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Parksook WW, Brown JM, Omata K, Tezuka Y, Ono Y, Satoh F, Tsai LC, Niebuhr Y, Milks J, Moore A, Honzel B, Liu H, Auchus RJ, Sunthornyothin S, Turcu AF, Vaidya A. The Spectrum of Dysregulated Aldosterone Production: An International Human Physiology Study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:2220-2232. [PMID: 38450549 PMCID: PMC11319004 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgae145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Primary aldosteronism is a form of low-renin hypertension characterized by dysregulated aldosterone production. OBJECTIVE To investigate the contributions of renin-independent aldosteronism and ACTH-mediated aldosteronism in individuals with a low-renin phenotype representing the entire continuum of blood pressure. DESIGN/PARTICIPANTS Human physiology study of 348 participants with a low-renin phenotype with severe and/or resistant hypertension, hypertension with hypokalemia, elevated blood pressure and stage I/II hypertension, and normal blood pressure. SETTING 4 international centers. INTERVENTIONS/MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The saline suppression test (SST) to quantify the magnitude of renin-independent aldosteronism; dexamethasone suppression and ACTH-stimulation tests to quantify the magnitude of ACTH-mediated aldosteronism; adrenal venous sampling to determine lateralization. RESULTS There was a continuum of nonsuppressible and renin-independent aldosterone production following SST that paralleled the magnitude of the blood pressure continuum and transcended conventional diagnostic thresholds. In parallel, there was a full continuum of ACTH-mediated aldosteronism wherein post-SST aldosterone levels were strongly correlated with ACTH-stimulated aldosterone production (r = 0.75, P < .0001) and nonsuppressible aldosterone production postdexamethasone (r = 0.40, P < .0001). Beyond participants who met the criteria for primary aldosteronism (post-SST aldosterone of ≥10 ng/dL or ≥277 pmol/L), the continuum of nonsuppressible and renin-independent aldosterone production persisted below this diagnostic threshold, wherein 15% still had lateralizing aldosteronism amenable to surgical adrenalectomy and the remainder were treated with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. CONCLUSION In the context of a low-renin phenotype, there is a continuum of primary aldosteronism and dysregulated aldosterone production that is prominently influenced by ACTH. A large proportion of individuals with low renin may benefit from aldosterone-directed therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wasita W Parksook
- Center for Adrenal Disorders, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Chulalongkorn University, and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Jenifer M Brown
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kei Omata
- Department of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai 980-8576, Japan
- Division of Nephrology, Rheumatology and Endocrinology, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8576, Japan
| | - Yuta Tezuka
- Department of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai 980-8576, Japan
- Division of Nephrology, Rheumatology and Endocrinology, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8576, Japan
| | - Yoshikiyo Ono
- Department of Diabetes, Metabolism and Endocrinology, Tohoku University Hospital, Sendai 980-8576, Japan
- Division of Nephrology, Rheumatology and Endocrinology, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8576, Japan
| | - Fumitoshi Satoh
- Division of Nephrology, Rheumatology and Endocrinology, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8576, Japan
| | - Laura C Tsai
- Center for Adrenal Disorders, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yvonne Niebuhr
- Center for Adrenal Disorders, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Julia Milks
- Center for Adrenal Disorders, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Anna Moore
- Center for Adrenal Disorders, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Brooke Honzel
- Center for Adrenal Disorders, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Haiping Liu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA
| | - Richard J Auchus
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA
- Pharmacology and Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA
- Endocrinology & Metabolism Section, Medicine Service, LTC Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA
| | - Sarat Sunthornyothin
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Chulalongkorn University, and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Adina F Turcu
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA
| | - Anand Vaidya
- Center for Adrenal Disorders, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Stathori G, Alexakis D, Chrousos GP, Paltoglou G. Examining aldosterone plasma concentration alterations post-ACTH stimulation in healthy subjects: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis on ACTH's role in aldosterone secretion. Hormones (Athens) 2024:10.1007/s42000-024-00583-6. [PMID: 39052132 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-024-00583-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), in addition to the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis, is a potent aldosterone stimulator, suggesting a potential contribution to conditions associated with increased ACTH concentrations. This study aims to systematically review and synthesize the scientific evidence of alterations of plasma aldosterone concentrations in response to ACTH stimulation during the cosyntropin (Synacthen) test and define the range of aldosterone response. METHODS A systematic search of PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar databases according to PRISMA guidelines was performed. Only studies that assessed the alterations in plasma aldosterone concentrations following ACTH stimulation in healthy individuals were included. We incorporated studies that utilized the doses of 1 μg, 250 μg, 0.125 μg/m2, or 0.5 μg/m2 of ACTH. Out of 1599 initially assessed articles, 17 were deemed relevant to our research. The selected articles were assessed by two independent investigators based on the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Finally, eight full-text articles were included. RESULTS The analyzed studies revealed a significant increase in plasma aldosterone concentrations in healthy subjects after ACTH stimulation, irrespective of the ACTH dose. The peak aldosterone concentration after the 250 μg dose occurred at 30 min, whereas smaller doses exhibited an earlier peak, at around 15 min. On average, plasma aldosterone concentration increased by 125.5% after the 1 μg and 0.5 μg/m2 doses, and by 189.6% after 250 μg. CONCLUSION The presented evidence strongly supports the contribution of ACTH to aldosterone secretion regulation beyond the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis. Establishing a normal aldosterone response threshold following standardized ACTH stimulation could aid in identifying individuals with ACTH-dependent aldosterone hypersecretion and guide personalized and effective treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Stathori
- Endocrine Unit, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - G P Chrousos
- Endocrine Unit, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - G Paltoglou
- Endocrine Unit, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
- 2nd Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "P. & A. Kyriakou" Childrens Hospital, 11527, Athens, Greece.
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3
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Gideon A, von Känel R, Degroote C, Thomas L, Zuccarella-Hackl C, Wiest R, Wirtz PH. Increased daytime and awakening salivary free aldosterone in essential hypertensive men. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1335329. [PMID: 38984356 PMCID: PMC11231427 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1335329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background While aldosterone plays an important role in blood pressure regulation, its role in essential hypertension (EHT) remains unclear. Here, we systematically investigated the secretion of biologically-active free aldosterone in saliva in response to awakening (AldAR) and during the day (AldDay) in EHT compared to normotensive controls (NT). Methods In 30 men with EHT and 30 age-matched NT, AldAR saliva samples were collected immediately after awakening and 15, 30, 45, and 60 min thereafter and AldDay samples were collected from 08:30-22:00 h on two consecutive days. Results Over the course of the day, men with EHT had higher repeated AldDay levels compared to NT (p = .002) with higher concentrations in the morning hours (p's ≤ .047), a steeper decline over the course of the day (p's ≤ .018), and similar concentrations in the evening (p's ≥ .21). Regarding AldAR, we observed higher concentrations in EHT at awakening (p = .017) and borderline higher concentrations at 15 min (p = .086). No differences were found 30-60 min after awakening (p's ≥ .34). Analyses with repeated and aggregated AldAR levels resulted in borderline significantly higher free aldosterone in EHT (p's ≤ .077). Complementary analyses confirmed linear associations between higher blood pressure and higher AldAR and AldDay levels. Conclusions Our data point to elevated salivary free aldosterone secretion in EHT over the course of the day, particularly in the morning hours. As the free aldosterone fraction is considered biologically active, our data may point to a biological mechanism underlying EHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina Gideon
- Biological Work and Health Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Roland von Känel
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cathy Degroote
- Biological Work and Health Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Livia Thomas
- Biological Work and Health Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Claudia Zuccarella-Hackl
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roland Wiest
- Support Center of Advanced Neuroimaging, Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University Hospital Bern, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Petra H. Wirtz
- Biological Work and Health Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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Hundemer GL, Leung AA, Kline GA, Brown JM, Turcu AF, Vaidya A. Biomarkers to Guide Medical Therapy in Primary Aldosteronism. Endocr Rev 2024; 45:69-94. [PMID: 37439256 PMCID: PMC10765164 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnad024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Primary aldosteronism (PA) is an endocrinopathy characterized by dysregulated aldosterone production that occurs despite suppression of renin and angiotensin II, and that is non-suppressible by volume and sodium loading. The effectiveness of surgical adrenalectomy for patients with lateralizing PA is characterized by the attenuation of excess aldosterone production leading to blood pressure reduction, correction of hypokalemia, and increases in renin-biomarkers that collectively indicate a reversal of PA pathophysiology and restoration of normal physiology. Even though the vast majority of patients with PA will ultimately be treated medically rather than surgically, there is a lack of guidance on how to optimize medical therapy and on key metrics of success. Herein, we review the evidence justifying approaches to medical management of PA and biomarkers that reflect endocrine principles of restoring normal physiology. We review the current arsenal of medical therapies, including dietary sodium restriction, steroidal and nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, epithelial sodium channel inhibitors, and aldosterone synthase inhibitors. It is crucial that clinicians recognize that multimodal medical treatment for PA can be highly effective at reducing the risk for adverse cardiovascular and kidney outcomes when titrated with intention. The key biomarkers reflective of optimized medical therapy are unsurprisingly similar to the physiologic expectations following surgical adrenalectomy: control of blood pressure with the fewest number of antihypertensive agents, normalization of serum potassium without supplementation, and a rise in renin. Pragmatic approaches to achieve these objectives while mitigating adverse effects are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory L Hundemer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1H 8L6, Canada
| | - Alexander A Leung
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Gregory A Kline
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Jenifer M Brown
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Adina F Turcu
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Anand Vaidya
- Center for Adrenal Disorders, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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5
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Azizan EAB, Drake WM, Brown MJ. Primary aldosteronism: molecular medicine meets public health. Nat Rev Nephrol 2023; 19:788-806. [PMID: 37612380 PMCID: PMC7615304 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-023-00753-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Primary aldosteronism is the most common single cause of hypertension and is potentially curable when only one adrenal gland is the culprit. The importance of primary aldosteronism to public health derives from its high prevalence but huge under-diagnosis (estimated to be <1% of all affected individuals), despite the consequences of poor blood pressure control by conventional therapy and enhanced cardiovascular risk. This state of affairs is attributable to the fact that the tools used for diagnosis or treatment are still those that originated in the 1970-1990s. Conversely, molecular discoveries have transformed our understanding of adrenal physiology and pathology. Many molecules and processes associated with constant adrenocortical renewal and interzonal metamorphosis also feature in aldosterone-producing adenomas and aldosterone-producing micronodules. The adrenal gland has one of the most significant rates of non-silent somatic mutations, with frequent selection of those driving autonomous aldosterone production, and distinct clinical presentations and outcomes for most genotypes. The disappearance of aldosterone synthesis and cells from most of the adult human zona glomerulosa is the likely driver of the mutational success that causes aldosterone-producing adenomas, but insights into the pathways that lead to constitutive aldosterone production and cell survival may open up opportunities for novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena A B Azizan
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The National University of Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Endocrine Hypertension, Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Precision Medicine, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - William M Drake
- St Bartholomew's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR Barts Biomedical Research Centre, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Morris J Brown
- Endocrine Hypertension, Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Precision Medicine, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.
- NIHR Barts Biomedical Research Centre, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.
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6
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Vaidya A, Hundemer GL, Nanba K, Parksook WW, Brown JM. Primary Aldosteronism: State-of-the-Art Review. Am J Hypertens 2022; 35:967-988. [PMID: 35767459 PMCID: PMC9729786 DOI: 10.1093/ajh/hpac079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We are witnessing a revolution in our understanding of primary aldosteronism (PA). In the past 2 decades, we have learned that PA is a highly prevalent syndrome that is largely attributable to pathogenic somatic mutations, that contributes to cardiovascular, metabolic, and kidney disease, and that when recognized, can be adequately treated with widely available mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and/or surgical adrenalectomy. Unfortunately, PA is rarely diagnosed, or adequately treated, mainly because of a lack of awareness and education. Most clinicians still possess an outdated understanding of PA; from primary care physicians to hypertension specialists, there is an urgent need to redefine and reintroduce PA to clinicians with a modern and practical approach. In this state-of-the-art review, we provide readers with the most updated knowledge on the pathogenesis, prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of PA. In particular, we underscore the public health importance of promptly recognizing and treating PA and provide pragmatic solutions to modify clinical practices to achieve this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Vaidya
- Department of Medicine, Center for Adrenal Disorders, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gregory L Hundemer
- Department of Medicine (Division of Nephrology) and the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kazutaka Nanba
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Wasita W Parksook
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, and Division of General Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jenifer M Brown
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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7
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Mourtzi N, Sertedaki A, Markou A, Piaditis GP, Katsanis N, Traeger-Synodinos J, Tsigos C, Charmandari E. Genetic screening of hypertensive patients with aldosterone hypersecretion under conditions of stress. Hormones (Athens) 2022; 21:525-536. [PMID: 36044182 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-022-00394-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although ACTH is considered a secondary regulator of aldosterone production, patients with apparent essential hypertension have been treated with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs). In this study, we aimed to identify potentially damaging variants that might be implicated in the phenotype of a well-characterized cohort of 21 hypertensive patients without PA but with stress-induced aldosterone hypersecretion. The patients' blood pressure was normalized though MRA administration. METHODS Genetic screening was performed through whole-exome sequencing (WES), and variants in PA-associated or in ion-channels of aldosterone-regulating genes were prioritized. Variants with population frequency < 0.01, predicted to alter protein structure and classified as likely pathogenic by in silico tools, were retained. RESULTS Qualifying variants were identified in nine of the 21 patients screened. Seven patients were carriers of six potentially damaging variants in six genes associated with PA (KCNK9, KCNK5, ATP13A3, SLC26A2, CACNA1H, and CACNA1D). A novel variant in the KCNK9 gene (p.V221M) is reported. Our analysis revealed two variants in two novel susceptibility genes for aldosterone hypersecretion, namely, KCNK16 (p.P255H) and CACNA2D3 (p.V557I). CONCLUSION WES revealed potentially damaging germline variants in genes participating in aldosterone synthesis/regulating pathways in 9/21 patients of our cohort. The variants identified might play a role in aldosterone hypersecretion under conditions of stress. The potential pathogenicity of these variants should be examined in future functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki Mourtzi
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Aghia Sophia' Children's Hospital, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Amalia Sertedaki
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Aghia Sophia' Children's Hospital, 11527, Athens, Greece.
| | - Athina Markou
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, G. Gennimatas General Hospital, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - George P Piaditis
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, G. Gennimatas General Hospital, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Nicholas Katsanis
- Department of Cell Biology and Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Rescindo Therapeutics, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA
| | - Joanne Traeger-Synodinos
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Choremeio Research Laboratory, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 'Aghia Sophia' Children's Hospital, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Constantine Tsigos
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health Science and Education, Harokopio University, 17671, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Charmandari
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Aghia Sophia' Children's Hospital, 11527, Athens, Greece
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center of Clinical, Biomedical Research Foundation, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Academy of Athens, 11527, Athens, Greece
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8
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Engelmann J, Murck H, Wagner S, Zillich L, Streit F, Herzog DP, Braus DF, Tadic A, Lieb K, Műller MB. Routinely accessible parameters of mineralocorticoid receptor function, depression subtypes and response prediction: a post-hoc analysis from the early medication change trial in major depressive disorder. World J Biol Psychiatry 2022; 23:631-642. [PMID: 34985381 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2021.2020334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Previous studies indicated a relationship between aldosterone, the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), and antidepressant treatment outcome. Physiological indicators of MR function (blood pressure and electrolytes) are easily accessible and may therefore serve as useful predictors. Thus, our aim was to investigate the predictive value of peripheral MR-related markers for antidepressant treatment outcomes. METHODS 826 MDD patients who had participated in the randomised-controlled Early Medication Change (EMC) trial were analysed. Depression severity and MR-related markers were assessed weekly. In 562 patients, genetic variation of five MR-related genes was determined. RESULTS Patients with blood pressure <120mmHg showed higher depression severity (p = 0.005) than patients with blood pressure ≥120mmHg. Patients with a melancholic subtype had significantly lower blood pressures (p = 0.004). Na+/K+ ratio was positively and K+-concentration was negatively correlated to depression severity and to relative changes in HAMD from baseline to day 14, and 56 respectively (p < 0.001). For none of the MR-related genes, genetic variation was associated with treatment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS We confirmed early observations of an altered peripheral MR sensitivity, reflected by lower blood pressure, low K+ or high Na+/K+ ratio in patients with more severe depression. These routinely collected biomarkers may potentially be useful for risk stratification in an early stage of treatment. Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00974155; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=NCT00974155.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Engelmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany.,Translational Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy & Focus Program Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Harald Murck
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.,Murck-Neuroscience, Westfield, NJ, United States.,Aptinyx Inc, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Stefanie Wagner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Lea Zillich
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Fabian Streit
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - David P Herzog
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany.,Translational Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy & Focus Program Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Dieter F Braus
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Eltville, Germany
| | - Andre Tadic
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, DR. FONTHEIM Mentale Gesundheit, Liebenburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Lieb
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Marianne B Műller
- Translational Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy & Focus Program Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
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9
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High Prevalence of Primary Aldosteronism in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092308. [PMID: 36140406 PMCID: PMC9496555 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common cause of endocrine hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension is higher in patients with diabetes mellitus-2 (DM-2). Following the limited existing data, we prospectively investigated the prevalence of aldosterone excess either as autonomous secretion (PA) or as a hyper-response to stress in hypertensive patients with DM-2 (HDM-2). A total of 137 HDM-2 patients and 61 non-diabetics with essential hypertension who served as controls (EH-C) underwent a combined, overnight diagnostic test, the Dexamethasone–captopril–valsartan test (DCVT) used for the diagnosis of PA and an ultralow dose (0.3 μg) ACTH stimulation test to identify an exaggerated aldosterone response to ACTH stimulation. Twenty-three normotensive individuals served as controls (NC) to define the normal response of aldosterone (ALD) and aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR) to the ultralow dose ACTH test. Using post-DCVTALD and ARR from the EH-C, and post-ACTH peak ALD and ARR from the NC, 47 (34.3%) HDM-2 patients were found to have PA, whereas 6 (10.4%) HDM-2 patients without PA (DCVT-negative) exhibited an exaggerated aldosterone response to stress—a prevalence much higher than ever reported. Treatment with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs) induced a significant and permanent reduction of BP in all HDM-2 patients. Early diagnosis and targeted treatment of PA is crucial to prevent any aggravating effect on chronic diabetic complications.
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10
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Androgens Tend to Be Higher, but What about Altered Progesterone Metabolites in Boys and Girls with Autism? Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12071004. [PMID: 35888093 PMCID: PMC9324026 DOI: 10.3390/life12071004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Evidence exists that steroid hormones are altered in individuals with autism, especially androgens. Despite lower prevalence in girls than boys, evidence of potential alterations in progesterone metabolites is sparse, so the aim of this study was to elucidate different progesterone metabolites in affected children with autism versus healthy controls. Material and Methods: Circadian urine samples from 48 boys and 16 girls with autism spectrum disorders and a matched case−control group were analysed for progesterone metabolites by gas chromatography−mass spectrometry and normalised for creatinine excretion. Results: In boys with autism, the majority of progesterone metabolites were reduced, such as progesterone, 6a-OH-3a5b-TH-progesterone, or 20a-DH-progesterone (p < 0.01 for all). In girls with autism, a similar pattern of reduction in progesterone metabolites was detected; however, potentially due to the relatively small sample, this pattern was only detectable on the level of a trend. Discussion: As stated, androgen levels are higher in boys and girls with autism, but evidence for progesterone metabolites is much sparser. The pattern of a decrease in progesterone metabolites suggests the existence of an altered routing of steroid metabolites, probably in combination with a dysregulation of the HPAG axis. As, recently, increased CYP17A1 activity has been suggested, the stronger routing towards androgens is further implied in line with our findings of lower progesterone concentrations in boys and girls with autism than healthy controls.
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Santana LS, Guimaraes AG, Almeida MQ. Pathogenesis of Primary Aldosteronism: Impact on Clinical Outcome. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:927669. [PMID: 35813615 PMCID: PMC9261097 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.927669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common form of secondary arterial hypertension, with a prevalence of approximately 20% in patients with resistant hypertension. In the last decade, somatic pathogenic variants in KCNJ5, CACNA1D, ATP1A1 and ATP2B3 genes, which are involved in maintaining intracellular ionic homeostasis and cell membrane potential, were described in aldosterone-producing adenomas (aldosteronomas). All variants in these genes lead to the activation of calcium signaling, the major trigger for aldosterone production. Genetic causes of familial hyperaldosteronism have been expanded through the report of germline pathogenic variants in KCNJ5, CACNA1H and CLCN2 genes. Moreover, PDE2A and PDE3B variants were associated with bilateral PA and increased the spectrum of genetic etiologies of PA. Of great importance, the genetic investigation of adrenal lesions guided by the CYP11B2 staining strongly changed the landscape of somatic genetic findings of PA. Furthermore, CYP11B2 staining allowed the better characterization of the aldosterone-producing adrenal lesions in unilateral PA. Aldosterone production may occur from multiple sources, such as solitary aldosteronoma or aldosterone-producing nodule (classical histopathology) or clusters of autonomous aldosterone-producing cells without apparent neoplasia denominated aldosterone-producing micronodules (non-classical histopathology). Interestingly, KCNJ5 mutational status and classical histopathology of unilateral PA (aldosteronoma) have emerged as relevant predictors of clinical and biochemical outcome, respectively. In this review, we summarize the most recent advances in the pathogenesis of PA and discuss their impact on clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas S. Santana
- Unidade de Adrenal, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular Laboratório de Investigação Médica 42 (LIM/42), Serviço de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Augusto G. Guimaraes
- Unidade de Adrenal, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular Laboratório de Investigação Médica 42 (LIM/42), Serviço de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Madson Q. Almeida
- Unidade de Adrenal, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular Laboratório de Investigação Médica 42 (LIM/42), Serviço de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Divisão de Oncologia Endócrina, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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How Is CYP17A1 Activity Altered in Autism? A Pilot Study to Identify Potential Pharmacological Targets. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12060867. [PMID: 35743898 PMCID: PMC9225657 DOI: 10.3390/life12060867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Increasing evidence exists that higher levels of androgens can be found in individuals with autism. Evidence yields to a susceptible role of Cytochrome P450 17A1 (CYP17A1) with its catalyzation of the two distinct types of substrate oxidation by a hydroxylase activity (17-alpha hydroxylase) and C17/20 lyase activity. However, to what extent steps are altered in affected children with autism versus healthy controls remains to be elucidated. Methods: Urine samples from 48 boys with autism (BMI 19.1 ± 0.6 kg/m2, age 14.2 ± 0.5 years) and a matched cohort of 48 healthy boys (BMI 18.6 ± 0.3 kg/m2, 14.3 ± 0.5 years) as well as 16 girls with autism (BMI 17.5 ± 0.7 kg/m2, age 13.8 ± 1.0 years) and a matched cohort of 16 healthy girls (BMI 17.2 ± 0.8 kg/m2, age 13.2 ± 0.8 years) were analyzed for steroid hormone metabolites by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: The activity of 17-alpha Hydroxylase increased by almost 50%, whereas activity of 17/20 Lyase activity increased by around 150% in affected children with autism. Furthermore, the concentration of Cortisol was higher as compared to the average increase of the three metabolites TH-Corticosterone, 5α-TH-Corticosterone and TH-11β-DH-Corticosterone, indicating, in addition, a stimulation by the CRH-ACTH system despite a higher enzymatic activity. Discussion: As it was shown that oxidative stress increases the 17/20-lyase activity via p38α, a link between higher steroid hormone levels and oxidative stress can be established. However, as glucocorticoid as well as androgen metabolites showed higher values in subjects affected with autism as compared to healthy controls, the data indicate, despite higher CYP17A1 activity, the presence of increased substrate availability in line with the Cholesterol theory of autism.
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Aldosterone secretion during the day: Salivary aldosterone awakening response and daytime levels. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 139:105685. [PMID: 35202970 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2022.105685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mineralocorticoid hormone aldosterone is a key regulator of the sodium-potassium balance and blood pressure. In excess, aldosterone relates to hypertension and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Here, we systematically investigated aldosterone secretion during the day in terms of salivary aldosterone awakening response (AldAR) and salivary aldosterone daytime levels (AldDay) under controlled conditions in participants' natural environment including assessment of potential confounding variables. METHODS In 40 healthy young men, saliva samples for AldAR were collected immediately after awakening and 15, 30, 45, and 60 min thereafter. AldDay levels were measured in 1 h intervals from 9:00-22:00 h. Analyses were complemented by salivary cortisol assessment. Fluid and food intake was standardized and as potential confounders, we assessed awakening time and sleep duration, age, BMI and MAP, as well as chronic stress. RESULTS Awakening was followed by significant increases in salivary aldosterone (p = .004, f= 0.31), returning to baseline levels > 60 min later. Longer sleep duration was associated with lower AldAR (p < .001, f= 0.36). Over the course of the day we observed a continuous decrease of AldDay (p < .001, f= 0.45). Longer sleep duration (p = .097, f= .21), later time of awakening (p < .001, f= .29), and higher chronic stress (p = .041, f= .23) were associated with AldDay characteristics. Circadian aldosterone secretion was positively associated with most cortisol measures. CONCLUSIONS We observed an awakening response in salivary aldosterone and could confirm a decrease in aldosterone levels during the day, comparable to cortisol. Significant confounders were sleep-related variables and chronic stress. Clinical implications of circadian aldosterone secretion with respect to CVD risk remain to be elucidated.
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Gu X, Zhou W, Han J. Factors Affecting the Readmission of Patients with Pancreatic Cancer after Surgery. Appl Bionics Biomech 2022; 2022:6106914. [PMID: 35528536 PMCID: PMC9076323 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6106914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest solid malignancies. Its surgical resection is technically very challenging and has a high risk of complications even after discharge. This study analyzed the risk factors associated with unplanned readmission after pancreatic cancer surgery. Methods Pancreatic cancer patients who were readmitted within 30 days after surgery were classified as the observation group, while those not readmitted within 30 days postsurgery were classified as the control group. The serum levels of gastrointestinal hormones, stress hormones, and peripheral immune cells of the two groups were compared at different intervals. Results No significant differences in gender and age were observed between the two groups. At 7, 14, and 21 days postsurgery, the levels of gastrointestinal hormones motilin, gastrin, calcitonin gene-related peptide, and growth hormone-releasing peptide of the observation group were lower than the control group, while the levels of adrenocorticotropin, renin, angiotensin, and plasma aldosterone of the observation group were significantly higher than the control group. In addition, compared to the control group, lower levels of CD4+T cells, CD8+T cells, and NKT cells and higher levels of Treg, Breg, and MDSC cells were observed in the peripheral blood of the observation group. Conclusion The serum levels of gastrointestinal hormones, stress hormones, and peripheral immune cells could be associated with the risk of unplanned readmission within 30 days after pancreatic cancer surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojing Gu
- Department of Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
- Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, Hubei 430023, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, Hubei 430023, China
| | - Juan Han
- Department of Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
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Marcus Y, Shefer G, Tordjman K, Sofer Y, Greenman Y, Stern N. Impaired aldosterone response to ACTH without hypoaldosteronism: An unrecognized secretory pattern in search of clinical implications. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2022; 96:513-520. [PMID: 34590343 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Aldosterone has been recently characterized as a 'stress hormone'. Stress per se elicits a sizable rise in aldosterone secretion, which could be replicated by the administration of a low dose (0.03-1 μg, IV) of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Whether or not the aldosterone response to ACTH could be selectively impaired, that is, in association with intact cortisol response, is presently unknown. OBJECTIVE To determine whether or not the aldosterone response to low dose of ACTH is impaired in subjects referred to assess the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA). DESIGN Retrospective analysis. SETTING Outpatient referral endocrine day care centre. PATIENTS One hundred and ninety-five consecutive subjects who underwent the low dose (1 μg) ACTH test, in whom decreased cortisol reserve was suspected due to former/present glucocorticoid excess, pituitary disease or/and unexplained weakness. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The outcome was the detection of lack of aldosterone response, defined as a rise <111 pmol/l. RESULTS In all, 46/195 subjects had subnormal aldosterone response as compared with 52/195 subjects showing diminished cortisol response. Nine subjects had combined deficient aldosterone and cortisol response. In the 37 subjects with isolated subnormal aldosterone response common associations were the use of exogenous glucocorticoids, mostly prednisone (n = 16); former Cushing disease (n = 2); nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (n = 8); hypothyroidism (n = 11); the use of statins (n = 11), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (n = 6), sex steroids in transgenders and orthostatic hypotension (n = 3). Twenty-seven percent (25/93) of the subjects with recent exposure to glucocorticoids had impaired aldosterone response to ACTH. CONCLUSION Blunted aldosterone response to ACTH in the absence of hypoaldosteronism was seen in ~27% of subjects referred for HPA assessment using the low dose 1 μg ACTH test. Exposure to glucocorticoid excess was often linked to this impairment, independent of the cortisol response to ACTH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonit Marcus
- Institute of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Hypertension, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Sagol Center for Epigenetics of Aging and Metabolism, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Gabi Shefer
- Institute of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Hypertension, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Sagol Center for Epigenetics of Aging and Metabolism, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Karen Tordjman
- Institute of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Hypertension, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yael Sofer
- Institute of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Hypertension, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yona Greenman
- Institute of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Hypertension, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Naftali Stern
- Institute of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Hypertension, Tel Aviv-Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Sagol Center for Epigenetics of Aging and Metabolism, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Reincke M, Bancos I, Mulatero P, Scholl UI, Stowasser M, Williams TA. Diagnosis and treatment of primary aldosteronism. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2021; 9:876-892. [PMID: 34798068 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(21)00210-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Primary aldosteronism is a common cause of secondary hypertension associated with excess cardiovascular morbidities. Primary aldosteronism is underdiagnosed because it does not have a specific, easily identifiable feature and clinicians can be poorly aware of the disease. The diagnostic investigation is a multistep process of screening, confirmatory testing, and subtype differentiation of unilateral from bilateral forms for therapeutic management. Adrenal venous sampling is key for reliable subtype identification, but can be bypassed in patients with specific characteristics. For unilateral disease, surgery offers the possibility of cure, with total laparoscopic unilateral adrenalectomy being the treatment of choice. Bilateral forms are treated mainly with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. The goals of treatment are to normalise both blood pressure and excessive aldosterone production, and the primary aims are to reduce associated comorbidities, improve quality of life, and reduce mortality. Prompt diagnosis of primary aldosteronism and the use of targeted treatment strategies mitigate aldosterone-specific target organ damage and with appropriate patient management outcomes can be excellent. Advances in molecular histopathology challenge the traditional concept of primary aldosteronism as a binary disease, caused by either a unilateral aldosterone-producing adenoma or bilateral adrenal hyperplasia. Somatic mutations drive autonomous aldosterone production in most adenomas. Many of these same mutations have been identified in nodular lesions adjacent to an aldosterone-producing adenoma and in patients with bilateral disease. In addition, germline mutations cause rare familial forms of aldosteronism (familial hyperaldosteronism types 1-4). Genetic testing for inherited forms in suspected cases of familial hyperaldosteronism avoids the burdensome diagnostic investigation in positive patients. In this Review, we discuss advances and future management approaches in the diagnosis of primary aldosteronism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Reincke
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany.
| | - Irina Bancos
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Paolo Mulatero
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hypertension, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Ute I Scholl
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Center of Functional Genomics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Stowasser
- Endocrine Hypertension Research Centre, University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Greenslopes and Princess Alexandra Hospitals, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Tracy Ann Williams
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany; Division of Internal Medicine and Hypertension, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Kmieć P, Sworczak K. Autonomous Aldosterone Secretion as a Subclinical Form of Primary Aldosteronism: Pathogenesis and Clinical Significance. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2021; 130:7-16. [PMID: 34614533 DOI: 10.1055/a-1556-7784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, a substantial prevalence of primary aldosteronism (PA) has been demonstrated in both normotensive and mildly hypertensive cohorts. Consequently, a classic presentation of the syndrome, i. e. moderate-to-severe and resistant hypertension with concomitant hypokalemia, should be considered a tip-of-the-iceberg phenotype of a wide PA spectrum. Its entire range encompasses the non-classic clinical forms of mild hypertension and prehypertension but also several biochemical presentations, including patients who meet PA screening and confirmation test criteria, as well as those with either of them and those with other parameters indicating mineralocorticoid excess. In the current review, research insights on the pathogenetic background and clinical significance of autonomous aldosterone secretion (AAS) are presented, which is defined as a constellation of either: 1) normotension, normokalemia, a positive PA screening (high aldosterone-to-renin ratio) and/or confirmation test, or 2) hypertension, normokalemia and a positive PA screening but negative confirmation test. For this purpose, a literature search of the PubMed database was conducted. Advances in immunohistochemistry and genetic sequencing of isolated adrenal cells are provided as probable morphologic basis of the wide range of aldosterone secretion autonomy. Also, the role of corticotropin as an aldosterone secretagogue is discussed. To date, clinical studies depict consequences of subclinical PA phenotypes, such as increased mortality and risk of developing hypertension, impaired arterial and kidney function, association with metabolic syndrome and age, as well as osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Kmieć
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Sworczak
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
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18
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Kline G. Primary aldosteronism is everywhere but does anyone see it? Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2021; 95:410-411. [PMID: 33682143 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Kline
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Hasenmajer V, Bonaventura I, Minnetti M, Sada V, Sbardella E, Isidori AM. Non-Canonical Effects of ACTH: Insights Into Adrenal Insufficiency. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:701263. [PMID: 34489864 PMCID: PMC8416901 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.701263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is produced from proopiomelanocortin, which is predominantly synthetized in the corticotroph and melanotroph cells of the anterior and intermediate lobes of the pituitary gland and the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. Although ACTH clearly has an effect on adrenal homeostasis and maintenance of steroid hormone production, it also has extra-adrenal effects that require further elucidation. Methods We comprehensively reviewed English language articles, regardless of whether they reported the presence or absence of adrenal and extra-adrenal ACTH effects. Results In the present review, we provide an overview on the current knowledge on adrenal and extra-adrenal effects of ACTH. In the section on adrenal ACTH effects, we focused on corticosteroid rhythmicity and effects on steroidogenesis, mineralocorticoids and adrenal growth. In the section on extra-adrenal effects, we have analyzed the effects of ACTH on the osteoarticular and reproductive systems, adipocytes, immune system, brain and skin. Finally, we focused on adrenal insufficiency. Conclusions The role of ACTH in maintaining the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is well known. Conversely, if we broaden our vision and analyze its role as a potential treatment strategy in other conditions, it will be evident in the literature that researchers seem to have abandoned this aspect in studies conducted several years ago. We believe it is worth re-evaluating the role of ACTH considering its noncanonical effects on the adrenal gland itself and on extra-adrenal organs and tissues; however, this would not have been possible without the recent advances in the pertinent technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Andrea M. Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome - Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
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Gideon A, Sauter C, Ehlert U, von Känel R, Wirtz PH. Aldosterone hyperreactivity to acute psychosocial stress induction in men with essential hypertension. Horm Behav 2021; 134:105018. [PMID: 34224991 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2021.105018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Essential hypertension is a pivotal risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Hypertensives exhibit greater stress-induced responses in various physiological systems considered to contribute to CVD progression. Whether this stress hyperreactivity extends to the adrenal hormone aldosterone has not yet been investigated in essential hypertension. Here, we investigated reactivity of plasma aldosterone to acute psychosocial stress induction in hypertensive and normotensive men. 21 hypertensive men and 25 normotensive controls underwent the standardized Trier-Social-Stress-Test (TSST). We repeatedly assessed plasma aldosterone before and up to 1 h after TSST cessation. Acute psychosocial stress induced significantly greater increases in hypertensives as compared to normotensives (F(3.60, 158.50) = 3.75; p = .008, f = 0.29). Our findings suggest stress-induced hyperreactivity of aldosterone in essential hypertension. Potential implications for stress-related cardiovascular risk remain to be elucidated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina Gideon
- Biological Work and Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Christine Sauter
- Biological Work and Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Ulrike Ehlert
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roland von Känel
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Petra H Wirtz
- Biological Work and Health Psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Germany; Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, Germany.
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21
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Liu F, Wang L, Ding Y. A case of primary aldosteronism with a negative aldosterone-to-renin ratio. BMC Cardiovasc Disord 2021; 21:350. [PMID: 34294029 PMCID: PMC8299686 DOI: 10.1186/s12872-021-02162-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Primary aldosteronism (PA), as a cause of secondary hypertension, can cause more serious cardiovascular damage than essential hypertension. The aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR) is recommended as the most reliable screening method for PA, but ARR screening is often influenced by many factors. PA cannot be easily excluded when negative ARR. Case presentation We report the case of a 45-year-old Chinese man with resistant hypertension. Three years ago, he underwent a comprehensive screening for secondary hypertension, including the ARR, and the result was negative. After that, the patient's blood pressure was still poorly controlled with four kinds of antihypertensive drugs, the target organ damage of hypertension progressed, and hypokalaemia was difficult to correct. When the patient was hospitalized again for comprehensive examination, we found that aldosterone levels had significantly increased, although the ARR was negative. An inhibitory test with saline was further carried out, and the results suggested that aldosterone was not inhibited; therefore, PA was diagnosed. We performed a unilateral adenoma resection for this patient, and spironolactone was continued to control blood pressure. After the operation, blood pressure is well controlled, and hypokalaemia is corrected. Conclusion When the ARR is negative, PA cannot be easily excluded. Comprehensive analysis and diagnosis should be based on the medication and clinical conditions of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyi Liu
- Department of Cardiology II, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, No.467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116021, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Urology I, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116021, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanchun Ding
- Department of Cardiology II, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, No.467 Zhongshan Road, Dalian, 116021, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.
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22
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Hung A, Ahmed S, Gupta A, Davis A, Kline GA, Leung AA, Ruzicka M, Hiremath S, Hundemer GL. Performance of the Aldosterone to Renin Ratio as a Screening Test for Primary Aldosteronism. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:2423-2435. [PMID: 34008000 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The aldosterone to renin ratio (ARR) is the guideline-recommended screening test for primary aldosteronism. However, there are limited data in regard to the diagnostic performance of the ARR. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the ARR as a screening test for primary aldosteronism. METHODS We searched the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases until February 2020. Observational studies assessing ARR diagnostic performance as a screening test for primary aldosteronism were selected. To limit verification bias, only studies where dynamic confirmatory testing was implemented as a reference standard regardless of the ARR result were included. Study-level data were extracted and risk of bias and applicability were assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool. RESULTS Ten studies, involving a total of 4110 participants, were included. Potential risk of bias related to patient selection was common and present in half of the included studies. The population base, ARR positivity threshold, laboratory assay, and reference standard for confirmatory testing varied substantially between studies. The reported ARR sensitivity and specificity varied widely with sensitivity ranging from 10% to 100% and specificity ranging from 70% to 100%. Notably, 3 of the 10 studies reported an ARR sensitivity of <50%, suggesting a limited ability of the ARR to adequately identify patients with primary aldosteronism. CONCLUSIONS ARR performance varied widely based on patient population and diagnostic criteria, especially with respect to sensitivity. Therefore, no single ARR threshold for interpretation could be recommended. Limitations in accuracy and reliability of the ARR must be recognized in order to appropriately inform clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Hung
- Department of Medicine, Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Sumaiya Ahmed
- Department of Medicine, Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ankur Gupta
- Department of Medicine (Division of Nephrology), Whakatane Hospital, Whakatane, New Zealand
| | | | - Gregory A Kline
- Department of Medicine (Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Alexander A Leung
- Department of Medicine (Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism), Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Marcel Ruzicka
- Department of Medicine (Division of Nephrology) and the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON,Canada
| | - Swapnil Hiremath
- Department of Medicine (Division of Nephrology) and the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON,Canada
| | - Gregory L Hundemer
- Department of Medicine (Division of Nephrology) and the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON,Canada
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Voulgaris N, Tyfoxylou E, Vlachou S, Kyriazi E, Gravvanis C, Kapsali C, Markou A, Papanastasiou L, Gryparis A, Kassi E, Chrousos G, Kaltsas G, Piaditis G. Prevalence of Primary Aldosteronism Across the Stages of Hypertension Based on a New Combined Overnight Test. Horm Metab Res 2021; 53:461-469. [PMID: 34282597 DOI: 10.1055/a-1507-5226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common endocrine cause of arterial hypertension. Despite the increasing incidence of hypertension worldwide, the true prevalence of PA in hypertension was only recently recognized. The objective of the work was to estimate the prevalence of PA in patients at different stages of hypertension based on a newly developed screening-diagnostic overnight test. This is a prospective study with hypertensive patients (n=265) at stage I (n=100), II (n=88), and III (n=77) of hypertension. A group of 103 patients with essential hypertension without PA was used as controls. PA diagnosis was based on a combined screening-diagnostic overnight test, the Dexamethasone-Captopril-Valsartan Test (DCVT) that evaluates aldosterone secretion after pharmaceutical blockade of angiotensin-II and adrenocorticotropic hormone. DCVT was performed in all participants independently of the basal aldosterone to renin ratio (ARR). The calculated upper normal limits for post-DCVT aldosterone levels [3 ng/dl (85 pmol/l)] and post-DCVT ARR [0.32 ng/dl/μU/ml (9 pmol/IU)] from controls, were applied together to establish PA diagnosis. Using these criteria PA was confirmed in 80 of 265 (30%) hypertensives. The prevalence of PA was: 21% (21/100) in stage I, 33% (29/88) in stage II, and 39% (30/77) in stage III. Serum K+ levels were negatively correlated and urinary K+ was positively correlated in PA patients with post-DCVT ARR (r=-0.349, p <0.01, and r=0.27, p <0.05 respectively). In conclusion, DCVT revealed that PA is a highly prevalent cause of hypertension. DCVT could be employed as a diagnostic tool in all subjects with arterial hypertension of unknown cause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Voulgaris
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, "G. Gennimatas" General Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Department of Endocrinology, Athens Naval and Veterans Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Ernestini Tyfoxylou
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, "G. Gennimatas" General Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Sophia Vlachou
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, "G. Gennimatas" General Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evagelia Kyriazi
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, "G. Gennimatas" General Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Chris Gravvanis
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, "G. Gennimatas" General Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Chara Kapsali
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, "G. Gennimatas" General Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Athina Markou
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, "G. Gennimatas" General Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Labrini Papanastasiou
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, "G. Gennimatas" General Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Alexandros Gryparis
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolism, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eva Kassi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Endocrine Unit, 1st Department of Propaedeutic Medicine, Laiko Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Chrousos
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine and UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Gregory Kaltsas
- Endocrine Unit, 1st Department of Propaedeutic Medicine, Laiko Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Piaditis
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, "G. Gennimatas" General Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
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24
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Alexandraki KI, Markou A, Papanastasiou L, Tyfoxylou E, Kapsali C, Gravvanis C, Katsiveli P, Kaltsas GA, Zografos GN, Chrousos GP, Piaditis G. Surgical treatment outcome of primary aldosteronism assessed using new modified diagnostic tests. Hormones (Athens) 2021; 20:359-368. [PMID: 33755936 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-021-00280-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most frequent type of endocrine hypertension. In our previous studies, we introduced two modified diagnostic tests for PA, the post-dexamethasone saline infusion test (DSIT) and the overnight dexamethasone, captopril, and valsartan test (DCVT). In this study, we aimed to validate both tests in respect to the biochemical and clinical response of a cohort of hypertensive patients in pre- and post-surgical setting. METHODS We retrospectively studied 41 hypertensive patients (16 males), with a median (IQR, range) age of 50 (16, 35-74) years and positive histology for adrenal adenoma. Preoperatively, all patients had a single adenoma on CT and a diagnosis of PA with either DSIT or DCVT. The defined daily dose (DDD) of hypertensive drugs was assessed pre- and postoperatively. DSIT or DCVT and basal ARR were reassessed postoperatively. RESULTS Two of the 41 patients failed to suppress aldosterone post-surgery, leading to a post-adrenalectomy biochemical cure rate of 95%, while blood pressure was improved in 36 patients, leading to a clinical cure rate of 88% as assessed by the DDD methodology. CONCLUSIONS The present study was a proof-of-concept process to validate two modified diagnostic tests for PA in clinical practice. These tests, used to diagnose a group of patients with PA, successfully assessed their biochemical cure post-adrenalectomy at rates similar to those reported in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystallenia I Alexandraki
- 2nd Department of Surgery, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 76th Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, 115 28, Athens, Greece.
| | - Athina Markou
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | - Labrini Papanastasiou
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | - Ernestini Tyfoxylou
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | - Chara Kapsali
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Gravvanis
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | - Pinelopi Katsiveli
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Henry Dunant Hospital Center, Athens, Greece
| | - Gregory A Kaltsas
- Endocrine Unit, 1st Department of Propaedeutic Medicine, Laiko Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George N Zografos
- Third Department of Surgery, General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
| | - George P Chrousos
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health & Precision Medicine, UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - George Piaditis
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, General Hospital of Athens "G. Gennimatas", Athens, Greece
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Henry Dunant Hospital Center, Athens, Greece
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Chen S, Liu H, Luo P, Yu Y. Computed tomography combined with confirmatory tests for the diagnosis of aldosterone-producing adenoma. Endocr J 2021; 68:299-306. [PMID: 33100281 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej20-0395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common cause of secondary hypertension, and a simpler non-invasive method for identification of aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) is required to improve the standard of medical treatment for PA patients. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of hypertensive patients with an aldosterone/renin ratio (ARR) ≥30 (ng/dL)/(ng/mL/h), and surgical and/or adrenal venous sampling (AVS) results served as the gold standard for APA diagnosis. The study aimed to determine whether positive CCT and SIT results plus a unilateral adrenal nodule found by CT allow unambiguous identification of an APA with high diagnostic specificity. Clinical data from 71 APA and 47 non-APA patients were collected, and logistic regression analysis was performed to construct models. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to analyze the efficacy of diagnostic tests. The areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) were similar between the post-SIT plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) and post-CCT PAC (p > 0.05). The optimal post-SIT and post-CCT PAC cutoff values were 17.2 and 21.2 ng/dL, respectively. Positive CT findings combined with a post-SIT PAC >17.2 ng/dL or post-CCT PAC >21.2 ng/dL provided specificities of 97.8% and 95.7% for predicting APA, respectively. Logistic diagnostic models 1 (M1, CT finding + post-SIT PAC) and 2 (M2, CT finding + post-CCT PAC) were built, which showed equivalent diagnostic value (AUC = 0.959 and 0.932, respectively) (p > 0.05). The models combining CT findings with post-SIT PACs or post-CCT PACs represent an easier method to distinguish APA patients from other hypertensive patients with positive upright ARR results, especially in primary care where AVS may be unavailable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihan Chen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Panyu Luo
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yerong Yu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
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26
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Primary aldosteronism. Trends Cardiovasc Med 2021; 32:228-233. [PMID: 33775861 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2021.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In 1955 Dr Jerome Conn first documented primary aldosteronism (PA). Since then, screening, diagnosis and treatment have developed, in the process both refining and complicating management. Currently, screening requires 4-6 weeks of lead-up, including major changes in antihypertensive therapy, followed by a blood draw for plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) and plasma renin activity (PRA) or concentration (PRC). Screening is considered indicative of PA on the basis of the PAC and the aldosterone to renin ratio (ARR). This is then followed by one or more of 6 confirmatory/exclusion tests. Three things have changed. First is now incontrovertible evidence that a single spot PAC is a deeply flawed index of true aldosterone status, so that many referred patients with PA fall at the first hurdle. A valid index of aldosterone status is an integrated value, measured as urinary aldosterone excretion (UEA) over 24 h. On the basis of the UEA, the prevalence of PA appears to be 3-5 times higher than the currently accepted figure of 5-10% of hypertensives. The second is the recognition that inadequately treated PA has a cardiovascular risk profile ~threefold that of matched essential hypertensives. Third is the realization that <1% of hypertensives are ever screened for PA, who are thus in double jeopardy for the risks of untreated PA on top of those for hypertension per se. Taken together, this a major if occult public health issue; if it is to be addressed, radical changes in management are needed. Some are in screening, which needs to be simply done on all newly-presenting hypertensives; others are major simplifications of screening in established hypertension. The front-line actors need to be Internists/Primary Care Providers; the costs will be significant, but much less than those of increased morbidity/premature mortality in unrecognized PA. Possible suggestions as to how best to address this constitute the final chapter of this article.
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27
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Unravelling the Genetic Basis of Primary Aldosteronism. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13030875. [PMID: 33800142 PMCID: PMC7999899 DOI: 10.3390/nu13030875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary aldosteronism (PA), a condition characterized by autonomous aldosterone hypersecretion, constitutes the most common cause of secondary hypertension. Over the last decade, major breakthroughs have been made in the field of genetics underpinning PA. The advent and wide application of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology led to the identification of several somatic and germline mutations associated with sporadic and familial forms of PA. Somatic mutations in ion-channel genes that participate in aldosterone biosynthesis, including KCNJ5, CACNA1D, ATP1A1, and ATP2B3, have been implicated in the development of aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs). On the other hand, germline variants in CLCN2, KCNJ5, CACNA1H, and CACNA1D genes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of the familial forms of PA, FH-II, FH-III, and F-IV, as well as PA associated with seizures and neurological abnormalities. However, recent studies have shown that the prevalence of PA is higher than previously thought, indicating the need for an improvement of our diagnostic tools. Further research is required to recognize mild forms of PA and to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Primary aldosteronism, characterized by renin-independent aldosterone secretion from one or both adrenal glands, is the most common and modifiable form of secondary hypertension. The prevalence of primary aldosteronism is increasingly recognized to be much higher than previously thought with many cases still undetected. RECENT FINDINGS Prior prevalence studies on primary aldosteronism have reported a wide range of estimates due to heterogeneity of both disease definitions and study populations such that it is difficult to claim a single point estimate. More recent evidence demonstrates that primary aldosteronism, as defined by conventional biochemical diagnostic criteria, is highly prevalent within populations where it is not typically considered such as mild-to-moderate hypertension, prehypertension, and even normotension. Yet, our current screening approach fails to capture many cases. Furthermore, there is mounting evidence that renin-independent aldosteronism exists as a continuum of disease that extends below the current biochemical diagnostic thresholds used to define primary aldosteronsim and has clinically relevant treatment and outcome implications for a much broader patient population. Indeed, much of what we current label as 'essential hypertension' is, in fact, renin-independent aldosterone-mediated hypertension. SUMMARY Primary aldosteronism and milder forms of renin-independent aldosteronism are highly prevalent, yet vastly under-recognized, in the general population.
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29
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Yozamp N, Hundemer GL, Moussa M, Underhill J, Fudim T, Sacks B, Vaidya A. Variability of Aldosterone Measurements During Adrenal Venous Sampling for Primary Aldosteronism. Am J Hypertens 2021; 34:34-45. [PMID: 33179734 PMCID: PMC7891268 DOI: 10.1093/ajh/hpaa151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Variability of aldosterone concentrations has been described in patients with primary aldosteronism. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study of 340 patients with primary aldosteronism who underwent adrenal venous sampling (AVS) at a tertiary referral center, 116 of whom also had a peripheral venous aldosterone measured hours before the procedure. AVS was performed by the same interventional radiologist using bilateral, simultaneous sampling, under unstimulated and then stimulated conditions, and each sample was obtained in triplicate. Main outcome measures were: (i) change in day of AVS venous aldosterone from pre-AVS to intra-AVS and (ii) variability of triplicate adrenal venous aldosterone concentrations during AVS. RESULTS Within an average duration of 131 minutes, 81% of patients had a decline in circulating aldosterone concentrations (relative decrease of 51% and median decrease of 7.0 ng/dl). More than a quarter (26%) of all patients had an inferior vena cava aldosterone of ≤5 ng/dl at AVS initiation. The mean coefficient of variation of triplicate adrenal aldosterone concentrations was 30% and 39%, in the left and right veins, respectively (corresponding to a percentage difference of 57% and 73%), resulting in lateralization discordance in up to 17% of patients if the lateralization index were calculated using only one unstimulated aldosterone-to-cortisol ratio rather than the average of triplicate measures. CONCLUSIONS Circulating aldosterone levels can reach nadirs conventionally considered incompatible with the primary aldosteronism diagnosis, and adrenal venous aldosterone concentrations exhibit acute variability that can confound AVS interpretation. A single venous aldosterone measurement lacks precision and reproducibility in primary aldosteronism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Yozamp
- Center for Adrenal Disorders, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gregory L Hundemer
- Division of Nephrology, The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marwan Moussa
- Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Johnathan Underhill
- Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tali Fudim
- Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Barry Sacks
- Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anand Vaidya
- Center for Adrenal Disorders, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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30
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Funder
- From the Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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31
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Inoue K, Kitamoto T, Tsurutani Y, Saito J, Omura M, Nishikawa T. Cortisol Co-Secretion and Clinical Usefulness of ACTH Stimulation Test in Primary Aldosteronism: A Systematic Review and Biases in Epidemiological Studies. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:645488. [PMID: 33796078 PMCID: PMC8008473 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.645488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis plays an important role in primary aldosteronism. Aldosterone biosynthesis is regulated not only by angiotensin II in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, but also by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), one of the key components of the HPA axis. Although previous studies have reported cortisol cosecretion in primary aldosteronism, particularly aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA), the clinical relevance of such aldosterone and cortisol cosecretion from APA and hypertension or other metabolic disorders has not been fully established. Several somatic mutations including KCNJ5 and CACNA1D are known to induce autonomous production of aldosterone in APA, and the aldosterone responsiveness to ACTH may vary according to each mutation. The ACTH stimulation test has been reported to be a useful tool to distinguish the subtypes of primary aldosteronism (e.g., unilateral vs bilateral) in some studies, but it has not been commonly applied in clinical practice due to limited evidence. Given the recent advancement of imaging, omics research, and computational approach, it is important to summarize the most updated evidence to disentangle the potential impact of cortisol excess in primary aldosteronism and whether the ACTH stimulation test needs to be considered during the diagnostic process of primary aldosteronism. In this article, we conducted a systematic review of epidemiological studies about (i) cortisol cosecretion in primary aldosteronism and (ii) the ACTH stimulation test for the diagnosis of primary aldosteronism (including subtype diagnosis). Then, we discussed potential biases (e.g., confounding bias, overadjustment, information bias, selection bias, and sampling bias) in the previous studies and introduced some advanced epidemiological/statistical methods to minimize these limitations. A better understanding of biases and epidemiological perspective on this topic would allow us to produce further robust evidence and balanced discussion about the causal mechanisms involving the HPA axis and clinical usefulness of the ACTH stimulation test among patients with primary aldosteronism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Inoue
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, Yokohama Rosai Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Takumi Kitamoto
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, Yokohama Rosai Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yuya Tsurutani
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, Yokohama Rosai Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Jun Saito
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, Yokohama Rosai Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Masao Omura
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, Yokohama Rosai Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Nishikawa
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, Yokohama Rosai Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
- *Correspondence: Tetsuo Nishikawa,
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Gasser BA, Kurz J, Senn W, Escher G, Mohaupt MG. Stress-induced alterations of social behavior are reversible by antagonism of steroid hormones in C57/BL6 mice. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 394:127-135. [PMID: 32894324 PMCID: PMC7778626 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-020-01970-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Various disturbances of social behavior, such as autism, depression, or posttraumatic stress disorder, have been associated with an altered steroid hormone homeostasis and a dysregulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. A link between steroid hormone antagonists and the treatment of stress-related conditions has been suggested. We evaluated the effects of stress induction on social behavior in the three chambers and its potential reversibility upon specific steroid hormone antagonism in mice. C57BL/6 mice were stressed twice daily for 8 days by chronic swim testing. Social behavior was evaluated by measuring, first, the preference for sociability and, second, the preference for social novelty in the three-chamber approach before and after the chronic swim test. The reversibility of behavior upon stress induction was analyzed after applying steroid hormone antagonists targeting glucocorticoids with etomidate, mineralocorticoids with potassium canrenoate, and androgens with cyproterone acetate and metformin. In the chronic swim test, increased floating time from 0.8 ± 0.2 min up to 4.8 ± 0.25 min was detected (p < 0.01). In the three-chamber approach, increased preference for sociability and decreased preference for social novelty was detected pre- versus post-stress induction. These alterations of social behavior were barely affected by etomidate and potassium canrenoate, whereas the two androgen antagonists metformin and cyproterone acetate restored social behavior even beyond baseline conditions. The alteration of social behavior was better reversed by the androgen as compared with the glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid antagonists. This suggests that social behavior is primarily controlled by androgen rather than by glucocorticoid or mineralocorticoid action. The stress-induced changes in preference for sociability are incompletely explained by steroid hormone action alone. As the best response was related to metformin, an effect via glucose levels might confound the results and should be subject to future research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Johann Kurz
- Intersci Research Association, Karl Morre Gasse 10, 8430 Leibnitz, Austria
| | - Walter Senn
- Department of Physiology, University of Bern, 3012 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Genevieve Escher
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, 3010 Berne, Switzerland
- Division of Nephrology/Hypertension, University of Bern, 3010 Berne, Switzerland
| | - Markus Georg Mohaupt
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Bern, 3010 Berne, Switzerland
- Teaching Hospital Internal Medicine, Lindenhofgruppe, 3006 Berne, Switzerland
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Stavropoulos K, Imprialos K, Papademetriou V, Faselis C, Tsioufis K, Dimitriadis K, Doumas M. Primary Aldosteronism: Novel Insights. Curr Hypertens Rev 2020; 16:19-23. [PMID: 30987572 DOI: 10.2174/1573402115666190415155512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary aldosteronism is one of the most common causes of secondary hypertension. Patients with this endocrine syndrome are at increased cardiovascular risk, higher than hypertensive individuals with equal blood pressure levels. OBJECTIVES The study aimed to thoroughly present and critically discuss the novel insights into the field of primary aldosteronism, focusing on the clinically meaningful aspects. METHOD We meticulously evaluated existing data in the field of primary aldosteronism in order to summarize future perspectives in this narrative review. RESULTS Novel data suggests that a subclinical form of primary aldosteronism might exist. Interesting findings might simplify the diagnostic procedure of the disease, especially for the localization of primary aldosteronism. The most promising progress has been noted in the field of the molecular basis of the disease, suggesting new potential therapeutic targets. CONCLUSION Several significant aspects are at early stages of evaluation. Future research is essential to investigate these well-promising perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Konstantinos Imprialos
- 2nd Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Charles Faselis
- VAMC and George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Kostas Tsioufis
- 1st Cardiology Department, Kapodestrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Michael Doumas
- 2nd Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece.,VAMC and George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
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Yozamp N, Hundemer GL, Moussa M, Underhill J, Fudim T, Sacks B, Vaidya A. Intraindividual Variability of Aldosterone Concentrations in Primary Aldosteronism: Implications for Case Detection. Hypertension 2020; 77:891-899. [PMID: 33280409 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.120.16429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Primary aldosteronism is an underdiagnosed cause of hypertension. Although inadequate screening is one reason for underdiagnosis, another important contributor is that clinicians may inappropriately exclude the diagnosis when screening aldosterone concentrations fall below traditionally established thresholds. We evaluated the intraindividual variability in screening aldosterone concentrations and aldosterone-to-renin ratios, and how this variability could impact case detection, among 51 patients with confirmed primary aldosteronism who had 2 or more screening measurements of renin and aldosterone on different days. There were a total of 137 screening measurements with a mean of 3 (range 2-6) per patient. The mean intraindividual variability, expressed as coefficients of variation, was 31% for aldosterone and 45% for the aldosterone-to-renin ratio. Aldosterone concentrations ranged from 4.9 to 51 ng/dL; 49% of patients had at least one aldosterone measurement below 15 ng/dL, 29% had at least 2 aldosterone measurements below 15 ng/dL, and 29% had at least one measurement below 10 ng/dL. Individual aldosterone-to-renin ratios ranged from 8.2 to 427 ng/dL per ng/mL·hour; 57% had at least one ratio below 30 ng/dL per ng/mL·hour, 27% had at least 2 ratios below 30 ng/dL per ng/mL·hour, and 24% had at least one ratio below 20 ng/dL per ng/mL·hour. Aldosterone concentrations and aldosterone-to-renin ratios are highly variable in patients with primary aldosteronism, with many screening values falling below conventionally accepted diagnostic thresholds. The diagnostic yield for primary aldosteronism may be substantially increased by recalibrating the definition of a positive screen to include more liberal thresholds for aldosterone and the aldosterone-to-renin ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Yozamp
- From the Center for Adrenal Disorders, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital (N.Y., A.V.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Gregory L Hundemer
- Division of Nephrology, The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Canada (G.L.H.)
| | - Marwan Moussa
- Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (M.M., J.U., T.F., B.S.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Jonathan Underhill
- Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (M.M., J.U., T.F., B.S.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Tali Fudim
- Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (M.M., J.U., T.F., B.S.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Barry Sacks
- Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (M.M., J.U., T.F., B.S.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Anand Vaidya
- From the Center for Adrenal Disorders, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital (N.Y., A.V.), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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Piaditis GP, Kaltsas G, Markou A, Chrousos GP. Five Reasons for the Failure to Diagnose Aldosterone Excess in Hypertension. Horm Metab Res 2020; 52:827-833. [PMID: 32882712 DOI: 10.1055/a-1236-4869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Primary hyperaldosteronism (PA) is a well-known cause of hypertension although its exact prevalence amongst patients with apparent essential hypertension has been a matter of debate. A number of recent studies have suggested that mild forms of PA may be relatively common taking into consideration factors that were previously either overestimated or ignored when developing diagnostic tests of PA and when applying these tests into normotensive individuals. The performance characteristics and diagnostic accuracy of such tests are substantially increased when the adrenocorticotrophin effect, inappropriate potassium levels and their application in carefully selected normotensive individuals are considered. In the present review, we critically analyze these issues and provide evidence that several, particularly mild, forms of PA can be effectively identified exhibiting potentially important clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- George P Piaditis
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, "G. Gennimatas" General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Gregory Kaltsas
- Department of Pathophysiology, National University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Athina Markou
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, "G. Gennimatas" General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - George P Chrousos
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Athens, Greece
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Vaidya A, Carey RM. Evolution of the Primary Aldosteronism Syndrome: Updating the Approach. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5899581. [PMID: 32865201 PMCID: PMC7899564 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT New approaches are needed to address the evolution of the primary aldosteronism syndrome and to increase its recognition. Herein, we review evidence indicating that primary aldosteronism is a prevalent syndrome that is mostly unrecognized, and present a pragmatic and pathophysiology-based approach to improve diagnosis and treatment. METHODS Evidence was gathered from published guidelines and studies identified from PubMed by searching for primary aldosteronism, aldosterone, renin, and hypertension. This evidence was supplemented by the authors' personal knowledge, research experience, and clinical encounters in primary aldosteronism. INTERPRETATION OF EVIDENCE Renin-independent aldosterone production is a prevalent phenotype that is diagnosed as primary aldosteronism when severe in magnitude, but is largely unrecognized when milder in severity. Renin-independent aldosterone production can be detected in normotensive and hypertensive individuals, and the magnitude of this biochemical phenotype parallels the magnitude of blood pressure elevation, the risk for incident hypertension and cardiovascular disease, and the likelihood and magnitude of blood pressure reduction with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist therapy. Expansion of the indications to screen for primary aldosteronism, combined with the use of a pathophysiology-based approach that emphasizes inappropriate aldosterone production in the context of renin suppression, will substantially increase the diagnostic and therapeutic yields for primary aldosteronism. CONCLUSIONS The landscape of primary aldosteronism has evolved to recognize that it is a prevalent syndrome of renin-independent aldosterone production that contributes to the pathogenesis of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Expanding screening indications and simplifying the diagnostic approach will enable implementation of targeted treatment for primary aldosteronism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anand Vaidya
- Center for Adrenal Disorders, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, & Hypertension, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Anand Vaidya, MD, MMSc, Center for Adrenal Disorders, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 221 Longwood Ave, RFB, Boston, MA 02115, USA. E-mail:
| | - Robert M Carey
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
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Piaditis GP, Kaltsas G, Markou A, Chrousos GP. The Unrecognized Prevalence of Primary Aldosteronism. Ann Intern Med 2020; 173:681. [PMID: 33075252 DOI: 10.7326/l20-1096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Grigorios Kaltsas
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece (G.K., G.P.C.)
| | - Athina Markou
- G. Gennimatas General Hospital, Athens, Greece (A.M.)
| | - George P Chrousos
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece (G.K., G.P.C.)
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38
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Funder
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Wandin East, Victoria, Australia (J.W.F.)
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Brown JM, Siddiqui M, Calhoun DA, Carey RM, Hopkins PN, Williams GH, Vaidya A. The Unrecognized Prevalence of Primary Aldosteronism: A Cross-sectional Study. Ann Intern Med 2020; 173:10-20. [PMID: 32449886 PMCID: PMC7459427 DOI: 10.7326/m20-0065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 317] [Impact Index Per Article: 79.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary aldosteronism is a nonsuppressible renin-independent aldosterone production that causes hypertension and cardiovascular disease. OBJECTIVE To characterize the prevalence of nonsuppressible renin-independent aldosterone production, as well as biochemically overt primary aldosteronism, in relation to blood pressure. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING 4 U.S. academic medical centers. PARTICIPANTS Participants with normotension (n = 289), stage 1 hypertension (n = 115), stage 2 hypertension (n = 203), and resistant hypertension (n = 408). MEASUREMENTS Participants completed an oral sodium suppression test, regardless of aldosterone or renin levels, as a confirmatory diagnostic for primary aldosteronism and to quantify the magnitude of renin-independent aldosterone production. Urinary aldosterone was measured in participants in high sodium balance with suppressed renin activity. Biochemically overt primary aldosteronism was diagnosed when urinary aldosterone levels were higher than 12 μg/24 h. RESULTS Every blood pressure category had a continuum of renin-independent aldosterone production, where greater severity of production was associated with higher blood pressure, kaliuresis, and lower serum potassium levels. Mean adjusted levels of urinary aldosterone were 6.5 μg/24 h (95% CI, 5.2 to 7.7 μg/24 h) in normotension, 7.3 μg/24 h (CI, 5.6 to 8.9 μg/24 h) in stage 1 hypertension, 9.5 μg/24 h (CI, 8.2 to 10.8 μg/24 h) in stage 2 hypertension, and 14.6 μg/24 h (CI, 12.9 to 16.2 μg/24 h) in resistant hypertension; corresponding adjusted prevalence estimates for biochemically overt primary aldosteronism were 11.3% (CI, 5.9% to 16.8%), 15.7% (CI, 8.6% to 22.9%), 21.6% (CI, 16.1% to 27.0%), and 22.0% (CI, 17.2% to 26.8%). The aldosterone-renin ratio had poor sensitivity and negative predictive value for detecting biochemically overt primary aldosteronism. LIMITATION Prevalence estimates rely on arbitrary and conventional thresholds, and the study population may not represent nationwide demographics. CONCLUSION The prevalence of primary aldosteronism is high and largely unrecognized. Beyond this categorical definition of primary aldosteronism, there is a prevalent continuum of renin-independent aldosterone production that parallels the severity of hypertension. These findings redefine the primary aldosteronism syndrome and implicate it in the pathogenesis of "essential" hypertension. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE National Institutes of Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenifer M Brown
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (J.M.B., G.H.W., A.V.)
| | - Mohammed Siddiqui
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama (M.S., D.A.C.)
| | - David A Calhoun
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama (M.S., D.A.C.)
| | - Robert M Carey
- University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia (R.M.C.)
| | - Paul N Hopkins
- University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah (P.N.H.)
| | - Gordon H Williams
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (J.M.B., G.H.W., A.V.)
| | - Anand Vaidya
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts (J.M.B., G.H.W., A.V.)
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Fountoulakis S, Papanastasiou L, Voulgaris N, Kounadi T, Markou A, Chrousos GP, Piaditis G. Salt intake in mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist-treated primary aldosteronism: foe or ally? Hormones (Athens) 2020; 19:223-232. [PMID: 31863347 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-019-00167-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Mild hyperkalemia is a common side effect of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) treatment of patients with primary aldosteronism (PA), which can be worsened by instructions to minimize salt intake. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of salt consumption on serum potassium levels and mean, mean minimal, and mean maximal systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) in MRA-treated hyperkalemic PA patients under relative salt restriction. Seventeen consecutive mildly hyperkalemic MRA-treated PA patients aged 66.3 ± 8.37 years were recruited. Body mass index (BMI) and BP were assessed, and serum and 24-h urinary sodium and potassium levels, plasma renin, and serum aldosterone were measured, while patients followed a relatively salt-restricted diet, after 1 month of controlled salt supplementation (usual salt-restricted diet plus 4 g salt/day) and after 6 months on instructions for free dietary salt consumption. Baseline salt consumption was additionally evaluated in two more patient groups (normotensive subjects and normokalemic MRA-treated PA patients). One month of controlled salt supplementation (24-h urine sodium (median, min, max): 195.2 (120.30-275.20) vs 110.13 (34.30-139.20) mEq/day, p < 0.001) resulted in increased kaliuresis (62.25 (40.69-97.0) vs 54.0 (23.28-79.60) mEq/day, p = 0.001) and a decrease of serum potassium (5.2 (5-5.70) vs 4.6 (3.8-5.1) mEq/L, p < 0.001), while serum sodium (139 (133-141) vs 1 39 (135-144) mEq/L) and mean systolic (130 (105-141 vs. 130 (106-141) mmHg) and diastolic (76 (53-85) vs75 (53-84) mmHg) BP remained stable. These findings were unchanged after 6 months of free salt consumption. BMI remained constant, while plasma renin and serum aldosterone decreased following salt repletion. Adequate salt consumption attenuates MRA-induced hyperkalemia in relatively salt-restricted PA patients without affecting BP or BMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stelios Fountoulakis
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, General Hospital of Athens 'G. Gennimatas', 154 Mesogion Avenue, 11527, Athens, Greece.
| | - Labrini Papanastasiou
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, General Hospital of Athens 'G. Gennimatas', 154 Mesogion Avenue, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikos Voulgaris
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, General Hospital of Athens 'G. Gennimatas', 154 Mesogion Avenue, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Theodora Kounadi
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, General Hospital of Athens 'G. Gennimatas', 154 Mesogion Avenue, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Athina Markou
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, General Hospital of Athens 'G. Gennimatas', 154 Mesogion Avenue, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - George P Chrousos
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital 'Aghia Sophia', National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - George Piaditis
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Center, General Hospital of Athens 'G. Gennimatas', 154 Mesogion Avenue, 11527, Athens, Greece
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Abstract
The past nine years have seen major advances in establishing the etiology of unilateral primary aldosteronism, and very possibly that of bilateral hyperaldosteronism, in response to somatic mutations in aldosterone synthase expressing cells. Though there have been important advances in the management of primary aldosteronism, in small but convincing studies, they represent minor changes to current guidelines. What has been totally absent is consideration of the public health issue that primary aldosterone represents, and the public policy issues that would be involved in addressing the disorder. In his introduction to PiPA 6, Martin Reincke calculated that only one in a thousand patients in Germany with primary aldosteronism were treated appropriately, an astounding figure for any disease in the 21st century. Towards remedying this totally unacceptable public health issue, the author proposes a radical simplification and streamlining of screening for primary aldosteronism, and the management of most patients by general practitioners. The second bottle-neck in current management is that of mandatory adrenal venous sampling for all but 1-2% of patients, a costly procedure requiring rare expertise. Ideally, it should be reserved - on the basis of likelihood, enhanced imaging, or peripheral steroid profiles - for a small minority of patients with clear evidence for unilateral disease. Only when costs are minimized and roadblocks removed will primary aldosteronism be properly treated as the public health issue that it is.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Watson Funder
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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42
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Sodium-induced inflammation-an invisible player in resistant hypertension. Hypertens Res 2020; 43:629-633. [PMID: 32203452 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-020-0428-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this review was to discuss the role of sodium and inflammation in the pathophysiology of hypertension and the observed different hemodynamic effects of drugs. The Pathway-2 study revealed that similar reductions in vascular resistance after spironolactone and doxazosin resulted in opposite effects on sodium balance, water retention, and hemodynamic parameters. These and other clinical findings were bridged to recent experimental and physiological data. Tissue sodium accumulation in salt-sensitive individuals due to endothelial glycocalyx dysfunction causes macrophage infiltration, vascular inflammation, and local changes in angiotensin-2 and aldosterone concentrations. This inflammatory cascade leads to factor XII-related coagulation disorders with neutrophil extracellular trap formation (NETosis). This model of sodium-induced microcirculation impairment was used to explain the differences in central hemodynamic parameters after spironolactone or doxazosin treatment in resistant hypertension. Hypertension treatment by induced sodium removal or reduced sodium intake should reduce endothelial glycocalyx dysfunction, inflammation, NETosis, and coagulation disorders, leading to improved vascular health and cardiac diastolic function.
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Abstract
Primary aldosteronism is currently considered to represent 5-13% of hypertension, yet fewer than 1% of patients with the disorder are ever diagnosed and treated. Current management of patients screened and confirmed positive for primary aldosteronism involves imaging, and with very few exceptions adrenal venous sampling to lateralize (or not) hyperaldosteronism. Unilateral disease is treated by adrenalectomy: bilateral disease by mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists and conventional antihypertensives as/if required. New therapeutic approaches include (i) routine screening on first presentation for hypertension; (ii) harmonisation of cut-offs for renin and aldosterone, plus use of 24-h urinary rather than spot plasma values for the latter; (iii) adoption of a dexamethasone enhanced seated saline suppression test for confirmation exclusion; (iv) enhanced imaging and steroid profiles as partial replacement for adrenal venous sampling; and finally (v), inclusion of low dose spironolactone in first-line therapy for hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Funder
- Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
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Pan MH, Zhu SR, Duan WJ, Ma XH, Luo X, Liu B, Kurihara H, Li YF, Chen JX, He RR. "Shanghuo" increases disease susceptibility: Modern significance of an old TCM theory. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2019; 250:112491. [PMID: 31863858 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2019.112491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE "Shanghuo", a concept based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, describes a status of Yin-Yang imbalance when Yang overwhelms Yin. The imbalance of Yin-Yang resembles the breaking of homeostasis and manifests by the impaired physiological functions, which leads to the onset, recurrence, and progression of diseases. Since ancient times, Chinese Materia Medica (CMM), such as herbal tea, has been applied as a treatment for "Shanghuo". AIM OF THE STUDY This review is aimed to describe the origin of "Shanghuo" from the Yin-Yang theory in TCM, as well as explore the relevance and correlations between "Shanghuo" and diseases susceptibility from the perspective of modern medicine. We also propose several strategies from CMM to improve the status of "Shanghuo" for the purpose of treating diseases. METHODS Systematic research of articles with keywords including Shanghuo, Yin-Yang, emotional stress and disease susceptibility was done by using the literature databases (Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, CNKI). Related books, PhD and master's dissertations were also researched. Full scientific plant names were validated by "The Plant List" (www.theplantlist.org). RESULTS To date, a large number of publications have reported research on sub-health status, but studies about the theory or intervention of "Shanghuo" are rarely found. The articles we reviewed indicate that accumulated emotional stress is critical for the cause of "Shanghuo". As a status similar to sub-health, "Shanghuo" is also manifested by impaired physiological functions and decreased nonspecific resistance, which increase susceptibility to various diseases. What's more, some studies highlight the importance of TCM treatment towards "Shanghuo" in maintaining normal physiological functions, such as immunity, lipid metabolism and ROS clearance. CONCLUSIONS Researches on "Shanghuo" and its mechanism are every rare currently and are in need of investigation in the future. Studies on disease susceptibility recently are mostly about susceptible genes that relate to a few parts of people, however, for most of the people, accumulated emotional stress or other stressors is accountable for the susceptibility of diseases. Given that emotional stress plays an important factor in the causation of "Shanghuo", we reviewed the articles about this relevance and discussed the connection of "Shanghuo" with disease susceptibility in a novel perspective. In addition, we have reviewed the disease susceptibility model of restraint stress from its biochemical manifestation to application in CMM assessment. Although it would be a breakthrough in evaluating CMM efficacy of attenuating disease-susceptibility, understanding the comprehensive theory and establishing more models of "Shanghuo" would be required in further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Hai Pan
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine & Disease Susceptibility, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Si-Rui Zhu
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine & Disease Susceptibility, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Wen-Jun Duan
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine & Disease Susceptibility, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Ma
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine & Disease Susceptibility, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xiang Luo
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine & Disease Susceptibility, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, And Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hiroshi Kurihara
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine & Disease Susceptibility, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yi-Fang Li
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine & Disease Susceptibility, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Jia-Xu Chen
- College of Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Rong-Rong He
- Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Chinese Medicine & Disease Susceptibility, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China; International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education (MOE), College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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Abstract
Low-renin hypertension affects 30% of hypertensive patients. Primary hyperaldosteronism presents with low renin and aldosterone excess. Low-renin, low-aldosterone hypertension represents a wide spectrum of disorders that includes essential low-renin hypertension, hereditary forms of hypertension, and hypertension secondary to endogenous or exogenous factors. This review addresses the different conditions that present with low-renin hypertension, discussing an appropriate diagnostic approach and highlighting the genetic subtypes within familial forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shobana Athimulam
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street Southwest, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Natalia Lazik
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street Southwest, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Irina Bancos
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st Street Southwest, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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Application of strict criteria in adrenal venous sampling increases the proportion of missed patients with unilateral disease who benefit from surgery for primary aldosteronism. J Hypertens 2019; 36:1407-1413. [PMID: 29465715 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000001693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) is intended to confirm unilateral forms of primary aldosteronism, which are amenable to surgical cure. Excessively strict AVS criteria to define lateralization may result in many patients incorrectly categorized as bilateral primary aldosteronism and opportunity for surgical cure missed. METHODS Retrospective review of an AVS-primary aldosteronism database in which surgical cases are verified by standardized outcomes. Having used 'less strict' AVS criteria for lateralization, we examined the distribution of AVS lateralization indices in our confirmed unilateral primary aldosteronism cases both with and without cosyntropin stimulation. The proportion of proven unilateral cases that would have been missed with stricter AVS interpretation criteria was calculated. Particular focus was given to the proportion of missed cases according to use of international guidelines. False-positive lateralization with 'less strict' interpretation was also calculated. RESULTS Of 80 surgical primary aldosteronism cases, 10-23% would have been missed with AVS lateralization indices of 3 : 1 to 5 : 1, with or without cosyntropin. If strict selectivity indices (for confirmation of catheterization) were combined with strict lateralization indices, up to 70% of unilateral primary aldosteronism cases could have been missed. Use of Endocrine Society AVS guidelines would have missed 21-43% of proven unilateral cases. 'Less strict' AVS interpretation yielded one case (1.2%) of false lateralization. CONCLUSION Excessively strict AVS interpretation criteria will result in a high rate of missed unilateral primary aldosteronism with subsequent loss of opportunity for intervention. Use of more lenient lateralization criteria will improve the detection rate of unilateral primary aldosteronism with very low false-positive rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- John W Funder
- From the Hudson Institute of Medical Research and Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Dourida M, Tzanela M, Asimakopoulou A, Botoula E, Koutsilieris M, Philippou A. Endocrine responses after a single bout of moderate aerobic exercise in healthy adult humans. J Appl Biomed 2019; 17:46. [PMID: 34907745 DOI: 10.32725/jab.2018.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Exercise is a stress stimulus for the human organism affecting the homeostatic mechanisms of the body, depending on the type, duration, intensity and frequency of exercise. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a moderate aerobic exercise bout on the Hypothalamo-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis acute hormonal responses in healthy adult humans. Twelve healthy male and female volunteers (age: 30.6 ± 4.4 years), performed a single bout of a 30-minute aerobic exercise at 70% of VO2max on a treadmill, following standard diet. Blood samples were collected before (t0), at the end of the exercise bout (t30), and 30 min after the completion of exercise (t60). Serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol (COR), aldosterone (ALDO) and renin (REN) were measured. One-way ANOVA was used for statistics. ACTH and COR decreased after exercise, reaching significance (p < 0.01) 30 min after the completion of the exercise bout. ALDO increased at the end of exercise and remained elevated 30 min after its completion. REN significantly increased at the end of exercise (p < 0.05) and remained elevated. The exercise regimen used in this study had beneficial effects on the stress axis, suggesting that specific exercise protocols can be characterised by mild physiological stress-inducing effects hence be prescribed for special diseased populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Dourida
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Department of Physiology, Athens, Greece
| | - Marinella Tzanela
- Evagelismos Hospital, Department of Endocrinology-Diabetes Centre, Athens, Greece
| | - Athina Asimakopoulou
- Evagelismos Hospital, Department of Endocrinology-Diabetes Centre, Athens, Greece
| | - Efi Botoula
- Evagelismos Hospital, Department of Endocrinology-Diabetes Centre, Athens, Greece
| | - Michael Koutsilieris
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Department of Physiology, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastassios Philippou
- National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Department of Physiology, Athens, Greece
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de Kloet ER, de Kloet SF, de Kloet CS, de Kloet AD. Top-down and bottom-up control of stress-coping. J Neuroendocrinol 2019; 31:e12675. [PMID: 30578574 PMCID: PMC6519262 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In this 30th anniversary issue review, we focus on the glucocorticoid modulation of limbic-prefrontocortical circuitry during stress-coping. This action of the stress hormone is mediated by mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) and glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) that are co-expressed abundantly in these higher brain regions. Via both receptor types, the glucocorticoids demonstrate, in various contexts, rapid nongenomic and slower genomic actions that coordinate consecutive stages of information processing. MR-mediated action optimises stress-coping, whereas, in a complementary fashion, the memory storage of the selected coping strategy is promoted via GR. We highlight the involvement of adipose tissue in the allocation of energy resources to central regulation of stress reactions, point to still poorly understood neuronal ensembles in the prefrontal cortex that underlie cognitive flexibility critical for effective coping, and evaluate the role of cortisol as a pleiotropic regulator in vulnerability to, and treatment of, trauma-related psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edo R. de Kloet
- Division of EndocrinologyDepartment of MedicineLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Sybren F. de Kloet
- Department of Integrative NeurophysiologyCenter for Neurogenomics and Cognitive ResearchVU‐University of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | | | - Annette D. de Kloet
- Department of Physiology and Functional GenomicsUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFlorida
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Surprisingly low aldosterone levels in peripheral veins following intravenous sedation during adrenal vein sampling. J Hypertens 2019; 37:596-602. [DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000001905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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