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Antonelli MJ, Kushner I, Epstein M. Why 25-dehydroxyvitamin D is a negative acute-phase reactant. Cleve Clin J Med 2023; 90:535. [PMID: 37657831 DOI: 10.3949/ccjm.90c.09001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria J Antonelli
- Assistant Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Case Western Reserve University, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH
| | - Irving Kushner
- Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Case Western Reserve University, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH
| | - Murray Epstein
- Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
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Bushinsky DA, Budden JJ, Kalra PA, Yuan J, Quinn CM, Epstein M. Patiromer Treatment in Patients With CKD, Hyperkalemia, and Hyperphosphatemia: A Post Hoc Analysis of 3 Clinical Trials. Am J Kidney Dis 2023; 82:97-104. [PMID: 36965827 DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2023.01.444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), hyperkalemia (serum potassium [sK+]>5.0 mEq/L), and hyperphosphatemia experience poor clinical outcomes. Patiromer, a potassium binder that uses calcium as the exchange ion, may also reduce serum phosphorus (sP). We characterized the effect of patiromer on sP in patients with CKD, hyperkalemia, and hyperphosphatemia. STUDY DESIGN A post hoc pooled analysis of individual-level data from the AMETHYST-DN, OPAL-HK, and TOURMALINE trials of patiromer. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS Patients with CKD and hyperkalemia. EXPOSURE Patients treated with patiromer (8.4-33.6 g/day). OUTCOME Mean changes from baseline in sP, sK+, serum calcium (sCa2+), and serum magnesium (sMg2+) after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. ANALYTICAL APPROACH Descriptive statistics to summarize pooled data on the study outcomes from the 3 studies. RESULTS We included 578 patients in the analysis. Of these participants, 86 patients (14.9%) had baseline hyperphosphatemia of whom 75.6% (65 of 86) had CKD stage 4/5 and 31.1% (153 of 492) with sP≤4.5mg/dL had CKD stage 4/5. Among the patients with elevated sP and sK+at baseline, the mean±SD reduction in sP and sK+after 4 weeks of patiromer treatment was-0.62±1.09mg/dL and-0.71± 0.51 mEq/L, respectively. Additionally, the mean±SD reduction in sMg2+in these patients was -0.25±0.23mg/dL while sCa2+remained unchanged. Both sMg2+and sCa2+remained within the normal range. Patiromer was generally well tolerated, and no serious adverse events were considered related to patiromer. LIMITATIONS These were post hoc analyses, no placebo comparison was performed due to the design of the original studies, and the follow-up period was limited to 4 weeks. CONCLUSIONS Reductions in sP and sK+to the normal range were observed after 2 weeks of patiromer treatment, and the reduction was sustained during 4 weeks of treatment among patients with non-dialysis-dependent CKD, hyperkalemia, and hyperphosphatemia. Future controlled trials are needed to establish if patiromer is useful to reduce both sK+and sP in hyperkalemic patients with CKD and hyperphosphatemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Bushinsky
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York.
| | | | - Philip A Kalra
- Salford Royal Hospital, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, United Kingdom
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Lecolant S, Khelifi D, Neukirch C, Taillé C, Chabane H, Giboury Lafarge S, Sève E, Pham Thi N, Epstein M, Chollet Martin S, Nicaise Roland P. Comparaison des performances diagnostiques de deux biopuces IgE : ISAC® et ALEX2®. Revue Française d'Allergologie 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reval.2023.103289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Antonelli MJ, Kushner I, Epstein M. The constellation of vitamin D, the acute-phase response, and inflammation. Cleve Clin J Med 2023; 90:85-89. [PMID: 36724912 DOI: 10.3949/ccjm.90a.22048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria J Antonelli
- Assistant Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Case Western Reserve University, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH
| | - Irving Kushner
- Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Case Western Reserve University, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH
| | - Murray Epstein
- Emeritus Professor of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
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Epstein M, Kovesdy CP, Clase CM, Sood MM, Pecoits-Filho R. Aldosterone, Mineralocorticoid Receptor Activation, and CKD: A Review of Evolving Treatment Paradigms. Am J Kidney Dis 2022; 80:658-666. [PMID: 36057467 DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2022.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation is involved in propagating kidney injury, inflammation, and fibrosis and in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Multiple clinical studies have defined the efficacy of MR antagonism in attenuating progressive kidney disease, and the US Food and Drug Administration recently approved the nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) finerenone for this indication. In this review, we consider the basic science and clinical applicability of MR antagonism. Because hyperkalemia constitutes a constraint to implementing evidence-based MR blockade, we review MRA-associated hyperkalemia in the context of finerenone and discuss evolving mitigation strategies to enhance the safety and efficacy of this treatment. Although the FIDELIO-DKD and FIGARO-DKD clinical trials focused solely on patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, we propose that MR activation and the resulting inflammation and fibrosis act as a substantive pathogenetic mediator not only in people with diabetic CKD but also in those with CKD without diabetes. We close by briefly discussing both recently initiated and future clinical trials that focus on extending the attributes of MR antagonism to a wider array of nondiabetic kidney disorders, such as patients with nonalbuminuric CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murray Epstein
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida.
| | - Csaba P Kovesdy
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee; Nephrology, Memphis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Memphis, Tennessee
| | | | - Manish M Sood
- Department of Medicine and School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Nephrology, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Roberto Pecoits-Filho
- Arbor Research Collaborative for Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Escola de Medicina, Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
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Chey W, Cash B, Lacy B, Cohen S, Zeitzoff L, Cekola P, Araujo Torres K, Epstein M. Peppermint Oil is Highly Effective for the Treatment of Adults with IBS: Results from a Self-Reported Survey. J Acad Nutr Diet 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jand.2022.06.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Abstract
Chronic kidney disease affects approximately 10% of the population or 800 million people globally, with diabetes being the leading cause. The presence of chronic kidney disease with impaired kidney function or with albuminuria is associated with an increased risk of a progressive loss of renal function and increased risk of cardiovascular disease and excess mortality. Screening for chronic kidney disease is critically important because during the initial stages patients often have no symptoms and because we now have available recently approved multiple interventions that can reduce the high risks dramatically. Screening should be performed with regular measurement of albumin in the urine and creatinine or cystatin C in blood for estimation of kidney function. Regretfully recent data indicates that screening for albuminuria is conducted in only 20%-50% of people at risk depending on the setting. Clinicians need to perform regular screening and concomitant management of risk factors. Recent therapeutic options must be implemented to improve outcomes. Finally, a reduction in albuminuria after initiation of intervention constitutes a treatment target because it indicates improved prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Rossing
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Head of Complications Research, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Murray Epstein
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Fla.
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8
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Abstract
The classic focus on the mechanisms of action of aldosterone was directed primarily on its role in modulating renal excretory function and maintaining volume homeostasis. In contrast, many recent studies have demonstrated a much wider and expanded role for aldosterone and for the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). Activation of the MR promotes inflammation, collagen formation, fibrosis, and necrosis with consequent renal injury. Increasing evidence has accrued that implicates the pathophysiological overactivation of the MR as a major determinant of progression of both diabetic and nondiabetic chronic kidney disease (CKD). By promoting cascades of injury encompassing inflammation and fibrosis, MR overactivation constitutes a pivotal determinant of CKD progression and consequently its associated morbidity and mortality. Based on this mechanism of action, blockade of the MR with the nonsteroidal MR antagonist finerenone is currently being investigated as a novel treatment regimen to slow the progression of CKD. The recently reported FIDELIO-DKD (FInerenone in reducing kiDnEy faiLure and dIsease prOgression in Diabetic Kidney Disease) study demonstrated that patients with CKD and type 2 diabetes (T2D) who were treated with finerenone manifested a lower risk of a composite primary outcome event compared with patients in the placebo arm (defined as kidney failure or a sustained decrease of ≥ 40% in the estimated glomerular filtration rate from baseline, or death from renal causes). In addition, patients in the finerenone group also manifested a lower risk of a key secondary outcome event (defined as death from cardiovascular causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or hospitalization for heart failure). Based on the success of these major clinical trials, finerenone was approved by the FDA on 9 July 2021 as a novel treatment for retarding CKD progression in patients with T2D ( https://www.fda.gov/drugs/news-events-human-drugs/fda-approves-drug-reduce-risk-serious-kidney-and-heart-complications-adults-chronic-kidney-disease ). Podcast Video (MP4 258973 KB).
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Affiliation(s)
- Murray Epstein
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
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9
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Hollenberg MD, Epstein M. The innate immune response, microenvironment proteinases, and the COVID-19 pandemic: pathophysiologic mechanisms and emerging therapeutic targets. Kidney Int Suppl (2011) 2022; 12:48-62. [PMID: 35316977 PMCID: PMC8931295 DOI: 10.1016/j.kisu.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, causing considerable mortality and morbidity worldwide, has fully engaged the biomedical community in attempts to elucidate the pathophysiology of COVID-19 and develop robust therapeutic strategies. To this end, the predominant research focus has been on the adaptive immune response to COVID-19 infections stimulated by mRNA and protein vaccines and on the duration and persistence of immune protection. In contrast, the role of the innate immune response to the viral challenge has been underrepresented. This overview focuses on the innate immune response to COVID-19 infection, with an emphasis on the roles of extracellular proteases in the tissue microenvironment. Proteinase-mediated signaling caused by enzymes in the extracellular microenvironment occurs upstream of the increased production of inflammatory cytokines that mediate COVID-19 pathology. These enzymes include the coagulation cascade, kinin-generating plasma kallikrein, and the complement system, as well as angiotensin-generating proteinases of the renin–angiotensin system. Furthermore, in the context of several articles in this Supplement elucidating and detailing the trajectory of diverse profibrotic pathways, we extrapolate these insights to explore how fibrosis and profibrotic pathways participate importantly in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. We propose that the lessons garnered from understanding the roles of microenvironment proteinases in triggering the innate immune response to COVID-19 pathology will identify potential therapeutic targets and inform approaches to the clinical management of COVID-19. Furthermore, the information may also provide a template for understanding the determinants of COVID-19–induced tissue fibrosis that may follow resolution of acute infection (so-called “long COVID”), which represents a major new challenge to our healthcare systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morley D. Hollenberg
- Inflammation Research Network–Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Murray Epstein
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Correspondence: Murray Epstein, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, P.O. Box 016960 (R-126), Miami, Florida 33101 USA.
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10
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Epstein M, Pecoits-Filho R, Clase CM, Sood MM, Kovesdy CP. Hyperkalemia with Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonist Use in People with CKD: Understanding and Mitigating the Risks. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2022; 17:455-457. [PMID: 34853060 PMCID: PMC8975031 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.13541021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Murray Epstein
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Roberto Pecoits-Filho
- Arbor Research Collaborative for Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan,School of Medicine, Catholic University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Catherine M. Clase
- Department of Medicine and Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Manish M. Sood
- Department of Medicine and the School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada,Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Csaba P. Kovesdy
- Division of Nephrology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee,Memphis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Memphis, Tennessee
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11
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Pitt B, Epstein M. A Promise Unfulfilled : The use of Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists ( MRAs ) in patients with Heart Failure and a Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction. Eur J Heart Fail 2022; 24:548-550. [PMID: 35118779 DOI: 10.1002/ejhf.2441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bertram Pitt
- University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Murray Epstein
- University of Miami Miller School School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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12
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Thomas HM, Runions KC, Lester L, Lombardi K, Epstein M, Mandzufas J, Barrow T, Ang S, Leahy A, Mullane M, Whelan A, Coffin J, Mitrou F, Zubrick SR, Bowen AC, Gething PW, Cross D. Western Australian adolescent emotional wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2022; 16:4. [PMID: 35027061 PMCID: PMC8756750 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-021-00433-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have been vast and are not limited to physical health. Many adolescents have experienced disruptions to daily life, including changes in their school routine and family's financial or emotional security, potentially impacting their emotional wellbeing. In low COVID-19 prevalence settings, the impact of isolation has been mitigated for most young people through continued face-to-face schooling, yet there may still be significant impacts on their wellbeing that could be attributed to the pandemic. METHODS We report on data from 32,849 surveys from Year 7-12 students in 40 schools over two 2020 survey cycles (June/July: 19,240; October: 13,609), drawn from a study of 79 primary and secondary schools across Western Australia, Australia. The Child Health Utility Index (CHU9D) was used to measure difficulties and distress in responding secondary school students only. Using comparable Australian data collected six years prior to the pandemic, the CHU9D was calibrated against the Kessler-10 to establish a reliable threshold for CHU9D-rated distress. RESULTS Compared to 14% of responding 12-18-year-olds in 2013/2014, in both 2020 survey cycles almost 40% of secondary students returned a CHU9D score above a threshold indicative of elevated difficulties and distress. Student distress increased significantly between June and October 2020. Female students, those in older Grades, those with few friendships or perceived poor quality friendships, and those with poor connectedness to school were more likely to score above the threshold. CONCLUSIONS In a large dataset collected during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the proportion of secondary school students with scores indicative of difficulties and distress was substantially higher than a 2013/2014 benchmark, and distress increased as the pandemic progressed, despite the low local prevalence of COVID-19. This may indicate a general decline in social and emotional wellbeing exacerbated by the events of the pandemic. TRIAL REGISTRATION ANZCTRN (ACTRN12620000922976). Retrospectively registered 17/08/2020. https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=380429&isReview=true .
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Affiliation(s)
- H. M. Thomas
- grid.414659.b0000 0000 8828 1230Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia
| | - K. C. Runions
- grid.414659.b0000 0000 8828 1230Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia
| | - L. Lester
- grid.1012.20000 0004 1936 7910University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - K. Lombardi
- grid.414659.b0000 0000 8828 1230Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia ,grid.1038.a0000 0004 0389 4302Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
| | - M. Epstein
- grid.414659.b0000 0000 8828 1230Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia
| | - J. Mandzufas
- grid.414659.b0000 0000 8828 1230Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia
| | - T. Barrow
- grid.414659.b0000 0000 8828 1230Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia
| | - S. Ang
- grid.414659.b0000 0000 8828 1230Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia
| | - A. Leahy
- grid.414659.b0000 0000 8828 1230Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia
| | - M. Mullane
- grid.414659.b0000 0000 8828 1230Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia
| | - A. Whelan
- grid.414659.b0000 0000 8828 1230Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia
| | - J. Coffin
- grid.414659.b0000 0000 8828 1230Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia ,grid.1012.20000 0004 1936 7910University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - F. Mitrou
- grid.414659.b0000 0000 8828 1230Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia
| | - S. R. Zubrick
- grid.414659.b0000 0000 8828 1230Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia
| | - A. C. Bowen
- grid.414659.b0000 0000 8828 1230Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia ,grid.1012.20000 0004 1936 7910University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia ,grid.410667.20000 0004 0625 8600Perth Children’s Hospital, Perth, Australia
| | - P. W. Gething
- grid.414659.b0000 0000 8828 1230Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia ,grid.1032.00000 0004 0375 4078Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - D. Cross
- grid.414659.b0000 0000 8828 1230Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia ,grid.1012.20000 0004 1936 7910University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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Epstein M, Freundlich M. The intersection of Mineralocorticoid Receptor (MR) activation and the FGF23 - Klotho cascade. A Duopoly that promotes renal and cardiovascular injury. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2021; 37:211-221. [PMID: 34459924 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfab254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The nexus of CKD and cardiovascular disease (CVD) amplifies the morbidity and mortality of CKD, emphasizing the need for defining and establishing therapeutic initiatives to modify and abrogate the progression of CKD and concomitant CV risks. In addition to the traditional CV risk factors, disturbances of mineral metabolism are specific risk factors that contribute to the excessive CV mortality in patients with CKD. These risk factors include dysregulations of circulating factors that modulate phosphate metabolism including fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) and soluble Klotho. Reduced circulating levels and suppressed renal klotho expression may be associated with adverse outcomes in CKD patients. While elevated circulating concentrations or locally produced FGF23 in the strained heart exert pro-hypertrophic mechanisms on the myocardium, Klotho attenuates tissue fibrosis, progression of CKD, cardiomyopathy, endothelial dysfunction, vascular stiffness, and vascular calcification. Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation in non-classical targets, mediated by aldosterone and other ligands, amplifies CVD in CKD. In concert, we detail how the interplay of elevated FGF23, activation of the MR, and concomitant reductions of circulating Klotho in CKD, may potentiate each other's deleterious effects on kidney and the heart, thereby contributing to the initiation and progression of kidney and cardiac functional deterioration, acting through multipronged albeit complementary mechanistic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murray Epstein
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Michael Freundlich
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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Epstein M. Aldosterone and Mineralocorticoid Receptor Signaling as Determinants of Cardiovascular and Renal Injury: From Hans Selye to the Present. Am J Nephrol 2021; 52:209-216. [PMID: 33857953 DOI: 10.1159/000515622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A full understanding of the mechanisms of action of aldosterone and its interaction with the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) allows a theoretical framework to predict the therapeutic potential of MR antagonists (MRAs) in CKD, and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. SUMMARY The initial focus on the mechanisms of action of aldosterone was directed primarily on its role in modulating renal excretory function. In contrast, many recent studies have demonstrated a wider and expanded role for aldosterone in modulating inflammation, collagen formation, fibrosis, and necrosis. Increasing evidence has accrued that implicates the pathophysiological overactivation of the MR as a major determinant of progression of CKD. By promoting inflammation and fibrosis, MR overactivation constitutes a pivotal determinant of CKD progression and its associated morbidity and mortality. In accord with this mechanism of action, blockade of the MR is currently being investigated as a novel treatment regimen to slow the progression of CKD. The recently reported FIDELIO-DKD (FInerenone in reducing kiDnEy faiLure and dIsease prOgression in Diabetic Kidney Disease) study demonstrated that patients with CKD and type 2 diabetes who were treated with finerenone (a novel nonsteroidal MRA) manifested a lower risk of a composite primary outcome event compared with patients in the placebo arm (defined as kidney failure, or a sustained decrease of ≥40% in the estimated glomerular filtration rate from baseline, or death from renal causes). In addition, patients in the finerenone group also manifested a lower risk of a key secondary outcome event (defined as death from cardiovascular causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or hospitalization for heart failure). Key Messages: Based on the success of the FIDELIO-DKD study, future studies should be implemented testing the hypothesis that a wide array of nondiabetic CKD is modulated by overactivation of the MR, and consequently may be amenable to treatment with novel nonsteroidal MRAs. Future studies are encouraged to elucidate the clinical implications of the interplay of nonsteroidal MRAs and the components of the renin-angiotensin cascade. The unique and recently reported interrelationship of fibroblast growth factor (FGF23) and aldosterone may also constitute a propitious subject for future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murray Epstein
- University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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15
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Eknoyan G, Epstein M. Hepatorenal syndrome: a historical appraisal of its origins and conceptual evolution. Kidney Int 2021; 99:1321-1330. [PMID: 33781792 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2021.02.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The hepatorenal syndrome (HRS), a progressive but potentially reversible deterioration of kidney function, constitutes a serious complication of hepatic decompensation. Coexistence of liver/kidney damage, mentioned in the dropsy literature, was highlighted by Richard Bright in 1827 and confirmed in 1840 by his contemporary nephrology pioneer Pierre Rayer. Cholemic nephrosis was described in 1861 by Friedrich Frerichs, and the renal tubular lesions of HRS by Austin Flint in 1863. The term "acute hepato-nephritis" was introduced in 1916 by Paul Merklen, and its chronic form was designated HRS by Marcel Dérot in 1930s. HRS then was applied to renal failure in biliary tract surgery and to cases of coexistent renal and hepatic failure of diverse etiology. The pathogenesis of HRS was elucidated during the 1950 studies of renal physiology. Notably, studies of salt retention in edema and its relation to regulating the circulating plasma volume by John Peters and subsequently Otto Gauer defined the concept of "effective blood volume" and the consequent elucidation of ascites formation in liver failure. Parallel studies of intrarenal hemodynamics demonstrated severe renal vasoconstriction and preferential cortical ischemia to account for the functional renal dysfunction of HRS. Dialysis and liver or combined liver-kidney transplantation transformed the fatal HRS of old into a treatable disorder by the 1970s. Elucidation of the pathogenetic mechanisms of renal injury and refinements in definition, classification, and diagnosis of HRS since then have allowed for earlier therapeutic intervention with combined i.v. albumin and vasoconstrictor therapy, enabling the continued improvement of patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garabed Eknoyan
- The Selzman Institute of Kidney Health, Section of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
| | - Murray Epstein
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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Zubieta-Calleja G, Merino-Luna A, Zubieta-DeUrioste N, Armijo-Subieta NF, Soliz J, Arias-Reyes C, Escalante-Kanashiro R, Carmona-Suazo JA, López-Bascope A, Calle-Aracena JM, Epstein M, Maravi E. Re: "Mortality Attributed to COVID-19 in High-Altitude Populations" by Woolcott and Bergman. High Alt Med Biol 2021; 22:102-104. [PMID: 33567217 DOI: 10.1089/ham.2020.0195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Zubieta-Calleja
- High Altitude Pulmonary and Pathology Institute (HAPPI-IPPA), Pulmonary Department, La Paz, Bolivia
| | | | | | | | - Jorge Soliz
- High Altitude Pulmonary and Pathology Institute (HAPPI-IPPA), Pulmonary Department, La Paz, Bolivia.,Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Laval University, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Christian Arias-Reyes
- Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, Laval University, Quebec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Raffo Escalante-Kanashiro
- Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC), Lima, Perú.,Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño, Lima, Perú
| | | | | | | | - Murray Epstein
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Enrique Maravi
- Prof. Emeritus, Intensive Care, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra-O, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, España
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Epstein M. Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Inhibition and Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists: The Overriding Importance of Enablers and Dampers. Kidney Int Rep 2021; 6:869-871. [PMID: 33912739 PMCID: PMC8071656 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2021.01.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Murray Epstein
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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Ferreira JP, Epstein M, Zannad F. The Decline of the Experimental Paradigm During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Template for the Future. Am J Med 2021; 134:166-175. [PMID: 32950502 PMCID: PMC7499175 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2020.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 08/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The current Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has exerted an unprecedented impact across the globe. As a consequence of this overwhelming catastrophe, long-established prevailing medical and scientific paradigms have been disrupted. The response of the scientific community, medical journals, media, and some politicians has been far from ideal. The present manuscript discusses the failure of the scientific enterprise in its initiatives to address the COVID-19 outbreak as a consequence of the disarray attributable to haste and urgency. To enhance conveying our message, this manuscript is organized into 3 interrelated sections: 1) the accelerated pace of publications coupled with a dysfunctional review process; 2) failure of the clinical trial enterprise; 3) propagation of misleading information by the media. In response we propose a template comprising a focus on randomized controlled clinical trials, and an insistence on responsible journal publication, and enumeration of policies to deal with social media-propagated news. We conclude with a reconsideration of the appropriate role of academic medicine and journals.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Pedro Ferreira
- Centre d'Investigations Cliniques Plurithématique Inserm 1433, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France; Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire (CHRU) de Nancy, Inserm U1116, Nancy, France; French Clinical Research Infrastructure Network (FCRIN INI-CRCT), Nancy, France.
| | - Murray Epstein
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Fla
| | - Faiez Zannad
- Centre d'Investigations Cliniques Plurithématique Inserm 1433, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France; Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire (CHRU) de Nancy, Inserm U1116, Nancy, France; French Clinical Research Infrastructure Network (FCRIN INI-CRCT), Nancy, France
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Epstein M. Josep Trueta and Renal Sympathetic Activation. Eur Heart J 2020; 41:ehaa655. [PMID: 32984871 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehaa655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Murray Epstein
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, P.O. Box 016960 (R-126), Miami, FL 33101, USA
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20
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Williams GH, Fisher NDL, Epstein M. Norman K. Hollenberg. Hypertension 2020. [DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.120.14990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Murray Epstein
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
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Affiliation(s)
- Murray Epstein
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, PO Box 016960 (R-126), Miami, FL 33101, USA
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22
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Rotulo A, Epstein M, Kondilis E. Fiscal federalism vs fiscal decentralization in healthcare: a conceptual framework. Hippokratia 2020; 24:107-113. [PMID: 34239287 PMCID: PMC8256788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fiscal federalism and fiscal decentralization are distinct policy options in public services in general and healthcare in particular, with possibly opposed effects on equity, effectiveness, and efficiency. However, the pertinent discourse often reflects confusion between the concepts or conflation thereof. METHODS This paper performs a narrative review of theoretical literature on decentralization. The study offers clear definitions of the concepts of fiscal federalism and fiscal decentralization and provides an overview of the potential implications of each policy for healthcare systems. RESULTS The interpretation of the literature identified three different dimensions of decentralization: political, administrative, economic. Economic decentralization can be further implemented through two different policy options: fiscal federalism and fiscal decentralization. Fiscal federalism is the transfer of spending authority of a centrally pooled public health budget to local governments or authorities. Countries like the UK, Cuba, Denmark, and Brazil mostly rely on fiscal federalism mechanisms for healthcare financing. Fiscal decentralization consists of transferring both pooling and spending responsibilities from the central government to local authorities. Contrarily to fiscal federalism, the implementation of fiscal decentralization requires as a precondition the fragmentation of the national pool into many local pools. The restructuring of the pooling system may limit the cross-subsidization effect between high- and low-income groups and areas that a central pool guarantees; thus, severely affecting local equality and equity. With the limited availability of local public resources in poorer regions, the quality of services drops, increasing the disparity gap between areas. Evidence from Italy, Spain, China, and Ivory Coast -countries with a strong fiscal decentralization element in their healthcare services- suggests that fiscal decentralization has positive effects on the infant mortality rate. However, it decreases healthcare resources as well as access to services, fostering spatial inequities. CONCLUSION If public resources are and remain adequate, allocation follows equitable criteria, and local communities are involved in the decision-making debate, fiscal federalism -rather than fiscal decentralization- appear to be an adequate policy option to improve the healthcare services and population's health nationwide and achieve health sector economic decentralization. HIPPOKRATIA 2020, 24(3): 107-113.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Rotulo
- Laboratory of Primary Health Care, General Medicine and Health Services Research, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
- Institute of Population Health Science, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom
| | - M Epstein
- Institute of Population Health Science, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom
| | - E Kondilis
- Laboratory of Primary Health Care, General Medicine and Health Services Research, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
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Abstract
During the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, some reports of data still emerging and in need of full analysis indicate that certain groups of patients are at risk of COVID-19. This includes patients with hypertension, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and clearly the elderly. Many of those patients are treated with renin-angiotensin system blockers. Because the ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) protein is the receptor that facilitates coronavirus entry into cells, the notion has been popularized that treatment with renin-angiotensin system blockers might increase the risk of developing a severe and fatal severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection. The present article discusses this concept. ACE2 in its full-length form is a membrane-bound enzyme, whereas its shorter (soluble) form circulates in blood at very low levels. As a mono-carboxypeptidase, ACE2 contributes to the degradation of several substrates including angiotensins I and II. ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors do not inhibit ACE2 because ACE and ACE2 are different enzymes. Although angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers have been shown to upregulate ACE2 in experimental animals, the evidence is not always consistent and differs among the diverse angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers and differing organs. Moreover, there are no data to support the notion that ACE inhibitor or angiotensin II type 1 receptor blocker administration facilitates coronavirus entry by increasing ACE2 expression in either animals or humans. Indeed, animal data support elevated ACE2 expression as conferring potential protective pulmonary and cardiovascular effects. In summary, based on the currently available evidence, treatment with renin-angiotensin system blockers should not be discontinued because of concerns with coronavirus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- A.H. Jan Danser
- From the Division of Pharmacology and Vascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands (A.H.J.D.)
| | - Murray Epstein
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, FL (M.E.)
| | - Daniel Batlle
- Division of Nephrology/Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL (D.B.)
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Epstein M. Norman K. Hollenberg, MD PhD (1936–2020). Eur Heart J 2020; 41:1540-1541. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehaa262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Murray Epstein
- Professor of Medicine Emeritus, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
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Epstein M. In memoriam: Norman K. Hollenberg, MD, PhD, 1936–2020. Kidney Int 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2020.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Mack D, Epstein M, Dube C, Clark R, Lapane K. LESS IS MORE: POTENTIAL OVERSCREENING FOR BREAST CANCER IN U.S. NURSING HOMES. Innov Aging 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy023.2252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- D Mack
- University of Massachusetts Medical School
| | - M Epstein
- University of Massachusetts Medical School
| | - C Dube
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School
| | - R Clark
- University of Massachusetts Medical School
| | - K Lapane
- University of Massachusetts Medical School
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Abstract
To asses whether continuous arteriovenous ultrafiltration (CAVU) might constitute a useful alternative to hemodialysis in the management of patients with advanced liver failure, we carried out CAVU in 3 patients with decompensated Laennec's cirrhosis. CAVU was utilized in two patients with acute renal failure and pulmonary edema to stabilize renal function and facilitate administration of large amounts of fluid. In the third case, CAVU was successfully utilized to mobilize fluid in a patient refractory to conventional diuretic regimens. We conclude that CAVU may constitute an appropriate alternative to traditional hemodialysis in patients with advanced liver disease and renal functional impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murray Epstein
- The Nephrology Section, Veterans Administration Medical Center and the Department of Medicine, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Guido O. Perez
- The Nephrology Section, Veterans Administration Medical Center and the Department of Medicine, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Luis A. Bedoya
- The Nephrology Section, Veterans Administration Medical Center and the Department of Medicine, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Reynaldo Molina
- The Nephrology Section, Veterans Administration Medical Center and the Department of Medicine, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Epstein
- The Nephrology Section Veterans Administration Medical Center and the Department of Medicine, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - G. O. Perez
- The Nephrology Section Veterans Administration Medical Center and the Department of Medicine, University of Miami, School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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Fribbens C, Garcia Murillas I, Beaney M, Hrebien S, O'Leary B, Kilburn L, Howarth K, Epstein M, Green E, Rosenfeld N, Ring A, Johnston S, Turner N. Tracking evolution of aromatase inhibitor resistance with circulating tumour DNA analysis in metastatic breast cancer. Ann Oncol 2018; 29:145-153. [PMID: 29045530 PMCID: PMC6264798 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdx483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Selection of resistance mutations may play a major role in the development of endocrine resistance. ESR1 mutations are rare in primary breast cancer but have high prevalence in patients treated with aromatase inhibitors (AI) for advanced breast cancer. We investigated the evolution of genetic resistance to the first-line AI therapy using sequential ctDNA sampling in patients with advanced breast cancer. Patients and methods Eighty-three patients on the first-line AI therapy for metastatic breast cancer were enrolled in a prospective study. Plasma samples were collected every 3 months to disease progression and ctDNA analysed by digital droplet PCR and enhanced tagged-amplicon sequencing (eTAm-Seq). Mutations identified in progression samples by sequencing were tracked back through samples before progression to study the evolution of mutations on therapy. The frequency of novel mutations was validated in an independent cohort of available baseline plasma samples in the Study of Faslodex versus Exemestane with or without Arimidex (SoFEA) trial, which enrolled patients with prior sensitivity to AI. Results Of the 39 patients who progressed on the first-line AI, 56.4% (22/39) had ESR1 mutations detectable at progression, which were polyclonal in 40.9% (9/22) patients. In serial tracking, ESR1 mutations were detectable median 6.7 months (95% confidence interval 3.7-NA) before clinical progression. Utilising eTAm-Seq ctDNA sequencing of progression plasma, ESR1 mutations were demonstrated to be sub-clonal in 72.2% (13/18) patients. Mutations in RAS genes were identified in 15.4% (6/39) of progressing patients (4 KRAS, 1 HRAS, 1 NRAS). In SoFEA, KRAS mutations were detected in 21.2% (24/113) patients although there was no evidence that KRAS mutation status was prognostic for progression free or overall survival. Conclusions Cancers progressing on the first-line AI show high levels of genetic heterogeneity, with frequent sub-clonal mutations. Sub-clonal KRAS mutations are found at high frequency. The genetic diversity of AI resistant cancers may limit subsequent targeted therapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Fribbens
- Breast Cancer Now Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Breast Unit, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - I Garcia Murillas
- Breast Cancer Now Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - M Beaney
- Breast Cancer Now Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - S Hrebien
- Breast Cancer Now Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - B O'Leary
- Breast Cancer Now Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - L Kilburn
- Institute of Cancer Research Clinical Trials & Statistics Unit (ICR-CTSU), London, UK
| | - K Howarth
- Inivata Ltd., The Portway, Granta Park, Great Abington, UK
| | - M Epstein
- Inivata Ltd., The Portway, Granta Park, Great Abington, UK
| | - E Green
- Inivata Ltd., The Portway, Granta Park, Great Abington, UK
| | - N Rosenfeld
- Inivata Ltd., The Portway, Granta Park, Great Abington, UK
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cancer Research UK Major Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, UK
| | - A Ring
- Breast Unit, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - S Johnston
- Breast Unit, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - N Turner
- Breast Cancer Now Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Breast Unit, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
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Dahlgren A, Epstein M, Söderström M, Tucker P. Nurses' strategies for managing sleep when starting shift work – implications for interventions targeting sleep behaviours in a shift work population. Sleep Med 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2017.11.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Zivi SM, Epstein M, Wright RW, Barghusen JJ, Cho DH, Testa FJ, Goldfuss GT, Mouring RW. An In-Pile Study of Thermal Interactions Between . High-Energy Molten UO2 Fuel and Liquid Sodium. NUCL SCI ENG 2017. [DOI: 10.13182/nse75-a26737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. M. Zivi
- Argonne National Laboratory, Reactor Analysis and Safety Division, Argonne, Illinois 60439
| | - M. Epstein
- Argonne National Laboratory, Reactor Analysis and Safety Division, Argonne, Illinois 60439
| | - R. W. Wright
- Argonne National Laboratory, Reactor Analysis and Safety Division, Argonne, Illinois 60439
| | - J. J. Barghusen
- Argonne National Laboratory, Reactor Analysis and Safety Division, Argonne, Illinois 60439
| | - D. H. Cho
- Argonne National Laboratory, Reactor Analysis and Safety Division, Argonne, Illinois 60439
| | - F. J. Testa
- Argonne National Laboratory, Reactor Analysis and Safety Division, Argonne, Illinois 60439
| | - G. T. Goldfuss
- Argonne National Laboratory, Reactor Analysis and Safety Division, Argonne, Illinois 60439
| | - R. W. Mouring
- Argonne National Laboratory, Reactor Analysis and Safety Division, Argonne, Illinois 60439
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Weir MR, Mayo MR, Garza D, Arthur SA, Berman L, Bushinsky D, Wilson DJ, Epstein M. Effectiveness of patiromer in the treatment of hyperkalemia in chronic kidney disease patients with hypertension on diuretics. J Hypertens 2017; 35 Suppl 1:S57-S63. [PMID: 28129247 PMCID: PMC5377986 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000001278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Revised: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recurrent hyperkalemia frequently limits use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with hypertension, diabetes, and/or heart failure. Patiromer is a sodium-free, nonabsorbed potassium (K)-binding polymer approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of hyperkalemia. This post-hoc analysis of OPAL-HK examined the effectiveness and safety of patiromer in reducing serum K in hyperkalemic CKD patients on RAASi, with hypertension, receiving diuretic therapy versus those not on diuretics. METHODS Depending on the degree of hyperkalemia at baseline, CKD patients with serum K from 5.1 to less than 6.5 mmol/l on RAASi (n = 243) were assigned to a patiromer of total dose 8.4 or 16.8 g, divided twice daily. Changes in serum K, and tolerability and safety were assessed over 4 weeks in patients on and not on diuretics. RESULTS At baseline, 132 patients used diuretics and 111 were not on diuretics, mean age was 64.3 and 64.0 years, respectively, and 63 and 51% were men. Similar reductions in serum K were seen over 4 weeks in both subgroups. At week 4, serum K fell by -0.95 ± 0.04 mmol/l with any diuretic and -1.04 ± 0.05 mmol/l with no diuretic. Patiromer was well tolerated, with mild-to-moderate constipation reported as the most common adverse event (7.6 and 14.4% of patients on any diuretic or no diuretic, respectively). Hypokalemia (s-K <3.5 mEq/l) was reported in 2.3% of patients on any diuretic and in 3.7% not on diuretics. CONCLUSION The serum K-lowering efficacy and safety profile of patiromer in hyperkalemia patients with CKD was not compromised by diuretic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R. Weir
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | | | | | | | - David Bushinsky
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, New York
| | | | - Murray Epstein
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond R. Townsend
- From the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; and Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, FL
| | - Murray Epstein
- From the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; and Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, FL
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Epstein M, Alvarez PJ, Reaven NL, Funk SE, McGaughey KJ, Brenner MS, Benton W, Golestaneh L. Evaluation of clinical outcomes and costs based on prescribed dose level of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors. Am J Manag Care 2016; 22:s311-s324. [PMID: 27668789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Murray Epstein
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, PO Box 016960 (R-126), Miami, FL 33101. E-mail:
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Epstein M, Duprez DA. Resistant Hypertension and the Pivotal Role for Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonists: A Clinical Update 2016. Am J Med 2016; 129:661-6. [PMID: 26899747 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2016.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Revised: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
True resistant hypertension must be distinguished from apparent resistant hypertension, of which important causes include medication nonadherence, illicit drug use, and alcoholism. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring should be considered to rule out white coat hypertension. The pathogenesis is multifactorial, but the 2 pivotal factors include volume excess and the myriad effects of aldosterone. Aldosterone increases vascular tone because of endothelial dysfunction and enhances the pressor response to catecholamines. It also plays a crucial role in vascular remodeling of small and large arteries. Aldosterone also promotes collagen synthesis, which leads to increased arterial stiffness and elevation of blood pressure. Because aldosterone has been demonstrated to modulate baroreflex resetting, in cases of severe hypertension, there would be fewer compensatory mechanisms available to offset the blood pressure elevation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murray Epstein
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Fla.
| | - Daniel A Duprez
- Cardiovascular Division, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
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Abstract
Included among the most important renal complica tions of liver disease is progressive sodium retention leading to the formation of edema and ascites and the hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). When ascites is refractory to conventional treatment, the use of invasive proce dures such as reinfusion or dialytic ultrafiltration of as cites or the peritoneovenous shunt may be indicated. The possibility that continuous arteriovenous hemo filtration may be useful in removing fluid in patients who would not otherwise tolerate traditional hemodialysis has, because of its recent availability, been raised. Ther apy of HRS continues to be one of the most intriguing and vexing problems in clinical medicine. The use of hemodialysis with polyacrylonitrile membranes may be helpful in certain patients with HRS, especially in those with acute reversible liver injury. Although the peri toneovenous shunt has been reported to correct the renal functional disturbance, the results of the only two controlled studies available are inconclusive. Liver disease is frequently accompanied by a variety of alterations in renal function and electrolyte me tabolism [1]. These complications of liver disease range in severity from the clinically unimportant to problems requiring prompt and vigorous thera peutic intervention. In the present review, empha sis is placed on the management of the abnor malities of renal sodium handling and on acute intrinsic renal failure (ATN) and the hepatorenal syndrome (HRS), which often supervene in patients with severe liver disease. The reader is referred to Epstein [1,2] and Perez and colleagues [3] for more detailed expositions of the use of dialysis and ultrafiltration in treating renal complications of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murray Epstein
- Nephrology Section, Veterans Administration Medical Center, and the Department of Medicine, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL
| | - Guido Perez
- Nephrology Section, Veterans Administration Medical Center, and the Department of Medicine, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL
| | - James R. Oster
- Nephrology Section, Veterans Administration Medical Center, and the Department of Medicine, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL
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Epstein M, Pitt BC. A propitious time for initiating clinical trials in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and an estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min with an mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist and a K+binder: ‘the forbidden fruit’. Eur Heart J 2016; 37:3130-3134. [DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehw222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2016] [Revised: 05/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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Epstein M, Lifschitz MD. The Unappreciated Role of Extrarenal and Gut Sensors in Modulating Renal Potassium Handling: Implications for Diagnosis of Dyskalemias and Interpreting Clinical Trials. Kidney Int Rep 2016; 1:43-56. [PMID: 29142913 PMCID: PMC5678840 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2016.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to the classic and well-established "feedback control" of potassium balance, increasing investigative attention has focused on a novel and not widely recognized complementary regulatory paradigm for maintaining potassium homeostasis-the "feed-forward control" of potassium balance. This regulatory mechanism, initially defined in rumen, has recently been validated in normal human subjects. Studies are being conducted to determine the location for this putative potassium sensor and to evaluate potential signals, which might increase renal potassium excretion. Awareness of this more updated integrative control mechanism for potassium homeostasis is ever more relevant today, when the medical community is increasingly focused on the challenges of managing the hyperkalemia provoked by renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASis). Recent studies have demonstrated a wide gap between RAASi prescribing guidelines and real-world experience and have highlighted that this gap is thought to be attributable in great part to hyperkalemia. Consequently we require a greater knowledge of the complexities of the regulatory mechanisms subserving potassium homeostasis. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate has long been the mainstay for treating hyperkalemia, but its administration is fraught with challenges related to patient discomfort and colonic necrosis. The current and imminent availability of newer potassium binders with better tolerability and more predictive dose-response potassium removal should enhance the management of hyperkalemia. Consequently it is essential to better understand the intricacies of mammalian colonic K+ handling. We discuss colonic transport of K+ and review evidence for potassium (BK) channels being responsible for increased stool K+ in patients with diseases such as ulcerative colitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murray Epstein
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, South Florida Veterans Affairs Foundation for Research and Education (SFVAFRE), Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Meyer D. Lifschitz
- Adult Nephrology Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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Epstein M, Mayo M, Garza D, Zawadzki R, Romero A, Berman L, Wilson D, Bakris G. SO010PATIROMER PROTECTED AGAINST RECURRENT HYPERKALEMIA FOR UP TO 52 WEEKS IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC KIDNEY DISEASE (DKD) RECEIVING COMBINED RAAS INHIBITOR THERAPY. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfw118.05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Epstein M, Lifschitz MD. Potassium homeostasis and dyskalemias: the respective roles of renal, extrarenal, and gut sensors in potassium handling. Kidney Int Suppl (2011) 2016; 6:7-15. [PMID: 30675414 PMCID: PMC6340905 DOI: 10.1016/j.kisu.2016.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Revised: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Integrated mechanisms controlling the maintenance of potassium homeostasis are well established and are defined by the classic "feedback control" of potassium balance. Recently, increasing investigative attention has focused on novel physiological paradigms that increase the complexity and precision of homeostasis. This review briefly considers the classic and well-established feedback control of potassium and then considers subsequent investigations that inform on an intriguing and not widely recognized complementary paradigm: the "feed-forward control of potassium balance." Feed-forward control refers to a pathway in a homeostatic system that responds to a signal in the environment in a predetermined manner, without responding to how the system subsequently reacts (i.e., without responding to feedback). Studies in several animal species, and recently in humans, have confirmed the presence of a feed-forward control mechanism that is capable of mediating potassium excretion independent of changes in serum potassium concentration and aldosterone. Knowledge imparted by this update of potassium homeostasis hopefully will facilitate the clinical management of hyperkalemia in patients with chronic and recurrent hyperkalemia. Awareness of this updated integrative control mechanism for potassium homeostasis is more relevant today when the medical community is increasingly focused on leveraging and expanding established renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor treatment regimens and on successfully coping with the challenges of managing hyperkalemia provoked by renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors. These new insights are relevant to the future design of clinical trials delineating renal potassium handling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murray Epstein
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Meyer D. Lifschitz
- Adult Nephrology Unit, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
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Epstein M, Ketteler M. Clinical and electrophysiological consequences of hyperkalemia. Nephrol News Issues 2016; 30:14-19. [PMID: 27254900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
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Epstein M, Roy-Chaudhury P. Arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in hemodialysis patients. Temporal profile, electrolyte abnormalities, and potential targeted therapies. Nephrol News Issues 2016; 30:23-26. [PMID: 27254902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
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Affiliation(s)
- Murray Epstein
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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Epstein M. Matrix Gla-Protein (MGP) Not Only Inhibits Calcification in Large Arteries But Also May Be Renoprotective: Connecting the Dots. EBioMedicine 2016; 4:16-7. [PMID: 26981564 PMCID: PMC4776260 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2016.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Murray Epstein
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
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Epstein M. Reduction of cardiovascular risk in chronic kidney disease by mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2015; 3:993-1003. [PMID: 26429402 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(15)00289-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 07/24/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and morbidity in people with chronic kidney disease, but there are few evidence-based treatments for reducing cardiovascular events in these patients. The failure of novel drug candidates to delay progression to end-stage renal disease and limit or abrogate cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has led to increased interest in a mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonist-based treatment model to reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease. Aldosterone concentrations and MR signalling are associated with an enhanced risk of cardiovascular injury and the incidence of sudden death, and MR blockade decreases the risk of cardiovascular events and sudden death in patients with reduced glomerular filtration rate. Since evidence from clinical trials shows that treatment with MR antagonists confers a morbidity and mortality advantage for patients with cardiovascular disorders, similar benefits might also accrue in patients with chronic kidney disease. Large prospective trials are urgently needed to answer this question. In this Review, I argue that despite differences in the pathophysiology and clinical features of cardiovascular disease in patients with and without chronic kidney disease, MR antagonists could provide cardiovascular benefit in patients with chronic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murray Epstein
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Miami, Leonard M Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
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Epstein M, Reaven NL, Funk SE, McGaughey KJ, Oestreicher N, Knispel J. Evaluation of the treatment gap between clinical guidelines and the utilization of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors. Am J Manag Care 2015; 21:S212-S220. [PMID: 26619183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study examined renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitor dose levels in a US patient population and investigated the impact of hyperkalemia on RAAS inhibitor dose and the association between dose levels and clinical outcomes. STUDY DESIGN De-identified medical records from a large database of electronic health records (Humedica) for patients 5 years of age or older with at least 2 serum potassium readings were analyzed (N = 205,108 patients; 1.7 million records). METHODS Inclusion criteria required 1 RAAS inhibitor prescription and 12 months' data prior to July 1, 2009 (index date). Patients were classified by comorbidities (chronic kidney disease, heart failure, or diabetes) and RAAS inhibitor dose level at index date, as determined by prescription information. Additional analyses examined RAAS inhibitor dose changes following hyperkalemia and the frequency of cardiorenal adverse outcome/mortality or mortality alone by post index dose level. RESULTS Dose level was similarly distributed irrespective of patient comorbidity status, with RAAS inhibitors prescribed at maximum dose in 19% to 26% of patients and submaximum dose in 58% to 65% of patients; RAAS inhibitors were discontinued in 14% to 16% of patients. RAAS inhibitor dose was down-titrated after 16% to 21% of hyperkalemia events and discontinued after 22% to 27% of hyperkalemia events. Cardiorenal adverse event/mortality and mortality occurred in 34.3% and 11.0% of patients who discontinued RAAS inhibitors, 24.9% and 8.2% of patients on submaximum doses, and 24.9% and 4.1% of patients on maximum doses, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Relatively few patients were prescribed maximum doses of RAAS inhibitors, and dose and usage declined following hyperkalemia. Patients on submaximum doses or who discontinued RAAS inhibitors had worse outcomes than patients on maximum doses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murray Epstein
- VA Medical Center, 1201 Northwest 16th St, Miami, FL 33125. E-mail:
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Epstein M, Eknoyan G. A forgotten chapter in the history of the renal circulation: the Josep Trueta and Homer Smith intellectual conflict. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2015; 309:F90-7. [DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00075.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This article reviews the pioneering and visionary contributions of the Catalan surgeon Josep Trueta (1897–1977) to the changes in renal circulation that contribute to the pathogenesis of acute renal failure (ARF). An erudite scientist with eclectic interests in physiology, orthopedics, politics, and medical history, Trueta's initial involvement in wound healing as a trauma surgeon during the Spanish Civil War and the London Blitz is what prompted him to postulate that a trauma-induced “neural effect” on the renal vasculature, with resultant renal arterial constriction could cause ARF. To test his hypothesis, Trueta assembled an experienced radiologist, a renowned physiologist, and a renal pathologist to study ARF in Oxford. They investigated the renal circulation of rabbits in response to diverse traumatic conditions by injecting a radio-opaque substance, using cine-radiography to visualize the flow of blood through the renal vasculature. Trueta's suggestion of renal cortical ischemia and diversion of blood to the less resistant medullary circulation (Trueta shunt) was criticized by Homer Smith and coworkers. In contrast to Homer Smith's data, which were derived from clearance studies and renal arteriovenous oxygen, Trueta used the diametrical opposite method of “direct” observation of the renal circulation. Their differing methodologies, direct visualization of the renal circulation as opposed to inferred computations from clearance studies, accounts for some of their conflicting theories. Nevertheless, the proposal of disparate renal flow compartments focused attention on intrarenal hemodynamics. Trueta's focus on renal cortical ischemia was ultimately validated by the studies of Barger in the dog and Hollenberg and Epstein in human subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murray Epstein
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida; and
| | - Garabed Eknoyan
- Renal Section, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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Geronemus RP, Schneider NS, Epstein M. Survival in patients treated with continuous arteriovenous hemodialysis for acute renal failure and chronic renal failure. Preliminary observations. Contrib Nephrol 2015; 93:29-31. [PMID: 1802596 DOI: 10.1159/000420180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Epstein M, de Marchena E. Is the failure of SYMPLICITY HTN-3 trial to meet its efficacy endpoint the "end of the road" for renal denervation? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 9:140-9. [PMID: 25649995 DOI: 10.1016/j.jash.2014.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2014] [Revised: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Resistant hypertension is a common medical problem that is increasing with the advent of an increasingly older and heavier population. The etiology of resistant hypertension is almost always multifactorial, but the results of numerous studies indicate that renal sympathetic activation is a particularly common cause of resistance to antihypertensive treatment. Consistent with the belief in a pivotal role of renal sympathetic stimulation, there has been a growing interest in renal denervation (RDN) treatment strategies. The long-awaited results of SYMPLICITY HTN-3 study disclosed that the reduction in blood pressure by the SYMPLICITY device did not differ from that in the sham-procedure arm of the study. In the present article, we identify several factors that explain why the study failed to demonstrate any benefit from the intervention. The reasons are multifactorial and include inadequate screening at entry and frequent medication changes during the study. Additional problems include the lack of experience of many operators with the SYMPLICITY device and procedure variability, as attested to by a diminished number of ablation "quadrants." Also a factor was the inability of the first generation Medtronic device to allow four ablations to be performed simultaneously. We recommend that future RDN studies adhere to more rigorous screening procedures, and utilize newer multi-site denervation systems that facilitate four ablations simultaneously. Drug optimization should be achieved by monitoring adherence throughout the study. Nevertheless, we are optimistic about a future role of RDN. To optimize chances of success, increased efforts are necessary to identify the appropriate patients for RDN and investigators must use second and third generation denervation devices and techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murray Epstein
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Eduardo de Marchena
- Division of Cardiology, University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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