Plasma catecholamine release-inhibitory peptide catestatin in patients with essential hypertension

Plasma catestatin levels are related to metabolic parameters in patients with essential hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Catestatin (CST) is a pleiotropic peptide with cardioprotective and metabolic effects. CST is involved in the pathogenesis of both arterial hypertension (AH) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which are the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the plasma CST levels in hypertensive patients, especially with T2DM, as well as compare those with healthy volunteers, and explore the relationship between CST levels and clinical, anthropometric and laboratory parameters. 106 Hypertensive patients, 55 of which had comorbidity T2DM, and 30 healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. All subjects underwent clinical examination, including vital signs and anthropometric data assessment, medical history interview, and blood sample collection. Plasma CST levels were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), using a commercial diagnostic kit. The plasma CST levels were significantly lower in hypertensive patients (N = 106) compared with healthy subjects (N = 30) (5.02 ± 1.09 vs. 6.64 ± 0.72; p < 0.001). Furthermore, hypertensive patients with T2DM (N = 55) have significantly reduced CST levels in comparison with those without T2DM (N = 51) (4.47 ± 1.16 vs. 5.61 ± 0.61; p < 0.001). CST significantly correlated with anthropometric characteristics, in particular, weight (r =  - 0.344; p < 0.001), BMI (r =  - 0.42; p < 0.001), neck (r =  - 0.358; p < 0.001), waist (r =  - 0.487; p < 0.001), hip (r =  - 0.312; p < 0.001), wrist circumferences (r =  - 0.264; p = 0.002), and waist-to-hip ratio (r =  - 0.395; p < 0.001). Due to its antihypertensive effect, CST has significant associations with systolic BP (r =  - 0.475; p < 0.001) and duration of AH (r =  - 0.26; p = 0.007). CST also has an inverse relationship with insulin (r =  - 0.382; p < 0.001), glucose (r =  - 0.45; p < 0.001), index HOMA-IR (r =  - 0.481; p < 0.001) and HbA1c (r =  - 0.525; p < 0.001), that indicate its involvement in T2DM development. Besides, CST has significant correlations with uric acid levels (r =  - 0.412; p < 0.001) as well as lipid parameters, especially HDL-C (r = 0.480; p < 0.001), VLDL-C (r =  - 0.238; p = 0.005), TG (r =  - 0.4; p < 0.001), non-HDL-C/HDL-C (r =  - 0.499; p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis indicated BMI (β =  - 0.22; p = 0.007), AH duration (β =  - 0.25; p = 0.008), HbA1c (β =  - 0.43; p = 0.019) and HDL-C levels (β = 0.27; p = 0.001) as independent predictors of CST levels. The hypertensive patients have significantly decreased CST levels that are even more reduced in the presence of comorbid T2DM. The established correlations with anthropometric and laboratory parameters indicate not only antihypertensive but also metabolic effects of CST. Our results suggest the probable role of CST in the pathophysiology of cardiometabolic diseases and the development of cardiovascular complications.

The Influence of Oral Cannabidiol on 24-h Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Arterial Stiffness in Untreated Hypertension: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Cross-Over Pilot Study

INTRODUCTION

Studies reveal that cannabidiol may acutely reduce blood pressure and arterial stiffness in normotensive humans; however, it remains unknown if this holds true in patients with untreated hypertension. We aimed to extend these findings to examine the influence of the administration of cannabidiol on 24-h ambulatory blood pressure and arterial stiffness in hypertensive individuals.

METHODS

Sixteen volunteers (eight females) with untreated hypertension (elevated blood pressure, stage 1, stage 2) were given oral cannabidiol (150 mg every 8 h) or placebo for 24 h in a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over study. Measures of 24-h ambulatory blood pressure and electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring and estimates of arterial stiffness and heart rate variability were obtained. Physical activity and sleep were also recorded.

RESULTS

Although physical activity, sleep patterns and heart rate variability were comparable between groups, arterial stiffness (~ 0.7 m/s), systolic blood pressure (~ 5 mmHg), and mean arterial pressure (~ 3 mmHg) were all significantly (P < 0.05) lower over 24 h on cannabidiol when compared to the placebo. These reductions were generally larger during sleep. Oral cannabidiol was safe and well tolerated with no development of new sustained arrhythmias.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that acute dosing of cannabidiol over 24 h can lower blood pressure and arterial stiffness in individuals with untreated hypertension. The clinical implications and safety of longer-term cannabidiol usage in treated and untreated hypertension remains to be established.

Low catestatin as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease - assessment in patients with adrenal incidentalomas

Background

Catestatin (Cts) is a peptide derived from proteolytic cleavage of chromogranin A, which exhibits cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory properties. Cts has been proposed as a potential biomarker for cardiovascular (CV) disease.

Objectives

examining Cts in patients with incidentally discovered adrenocortical adenomas (AI), and its associations with CV risk factors and blood pressure (BP).

Materials and methods

In this cross-sectional study, 64 AI patients without overt CV disease other than primary hypertension were recruited along with 24 age-, sex-, and body-mass-index (BMI)-matched controls with normal adrenal morphology. Laboratory, 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring, echocardiography, and common carotid artery sonography examinations were performed.

Results

Unadjusted Cts was higher in AI patients (median 6.5, interquartile range: 4.9-37 ng/ml) versus controls (4.5 (3.5 - 28)), p=0.048, however, the difference was insignificant after adjusting for confounding variables. Cts was lower in subjects with metabolic syndrome than in those without it (5.2 (3.9- 6.9) vs. 25.7 (5.8-115) ng/ml, p<0.01), and in men compared to women (4.9 (4-7.4) ng/ml vs. 7 (4.8-100), p=0.015). AI patients in the lower half of Cts levels compared to those in the upper had a higher prevalence of hypertension (OR 0.15, 95% CI: 0.041-0.5, p<0.001) and metabolic syndrome (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.041-0.5, p<0.001). In AI patients Cts correlated positively with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (Spearman's r=0.31), negatively with BMI (r=-0.31), and 10-year atherosclerotic CV disease risk (r=-0.42).

Conclusions

Our data indicate associations between CV risk factors and Cts. More clinical research is needed to apply serum Cts as a biomarker.

Prognostic Value of Plasma Catestatin Concentration in Patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction in Two-Year Follow-Up

The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the prognostic value of measuring plasma catestatin (CST) concentration in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) as a predictor of unplanned hospitalization and all-cause death independently and as a composite endpoint at 2-year follow-up. The study group includes 122 hospitalized Caucasian patients in NYHA classes II to IV. Patients who died during the 24-month follow-up period (n = 44; 36%) were significantly older on the day of enrollment, were more likely to be in a higher NYHA class, had lower TAPSE, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and platelet count, higher concentrations of CST, NT-proBNP, troponin T, creatinine, and glucose, and higher red cell distribution width value and leukocyte and neutrocyte count than patients who survived the follow-up period. Plasma catestatin concentration increased with NYHA class (R = 0.58; p <0.001) and correlated significantly with blood NT-proBNP concentration (R = 0.44; p <0.001). We showed that higher plasma catestatin concentration increased the risk of all-cause death by more than five times. Plasma CST concentration is a valuable prognostic parameter in predicting death from all causes and unplanned hospitalization in patients with HFrEF.

CBD supplementation reduces arterial blood pressure via modulation of the sympatho-chromaffin system: A substudy from the HYPER-H21-4 trial

Data concerning the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on blood pressure (BP) is controversial. HYPER-H21-4 was a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial which sought to elucidate if 5-week administration of CBD will reduce BP in hypertensive patients. In the substudy of this trial, we aimed to establish the mechanistic background of CBD-induced BP reduction. Specifically, we explored the dynamic of catestatin, a sympathoinhibitory peptide implicated in the pathophysiology of hypertension. In the present analysis, 54 patients with Grade 1 hypertension were included. 5-week administration of CBD but not placebo reduced serum catestatin concentration in comparison to baseline (13.50 [10.85-19.05] vs. 9.65 [6.37-12.26] ng/mL, p < 0.001). Serum catestatin levels at the start of the treatment period demonstrated a negative correlation with the extent of reduction in mean arterial pressure (r = -0.474, p < 0.001). Moreover, the extent of change in catestatin serum levels showed a strong correlation with the extent of mean arterial pressure reduction (r = 0.712, p < 0.001). Overall, the results of the present study imply that the antihypertensive effects of CBD may be explained by its interaction with the sympatho-chromaffin system, although further research is warranted.

Serum Catestatin Levels Correlate with Ambulatory Blood Pressure and Indices of Arterial Stiffness in Patients with Primary Hypertension

Accumulating data suggests that catestatin, an eclectic neuroendocrine peptide, is involved in the pathophysiology of primary hypertension (PH). Nevertheless, clinical studies concerning its role in PH are still scarce. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to explore an association between serum catestatin levels, ambulatory blood pressure (BP) and arterial stiffness in patients with PH and healthy controls. In this single-center study, 72 patients aged 40−70 diagnosed with PH, and 72 healthy controls were included. In patients with PH, serum catestatin concentrations were significantly higher in comparison to the healthy controls (29.70 (19.33−49.48) ng/mL vs. 5.83 (4.21−8.29) ng/mL, p < 0.001). Untreated patients had significantly higher serum catestatin than patients treated with antihypertensive drugs (41.61 (22.85−63.83) ng/mL vs. 24.77 (16.41−40.21) ng/mL, p = 0.005). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that serum catestatin levels retained a significant association with mean arterial pressure (β ± standard error, 0.8123 ± 0.3037, p < 0.009) after model adjustments for age, sex and body mass index. Finally, catestatin levels positively correlated with pulse wave velocity (r = 0.496, p < 0.001) and central augmentation index (r = 0.441, p < 0.001), but not with peripheral resistance. In summary, increased serum catestatin concentration in PH, predominantly in the untreated subgroup, and its association with ambulatory BP and arterial stiffness address the role of this peptide in PH.

Role of Catestatin in the Cardiovascular System and Metabolic Disorders

Catestatin is a multifunctional peptide that is involved in the regulation of the cardiovascular and immune systems as well as metabolic homeostatis. It mitigates detrimental, excessive activity of the sympathetic nervous system by inhibiting catecholamine secretion. Based on in vitro and in vivo studies, catestatin was shown to reduce adipose tissue, inhibit inflammatory response, prevent macrophage-driven atherosclerosis, and regulate cytokine production and release. Clinical studies indicate that catestatin may influence the processes leading to hypertension, affect the course of coronary artery diseases and heart failure. This review presents up-to-date research on catestatin with a particular emphasis on cardiovascular diseases based on a literature search.

Catestatin as a Biomarker of Cardiovascular Diseases: A Clinical Perspective

Accounting for almost one-third of the global mortality, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent a major global health issue. Emerging data suggest that most of the well-established mechanistic explanations regarding the cardiovascular pathophysiology are flawed, and cannot fully explain the progression and long-term effects of these diseases. On the other hand, dysregulation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) has emerged as an important player in the pathophysiology of CVDs. Even though upregulated SNS activity is an essential compensatory response to various stress conditions, in the long term, it becomes a major contributor to both cardiac dysfunction and vascular damage. Despite the fact that the importance of SNS hyperactivity in the setting of CVDs has been well-appreciated, its exact quantification and clinical application in either diagnostics or therapy of CVDs is still out of reach. Nevertheless, in recent years a number of novel laboratory biomarkers implicated in the pathophysiology of SNS activation have been explored. Specifically, in this review, we aimed to discuss the role of catestatin, a potent physiological inhibitor of catecholamine spillover that offers cardioprotective effects. Limited data indicate that catestatin could also be a reliable indirect marker of SNS activity and it is likely that high CST levels reflect advanced CV disease burden. Consequently, large-scale studies are required to validate these observations in the upcoming future.

Chromogranin A demonstrates higher expression in preeclamptic placentas than in normal pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Although preeclampsia has long been recognized as a condition affecting late pregnancy, little is known of its pathogenesis or treatment. The placenta releases a number of hormones and molecules that influence the course of pregnancy, one of which is chromogranin A, a soluble protein secreted mainly from the chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla. Its role in pregnancy and pregnancy-related disorders remains unclear. Therefore, the main aim of the proposed study is to determine whether chromogranin A is related with the occurrence of preeclampsia.

METHODS

Placental samples were collected from 102 preeclamptic patients and 103 healthy controls, and Chromogranin A gene (CHGA) expression was measured using real-time RT-PCR, The RT-PCR results were verified on the protein level using ELISA. The normal distribution of the data was tested using the Shapiro-Wilk test. The clinical and personal characteristics of the groups were compared using the Student's t-test for normally-distributed data, and the χ2 test for categorical variables. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for non-normally distributed data. As the log- transformation was not suitable for the given outcomes, the Box- Cox Transformation was used to normalize data from ELISA tests and CHGA expression. Values of P < .05 were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Chromogranin A gene expression was found to be significantly higher in the study group than in controls. Protein analyses showed that although the CgA concentration in placental samples did not differ significantly, the catestatin (CST) level was significantly lower in samples obtained from women with preeclampsia, according to the controls.

CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE

This study for the first time reveals that chromogranin A gene expression level is associated with preeclampsia. Moreover, the depletion in catestatin level, which plays a protective role in hypertension development, might be a marker of developing preeclampsia. Further studies may unravel role of Chromogranin A in the discussed disease.

Serum catestatin level is increased in women with preeclampsia

Catestatin can inhibit catecholamine release from chromaffin cells and adrenergic neurons. Catestatin can also have a strong vasodilator effect. This may be useful in understanding the pathophysiology of preeclampsia and its treatment. In this study, we investigated the serum catestatin levels in pregnant women with and without preeclampsia. Fifty consecutive women with mild preeclampsia, 50 consecutive women with severe preeclampsia, and 100 consecutive pregnant women with a gestational age-matched (±1 week) uncomplicated pregnancy were evaluated in a cross-sectional study. Mean serum catestatin was significantly increased in the preeclampsia group compared to the control group (290.7 ± 95.5 pg/mL vs. 182.8 ± 72.0 pg/mL). Mean serum catestatin was comparable in mild and severe preeclampsia groups (282.7 ± 97.9 pg/mL vs. 298.7 ± 93.4 pg/mL, p = .431). Serum catestatin levels had positive correlations with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, urea, uric acid, and creatinine. In conclusion, serum catestatin levels are increased in preeclamptic pregnancies compared to gestational age-matched controls.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? The role of autonomic nervous system dysregulation in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia is known. The most obvious part of this dysregulation is the sympathetic nervous system activation. The adrenal medulla is one of the locations of the sympathetic nervous system in the body.What do the results of this study add? Serum catestatin levels were found to be correlated with clinical and laboratory data of preeclampsia. This highlights the importance of chromaffin cell secretions in the adrenal medulla in preeclampsia.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This study will help understand the role of the adrenal medulla in the autonomic nervous system dysregulation in preeclampsia. Also, control of serum catestatin levels may support the treatment of hypertension in preeclampsia.

Sympathetic nervous system activation and heart failure: Current state of evidence and the pathophysiology in the light of novel biomarkers

Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome characterized by the activation of at least several neurohumoral pathways that have a common role in maintaining cardiac output and adequate perfusion pressure of target organs and tissues. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is upregulated in HF as evident in dysfunctional baroreceptor and chemoreceptor reflexes, circulating and neuronal catecholamine spillover, attenuated parasympathetic response, and augmented sympathetic outflow to the heart, kidneys and skeletal muscles. When these sympathoexcitatory effects on the cardiovascular system are sustained chronically they initiate the vicious circle of HF progression and become associated with cardiomyocyte apoptosis, maladaptive ventricular and vascular remodeling, arrhythmogenesis, and poor prognosis in patients with HF. These detrimental effects of SNS activity on outcomes in HF warrant adequate diagnostic and treatment modalities. Therefore, this review summarizes basic physiological concepts about the interaction of SNS with the cardiovascular system and highlights key pathophysiological mechanisms of SNS derangement in HF. Finally, special emphasis in this review is placed on the integrative and up-to-date overview of diagnostic modalities such as SNS imaging methods and novel laboratory biomarkers that could aid in the assessment of the degree of SNS activation and provide reliable prognostic information among patients with HF.

Serum catestatin concentrations are decreased in obese children and adolescents

BACKGROUND

Catestatin is a chromogranin A-derived peptide with a wide spectrum of biological activities, such as inhibiting catecholamine release, decreasing blood pressure, stimulating histamine release, reducing beta-adrenergic stimulation, and regulating oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVES

The aims of our study were to determine serum catestatin concentrations in obese children and adolescents in regard to presence or absence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and to evaluate the possible relations between catestatin levels and other cardiovascular risk factors.

SUBJECTS

Ninety-two obese subjects with a body mass index z score > 2, aged 10 to 18 years, and 39 healthy, normal weight controls were enrolled in the study.

METHODS

Serum catestatin concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Significantly lower serum catestatin concentrations were recorded in the group of obese subjects compared with a control group (10.03 ± 5.05 vs 13.13 ± 6.25 ng/mL, P = 0.004). Further analyses revealed significantly lower catestatin concentrations in the subgroup of obese patients with MS (9.02 ± 4.3 vs 10.54 ± 5.36 vs 13.13 ± 6.25, P = 0.008). Serum catestatin concentrations were significantly negatively correlated with diastolic blood pressure (r = -0.253, P = 0.014), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (r = -0.215, P = 0.037) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (r = -0.208, P = 0.044).

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to report catestatin concentrations in obese children and adolescents and their possible relations with MS and cardiovascular risk factors in a pediatric population. Obese subjects with MS have lower serum catestatin concentrations than obese subjects without MS and controls.

Catestatin in Acutely Decompensated Heart Failure Patients: Insights from the CATSTAT-HF Study

The role of catestatin (CST) in acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and myocardial infarction (MI) is poorly elucidated. Due to the implicated role of CST in the regulation of neurohumoral activity, the goals of the study were to determine CST serum levels among ninety consecutively enrolled ADHF patients, with respect to the MI history and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and to examine its association with clinical, echocardiographic, and laboratory parameters. CST levels were higher among ADHF patients with MI history, compared to those without (8.94 ± 6.39 vs. 4.90 ± 2.74 ng/mL, p = 0.001). CST serum levels did not differ among patients with reduced, midrange, and preserved LVEF (7.74 ± 5.64 vs. 5.75 ± 4.19 vs. 5.35 ± 2.77 ng/mL, p = 0.143, respectively). In the multivariable linear regression analysis, CST independently correlated with the NYHA class (β = 0.491, p < 0.001), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (β = −0.237, p = 0.026), HbA1c (β = −0.235, p = 0.027), LDL (β = −0.231, p = 0.029), non-HDL cholesterol (β = −0.237, p = 0.026), hs-cTnI (β = −0.221, p = 0.030), and the admission and resting heart rate (β = −0.201, p = 0.036 and β = −0.242, p = 0.030), and was in positive association with most echocardiographic parameters. In conclusion, CST levels were increased in ADHF patients with MI and were overall associated with a favorable cardiometabolic profile but at the same time reflected advanced symptomatic burden (CATSTAT-HF ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03389386).

Catestatin serum levels are increased in male patients with obstructive sleep apnea

PURPOSE

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a complex sleep disorder associated with autonomic and sympathetic dysregulation. To the contrary, catestatin, an endogenous pleiotropic peptide cleaved from chromogranin A, is known for its inhibitory effects on catecholamine release and sympathetic activity. The aims of the study were to determine catestatin serum levels among male OSA patients compared to healthy control subjects and to explore associations of catestatin with anthropometric, polysomnographic, and lipid profile parameters.

METHODS

Seventy-eight male OSA patients aged 50.3 ± 8.8 years and 51 age/sex/BMI-matched control subjects aged 50.4 ± 7.8 years were enrolled in the study. Catestatin serum levels were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS

Catestatin serum levels were significantly higher among OSA patients compared to control subjects (2.9 ± 1.2 vs. 1.5 ± 1.1 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Serum catestatin levels significantly correlated with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) among non-obese OSA subjects (r = 0.466, p = 0.016; β = 0.448, p = 0.026), while in whole OSA population, catestatin levels significantly correlated with neck circumference (r = 0.318, p < 0.001; β = 0.384, p < 0.001) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (r = - 0.320, p < 0.001; β = - 0.344, p < 0.001). In multivariate-adjusted regression model, serum catestatin was significant and independent predictor of OSA status (OR 4.98, 95% CI 2.17-11.47, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Catestatin serum levels are significantly increased in male OSA population and positively correlate with disease severity in non-obese patients. OSA status is independently predicted by catestatin levels; however, this finding is restricted to patients with moderate-to-severe disease. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the mechanistic role of catestatin in the complex pathophysiology of OSA.

Circulating chromogranin A and its fragments as diagnostic and prognostic disease markers

Chromogranin A (CgA), a secretory protein released in the blood by neuroendocrine cells and neurons, is the precursor of various bioactive fragments involved in the regulation of the cardiovascular system, metabolism, innate immunity, angiogenesis, and tissue repair. After the original demonstration that circulating CgA can serve as a biomarker for a wide range of neuroendocrine tumors, several studies have shown that increased levels of CgA can be present also in the blood of patients with cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and inflammatory diseases with, in certain cases, important diagnostic and prognostic implications. Considering the high structural and functional heterogeneity of the CgA system, comprising precursor and fragments, it is not surprising that the different immunoassays used in these studies led, in some cases, to discrepant results. Here, we review these notions and we discuss the importance of measuring total-CgA, full-length CgA, specific fragments, and their relative levels for a more thorough assessment of the pathophysiological function and diagnostic/prognostic value of the CgA system.

Potential applications of catestatin in cardiovascular diseases

Catestatin (CST) was first named in 1997 for its catecholamine-inhibitory activity. It was discovered as a potent inhibitor of catecholamine secretion and as a regulator of histamine release. Accumulating evidence shows that CST is involved with cardiovascular diseases; however, whether CST is a protective factor for these conditions and the mechanisms by which such actions may be mediated are not well understood. In this article, we review recent basic research and clinical trials in the study of CST and summarize the association of CST with cardiovascular diseases. We review data obtained from MedLine via PubMed and from our own investigations.

GABA(A) receptor overexpression in the lateral hypothalamic area attenuates gastric ischemia‑reperfusion injury in rats

Excessive activation of the greater splanchnic nerve (GSN) has previously been determined to contribute to the progression of gastric ischemia‑reperfusion (GI‑R) injury. The present study was designed to estimate the protective effects of GABAA receptor (GABA(A)R) overexpression in the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) against GI‑R injury. The GI‑R injury model was induced in rats by clamping the celiac artery for 30 min and then reperfusing for 1 h. Microinjection of recombinant adenoviral vectors overexpressing GABA(A)R (Ad‑GABA(A)R) or control adenoviral vectors (Ad‑Con) into the LHA was conducted in GI‑R and normal control rats. Significant protective effects were observed on day 2 after Ad‑GABA(A)R treatment in the GI‑R injury rats. Ad‑GABA(A)R treatment reduced plasma norepinephrine levels, plasma angiotensin II levels and peripheral GSN activity, but increased the gastric mucosal blood flow, as compared with Ad‑Con treatment. These results indicate that adenoviral vector‑induced GABA(A)R overexpression in the LHA blunts GSN activity and subsequently alleviates the effects of gastric injury in GI‑R rats.

The relationship of plasma catestatin concentrations with metabolic and vascular parameters in untreated hypertensive patients: Influence on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol

OBJECTIVE

Catestatin has several cardiovascular actions, in addition to diminished sympatho-adrenal flow. Decreased plasma catestatin levels may reflect a predisposition for the development of hypertension and metabolic disorders. We planned to investigate the possible roles of catestatin in untreated hypertensive patients. As a secondary objective, we compared catestatin concentrations of healthy subjects with those of hypertensive patients in order to understand whether catestatin is increased reactively or diminished at onset.

METHODS

Our study was cross-sectional and observational. The patient group, comprising 109 consecutive untreated hypertensive patients without additional systemic or coronary heart disease, underwent evaluations of plasma catestatin, waist circumference, lipid parameters, left ventricular mass, carotid intima-media thickness, and flow-mediated dilation of the brachial artery. Additionally, we measured catestatin concentrations of 38 apparently healthy subjects without any disease using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit.

RESULTS

We documented increased catestatin concentrations in previously untreated hypertensive patients compared to healthy controls (2.27±0.83 vs. 1.92±0.49 ng/mL, p=0.004). However, this association became insignificant after adjustments for age, gender, height, and weight. Within the patient group, catestatin levels were significantly higher in females. Among all study parameters, age, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) correlated positively to plasma catestatin, whereas triglycerides, hemoglobin, and left ventricular mass correlated negatively to plasma catestatin. We could not detect an association between vascular parameters and catestatin. Catestatin levels were significantly elevated with increasing HDL-C (1.91±0.37, 2.26±0.79, and 3.1±1.23 ng/mL in patients with HDL-C <40, 40-60, and >60 mg/dL, respectively). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed age (beta: 0.201, p=0.041) and HDL-C (beta: 0.390, p<0.001) as independent correlates of plasma catestatin concentration. Additionally, male gender (beta:-0.330, p=0.001) and plasma catestatin (beta: 0.299, p=0.002) were significantly associated with HDL-C concentrations.

CONCLUSION

We documented that plasma catestatin is an independent predictor of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In addition to antihypertensive effects, catestatin appears to be related to improved lipid and metabolic profiles. Coexistence of low catestatin levels with low HDL-C may provide a probable mechanism for the predictive value of low HDL-C for increased hypertension and cardiovascular events.

Lack of association of A-6G polymorphism of AGT gene with essential hypertension in the Chinese population

BACKGROUND

The angiotensinogen (AGT) A-6G gene polymorphism has been indicated to be related to the susceptibility of essential hypertension. However, the results are still unclear.

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS

To survey the relationship between AGT A-6G gene polymorphism and essential hypertension, 18 separate studies with 9306 patients were analyzed through meta-analysis. The random-effect model was used to calculate the pooled odds ratio (OR) and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

In this AGT A-6G gene polymorphism and essential hypertension meta-analysis of the Chinese population, the distribution of the G-allele frequency was 0.23 for the essential hypertension group and 0.21 for the control group. The association between the AGT A-6G gene polymorphism and essential hypertension in the entire sample population was not significant. The pooled OR for the frequency of the G allele was 1.10 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.27, Pheterogeneity < 0.00001, P = 0.17). In the stratified analysis by ethnicity, a significant association in Li and Mongolian ethnicities (P ≤ 0.05) was achieved. However, no significant association was found in other ethnicities such as Han, Tibetan, Kazakh, Bai and Yi (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The current meta-analysis suggested that AGT A-6G gene polymorphism might not be related to the increased risk of essential hypertension in the entire Chinese population. However, the G-allele of AGT A-6G might predispose to essential hypertension in the Li and Mongolian ethnicities.