Inflammation enhances cardiovascular risk and mortality in hemodialysis patients

Association between neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio and mortality in Hemodialysis patients: insights from a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio (NPAR) emerges as a novel inflammation marker, demonstrating prognostic ability in a variety of cardiovascular diseases. However, its impact on mortality among patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) remains uncertain. Our research aims to determine whether NPAR is a reliable predictor of mortality in MHD patients.

METHODS

A total of 1803 MHD patients were recruited in this prospective cohort. Patients were stratified into three groups based on baseline NPAR levels. The association between NPAR and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality was evaluated using multivariate Cox proportional risk model and sensitivity analysis. NPAR's predictive performance was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, compared to several conventional biomarkers, including the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil count, and serum albumin. The area under the curve (AUC) values of NPAR and these biomarkers were compared using the DeLong's test.

RESULTS

Throughout a median follow-up period of 28 months, 239 (13.3%) patients died, with 91 (5.0%) dying of cardiovascular disease. Both all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality exhibited remarkably higher within the high NPAR group compared to the middle and low NPAR groups in the multivariate Cox regression analysis. The adjusted hazard ratio was 1.550 (95% CI: 1.110-2.166, P = 0.010) for all-cause mortality and 1.844 (95% CI: 1.058-3.212, P = 0.031) for cardiovascular mortality. This association was further corroborated by sensitivity analyses. The AUC values of NPAR for all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality were 0.612 (95% CI: 0.572-0.652, P < 0.001) and 0.618 (95% CI: 0.557-0.678, P < 0.001), separately. The p-values for comparing NPAR's AUC with those of NLR, PLR, neutrophils, and albumin were 0.307, 0.094, 0.014, and 0.154 for all-cause mortality, and 0.879, 0.126, 0.119, and 0.596 for cardiovascular mortality.

CONCLUSION

High NPAR level was independently associated with a higher increased risk of death in MHD patients.

Association of fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients on dialysis with acute coronary syndrome

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the association of the fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) and all-cause mortality as well as cardiovascular mortality in patients on dialysis with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Furthermore, we explored the incremental prognostic value of incorporating the FAR into the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) score.

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled 1035 patients on dialysis with ACS between January 2015 and June 2021. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, and the secondary outcome was cardiovascular mortality. Multivariate Cox regression model, restricted cubic spline analysis, and C-statistic were performed to evaluate the prognostic value of FAR on outcomes.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 21.8 months, 369 (35.7%) patients died, including 250 cardiovascular deaths. Patients with the highest FAR tertile had significantly increased risks of all-cause mortality (46.1% vs 27.8%; adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.790; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.372-2.336) and cardiovascular mortality (33.0% vs 16.5%; adjusted HR, 2.086; 95% CI, 1.496-2.908) compared to those in the lowest tertile. Restricted cubic spline analysis revealed a J-shaped association between the FAR and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality, with HRs increasing significantly when the FAR exceeded 94.15. Furthermore, integrating the FAR into the GRACE score significantly improved its predictive accuracy for all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality, as measured by C-statistic, continuous net reclassification index, and integrated discriminatory index.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients on dialysis with ACS, the FAR was independently associated with increased risks of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality. Incorporating the FAR might improve the predictive accuracy of the GRACE score in patients on dialysis with ACS.

Influence of autonomic neuropathy, systemic inflammation and other clinical parameters on mortality in dialysis patients

Background

Autonomic neuropathy (AN) is prevalent in diabetes and chronic kidney disease. The Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31 (COMPASS 31) is a self-assessment test developed to determine not only cardiac AN but also AN of other organs, including the vasomotor, pupillomotor, secretomotor, and gastrointestinal systems. As yet there are no data on the effects of combined AN-scores of a variety of affected organ systems on mortality in dialysis patients.

Methods

In 119 patients undergoing hemodialysis therapy, symptoms of AN were documented using COMPASS 31. After 5 years, survival rates were calculated depending on AN scores and other parameters. After this 5-year period, AN scores were assessed for a second time and correlated with those obtained 5 years earlier.

Results

Survival rates for patients with lower AN scores were better than for those with higher AN scores. Patients with lower C-reactive protein levels showed better survival compared to those with higher values. Dialysis patients with diabetes had a lower survival rate compared to non-diabetic patients. In women, survival rates were better than in men. AN scores remained unchanged over the 5-year period.

Conclusion

AN is frequently observed in dialysis patients and can be identified through the COMPASS 31 questionnaire. Patients with higher AN scores exhibit poorer survival rates compared to those with lower scores. This observation is applicable not only for cardiac AN but also to AN scores reflecting changes in other organ systems. Therefore, AN scores can be used effectively to detect various AN symptoms in dialysis patients and identify their increased risk of mortality.

Lipoprotein(a) concentrations and cardiovascular disease in patients with chronic kidney disease: Results from the German Chronic Kidney Disease study

BACKGROUND

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is a causal, genetically determined risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the general population. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have an increased CVD risk and elevated Lp(a) concentrations. Only a few studies on Lp(a) were performed in persons with mild-to-moderate CKD; none of them used genetic variants to explore potential causal associations.

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to investigate the association of measured and genetically predicted Lp(a) concentrations on prevalent and incident CVD events in the German Chronic Kidney Disease (GCKD) study.

METHODS

The study included 5043 participants of European ancestry with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between 30 and 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or an eGFR >60 mL/min/1.73 m2 in the presence of overt albuminuria with a follow-up of 6.5 years.

RESULTS

With each 10 mg/dL higher Lp(a) concentration, odds for prevalent CVD (1290 events) increased 1.065-fold (95%CI: 1.042-1.088, p < 0.001). The risk was significantly higher in patients with Lp(a) ≥50 mg/dL but most pronounced in Lp(a) ≥70 mg/dL (odds ratio = 1.775 [1.409-2.231], p < 0.001) compared to Lp(a) <30 mg/dL. Each 10 mg/dL higher Lp(a) concentration and Lp(a) ≥70 mg/dL increased the risk for incident 3-point major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) (474 events): hazard ratio [HR] = 1.037 [1.009-1.067], p = 0.009 and HR = 1.335 [1.001-1.781], p = 0.050), respectively. Similar results were obtained for 4-point MACE (653 events). Analyses based on apo(a) isoforms and genetically predicted Lp(a) concentrations led to even stronger associations.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with mild-to-severe CKD, elevated Lp(a) concentrations and genetic determinants of Lp(a) concentrations are significantly associated with CVD at baseline and during follow-up, independent of traditional risk factors.

Comparison of clinical characteristics and prognostic factors in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction with and without renal dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) with renal dysfunction (RD) is considered to be a specific phenotype of HFpEF. This study aimed to compare the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors for in-hospital mortality between HFpEF-diagnosed patients with and without RD.

METHODS

This multicenter retrospective study included 5867 consecutive patients with acute HFpEF. RD was defined by an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank tests were used to compare the in-hospital mortality between the groups. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to identify significant prognostic factors.

RESULTS

Across the study cohort, 68% of patients had RD. In-hospital mortality was significantly higher in HFpEF patients with RD than in those without RD. The comorbidities and laboratory data differed significantly between the groups. Independent prognostic factors for in-hospital mortality in the HFpEF patients with RD were age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.039), systolic blood pressure (HR, 0.991), eGFR (HR, 0.981), C-reactive protein (CRP; HR, 1.028), diuretics (HR, 0.374), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers (ACE-I/ARBs; HR, 0.680), and beta-blockers (HR, 0.662). In HFpEF patients without RD, age (HR, 1.039), systolic blood pressure (HR, 0.979), and ACE-I/ARBs (HR, 0.373) were independent prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant differences in the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors, such as CRP and beta-blockers, were observed between the HFpEF patients with and without RD. These results have implications for future research and may help guide individualized patient management strategies.

Osteopontin and Clinical Outcomes in Hemodialysis Patients

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) are significant public health issues, with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality being the leading causes of death in hemodialysis patients. Osteopontin (OPN), a multifunctional glycoprotein, has emerged as a potential biomarker for vascular disease in CKD due to its role in inflammation, tissue remodeling, and calcification.

METHODS

This cohort study included 1124 hemodialysis patients from the PROGREDIRE study, a registry involving 35 dialysis units in Southern Italy. Serum osteopontin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The primary endpoints were all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to assess the association between osteopontin levels and mortality, adjusting for traditional risk factors, biomarkers of inflammation, nutritional status, and ESKD-related factors.

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up of 2.8 years, 478 patients died, 271 from cardiovascular causes. Independent correlates of osteopontin included alkaline phosphatase and parathyroid hormone. Elevated osteopontin levels were significantly associated with increased all-cause mortality (HR 1.19, 95% CI 1.09-1.31, p < 0.001) and cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.08-1.38, p = 0.001) after adjusting for confounders.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated osteopontin levels are associated with increased all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in hemodialysis patients. These findings implicate osteopontin in the high risk for death and cardiovascular disease in the hemodialysis population. Intervention studies are needed to definitively test this hypothesis.

NAD+ enhancers as therapeutic agents in the cardiorenal axis

Cardiorenal diseases represent a complex interplay between heart failure and renal dysfunction, being clinically classified as cardiorenal syndromes (CRS). Recently, the contributions of altered nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) metabolism, through deficient NAD+ synthesis and/or elevated consumption, have proved to be decisive in the onset and progress of cardiorenal disease. NAD+ is a pivotal coenzyme in cellular metabolism, being significant in various signaling pathways, such as energy metabolism, DNA damage repair, gene expression, and stress response. Convincing evidence suggests that strategies designed to boost cellular NAD+ levels are a promising therapeutic option to address cardiovascular and renal disorders. Here, we review and discuss the implications of NAD+ metabolism in cardiorenal diseases, focusing on the propitious NAD+ boosting therapeutic strategies, based on the use of NAD+ precursors, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors, sirtuin activators, and other alternative approaches, such as CD38 blockade, nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase activation and combined interventions.

Hemoincompatibility in Hemodialysis-Related Therapies and Their Health Economic Perspectives

Hemobiologic reactions associated with the hemoincompatibility of extracorporeal circuit material are an undesirable and inevitable consequence of all blood-contacting medical devices, typically considered only from a clinical perspective. In hemodialysis (HD), the blood of patients undergoes repetitive (at least thrice weekly for 4 h and lifelong) exposure to different polymeric materials that activate plasmatic pathways and blood cells. There is a general agreement that hemoincompatibility reactions, although unavoidable during extracorporeal therapies, are unphysiological contributors to non-hemodynamic dialysis-induced systemic stress and need to be curtailed. Strategies to lessen the periodic and direct effects of blood interacting with artificial surfaces to stimulate numerous biological pathways have focused mainly on the development of 'more passive' materials to decrease intradialytic morbidity. The indirect implications of this phenomenon, such as its impact on the overall delivery of care, have not been considered in detail. In this article, we explore, for the first time, the potential clinical and economic consequences of hemoincompatibility from a value-based healthcare (VBHC) perspective. As the fundamental tenet of VBHC is achieving the best clinical outcomes at the lowest cost, we examine the equation from the individual perspectives of the three key stakeholders of the dialysis care delivery processes: the patient, the provider, and the payer. For the patient, sub-optimal therapy caused by hemoincompatibility results in poor quality of life and various dialysis-associated conditions involving cost-impacting adjustments to lifestyles. For the provider, the decrease in income is attributed to factors such as an increase in workload and use of resources, dissatisfaction of the patient from the services provided, loss of reimbursement and direct revenue, or an increase in doctor-nurse turnover due to the complexity of managing care (nephrology encounters a chronic workforce shortage). The payer and healthcare system incur additional costs, e.g., increased hospitalization rates, including intensive care unit admissions, and increased medications and diagnostics to counteract adverse events and complications. Thus, hemoincompatibility reactions may be relevant from a socioeconomic perspective and may need to be addressed beyond just its clinical relevance to streamline the delivery of HD in terms of payability, future sustainability, and societal repercussions. Strategies to mitigate the economic impact and address the cost-effectiveness of the hemoincompatibility of extracorporeal kidney replacement therapy are proposed to conclude this comprehensive approach.

Excessive Erythrophagocytosis Accounts for Systemic Inflammation in Chronic Kidney Disease

Purpose

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with persistent systemic inflammation. Reduced red blood cell (RBC) survival in patients with CKD has been identified for several decades. The purpose of this study is to explore whether excessive erythrophagocytosis exists and contributes to systemic inflammation in CKD.

Patients and methods

A CKD rat model was induced by 5/6 nephrectomy. Erythrocyte osmotic fragility was determined with hypotonic NaCl solutions. Erythrocyte deformability was evaluated by filterability. RBC cell death was quantified using fluorescence-activated cell sorting analyses of fluorescent annexin V-bound surface phosphatidylserine (PS). Erythrophagocytosis was evaluated in vivo and in vitro. RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry were used to determine the inflammatory effects after erythrophagocytosis.

Results

Erythrocyte osmotic fragility and deformability progressively declined, and the percentage of PS-exposing RBCs progressively increased in CKD rats. Levels of erythrophagocytosis in vivo were evaluated by autologous injection of CFSE-labeled erythrocytes. In comparison with the control group, higher fluorescence intensity of CFSE was detected in the spleen homogenates of rats with CKD. In vitro, more of erythrocytes from 5/6Nx rats were phagocytosed by peritoneal macrophages in comparison to those from control rats. Compared with macrophages phagocytosed control erythrocytes, macrophages phagocytosed CKD erythrocytes exhibited higher mRNA levels of IL-6, CXCL-10, CXCL-11, iNOS, IL-1β, ICAM-1 and MCP-1. Compared with the control group, the red pulp of rats with CKD exhibited higher levels of p-NFκB, IL-6, iNOS and CXCL-10. ELISA results showed significantly increased plasma levels of both IL-6 and CXCL-10 in patients with long-term hemodialysis compared with those in healthy controls (2.30 ± 1.38 pg/mL vs 1.33 ± 0.65 pg/mL, P=0.01; 78.11 ± 27.34 pg/mL vs 37.45 ± 7.08 pg/mL, P=0.001).

Conclusion

Our results indicated that excessive erythrophagocytosis may contribute to systemic inflammation in CKD.

Impact of Dialysis Time on Long-term Outcomes in HLA-identical Living Donor Kidney Transplant Recipients

Background

Dialysis vintage is associated with worse outcomes after kidney transplantation. The reasons behind this observation include immunological and nonimmunological risk factors. To mitigate the influence of immunological factors, we examined the association between time on dialysis and clinical outcomes in a cohort of HLA-identical kidney transplant recipients.

Methods

This retrospective study included 13 321 kidney transplant recipients between 1999 and 2016, of whom 589 were HLA identical followed for at least 5 y. Patient and graft survivals were compared according to dialysis time (<12 or >12 mo) using the log-rank test and Cox regression analysis. We compared surgical complications, cytomegalovirus infection, acute rejection, disease recurrence, and the trajectories of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR).

Results

Median time on dialysis was 15 mo; 9.2% of patients received preemptive transplants, and 55.3% of patients were on dialysis for >12 mo. After a median follow-up time of 154 mo, there were no differences in unadjusted and adjusted patient and graft survivals (1, 5, 10, and 15 y) between the 2 groups. There were no differences in the incidence of surgical complications (6.2% versus 3.1%), acute rejection (6.1% versus 7.7%), cytomegalovirus infection (7.6% versus 4.0%), and disease recurrence (4.2% versus 4.0%), respectively. There were no differences in mean eGFR during 5 y or in the proportion of patients with an eGFR <30 mL/min at 5 y (9.9% versus 9.2%).

Conclusions

In this low immunological risk cohort of HLA-identical kidney transplant recipients, we did not observe any association between dialysis vintage on patient survival and graft survival.

Autonomic neuropathy in dialysis patients - investigations with a new symptom score (COMPASS 31)

BACKGROUND

Symptoms of autonomic neuropathy (AN) are common in patients with diabetes and advanced renal disease. As yet different domains of autonomic neuropathy cannot be detected by a singular laboratory or invasive test. COMPASS 31, a new self-assessment test, has shown reliable results not only in cardiac autonomic neuropathy but also in different sub-domains when judging manifestation of AN by scores.

METHODS

One hundred eighty-three patients with or without diabetes were enrolled, one hundred nineteen of them were treated with permanent dialysis therapy (HD), sixty-four patients served as controls (eGFR > 60 ml/min.) Using COMPASS 31 different symptoms of AN were assessed (orthostatic intolerance, vasomotor, secretomotor, gastrointestinal, bladder, pupillomotor changes) and transferred into AN-scores.

RESULTS

AN was more pronounced in dialysis patients compared with controls (AN-score 27,5 vs. 10,0; p < 0,01). These differences were present also in every sub-domain of AN (orthostatic intolerance, vasomotor, secretomotor, gastrointestinal, bladder, pupillomotor changes; p < 0,05 for all sub-domains). In diabetic patients there was a strong correlation between symptoms of AN and diabetes duration (correlation coefficient r = 0,45, p < 0,001). Current glycemic control (HbA1c), body mass index (BMI), sex, and height had no influence on AN when comparing dialysis patients and controls. C-reactive protein (CRP) showed a positive linear correlation with AN-scores (correlation coefficient r = 0,21; p < 0,05).

CONCLUSION

Symptoms of AN are more pronounced in dialysis patients not only in total but also in all different domains of neuropathic changes. Longlasting diabetic disease promotes development of AN, as duration of diabetes was positively correlated with AN. Future longitudinal studies might help to identify the high cardiovascular and mortality risk in dialysis patients by the easy-to-use COMPASS 31 without need of invasive and time-spending methods for diagnosing AN.

Inspiratory Muscle Training in Patients Living With Chronic Kidney Disease and Receiving Hemodialysis: Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVE

People living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and receiving hemodialysis (HD) have impaired respiratory muscle strength and endurance. The objective of this study was to systematically review the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity, lung function, quality of life, endothelial function, and oxidative stress in people living with CKD and receiving HD.

METHODS

An electronic search was conducted from inception to June 2023. Randomized controlled trials that evaluated the effects of IMT on respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity, lung function, endothelial function, quality of life, or oxidative stress in adults living with CKD and receiving HD, compared with control, placebo IMT, or conventional physical therapy, were included.

RESULTS

Eight studies were included, totaling 246 people. The meta-analysis showed that IMT increased the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) by 22.53 cm H2O, the maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) by 19.54 cm H2O, and the distance covered in the 6-minute walk test by 77.63 m. Changes in lung function and quality of life were not observed. It was not possible to quantitatively analyze data on endothelial function and oxidative stress.

CONCLUSION

IMT improves MIP, MEP, and functional capacity in people living with CKD and receiving HD. IMT did not demonstrate significant results for lung function and quality of life. Effects on endothelial function and oxidative capacity remain uncertain.

IMPACT

Inspiratory muscle training improves MIP, MEP, and functional capacity in people living with CKD and receiving HD, compared with conventional physical therapy or controls or placebo intervention. Increases in functional capacity in this population are extremely important because of the relationship with the survival of these people.

The predictive value of cardiovascular outcomes and mortality assessed by the C-reactive protein to albumin ratio in the UK Biobank

BACKGROUND

The C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR) seems to mirror disease severity and prognosis in several acute disorders particularly in elderly patients, yet less is known about if CAR is superior to C-reactive protein (CRP) in the general population.

METHODS

Prospective study design on the UK Biobank, where serum samples of CRP and Albumin were used. Cox regression analyses were conducted to assess all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and heart failure over a follow-up period of approximately 12.5 years. The Cox model was adjusted for established cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, including age, sex, smoking habits, physical activity level, BMI level, systolic blood pressure, LDL-cholesterol, statin treatment, diabetes, and previous CVD, with hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Analyses were also stratified by sex, CRP level (< 10 and ≥ 10 mg/ml) and age (< 60 and ≥ 60 years).

RESULTS

In total, 411,506 individuals (186,043 men and 225,463 women) were included. In comparisons between HRs for all adverse outcomes, the results were similar or identical for CAR and CRP. For example, both CAR and CRP, adjusted HRs for all-cause mortality were 1.13 (95% CI 1.12-1.14). Regarding CVD mortality, the adjusted HR for CAR was 1.14 (95% CI 1.12-1.15), while for CRP, it was 1.13 (95% CI 1.11-1.15).

CONCLUSIONS

Within this study CAR was not superior to CRP in predictive ability of mortality or CVD disorders.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

Not applicable (cohort study).

Interleukin-16 is increased in dialysis patients but is not a cardiovascular risk factor

Oxalate, a uremic toxin that accumulates in dialysis patients, is associated with cardiovascular disease. As oxalate crystals can activate immune cells, we tested the hypothesis that plasma oxalate would be associated with cytokine concentrations and cardiovascular outcomes in dialysis patients. In a cohort of 104 US patients with kidney failure requiring dialysis (cohort 1), we measured 21 inflammatory markers. As IL-16 was the only cytokine to correlate with oxalate, we focused further investigations on IL-16. We searched for associations between concentrations of IL-16 and mortality and cardiovascular events in the 4D cohort (1255 patients, cohort 2) and assessed further associations of IL-16 with other uremic toxins in this cohort. IL-16 levels were positively correlated with pOx concentrations (ρ = 0.39 in cohort 1, r = 0.35 in cohort 2) and were elevated in dialysis patients when compared to healthy individuals. No significant association could be found between IL-16 levels and cardiovascular events or mortality in the 4D cohort. We conclude that the cytokine IL-16 correlates with plasma oxalate concentrations and is substantially increased in patients with kidney failure on dialysis. However, no association could be detected between IL-16 concentrations and cardiovascular disease in the 4D cohort.

Investigational new drugs for the treatment of chronic renal failure: an overview of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is widespread throughout the world, with a high social and health impact. It is considered a 'silent killer' for its sudden onset without symptoms in the early stages of the disease. The main goal of nephrologists is to slow the progression of kidney disease and treat the associated symptoms with a range of new medications.

AREAS COVERED

The aim of this systematic review is to analyze the new investigational drugs for the treatment of chronic renal failure. Data were obtained from the available scientific literature and from the ClinicalTrials.gov website.

EXPERT OPINION

Among the drugs currently being researched, SGLT2 inhibitors appear to be the most promising drugs for the treatment of CKD, has they have slower progression of CKD and protection of cardiorenal function. An important role in the future of CKD treatment is played by autologous cell-therapy, which appears to be a new frontier in the treatment of CKD. Other therapeutic strategies are currently being investigated and have been shown to slow the progression of CKD. However, further studies are needed to determine whether these approaches may offer benefits in slowing the progression of CKD in the near future.

A landscape of metabolic variation among clinical outcomes of peritoneal dialysis in end-stage renal disease

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) helps prevent lethal complications of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, the clinical outcomes are affected by PD-related complications. We investigated metabolic biomarkers to estimate the clinical outcomes of PD and identify patients at high risk of downstream complications and recurrent/relapsing infections.

METHODS

Metabolites of normal control and ESRD patient were compared via an untargeted metabolomic analysis. Potential metabolic biomarkers were selected and quantified using a multiple reaction monitoring-based target metabolite detection method. A nomogram was built to predict the clinical outcomes of PD patients using clinical features and potential metabolic biomarkers with the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression model.

RESULTS

Twenty-five endogenous metabolites were identified and analyzed. ESRD-poor clinical outcome-related metabolic modules were constructed. Adenine, isoleucine, tyramine, xanthosine, phenylacetyl-L-glutamine, and cholic acid were investigated using the weighted gene correlation network analysis blue module. Potential metabolic biomarkers were differentially expressed between the NC and ESRD groups and the poor and good clinical outcomes of PD groups. A 3-metabolite fingerprint classifier of isoleucine, cholic acid, and adenine was included in a nomogram predicting the clinical outcomes of PD.

CONCLUSION

Metabolic variations can predict the clinical outcomes of PD in ESRD patients.

Protein-rich foods, sea foods, and gut microbiota amplify immune responses in chronic diseases and cancers - Targeting PERK as a novel therapeutic strategy for chronic inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is a cellular organelle that is physiologically responsible for protein folding, calcium homeostasis, and lipid biosynthesis. Pathological stimuli such as oxidative stress, ischemia, disruptions in calcium homeostasis, and increased production of normal and/or folding-defective proteins all contribute to the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the ER, causing ER stress. The adaptive response to ER stress is the activation of unfolded protein response (UPR), which affect a wide variety of cellular functions to maintain ER homeostasis or lead to apoptosis. Three different ER transmembrane sensors, including PKR-like ER kinase (PERK), activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), and inositol-requiring enzyme-1 (IRE1), are responsible for initiating UPR. The UPR involves a variety of signal transduction pathways that reduce unfolded protein accumulation by boosting ER-resident chaperones, limiting protein translation, and accelerating unfolded protein degradation. ER is now acknowledged as a critical organelle in sensing dangers and determining cell life and death. On the other hand, UPR plays a critical role in the development and progression of several diseases such as cardiovascular diseases (CVD), metabolic disorders, chronic kidney diseases, neurological disorders, and cancer. Here, we critically analyze the most current knowledge of the master regulatory roles of ER stress particularly the PERK pathway as a conditional danger receptor, an organelle crosstalk regulator, and a regulator of protein translation. We highlighted that PERK is not only ER stress regulator by sensing UPR and ER stress but also a frontier sensor and direct senses for gut microbiota-generated metabolites. Our work also further highlighted the function of PERK as a central hub that leads to metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic modification which further enhanced inflammatory response and promoted trained immunity. Moreover, we highlighted the contribution of ER stress and PERK in the pathogenesis of several diseases such as cancer, CVD, kidney diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic target of ER stress and PERK for cancer treatment and the potential novel therapeutic targets for CVD, metabolic disorders, and neurodegenerative disorders. Inhibition of ER stress, by the development of small molecules that target the PERK and UPR, represents a promising therapeutic strategy.

Glasgow prognostic score as an outcome predictor for patients initiating hemodialysis

INTRODUCTION

This retrospective study examined the relationship between the Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) at hemodialysis (HD) initiation and overall/cardiovascular mortality.

METHODS

A total of 264 patients starting HD between 2014 and 2015 at a single center were studied. Follow-up persisted until therapy change, death, or study end (December 31, 2021), with a median of 6.8 years.

RESULTS

Patients with a higher GPS more frequently had emergent HD initiation and showed increased eGFR at initiation. During follow-up, 60% of patients died, with cardiovascular disease being the leading cause. Univariate analysis revealed a significant difference in median survival time across GPS classes. Cox proportional hazard models confirmed a significant association between GPS and mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

We report a significant association between GPS at HD initiation and mortality. GPS may prove useful as a prognostic tool for identifying high-risk patients, underscoring the need for future research to validate these findings and explore the potential of GPS-based interventions.

The Role of Zinc Supplementation in Alleviating Inflammatory Biomarkers in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Randomized Placebo Controlled, Crossover Trial

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD), which progresses to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and requires maintenance hemodialysis (MHD), is a global health issue. Inflammation in MHD patients is associated with increased mortality and cardiovascular events. Zinc, essential for immune function and possessing anti-inflammatory properties, is frequently deficient in these patients and could potentially help mitigate inflammation.

Objectives

This study aims to assess the impact of zinc supplementation on inflammatory biomarkers, specifically (CRP) and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), in MHD patients.

Methods

In a double-blind, randomized controlled crossover trial conducted at Labafinejad Hospital, Tehran, MHD patients with zinc deficiency were initially allocated to either a zinc supplementation group or a placebo group. After 30 days, the groups were crossed over, with patients initially receiving zinc now receiving a placebo and vice versa. The primary outcome was changes in serum zinc levels, while secondary outcomes focused on CRP and NLR levels.

Results

Significant changes in serum zinc levels were observed in both groups from baseline to Month 2 (drug-placebo group: Mean change -15.9±10.33 µg/dL, P < 0.05; placebo-drug group: Mean change -14.70 ± 12.58 µg/dL, P < 0.05). A significant initial reduction in CRP levels at Month 1 (P = 0.045) was not sustained at Month 2 (P = 0.812). No statistically significant changes in NLR were noted. Improvements in quality of life, including reductions in muscle pain and skin dryness, were significant in the drug-placebo group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Zinc supplementation in MHD patients significantly improved serum zinc levels and initially reduced CRP levels, highlighting its potential role in managing inflammation. Although the impact on NLR was not significant, overall patient outcomes and quality of life showed promising improvements.

Association of long-term aspirin use with kidney disease progression

Background

Chronic microinflammation contributes to the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Aspirin (ASA) has been used to treat inflammation for centuries. The effects of long-term low-dose ASA on CKD progression are unclear.

Methods

We examined the association of long-term use of newly initiated low-dose ASA (50-200 mg/day) with all-cause mortality using Cox proportional hazard models; with cardiovascular/cerebrovascular (CV) mortality and with end stage kidney disease (ESKD) using Fine and Gray competing risk regression models; with progression of CKD defined as patients' eGFR slopes steeper than -5 mL/min/1.73m2/year using logistic regression models in a nationwide cohort of US Veterans with incident CKD. Among 831,963 patients, we identified 385,457 who either initiated ASA (N = 21,228) within 1 year of CKD diagnosis or never received ASA (N = 364,229). We used propensity score matching to account for differences in key characteristics, yielding 29,480 patients (14,740 in each group).

Results

In the matched cohort, over a 4.9-year median follow-up period, 11,846 (40.2%) patients (6,017 vs. 5,829 ASA users vs. non-users) died with 25.8% CV deaths, and 934 (3.2%) patients (476 vs. 458) reached ESKD. ASA users had a higher risk of faster decline of kidney functions, i.e., steeper slopes (OR 1.30 [95%CI: 1.18, 1.44], p < 0.01), but did not have apparent benefits on mortality (HR 0.97 [95%CI: 0.94, 1.01], p = 0.17), CV mortality (Sub-Hazard Ratio [SHR]1.06 [95%CI: 0.99-1.14], p = 0.11), or ESKD (SHR1.00 [95%CI: 0.88, 1.13], p = 0.95).

Conclusion

Chronic low-dose ASA use was associated with faster kidney function deterioration, and no association was observed with mortality or risk of ESKD.

Efficacy of pre-emptive kidney transplantation for adults with end-stage kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Pre-emptive kidney transplantation (PEKT), i.e., transplantation performed before initiation of maintenance dialysis, is considered an ideal renal replacement therapy because there is no exposure to long-term dialysis therapy. Therefore, we summarized advantages/disadvantages of PEKT to assist in deciding whether kidney transplantation should be performed pre-emptively.

METHODS

This study was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021269163. Observational studies comparing clinical outcomes between PEKT and non-PEKT were included; those involving only pediatric recipients or simultaneous multi-organ transplantations were excluded. The PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Ichushi-Web databases were searched on 1 August 2021. Studies were pooled using the generic inverse-variance method with random effects model, and risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-I.

RESULTS

Seventy-six studies were included in the systematic review (sample size, 23-121,853; enrollment year, 1968-2019). PEKT patients had lower all-cause mortality (adjusted HR: 0.78 [95% CI 0.66-0.92]), and lower death-censored graft failure (0.81 [0.67-0.98]). Unadjusted RRs for the following outcomes were comparable between the two patient groups: cardiovascular disease, 0.90 (0.58-1.40); biopsy-proven acute rejection, 0.75 (0.55-1.03); cytomegalovirus infection, 1.04 (0.85-1.29); and urinary tract infection, 0.89 (0.61-1.29). Mean differences in post-transplant QOL score were comparable in both groups. The certainty of evidence for mortality and graft failure was moderate and that for other outcomes was very low following the GRADE classification.

CONCLUSIONS

The present meta-analysis shows the potential benefits of PEKT, especially regarding patient and graft survival, and therefore PEKT is recommended for adults with end-stage kidney disease.

What are the benefits of preemptive versus non-preemptive kidney transplantation? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Opting for a preemptive kidney transplant (PKT) can help avoid costs and morbidity associated with dialysis. However, while multiple studies have shown clinical benefits of PKT, other studies have not demonstrated this, leading to controversy in the literature regarding the exact benefits of PKT. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the clinical outcomes of PKT versus non-preemptive kidney transplantation (nPKT) in adult patients. Multiple databases were searched up to May 4, 2022. Independent reviewers selected studies for inclusion and extracted relevant data. Risk of bias was assessed using the Downs and Black checklist. Eighty-seven studies including 859,715 adult kidney transplant patients were included the review. The risk of patient death (relative risk [95% confidence interval] 0.74 [0.60-0.91]) was significantly lower in PKT versus nPKT patients for living donor (LD) transplants, whereas the risk of overall graft loss was significantly lower in PKT compared to nPKT patients for both LD (0.72 [0.62-0.83]) as well as deceased donor (DD) transplants (0.80 [0.69-0.92]). The evidence suggests that LD PKT patients have a lower risk of patient death and graft loss compared to nPKT patients, and DD PKT patients have a lower risk of graft loss than nPKT patients.

Inflammatory Status and Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats: Old and New Inflammatory Markers-A Pilot Prospective Study

This prospective study aimed to evaluate inflammatory status in cats affected by chronic kidney disease (CKD) at IRIS stages 2-4, using serum amyloid A (SAA) and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) as inflammatory markers. Thirty-two cats with CKD and ten clinically healthy cats (i.e., control group) were enrolled. The recording of signalment data, complete physical examinations, and abdominal ultrasonography were performed for each animal. Additionally, ESR levels, complete blood count, clinical chemistry (including SAA determination), serum protein electrophoresis, and complete urinalysis were executed. This study's results showed that mean ESR and SAA concentrations in cats with CKD were statistically higher compared to those of the control group (p = 0.0005 and p = 0.007, respectively). The SAA concentration was significantly increased at IRIS stages 2, 3, and 4 compared to the control group. Meanwhile, the ESR was significantly higher in cats at IRIS stages 3 and 4 (p = 0.0003 and p = 0.0007, respectively), but not at IRIS stage 2, compared to the control group. These results provide evidence that feline CKD is associated with a systemic inflammatory status. Moreover, the rise in ESR appears to be more linked to advanced stages of the disease and could, therefore, correlate with the uremic condition.

The C-reactive protein Albumin ratio was not consistently associated with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in two community-based cohorts of 70-year-olds

C-reactive protein (CRP)/Albumin ratio (CAR) seems to mirror disease severity and prognosis in several acute disorders particularly in elderly patients, which we aimed to study. As method we use a prospective study design; the Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS; n = 912, women 50%; mean age 70 years, baseline 2001 and 2004, median follow-up 15.0 years, end of follow-up 2019) and the Uppsala Longitudinal Study of Adult Men (ULSAM, n = 924 mean age 71 years, baseline 1991-1995, median follow-up 15.6 years, end of follow-up 2016). Serum samples were used for analyses of CRP and Albumin. Cox regression analyses were performed for cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in models adjusting for several factors (age; physical activity; Interleukin-6; cardiovascular (CVD) risk factors: smoking, BMI level, systolic blood pressure, LDL-cholesterol, and diabetes), with 95% confidence interval (CI). When adjusting for age and CVD risk factors, CAR was significantly associated with cardiovascular mortality for meta-analyzed results from PIVUS and ULSAM, HR 1.09 (95% 1.01-1.18), but neither in PIVUS (HR 1.14, 95% CI 0.99-1.31) nor in ULSAM (1.07, 95% CI 0.98-1.17). Additionally, CAR was significantly associated with all-cause mortality in ULSAM 1.31 (95% CI 1.12-1.54) but not in PIVUS HRs 1.01 (95% 0.089-1.15). The predictive value of CAR was similar to CRP alone in PIVUS and ULSAM and slightly better than albumin for the prediction of CVD-mortality in ULSAM. In conclusion, CAR was not consistently associated with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in the two cohorts. The prognostic value of CAR for long-term CVD-mortality was similar to CRP.

MicroRNA regulators of vascular pathophysiology in chronic kidney disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a severe comorbidity in chronic kidney disease (CKD) due to heavy calcification in the medial layer and inflamed plaques. Chronic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and vascular calcification are major contributors that lead to artherosclerosis in CKD. The lack of specific symptoms and signs of CAD and decreased accuracy of noninvasive diagnostic tools result in delayed diagnosis leading to increased mortality. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are post-transcriptional regulators present in various biofluids throughout the body. In the circulation, miRNAs have been reported to be encapsulated in extracellular vesicles and serve as stable messengers for crosstalk among cells. miRNAs are involved in pathophysiologic mechanisms including CAD and can potentially be extended from basic research to clinical translational practice.

Mineral and bone metabolism markers and mortality in diabetic patients on haemodialysis

BACKGROUND

Diabetic patients on haemodialysis have a higher risk of mortality than non-diabetic patients. The aim of this COSMOS (Current management of secondary hyperparathyroidism: a multicentre observational study) analysis was to assess whether bone and mineral laboratory values [calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone (PTH)] contribute to this risk.

METHODS

COSMOS is a multicentre, open-cohort, 3-year prospective study, which includes 6797 patients from 227 randomly selected dialysis centres in 20 European countries. The association between mortality and calcium, phosphate or PTH was assessed using Cox proportional hazard regression models using both penalized splines smoothing and categorization according to KDIGO guidelines. The effect modification of the association between the relative risk of mortality and serum calcium, phosphate or PTH by diabetes was assessed.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant effect modification of the association between the relative risk of mortality and serum PTH by diabetes (P = .011). The slope of the curve of the association between increasing values of PTH and relative risk of mortality was steeper for diabetic compared with non-diabetic patients, mainly for high levels of PTH. In addition, high serum PTH (>9 times the normal values) was significantly associated with a higher relative risk of mortality in diabetic patients but not in non-diabetic patients [1.53 (95% confidence interval 1.07-2.19) and 1.17 (95% confidence interval 0.91-1.52)]. No significant effect modification of the association between the relative risk of mortality and serum calcium or phosphate by diabetes was found (P = .2 and P = .059, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The results show a different association of PTH with the relative risk of mortality in diabetic and non-diabetic patients. These findings could have relevant implications for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorders.

Cardiovascular Calcifications Are Correlated with Inflammation in Hemodialysis Patients

Background and Objectives: The main cause of morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis patients is cardiovascular disease, which is quite common. The main objective of our study was to investigate the relationship between oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular and valvular calcifications in hemodialysis patients. Materials and Methods: This observational study had 54 hemodialysis patients, with an average age of 60.46 ± 13.18 years. Cardiovascular ultrasound was used to detect and/or measure aortic and mitral valve calcifications, carotid and femoral atheroma plaques, and common carotid intima-media thickness. The aortic calcification score was determined using a lateral abdomen plain radiograph. The inflammatory, oxidative, metabolic, and dietary statuses, as well as demographic characteristics, were identified. Results: There were significant correlations between the levels of IL-6 and carotid plaque number (p = 0.003), fibrinogen level and aortic valve calcifications (p = 0.05), intima-media thickness (p = 0.0007), carotid plaque number (p = 0.035), femoral plaque number (p = 0.00014), and aortic calcifications score (p = 0.0079). Aortic annulus calcifications (p = 0.03) and intima-media thickness (p = 0.038) were adversely linked with TNF-α. Nutrition parameters were negatively correlated with atherosclerosis markers: number of carotid plaques with albumin (p = 0.013), body mass index (p = 0.039), and triglycerides (p = 0.021); number of femoral plaques with phosphorus (0.013), aortic calcifications score with albumin (p = 0.051), intima-media thickness with LDL-cholesterol (p = 0.042). Age and the quantity of carotid plaques, femoral plaques, and aortic calcifications were linked with each other (p = 0.0022, 0.00011, and 0.036, respectively). Aortic annulus calcifications (p = 0.011), aortic valve calcifications (p = 0.023), and mitral valve calcifications (p = 0.018) were all associated with an increased risk of death. Conclusions: Imaging measures of atherosclerosis are adversely connected with dietary status and positively correlated with markers of inflammation and risk of mortality.

Expanded Hemodialysis ameliorates uremia-induced impairment of vasculoprotective KLF2 and concomitant proinflammatory priming of endothelial cells through an ERK/AP1/cFOS-dependent mechanism

Aims

Expanded hemodialysis (HDx) therapy with improved molecular cut-off dialyzers exerts beneficial effects on lowering uremia-associated chronic systemic microinflammation, a driver of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in hemodialysis (HD) patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, studies on the underlying molecular mechanisms are still at an early stage. Here, we identify the (endothelial) transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) and its associated molecular signalling pathways as key targets and regulators of uremia-induced endothelial micro-inflammation in the HD/ESRD setting, which is crucial for vascular homeostasis and controlling detrimental vascular inflammation.

Methods and results

First, we found that human microvascular endothelial cells (HMECs) and other typical endothelial and kidney model cell lines (e.g. HUVECs, HREC, and HEK) exposed to uremic serum from patients treated with two different hemodialysis regimens in the Permeability Enhancement to Reduce Chronic Inflammation II (PERCI-II) crossover clinical trial - comparing High-Flux (HF) and Medium Cut-Off (MCO) membranes - exhibited strongly reduced expression of vasculoprotective KLF2 with HF dialyzers, while dialysis with MCO dialyzers led to the maintenance and restoration of physiological KLF2 levels in HMECs. Mechanistic follow-up revealed that the strong downmodulation of KLF2 in HMECs exposed to uremic serum was mediated by a dominant engagement of detrimental ERK instead of beneficial AKT signalling, with subsequent AP1-/c-FOS binding in the KLF2 promoter region, followed by the detrimental triggering of pleiotropic inflammatory mediators, while the introduction of a KLF2 overexpression plasmid could restore physiological KLF2 levels and downmodulate the detrimental vascular inflammation in a mechanistic rescue approach.

Conclusion

Uremia downmodulates vasculoprotective KLF2 in endothelium, leading to detrimental vascular inflammation, while MCO dialysis with the novel improved HDx therapy approach can maintain physiological levels of vasculoprotective KLF2.

Serum amyloid A and risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

BACKGROUNDS

The available literature on the correlation between serum amyloid A (SAA) and prognosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are limited, and the findings from existing studies are inconclusive. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the available evidence regarding the link between SAA and risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in CKD patients. Additionally, we aimed to investigate the potential dose-response relationships, provided that adequate data is accessible.

METHODS

Pubmed and Embase were searched for related literature (last update: 12 July 2023). The pooled effect estimates were calculated using random- or fixed-effects models depending on heterogeneity among studies.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis incorporated 8 studies encompassing 2331 CKD patients. The findings revealed an 85% increase in all-cause mortality risk [hazard risk (HR) 1.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.29-2.65] and a 39% increase in cardiovascular mortality risk (HR 1.07, 95% CI 1.07-1.80) when comparing the highest tertile of baseline SAA levels to the lowest tertile. Furthermore, a positive linear relationship between SAA and all-cause mortality risk was observed (Pnon-linearity = 0.959), with a 17.7% increase in risk for each 10 mg/L SAA increase (HR 1.177, 95% CI 1.055-1.313). Similarly, a linear relationship between SAA and cardiovascular mortality risk was identified (Pnon-linearity = 0.477) with a 19.3% increase in risk for each 10 mg/L SAA increase (HR 1.193, 95% CI 1.025-1.388).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis provided evidence that SAA levels are positively and linearly associated with risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among CKD patients.

A high platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio predicts all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in maintenance hemodialysis patients

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to further assess whether the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) is independently associated with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients.

METHODS

From January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2014, patients undergoing regular hemodialysis in the Blood Purification Center of the General Hospital of Northern Theatre Command were retrospectively selected. A total of 303 MHD patients were enrolled in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria. For each patient, the endpoint of follow-up was either death or December 31, 2021. The primary endpoints were all-cause and cardiovascular death. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to detect the predictive ability of PLR, and the optimal critical value of PLR was determined to be 107.57. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional analysis were used to assess the prognostic value of PLR. We used the same method to evaluate the correlation between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the prognosis of MHD patients.

RESULTS

At the end of follow-up, 128 MHD patients had progressed to all-cause death, and 73 MHD patients had progressed to cardiovascular death. In multivariate Cox regression, both the high PLR group and the high NLR group were independently associated with all-cause mortality (HR 2.608, 95% CI 1.579-4.306, p < .001 vs. HR 1.634, 95% CI 1.023-2.610, p = .04). Only high PLR expression was associated with cardiovascular mortality (HR 3.379, 95% CI 1.646-6.936, p = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

High PLR levels can independently predict all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in MHD patients.

Inflammatory proteins are associated with mortality in a middle-aged diverse cohort

BACKGROUND

Recent data indicate a decline in overall longevity in the United States. Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in midlife mortality rates had been reported. Life expectancy disparities have persisted in the United States for racial and ethnic groups and for individuals living at low socioeconomic status. These continued trends in mortality indicate the importance of examining biomarkers of mortality at midlife in at-risk populations. Circulating levels of cytokines and inflammatory markers reflect systemic chronic inflammation, which is a well-known driver of many age-related diseases.

METHODS

In this study, we examined the relationship of nine different inflammatory proteins with mortality in a middle-aged socioeconomically diverse cohort of African-American and White men and women (n = 1122; mean age = 47.8 years).

RESULTS

We found significant differences in inflammatory-related protein serum levels between African-American and White middle-aged adults. E-selectin and fibrinogen were significantly higher in African-American adults. IFN-γ, TNF-α trimer, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE) and P-selectin were significantly higher in White participants compared to African-American participants. Higher levels of E-selectin, MCP-1 and P-selectin were associated with a higher mortality risk. Furthermore, there was a significant interaction between sex and IL-6 with mortality. IL-6 levels were associated with an increased risk of mortality, an association that was significantly greater in women than men. In addition, White participants with high levels of sRAGE had significantly higher survival probability than White participants with low levels of sRAGE, while African-American participants had similar survival probabilities across sRAGE levels.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that circulating inflammatory markers can be utilized as indicators of midlife mortality risk in a socioeconomically diverse cohort of African-American and White individuals.

Epidemiology and Risk Factors for Stroke in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Narrative Review

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a higher risk ofboth ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. This association appears to be partly independent from the higher prevalence of established risk factors for stroke in patients with CKD, including hypertension and atrial fibrillation. In the present review we aim to discuss the impact of CKD on the risk of stroke and stroke-related consequences, and explore the pathophysiology underpinning the increased risk of stroke in patients with CKD. We cover the clinical association between renal dysfunction and cerebrovascular disease including stroke, silent brain infarct, cerebral small vessel disease, microbleeds, and white matter hyperintensity, and discuss the underlying mechanisms.

Combined use of CRP with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in differentiating between infectious and noninfectious inflammation in hemodialysis patients

We tested whether CRP combined with the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) optimizes the prediction of infectious inflammation in hemodialysis patients. We conducted a retrospective study of 774 (mean age 71.1 ± 12.8 years, 35% women) hemodialysis patients from our institution, hospitalized between 2007 and 2021 for various reasons, with CRP levels available at admission. Infection was defined according to the International Sepsis Definition Conference criteria. An algorithm for the optimal CRP and NLR cutoff points for predicting infection was developed based on a decision tree analysis in the training cohort (n = 620) and then tested in the validation cohort (n = 154). A CRP level above 40 mg/L (obtained as the cutoff point in predicting infections in the training group, using ROC curve analysis) predicted an infection diagnosis with a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 76% with an odds ratio (OR) of 9.37 (95% CI: 5.36-16.39), according to a multivariate logistic regression analysis. Whereas, CRP levels above 23 mg/L together with an NLR above 9.7 predicted an infection diagnosis with a sensitivity of 69% and a specificity of 84% with an OR of 25.59 (95% CI: 9.73-67.31). All these results were reproduced in the validation set. Combined use of CRP with NLR may lower the CRP cutoff point in distinguishing between infectious and noninfectious inflammation in hemodialysis patients.

Prevalence of chronic periodontitis in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis and its correlation with peritoneal dialysis-related complications

OBJECTIVE

The microinflammatory state can influence the occurrence of dialysis-related complications in dialysis patients. Chronic periodontitis (CP), in which plaque biofilm is considered to be the initiating factor, is a chronic infectious disease in the oral cavity. It is still uncertain whether CP affects the microinflammatory state in peritoneal dialysis (PD) and the occurrence of dialysis-related complications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between the periodontal index and clinical parameters in peritoneal dialysis patients with CP and dialysis-related complications, including peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis (PDAP) and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (CCEs).

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study, and 76 patients undergoing PD were enrolled. Clinical parameters, the occurrence of PD-related complications and periodontitis-related indicators, including the gingival index (GI), plaque index (PLI), probing depth (PPD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL), were collected. Correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between periodontal or clinical parameters and the occurrence of PD-related complications.

RESULTS

All the patients had different degrees of periodontitis (mild 9.2%, moderate 72.4%, severe 18.4%); PPD was inversely related to serum albumin (r = - 0.235, p = 0.041); CAL has a positive correlation with serum C-reactive protein (rs = 0.242, p = 0.035); PLI was positively correlated with serum calcium (r = 0.314, p = 0.006). ANOVA, multivariate logistic regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier Survival curve suggested that CAL was a risk factor for the occurrence of PDAP. There was no correlation between periodontal parameters and CCEs or poor prognosis.

CONCLUSION

CP is universally present in PD patients, and the presentation of periodontitis influences the systemic inflammatory state in PD patients. CP is a risk factor for PDAP.

Positive Correlation between Relative Concentration of Spermine to Spermidine in Whole Blood and Skeletal Muscle Mass Index: A Possible Indicator of Sarcopenia and Prognosis of Hemodialysis Patients

Several mechanisms strictly regulate polyamine concentration, and blood polyamines are excreted in urine. This indicates polyamine accumulation in renal dysfunction, and studies have shown increased blood polyamine concentrations in patients with renal failure. Hemodialysis (HD) may compensate for polyamine excretion; however, little is known about polyamine excretion. We measured whole-blood polyamine levels in patients on HD and examined the relationship between polyamine concentrations and indicators associated with health status. Study participants were 59 hemodialysis patients (median age: 70.0 years) at Minami-Uonuma City Hospital and 26 healthy volunteers (median age: 44.5 years). Whole-blood spermidine levels were higher and spermine/spermidine ratio (SPM/SPD) was lower in hemodialysis patients. Hemodialysis showed SPD efflux into the dialysate; however, blood polyamine levels were not altered by hemodialysis and appeared to be minimally excreted. The skeletal muscle mass index (SMI), which was positively correlated with hand grip strength and serum albumin level, was positively correlated with SPM/SPD. Given that sarcopenia and low serum albumin levels are reported risk factors for poor prognosis in HD patients, whole blood SPM/SPD in hemodialysis patients may be a new indicator of the prognosis and health status of HD patients.

Andrade J. Effects of a spice-blended honey muffin on salivary inflammation markers in adults with obesity: a feasibility trial

BACKGROUND

Obesity is considered a low-grade chronically inflamed state that contributes to communicable chronic diseases. This inflammation may be modulated by consuming spices like turmeric daily. However, few studies have looked at the inclusion of spice within whole foods.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this feasibility pre/posttrial was to assess the influence of turmeric in a muffin on salivary IL-6 and CRP in adults who were obese.

METHODS

Participants consumed one, 60-gram muffin containing 3 g turmeric for 10 days. Participants provided a urinary sample at baseline, a 2-ml saliva sample, and a 30-day food frequency and spice consumption questionnaire at baseline and post-trial. A one-sample t-test was conducted using SAS v 9.4 with significance determined at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 14 participants, average BMI of 32.16 kg/m2 with 10 identifying as female, completed the trial after 5 dropped due to various reasons. The visit lengths and collection of data with participants adhering to the instructions were deemed a success. There was a significant decrease in salivary IL-6 (p = 0.03) but no statistical difference in salivary CRP (p = 0.46). Participants consumed fruits and vegetables at least once daily, chicken and eggs 5-6 times per week, and beef, pork, and fish at least once per week. Participants consumed chili pepper, garlic, cinnamon, cilantro, and ginger at least once per week. No changes were observed in dietary/spice habits during this trial.

CONCLUSION

The feasibility pre/post study revealed that consumption of a muffin with turmeric reduced at least salivary IL-6 in 10 days. Modifications to the study design such as lengthier trial time to assess the impact of this muffin on CRP is necessary prior to implementing larger-scale randomized control trials.

Identifying effective diagnostic biomarkers and immune infiltration features in chronic kidney disease by bioinformatics and validation

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD), characterized by sustained inflammation and immune dysfunction, is highly prevalent and can eventually progress to end-stage kidney disease. However, there is still a lack of effective and reliable diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for CKD. Methods: First, we merged data from GEO microarrays (GSE104948 and GSE116626) to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in CKD and healthy patient samples. Then, we conducted GO, KEGG, HPO, and WGCNA analyses to explore potential functions of DEGs and select clinically significant modules. Moreover, STRING was used to analyse protein-protein interactions. CytoHubba and MCODE algorithms in the cytoscape plug-in were performed to screen hub genes in the network. We then determined the diagnostic significance of the obtained hub genes by ROC and two validation datasets. Meanwhile, the expression level of the biomarkers was verified by IHC. Furthermore, we examined immunological cells' relationships with hub genes. Finally, GSEA was conducted to determine the biological functions that biomarkers are significantly enriched. STITCH and AutoDock Vina were used to predict and validate drug-gene interactions. Results: A total of 657 DEGs were screened and functional analysis emphasizes their important role in inflammatory responses and immunomodulation in CKD. Through WGCNA, the interaction network, ROC curves, and validation set, four hub genes (IL10RA, CD45, CTSS, and C1QA) were identified. Furthermore, IHC of CKD patients confirmed the results above. Immune infiltration analysis indicated that CKD had a significant increase in monocytes, M0 macrophages, and M1 macrophages but a decrease in regulatory T cells, activated dendritic cells, and so on. Moreover, four hub genes were statistically correlated with them. Further analysis exhibited that IL10RA, which obtained the highest expression level in hub genes, was involved in abnormalities in various immune cells and regulated a large number of immune system responses and inflammation-related pathways. In addition, the drug-gene interaction network contained four potential therapeutic drugs targeting IL10RA, and molecular docking might make this relationship viable. Conclusion: IL10RA and its related hub molecules might play a key role in the development of CKD and could be potential biomarkers in CKD.

Exploring biomarkers in routine diagnostics for the risk stratification of older patients in the Chest Pain Unit: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to estimate the association of the often, in daily clinical practice, used biological age-related biomarkers high-sensitivity troponin-T (hs-TnT), C reactive protein (CRP) and haemoglobin (Hb) with all-cause mortality for the purpose of older patient's risk stratification in the emergency department (ED).

DESIGN

Exploratory, prospective cohort study with a follow-up at 2.5 years after recruitment started. For the predictors, data from the hospital files including the routinely applied biological age-related biomarkers hs-TnT, CRP and Hb were supplemented by a questionnaire.

SETTING

A cardiological ED, Chest Pain Unit, University Hospital Heidelberg, Germany.

PARTICIPANTS

N=256 cardiological ED patients with a minimum age of 70 years and the capability to informed consent.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome of this study was all-cause mortality which was assessed by requesting registry office information.

RESULTS

Among N=256 patients 63 died over the follow-up period. Positive results in each of the three biomarkers alone as well as the combination were associated with increased all-cause mortality at follow-up. The number of positive age-related biomarkers appeared to be strongly indicative of the risk of mortality, even when controlled for major confounders (age, sex, body mass index, creatinine clearance and comorbidity).

CONCLUSIONS

In older ED patients, biomarkers explicitly related to biological ageing processes such as hs-TnT, CRP and Hb were to a certain degree independently of each other as well as combined associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality. Thus, they may have the potential to be used to supplement the general risk stratification of older patients in the ED. Validation of the results in a large dataset is needed.

Malnutrition and inflammatory parameters in patients with chronic kidney disease stages 3–5 from northern India

Background

Malnutrition is highly prevalent in chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study is conducted to find out the prevalence of malnutrition and its association with inflammation in patients with CKD stages 3–5.

Method

This is a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted at the Sri Ram Murti Smarak Institute of Medical Science, Uttar Pradesh, India. CKD stages 3–5 patients were included. The nutritional status was assessed by subjective global assessment (SGA). Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were also checked at the time of enrollment.

Results

A total of 213/354 (60.2%) of patients were malnourished. The triceps skinfold thickness (TSFT) was 8.2 ± 1.2 mm and 10.9 ± 1.2 mm in the malnourished and well-nourished groups, respectively; p < 0.001. TSFT was ≤ 10 mm in 91.1% of patients with malnutrition. Mid-arm muscle circumference (MAMC) was 21.3 ± 2.2 cm and 24 ± 2.9 cm, and the body mass index (BMI) was 19.8 ± 1.5 and 22.5 ± 1.4 kg/m2 in the malnourished and well-nourished group, respectively; p < 0.001. A significant direct correlation between BMI, TSFT, MAMC, and eGFR was noted. Median eGFR was 11.9 ml/min/1.73 m2 in the malnourished compared to 24.2 ml/min/1.73 m2 in the well-nourished group; p < 0.001. Serum ferritin level was 246.77 ± 18.24 mg/L in the malnourished group, higher than the well-nourished group at 237.23 ± 16.13 mg/L; p < 0.001. CRP was elevated (> 0.6 mg/dl) in 53.5% patients with malnutrition; p 0.003.

Conclusions

Malnutrition is highly prevalent in the CKD population. The incidence increases as the eGFR decrease. TSFT ≤ 10 mm compares favorably with SGA in detecting malnutrition (sensitivity > 90%), and BMI > 20 kg/m2 compares favorably with SGA in ruling out malnutrition (specificity 97%). Malnutrition and inflammation often coexist. Early detection and appropriate management are crucial.

Effects of Standardized Brazilian Green Propolis Extract (EPP-AF®) on Inflammation in Haemodialysis Patients: A Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Patients on haemodialysis (HD) present a significant inflammatory status, which has a pronounced negative impact on their outcomes. Propolis is a natural resin with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. We assessed the safety and impact of a standardized Brazilian green propolis extract (EPP-AF®) on the inflammatory status in patients under conventional HD.

METHODS

Patients were assigned to receive 200 mg/day of EPP-AF® for 4 weeks followed by 4 weeks without the drug, and changes in plasma levels of interleukins (ILs), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and high-sensitivityc-reactive protein (HsCRP) were measured. A heatmap was used to illustrate trends in data variation.

RESULTS

In total, 37 patients were included in the final analysis. Patients presented an exacerbated inflammatory state at baseline. During EPP-AF® use, there was a significant reduction in IFN-γ (p=0.005), IL-13 (p=0.04 2), IL-17 (p=0.039), IL-1ra (p=0.008), IL-8 (p=0.009), and TNF-α (p  <  0.001) levels compared to baseline, and significant changes were found in Hs-CRP levels. The heatmap demonstrated a pattern of pronounced proinflammatory status at baseline, especially in patients with primary glomerulopathies, and a clear reduction in this pattern during the use of EPP-AF®. There was a tendency to maintain this reduction after suspension of EPP-AF®. No significant side effects were observed.

CONCLUSION

Patients under haemodialysis presented a pronounced inflammatory status, and EPP-AF® was demonstrated to be safe and associated with a significant and maintained reduction in proinflammatory cytokines in this population. This trial is registered with Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04072341.

Biphasic Dynamics of Inflammatory Markers Following Hemodialysis Initiation: Results From the International MONitoring Dialysis Outcome Initiative

Introduction

Inflammation is highly prevalent among patients with end-stage kidney disease and is associated with adverse outcomes. We aimed to investigate longitudinal changes in inflammatory markers in a diverse international incident hemodialysis patient population.

Methods

The MONitoring Dialysis Outcomes (MONDO) Consortium encompasses hemodialysis databases from 31 countries in Europe, North America, South America, and Asia. The MONDO database was queried for inflammatory markers (total white blood cell count [WBC], neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, serum albumin, and C-reactive protein [CRP]) and hemoglobin levels in incident hemodialysis patients. Laboratory parameters were measured every month. Patients were stratified by survival time (≤6 months, >6 to 12 months, >12 to 18 months, >18 to 24 months, >24 to 30 months, >30 to 36 months, and >36 months) following dialysis initiation. We used cubic B-spline basis function to evaluate temporal changes in inflammatory parameters in relationship with patient survival.

Results

We studied 18,726 incident hemodialysis patients. Their age at dialysis initiation was 71.3 ± 11.9 years; 10,802 (58%) were males. Within the first 6 months, 2068 (11%) patients died, and 12,295 patients (67%) survived >36 months (survivor cohort). Hemodialysis patients who died showed a distinct biphasic pattern of change in inflammatory markers where an initial decline of inflammation was followed by a rapid rise that was consistently evident approximately 6 months before death. This pattern was similar in all patients who died and was consistent across the survival time intervals. In contrast, in the survivor cohort, we observed initial decline of inflammation followed by sustained low levels of inflammatory biomarkers.

Conclusion

Our international study of incident hemodialysis patients highlights a temporal relationship between serial measurements of inflammatory markers and patient survival. This finding may inform the development of prognostic models, such as the integration of dynamic changes in inflammatory markers for individual risk profiling and guiding preventive and therapeutic interventions.

Effect of Mean Platelet Volume to Platelet Count Ratio on Mortality in Peritoneal Dialysis

Background and Aims

Mean platelet volume to platelet count ratio (MPV/PC) has been found to be an independent risk factor for mortality in various diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and hemodialysis. We aimed to evaluate the association between MPV/PC and all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients.

Methods and Results

We conducted a retrospective cohort study at a single center and enrolled 1473 PD patients who were catheterized at our PD center from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2013. All patients were divided into four groups according to the quartiles of baseline MPV/PC levels and followed up until December 31, 2018. A total of 453 patients died, and 221 deaths were caused by cardiovascular disease during a median follow-up time of 48.0 (21.9-82.2) months. There was a significant interaction by age of association between MPV/PC level and all-cause mortality (P = 0.009), and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that higher MPV/PC level was related to a decreased risk of all-cause and CV mortality in PD patients aged < 60 years (HR = 0.62, 95%CI = 0.40 − 0.96, P = 0.032; HR = 0.49, 95%CI = 0.26 − 0.93, P = 0.029, respectively), rather than in patients aged ≥ 60 years (HR = 1.37, 95%CI = 0.84 − 2.22, P = 0.208; HR = 1.50, 95%CI = 0.77 − 2.92, P = 0.237, respectively).

Conclusion

Our results indicated that low MPV/PC level was an independent risk factor for all-cause and CV mortality in PD patients aged less than 60 years.

Long-term body composition changes in patients undergoing hemodialysis: a single-center retrospective study

Background

Patients undergoing dialysis experience substantial decreases in muscle mass and functional muscle weakness. Muscle mass loss in patients undergoing hemodialysis is an independent predictor of survival, so muscle mass maintenance is essential for continued hemodialysis. This study examined longitudinal changes in the body composition of patients undergoing hemodialysis in different dialysis periods.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed body composition measurements obtained by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) using the same measuring instrument. The dialysis periods were 1–10 years from the start of hemodialysis for group A (n = 25), 10–20 years for group B (n = 22), and 20–30 years for group C (n = 9). The initial and final measurements of each group were compared. Furthermore, the nutritional status based on the inflammation and nutritional indicators obtained during the measurement period of each group was examined.

Results

Muscle mass did not significantly decrease in groups A and B but did decrease in group C (P < 0.05). In all groups, the extracellular water-to-total body water ratio (ECW/TBW) significantly increased (P < 0.001). C-reactive protein in groups A and B increased; however, the median initial and final values were < 0.2 mg/dL, and no changes were observed in group C. Furthermore, the median normalized protein catabolic rate was 0.86–1.05 g/kg/day, and there was no difference in the initial or final rates. The mean energy and protein daily intakes were 30–32 kcal/ideal body weight (IBW) kg/day and 1.1 g/IBW kg/day, respectively.

Conclusions

In patients undergoing hemodialysis, even if the muscle mass values are maintained, the possibility of a substantial decrease in muscle mass cannot be ruled out when ECW/TBW increases. Control of inflammation and nutritional intake may help minimize muscle mass loss caused by continued hemodialysis in patients.

Fluid Overload and Tissue Sodium Accumulation as Main Drivers of Protein Energy Malnutrition in Dialysis Patients

Protein energy malnutrition is recognized as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in dialysis patients. Protein-energy-wasting process is observed in about 45% of the dialysis population using common biomarkers worldwide. Although several factors are implicated in protein energy wasting, inflammation and oxidative stress mechanisms play a central role in this pathogenic process. In this in-depth review, we analyzed the implication of sodium and water accumulation, as well as the role of fluid overload and fluid management, as major contributors to protein-energy-wasting process. Fluid overload and fluid depletion mimic a tide up and down phenomenon that contributes to inducing hypercatabolism and stimulates oxidation phosphorylation mechanisms at the cellular level in particular muscles. This endogenous metabolic water production may contribute to hyponatremia. In addition, salt tissue accumulation likely contributes to hypercatabolic state through locally inflammatory and immune-mediated mechanisms but also contributes to the perturbation of hormone receptors (i.e., insulin or growth hormone resistance). It is time to act more precisely on sodium and fluid imbalance to mitigate both nutritional and cardiovascular risks. Personalized management of sodium and fluid, using available tools including sodium management tool, has the potential to more adequately restore sodium and water homeostasis and to improve nutritional status and outcomes of dialysis patients.

The Effects of Almond Consumption on Inflammatory Biomarkers in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

Conflicting findings have been reported regarding the effects of almond consumption on inflammatory markers. This study aimed to summarize the current literature to determine whether almonds can affect inflammatory markers. A systematic search was carried out in PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science up to March 2021. Randomized clinical trials that compared almond with no almond consumption were included. The outcomes of interest were changes in circulating C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6, TNF-α, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) concentrations. The random-effects model was used to find the mean differences. In total, 18 trials with 847 participants were eligible for the current analysis. Participants' ages ranged from 26.3 to 69.6 y. Combining 16 studies, almond consumption significantly reduced serum concentrations of CRP [weighted mean difference (WMD): -0.25 mg/L; 95% CI: -0.43, -0.06 mg/L; I2 = 0.0%; P-heterogeneity = 0.633]. However, the beneficial effect of almond intake only occurred at doses <60 g/d. Pooling 11 effect sizes, almond interventions significantly decreased circulating IL-6 concentrations (WMD: -0.11 pg/mL; 95% CI: -0.21, -0.01 pg/mL; I2 = 19.9%; P-heterogeneity = 0.254). In subgroup analyses, effects on CRP and IL-6 were nonsignificant in unhealthy participants or those with obesity. In addition, almond consumption had no significant effect on TNF-α (WMD: -0.05 pg/mL; 95% CI: -0.11, 0.01 pg/mL; I2 = 0.0%; P-heterogeneity = 0.893; n = 6), ICAM-1 (WMD: 6.39 ng/mL; 95% CI: -9.44, 22.22 ng/mL; I2 = 66.6%; P-heterogeneity = 0.006; n = 7), or VCAM-1 (WMD: -8.31 ng/mL; 95% CI: -35.32, 18.71 ng/mL; I2 = 58.8%; P-heterogeneity = 0.033; n = 6). In conclusion, almond consumption beneficially affects CRP and IL-6 concentrations in adults. However, it has no beneficial effect on TNF-α, ICAM-1, or VCAM-1. More trials are needed to determine the effects of almonds on inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory effects of resveratrol in patients with cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Chronic inflammation is one of the most important factors involved in the development and progression of cardiovascular disease (CVDs). Accumulating evidence has described the effect of resveratrol, a natural polyphenolic compound, on biomarkers of inflammation among patients with CVDs; however, findings are controversial. Here we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effect of resveratrol supplements on TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP levels in CVDs patients.

METHODS

Online research was conducted in the following database: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science databases, and Scopus. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to investigate the effects of resveratrol supplements on inflammatory biomarkers among patients with CVDs. The meta-analysis was performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) V3 software.

RESULTS

Six RCTs met the inclusion criteria and were selected for the current meta-analysis. Our results demonstrated that resveratrol significantly decreases serum levels of CRP (MD= -0.63, 95% CI: -0.1.13, -0.12; p = 0.01), and TNF-α (MD= -0.55, 95% CI: -1.04, -0.06; p = 0.02), however, resveratrol had not significant effect on serum concentration of IL-6 (MD= -0.12, 95% CI: -0.52, 0.27; p = 0.53), in patients with CVDs.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that resveratrol can be used as a potential treatment in patients with CVD by reducing inflammatory conditions.

The Cardiovascular Literature-Based Risk Algorithm (CALIBRA): Predicting Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Non-Dialysis Dependent Chronic Kidney Disease

Background and Objectives

Cardiovascular (CV) disease is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in patients suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although it is widely recognized that CV risk assessment represents an essential prerequisite for clinical management, existing prognostic models appear not to be entirely adequate for CKD patients. We derived a literature-based, naïve-bayes model predicting the yearly risk of CV hospitalizations among patients suffering from CKD, referred as the CArdiovascular, LIterature-Based, Risk Algorithm (CALIBRA).

Methods

CALIBRA incorporates 31 variables including traditional and CKD-specific risk factors. It was validated in two independent CKD populations: the FMC NephroCare cohort (European Clinical Database, EuCliD®) and the German Chronic Kidney Disease (GCKD) study prospective cohort. CALIBRA performance was evaluated by c-statistics and calibration charts. In addition, CALIBRA discrimination was compared with that of three validated tools currently used for CV prediction in CKD, namely the Framingham Heart Study (FHS) risk score, the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk score (ASCVD), and the Individual Data Analysis of Antihypertensive Intervention Trials (INDANA) calculator. Superiority was defined as a ΔAUC>0.05.

Results

CALIBRA showed good discrimination in both the EuCliD® medical registry (AUC 0.79, 95%CI 0.76-0.81) and the GCKD cohort (AUC 0.73, 95%CI 0.70-0.76). CALIBRA demonstrated improved accuracy compared to the benchmark models in EuCliD® (FHS: ΔAUC=-0.22, p<0.001; ASCVD: ΔAUC=-0.17, p<0.001; INDANA: ΔAUC=-0.14, p<0.001) and GCKD (FHS: ΔAUC=-0.16, p<0.001; ASCVD: ΔAUC=-0.12, p<0.001; INDANA: ΔAUC=-0.04, p<0.001) populations. Accuracy of the CALIBRA score was stable also for patients showing missing variables.

Conclusion

CALIBRA provides accurate and robust stratification of CKD patients according to CV risk and allows score calculations with improved accuracy compared to established CV risk scores also in real-world clinical cohorts with considerable missingness rates. Our results support the generalizability of CALIBRA across different CKD populations and clinical settings.

Beneficial effects of non-herbal supplements on patients with diabetes

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Controlling glycemic levels is crucial for patients with diabetes mellitus to improve their disease management and health outcomes. Beyond lifestyle modification and pharmacotherapy, some supplements have been shown to lower blood glucose as well as mitigate diabetic complications.

METHODS

Information was primarily gathered by employing various PubMed scholarly articles for real-world examples in addition to data extraction from supplementary manuscripts. Only original human trials were used, and those published within the past two decades were primarily chosen. However, background information may contains review articles.

RESULTS

Some non-herbal supplements have been suggested to lower fasting blood glucose, postprandial glucose, glycated glucose (HbA1c), lipid profiles, oxidative stress, and inflammation, as well as improving body composition, insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and nephropathy.

CONCLUSION

This review discusses ten non-herbal supplements that have been reported to have beneficial effects among different types of patients with diabetes as well as potential future clinical application. However, more long-term studies with a larger amount and more diverse participants need to be conducted for a robust conclusion. Also, mechanisms of action of antidiabetic effects are poorly understood and need further research.