Comparative effects of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide and dobutamine on acute decompensated heart failure patients with different blood BNP levels

Effect of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide on efficacy, hemodynamics and NT-proBNP in elderly patients with heart failure

AIM

To investigate the effects of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide (rhBNP) on efficacy, hemodynamics, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in elderly patients with heart failure (HF).

METHODS

In this retrospective analysis, the clinical data of 112 HF patients who visited the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine between March 2019 and October 2022 were analyzed. On the basis of standard HF treatment, 52 patients additionally treated with milrinone intravenous were set as the control group (Con) and 60 patients with rhBNP were set as the observation group (Obs). The therapeutic efficacy and pre- and post-treatment echocardiographic indexes, NT-proBNP and hemodynamics were recorded and compared, and the adverse drug reactions and quality of life scores after treatment were counted.

RESULTS

The Obs group showed a markedly higher post-treatment overall response rate than the Con (P=0.002). Besides, more obvious improvement of NT-proBNP and hemodynamic indexes were determined in the Obs group compared to the Con (P=0.000). Evidently ameliorated left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD) and left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD) were observed in both groups after treatment, with more pronounced improvement in the Obs group (all P=0.000). The Obs group also exhibited an evidently lower incidence of adverse reactions and a better quality of life than the Con after treatment (P=0.000).

CONCLUSIONS

rhBNP can effectively improve the cardiac function and hemodynamics in elderly HF patients, with high safety and few adverse reactions.

Effect of levosimendan combined with recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide on diuretic resistance

Levosimendan is a calcium sensitizer used for managing heart failure (HF) because of its inotropic and vasodilatory effects. As many patients do not respond to levosimendan as a monotherapy, it may be necessary to combine it with other diuretic agents such as recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide (rhBNc P). The aim of this study was to investigate efficacy of levosimendan when combined with rhBNP in patients with diuretic resistance and low ejection fraction (EF) rate.The study included HF patients with diuretic resistance and low EF. Before grouping, patients with a 24-hour urine volume of <0.5 mL/kg/h were administered with furosemide injection. Treatment group was administered levosimendan injection based on the original diuretic and rhBNP.One hundred twenty-eight patients were included, with 64 patients each in the control and treatment arms. 24-hour urine volume of the treatment group was significantly higher than that of the control group. Moreover, dyspnea score of the treatment group significantly improved compared with control group. In the treatment group, 12.5% of patients had no significant changes in the urine volume, weight, and dyspnea score before and after the treatment, indicating poor curative effect of the treatment, whereas in the control group, 23.4% of patients had poor curative effect (P < .05). No significant change was observed in the systolic blood pressure, heart rate, and serum creatinine level before and after treatment in both groups.Levosimendan in combination with rhBNP can effectively relieve diuretic resistance, reduce body weight, improve dyspnea, and ensure safety in the treatment process.

Apela improves cardiac and renal function in mice with acute myocardial infarction

Apela was recently identified as a new ligand of the apelin peptide jejunum (APJ) receptor. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of apela in post-myocardial infarction (post-MI) recovery from cardiorenal damage. A murine MI model was established, and apela was then infused subcutaneously for two weeks. Echocardiographs were performed before and after infarction at the indicated times. Renal function was evaluated by serum and urine biochemistry. Immunohistochemistry of heart and kidney tissue was performed by in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUPT nick end-labelling reaction. Compared to the control group (MI/vehicle), the average value of the left ventricular ejection fraction in apela-treated mice increased by 32% and 39% at 2- and 4-week post-MI, respectively. The mean levels of serum blood urea nitrogen，creatinine, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and 24-hour urine protein were significantly decreased at 4-week post-MI in apela-treated mice relative to that of control animals. At the cellular level, we found that apela treatment significantly reduced myocardial fibrosis and cellular apoptosis in heart and kidney tissue. These data suggest that apela improves cardiac and renal function in mice with acute MI. The peptide may be potential therapeutic agent for heart failure.

Brain Natriuretic Peptide-Regulated Expression of Inflammatory Cytokines in Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-Activated Macrophages via NF-κB and Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) Pathways

Background

This study aimed to investigate the effects of recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide (rhBNP) on IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10 secretion in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vitro and to explore the related signaling pathways of the regulation mechanisms of BNP in systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS).

Material/Methods

MTT assay was used to evaluate the effects of rhBNP on cell viabilities. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce inflammation response. The whole study was divided into 8 groups: Control, low, middle, and high concentrations of rhBNP, LPS, LPS with low, middle, and high concentrations of rhBNP. Levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10 were evaluated using the Cytometric Bead Array Kit and RT-PCR assay. Western blotting was used to test the effects of rhBNP on inflammation-related NF-κB and MAPK pathways.

Results

Except for the concentrations ≥1.6 ng/mL, all concentrations of rhBNP showed little effect on cell viabilities of RAW264.7 cells and PBMCs after 24 h and 48 h, suggesting a weak cytotoxicity to cells. Expression of IL-6 and TNF-α significantly increased and expression of IL-10 significantly decreased at protein and mRNA levels after LPS treatment, and these effects were strongly inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by pretreatment of rhBNP. Similarly, the LPS-induced increase of NF-κB and MAPK pathway phosphorylation levels were also significantly inhibited by rhBNP.

Conclusions

rhBNP can regulate expression of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10 in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells and PBMCs through inhibiting NF-κB and MAPK pathways. These results may reveal potential causes of the increase of BNP in SIRS and may provide an experimental basis for treatment of SIRS.

Nesiritide Therapy Is Associated With Better Clinical Outcomes Than Dobutamine Therapy in Heart Failure

To evaluate the therapeutic effects of dobutamine and nesiritide in the treatment of heart failure (HF), a meta-analysis of published studies was conducted. Computerized bibliographic databases in Chinese and English languages were carefully searched to identify the relevant literature. A total of 6 cohort studies were enrolled in current meta-analysis for statistical analyses. The effect of dobutamine and nesiritide in patients with HF was estimated by odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Our results revealed a significantly higher survival rate in nesiritide-treated patients, compared with those treated with dobutamine (OR = 1.97; 95% CI, 1.43-2.71; P < 0.001). In addition, a lower readmission rate was also associated with the nesiritide-treated group in comparison with the dobutamine-treated group (OR = 1.96; 95% CI, 1.39-2.78; P < 0.001). A stratified analysis revealed that the subgroup of patients with HF treated with nesiritide showed higher survival outcomes than those patients with HF treated with dobutamine when follow-up period was greater than 6 months (OR = 1.70; 95% CI, 1.21-2.38; P = 0.002) but not under 6 months (P > 0.05). This indicated that nesiritide treatment had longer term benefits as well. Interestingly, based on the reason for readmission, a subgroup analysis of the HF subgroup and the "all-cause" subgroup showed that higher readmission rates were associated with dobutamine treatment in both subgroups (HF: OR = 2.71; 95% CI, = 1.51-4.83; P = 0.001; all-cause: OR = 1.64; 95% CI, 1.06-2.53; P = 0.026; respectively). Our results suggest that nesiritide therapy is associated with a lower in-hospital mortality rates and decreased readmission rates compared with dobutamine treatment in patients with HF.

Continuous administration of recombinant human B-type natriuretic peptide can improve heart and renal function in patients after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery

BACKGROUND

Any cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) will induce ischemia-reperfusion injury and systematic inflammatory response, which may lead to exacerbation. Conventional therapy strategy is to use inotropes, diuretics and vasodilator drugs, yet, the therapeutic effects of which need to be improved. Recombinant human B-type natriuretic peptide (rhBNP) has been shown to be efficacious in the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure and acute myocardial infarction. However, the effects of rhBNP on patients carried out CPB surgery is unknown.

METHODS

We retrospect 357 patients carried out CPB surgery between Jan 1st 2014 and Dec 31st 2015 of our department. And according the use of rhBNP, these patients were divided into two groups: rhBNP group and control group. Patients in rhBNP group were received continuous intravenous rhBNP (0.0075-0.01 µg/kg/min) in 6 hours after CPB surgery, for a period of 72 h. Hemodynamic parameters were measured immediately after CPB surgery, and then at 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h after surgery. Blood samples were obtained immediately after surgery and thereafter once a day at 6:00 AM within the first 3 days after surgery. The daily urine volume as well as the time of tracheal intubation, ICU stay and chest drainage were also recorded.

RESULTS

The baseline characteristics and heart functions were well balanced between two groups, and no patient died in the surgery. It showed significant differences in time-dependent changes in both groups of MAP (P<0.0001, within groups), MPAP (P<0.0001, within groups), PAWP (P<0.0001, within groups), CI (P<0.0001, within groups), SVRI (P<0.0001, within groups), serum BNP (P<0.0001, within groups), CK-MB (P<0.0001, within groups), troponin (P<0.0001, within groups) and creatinine (P<0.0001, within groups). It also showed significant differences in time-dependent changes between the two groups of MAP (P=0.04, between groups), PAWP (P=0.04, between groups), serum troponin (P<0.0001, between groups), serum creatinine (P<0.0001, between groups) and urine volume (P<0.0001, between groups). Interestingly, our results showed that patients in rhBNP group tended to wean off the respirator half a day later than those in control group (P=0.05), while no significant difference showed in both the length of chest drainage time and intensive care unit stay between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of rhBNP can improve heart and renal function in patients underwent CPB surgery as well as accelerating the recovery from myocardial injury. But the prognosis of the patients who were administrated rhBNP did not improve in our study.

Comparison of the Effects of Levosimendan Dobutamine and Vasodilator Therapy on Ongoing Myocardial Injury in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

Cardiac troponins (cTn) are reliable and the most sensitive biomarker in the setting of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Acute decompensated heart failure is usually associated with worsening chronic heart failure, and it may be caused by ongoing minor myocardial cell damage that may occur without any reported precipitating factors.

METHODS

We compared the short-term effect of levosimendan (LEV), dobutamine (DOB), and vasodilator treatment (nitroglycerin [NTG]) on myocardial injury with hemodynamic, neurohumoral, and inflammatory indicators. One hundred twenty-two patients with a mean age of 66 ± 9 years were treated with LEV (n = 40), DOB (n = 42), and NTG (n = 40) and examined retrospectively. Blood samples (cTnI, N-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP], highly sensitive C-reactive protein [HsCRP], and others), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP), and 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) were compared before and after treatment.

RESULTS

At admission, detectable levels of cTnI were observed in 53% of patients (≥0.05 ng/mL). Serial changes in the mean cTnI levels were not significantly different between the groups (LEV 0.04 ± 0.01 to 0.03 ± 0.01 ng/mL; DOB 0.145 ± 0.08 to 0.08 ± 0.03 ng/mL; NTG 0.1 ± 0.03 to 0.09 ± 0.02 ng/mL; overall P = .859). Favourable effects on the NT-proBNP, sPAP values, LVEF, 6MWD, and HsCRP were observed overall, especially in the LEV groups.

CONCLUSION

Beneficial effects of short-term use of LEV, DOB, and NTG on ongoing myocardial injury were demonstrated. These findings can be attributed to the anti-ischemic properties as well as the hemodynamic, neurohumoral, and functional benefits from the positive inotropes, especially LEV, in patients with ADHF.

Dobutamine Therapy is Associated with Worse Clinical Outcomes Compared with Nesiritide Therapy for Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Inotropes and natriuretic peptides are essential components of current therapeutic options for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). This systematic review examines the therapeutic effectiveness of dobutamine and brain natriuretic peptide, nesiritide, in reducing mortality and readmission rates for ADHF treatment.

METHODS

Published studies related to dobutamine and nesiritide therapy in ADHF were identified via an exhaustive search of scientific literature databases. The identified studies, published between 2002 and 2012, were carefully screened based on our predefined inclusion criteria. Selected studies were pooled, and odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for each outcome were calculated. Subgroup analysis was conducted to assess the influence of ethnicity on the study outcome.

RESULTS

Seven cohort studies were selected for this meta-analysis. These seven studies included 959 ADHF patients who underwent nesiritide treatment and 1748 ADHF patients who received dobutamine therapy. Our meta-analysis revealed a significantly lower survival rate in dobutamine-treated patients compared with nesiritide-treated patients (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.36-0.63, P < 0.001). Additionally, a markedly higher readmission rate was associated with dobutamine treatment compared with nesiritide treatment (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.36-0.73, P < 0.001). A stratified analysis based on ethnicity revealed a significantly lower survival in dobutamine-treated ADHF patients in Caucasian and mixed populations compared with nesiritide treatment (Caucasian: OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.38-0.94, P = 0.024; Mixed: OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.26-0.56, P < 0.001). However, a similar association was not detected in Asian populations (P = 0.738). Further, dobutamine-treated ADHF patients displayed higher readmission rates than did nesiritide-treated patients in both Caucasian and mixed-race populations (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests that dobutamine therapy is associated with poorer outcomes, with higher in-hospital mortality rates and increased readmission rates compared with nesiritide therapy in ADHF patients. Thus, current treatment strategies need to be redesigned for better outcomes.

Retraction. rhBNP therapy can improve clinical outcomes and reduce in-hospital mortality compared with dobutamine in heart failure patients: a meta-analysis

AIMS

A meta-analysis was performed to compare the therapeutic outcomes in patients treated for heart failure (HF) with recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide (rhBNP) and dobutamine.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase and the Chinese Biomedical Database were exhaustively searched to identify studies relevant to this meta-analysis. Eight cohort studies were found suitable for inclusion. Data regarding trial validity, methodological processes and clinical outcomes were extracted.

RESULTS

Patients treated with rhBNP showed statistically significant reduction of in-hospital mortality and re-admission rates compared with the dobutamine treated patient group (both P < 0.05). Further, the rhBNP treated patient group showed higher survival outcomes, compared with dobutamine treated patients, when the post-treatment follow-up period was longer than 6 months (P < 0.05). Stratified analysis based on ethnicity showed a dramatic decrease of in-hospital mortality among mixed race HF patients receiving rhBNP treatment (P < 0.05), but such decreases were not statistically significant in Asian and Caucasian populations (both P > 0.05). On the other hand, re-admission rates were significantly lower in rhBNP treated Caucasian and mixed race populations (both P < 0.05). Notably, in rhBNP treated group, dose levels of 0.015 and 0.03 incrementally lowered the re-admission rates, displaying dose effect, and the re-admission rates at both rhBNP doses were significantly lower than the dobutamine treated group (both P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis results suggested that rhBNP therapy is associated with lower in-hospital mortality and re-admission rates in HF patients compared to the dobutamine regimen. Nevertheless, large scale prospective, randomized trials are necessary to confirm these findings.

The dose-dependent effect of nesiritide on renal function in patients with acute decompensated heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

Conflicting renal effects of nesiritide have been reported in patients with acute decompensated heart failure. To answer this controversy, we performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the influence of nesiritide on renal function in patients with acute decompensated heart failure.

Methods

Articles were obtained from PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library and reference review. Randomized controlled studies that investigated the effects of continuous infusion of nesiritide on renal function in adult patients with acute decompensated heart failure were included and analyzed. Fixed-effect model was used to estimate relative risk (RR) and weight mean difference (WMD). The quality assessment of each study, subgroup, sensitivity, and publication bias analyses were performed.

Results

Fifteen randomized controlled trials were eligible for inclusion. Most of included studies had relatively high quality and no publication bias was found. Overall, compared to control therapies, nesiritide might increase the risk of worsening renal function in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (RR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01–1.15, P = 0.023). In subgroup analysis, high-dose nesiritide strongly associated with renal dysfunction (RR 1.54, 95% CI 1.19-2.00, P = 0.001), but no statistical differences were observed in standard-dose (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.98-1.12, P = 0.213), low-dose groups (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.74-1.37, P = 0.968) and same results were identified in the subgroup analysis of placebo controlled trials. Peak mean change of serum creatinine from baseline was no significant difference (WMD -2.54, 95% CI -5.76-0.67, P = 0.121).

Conclusions

In our meta-analysis, nesiritide may have a dose-dependent effect on renal function in patients with acute decompensated heart failure. High-dose nesiritide is likely to increase the risk of worsening renal function, but standard-dose and low-dose nesiritide probably have no impact on renal function. These findings could be helpful to optimize the use of nesiritide in clinical practice.

Effect of intravenous infusion of dobutamine hydrochloride on the development of early postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients via inhibiting the release of tumor necrosis factor-α

To investigate the effects of dobutamine hydrochloride on early postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) and plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α concentration in patients undergoing hip arthroplasty, 124 patients undergoing unilateral total hip arthroplasty, aged 70-92 years old, were randomly assigned to four groups (n=31) as follows: a control group of patients receiving only saline (intravenous infusion, i.v.); and groups receiving 2, 4, or 6μgkg(-1)min(-1) (i.v.) of dobutamine hydrochloride. Cognitive functions were assessed on the day before surgery (T1), and the 1st day (T2), 3rd day (T3), and 7th day (T4) postsurgery using the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). The plasma TNF-α protein level was determined 10min before anesthesia (Ta), and 10min (Tb), 30min (Tc), and 60min (Td) after anesthesia by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cognitive disorder was observed within the first 3 days after hip arthroplastic surgery, and it had recovered 7 days after the operation in the control group of patients. Administration of 2 or 4μgkg(-1)min(-1) dobutamine hydrochloride was able to reverse the early POCD. Simultaneously, an increase of plasma TNF-α levels 30min after anesthesia was observed (41.34±9.61 vs. 27.75±5.45), which was significantly suppressed by the administration of low-dose dobutamine hydrochloride (29.23±7.32 vs. 41.34±9.61) but not by high-dose dobutamine hydrochloride (45.9±12.11 vs. 41.34±9.61). Together, our data indicated that the plasma concentration of TNFα was engaged in the effect of dobutamine hydrochloride on POCD.