Asymptomatic Plaques of Lower Peripheral Arteries and Their Association with Cardiovascular Disease: An Autopsy Study

Longitudinal Patterns of Ankle-Brachial Index and Their Association With Progression of CKD in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Elevated Body Mass Index

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE

Ankle-brachial index (ABI) is used to screen for vascular complications in the setting of diabetes. This study sought to examine the relationship of longitudinal ABI data and chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and increased body mass index.

STUDY DESIGN

A post hoc analysis of the Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) trial.

SETTING & PARTICIPANTS

This study included 3,631 participants in the Look AHEAD trial with a baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate>60mL/min/1.73m2.

EXPOSURES

Average ABI and average annual change in ABI were calculated based on annual ABI measurements during the first 4 years of the study.

OUTCOME

CKD progression, defined as kidney failure requiring maintenance dialysis or the occurrence of an estimated glomerular filtration rate<60mL/min/1.73m2 with a decrease of≥30% versus baseline at a follow-up visit.

ANALYTICAL APPROACH

Restricted cubic spline and Cox proportional hazards models were fit to estimate associations and to explore nonlinearity.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up of 10.1 years, CKD progression developed in 1,051 participants. There was a reversed J-shaped relationship of CKD progression with average ABI (ABI<1.17: HR per 1-SD decrement, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.06-1.42; ABI≥1.17: HR per 1-SD increment, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.00-1.22) and average annual change in ABI (change in ABI less than-0.007: HR per 1-SD decrement, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.12-1.66; change in ABI of at least-0.007: HR per 1-SD increment, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.03-1.24).

LIMITATIONS

Observational study, potential unmeasured confounding.

CONCLUSIONS

Low and high-average ABI, even at clinically normal values, as well as decreasing and increasing average annual ABI, were associated with a higher risk of CKD progression in patients with T2DM and increased body mass index. Monitoring ABI and its changes over time may facilitate CKD risk stratification in patients with T2DM.

PLAIN-LANGUAGE SUMMARY

The ankle-brachial index (ABI) has recently become a routine screening parameter for vascular complications in patients with diabetes. In this post hoc analysis of the Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) trial including 3,631 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus and increased body mass index, we examined the longitudinal relationship of average ABI and annual change in ABI with chronic kidney disease progression. We observed that low and high-average ABI, even at clinically normal values, as well as decreases and increases in average annual ABI, were associated with a higher risk of chronic kidney disease progression in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and increased body mass index.

Plasma copeptin and markers of arterial disorder in patients with type 2 diabetes, a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

There is currently limited understanding of the relationship between copeptin, the midregional portion of proadrenomedullin (MRproADM) and the midregional fragment of the N-terminal of proatrial natriuretic peptide (MRproANP), and arterial disorders. Toe brachial index (TBI) and aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV) are established parameters for detecting arterial disorders. This study evaluated whether copeptin, MRproADM, and MRproANP were associated with TBI and aPWV in patients with type 2 diabetes with no history of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

METHODS

In the CARDIPP study, a cross-sectional analysis of 519 patients with type 2 diabetes aged 55-65 years with no history of CVD at baseline, had complete data on copeptin, MRproADM, MRproANP, TBI, and aPWV was performed. Linear regression analysis was used to investigate the associations between conventional CVD risk factors, copeptin, MRproADM, MRproANP, TBI, and aPWV.

RESULTS

Copeptin was associated with TBI (β-0.0020, CI-0.0035- (-0.0005), p = 0.010) and aPWV (β 0.023, CI 0.002-0.044, p = 0.035). These associations were independent of age, sex, diabetes duration, mean 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin A1c, total cholesterol, estimated glomerular filtration rate, body mass index, and active smoking.

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma copeptin may be a helpful surrogate for identifying individuals at higher risk for arterial disorders.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT010497377.

Genes Differentially Expressed Across Major Arteries Are Enriched in Endothelial Dysfunction-Related Gene Sets: Implications for Relative Inter-artery Atherosclerosis Risk

Atherosclerosis differs across major arteries. Although the biological basis is not fully understood, limited evidence of genetic differences has been documented. This study, therefore, was aimed to identify differentially expressed genes between clinically relevant major arteries and investigate their enrichment in endothelial dysfunction-related gene sets. A bioinformatic analysis of publicly available gene-level read counts for coronary, aortic, and tibial arteries was performed. Differential gene expression was conducted with DeSeq2 at a false discovery rate of 0.05. Differentially expressed genes were then subjected to over-representation analysis and active-subnetwork-oriented enrichment analysis, both at a false discovery rate of 0.005. Enriched terms common to both analyses were categorized for each contrast into immunity/inflammation-, membrane biology-, lipid metabolism-, and coagulation-related terms, and the top differentially expressed genes validated against Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics' Bgee database. There was mostly upregulation of differentially expressed genes for the coronary/tibial and aorta/tibial contrasts, but milder changes for the coronary/aorta contrast. Transcriptomic differences between coronary or aortic versus tibial samples largely involved immunity/inflammation-, membrane biology-, lipid metabolism-, and coagulation-related genes, suggesting potential to modulate endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. These results imply atheroprone coronary and aortic environments compared with tibial artery tissue, which may explain observed relative inter-artery atherosclerosis risk.

Epidemiology of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in polygenic hypercholesterolemia with or without high lipoprotein(a) levels

Background and aims

Epidemiology of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease might be different in patients with polygenic hypercholesterolemia plus high levels (≥30 mg/dl) of Lp(a) (H-Lpa) than in those with polygenic hypercholesterolemia alone (H-LDL). We compared the incidence of peripheral artery disease (PAD), coronary artery disease (CAD), and cerebrovascular disease (CVD) in patients with H-Lpa and in those with H-LDL.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of demographics, risk factors, vascular events, therapy, and lipid profile in outpatient clinical data. Inclusion criteria was adult age, diagnosis of polygenic hypercholesterolemia, and both indication and availability for Lp(a) measurement.

Results

Medical records of 258 patients with H-Lpa and 290 H-LDL were reviewed for occurrence of vascular events. The median duration of follow-up was 10 years (IQR 3-16). In spite of a similar reduction of LDL cholesterol, vascular events occurred more frequently, and approximately 7 years earlier (P = 0.024) in patients with H-Lpa than in H-LDL (HR 1.96 1.21-3.17, P = 0.006). The difference was around 10 years for acute events (TIA, Stroke, acute coronary events) and one year for chronic ones (P = 0.023 and 0.525, respectively). Occurrence of acute CAD was higher in H-Lpa men (HR 3.1, 95% CI 1.2-7.9, P = 0.007) while, among women, PAD was observed exclusively in H-Lpa subjects with smoking habits (P = 0.009).

Conclusions

Patients with high Lp(a) levels suffer from a larger and earlier burden of the disease compared to those with polygenic hypercholesterolemia alone. These patients are at higher risk of CAD if they are men, and of PAD if they are women.

Prognostic Significance of Carotid and Lower Extremity Artery Stenosis in Patients With High and Very High Cardiovascular Risk

Aim      To study prognostic significance of the degree of stenosis of carotid and lower-extremity arteries (LEA) in patients at high and very high risk of cardiovascular complications (CVC).Material and methods  The study included men and women aged 40-67 years at high and very high risk of CVC. Duplex ultrasound scanning of carotid arteries and LEA was performed for all patients. Laboratory tests included measurements of glucose, glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides, uric acid, creatinine with estimation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) using the CKD-EPI Creatinine Equation formula, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). Composite endpoint was death from CVC, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, and coronary revascularization.Results The study included 214 patients from groups of high and very high risk of CVC. Median age of patients was 59.0 [53.2; 64.0] years. A very high risk was identified in 141 (65.8 %) patients and a high risk of CVC in 73 (34.1 %). Atherosclerotic plaques in at least one vascular bed were found in 191 (89.3 %) patients. Duration of the follow-up period was 32.0 [13.7; 49.1] months. Outcomes comprising the composite endpoint were observed in 36 (16.8 %) patients. Presence of carotid stenosis ≥35 % was not statistically significantly associated with the occurrence of outcomes comprising the composite endpoint (relative risk, RR: 1.22; 95 % confidence interval, CI: 0.56-2.66; p=0.607). In contrast, the presence of LEA stenosis ≥35 % was associated with a 2.51 times increased RR of CVC (95 % CI: 1.02-6.23; p=0.044).Conclusion      In patients from the groups of high risk and very high risk of CVC, the presence of LEA stenosis ≥35 % predicted the development of severe CVC with a 69.4% sensitivity and a 61.8% specificity. The presence of LEA stenosis ≥35 %, but not of carotid arteries, was an independent predictor of severe CVC (RR, 2.51; 95 % CI: 1.02-6.23; p=0.044) after adjustments for sex, age, presence of arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease, obesity, smoking, LDL-C, GFR, and drug therapy.

Underlying mechanisms of thrombus formation/growth in atherothrombosis and deep vein thrombosis

Thrombosis remains a leading cause of death worldwide despite technological advances in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The traditional view of arterial thrombus formation is that it is a platelet-dependent process, whereas that of venous thrombus formation is a coagulation-dependent process. Current pathological and basic studies on atherothrombosis and venous thrombosis have revealed the diverse participation of platelet and coagulation activation mechanisms in both thrombus initiation and growth processes during clinical thrombotic events. Atherosclerotic plaque cell-derived tissue factor contributes to fibrin formation and platelet aggregation. The degree of plaque disruption and a blood flow alteration promote atherothrombotic occlusion. While blood stasis/turbulent flow due to luminal stenosis itself initiates venous thrombus formation. The coagulation factor XI-driven propagation phase of blood coagulation plays a major role in venous thrombus growth, but a minor role in hemostasis. These lines of evidence indicate that atherothrombosis onset is affected by the thrombogenic potential of atherosclerotic plaques, the plaque disruption size, and an alteration in blood flow. Upon onset of venous thrombosis, enhancement of the propagation phase of blood coagulation under blood stasis and a hypercoagulable state contribute to large thrombus formation.

Reticulocalbin 2 as a Potential Biomarker and Therapeutic Target for Atherosclerosis

Vascular inflammation initiated by oxidized lipoproteins drives initiation, progression, and even rupture of atherosclerotic plaques. Yet, to date, no biomarker is directly linked to oxidized lipid-induced vascular inflammation. Reticulocalbin 2 (RCN2) is a key regulator of basal and oxidized lipid-induced cytokine production in arterial wall cells. We evaluated the potential of circulating RCN2 to identify subjects with or at risk of developing atherosclerosis. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed abundant RCN2 expression in the endothelium and adventitia of normal arteries and in atherosclerotic lesions of both humans and mice. Atherosclerosis-susceptible C57BL/6 (B6) mice had higher plasma Rcn2 levels than resistant C3H mice. High-fat diet feeding raised plasma Rcn2 levels of both strains. In humans, patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) or peripheral artery disease (PAD) showed elevated serum RCN2 levels compared to healthy controls. In a cohort of 92 CAD patients, serum RCN2 exhibited a significant inverse correlation with HDL cholesterol and K+ levels and a trend toward association with white blood cell account, Na+, statin treatment, and diastolic blood pressure. HDL treatment suppressed Rcn2 expression in endothelial cells. This study suggests that circulating RCN2 is a potential non-invasive biomarker for identifying individuals with atherosclerosis and HDL protects against atherosclerosis by downregulation of RCN2 expression in endothelial cells.

Atherosclerotic Plaque Burden on Abdominal CT: Automated Assessment With Deep Learning on Noncontrast and Contrast-enhanced Scans

BACKGROUND

Abdominal aortic atherosclerotic plaque burden may have clinical significance but manual measurement is time-consuming and impractical.

PURPOSE

To perform external validation on an automated atherosclerotic plaque detector for noncontrast and postcontrast abdominal CT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The training data consisted of 114 noncontrast CT scans and 23 postcontrast CT urography scans. The testing data set consisted of 922 CT colonography (CTC) scans, and 1207 paired noncontrast and postcontrast CT scans from renal donors from a second institution. Reference standard data included manual plaque segmentations in the 137 training scans and manual plaque burden measurements in the 922 CTC scans. The total Agatston score and group (0-3) was determined using fully-automated deep learning software. Performance was assessed by measures of agreement, linear regression, and paired evaluations.

RESULTS

On CTC scans, automated Agatston scoring correlated highly with manual assessment (R² = 0.94). On paired renal donor CT scans, automated Agatston scoring on postcontrast CT correlated highly with noncontrast CT (R² = 0.95). When plaque burden was expressed as a group score, there was excellent agreement for both the CTC (weighted kappa 0.80 ± 0.01 [95% confidence interval: 0.78-0.83]) and renal donor (0.83 ± 0.02 [0.79-0.86]) assessments.

CONCLUSION

Fully automated detection, segmentation, and scoring of abdominal aortic atherosclerotic plaques on both pre- and post-contrast CT was validated and may have application for population-based studies.

Ankle-brachial index predicts renal outcomes and all-cause mortality in high cardiovascular risk population: a nationwide prospective cohort study in CORE project

BACKGROUND

Low ankle-brachial index (ABI) related ischemic events are common among individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). It is also associated with an increased risk of rapid renal function decline. The presence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) with low ABI among patients with high cardiovascular (CV) risk increases limb loss and mortality.

AIMS

To estimate the association between abnormal ABI and renal endpoints and all-cause mortality.

METHODS

A multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted among subjects with high CV risk or established CV diseases in Thailand. The subjects were divided into 3 groups based on ABI at baseline > 1.3, 0.91-1.3, and ≤ 0.9, respectively. Primary composite outcome consisted of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline over 40%, eGFR less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m², doubling of serum creatinine and initiation of dialysis. The secondary outcome was all-cause mortality. Cox regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier curve were performed.

RESULTS

A total of 5543 subjects (3005 men and 2538 women) were included. Cox proportional hazards model showed a significant relationship of low ABI (ABI ≤ 0.9) and primary composite outcome and all-cause mortality. Compared with the normal ABI group (ABI 0.91-1.3), subjects with low ABI at baseline significantly had 1.42-fold (95% CI 1.02-1.97) and 2.03-fold (95% CI 1.32-3.13) risk for the primary composite outcome and all-cause mortality, respectively, after adjusting for variable factors.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggested that PAD independently predicts the incidence of renal progression and all-cause mortality among Thai patients with high CV risk.

Risk of post-transplant cardiovascular events in kidney transplant recipients with preexisting aortoiliac stenosis

Prediction of the risk of cardiovascular events (CVE's) is important to optimize outcomes after kidney transplantation. Aortoiliac stenosis is frequently observed during pre‐transplant screening. We hypothesized that these patients are at higher risk of post‐transplant CVE's due to the joint underlying atherosclerotic disease. Therefore, we aimed to assess whether aortoiliac stenosis was associated with post‐transplant CVE's. This retrospective, single‐center cohort study included adult kidney transplant recipients, transplanted between 2000 and 2016, with contrast‐enhanced imaging available. Aortoiliac stenosis was classified according to the Trans‐Atlantic Inter‐Society Consensus (TASC) II classification and was defined as significant in case of ≥50% lumen narrowing. The primary outcome was CVE‐free survival. Eighty‐nine of 367 patients had significant aortoiliac stenosis and were found to have worse CVE‐free survival (median CVE‐free survival: stenosis 4.5 years (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.8–6.2), controls 8.9 years (95% CI 6.8–11.0); log‐rank test P < .001). TASC II C and D lesions were independent risk factors for a post‐transplant CVE with a hazard ratio of 2.15 (95% CI 1.05–4.38) and 6.56 (95% CI 2.74–15.70), respectively. Thus, kidney transplant recipients with TASC II C and D aortoiliac stenosis require extensive cardiovascular risk management pre‐, peri,‐ and post‐transplantation.

Macroscopic Evaluation of Atherosclerosis in the Arteries: An Autopsy Assessment Tool

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerosis, in some cases, is an asymptomatic condition, and it is important to know the degree of arterial impairment caused by plaques and its association with risk factors. Autopsy examination provides understanding of basic disease processes and assessment to data about macroscopic characteristic of atherosclerotic involvement.

OBJECTIVE

To macroscopically assess and standardize atherosclerotic involvement of aorta, carotid and iliac arteries and compare with age, gender and causes of death.

METHODS

We collected 53 aortic arteries, 53 right carotid arteries, 53 left carotid arteries, 53 right iliac arteries and 53 left iliac arteries. For this assessment, the extension of fatty streaks, atheromatous plaques, fibrosis and calcification were considered, being the reference to score the degree of atherosclerotic involvement. Many degrees of atherosclerosis and accurate values were observed for mild, moderate and severe classification. For statistical analysis, data were analyzed using the software GraphPad Prism® 7.0. Differences were considered statistically significant if p-value was less than 5% (p <0.05).

RESULTS

Carotid arteries had greater atherosclerotic involvement compared to the other arteries (K = 15.73, p = 0.0004). Atherosclerosis was progressive and significant with increasing age (carotid arteries: t = 6.321; p <0.0001; aorta: U = 83.5; p <0.0001; iliac: U = 306; p <0.0001) and as cause of cardiovascular death (carotids: t = 5.047; p <0.0001; aorta: U = 98.5; p = 0.0068; iliac: U = 467.5; p = 0.0012).

CONCLUSION

Macroscopic assessment of atherosclerosis is an innovative and low-cost way of direct visualization of atherosclerotic plaques, enabling an association with risk factors such as increasing age and cardiovascular diseases, providing important data for clinical practice.

Correlation of atherosclerosis and osteoarthritis in ancient Egypt: A standardized evaluation of 45 whole-body CT examinations

OBJECTIVE

To correlate atherosclerosis (Ath) and osteoarthritis (OA) in mummies from ancient Egypt.

MATERIALS

Whole-body CT examinations of 23 mummies from the Ägyptisches Museum und Papyrussammlung, Berlin, Germany, and 22 mummies from the Museo Egizio, Turin, Italy.

METHODS

Ath was assessed in five anatomical regions by means of preserved arterial calcifications. OA was assessed using the Kellgren and Lawrence (1957) classification.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis revealed no correlation between Ath and total OA. A significant association was found for Ath and the upper limb group for OA grade >1 and for Ath and the lower limb group, consisting mainly of the hip and knee, for OA grade >2 OA.

CONCLUSIONS

The association of Ath and advanced OA of the hip and knee is comparable in prevalence to those reported in recent clinical studies, despite the low life expectancy and the different environment and lifestyle of the ancient Egyptians.

SIGNIFICANCE

This is the first study to correlate findings of Ath and OA in ancient Egypt statistically. The diseases of Ath and OA are common ailments with enormous and increasing impacts on public health.

LIMITATIONS

The large number of cardiovascular diseases was indicated only by arterial calcifications that resisted the post-mortem changes of the mummification process. Also, the assessed OA was on radiological OA.

SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH

Genomic studies of ancient Egyptian mummies may reveal genetic risk factors for Ath and OA that could be shared in ancient and modern populations.

Is breast arterial calcification associated with coronary artery disease?-A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

There is increasing evidence that breast arterial calcification (BAC), an incidental finding on 3-29% of mammograms, could be used to screen for coronary artery disease (CAD). We conducted a systematic review to assess the associations between BAC and CAD and its risk factors (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus and smoking).

METHODS AND FINDINGS

MEDLINE and EMBASE databases and references of relevant papers were searched up to 18 February 2020 for English language studies that evaluated the associations of BAC and CAD and its risk factors. A single reviewer extracted all data and assessed study quality with verification by another independent reviewer, if required. Across 31 studies (n = 35,583; 3 longitudinal and 28 cross-sectional studies) that examined the association of BAC and CAD, the OR was 2.61 (95% CI 2.12-3.21; I2 = 71%). Sub-analysis of studies that graded BAC severity using the 4- (4 studies) or 12-point scale systems (3 studies) revealed an association with CAD and moderate-severe BAC (OR 4.83 (95%CI 1.50-15.54) and OR 2.95 (95%CI 1.49-5.84), respectively) but not mild BAC (OR 2.04 (95%CI 0.82-5.05) and OR 1.08 (95%CI 0.42-2.75), respectively). BAC was associated with hypertension (42 studies; n = 32,646; OR 1.80; 95% CI 1.47-2.21; I2 = 85%) and diabetes mellitus (51 studies; n = 53,464; OR 2.17; 95% CI 1.82-2.59; I2 = 75%) but not with hypercholesterolemia (OR 1.31; 95%CI 0.97-1.77; I2 = 67%). Smoking was inversely associated with BAC (35 studies; n = 40,002; OR 0.54; 95% CI 0.42-0.70; I2 = 83%). Studies mostly included symptomatic women. Marked heterogeneity existed and publication bias may be present.

CONCLUSIONS

BAC is associated with CAD, diabetes mellitus and hypertension and inversely associated with smoking. Whether BAC could screen for CAD cannot be determined from current published data due to the lack of larger prospective studies. A consensus approach to quantifying BAC may also facilitate further translation into clinical care. PROSPERO: CRD42020141644.

Small rodent models of atherosclerosis

The ease of breeding, low cost of maintenance, and relatively short period for developing atherosclerosis make rodents ideal for atherosclerosis research. However, none of the current models accurately model human lipoprotein profile or atherosclerosis progression since each has its advantages and disadvantages. The advent of transgenic technologies much supports animal models' establishment. Notably, two classic transgenic mouse models, apoE-/- and Ldlr-/-, constitute the primary platforms for studying underlying mechanisms and development of pharmaceutical approaches. However, there exist crucial differences between mice and humans, such as the unhumanized lipoprotein profile, and the different plaque progression and characteristics. Among rodents, hamsters and guinea pigs might be the more realistic models in atherosclerosis research based on the similarities in lipoprotein metabolism to humans. Studies involving rat models, a rodent with natural resistance to atherosclerosis, have revealed evidence of atherosclerotic plaques under dietary induction and genetic manipulation by novel technologies, notably CRISPR-Cas9. Ldlr-/- hamster models were established in recent years with severe hyperlipidemia and atherosclerotic lesion formation, which could offer an alternative to classic transgenic mouse models. In this review, we provide an overview of classic and innovative small rodent models in atherosclerosis researches, including mice, rats, hamsters, and guinea pigs, focusing on their lipoprotein metabolism and histopathological changes.

Risk factors for calcification of the vertebrobasilar arteries in cardiovascular patients referred for a head CT, the SMART study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Vertebrobasilar artery calcification (VBAC) has been associated with increased stroke occurrence. Little is known on VBAC risk factors, especially for patients with cardiovascular disease. We aimed to assess risk factors associated with VBAC in a cohort of cardiovascular patients referred for a head computed tomography (CT) scan.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients who underwent a clinically indicated, unenhanced, thin slice head CT 6 months before or after inclusion in the SMART study were included. CTs were assessed for presence of VBAC (dichotomously). Relative risks of the associations of age, sex, diabetes mellitus (DM), obesity, body mass index, estimated glomerular filtration rate, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, use of lipid lowering medication, smoking status, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, ankle-brachial index (ABI; ≤0.90, ≥1.30, continuous), internal carotid artery stenosis ≥70%, and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) with VBAC were estimated using Poisson regression analysis with robust standard errors, adjusted for age and sex.

RESULTS

Of the 471 patients included (57% male, median age 58 [interquartile range 47-63]), 117 (24.8%) showed VBAC. Presence of VBAC was associated with older age (RR per 10 years=1.70 [95%CI 1.46-1.99]), DM (RR=1.45 [95%CI 1.03-2.06]), obesity (RR=1.53 [95%CI 1.10-2.12]), ABI ≤0.90 (RR=1.57 [95%CI 1.02-2.41]), and an increased carotid IMT (RR=2.60 per mm [95%CI 1.20-5.62]). Other measurements were not associated with VBAC.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified several markers associated with VBAC in patients with cardiovascular disease referred for a head CT. Future investigation into the relationship between VBAC and stroke is warranted to determine the potential of VBAC in stroke prevention.

Ankle-Brachial Index is a Predictor of Future Incident Chronic Kidney Disease in a General Japanese Population

AIMS

The ankle-brachial index (ABI) can be a prognostic marker for chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Western populations. Since there is little relevant evidence for Asian populations, we investigated the relationship between ABI and the risk of incident CKD in a general Japanese population.

METHODS

The cohort included 5,072 participants aged 30-79 without a history of renal disease or cerebro-cardiovascular disease. Incident CKD, defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate ＜60 (mL/min/1.73 m2) and/or proteinuria (≥ 1＋ on urine dipstick), was compared among participants grouped according to baseline ABI: 0.90-0.99, 1.00-1.09, 1.10-1.19, 1.20-1.29, and 1.30-1.39. Hazard ratios for incident CKD were estimated using a Cox proportional hazards model, with the ABI 1.10-1.19 group serving as the reference.

RESULTS

The CKD incidence rate (/100 person-years) was 1.80 during the mean follow-up period of 5.1 years. The CKD incidence rate was 3.04 in the ABI category 0.90-0.99, 1.58 in ABI 1.00-1.09, 1.72 in ABI 1.10-1.19, 2.01 in ABI 1.20-1.29, and 3.33 in ABI 1.30-1.39. The hazard ratios for developing CKD were 2.14 (95% confidence interval 1.16-3.92) in ABI 0.90-0.99, 1.08 (0.83-1.41) in ABI 1.00-1.09, 1.03 (0.83-1.29) in ABI 1.20-1.29, and 1.37 (0.77-2.47) in ABI 1.30-1.39, after adjusting for age, sex, systolic blood pressure, diabetes, and other confounding factors.

CONCLUSIONS

In a general Japanese population, an ABI of 0.90-0.99 was associated with an increased risk of incident CKD, independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

Relationship between symptomatic lower limb peripheral artery disease and calcified carotid artery plaque detected on panoramic images of neurologically asymptomatic males

OBJECTIVE

Males with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are at high risk of ischaemic stroke given that atherogenic risk factors for both diseases are similar. We hypothesized that neurologically asymptomatic males diagnosed with PAD would demonstrate calcified carotid artery plaques (CCAP) on panoramic images (PI) significantly more often than similarly aged males not having PAD.

METHODS

Investigators implemented a retrospective cross-sectional study. Subjects were male patients over age 50 diagnosed with PAD by ankle-brachial systolic pressure index results of ≤ 0.9. Controls negative for PAD had an ankle-brachial systolic pressure index > 0.9. Predictor variable was a diagnosis of PAD and outcome variable was presence of CCAP. Prevalence of CCAP amongst the PAD+ patients was compared to prevalence of CCAP among PAD- patients. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were computed and p-value was set at 0.05.

RESULTS

Final sample size consisted of 234 males (mean age 72.68 ± 9.09); 116 subjects and 118 controls. Among the PAD+ cohort, CCAP+ prevalence rate (57.76%) was significantly (p = 0.001) greater than the CCAP+ rate (36.44%) of the PAD- (control). There was no significant difference in atherogenic "risk factors" in the PAD+ cohort between CCAP+ and CCAP- subjects.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that CCAP, a "risk factor" for future stroke and "risk indicator" of future myocardial infarction is seen significantly more often detected on the PIs of older male patients with PAD than among those without. Dentists treating patients with PAD must be uniquely vigilant for the presence of CCAPs on their patients' PI.

Associations Between Plasma Betatrophin Levels and Coronary and Peripheral Artery Disease

Aim: Betatrophin, a recently identified circulating adipokine, affects lipid and glucose metabolism. However, association between plasma betatrophin levels and atherosclerotic diseases, such as coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD), has not been elucidated.

Methods: We investigated plasma betatrophin levels in 457 patients undergoing elective coronary angiography who also had ankle-brachial index (ABI) test for PAD screening.

Results: Of the 457 study patients, CAD was present in 241 patients (53%) (1-vessel [1-VD], n = 99; 2-vessel [2-VD], n = 71; 3-vessel disease [3-VD], n = 71). Compared to 216 patients without CAD, 241 with CAD had higher betatrophin levels (median 1120 vs. 909 pg/mL, p < 0.001). A stepwise increase in betatrophin levels was found depending on the number of > 50% stenotic coronary vessels: 909 in CAD(-), 962 in 1-VD, 1097 in 2-VD, and 1393 pg/ml in 3-VD (p < 0.001). Betatrophin levels correlated with the number of > 25% stenotic segments (r = 0.24, p < 0.001). PAD (ABI < 0.9) was found in 41 patients (9%). Plasma betatrophin levels were also significantly higher in 41 patients with PAD than in 416 without PAD (1354 vs. 981 pg/mL, p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, betatrophin levels were not a factor for CAD, but they were a significant factor for 3-VD and PAD independent of atherosclerotic risk factors. The odds ratios for 3-VD and PAD were 1.06 (95%CI = 1.01–1.11) and 1.07 (95%CI = 1.01–1.13) for a 100-pg/mL increase in betatrophin levels, respectively (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Plasma betatrophin levels were associated with the presence and severity of CAD and PAD, suggesting betatrophin has a role in atherosclerosis.

Inflammatory Mediators Across the Spectrum of Ankle-Brachial Index

Aim: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a manifestation of atherosclerosis with poor prognosis. It is generally complicated by vascular calcification, which is located either in the intima as patchy infiltrates; or circumferentially in the media, also known as medial arterial calcification (MAC). Obstructive PAD is reflected by low anklebrachial index (ABI ≤ 0.9), whereas MAC is revealed by high ABI (ABI > 1.4). Considering the increase in cardiovascular mortality at both ends of the ABI spectrum, this study aimed to explore the underlying pathology through cytokines with established prognostic significance; namely pentraxin-3(PTX3), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), copeptin, soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1), NT-proBNP, and neopterin.

Methods: We categorized 180 patients with previous multivessel coronary artery bypass grafting surgery into three groups based on their ABI measurements; 60 patients with ABI ≤ 0.9, 60 patients with ABI within 0.91 and 1.4 (normal ABI), and 60 patients with ABI > 1.4 constituted the “PAD,” “normal,” “MAC” groups, respectively. The circulating levels of the biochemical markers were determined.

Results: In the PAD group, the cytokine levels with predominantly proatherogenic actions such as PTX3, hsCRP, copeptin, and sTREM-1 were increased and these cytokine levels declined as the ABI increased. In the MAC group, the cytokine concentrations with pleiotropic actions such as NT-proBNP and neopterin increased and; NT-proBNP and neopterin concentrations decreased as ABI decreased. The linear regression analysis revealed that neopterin (β = 0.72), PTX3 (β = −0.32), and copeptin (β = −0.48) were independent predictors of ABI.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that different inflammatory pathways influence the pathology at the opposing ends of the ABI spectrum. Consequently, we suggest that PTX3, copeptin, and neopterin are promising biomarkers for future research.

Low Plasma Levels of Fibroblast Growth Factor-21 in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease

AIM

Fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21) is a metabolic regulator with beneficial effects on glucolipid metabolism. Since FGF-21 has lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, it may play a protective role against atherosclerosis. However, blood FGF-21 levels in coronary artery disease (CAD) or peripheral artery disease (PAD) have not been elucidated.

METHODS

We measured plasma FGF-21 levels in 417 patients undergoing coronary angiography, who also had ankle-brachial index test for PAD screening.

RESULTS

CAD was found in 224 patients (1-vessel [1-VD], n=92; 2-vessel [2-VD], n=65; 3-vessel disease [3-VD], n=67). No significant difference was found in the FGF-21 levels between 224 patients with CAD and 193 without CAD (median 26.0 vs. 25.9 pg/mL). FGF-21 levels in 4 groups of CAD(-), 1-VD, 2-VD, and 3-VD were 25.9, 37.2, 19.4, and 0.0 pg/mL. FGF-21 tended to be highest in 1-VD and lowest in 3-VD, but the difference did not reach statistical significance. PAD was found in 38 patients. Compared to the 379 patients without PAD, 38 with PAD had CAD more often (87% vs. 50%), especially 3-VD (P＜0.001). FGF-21 levels were lower in patients with PAD than in those without PAD (0.0 vs. 30.7 pg/mL, P＜0.02). In multivariate analysis, the FGF-21 level was an independent factor for PAD, but not for CAD. Odds ratio for PAD was 2.13 (95%CI=1.01-4.49) for a low FGF-21 level (＜15.6 pg/mL).

CONCLUSION

No significant difference was found in the FGF-21 levels between patients with and without CAD. However, FGF-21 levels were low in patients with PAD, and were a factor for PAD independent of atherosclerotic risk factors.