Association between circulating cell adhesion molecules and risk of type 2 diabetes: A meta-analysis

Tadalafil use is associated with a lower incidence of Type 2 diabetes in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia: A population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

Tadalafil, commonly prescribed for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), may benefit patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) for glycemic markers and complications. However, the association between the long-term use of tadalafil and the incidence of T2DM has not been investigated.

METHODS

We emulated a target trial of tadalafil use (5 mg/day) and the risk of T2DM using a population-based claims database in Japan. Patients who initiated tadalafil or alpha-blockers for BPH and had no history of diabetes diagnosis, no dispensing of glucose-lowering drugs, and no history of hemoglobin A1c levels of ≥6.5% (47-48 mmol/mol) were included. The primary outcome was the incidence of T2DM. Pooled logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted risk ratios (RRs) and 5-year cumulative incidence differences (CIDs).

RESULTS

A total of 5180 participants initiated tadalafil treatment and were compared with 20,049 patients who initiated alpha-blockers. The median follow-up time for each arm was 27.2 months (interquartile range [IQR], 12.0-47.9) in tadalafil users and 31.3 months (IQR, 13.7-57.2) in alpha-blocker users. The incidence rates of T2DM in tadalafil and alpha-blocker users were 5.4 (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.0-7.2) and 8.8 (95% CI, 7.8-9.8) per 1000-person years, respectively. Initiation of tadalafil was associated with a reduced risk of T2DM (RR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.39-0.62; 5-year CID, -0.031; 95% CI, -0.040 to -0.019).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of T2DM was lower in men with BPH treated with tadalafil than in those treated with alpha-blockers. Thus, tadalafil may be more beneficial than alpha-blockers in preventing T2DM.

Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM-1): An Inflammatory Regulator with Potential Implications in Ferroptosis and Parkinson's Disease

Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1/CD54), a transmembrane glycoprotein, has been considered as one of the most important adhesion molecules during leukocyte recruitment. It is encoded by the ICAM1 gene and plays a central role in inflammation. Its crucial role in many inflammatory diseases such as ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis are well established. Given that neuroinflammation, underscored by microglial activation, is a key element in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD), we investigated whether ICAM-1 has a role in this progressive neurological condition and, if so, to elucidate the underpinning mechanisms. Specifically, we were interested in the potential interaction between ICAM-1, glial cells, and ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of cell death that has recently been implicated in PD. We conclude that there exist direct and indirect (via glial cells and T cells) influences of ICAM-1 on ferroptosis and that further elucidation of these interactions can suggest novel intervention for this devastating disease.

Cellular adhesion molecules in drug-naïve and previously medicated patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders

BACKGROUND

Endothelial inflammation may be involved in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia, and cellular adhesion molecules (CAMs) on endothelial cells may facilitate leukocyte binding and transendothelial migration of cells and inflammatory factors. The aim of the present study was to assess levels of soluble cellular adhesion molecules, including intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, vascular adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1, mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule (MADCAM), junctional adhesion molecule (JAM-A) and neural cadherin (N-CAD) in patients with schizophrenia compared to healthy controls.

METHODS

The study population consists of 138 patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorder, of whom 54 were drug-naïve, compared to 317 general population controls. The potential confounders age, gender, smoking and body mass index (BMI) were adjusted for in linear regression models.

RESULTS

The total patient group showed significantly higher levels of ICAM-1 (p < 0.001) and VCAM-1 (p < 0.001) compared to controls. Previously medicated patients showed higher ICAM-1 levels compared to drug-naïve patients (p = 0.042) and controls (p < 0.001), and elevated VCAM-1 levels compared to controls (p < 0.001). Drug-naive patients had elevated levels of VCAM-1 (p = 0.031) compared to controls.

CONCLUSIONS

In our study, patients with schizophrenia - including the drug-naïve - have higher levels of soluble CAMs compared to healthy controls. These findings suggest activation of the endothelial system as in inflammation.

Very short sleep duration reveals a proteomic fingerprint that is selectively associated with incident diabetes mellitus but not with incident coronary heart disease: a cohort study

BACKGROUND

The molecular pathways linking short and long sleep duration with incident diabetes mellitus (iDM) and incident coronary heart disease (iCHD) are not known. We aimed to identify circulating protein patterns associated with sleep duration and test their impact on incident cardiometabolic disease.

METHODS

We assessed sleep duration and measured 78 plasma proteins among 3336 participants aged 46-68 years, free from DM and CHD at baseline, and identified cases of iDM and iCHD using national registers. Incident events occurring in the first 3 years of follow-up were excluded from analyses. Tenfold cross-fit partialing-out lasso logistic regression adjusted for age and sex was used to identify proteins that significantly predicted sleep duration quintiles when compared with the referent quintile 3 (Q3). Predictive proteins were weighted and combined into proteomic scores (PS) for sleep duration Q1, Q2, Q4, and Q5. Combinations of PS were included in a linear regression model to identify the best predictors of habitual sleep duration. Cox proportional hazards regression models with sleep duration quintiles and sleep-predictive PS as the main exposures were related to iDM and iCHD after adjustment for known covariates.

RESULTS

Sixteen unique proteomic markers, predominantly reflecting inflammation and apoptosis, predicted sleep duration quintiles. The combination of PSQ1 and PSQ5 best predicted sleep duration. Mean follow-up times for iDM (n = 522) and iCHD (n = 411) were 21.8 and 22.4 years, respectively. Compared with sleep duration Q3, all sleep duration quintiles were positively and significantly associated with iDM. Only sleep duration Q1 was positively and significantly associated with iCHD. Inclusion of PSQ1 and PSQ5 abrogated the association between sleep duration Q1 and iDM. Moreover, PSQ1 was significantly associated with iDM (HR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.06-1.53). PSQ1 and PSQ5 were not associated with iCHD and did not markedly attenuate the association between sleep duration Q1 with iCHD.

CONCLUSIONS

We here identify plasma proteomic fingerprints of sleep duration and suggest that PSQ1 could explain the association between very short sleep duration and incident DM.

Effectiveness of Regular Aerobic Exercise in Improving Vascular Stiffness in Elderly Korean Women

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of aerobic exercise on carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV), cell adhesion molecules (intracellular adhesion molecules (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecules (VCAM-1), endothelial selectin (E-selectin), and oxidized LDL in elderly women aged 70-85 years, and to identify the effect of and correlation with vascular stiffness. Forty participants were recruited and divided into three groups; vascular stiffness (VSG, n = 14), obesity (OG, n = 14), and normal (NG, n = 12). All groups were given a 16-week intervention of aerobic exercise, and the data collected before and after exercise were analyzed using SPSS Ver. 23.0. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA was used to evaluate between-group and time-dependent interaction effects. One-way ANOVA was used to evaluate between-group variations. In addition, the significance was tested using a post hoc test (Scheffe). The within-group variations by time before and after exercise were examined using a paired t-test, and correlation analysis was performed using Pearson correlation coefficients. Simple regression analysis was performed for variables showing significant differences. The results indicate interaction effects for cf-PWV (p < 0.001), VCAM-1 (p < 0.01), E-selectin (p < 0.05), and oxidized LDL (p < 0.001). The rate of change of cf-PWV was positively correlated with that of VCAM-1 (r = 0.352, p < 0.05) and that of oxidized LDL (r = 0.325, p < 0.05) with statistical significance. To determine the effect of the rate of change of cf-PWV on the rate of change of VCAM-1, the variables were tested, and the coefficient of determination in the regression analysis was 0.124, indicating that 12.4% of the tested variables fit the standard regression line. The variables for the effect of the rate of change of cf-PWV on the rate of change of oxidized LDL were also tested, and the coefficient of determination in the regression analysis was 0.106, indicating that 10.6% of the tested variables fit the standard regression line. Thus, the 16-week regular and consistent aerobic exercise program had significant effects on the cf-PWV, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, E-selectin, and oxidized LDL in elderly Korean women with vascular stiffness, suggesting improvements in vascular stiffness, based on which the intervention is predicted to contribute to the prevention of vascular dysfunction by lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease due to atherosclerosis, as well as having a positive effect in the prevention of impairment of vascular endothelial cells.

Waterpipe smoke inhalation induces lung injury and aortic endothelial dysfunction in mice

Waterpipe tobacco smoking (WPS) inhalation has been shown to trigger endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects are still unknown. Here, we assessed the impact and underlying mechanism of WPS exposure for one month on endothelial dysfunction using aortic tissue of mice. The duration of the session was 30 min/day and 5 days/week. Control mice were exposed to air. Inhalation of WPS induced an increase in the number of macrophages and neutrophils and the concentrations of protein, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), interleukin (IL)-1beta, and glutathione in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Moreover, the concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF alpha, IL-6 and IL-1beta), adhesion molecules (intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, E-selectin and P-selectin) and markers of oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation, glutathione, superoxide dismutase and nitric oxide) in aortic homogenates of mice exposed to WPS were significantly augmented compared with air exposed mice. Likewise, the concentration of galectin-3 was significantly increased in the aortic homogenates of mice exposed to WPS compared with control group. WPS inhalation induced vascular DNA damage assessed by comet assay and apoptosis characterized by a significant increase in cleaved caspase-3. While the aortic expression of phosphorylated nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) was significantly increased following WPS inhalation, the concentration of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) was significantly decreased in WPS group compared with air-exposed group. In conclusion, our study provided evidence that WPS inhalation triggers lung injury and endothelial inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis which were associated with nuclear factor-kappaB activation and SIRT1 down-regulation.

Omics biomarkers and an approach for their practical implementation to delineate health status for personalized nutrition strategies

Personalized nutrition (PN) has gained much attention as a tool for empowerment of consumers to promote changes in dietary behavior, optimizing health status and preventing diet related diseases. Generalized implementation of PN faces different obstacles, one of the most relevant being metabolic characterization of the individual. Although omics technologies allow for assessment the dynamics of metabolism with unprecedented detail, its translatability as affordable and simple PN protocols is still difficult due to the complexity of metabolic regulation and to different technical and economical constrains. In this work, we propose a conceptual framework that considers the dysregulation of a few overarching processes, namely Carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress and microbiota-derived metabolites, as the basis of the onset of several non-communicable diseases. These processes can be assessed and characterized by specific sets of proteomic, metabolomic and genetic markers that minimize operational constrains and maximize the information obtained at the individual level. Current machine learning and data analysis methodologies allow the development of algorithms to integrate omics and genetic markers. Reduction of dimensionality of variables facilitates the implementation of omics and genetic information in digital tools. This framework is exemplified by presenting the EU-Funded project PREVENTOMICS as a use case.

Diabetic kidney disease induces transcriptome alterations associated with angiogenesis activity in human mesenchymal stromal cells

BACKGROUND

Therapeutic interventions that optimize angiogenic activities may reduce rates of end-stage kidney disease, critical limb ischemia, and lower extremity amputations in individuals with diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Infusion of autologous mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) is a promising novel therapy to rejuvenate vascular integrity. However, DKD-related factors, including hyperglycemia and uremia, might alter MSC angiogenic repair capacity in an autologous treatment approach.

METHODS

To explore the angiogenic activity of MSC in DKD, the transcriptome of adipose tissue-derived MSC obtained from DKD subjects was compared to age-matched controls without diabetes or kidney impairment. Next-generation RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed on MSC (DKD n = 29; Controls n = 9) to identify differentially expressed (DE; adjusted p < 0.05, |log₂fold change|> 1) messenger RNA (mRNA) and microRNA (miRNA) involved in angiogenesis (GeneCards). Paracrine-mediated angiogenic repair capacity of MSC conditioned medium (MSCcm) was assessed in vitro using human umbilical vein endothelial cells incubated in high glucose and indoxyl sulfate for a hyperglycemic, uremic state.

RESULTS

RNA-seq analyses revealed 133 DE mRNAs (77 upregulated and 56 down-regulated) and 208 DE miRNAs (119 up- and 89 down-regulated) in DKD-MSC versus Control-MSC. Interestingly, miRNA let-7a-5p, which regulates angiogenesis and participates in DKD pathogenesis, interacted with 5 angiogenesis-associated mRNAs (transgelin/TAGLN, thrombospondin 1/THBS1, lysyl oxidase-like 4/LOXL4, collagen 4A1/COL4A1 and collagen 8A1/COL8A1). DKD-MSCcm incubation with injured endothelial cells improved tube formation capacity, enhanced migration, reduced adhesion molecules E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 mRNA expression in endothelial cells. Moreover, angiogenic repair effects did not differ between treatment groups (DKD-MSCcm vs. Control-MSCcm).

CONCLUSIONS

MSC from individuals with DKD show angiogenic transcriptome alterations compared to age-matched controls. However, angiogenic repair potential may be preserved, supporting autologous MSC interventions to treat conditions requiring enhanced angiogenic activities such as DKD, diabetic foot ulcers, and critical limb ischemia.

The role of VCAM-1 in diabetic retinopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) plays a regulatory role in inflammatory diseases. However, the exact role of VCAM-1 in diabetic retinopathy (DR) remains unclear, and there is a lack of meta-analyses.

METHODS

The role of VCAM-1 in DR was screened by database searching. A random effects model was used, and the estimated mean difference was evaluated.

RESULTS

Twenty articles were included. The level of VCAM-1 increased significantly in the DR group compared with the control group (SMD: 0.67, 95 % CI: 0.34-1.01, P < 0.0001). VCAM-1 levels correlated with sample size and DR type, method and severity based on subgroup analysis.

CONCLUSION

A high level of VCAM-1 is present in DR patients and is related to the severity of DR. Therefore, VCAM-1 is a potential detection biomarker for DR.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of statin treatment on sVCAM-1 and sICAM-1

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Statins might prevent cell adhesion to the endothelium, a key step in atherosclerosis. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of statins on soluble vascular (sVCAM-1) and intercellular (sICAM-1) adhesion molecule 1.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, from inception to July 2021. Risk of bias and certainty of evidence were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for analytical studies and GRADE, respectively.

RESULTS

Statins significantly reduced both sVCAM-1 (standard mean difference, SMD=-0.28, 95% CI -0.44 to -0.12, p=0.001; 46 treatment arms; low certainty of evidence) and sICAM-1 (SMD=-0.75, 95% CI -1.00 to -0.50, p<0.001; 61 treatment arms; moderate certainty of evidence) concentrations. In sensitivity analysis, the SMD values were not modified when individual studies were sequentially removed. There were significant associations between SMD and publication year and, for sICAM-1, statin-induced changes in HDL-cholesterol. In subgroup analysis, the lowering effect was significant with liphophilic, but not hydrophilic, statins, and similar, for sICAM-1, in participants with or without clinically overt atherosclerosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Statins significantly lower sVCAM-1/sICAM-1. Prospective studies are required to determine whether this mediates their atheroprotective effects (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021276825).

Muscle strength and prediabetes progression and regression in middle-aged and older adults: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Prediabetes progression is associated with increased mortality while its regression decreases it. It is unclear whether muscle strength is related to prediabetes progression or regression. This study investigated the associations of muscle strength, assessed by grip strength and chair-rising time, with prediabetes progression and regression based on the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) enrolling middle-aged and older adults.

METHODS

We included 2623 participants with prediabetes from CHARLS, who were followed up 4 years later with blood samples collected for measuring fasting plasma glucose and haemoglobin A1c. Grip strength (normalized by body weight) and chair-rising time were assessed at baseline and categorized into tertiles (low, middle, and high groups). Prediabetes at baseline and follow-up was defined primarily using the American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria and secondarily using the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Expert Committee (IEC) criteria. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was applied to obtain the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

The mean age of included participants was 59.0 ± 8.6 years, and 46.6% of them were males. During follow-up, 1646 participants remained as prediabetes, 379 progressed to diabetes, and 598 regressed to normoglycaemia based on ADA criteria. Participants who progressed to diabetes had lower normalized grip strength than those who remained as prediabetes (0.49 ± 0.15 vs. 0.53 ± 0.15, P < 0.001), but participants who regressed to normoglycaemia showed the opposite (0.55 ± 0.16 vs. 0.53 ± 0.15, P = 0.003). However, chair-rising time was comparable across different groups (P_overall  = 0.17). Compared with participants in low normalized grip strength or high chair-rising time group, those in high normalized grip strength or low chair-rising time group had decreased odds of progression to diabetes (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.87; and OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.93, respectively) after multivariable adjustment. However, both were unrelated to the odds of regression to normoglycaemia (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.25; and OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.65 to 1.07, respectively). These outcomes remained generally comparable when prediabetes was defined by WHO or IEC criteria. Higher normalized grip strength but not lower chair-rising time was prospectively associated with lower blood pressure, better glycaemic condition, and lower inflammation (all P ≤ 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

High muscle strength is associated with reduced odds of progression to diabetes but does not predict regression to normoglycaemia in prediabetes. Future studies are warranted to assess whether increases in muscle strength promote prediabetes regression.

Four-year changes in central fatness, risk of diabetes, and metabolic control in older adults: a cohort study with mediation analysis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Older adults are vulnerable to central obesity, while the association of changes in central fatness with risk of diabetes and metabolic control has not been investigated among this particular population. This study was aimed to address these issues.

METHODS

A total of 1,815 adults aged ≥ 60 years without diabetes at baseline were followed for 4 years. Incident diabetes was ascertained based on plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c, medical history, and/or the use of anti-diabetic drugs. Central fatness was assessed by waist circumference (WC), waist-height ratio (WHtR), and body roundness index (BRI). Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association of changes in central fatness with risk of diabetes, along with dose-response and mediation analyses.

RESULTS

During the 4-year follow-up, 177 participants developed diabetes. The risk of diabetes was increased by 42%, 41%, and 40% per 1 standard deviation increases in WC, WHtR, and BRI, respectively, in multivariable-adjusted models (all p < 0.01). Moreover, these relationships were all linearly-shaped (all pnonlinearity ≥ 0.11). Increases in WC, WHtR, and BRI correlated with increases in hemoglobin A1c, triglycerides-and-glucose index, triglycerides, white blood cell, and C-reactive protein (all p ≤ 0.04). Yet only changes in hemoglobin A1c and triglycerides-and-glucose index were identified as the possible mediators for risk of diabetes, with their mediating effect being about 35% and 21%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Increases in central fatness were related to elevated risk of diabetes, and this association might be partly explained by the worsening of glycemic control and insulin resistance in older adults.

Identification of potential biomarkers and pathways associated with carotid atherosclerotic plaques in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A transcriptomics study

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) affects the formation of carotid atherosclerotic plaques (CAPs) and patients are prone to plaque instability. It is crucial to clarify transcriptomics profiles and identify biomarkers related to the progression of T2DM complicated by CAPs. Ten human CAP samples were obtained, and whole transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed. Samples were divided into two groups: diabetes mellitus (DM) versus non-DM groups and unstable versus stable groups. The Limma package in R was used to identify lncRNAs, circRNAs, and mRNAs. Gene Ontology (GO) annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network creation, and module generation were performed for differentially expressed mRNAs. Cytoscape was used to create a transcription factor (TF)-mRNA regulatory network, lncRNA/circRNA-mRNA co-expression network, and a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network. The GSE118481 dataset and RT-qPCR were used to verify potential mRNAs.The regulatory network was constructed based on the verified core genes and the relationships were extracted from the above network. In total, 180 differentially expressed lncRNAs, 343 circRNAs, and 1092 mRNAs were identified in the DM versus non-DM group; 240 differentially expressed lncRNAs, 390 circRNAs, and 677 mRNAs were identified in the unstable versus stable group. Five circRNAs, 14 lncRNAs, and 171 mRNAs that were common among all four groups changed in the same direction. GO/KEGG functional enrichment analysis showed that 171 mRNAs were mainly related to biological processes, such as immune responses, inflammatory responses, and cell adhesion. Five circRNAs, 14 lncRNAs, 46 miRNAs, and 54 mRNAs in the ceRNA network formed a regulatory relationship. C22orf34-hsa-miR-6785-5p-RAB37, hsacirc_013887-hsa-miR-6785-5p/hsa-miR-4763-5p/hsa-miR-30b-3p-RAB37, MIR4435-1HG-hsa-miR-30b-3p-RAB37, and GAS5-hsa-miR-30b-3p-RAB37 may be potential RNA regulatory pathways. Seven upregulated mRNAs were verified using the GSE118481 dataset and RT-qPCR. The regulatory network included seven mRNAs, five circRNAs, six lncRNAs, and 14 TFs. We propose five circRNAs (hsacirc_028744, hsacirc_037219, hsacirc_006308, hsacirc_013887, and hsacirc_045622), six lncRNAs (EPB41L4A-AS1, LINC00969, GAS5, MIR4435-1HG, MIR503HG, and SNHG16), and seven mRNAs (RAB37, CCR7, CD3D, TRAT1, VWF, ICAM2, and TMEM244) as potential biomarkers related to the progression of T2DM complicated with CAP. The constructed ceRNA network has important implications for potential RNA regulatory pathways.

Rivaroxaban compared with low-dose aspirin in individuals with type 2 diabetes and high cardiovascular risk: a randomised trial to assess effects on endothelial function, platelet activation and vascular biomarkers

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus and subclinical inflammation have stimulated coagulation, activated platelets and endothelial dysfunction. Recent studies with the direct factor Xa inhibitor rivaroxaban in combination with low-dose aspirin demonstrated a significant reduction of major cardiovascular events, especially in individuals with type 2 diabetes and proven cardiovascular disease. Therefore, we asked the question of whether treatment with rivaroxaban could influence endothelial function, arterial stiffness and platelet activation.

METHODS

We conducted a multi-centre, prospective, randomised, open-label trial in 179 participants with type 2 diabetes (duration 2-20 years), subclinical inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein 2-10 mg/l) and at least two traits of the metabolic syndrome to compare the effects of the direct factor Xa inhibitor rivaroxaban (5 mg twice daily) vs aspirin (100 mg every day) on endothelial function (assessed by forearm occlusion plethysmography), skin blood flow (assessed by laser-Doppler fluxmetry), arterial stiffness (assessed by pulse wave velocity) and serum biomarkers of endothelial function and inflammation. Furthermore, we investigated phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) in platelets, the concentration of platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs) and the effects of isolated PMPs on HUVEC proliferation in vitro.

RESULTS

Rivaroxaban treatment for 20 weeks (n = 89) resulted in a significant improvement of post-ischaemic forearm blood flow (3.6 ± 4.7 vs 1.0 ± 5.2 ml/100 ml, p = 0.004), a numerically increased skin blood flow and reduced soluble P-Selectin plasma level vs aspirin. We did not find significant differences of arterial stiffness or further biomarkers. Neither rivaroxaban nor aspirin influenced VASP phosphorylation of platelets. The number of PMPs increased significantly with both rivaroxaban (365.2 ± 372.1 vs 237.4 ± 157.1 μl^-1, p = 0.005) and aspirin (266.0 ± 212.7 vs 201.7 ± 162.7 μl^-1, p = 0.021). PMPs of rivaroxaban-treated participants stimulated HUVEC proliferation in vitro compared with aspirin. Rivaroxaban was associated with a higher number of bleeding events.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Our findings indicate that the direct factor Xa inhibitor rivaroxaban improved endothelial function in participants with type 2 diabetes and subclinical inflammation but also increased the risk of bleeding.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02164578.

FUNDING

The study was supported by a research grant from Bayer Vital AG, Germany.

Circulating Biomarkers of Inflammation and Endothelial Activation in Diabetic Retinopathy

Inflammation and endothelial activation play a pivotal role in development and progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR), a vision-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) and the leading cause of blindness in the working age population. Easily accessible and validated biomarkers for DR early diagnosis and progression are required for use in clinical trials: here, we reviewed the available literature to understand the association of circulating levels of selected markers of inflammation and endothelial activation with the presence of nonproliferative and proliferative DR (NPDR and PDR) and investigate the relationship between their systemic and ocular levels. We additionally provide data synthesis and perform statistical analysis for interpretation of the collected evidence. CRP, IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, sICAM1, and sVCAM1 circulating levels were increased in subjects with DM compared to healthy individuals. Moreover, TNFα and sVCAM1 showed increasing systemic levels with DR presence and severity; circulating CRP increased with the transition from no DR to NPDR, whereas IL-6 was increased in PDR compared to NDPR stages. The relationship between ocular and systemic concentrations of these proteins remained unclear due to the low number of studies with matched sampling. In conclusion, the available data supports the use of systemic biomarkers of inflammation and endothelial activation to identify DM status and DR severity. These systemic biomarkers are likely reflecting an overall state of inflammation and vascular activation in different tissues of the body, including the eyes. Prospective, longitudinal datasets are required to validate these biomarkers as predictors of early DR presence, of DR progression, or for disease monitoring.

The association between zinc and endothelial adhesion molecules ICAMs and VCAM-1 and nuclear receptors PPAR-ɑ and PPAR-γ: A systematic review on cell culture, animal and human studies

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular health is strongly influenced by diet. The levels of inflammatory factors like ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 are high in patients with atherosclerosis or predisposing factor for heart disease. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions are attributed to zinc. We systematically reviewed cell culture, human or animal studies for determining the relationship between zinc status and ICAMs or VCAM-1 levels.

METHODS

PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Cochrane databases from database inception till 30th August 2020 were systematically searched to obtain any possible article for inclusion.

RESULTS

After screening and removing unrelated or duplicate articles by the title and abstract by two independent reviewers, 15 articles were included. Results indicating an inverse relationship between zinc status with ICAM-1 or VCAM-1 levels and the development of endothelial inflammation, plaque formation, or atherosclerosis. A direct relationship between zinc status and PPAR-α or γ levels was also observed. Zinc oxide (ZnO), zinc nanoparticles, or ions can cause endothelial activation and increased levels of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1.

CONCLUSION

Normal function of the endothelium is linked with zinc level. Zinc deficiency causes atherosclerosis, most probably via increased production of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1; and decreased expression of PPAR-ɑ and PPAR-γ receptors. Contrarily, endothelial activation and increased ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 levels can be caused by ZnO, zinc nanoparticles, or zinc ions.

Dipstick proteinuria and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a nationwide population-based cohort study

Background

Proteinuria has been recognized as a marker of systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction associated with insulin resistance and β-cell impairment, which can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, it is unknown whether the dipstick proteinuria test has a predictive value for new-onset T2DM.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study analyzed 239,287 non-diabetic participants who participated in the Korean nationwide health screening program in 2009–2010. Proteinuria was determined by the urine dipstick test at the baseline health screening. We performed multivariate Cox proportional regression analyses for the development of new-onset T2DM. Follow-up was performed until December 2015.

Results

During the mean follow-up period of 5.73 years, 22,215 participants were diagnosed with new-onset T2DM. The presence of proteinuria was significantly associated with an increased risk of T2DM (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.19, 95% confidence interval: 1.10, 1.29). There was a positive dose–response relationship between the degree of dipstick proteinuria and T2DM risk. This significant association between proteinuria and T2DM risk was consistent regardless of the fasting glucose level at baseline.

Conclusions

Dipstick proteinuria is a significant risk factor for new-onset T2DM. Therefore, proteinuria might be a useful biomarker to identify those at a high risk for developing T2DM.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-021-02934-y.

Is estimated cardiorespiratory fitness an effective predictor for cardiovascular and all-cause mortality? A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Estimated cardiorespiratory fitness (eCRF) derived from algorithm correlates well with exercise testing-measured CRF, yet its clinical use for mortality risk stratification has not been systematically evaluated. This meta-analysis with dose-response analysis was conducted to quantify its association with risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched for prospective cohort studies that investigated the association of eCRF with risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Study-specific multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) per 1-metabolic equivalent (MET) higher of eCRF were pooled using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

Twenty-five datasets from 8 cohort studies that enrolled more than 170,000 participants were included. The summary HR per 1-MET higher of eCRF was 0.83 (95% CI 0.80 to 0.86) for cardiovascular mortality (11 datasets) and 0.83 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.88) for all-cause mortality (14 datasets) in the general population. These associations showed no sex-difference and were all linearly shaped (all p_nonlinearity ≥ 0.27). The performance of eCRF (assessed by the area under the curve) in discriminating future risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality was higher than all its components (such as physical activity, resting heart rate, and body mass index, all p < 0.05), but slightly lower than exercise testing-measured CRF.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher eCRF was independently associated with lower risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in the general population, indicating that eCRF might hold the potential as an effective and practical risk prediction tool in epidemiological or population research.

Peripheral Markers of Vascular Endothelial Dysfunction Show Independent but Additive Relationships with Brain-Based Biomarkers in Association with Functional Impairment in Alzheimer's Disease

BACKGROUND

Cerebrovascular dysfunction confers risk for functional decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD), yet the clinical interplay of these two pathogenic processes is not well understood.

OBJECTIVE

We utilized Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) data to examine associations between peripherally derived soluble cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) and clinical diagnostic indicators of AD.

METHODS

Using generalized linear regression models, we examined cross-sectional relationships of soluble plasma vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and E-Selectin to baseline diagnosis and functional impairment (clinical dementia rating sum-of-boxes, CDR-SB) in the ADNI cohort (n = 112 AD, n = 396 mild cognitive impairment (MCI), n = 58 cognitively normal). We further analyzed associations of these biomarkers with brain-based AD biomarkers in a subset with available cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) data (n = 351). p-values derived from main effects and interaction terms from the linear regressions were used to assess the relationship between independent and dependent variables for significance (significance level was set at 0.05 a priori for all analysis).

RESULTS

Higher mean VCAM-1 (p = 0.0026) and ICAM-1 (p = 0.0189) levels were found in AD versus MCI groups; however, not in MCI versus cognitively normal groups. Only VCAM-1 was linked with CDR-SB scores (p = 0.0157), and APOE ɛ4 genotype modified this effect. We observed independent, additive associations when VCAM-1 and CSF amyloid-β (Aβ42), total tau, phosphorylated tau (P-tau), or P-tau/Aβ42 (all < p = 0.01) were combined in a CDR-SB model; ICAM-1 showed a similar pattern, but to a lesser extent.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate independent associations of plasma-based vascular biomarkers and CSF biomarkers with AD-related clinical impairment.

Common and Novel Markers for Measuring Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Ex Vivo in Research and Clinical Practice-Which to Use Regarding Disease Outcomes?

Many chronic conditions such as cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, type-2 diabetes, obesity, peripheral/coronary artery disease and auto-immune diseases are associated with low-grade inflammation. Closely related to inflammation is oxidative stress (OS), which can be either causal or secondary to inflammation. While a low level of OS is physiological, chronically increased OS is deleterious. Therefore, valid biomarkers of these signalling pathways may enable detection and following progression of OS/inflammation as well as to evaluate treatment efficacy. Such biomarkers should be stable and obtainable through non-invasive methods and their determination should be affordable and easy. The most frequently used inflammatory markers include acute-phase proteins, essentially CRP, serum amyloid A, fibrinogen and procalcitonin, and cytokines, predominantly TNFα, interleukins 1β, 6, 8, 10 and 12 and their receptors and IFNγ. Some cytokines appear to be disease-specific. Conversely, OS-being ubiquitous-and its biomarkers appear less disease or tissue-specific. These include lipid peroxidation products, e.g., F2-isoprostanes and malondialdehyde, DNA breakdown products (e.g., 8-OH-dG), protein adducts (e.g., carbonylated proteins), or antioxidant status. More novel markers include also -omics related ones, as well as non-invasive, questionnaire-based measures, such as the dietary inflammatory-index (DII), but their link to biological responses may be variable. Nevertheless, many of these markers have been clearly related to a number of diseases. However, their use in clinical practice is often limited, due to lacking analytical or clinical validation, or technical challenges. In this review, we strive to highlight frequently employed and useful markers of inflammation-related OS, including novel promising markers.

Oxidative Phosphorylation-Mediated E-Selectin Upregulation Is Associated With Endothelia-Monocyte Adhesion in Human Coronary Artery Endothelial Cells Treated With Sera From Patients With Kawasaki Disease

Background and aims: E-selectin is a cell adhesion molecule of the vascular endothelium that mediates leukocyte rolling in the early inflammatory responses in many diseases including Kawasaki disease (KD). Previous studies have demonstrated that the expression levels of E-selectin was significantly increased in the sera of KD patients and in endothelial cells of KD patient's autopsy. In this study, we aimed to examine E-selectin levels in endothelial cells treated with sera from KD patients and explore the underlying mechanisms. Methods: Human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) were randomly incubated with sera from either healthy children [healthy control (HC group)] or pediatric KD patients [assigned as KD with coronary artery lesion (KD-CAL+ group) and KD without coronary artery lesion (KD-CAL- group)]. E-selectin levels were determined by RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence. Cell adhesion assay was performed to quantify the role of E-selectin in intercellular adhesion. High-throughput cell RNA sequencing followed by functional validation was performed to explore the underlying mechanism. Results: E-selectin levels were significantly increased in KD-CAL+ group vs. HC group and KD-CAL- group. Compared with the KD-CAL- group, endothelia-monocyte adhesion was increased in the KD-CAL+ group, while E-selectin-specific siRNA could significantly rescue it. High-throughput cell RNA sequencing analysis also found a significant difference in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) levels between KD-CAL+ group and KD-CAL- group. Functional validation results further confirmed that the OXPHOS was upregulated in the KD-CAL+ group and KD-CAL- group compared to that in the HC group, while the KD-CAL+ group exhibited a higher OXPHOS than the KD-CAL- group. We also found that the E-selectin levels and endothelia-monocyte adhesion were significantly decreased by OXPHOS inhibitor oligomycin in the KD-CAL+ group and KD-CAL- group, respectively. Conclusion: Sera from KD patients stimulate OXPHOS levels and enhance E-selectin expression in HCAECs, which may contribute to the development of CAL in KD patients.

Association between Proinflammatory Markers, Leukocyte-Endothelium Interactions, and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in Type 2 Diabetes: Role of Glycemic Control

Glycated hemoglobin monitorization could be a tool for maintaining type 2 diabetes (T2D) under control and delaying the appearance of cardiovascular events. This cross-sectional study was designed to assess the role of glycemic control in modulating early-stage markers of cardiovascular complications. One hundred and eight healthy controls and 161 type 2 diabetic patients were recruited and distributed according to their glycemic control, setting the threshold at 6.5% (good control). Biochemical and anthropometrical parameters were registered during the initial visit, and peripheral blood was extracted to obtain polymorphonuclear cells and analyze inflammatory markers, adhesion molecules, leukocyte-endothelium interactions, and carotid intima-media thickness. Correlations between these parameters were explored. We found that inflammatory markers and adhesion molecules were augmented in type 2 diabetic subjects with poor glycemic control. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes interacted more with the endothelium in the diabetic population, and even more significantly in the poorly controlled subjects. In parallel, carotid intima-media thickness was also increased in the diabetic population, and the difference was greater among poorly controlled subjects. Finally, correlation measurement revealed that carotid intima-media thickness was related to glycemic control and lipid metabolism in diabetic patients. Our results suggest that glycemic control delays the onset of cardiovascular comorbidities in diabetic subjects.

Biomarkers of Vascular Injury and Type 2 Diabetes: A Prospective Study, Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Data on biomarkers of vascular injury and type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk from prospective studies are lacking. We evaluated seven biomarkers of vascular injury in relation to T2D. Additionally, a meta-analysis was performed. From the EPIC–Heidelberg cohort, 2224 participants were followed-up from baseline for 16 (median) years. E-Selectin, P-Selectin, intercellular adhesion molecule 3 (ICAM3), thrombomodulin, thrombopoietin, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa and fibrinogen levels were measured in baseline blood samples. The systematic review and meta-analysis included prospective studies identified through MEDLINE and Web of Science that investigated the association between mentioned biomarkers and T2D. The study population included 55% women, median age was 50 years, and 163 developed T2D. ICAM3 was associated with lower T2D risk (fully adjusted HR_{highest vs. lowest} tertile 0.62 (95% CI: 0.43, 0.91)), but no other studies on ICAM3 were identified. Overall, fifteen studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis (6,171 cases). E-Selectin was associated with higher T2D risk HR_{per SD}: 1.34 (95% CI: 1.16, 1.54; I² = 63%, n = 9 studies), while thrombomodulin was associated with lower risk HR_{per SD}: 0.82 (95% CI: 0.71, 0.95; I² = 0%, n = 2 studies). In the EPIC–Heidelberg, ICAM3 was associated with lower T2D risk. The meta-analysis showed a consistent positive association between E-Selectin and T2D. It was also suggestive of an inverse association between thrombomodulin and T2D, although further studies are needed to corroborate this finding.