis.

Results: Total 11 patients were examined (7 men [63%], Age: 62.6±13.4 years, body mass index: 28.1±4.2 kg/m 2 ). Mean AHI, ΔLFV, and ΔNC were 30.5±24.1/h. -267.5±156.1 ml, and 0.4±0.5 cm, respectively. ΔLFV correlated significantly with ΔNC (r=-0.63; P=0.04). Besides, both ΔLFV and ΔNC were significantly associated AHI respectively (ΔLFV, r=-0.92; P<0.01, ΔNC, r=0.67; P=0.02). In the stepwise regression analysis including estimated glomerular filtration rate, B-type natriuretic peptide along with ΔNC and ΔLFV, onlyΔLFV was the significant independent correlate with AHI,

Conclusion: In Japanese patients with TRH, overnight rostral fluid shift contributes to the worsening of SDB, in association with the increase in NC.

Relationship between Hypoalbuminemia on Admission and Long-term Mortality in Patients with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

Objective Although several studies have reported the relationship between hypoalbuminemia and the clinical outcome, it remains disputable in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). We therefore investigated the relationship between hypoalbuminemia on admission and long-term mortality in hospitalized patients following ADHF. Methods We examined a cohort of 751 consecutive patients who were admitted to the cardiac intensive-care unit between 2007 and 2011 with a diagnosis of ADHF. These patients were divided into 2 groups according to the presence or absence of hypoalbuminemia on admission, which was defined as a serum albumin ≤3.4 g/dL. A propensity score (PS) was calculated to evaluate the effects of variables related to the presence or absence of hypoalbuminemia. The association between hypoalbuminemia and mortality was assessed using two Cox regression models-namely, conventional adjustment and matching patients with and without hypoalbuminemia using the PS. Results Among the pre-match patients (n=551), 311 (56%) were classified as exhibiting hypoalbuminemia on admission. There were 152 deaths (27.5%), and the median follow-up was 1.9 years. The presence of hypoalbuminemia on admission tended to be associated with increased mortality in the unadjusted model [hazard ratio (HR) 1.32, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.95-1.84; p=0.098] but not in the conventional adjusted model (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.64-1.52; p=0.938). Even in post-match patients, no association between hypoalbuminemia and mortality was observed (HR 1.09, 95% CI 0.68-1.76; p=0.722). Conclusion Hypoalbuminemia on admission was not associated with long-term mortality in patients with ADHF, even if PS matching was used.

Association between C-reactive protein levels at hospital admission and long-term mortality in patients with acute decompensated heart failure

The C-reactive protein (CRP) levels obtained at hospital admission are associated with the prognosis of several cardiovascular diseases, including acute coronary syndrome. Although the admission CRP level is associated with in-hospital mortality in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), there are limited data on the association between the admission CRP level and long-term mortality in patients with ADHF. This study included consecutive ADHF patients admitted to our institution from 2007 to 2011. Eligible patients were divided into four groups based on quartiles of admission CRP levels. The association between the admission CRP level and long-term mortality was assessed by multivariable Cox proportional analysis, including other independent variables with p values < 0.1 in the univariable analyses. Overall, 527 eligible patients were examined. There were 142 deaths (27%) during a median follow-up period of 2.0 years. In the multivariable analysis, the hazard ratio (HR) significantly increased with admission CRP levels in a dose-dependent manner for mortality (p for trend = 0.034). Multivariable analysis also showed a significant association between the admission CRP level, when treated as a natural logarithm-transformed continuous variable, and increased mortality (HR 1.16, p = 0.030). In patients with ADHF, the admission CRP level was associated with an increased risk of long-term mortality.

Prevalence and Significance of Restless Legs Syndrome in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease

Restless legs syndrome (RLS), characterized by leg restlessness and dysesthesia predominantly at night and at rest, disrupts sleep and quality of life. The reported prevalence of RLS is 2% to 5%. Although a relation between RLS and coronary artery disease has been suggested, the prevalence and clinical significance of RLS in coronary artery disease patients remain unknown. We enrolled coronary artery disease patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients with RLS were identified according to international criteria. Subjective sleepiness, sleep quality, and health-related quality of life were assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Short Form-8, respectively. Among 326 patients with coronary artery disease, 26 (8.0%) had RLS. There were no significant differences in characteristics between patients with and without RLS. Sleep quality and quality of life were more disrupted in patients with RLS (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score, 7.4 ± 2.4 vs 5.6 ± 2.5, p <0.001; physical component summary and mental component summary scores of Short Form-8, 39.6 ± 1.8 vs 43.5 ± 0.5, p = 0.042 and 45.2 ± 8.4 vs 48.4 ± 7.4, p = 0.037, respectively), despite no significant difference in Epworth Sleepiness Scale score (8.2 ± 5.1 vs 7.1 ± 4.8, p = 0.293). In multiple linear regression analyses, RLS was independently associated with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (β = 0.174, p <0.001), physical component summary (β = -0.127, p = 0.029), and mental component summary (β = -0.113, p = 0.042) scores. In conclusion, in patients with coronary artery disease, the prevalence of RLS was relatively high compared to that reported in the general population. The presence of RLS was associated with disrupted sleep quality and health-related quality of life in coronary artery disease patients.

Effects of suvorexant on sleep apnea in patients with heart failure: A protocol of crossover pilot trial

BACKGROUND

Suvorexant, an orexin receptor antagonist, is known as a safe and effective sleep medication. Many patients with heart failure (HF) have sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) and are short sleepers, and it is unknown whether suvorexant is effective in HF patients and can improve insomnia safely. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of suvorexant on SDB in patients with HF.

METHODS

The Heart Failure with Insomnia and Suvorexant trial of Juntendo University Hospital and Juntendo Shizuoka Hospital (J-FLAVOR trial) is a multicenter trial with a randomized double crossover design. We will enroll a total of 30 HF patients treated in the Juntendo University Hospital and Juntendo Shizuoka Hospital. Eligible patients will undergo portable sleep monitoring twice with or without oral administration of suvorexant in a randomly assigned order. Before the study night, patients in the suvorexant first group will receive suvorexant for 4 consecutive days. There are at least 3 wash-out days between the study nights with and without suvorexant. Primary outcome measures of the non-inferiority trial of suvorexant include the apnea-hypopnea index and the severity of SDB, and the results will be compared between the study nights with and without suvorexant.

CONCLUSION

The present study can determine whether suvorexant can be used in HF patients without affecting their SDB. This is a pilot study to primarily assess whether suvorexant affects the severity of SDB in patients with HF. Therefore, further study is warranted to investigate whether suvorexant alters short- and long-term clinical outcomes by providing longer and better sleep in patients with HF.

Relationship Between Serum Sodium Level Within the Low-Normal Range on Admission and Long-Term Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

Although hyponatremia during hospitalization for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is reportedly related with poor prognosis, the available data regarding the impact of serum sodium level within the low-normal range at admission on clinical events in patients with ADHF is limited.We studied eligible patients admitted to our institution in 2007-2011. All the patients were categorized into 3 groups according to the admission serum sodium levels of < 135 mmol/L (hyponatremia), ≥ 135 and < 140 mmol/L (low-normal range), or ≥ 140 mmol/L (normal range). The association between admission serum sodium levels and long-term clinical events, a composite of all-cause deaths and re-hospitalizations for ADHF, was assessed by multivariable Cox proportional analysis.Of the 584 eligible patients, 208 (35.6%) were in the low-normal range and 99 (16.9%) had hyponatremia on admission. On multivariable analysis, compared with those with a sodium level ≥ 140 mmol/L, patients with hyponatremia were at increased risk for clinical events (hazard ratio [HR], 1.53; P = 0.041), whereas the HR of those in the low-normal range was attenuated and insignificant (HR, 1.08; P = 0.625). However, the HR of each category increased significantly as sodium level decreased (P value for HR trend, 0.024). In addition, when serum sodium level was treated as a continuous variable, the lower the serum sodium level, the greater the risk of clinical events (P = 0.012). The cut-off value of serum sodium level to predict mortality was < 138 mmol/L.In conclusion, a low serum sodium level on admission for ADHF, even if low-normal, can increase the risk of long-term mortality and/or re-hospitalization for ADHF.

Randomized controlled trial of an oral appliance (SomnoDent) for sleep-disordered breathing and cardiac function in patients with heart failure

In patients with heart failure (HF), sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a common comorbidity and a risk factor for poor clinical outcomes. SDB can be ameliorated by continuous positive airway pressure; however, inadequate adherence remains a major cause of treatment failure. On the other hand, the efficacy of oral appliance (OA) has been proved in orthodontics and otolaryngology, although the efficacy of OA in patients with HF remains to be elucidated. This trial aims to determine the efficacy of OA for SDB in patients with HF. Patients with HF undergoing optimal medical therapy who were diagnosed as having SDB (apnea-hypopnea index [AHI] ≥ 10 and percentage of central AHI per total AHI ≤ 70%) by using polysomnography (PSG) will be enrolled in the present study. Either patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] ≤ 50%) or HF with preserved ejection fraction (history of hospitalization because of acute decompensated HF) or plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) level ≥ 100 pg/mL will be included. Each patient will be randomly assigned into active OA or sham OA. PSG, laboratory, and echocardiographic data will be obtained after 3 months of intervention. The main outcome measures are AHI, plasma BNP, and E/e' determined with echocardiography. Furthermore, overnight urinary catecholamine, 6-min walk distance, Epworth sleepiness scale, and health-related quality of life will be assessed simultaneously. This trial started on April 1, 2017, and the projected end date is March 31, 2019. This study was registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN000025731).

Influence of sleep-disordered breathing assessed by pulse oximetry on long-term clinical outcomes in patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) has been recognized as an important risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). However, SDB was not fully examined, because sleep studies are limited. Nocturnal pulse oximetry has been suggested to be a useful tool for evaluating SDB. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of SDB assessed by nocturnal pulse oximetry on clinical outcomes in patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study, wherein SDB was assessed by finger pulse oximetry in patients who underwent PCI from January 2014 to December 2016. SDB was defined as 4% oxygen desaturation index of 5 and higher. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular event (MACCE), defined as a composite of all-cause mortality, acute coronary syndrome, and/or stroke.

RESULTS

Of 539 patients, 296 (54.9%) had SDB. MACCE occurred in 32 patients (5.8%) during a median follow-up of 1.9 years. The cumulative incidence of MACCE was significantly higher in patients with SDB (P = 0.0134). In the stepwise multivariable Cox proportional model, the presence of SDB was a significant predictor of MACCE (hazard ratio 2.26; 95% confidence interval 1.05-5.4, P = 0.036).

CONCLUSIONS

SDB determined by nocturnal pulse oximetry was associated with worse clinical outcomes in patients who underwent PCI. Screening for SDB with nocturnal pulse oximetry was considered to be important for risk stratification in patients with CAD.

Prevalence and Clinical Correlates of Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Patients Hospitalized With Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

Limited data are available regarding the presence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) assessed using polysomnography in patients hospitalized with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction after acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). We investigated the prevalence and clinical correlates of SDB in patients hospitalized with ADHF and LV systolic dysfunction.

METHODS

Prospectively collected data from 105 consecutive patients with an LV ejection fraction < 50% who were hospitalized with ADHF from May 2012 to July 2014 were retrospectively assessed. Polysomnography was performed during the initial hospitalization after the initial improvement in ADHF acute signs and symptoms. The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), including obstructive or central AHI, was computed as a severity of obstructive or central sleep apnea. Echocardiography and blood sampling for various parameters, such as B-type natriuretic peptide level, were performed systematically.

RESULTS

The proportions of patients with an AHI ≥ 5 events per hour and those with an AHI ≥ 15 events per hour were 93% and 69%, respectively, and central sleep apnea was predominant (66% and 44%, respectively). In the multivariate analysis, only body mass index (BMI) was independently correlated with AHI, whereas age, BMI, and E/e' level were independently correlated with obstructive AHI. In addition, use of loop diuretics and E/e' level were independently correlated with central AHI.

CONCLUSIONS

SDB determined using polysomnography was common in hospitalized patients with ADHF and LV systolic dysfunction. Age, BMI, and E/e' levels were significantly correlated with obstructive sleep apnea severity, whereas E/e' levels and use of loop diuretics were significantly correlated with central sleep apnea severity.

Application of the Self- Assembling Peptide P11-4 for Prevention of Acidic Erosion

The aim of this study was to use ultrasonography to evaluate the effect of the self-assembling peptide P11-4 on acid erosion prevention. Curodont Repair (CR), which includes peptide P11-4, was used. Rectangular prisms of bovine enamel (4×1×1 mm) were immersed in pure orange juice for a period of 5 minutes six times per day for 28 days. These samples were divided into four groups of six specimens each and treated differently for an additional period of 28 days: 1) baseline group specimens were stored in artificial saliva; 2) CR group specimens were exposed to curodont without acid challenge; 3) NCRA (no curodont+acid challenge) specimens were treated with orange juice without curodont exposure; and 4) CRA (CR+acid challenge) specimens were treated with curodont before treatment with orange juice. The propagation time of longitudinal ultrasonic velocity (UV) was measured. Ultrastructural observation of each tested enamel surface was carried out using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The UV data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance with time and treatment as confounding factors. Post hoc pairwise tests among groups were performed using the Tukey honestly significant difference test. The average UV in intact bovine enamel for the baseline group ranged from 4,483 to 4,549 m/s and did not vary significantly within the test period. The average ultrasonic velocity (UV) in all samples decreased after the initial erosion. The UV in NCRA decreased further over time. Increased UVs were found for CR and CRA. For CR and CRA, there was no significant difference in UV at the end of the experiment from the initial value before erosion. In the results of SEM observation, the CR and CRA groups had similar morphologic features in that etching patterns were not clearly due to precipitation between the enamel rods. From the results of this in vitro study, it might be concluded that applying enamel matrix derivatives and self-assembling peptides on erosive lesions can improve remineralization.

Acute Effects of Positive Airway Pressure on Functional Mitral Regurgitation in Patients with Systolic Heart Failure

Background: Acute effects of positive airway pressure (PAP) [including continuous PAP (CPAP) and adaptive servo-ventilation, an advanced form of bi-level PAP] on functional mitral regurgitation (fMR) in patients with heart failure (HF) with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction remain unclear. Thus, whether PAP therapy reduces fMR in such patients with HF was investigated. Methods and Results: Twenty patients with HF and LV systolic dysfunction defined as LV ejection fraction (LVEF) <50% (14 men; mean LVEF, 35.0 ± 11.5%) with fMR underwent echocardiography during 10-min CPAP (4 and 8 cm H₂O) and adaptive servo-ventilation. For fMR assessment, MR jet area fraction, defined as the ratio of MR jet on color Doppler to the left atrial area, was measured. The forward stroke volume (SV) index (fSVI) was calculated from the time-velocity integral, cross-sectional area of the aortic annulus, and body surface area. fMR significantly reduced on CPAP at 8 cm H₂O (0.30 ± 0.12) and adaptive servo-ventilation (0.29 ± 0.12), compared with the baseline phase (0.37 ± 0.12) and CPAP at 4 cm H₂O (0.34 ± 0.12) (P < 0.001). The fSVI did not change in any of the PAP sessions (P = 0.888). However, significant differences in fSVI responses to PAP were found between sexes (P for interaction, 0.006), with a significant reduction in fSVI in women (P = 0.041) and between patients with baseline fSVI ≥ and < the median value (27.8 ml/m², P for interaction, 0.018), with a significant fSVI reduction in patients with high baseline fSVI (P = 0.028). In addition, significant differences were found in fSVI responses to PAP between patients with LV end-systolic volume (LVESV) index ≥ and < the median value (62.0 ml/m², P for interaction, 0.034), with a significant fSVI increase in patients with a high LVESV index (P = 0.023). Conclusion: In patients with HF, LV systolic dysfunction, and fMR, PAP can alleviate fMR without any overall changes in forward SV. However, MR alleviation due to PAP might be associated with a decrease in forward SV in women with high baseline SV, whereas MR alleviation due to PAP might be accompanied by increased forward SV in patients with a dilated LV.

Low 1,5-anhydroglucitol levels are associated with long-term cardiac mortality in acute coronary syndrome patients with hemoglobin A1c levels less than 7.0

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus is considered an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. High hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, which indicate poor glycemic control, have been associated with occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. There are few parameters which can predict cardiovascular risk in patients with well-controlled diabetes. Low 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) levels are considered a clinical marker of postprandial hyperglycemia. We hypothesized that low 1,5-AG levels could predict long-term mortality in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with relatively low HbA1c levels.

METHODS

The present study followed a retrospective observational study design. We enrolled 388 consecutive patients with ACS admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit at the Juntendo University Hospital from January 2011 to December 2013. Levels of 1,5-AG were measured immediately before emergency coronary angiography. Patients with early stent thrombosis, no significant coronary artery stenosis, malignancy, liver cirrhosis, a history of gastrectomy, current steroid treatment, moderately to severely reduced kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate < 45 ml/min/1.73 m2; chronic kidney disease stage 3B, 4, and 5), HbA1c levels ≥ 7.0%, and those who received sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor therapy were excluded.

RESULTS

During the 46.9-month mean follow-up period, nine patients (4.5%) died of cardiovascular disease. The 1,5-AG level was significantly lower in the cardiac death group compared with that in the survivor group (12.3 ± 5.3 vs. 19.2 ± 7.7 µg/ml, p < 0.01). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that low 1,5-AG levels were associated with cardiac mortality (p = 0.02). Multivariable Cox regression analysis showed that 1,5-AG levels were an independent predictor of cardiac mortality (hazard ratio 0.76; 95% confidence interval 0.41-0.98; p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Low 1,5-AG levels, which indicate postprandial hyperglycemia, predict long-term cardiac mortality even in ACS patients with HbA1c levels < 7.0%.

Polymerization Behavior and Mechanical Properties of High-Viscosity Bulk Fill and Low Shrinkage Resin Composites

The present study determined the mechanical properties and volumetric polymerization shrinkage of different categories of resin composite. Three high viscosity bulk fill resin composites were tested: Tetric EvoCeram Bulk Fill (TB, Ivoclar Vivadent), Filtek Bulk Fill posterior restorative (FB, 3M ESPE), and Sonic Fill (SF, Kerr Corp). Two low-shrinkage resin composites, Kalore (KL, GC Corp) and Filtek LS Posterior (LS, 3M ESPE), were used. Three conventional resin composites, Herculite Ultra (HU, Kerr Corp), Estelite ∑ Quick (EQ, Tokuyama Dental), and Filtek Supreme Ultra (SU, 3M ESPE), were used as comparison materials. Following ISO Specification 4049, six specimens for each resin composite were used to determine flexural strength, elastic modulus, and resilience. Volumetric polymerization shrinkage was determined using a water-filled dilatometer. Data were evaluated using analysis of variance followed by Tukey's honestly significant difference test (α=0.05). The flexural strength of the resin composites ranged from 115.4 to 148.1 MPa, the elastic modulus ranged from 5.6 to 13.4 GPa, and the resilience ranged from 0.70 to 1.0 MJ/m3. There were significant differences in flexural properties between the materials but no clear outliers. Volumetric changes as a function of time over a duration of 180 seconds depended on the type of resin composite. However, for all the resin composites, apart from LS, volumetric shrinkage began soon after the start of light irradiation, and a rapid decrease in volume during light irradiation followed by a slower decrease was observed. The low shrinkage resin composites KL and LS showed significantly lower volumetric shrinkage than the other tested materials at the measuring point of 180 seconds. In contrast, the three bulk fill resin composites showed higher volumetric change than the other resin composites. The findings from this study provide clinicians with valuable information regarding the mechanical properties and polymerization kinetics of these categories of current resin composite.

Abstract P346: Diurnal Variation of Serum Uric Acid Levels and Corresponding Variations of Oxidative Stress Makers in Patients With Hypertension and Stable Coronary Artery Disease

Background: Hyperuricemia has been known as a risk factor of hypertension, stroke and coronary artery disease (CAD). Uric acid (UA) itself has antioxidative activity, but it is also reported that UA can also stimulate oxidative stress. In healthy subjects, it has been shown that UA has diurnal variation; elevate in the early morning. However, it is unclear whether such diurnal variation is observed and whether corresponding diurnal variation of oxidative stress can also be observed even in patients with CAD. Therefore, we investigated presence of diurnal variation of serum levels of UA, oxidative stress makers in patients with hypertension and CAD.

Method: We measured serum levels of UA, NOx, and urinary levels of 8-OHdG, serum at 6 p.m., 6 a.m., 12 p.m. in 26 men with CAD. We excluded patients who was taking drugs which can affect UA levels.

Result: Overall 20 patients were enrolled. Serum UA levels were 5.67±0.99 mg/dl at 6 p.m., 5.86±0.99 mg/dl at 6 a.m., and 5.73±0.99 mg/dl at 12 p.m., indicating obvious diurnal variation (P=0.0004). Serum UA levels increased significantly from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. (P=0.002) and decreased significantly from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. (P=0.002). Urinary level of 8-OHdG were 13.96±4.95 ng/mlCr at 6 p.m., 19.47±9.20 ng/mlCr at 6 a.m., and 16.19±5.52 ng/mlCr at 12 p.m., indicting corresponding diurnal variation to the serum UA level (P=0.013). Similarly, urinary levels of 8-OHdG increased significantly from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. (P=0.008) and tend to decrease from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. (P=0.57). Serum NOx levels were 13.19±6.60μM at 6 p.m., 12.11±6.02μM at 6 a.m. and 15.08±6.61μM at 12 p.m. and showed reciprocal diurnal variation to the serum UA and urinary 8-OHdG levels (p=0.0028).

Discussion: Serum UA levels showed diurnal variation even in patients with hypertension and CAD. Considering the fact that oxidative stress makers showed corresponding diurnal variations, diurnal variation of serum UA level may play a role in the pathogenesis of CAD.

Decreased circulating dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid levels are associated with total mortality in patients with acute cardiovascular disease and acute decompensated heart failure

BACKGROUND

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have important roles in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. However, the clinical significance of omega-6 PUFAs in acute cardiovascular disease remains unknown.

METHODS

We enrolled 417 consecutive patients with acute cardiovascular disease admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit at Juntendo University Hospital between April 2012 and October 2013. We investigated the association between serum PUFA levels and long-term mortality. Blood samples were collected after an overnight fast, within 24 h of admission. We excluded patients who received eicosapentaenoic acid therapy and those with malignancy, end-stage kidney disease, chronic hepatic disease, and connective tissue disease.

RESULTS

Overall, 306 patients (mean age: 66.4 ± 15.0 years) were analysed. During the follow-up period of 2.4 ± 1.2 years, 50 patients (16.3%) died. The dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA) levels, arachidonic acid (AA) levels, and DGLA/AA ratio were significantly lower in the nonsurvivor group than in the survivor group (DGLA: 23.2 ± 9.8 vs. 31.5 ± 12.0 μg/ml, AA: 151.1 ± 41.6 vs. 173.3 ± 51.6 μg/ml, and DGLA/AA: 0.16 ± 0.05 vs. 0.19 ± 0.06, all p < 0.01). Kaplan-Meier curves showed that survival rates were significantly higher in the higher DGLA, AA, and DGLA/AA groups than in their lower counterparts (DGLA and AA; p < 0.01, DGLA/AA; p = 0.01), although omega-3 PUFAs were not associated with prognosis. Furthermore, in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), survival rates were significantly higher in the higher DGLA, AA, and DGLA/AA groups than in their lower counterparts (DGLA and AA; p < 0.01, DGLA/AA; p = 0.04). However, among patients with acute coronary syndrome, none of the PUFA levels were associated with prognosis. Among patients with ADHF, after controlling for confounding variables, DGLA and DGLA/AA were associated with long-term mortality [DGLA: hazard ratio (HR), 0.94; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.88-0.99; p = 0.01 and DGLA/AA: HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.77-0.97; p < 0.01], whereas AA was not associated with prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Low omega-6 PUFA levels, particularly DGLA, and a low DGLA/AA ratio predict long-term mortality in patients with acute cardiovascular disease and ADHF.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

UMIN-CTR; UMIN000007555 .