Prediction and causal inference of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases based on lifestyle questionnaires

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CCVD) are prominent mortality causes in Japan, necessitating effective preventative measures, early diagnosis, and treatment to mitigate their impact. A diagnostic model was developed to identify patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD), stroke, or both, using specific health examination data. Lifestyle habits affecting CCVD development were analyzed using five causal inference methods. This study included 473,734 patients aged ≥ 40 years who underwent specific health examinations in Kanazawa, Japan between 2009 and 2018 to collect data on basic physical information, lifestyle habits, and laboratory parameters such as diabetes, lipid metabolism, renal function, and liver function. Four machine learning algorithms were used: Random Forest, Logistic regression, Light Gradient Boosting Machine, and eXtreme-Gradient-Boosting (XGBoost). The XGBoost model exhibited superior area under the curve (AUC), with mean values of 0.770 (± 0.003), 0.758 (± 0.003), and 0.845 (± 0.005) for stroke, IHD, and CCVD, respectively. The results of the five causal inference analyses were summarized, and lifestyle behavior changes were observed after the onset of CCVD. A causal relationship from 'reduced mastication' to 'weight gain' was found for all causal species theory methods. This prediction algorithm can screen for asymptomatic myocardial ischemia and stroke. By selecting high-risk patients suspected of having CCVD, resources can be used more efficiently for secondary testing.

Epigenetic alterations of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 gene in the adipose tissue of patients with primary aldosteronism

11Beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1) is a key enzyme involved in metabolic syndrome. Transcript-specific epigenetic regulation of the gene encoding 11β-HSD1 (HSD11B1) has been reported. We examined the mRNA level and methylation status of the HSD11B1 promoter region in the adipose tissue of patients with primary aldosteronism (PA). We compared 10 tissue specimens from patients with PA caused by aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) with 8 adipose tissue specimens from patients with subclinical Cushing's syndrome (SCS) caused by cortisol-producing adenomas, 4 tissue specimens from patients with Cushing's adenoma (Cu), or 7 tissue specimens from patients with non-functioning adrenal adenoma (NFA). PA, SCS, and Cu were diagnosed according to the guideline of the Japan Endocrine Society. The mRNA level of HSD11B1 was quantified using real-time PCR. Isolated DNA was treated with bisulfite and amplified using primers specific to the human HSD11B1 promoter region. The glycohemoglobin level was significantly higher in patients with APA, SCS, or Cu than in those with NFA (p < 0.05). Blood pressure was significantly higher in patients with APA than in those with SCS, Cu, or NFA (p < 0.01). The HSD11B1 mRNA level was significantly increased in the adipose tissues of APA or SCS patients compared with Cu or NFA patients (p < 0.05). The methylation ratio was significantly lower in SCS patients than in APA, Cu, or NFA patients (p < 0.05). HSD11B1 expression is partly controlled by an epigenetic mechanism in human tissues. The pathophysiological role of epigenetic regulation of HSD11B1 expression in adipose tissue requires further study.

A clinical assessment of portable point-of-care testing for quick cortisol assay during adrenal vein sampling

This study assessed the clinical performance of point-of-care testing (POCT) for quick cortisol assay (QCA) during adrenal vein sampling (AVS) using a newly invented portable quantitative assay instrument. An observational study was conducted prospectively at two centres in Japan. Forty-eight patients with primary aldosteronism considered for adrenalectomy were enrolled in this study and underwent AVS. Three basal adrenal vein samples from each adrenal vein and two from the inferior vena cava were collected sequentially. The cortisol concentration of adrenal vein samples was measured by routine method and QCA. A total of 338 adrenal vein samples were analysed from 250 sites to determine AVS success or failure. The distribution of turnaround time of the QCA for AVS success or failure followed a normal distribution with an average of 20.5 min. A positive correlation between the routine method and QCA was observed regarding cortisol concentration or selectivity index. No significant difference between the two methods was observed regarding the success rate of AVS. Using the routine method as a reference, the sensitivity and specificity of AVS success or failure were 99.1% (210/212) and 81.6% (31/38), respectively. Easy, quick, portable, and precise POCT-QCA demonstrated its compatibility with routine methods regarding clinical performance.

Feasibility and reliability of the pandemic-adapted online-onsite hybrid graduation OSCE in Japan

Objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) is widely used to assess medical students' clinical skills. Virtual OSCEs were used in place of in-person OSCEs during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, their reliability is yet to be robustly analyzed. By applying generalizability (G) theory, this study aimed to evaluate the reliability of a hybrid OSCE, which admixed in-person and online methods, and gain insights into improving OSCEs' reliability. During the 2020-2021 hybrid OSCEs, one examinee, one rater, and a vinyl mannequin for physical examination participated onsite, and a standardized simulated patient (SP) for medical interviewing and another rater joined online in one virtual breakout room on an audiovisual conferencing system. G-coefficients and 95% confidence intervals of the borderline score, namely border zone (BZ), under the standard 6-station, 2-rater, and 6-item setting were calculated. G-coefficients of in-person (2017-2019) and hybrid OSCEs (2020-2021) under the standard setting were estimated to be 0.624, 0.770, 0.782, 0.759, and 0.823, respectively. The BZ scores were estimated to be 2.43-3.57, 2.55-3.45, 2.59-3.41, 2.59-3.41, and 2.51-3.49, respectively, in the score range from 1 to 6. Although hybrid OSCEs showed reliability comparable to in-person OSCEs, they need further improvement as a very high-stakes examination. In addition to increasing clinical vignettes, having more proficient online/on-demand raters and/or online SPs for medical interviews could improve the reliability of OSCEs. Reliability can also be ensured through supplementary examination and by increasing the number of online raters for a small number of students within the BZs.

Impact of gut microbiome on the renin-aldosterone system: Shika-machi Super Preventive Health Examination results

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is a regulatory mechanism of the endocrine system and is associated with various diseases, including hypertension and renal and cardiovascular diseases. The gut microbiota (GM) have been associated with various diseases, mainly in animal models. However, to our knowledge, no studies have examined the relationship between the RAAS and GM in humans. The present study aimed to assess the association between the systemic RAAS and GM genera and their causal relationships. The study participants were 377 members of the general population aged 40 years or older in Shika-machi, Japan. Plasma renin activity (PRA), plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC), aldosterone-renin ratio (ARR), and GM composition were analyzed using the 16S rRNA method. The participants were divided into high and low groups according to the PRA, PAC, and ARR values. U-tests, one-way analysis of covariance, and linear discriminant analysis of effect size were used to identify the important bacterial genera between the two groups, and binary classification modeling using Random Forest was used to calculate the importance of the features. The results showed that Blautia, Bacteroides, Akkermansia, and Bifidobacterium were associated with the RAAS parameters. Causal inference analysis using the linear non-Gaussian acyclic model revealed a causal effect of Blautia on PAC via SBP. These results strengthen the association between the systemic RAAS and GM in humans, and interventions targeting the GM may provide new preventive measures and treatments for hypertension and renal disease.

Adrenal Hemorrhaging in a Patient with Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome with Elevated Plasma ACTH Levels

Adrenal hemorrhaging (AH) is a rare condition characterized by bleeding into the suprarenal glands. A 62-year-old man with untreated obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) was admitted to our hospital complaining of abdominal stiffness. He was diagnosed with left-sided AH and underwent adrenalectomy. Pre- and post-surgery, elevated plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels were observed. However, Cushing's syndrome and adrenal insufficiency were negative, and nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) normalized the plasma ACTH levels. Elevated ACTH levels are reportedly present in patients with OSAS. ACTH may be associated with the development of AH through the change in blood supply and other mechanisms.

Using telemedicine to manage a patient with a hypertensive emergency due to pheochromocytoma

Summary

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the emergence of telemedicine on a global scale. In endocrinology, telemedicine has mainly been used in relation to chronic diseases, including diabetes. Herein, we report the case of an 18-year-old woman with a hypertensive emergency due to a pheochromocytoma who was quickly diagnosed and treated using telemedicine. The patient was referred to a cardiovascular hospital because of fatigue and sweating that did not improve with carvedilol. She had fluctuating blood pressure and tachycardia. Subsequently, since her thyroid function was normal, endocrine hypertension not due to thyroid dysfunction was suspected; a case consultation was made by phone to our clinic. Plain computed tomography (CT) was recommended owing to the high possibility of a pheochromocytoma; the CT scan showed an adrenal tumor with a 30 mm diameter. To assess her condition, endocrinologists, together with the attending doctor, interviewed her and her family directly using an online tool to obtain detailed information. We thus determined that she was at risk of a pheochromocytoma crisis. She was transferred to our hospital immediately for treatment, was diagnosed with pheochromocytoma, and underwent surgery. Telemedicine, especially involving doctor-to-patient with doctor consultations, can be effective in treating rare and emergent medical conditions such as pheochromocytoma crisis.

Learning points

Telemedicine can be used for chronic diseases and emergency conditions. Online doctor-to-patient with doctor (D-to-P with D) consultations are useful when the expert opinion of a highly specialized physician present in a different geographical location is required. Telemedicine, especially D-to-P with D online consultations, can be effectively used for the diagnosis of rare and emergent medical conditions, such as pheochromocytoma crisis.

Fulminant type 1 diabetes developed after influenza split vaccination

Summary

Fulminant type 1 diabetes (FT1D) is a subtype of diabetes characterized by rapid progression of β-cell destruction, hyperglycemia, and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The pathogenesis of this disease remains unclear. However, viral infections, HLA genes, and immune checkpoint inhibitor use were reportedly involved in this disease. A 51-year-old Japanese man with no chronic medical condition was admitted to our hospital with complaints of nausea and vomiting. Cough, sore throat, nasal discharge, and diarrhea were not noted. He had a medical history of at least two influenza infections. His vaccination history was notable for receiving an inactive split influenza vaccine 12 days prior to developing these symptoms. He was diagnosed with DKA associated with FT1D. His HLA class II genotypes were nonsusceptible to FT1D, and he had a negative history of immune checkpoint inhibitor use. The destruction of the pancreas by cytotoxic T cells is reported to be involved in FT1D. Inactive split influenza vaccines do not directly activate cytotoxic T cells. However, these could activate the redifferentiation of memory CD8-positive T cells into cytotoxic T cells and induce FT1D, as this patient had a history of influenza infections.

Learning points

Influenza split vaccination could cause fulminant type 1 diabetes (FT1D). The mechanism of influenza split vaccine-induced FT1D might be through the redifferentiation of CD8-positive memory T cells into cytotoxic T cells.

Impact of Conducting Adrenal Venous Sampling in the Morning Versus Afternoon in Primary Aldosteronism

Context

Adrenal venous sampling (AVS) is the gold standard technique for subtype differentiation of primary aldosteronism (PA) and to obtain aldosterone and cortisol measurements; however, their secretion patterns show fluctuations during the day.

Objective

We aimed to examine the effects of AVS timing on AVS results.

Methods

This multicenter, retrospective, observational study included a total of 753 patients who were diagnosed with PA and underwent AVS in 4 centers in Japan. Among them, 504 and 249 patients underwent AVS in the morning (AM-AVS) and in the afternoon (PM-AVS), respectively. The outcome measures were the impact of AVS timing and hormone fluctuations in a day on AVS results.

Results

There were no differences in the success rate of AVS, diagnostic rate of disease type, or frequency of discrepancy in PA subtypes between the AM-AVS and PM-AVS groups. Regarding patients with unilateral PA, aldosterone concentrations in adrenal venous blood did not differ between the 2 groups on the dominant or nondominant side. Conversely, regarding patients with bilateral PA, aldosterone concentrations in adrenal venous blood were significantly higher in the AM-AVS than in the PM-AVS group.

Conclusions

The timing of AVS did not seem to have a significant impact on subtype diagnosis. The aldosterone levels in adrenal venous blood were significantly higher in patients with bilateral PA in the AM-AVS group, but there was no such difference between patients with unilateral PA in the AM-AVS and PM-AVS groups. Each subtype may have a different hormone secretion pattern in a day.

Recurrence of Primary Aldosteronism After Surgery in Aldosterone-producing Adenoma With KCNJ5 Gene Mutation

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a major cause of secondary hypertension. Aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) is a subtype of PA, and adrenalectomy is the gold-standard treatment. Recently, a high prevalence of the KCNJ5 gene mutation has been reported in APA, particularly in Japan. Herein, we present 2 extremely rare cases of PA recurrence more than 10 years after adrenalectomy for APA. In the first case, a 52-year-old woman was examined for hypertension 22 years after total adrenalectomy of the right adrenal gland. Recurrent PA was diagnosed based on high aldosterone-renin-ratio (ARR), identification of left adrenal gland tumor by computed tomography (CT), and a confirmatory test. In the second case, a 65-year-old man was examined for hypertension 17 years after total adrenalectomy of the left adrenal gland. He had maintained his blood pressure using medication since the onset of hypertension 4 years after the surgery. A year later, a high ARR was observed. PA recurrence was determined by a right adrenal gland tumor noted on CT and a confirmatory test. Somatic mutations in KCNJ5 were detected in the resected tissues in both cases. We recommend careful follow-ups after adrenalectomy in APA cases, especially in those with a KCNJ5 gene mutation.

A case of adrenocortical carcinoma diagnosed 9 years after the discovery of adrenal incidentaloma

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is an uncommon cause of adrenal incidentaloma (AI). ACCs generally occur in large sizes, >4 cm in diameter, at initial presentation and grow rapidly. Therefore, there have been few reports of cases with long-term follow-up with imaging before ACC was diagnosed. Herein, we present a case of an adrenal mass that had remained small and unchanged for 5 years but later grew rapidly and was finally diagnosed as ACC. A 77-year-old hypertensive woman was referred to our hospital for the examination of a 5.4-cm left adrenal mass. Upon reviewing her previous unenhanced computed tomography (CT) scan, a 1.6-cm and 30 Hounsfield units (HU), homogeneous, round, left adrenal mass was incidentally detected 9 years ago. This mass remained unchanged until 4 years ago. One year ago, the mass enlarged to 3.0-cm and changed into an irregular form with heterogeneous density. The hormonal evaluation during the 9 years from the discovery of the AI was inadequate. The present examination diagnosed this case as ACC with subclinical Cushing's syndrome. The patient underwent laparoscopic left adrenalectomy, and a histological diagnosis of high-grade ACC was made. The resected tumor had the CTNNB1 gene mutation. High unenhanced CT attenuation values (>10 HU) are one of the findings that raise suspicion of malignancy. This case suggests that patients with findings atypical of adenomas on an initial unenhanced CT might be carefully followed up given the possibility of development of ACCs, even if the initial tumor size is small.

ODP145 Epigenesis of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 in the adipose tissue of aldosterone-producing adenoma

Objective

11Beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11beta-HSD1) is the key enzyme of metabolic syndrome. The transcript-specific epigenetic regulation of 11b-HSD1 (HSD11B1) is reported. We examined the HSD11B1 mRNA level and methylation status of the promoter region of the HSD11B1 in the adipose tissue of patients with aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA).

Methods

We evaluated 10 adipose tissue specimens from patients with primary aldosteronism due to aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) and 7 tissue specimens from patients with non-functioning adrenal adenoma (NFA). Primary aldosteronism was diagnosed according to the guideline of the Japanese Endocrine Society. The expression levels of HSD11B1 mRNA were quantified using a real time PCR. Isolated DNA was treated with bisulfite and amplified using primers specific for the humanHSD11B1promoter region.

Results

The glycohemoglobin level was significantly higher in patients with APA compared with those with NFA (p<0. 05). Blood pressure was significantly elevated in patients with APA compared with those with NFA (p<0. 01). TheHSD11B1 mRNA level and the enzyme activities were significantly increased in the adipose tissues of APA compared with NFA patients (p<0. 05). The methylation ratio was not significantly different between APA and NFA patients.

Conclusion

These results may suggest that adipose11beta-HSD1 contributes to metabolic abnormalities in APA. The pathophysiological significance of epigenetic control of 11beta-HSD1 gene in the adipose tissue should be further studied.

Presentation: No date and time listed

Impact of gut microbiome on dyslipidemia in japanese adults: Assessment of the Shika-machi super preventive health examination results for causal inference

Dyslipidemia (DL) is one of the most common lifestyle-related diseases. There are few reports showing the causal relationship between gut microbiota (GM) and DL. In the present study, we used a linear non-Gaussian acyclic model (LiNGAM) to evaluate the causal relationship between GM and DL. A total of 79 men and 82 women aged 40 years or older living in Shika-machi, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan were included in the analysis, and their clinical information was investigated. DNA extracted from the GM was processed to sequence the 16S rRNA gene using next-generation sequencing. Participants were divided into four groups based on sex and lipid profile information. The results of one-way analysis of covariance, linear discriminant analysis effect size, and least absolute value reduction and selection operator logistic regression model indicated that several bacteria between men and women may be associated with DL. The LiNGAM showed a presumed causal relationship between different bacteria and lipid profiles in men and women. In men, Prevotella 9 and Bacteroides were shown to be potentially associated with changes in low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. In women, the LiNGAM results showed two bacteria, Akkermansia and Escherichia/Shigella, had a presumptive causal relationship with lipid profiles. These results may provide a new sex-based strategy to reduce the risk of developing DL and to treat DL through the regulation of the intestinal environment using specific GM.

Panhypopituitarism caused by an unruptured giant cavernous internal carotid artery aneurysm compressing the pituitary gland treated with a flow-diverting stent: A case report

Background:

Internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms extending into the intrasellar region that mimics pituitary tumors and leads to pituitary dysfunction are relatively rare. The treatment for aneurysms includes surgery and endovascular procedures. However, functional recovery of the pituitary gland is difficult.

Case Description:

We report a case of a 43-year-old woman who presented with severe headaches and generalized malaise. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a giant unruptured cavernous ICA aneurysm that pushed the pituitary stalk contralaterally. A baseline endocrinological examination suggested panhypopituitarism. Hypopituitarism was treated with hormone replacement therapy, which improved the patient’s symptoms of headaches and malaise after 4 days. The aneurysm was treated using a pipeline flow-diverting stent. Two years later, the aneurysm had reduced to half of its maximum diameter, and the pituitary stalk was visible on MRI. Hormone loading tests 1 week postoperatively showed almost no response. At postoperative 6 months, there was a trend toward improvement.

Conclusion:

Flow-diverting stent deployment is useful for large or giant carotid artery aneurysms with pituitary gland compression.

Hiccups as the first presentation of secondary adrenal insufficiency associated with advanced cervical cancer

Summary

Hiccups are a common symptom characterized by intermittent spasmodic contraction of the diaphragm. Most hiccups are transient, but some are refractory. Patients with intractable hiccups often have abnormalities of the diaphragm, medulla oblongata, and lesions affecting nerve fibers connecting them. Moreover, electrolyte abnormalities, including hyponatremia, are frequently observed in patients with intractable hiccups. Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is one of the causes of hyponatremia. However, hiccups are not commonly the first presentation. Herein, we describe a case of a 45-year-old woman complaining of refractory hiccups. The patient was initially diagnosed with hiccups associated with cervical cancer metastasis to the liver and peritoneum. The administration of chlorpromazine did not have a beneficial effect on her hiccup. Fasting hypoglycemia and hyponatremia were later found. Her serum cortisol level was low without an elevation of adrenocorticotropic hormone level. MRI of the pituitary gland showed metastatic lesion in the pituitary gland and stalk. Thus, the patient was diagnosed with secondary AI due to cervical cancer metastasis to the pituitary gland and stalk. Administration of hydrocortisone improved her hiccups with the normalization of serum sodium level. Therefore, differential diagnosis in advanced cancer patients with hiccups should include AI-induced hyponatremia.

Learning points

Hiccups could be the first manifestation of adrenal insufficiency (AI). Hiccups in patients with AI are often mediated by hyponatremia. Hyponatremia is less frequent in secondary AI than in primary AI. However, hyponatremia can result from increased antidiuretic hormone due to loss of cortisol. The differential diagnosis should include AI-induced hyponatremia if hiccups occur in patients with advanced cancer, as metastasis to adrenal gland or pituitary gland could cause AI.

Impact of salt intake on urinary albumin excretion in patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy: a retrospective cohort study based on a generalized additive model

Diabetic kidney disease is an important and common cause of end-stage renal disease. Measurement of urinary albumin excretion (UAE) requires the diagnosis of the stage of diabetic nephropathy and the prognosis of renal function. We aimed to analyze the impact of lifestyle modification on UAE in patients with stage 2 and 3 type 2 diabetic nephropathy who received comprehensive medical care, using a generalized additive model (GAM), an explanatory machine learning model. In this retrospective observational study, we used changes in HbA1c, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) levels; body mass index (BMI); and daily salt intake as factors contributing to changes in UAE. In total, 269 patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy were enrolled (stage 2, 217 patients; stage 3, 52 patients). The rankings that contributed to changes in UAE over 6 months by permutation importance were the changes in daily salt intake, HbA1c, SBP, DBP, and BMI. GAM, which predicts the change in UAE, showed that with increase in the changes in salt intake, SBP, and HbA1c, the delta UAE tended to increase. Salt intake was the most contributory factor for the changes in UAE, and daily salt intake was the best lifestyle factor to explain the changes in UAE. Strict control of salt intake may have beneficial effects on improving UAE in patients with stage 2 and 3 diabetic nephropathy.

Explainable Machine Learning for Atrial Fibrillation in the General Population Using a Generalized Additive Model ― A Cross-Sectional Study ―

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia and is associated with increased thromboembolic stroke risk and heart failure. Although various prediction models for AF risk have been developed using machine learning, their output cannot be accurately explained to doctors and patients. Therefore, we developed an explainable model with high interpretability and accuracy accounting for the non-linear effects of clinical characteristics on AF incidence.

Methods and Results: Of the 489,073 residents who underwent specific health checkups between 2009 and 2018 and were registered in the Kanazawa Medical Association database, data were used for 5,378 subjects with AF and 167,950 subjects with normal electrocardiogram readings. Forty-seven clinical parameters were combined using a generalized additive model algorithm. We validated the model and found that the area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.964, 0.879, and 0.920, respectively. The 9 most important variables were the physical examination of arrhythmia, a medical history of coronary artery disease, age, hematocrit, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, creatinine, hemoglobin, systolic blood pressure, and HbA1c. Further, non-linear relationships of clinical variables to the probability of AF diagnosis were visualized.

Conclusions: We established a novel AF risk explanation model with high interpretability and accuracy accounting for non-linear information obtained at general health checkups. This model contributes not only to more accurate AF risk prediction, but also to a greater understanding of the effects of each characteristic.

Carcinoma of unknown primary origin with isolated adrenal metastasis: a report of two cases

The adrenal glands are one of the most common sites of malignant tumor metastasis. However, metastatic adrenal carcinoma of unknown primary origin with localized adrenal gland involvement is an extremely rare condition. Herein, we reported two cases of carcinoma of unknown primary origin with isolated adrenal metastasis. In the first case, back pain was the trigger; while in the second case, the triggers were low fever and weight loss. Metabolic abnormalities such as hypertension and obesity were not detected in either case. Neither patient had relevant previous medical histories, including malignancy. However, both had a long-term history of smoking. Systemic imaging studies revealed only adrenal tumors and surrounding lesions. Primary adrenocortical carcinoma was initially suspected, and chemotherapy including mitotane was considered. However, due to difficulty in complete resection of the tumor, core needle tumor biopsies were performed. Histopathological examination of biopsy specimens led to the diagnosis of carcinoma of unknown primary origin with isolated adrenal metastasis. In both cases, additional laboratory testing showed high levels of serum squamous cell carcinoma-related antigen and serum cytokeratin fragment. Malignant lesions confined to the adrenal glands are rare. As in our cases, it could be occasionally difficult to differentiate non-functioning primary adrenocortical carcinoma from metastatic adrenal carcinoma of unknown primary origin localized to the adrenal gland. If the lesion is unresectable and there are elevated levels of several tumor markers with no apparent hormonal excess, core needle tumor biopsy should be considered to differentiate the primary tumor from the metastatic tumor.

Effects of Sodium Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor on Renal Renin-Angiotensin-Aldsoterone System

Objective: The renoprotective effect of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGL2i) has been reported in diabetic patients. Local renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is activated in diabetes mellitus and hypertension. We examined the effects of SGL2i on the RAAS in the obese diabetic rats fed a high salt diet. Methods: Zucker-diabetic rats (ZDR) and control rats were fed a high or normal salt diet and were treated with canagliflozin for 8 weeks. Blood pressure (BP), blood glucose (BG), PRA, plasma aldosterone (PAC), urinary albumin excretion (UAE), urinary 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), gene expression of angiotensinogen in the kidney were measured. Results: ZDR febd a high salt diet showed high BP, increased UAE and urinary 8-OHdG and elevated angiotensinogen mRNA levels. Treatment with canagliflozin significantly decreased BP, BG, UAE, urinary 8-OHdG and and renal angiotensinogen mRNA levels compared with control rats (p&lt0.05). Discussion and Conclusion: The closer mechanism of renoptotection of SGL2i in diabetes mellitus is unclear. We have reported that the repoprotective effects of type 2 angiotensin receptor antagonist or mineralocorticoid receptor blocker were partly due to the decreased RAAS in the kidney. Decreased renal RAAS by the treatment with canagliflozin may contribute to the renoprotection in DZR.

Renal Artery Aneurysm Due to Fenestration of a Branch of the Renal Artery: A Case Study

Artery fenestration is a congenital vascular malformation, often of the intracranial arteries, that causes an aneurysm. However, there have been no reports of artery fenestration causing renal aneurysm. We present the case of a 58-year-old man who developed renin-dependent hypertension. He was aware of heaviness of the head, and his blood pressure was 196/134 mm Hg on 5 mg of amlodipine. Laboratory tests showed hypokalemia, hyperreninemia, and hyperaldosteronemia. An enhanced 3-dimensional computed tomography scan showed a 19-mm renal aneurysm in a branch of the left renal artery, and renal arteriography showed a fenestration in the aneurysm-forming branch. Coil embolization was performed on the central side of the artery forming the aneurysm and fenestration, after which blood pressure, serum potassium, and plasma renin levels improved. The patient in the present case had renin-dependent hypertension as a result of decreased renal blood flow caused by the renal aneurysm and fenestration, which is considered an extremely rare etiology of hypertension.

Primary Aldosteronism with Parathyroid Hormone Elevation: A Single-center Retrospective Study

Objective Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a major cause of secondary hypertension. The association between PA and other hormone disorders is unclear. The present study aimed to evaluate whether the parathyroid hormone (PTH) value is associated with PA subtypes or specific treatments. Methods We enrolled 135 patients with PA who had their PTH value measured before undergoing a specific treatment. We evaluated whether PTH value is associated with PA subtypes or with specific treatments. The present study is a single-center retrospective study (2011-2018). Results Our study showed that, among the patients with PA, the proportion of those with PTH elevation was >30%. The PTH value was significantly correlated with both the basal plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) and PAC after a captopril challenge test. However, the PTH value was not significantly different between the patients with unilateral and bilateral PA. We observed that the serum PTH value decreased after treatment of PA with unilateral adrenalectomy or mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. Conclusion Our findings suggest that the PTH value in PA patients might be associated with the autonomous production of aldosterone. However, there was no correlation between the PTH value and PA subtypes in our study. Additionally, our study showed that targeted treatment for PA may lead to a decrease in the serum PTH levels. Hence, the PTH value could potentially be used as an index for measuring the suitability for PA treatment.

Effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors on aldosterone-to-renin ratio in diabetic patients with hypertension: a retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Plasma aldosterone-to-renin ratio (ARR) is popularly used for screening primary aldosteronism (PA). Some medications, including diuretics, are known to have an effect on ARR and cause false-negative and false-positive results in PA screening. Currently, there are no studies on the effects of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, which are known to have diuretic effects, on ARR. We aimed to investigate the effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on ARR.

METHODS

We employed a retrospective design; the study was conducted from April 2016 to December 2018 and carried out in three hospitals. Forty patients with diabetes and hypertension were administered SGLT2 inhibitors. ARR was evaluated before 2 to 6 months after the administration of SGLT2 inhibitors to determine their effects on ARR.

RESULTS

No significant changes in the levels of ARR (90.9 ± 51.6 vs. 81.4 ± 62.9) were found. Body mass index, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, fasting plasma glucose, and hemoglobin A1c were significantly decreased by SGLT2 inhibitors. Serum creatinine was significantly increased.

CONCLUSION

SGLT2 inhibitor administration yielded minimal effects on ARR and did not increase false-negative results in PA screening in patients with diabetes and hypertension more than 2 months after administration.

Pheochromocytoma crisis with cyclic fluctuation in blood pressure mimics acute coronary syndrome

SUMMARY

Pheochromocytoma crisis results from the sudden release of large quantities of catecholamines and leads to progressive multiple organ dysfunction. Here we report a case of pheochromocytoma crisis with symptoms associated with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and severe fluctuations in blood pressure (BP). A 43-year-old Japanese man with hypertension (240/120 mmHg) visited a general hospital for chest pain. Echocardiogram showed ST segment depression and blood test demonstrated elevated troponin T. However, emergent coronary angiography revealed normal findings. CT showed a large adrenal mass on the left side, which was suspected as the cause of chest pain and BP elevation. After the patient was transported to our hospital, his BP was found to oscillate between 70 and 240 mmHg, and level of consciousness was decreased. After hospitalization, he had a further decrease in consciousness, a rise in body temperature, and a gradual increase in the interval between the upper and lower systolic BP. His systolic BP varied between 30 mmHg and 300 mmHg at the intervals of 20-30 min. After a multimodality therapy, including α-blocker and high dose fluid replacement, the fluctuation in his BP was gradually decreased and got stabilized after approximately 24 h. Approximately 3 weeks later, he underwent left adrenalectomy. This case showed that pheochromocytoma with internal necrosis might be misdiagnosed as ACS. Furthermore, in cases with a large adrenal tumor and severe elevation or fluctuations of BP, pheochromocytoma should be suspected and treated with α-blockers and fluid replacements as soon as possible prior to surgery.

LEARNING POINTS

High catecholamine levels due to pheochromocytoma crisis might cause symptoms associated with acute coronary syndrome. Adrenal tumor with internal necrosis and the elevation or fluctuations of blood pressure should be suspected to be pheochromocytoma. If pheochromocytoma crisis is suspected, the specialist, such as an endocrinologist or a urologist, should intervene, and an α-blocker treatment with adequate fluid replacement therapy should be initiated as soon as possible. Pheochromocytoma multisystem crisis (PMC) is a fatal condition characterized by multiple organ failure, severe blood pressure variability, high fever, and encephalopathy. This is an extremely rare subtype of a very rare disease such as pheochromocytoma. However, because the fatality rate of PMC is high, clinicians should be aware of the symptoms that mark its onset.

Feasibility of a Novel Mobile C-Reactive Protein-Testing Device Using Gold-Linked Electrochemical Immunoassay: Clinical Performance Study

Background

Home-based care is one of the most promising solutions to provide sufficient medical care for several older patients in Japan. However, because of insufficient diagnostic devices, it is sometimes difficult to detect early signs of the occurrence or worsening of diseases, such as infections under home-based care settings. C-reactive protein (CRP) is highly sensitive to diagnosing infections, and its elevation can help diagnose acute infection in older patients. Therefore, a CRP-measuring device that can be used in such a specific occasion is needed for home-based care. However, aspects such as its size, weight, and procedure are still challenging with respect to the practical use of mobile devices that quantitatively measure CRP levels easily and quickly under home-based care settings.

Objective

We developed a new mobile, rapid CRP measurement device using a gold-linked electrochemical immunoassay (GLEIA) system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of this mobile CRP-testing device.

Methods

First, we assessed the performance of bare GLEIA-based electrode chips as the foundation of the device. After embedding the bare GLEIA-based electrode chips in a special plastic case and developing the mobile CRP-testing device, we further tested the device prototype using clinical blood samples. Finally, we evaluated the intra-assay variability for precision in the same condition and inter-assay variability for reproducibility in different conditions.

Results

Blood samples for analysis were obtained by direct vein puncture from outpatients (N=85; females: 57/85; males: 28/85; age: 19-88 years) at Kanazawa University Hospital in Japan. For performance evaluation of bare GLEIA-based electrode chips, we used 85 clinical blood samples. There was a significant positive correlation between the electrode-predicted CRP levels and the reference CRP concentrations (R²=0.947; P<.001). The assembled device was mobile (size 45×90×2.4 mm; weight 10 g) and disposable. The minimum volume of the sample needed for measuring CRP was 1.4 µL. The estimated preanalytical time was approximately 7 minutes and 40 seconds, and analysis time was approximately 1 minute and 10 seconds. Subsequently, for performance evaluation of the mobile CRP-testing device using GLEIA-based electrode chips, we used 26 clinical blood samples and found a significant positive correlation between the mobile device-predicted CRP levels and the reference CRP concentrations (R²=0.866, P<.001). The intra-assay variabilities were 34.2%, 40.8%, and 24.5% for low, medium, and high CRP concentrations, respectively. The inter-assay variabilities were 46.5%, 38.3%, and 64.1% for low, medium, and high CRP concentrations, respectively.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that this new mobile CRP-testing device might be suitable for use in home-based care settings.

Impact of Gut Microbiome on Hypertensive Patients With Low-Salt Intake: Shika Study Results

Salt intake is one of the most important environmental factors impacting hypertension onset. Meanwhile, the potential roles of the gut microbiome (GM) in altering the health status of hosts have drawn considerable attention. Here, we aimed to perform an observational study to investigate the impact of intestinal bacterial flora in hypertensive patients with low-salt or high-salt intake. A total of 239 participants were enrolled, and their gut microbiomes, clinical and demographic details, as well as physiological parameters pertaining to the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and inflammatory cytokine profiles, were examined. The participants were classified into four groups based on the presence of different enterotype bacteria, as determined via cluster analysis, and salt intake: low salt/GM enterotype 1, low salt/GM enterotype 2, high salt/GM enterotype 1, and high salt/GM enterotype 2. Results show that the prevalence of hypertension was significantly lower in the low-salt/GM enterotype 2 group (27%) compared to the low salt/GM enterotype 1 group (47%; p = 0.04). Alternatively, no significant differences were observed in hypertension prevalence between the two high-salt intake groups (GM enterotype 1 = 50%, GM enterotype 2 = 47%; p = 0.83). Furthermore, The low-salt/GM enterotype 2 was higher in the relative abundances of Blautia, Bifidobacterium, Escherichia-Shigella, Lachnoclostridium, and Clostridium sensu stricto than the low-salt/GM enterotype 1. differed significantly between the GM enterotypes. These results suggested that consumption of a low-salt diet was ineffective in regulating hypertension in individuals with a specific gut bacteria composition. Our findings support the restoration of GM homeostasis as a new strategy for controlling blood pressure and preventing the development of hypertension.

A case of renovascular hypertension with incidental primary bilateral macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia

SUMMARY

Renovascular hypertension (RVHT) is an important and potentially treatable form of resistant hypertension. Hypercortisolemia could also cause hypertension and diabetes mellitus. We experienced a case wherein adrenalectomy markedly improved blood pressure and plasma glucose levels in a patient with RVHT and low-level autonomous cortisol secretion. A 62-year-old Japanese man had been treated for hypertension and diabetes mellitus for 10 years. He was hospitalized because of a disturbance in consciousness. His blood pressure (BP) was 236/118 mmHg, pulse rate was 132 beats/min, and plasma glucose level was 712 mg/dL. Abdominal CT scanning revealed the presence of bilateral adrenal masses and left atrophic kidney. Abdominal magnetic resonance angiography demonstrated marked stenosis of the left main renal artery. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with atherosclerotic RVHT with left renal artery stenosis. His left adrenal lobular mass was over 40 mm and it was clinically suspected the potential for cortisol overproduction. Therefore, laparoscopic left nephrectomy and adrenalectomy were simultaneously performed, resulting in improved BP and glucose levels. Pathological studies revealed the presence of multiple cortisol-producing adrenal nodules and aldosterone-producing cell clusters in the adjacent left adrenal cortex. In the present case, the activated renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and cortisol overproduction resulted in severe hypertension, which was managed with simultaneous unilateral nephrectomy and adrenalectomy.

LEARNING POINTS

Concomitant activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and cortisol overproduction may contribute to the development of severe hypertension and lead to lethal cardiovascular complications. Treatment with simultaneous unilateral nephrectomy and adrenalectomy markedly improves BP and blood glucose levels. CYP11B2 immunohistochemistry staining revealed the existence of aldosterone-producing cell clusters (APCCs) in the adjacent non-nodular adrenal gland, suggesting that APCCs may contribute to aldosterone overproduction in patients with RVHT.

Impact of mineralocorticoid receptor blockade with direct renin inhibition in angiotensin II-dependent hypertensive mice

It has been suggested that aldosterone breakthrough during treatment with a type 1 angiotensin II receptor (AT1R) blocker (ARB) may be an important risk factor for the progression of renal and cardiovascular disease. We examined whether the direct renin inhibitor, aliskiren caused aldosterone breakthrough in angiotensin II (Ang II)-dependent hypertensive mice. The effect of combination therapy with aliskiren and eplerenone was compared with that of therapy using renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade. Tsukuba hypertensive mice were treated for 12 weeks with aliskiren (30 mg/kg/day, i.p), candesartan (5 mg/kg/day, p.o), eplerenone (100 mg/kg/day, p.o) aliskiren and candesartan, aliskiren and eplerenone or candesartan and eplerenone. Blood pressure, urinary aldosterone and angiotensinogen (AGTN) excretion; plasma endothelin-1 concentration; kidney weight; urinary albumin excretion (UAE); glomerular injury; and renal messenger RNA (mRNA) levels for transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and AT1R were measured. Combination therapy with aliskiren and candesartan caused a further decrease in blood pressure (p < 0.05) compared with either agent alone. Urinary aldosterone excretion was decreased significantly by 4 weeks of treatment with aliskiren or candesartan (p < 0.05). However, it was increased again by treatment with candesartan or aliskiren for 12 weeks. Combination therapy with aliskiren and eplerenone significantly decreased UAE, the glomerulosclerosis index, and PAI-1 and TGF-β1 mRNA levels compared with all other therapies (p < 0.05). Treatment with aliskiren decreased urinary aldosterone excretion at 4 weeks and increased it at 12 weeks. Combination therapy with a direct renin inhibitor and a mineralocorticoid receptor blocker may be effective for the prevention of renal injury in Ang II-dependent hypertension.

SAT-LB121 Development of a Machine-Learning Method for Predicting New Onset of Diabetes Mellitus: A Retrospective Analysis of 509,153 Annual Specific Health Checkup Records

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disorder, characterized by impaired glucose metabolism. It is linked to increased risks of several diseases such as atrial fibrillation, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, DM prevention is essential. However, the traditional regression-based DM-onset prediction methods are incapable of investigating future DM for generally healthy individuals without DM. Employing gradient-boosting decision trees, we developed a machine learning-based prediction model to identify the DM signatures, prior to the onset of DM. We employed the nationwide annual specific health checkup records, collected during the years 2008 to 2018, from Kanazawa city, Ishikawa, Japan. The data included the physical examinations, blood and urine tests, and participant questionnaires. Individuals without DM (at baseline), who underwent more than two annual health checkups during the said period, were included. The new cases of DM onset were recorded when the participants were diagnosed with DM in the annual check-ups. The dataset was divided into three subsets in a 6:2:2 ratio to constitute the training, tuning (internal validation), and testing datasets. Employing the testing dataset, the ability of our trained prediction model to calculate the area under the curve (AUC), precision, recall, F1 score, and overall accuracy was evaluated. Using a 1,000-iteration bootstrap method, every performance test resulted in a two-sided 95% confidence interval (CI). We included 509,153 annual health checkup records of 139,225 participants. Among them, 65,505 participants without DM were included, which constituted36,303 participants in the training dataset and 13,101 participants in each of the tuning and testing datasets. We identified a total of 4,696 new DM-onset patients (7.2%) in the study period. Our trained model predicted the future incidence of DM with the AUC, precision, recall, F1 score, and overall accuracy of 0.71 (0.69-0.72 with 95% CI), 75.3% (71.6-78.8), 42.2% (39.3-45.2), 54.1% (51.2-56.7), and 94.9% (94.5-95.2), respectively. In conclusion, the machine learning-based prediction model satisfactorily identified the DM onset prior to the actual incidence.

SUN-LB110 The Nutrition Education Using a Health Care Application With Artificial Intelligence in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Diet control is the basis of the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, the education and practice of diet control for the patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) need a lot of manpower and time. In 2009, we have developed a telemedicine model that nutritionists analyze photos of T2DM patients’ meal and supervise them remotely. Our system resulted in the improvement of glycemic control of T2DM patients. Recently, the image analysis technology using the artificial intelligence (AI) progresses rapidly. The smart device application “Asken” has an AI-powered photo analysis system which analyzes the photo of the entire meal and identifies the frame of each item as well as its menu and serving amount. In addition, this application delivers individualized dietary messages and feedbacks. Case reports: We report two T2DM cases who conducted nutrient intervention by this application. One case was a 72-year-old man whose HbA1c decreased from 7.2% to 6.6% and weighed from 58.7kg to 57.5kg in 4 months. However, his total cholesterol increased from 119mg/dl to 200mg/dl, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) also increased from 47mg/dl to 106mg/dl. Another case is a 60-year-old man whose HbA1c improved from 7.0% to 6.6% and his weight decreased from 78.0kg to 76.0kg in 3 months. Total cholesterol was 140mg/dl to 128mg/dl, and LDL-cholesterol was from 65mg/dl to 54mg/dl. Conclusion: Using this application might be useful for diet control of T2DM patients. The effects of AI-supported nutrient intervention using application like this should be further clarified in the large number of patients.

MON-LB043 A Case of Renovascular Hypertension With Cortisol-Producing Adrenal Masses

Renovascular hypertension (RVHT) is an important and potentially treatable form of resistant hypertension. Hypercortisolemia could also cause hypertension and diabetes mellitus. We experienced a case wherein adrenalectomy markedly improved blood pressure and plasma glucose levels in a patient with RVHT and subclinical Cushing’s syndrome. A 62-year-old Japanese man had been treated for hypertension and diabetes mellitus for 10 years. He was hospitalized because of disturbance in consciousness. His blood pressure (BP) was 236/118 mmHg; pulse rate, 132 beats/min; and plasma glucose level, 712 mg/dl. Abdominal computed tomography scanning revealed the presence of bilateral adrenal masses and left atrophic kidney. Abdominal magnetic resonance angiography demonstrated marked stenosis of the left main renal artery. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with atherosclerotic RVHT with left renal artery stenosis. Bilateral adrenal masses were immunohistologically identified as potential sites for cortisol overproduction. Therefore, laparoscopic left nephrectomy and adrenalectomy were simultaneously performed resulting in improved BP and glucose levels. Pathological studies revealed the presence of multiple cortisol-producing adrenal nodules and aldosterone-producing cell clusters in the adjacent left adrenal cortex. In the present case, activated renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and cortisol overproduction resulted in severe hypertension, which was managed with simultaneous unilateral nephrectomy and adrenalectomy.

SAT-552 Epigenetic Regulation of 11beta-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase 1 and 2 Gene in Salt-Sensitive Hypertensive Rats

ENDO 2020

Epigenetic regulation of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 and 2 gene in salt-sensitive hypertensive rats

[Objective]11Beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type1 (11-HSD1) is the modulator of glucocorticoid hormone and type2 (11-HSD2) is the modulator of mineralocorticoid hormone. We investigated the effect of high salt diet on the methylation of both enzyme gene in salt-sensitive hypertensive (SSH) rats [Methods]SSH rats were fed a high (7% NaCl) or normal (0.45%) salt chow for 4 weeks. Body weight, blood pressure, plasma and urinary aldosterone concentration and PRA were measured. DNA was extracted from kidneys and visceral fats. Bisulfite sequencing and Pyrosequencing were done for the analysis of methylation status of 11-HSD1 and 2 gene. [Results] High salt diet significantly decreased methylation ratio of 11-HSD1 gene in the visceral fats of SSH rats compared with controls (p<0.05). The methylation ratio of 11-HSD2 gene in the kidney of SSH rats was not influenced by high salt diet. [Discussion and Conclusion]11-HSD1 overexpression in visceral fats in mice was reported to show SSH. We reported decreased 11-HSD2 activity in the artery in SSH rats. In this study high salt diet affected methylation status of 11-HSD1 in the adipose tissue but not 11-HSD2 gene in the kidney in SSH. Food intake such as salt may influence the epigenesis of 11-HSD and induce hypertension.

SUN-LB94 Impact of the Gut Microbiome and Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System in Hypertensive Patients With Low-Salt Intake

Salt intake is one of most important environmental factors responsible for triggering the onset of hypertension. Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) plays a key role in adjusting sodium homeostasis and blood pressure. Recently, the potential role of the gut microbiome (GM) in altering the health of the host has drawn considerable attention. We investigated the impact of intestinal microflora and RAAS in hypertensive patients with low-salt or high-salt intake using an observational study.

A total of 239 participants were enrolled and their GMs and clinical backgrounds examined, including the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and inflammatory cytokine levels. On the basis of enterotypes—determined by cluster analysis—and salt intake, the participants were classified into four groups, low salt/GM enterotype 1, low salt/GM enterotype 2, high salt/GM enterotype 1, and high salt/GM enterotype 2.

The prevalence of hypertension was significantly lower in the low-salt intake (low salt/GM enterotype 1 = 47% vs low salt/GM enterotype 2 = 27%, p = 0.04) groups. No significant difference in the prevalence of hypertension was observed for the two GM enterotype groups with high-salt intake (GM enterotype 1 = 50%, GM enterotype 2 = 47%; p = 0.83). Plasma aldosterone concentration was significantly different among the four groups (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the relative abundance of Blautia, Bifidobacterium, Escherichia-Shigella, Lachnoclostridium, and Clostridium sensu stricto was also significantly different among these enterotypes. This suggested in certain individuals (with specific gut bacteria composition) changing dietary habits—to low salt—would be ineffective for regulating hypertension through RAAS. Our findings provide a new strategy for controlling blood pressure and preventing the development of hypertension through restoring GM homeostasis.

SAT-LB41 Surgery Outcomes for Patients With Primary Aldosteronism Who Show Normal-Appearing Adrenals on Computed Tomography but Unilateral Disease on Adrenal Venous Sampling

Background: The primary aldosteronism (PA) subtype is usually confirmed by computed tomography (CT) and adrenal venous sampling (AVS). However, the subtype diagnosis by AVS is not necessarily consistent with the subtype diagnosis by CT. Patients with PA who show normal-appearing adrenals on CT but unilateral disease on AVS (CT-negative and AVS-unilateral group) are often found. However, few studies have focused on them, despite a discrepancy between CT and AVS subtype diagnosis. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical features of CT-negative and AVS-unilateral group and assess whether they obtain benefits from surgery. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 362 consecutive patients with PA who underwent both CT and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-unstimulated AVS at Kanazawa University Hospital. First, the patients were divided into normal-appearing adrenals, bilateral adrenal nodules, or unilateral adrenal nodules based on CT findings. Second, they were classified as having unilateral or bilateral disease based on ACTH-unstimulated AVS. The criterion for successful selective catheterization was selectivity index >2 and unilateral aldosterone overproduction was confirmed by lateralized index ≥2. Among the group with normal appearing-adrenals on CT, we examined preoperative clinical characteristics between those with unilateral disease on AVS and those with bilateral disease on AVS. In addition, we compared surgical outcomes of CT-negative and AVS-unilateral group with those of CT-unilateral and AVS-ipsilateral group (patients with unilateral lesions on CT and ipsilateral disease on AVS). The Surgical outcomes for unilateral PA were evaluated according to the criteria of the Primary Aldosteronism Surgical Outcome study. Results: The success rate of AVS in patients with normal-appearing adrenals on CT was 88% (167/190). Furthermore, the discordance rate between CT and AVS in patients with normal-appearing adrenals on CT was 36% (60/167). There were no significant differences in preoperative clinical characteristics between the CT-negative and AVS-unilateral group (n=60) and the CT-negative and AVS-bilateral group (n=107). After surgery, the CT-negative and AVS-unilateral group (n=14) had a lower complete biochemical success rate than the CT-unilateral and AVS-ipsilateral group (n=30) (43% vs. 80%, p=0.02), but clinical and biochemical benefits (the complete and partial success combined) were not significantly different between them (71% vs. 93% (p=0.07) and 71% vs. 90% (p=0.13), respectively). Conclusion: The clinical features of CT-negative and AVS-unilateral group were significantly similar to those of CT-negative and AVS-bilateral group. They benefited from surgery, and AVS should be performed for patients who pursue surgical management when the CT findings suggest normal-appearing adrenals.

MON-LB304 The Construction of the Online Health Guidance Service for Life-Style Related Diseases (Kanazawa Slim Study)

Background: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic disorders including elevated blood pressure, high plasma glucose, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels. These conditions cause serious complications such as heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. In Japan, specific health checkups and specific health guidance which focused on metabolic syndrome has been performed since 2008. Those who fall under certain criteria need to receive a medical treatment guidance from doctor, public health nurse or dietitian. Those who received health guidance receives a reassessment of improvement of their life-style 3-6 months later. However, the efficacy of this approach has not been elucidated. In addition, many persons who have metabolic syndrome do not receive this instruction. Recently, the image analysis technology using the artificial intelligence (AI) progresses rapidly. The smart device application “Asken” has an AI-powered photo analysis system which analyzes the photo of the entire meal, and delivers individualized messages and dietary feedbacks. In this study, we utilized the Internet of Things (IoT) device which includes Asken app, body composition analyzer and sphygmomanometer that can connect wirelessly. Objective: Our aim is to assess the efficacy of specific health guidance adding on IoT device. This is a multicenter, unblinded, non-randomized controlled study. Results: At the end of January 2020, we recruited 219 participants including 105 participants with IoT devices. We used 48 participants (32 with IoT and 16 without IoT) who had finished a reassessment 3 to 6 months after initial guidance. Results: Age, body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), total cholesterol (T-Chol), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), non-HDL cholesterol (n-HDL), and triglyceride (TG), did not differ between IoT-use and control group. 6 months after initial guidance, the quantity of decrease of BW in IoT-use group was significantly larger than control (-2.5 ± 4.1 kg vs. 0.6±4.4, p = 0.03). In addition, the quantities of decrease of both T-Chol and n-HDL in IoT-use group were also significantly larger than control (T-Chol, -5.9 ± 32.0 vs. 14.3 ± 31.6, p = 0.02; n-HDL, -7.6 ± 29.0 vs. 9.4 ± 27.5, p = 0.01). Conclusion: Using IoT device might be useful for body weight loss and the improvement of mild hypercholesterolemia in those with metabolic syndrome.

Genetic and epigenetic analyses of aldosterone-producing adenoma with hypercortisolemia

DNA methylation is associated with excess cortisol and aldosterone. The DNA encoding aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) and 11β-hydroxylase (CYP11B1), which catalyzes the final step of cortisol biosynthesis, is less methylated in aldosterone-producing adenomas (APA) and cortisol-producing adenomas (CPA), respectively. Several studies have reported specific gene mutations in APA and CPA, and some APAs also cause hypercortisolemia. The aim of this study was to clarify the molecular mechanisms of cortisol co-production in APA using genetic and epigenetic analyses. We evaluated 16 patients with APA between 2011 and 2018 at Kanazawa University Hospital (Ishikawa, Japan). The diagnostic criteria for hypercortisolemia were based on the guideline from the Endocrine Society. Gene mutation and DNA methylation analyses of the CYP11B2 and CYP11B1 promoters in APA were performed. Of the 16 patients with APA, six also had hypercortisolemia. In the genetic analysis, all six APAs with hypercortisolemia as well as eight of the 10 APAs without hypercortisolemia had a KCNJ5 mutation. In the epigenetic analyses, the methylation status of the CYP11B2 promoter was similar in the APAs with and without hypercortisolemia. However, in the APAs with hypercortisolemia, the CYP11B1 promoter was significantly less methylated, especially at two CpG sites near the Ad1/cAMP response element binding site within the CYP11B1 promoter. In conclusion, the genetic analysis revealed no association between hypercortisolemia and the evaluated gene mutations. However, the epigenetic analysis suggested that DNA methylation of the CYP11B1 promoter plays a role in concurrent hypercortisolemia and APA.

SUN-043 Epigenetic Regulation of Aldosterone Synthase Gene by Potassium

Purpose: DNA methylation is believed to be maintained in adult somatic cells. Recent findings, however, suggest that all methylation patterns are not stable. We reported that angiotensin II could change the DNA methylation status around transcription factor binding sites and a transcription start site (TSS) and activate expression of the aldosterone synthase gene (CYP11B2). In order to clarify the effect of potassium on the methylation status of CYP11B2 H295R cells were treated with high concentration of potassium and the methylation status of CYP11B2 was examined. Methods: H295R cells were treated with 16mM potassium for 7 days and observed the dynamic changes in DNA methylation patterns of the CYP11B2 promoter for 28 days. The gene expression of CYP11B2 was measured by real time quantitative PCR. Isolated DNAs from H295R cells were treated with bisulfite and amplified using primers specific for the human CYP11B2 promoter regions. Non-treated cells served as a control. Human CYP11B2 ELISA, chromatin accessibility by real-time PCR (CHART-PCR), DNA methylation and demethylation activity assay were done as previously reported. Results: DNA demethylation at CpG1 (Ad1) was detected within 2 days after stimulation. DNA at CpG2 (Ad5) and CpG3 and DNA around a transcription start site (CpG-1/-2) were demethylated at day 4 in cells treated with potassium. CYP11B2 mRNA levels in cells treated with potassium were significantly higher than those in non-treated cells at days 7 and 9. Similar changes were observed in the levels of CYP11B2 protein. CHART-PCR revealed that potassium treatment increased chromatin accessibility around Ad1 at days 2, 4, 7, 9 and 11, with accessibility increasing from 67% to 70%. Potassium treatment significantly reduced DNA methylation activity at days 7 and 9. Demethylation activity was not affected by potassium. Conclusion: Our data indicated that binding of transcription factors initiates chromatin relaxation and transcription, which are followed by DNA demethylation around transcription factor binding sites and a TSS in the CYP11B2 promoter. Decreased DNA methylation activity in the nucleus may play a role in DNA demethylation. DNA demethylation switches the phenotype of CYP11B2 expression from an inactive to an active state.

Impact of aldosterone-producing cell clusters on diagnostic discrepancies in primary aldosteronism

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation is recommended in adrenal vein sampling (AVS) for primary aldosteronism (PA) to improve the AVS success rate. However, this method can confound the subtype diagnosis. Gene mutations or pathological characteristics may be related to lateralization by AVS. This study aimed to compare the rate of diagnostic discrepancy by AVS pre- versus post-ACTH stimulation and to investigate the relationship between this discrepancy and findings from immunohistochemical and genetic analyses of PA. We evaluated 195 cases of AVS performed in 2011–2017. All surgical specimens were analyzed genetically and immunohistochemically. Based on the criteria, AVS was successful in 158 patients both pre- and post-ACTH; of these patients, 75 showed diagnostic discrepancies between pre- and post-ACTH. Thus, 19 patients underwent unilateral adrenalectomy, of whom 16 had an aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) that was positive for CYP11B2 immunostaining. Of them, 10 patients had discordant lateralization between pre- and post-ACTH. In the genetic analysis, the rate of somatic mutations was not significantly different between APA patients with versus without a diagnostic discrepancy. In the immunohistochemical analysis, CYP11B2 levels and the frequency of aldosterone-producing cell clusters (APCCs) in APAs were almost identical between patients with versus without a diagnostic discrepancy. However, both the number and summed area of APCCs in APAs were significantly smaller in patients with concordant results than in those whose diagnosis changed to bilateral PA post-ACTH stimulation. In conclusion, lateralization by AVS was affected by APCCs in the adjacent gland, but not by APA-related factors such as somatic gene mutations.

Epigenetic Regulation of Aldosterone Synthase Gene by Sodium and Angiotensin II

Background

DNA methylation is believed to be maintained in adult somatic cells. Recent findings, however, suggest that all methylation patterns are not stable. We demonstrate that stimulatory signals can change the DNA methylation status around transcription factor binding sites and a transcription start site and activate expression of the aldosterone synthase gene (CYP11B2).

Methods and Results

DNA methylation of CYP11B2 was analyzed in aldosterone‐producing adenomas, nonfunctioning adrenal adenomas, and adrenal glands and compared with the gene expression levels. CpG dinucleotides in the CYP11B2 promoter were found to be hypormethylated in tissues with high expression, but not in those with low expression, of CYP11B2. Methylation of the CYP11B2 promoter fused to a reporter gene decreased transcriptional activity. Methylation of recognition sequences of transcription factors, including CREB1, NGFIB (NR4A1), and NURR1 (NR4A2) diminished their DNA‐binding activity. A methylated‐CpG‐binding protein MECP2 interacted directly with the methylated CYP11B2 promoter. In rats, low salt intake led to upregulation of CYP11B2 expression and DNA hypomethylation in the adrenal gland. Treatment with angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist decreased CYP11B2 expression and led to DNA hypermethylation.

Conclusions

DNA demethylation may switch the phenotype of CYP11B2 expression from an inactive to an active state and regulate aldosterone biosynthesis.

Insulin Secretion and Risk for Future Diabetes in Subjects with a Nonpositive Insulinogenic Index

AIM

To characterize subjects with a nonpositive insulinogenic index and longitudinally observe changes in their glucose tolerance.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A historical cohort study was conducted using data from the medical checkups of public school workers. Indices of insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity derived from oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and the incidences of diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) were compared among subgroups of subjects with different insulinogenic index (change in insulin/change in glucose over the first 30 min on the OGTT).

RESULTS

Of the 1464 nondiabetic subjects at baseline, 72 (4.9%) subjects had a nonpositive insulinogenic index: 42 of those subjects had a nonpositive glucose response (ΔGlu_0-30 ≤ 0) and 30 had a nonpositive insulin response (ΔIns_0-30 ≤ 0). Compared with subjects who had normal glucose tolerance (NGT) with insulinogenic index ≥ 0.4, subjects with a nonpositive glucose response had a higher first-phase Stumvoll and lower incidences of diabetes and IGT based on a log-rank test (p < 0.05), whereas subjects with a nonpositive insulin response had lower indices of insulin secretion and a higher incidence of diabetes (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that in the first 30 min on the OGTT, subjects with a nonpositive insulinogenic index due to a nonpositive glucose response (ΔGlu_0-30 ≤ 0) had a lower risk for future diabetes and that subjects with nonpositive insulin response (ΔIns_0-30 ≤ 0) had a higher risk for future one.