Circulating 3-hydroxy butyrate predicts mortality in patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

AIMS

In patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), myocardial ketone metabolism is increased and short-term treatment with the ketone body 3-hydroxy butyrate (3-OHB) has beneficial haemodynamic effects. In patients with HFrEF, we investigated whether the level of circulating 3-OHB predicted all-cause mortality and sought to identify correlations between patient characteristics and circulating 3-OHB levels.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We conducted a cohort study in 218 patients with HFrEF. Plasma 3-OHB levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Data on all-cause mortality were obtained by reviewing the patients' medical records, which are linked to the national 'Central Person Registry' that registers the timing of all deaths in the country. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 35 ± 8.6%, mean age was 67 ± 10 years, 54% were New York Heart Association II, and 27% had type 2 diabetes mellitus. Median follow-up time was 7.3 (interquartile range 6.3-8.4) years. We observed large variations in 3-OHB levels between patients (median 59 μM, range: 14-694 μM). Patients with 3-OHB levels above the median displayed a markedly increased risk of death compared with those with low levels {hazard ratio [HR]: 2.1 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3-3.5], P = 0.003}. In a multivariate analysis, 3-OHB predicted mortality independently of known chronic heart failure risk factors [HR: 1.004 (95% CI: 1.001-1.007), P = 0.02] and with a similar statistical strength as N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) [HR: 1.0005 (95% CI: 1.000-1.001), P = 0.02]. For every 100 μmol increase in plasma 3-OHB, the hazard of death increased by 49%. The following factors significantly predicted 3-OHB levels in the univariate analysis: free fatty acids (FFAs) [β: 238 (95% CI: 185-292), P < 0.0001], age [β: 2.43 (95% CI: 1.14-3.72), P < 0.0001], plasma insulin {β: -0.28 [95% CI: -0.54-(-0.02)], P = 0.036}, body mass index {β: -3.15 [95% CI: -5.26-(-0.05)], P = 0.046}, diabetes [β: 44.49 (95% CI: 14.84-74.14), P = 0.003], glycosylated haemoglobin [β: 1.92 (95% CI: 0.24-3.59), P = 0.025], New York Heart Association class [β: 26.86 (95% CI: 5.99-47.72), P = 0.012], and NT-proBNP [β: 0.03 (95% CI: 0.01-0.04), P = 0.001]. In a multivariate analysis, only FFAs predicted 3-OHB levels [β: 216 (95% CI: 165-268), P > 0.001].

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with HFrEF, circulating 3-OHB was a strong predictor of all-cause mortality independently of NT-proBNP. Circulating FFAs were the best predictor of 3-OHB levels.

At any Level of Adiposity, Relatively Elevated Leptin Concentrations Are Associated With Decreased Insulin Sensitivity

CONTEXT

The impact of obesity on glucose homeostasis has high interindividual variability, which may be partially explained by different adipokine concentrations. Leptin regulates energy balance and metabolism, and although its plasma levels are proportional to fat mass, they vary significantly across individuals with the same level of adiposity.

OBJECTIVE

We tested whether glucose homeostasis differs in subjects with similar degrees of adiposity but different leptin levels.

METHODS

We analyzed 1290 healthy adults from the Relationship Between Insulin Sensitivity and Cardiovascular Disease study cohort (30-60 years; male/female, 577/713; body mass index [BMI], 25 ± 3 kg/m2) characterized for body composition and metabolic variables with a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test, euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp, β-cell function, and lipidomics.

RESULTS

Individuals were divided into relatively high and low leptin (RHL and RLL) if they were above or below the sex-specific leptin-fat mass (%) regression. Despite similar glucose tolerance, RHL showed markedly higher fasting and oral glucose tolerance test insulin concentration (+30% and +29%, respectively; P < .0001) and secretion (+17% and +11%, respectively; P < .0001). Regardless of BMI, RHL individuals had lower whole-body (-17-23%, P < .0001) and adipose tissue insulin sensitivity (-24%, P < .0001) compared with RLL. Notably, lean RHL individuals showed similar insulin sensitivity and β-cell function to RLL individuals with overweight/obesity.

CONCLUSION

Subjects with leptin levels that are inappropriately elevated for their fat mass show whole-body/adipose tissue insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, regardless of BMI.

Adiponectin, IGFBP-1 and -2 are independent predictors in forecasting prediabetes and type 2 diabetes

Objective

Adiponectin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding proteins IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2 are biomarkers of insulin sensitivity. IGFBP-1 reflects insulin sensitivity in the liver, adiponectin in adipose tissue and IGFBP-2 in both tissues. Here, we study the power of the biomarkers adiponectin, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-2, and also included IGF-I and IGF-II, in predicting prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in men and women with normal oral glucose tolerance (NGT).

Design

Subjects with NGT (35-56 years) recruited during 1992-1998 were re-investigated 8-10 years later. In a nested case control study, subjects progressing to prediabetes (133 women, 164 men) or to T2D (55 women, 98 men) were compared with age and sex matched NGT controls (200 women and 277 men).

Methods

The evaluation included questionnaires, health status, anthropometry, biochemistry and oral glucose tolerance test.

Results

After adjustment, the lowest quartile of adiponectin, IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2 associated independently with future abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT) in both genders in multivariate analyses. High IGFs predicted weakly AGT in women. In women, low IGFBP-2 was the strongest predictor for prediabetes (OR:7.5), and low adiponectin for T2D (OR:29.4). In men, low IGFBP-1 was the strongest predictor for both prediabetes (OR:13.4) and T2D (OR:14.9). When adiponectin, IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-2 were combined, the ROC-AUC reached 0.87 for women and 0.79 for men, higher than for BMI alone.

Conclusion

Differences were observed comparing adipocyte- and hepatocyte-derived biomarkers in forecasting AGT in NGT subjects. In women the strongest predictor for T2D was adiponectin and in men IGFBP-1, and for prediabetes IGFBP-2 in women and IGFBP-1 in men.

The pattern-recognition molecule H-ficolin in relation to diabetic kidney disease, mortality, and cardiovascular events in type 1 diabetes

H-ficolin recognizes patterns on microorganisms and stressed cells and can activate the lectin pathway of the complement system. We aimed to assess H-ficolin in relation to the progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD), all-cause mortality, diabetes-related mortality, and cardiovascular events. Event rates per 10-unit H-ficolin-increase were compared in an observational follow-up of 2,410 individuals with type 1 diabetes from the FinnDiane Study. DKD progression occurred in 400 individuals. The unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) for progression was 1.29 (1.18–1.40) and 1.16 (1.05–1.29) after adjustment for diabetes duration, sex, HbA_1c, systolic blood pressure, and smoking status. After adding triglycerides to the model, the HR decreased to 1.07 (0.97–1.18). In all, 486 individuals died, including 268 deaths of cardiovascular causes and 192 deaths of complications to diabetes. HRs for all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality were 1.13 (1.04–1.22) and 1.05 (0.93–1.17), respectively, in unadjusted analyses. These estimates lost statistical significance in adjusted models. However, the unadjusted HR for diabetes-related mortality was 1.19 (1.05–1.35) and 1.18 (1.02–1.37) with the most stringent adjustment level. Our results, therefore, indicate that H-ficolin predicts diabetes-related mortality, but neither all-cause mortality nor fatal/non-fatal cardiovascular events. Furthermore, H-ficolin is associated with DKD progression, however, not independently of the fully adjusted model.

The impact of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist liraglutide on natriuretic peptides in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction with and without type 2 diabetes

AIM

To assess the effect of liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, on urinary sodium excretion as well as on circulating adrenomedullin and copeptin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the LIVE study, patients (n = 241) with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤45% were randomized to liraglutide 1.8 mg daily or placebo for 24 weeks, and 30% had a concomitant diagnosis of T2D. Plasma levels of N-terminal brain-natriuretic-peptide (NT-proBNP) (a predefined secondary endpoint), midregional pro-atrial-natriuretic-peptide (MR-proANP), midregional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) and copeptin were measured at baseline and after 24 weeks in this substudy. The potential effect modification of T2D was assessed.

RESULTS

In the eligible subgroup of 231 patients with available biomarkers (115 randomized to liraglutide and 116 to placebo), MR-proANP decreased by 12% (P = .002) and NT-proBNP by 9% (P = .009) during liraglutide treatment compared with placebo at week 24. Interaction with T2D for the treatment effect of change in MR-proANP and NT-proBNP levels was P = .003 and P = .03, respectively. Consequently, in patients with T2D, liraglutide decreased MR-proANP by 27% (P < .001) and NT-proBNP by 25% (P = .02) compared with placebo, whereas no change was observed in patients without T2D. There was no effect of liraglutide on MR-proADM (P = .10) or copeptin (P = .52).

CONCLUSION

Liraglutide decreased the A- and B-type natriuretic peptides significantly in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and concomitant T2D, suggesting a beneficial mechanism of liraglutide in T2D patients with HFrEF.

Heart rate increases in liraglutide treated chronic heart failure patients: association with clinical parameters and adverse events

Background. Liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist, is used for treatment of type 2 diabetes and has beneficial cardiovascular properties. However, treatment increases heart rate (HR) and possibly the risk of cardiovascular events in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients. We investigated potential associations between HR changes and clinical, laboratory and echocardiographic parameters and clinical events in liraglutide treated CHF patients. Methods. This was a sub-study of the LIVE study. CHF patients (N = 241) with a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤45% were randomised to 1.8 mg liraglutide daily or placebo for 24 weeks. Electrocardiograms (N = 117) and readouts from cardiac implanted electronic devices (N = 20) were analysed for HR and arrhythmias. Results. In patients with sinus rhythm (SR), liraglutide increased HR by 8 ± 9 bpm (pulse measurements), 9 ± 9 bpm (ECG measurements) and 9 ± 6 bpm (device readouts) versus placebo (all p<.005). Increases in HR correlated with liraglutide dose (p=.01). HR remained unchanged in patients without SR. Serious cardiac adverse events were not associated with HR changes. Conclusions. During 6 months of treatment, HR increased substantially in CHF patients with SR treated with liraglutide but was not associated with adverse events. The long-term clinical significance of increased HR in liraglutide treated CHF patients needs to be determined.

High Intrarenal Lactate Production Inhibits the Renal Pseudohypoxic Response to Acutely Induced Hypoxia in Diabetes

Intrarenal hypoxia develops within a few days after the onset of insulinopenic diabetes in an experimental animal model (ie, a model of type-1 diabetes). Although diabetes-induced hypoxia results in increased renal lactate formation, mitochondrial function is well maintained, a condition commonly referred to as pseudohypoxia. However, the metabolic effects of significantly elevated lactate levels remain unclear. We therefore investigated in diabetic animals the response to acute intrarenal hypoxia in the presence of high renal lactate formation to delineate mechanistic pathways and compare these findings to healthy control animals. Hyperpolarized ¹³C-MRI and blood oxygenation level–dependent ¹H-MRI was used to investigate the renal metabolism of [1-¹³C]pyruvate and oxygenation following acutely altered oxygen content in the breathing gas in a streptozotocin rat model of type-1 diabetes with and without insulin treatment and compared with healthy control rats. The lactate signal in the diabetic kidney was reduced by 12%–16% during hypoxia in diabetic rats irrespective of insulin supplementation. In contrast, healthy controls displayed the well-known Pasteur effect manifested as a 10% increased lactate signal following reduction of oxygen in the inspired air. Reduced expression of the monocarboxyl transporter-4 may account for altered response to hypoxia in diabetes with a high intrarenal pyruvate-to-lactate conversion. Reduced intrarenal lactate formation in response to hypoxia in diabetes shows the existence of a different metabolic phenotype, which is independent of insulin, as insulin supplementation was unable to affect the pyruvate-to-lactate conversion in the diabetic kidney.

Effect of liraglutide on myocardial glucose uptake and blood flow in stable chronic heart failure patients: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled LIVE sub-study

BACKGROUND

The glucagon-like peptide-1 analog liraglutide increases heart rate and may be associated with more cardiac events in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients. We studied whether this could be ascribed to effects on myocardial glucose uptake (MGU), myocardial blood flow (MBF) and MBF reserve (MFR).

METHODS AND RESULTS

CHF patients with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤45% and without type 2 diabetes were randomized to liraglutide (N = 18) 1.8 mg once daily or placebo (N = 18) for 24 weeks in a double-blinded design. Changes in MGU during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and changes in MBF and MFR from baseline to follow-up were measured quantitatively by 18F-FDG and 15O-H2O positron emission tomography. Compared with placebo, liraglutide reduced weight (P = 0.03), HbA1c (P = 0.03) and the 2-hour glucose value during the OGTT (P = 0.004). Despite this, changes in MGU (P = 0.98), MBF (P = 0.76) and MFR (P = 0.89) from baseline to follow-up did not differ between groups. Furthermore, there was no association between the level of insulin resistance at baseline and changes in MGU in patients treated with liraglutide.

CONCLUSION

Liraglutide did not affect MGU, MBF, or MFR in non-diabetic CHF patients. Any potential increase in cardiac events in these patients seems not to involve changes in MGU, MBF, or MFR.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Trial registry: http://www.ClinicalTrials.org . Identifier: NCT01472640. Url: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01472640?term=NCT01472640&rank=1.

Differential methylation of the type 2 diabetes susceptibility locus KCNQ1 is associated with insulin sensitivity and is predicted by CpG site specific genetic variation

AIMS

Epigenetic mechanisms regulate gene expression and may influence the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes through the loss of insulin sensitivity. The aims of this study were to measure variation in DNA methylation at the type 2 diabetes locus KCNQ1 and assess its relationship with metabolic measures and with genotype.

METHODS

DNA methylation from whole blood DNA was quantified using pyrosequencing at 5 CpG sites at the KCNQ1 locus in 510 individuals without diabetes from the 'Relationship between Insulin Sensitivity and Cardiovascular disease' (RISC) cohort. Genotype data was analysed at the same locus in 1119 individuals in the same cohort. Insulin sensitivity was assessed by euglycaemic-hyperinsulinaemic clamp.

RESULTS

DNA methylation at the KCNQ1 locus was inversely associated with insulin sensitivity and serum adiponectin. This association was driven by a methylation-altering Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) (rs231840) which ablated a methylation site and reduced methylation levels. A second SNP (rs231357), in weak Linkage Disequilibrium (LD) with rs231840, was also associated with insulin sensitivity and DNA methylation. These SNPs have not been previously reported to be associated with type 2 diabetes risk or insulin sensitivity.

CONCLUSION

Evidence indicates that genetic and epigenetic determinants at the KCNQ1 locus influence insulin sensitivity.

Association of changes in inflammation with variation in glycaemia, insulin resistance and secretion based on the KORA study

AIMS

Subclinical systemic inflammation may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes, but its association with early progression of glycaemic deterioration in persons without diabetes has not been fully investigated. Our primary aim was to assess longitudinal associations of changes in pro-inflammatory (leukocytes, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP)) and anti-inflammatory (adiponectin) markers with changes in markers that assessed glycaemia, insulin resistance, and secretion (HbA_1c , HOMA-IR, and HOMA-ß). Furthermore, we aimed to directly compare longitudinal with cross-sectional associations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study includes 819 initially nondiabetic individuals with repeated measurements from the Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg (KORA) S4/F4 cohort study (median follow-up: 7.1 years). Longitudinal and cross-sectional associations were simultaneously examined using linear mixed growth models. Changes in markers of inflammation were used as independent and changes in markers of glycaemia/insulin resistance/insulin secretion as dependent variables. Models were adjusted for age, sex, major lifestyle and metabolic risk factors for diabetes using time-varying variables in the final model.

RESULTS

Changes of leukocyte count were positively associated with changes in HbA_1c and HOMA-ß while changes in adiponectin were inversely associated with changes in HbA_1c . All examined cross-sectional associations were statistically significant; they were generally stronger and mostly directionally consistent to the longitudinal association estimates.

CONCLUSIONS

Adverse changes in low-grade systemic inflammation go along with glycaemic deterioration and increased insulin secretion independently of changes in other risk factors, suggesting that low-grade inflammation may contribute to the development of hyperglycaemia and a compensatory increase in insulin secretion.

Prognostic relevance and performance characteristics of serum IGFBP-2 and PAPP-A in women with breast cancer: a long-term Danish cohort study

Measurement of circulating insulin‐like growth factors (IGFs), in particular IGF‐binding protein (IGFBP)‐2, at the time of diagnosis, is independently prognostic in many cancers, but its clinical performance against other routinely determined prognosticators has not been examined. We measured IGF‐I, IGF‐II, pro‐IGF‐II, IGF bioactivity, IGFBP‐2, ‐3, and pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A), an IGFBP regulator, in baseline samples of 301 women with breast cancer treated on four protocols (Odense, Denmark: 1993–1998). We evaluated performance characteristics (expressed as area under the curve, AUC) using Cox regression models to derive hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for 10‐year recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS), and compared those against the clinically used Nottingham Prognostic Index (NPI). We measured the same biomarkers in 531 noncancer individuals to assess multidimensional relationships (MDR), and evaluated additional prognostic models using survival artificial neural network (SANN) and survival support vector machines (SSVM), as these enhance capture of MDRs. For RFS, increasing concentrations of circulating IGFBP‐2 and PAPP‐A were independently prognostic [HR_{biomarker doubling}: 1.474 (95% CIs: 1.160, 1.875, P = 0.002) and 1.952 (95% CIs: 1.364, 2.792, P < 0.001), respectively]. The AUC_RFS for NPI was 0.626 (Cox model), improving to 0.694 (P = 0.012) with the addition of IGFBP‐2 plus PAPP‐A. Derived AUC_RFS using SANN and SSVM did not perform superiorly. Similar patterns were observed for OS. These findings illustrate an important principle in biomarker qualification—measured circulating biomarkers may demonstrate independent prognostication, but this does not necessarily translate into substantial improvement in clinical performance.

The association between circulating adiponectin levels, lung function and adiposity in subjects from the general population; data from the Akershus Sleep Apnea Project

BACKGROUND

Circulating adiponectin (ADPN) levels are inversely associated with disease severity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), while studies assessing the relationship between ADPN and lung function in subjects from the general population have shown diverging results. Accordingly, we hypothesized that ADPN would be associated with lung function in a population-based sample and tested how abdominal adiposity, metabolic syndrome, and systemic inflammation influenced this association.

METHODS

We measured total ADPN in serum, forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume during the 1st second (FEV1) in 529 participants (median 50 years, 54.6% males) recruited from the general population. We assessed the association between ADPN and lung function by multivariate linear regression analyses and adjusted for age, gender, height, smoking habits, weight, body mass index, waist-hip ratio, metabolic syndrome, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and C-reactive protein.

RESULTS

The median (interquartile range) level of serum ADPN was 7.6 (5.4-10.4) mg/L. ADPN levels were positively associated with FVC % of predicted (beta 3.4 per SD adiponectin, p < 0.001)) in univariate linear regression analysis, but the association was attenuated in multivariate analysis (standardized beta 0.03, p = 0.573)). Among co-variates only WHR significantly attenuated the relationship. ADPN levels were also associated with FEV1% of predicted in bivariate analysis that adjusted for smoking (beta 1.4, p = 0.042)), but this association was attenuated and no longer significant in multivariate analysis (standardized beta -0.06, p = 0.254)).

CONCLUSION

In this population-based sample no association between ADPN and lung function was evident after adjustment for covariates related to adiposity.

Heart failure patients with prediabetes and newly diagnosed diabetes display abnormalities in myocardial metabolism

BACKGROUND

In type 2 diabetes, a decrease in myocardial glucose uptake (MGU) may lower glucose oxidation and contribute to progression of chronic heart failure (CHF). However, it is unsettled whether CHF patients with prediabetes have abnormal MGU and myocardial blood flow (MBF) during normal physiological conditions.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We studied 35 patients with CHF and reduced left ventricular ejections fraction (34 ± 9%) without overt T2D (mean HbA1c: 40 ± 4 mmol/mol) using echocardiography and quantitative measurements of MGU by 18F-FDG-PET and perfusion by 15O-H2O-PET. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed during the FDG-PET, which identified 17 patients with abnormal and 18 patients with normal glucometabolic response. Global MGU was higher in patients with normal OGTT response (0.31 ± 0.09 µmol/g/min) compared with patients with abnormal OGTT response (0.25 ± 0.09 µmol/g/min) (P = 0.05). MBF (P = 0.22) and myocardial flow reserve (MFR) (P = 0.83) were similar in the study groups. The reduced MGU in prediabetic patients was attributable to reduced MGU in viable myocardium with normal MFR (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

CHF patients with prediabetes have reduced MGU in segments with preserved MFR as compared to CHF patients with normal glucose tolerance. Whether reversal of these myocardial abnormalities can improve outcome needs to be investigated in large-scale studies.

Comorbidity of periodontal disease: two sides of the same coin? An introduction for the clinician

Increasing evidence has suggested an independent association between periodontitis and a range of comorbidities, for example cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, psoriasis, and respiratory infections. Shared inflammatory pathways are likely to contribute to this association, but distinct causal mechanisms remain to be defined. Some of these comorbid conditions may improve by periodontal treatment, and a bidirectional relationship may exist, where, for example, treatment of diabetes can improve periodontal status. The present article presents an overview of the evidence linking periodontitis with selected systemic diseases and calls for increased cooperation between dentists and medical doctors to provide optimal screening, treatment, and prevention of both periodontitis and its comorbidities.

The role of the complement system in diabetic nephropathy

The development of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus has a substantial negative impact on morbidity and mortality and is responsible for substantial individual and socioeconomic costs worldwide. One of the most serious consequences of diabetes mellitus is the development of diabetic angiopathy, which manifests clinically as microvascular and macrovascular complications. One microvascular complication, diabetic nephropathy, is the most common cause of end-stage renal disease in developed countries. Although several available therapeutic interventions can delay the onset and progression of diabetic nephropathy, morbidity associated with this disease remains high and new therapeutic approaches are needed. In addition, not all patients with diabetes mellitus will develop diabetic nephropathy and thus new biomarkers are needed to identify individuals who will develop this life-threatening disease. An increasing body of evidence points toward a role of the complement system in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. For example, circulating levels of mannose-binding lectin (MBL), a pattern recognition molecule of the innate immune system, have emerged as a robust biomarker for the development and progression of this disease, and evidence suggests that MBL, H-ficolin, complement component C3 and the membrane attack complex might contribute to renal injury in the hyperglycaemic mileu. New approaches to modulate the complement system might lead to the development of new agents to prevent or slow the progression of diabetic nephropathy.

Ligature-associated bacterial profiles are linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus in a rat model and influenced by antibody treatment against TNF-α or RAGE

There is a bidirectional relationship between periodontal disease (PD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). T2D may lead to ecological perturbations in the oral environment, which may facilitate an altered microbiota. However, previous studies have been inconclusive in determining the effect of T2D on oral bacterial profiles. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the influence of T2D on the ligature-associated bacterial profile in a diabetic rat model with PD and investigated the impact of blocking inflammatory pathways with antibodies targeting either Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNF-α) or the receptor of advanced glycation end-products (RAGE). A total of 62 Zucker obese rats (45 T2D) and 17 lean (non-T2D) were divided into 4 treatment groups; lean with PD, obese with PD, obese with PD and anti-TNF-α treatment, and obese with PD with anti-RAGE treatment. Periodontal disease was ligature induced. Ligature-associated bacterial profiles were analyzed using Human Oral Microbe Identification Microarray (HOMIM). Ligature-associated bacterial profiles differed between lean and obese rats. Furthermore, treatment with antibodies against TNF-α or RAGE had an impact on subgingival bacterial profiles. T2D phenotypes are associated with different ligature-associated bacterial profiles and influenced by treatment with antibodies against TNF-α or RAGE.

Antioxidant treatment attenuates lactate production in diabetic nephropathy

The early progression of diabetic nephropathy is notoriously difficult to detect and quantify before the occurrence of substantial histological damage. Recently, hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate has demonstrated increased lactate production in the kidney early after the onset of diabetes, implying increased lactate dehydrogenase activity as a consequence of increased nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide substrate availability due to upregulation of the polyol pathway, i.e., pseudohypoxia. In this study, we investigated the role of oxidative stress in mediating these metabolic alterations using state-of-the-art hyperpolarized magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Ten-week-old female Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: healthy controls, untreated diabetic (streptozotocin treatment to induce insulinopenic diabetes), and diabetic, receiving chronic antioxidant treatment with TEMPOL (4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-oxyl) via the drinking water. Examinations were performed 2, 3, and 4 wk after the induction of diabetes by using a 3T Clinical MR system equipped with a dual tuned 13C/1H-volume rat coil. The rats received intravenous hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate and were imaged using a slice-selective 13C-IDEAL spiral sequence. Untreated diabetic rats showed increased renal lactate production compared with that shown by the controls. However, chronic TEMPOL treatment significantly attenuated diabetes-induced lactate production. No significant effects of diabetes or TEMPOL were observed on [13C]alanine levels, indicating an intact glucose-alanine cycle, or [13C]bicarbonate, indicating normal flux through the Krebs cycle. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that diabetes-induced pseudohypoxia, as indicated by an increased lactate-to-pyruvate ratio, is significantly attenuated by antioxidant treatment. This demonstrates a pivotal role of oxidative stress in renal metabolic alterations occurring in early diabetes.

Effect of liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue, on left ventricular function in stable chronic heart failure patients with and without diabetes (LIVE)-a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial

AIMS

To determine the effect of the glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue liraglutide on left ventricular function in chronic heart failure patients with and without type 2 diabetes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

LIVE was an investigator-initiated, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled multicentre trial. Patients (n = 241) with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≤45%) were recruited (February 2012 to August 2015). Patients were clinically stable and on optimal heart failure treatment. Intervention was liraglutide 1.8 mg once daily or matching placebo for 24 weeks. The LVEF was similar at baseline in the liraglutide and the placebo group (33.7 ± 7.6% vs. 35.4 ± 9.4%). Change in LVEF did not differ between the liraglutide and the placebo group; mean difference (95% confidence interval) was -0.8% (-2.1, 0.5; P = 0.24). Heart rate increased with liraglutide [mean difference: 7 b.p.m. (5, 9), P < 0.0001]. Serious cardiac events were seen in 12 (10%) patients treated with liraglutide compared with 3 (3%) patients in the placebo group (P = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Liraglutide did not affect left ventricular systolic function compared with placebo in stable chronic heart failure patients with and without diabetes. Treatment with liraglutide was associated with an increase in heart rate and more serious cardiac adverse events, and this raises some concern with respect to the use of liraglutide in patients with chronic heart failure and reduced left ventricular function. More data on the safety of liraglutide in different subgroups of heart failure patients are needed.

Markers of oxidative stress in obese men with and without hypertension

OBJECTIVES

The aim of our study was to investigate if the 24-hour excretion of the urinary markers for oxidative stress to DNA and RNA, measured as 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-guanosine (8-oxoGuo), respectively, were increased in obese individuals with or without hypertension compared to lean controls.

METHODS

A total of 63 obese hypertensive men (obeseHT), 40 obese normotensive men (obeseNT) and 27 lean normotensive men (leanNT) were included in the study. Body mass index (BMI) was between 20.0 and 24.9 kg/m² in leanNT participants and ≥30 kg/m² in obese participants. Hypertension was defined as a mean 24-hour systolic ambulatory blood pressure (AMBP) ≥ 130 mmHg or a mean 24-hour diastolic AMBP ≥80 mmHg and normotension as mean 24-hour AMBP <130/80 mmHg. Twenty-four hour urinary 8-oxoGuo and 8-oxodG excretion (nmol/24 h) were measured by a validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method (UPLC-MS/MS).

RESULTS

Urinary 8-oxoGuo excretion was (median and [interquartile range]) 30.8 [27.8-32.2] nmol/24 h in leanNT, 36.8 [31.3-40.2] nmol/24 h in obeseNT and 40.6 [31.7-48.5] nmol/24 h in obeseHT. The difference was statistically significant (p = .002) and post hoc tests showed a significant difference between leanNT and obeseHT (p = .001) as well as obeseNT (p = .002), whereas the two obese groups did not differ (p = .6). No statistically significant differences in 8-oxodG concentrations were observed between the three groups (p = .3).

CONCLUSION

The measurement of urinary excretion of 8-oxoGuo suggests that obesity in men, but not hypertension, is associated with increased oxidative damage to RNA.

Low adiponectin levels at baseline and decreasing adiponectin levels over 10 years of follow-up predict risk of the metabolic syndrome

AIM

Adiponectin is the most abundant adipokine and may play a key role in the interplay between obesity, inflammation, insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome (MetS). Thus, this large population-based cohort investigated whether adiponectin at baseline and/or a decrease in adiponectin during follow-up is associated prospectively with the risk of incident MetS.

METHODS

Using a prospective study design, the development of MetS was examined in 1134 healthy participants from the community. Plasma adiponectin was measured at study entry and again after a median follow-up of 9.4 years (IQR: 9.2-9.7). During follow-up, 187 participants developed MetS, and 439 presented with at least two components of MetS.

RESULTS

During follow-up, adiponectin decreased in participants who developed MetS, whereas adiponectin was increased in those who did not develop MetS (P<0.001). Those with low adiponectin levels (quartile 1) at baseline had an increased risk of developing MetS (OR: 2.92, 2.08-6.97; P<0.001) compared with those with high levels (quartile 4). After adjusting for confounding variables, low adiponectin levels at baseline remained independently associated with MetS (OR: 2.24, 1.11-4.52; P=0.017). Similarly, participants with a decrease in adiponectin during follow-up also had an increased risk of MetS (OR: 2.96, 2.09-4.18; P<0.001). This association persisted after multivariable adjustments, including for baseline adiponectin (OR: 4.37, 2.77-6.97; P<0.001). Finally, adiponectin levels at follow-up were inversely associated with an increase in the number of components of MetS (P<0.001); geometric mean adiponectin levels were 9.5mg/L (95% CI: 9.0-10.0) for participants with no components vs 7.0mg/L (95% CI: 6.3-7.9) for those with four to five components.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Low plasma adiponectin levels at baseline and decreasing adiponectin levels during follow-up are both associated with an increased risk of MetS.

[Sleep impairment is a threat to good health]

Long-term sleep impairment is related to an increased risk of somatic health problems, e.g. overweight, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and premature death. Avoidance of caffeine, alcohol, energy-rich or fatty foods and light from computer screens close to bedtime may counteract impaired sleep. A quiet, dark and well-tempered bedroom and physical activity during the day may have a positive impact on sleep. Impaired sleep may be related to stress and conditions at home or at work. Psychological sleep treatment is free of adverse side effects with effects comparable to effects of medical treatment.

Blockade of RAGE in Zucker obese rats with experimental periodontitis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) are two interrelated chronic diseases. Periodontitis is more prevalent in patients with T2D than in healthy subjects, and studies indicate that periodontitis impacts the metabolic control of patients with T2D. Hyperglycemia in T2D leads to the formation of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Binding of AGEs to the receptor of AGE (RAGE) elicits an increased inflammatory response that may be a key modulator linking the two diseases. The present study aimed to elucidate the effect of blocking the RAGE on the interrelationship between periodontitis and T2D in a rat model of both diseases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Zucker obese rats (HsdHlr:ZUCKER-Lepr ^fa/fa ) and their lean littermates were divided into five treatment groups, with and without periodontitis. Monoclonal anti-RAGE IgG₃ were injected into the rats three times a week. The diabetic state was evaluated by oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs), the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), concentration of free fatty acids and repeated measurements of blood glucose. Markers of systemic inflammation, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor α, were evaluated in plasma. Kidney complications were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR, the creatinine clearance rate, the albumin excretion rate and kidney hypertrophy. Periodontitis was evaluated by morphometric registration of alveolar bone loss and radiographic recording of bone support.

RESULTS

The diabetic state was improved by antibody treatment for 4 wk, resulting in a lower area under the glucose concentration curve during OGTTs, lower insulin levels and a lower HOMA. Furthermore, the antibody treatment resulted in milder kidney complications, as evaluated by measuring the albumin excretion rate and the kidney weight. There was no impact of periodontal inflammation on the level of complications. Periodontal bone support was influenced by diabetes, but the altered diabetic status as a result of treatment with anti-RAGE Ig had no effect on periodontitis.

CONCLUSION

In this study, treatment with anti-RAGE IgG₃ resulted in improved glucose tolerance and attenuated renal complications. However, no effect was observed on the diabetes-associated periodontitis in Zucker obese rats. Furthermore, periodontitis had no effect on diabetic markers or renal complications. Therefore, activation of RAGE is important in the development of T2D.

Plasma Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin Reflects Both Inflammation and Kidney Function in Patients with Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) has emerged as a marker for acute kidney injury and cardiovascular outcome. However, the relative importance of inflammation versus kidney function on plasma NGAL levels is uncertain, making the interpretation of plasma NGAL unclear. Accordingly, we investigated the relationship between plasma NGAL, inflammation and kidney function in patients with myocardial infarction (MI).

METHODS

We prospectively included 584 patients with acute ST-segment elevation MI (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from 2006 to 2008. Blood samples were drawn immediately before PCI. Additionally, we included 42 patients who had 4 blood samples drawn before and after PCI. Plasma NGAL was measured using a time-resolved immunofluorometric assay. Cross-sectional analyses were performed in these two single-center, prospective study cohorts.

RESULTS

Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was associated significantly more strongly with plasma NGAL when eGFR was abnormal compared to normal eGFR: a decrease in eGFR of 10 ml/min was associated with an increase in NGAL of 27% (18-36%) versus 4% (1-7%), respectively (p < 0.001). Leukocyte count and C-reactive protein were the main determinants of plasma NGAL in patients with normal eGFR, whereas eGFR was the main determinant at reduced kidney function.

CONCLUSIONS

eGFR determines the association of NGAL with either inflammation or kidney function; in patients with normal eGFR, plasma NGAL reflects inflammation but when eGFR is reduced, plasma NGAL reflects kidney function, highlighting the dual perception of plasma NGAL. From a clinical perspective, eGFR may be used to guide the interpretation of elevated NGAL levels in patients with STEMI.

Interplay Between Adiponectin and Pro-Atrial Natriuretic Peptide and Prognosis in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Natriuretic peptides (NPs) may regulate adipocyte metabolism including adiponectin. Infusion of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) increases plasma adiponectin in patients with heart failure. However, this relation has not been examined in a clinical setting or in myocardial infarction (MI). Accordingly, we investigated the interplay between proANP and adiponectin and the prognostic implications in patients with MI. We prospectively included 680 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention from September 2006 to December 2008. Blood samples were drawn immediately before percutaneous coronary intervention. Additionally, we included 40 patients with 4 obtained blood samples during STEMI. Adiponectin and proANP were measured in all plasma samples. All patients were followed for 5 years. End points were all-cause mortality (n = 137) and the combined end point (n = 170) of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). Plasma adiponectin and proANP were strongly associated at admission (r = 0.34, p <0.001). In patients with increasing proANP during STEMI, adiponectin also increased (0.5 ± 0.3 vs -0.1 ± 0.1 mg/L, p = 0.026). During follow-up, patients with higher adiponectin at admission had increased risk of all-cause mortality and MACE (both, p <0.001). After adjustment for confounding risk factors by Cox regression analysis, adiponectin remained an independent predictor of all-cause mortality and MACE: hazard ratio 1.31 (95% confidence interval 1.07 to 1.60; p = 0.009) and 1.31 (95% confidence interval 1.09 to 1.57; p = 0.004), respectively, for each SD increase. However, the association vanished when proANP was included in the analysis. In conclusion, adiponectin is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality and MACE. However, concomitantly elevated proANP levels appear to confound the association between adiponectin and worsened outcome.

Differential effects of low birthweight and intrauterine growth restriction on umbilical cord blood insulin-like growth factor concentrations

OBJECTIVE

Alterations in the growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis have been considered as a causal factor for intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and for the increased risk of metabolic disease in later life. We compared members of the IGF axis in umbilical cord blood between IUGR neonates, small for gestational age without foetal restriction (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates.

DESIGN

Prospective controlled multicenter study.

PATIENTS

Sixteen ultrasound-proven IUGR, 8 SGA and 40 AGA neonates.

MEASUREMENTS

Concentrations of total IGF-I and total IGF-II by immunoassays, bioactive IGF by cell-based bioassay and IGFBP-I in mixed venous and arterial umbilical cord blood samples at birth. Auxological parameters at birth.

RESULTS

IGF-I concentrations in IUGR [17·7 μg/l (CI 13·8;21·6)] were clearly below those in AGA [48·3 μg/l (CI 43·7;52·9)] and SGA neonates [36·0 μg/l (CI 26·6;45·4)]. IGF-II levels were significantly reduced in IUGR [201·4 μg/l (CI 190·2;212·6)] compared to AGA neonates [231·2 μg/l (CI 220·6;241·9)]. A trend for lower IGF-II concentrations was observed in IUGR when compared to SGA neonates [232·0 μg/l (CI 207·2;256·8)]. These differences could not be explained by confounding. For IGFBP-1, a trend towards higher values in IUGR was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Low IGF-I cord blood concentrations in hypotrophic neonates after IUGR might not only result from low birthweight per se, but also reflect prenatal placental environment. Alterations of the IGF axis could be in the causal pathway of IUGR and thus constitute a potential surrogate marker for IUGR in the assessment of foetal programming.

Changes in IGF-I, urinary free cortisol and adipokines during dronabinol therapy in anorexia nervosa: Results from a randomised, controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is characterised by complex neuroendocrine disturbances due to severe underweight, physical hyperactivity and purging behaviour. Cannabinoid agonists are used to palliate cachexia of various causes, but their interactions with the hormonal systems that are involved in energy metabolism have not been previously described in humans. Therefore we found it of interest to assess interactions between the synthetic cannabinoid agonist dronabinol and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), urinary free cortisol (UFC) and adipokines in patients with chronic AN.

DESIGN

This was a prospective, double-blind randomised crossover study, conducted at a specialised care centre for eating disorders. The results are based on twenty-four adult women with chronic AN, who completed the study. The participants received dronabinol (oral capsules, 5mg daily) and matching placebo over four weeks, separated by a four-week washout period. Bioactive IGF was determined by a cell-based bioassay, whereas total IGF-I, IGFBP-2 and -3 and the two adipokines leptin and adiponectines were measured by immunoassays. The UFC excretion was determined by mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

As previously reported, dronabinol treatment caused a small, yet significant increase in BMI as compared to placebo (+0.23 kg/m(2); P = 0.04). This modest weight gain predicted a corresponding increase in bioactive IGF-I, while the amount of daily energy expenditure due to physical activity had a comparable but opposite effect. Nevertheless, neither IGF-I, bioactive IGF nor the IGFBPs levels changed significantly during dronabinol intervention as compared to placebo. Adiponectin also remained unaffected by the weight gain, whereas plasma leptin showed a transient increase at three weeks (P < 0.05). UFC levels were decreased during dronabinol intervention.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that low-dosage therapy with the synthetic cannabinoid agonist dronabinol affected neither the concentration nor the activity of the circulating IGF-system in women with severe and chronic AN. However, our results suggest that such treatment may alleviate the increased hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity seen in these patients.

Increased all-cause mortality in patients with type 1 diabetes and high-expression mannan-binding lectin genotypes: a 12-year follow-up study

OBJECTIVE

Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is a complement-activating carbohydrate-recognizing molecule associated with diabetic nephropathy. MBL is associated with all-cause mortality in type 2 diabetes, but whether MBL is associated with mortality in type 1 diabetes remains unknown. We therefore aimed to investigate this.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied an existing 12-year prospective cohort with type 1 diabetes with 198 patients with diabetic nephropathy (121 men, age 41 years [95% CI 40-42], estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] 67 mL/min/1.73 m(2) [95% CI 63-70]) and 174 normoalbuminuric patients (103 men, age 43 years [95% CI 41-44], eGFR 93 mL/min/1.73 m(2) [95% CI 91-95]). Mortality rates were compared according to the concentration-determining MBL2 genotype or the MBL concentration. Patients were classified as having high or low MBL expression genotypes. The effect of MBL concentration was estimated by comparing patients with MBL concentrations above or below the median.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight patients died during follow-up. The unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality was 1.61 (95% CI 1.07-2.43) for patients with high MBL expression genotypes versus patients with low MBL expression genotypes (P = 0.023). All-cause mortality was higher in patients with MBL concentrations above the median than in patients with MBL concentrations below the median (unadjusted HR 1.90 [95% CI 1.26-2.87], P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

High MBL expression genotypes and high MBL concentrations are both associated with increased mortality rates in type 1 diabetes compared with low MBL expression genotypes and low MBL concentrations.

Effects of TNF-α blocking on experimental periodontitis and type 2 diabetes in obese diabetic Zucker rats

OBJECTIVE

Tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) is considered a key signalling modulator in the pathogenesis of both periodontitis (PD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). This study aims at elucidating the effect of TNF-α blocking on the interplay between PD and DM2.

METHODS

Obese diabetic Zucker rats and their lean littermates were divided into five treatment groups with or without periodontitis. Anti-TNF-α treatment was provided with Etanercept injections. Diabetic state was evaluated by oral glucose tolerance test, the homeostatic model assessment, free fatty acids and blood glucose. Systemic inflammation was assessed by measurement of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in plasma. Kidney complications were evaluated by real-time rtPCR, creatinine clearance rate, urinary albumin excretion and increase in weight. PD was evaluated by registration of alveolar bone level.

RESULTS

After 4 weeks the diabetic state was modified by Etanercept treatment with lower insulin levels and lower homeostatic model assessment. Furthermore, while kidney complications were reduced by Etanercept treatment, PD had no effect. PD was influenced by diabetic state, but the impact was attenuated by Etanercept treatment.

CONCLUSION

In this study anti-TNF-α treatment improved glucose tolerance and compensated for the increased periodontal disease in obese diabetic Zucker. PD did not influence diabetic parameters assessed including complications of the rats kidneys.

Investigation of metabolic changes in STZ-induced diabetic rats with hyperpolarized [1-13C]acetate

In the metabolism of acetate several enzymes are involved, which play an important role in free fatty acid oxidation. Fatty acid metabolism is altered in diabetes patients and therefore acetate might serve as a marker for pathological changes in the fuel selection of cells, as these changes occur in diabetes patients. Acetylcarnitine is a metabolic product of acetate, which enables its transport into the mitochondria for energy production. This study investigates whether the ratio of acetylcarnitine to acetate, measured by noninvasive hyperpolarized [1-¹³C]acetate magnetic resonance spectroscopy, could serve as a marker for myocardial, hepatic, and renal metabolic changes in rats with Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in vivo. We demonstrate that the conversion of acetate to acetylcarnitine could be detected and quantified in all three organs of interest. More interestingly, we found that the hyperpolarized acetylcarnitine to acetate ratio was independent of blood glucose levels and prolonged hyperglycemia following diabetes induction in a type-1 diabetes model.

Telomerase activity promotes osteoblast differentiation by modulating IGF-signaling pathway

The contribution of deficient telomerase activity to age-related decline in osteoblast functions and bone formation is poorly studied. We have previously demonstrated that telomerase over-expression led to enhanced osteoblast differentiation of human bone marrow skeletal (stromal) stem cells (hMSC) in vitro and in vivo. Here, we investigated the signaling pathways underlying the regulatory functions of telomerase in osteoblastic cells. Comparative microarray analysis and Western blot analysis of telomerase-over expressing hMSC (hMSC-TERT) versus primary hMSC revealed significant up-regulation of several components of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling. Specifically, a significant increase in IGF-induced AKT phosphorylation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were observed in hMSC-TERT. Enhanced ALP activity was reduced in presence of IGF1 receptor inhibitor: picropodophyllin. In addition, telomerase deficiency caused significant reduction in IGF signaling proteins in osteoblastic cells cultured from telomerase deficient mice (Terc(-/-)). The low bone mass exhibited by Terc(-/-) mice was associated with significant reduction in serum levels of IGF1 and IGFBP3 as well as reduced skeletal mRNA expression of Igf1, Igf2, Igf2r, Igfbp5 and Igfbp6. IGF1-induced osteoblast differentiation was also impaired in Terc(-/-) MSC. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that impaired IGF/AKT signaling contributes to the observed decreased bone mass and bone formation exhibited by telomerase deficient osteoblastic cells.

The Circulating IGF System in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The Impact of Liver Status and Treatment

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have demonstrated an elevated IGF-II mRNA expression and protein levels in tumors and blood from patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), hereby suggesting a role of IGF-II as a pathogenic marker of HCC. We hypothesized that in HCC, an increased IGF-II secretion would translate into an elevated circulating IGF bioactivity, which would normalize following treatment.

METHODS

Patients with HCC (n=39) were studied before and after radio-frequency ablation and/or transarterial chemo-embolization. Baseline data were compared to healthy subjects (n=150) and patients with liver cirrhosis (n=41). Serum levels of IGF ligands and IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) were determined using gold standard methods as well as novel assays and compared to liver function tests and HCC treatment status.

RESULTS

At baseline, HCC patients differed from cirrhosis patients and healthy controls regarding IGF-I (29 [23-37] vs. 12 [7-19] vs. 109 [103-116] μg/l), IGF-II (254 [224-288] vs. 118 [102-137] vs. 545 [525-566] μg/l) and IGF bioactivity (0.53 [0.41-0.68] vs. 0.29 [0.24-0.34] vs. 1.43 [1.33-1.53] μg/l) (mean [95% confidence interval], all age-adjusted P<0.001). All variables but IGFBP-2 were strongly associated with liver status (MELD score), and accordingly, differences were either attenuated or disappeared when adjusted for MELD score. There was no effect of treatment on any IGF variables.

CONCLUSIONS

The marked differences in IGF and IGFBP levels between patients with HCC, liver cirrhosis and healthy subjects are mainly explained by variations in liver status. Therefore, this study questions the clinical utility of circulating IGF variables as markers of HCC.

Soluble receptor of advanced glycation end-products in patients with acute myocardial infarction treated with remote ischaemic conditioning

BACKGROUND

Several studies have demonstrated that soluble receptor of advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE) is a valuable inflammatory biomarker in cardiovascular disease (CVD). Remote ischaemic conditioning may rescue myocardial tissue during acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In the present study, we evaluate whether sRAGE is a helpful biomarker in patients with AMI receiving remote ischaemic conditioning.

METHODS

Plasma sRAGE levels were measured in 191 patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated with primary percutaneous intervention (pPCI) of which 97 patients were randomised to receive remote ischaemic conditioning.

RESULTS

The sRAGE levels were not different when compared to the randomised controls. In 122 patients, measurement of myocardial salvage index (SI) was obtained. Patients who received remote ischaemic conditioning had significantly higher SI compared to the controls (p < 0.03), although this effect was not seen in sRAGE concentrations. However, sRAGE levels increased with higher New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification after 30 days of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

sRAGE levels do not reflect increased SI in AMI patients who received remote ischaemic conditioning prior to hospital admission.

Diabetic kidney disease: a clinical update from Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes

The incidence and prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) continue to grow markedly throughout the world, due primarily to the increase in type 2 DM (T2DM). Although improvements in DM and hypertension management have reduced the proportion of diabetic individuals who develop chronic kidney disease (CKD) and progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), the sheer increase in people developing DM will have a major impact on dialysis and transplant needs. This KDIGO conference addressed a number of controversial areas in the management of DM patients with CKD, including aspects of screening for CKD with measurements of albuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR); defining treatment outcomes; glycemic management in both those developing CKD and those with ESRD; hypertension goals and management, including blockers of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system; and lipid management.

Insufficient insulin administration to diabetic rats increases substrate utilization and maintains lactate production in the kidney

Good glycemic control is crucial to prevent the onset and progression of late diabetic complications, but insulin treatment often fails to achieve normalization of glycemic control to the level seen in healthy controls. In fact, recent experimental studies indicate that insufficient treatment with insulin, resulting in poor glycemic control, has an additional effect on progression of late diabetic complications, than poor glycemic control on its own. We therefore compared renal metabolic alterations during conditions of poor glycemic control with and without suboptimal insulin administration, which did not restore glycemic control, to streptozotocin (STZ)‐diabetic rats using noninvasive hyperpolarized ¹³C‐pyruvate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and blood oxygenation level–dependent (BOLD) ¹H‐MRI to determine renal metabolic flux and oxygen availability, respectively. Suboptimal insulin administration increased pyruvate utilization and metabolic flux via both anaerobic and aerobic pathways in diabetic rats even though insulin did not affect kidney oxygen availability, HbA_1c, or oxidative stress. These results imply direct effects of insulin in the regulation of cellular substrate utilization and metabolic fluxes during conditions of poor glycemic control. The study demonstrates that poor glycemic control in combination with suboptimal insulin administration accelerates metabolic alterations by increasing both anaerobic and aerobic metabolism resulting in increased utilization of energy substrates. The results demonstrate the importance of tight glycemic control in insulinopenic diabetes, and that insulin, when administered insufficiently, adds an additional burden on top of poor glycemic control.

This work describes the metabolic changes associated with insufficient insulin administration in the type 1 diabetic rat kidney, showing that poor glycemic control with insufficient insulin administration, has an cumulative effect on the development of late diabetic complications.

Low adiponectin levels and increased risk of type 2 diabetes in patients with myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE

Patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) have increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Adiponectin is an insulin-sensitizing hormone produced in adipose tissue, directly suppressing hepatic gluconeogenesis, stimulating fatty acid oxidation and glucose uptake in skeletal muscle and insulin secretion. In healthy humans, low plasma adiponectin levels associate with increased risk of T2DM; however, the relationship between adiponectin and T2DM in patients with MI has never been investigated.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We prospectively included 666 patients with ST-segment elevation MI, without diabetes, treated with percutaneous coronary intervention, from September 2006 to December 2008 at a tertiary cardiac center. Blood samples were drawn before intervention, and total plasma adiponectin was measured in all samples. During follow-up (median 5.7 years [interquartile range 5.3-6.1]) 6% (n = 38) developed T2DM. Risk of T2DM was analyzed using a competing risk analysis.

RESULTS

Low adiponectin levels were associated with increased risk of T2DM (P < 0.001). Even after adjustment for confounding risk factors (age, sex, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, current smoking, previous MI, BMI, blood glucose, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglyceride, estimated glomerular filtration rate, C-reactive protein, peak troponin I, and proatrial natriuretic peptide), low adiponectin levels remained an independent predictor of T2DM (hazard ratio [HR] 5.8 [2.3-15.0]; P < 0.001). Importantly, plasma adiponectin added to the predictive value of blood glucose, with the combination of high blood glucose and low plasma adiponectin, vastly increasing the risk of developing T2DM (HR 9.6 [3.7-25.3]; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Low plasma adiponectin levels are independently associated with increased risk of T2DM in patients with MI and added significantly to the predictive value of blood glucose.

Association of the pattern recognition molecule H-ficolin with incident microalbuminuria in an inception cohort of newly diagnosed type 1 diabetic patients: an 18 year follow-up study

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Increasing evidence links complement activation through the lectin pathway to diabetic nephropathy. Adverse complement recognition of proteins modified by glycation has been suggested to trigger complement auto-attack in diabetes. H-ficolin (also known as ficolin-3) is a pattern recognition molecule that activates the complement cascade on binding to glycated surfaces, but the role of H-ficolin in diabetic nephropathy is unknown. We aimed to investigate the association between circulating H-ficolin levels and the incidence of microalbuminuria in type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

We measured baseline H-ficolin levels and tracked the development of persistent micro- and macroalbuminuria in a prospective 18 year observational follow-up study of an inception cohort of 270 patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes.

RESULTS

Patients were followed for a median of 18 years (range 1-22 years). During follow-up, 75 patients developed microalbuminuria, defined as a persistent urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) above 30 mg/24 h. When H-ficolin levels were divided into quartile groups an unadjusted Cox proportional hazards regression model showed a significant association with risk of incident microalbuminuria during follow-up (HR, fourth vs first quartile, 2.45; 95% CI 1.24, 4.85) (p = 0.01). This remained significant after adjusting for HbA1c, systolic blood pressure, smoking and baseline UAER (HR 2.09; 95% CI 1.03, 4.25) (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Our data suggest that high levels of the complement activating molecule H-ficolin are associated with an increased risk of future progression to microalbuminuria in patients with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes.

Osteopontin is a strong predictor of incipient diabetic nephropathy, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality in patients with type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Osteopontin (OPN) is a multifunctional protein suggested to be a player in the arterial disease of patients with type 2 diabetes. However, its role for complications in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is unknown. We therefore investigated the associations between OPN and diabetic vascular complications and all-cause mortality in patients with T1D.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Serum OPN was measured in 2,145 adults with T1D without end-stage renal disease (ESRD; dialysis or transplantation) as part of the Finnish Diabetic Nephropathy (FinnDiane) Study. Data on renal status, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and all-cause mortality during follow-up were verified from medical files, hospital discharge registries, and the Finnish National Death Registry, respectively. The median follow-up time was 10.5 (interquartile range 8.9-11.8) years.

RESULTS

Serum OPN was higher at baseline in patients who developed incident microalbuminuria (16.0 ± 0.9 vs. 14.1 ± 0.2 µg/L; P = 0.04), progressed to ESRD (28.3 ± 1.7 vs. 15.4 ± 0.2 µg/L; P < 0.001), suffered an incident CVD event (20.2 ± 1.2 vs. 15.5 ± 0.2 µg/L; P < 0.001), or died (23.3 ± 1.4 vs. 15.8 ± 0.2 µg/L; P < 0.001) during follow-up. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, OPN was independently associated with the development of incident microalbuminuria, an incident CVD event, and death, after adjustments for associated risk factors. Even after calculating reclassification indexes, OPN was predictive of CVD and all-cause mortality beyond the Framingham risk score covariates and hs-CRP.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum OPN is a strong predictor of incipient diabetic nephropathy, a first-ever CVD event, and all-cause mortality in patients with T1D. Serum OPN may be of clinical significance for the risk prediction of CVD events in patients with T1D.

Body mass index is related to microvascular vasomotion, this is partly explained by adiponectin

OBJECTIVE

obesity-related microvascular dysfunction, including alterations in rhythmic changes in vascular diameter, so-called 'vasomotion', may be important in the clustering of obesity with other cardiovascular risk factors. Adipokines have been suggested to play a role in obesity-related vascular dysfunction. Alterations in vasomotion have been found using extreme body mass index (BMI) phenotypes. Whether these alterations can be translated to the general population is unknown. The aim was to retrospectively investigate relationships between BMI, vasomotion and adipokines in a population-based cohort.

METHODS

Adiposity, vasomotion, adiponectin and leptin were determined in 94 apparently healthy participants (age 42 years, 46 men, mean BMI 25·5 ± 3·8 kg/m(2) ) of the Amsterdam Growth and Health Longitudinal Study (AGHLS). Vasomotion was assessed via wavelet analysis of skin laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF).

RESULTS

BMI was associated with the neurogenic domain of the vasomotion spectrum (β -0·011, P = 0·046), adiponectin (β -0·18, P = 0·028) and leptin (β 2·22, P < 0·0001). Adiponectin was positively associated with the neurogenic domain of vasomotion (β 0·016, P = 0·019). Leptin did not show any significant relationship with vasomotion. The association between BMI and the neurogenic domain of the vasomotion spectrum was partly explained by adiponectin.

CONCLUSIONS

The association between adiposity and microvascular vasomotion also applies to the normal population and is partly explained by adiponectin.

Plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalinin in the general population: association with inflammation and prognosis

OBJECTIVE

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a glycoprotein stored in granules of neutrophil leukocytes participating in inflammatory and atherosclerotic processes and possibly plaque rupture. Despite the putative role of NGAL in atherosclerosis and acute myocardial infarction, human studies of plasma NGAL are still limited.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

We prospectively followed 5599 randomly selected men and women from the community in the fourth Copenhagen Heart Study. Plasma NGAL was measured at study entry. Participants were followed for 10 years. During follow-up, 20% died (n=1120) and 15% (n=884) developed a major adverse cardiovascular event. Plasma NGAL associated strongly with all inflammatory markers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, total leukocyte count, neutrophil count) and inversely with estimated glomerular filtration rate (all, P<0.001). Multivariate analysis identified neutrophil leukocyte count as the main determinant of plasma NGAL. During follow-up, participants with increasing NGAL had increased risk of all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular event (both, P<0.001). Even after adjustment for confounding risk factors by Cox regression analysis, NGAL remained an independent predictor of both all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascular event. When added to the Framingham risk score, NGAL improved c-statistics and correctly reclassified ≈15% into more appropriate risk groups. In comparison with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, when both markers were added to the Framingham risk score, NGAL conferred 3× to 4× the risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma NGAL is strongly associated with inflammation in the general population. NGAL independently associated with 10-year outcome, and when added to the Framingham risk score, NGAL both improves c-statistics and correctly reclassifies participants into more accurate risk categories.

High osteoprotegerin levels predict MACCE in STEMI patients, but are not associated with myocardial salvage

OBJECTIVES

High circulating levels of osteoprotegerin (OPG) carry prognostic impact in cohorts with various cardiovascular diagnoses. With the present study, we aim to investigate the role of OPG within the scale of myocardial damage.

DESIGN

This study includes 219 consecutive patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction randomized to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) or pPCI and remote ischemic per-conditioning. Salvage index via myocardial single-photon emission CT assessment (data available in 61% of the patients) was performed, and derived from Day 1 (myocardial area at risk) and Day 30 (final infarct size). Plasma OPG levels were measured using an in-house immunoassay. A combined end-point of all-mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, readmission for heart failure and ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack (Major Adverse Cardiac and Cerebrovascular Events [MACCE]) was used for follow-up; 45 (38-48 months).

RESULTS

High OPG levels were associated with the severity of cardiovascular disease. During follow-up, OPG was a predictor of MACCE (unadjusted, HR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.14-3.85, P = 0.017). Adjustments for age, gender, and body mass index preserved the independent predictive power of OPG. However, OPG levels were neither associated with salvage index nor with the final infarct size. Remote ischemic per-conditioning had no effect on OPG levels.

CONCLUSION

Despite absent association between OPG levels and the scale of myocardial damage, high OPG levels predict a significantly increased risk of MACCE.

A protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the effect of LIraglutide on left VEntricular function in chronic heart failure patients with and without type 2 diabetes (The LIVE Study)

INTRODUCTION

Heart failure is one of the most common cardiovascular complications of diabetes and the most disabling and deadly complication too. Many antidiabetic agents have been associated with increased morbidity and mortality in a subset of patients with chronic heart failure (CHF); thus, new treatment modalities are warranted. Interestingly, a beneficial effect of the incretin hormone, GLP-1, on cardiac function has been suggested in patients with diabetes and patients without diabetes. Liraglutide (Victoza) is a GLP-1 analogue developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D); however, its impact on cardiac function has not previously been investigated in patients with CHF. This prompted us to investigate whether liraglutide treatment for 24 weeks improves left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in patients with CHF with and without T2D compared with placebo treatment.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

An investigator-initiated, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled intervention trial. In total, 240 patients with CHF (with and without T2D) with LVEF≤45% will be randomised to either subcutaneous injection of liraglutide 1.8 mg or matching placebo once daily for 24 weeks. The effect of liraglutide on left ventricular function will be evaluated by advanced echocardiography, including three-dimensional contrast echocardiography.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study will be performed and monitored according to the Good Clinical Practice-International Conference on Harmonisation (GCP-ICH) regulations and conducted according to the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The Danish Medicines Agency, the local Research Ethics Committee and the Danish Data Protection Agency have approved the study.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01472640.

Impaired postprandial response of the insulin-like growth factor system in maintenance haemodialysis

OBJECTIVE

Patients on maintenance haemodialysis (HD) have reduced circulating free and bioactive insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) due to increased IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs). This study investigated the postprandial response of the IGF system in HD patients compared with matched healthy subjects.

DESIGN AND PATIENTS

In a crossover study, twelve nondiabetic HD patients were assigned in a random order to three 10-h study days: (1) a non-HD day with one meal served at baseline (NHDM1), (2) an HD day with one meal served during HD (HDM1) and (3) an HD day with two meals served during and after HD, respectively (HDM2). Twelve healthy controls conducted session 1.

RESULTS

After the baseline meal, insulin concentrations changed similarly in HD patients and controls, whereas hyperglycaemia was more prolonged in HD patients (P < 0·001). Postprandial IGFBP-1 showed greater reductions from baseline in controls (-76% [-81; -70%], mean [95% confidence intervals], P < 0·001) than in patients on non-HD days (-45% [-57; -30%], P < 0·001). In the latter group, the response was even more attenuated during HD (-22% [-38; -1%] and -24% [-40; -4%], P ≤ 0·041). After the second meal on HDM2 days, IGFBP-1 further decreased (-50% [-61; -37%], P < 0·001), whereas IGFBP-1 returned to baseline levels on the other study days. Consistently, at the end of the study days, bioactive IGF-I was significantly above baseline only on HDM2 days (+22% [+5; +43%], P = 0·012).

CONCLUSIONS

HD patients were unable to suppress IGFBP-1 to the same extent as healthy controls, which may increase the risk of protein-energy wasting in maintenance HD. A second meal after HD, however, effectively suppressed IGFBP-1 and increased bioactive IGF-I.

Cardio-adipose tissue cross-talk: relationship between adiponectin, plasma pro brain natriuretic peptide and incident heart failure

AIMS

There is increasing evidence of cross-talk between the heart, body metabolism, and adipose tissue, but the precise mechanisms are poorly understood. Natriuretic peptides (NPs) have recently emerged as the prime candidate for a mediator. In patients with heart failure (HF), infusion of NPs increases adiponectin secretion, indicating that NPs may improve adipose tissue function and in this way function as a cardio-protective agent in HF. Accordingly we investigated the interplay between plasma adiponectin, plasma proBNP, and development of HF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We prospectively followed 5574 randomly selected men and women from the community without ischaemic heart disease or HF. Plasma adiponectin and proBNP were measured at study entry. Median follow-up time was 8.5 years (interquartile range 8.0-9.1 years). During follow-up 271 participants developed symptomatic HF. Plasma adiponectin and proBNP were strongly associated (P < 0.001). Participants with increasing adiponectin had increased risk of incident HF (P < 0.001). After adjustment for confounding risk factors (including age, gender, smoking status, body mass ratio, waist-hip ratio, glucose, glycated haemoglobin, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, lipid profile, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and physical activity) by Cox regression analysis, adiponectin remained an independent predictor of HF: the hazard ratio (HR) per 1 standard deviation (SD) increase in adiponectin was 1.20 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06-1.30; P = 0.003]. However, the association vanished when plasma proBNP was included in the analysis, HR 1.08 (95% CI 0.95-1.23; P = 0.26).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, plasma adiponectin and proBNP are strongly associated. Increasing plasma adiponectin is associated with increased risk of HF. However, concomitantly elevated proBNP levels appear to explain the positive association between adiponectin and risk of HF.

Effects of long-acting somatostatin analogues on redox systems in rat lens in experimental diabetes

The effects of long-acting somatostatin analogues, angiopeptin (AGP) and Sandostatin (SMS), on the early decline in the lens content of glutathione (GSH), ATP and NADPH and increase in sorbitol were studied in STZ diabetic rats, and comparison was made with the effect of insulin. Three factors prompted this study: (i) the known increase in IGF-1 in ocular tissue in diabetes and antagonistic effect of somatostatins, (ii) the known effect of IGF-1 in increasing lens aldose reductase and (iii) the lack of effect of somatostatins on diabetic hyperglycaemia, the latter enabling a differentiation to be made between effects of hyperglycaemia per se and site(s) of IGF-1/somatostatins. All four metabolites studied showed a significant restoration towards the normal control level after 7 days of treatment with AGP and SMS, and AGP was more effective on levels of GSH and ATP. A significant correlation was found between GSH and ATP across all groups at 7 days treatment. The redox state changes in diabetes include both NADP+/NADPH and NAD+/NADH in the conversion of glucose to sorbitol and via sorbitol dehydrogenase to fructose with a linked decrease in ATP formation via NAD+/NADH regulation of the glycolytic pathway. The interlinked network of change includes the requirement for ATP in the synthesis of GSH. The present study points to possible loci of action of somatostatins in improving metabolic parameters in the diabetic rat lens via effects on aldose reductase and/or glucose transport at GLUT 3.