Characterizing heart failure with preserved and reduced ejection fraction: An imaging and plasma biomarker approach

Profile of serum microRNAs in heart failure with reduced and preserved ejection fraction: Correlation with myocardial remodeling

Background and aims

Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis are key components of myocardial remodeling in Heart Failure (HF) with preserved (HFpEF) or reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding, evolutionarily conserved RNA molecules that may offer novel insights into myocardial remodeling. This study aimed to characterize miRNA expression in HFpEF (LVEF ≥  45%) and HFrEF (LVEF < 45%) and its association with myocardial remodeling.

Methods

Prospectively enrolled symptomatic HF patients (HFpEF:n = 36; HFrEF:n = 31) and controls (n = 23) underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging with T1-mapping and circulating miRNA expression (OpenArray system).

Results

13 of 188 miRNAs were differentially expressed between HF groups (11 downregulated in HFpEF). Myocardial extracellular volume (ECV) was increased in both HF groups (HFpEF 30 ± 5%; HFrEF 30 ± 3%; controls 26 ± 2%, p < 0.001). miR-128a-3p, linked to cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and dysfunction, correlated positively with ECV in HFpEF (r = 0.60, p = 0.01) and negatively in HFrEF (r = - 0.51, p = 0.04). miR-423-5p overexpression, previously associated HF mortality, was inversely associated with LVEF (r = - 0.29, p = 0.04) and intracellular water lifetime (τ ic) (r = - 0.45, p < 0.05) in both HF groups, and with NT-proBNP in HFpEF (r = - 0.63, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

miRNA expression profiles differed between HF phenotypes. The differential expression and association of miR-128a-3p with ECV may reflect the distinct vascular, interstitial, and cellular etiologies of HF phenotypes.

Myeloperoxidase, carnitine, and derivatives of reactive oxidative metabolites in heart failure with preserved versus reduced ejection fraction: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Understanding the pathophysiology of heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) continues to be challenging. Several inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers have recently been suggested to be involved in HFpEF.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this review was to synthesize the evidence on non-traditional biomarkers from metabolomic studies that may distinguish HFpEF from heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and controls without HF.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted using Medline and PubMed with search terms such as "HFpEF" and "metabolomics", and a meta-analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in HFpEF than controls without HF, but comparable (p = 0.838) between HFpEF and HFrEF. Carnitine levels were significantly (p < 0.0001) higher in HFrEF than HFpEF, but comparable (p = 0.443) between HFpEF and controls without HF. Derivatives of reactive oxidative metabolites (DROMs) were not significantly (p = 0.575) higher in HFpEF than controls without HF.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that MPO is operative in HFpEF and HFrEF and may be a biomarker for HF. Furthermore, circulating carnitine levels may distinguish HFrEF from HFpEF.

Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction and Hypertension: A Bond More Important than We Think

Coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is a clinical entity linked with various risk factors that significantly affect cardiac morbidity and mortality. Hypertension, one of the most important, causes both functional and structural alterations in the microvasculature, promoting the occurrence and progression of microvascular angina. Endothelial dysfunction and capillary rarefaction play the most significant role in the development of CMD among patients with hypertension. CMD is also related to several hypertension-induced morphological and functional changes in the myocardium in the subclinical and early clinical stages, including left ventricular hypertrophy, interstitial myocardial fibrosis, and diastolic dysfunction. This indicates the fact that CMD, especially if associated with hypertension, is a subclinical marker of end-organ damage and heart failure, particularly that with preserved ejection fraction. This is why it is important to search for microvascular angina in every patient with hypertension and chest pain not associated with obstructive coronary artery disease. Several highly sensitive and specific non-invasive and invasive diagnostic modalities have been developed to evaluate the presence and severity of CMD and also to investigate and guide the treatment of additional complications that can affect further prognosis. This comprehensive review provides insight into the main pathophysiological mechanisms of CMD in hypertensive patients, offering an integrated diagnostic approach as well as an overview of currently available therapeutical modalities.

Serum-soluble suppression of tumourigenicity-2 as a biomarker in children with congestive heart failure

BACKGROUND

We aimed to evaluate serum soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 in children with congestive heart failure, to assess the diagnostic and prognostic values of soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 in these patients, and to correlate its levels with various clinical and echocardiographic data.

METHODS

We included 60 children with congestive heart failure as the patient group. Sixty healthy children of matched age and sex served as the control group. Patients were evaluated clinically and by echocardiography. Serum level of suppression of tumorigenicity-2 was measured for patients at admission. All patients were followed up for death or readmission for a period of one year.

RESULTS

Soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 was significantly higher in children with congestive heart failure as compared to the control group. Soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 was significantly increased in patients with higher severity of congestive heart failure. There was a significant increase in soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 in patients with bad prognosis compared to those with good prognosis. There was a significant positive correlation between soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 and respiratory rate, heart rate, and clinical stage of congenital heart failure, while there was a significant negative correlation between soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 and left ventricular systolic and diastolic function. The best cut-off of soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 to diagnose congestive heart failure was > 3.6 with 87% sensitivity and 79% specificity. The cut-off point of soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 to diagnose congestive heart failure in children was ≥ 31.56 ng/ml, with 95% sensitivity and 91.37% specificity. Moreover, the cut-off point of soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 to predict bad prognosis in children with congestive heart failure was ≥ 255.5 ng/ml, with 92% sensitivity and 89.0% specificity.

CONCLUSION

Soluble suppression of tumorigenicity-2 is a good diagnostic and predictive biomarker in children with congestive heart failure.

Association between omentin-1 and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in Chinese elderly patients

BACKGROUND

Omentin-1 is a novel adipokine and is associated with chronic inflammation and cardiovascular diseases. However, it remains unclear whether omentin-1 levels are associated with diagnostic significance in elderly patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). This study aimed to investigate the correlation between omentin-1 and HFpEF in Chinese elderly patients.

HYPOTHESIS

Omentin-1 may be invovled in HFpEF and there may be a difference of omentin-1 levels between HFpEF and control.

METHODS

217 subjects were selected, including 115 patients with HFpEF and 102 control subjects. Enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect plasma levels of omentin-1, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was used to examine the diagnostic performance of omentin-1 in HFpEF.

RESULTS

The levels of omentin-1 decreased significantly in the HFpEF group (14.02 ± 8.35 vs. 19.74 ± 8.45 ng/mL, p < .001), while NT-proBNP, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were significantly increased in the HFpEF group compared with the control group. Spearman correlation analysis showed that omentin-1 levels were negatively correlated with E/e' (r = -.340, p < .001). The multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that omentin-1 was an independent protective factor for HFpEF (odd ratio = 0.948, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.905-0.993, p = .025). Omentin-1 levels were negatively correlated with NT-proBNP (r = -.273, p < .001) and TNF-α (r = -.221, p = .001). Diagnostic efficiency by ROC curve analysis in the patients with HFpEF showed that the area under the curve (AUC) for omentin-1 was equivalent to NT-proBNP (AUC: 0.734, 95%CI 0.667-0.802; AUC: 0.800, 95%CI 0.738-0.861). Subgroup analysis showed that in the patients between the age of 70 and 80, the predictive capability of omentin-1 was stronger than NT-proBNP (AUC: 0.809, 95%CI 0.680-0.937; AUC: 0.674, 95%CI 0.514-0.833).

CONCLUSIONS

Omentin-1 levels which were associated with inflammation, were decreased in the HFpEF patients. It could be regarded as a valuable biomarker for the occurrence and development of HFpEF in elderly patients.

Cardiac Fibrosis in heart failure: Focus on non-invasive diagnosis and emerging therapeutic strategies

Heart failure is a leading cause of mortality and hospitalization worldwide. Cardiac fibrosis, resulting from the excessive deposition of collagen fibers, is a common feature across the spectrum of conditions converging in heart failure. Eventually, either reparative or reactive in nature, in the long-term cardiac fibrosis contributes to heart failure development and progression and is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Despite this, specific cardiac antifibrotic therapies are lacking, making cardiac fibrosis an urgent unmet medical need. In this context, a better patient phenotyping is needed to characterize the heterogenous features of cardiac fibrosis to advance toward its personalized management. In this review, we will describe the different phenotypes associated with cardiac fibrosis in heart failure and we will focus on the potential usefulness of imaging techniques and circulating biomarkers for the non-invasive characterization and phenotyping of this condition and for tracking its clinical impact. We will also recapitulate the cardiac antifibrotic effects of existing heart failure and non-heart failure drugs and we will discuss potential strategies under preclinical development targeting the activation of cardiac fibroblasts at different levels, as well as targeting additional extracardiac processes.

SGLT2 inhibitors among patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have been recommended in the practice guidelines for the treatment of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction; however, their effects among patients with preserved ejection fraction have been debatable.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to evaluate the SGLT2 inhibitor effect among patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, including DELIVER and EMPEROR-Preserved trials.

METHODS

We performed a systematic literature search using the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane libraries for relevant articles from inception until August 30th, 2022. Statistical analysis was performed by calculating hazard ratio (HR) using the random effect model with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and probability value (P). Statistical significance was met if 95% CI does not cross numeric "1" and P < .05.

RESULTS

Six studies with a total of 15,989 total patients were included in the final analysis. The mean age of patients enrolled in SGLT2 inhibitors and placebo was 69.13 and 69.37 years, respectively. The median follow-up duration was 2.24 years. SGLT2 inhibitors reduced composite cardiovascular mortality or first hospitalization for heart failure (HR, 0.80 [95% CI: 0.74-0.87], P < .001, I2 = 0%), heart failure hospitalization (HR, 0.74 [95% CI: 0.67-0.82], P < .001, I2 = 0%) compared with placebo. However, all-cause mortality (HR, 0.97 [95% CI: 0.89-1.06], P = .54, I2 = 0%) and cardiovascular mortality (HR, 0.96 [95% CI: 0.82-1.13), P = .66, I2 = 35.09%] were comparable between both groups.

CONCLUSION

Our study finding shows that SGLT2 inhibitors significantly reduced the risk of first HF hospitalization or cardiovascular death and HF hospitalization; however, all-cause mortality was comparable between the groups.

The Role of Galectin-3 in Heart Failure-The Diagnostic, Prognostic and Therapeutic Potential-Where Do We Stand?

Heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome with high morbidity and mortality, and its prevalence is rapidly increasing. Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is an important factor in the pathophysiology of HF, mainly due to its role in cardiac fibrosis, inflammation, and ventricular remodeling. Fibrosis is a hallmark of cardiac remodeling, HF, and atrial fibrillation development. This review aims to explore the involvement of Gal-3 in HF and its role in the pathogenesis and clinical diagnostic and prognostic significance. We report data on Gal-3 structure and molecular mechanisms of biological function crucial for HF development. Over the last decade, numerous studies have shown an association between echocardiographic and CMR biomarkers in HF and Gal-3 serum concentration. We discuss facts and concerns about Gal-3's utility in acute and chronic HF with preserved and reduced ejection fraction for diagnosis, prognosis, and risk stratification. Finally, we present attempts to use Gal-3 as a therapeutic target in HF.

C-Reactive Protein, Interleukin-6, Trimethylamine-N-Oxide, Syndecan-1, Nitric Oxide, and Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-1 in Heart Failure with Preserved Versus Reduced Ejection Fraction: a Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review was to synthesize the evidence on non-traditional biomarkers from proteomic and metabolomic studies that may distinguish heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) from heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and non-HF.

RECENT FINDINGS

Understanding the pathophysiology of HFpEF continues to be challenging. A number of inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers that have recently been suggested to be involved include C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), syndecan-1 (SDC-1), nitric oxide (NO), and tumor necrosis factor receptor-1 (TNFR-1). A systematic search was conducted using Medline, EMBASE, and Web of Science with search terms such as "HFpEF," "metabolomics," and "proteomics," and a meta-analysis was conducted. The results demonstrate significantly higher levels of TMAO, CRP, SDC-1, and IL-6 in HFpEF compared to controls without HF and significantly higher levels of TMAO and CRP in HFrEF compared to controls. The results further suggest that HFpEF might be distinguishable from HFrEF based on higher levels of IL-6 and lower levels of SDC-1 and NO. These data may reflect pathophysiological differences between HFpEF and HFrEF.

Association of Perceived Stress With Incident Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

The relationship between psychological stress and heart failure (HF) has not been well studied. We sought to assess the relationship between perceived stress and incident HF.

METHODS

We used data from the national REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study, a large prospective biracial cohort study that enrolled community-dwellers aged 45 years and older between 2003 and 2007, with follow-up. We included participants free of suspected prevalent HF who completed the Cohen 4-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4). Our outcome variables were incident HF event, HF with reduced ejection fraction events, and HF with preserved ejection fraction events. We estimated Cox proportional hazard models to determine if PSS-4 quartiles were independently associated with incident HF events, adjusting for sociodemographics, social support, unhealthy behaviors, comorbid conditions, and physiologic parameters. We also tested interactions by baseline statin use, given its anti-inflammatory properties.

RESULTS

Among 25,785 participants with a mean age of 64 ± 9.3 years, 55% were female and 40% were Black. Over a median follow-up of 10.1 years, 1109 ± 4.3% experienced an incident HF event. In fully adjusted models, the PSS-4 was not associated with HF or HF with reduced ejection fraction. However, PSS-4 quartiles 2-4 (compared with the lowest quartile) were associated with incident HF with preserved ejection fraction (Q2 hazard ratio 1.37, 95% confidence interval 1.00-1.88; Q3 hazard ratio 1.42, 95% confidence interval 1.03-1.95; Q4 hazard ratio 1.41, 95% confidence interval 1.04-1.92). Notably, this association was attenuated among participants who took a statin at baseline (P for interaction = .07).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated perceived stress was associated with incident HF with preserved ejection fraction but not HF with reduced ejection fraction.

Characteristics Associated With Growth Differentiation Factor 15 in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction and the Impact of Pirfenidone

Background Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is elevated in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and is associated with adverse outcome, but its relationship with myocardial fibrosis and other characteristics remains unclear. We sought to evaluate the effect of pirfenidone, a novel antifibrotic agent, on GDF-15 in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and identify characteristics that associate with GDF-15 and with change in GDF-15 over 1 year. Methods and Results Among patients enrolled (n=107) in the PIROUETTE (Pirfenidone in Patients With Heart Failure and Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction) trial, GDF-15 was measured at baseline and at prespecified time points in patients randomized (n=94) to pirfenidone or placebo. The response of GDF-15 to pirfenidone and the association with baseline patient characteristics were evaluated. Pirfenidone had no impact on circulating GDF-15 at any time point during the 52-week trial period. In multivariable analysis, male sex, diabetes, higher circulating levels of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, lower renal function, and shorter 6-minute walk test distance at baseline were associated with baseline log-GDF-15. Impaired global longitudinal strain at baseline was the strongest predictor of increased GDF-15 over 52 weeks. Conclusions In patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, circulating levels of GDF-15 were unaffected by treatment with pirfenidone and do not appear to be determined by myocardial fibrosis. Circulating GDF-15 was associated with a spectrum of important heart failure characteristics and it may represent a marker of overall physiological disruption. Registration URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02932566; Unique identifier: NCT02932566.

Pharmacological mechanisms of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Background

More and more evidence indicates sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) may display clinical benefits for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). However, the mechanisms of the action remain unclear.

Methods

A systematic pharmacology-based strategy was applied for predicting the potential molecular mechanisms of SGLT2is in HFpEF. The potential targets of SGLT2is and HFpEF were contained from diverse databases. After networks were constructed, Metascape was applied to functional enrichment. Moreover, the key findings were validated through molecular docking.

Results

We obtained 487 SGLT2is related targets and 1505 HFpEF related targets. The networks showed the complex relationship of HFpEF-target-HFpEF. The results of functional enrichment analysis suggested that several biological processes, including muscle system process, inflammatory response, vasculature development, heart development, regulation of MAPK cascade, positive regulation of ion transport, negative regulation of cell population proliferation, cellular response to nitrogen compound, apoptotic signaling pathway, multicellular organismal homeostasis, response to oxidative stress, regulation of cell adhesion, positive regulation of cell death, response to growth factor, and cellular response to lipid, and signaling pathways, such as cardiomyopathy, cAMP signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, apoptosis, MAPK signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway, and NF-kappa B signaling pathway. Finally, we validated the interactions and combinations of SGLT2is and core targets.

Conclusion

SGLT2is play the potential role of anti-HFpEF through the direct or indirect synergy of multiple targets and pathways. Our study promotes the explanation of the molecular mechanisms of SGLT2is in HFpEF.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12872-022-02693-8.

Therapeutic Targets for Heart Failure Identified Using Proteomics and Mendelian Randomization

BACKGROUND

Heart failure (HF) is a highly prevalent disorder for which disease mechanisms are incompletely understood. The discovery of disease-associated proteins with causal genetic evidence provides an opportunity to identify new therapeutic targets.

METHODS

We investigated the observational and causal associations of 90 cardiovascular proteins, which were measured using affinity-based proteomic assays. First, we estimated the associations of 90 cardiovascular proteins with incident heart failure by means of a fixed-effect meta-analysis of 4 population-based studies, composed of a total of 3019 participants with 732 HF events. The causal effects of HF-associated proteins were then investigated by Mendelian randomization, using cis-protein quantitative loci genetic instruments identified from genomewide association studies in more than 30 000 individuals. To improve the precision of causal estimates, we implemented an Mendelian randomization model that accounted for linkage disequilibrium between instruments and tested the robustness of causal estimates through a multiverse sensitivity analysis that included up to 120 combinations of instrument selection parameters and Mendelian randomization models per protein. The druggability of candidate proteins was surveyed, and mechanism of action and potential on-target side effects were explored with cross-trait Mendelian randomization analysis.

RESULTS

Forty-four of ninety proteins were positively associated with risk of incident HF (P<6.0×10-4). Among these, 8 proteins had evidence of a causal association with HF that was robust to multiverse sensitivity analysis: higher CSF-1 (macrophage colony-stimulating factor 1), Gal-3 (galectin-3) and KIM-1 (kidney injury molecule 1) were positively associated with risk of HF, whereas higher ADM (adrenomedullin), CHI3L1 (chitinase-3-like protein 1), CTSL1 (cathepsin L1), FGF-23 (fibroblast growth factor 23), and MMP-12 (matrix metalloproteinase-12) were protective. Therapeutics targeting ADM and Gal-3 are currently under evaluation in clinical trials, and all the remaining proteins were considered druggable, except KIM-1.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified 44 circulating proteins that were associated with incident HF, of which 8 showed evidence of a causal relationship and 7 were druggable, including adrenomedullin, which represents a particularly promising drug target. Our approach demonstrates a tractable roadmap for the triangulation of population genomic and proteomic data for the prioritization of therapeutic targets for complex human diseases.

NT-pro B-type natriuretic peptide, early menopause, and incident heart failure in postmenopausal women of the ARIC study

OBJECTIVE

N-Terminal pro B-type Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP), a biomarker of heart failure (HF) has been associated with early menopause. We evaluated the modifying role of early menopause on the association of NT-proBNP with incident HF, and separately for HF subtypes, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

METHODS

We included 4,352 postmenopausal women including 1,174 with early menopause, ages 63.5 ± 5.5 years, without prevalent HF at the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study Visit 4. Binary log-transformation was performed for NT-proBNP. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the association of NT-proBNP with incident HF, and separately for incident HFpEF and incident HFrEF, testing for effect modification by early menopause and adjusting for HF risk factors.

RESULTS

We observed 881 HF events over a mean follow-up of 16.5 years. The interaction terms of NT-proBNP and early menopause were not significant for incident HF (Pinteraction 0.95) and incident HFpEF (Pinteraction 0.17) but were significant for incident HFrEF (Pinteraction 0.03). The adjusted hazard ratios resulting from each doubling of NT-proBNP levels amongst women with and without early menopause were 1.33 (1.20-1.47) and 1.34 (1.24-1.44), respectively, for incident HF; 1.57 (1.34-1.86) and 1.38 (1.24-1.54), respectively, for incident HFpEF; and 1.68 (1.42-1.99) and 1.36 (1.22-1.52), respectively, for incident HFrEF.

CONCLUSIONS

The association of NT-proBNP with incident HFpEF is similar irrespective of early menopause status. However, the association of NT-proBNP with incident HFrEF is greater among women with early menopause when compared to those without early menopause.

Impact of Outpatient Diuretic Infusion Therapy on Healthcare Cost and Readmissions

Background and Objectives

Heart failure (HF) is a complex syndrome with multiple etiologies resulting in impaired ventricular filling or pumping of blood. HF is as a major public health concern that leads to significant morbidity and mortality resulting in an enormous financial burden on the healthcare system. The study objectives were to assess the 30-day hospital readmission rates and its financial impact on the hospital.

Methods

The study was a retrospective single-center analysis of decoded data of all HF patients admitted to an outpatient diuretic infusion program. Adult patients who were readmitted to the hospital within 30 days despite guideline derive medical therapy were included if they were enrolled in the outpatient diuretic infusion clinic. Adult patients who were included in this study received a furosemide dose of 40 mg intravenously (infusion over 3 hours) at the clinic visit. Patients whose clinical signs/symptoms improved and remained stable in consequent visits were eventually discharged from the clinic. Financial impact was assessed using data obtained from the hospital administration on cost of HF readmissions.

Results

The results show a 30-day hospital readmission rate at 6–9% in the years analyzed (n=56) with a net savings of $562,815 to $736,560 per year.

Conclusions

This treatment strategy has no detrimental effects in addition to generating substantial financial savings. It appears to be a useful addition to the existing medical treatment regimens chronic HF patients.

Characteristics and long-term prognosis of patients with reduced, mid-range, and preserved ejection fraction: A systemic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

Patients with heart failure (HF) have a poor prognosis and are categorized by ejection fraction. We performed a meta-analysis to compare baseline characteristics and long-term outcomes of patients with heart failure with reduced (HFrEF), mid-range (HFmrEF), and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 27 prospective studies were included. Patients with HFpEF were older and had a higher proportion of females, hypertension, diabetes, and insufficient neuroendocrine antagonist treatments, while patients with HFrEF and HFmrEF had a higher prevalence of coronary heart disease and chronic kidney disease. After more than 1-year of follow-up, all-cause mortality was significantly lower in patients with HFmrEF 9388/25 042 (37.49%) than those with HFrEF 39 333/90 023 (43.69%) and HFpEF 24 828/52 492 (47.30%) (p < .001). Cardiovascular mortality was lowest in patients with HFpEF 1130/9904 (11.41%), highest in patients with HFrEF 3419/16 277 (21.07%) mainly coming from HF death and sudden cardiac death, and middle in patients with HFmrEF 699/5171 (13.52%) and the non-cardiovascular mortality was on the contrary. Subgroup analysis showed that in high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation, the all-cause mortality of HFpEF was significantly higher than both HFrEF and HFmrEF (p < .001). HF hospitalization was lowest in patients with HFmrEF 1822/5285 (34.47%), highest in patients with HFrEF 12 607/28 590 (44.10%) and middle in patients with HFpEF 8686/22 763 (38.16%) and the composite of all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization was also observed similar results.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, patients with HFmrEF had the lowest incidence of all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization, while the highest all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization rates were HFpEF and HFrEF patients, respectively.

Elastin Structure, Synthesis, Regulatory Mechanism and Relationship With Cardiovascular Diseases

As the primary component of elastic fibers, elastin plays an important role in maintaining the elasticity and tensile ability of cardiovascular, pulmonary and many other tissues and organs. Studies have shown that elastin expression is regulated by a variety of molecules that have positive and negative regulatory effects. However, the specific mechanism is unclear. Moreover, elastin is reportedly involved in the development and progression of many cardiovascular diseases through changes in its expression and structural modifications once deposited in the extracellular matrix. This review article summarizes the role of elastin in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion, atherosclerosis, and atrial fibrillation, with emphasis on the potential molecular regulatory mechanisms.

Effect of empagliflozin in patients with heart failure across the spectrum of left ventricular ejection fraction

Aims

No therapy has shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization for heart failure across the entire range of ejection fractions seen in clinical practice. We assessed the influence of ejection fraction on the effect of the sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor empagliflozin on heart failure outcomes.

Methods and results

A pooled analysis was performed on both the EMPEROR-Reduced and EMPEROR-Preserved trials (9718 patients; 4860 empagliflozin and 4858 placebo), and patients were grouped based on ejection fraction: <25% (n = 999), 25–34% (n = 2230), 35–44% (n = 1272), 45–54% (n = 2260), 55–64% (n = 2092), and ≥65% (n = 865). Outcomes assessed included (i) time to first hospitalization for heart failure or cardiovascular mortality, (ii) time to first heart failure hospitalization, (iii) total (first and recurrent) hospitalizations for heart failure, and (iv) health status assessed by the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ). The risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure declined progressively as ejection fraction increased from <25% to ≥65%. Empagliflozin reduced the risk of cardiovascular death or heart failure hospitalization, mainly by reducing heart failure hospitalizations. Empagliflozin reduced the risk of heart failure hospitalization by ≈30% in all ejection fraction subgroups, with an attenuated effect in patients with an ejection fraction ≥65%. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were: ejection fraction <25%: 0.73 (0.55–0.96); ejection fraction 25–34%: 0.63 (0.50–0.78); ejection fraction 35–44%: 0.72 (0.52–0.98); ejection fraction 45–54%: 0.66 (0.50–0.86); ejection fraction 55–64%: 0.70 (0.53–0.92); and ejection fraction ≥65%: 1.05 (0.70–1.58). Other heart failure outcomes and measures, including KCCQ, showed a similar response pattern. Sex did not influence the responses to empagliflozin.

Conclusion

The magnitude of the effect of empagliflozin on heart failure outcomes was clinically meaningful and similar in patients with ejection fractions <25% to <65%, but was attenuated in patients with an ejection fraction ≥65%.

Key Question

How does ejection fraction influence the effects of empagliflozin in patients with heart failure and either a reduced or a preserved ejection fraction?

Key Finding

The magnitude of the effect of empagliflozin on heart failure outcomes and health status was similar in patients with ejection fractions <25% to <65%, but it was attenuated in patients with an ejection fraction ≥65%.

Take Home Message

The consistency of the response in patients with ejection fractions of <25% to <65% distinguishes the effects of empagliflozin from other drugs that have been evaluated across the full spectrum of ejection fractions in patients with heart failure.

Rationale and design of the preserved versus reduced ejection fraction biomarker registry and precision medicine database for ambulatory patients with heart failure (PREFER-HF) study

INTRODUCTION

Patients with heart failure (HF) are classically categorised by left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Efforts to predict outcomes and response to specific therapy among LVEF-based groups may be suboptimal, in part due to the underlying heterogeneity within clinical HF phenotypes. A multidimensional characterisation of ambulatory patients with and without HF across LVEF groups is needed to better understand and manage patients with HF in a more precise manner.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

To date, the first cohort of 1313 out of total planned 3000 patients with and without HF has been enroled in this single-centre, longitudinal observational cohort study. Baseline and 1-year follow-up blood samples and clinical characteristics, the presence and duration of comorbidities, serial laboratory, echocardiographic data and images and therapy information will be obtained. HF diagnosis, aetiology of disease, symptom onset and clinical outcomes at 1 and 5 years will be adjudicated by a team of clinicians. Clinical outcomes of interest include all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, all-cause hospitalisation, cardiovascular hospitalisation, HF hospitalisation, right-sided HF and acute kidney injury. Results from the Preserved versus Reduced Ejection Fraction Biomarker Registry and Precision Medicine Database for Ambulatory Patients with Heart Failure (PREFER-HF) trial will examine longitudinal clinical characteristics, proteomic, metabolomic, genomic and imaging data to better understand HF phenotypes, with the ultimate goal of improving precision medicine and clinical outcomes for patients with HF.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Information gathered in this research will be published in peer-reviewed journals. Written informed consent for PREFER-HF was obtained from all participants. All study procedures were approved by the Mass General Brigham Institutional Review Board in Boston, Massachusetts and performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki (Protocol Number: 2016P000339).

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

PREFER-HF ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03480633.

Cardiac Troponins Metabolism: From Biochemical Mechanisms to Clinical Practice (Literature Review)

The metabolic processes of endo- and exogenous compounds play an important role in diagnosing and treating patients since many metabolites are laboratory biomarkers and/or targets for therapeutic agents. Cardiac troponins are one of the most critical biomarkers to diagnose cardiovascular diseases, including acute myocardial infarction. The study of troponin metabolism is of great interest as it opens up new possibilities for optimizing laboratory diagnostics. This article discusses in detail the key stages of the cardiac troponins metabolism, in particular the mechanisms of release from a healthy myocardium, mechanisms of circulation in the bloodstream, possible mechanisms of troponin penetration into other biological fluids (oral fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, pericardial and amniotic fluids), mechanisms of elimination of cardiac troponins from the blood, and daily changes in the levels of troponins in the blood. Considering these aspects of cardiac troponin metabolism, attention is focused on the potential value for clinical practice.

Growth/differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) as a predictor of serious arrhythmic events in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy

INTRODUCTION

Cardiac biomarkers have been proposed as a new tool to improve risk stratification of serious arrhythmic events in patients with heart failure (HF) beyond estimates of left ventricular ejection fraction. Growth differentiation factor (GDF)-15, a stress-induced cytokine, has been found to correlate with markers of myocardial fibrosis and adverse clinical outcomes, but its role as a predictor of arrhythmic events in patients with nonischemic HF is uncertain.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A prospective observational study was conducted in 148 nonischemic patients with HF who underwent comprehensive clinical and laboratory evaluation, including measurement of serum GDF-15. The study endpoints were serious arrhythmic events (which included appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy and sudden cardiac death) and all-cause mortality. Mean age of the cohort was 54.8 ± 12.7 years, and mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 27.4% ± 7.5%. During a mean follow-up time of 42 months, arrhythmic events occurred in 28 patients (19%), and 40 patients (27%) died. An increase in serum GDF-15 (log-transformed) correlated linearly with a higher risk of serious arrhythmic events (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.01-1.28, p = 0.03) even after adjustment for other potential clinical predictors (HR 1.16, 95% CI 1.02-1.32, p = 0.02). GDF-15 was also strongly and independently associated with all-cause mortality (HR 1.17, 1.05-1.31, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

In this cohort of nonischemic HF patients on optimized medical treatment, serum GDF-15 levels were independently associated with major arrhythmic events and overall mortality. This biomarker may add prognostic information to better stratify the risk of sudden death in this particular population.

Sacubitril/valsartan inhibits obesity-associated diastolic dysfunction through suppression of ventricular-vascular stiffness

OBJECTIVE

Cardiac diastolic dysfunction (DD) and arterial stiffness are early manifestations of obesity-associated prediabetes, and both serve as risk factors for the development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Since the incidence of DD and arterial stiffness are increasing worldwide due to exponential growth in obesity, an effective treatment is urgently needed to blunt their development and progression. Here we investigated whether the combination of an inhibitor of neprilysin (sacubitril), a natriuretic peptide-degrading enzyme, and an angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker (valsartan), suppresses DD and arterial stiffness in an animal model of prediabetes more effectively than valsartan monotherapy.

METHODS

Sixteen-week-old male Zucker Obese rats (ZO; n = 64) were assigned randomly to 4 different groups: Group 1: saline control (ZOC); Group 2: sacubitril/valsartan (sac/val; 68 mg•kg-1•day-1; ZOSV); Group 3: valsartan (31 mg•kg-1•day-1; ZOV) and Group 4: hydralazine, an anti-hypertensive drug (30 mg•kg-1•day-1; ZOH). Six Zucker Lean (ZL) rats that received saline only (Group 5) served as lean controls (ZLC). Drugs were administered daily for 10 weeks by oral gavage.

RESULTS

Sac/val improved echocardiographic parameters of impaired left ventricular (LV) stiffness in untreated ZO rats, without altering the amount of food consumed or body weight gained. In addition to improving DD, sac/val decreased aortic stiffness and reversed impairment in nitric oxide-induced vascular relaxation in ZO rats. However, sac/val had no impact on LV hypertrophy. Notably, sac/val was more effective than val in ameliorating DD. Although, hydralazine was as effective as sac/val in improving these parameters, it adversely affected LV mass index. Further, cytokine array revealed distinct effects of sac/val, including marked suppression of Notch-1 by both valsartan and sac/val, suggesting that cardiovascular protection afforded by both share some common mechanisms; however, sac/val, but not val, increased IL-4, which is increasingly recognized for its cardiovascular protection, possibly contributing, in part, to more favorable effects of sac/val over val alone in improving obesity-associated DD.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies suggest that sac/val is superior to val in reversing obesity-associated DD. It is an effective drug combination to blunt progression of asymptomatic DD and vascular stiffness to HFpEF development in a preclinical model of obesity-associated prediabetes.

Cardiovascular and systemic determinants of exercise capacity in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus

The global burden of heart failure (HF) is on the rise owing to an increasing incidence of lifestyle related diseases, predominantly type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Diabetes is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and up to 75% of those with T2D develop HF in their lifetime. T2D leads to pathological alterations within the cardiovascular system, which can progress insidiously and asymptomatically in the absence of conventional risk factors. Reduced exercise tolerance is consistently reported, even in otherwise asymptomatic individuals with T2D, and is the first sign of a failing heart. Because aggressive modification of cardiovascular risk factors does not eliminate the risk of HF in T2D, it is likely that other factors play a role in the pathogenesis of HF. Early identification of individuals at risk of HF is advantageous, as it allows for modification of the reversible risk factors and early initiation of treatment with the aim of improving clinical outcomes. In this review, cardiac and extra-cardiac contributors to reduced exercise tolerance in people with T2D are explored.

Cardiac fibrosis

Myocardial fibrosis, the expansion of the cardiac interstitium through deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, is a common pathophysiologic companion of many different myocardial conditions. Fibrosis may reflect activation of reparative or maladaptive processes. Activated fibroblasts and myofibroblasts are the central cellular effectors in cardiac fibrosis, serving as the main source of matrix proteins. Immune cells, vascular cells and cardiomyocytes may also acquire a fibrogenic phenotype under conditions of stress, activating fibroblast populations. Fibrogenic growth factors (such as transforming growth factor-β and platelet-derived growth factors), cytokines [including tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-4], and neurohumoral pathways trigger fibrogenic signalling cascades through binding to surface receptors, and activation of downstream signalling cascades. In addition, matricellular macromolecules are deposited in the remodelling myocardium and regulate matrix assembly, while modulating signal transduction cascades and protease or growth factor activity. Cardiac fibroblasts can also sense mechanical stress through mechanosensitive receptors, ion channels and integrins, activating intracellular fibrogenic cascades that contribute to fibrosis in response to pressure overload. Although subpopulations of fibroblast-like cells may exert important protective actions in both reparative and interstitial/perivascular fibrosis, ultimately fibrotic changes perturb systolic and diastolic function, and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of arrhythmias. This review article discusses the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of cardiac fibrosis in various myocardial diseases, including myocardial infarction, heart failure with reduced or preserved ejection fraction, genetic cardiomyopathies, and diabetic heart disease. Development of fibrosis-targeting therapies for patients with myocardial diseases will require not only understanding of the functional pluralism of cardiac fibroblasts and dissection of the molecular basis for fibrotic remodelling, but also appreciation of the pathophysiologic heterogeneity of fibrosis-associated myocardial disease.

Prevalence of right ventricular dysfunction and prognostic significance in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

There is a paucity of data characterizing right ventricular performance in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) using the gold standard of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR). We aimed to assess the proportion of right ventricular systolic dysfunction (RVD) in HFpEF and the relation to clinical outcomes. As part of a single-centre, prospective, observational study, 183 subjects (135 HFpEF, and 48 age- and sex-matched controls) underwent extensive characterization with CMR. transthoracic echocardiography, blood sampling and six-minute walk testing. Patients were followed for the composite endpoint of death or HF hospitalization. RVD (defined as right ventricular ejection fraction < 47%) controls was present in 19% of HFpEF. Patients with RVD presented more frequently with lower systolic blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, radiographic evidence of pulmonary congestion and raised cardiothoracic ratio and larger right ventricular volumes. During median follow-up of 1429 days, 47% (n = 64) of HFpEF subjects experienced the composite endpoint of death (n = 22) or HF hospitalization (n = 42). RVD was associated with an increased risk of composite events (Log-Rank p = 0.001). In multivariable Cox regression analysis, RVD was an independent predictor of adverse outcomes (adjusted Hazard Ratio [HR] 3.946, 95% CI 1.878–8.290, p = 0.0001) along with indexed extracellular volume (HR 1.742, CI 1.176–2.579, p = 0.006) and E/E’ (HR 1.745, CI 1.230–2.477, p = 0.002). RVD as assessed by CMR is prevalent in nearly one-fifth of HFpEF patients and is independently associated with death and/or hospitalization with HF.

The trial was registered retrospectively on ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT03050593). The date of registration was February 06, 2017.