Relationship between cumulative exposure to triglyceride-glucose index and heart failure: a prospective cohort study

Non-linear association of triglyceride-glucose index with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in T2DM patients with diabetic kidney disease: NHANES 2001-2018 retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The triglyceride glucose (TyG) index is a cutting-edge and highly effective marker of insulin resistance, a crucial factor in the development and exacerbation of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). To date, there has been limited research on how the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index affects the outlook for patients suffering from DKD.

METHODS

In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, the analysis recruited 2,203 DKD patients from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) dataset, which covers the US from 2001 to 2018. The research applied a Cox proportional hazards model with multiple variables to investigate the association of the TyG index with mortality outcomes. Restricted cubic splines (RCS) and methods for analyzing threshold effects were employed to identify possible non-linear relationships.

RESULTS

Over nearly 19 years of follow-up, this study captured data on 753 all-cause and 231 cardiovascular disease-specific fatalities. Sophisticated statistical methods, including RCS and smoothing curve adjustments via penalized splines, helped identify distinctive patterns: The baseline TyG index was observed to have a U-shaped pattern related to overall mortality and an L-shape with cardiovascular diseases(CVD) mortality among individuals with DKD. Notably, TyG index below 9.15 for overall mortality and 9.27 for CVD mortality were linked to reduced death rates (HR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.52-0.82 for all-cause; HR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.43-0.83 for CVD). On the other hand, TyG index exceeding these benchmarks (greater than 9.15 for all-cause and 9.27 for CVD) correlated with increased all-cause mortality risks (HR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.02-1.43) and showed a non-significant change in CVD mortality risks (HR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.83-1.38).

CONCLUSIONS

This study emphasizes the non-linear linkage involving the TyG index and death rates due to CVD and other factors in patients with DKD, demonstrating its effectiveness in estimating potential adverse events within this demographic.

Value of the triglyceride-glucose index and related parameters in heart failure patients

The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, proven to be a crucial insulin resistance biomarker (better than the Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance), is simple and non-invasive. Recently, indisputable evidence has shown that the TyG index is strongly associated with cardiovascular disease [CVD, including atherosclerosis, heart failure (HF), and hypertension] prognosis and mortality. Nevertheless, the value of the TyG index in HF patients treated with sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) has not been systematically evaluated. Therefore, in this review, we summarized the value of the TyG index and its related parameters as markers of CVD, especially HF. Furthermore, we addressed the use of SGLT2is and GLP-1 receptor antagonists in HF patients. Finally, we summarized the mechanism of the "obesity paradox."

Comparative study on the predictive value of TG/HDL-C, TyG and TyG-BMI indices for 5-year mortality in critically ill patients with chronic heart failure: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

The triglyceride glucose (TyG) index, TyG-body mass index (TyG-BMI), and triglyceride-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C) are substitute indicators for insulin resistance (IR). This study aimed to compare the predictive value of these indicators for 5-year mortality in critically ill patients with chronic heart failure (CHF).

METHODS

Critically ill patients with CHF were identified from the Multiparameter Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care (MIMIC) III and IV databases. The primary outcome was 5-year mortality. The relationship between the three indices and mortality risk was determined using multivariate Cox proportional hazards models, Kaplan-Meier (K‒M) analysis and restricted cubic splines analysis. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated to compare the ability of the three indices to predict mortality. Finally, whether the IR indices would further increase the predictive ability of the basic model including baseline variables with a significance level between survivors and non-survivors was evaluated by ROC curve.

RESULTS

Altogether, 1329 patients with CHF were identified from the databases. Cox proportional hazards models indicated that the TyG index was independently associated with an elevated risk of 5-year mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.56; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29-1.9), while the TyG-BMI index and TG/HDL-C level were significantly associated with 5-year mortality, with an HR (95% CI) of 1.002 (1.000-1.003) and 1.01 (1.00-1.03), respectively. The K-M analysis revealed that the cumulative incidence of all-cause 5-year death increased with increasing quartiles of the TyG index, TyG-BMI index, or TG/HDL-C ratio. According to the ROC curve, the TyG index outperformed the TyG-BMI and TG/HDL-C ratio at predicting all-cause 5-year mortality (0.608 [0.571-0.645] vs. 0.558 [0.522-0.594] vs. 0.561 [0.524-0.598]). The effect of the TyG index on all-cause mortality was consistent across subgroups, with no significant interaction with randomized factors. Furthermore, adding the TyG index to the basic model for 5-year mortality improved its predictive ability (area under the curve, 0.762 for the basic model vs. 0.769 for the basic model + TyG index); however, the difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

As continuous variables, all three indices were significantly associated with 5-year mortality risk in critically ill patients with CHF. Although these IR indices did not improve the predictive power of the basic model in patients with CHF, the TyG index appears to be the most promising index (vs. TyG-BMI and TG/HDL-C ratio) for prevention and risk stratification in critically ill patients with CHF.

Association between triglyceride-glucose index and the risk of heart failure hospitalization in older diabetic patients received right ventricular pacing: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The prognostic value of triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is not yet known for older diabetic patients received right ventricular pacing (RVP). We aimed to investigate the association between TyG index and the risk of heart failure hospitalization (HFH) in older diabetic patients received RVP.

METHODS

This study was conducted between January 2017 and January 2018 at Fuwai Hospital, Beijing, China, and included older (age ≥ 65 years) diabetic patients that received RVP for the first time. TyG index were obtained before implantation. The primary endpoint was HFH.

RESULTS

A total of 231 patients were divided into three groups according to the tertiles of TyG index: < 8.5 (T1, N = 77), 8.5-9.1 (T2, N = 77), and > 9.1 (T3, N = 77). T3 group had higher rate of HFH (Log-rank = 11.7, P = 0.003). Multivariate analyses showed that, TyG index served as an independent predictor for HFH, both as numerical variable (HR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.21-3.11, P = 0.006), and as categorical variable (HR = 2.31, 95% CI 1.09-4.89, P = 0.03). RCS demonstrated that the risk of HFH was relatively low until TyG index exceeded 8.8, beyond which the risk began to increase rapidly (P-non-linear = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

Preimplantation TyG index emerges as a robust, independent predictor for HFH in older diabetic patients received RVP, and TyG index > 8.8 might be the optimal cut-off value.

Lipid-based insulin-resistance markers predict cardiovascular events in metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease

BACKGROUND

Insulin resistance (IR) is the cornerstone of Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), pathophysiologically being the key link between MASLD, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular (CV) diseases. There are no prospective studies comparing the predictive values of different markers of insulin resistance (IR) in identifying the presence of MASLD and the associated risk of cardiovascular events (CVEs).

METHODS

Post hoc analysis of the prospective Plinio Study, involving dysmetabolic patients evaluated for the presence of MASLD. The IR markers considered were Homeostatic Model Assessment for IR (HOMA-IR), Triglycerides-Glycemia (TyG) index, Triglycerides to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C), Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP) and Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI). Receiver operative characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed to find the optimal cut-offs of each IR marker for detecting MASLD and predicting CVEs in MASLD patients. Logistic and Cox multivariable regression analyses were performed, after dichotomizing the IR markers based on the optimal cut-offs, to assess the factors independently associated with MASLD and the risk of CVEs.

RESULTS

The study included 772 patients (age 55.6 ± 12.1 years, 39.4% women), of whom 82.8% had MASLD. VAI (Area Under the Curve [AUC] 0.731), TyG Index (AUC 0.723), and TG/HDL-C ratio (AUC: 0.721) predicted MASLD but was greater with HOMA-IR (AUC: 0.792) and LAP (AUC: 0.787). After a median follow-up of 48.7 (25.4-75.8) months, 53 MASLD patients experienced CVEs (1.8%/year). TyG index (AUC: 0.630), LAP (AUC: 0.626), TG/HDL-C (AUC: 0.614), and VAI (AUC: 0.590) demonstrated comparable, modest predictive values in assessing the CVEs risk in MASLD patients.

CONCLUSION

In dysmetabolic patients HOMA-IR and LAP showed the best accuracy in detecting MASLD. The possible use of lipid-based IR markers in stratifying the CV risk in patients with MASLD needs further validation in larger cohorts.

Associations between non-insulin-based insulin resistance indices and heart failure prevalence in overweight/obesity adults without diabetes mellitus: evidence from the NHANES 2001-2018

BACKGROUND

The triglyceride glucose (TyG) index and triglyceride-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio are recognized as simple non-insulin-based insulin resistance indices. Our study aimed to explore the relationship between these two indicators and heart failure (HF) in overweight or obesity individuals without diabetes.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study selected 13,473 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001-2018 dataset. Weighted multivariable logistic regression and subgroup analysis were employed to evaluate the relationships between TyG index, TG/HDL-C ratio, and HF prevalence, respectively. Additionally, smooth curve fitting was utilized to analyze the dose-response relationships.

RESULTS

A total of 13,473 obesity or overweight people without diabetes were included in this study through screening, among whom 291 (2.16%) had comorbid HF. The results of multivariable logistic regression suggested that the highest TyG index (OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.4-4.2, p = 0.002) and the highest TG/HDL-C ratio (OR = 1.2, 95% CI = 1.1-1.3, p < 0.001) both increased the prevalence of HF, especially in the non-Hispanic population. Dose-response relationships suggested nonlinear relationships between these two indicators and HF.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated that elevated TyG index and TG/HDL-C ratio were closely associated with the prevalence of HF, and both exhibited nonlinear relationships with HF prevalence in overweight/obesity adults without diabetes. Based on these findings, additional prospective studies are needed for further validation.

The association between TyG and all-cause/non-cardiovascular mortality in general patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is modified by age: results from the cohort study of NHANES 1999-2018

BACKGROUND

The prognostic value of triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index in general type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients is still unclear. Therefore, we aimed to determine the associations between TyG and all-cause/cause-specific death in a T2DM cohort and explore whether such associations would be modified by age.

METHODS

A total of 3,376 patients with T2DM from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2018 were selected and divided into the younger group (< 65 yrs) and the older group (≥ 65 yrs). Baseline TyG was calculated and cause-specific mortality status [cardiovascular (CV), cancer, and non-CV] was determined by the NHANES Public-Use Linked Mortality Files through 31 December 2019. Multivariate Cox and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression models were used to evaluate the association between TyG and all-cause/cause-specific mortality. Interaction between TyG and age to mortality was also evaluated. Sensitivity analyses were performed in patients without cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, or insulin treatment.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 107 months, 805 all-cause deaths occurred, of which 250 and 144 were attributed to CV and cancer deaths. There was a significant age interaction to the association between TyG and all-cause/non-CV mortality. After fully adjusting for potential confounding factors, higher TyG was associated with an increased risk of all-cause [TyG per unit increase Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.33, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.06-1.66, p = 0.014] and non-CV mortality (TyG per unit increase HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.18-2.01, p = 0.002) only in the younger group, but not in the older group. There was no significant association between TyG and CV/cancer death in the total cohort and two age subgroups. Similar results were found in RCS and sensitivity analyses.

CONCLUSION

In a national sample of patients with T2DM in the United States, we found that the association between TyG and all-cause/non-CV death was modified by age. Higher TyG was only associated with an increased risk of all-cause/non-CV only in T2DM patients younger than 65 years old, but not in older patients.

Association between insulin resistance and uncontrolled hypertension and arterial stiffness among US adults: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Prior research has established the correlation between insulin resistance (IR) and hypertension. While the association between triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, a reliable surrogate marker of IR, and uncontrolled hypertension as well as arterial stiffness among individuals with hypertension remains undisclosed.

METHODS

In this study, a total of 8513 adults diagnosed with hypertension from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2018 were included. The primary outcome of the study are arterial stiffness (represented with estimated pulse wave velocity, ePWV) and uncontrolled hypertension. Logistic regression model, subgroup analysis, restricted cubic spine, and smooth curve fitting curve were conducted to evaluate the association between the IR indicators and uncontrolled hypertension and arterial stiffness in individuals with hypertension.

RESULTS

Among included participants, the overall prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension was 54.3%. After adjusting for all potential covariates, compared with the first quartile of TyG index, the risk of uncontrolled hypertension increased about 28% and 49% for participants in the third quartile (OR, 1.28; 95% CI 1.06-1.52) and the fourth quartile (OR, 1.49; 95% CI 1.21-1.89) of TyG index, respectively. The higher OR of TyG index was observed in participants taking antihypertensive medication [fourth quartile versus first quartile (OR, 2.03; 95% CI 1.37-3.11)]. Meanwhile, we explored the potential association between TyG index and arterial stiffness and found that TyG index was significantly associated with increased arterial stiffness (β for ePWV, 0.04; 95% CI 0.00-0.08; P = 0.039). However, traditional IR indicator HOMA-IR showed no significant positive correlation to uncontrolled hypertension as well as arterial stiffness in US adults with hypertension.

CONCLUSION

Elevated levels of the TyG index were positive associated with prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension and arterial stiffness among US adults with hypertension.

Association between the triglyceride-glucose index and 1-year major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with coronary heart disease and hypertension

BACKGROUND

The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index has been proposed as a potential predictor of adverse prognosis of coronary heart disease (CHD). However, its prognostic value in patients with CHD and hypertension remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the TyG index and the 1-year risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients with CHD and hypertension.

METHODS

The data for the study were taken from the Hospital Information System database in China-Japan Friendship Hospital which contained over 10,000 cardiovascular admissions from 2019 to 2022. The Boruta algorithm was performed for feature selection. The study used univariable analysis, multivariable logistic regression analysis, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression to evaluate the association between the TyG index and the 1-year risk of MACEs in patients with CHD and hypertension.

RESULTS

After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 810 patients with CHD and hypertension were included in the study with a median TyG index of 8.85 (8.48, 9.18). Using the lowest TyG index quartile as the reference, the fully adjusted ORs (95% CIs) for 1-year MACEs for TyG index Q2, Q3, and Q4 were 1.001 (0.986 ~ 1.016), 1.047 (1.032 ~ 1.062), and 1.760 (1.268 ~ 2.444), respectively. After adjusting for all confounders, we found that those with the highest TyG index had a 47.0% increased risk of MACEs over the 1-year follow-up (OR 1.470, 95% CI 1.071 ~ 2.018). The results in the subgroup analysis were similar to the main analyses. RCS model suggested that the TyG index was nonlinearly associated with the 1-year risk of MACEs (P for nonlinear < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study shows that the elevated TyG index is a potential marker of adverse prognosis among patients with CHD and hypertension and informs the development of clinical decisions to improve outcomes.

Association between triglyceride glucose-body mass and one-year all-cause mortality of patients with heart failure: a retrospective study utilizing the MIMIC-IV database

BACKGROUND

The triglyceride glucose-body mass (TyG-BMI) index is acknowledged as both a reliable indicator of the risk of cardiovascular disease and an accurate surrogate biomarker for evaluating insulin resistance (IR). The importance of the TyG-BMI index among people with heart failure (HF), however, requires more investigation. The objective of this study was to inquire about the relationship between HF patients' TyG-BMI index and their risk of 360-day mortality.

METHODS

The Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-IV) database provided the study's patient data, which were divided into quartiles according to their TyG-BMI index. The endpoint was mortality from all causes within 360 days. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare this primary endpoint amongst the four groups indicated above. The association between the TyG-BMI index and the endpoint was investigated using restricted cubic splines and Cox proportional hazards analysis.

RESULTS

The study enrolled a total of 423 patients with HF (59.2% male), of whom 70 patients (16.9%) died within 360 days. Patients with higher TyG-BMI indexes had significantly lower mortality risks, according to the Kaplan-Meier analysis (log-rank P = 0.003). Furthermore, the restricted cubic spline analysis illustrated a decrease in the risk of all-cause mortality with an increasing TyG-BMI index. Additionally, multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses showed that the risk of 360-day death from all causes was considerably higher in the lowest quartile of TyG-BMI. In comparison to the lowest TyG-BMI group, the fully adjusted Cox model yielded a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.24 (95% CI: 0.10, 0.59; p = 0.002) for 360-day mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients diagnosed with HF, a lower TyG-BMI index is strongly related to a higher risk of 360-day mortality. This index can be employed to categorize the risk levels of patients with HF and predict their one-year all-cause mortality .