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Wang M, Qin L, Bao W, Xu Z, Han L, Yan F, Yang W. Epicardial and pericoronary adipose tissue and coronary plaque burden in patients with Cushing's syndrome: a propensity score-matched study. J Endocrinol Invest 2024; 47:1995-2005. [PMID: 38308163 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02295-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess coronary inflammation by measuring the volume and density of the epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), perivascular fat attenuation index (FAI) and coronary plaque burden in patients with Cushing's syndrome (CS) based on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). METHODS This study included 29 patients with CS and 58 matched patients without CS who underwent CCTA. The EAT volume, EAT density, FAI and coronary plaque burden were measured. The high-risk plaque (HRP) was also evaluated. CS duration from diagnosis, 24-h urinary free cortisol (UFC), and abdominal visceral adipose tissue volume (VAT) of CS patients were recorded. RESULTS The CS group had higher EAT volume (146.9 [115.4, 184.2] vs. 119.6 [69.0, 147.1] mL, P = 0.006), lower EAT density (- 78.79 ± 5.89 vs. - 75.98 ± 6.03 HU, P = 0.042), lower FAI (- 84.0 ± 8.92 vs. - 79.40 ± 10.04 HU, P = 0.038), higher total plaque volume (88.81 [36.26, 522.5] vs. 44.45 [0, 198.16] mL, P = 0.010) and more HRP plaques (7.3% vs. 1.8%, P = 0.026) than the controls. The multivariate analysis suggested that CS itself (β [95% CI], 29.233 [10.436, 48.03], P = 0.014), CS duration (β [95% CI], 0.176 [0.185, 4.242], P = 0.033), and UFC (β [95% CI], 0.197 [1.803, 19.719], P = 0.019) were strongly associated with EAT volume but not EAT density, and EAT volume (β [95% CI] - 0.037[- 0.058, - 0.016], P = 0.001) not CS was strongly associated with EAT density. EAT volume, FAI and plaque burden increased (all P < 0.05) in 6 CS patients with follow-up CCTA. The EAT volume had a moderate correlation with abdominal VAT volume (r = 0.526, P = 0.008) in CS patients. CONCLUSIONS Patients with CS have higher EAT volume and coronary plaque burden but less inflammation as detected by EAT density and FAI. The EAT density is associated with EAT volume but not CS itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Wang
- Department of Radiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - L Qin
- Department of Radiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - W Bao
- Department of Radiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Z Xu
- Siemens Healthineers CT Collaboration, Shanghai, China
| | - L Han
- Department of Radiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - F Yan
- Department of Radiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - W Yang
- Department of Radiology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.197 Ruijin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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Zalewska E, Kmieć P, Sobolewski J, Koprowski A, Sworczak K. Low catestatin as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease - assessment in patients with adrenal incidentalomas. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1198911. [PMID: 37522122 PMCID: PMC10379641 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1198911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Catestatin (Cts) is a peptide derived from proteolytic cleavage of chromogranin A, which exhibits cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. Cts has been proposed as a potential biomarker for cardiovascular (CV) disease. Objectives examining Cts in patients with incidentally discovered adrenocortical adenomas (AI), and its associations with CV risk factors and blood pressure (BP). Materials and methods In this cross-sectional study, 64 AI patients without overt CV disease other than primary hypertension were recruited along with 24 age-, sex-, and body-mass-index (BMI)-matched controls with normal adrenal morphology. Laboratory, 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring, echocardiography, and common carotid artery sonography examinations were performed. Results Unadjusted Cts was higher in AI patients (median 6.5, interquartile range: 4.9-37 ng/ml) versus controls (4.5 (3.5 - 28)), p=0.048, however, the difference was insignificant after adjusting for confounding variables. Cts was lower in subjects with metabolic syndrome than in those without it (5.2 (3.9- 6.9) vs. 25.7 (5.8-115) ng/ml, p<0.01), and in men compared to women (4.9 (4-7.4) ng/ml vs. 7 (4.8-100), p=0.015). AI patients in the lower half of Cts levels compared to those in the upper had a higher prevalence of hypertension (OR 0.15, 95% CI: 0.041-0.5, p<0.001) and metabolic syndrome (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.041-0.5, p<0.001). In AI patients Cts correlated positively with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (Spearman's r=0.31), negatively with BMI (r=-0.31), and 10-year atherosclerotic CV disease risk (r=-0.42). Conclusions Our data indicate associations between CV risk factors and Cts. More clinical research is needed to apply serum Cts as a biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Zalewska
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Piotr Kmieć
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jakub Sobolewski
- First Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Andrzej Koprowski
- First Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Sworczak
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
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Possible, probable, and certain hypercortisolism: A continuum in the risk of comorbidity. ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2023; 84:272-284. [PMID: 36736771 DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2023.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Hypercortisolism may be considered as a continuum in terms of both hormonal and cardiometabolic abnormalities. It ranges from cases with "normal" hormonal profile and low to intermediate risk of comorbidity to florid cases with clear clinical and hormonal evidence of glucocorticoid excess and clearly increased cardiometabolic risk. Even in patients with nonfunctioning adrenal incidentaloma (NFAI), defined as adrenal incidentaloma with normal results on the currently available hormonal test for evaluation of hypercortisolism, cardiometabolic and mortality risk is higher than in the general population without adrenal lesions. Mild hypercortisolism or autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS) is a term used for patients with adrenal incidentaloma and pathological dexamethasone suppression test (DST) results, but without specific clinical signs of hypercortisolism. It is widely known that this condition is linked to higher prevalence of several cardiometabolic comorbidities, including diabetes, hypertension, osteoporosis and metabolic syndrome, than in patients with NFAI or without adrenal tumor. In case of overt Cushing's syndrome, cardiovascular risk is extremely high, and standard mortality ratio is high, cardiovascular disease being the leading cause of death. The present review summarizes the current evidence for a detrimental cardiometabolic profile in patients with possible (NFAI), probable (ACS) and certain hypercortisolism (overt Cushing's syndrome).
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Arshi B, Aliahmad HA, Ikram MA, Bos D, Kavousi M. Epicardial Fat Volume, Cardiac Function, and Incident Heart Failure: The Rotterdam Study. J Am Heart Assoc 2023; 12:e026197. [PMID: 36565186 PMCID: PMC9973597 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.122.026197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Larger epicardial fat volume (EFV) has been associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease and atrial fibrillation. Yet, evidence on the association of EFV with cardiac function and incident heart failure (HF) remains scarce. Methods and Results We included 2103 participants (mean age, 68 years; 54.4% women) from the prospective population-based RS (Rotterdam Study) with computed tomography-based EFV and repeated echocardiography-based assessment of left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function. Linear mixed effects and Cox-proportional hazard regression models, adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors, were used to assess the associations of EFV with repeated measurements of echocardiographic parameters and with incident HF. During a median follow-up of 9.7 years, 124 HF events occurred (incidence rate, 6.37 per 1000 person-years). For LV systolic function, 1-SD larger EFV was associated with 0.76 (95% CI, 0.54-0.98) mm larger LV end-diastolic dimension, 0.66 (95% CI, 0.47-0.85) mm larger LV end-systolic dimension, and 0.56% (95% CI, -0.86% to -0.27%) lower LV ejection fraction. Interactions between EFV and time were small. For LV diastolic function, 1-SD larger EFV was associated with 1.02 (95% CI, 0.78-1.27) mm larger left atrial diameter. Larger EFV was also associated with incident HF (hazard ratio per 1-SD increase in EFV, 1.34 [95% CI, 1.07-1.68] per 1-SD larger EFV). Conclusions We report an independent association between EFV with new-onset HF in the general population. EFV seems to exert its influence on HF through different pathways contributing to deteriorations in systolic function and larger left atrial size in part, likely through mechanical restraint and hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Banafsheh Arshi
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MCUniversity Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Hamid A. Aliahmad
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MCUniversity Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - M. Arfan Ikram
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MCUniversity Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Daniel Bos
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MCUniversity Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MCUniversity Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Maryam Kavousi
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MCUniversity Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
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Karatas S, Hacioglu Y, Beysel S. Metabolic syndrome and Visceral Adiposity Index in non-functional adrenal adenomas. ARCHIVES OF ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM 2022; 67:323-329. [PMID: 36468929 DOI: 10.20945/2359-3997000000547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Objective We aimed to identify metabolic dysfunction in non-functioning adrenal adenomas (NFAAs) and Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) predictability in the practical estimation of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in NFAAs. Subjects and methods 134 NFAA patients and 68 control subjects matched for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) were included in the study. After physical, biochemical, and endocrine evaluation, IDF and NCEP ATP III criteria were used to determine MetS. HOMA-IR and VAI were calculated for both study group subjects. Results MetS was significantly higher in the NFAA patients. The incidence of MetS by IDF and NCEP criteria was 52.9%,48.5% in the NFAI and 32.3%,30.8% in the control group (p < 0.01, p = 0.02). The risk of MetS was increased in NFAA (75.6 vs. 24.4%, p = 0.017, OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.06-1.68). Glucose, HOMA IR, hypertension, and VAI were significantly increased in NFAA patients. The risk of MetS was independently associated with high VAI (79.2 vs. 20.8%, p = 0.001, OR = 2.22; 95% CI = 1.70-2.91). Conclusion MetS, insulin resistance, and VAI are more prevalant in NFAA patients than in healthy individuals. VAI can be used with high specificity to estimate MetS in NFAA patients.
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Araujo-Castro M. Cardiometabolic profile and urinary metabolomic alterations in non-functioning adrenal incidentalomas: A review. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2022; 97:693-701. [PMID: 35451056 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence of adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) has increased over the last 20 years, most of which are apparently non-functioning adrenal adenomas. However, increased evidence supports the existence of an association between non-functioning adrenal incidentalomas (NFAI) and an unfavourable cardio-metabolic profile. METHODS This study offers a comprehensive review of the available evidence supporting a higher cardiometabolic risk in NFAIs compared to controls without adrenal tumours. Moreover, it summarises the studies focused on the differential urinary metabolomic profile of NFAI and controls without adrenal lesions. RESULTS This adverse metabolic profile of patients with NFAI includes a higher prevalence of insulin resistance, obesity, hypertension, hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, and cardiovascular alterations and mortality compared to healthy controls without adrenal tumours. Although the pathophysiology that explains the association between NFAI and the parameters of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk is a relatively unexplored field of study, some evidence supports that there are a series of incipient alterations in cortisol metabolism not detected with the classical tests that led to this detrimental profile. These alterations may be potentially detected by a comprehensive metabolomics approach. Several studies detected a shift towards an increase of urinary cortisol metabolites excretion in NFAIs compared to controls without adrenal tumours. CONCLUSION In view of the higher cardiometabolic risk in NFAI than in controls without adrenal tumours, and the detected alterations in metabolomics profile of NFAI, I propose that the term of NFAI should be changed for another term that best fits to its linked cardiometabolic profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Araujo-Castro
- Departments of Endocrinology & Nutrition, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal. Instituto de Investigación Biomédica Ramón y Cajal (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Unniversidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
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Cardiac Hypertrophy and Related Dysfunctions in Cushing Syndrome Patients-Literature Review. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11237035. [PMID: 36498610 PMCID: PMC9739690 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11237035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The survival rate of adrenal Cushing syndrome patients has been greatly increased because of the availability of appropriate surgical and pharmacological treatments. Nevertheless, increased possibility of a heart attack induced by a cardiovascular event remains a major risk factor for the survival of affected patients. In experimental studies, hypercortisolemia has been found to cause cardiomyocyte hypertrophy via glucocorticoid receptor activation, including the possibility of cross talk among several hypertrophy signals related to cardiomyocytes and tissue-dependent regulation of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1. However, the factors are more complex in clinical cases, as both geometric and functional impairments leading to heart failure have been revealed, and their associations with a wide range of factors such as hypertension are crucial. In addition, knowledge regarding such alterations in autonomous cortisol secretion, which has a high risk of leading to heart attack as well as overt Cushing syndrome, is quite limited. When considering the effects of treatment, partial improvement of structural alterations is expected, while functional disorders are controversial. Therefore, whether the normalization of excess cortisol attenuates the risk related to cardiac hypertrophy has yet to be fully elucidated.
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Czapla-Iskrzycka A, Świątkowska-Stodulska R, Sworczak K. Comorbidities in Mild Autonomous Cortisol Secretion - A Clinical Review of Literature. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2022; 130:567-576. [PMID: 35817047 DOI: 10.1055/a-1827-4113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Mild autonomous cortisol secretion (mACS) is a state of cortisol excess usually associated with existence of adrenal incidentaloma. Because of the lack of symptoms of the disease, the biochemical evaluation is the most important to determine a diagnosis. However, scientific societies have different diagnostic criteria for mACS, which makes the treatment of this disease and using results of original papers in daily practice more difficult. Chronic hypercortisolemic state, even if mild, may lead to diseases that are mostly connected with overt Cushing's syndrome. Some of them can cause a higher mortality of patients with mACS and those problems need to be addressed. In this review we describe the comorbidities associated with mACS: cardiovascular disorders, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, obesity, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, vertebral fractures and osteoporosis. The point of this paper is to characterise them and determine if and how these conditions should be managed. Two databases - PubMed and Web of Science were searched. Even though the evidence are scarce, this is an attempt to lead clinicians through the problems associated with this enigmatic condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Czapla-Iskrzycka
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Renata Świątkowska-Stodulska
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Sworczak
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
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Ceccato F, Barbot M, Scaroni C, Boscaro M. Frequently asked questions and answers (if any) in patients with adrenal incidentaloma. J Endocrinol Invest 2021; 44:2749-2763. [PMID: 34160793 PMCID: PMC8572215 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-021-01615-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) are incidentally discovered adrenal masses, during an imaging study undertaken for other reasons than the suspicion of adrenal disease. Their management is not a minor concern for patients and health-care related costs, since their increasing prevalence in the aging population. The exclusion of malignancy is the first question to attempt, then a careful evaluation of adrenal hormones is suggested. Surgery should be considered in case of overt secretion (primary aldosteronism, adrenal Cushing's Syndrome or pheochromocytoma), however the management of subclinical secretion is still a matter of debate. METHODS The aim of the present narrative review is to offer a practical guidance regarding the management of AI, by providing evidence-based answers to frequently asked questions. CONCLUSION The clinical experience is of utmost importance: a personalized diagnostic-therapeutic approach, based upon multidisciplinary discussion, is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Ceccato
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105-35128, Padova, Italy.
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy.
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | - M Barbot
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105-35128, Padova, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - C Scaroni
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105-35128, Padova, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - M Boscaro
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105-35128, Padova, Italy
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Athanasouli F, Georgiopoulos G, Asonitis N, Petychaki F, Savelli A, Panou E, Angelousi A. Nonfunctional adrenal adenomas and impaired glucose metabolism: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Endocrine 2021; 74:50-60. [PMID: 33963515 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-021-02741-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Evidence on nonfunctioning adrenal incidentaloma's (NFAI) associated comorbidities and in particular, glucose disorders, is unclear in contrast to adrenal tumors with mild autonomous cortisol secretion. The current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the burden of impaired glucose metabolism including diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and fasting blood insulin (FBI) levels in patients with NFAI and 1-mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test (ODST) ≤ 1.8 μg/dl across published studies. METHODS We searched PubMed, Cochrane, and Scopus databases for identifying studies published between 1956 and March 2021. Twenty-five studies met the selection criteria including prospective, retrospective, and case-control studies. Two reviewers independently extracted studies, participants' characteristics and outcome data in a total pooled sample of 1548 patients. RESULTS Patients with NFAI had twofold [(odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)): 2.03 (1.39-2.98)] increased odds to present T2DM as well as higher FBG [weighted mean difference (WMD) (95% CI): 3.85 (1.96-5.74)] and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) [WMD (95% CI): 0.68 (0.23-1.12)] with respect to controls. On the contrary, the WMD of FBI levels did not differ between the two groups. The incidence of T2DM in a subgroup analysis of patients with NFAI without glucose disorders at baseline was 6% [pooled incidence (95% CI): 0.06 (0.04-0.09)]. CONCLUSIONS Patients with NFAI and 1-mg ODST ≤ 1.8 μg/dl presented higher odds of T2DM and higher levels of FBG and HOMA index than healthy controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fani Athanasouli
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Unit of Endocrinology, Laiko Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Georgiopoulos
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital Campus, London, UK
| | - Nikos Asonitis
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Unit of Endocrinology, Laiko Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Fotini Petychaki
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Unit of Endocrinology, Laiko Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Akrivi Savelli
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Unit of Endocrinology, Laiko Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Panou
- First Department of Paediatrics, Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Angelousi
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Unit of Endocrinology, Laiko Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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Aresta C, Favero V, Morelli V, Giovanelli L, Parazzoli C, Falchetti A, Pugliese F, Gennari L, Vescini F, Salcuni A, Scillitani A, Persani L, Chiodini I. Cardiovascular complications of mild autonomous cortisol secretion. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 35:101494. [PMID: 33814301 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2021.101494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Adrenal incidentalomas (AI) may be associated with a mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) in up to one third of cases. There is growing evidence that MACS patients actually present increased risk of cardiovascular disease and higher mortality rate, driven by increased prevalence of known cardiovascular risk factors, as well as accelerated cardiovascular remodelling. Adrenalectomy seems to have cardiometabolic beneficial effects in MACS patients but their management is still a debated topic due to the lack of high-quality studies. Several studies suggested that so called "non-functioning" AI may be actually "functioning" with an associated increased cardiovascular risk. Although the individual cortisol sensitivity and peripheral activation have been recently suggested to play a role in influencing the cardiovascular risk even in apparently eucortisolemic patients, to date the degree of cortisol secretion, as mirrored by the cortisol levels after dexamethasone suppression test remains the best predictor of an increased cardiovascular risk in AI patients. However, whether or not the currently used cut-off set at 50 nmol/L for cortisol levels after dexamethasone suppression could be considered completely reliable in ruling out hypercortisolism remains unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Aresta
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Vittoria Favero
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Valentina Morelli
- Unit of Endocrinology, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
| | - Luca Giovanelli
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Chiara Parazzoli
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Alberto Falchetti
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Flavia Pugliese
- Unit of Endocrinology and Diabetology "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" Hospital, IRCCS, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy.
| | - Luigi Gennari
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Italy.
| | - Fabio Vescini
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Unit, University-Hospital S. Maria della Misericordia, Udine, Italy.
| | - Antonio Salcuni
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Unit, University-Hospital S. Maria della Misericordia, Udine, Italy.
| | - Alfredo Scillitani
- Unit of Endocrinology and Diabetology "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" Hospital, IRCCS, San Giovanni Rotondo (FG), Italy.
| | - Luca Persani
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| | - Iacopo Chiodini
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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Szychlińska M, Baranowska-Jurkun A, Matuszewski W, Wołos-Kłosowicz K, Bandurska-Stankiewicz E. Markers of Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease in Patients with Adrenal Incidentaloma. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2020; 56:E69. [PMID: 32050625 PMCID: PMC7074127 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56020069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Due to the growing availability of imaging examinations the percentage of patients with incidentally diagnosed adrenal tumors has increased. The vast majority of these lesions are benign, non-functioning adenomas, although according to various estimates even up to 30%-50% of patients with adrenal incidentaloma may present biochemical hypercortisolemia, without typical clinical features of Cushing's syndrome. Adrenal adenomas secreting small amounts of glucocorticoids may cause morphological and functional changes in the myocardium and blood vessels. Early stages of cardiovascular remodeling may be observed among asymptomatic patients with adrenal adenoma. Vascular changes precede the development of cardiovascular diseases and can increase morbidity and mortality in patients with adrenal incidentaloma. This risk may result not only from the traditional risk factors. Seemingly hormonally inactive adrenal tumors can indeed produce small amounts of glucocorticoids that have metabolic implications. Therefore, evaluation of patients with incidental adrenal findings presenting with subclinical cardiovascular disease seems of particular importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Szychlińska
- Clinic of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 10-900 Olsztyn, Poland; (A.B.-J.); (W.M.); (K.W.-K.); (E.B.-S.)
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Kelsall A, Iqbal A, Newell-Price J. Adrenal incidentaloma: cardiovascular and metabolic effects of mild cortisol excess. Gland Surg 2020; 9:94-104. [PMID: 32206602 DOI: 10.21037/gs.2019.11.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In the vast majority of cases adrenal incidentalomas (AI) are benign adrenocortical adenomas. They are present in up to 10% of the population over 70 years, with incidence increasing with age. Mild cortisol excess (MCE) in the context of AI is defined as autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS) in the absence of the classical clinical features of Cushing's syndrome. MCE has been reported in up to at least one third of patients with AI. Numerous studies have shown that MCE in AI is associated with increased cardiovascular events and mortality, likely to be consequent upon both hemodynamic changes and inflammatory pathways, and a worse metabolic phenotype characterized by: pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, insulin resistance, visceral obesity and dyslipidemia. There is currently no level 3 evidence from large intervention randomized controlled trials to guide management of MCE in AI, and there is a lack of predictive tools to allow stratification to intervention of only those patients who would benefit in terms of improved metabolic and cardiovascular end-points. Here, we describe the mal-effects of cortisol on cardiovascular and metabolic tissues and discuss management strategies based on current largely observational data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Kelsall
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, The Medical School, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, UK
| | - Ahmed Iqbal
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, The Medical School, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, UK
| | - John Newell-Price
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, The Medical School, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield, UK
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14
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Mancio J, Azevedo D, Fragao-Marques M, Falcao-Pires I, Leite-Moreira A, Lunet N, Fontes-Carvalho R, Bettencourt N. Meta-Analysis of Relation of Epicardial Adipose Tissue Volume to Left Atrial Dilation and to Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Functions. Am J Cardiol 2019; 123:523-531. [PMID: 30477802 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2018.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2018] [Revised: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have explored the hypothesis that epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) accumulation adversely affects cardiac remodeling. We assessed, through a systematic review and meta-analysis, whether EAT is linked to left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) structure and function, irrespective of global or abdominal visceral adiposity. We searched MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies evaluating the association of EAT volume quantified by computed tomography with cardiac morphology and function. We used DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models to summarize the adjusted-effect of 10 ml variation of EAT on LA size, LV mass, LV diastolic and systolic functions parameters, and presence of diastolic dysfunction. We quantified heterogeneity using I2 statistic. We included 19 studies. Quantitative analysis by cardiac parameters, including LA dimension (n = 2,719), LV mass (n = 2,519), diastolic function (n = 3,741), and systolic function (n = 2,037) showed that EAT was associated with LA dilation (pooled B-coefficient: 0.12 mm; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.08 to 0.17; I2: 97%), LV hypertrophy (pooled B-coefficient: 1.21 g; 95% CI 0.63 to 1.79; I2: 77%), diastolic dysfunction (odds ratio: 1.35; 95% CI 1.16 to 1.57; I2: 0%), higher E/E' ratio (pooled B-coefficient: 0.28 cm/s; 95% CI 0.08 to 0.49; I2: 67%), lower E' velocity (pooled B-coefficient: -0.16 cm/s; 95% CI -0.22 to -0.09; I2: 43%), and E/A ratio (pooled B-coefficient: -0.01; 95% CI -0.02 to -0.001; I2: 70%), independently of body mass index. There was no association between EAT and LV systolic function. In conclusion, EAT volume measured by computed tomography was independently associated with LA dilation, LV hypertrophy, and diastolic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Mancio
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Unit (UnIC), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Department of Cardiology, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Diana Azevedo
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Unit (UnIC), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mariana Fragao-Marques
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Unit (UnIC), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ines Falcao-Pires
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Unit (UnIC), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Adelino Leite-Moreira
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Unit (UnIC), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Centro Hospitalar de Sao Joao, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Lunet
- EPIUnit - Instituto de Saúde Pública, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Departamento de Ciências da Saúde Pública e Forenses e Educação Médica, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Fontes-Carvalho
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Unit (UnIC), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; Department of Cardiology, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Bettencourt
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Unit (UnIC), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Sokmen G, Sahin M, Tuzun D, Sokmen A, Bolat H, Oguz A, Doganer A, Nacar H, Gul K. Assessment of Subclinical Cardiac Alterations and Atrial Electromechanical Delay by Tissue Doppler Echocardiography in Patients with Nonfunctioning Adrenal Incidentaloma. Arq Bras Cardiol 2018; 111:656-663. [PMID: 30328944 PMCID: PMC6248257 DOI: 10.5935/abc.20180188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Majority of the incidentally discovered adrenal masses, called adrenal
incidentaloma (AI), are nonfunctioning adrenal adenomas. The appropriate
management of AI is still a matter debate, so it is necessary to investigate
their associated morbidity. However, data regarding morphological and
functional cardiac alterations are limited in this group. Objective In this study, we aimed to assess cardiac structural and functional
characteristics and atrial conduction properties in patients with
nonfunctioning AI. Methods Thirty patients with nonfunctioning AI and 46 properly matched control
subjects were included in the study. After hormonal and biochemical
analysis, all participants underwent transthoracic echocardiography to
obtain systolic and diastolic parameters of both ventricles, in addition to
atrial conduction times by tissue Doppler echocardiography. Data were
analyzed with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, Chicago,
IL, United States) statistics, version 17.0 for Windows. P < 0.05 was
considered statistically significant. Results Left ventricular (LV) mass index and LV myocardial performance index were
significantly increased in AI group. Among atrial conduction times, both
intra- and interatrial electromechanical delays were significantly prolonged
in patients with nonfunctioning AI. Other laboratory and echocardiographic
findings were similar between groups. Conclusion Our study revealed that intra- and inter-atrial conduction times were
prolonged, and LV mass index was increased in patients with nonfunctioning
AI. These findings may be markers of subclinical cardiac involvement and
tendency to cardiovascular complications. Close follow-up is necessary for
individuals with nonfunctioning AI for their increased cardiovascular risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulizar Sokmen
- Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Kahramanmaraş - Turquia
| | - Murat Sahin
- Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Kahramanmaraş - Turquia
| | - Dilek Tuzun
- Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Kahramanmaraş - Turquia
| | - Abdullah Sokmen
- Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Kahramanmaraş - Turquia
| | - Hanife Bolat
- Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kahramanmaraş - Turquia
| | - Ayten Oguz
- Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Endocrinology, Kahramanmaraş - Turquia
| | - Adem Doganer
- Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Kahramanmaraş - Turquia
| | - Huseyin Nacar
- Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cardiology, Kahramanmaraş - Turquia
| | - Kamile Gul
- Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Endocrinology, Kahramanmaraş - Turquia
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Sbardella E, Minnetti M, D'Aluisio D, Rizza L, Di Giorgio MR, Vinci F, Pofi R, Giannetta E, Venneri MA, Vestri A, Morelli S, Lenzi A, Isidori AM. Cardiovascular features of possible autonomous cortisol secretion in patients with adrenal incidentalomas. Eur J Endocrinol 2018; 178:501-511. [PMID: 29510982 DOI: 10.1530/eje-17-0986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low-grade incomplete post-dexamethasone cortisol suppression in patients with adrenal incidentalomas - recently defined as possible autonomous cortisol secretion (pACS) - has been associated with increased cardiovascular events and mortality. However, prospective studies documenting cardiac abnormalities in these patients are lacking. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Between July 2016 and September 2017, 71 consecutive patients with adrenal lesions were prospectively screened for hypercortisolism by dexamethasone suppression test (NCT 02611258). Complete anthropometric, metabolic and hormonal parameters were recorded along with full cardiac ultrasound assessment and noninvasive measurement of arterial stiffness. All patients underwent chemical-shift magnetic resonance imaging to characterize the lesions. Cardiovascular outcomes were recorded in blind. RESULTS According to post-dexamethasone suppression cortisol values (post-DST), 34 patients had pACS and 37 non-functioning adenomas (NFA). The two groups were similar in sex, BMI, age distribution, cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities. Left ventricular mass index (LVMIBSA) was increased in pACS compared to NFA (P = 0.006) and mildly correlated to the post-DST cortisol level (rho = 0.347; P = 0.004). The post-DST cortisol levels explained up to 13.7% of LVMIBSA variance (P = 0.002). Compared to NFA, patients with pACS had a higher prevalence of diastolic dysfunction (35.1% vs 82.6%; P = 0.001) and worse arterial stiffness assessed by pulse wave velocity (P = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS In apparently asymptomatic patients, mild autonomous cortisol secretion can sustain early cardiac and vascular remodeling, independently of other risk factors. The morphological and functional cardiovascular changes observed in pACS underline the need for further studies to correctly define the long-term management of this relatively common condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Sbardella
- Departments of Experimental MedicineSapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Minnetti
- Departments of Experimental MedicineSapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Denise D'Aluisio
- Departments of Internal MedicineSapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Rizza
- Departments of Experimental MedicineSapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Vinci
- Departments of Internal MedicineSapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pofi
- Departments of Experimental MedicineSapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Giannetta
- Departments of Experimental MedicineSapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mary Anna Venneri
- Departments of Experimental MedicineSapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Annarita Vestri
- Public Health and Infectious DiseasesSapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Morelli
- Departments of Internal MedicineSapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Lenzi
- Departments of Experimental MedicineSapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea M Isidori
- Departments of Experimental MedicineSapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Morelli V, Arosio M, Chiodini I. Cardiovascular mortality in patients with subclinical Cushing. ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2018; 79:149-152. [PMID: 29606280 DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2018.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Patients with adrenal incidentaloma (AI) and subclinical hypercortisolism (SH) show a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and an increased prevalence and incidence of cardiovascular events. Furthermore, some recent data suggest that in these patients, the cardiovascular mortality is also increased. Unfortunately, to date, the diagnosis of SH is still a matter of debate, and, therefore, it is still not possible to address the treatment of choice (i.e. surgical or conservative approach) in many AI patients. Overall, the available data show that in AI patients with established SH the surgical removal of the adrenal mass causing SH can lead to the improvement of hypertension and diabetes, but in many patients with possible SH the effect of surgery is still largely unknown. Finally, no data are available on the effect of the recovery from SH on the cardiovascular events. Therefore, randomized studies are needed to investigate the possibility of predicting the usefulness of surgery by using the available indexes of cortisol secretion in the individual AI patient. Finally, the development of safe and well-tolerated drugs aimed to control cortisol secretion will be among the goals of the future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Morelli
- Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Padiglione Granelli, via F. Sforza 35, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Maura Arosio
- Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Padiglione Granelli, via F. Sforza 35, 20122 Milano, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Iacopo Chiodini
- Endocrinology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Padiglione Granelli, via F. Sforza 35, 20122 Milano, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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Imga NN, Elalmıs OU, Tuna MM, Dogan BA, Sahın D, Gursoy T, Yalcın Y, Berker D, Guler S. Comparison of echocardiographic findings in patients with nonfunctioning adrenal incidentalomas. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2017; 33:295-301. [PMID: 28601234 DOI: 10.1016/j.kjms.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Revised: 03/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) are usually discovered incidentally after imaging unrelated to adrenal glands. We aimed to evaluate standard risk factors for systemic atherosclerosis and echocardiographic changes in patients with nonfunctioning AIs and compare them with normal subjects. We evaluated 70 patients diagnosed with AIs and 51 healthy controls. Mean levels were determined for HbA1c, LDL, uric acid, fasting plasma insulin, HOMA, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and these values were found to be significantly higher in the patients than the controls. The mean left atrial diameter, interventricular septum thickness, posterior wall thickness, left ventricular mass, E-wave deceleration time, isovolumetric relaxation time, and the median ratio of the early transmittal flow velocity to the early diastolic tissue velocity (E/Em) were higher in patients with AIs compared to controls. The mitral annular early diastolic velocity was lower in patients with AIs. The mean aortic diastolic diameter, stiffness index (SI), and aortic strain were higher, and aortic distensibility was lower in the patients. The mean right ventricular diameter, right atrial major-axis diameter, and right atrial minor-axis diameter were statistically higher in the patient group than the controls. A negative correlation was found between the NLR and aortic strain and aortic distensibility, while a positive correction was found between the NLR and SI. We found altered left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) echocardiographic findings in patients with AIs without known cardiovascular disease. Aortic stiffness was also increased. These changes may be related to an increase in cardiovascular risk factors in AI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narin Nasıroglu Imga
- Department of Endocrinology, Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Ozgul Ucar Elalmıs
- Department of Cardiology, Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mazhar Muslum Tuna
- Department of Endocrinology, Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bercem Aycıcek Dogan
- Department of Endocrinology, Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Deniz Sahın
- Department of Cardiology, Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Tugba Gursoy
- Department of Cardiology, Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Yavuz Yalcın
- Department of Endocrinology, Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Dilek Berker
- Department of Endocrinology, Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Serdar Guler
- Department of Endocrinology, Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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Peng HM, Auchus RJ. Molecular Recognition in Mitochondrial Cytochromes P450 That Catalyze the Terminal Steps of Corticosteroid Biosynthesis. Biochemistry 2017; 56:2282-2293. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biochem.7b00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Hwei-Ming Peng
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology,
and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, and Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Richard J. Auchus
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology,
and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, and Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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20
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Imga NN, Ucar Elalmis O, Muslum Tuna M, Aycıcek Dogan B, Sahin D, Berker D, Guler S. The Relationship Between Increased Epicardial Fat Thickness and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Patients With Nonfunctional Adrenal Incidentaloma. Int J Endocrinol Metab 2016; 14:e37635. [PMID: 27942264 PMCID: PMC5138281 DOI: 10.5812/ijem.37635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2016] [Revised: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging evidences indicate that patients diagnosed with Adrenal Incidentaloma (AI) may present cardiovascular complications. Epicardial fat thickness (EFT) has recently been described as a new risk factor and an active player in metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. OBJECTIVES We aimed to evaluate the relationship between EFT and left ventricular hypertrophy and carotid intima-media thickness, which are both strong predictors of cardiovascular morbity and mortality, in patients with nonfunctioning AI. PATIENTS AND METHODS We evaluated 51 patients (36 females and 15 males) diagnosed with AI and 35 (29 females, 6 males) age, gender and body mass index (BMI) matched healthy controls in terms of cardiovascular risk parameters. Epicardial fat was identified as the echo-free space between the outer wall of the myocardium and the visceral layer of the pericardium. RESULTS Epicardial fat thickness was significantly higher in patients with AI when compared to the control group (0.89 ± 0.32 cm vs. 0.74 ± 0.26 cm; P = 0.023). left ventricular (LV) mass index and median carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) were also higher in subjects with AI than in controls (99.8 g/m2 vs. 86.9 g/m2; P = 0.024 and 7.5 mm (5.5 - 11.5) vs. 6.5 mm (4.5 - 9.5); P = 0.017). There was a positive correlation between EFT, LV mass index, EFT and CIMT (r = 0.315, P = 0.004; r = 0.363, P < 0.001; respectively). CONCLUSIONS In this study we showed that EFT, measured by echocardiography is higher in subjects with AI when compared to healthy controls. epicardial fat thickness had the best independent correlation with AI in multiple logistic regression analysis. Incidentaloma is also associated with increased left ventricular mass index and CIMT. Adrenal incidentaloma patients may show early cardiac changes, such as increased left ventricular mass and increased CIMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasiroglu Narin Imga
- Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital, Department of Endocrinology, Ankara, Turkey
- Corresponding author: Nasiroglu Narin Imga, Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital, Department of Endocrinology, Ankara, Turkey. Tel: +90-5056492934, Fax: +90-3124263838, E-mail:
| | - Ozgul Ucar Elalmis
- Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Mazhar Muslum Tuna
- Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital, Department of Endocrinology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bercem Aycıcek Dogan
- Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital, Department of Endocrinology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Deniz Sahin
- Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Dilek Berker
- Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital, Department of Endocrinology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Serdar Guler
- Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital, Department of Endocrinology, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Hitit University, Corum, Turkey
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Ferraù F, Korbonits M. Metabolic comorbidities in Cushing's syndrome. Eur J Endocrinol 2015; 173:M133-57. [PMID: 26060052 DOI: 10.1530/eje-15-0354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cushing's syndrome (CS) patients have increased mortality primarily due to cardiovascular events induced by glucocorticoid (GC) excess-related severe metabolic changes. Glucose metabolism abnormalities are common in CS due to increased gluconeogenesis, disruption of insulin signalling with reduced glucose uptake and disposal of glucose and altered insulin secretion, consequent to the combination of GCs effects on liver, muscle, adipose tissue and pancreas. Dyslipidaemia is a frequent feature in CS as a result of GC-induced increased lipolysis, lipid mobilisation, liponeogenesis and adipogenesis. Protein metabolism is severely affected by GC excess via complex direct and indirect stimulation of protein breakdown and inhibition of protein synthesis, which can lead to muscle loss. CS patients show changes in body composition, with fat redistribution resulting in accumulation of central adipose tissue. Metabolic changes, altered adipokine release, GC-induced heart and vasculature abnormalities, hypertension and atherosclerosis contribute to the increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In paediatric CS patients, the interplay between GC and the GH/IGF1 axis affects growth and body composition, while in adults it further contributes to the metabolic derangement. GC excess has a myriad of deleterious effects and here we attempt to summarise the metabolic comorbidities related to CS and their management in the perspective of reducing the cardiovascular risk and mortality overall.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Ferraù
- Centre for Endocrinology William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Márta Korbonits
- Centre for Endocrinology William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
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22
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Adrenal gland volume, intra-abdominal and pericardial adipose tissue in major depressive disorder. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2015; 58:1-8. [PMID: 25935636 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2015] [Revised: 04/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with an increased risk for the development of cardio-metabolic diseases. Increased intra-abdominal (IAT) and pericardial adipose tissue (PAT) have been found in depression, and are discussed as potential mediating factors. IAT and PAT are thought to be the result of a dysregulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) with subsequent hypercortisolism. Therefore we examined adrenal gland volume as proxy marker for HPAA activation, and IAT and PAT in depressed patients. Twenty-seven depressed patients and 19 comparison subjects were included in this case-control study. Adrenal gland volume, pericardial, intraabdominal and subcutaneous adipose tissue were measured by magnetic resonance imaging. Further parameters included factors of the metabolic syndrome, fasting cortisol, fasting insulin, and proinflammatory cytokines. Adrenal gland and pericardial adipose tissue volumes, serum concentrations of cortisol and insulin, and serum concentrations tumor-necrosis factor-α were increased in depressed patients. Adrenal gland volume was positively correlated with intra-abdominal and pericardial adipose tissue, but not with subcutaneous adipose tissue. Our findings point to the role of HPAA dysregulation and hypercortisolism as potential mediators of IAT and PAT enlargement. Further studies are warranted to examine whether certain subtypes of depression are more prone to cardio-metabolic diseases.
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23
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Abstract
Epicardial adipose tissue is a unique and multifaceted fat depot with local and systemic effects. This tissue is distinguished from other visceral fat depots by a number of anatomical and metabolic features, such as increased fatty acid metabolism and a unique transcriptome enriched in genes that are associated with inflammation and endothelial function. Epicardial fat and the heart share an unobstructed microcirculation, which suggests these tissues might interact. Under normal physiological conditions, epicardial fat has metabolic, thermogenic (similar to brown fat) and mechanical (cardioprotective) characteristics. Development of pathological conditions might drive the phenotype of epicardial fat such that it becomes harmful to the myocardium and the coronary arteries. The equilibrium between protective and detrimental effects of this tissue is fragile. Expression of the epicardial-fat-specific transcriptome is downregulated in the presence of severe and advanced coronary artery disease. Improved local vascularization, weight loss and targeted medications can restore the protective physiological functions of epicardial fat. Measurements of epicardial fat have several important applications in the clinical setting: accurate measurement of its thickness or volume is correlated with visceral adiposity, coronary artery disease, the metabolic syndrome, fatty liver disease and cardiac changes. On account of this simple clinical assessment, epicardial fat is a reliable marker of cardiovascular risk and an appealing surrogate for assessing the efficacy of drugs that modulate adipose tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Iacobellis
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1400 NW 10th Avenue, Dominion Tower suite 805-807, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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Bucher AM, Joseph Schoepf U, Krazinski AW, Silverman J, Spearman JV, De Cecco CN, Meinel FG, Vogl TJ, Geyer LL. Influence of technical parameters on epicardial fat volume quantification at cardiac CT. Eur J Radiol 2015; 84:1062-7. [PMID: 25843418 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2015.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To systematically analyze the influence of technical parameters on quantification of epicardial fat volume (EATV) at cardiac CT. METHODS 153 routine cardiac CT data sets were analyzed using three-dimensional pericardial border delineation. Three image series were reconstructed per patient: (a) CTAD: coronary CT angiography (CTA), diastolic phase; (b) CTAS: coronary CTA, systolic phase; (c) CaScD: non-contrast CT, diastolic phase. EATV was calculated using three different upper thresholds (-15HU, -30 HU, -45HU). Repeated measures ANOVA, Spearman's rho, and Bland Altman plots were used. RESULTS Mean EATV differed between all three image series at a -30HU threshold (CTAD 87.2 ± 38.5 ml, CTAS 90.9 ± 37.7 ml, CaScD 130.7 ± 49.5 ml, P<0.001). EATV of diastolic and systolic CTA reconstructions did not differ significantly (P=0.225). Mean EATV for contrast enhanced CTA at a -15HU threshold (CTAD15 102.4 ± 43.6 ml, CTAS15 105.3 ± 42.3 ml) could be approximated most closely by non-contrast CT at -45HU threshold (CaScD45 105.3 ± 40.8 ml). The correlation was excellent: CTAS15-CTAD15, rho=0.943; CTAD15-CaScD45, rho=0.905; CTAS15-CaScD45, rho=0.924; each P<0.001). Bias values from Bland Altman Analysis were: CTAS15-CTAD15, 4.9%; CTAD15-CaScD45, -4.3%; CTAS15-CaScD45, 0.6%. CONCLUSIONS Measured EATV can differ substantially between contrast enhanced and non-contrast CT studies, which can be reconciled by threshold modification. Heart cycle phase does not significantly influence EATV measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas M Bucher
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Clinic of the Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - U Joseph Schoepf
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Aleksander W Krazinski
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Justin Silverman
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - James V Spearman
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Carlo N De Cecco
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Pathology, University of Rome "Sapienza" - Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Felix G Meinel
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas J Vogl
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Clinic of the Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Lucas L Geyer
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Institute for Clinical Radiology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Hospital, Munich, Germany
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Iacobellis G, Rossi GP, Castinetti F, Letizia C. Disease of adrenal glands. Int J Endocrinol 2015; 2015:403521. [PMID: 25883648 PMCID: PMC4391614 DOI: 10.1155/2015/403521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Iacobellis
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- *Gianluca Iacobellis:
| | - Gian Paolo Rossi
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Clinica dell'Ipertensione Arteriosa, University Hospital, University of Padua, 31528 Padua, Italy
| | - Frederic Castinetti
- Department of Endocrinology, La Timone Hospital, Hopitaux de Marseille and Centre de Recherche en Neurobiologie et Neurophysiologie de Marseille, Aix-Marseille University, 13385 Marseille, France
| | - Claudio Letizia
- Secondary Hypertension Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Sapienza University of Rome, 00165 Rome, Italy
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Barone-Rochette G, Vivodtzev I, Tamisier R, Rodière M, Ormezzano O, Baguet JP, Grangier A, Wuyam B, Levy P, Pépin JL. Left ventricular remodeling and epicardial fat volume in obese patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea treated by continuous positive airway pressure. Int J Cardiol 2014; 179:218-9. [PMID: 25464450 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2014.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Barone-Rochette
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital, Grenoble, France; INSERM U1039, Bioclinic Radiopharmaceutics Laboratory, Joseph Fourier University, Grenoble, France.
| | - Isabelle Vivodtzev
- INSERM U1042, HP2 Laboratory (Hypoxia: Pathophysiology), University Grenoble Alps, Grenoble, France
| | - Renaud Tamisier
- INSERM U1042, HP2 Laboratory (Hypoxia: Pathophysiology), University Grenoble Alps, Grenoble, France
| | - Mathieu Rodière
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, Grenoble, France
| | - Olivier Ormezzano
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital, Grenoble, France; INSERM U1039, Bioclinic Radiopharmaceutics Laboratory, Joseph Fourier University, Grenoble, France
| | - Jean Philippe Baguet
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital, Grenoble, France; INSERM U1039, Bioclinic Radiopharmaceutics Laboratory, Joseph Fourier University, Grenoble, France
| | - Angélique Grangier
- INSERM U1042, HP2 Laboratory (Hypoxia: Pathophysiology), University Grenoble Alps, Grenoble, France
| | - Bernard Wuyam
- INSERM U1042, HP2 Laboratory (Hypoxia: Pathophysiology), University Grenoble Alps, Grenoble, France
| | - Patrick Levy
- INSERM U1042, HP2 Laboratory (Hypoxia: Pathophysiology), University Grenoble Alps, Grenoble, France
| | - Jean Louis Pépin
- INSERM U1042, HP2 Laboratory (Hypoxia: Pathophysiology), University Grenoble Alps, Grenoble, France
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Balcioğlu AS, Durakoğlugil ME, Çiçek D, Bal UA, Boyaci B, Müderrisoğlu H. Epicardial adipose tissue thickness and plasma homocysteine in patients with metabolic syndrome and normal coronary arteries. Diabetol Metab Syndr 2014; 6:62. [PMID: 24872849 PMCID: PMC4035667 DOI: 10.1186/1758-5996-6-62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased epicardial adipose tissue thickness and plasma homocysteine levels are associated with Metabolic Syndrome (MS) and coronary artery disease. The majority of patients with MS have subclinical or manifest coronary artery disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between MS and plasma homocysteine levels and epicardial adipose tissue thickness in subjects without epicardial coronary artery disease. METHODS Patients who underwent coronary angiography due to angina or equivocal symptoms and/or abnormal stress test results and were found to have normal coronary arteries were evaluated for the presence of MS. The study group comprised 75 patients with normal coronary arteries and MS, and the control group included 75 age-gender matched subjects without coronary artery disease or MS. RESULTS Epicardial adipose tissue thickness (5.8 ± 1.9 mm vs. 4.3 ± 1.6 mm, p <0.001) and plasma homocysteine levels (21.6 ± 6.1 μmol/L vs. 15.1 ± 5.8 μmol/L, p <0.001) were significantly higher in the MS group. Body mass index, triglyceride level, weight, age and waist circumference were positively and HDL cholesterol level were negatively correlated with both epicardial adipose tissue thickness and plasma homocysteine level. Epicardial adipose tissue thickness had the strongest correlation with plasma homocysteine level (r = 0.584, p < 0.001). For each 1 mm increase in epicardial adipose tissue thickness, an increase of 3.51 μmol/L (95% CI: 2.24-4.79) in plasma homocysteine level was expected. CONCLUSIONS We observed a close relationship between MS and epicardial adipose tissue thickness and plasma homocysteine levels, even in the absence of overt coronary artery disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akif Serhat Balcioğlu
- Department of Cardiology, Medical and Research Center of Alanya, Başkent University, Saray Mh. Yunus Emre Cad. No:1, 07400, Alanya, Antalya, Turkey
| | | | - Davran Çiçek
- Department of Cardiology, Medical and Research Center of Alanya, Başkent University, Saray Mh. Yunus Emre Cad. No:1, 07400, Alanya, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Uğur Abbas Bal
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Başkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bülent Boyaci
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Haldun Müderrisoğlu
- Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Başkent University, Ankara, Turkey
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Iacobellis G. Epicardial adipose tissue in endocrine and metabolic diseases. Endocrine 2014; 46:8-15. [PMID: 24272604 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-013-0099-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2013] [Accepted: 10/22/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Epicardial adipose tissue has recently emerged as new risk factor and active player in metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Albeit its physiological and pathological roles are not completely understood, a body of evidence indicates that epicardial adipose tissue is a fat depot with peculiar and unique features. Epicardial fat is able to synthesize, produce, and secrete bioactive molecules which are then transported into the adjacent myocardium through vasocrine and/or paracrine pathways. Based on these evidences, epicardial adipose tissue can be considered an endocrine organ. Epicardial fat is also thought to provide direct heating to the myocardium and protect the heart during unfavorable hemodynamic conditions, such as ischemia or hypoxia. Epicardial fat has been suggested to play an independent role in the development and progression of obesity- and diabetes-related cardiac abnormalities. Clinically, the thickness of epicardial fat can be easily and accurately measured. Epicardial fat thickness can serve as marker of visceral adiposity and visceral fat changes during weight loss interventions and treatments with drugs targeting the fat. The potential of modulating the epicardial fat with targeted pharmacological agents can open new avenues in the pharmacotherapy of endocrine and metabolic diseases. This review article will provide Endocrine's reader with a focus on epicardial adipose tissue in endocrinology. Novel, established, but also speculative findings on epicardial fat will be discussed from the unexplored perspective of both clinical and basic Endocrinologist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Iacobellis
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1400 NW 10th Ave, Dominion Tower Suite 805-807, Miami, FL, 33136, USA,
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Morelli V, Reimondo G, Giordano R, Della Casa S, Policola C, Palmieri S, Salcuni AS, Dolci A, Mendola M, Arosio M, Ambrosi B, Scillitani A, Ghigo E, Beck-Peccoz P, Terzolo M, Chiodini I. Long-term follow-up in adrenal incidentalomas: an Italian multicenter study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2014; 99:827-34. [PMID: 24423350 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2013-3527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT The long-term consequences of subclinical hypercortisolism (SH) in patients with adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) are unknown. SETTING AND PATIENTS In this retrospective multicentric study, 206 AI patients with a ≥5-year follow-up (median, 72.3 mo; range, 60-186 mo) were enrolled. INTERVENTION AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Adrenocortical function, adenoma size, metabolic changes, and incident cardiovascular events (CVEs) were assessed. We diagnosed SH in 11.6% of patients in the presence of cortisol after a 1 mg-dexamethasone suppression test >5 μg/dL (138 nmol/L) or at least two of the following: low ACTH, increased urinary free cortisol, and 1 mg-dexamethasone suppression test >3 μg/dL (83 nmol/L). RESULTS At baseline, age and the prevalence of CVEs and type 2 diabetes mellitus were higher in patients with SH than in patients without SH (62.2 ± 11 y vs 58.5 ± 10 y; 20.5 vs 6%; and 33.3 vs 16.8%, respectively; P < .05). SH and type 2 diabetes mellitus were associated with prevalent CVEs (odds ratio [OR], 3.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-9.0; and OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.2-3.3, respectively), regardless of age. At the end of the follow-up, SH was diagnosed in 15 patients who were without SH at baseline. An adenoma size >2.4 cm was associated with the risk of developing SH (sensitivity, 73.3%; specificity, 60.5%; P = .014). Weight, glycemic, lipidic, and blood pressure control worsened in 26, 25, 13, and 34% of patients, respectively. A new CVE occurred in 22 patients. SH was associated with the worsening of at least two metabolic parameters (OR, 3.32; 95% CI, 1.6-6.9) and with incident CVEs (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.0-7.1), regardless of age and follow-up. CONCLUSION SH is associated with the risk of incident CVEs. Besides the clinical follow-up, in patients with an AI >2.4 cm, a long-term biochemical follow-up is also required because of the risk of SH development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Morelli
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health (V.M., S.P., A.D., M.A., P.B.-P., I.C.), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; Unit of Endocrinology and Diabetology (V.M., S.P., P.B.-P., I.C.), Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; Division of Internal Medicine I (G.R., M.T.), Ospedale San Luigi, 10043 Orbassano, Italy; Department of Biological and Clinical Sciences (G.R., R.G., M.T.), University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy; Catholic University (S.D.C., C.P.), Unit of Endocrinology and Metabolism, 00168 Rome, Italy; Unit of Endocrinology (A.S.S., A.S.), Ospedale "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza," IRCCS, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy; Unit of Endocrine Diseases and Diabetology (A.D., M.A.), Ospedale San Giuseppe, Gruppo Multimedica, 20123 Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health (M.M., B.A.), University of Milan, Unit of Endocrinology and Diabetology, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, 20097 San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy; and Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism (E.G.), Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy
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Kargi AY, Iacobellis G. Adipose tissue and adrenal glands: novel pathophysiological mechanisms and clinical applications. Int J Endocrinol 2014; 2014:614074. [PMID: 25018768 PMCID: PMC4075085 DOI: 10.1155/2014/614074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hormones produced by the adrenal glands and adipose tissues have important roles in normal physiology and are altered in many disease states. Obesity is associated with changes in adrenal function, including increase in adrenal medullary catecholamine output, alterations of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, elevations in circulating aldosterone together with changes in adipose tissue glucocorticoid metabolism, and enhanced adipocyte mineralocorticoid receptor activity. It is unknown whether these changes in adrenal endocrine function are in part responsible for the pathogenesis of obesity and related comorbidities or represent an adaptive response. In turn, adipose tissue hormones or "adipokines" have direct effects on the adrenal glands and interact with adrenal hormones at several levels. Here we review the emerging evidence supporting the existence of "cross talk" between the adrenal gland and adipose tissue, focusing on the relevance and roles of their respective hormones in health and disease states including obesity, metabolic syndrome, and primary disorders of the adrenals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atil Y. Kargi
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- *Atil Y. Kargi:
| | - Gianluca Iacobellis
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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