Visceral adiposity is associated with altered myocardial glucose uptake measured by (18)FDG-PET in 346 subjects with normal glucose tolerance, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes

Point-of-care β-hydroxybutyrate measurement predicts adequate glucose metabolism suppression in cardiac FDG-PET/CT

AIMS

The aims of our study were to evaluate whether point-of-care β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) measurement can be used to identify patients with adequate cardiac glucose metabolism suppression for cardiac [18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose-positron emission tomography with computerized tomography (FDG-PET/CT) and to develop a pretest probability calculator of myocardial suppression using other metabolic factors attainable before imaging.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We recruited 193 patients with any clinical indication for whole body [18F]-FDG-PET/CT. BHB level was measured with a point-of-care device. Maximal myocardial standardized uptake value using lean body mass (SULmax) was measured from eight circular regions of interest with 1 cm circumference and background from left ventricular blood pool. Correlations SULmax and point-of-care measured BHB were analysed. The ability of BHB test to predict adequate suppression was evaluated with receiver operating characteristic analysis. Liver and spleen attenuation in computed tomography were measured to assess the presence of fatty liver. BHB level correlated with myocardial uptake and, using a cut-off value of 0.35 mmol/L to predict adequate myocardial suppression, we reached specificity of 90% and sensitivity of 56%. Other variables to predict adequate suppression were diabetes, obesity, ketogenic diet and fatty liver. Using information attainable before imaging, we created a pretest probability calculator of inadequate myocardial glucose metabolism suppression. The area under the curve for BHB test alone was 0.802 and was 0.857 for the pretest calculator (p = 0.319).

CONCLUSIONS

BHB level measured with a point-of-care device is useful in predicting adequate myocardial glucose metabolism suppression. More detailed assessment of other factors potentially contributing to cardiac metabolism is needed.

Subcutaneous adipose tissue radiodensity: An emerging risk factor for severe COVID-19

BACKGROUND

Adipose tissue radiodensity and metabolic activity may influence COVID-19 outcomes. This study evaluated the association between adipose tissue characteristics and clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

METHODS

Two retrospective cohorts of hospitalized COVID-19 patients were analyzed. Subcutaneous adipose tissue radiodensity (SATR) and visceral adipose tissue radiodensity were assessed by computed tomography. Fluorine-18-labelled fluorodeoxyglucose PET/computed tomography measured adipose tissue metabolic activity. Associations with mortality, length of stay, ventilation requirement, and complications were examined using regression analyses.

RESULTS

High SATR was independently associated with increased mortality risk (OR: 2.70; P = 0.033), longer hospitalization (P < 0.001), higher rates of mechanical ventilation (P = 0.007), and complications: acute kidney injury (P = 0.001), secondary infection (P = 0.007), shock (P = 0.010), and pulmonary embolism (P = 0.011). SATR positively correlated with SAT glucose uptake (ρ = 0.52) and negatively with leptin levels (ρ = -0.48).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated SATR at COVID-19 diagnosis predicts disease severity and worse outcomes. SATR is a potential prognostic biomarker for acute and chronic inflammatory conditions.

Sex-specific differences in myocardial glucose metabolic rate in non-diabetic, pre-diabetic and type 2 diabetic subjects

BACKGROUND

Evidence has shown that women with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) have a higher excess risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) than men with T2DM. Subjects with either T2DM or prediabetes exhibit myocardial insulin resistance, but it is still unsettled whether sex-related differences in myocardial insulin resistance occur in diabetic and prediabetic subjects.

METHODS

We aimed to evaluate sex-related differences in myocardial glucose metabolic rate (MRGlu), assessed using dynamic PET with 18F-FDG combined with euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp, in subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT; n = 20), prediabetes (n = 11), and T2DM (n = 26).

RESULTS

Women with prediabetes or T2DM exhibited greater relative differences in myocardial MRGlu than men with prediabetes or T2DM when compared with their NGT counterparts. As compared with women with NGT, those with prediabetes exhibited an age-adjusted 35% lower myocardial MRGlu value (P = 0.04) and women with T2DM a 74% lower value (P = 0.006), respectively. Conversely, as compared with men with NGT, men with T2DM exhibited a 40% lower myocardial MRGlu value (P = 0.004), while no significant difference was observed between men with NGT and prediabetes. The statistical test for interaction between sex and glucose tolerance on myocardial MRGlu (P < 0.0001) was significant suggesting a sex-specific association.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that deterioration of glucose homeostasis in women is associated with a greater impairment in myocardial glucose metabolism as compared with men. The sex-specific myocardial insulin resistance could be an important factor responsible for the greater effect of T2DM on the excess risk of cardiovascular disease in women than in men.

Imaging diabetic cardiomyopathy in a type 1 diabetic rat model using 18F-FEPPA PET

OBJECTIVE

Diabetic patients often experience chronic inflammation and fibrosis in their cardiac tissues, highlighting the pressing need for the development of sensitive diagnostic methods for longitudinal assessment of diabetic cardiomyopathy. This study aims to evaluate the significance of an inflammatory marker known as translocator protein (TSPO) in a positron emission tomography (PET) protocol for longitudinally monitoring cardiac dysfunction in a diabetic animal model. Additionally, we compared the commonly used radiotracer, 18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (18F-FDG).

METHODS

Fourteen 7-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. Longitudinal PET experiments were conducted using 18F-N-2-(2-fluoroethoxy)benzyl)-N-(4-phenoxypyridin-3-yl)acetamide (18F-FEPPA) (n = 3), the TSPO radiotracer, and 18F-FDG (n = 3), both before and after the onset of diabetes. Histological and immunohistochemical staining assays were also conducted in both the control (n = 4) and diabetes (n = 4) groups.

RESULTS

Results indicated a significant increase in cardiac tissue uptake of 18F-FEPPA after the onset of diabetes (P < 0.05), aligning with elevated TSPO levels observed in diabetic animals according to histological data. Conversely, the uptake of 18F-FDG in cardiac tissue significantly decreased after the onset of diabetes (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that 18F-FEPPA can function as a sensitive probe for detecting chronic inflammation and fibrosis in the cardiac tissues of diabetic animals.

Cardiac Insulin Resistance in Subjects With Metabolic Syndrome Traits and Early Subclinical Atherosclerosis

OBJECTIVE

Experimental evidence suggests that metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with changes in cardiac metabolism. Whether this association occurs in humans is unknown.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

821 asymptomatic individuals from the Progression of Early Subclinical Atherosclerosis (PESA) study (50.6 [46.9-53.6] years, 83.7% male) underwent two whole-body 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-magnetic resonance (18F-FDG PET-MR) 4.8 ± 0.6 years apart. Presence of myocardial 18F-FDG uptake was evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively. No myocardial uptake was grade 0, while positive uptake was classified in grades 1-3 according to target-to-background ratio tertiles.

RESULTS

One hundred fifty-six participants (19.0%) showed no myocardial 18F-FDG uptake, and this was significantly associated with higher prevalence of MetS (29.0% vs. 13.9%, P < 0.001), hypertension (29.0% vs. 18.0%, P = 0.002), and diabetes (11.0% vs. 3.2%, P < 0.001), and with higher insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR, 1.64% vs. 1.23%, P < 0.001). Absence of myocardial uptake was associated with higher prevalence of early atherosclerosis (i.e., arterial 18F-FDG uptake, P = 0.004). On follow-up, the associations between myocardial 18F-FDG uptake and risk factors were replicated, and MetS was more frequent in the group without myocardial uptake. The increase in HOMA-IR was associated with a progressive decrease in myocardial uptake (P < 0.001). In 82% of subjects, the categorization according to presence/absence of myocardial 18F-FDG uptake did not change between baseline and follow-up. MetS regression on follow-up was associated with a significant (P < 0.001) increase in myocardial uptake.

CONCLUSIONS

Apparently healthy individuals without cardiac 18F-FDG uptake have higher HOMA-IR and higher prevalence of MetS traits, cardiovascular risk factors, and early atherosclerosis. An improvement in cardiometabolic profile is associated with the recovery of myocardial 18F-FDG uptake at follow-up.

The Presence of Residual Vascular and Adipose Tissue Inflammation on 18F-FDG PET in Patients with Chronic Coronary Artery Disease

Purpose

We evaluated the residual vascular and adipose tissue inflammation in patients with chronic coronary artery disease (CAD) using positron emission tomography (PET).

Methods

Our study population consisted of 98 patients with known CAD and 94 control subjects who had undergone 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) PET due to non-cardiac reasons. Aortic root and vena cava superior 18F-FDG uptake were measured to obtain the aortic root target-to-background ratio (TBR). In addition, adipose tissue PET measurements were done in pericoronary, epicardial, subcutaneous, and thoracic adipose tissue. Adipose tissue TBR was calculated using the left atrium as a reference region. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation or as median (interquartile range).

Results

The aortic root TBR was higher in CAD patients compared to control subjects, 1.68 (1.55-1.81) vs. 1.53 (1.43-1.64), p < 0.001. Subcutaneous adipose tissue uptake was elevated in CAD patients 0.30 (0.24-0.35) vs. 0.27 (0.23-0.31), p < 0.001. Metabolic activity of CAD patients and control subjects was comparable in the pericoronary (0.81 ± 0.18 vs. 0.80 ± 0.16, p = 0.59), epicardial (0.53 ± 0.21 vs. 0.51 ± 0.18, p = 0.38) and thoracic (0.31 ± 0.12 vs. 0.28 ± 0.12, p = 0.21) adipose tissue regions. Aortic root or adipose tissue 18F-FDG uptake was not associated with the common CAD risk factors, coronary calcium score, or aortic calcium score (p value > 0.05).

Conclusion

Patients with a chronic CAD had a higher aortic root and subcutaneous adipose tissue 18F-FDG uptake compared to control patients, which suggests residual inflammatory risk.

Obesity and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: new insights and pathophysiological targets

Obesity and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) represent two intermingling epidemics driving perhaps the greatest unmet health problem in cardiovascular medicine in the 21st century. Many patients with HFpEF are either overweight or obese, and recent data have shown that increased body fat and its attendant metabolic sequelae have widespread, protean effects systemically and on the cardiovascular system leading to symptomatic HFpEF. The paucity of effective therapies in HFpEF underscores the importance of understanding the distinct pathophysiological mechanisms of obese HFpEF to develop novel therapies. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular features of the obese phenotype of HFpEF, how increased adiposity might pathophysiologically contribute to the phenotype, and how these processes might be targeted therapeutically.

Lipid Accumulation Product Predicts Diabetes Remission After Bariatric Surgery in Chinese Patients with BMI < 35 kg/m2: a Multicenter Cohort Study

PURPOSE

To evaluate whether preoperative visceral fat-related indexes, such as visceral adiposity index (VAI), lipid accumulation product (LAP), Chinese visceral adiposity index (CVAI), and metabolic score for visceral fat (METS-VF), are useful for predicting diabetes remission in Chinese patients with a BMI < 35 kg/m² after bariatric surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective, multicenter cohort study enrolled 177 patients. Binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to identify predictors and clinically useful cutoff values, respectively. The correlation between the visceral fat-related index and body fat percentage was assessed.

RESULTS

Complete remission of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) was observed in 66 patients (37.29%) 1 year after surgery. The VAI, LAP, CVAI, and METS-VF showed downward trends postsurgery. Patients with complete remission had a significantly shorter duration of diabetes and higher CVAI, VAI, LAP, and BMI values than those without complete remission. Binary logistic regression and ROC analysis confirmed that diabetes duration and LAP can predict diabetes remission after bariatric surgery, and a LAP of 67.725 is a useful threshold for predicting surgical efficacy. LAP was significantly positively correlated with VAT/total (%) (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative LAP is a feasible tool for predicting T2DM remission in patients with a BMI < 35 kg/m² after bariatric surgery, and a LAP of 67.725 is a useful threshold for predicting surgical outcomes. LAP was significantly positively correlated with VAT content.

Effects of Lipid Overload on Heart in Metabolic Diseases

Metabolic diseases are often associated with lipid and glucose metabolism abnormalities, which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is an important development of metabolic diseases and a major cause of death. Lipids are the main fuel for energy metabolism in the heart. The increase of circulating lipids affects the uptake and utilization of fatty acids and glucose in the heart, and also affects mitochondrial function. In this paper, the mechanism of lipid overload in metabolic diseases leading to cardiac energy metabolism disorder is discussed.

Changes in Cardiac Metabolism in Prediabetes

In type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), there is an increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), even when corrected for atherosclerosis and other CVD risk factors. Diastolic dysfunction is one of the early changes in cardiac function that precedes the onset of cardiac failure, and it occurs already in the prediabetic state. It is clear that these changes are closely linked to alterations in cardiac metabolism; however, the exact etiology is unknown. In this narrative review, we provide an overview of the early cardiac changes in fatty acid and glucose metabolism in prediabetes and its consequences on cardiac function. A better understanding of the relationship between metabolism, mitochondrial function, and cardiac function will lead to insights into the etiology of the declined cardiac function in prediabetes.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, diastolic dysfunction, and impaired myocardial glucose uptake in patients with type 2 diabetes

AIMS

To investigate whether degree of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with myocardial dysfunction related to impaired myocardial glucose uptake in patients with type 2 diabetes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In total, 131 patients with type 2 diabetes from a tertiary care hospital were included in this study. Myocardial glucose uptake was assessed using [¹⁸ F]-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography. Hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were determined using transient liver elastography. Echocardiography was performed to evaluate cardiac structure and function.

RESULTS

Patients with NAFLD had cardiac diastolic dysfunction with higher left ventricular filling pressure (E/e' ratio) and left atrial (LA) volume index than patients without NAFLD (all P < 0.05). Hepatic steatosis correlated with E/e' ratio and LA volume index, and hepatic fibrosis also correlated with E/e' ratio (all P < 0.05). Even after adjusting for confounding factors, a higher degree of hepatic steatosis (r² = 0.409, P = 0.041) and a higher degree of fibrosis (r² = 0.423, P = 0.009) were independent contributing factors to a higher E/e' ratio. Decreased myocardial glucose uptake was associated with a higher degree of steatosis (P for trend = 0.084) and fibrosis (P for trend = 0.012). At the same time, decreased myocardial glucose uptake was an independent contributing factor for a higher E/e' ratio (r² = 0.409; P = 0.040).

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were significantly associated with diastolic heart dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes coupled with impaired myocardial glucose uptake.

Associations of physiologic myocardial 18F-FDG uptake with fasting duration, HbA1c, and regular exercise

OBJECTIVE

The variability of physiologic ¹⁸F-FDG uptake in the myocardium has hampered the accurate evaluation of cardiac glucose metabolism. We investigated the effects of multiple factors, including fasting duration and physical activity, on the physiologic uptake of ¹⁸F-FDG by the myocardium in healthy participants.

METHODS

A total of 446 participants (predominantly male, 91%) in a health screening program were included in this retrospective study. For the visual analysis of myocardial ¹⁸F-FDG uptake, the participants were categorized into three groups according to qualitative visual scales (QVS). For the quantitative analysis, the maximum SUV of the left ventricular myocardium was measured.

RESULTS

Significant differences were observed in fasting duration (p < 0.001), SUV_max (p < 0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (p < 0.001), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p < 0.001), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GTP) (p = 0.001), and uric acid (p = 0.015) among the QVS groups. Participants who regularly exercised with vigorous activity (p = 0.032) and HbA1c > 6% (p = 0.005) showed significant association with myocardial FDG uptake in the Chi-squared test. The median value of fasting duration decreased significantly as the QVS of the myocardium increased. Twenty-nine of the 31 participants (93.5%) who fasted for 21.5 h or more showed a suppressed FDG uptake (mean SUV_max = 2.1). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, fasting duration (OR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.69-0.80, p < 0.001), HbA1c > 6% (OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.12 - 0.66, p = 0.004), uric acid (OR = 0.82, 95% CI 0.68-1.00, p = 0.049) and regular exercise with vigorous activity (OR = 1.75, 95% CI 1.13-2.70, p = 0.012) were significant factors for physiologic myocardial FDG uptake.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduced physiologic ¹⁸F-FDG uptake of the myocardium was associated with longer fasting duration, higher level of HbA1c, and less frequency of regular exercise with vigorous activity. For the preparation of cardiac ¹⁸F-FDG PET, inclusion of longer fasting duration (more than 18 h) might be necessary for the adequate suppression of physiologic ¹⁸F-FDG myocardial uptake.

Association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and myocardial glucose uptake measured by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. However, there were few studies evaluating the condition of myocardial glucose metabolism in patients with NAFLD. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between NAFLD and myocardial glucose uptake assessed by using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) and whether or not alteration of myocardial glucose uptake could be an indicator linking to cardiac dysfunction in NAFLD individuals.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 743 asymptomatic subjects (201 with NAFLD, 542 without NAFLD) were retrospectively studied. The ratio of maximum myocardium FDG uptake to the mean standardized uptake value of liver (SUVratio) was calculated to estimate myocardial glucose uptake by using 18F-FDG PET. The diagnosis of fatty liver and fatty liver grading was confirmed by unenhanced CT according to diagnostic criterion of previous studies. The myocardial geometric and functional data were obtained by echocardiogram. Myocardial glucose uptake was significantly lower in individuals with NAFLD compared with those without fatty liver (P < .001). When analysis of association trend was performed, SUVratio quartiles showed correlated inversely and strongly with liver steatosis (P < .001). NAFLD patients with lower myocardial glucose uptake were more likely to have higher proportion of increased LV filling pressure (P < .05). A significant relationship between myocardial SUVratio and E/e' ratio was presented in the trend analysis (P < .05). Moreover, multivariate regression analysis showed that myocardial glucose uptake was independently associated with NAFLD after adjusting for clinical important factors (all P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of NAFLD in otherwise healthy subjects is closely associated with decreased myocardial glucose uptake assessing by 18F-FDG PET imaging. Furthermore, the NAFLD individuals with lower myocardial glucose uptake are more likely to have high risk of having impaired diastolic heart function.

Regional adiposity and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

The role of obesity in the pathogenesis of heart failure (HF), and in particular HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), has drawn significant attention in recent years. The prevalence of both obesity and HFpEF has increased worldwide over the past decades and when present concomitantly suggests an obese-HFpEF phenotype. Anthropometrics, including body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio, are associated with incident HFpEF. However, the cardiovascular effects of obesity may actually be driven by the distribution of fat, which can accumulate in the epicardial, visceral, and subcutaneous compartments. Regional fat can be quantified using non-invasive imaging techniques, including computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Regional variations in fat accumulation are associated with different HFpEF risk profiles, whereby higher epicardial and visceral fat have a much stronger association with HFpEF risk compared with elevated subcutaneous fat. Thus, regional adiposity may serve a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of HFpEF contributing to decreased cardiopulmonary fitness, impaired left ventricular compliance, upregulation of local and systemic inflammation, promotion of neurohormonal dysregulation, and increased intra-abdominal pressure and vascular congestion. Strategies to reduce total and regional adiposity have shown promise, including intensive exercise, dieting, and bariatric surgery programmes, but few studies have focused on HFpEF-related outcomes among obese. Further understanding the role these variable fat depots play in the progression of HFpEF and HFpEF-related hospitalizations may provide therapeutic targets in treating the obese-HFpEF phenotype.

Hepatic steatosis is associated with abnormal hepatic enzymes, visceral adiposity, altered myocardial glucose uptake measured by 18F-FDG PET/CT

BACKGROUND

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multisystem disease that affects the liver and a variety of extra-hepatic organ systems. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hepatic steatosis and glucose metabolism in liver and extra-hepatic tissues and organs.

METHODS

The whole body 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) images of 191 asymptomatic tumor screening patients were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with the ratio of spleen/liver CT densities > 1.1 were defined to have NAFLD, and their clinical symptoms, laboratory markers, FDG uptake in a variety of tissues and organs including heart, mediastinal blood pool, liver, spleen, pancreas, and skeletal muscle, as well as abdominal adipose tissue volumes including visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volume and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) volume were compared with those of the non-NAFLD patients and used to analyze the independent correlation factors of NAFLD.

RESULTS

Among the 191 patients, 33 (17.3%) were NAFLD, and 158 (82.7%) were non-NAFLD. There was no significant correlation between the mean standardized uptake value (SUVmean) and CT density of liver as well as the ratio of spleen/liver CT densities. Hepatic steatosis, but not FDG intake, was more significant in NAFLD patients with abnormal liver function than those with normal liver function. Compared with the non-NAFLD patients, NAFLD patients had significantly reduced myocardial glucose metabolism, but significantly increased mediastinal blood pool, spleen SUVmean and abdominal adipose tissue volumes (including VAT and SAT volumes) (P < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that elevated serum ALT, increased abdominal VAT volume, and decreased myocardial FDG uptake were independent correlation factors for NAFLD. Further studies showed that hepatic steatosis and myocardial FDG uptake were mildly linearly correlated (r = 0.366 with hepatic CT density and - 0.236 with the ratio of spleen/liver CT densities, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

NAFLD is a systemic disease that can lead to the change of glucose metabolism in some extra-hepatic tissues and organs, especially the myocardium.

Association between Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis and Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND

Impaired diastolic heart function has been observed in persons with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and/or with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, it is unclear whether NAFLD fibrotic progression, i.e., non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, poses an independent risk for diastolic dysfunction in T2DM. We investigated the association between liver fibrosis and left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction in T2DM.

METHODS

We analyzed 606 patients with T2DM, aged ≥50 years, who had undergone liver ultrasonography and pulsed-wave Doppler echocardiography. Insulin sensitivity was measured by short insulin tolerance test. Presence of NAFLD and/or advanced liver fibrosis was determined by abdominal ultrasonography and NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS). LV diastolic dysfunction was defined according to transmitral peak early to late ventricular filling (E/A) ratio and deceleration time, using echocardiography.

RESULTS

LV diastolic dysfunction was significantly more prevalent in the NAFLD versus non-NAFLD group (59.7% vs. 49.0%, P=0.011). When NAFLD was stratified by NFS, subjects with advanced liver fibrosis exhibited a higher prevalence of diastolic dysfunction (49.0%, 50.7%, 61.8%; none, simple steatosis, advanced fibrosis, respectively; P for trend=0.003). In multivariable logistic regression, liver fibrosis was independently associated with diastolic dysfunction (odds ratio [OR], 1.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07 to 2.34; P=0.022) after adjusting for insulin resistance and cardiometabolic risk factors. This association remained significant in patients without insulin resistance (OR, 4.32; 95% CI, 1.73 to 11.51; P=0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Liver fibrosis was associated with LV diastolic dysfunction in patients with T2DM and may be an independent risk factor for diastolic dysfunction, especially in patients without systemic insulin resistance.

Reduction in Global Myocardial Glucose Metabolism in Subjects With 1-Hour Postload Hyperglycemia and Impaired Glucose Tolerance

OBJECTIVE

Impaired insulin-stimulated myocardial glucose uptake has occurred in patients with type 2 diabetes with or without coronary artery disease. Whether cardiac insulin resistance is present remains uncertain in subjects at risk for type 2 diabetes, such as individuals with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or those with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and 1-h postload glucose ≥155 mg/dL during an oral glucose tolerance test (NGT 1-h high). This issue was examined in this study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The myocardial metabolic rate of glucose (MRGlu) was measured by using dynamic ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography combined with a euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp in 30 volunteers without coronary artery disease. Three groups were studied: 1) those with 1-h postload glucose <155 mg/dL (NGT 1-h low) (n = 10), 2) those with NGT 1-h high (n = 10), 3) and those with IGT (n = 10).

RESULTS

After adjusting for age, sex, and BMI, both subjects with NGT 1-h high (23.7 ± 6.4 mmol/min/100 mg; P = 0.024) and those with IGT (16.4 ± 6.0 mmol/min/100 mg; P < 0.0001) exhibited a significant reduction in global myocardial MRGlu; this value was 32.8 ± 9.7 mmol/min/100 mg in subjects with NGT 1-h low. Univariate correlations showed that MRGlu was positively correlated with insulin-stimulated whole-body glucose disposal (r = 0.441; P = 0.019) and negatively correlated with 1-h (r = -0.422; P = 0.025) and 2-h (r = -0.374; P = 0.05) postload glucose levels, but not with fasting glucose.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that myocardial insulin resistance is an early defect that is already detectable in individuals with dysglycemic conditions associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, such as IGT and NGT 1-h high.

Association Between Subclinical Left Ventricular Myocardial Systolic Dysfunction Detected by Strain and Strain‑Rate Imaging and Liver Steatosis and Fibrosis Detected by Elastography and Controlled Attenuation Parameter in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

PURPOSE

The components of metabolic syndrome (MS) are risk factors for developing both cardiovascular disease (CVD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Strain (SI) and strain‑rate imaging (SRI) are able to recognize early changes in cardiac function. Vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) detect and quantify liver fibrosis and steatosis. We aimed to assess whether there is any correlation between liver fibrosis and steatosis and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in MS patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 150 adults with MS were registered in the study. They were compared with a control group of 150 age- and sex-matched adults without MS. After the classic echocardiographic assessment of LV function, two-dimensional speckle echocardiography (2D-STE) was used to evaluate LV peak systolic strain (S) and peak systolic strain rate (SR), while liver steatosis and fibrosis were evaluated by VCTE and CAP.

RESULTS

LV diastolic dysfunction was significantly more frequent among the patients with MS. We found significant differences between the two groups regarding the presence of subtle LV systolic dysfunction, detected by reduced values of S and SR. The risk for LV diastolic dysfunction was 3.6 times higher in MS with severe steatosis and 8 times higher in patients with severe fibrosis, P<0.0001. The risk for LV systolic dysfunction was double in MS with severe steatosis and 1.7 times higher in MS with severe fibrosis, P<0.0001.

CONCLUSION

In MS patients with normal LV ejection fraction, conventional echocardiography parameters identified diastolic LV dysfunction, while SI and SRI identified subtle impairment of systolic LV dysfunction. The presence of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis increases significantly the risk for cardiac dysfunction in MS patients (P<0.0001).

[Effect of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists on body fat redistribution and muscle mass in overweight and obese type 2 diabetic patients]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) on body fat redistribution and muscle mass in overweight/obese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 76 patients with body mass indexes (BMI)≥24 kg/m2, who had an established diagnosis of T2DM in our department between December, 2014 and September, 2015. We divided these patients according to their BMI in overweight group (BMI of 24-27.9 kg/m2, n=14), obese group (BMI of 28-31.9 kg/m2, n=35) and severely obese group (BMI≥32 kg/m2, n=27). All the patients received treatment with GLP-1RAs (Exenatide or Liraglutide) for 3.0 to 29.0 weeks (mean 8.9 weeks), and their blood glucose, HbA1c and serum lipids were analyzed. For each patient, the fat and muscle masses were analyzed using a human body composition analyzer (JAWON-IOI353, Korea) before and after GLP-1RAs treatment.

RESULTS

Treatment with GLP-1RAs significantly decreased BMI and visceral adiposity index (VAI) in all the patients in the 3 groups (P < 0.05). The treatment significantly decreased the body weight in the overweight group and obese group by 2.70 kg (0.60-4.95 kg) and 2.65 kg (1.45-6.40 kg), respectively (P < 0.05), and significantly decreased the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) in the overweight group (P < 0.05). The obese and severely obese patients showed significantly decreased percentage body fat (including both subcutaneous and visceral fat) and increased muscle mass after the treatment (P < 0.05). Compared with those in the overweight group, the percentage body fat and VAI were significantly decreased in the obese group after the treatment (P < 0.05), and the percentage of subcutaneous fat reduced and the muscle ratio increased more obviously in the obese and severely obese patients (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

GLP-1RAs treatment can significantly lower BMI and improve body fat distribution in obese patients with T2DM, especially in patients with a greater BMI.

Visceral obesity, but not central obesity, is associated with cardiac remodeling in subjects with suspected metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of multiple risk factors including central obesity that may lead to cardiac damage and cardiovascular events. We investigated whether visceral obesity induces cardiac structural and functional remodeling independently from central obesity and other risk factors in subjects with suspected MetS.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We studied 229 participants with suspected MetS. Visceral fat area (VFA) was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Left ventricular (LV) mass index, early diastolic velocity of mitral annulus (e'), and LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) were measured by echocardiography. Subjects were categorized into high and low VFA group (VFA_h and VFA_l). MetS was more prevalent in the VFA_h than in the VFA_l (p = 0.004). The VFA_h had a higher waist circumference (WC) than the VFA_l (p < 0.001). LV mass index was higher, but e' and GLS were lower in the VFA_h than in VFA_l (all p < 0.05). VFA was well correlated with blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and adiponectin (all p < 0.05). VFA was correlated to LV mass index, e', and GLS (all p < 0.05) and was independently associated with GLS after adjustment for other risk factors, including WC (p = 0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Visceral obesity assessed by VFA was well correlated with parameters of MetS. Visceral obesity, but not central obesity measured by WC, was independently associated with structural and functional cardiac remodeling in subjects with suspected MetS. It suggests that visceral obesity should be considered as an important risk factor for cardiac damage in dysmetabolic subjects.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT02077530 (date of registration: November 1, 2013).

Interrelationship between diabetes mellitus and heart failure: the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors in left ventricle performance

Heart failure (HF) is a common cardiac syndrome, whose pathophysiology involves complex mechanisms, some of which remain unknown. Diabetes mellitus (DM) constitutes not only a glucose metabolic disorder accompanied by insulin resistance but also a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and HF. During the last years though emerging data set up, a bidirectional interrelationship between these two entities. In the case of DM impaired calcium homeostasis, free fatty acid metabolism, redox state, and advance glycation end products may accelerate cardiac dysfunction. On the other hand, when HF exists, hypoperfusion of the liver and pancreas, b-blocker and diuretic treatment, and autonomic nervous system dysfunction may cause impairment of glucose metabolism. These molecular pathways may be used as therapeutic targets for novel antidiabetic agents. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) not only improve insulin resistance and glucose and lipid metabolism but also manifest a diversity of actions directly or indirectly associated with systolic or diastolic performance of left ventricle and symptoms of HF. Interestingly, they may beneficially affect remodeling of the left ventricle, fibrosis, and diastolic performance but they may cause impaired water handing, sodium retention, and decompensation of HF which should be taken into consideration in the management of patients with DM. In this review article, we present the pathophysiological data linking HF with DM and we focus on the molecular mechanisms of PPARs agonists in left ventricle systolic and diastolic performance providing useful insights in the molecular mechanism of this class of metabolically active regiments.

The association between diabetes mellitus and reduction in myocardial glucose uptake: a population-based 18F-FDG PET/CT study

BACKGROUND

In diabetes, dysregulated substrate utilization and energy metabolism of myocardium can lead to heart failure. To examine the dynamic changes of myocardium, most of the previous studies conducted dynamic myocardial PET imaging following euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp, which involves complicated procedures. In comparison, the whole-body 18F-FDG PET/CT scan is a simple and widely used method. Therefore, we hope to use this method to observe abnormal myocardial glucose metabolism in diabetes and determine the influencing factors.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed PET/CT images of 191 subjects from our medical examination center. The levels of FDG uptake in myocardium were visually divided into 4 grades (Grade 0-3, from low to high). The differences in clinical and metabolic parameters among diabetes mellitus (DM), impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and normal fasting glucose (NFG) groups were analyzed, as well as their associations with myocardial FDG uptake.

RESULTS

Compared with NFG and IFG groups, DM group had more cardiovascular-related risk factors. The degree of myocardial FDG uptake was significantly decreased in DM group; when myocardial FDG uptake ≤ Grade 1, the sensitivity of DM prediction was 84.0%, and the specificity was 58.4%. Univariate analysis showed that the myocardial FDG uptake was weakly and negatively correlated with multiple metabolic-related parameters (r = - 0.173~ - 0.365, P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that gender (male), HOMA-IR and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) were independent risk factors for poor myocardial FDG uptake.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes is associated with decreased myocardial glucose metabolism, which is mediated by multiple metabolic abnormalities.

Loss of Metabolic Flexibility in the Failing Heart

To maintain its high energy demand the heart is equipped with a highly complex and efficient enzymatic machinery that orchestrates ATP production using multiple energy substrates, namely fatty acids, carbohydrates (glucose and lactate), ketones and amino acids. The contribution of these individual substrates to ATP production can dramatically change, depending on such variables as substrate availability, hormonal status and energy demand. This "metabolic flexibility" is a remarkable virtue of the heart, which allows utilization of different energy substrates at different rates to maintain contractile function. In heart failure, cardiac function is reduced, which is accompanied by discernible energy metabolism perturbations and impaired metabolic flexibility. While it is generally agreed that overall mitochondrial ATP production is impaired in the failing heart, there is less consensus as to what actual switches in energy substrate preference occur. The failing heart shift toward a greater reliance on glycolysis and ketone body oxidation as a source of energy, with a decrease in the contribution of glucose oxidation to mitochondrial oxidative metabolism. The heart also becomes insulin resistant. However, there is less consensus as to what happens to fatty acid oxidation in heart failure. While it is generally believed that fatty acid oxidation decreases, a number of clinical and experimental studies suggest that fatty acid oxidation is either not changed or is increased in heart failure. Of importance, is that any metabolic shift that does occur has the potential to aggravate cardiac dysfunction and the progression of the heart failure. An increasing body of evidence shows that increasing cardiac ATP production and/or modulating cardiac energy substrate preference positively correlates with heart function and can lead to better outcomes. This includes increasing glucose and ketone oxidation and decreasing fatty acid oxidation. In this review we present the physiology of the energy metabolism pathways in the heart and the changes that occur in these pathways in heart failure. We also look at the interventions which are aimed at manipulating the myocardial metabolic pathways toward more efficient substrate utilization which will eventually improve cardiac performance.

Association of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis with subclinical myocardial dysfunction in non-cirrhotic patients

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Among categories of NAFLD, hepatic fibrosis is most likely to affect mortality. Myocardial function and its energy metabolism are tightly linked, which might be altered by an insulin resistant condition such as NAFLD. We investigated whether hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were associated with myocardial dysfunction relative to myocardial glucose uptake.

METHODS

A total of 308 patients (190 without NAFLD, 118 with NAFLD) were studied in a tertiary care hospital. Myocardial glucose uptake was evaluated at fasted state using [¹⁸F]-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (¹⁸FDG-PET). Hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were assessed by transient liver elastography (Fibroscan®) with controlled attenuation parameter, which quantifies hepatic fat and by surrogate indices (fatty liver index and NAFLD fibrosis score). Cardiac structure and function were examined by echocardiogram.

RESULTS

Compared to those without NAFLD, patients with NAFLD had alterations in cardiac remodeling, manifested by increased left ventricular mass index, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, and left atrial volume index (all p <0.05). Hepatic steatosis was significantly associated with left ventricular filling pressure (E/e' ratio), which reflects diastolic dysfunction (p for trend <0.05). Those without NAFLD were more likely to have higher myocardial glucose uptake compared to those with NAFLD. Significant hepatic fibrosis was also correlated with diastolic dysfunction and impaired myocardial glucose uptake. Using multivariable linear regression, E/e' ratio was independently associated with hepatic fibrosis (standardized β = 0.12 to 0.27; all p <0.05). Association between hepatic steatosis and E/e' ratio was also significant (standardized β = 0.10 to 0.15; all p <0.05 excluding the model adjusted for adiposity).

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatic steatosis and fibrosis are significantly associated with diastolic heart dysfunction. This association is linked with myocardial glucose uptake evaluated by ¹⁸FDG-PET.

LAY SUMMARY

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. More severe forms of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, where hepatic fibrosis occurs, are linked to increased mortality. In this study, we have shown that hepatic steatosis and fibrosis are associated with subclinical myocardial dysfunction. This association is linked to altered myocardial glucose uptake.

Longitudinal evaluation of myocardial glucose metabolism and contractile function in obese type 2 diabetic db/db mice using small-animal dynamic 18F-FDG PET and echocardiography

The aim was to evaluate sequential changes of myocardial glucose utilization and LV systolic function in db/db mice.

Eight db/db and eight wild-type mice underwent plasma substrate analysis and dynamic ¹⁸F-FDG PET at week 8 (W8), W10, W12, W14, and W16. ¹⁸F-FDG uptake constant Ki and the rate of myocardial glucose uptake (MRGlu) were derived via Patlak graphic analysis. Another 8 db/db and 8 wild-type mice received echocardiography at W8, W12, and W16 and LV structure and function were measured.

The db/db mice showed increased weights and glucose levels as they aged. The index of homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance, insulin, and free fatty acid concentrations were higher in db/db mice compared with wild-type. MRGlu of db/db mice across all time points was markedly higher than that of wild-type. An age-dependent elevation of MRGlu was observed in db/db mice. Ki and MRGlu of db/db mice showed negative correlation with triglyceride levels. When two groups were pooled together, Ki and MRGlu were significantly proportional to glucose levels. No significant difference in LV structure and function was noted between db/db and control mice.

In conclusion, we demonstrated altered myocardial glucose utilization preceding the onset of LV systolic dysfunction in db/db mice.

Status of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in normal and hibernating myocardium after glucose and insulin loading

Objective

F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) has been increasingly used in myocardial viability imaging. In routine PET viability studies, oral glucose and intravenous insulin loading is commonly utilized. In an optimal study, glucose and insulin loading is expected to cause FDG uptake both in hibernating and normal myocardium. However, in routine studies it is not uncommon to see absent or reduced FDG uptake in normal myocardium. In this retrospective study we further analyzed our PET viability images to evaluate FDG uptake status in myocardium under the oral glucose and intravenous insulin loading protocol that we use in our hospital.

Methods

Patients who had both myocardial perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and FDG PET cardiac viability studies were selected for analysis. FDG uptake status in normal and abnormal myocardial segments on perfusion SPECT was evaluated. Based on SPECT and PET findings, patients were divided into two main groups and four subgroups. Group 1 included PET viable studies and Group 2 included PET-nonviable studies. Subgroups based on FDG uptake in normal myocardium were 1a and 2a (normal uptake) and 1b and 2b (absent or significantly reduced uptake).

Results

Seventy-one patients met the inclusion criteria. Forty-two patients were PET-viable and 29 were PET-nonviable. In 33 of 71 patients (46.4%) there was absent or significantly reduced FDG uptake in one or more normal myocardial segments, which was identified more in PET-viable than PET-nonviable patients (59.5% vs. 27.5%, p = 0.008). This finding was also more frequent in diabetic than nondiabetic patients (53% vs. 31.8%), but the difference was not significant (p = 0.160).

Conclusions

In nearly half of our patients, one or more normal myocardial segments showed absent or significantly reduced FDG uptake. This finding, particularly if it is diffuse, could be from suboptimal study, inadequacy of current glucose and insulin loading protocols, or various other patient-related causes affecting FDG uptake both in the normal and hibernating myocardium. In cases with significantly reduced FDG uptake in normal myocardium, PET images should be interpreted cautiously to prevent false-negative results for viability.

Glucose and Lipid Dysmetabolism in a Rat Model of Prediabetes Induced by a High-Sucrose Diet

Glucotoxicity and lipotoxicity are key features of type 2 diabetes mellitus, but their molecular nature during the early stages of the disease remains to be elucidated. We aimed to characterize glucose and lipid metabolism in insulin-target organs (liver, skeletal muscle, and white adipose tissue) in a rat model treated with a high-sucrose (HSu) diet. Two groups of 16-week-old male Wistar rats underwent a 9-week protocol: HSu diet (n = 10)-received 35% of sucrose in drinking water; Control (n = 12)-received vehicle (water). Body weight, food, and beverage consumption were monitored and glucose, insulin, and lipid profiles were measured. Serum and liver triglyceride concentrations, as well as the expression of genes and proteins involved in lipid biosynthesis were assessed. The insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and isoproterenol-stimulated lipolysis were also measured in freshly isolated adipocytes. Even in the absence of obesity, this rat model already presented the main features of prediabetes, with fasting normoglycemia but reduced glucose tolerance, postprandial hyperglycemia, compensatory hyperinsulinemia, as well as decreased insulin sensitivity (resistance) and hypertriglyceridemia. In addition, impaired hepatic function, including altered gluconeogenic and lipogenic pathways, as well as increased expression of acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase 1 and fatty acid synthase in the liver, were observed, suggesting that liver glucose and lipid dysmetabolism may play a major role at this stage of the disease.

Anatomic fat depots and cardiovascular risk: a focus on the leg fat using nationwide surveys (KNHANES 2008-2011)

BACKGROUND

Although central fat is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cardiometabolic disorders, the effect of other regional fats or muscle distribution on CVD risk has not been fully investigated.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study using nationally representative samples of 15,686 subjects from the 2008-2011 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Individual CVD risk was evaluated in adults aged ≥20 without prior CVD, using atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk equations according to the 2013 ACC/AHA guidelines. Body composition was assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry.

RESULTS

Ratio of leg fat to total fat (LF/TF ratio) was the most predictive for CVD among body fat or muscle distribution parameters (AUC = 0.748, 95% CI 0.741-0.755). ASCVD risk score was gradually increased with decreased LF/TF ratio (P < 0.001), and individuals whose LF/TF ratio in lowest tertile tended to belong to the high-risk (10-year risk >10%) group compared to those in the highest tertile (OR = 6.25, 95% CI 5.60-6.98). Subjects in the lowest tertile showed increased risk of cardiometabolic risk factor components including obesity, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, chronic kidney disease, and albuminuria (OR range 2.57-11.24, all P < 0.001). In addition, a higher LF/TF ratio was associated with decreased ASCVD risk, even in subjects with multiple CVD risk factors. Multiple logistic regression analyses also demonstrated this association (OR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.36-2.52).

CONCLUSIONS

Among various body composition parameters, LF/TF ratio was superior in predicting higher CVD risk and a higher LF/TF ratio was independently associated with decreased risk of CVD and each cardiometabolic risk factor.

Left Ventricular Function Across the Spectrum of Body Mass Index in African Americans: The Jackson Heart Study

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to assess whether body mass index (BMI) was associated with subclinical left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction in African-American individuals.

BACKGROUND

Higher BMI is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including heart failure. Obesity disproportionately affects African Americans; however, the association between higher BMI and LV function in African Americans is not well understood.

METHODS

Peak systolic circumferential strain (ECC) was measured by tagged cardiac magnetic resonance in 1,652 adult African-American participants of the Jackson Heart Study between 2008 and 2012. We evaluated the association between BMI and ECC in multivariate linear regression and restricted cubic spline analyses adjusted for prevalent cardiovascular disease, conventional cardiovascular risk factors, LV mass, and ejection fraction. In exploratory analyses, we also examined whether inflammation, insulin resistance, or volume of visceral adipose tissue altered the association between BMI and ECC.

RESULTS

The proportions of female, nonsmokers, diabetic, and hypertensive participants rose with increase in BMI. In multivariate-adjusted models, higher BMI was associated with worse ECC (β = 0.052; 95% confidence interval: 0.028 to 0.075), even in the setting of preserved LV ejection fraction. Higher BMI was also associated with worse ECC when accounting for markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein, E-selection, and P-selectin), insulin resistance, and volume of visceral adipose tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher BMI is significantly associated with subclinical LV dysfunction in African Americans, even in the setting of preserved LV ejection fraction.

Is visceral adiposity a modifier for the impact of blood pressure on arterial stiffness and albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes?

Background

We aimed to investigate whether visceral adiposity could modify the impact of blood pressure on arterial stiffness and albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

This cross-sectional study examines the interaction of visceral adiposity with increased blood pressure on arterial stiffness and albuminuria. 638 patients with type 2 diabetes (mean age 64 ± 12 years; 40 % female) were enrolled. Visceral fat area (VFA, cm²) was assessed by a dual-impedance analyzer, whereby patients were divided into those with VFA < 100 (N = 341) and those with VFA ≥ 100 (N = 297). Albuminuria was measured in a single 24-h urine collection (UAE, mg/day) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (ba-PWV, cm/s) was used for the assessment of arterial stiffening. Linear regression analyses were used to investigate the association of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and VFA with UAE and baPWV.

Results

Patients with VFA ≥ 100 were significantly younger, had higher SBP, HbA1c, triglycerides, UAE, alanine aminotransferase, C-reactive protein and lower high-density lipoprotein and shorter duration of diabetes than those with VFA < 100. SBP was significantly and almost equivalently associated with ba-PWV both in VFA < 100 (standardized β 0.224, p = 0.001) and VFA ≥ 100 (standardized β 0.196, p = 0.004) patients in the multivariate regression analysis adjusting for covariates including age, gender, HbA1c, diabetic complications and the use of insulin and anti-hypertensive agents. By contrast, the association of SBP with UAE was stronger in patients with VFA ≥ 100 (standardized β 0.263, p = 0.001) than that in patients with VFA < 100 (standardized β 0.140, p = 0.080) in the multivariate regression model. In the whole cohort, the significant interaction between SBP and VFA on UAE (standardized β 0.172, p = 0.040) but not on ba-PWV (standardized β −0.008, p = 0.916) was observed.

Conclusions

The effect of increased blood pressure on arterial stiffness is almost similar in type 2 diabetic patients with both low and high visceral adiposity, while its association with albuminuria is stronger in the latter.