Association of Total and Differential Leukocyte Counts With Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality in the UK Biobank

Association between monocyte-lymphocyte ratio and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with chronic kidney diseases: A data analysis from national health and nutrition examination survey (NHANES) 2003-2010

BACKGROUND

The relationship between monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and prognosis in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between MLR and both all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in patients with CKD.

METHODS

This study analyzed data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2010. This study included 11262 eligible subjects, and 3015 of them were with CKD. We first compared the differences in clinical characteristics between individuals with and without CKD, and then grouped the CKD population based on quartiles of MLR. The partial correlation analysis was conducted to assess the relationships between MLR and some important clinical features. Cox proportional hazards models were used to investigate the associations between MLR and mortality from all-cause and cardiovascular disease. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) was used to investigate the dose-response relationship between MLR and mortality, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves is used to compare the efficacy of MLR with different clinical biological indicators in assessing the risk of death.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 10.3 years in CKD population, 1398 (43%) all-cause deaths and 526 (16%) CVD deaths occurred. It has been found that individuals with CKD have higher MLR level. The partial correlation analysis results showed that even after adjusting for age, sex, and race, MLR is still correlated with blood glucose, lipid levels, and kidney function indicators. The results of the cox proportional hazards regression model and Kaplan-Meier curve shown after adjusting for covariates, higher MLR was significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality. Consistent results were also observed when MLR was examined as categorical variable (quartiles). The RCS demonstrated a positive association between MLR and the risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality. The ROC results indicate that the predictive efficacy of MLR for all-cause mortality risk is comparable to eGFR, higher than NLR and CRP. The predictive efficacy of MLR for cardiovascular mortality risk is higher than these three indicators.

CONCLUSION

Compared to non-CKD population, the CKD population has higher levels of MLR. In the CKD population, MLR is positively correlated with the risk of death. Furthermore, the predictive efficacy of MLR for mortality risk is higher than other clinical indicators. This suggests that MLR can serve as a simple and effective clinical indicator for predicting mortality risk in CKD patients.

Reduced heart rate variability is associated with altered clinical laboratory profile in people living with HIV

Background

We compared heart rate variability (HRV) indices between people living with HIV (PLWH) and HIV-negative individuals to ascertain the independent association between HIV infection and reduced HRV, and further investigated whether distinct clinical laboratory profiles exist between PLWH with and without reduced HRV.

Methods

This cross-sectional analysis included 304 PLWH and 147 HIV-negative individuals with comparable age and sex. Thirty-two routine clinical laboratory indices (including hematology and biochemistry) closest to the survey were extracted from the Electronic Medical Record System. HRV indices were divided into two categories: low (lowest quartile, Q1) and moderate-to-high (combined, Q2‒Q4).

Results

The time domain indices, ln(SDNN), ln(RMSSD), and ln(PNN50), as well as the frequency domain indices, ln(HF), ln(LF), and ln(VLF), were all significantly reduced in PLWH versus HIV-negative individuals (all p < 0.05). These associations remained for ln(SDNN), ln(PNN50), ln(HF) and ln(LF) even after adjusting for potential confounders in multivariable models. PLWH with low HRV indices exhibited distinct clinical laboratory profiles that were characterized by an elevation in fasting plasma glucose, white blood cell count, neutrophil count, neutrophil%, and a reduction in albumin, total protein, urine creatinine, lymphocyte%, red blood cell count (RBC) and nadir CD4 count. The final stepwise logistic regression models for low SDNN included older age, decreased total cholesterol levels, elevated neutrophil count, and the use of antidiabetic medications, whereas the final model for low LF included older age, reduced RBC and the use of antidiabetic medications.

Conclusion

PLWH exhibit impaired parasympathetic activity, as evidenced by reduced SDNN, PNN50, LF and HF. Furthermore, PLWH who have reduced HRV indices exhibits distinct clinical laboratory profiles that are related to systematic inflammatory response and diabetes.

Sex-Specific Associations Between Leucocyte Measures and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Han Chinese

Background

White blood cell (WBC) and its subset counts are standard, inexpensive, direct markers of inflammation. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is implicated in changes in inflammation markers, and sex differences are evident in both OSA and inflammation. It is unknown whether sex modulates the relationship between OSA severity and leukocyte measures.

Methods

1222 patients (914 males, 308 females) underwent overnight laboratorial polysomnography and measurement of WBC and its subset (lymphocyte, neutrophil, monocyte) counts. Patients were divided into primary snoring and mild, moderate, and severe OSA groups, and differences in leukocyte parameters were analyzed separately by sex in multivariable analyses.

Results

In multiple regression models, higher apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was independently associated with neutrophil counts only in men, and with higher total WBC, lymphocyte and monocyte counts both in women and men. Further ordinal logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between AHI and total WBC (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.09-3.23) and neutrophil (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.02-3.07) counts in men only. Correlation analysis also revealed more robust relationships between leukocyte measures and cardiometabolic risk markers in men than in women.

Conclusion

This study provides novel data suggesting a significant association between neutrophil count and OSA severity only in men but not women. Similarly, the relationship between leukocyte parameters and cardiometabolic risk markers were more pronounced in men than women. Our findings suggest a sex-specific impact of OSA on leukocyte measures and on their relationship with indices of cardiometabolic risk.

Neutrophil count as a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases: how can we manage it?

Neutrophils activation plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic plaque formation, progression and rupture. An association between the leukocyte count and the risk of developing myocardial infarction has been well known for many years; however, only recently did Mendelian randomization studies show that a high neutrophil count is a causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, experimental studies show that depletion of circulating neutrophils impairs plaque development. Clopidogrel, an antiplatelet agent, is widely used in combination with aspirin to reduce the incidence of ischemic events in patients treated with coronary stenting. Chronic treatment with this drug reduces inflammatory markers and neutrophil numbers, rarely causing severe leukopenia. The purpose of this review is to present recent evidence showing the link between neutrophil number and the development of cardiovascular diseases and to discuss how the clopidogrel-induced reduction in the neutrophil count may be a beneficial off-target effect of this drug.

Cardiovascular Risk in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Objectives: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an autoinflammatory, chronic disease. Patients with AS are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The link between AS and subclinical atherosclerosis is multifactorial and still not completely understood. The aim of this study was to examine the potential associations between carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and different cardiometabolic biomarkers in individuals with AS. Methods: A total of 96 patients with AS were prospectively included. cIMT was measured via ultrasonography. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to find the best predictors of cIMT values. Principal component analysis (PCA) was implemented to extract factors that were further tested via binary logistic regression analysis in relation to cIMT. Results: Waist circumference (WC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), and the BASDAI score were independently correlated with cIMT in AS patients (p = 0.037, p = 0.060, and p = 0.048, respectively; adjusted R2 = 0.113). PCA extracted four panels of biomarkers, i.e., "haematology-lipid-related factor" (i.e., ferritin, haemoglobin, HDL-c, and triglycerides), "proinflammatory-prothrombotic-related factor" (i.e., platelets, neutrophils, and C-reactive protein), "LDL-c-vitamin-related factor" (i.e., vitamins D and B12, and LDL-c), and "age-glucometabolic-related factor" (i.e., age and HbA1c), in relation to higher cIMT in patients with AS. Among these four clusters, "age-glucometabolic-related factor" was an independent predictor of increased cIMT (p < 0.001). Conclusions: In addition to traditional cardiometabolic risk factors, WC and LDL-c, the disease activity score (BASDAI) is independently related to subclinical atherosclerosis in AS patients. The joint involvement of heterogeneous cardiometabolic risk factors may reflect different pathophysiological processes of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with AS.

Inflammatory age and its impact on age-related health in older Chinese adults

INTRODUCTION

A standardized measure for inflammaging is lacking. We introduced the inflammatory age (iAge) as a quantification method and explored its associations with age-related traits and diseases in an older Chinese cohort.

METHODS

Inflammatory markers including white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, C-reactive protein, platelets and albumin were measured. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure telomere length. Traditional multivariable linear, partial least squares, and logistic regression were used.

RESULTS

iAge was constructed based on WBC, neutrophils, monocytes and albumin, which were associated with telomere length independently. A higher iAge indicated a heavier aging-related inflammation burden. Per 1-year increase in iAge was associated with higher body mass index (β 0.86 (95 % CI 0.67, 1.05) kg/m2), waist circumference (β 2.37 (95 % CI 1.85, 2.90) cm), glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (β 0.06 (95 % CI 0.02, 0.10) %), systolic blood pressure (β 1.06 (95 % CI 0.10, 2.03) mmHg), triglycerides (β 0.05 (95 % CI 0.01, 0.08) mmol/L), 10-year cardiovascular diseases risk (β 0.05 (95 % CI 0.02, 0.08) %), diabetes (OR 1.22 (95 % CI 1.02, 1.46)), hypertension (OR 1.21 (95 % CI 1.04, 1.42)) and metabolic syndrome risks (OR 1.25 (95 % CI 1.04, 1.51)), and lower fasting plasma glucose (β -0.016 (95 % CI -0.024, -0.007) mmol/L), total cholesterol (β -0.06 (95 % CI -0.12, -0.01) mmol/L) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (β -0.05 (95 % CI -0.07, -0.03) mmol/L).

CONCLUSION

The newly introduced iAge, derived from inflammatory markers and telomere length, aligns with various metabolic dysfunctions and age-related disease risks, underscoring its potential ability in identifying aging-related phenotypes.

Associations between neutrophil-percentage-to-albumin ratio level and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease-cause mortality in general population: evidence from NHANES 1999-2010

Introduction

Chronic inflammation is a recognized independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), highlighting the need for reliable inflammatory indicator to predict CVDs. As an inflammatory indicator which has been proved to have predictive value for prognosis of CVDs, neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio (NPAR) has obtained increasing attention, but further research is needed to confirm the relationship with mortality in the general population.

Method

This prospective cohort study included 21,317 individuals who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2010, where baseline characteristics and NPAR level were extracted. Data for CVD and all-cause mortality were acquired by linking the cohort database with the National Death Index through December 31, 2019. We employed restricted cubic spline analyses to examine the nonlinear association. Weighted Kaplan-Meier curves with log-rank tests were conducted to access cumulative survival differences across different NPAR results. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to compute hazard ratios and 95% CIs. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were used to compare predictive value of NPAR with systemic immune inflammation index (SII) and neutrophils percent.

Results

In this cohort study, during 270,014 person-years of follow-up, 4,074 all-cause deaths and 1,116 CVD-cause deaths were documented. NPAR levels exhibited significant nonlinear associations with both CVD-cause (P = 0.018 for nonlinearity) and all-cause mortality (P < 0.001 for nonlinearity). Participants in the highest NPAR tertile had a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.33-1.61) and CVD-cause mortality (HR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.32-1.80) compared to those in the lowest tertile in the fully adjusted model, while no association was detected for individuals in the middle tertile. Further ROC analysis confirmed that NPAR had higher predictive value than neutrophil percent segment and SII.

Conclusions

Elevated NPAR level was significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause and CVD-cause mortality in general population. The high predictive value of NPAR, combined with the easy-to-calculate property, suggests that its potential as a novel inflammatory indicator is worthy of further investigation.

Skin autofluorescence, a measure for accumulation of advanced glycation end products, positively associates with blood neutrophil and monocyte counts in the general population, and particularly in men with prediabetes

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Previous studies have shown that skin autofluorescence (SAF), measured with an advanced glycation end product (AGE) reader, estimates the accumulation of AGEs in tissues. SAF is predictive of incident type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and CV mortality in the general population. Studies in diabetic mice have shown that activation of the receptor for AGEs in hematopoietic progenitor cells increases blood neutrophils and monocytes, impairing atherosclerosis regression. We asked whether SAF is associated with blood neutrophil and monocyte counts in the general population, and whether this was moderated by prediabetes, diabetes, and sex.

METHODS

We examined the associations between SAF and blood neutrophil/monocyte counts in participants of the Lifelines cohort (n = 58,923: n = 24,382 men, and n = 34,541 women), a prospective population-based cohort from the North of the Netherlands, employing multivariable regression analyses.

RESULTS

SAF positively associated with blood neutrophil and monocyte counts in the whole cohort. The positive association between SAF and monocyte, but not neutrophil, counts was moderated by prediabetes and diabetes. Positive associations between SAF and blood neutrophil and monocyte counts were moderated by male sex. Moreover, three-way interaction analyses revealed that the positive associations between SAF and neutrophil and monocyte counts were moderated by prediabetes, but not diabetes, in male sex.

CONCLUSIONS

SAF is positively associated with blood neutrophil and monocyte counts in the general population, especially in men with prediabetes. This may contribute to the increased CV risk in men with prediabetes.

Association between asthma and cardiovascular diseases: A longitudinal follow-up study using a national health screening cohort

Background

Asthma has been suggested to be a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), although the evidence supporting this relationship is inconclusive. This study aimed to explore the long-term associations between asthma and asthma exacerbations with the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as ischemic heart disease (IHD), heart failure (HF), and cerebral stroke, utilizing data from a nationwide cohort.

Materials and methods

This study utilized data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort database (2002-2015), including information on 111,316 asthma patients and an equal number of 1:1 matched control participants. A propensity score overlap-weighted Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the overlap-weighted hazard ratios (HRs) of asthma and exacerbated asthma for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) within this cohort.

Results

During the follow-up period, the incidence rate (IR) of IHD per 1000 person-years (PYs) was 7.82 in patients with asthma and 5.79 in controls. The IR of HF was 2.53 in asthmatic patients and 1.36 in controls. After adjustment for covariates, asthmatic patients exhibited 1.27-fold and 1.56-fold higher HRs for IHD (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.23-1.37, P < 0.001) and HF (95% CI = 1.36-1.63, P < 0.001) than the controls, respectively. In addition, there was an increased HR for IHD and HF in the asthma exacerbation group compared with the nonexacerbated asthma group (adjusted HR, 1.29, 95% CI = 1.24-1.34, P < 0.001 for IHD and aHR 1.68, 95% CI = 1.58-1.79, P < 0.001 for HF). However, the occurrence of stroke was decreased in asthmatic patients compared with controls (aHR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.93-0.99, P = 0.008).

Conclusions

Adults with asthma are more likely to develop CVDs. Additionally, severe asthma exacerbations are significantly associated with an increased occurrence of CVDs.

No evidence linking sleep traits with white blood cell counts: Multivariable-adjusted and Mendelian randomization analyses

BACKGROUND

Disturbances in habitual sleep have been associated with multiple age-associated diseases. However, the biological mechanisms underpinning these associations remain largely unclear. We assessed the possible involvement of the circulating immune system by determining the associations between sleep traits and white blood cell counts using multivariable-adjusted linear regression and Mendelian randomization.

METHODS

Cross-sectional multivariable-adjusted linear regression analyses were done using participants within the normal range of total white blood cell counts (>4.5 × 109 and <11.0 × 109/μL) from UK Biobank. For the sleep traits, we examined (short and long) sleep duration, chronotype, insomnia symptoms and daytime dozing. Two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses were done using instruments for sleep traits derived from European-ancestry participants from UK Biobank (over 410,000 participants) and using SNP-outcome data derived from European-ancestry participants from the Blood Cell Consortium (N = 563,946) to which no data from UK Biobank contributed.

RESULTS

Using data from 357,656 participants (mean [standard deviation] age: 56.5 [8.1] years, and 44.4% men), we did not find evidence that disturbances in any of the studied sleep traits were associated with differences in blood cell counts (total, lymphocytes, neutrophiles, eosinophiles and basophiles). Also, we did not find associations between disturbances in any of the studied sleep traits and white blood cell counts using Mendelian Randomization.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results from two different methodologies, disturbances in habitual sleep are unlikely to cause changes in blood cell counts and thereby differences in blood cell counts are unlikely to be underlying the observed sleep-disease associations.

Hematopoietic and eosinophil-specific LNK(SH2B3) deficiency promotes eosinophilia and arterial thrombosis

ABSTRACT

Increased eosinophil counts are associated with cardiovascular disease and may be an independent predictor of major cardiovascular events. However, the causality and underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Genome-wide association studies have shown an association of a common LNK variant (R262W, T allele) with eosinophilia and atherothrombotic disorders. LNK(TT) reduces LNK function, and Lnk-deficient mice display accelerated atherosclerosis and thrombosis. This study was undertaken to assess the role of eosinophils in arterial thrombosis in mice with hematopoietic Lnk deficiency. Hematopoietic Lnk deficiency increased circulating and activated eosinophils, JAK/STAT signaling in eosinophils, and carotid arterial thrombosis with increased eosinophil abundance and extracellular trap formation (EETosis) in thrombi. Depletion of eosinophils by anti-Siglec-F antibody or by the ΔdbIGata1 mutation eliminated eosinophils in thrombi and markedly reduced thrombosis in mice with hematopoietic Lnk deficiency but not in control mice. Eosinophil depletion reduced neutrophil abundance and NETosis in thrombi without altering circulating neutrophil counts. To assess the role of Lnk specifically in eosinophils, we crossed Lnkf/f mice with eoCre mice. LnkΔeos mice displayed isolated eosinophilia, increased eosinophil activation, and accelerated arterial thrombosis associated with increased EETosis and NETosis in thrombi. DNase I infusion abolished EETs and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in thrombi and reversed the accelerated thrombosis. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived LNK(TT) eosinophils showed increased activation and EETosis relative to isogenic LNK(CC) eosinophils, demonstrating human relevance. These studies show a direct link between eosinophilia, EETosis, and atherothrombosis in hematopoietic Lnk deficiency and an essential role of eosinophil LNK in suppression of arterial thrombosis.

Evolving mechanisms and presentations of cardiovascular disease in people with HIV: implications for management

People with HIV (PWH) are at elevated risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including myocardial infarction, heart failure, and sudden cardiac death, among other CVD manifestations. Chronic immune dysregulation resulting in persistent inflammation is common among PWH, particularly those with sustained viremia and impaired CD4+ T cell recovery. This inflammatory milieu is a major contributor to CVDs among PWH, in concert with common comorbidities (such as dyslipidemia and smoking) and, to a lesser extent, off-target effects of antiretroviral therapy. In this review, we discuss the clinical and mechanistic evidence surrounding heightened CVD risks among PWH, implications for specific CVD manifestations, and practical guidance for management in the setting of evolving data.

Impacts of systemic inflammation response index on the prognosis of patients with ischemic heart failure after percutaneous coronary intervention

Background

Atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases are significantly affected by low-grade chronic inflammation. As a new inflammatory marker, the systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) has been demonstrated to be associated with several cardiovascular disease prognoses. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic impact of SIRI in individuals having ischemic heart failure (IHF) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

This observational, retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single site. Finally, the research involved 1,963 individuals with IHF who underwent PCI, with a 36-month follow-up duration. Based on the SIRI quartiles, all patients were classified into four groups. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) were the primary outcomes. Every element of the main endpoint appeared in the secondary endpoints: all-cause mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), and any revascularization. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was conducted to assess the incidence of endpoints across the four groups. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis confirmed the independent impact of SIRI on both the primary and secondary endpoints. The restricted cubic spline (RCS) was used to assess the nonlinear association between the SIRI and endpoints. Subgroup analysis was performed to confirm the implications of SIRI on MACE in the different subgroups.

Results

The main outcome was much more common in patients with a higher SIRI. The Kaplan-Meier curve was another tool that was used to confirm the favorable connection between SIRI and MACE. SIRI was individually connected to a higher chance of the main outcome according to multivariate analyses, whether or not SIRI was a constant [SIRI, per one-unit increase, hazard ratio (HR) 1.04, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.01-1.07, p = 0.003] or categorical variable [quartile of SIRI, the HR (95% CI) values for quartile 4 were 1.88 (1.47-2.42), p <0.001, with quartile 1 as a reference]. RCS demonstrated that the hazard of the primary and secondary endpoints generally increased as SIRI increased. A non-linear association of SIRI with the risk of MACE and any revascularization (Non-linear P <0.001) was observed. Subgroup analysis confirmed the increased risk of MACE with elevated SIRI in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III-IV (P for interaction = 0.005).

Conclusion

In patients with IHF undergoing PCI, increased SIRI was a risk factor for MACE independent of other factors. SIRI may represent a novel, promising, and low-grade inflammatory marker for the prognosis of patients with IHF undergoing PCI.

Small-molecule CBP/p300 histone acetyltransferase inhibition mobilizes leukocytes from the bone marrow via the endocrine stress response

Mutations of the CBP/p300 histone acetyltransferase (HAT) domain can be linked to leukemic transformation in humans, suggestive of a checkpoint of leukocyte compartment sizes. Here, we examined the impact of reversible inhibition of this domain by the small-molecule A485. We found that A485 triggered acute and transient mobilization of leukocytes from the bone marrow into the blood. Leukocyte mobilization by A485 was equally potent as, but mechanistically distinct from, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), which allowed for additive neutrophil mobilization when both compounds were combined. These effects were maintained in models of leukopenia and conferred augmented host defenses. Mechanistically, activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal gland (HPA) axis by A485 relayed shifts in leukocyte distribution through corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), but independently of glucocorticoids. Our findings identify a strategy for rapid expansion of the blood leukocyte compartment via a neuroendocrine loop, with implications for the treatment of human pathologies.

Circulating Leukocyte Subsets Before and After a Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy

Importance

Changes in leukocyte composition often precede chronic disease onset. Patients with a history of breast cancer (hereinafter referred to as breast cancer survivors) are at increased risk for subsequent chronic diseases, but the long-term changes in peripheral leukocyte composition following a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment remain unknown.

Objective

To examine longitudinal changes in peripheral leukocyte composition in women who did and did not develop breast cancer and identify whether differences in breast cancer survivors were associated with specific treatments.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this prospective cohort study, paired blood samples were collected from 2315 women enrolled in The Sister Study, a US-nationwide prospective cohort study of 50 884 women, at baseline (July 2003 to March 2009) and follow-up (October 2013 to March 2015) home visits, with a mean (SD) follow-up interval of 7.6 (1.4) years. By design, approximately half of the included women had been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer after enrollment and before the second blood draw. A total of 410 women were included in the present study, including 185 breast cancer survivors and 225 who remained free of breast cancer over a comparable follow-up period. Data were analyzed from April 21 to September 9, 2022.

Exposures

Breast cancer status and, among breast cancer survivors, cancer treatment type (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endocrine therapy, or surgery).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Blood DNA methylation data were generated in 2019 using a genome-wide methylation screening tool and deconvolved to estimate percentages of 12 circulating leukocyte subsets.

Results

Of the 410 women included in the analysis, the mean (SD) age at enrollment was 56 (9) years. Compared with breast cancer-free women, breast cancer survivors had decreased percentages of circulating eosinophils (-0.45% [95% CI, -0.87% to -0.03%]; P = .03), total CD4+ helper T cells (-1.50% [95% CI, -2.56% to -0.44%]; P = .01), and memory B cells (-0.22% [95% CI, -0.34% to -0.09%]; P = .001) and increased percentages of circulating naive B cells (0.46% [95% CI, 0.17%-0.75%]; P = .002). In breast cancer survivor-only analyses, radiotherapy was associated with decreases in total CD4+ T cell levels, whereas chemotherapy was associated with increases in naive B cell levels. Surgery and endocrine therapy were not meaningfully associated with leukocyte changes.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of 410 women, breast cancer survivors experienced lasting changes in peripheral leukocyte composition compared with women who remained free of breast cancer. These changes may be related to treatment with chemotherapy or radiotherapy and could influence future chronic disease risk.

Association between systemic immune inflammatory/inflammatory response index and hypertension: A cohort study of functional community

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

In prospective studies, there is limited evidence of the association between inflammation and hypertension. We aimed to explore the relationship between systemic immune inflammatory index (SII)/systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) and hypertension in a prospective cohort study to identify the best inflammatory cell markers that predict hypertension.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This study was conducted in a functional community cohort in Beijing. In 2015, a total of 6003 individuals without hypertension were recruited and followed up until 2021. Using a restriction cubic spline with baseline SII/SIRI as a continuous variable, the dose-response relationship between hypertension and SII/SIRI was explored. Logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation between hypertension and SII/SIRI trajectory groups. At a mean follow-up of 6 years, 970 participants developed hypertension. SII showed a significant nonlinear dose-response relationship with hypertension (P < 0.05). Higher SII/SIRI was associated with an increased risk of hypertension (SII: RR = 1.003, 95%CI: 1.001-1.004; SIRI: RR = 1.228, 95%CI: 1.015-1.486). Both SII and SIRI were more predictive in males than females (SII: 0.698 vs. 0.695; SIRI: 0.686 vs. 0.678).

CONCLUSION

Both systemic immune inflammatory index (SII) and systemic inflammatory response Index (SIRI) independently increased the risk of hypertension, and both were effective inflammatory cell indicators that predict the risk of hypertension.

Circulating white blood cell traits and colorectal cancer risk: A Mendelian randomisation study

Observational studies have suggested a protective role for eosinophils in colorectal cancer (CRC) development and implicated neutrophils, but the causal relationships remain unclear. Here, we aimed to estimate the causal effect of circulating white blood cell (WBC) counts (N = ~550 000) for basophils, eosinophils, monocytes, lymphocytes and neutrophils on CRC risk (N = 52 775 cases and 45 940 controls) using Mendelian randomisation (MR). For comparison, we also examined this relationship using individual-level data from UK Biobank (4043 incident CRC cases and 332 773 controls) in a longitudinal cohort analysis. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) MR analysis suggested a protective effect of increased basophil count and eosinophil count on CRC risk [OR per 1-SD increase: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.78-0.99, P = .04; OR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.88-0.98, P = .01]. The protective effect of eosinophils remained [OR per 1-SD increase: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.80-0.97, P = .01] following adjustments for all other WBC subtypes, to account for genetic correlation between the traits, using multivariable MR. A protective effect of increased lymphocyte count on CRC risk was also found [OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.76-0.93, P = 6.70e-4] following adjustment. Consistent with MR results, a protective effect for eosinophils in the cohort analysis in the fully adjusted model [RR per 1-SD increase: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93-0.99, P = .02] and following adjustment for the other WBC subtypes [RR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93-0.99, P = .001] was observed. Our study implicates peripheral blood immune cells, in particular eosinophils and lymphocytes, in CRC development, highlighting a need for mechanistic studies to interrogate these relationships.

Neutrophil counts and cardiovascular disease

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Anti-inflammatory trials have shown considerable benefits for cardiovascular disease. High neutrophil counts, an easily accessible inflammation biomarker, are associated with atherosclerosis in experimental studies. This study aimed to investigate the associations between neutrophil counts and risk of nine cardiovascular endpoints using observational and genetic approaches.

METHODS

Observational studies were conducted in the Copenhagen General Population Study (n = 101 730). Genetic studies were firstly performed using one-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) with individual-level data from the UK Biobank (n = 365 913); secondly, two-sample MR analyses were performed using summary-level data from the Blood Cell Consortium (n = 563 085). Outcomes included ischaemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, peripheral arterial disease, ischaemic cerebrovascular disease, ischaemic stroke, vascular-related dementia, vascular dementia, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation.

RESULTS

Observational analyses showed associations between high neutrophil counts with high risks of all outcomes. In the UK Biobank, odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) per 1-SD higher genetically predicted neutrophil counts were 1.15 (1.08, 1.21) for ischaemic heart disease, 1.22 (1.12, 1.34) for myocardial infarction, and 1.19 (1.04, 1.36) for peripheral arterial disease; similar results were observed in men and women separately. In two-sample MR, corresponding estimates were 1.14 (1.05, 1.23) for ischaemic heart disease and 1.11 (1.02, 1.20) for myocardial infarction; multiple sensitivity analyses showed consistent results. No robust associations in two-sample MR analyses were found for other types of leucocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

Observational and genetically determined high neutrophil counts were associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, supporting that high blood neutrophil counts is a causal risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Plant-based dietary indices and biomarkers of chronic low-grade inflammation: a cross-sectional analysis of adults in Ireland

PURPOSE

There is increasing interest in the health benefits of plant-based diets (PBDs). Evidence reports favourable associations with inflammatory profiles and reduced cardiovascular disease risk. However, limited studies have examined relationships between PBD indices (PDIs) and inflammatory biomarkers. We explored overall PDI, healthful PDI (hPDI) and unhealthful PDI (uPDI) associations with inflammatory biomarker profiles.

METHODS

This cross-sectional analysis included 1986 middle- to older-aged adults from the Mitchelstown Cohort. PDI scores were calculated using validated food frequency questionnaires. PDI score associations with inflammatory biomarkers were assessed via linear regression analysis, with adjustment for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Comparison of quintiles (Q5 vs Q1) revealed lower concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), white blood cells (WBCs), neutrophils and monocytes, and the leptin-to-adiponectin ratio (PDI and hPDI P < 0.05); lower leptin (PDI, P < 0.05), and complement component 3 (C3), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, lymphocytes and eosinophils (hPDI, P < 0.05); and higher concentrations of adiponectin (PDI and hPDI, P < 0.05). Conversely, higher concentrations of C3, CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, resistin, WBCs, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils, and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and lower adiponectin concentrations were observed comparing uPDI quintiles (P < 0.05). In fully adjusted regression models, higher hPDI scores were associated with lower concentrations of C3, TNF-α, WBCs, neutrophils and monocytes (all P < 0.01). Higher uPDI scores were associated with higher C3 and TNF-α concentrations (all P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence that a more healthful PBD is associated with a more favourable inflammatory profile and that a more unhealthful PBD is associated with the reverse.

Poor sleep and shift work associate with increased blood pressure and inflammation in UK Biobank participants

Disrupted circadian rhythms have been linked to an increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. However, many studies show inconsistent findings and are not sufficiently powered for targeted subgroup analyses. Using the UK Biobank cohort, we evaluate the association between circadian rhythm-disrupting behaviours, blood pressure (SBP, DBP) and inflammatory markers in >350,000 adults with European white British ancestry. The independent U-shaped relationship between sleep length and SBP/DBP is most prominent with a low inflammatory status. Poor sleep quality and permanent night shift work are also positively associated with SBP/DBP. Although fully adjusting for BMI in the linear regression model attenuated effect sizes, these associations remain significant. Two-sample Mendelian Randomisation (MR) analyses support a potential causal effect of long sleep, short sleep, chronotype, daytime napping and sleep duration on SBP/DBP. Thus, in the current study, we present a positive association between circadian rhythm-disrupting behaviours and SBP/DBP regulation in males and females that is largely independent of age.

Neutrophils' Contribution to Periodontitis and Periodontitis-Associated Cardiovascular Diseases

Neutrophils represent the primary defense against microbial threats playing a pivotal role in maintaining tissue homeostasis. This review examines the multifaceted involvement of neutrophils in periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the supporting structures of teeth summarizing the contribution of neutrophil dysfunction in periodontitis and periodontal-related comorbidities. Periodontitis, a pathological condition promoted by dysbiosis of the oral microbiota, is characterized by the chronic inflammation of the gingiva and subsequent tissue destruction. Neutrophils are among the first immune cells recruited to the site of infection, releasing antimicrobial peptides, enzymes, and reactive oxygen species to eliminate pathogens. The persistent inflammatory state in periodontitis can lead to aberrant neutrophil activation and a sustained release of proinflammatory mediators, finally resulting in tissue damage, bone resorption, and disease progression. Growing evidence now points to the correlation between periodontitis and systemic comorbidities. Indeed, the release of inflammatory mediators, immune complexes, and oxidative stress by neutrophils, bridge the gap between local and systemic immunity, thus highlighting neutrophils as key players in linking periodontal inflammation to chronic conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, and rheumatoid arthritis. This review underscores the crucial role of neutrophils in the pathogenesis of periodontitis and the complex link between neutrophil dysfunction, local inflammation, and systemic comorbidities. A comprehensive understanding of neutrophil contribution to periodontitis development and their impact on periodontal comorbidities holds significant implications for the management of oral health. Furthermore, it highlights the need for the development of novel approaches aimed at limiting the persistent recruitment and activation of neutrophils, also reducing the impact of periodontal inflammation on broader health contexts, offering promising avenues for improved disease management and patient care.

Distinct WBC Trajectories are Associated with the Risks of Incident CVD and All-Cause Mortality

AIMS

To examine the trajectory of white blood cell (WBC) and their potential impacts on cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality (ACM) risks.

METHODS

This prospective cohort included 61,666 participants without CVD on or before June 1, 2012. Latent mixture modeling was used to identify WBC trajectories in 2006-2012 as predictors of CVD and ACM. Incident CVD and ACM in 2012-2019 were the outcomes. Cox proportional hazards models were fitted to analyze the risks of incident CVD and ACM.

RESULTS

According to WBC ranges and dynamics, five distinct WBC trajectories were identified: low-stable (n=18,432), moderate-stable (n=26,656), elevated-stable (n=3,153), moderate-increasing (n=11,622), and elevated-decreasing (n=1,803). During 6.65±0.83 years of follow-up, we documented 3773 incident CVD cases and 3304 deaths. Relative to the low-stable pattern, the moderate-increasing pattern was predictive of an elevated risk of CVD (HR=1.36, 95% CI: 1.24-1.50), especially acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (HR=1.91, 95% CI: 1.46-2.51), while the elevated-stable pattern was predictive of an elevated risk of ACM (HR=1.77, 95% CI: 1.52-2.06). Among participants with hs-CRP ＜2 mg/L or ≥2 mg/L, similar associations were observed between the moderate-increasing pattern with CVD (HR=1.41, 95% CI: 1.24-1.61) and ACM (HR=1.54, 95% CI: 1.18-2.01, HR=1.89, 95% CI: 1.57-2.29, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that distinct WBC trajectories were differentially associated with CVD and ACM risks in Chinese adults.

Cationic proteins from eosinophils bind bone morphogenetic protein receptors promoting vascular calcification and atherogenesis

AIMS

Blood eosinophil count and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) concentration are risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. This study tested whether and how eosinophils and ECP contribute to vascular calcification and atherogenesis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Immunostaining revealed eosinophil accumulation in human and mouse atherosclerotic lesions. Eosinophil deficiency in ΔdblGATA mice slowed atherogenesis with increased lesion smooth muscle cell (SMC) content and reduced calcification. This protection in ΔdblGATA mice was muted when mice received donor eosinophils from wild-type (WT), Il4-/-, and Il13-/- mice or mouse eosinophil-associated-ribonuclease-1 (mEar1), a murine homologue of ECP. Eosinophils or mEar1 but not interleukin (IL) 4 or IL13 increased the calcification of SMC from WT mice but not those from Runt-related transcription factor-2 (Runx2) knockout mice. Immunoblot analyses showed that eosinophils and mEar1 activated Smad-1/5/8 but did not affect Smad-2/3 activation or expression of bone morphogenetic protein receptors (BMPR-1A/1B/2) or transforming growth factor (TGF)-β receptors (TGFBR1/2) in SMC from WT and Runx2 knockout mice. Immunoprecipitation showed that mEar1 formed immune complexes with BMPR-1A/1B but not TGFBR1/2. Immunofluorescence double-staining, ligand binding, and Scatchard plot analysis demonstrated that mEar1 bound to BMPR-1A and BMPR-1B with similar affinity. Likewise, human ECP and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN) also bound to BMPR-1A/1B on human vascular SMC and promoted SMC osteogenic differentiation. In a cohort of 5864 men from the Danish Cardiovascular Screening trial and its subpopulation of 394 participants, blood eosinophil counts and ECP levels correlated with the calcification scores of different arterial segments from coronary arteries to iliac arteries.

CONCLUSION

Eosinophils release cationic proteins that can promote SMC calcification and atherogenesis using the BMPR-1A/1B-Smad-1/5/8-Runx2 signalling pathway.

The association between a novel inflammatory biomarker, systemic inflammatory response index and the risk of diabetic cardiovascular complications

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) is a novel inflammatory biomarker. The relationship between SIRI and the risk of diabetic cardiovascular complications is still unclear. The purpose of our study was to address the correlation between SIRI and the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 8759 individuals were selected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2015-2020) in our study. Comparing with control (n = 6446) and pre-DM (n = 350) individuals, the DM patients (n = 1963) show the higher SIRI level (all P < 0.001) and prevalence of CVD (all P < 0.001). Furthermore, in a fully adjusted model, we observed the increase of tertiles of SIRI was a risk factor for CVD in DM patients (the middle tertile: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.13-3.13; the highest tertile: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.03-3.22; all P < 0.05), while the relationship between hypersensitive CRP (hs-CRP) and the risk of diabetic cardiovascular complications was not observed (all P > 0.05). Furthermore, the SIRI tertiles-CVD association was significant strongly in patients with high body mass index (BMI; >24 kg/m²) than in those with a low BMI (≤24 kg/m², P for interaction = 0.045). Using restricted cubic splines, we observed a dose-response relation between lg SIRI and the risk of CVD in DM patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The elevated SIRI was independently associated with the increased risk of CVD in the DM population with a high BMI (>24 kg/m²), and its clinical value is greater than hs-CRP.

Leukocyte Count and Coronary Artery Disease Events in People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus: A Longitudinal Study

BACKGROUND

People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; PWH) have increased cardiovascular risk. Higher leukocyte count has been associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) events in the general population. It is unknown whether the leukocyte-CAD association also applies to PWH.

METHODS

In a case-control study nested within the Swiss HIV Cohort Study, we obtained uni- and multivariable odds ratios (OR) for CAD events, based on traditional and HIV-related CAD risk factors, leukocyte count, and confounders previously associated with leukocyte count.

RESULTS

We included 536 cases with a first CAD event (2000-2021; median age, 56 years; 87% male; 84% with suppressed HIV RNA) and 1464 event-free controls. Cases had higher latest leukocyte count before CAD event than controls (median [interquartile range], 6495 [5300-7995] vs 5900 [4910-7200]; P < .01), but leukocytosis (>11 000/µL) was uncommon (4.3% vs 2.1%; P = .01). In the highest versus lowest leukocyte quintile at latest time point before CAD event, participants had univariable CAD-OR = 2.27 (95% confidence interval, 1.63-3.15) and multivariable adjusted CAD-OR = 1.59 (1.09-2.30). For comparison, univariable CAD-OR for dyslipidemia, diabetes, and recent abacavir exposure were 1.58 (1.29-1.93), 2.19 (1.59-3.03), and 1.73 (1.37-2.17), respectively. Smoking and, to a lesser degree, alcohol and ethnicity attenuated the leukocyte-CAD association. Leukocytes measured up to 8 years before the event were significantly associated with CAD events.

CONCLUSIONS

PWH in Switzerland with higher leukocyte counts have an independently increased risk of CAD events, to a degree similar to traditional and HIV-related risk factors.

Relationships between T-lymphocytes and physical function in adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia: Results from the HEALTH4CLL pilot study

OBJECTIVE

Examine physical function and T-cell phenotype in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) before and after a physical activity (PA) intervention.

METHODS

Physical function measures and blood samples were collected from CLL patients (Rai stage 0-4, 50% receiving targeted therapy, N = 24) enrolled in a 16-week intervention of at-home aerobic and/or resistance exercise. Flow cytometry characterized T-cells in cryopreserved peripheral blood cells. Wilcoxon signed-rank test compared physical function and T-cell phenotype at baseline and 16-weeks; Kendall's Tau assessed associations between variables.

RESULTS

Godin leisure-time PA score increased from baseline to 16-weeks (mean difference: 14.61, p < .01) and fatigue decreased (mean difference: 6.71, p < .001). At baseline, lower fatigue correlated with a lower proportion of CD8+ T-cells (τ = 0.32, p = .03) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) inversely correlated with the percentage of PD-1+CD8+ T-cells (τ -0.31, p = .03). At 16-weeks, CRF inversely correlated with the proportion of PD-1+CD4+ T-cells (τ -0.34, p = .02). Reduced fatigue at 16-weeks correlated with an increased CD4:CD8 ratio (τ = 0.36, p = .02) and lower percentage of HLA-DR+PD-1+CD4+ T-cells (τ = -0.37, p = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

This intervention increased leisure-time PA and decreased fatigue in CLL patients. These changes correlated with an increased CD4:CD8 T-cell ratio and reduced proportion of T-cells subsets previously associated with poor outcomes in CLL patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02194387.

Blockade of IL-6 signaling alleviates atherosclerosis in Tet2-deficient clonal hematopoiesis

Clonal hematopoiesis (CH) increases the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease possibly due to increased plaque inflammation. Human studies suggest that limitation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) signaling could be beneficial in people with large CH clones, particularly in TET2 CH. Here we show that IL-6 receptor antibody treatment reverses the atherosclerosis promoted by Tet2 CH, with reduction of monocytosis, lesional macrophage burden and macrophage colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R) expression. IL-6 induces expression of Csf1r in Tet2-deficient macrophages through enhanced STAT3 binding to its promoter. In mouse and human Tet2-deficient macrophages, IL-6 increases CSF1R expression and enhances macrophage survival. Treatment with the CSF1R inhibitor PLX3397 reversed accelerated atherosclerosis in Tet2 CH mice. Our study demonstrates the causality of IL-6 signaling in Tet2 CH accelerated atherosclerosis, identifies IL-6-induced CSF1R expression as a critical mechanism and supports blockade of IL-6 signaling as a potential therapy for CH-driven cardiovascular disease.

Eosinophils protect pressure overload- and β-adrenoreceptor agonist-induced cardiac hypertrophy

AIMS

Blood eosinophil (EOS) counts and EOS cationic protein (ECP) levels associate positively with major cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and prevalence. This study investigates the role of EOS in cardiac hypertrophy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A retrospective cross-section study of 644 consecutive inpatients with hypertension examined the association between blood EOS counts and cardiac hypertrophy. Pressure overload- and β-adrenoreceptor agonist isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy was produced in EOS-deficient ΔdblGATA mice. This study revealed positive correlations between blood EOS counts and left ventricular (LV) mass and mass index in humans. ΔdblGATA mice showed exacerbated cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction, with increased LV wall thickness, reduced LV internal diameter, and increased myocardial cell size, death, and fibrosis. Repopulation of EOS from wild-type (WT) mice, but not those from IL4-deficient mice ameliorated cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac dysfunctions. In ΔdblGATA and WT mice, administration of ECP mEar1 improved cardiac hypertrophy and function. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that EOS expression of IL4, IL13, and mEar1 was essential to control mouse cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and death and cardiac fibroblast TGF-β signalling and fibrotic protein synthesis. The use of human cardiac cells yielded the same results. Human ECP, EOS-derived neurotoxin, human EOS, or murine recombinant mEar1 reduced human cardiomyocyte death and hypertrophy and human cardiac fibroblast TGF-β signalling.

CONCLUSION

Although blood EOS counts correlated positively with LV mass or LV mass index in humans, this study established a cardioprotective role for EOS IL4 and cationic proteins in cardiac hypertrophy and tested a therapeutic possibility of ECPs in this human CVD.

White blood cells and coronary heart disease: A mendelian randomization study

Background: The causal direction and magnitude of the associations between blood cell count and coronary heart disease (CHD) remain uncertain due to susceptibility of reverse causation and confounding. This study aimed to investigate the associations between blood cell count and CHD using Mendelian randomization (MR). Methods: In this two-sample MR study, we identified independent blood cell count associated genetic variants from a genome-wide association studies (GWAS) among European ancestry individuals. Summary level data of CHD was obtained from a GWAS consisting of 547261 subjects. Methods of inverse variance weighted (IVW), Mendelian Randomization-Egger (MR-Egger), weighted median, and outlier test (MR-PRESSO) were conducted to investigate the associations between blood cell and CHD. Results: Among all cardiovascular outcomes of interest, blood cell counts were only associated with CHD. Our findings indicated that white blood cell count and neutrophil cell count were significantly associated with increased risk of CHD [odds ratio (OR) = 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01-1.14; OR = 1.09, 1.02-1.16). However, there was no significant association between monocyte cell count, basophil cell count, lymphocyte cell count, eosinophil cell count, and CHD (p > 0.05). The results after excluding outliers were consistent with main results and the sensitivity analyses showed no evidence of pleiotropy (MR-Egger intercept, p > 0.05). Conclusion: Our MR study suggested that greater white blood cell count and neutrophil cell count were associated with a higher risk of CHD. Future studies are still warranted to validate the results and investigate the mechanisms underlying these associations.

C-Reactive Protein and White Blood Cell Count in Cardiogenic Shock

This study examines the prognostic impact of C-reactive protein (CRP) and white blood cell (WBC) counts in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS). Data regarding the prognostic impact of inflammatory biomarkers in CS are scarce. All consecutive patients with CS from 2019 to 2021 admitted to a cardiac intensive care unit (ICU) were included at one institution. Laboratory measurements were retrieved from the day of admission (i.e., day 1), as well as days 2, 3, 4, and 8. The primary endpoint was 30-day all-cause mortality. Statistical analyses included univariate t-tests, Spearman's correlations, C-statistics, Kaplan-Meier, and Cox regression analyses. From a total of 240 consecutive patients admitted with CS, 55% died within 30 days. CRP levels on days 3 to 8 were associated with reliable discrimination for 30-day all-cause mortality (area under the curve (AUC): 0.623-0.754), whereas CRP on day 1 was not (AUC = 0.514). In line, CRP > 100 mg/L on day 3 (56% vs. 37%; log-rank p = 0.023; HR = 1.702; 95% CI 1.060-2.735; p = 0.028) and especially a CRP increase of at least 200% from days 1 to day 3 (51% vs. 35%; log-rank p = 0.040; HR = 1.720; 95% CI 1.006-2.943; p = 0.048) were associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality. Furthermore, WBC on day 1 discriminated 30-day all-cause mortality (AUC = 0.605; p = 0.005) with an increased risk of all-cause mortality in patients admitted with WBC > 10 × 10⁶/mL (59% vs. 40%; log-rank p = 0.036; HR = 1.643; 95% CI 1.010-2.671; p = 0.045). In conclusion, WBC count on admission as well as CRP levels during the course of ICU treatment were associated with 30-day all-cause mortality. Specifically, an increase of CRP levels by at least 200% from day 1 to day 3 during the course of ICU treatment was associated with an increased risk of 30-day all-cause mortality. The present study is one of the first to describe the prognostic value of inflammatory biomarkers in consecutive all-comer CS patients treated at a cardiac ICU.

High absolute neutrophil count with type 2 diabetes is associated with adverse outcome in patients with coronary artery disease: A large-scale cohort study

Background

Inflammatory processes crucially modulate the development, progression, and outcomes of coronary artery disease (CAD). Since hyperglycemia could alter inflammatory responses, this study aimed to investigate the effect of ANC, a novel and rapidly available inflammatory biomarker, on the prognosis of patients undergoing PCI with or without type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods

A total of 7,826 patients with CAD hospitalized for PCI at Fuwai Hospital were consecutively recruited. According to the median ANC value, patients were stratified as having high ANC (ANC-H) or low ANC (ANC-L) and were further classified into four groups by T2D. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs), including all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, and target vessel revascularization.

Results

During a median follow-up of 2.4 years, 509 (6.5%) MACCEs were documented. Diabetic patients with increased ANC were at significantly higher risk of MACCEs (aHR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.21-1.99; P = 0.001) compared to those in the ANC-L/non-T2D group (P for interaction between T2D and ANC categories = 0.044). Meanwhile, multivariable regression analysis demonstrated the highest MACCE risk in diabetic patients with a higher level of ANC than others (P for trend <0.001).

Conclusion

This study suggests that stratification of patients with elevated ANC and T2D could provide prognostic information for CAD patients undergoing PCI.

Association between shift work and inflammatory markers in workers at an electronics manufacturing company

Background

Shift work is known to be associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). It has been found that inflammatory reactions are involved in the onset and progression of CVD. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the association between shift work and inflammatory markers.

Methods

Among workers at an electronics manufacturing company, 2,329 workers who had a health checkup from January 2019 to December 2019 were targeted. The general and biochemical characteristics of daytime workers and shift workers were compared through the Independent-test and the χ² test. Through multiple linear regression analysis, the association with shift work and inflammatory markers was investigated. Through multiple logistic regression analysis, the association with shift work and high inflammatory markers.

Results

The mean total leukocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes of shift workers were significantly higher than those of daytime worker. The mean high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) of shift workers was also higher than that of daytime workers but not significantly. In multiple linear regression, shift work was associated with increase of total leukocyte count (β = 0.367, p < 0.001) and hs-CRP (β = 0.140, p = 0.005) after adjusting for all variables. In multiple logistic regression analysis, shift work showed 2.27 times risk of high leukocyte count and 1.8 times risk of high hs-CRP level compared to daytime work after adjusting for all variables.

Conclusions

This study confirmed that shift work is associated with high inflammatory markers. Considering that high inflammatory markers is independent indicator of CVD, the association between shift work and high inflammatory markers may help to understand the CVD risk of shift workers.

Association between Lower-to-Upper Ratio of Appendicular Skeletal Muscle and Metabolic Syndrome

(1) Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster-based disorder comprising several pre-disease or pre-clinical statuses for diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular risk, and mortality. Appendicular skeletal muscle (ASM), or lean mass, is considered the main site of insulin-mediated glucose utilization. Therefore, we aimed to reveal the association between lower appendicular skeletal muscle mass to upper appendicular skeletal muscle mass ratio (LUR) and risk for MetS. (2) Methods: We analyzed the 2008–2011 Korean National Health Examination and Nutrition Survey (KNHANES) data. Quintiles of lower ASM to upper ASM ratio (LUR) were categorized as follows: Q1: ≤2.65, Q2: 2.66–2.80, Q3: 2.81–2.94, Q4: 2.95–3.11, and Q5: ≥3.12 in men and Q1: ≤3.00, Q2: 3.01–3.18, Q3: 3.19–3.36, Q4: 3.37–3.60, and Q5: ≥3.61 in women. Multivariate logistic regression models were used after setting MetS and the LUR quintiles as the independent and dependent variables and adjusting for covariates. (3) Result: In men, MetS in accordance with the LUR quintiles exhibits a reverse J-curve. All groups from Q2 to Q5 had a lower odds ratio (OR) (95% CI) for MetS compared to the Q1 group. The lowest OR (95% CI) of 0.85 (0.80–0.91) was observed in Q4. However, in women, the figure shows a sine curve. Compared to the Q1 group, the Q2 and Q3 groups had a higher OR, while the Q4 and Q5 groups presented a lower OR. Among them, the OR (95% CI) in the Q4 group was lowest, at 0.83 (0.76–0.91). (4) Conclusions: While total appendicular skeletal muscle mass is important to prevent MetS, it is necessary to maintain an optimal ratio of muscle mass between the upper and lower appendicular skeletal muscle mass.

Usefulness of Complete Blood Count (CBC) to Assess Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases in Clinical Settings: A Comprehensive Literature Review

Complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most common blood tests requested by clinicians and evaluates the total numbers and characteristics of cell components in the blood. Recently, many investigations have suggested that the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD), arteriosclerosis, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and metabolic syndrome can be predicted using CBC components. This review introduces that white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), red cell distribution width (RDW), platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are useful markers to predict CVD and metabolic diseases. Furthermore, we would like to support various uses of CBC by organizing pathophysiology that can explain the relationship between CBC components and diseases.

The Roles of Neutrophils Linking Periodontitis and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases

Inflammation plays a crucial role in the onset and development of atherosclerosis. Periodontitis is a common chronic disease linked to other chronic inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The mechanistic pathways underlying this association are yet to be fully understood. This critical review aims at discuss the role of neutrophils in mediating the relationship between periodontitis and ASCVD. Systemic inflammation triggered by periodontitis could lead to adaptations in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) resulting in trained granulopoiesis in the bone marrow, thereby increasing the production of neutrophils and driving the hyper-responsiveness of these abundant innate-immune cells. These alterations may contribute to the onset, progression, and complications of atherosclerosis. Despite the emerging evidence suggesting that the treatment of periodontitis improves surrogate markers of cardiovascular disease, the resolution of periodontitis may not necessarily reverse neutrophil hyper-responsiveness since the hyper-inflammatory re-programming of granulopoiesis can persist long after the inflammatory inducers are removed. Novel and targeted approaches to manipulate neutrophil numbers and functions are warranted within the context of the treatment of periodontitis and also to mitigate its potential impact on ASCVD.

Associations of Baseline and Changes in Leukocyte Counts with Incident Cardiovascular Events: The Dongfeng-Tongji Cohort Study

AIM

The aim of the present study was to investigate the associations of baseline and longitudinal changes in leukocyte counts with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD).

METHODS

We conducted a prospective study to investigate the associations of baseline and 5-year changes in leukocyte counts with incident CVD and its subtypes in middle-aged and elderly Chinese. We estimated the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CVD using the Cox proportional-hazards models.

RESULTS

In the analyses of baseline total leukocyte count of 26,655 participants, compared with the lowest quartile (＜4.71×109/L), participants in the fourth quartile (＞6.70×109/L) had 11% higher risk for CVD. Consistent with total leukocyte count, neutrophil count also exhibited a significant positive association with the risk of CVD. In the analyses of 5-year changes in total leukocyte count of 11,594 participants, the changes in leukocyte count were categorized into three groups, i.e., the decreased group (＜25%), stable group (25%-75%), and increased group (＞75%). Compared with participants in the stable group (-1.18 to 0.44×109/L), participants in the increased group (＞0.44×109/L) had 14% higher risk for CVD. We also observed significant positive associations of the changes in neutrophil and monocyte counts with the risk of CVD. Furthermore, the total leukocyte count in the second or third tertile at the first follow-up with a 5-year increase was related to higher CVD risk.

CONCLUSION

High baseline total leukocyte count and a 5-year increase in total leukocyte count were related to higher CVD risk.

VEGF Receptor 1 Promotes Hypoxia-Induced Hematopoietic Progenitor Proliferation and Differentiation

Although it is well known that hypoxia incites unleashed cellular inflammation, the mechanisms of exaggerated cellular inflammation in hypoxic conditions are not known. We observed augmented proliferation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC), precursors of inflammatory leukocytes, in mice under hypoxia. Consistently, a transcriptomic analysis of human HSPC exposed to hypoxic conditions revealed elevated expression of genes involved in progenitor proliferation and differentiation. Additionally, bone marrow cells in mice expressed high amount of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and HSPC elevated VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFr1) and its target genes in hypoxic conditions. In line with this, VEGFr1 blockade in vivo and in vitro decreased HSPC proliferation and attenuated inflammation. In silico and ChIP experiments demonstrated that HIF-1α binds to the promoter region of VEGFR1. Correspondingly, HIF1a silencing decreased VEGFr1 expression in HSPC and diminished their proliferation. These results indicate that VEGF signaling in HSPC is an important mediator of their proliferation and differentiation in hypoxia-induced inflammation and represents a potential therapeutic target to prevent aberrant inflammation in hypoxia-associated diseases.

Association of Monocyte Count and Monocyte/Lymphocyte Ratio with the Risk of Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with CKD

Background

Emerging evidence suggests an association of higher monocyte count and monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR) with the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in individuals without chronic kidney disease (CKD); however, limited studies have examined if this association translates to the CKD population. This study examined whether monocyte count and MLR are associated with the risk of CVD, CVD death, and all-cause death in patients with nondialysis CKD who participated in the Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort observational study.

Methods

Baseline monocyte count and MLR were categorized into tertiles and also modeled continuously. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the association between monocyte count (primary predictor) and MLR (secondary predictor) at baseline and time to a composite of CVD events, including heart failure, myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and peripheral artery disease (primary outcome). Secondary outcomes were time to CVD death and all-cause death.

Results

The median follow-up time was 9 years for CVD events and 11.7 years for death. In the fully adjusted model, participants with a higher monocyte count and MLR had a greater risk of CVD events (hazard ratio [HR] per doubling of monocyte count=1.2 [95% CI, 1.1 to 1.31]; HR per doubling of MLR=1.26 [95% CI, 1.16 to 1.36]), CVD death (HR=1.18 [95% CI, 0.99 to 1.41]; HR=1.27 [95% CI, 1.1 to 1.48]), and all-cause death (HR=1.17 [95% CI, 1.06 to 1.3]; HR=1.18 [95% CI, 1.09 to 1.29]).

Conclusions

These results suggest that monocyte count and MLR may have the potential to be cost-effective, clinically available indicators of CVD risk in the CKD population.

Blunted rest-activity rhythm is associated with increased white blood-cell-based inflammatory markers in adults: an analysis from NHANES 2011-2014

Circadian rhythm disruption is associated with immune system disturbance and has been observed in many health problems where chronic-inflammation acts as a major contributor. We aim to examine whether rest-activity circadian rhythm is associated with chronic inflammation using white blood-cell-based inflammatory indices including white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII). We analyzed the data from 8089 adults (age≥20) with at least 4 days of validated accelerometer recordings and a valid WBC count from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014. Non-parametric rest-activity circadian rhythm parameters were derived from the accelerometer recordings. In the models adjusting multiple covariates, a one-quantile increase in relative amplitude (i.e. more robust circadian rhythm) was associated with 1 × 10⁸ cells/L decrease in WBC number (95% CI: 5 × 10⁷ to 1.5 × 10⁸, P < .001), 7 × 10⁷ cells/L decrease in neutrophils (95% CI: 3 × 10⁷ to 1.1 × 10⁸, P = .003) and 15.2 × 10⁹ /L decrease in SII (95% CI: 6 × 10⁹ /L to 20 × 10⁹/L, P = .019). Consistent results were also observed for the association of M10 value and L5 value with these inflammatory indices. Our results indicated that blunted rest-activity circadian rhythm is associated with increased white blood-cell-based inflammatory indices in adults, suggesting interventions aiming at enhancing circadian rhythm by lifestyle programs may be a novel approach to improve the general health.

Association of neutrophils, lymphocytes, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio to overall mortality after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to determine the predictive ability of neutrophilia, lymphocytopenia, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for overall mortality after EVAR for AAA.

METHODS

Data on patients with AAA treated by EVAR between March 2012 and December 2016 were obtained from a prospectively maintained EVAR database at Tokyo Medical University Hospital. The NLR was calculated by dividing the absolute neutrophil count by the absolute lymphocyte count. A cut-off value of total WBC count, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, and NLR was determined according to a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using the Cox proportional hazard analyses to account for the time at risk.

RESULTS

178 patients were included in this study after selection based on the exclusion criteria. The subjects consisted of 150 men and 28 women with a mean age of 77.5 years (range, 51-89 years). A ROC curve analysis determined the optimal cut-off values of preoperative total WBC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and NLR for predicting overall mortality with 7,050 /μL, 4,012 /μL, 1,312 /μL, and 3.19, respectively. On univariate analysis and multivariate analyses, octogenarian, obesity, COPD, active cancer, and lymphocytopenia or NLR were detected as independent predictors for overall mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Specific leukocyte populations, such as lymphocyte count and NLR, are useful biomarkers to predict overall mortality in patients undergoing EVAR for AAA, suggesting that WBC count and its subsets, which are easy to perform a test, may be used to stratify patients at risk for poor prognosis following EVAR.

Higher Meat Intake Is Associated with Higher Inflammatory Markers, Mostly Due to Adiposity: Results from UK Biobank

BACKGROUND

High meat consumption might play a role in promoting low-grade systemic inflammation, but evidence is limited.

OBJECTIVES

We examined cross-sectional associations of habitual meat consumption with serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and total white blood cell count (WBCC) in British adults.

METHODS

We included 403,886 men and women (aged 38-73 y) participating in the UK Biobank who provided information on meat intake (via touchscreen questionnaire) and a nonfasting blood sample at recruitment (2006-2010). For a subset of participants (∼5%), an additional blood sample was collected (median 4.4 y later). We used multivariable linear regression models to estimate associations of meat intake (total meat, unprocessed red meat, processed meat, and poultry) with logCRP and logWBCC.

RESULTS

The difference in the serum CRP (mg/L) for each 50-g/d higher intake for total meat was 11.6% (95% CI: 11.1, 12.0%), for processed meat was 38.3% (95% CI: 36.0, 40.7%), for unprocessed red meat was 14.4% (95% CI: 13.6, 15.1%), and for poultry was 12.8% (95% CI: 12.0, 13.5%). The difference in the WBCC (×10-9L) for each 50 g/d higher intake of total meat was 1.5% (95% CI: 1.4, 1.6%), for processed meat was 6.5% (95% CI: 6.1, 6.9%), for unprocessed red meat was 1.6% (95% CI: 1.4, 1.7%), and for poultry was 1.6% (95% CI: 1.4, 1.7%). All associations were attenuated after adjustment for adiposity; by 67% with BMI (in kg/m2) and by 58% with waist circumference for total meat and CRP, and by 53% and 47%, respectively, for WBCC, although associations remained statistically significant. Findings of sensitivity analyses in 15,420 participants were similar prospectively, except there were no associations between unprocessed red meat and WBCC.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher meat consumption, particularly of processed meat, was positively associated with inflammatory markers in these British adults; however, the magnitudes of associations are small and predominantly due to higher adiposity.

Exercise training and inflammatory markers in coronary artery disease patients

Aim. To evaluate the influence of exercise training on inflammatory markers and exercise tolerance in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. Patients and methods. A total of 54 subjects were enrolled in the present study, including 34 CAD patients (CAD group: 59.2 ± 8.2 years) and 20 healthy controls (C group: 54.2 ± 8.0 years). C reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood cell (WBC), and placental growth factor (PIGF) were determined, and an exercise test was performed in both groups at baseline and once again in CAD group after the supervised 3 weeks of aerobic exercise training. Results. At baseline, CRP, ESR and PIGF were significantly higher in the CAD group compared to the C group (p = 0.038, p = 0.019 and p = 0.002), while exercise capacity was significantly higher in the C group (p ˂ 0.01). After 3 weeks of exercise training, CRP, ESR, WBC count and PIGF significantly decreased (p = 0.048, p ˂ 0.001, p = 0.002 and p ˂ 0.001 respectively), while exercise capacity significantly increased (p ˂ 0.001) in the CAD group. In the CAD group, CRP decrease significantly correlated with WBC and PIGF decrease (r = 0.816, p = 0.002 and r = 0.988, p ˂ 0.001), as well as with exercise capacity increase (r = 0.834, p ˂ 0.001). Also, WBC decrease significantly correlated both with PIGF decrease (r = 0.768, p ˂ 0.001) and exercise capacity increase (r = 0.548, p = 0.012), while PIGF decrease significantly correlated with exercise capacity increase (r = 0.548, p = 0.013). Conclusion. Residential exercise training in CAD patients reduces inflammation, expressed through a significant decrease in CRP, ESR, WBC count and PIGF levels. Those positive changes in inflammatory markers are associated with significant improvement in exercise capacity.

The α2-adrenergic receptor pathway modulating depression influences the risk of arterial thrombosis associated with BDNFVal66Met polymorphism

Depression is associated with thrombotic risk and arterial events, its proper management is strongly recommended in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. We have previously shown that the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)Val66Met polymorphism, related to depression, is associated with arterial thrombosis in mice, and with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction in humans. Herein, expanding the previous findings on BDNFVal66Met polymorphism, we show that desipramine, a norepinephrine reuptake-inhibitor, rescues behavioral impairments, reduces the arterial thrombosis risk, abolishes pathological coagulation and platelet hyper-reactivity, normalizes leukocyte, platelet, and bone marrow megakaryocyte number and restores physiological norepinephrine levels in homozygous knock-in BDNF Val66Met (BDNF^Met/Met) mice. The in vitro data confirm the enhanced procoagulant activity and the alpha_2A-adrenergic receptor (α_2A-ADR) overexpression found in BDNF^Met/Met mice and we provide evidence that, in presence of Met variant, norepinephrine is crucial to up-regulate procoagulant activity and to enhance platelet generation. The α₂-ADR antagonist rauwolscine rescues the prothrombotic phenotype in BDNF^Met/Met mice and reduces procoagulant activity and platelet generation in cells transfected with BDNF^Met plasmid or exposed to pro-BDNF^Met peptide. Finally, we show that homozygous BDNF^Met/Met CAD patients have hyper-reactive platelets overexpressing abundant α_2A-ADR. The great proplatelet release from their megakaryocytes well reflects their higher circulating platelet number compared to BDNF^Val/Val patients. These data reveal an unprecedented described role of Met allele in the dysregulation of norepinephrine/α_2A-ADR pathway that may explain the predisposition to arterial thrombosis. Overall, the development of α_2A-ADR inhibitors might represent a pharmacological treatment for depression-associated thrombotic conditions in this specific subgroup of CAD patients.

Associations of coagulation factor X and XI with incident acute coronary syndrome and stroke: A nested case-control study

BACKGROUND

Coagulation cascade contributes to thrombotic and hemorrhagic diseases, but it remains unclear whether coagulation factors X (FX) and XI (FXI) levels are associated with cardiovascular diseases.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate prospective associations of FX and FXI levels with incident acute coronary syndrome (ACS), stroke, and their subtypes (acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, ischemic stroke, and hemorrhagic stroke).

METHODS

We performed a nested case-control study (n = 1846) within the Dongfeng-Tongji cohort from 2013 to 2016 matched on age (within 1 year), sex, and sampling date (within 1 month) by incidence density sampling, and measured plasma FX and FXI levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. FX and FXI levels were categorized into three groups (low, <25th; middle, 25th to <75th; and high ≥75th percentiles) according to distributions, and conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

After adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, compared with middle groups, the OR (95% CI) in high levels of FX and FXI were 1.11 (0.79-1.56) and 0.96 (0.68-1.36) for incident ACS, and 1.01 (0.63-1.62) and 1.72 (1.14-2.60) for incident stroke, respectively. As for subtypes of ACS and stroke, only high FXI levels were significantly associated with incident ischemic stroke (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.05-2.65). Moreover, all associations remained steady after additional adjustment for platelet and leukocyte.

CONCLUSION

FXI levels were associated with a greater risk of incident ischemic stroke but not hemorrhagic stroke or ACS. FX levels were not associated with incident ACS or stroke.

Peripheral Blood Cytopenia and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality

Background

Individual blood cell count abnormalities have been associated with cardiovascular disease and increased mortality. In this study, we defined a “cytopenia phenotype,” reflecting bone marrow hypoproliferation, to determine if peripheral blood cytopenia is associated with increased cardiovascular disease and mortality risk.

Methods and Results

Study participants were derived from a biracial observational cohort study, REGARDS (Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke), that enrolled 30 239 Black and White participants aged ≥45 years between 2003 and 2007. Median follow up was ≈9 years. The current study included 19 864 participants from REGARDS study (37.9% men, 40% Black participants) who have complete blood count available at study enrollment. We defined a cytopenia phenotype based on age‐, sex‐, and race‐adjusted lowest fifth percentile of blood counts. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models estimated the hazard ratios (HR) and 95% CI of cytopenia for mortality and incident cardiovascular disease in adjusted models. Mean age of the study participants was 64 years (SD:9.7). The prevalence of cytopenia was 1.9% (n=378). Cytopenia was associated with increased risk of all‐cause mortality (HR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.34–2.22) and cardiovascular disease mortality (HR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.11–2.29). Cytopenia was associated with stroke risk in Black but not White participants (HR, 1.96 versus 0.86; P‐interaction for race=0.08) and was not associated with coronary heart disease risk.

Conclusions

We defined a cytopenia phenotype with clinical implications for mortality and stroke risk in a large biracial and geographically diverse population. Whether generated through somatic mutations or decreased organ function, cytopenia was associated with mortality risk and was a race‐specific risk factor for stroke.

Inflammatory markers and risk of cardiovascular mortality in relation to diabetes status in the HUNT study

Inflammatory markers have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular mortality in general populations. We assessed whether these associations differ by diabetes status. From a population-based cohort study (n = 62,237) we included all participants with diabetes (n = 1753) and a control group without diabetes (n = 1818). Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for possible associations with cardiovascular mortality of 4 different inflammatory markers; C-reactive protein (CRP), calprotectin, neopterin and lactoferrin. During a median follow-up of 13.9 years, 728 (20.4%) died from cardiovascular disease (CVD). After adjustment for age, sex and diabetes, the associations of all inflammatory markers with risk of cardiovascular mortality were log-linear (all P ≤ 0.017 for trend) and did not differ according to diabetes status (all P ≥ 0.53 for interaction). After further adjustments for established risk factors, only CRP remained independently associated with cardiovascular mortality. HRs were 1.22 (1.12-1.32) per standard deviation higher loge CRP concentration and 1.91 (1.50-2.43) when comparing individuals in the top versus bottom quartile. The associations of CRP, calprotectin, lactoferrin and neopterin with cardiovascular mortality did not differ by diabetes, suggesting that any potential prognostic value of these markers is independent of diabetes status.

Association of Differential Leukocyte Count With Incident Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Over 22.5 Years: The ARIC Study

OBJECTIVE: Leukocytes contribute to the development of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). We evaluated whether associations of differential leukocyte counts with AAA persist after accounting for traditional risk factors of AAA. APPROACH AND RESULTS: Among 11 217 adults from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study, we evaluated associations of differential leukocyte counts at baseline (1987–1989) with incident AAAs over a median follow-up of 22.5 years, using Cox proportional hazards regression. Each differential leukocyte count was categorized into 5 groups—below normal, tertiles within the normal range, and above normal, with the first tertile serving as the referent. We identified 377 incident AAAs through 2011, using hospital discharge diagnoses, linked Medicare records, or death certificates. At baseline, higher neutrophil, monocyte, and eosinophil counts were associated with higher risk of AAA, independent of smoking, other differential leukocyte counts, and other traditional risk factors. The association with incident AAA was the strongest for above normal neutrophil count, with an adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI) of 2.17 (1.29–3.64). Below normal neutrophil, lymphocyte, eosinophil and basophil counts were associated with higher risk of AAA with adjusted hazard ratio (95% CI) between 1.86 (1.04–3.35) and 1.62 (1.10–2.39). CONCLUSIONS: Higher neutrophil, monocyte, and eosinophil counts in midlife are associated with higher risk of AAA, even after accounting for traditional risk factors such as smoking, obesity, and atherosclerosis. This suggests the need to identify nontraditional risk factors and treatment strategies to mitigate the residual risk of AAA conferred by midlife inflammation. Whether immunosuppression is associated with higher risk of AAA needs further investigation.