Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels are U-shaped in the Ludwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular Health (LURIC) study-Impact for mortality

Prognostic utility of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels for cardiovascular events in patients with stable coronary artery disease treated with percutaneous coronary intervention: a prospective longitudinal cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) modulates the enzymatic activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9, which is an important mediator of plaque instability in atherosclerosis. High NGAL levels can independently predict all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, studies that have measured NGAL levels in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) are limited. Furthermore, no significant prognostic predictive value between NGAL levels and stable CAD has been established.

HYPOTHESIS

We aimed to investigate the prognostic role of NGAL levels in a prospective cohort study of patients with stable CAD treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

METHODS

A total of 2,238 stable patients with CAD and a previous PCI were enrolled in a multicenter prospective observational study (The National Taiwan Biosignature Research, NTBR) in Taiwan. The primary outcome was the occurrence of MACE (cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and ischemic stroke). The secondary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, nonfatal MI, nonfatal stroke, and hospitalization for heart failure).

RESULTS

During the mean follow-up period of 4.6 ± 1.7 years, 441 patients reached the primary endpoints. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that event-free survival was significantly different between the first and third tertile groups (log-rank test, p < 0.001) in subjects categorized by NGAL levels. In a multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, plasma NGAL levels were independently associated with an increased risk of MACE [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.35; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.18-1.54, p < 0.001], AMI (aHR = 1.34; 95% CI = 1.12-1.59, p < 0.001), and target vessel revascularization (aHR = 1.35; 95% CI = 1.19-1.53, p < 0.001). Addition of serum NGAL levels to the traditional risk model improved its prediction value for future cardiovascular events.

CONCLUSIONS

High plasma NGAL levels were independently associated with the occurrence of MACE and composite cardiovascular events in patients with stable PCI-treat CAD.

The predictive role of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in coronary artery disease

The prognosis holds significant implications for the long-term quality of life among patients suffering from coronary artery disease. However, a pressing challenge lies in the absence of reliable biomarkers that can establish a definitive correlation between these biomarkers and the prognosis of coronary artery heart disease. This review paper delves into the critical role of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in predicting outcomes in coronary artery disease. It examines the influence of NGAL on various clinical manifestations, including stable angina, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, and isolated coronary artery dilation. Furthermore, this review provides recommendations aimed at enhancing the rigor and impact of future research, thereby serving as a valuable reference for subsequent studies in this domain.

Age-related subtypes of late life depression and mortality: A prospective clinical cohort study

OBJECTIVES

Late Life Depression (LLD) is associated with increased mortality rates, but it remains unclear which depressed patients are at increased risk. This study examined the mortality risk of previously identified subgroups of depressed older patients based on age-related clinical features (the presence of physical and cognitive frailty).

METHODS

A six-year follow-up of a clinical cohort study including 375 depressed older patients and 132 non-depressed persons (NESDO). Depressed patients were diagnosed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) according to DSM-IV criteria and classified by latent profile analysis on depressive symptom severity, cognitive domains and physical frailty. We estimated the hazard rate of mortality for the four depressed subgroups compared to non-depressed persons by applying Cox-regression analyses. Models were adjusted for age, sex and education as confounders and for explanatory variables per pathway in separate models: somatic burden, lifestyle characteristics, vascular burden or inflammation markers.

RESULTS

A total of 61/375 (16.3%) depressed patients and 8/132 (6.1%) non-depressed persons died during the 6-year follow-up. Two of the four subgroups (n = 186/375 (50%) of the depressed sample) had a higher hazard rate (HR) for mortality compared to non-depressed participants, that is, frail-depressed patients (HR = 5.25, [95%-CI: 2.13-13.0]) and pure mild depressed patients (HR = 3.32 [95%-CI: 1.46-7.58]) adjusted for confounders. Adding possible underlying pathways did not explain these associations.

CONCLUSIONS

Age-related features (the presence of physical and cognitive frailty) contribute to the increased mortality risk in late-life depression. Future studies in depressed older patients should study the additional value of a clinical geriatric assessment and integrated treatment aimed to at reduce frailty and ameliorate their mortality risk.

Mortality prognosis of NGAL, NTproBNP, hsTnT, and GRACE score in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Background

NGAL serum concentration have predictive value for cardiovascular events and mortality in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Objectives

Assessed the all-cause mortarlity prognosis value of serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), combination with N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and hsTnT, and GRACE score in patients with ACS.

Materials and methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis study used in this study in 58 patients with ACS. Serum NGAL, NT-proBNP, hs-TnT concentration and GRACE score associated with death events (after 3 months of follow-up) were assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results

High performance in predicting mortality of NGAL with a cut-off value of 154.55 ng/mL (AUC, 95% CI = 0.96, 0.90 - 1.0; p = 0.001), GRACE score with 140.50 scores (AUC, 95% CI = 0.76, 0.57 - 0.96; p = 0.051). Combination of NTproBNP plus NGAL indicated with the highest value (AUC, 95% CI = 0.96, 0.91 - 1.0; Se = 80.0; Sp = 92.5; p = 0.001). The relative risk assessment indicated a high value in mortality prediction of NGAL with a cut-off value of 154.55 (OR, 95% CI = 49.0, 4.3 - 549.2; p < 0.001), and GRACE score with 140.50 scores (OR, 95% CI = 11.1, 1.1 - 108.4; p = 0.013).

Conclusion

NGAL can be employed as a biomarker for the early prediction of mortality events in individuals with ACS. The combination of NGAL, NT-proBNP, hsTnT, and GRACE score showed the higher outcome but not worth mentioning.

Predictive value of elevated neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels for assessment of in-hospital adverse outcomes among myocardial infarction patients

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory biomarkers are known to rise and have predictive value for adverse outcomes in patients with acute coronary ischemia. One of those biomarkers is neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL). To date, only very few studies have assessed the prognostic value of NGAL in this setting. We investigated the prognostic utility of elevated NGAL levels on clinical outcomes among ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients.

METHODS

High NGAL was defined as values within the 4th quartile. Patients were assessed for major in-hospital adverse clinical events (MACE). Multivariable logistic regression and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were used to further evaluate NGAL association for MACE and discrimination ability.

RESULTS

A total of 273 patients were included. patients with high NGAL were at increased risk for MACE (62% vs. 19%; odds ratio 6.88, 95% confidence interval, 3.77-12.54, P  < 0.001). After propensity score matching, the incidence of MACE was significantly higher in patients with high vs. low NGAL levels (69% vs. 6%, P  = 0.002). In multivariable regression, high NGAL level was independently associated with MACE. The discrimination ability of NGAL to identify MACE (AUC 0.823), is significantly better than that of other inflammatory markers.

CONCLUSION

Among ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention, high NGAL levels are associated with adverse outcomes, independent of traditional inflammatory markers.

Predictive Value of Elevated Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) Levels for Assessment of Cardio-Renal Interactions among ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients

Background: Elevated serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels reflect both inflammatory reactions and renal tubular injury. Recently, associations with endothelial dysfunction and plaque instability were also proposed. We investigated the prognostic utility of elevated NGAL levels for renal and clinical outcomes among ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients treated with primary coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: We performed a prospective, observational, open-label trial. High NGAL was defined as values within the third tertile (>66 percentile). Results: A total of 267 patients were included (mean age 66 ± 14 years, 81% males). Short-term adverse outcomes were consistently increased in the high NGAL group with more acute kidney injury, lower mean left ventricular ejection fraction, higher 30-day mortality, and higher incidence for the composite outcome of major adverse cardiac events (MACE). In a multivariate logistic regression model, high NGAL emerged as a strong and independent predictor for MACE (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.15−3.73, p = 0.014). Conclusions: Among STEMI patients undergoing primary PCI, elevated NGAL levels are associated with adverse renal and cardiovascular outcomes, independent of traditional inflammatory markers. Further studies are needed to assess the potentially unique role of NGAL in cardio−renal interactions.

Circulating Biomarkers Reflecting Destabilization Mechanisms of Coronary Artery Plaques: Are We Looking for the Impossible?

Despite significant strides to mitigate the complications of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), this clinical entity still represents a major global health burden. It has so far been well-established that most of the plaques leading to ACS are not a result of gradual narrowing of the vessel lumen, but rather a result of sudden disruption of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. As most of the developed imaging modalities for vulnerable plaque detection are invasive, multiple biomarkers were proposed to identify their presence. Owing to the pivotal role of lipids and inflammation in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, most of the biomarkers originated from one of those processes, whereas recent advancements in molecular sciences shed light on the use of microRNAs. Yet, at present there are no clinically implemented biomarkers or any other method for that matter that could non-invasively, yet reliably, diagnose the vulnerable plaque. Hence, in this review we summarized the available knowledge regarding the pathophysiology of plaque instability, the current evidence on potential biomarkers associated with plaque destabilization and finally, we discussed if search for biomarkers could one day bring us to non-invasive, cost-effective, yet valid way of diagnosing the vulnerable, rupture-prone coronary artery plaques.

Plasma levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus associate with early diabetic neuropathy and nephropathy

BACKGROUND

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) has been suggested as a marker for abnormal regulation of tissue remodelling in type 1 diabetes. Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) has been associated with matrix turnover, and Neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a marker of tubular injury in diabetic nephropathy. The aim was to analyse these biomarkers to unmask early diabetic complications.

METHODS

Thirty-three type 1 diabetes patients, aged 20-35 years, and disease duration 20 ± 5.3 years were included. Along with clinical examination, neurophysiological measurements, routine biochemistry, plasma concentrations of TIMP-1, MMP-9 and NGAL were determined with immunoenzymatic techniques.

RESULTS

TIMP-1 correlated with abnormal unilateral and bilateral vibratory sense foot perception (r = -0.49 and r = -0.51, respectively), foot neuropathy impairment assessment score (NIA; r = -0.55), neuropathy symptom assessment score (r = 0.42), microalbuminuria (r = 0.50) and eGFR (r = -0.45). MMP-9 correlated with impaired foot NIA (r = 0.51). Multiple regression analysis showed an association for TIMP-1 (p = 0.004) with impaired neurophysiological examinations and renal dysfunction along with NGAL (p = 0.016 and p = 0.015 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that plasma levels of TIMP-1, MMP-9 and NGAL may serve as useful biomarkers in unravelling subclinical neuropathy and nephropathy in type 1 diabetes.

Plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin levels are associated with the presence and severity of coronary heart disease

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the levels of plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and interleukin (IL)-1β across different clinical presentations of coronary artery disease and to evaluate the relationship between those biomarkers and the severity of coronary artery lesions in patients without kidney disease.

METHODS

We examined 365 eligible patients who underwent coronary angiography. A total of 124 ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients, 117 stable angina pectoris (SAP) patients and 124 patients without atherosclerotic plaques were enrolled in the study. Plasma NGAL, MMP-9, hs-CRP, and IL-1β were measured in all patients using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. According to the SYNTAX score, the STEMI patients and SAP patients were divided into another set of 2 groups: a high score group (≥ 33, n = 29) and a low score group (<33, n = 212). The relationship between those biomarkers and the severity of coronary stenosis was examined by Spearman correlation analysis; the ability for NGAL to discriminate severe coronary stenosis was examined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve; the influencing factors for the SYNTAX score were determined by logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Plasma NGAL, MMP-9, and hs-CRP levels in STEMI patients were higher than in the SAP patients and control subjects (P<0.05, respectively), and plasma NGAL and hs-CRP levels were significantly higher in the SAP patients than in control subjects (P<0.05, respectively), while plasma IL-1β was similar among the 3 groups (P>0.05, respectively). The SYNTAX score was positively related to NGAL (r = 0.363, P<0.001), MMP-9 (r = 0.377, P<0.001), and hs-CRP (r = 0.163, P<0.011); the SYNTAX score was not related to IL-1β (r = -0.043, P = 0.510). Plasma NGAL was positively related to MMP-9 (r = 0.601, P<0.001) and IL-1β (r = 0.159, P = 0.014). The area under the ROC curve for NGAL discriminating severe coronary stenosis was 0.838 (95% CI: 0.752-0.923, P<0.001), which was greater than that for MMP-9 [0.818, (95% CI: 0.724-0.912, P<0.001)], IL-1β [0.485, (95% CI: 0.369-0.601, P = 0.791)], and hs-CRP [0.607, (95% CI: 0.492-0.722, P = 0.061)]. Multivariate regression analysis showed that plasma NGAL levels were independently related to high SYNTAX scores [OR = 1.109, (95% CI: 1.104-1.114), P<0.001].

CONCLUSION

Plasma NGAL, MMP-9, and hs-CRP levels in STEMI patients were higher than those in the SAP patients and control subjects. NGAL had a better ability to discriminate severe coronary stenosis than MMP-9, IL-1β, and hs-CRP. NGAL may be a novel biomarker to aid in risk stratification in coronary heart disease patients.

Blockade of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 alleviates renal injury associated with hyperuricemia

Hyperuricemia has been identified as an independent risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with the progression of kidney diseases. It remains unknown whether enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a histone H3 lysine 27 methyltransferase, can regulate metabolism of serum uric acid and progression of renal injury induced by hyperuricemia. In this study, we demonstrated that blockade of EZH2 with 3-DZNeP, a selective EZH2 inhibitor, or silencing of EZH2 with siRNA inhibited uric acid-induced renal fibroblast activation and phosphorylation of Smad3, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) in cultured renal fibroblasts. Inhibition of EZH2 also suppressed proliferation of renal fibroblasts and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of tubular cells. In a mouse model of renal injury induced by hyperuricemia, EZH2 and trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine27 expression levels were enhanced, which was coincident with renal damage and increased expression of lipocalin-2 and cleaved caspase-3. Inhibition of EZH2 with 3-DZNeP blocked all these responses. Furthermore, 3-DZNeP treatment decreased the level of serum uric acid and xanthine oxidase activity, alleviated renal interstitial fibrosis, inhibited activation of transforming growth factor-β/Smad3, EGFR/ERK1/2, and nuclear factor-κB signaling pathways, as well as reduced expression of multiple chemokines/cytokines. Collectively, EZH2 inhibition can reduce the level of serum uric acid and alleviate renal injury and fibrosis through a mechanism associated with inhibition of multiple signaling pathways. Targeting EZH2 may be a novel strategy for the treatment of hyperuricemia-induced CKD.

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and cardiovascular events in patients with stable coronary artery disease

Inflammation is an important mediator in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a small glycoprotein secreted by neutrophils. NGAL regulates the activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9, which plays a role in plaque instability. It has therefore been hypothesised that NGAL may modulate inflammation and promote the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Our aim was to assess the predictive value of plasma NGAL in a prospective cohort study of 876 high-risk patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). NGAL levels were measured using the NGAL Test^TM from BioPorto Diagnostics. Clinical follow-up was performed after a median of 3.1 years. The endpoint was a combination of non-fatal acute myocardial infarction (MI), cardiovascular death (CVD), or ischaemic stroke. The NGAL concentration was (median [25;75%]: 64.3 µg/L [51.3;81.4]). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.56 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.49;0.64) for the diagnosis of the composite endpoint and 0.66 (95% CI: 0.56;0.75) after adding NGAL to high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), leucocyte count, interleukin-6 (IL-6), calprotectin, age, sex, body mass index (BMI), diabetes mellitus, smoking and creatinine. However, the AUC for hs-CRP, leucocyte count, IL-6, calprotectin, age, sex, BMI, diabetes mellitus, smoking and creatinine without NGAL was similar at 0.66 (95% CI: 0.56;0.76). NGAL alone had no predictive value with respect to the composite endpoint of non-fatal AMI, ischaemic stroke, or CVD in stable CAD patients. NGAL did not add any predictive value to the endpoint compared with existing inflammatory biomarkers and cardiovascular risk factors.

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin as a risk marker in cardiovascular disease

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a promising diagnostic biomarker of early acute kidney injury. Increasing evidence suggests that NGAL may also be involved in inflammatory processes in cardiovascular disease. NGAL modulates the enzymatic activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), which is an important mediator of plaque instability in atherosclerosis. The complex formation between NGAL and MMP-9 therefore suggests that NGAL might play a role in progression of atherothrombotic disease. This review summarises current data on NGAL in atherosclerosis, acute myocardial infarction, and heart failure.