[The importance of genetics in the study of hypertriglyceridemia]

Hypertriglyceridemia encompasses a set of lipid disorders common in clinical practice, generally defined as a fasting concentration above 150mg/dL. There are various classifications of the severity of hypertriglyceridaemia based on serum values, with levels generally considered moderate when below 500mg/dL and severe when above 1000mg/dL. Its importance lies in its association with other alterations in the lipid profile, contributing to increased cardiovascular risk and increased risk of acute pancreatitis, mainly with concentrations above 500mg/dL.

Calcification of the cavernosal bodies may be responsible for development of erectile dysfunction in uremic apolipoprotein E deficient (apoE-/-) mice

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE

Erectile dysfunction's physiopathology in uremia is complex and multifactorial, involving a combination of classical risk factors and specific uremia-related risk factors such as increased oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on vascular calcification and endothelial function of cavernosal bodies in apolipoprotein E deficient (apoE^-/-) mice, a well known model of erectile dysfunction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eight-week-old male apoE^-/- mice were randomly assigned to the following 3 groups: (i) subtotally nephrectomised (SNX apoE^-/-, 12 mice), (ii) uninephrectomised (UNX apoE^-/-, 11 mice) or (iii) sham operated (sham-op apoE^-/-, 15 mice). At 16 weeks after surgery, aortas and penile erectile tissues were harvested for histological studies to assess atherosclerosis, vascular calcification, nitrotyrosine staining, total collagen content and macrophage staining.

RESULTS

At sacrifice, SNX and UNX mice had significantly higher serum urea, total cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations than sham-op controls. Atherosclerotic lesions in thoracic aorta were significantly larger in uremic apoE^-/- mice than in controls. There were no atheromatous lesions in cavernosal bodies or penile artery observed in any group. However, SNX and UNX animals showed a significant increase in calcification score, collagen content and nitrotyrosine staining in cavernosal bodies when compared with controls. The degree of macrophage infiltration was comparable between the 3 groups.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, even mild renal dysfunction, i.e., after uninephrectomy increases calcification score and aggravates endothelial function of cavernosal bodies in apoE^-/- mice and this effect might be linked to increased oxidative stress in penile endothelium.

Criteria for referring patients to Spanish Atherosclerosis Society lipid units

The Spanish Arteriosclerosis Society has accredited more than 70 lipid units across the country. The main criteria for patients to be referred to these units are presented. These are not only grouped by the type of dyslipidaemia or the lipid levels, but also on certain clinical characteristics suggesting primary hyperlipidaemia, a complex diagnosis, or difficult management due to inefficacy, or side effects.

Impact of the application of the JNC 8 and KDIGO-2013 guidelines on hypertension and lipid control in a Nephrology outpatient clinic

OBJECTIVE

Observational retrospective study with consecutive patients with CKD to assess the degree of accomplishment of the therapeutic objectives in hypertension and dyslipidaemia recommended by JNC 8 and KDIGO-2013 CKD guidelines the impact of their implementation compared with previous guidelines.

RESULTS

618 patients were included, mean age 67±15 years, 61.33% male. Mean eGFR was 45.99±18.94ml/min, with median albumin/creatinine 26 (0-151)mg/g. A total of 87.6% received antihypertensive treatment and 50.2% received statins. According to KDIGO guidelines, 520 patients (84.14%) should receive statins, but only 304 (58.46%) were receiving them. Patients on statin treatment had more diabetes and hypertension, and a greater cardiovascular history and lower levels of total and LDL-cholesterol. A total of 97.7% of patients were under 60 years of age or had eGFR<60ml/min/1.73m² or were diabetic, so according to the JNC 8 report, they should have a target blood pressure<140/90mmHg. A total of 289 patients did (47.85%). According to the JNC 7 report, this group had a tighter target blood pressure<130/90mmHg, reducing the number of patients who fulfilled the target: 136 (22.52%). Patients reclassified were older, had a greater cardiovascular history and less DM.

CONCLUSION

The new KDIGO guidelines for dyslipidaemia treatment increase the indication of statin therapy, especially in patients at high cardiovascular risk. The JNC 8 guidelines improve the percentage of patients with controlled blood pressure, especially the elderly and patients with increased cardiovascular risk, in whom the target blood pressure is currently controversial.