Characteristics of gut microbiota and its correlation with hs-CRP and somatic symptoms in first-episode treatment-naive major depressive disorder

OBJECTIVE

Most patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) have somatic symptoms, but little studies pay attention in the microbial-inflammatory mechanisms of these somatic symptoms. Our study aimed to investigate alterations in gut microbiota and its correlation with inflammatory marker levels and somatic symptoms in first-episode treatment-naive MDD.

METHODS

Subjects contained 160 MDD patients and 101 healthy controls (HCs). MDD patients were divided into MDD with somatic symptoms group (MDDS) and MDD without somatic symptoms group (MDDN) based on Somatic Self-rating Scale (SSS). 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing were performed to analyze the composition of the fecal microbiota. The inflammatory factors were measured using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Correlation among the altered gut microbiota, inflammatory factor and severity of clinical symptoms were analysized.

RESULTS

Relative to HCs, MDD patients had higher levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) as well as disordered α-diversity and β-diversity of gut microbiota. Linear discriminant effect size (LEfSe) analysis showed that MDD patients had higher proportions of Bifidobacterium, Blautia, Haemophilus and lower proportions of Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, Roseburia, Dialister, Sutterella, Parabacteroides, Bordetella, and Phascolarctobacterium from the genus aspect. Furthermore, correlation analysis showed Bacteroides and Roseburia had negative correlations with the hs-CRP, HAMD-24, the total and factor scores of SSS in all participants. Further, compared with MDDN, the Pielous evenness was higher in MDDS. Random Forest (RF) analysis showed 20 most important genera discriminating MDD-S and MDDN, HCs. The ROC analysis showed that the AUC was 0.90 and 0.81 combining these genera respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our study manifested MDD patients showed disordered gut microbiota and elevated hs-CRP levels, and altered gut microbiota was closely associated with hs-CRP, depressive symptoms, and somatic symptoms.

Combination of Creatinine with Inflammatory Biomarkers (PCT, CRP, hsCRP) for Predicting Postoperative ICU Admissions for Elderly Patients

INTRODUCTION

The number of elderly patients who require surgery as their primary treatment has increased rapidly in recent years. Among 300 million people globally who underwent surgery every year, patients aged 65 years and over accounted for more than 30% of cases. Despite medical advances, older patients remain at higher risk of postoperative complications. Early diagnosis and effective prediction are essential requirements for preventing serious postoperative complications. In this study, we aim to provide new biomarker combinations to predict the incidence of postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) admissions > 24 h in elderly patients.

METHODS

This investigation was conducted as a nested case-control study, incorporating 413 participants aged ≥ 65 years who underwent non-cardiac, non-urological elective surgeries. These individuals underwent a 30-day postoperative follow-up. Before surgery, peripheral venous blood was collected for analyzing serum creatinine (Scr), procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), and high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP). The efficacy of these biomarkers in predicting postoperative complications was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and area under the curve (AUC) values.

RESULTS

Postoperatively, 10 patients (2.42%) required ICU admission. Regarding ICU admissions, the AUCs with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the biomarker combinations of Scr × PCT and Scr × CRP were 0.750 (0.655-0.845, P = 0.007) and 0.724 (0.567-0.882, P = 0.015), respectively. Furthermore, cardiovascular events were observed in 14 patients (3.39%). The AUC with a 95% CI for the combination of Scr × CRP in predicting cardiovascular events was 0.688 (0.560-0.817, P = 0.017).

CONCLUSION

The innovative combinations of biomarkers (Scr × PCT and Scr × CRP) demonstrated efficacy as predictors for postoperative ICU admissions in elderly patients. Additionally, the Scr × CRP also had a moderate predictive value for postoperative cardiovascular events.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

China Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900026223.

Association of lipids and inflammatory markers with left ventricular wall thickness in patients with bipolar disorder

BACKGROUND

Individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) face a high risk of heart failure and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Despite strong evidence that high LV relative wall thickness (RWT) is a risk marker for heart failure, few studies have evaluated LV RWT and aggravating factors in individuals with BD.

METHODS

We recruited 104 participants (52 patients with BD and 52 age- and sex-matched mentally healthy controls) to undergo echocardiographic imaging and biochemistry, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and blood cell count measurements. LV RWT was estimated using the following equation: (2 × LV posterior wall end-diastolic thickness)/LV end-diastolic diameter. Clinical data were obtained through interviews and chart reviews.

RESULTS

The BD group exhibited a significantly greater LV RWT (Cohen's d = 0.53, p = 0.003) and a less favorable mitral valve E/A ratio (Cohen's d = 0.54, p = 0.023) and LV global longitudinal strain (Cohen's d = 0.57, p = 0.047) than did the control group. Multiple linear regression revealed that in the BD group, serum triglyceride levels (β = 0.466, p = 0.001), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratios (β = 0.324, p = 0.022), and hs-CRP levels (β = 0.289, p = 0.043) were all significantly and positively associated with LV RWT.

LIMITATIONS

This study applied a cross-sectional design, meaning that the direction of causation could not be inferred.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with BD are at a risk of heart failure, as indicated by their relatively high LV RWT. Lipid levels and systemic inflammation may explain this unfavorable association.

A cross-sectional study of the relationship between physical activity, diet quality, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in US adults

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is associated with many diseases, especially cardiovascular disease (CVD). Research into the independent and integrated relationships of physical activity and diet quality with hs-CRP across sex-specific cohorts is lacking.

METHODS AND RESULTS

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (2015-2018) was used to examine the relationship between physical activity and diet quality with hs-CRP and hs-CRP classified CVD risk using multiple multinormal logistic regression adjusted for covariates including demographics. Physical activity was measured using a self-reported survey and further categorized to those who met (MPAR) or did not meet (NPAR) national recommendations. Diet quality was measured using the Healthy Eating Index-2015, and further categorized to higher (HDQ) and lower (LDQ) diet quality. hs-CRP was also categorized as low, average, and high CVD risk using established cut-points. Physical activity was inversely related to hs-CRP in males (p < 0.001) whereas diet quality was inversely related to hs-CRP in females (p = 0.031). Compared to those with NPAR and LDQ, the hs-CRP for males with NPAR and HDQ and females with MPAR and HDQ was 1.18 mg/L and 0.75 mg/L lower respectively. Although, diet quality was inversely associated with high CVD risk in both sexes (p < 0.05), the lowest proportion of high and average CVD risk was observed in males and females with MPAR and HDQ.

CONCLUSION

Physical activity and diet-quality lowered CVD risk regardless of sex. However, the independent effects of physical activity and diet quality on hs-CPR differs between sexes.

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: Findings from TOPCAT

BACKGROUND

Inflammation plays a central role in the genesis and progression of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). C-reactive protein (CRP) is widely used as means to assess systemic inflammation, and elevated levels of CRP have been associated with poor HF prognosis. Identification of chronic low-grade inflammation in outpatients can be performed measuring high-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP). The clinical characteristics and outcome associations of a pro-inflammatory state among outpatients with HFpEF requires further study.

AIMS

Using a biomarker subset of TOPCAT-Americas (NCT00094302), we aim to characterize HFpEF patients according to hsCRP levels and study the prognostic associations of hsCRP.

METHODS

hsCRP was available in a subset of 232 participants. Comparisons were performed between patients with hsCRP <2 mg/L and ≥ 2 mg/L. Cox regression models were used to study the association between hsCRP and the study outcomes.

RESULTS

Compared to patients with hsCRP <2 mg/L (n = 89, 38%), those with hsCRP ≥2 mg/L (n = 143, 62%) had more frequent HF hospitalizations prior to randomization, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, orthopnea, higher body mass index, and worse health-related quality-of-life. A hsCRP level ≥ 2 mg/L was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular death and HF hospitalizations: hsCRP ≥2 mg/L vs <2 mg/L adjusted HR 2.36, 95%CI 1.27-4.38, P = 0.006. Spironolactone did not influence hsCRP levels from baseline to month 12: gMean ratio = 1.11, 95%CI 0.87-1.42, P = 0.39.

CONCLUSIONS

A hsCRP ≥2 mg/L identified HFpEF patients with a high risk of HF events and cardiovascular mortality. Spironolactone did not influence hsCRP levels at 12 months.

Role of High-sensitivity C-reactive Protein in Future Cardiovascular Events in Hemodialysis Patients

BACKGROUND/AIM

The pathogenesis of cardio-vascular disease (CVD) in hemodialysis (HD) patients involves inflammation and oxidative stress. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is an established inflammatory biomarker associated with CVD. Several studies have suggested that the inflammatory biomarker pentraxin-3 (PTX-3) and the oxidative stress-related biomarker soluble lectin-like low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (sLOX-1) are novel biomarkers for CVD in non-HD populations. This study aimed to clarify the association of these established and novel biomarkers with future cardiovascular (CV) events in HD patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a single-center prospective cohort study that included 255 HD patients. The primary outcome was the composite of nonfatal and fatal CV events. The event-free survival rate between the two groups according to the median plasma level of each biomarker at baseline was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The risk for CV events at elevated levels of each biomarker was estimated using Cox proportional hazard model.

RESULTS

We observed 44 CV events during the median follow-up period of 743 days. The event-free survival rate significantly differed between the two groups in hs-CRP but not in PTX-3 or sLOX-1. The unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) for CV events in patients with hs-CRP levels above the median was 2.63 [95% confidence interval (CI)=1.37-5.02]. The HR remained significant after adjusting for age, sex, history of CVD, and diabetes (HR=2.30; 95%CI=1.20-4.43).

CONCLUSION

In HD patients, hs-CRP may have a predictable role for future CV events, whereas PTX-3 and sLOX-1 do not.

Factors associated with long head of the biceps tendon tear severity and predictive insights for grade II tears in rotator cuff surgery

Background

In rotator cuff repair, the long head of the biceps tendon (LHB) is a common graft material. However, the factors associated with LHB tear severity are poorly understood, and predicting grade II LHB tears is difficult. This study aimed to identify those factors before surgery.

Methods

The demographics, medical parameters, and pain severity of 750 patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery from January 2010 to February 2021 were evaluated to determine the factors associated with LHB tear severity and grade II LHB tears. Both the overall study population and the large-to-massive rotator cuff tear (RCT) cohorts were analyzed using ordinal and binary logistic regression analyses. Predictive accuracy for grade II LHB tears was determined using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) curve.

Results

In the overall cohort, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) >1 mg/L, a subscapularis tear, hypothyroidism, and the tangent sign (P≤0.031) were significantly associated with LHB tear severity, and hs-CRP>1 mg/L, a subscapularis tear, and the Patte retraction degree were significantly associated with grade II LHB tears (P<0.001). In the large-to-massive RCT cohort, hs-CRP>1 mg/L, hypertension, and age ≥50 years (P≤0.034) were significantly associated with LHB tear severity, and hs-CRP>1 mg/L and hypertension were significantly associated with grade II LHB tears (P≤0.026). In both cohorts, hs-CRP >1 mg/L demonstrated good predictive accuracy for grade II LHB tears (AUCs: 0.72 and 0.70).

Conclusions

Serum hs-CRP >1 mg/L is associated with LHB tear severity and serves as a reliable predictor of grade II LHB tears, facilitating preoperative assessment of the LHB as potential graft material in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

The relationship between stathmin-2 level and metabolic parameters in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

BACKGROUND

Stathmin is a phosphoprotein that plays a role in intercellular and intracellular signalization, inflammation, and differentiation. Our aim was to evaluate the stathmin-2 level and its relationship with the metabolic parameters of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (nT2DM) patients.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

This case-control study included 76 patients with nT2DM and 76 healthy individuals with a normal oral glucose tolerance test who were matched for body mass index (BMI), age, and gender. In addition to laboratory and anthropometric measurements related to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), stathmin-2 levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

We observed significantly higher circulating stathmin-2 levels in subjects with T2DM compared to the control group (6.39±1.60 ng/mL and 4.66±0.80 ng/mL, p<0.0001). In patients with metabolic syndrome, circulating stathmin-2 levels were significantly elevated compared to those without metabolic syndrome in both the T2DM and control groups (T2DM: 7.16±1.24 vs 5.06±1.24 ng/mL, p<0.001; Control: 3.84±1.40 vs 3.82±1.40 ng/mL). In both groups, we observed a positive correlation between stathmin-2 levels and BMI and circumference. Moreover, stathmin-2 showed a positive correlation with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, insulin, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, BMI, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total cholesterol. A negative correlation was observed with stathmin-2 and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Stathmin-2 did not show any correlation with age, triglyceride, and lactate dehydrogenase.

CONCLUSIONS

Stathmin-2 levels were found to be elevated in patients with nT2DM and exhibited positive correlations with hyperinsulinaemia, hyperglycaemia, HOMO-IR and hs-CRP levels. These results indicate that stathmin-2 may play a role in T2DM pathogenesis.

Association between lead and circulating markers of inflammation among traffic enforcers in Metro Manila, Philippines: the MMDA traffic enforcer's health study

PURPOSE

Several epidemiological studies have linked lead (Pb) exposure to induced oxidative stress and the promotion of inflammatory response. We performed a within-subjects study (repeated measures study) to evaluate the relationship between the concentration of blood lead (B-Pb) and toenail lead (T-Pb) and circulating markers of inflammation.

METHODS

We evaluated the associations between B-Pb concentrations and T-Pb concentrations and circulating markers of inflammation, soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (s-ICAM-1), soluble vascular adhesion molecule-1 (s-VCAM-1), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) on 158 traffic enforcers from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) traffic enforcer's health study. Linear mixed-effects models with random subject-specific intercepts were fitted to estimate the association between B-Pb and T-Pb exposure and circulating markers of inflammation, adjusting for confounding factors.

RESULTS

Traffic enforcers were middle-aged men (89.4%) with a mean age (± SD) of 37.1 years ± 8.9 years and had a total of 293 valid markers of inflammation measurements. B-Pb concentration was related to increased hs-CRP levels. A 10% increase in B-Pb was associated with a 5.7% increase in hs-CRP level [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.3-10.1]. However, B-Pb was not associated with s-ICAM-1 and s-VCAM-1. Furthermore, no associations were observed between T-Pb and all the circulating markers of inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-level B-Pb may increase hs-CRP among traffic enforcers. Moreover, the study suggests that Pb via the oxidative and inflammation pathways may have an essential role in the development of cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, MMDA and the Department of Labor and Employment can use our study's findings as evidence to conduct routine screening of blood heavy metals, especially Pb, among MMDA and other traffic enforcers as part of their yearly medical examination.

Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and dementia in a community-dwelling Japanese older population (JPSC-AD)

In recent years, the association between neuroinflammatory markers and dementia, especially Alzheimer's disease (AD), has attracted much attention. However, the evidence for the relationship between serum-hs-CRP and dementia including AD are inconsistent. Therefore, the relationships of serum high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) with dementia including AD and with regions of interest of brain MRI were investigated. A total of 11,957 community residents aged 65 years or older were recruited in eight sites in Japan (JPSC-AD Study). After applying exclusion criteria, 10,085 participants who underwent blood tests and health-related examinations were analyzed. Then, serum hs-CRP levels were classified according to clinical cutoff values, and odds ratios for the presence of all-cause dementia and its subtypes were calculated for each serum hs-CRP level. In addition, the association between serum hs-CRP and brain volume regions of interest was also examined using analysis of covariance with data from 8614 individuals in the same cohort who underwent brain MRI. After multivariable adjustment, the odds ratios (ORs) for all-cause dementia were 1.04 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76-1.43), 1.68 (95%CI 1.08-2.61), and 1.51 (95%CI 1.08-2.11) for 1.0-1.9 mg/L, 2.0-2.9 mg/L, and ≥ 3.0 mg/L, respectively, compared to < 1.0 mg/L, and those for AD were 0.72 (95%CI 0.48-1.08), 1.76 (95%CI 1.08-2.89), and 1.61 (95%CI 1.11-2.35), for 1.0-1.9 mg/L, 2.0-2.9 mg/L, and ≥ 3.0 mg/L, respectively, compared to < 1.0 mg/L. Multivariable-adjusted ORs for all-cause dementia and for AD prevalence increased significantly with increasing serum hs-CRP levels (p for trend < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). In addition, the multivariable-adjusted temporal cortex volume/estimated total intracranial volume ratio decreased significantly with increasing serum hs-CRP levels (< 1.0 mg/L 4.28%, 1.0-1.9 mg/L 4.27%, 2.0-2.9 mg/L 4.29%, ≥ 3.0 mg/L 4.21%; p for trend = 0.004). This study's results suggest that elevated serum hs-CRP levels are associated with greater risk of presence of dementia, especially AD, and of temporal cortex atrophy in a community-dwelling Japanese older population.

High hsCRP concentration is associated with acute pancreatitis in multifactorial chylomicronemia syndrome

BACKGROUND

Multifactorial chylomicronemia syndrome (MCS) is a severe form of hypertriglyceridemia (hyperTG) associated with an increased risk of acute pancreatitis (AP). However, the risk of AP is very heterogenous in MCS. Previous studies suggested that inflammation might promote disease progression in hyperTG-induced AP.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if low-grade inflammation is associated with AP in MCS.

METHODS

This study included 102 subjects with MCS for which high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) concentration was measured at their first visit at the Montreal Clinical Research Institute.

RESULTS

MCS subjects with a previous history of AP had a significant higher hsCRP concentration (4.62 mg/L vs. 2.61 mg/L; p=0.003) and high hsCRP concentration (≥3mg/L) was independently associated with AP prevalence (p<0.05). Up to 64% of the variability in AP prevalence was explained by the maximal TG concentration, hsCRP concentration, the presence of rare variants in TG-related genes, and fructose intake based on a stepwise multivariate regression model (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

This retrospective study showed for the first time that hsCRP concentration is strongly associated with AP prevalence in MCS. It also suggests that low-grade inflammation may be a driver of AP in severe hypertriglyceridemia. Prospective studies could help determine the causality of this association and assess whether medication known to reduce low-grade inflammation could help prevent AP in individuals with severe hypertriglyceridemia.

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein among people living with HIV on highly active antiretroviral therapy: a systemic review and meta-analysis

The pathological consequences of inflammation persist in people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH), regardless of the positive outcomes of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). The current systematic review and meta-analysis aims to understand and explore the levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and other cardiovascular disease (CVD)-risk factors including lipid profiles among PLWH on HAART. Major electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched to retrieve relevant global literature reporting on hs-CRP levels in PLWH on HAART. A total of twenty-two studies with an average participant age of 40 years were eligible for this systematic review and meta-analysis. Majority of the included studies were from Africa (n = 11), the United States (n = 6), and Europe (n = 5). Our systemic review showed that most studies reported increased levels of hs-CRP among PLWH on HAART when compared to controls (PLWH not on HAART or those without HIV), especially in studies from Africa. This was supported by a meta-analysis showing significantly elevated levels of hs-CRP in PLWH on HAART when compared to PLWH not on HAART (standardised mean difference [SMD] = 0.56; 95% CI = 0.10‑1.01, z = 2.41; p = 0.02) or those without HIV (SMD = 1.19; 95% CI = 0.76‑1.63, z = 5.35; p < 0.001). Where lipid profiles, as a major predictor for CVD risk, were also impaired in PLWH on HAART when compared to PLWH not on HAART and HIV-negative participants. In conclusion, elevated levels of hs-CRP and lipid levels are prevalent in PLWH on HAART, this may increase the risk of CVD complications, especially for those people living in Africa. However, more evidence in larger population studies is required to confirm these outcomes and unveil any possible clinical implications of HAART-induced modulation of hs-CRP levels in PLWH.

Low-density lipoprotein triglyceride predicts outcomes in patients with chronic coronary syndrome following percutaneous coronary intervention according to inflammatory status

BACKGROUND

Low-density lipoprotein-triglyceride (LDL-TG), a novel lipid marker, has been reported to be associated with cardiovascular events (CVEs). However, whether inflammatory status has a combined effect with LDL-TG on CVEs in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) receiving percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains uncertain.

METHODS

A total of 4,415 patient with coronary angiography were primarily enrolled. Among them, 2,215 patients undergoing PCI were finally classified into subgroups according to LDL-TG and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentrations. Patients were followed up for up to 7 y for CVEs. The associations between LDL-TG, hs-CRP and CVEs were analyzed.

RESULTS

Patients with CVEs showed higher concentrations of LDL-TG compared to those without. In Cox regression analysis, LDL-TG was independently associated with CVEs (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.003, 95 % confidence intervals [CI]: 1.365-2.940, p < 0.001). Interestingly, when patients were further categorized into six subgroups according to hs-CRP and LDL-TG concentrations, LDL-TG was correlated with increased events only in patients with high hs-CRP concentrations (HR: 1.726, 95 %CI: 1.055-2.826, p = 0.030). Moreover, the Kaplan-Meier survival curves indicated that patients in the higher plasma concentrations of hs-CRP in combination with the highest LDL-TG concentrations were associated with the highest risk of CVEs.

CONCLUSIONS

LDL-TG was associated with increased CVEs among patients receiving PCI with increased hs-CRP concentrations, suggesting that measurement of LDL-TG combined with hs-CRP facilitates prognostic utility for cardiovascular risks.

Extraction of mandibular third molars: relationship of preoperative anxiety with body mass index, serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels, and visual analog scale scores and predictors of postoperative complications

Objectives

Patients undergoing oral surgery exhibit high anxiety, which may elevate their cortisol levels and affect postoperative recovery. Overweight patients are often encountered in the dental clinic due to the increasing prevalence of overweight. We aimed to investigate the relationships between preoperatively assessed body mass index (BMI), serum cortisol and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, and visual analog scale (VAS) scores and preoperative anxiety in patients undergoing mandibular third molar (MM3) extraction and to identify predictors of postoperative complications.

Patients and Methods

We analyzed 43 patients (age, 20-42 years) undergoing MM3 extraction. At the first visit, patients completed the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) and Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS) questionnaires. Their BMI and VAS scores were also calculated. The participants underwent blood tests 1 hour before MM3 extraction. On the first postoperative day, the participants' VAS scores and serum hs-CRP levels were reevaluated.

Results

We found that BMI was significantly correlated with preoperative VAS scores. Further, BMI and preoperative hs-CRP levels were significantly correlated among women and patients undergoing extractions of fully impacted MM3s. No correlations were found between serum cortisol and other variables. The preoperative MDAS and VAS scores were significantly positively correlated, especially among patients undergoing extractions of fully impacted MM3s. Multiple linear regression showed that BMI and the eruption status of the MM3 were significant predictors of postoperative hs- CRP levels and VAS scores, respectively.

Conclusion

In MM3 removals, patients with higher BMI showed elevated hs-CRP and higher VAS scores before surgery. Patients with higher anxiety among those undergoing extractions of fully impacted MM3s showed higher preoperative VAS scores. The two main predictors of postoperative complications were BMI and MM3 eruption status.

The associations of health behaviors and working hours with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in Korean wage workers: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

We investigated differences in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels by age group according to working hours, socioeconomic level, health behavior and status, and occupational class, and aimed to identify factors affecting hs-CRP levels in various age groups using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination from 2016 to 2018.

METHODS

The study included a total of 4,786 male wage workers across the nation, aged between 19 and 65. Data from 4,674 workers were analyzed using multiple logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Obesity, metabolic syndrome, and weekly working hours were associated with hs-CRP, a biomarker of inflammation. Participants with a body mass index (BMI) ≥25.0 kg/m2 showed significantly higher hs-CRP levels than those with a BMI 23.0 to 25.0 kg/m2. Workers with high-risk drinking and metabolic syndrome showed significantly higher hs-CRP levels in the 50 to 65 years group. Obesity, walking 0 to 149 min/wk, and working ≥61 hours a week were associated with significantly higher hs-CRP levels in the 35 to 49 years group. The factors that significantly affected hs-CRP levels were different among age groups.

CONCLUSION

Plans to adjust working hours should be considered health behaviors, such as drinking and physical activity, and health conditions, such as metabolic syndrome and obesity, according to workers' age.

Elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels increase the risk of new-onset cardiac conduction disorders

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have reported that inflammatory responses can promote the onset of cardiovascular diseases; however, its association with cardiac conduction disorders remains unclear. The present community-based cohort study aimed to elucidate the effects of inflammatory responses on the risk of developing cardiac conduction disorders.

METHODS

After the exclusion of participants failing to meet the inclusion criteria, 86,234 eligible participants (mean age: 50.57 ± 11.88 years) were included. The participants were divided into high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP)  ≤  3 mg/L, and hsCRP > 3 mg/L groups based on hsCRP values. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyze the relationship between inflammatory responses and various cardiac conduction disorders.

RESULTS

After adjusting for confounding factors, we observed that compared with the hsCRP ≤ 3 mg/L group, the hsCRP > 3 mg/L group exhibited increased risks of atrioventricular block (hazard ratio [HR]:1.64, 95%confidence interval [CI] 1.44-1.87) and left (HR:1.25, 95% CI 1.07-1.45) and right bundle branch block (HR:1.31, 95% CI 1.17-1.47). Moreover, the risk of various cardiac conduction disorders increased for every 1 standard deviation increase in log (hsCRP). The restricted cubic spline function confirmed a linear relationship between log (hsCRP) and the risk of developing cardiac conduction disorders (All nonlinearity P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

High hsCRP levels are an independent risk factor for cardiac conduction disorders, and hsCRP levels are dose-dependently associated with the risk of conduction disorders. Our study results may provide new strategies for preventing cardiac conduction disorders.

An analysis of the associations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and uric acid with metabolic syndrome components in Korean adults by sex: a cross-sectional study using the Korea national health and nutrition examination survey 2016-2018

BACKGROUND

Low-grade inflammation plays a role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MetS), and measuring levels of inflammatory molecules, such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), may indicate Mets progression. Serum uric acid (SUA) has also been identified as an independent risk factor for MetS. This study aimed to investigate the association between MetS components and levels of serum hs-CRP and SUA using representative and reliable data for the Korean population.

METHODS

This study used the data of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2016-2018, a cross-sectional and nationally representative survey performed by the Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

RESULTS

We analysed the data of 13,454 individuals. High hs-CRP levels were observed in 1,164 (8.7%) subjects while 3,296 (24.5%) subjects had high SUA levels. Moreover, hs-CRP was negatively correlated with serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (OR, 1.703; 95% CI, 1.431-2.027). When stratified by sex, this trend remained, but the correlation was stronger in women than in men. Furthermore, high SUA levels were significantly associated with hypertension (HTN) (OR, 1.399; 95% CI, 1.210-1.616), hypertriglyceridemia (OR, 1.735; 95% CI, 1.486-2.026), and low HDL (OR, 1.257; 95% CI, 1.106-1.429), but not with diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR, 0.478; 95% CI, 0.382-0.597). When grouped by sex, this trend remained, however, all MetS components were found to be more prevalent in women with high SUA.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings showed that low HDL was more prevalent in subjects with high hs-CRP, and high SUA levels were observed in subjects with HTN, hypertriglyceridemia, and low HDL. However, the prevalence of high SUA was lower in diabetic subjects.

Rivaroxaban in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein elevation (BANBOO): study protocol for a randomized, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a fatal disease due to the tendency to rupture. The drug treatment for small AAA without surgical indications has been controversial. Previous studies showed that high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) had become a potential biomarker of the disease, and the anti-inflammatory effect of rivaroxaban for AAA had been well established. Thus, we hypothesized that rivaroxaban could control the progression of AAA in patients with hs-CRP elevation.

METHODS

The study is a prospective, open-label, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Sixty subjects are recruited from the General Hospital of Northern Theatre Command of China. Subjects are randomly assigned (1:1) to the intervention arm (rivaroxaban) or control arm (aspirin). The primary efficacy outcome is the level of serum hs-CRP at 6 months. The secondary outcomes include imaging examination (the maximal diameter of AAA, the maximal thickness of mural thrombus, and the length of aneurysm), major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE, including AAA transformation, non-fatal myocardial infarction, acute congestive heart failure, stent thrombosis, ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization, vascular amputation, stroke, cardiovascular death, and all-cause death), and other laboratory tests (troponin T, interleukin 6, D-dimer, and coagulation function).

DISCUSSION

The BANBOO trial tested the effect of rivaroxaban on the progression of AAA in patients with elevated Hs-CRP for the first time.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR2100051990, ClinicalTrials.gov, registered on 12 October 2021.

Predicting acute radiation dermatitis in breast cancer: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Acute radiation dermatitis (ARD) is one of the most common acute adverse reactions in breast cancer patients during and immediately after radiotherapy. As ARD affects patient quality of life, it is important to conduct individualized risk assessments of patients in order to identify those patients most at risk of developing severe ARD.

METHODS

The data of breast cancer patients who received radiotherapy were prospectively collected and analyzed. Serum ferritin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, and percentages of lymphocyte subsets were measured before radiotherapy. ARD was graded (0-6 grade), according to the Oncology Nursing Society Skin Toxicity Scale. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used and the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of each factor were calculated.

RESULTS

This study included 455 breast cancer patients. After radiotherapy, 59.6% and 17.8% of patients developed at least 3 (3+) grade and at least 4 (4+) grade ARD, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that body mass index (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.01-1.22), diabetes (OR: 2.70, 95% CI: 1.11-6.60), smoking (OR: 3.04, 95% CI: 1.15-8.02), higher ferritin (OR: 3.31, 95% CI: 1.78-6.17), higher hs-CRP (OR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.02-3.77), and higher CD3 + T cells (OR: 2.99, 95% CI: 1.10-3.58) were independent risk factors for 4 + grade ARD. Based on these findings, a nomogram model of 4 + grade ARD was further established. The nomogram AUC was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.75-0.86), making it more discriminative than any single factor.

CONCLUSION

BMI, diabetes, smoking history, higher ferritin, higher hs-CRP, and higher CD3 + T cells prior to radiotherapy for breast cancer are all independent risk factors for 4 + grade ARD. The results can provide evidence for clinicians to screen out high-risk patients, take precautions and carefully follow up on these patients before and during radiotherapy.

PROGNOSTIC VALUE OF HIGH-SENSITIVITY C-REATIVE PROTEIN AMONG CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS UNDERGOING PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION

BACKGROUND

Data on the prognostic value of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are limited.

METHODS

Patients undergoing PCI at a tertiary center from January 2012 to December 2019 were included. CKD was defined as a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <60 mL/min/1.73m² and elevated hs-CRP was defined as >3 mg/L. Acute myocardial infarction (MI), acute heart failure, neoplastic disease, patients undergoing hemodialysis, or hs-CRP >10 mg/L were exclusion criteria. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), a composite of all-cause death, MI, and target vessel revascularization at 1-year after PCI.

RESULTS

Out of 12,410 patients, 3,029 (24.4%) had CKD. Elevated hs-CRP levels were found in 31.8% of CKD and 25.8% of non-CKD patients. At 1 year, MACE occurred in 87 (11.0%) CKD patients with elevated hs-CRP and 163 (9.5%) with low hs-CRP (adj. HR 1.26, 95% CI 0.94-1.68); among non-CKD patients, in 200 (10%) and 470 (8.1%), respectively (adj. HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.00-1.45). Hs-CRP was associated with an increased risk of all-cause death in both CKD (Adj. HR 1.92, 95% CI 1.07-3.44) and no-CKD patients (adj. HR 3.02, 95% CI 1.74-5.22). There was no interaction between hs-CRP and CKD.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients undergoing PCI without acute MI, elevated hs-CRP values were not associated with a higher risk of MACE at 1 year, but with increased mortality hazards irrespective of the CKD status. The prognostic value of hs-CRP was consistent in patients with or without CKD.

Predictive value of high sensitivity C-reactive protein in three-vessel disease patients with and without type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and atherosclerosis are multifactorial conditions and share a common inflammatory basis. Three-vessel disease (TVD) represents a major challenge for coronary intervention. Nonetheless, the predictive value of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) for TVD patients with or without type 2 DM remains unknown. Herein, we aimed to ascertain the long-term predictive value of hs-CRP in TVD patients according to type 2 DM status from a large cohort.

METHODS

A total of 2734 TVD patients with (n = 1040, 38%) and without (n = 1694, 62%) type 2 diabetes were stratified based on the hs-CRP (< 2 mg/L vs. ≥ 2 mg/L). Three multivariable analysis models were performed to evaluate the effect of potential confounders on the relationship between hs-CRP level and clinical outcomes. The Concordance index, net reclassification improvement (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were calculated to assess the added effect of hs-CRP and the baseline model with established risk factors on the discrimination of clinical outcomes. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE).

RESULTS

The median follow-up duration was 2.4 years. Multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that the incidence of MACCE (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.35, p = 0.031) and all-cause death (HR 1.82, 95% CI 1.07-3.11, p = 0.026) were significantly higher in the diabetic group compared to the non-diabetic group. In the diabetic group, the incidence of MACCE (adjusted HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.09-2.10, p = 0.013) was significantly higher in the high hs-CRP group than in the low hs-CRP group; no significant difference was found for all-cause death (HR 1.63; 95% CI 0.58-4.58, p = 0.349). In the non-diabetic group, the prevalence of MACCE (adjusted HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.71-1.22, p = 0.613) was comparable between the two groups. Finally, the NRI (0.2074, p = 0.001) and IDI (0.0086, p = 0.003) for MACCE were also significantly increased after hs-CRP was added to the baseline model in the diabetic group.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated hs-CRP is an independent prognostic factor for long-term outcomes of MACCE in TVD patients with type 2 diabetes but not in those without type 2 diabetes. Compared to traditional risk factors, hs-CRP improved the risk prediction of adverse cardiovascular events in TVD patients with type 2 diabetes.

Effects of Low-Dose Colchicine on Serum High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Level in Coronary Artery Disease Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Enhanced Inflammatory Response Protocol for a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 2, Dose-Finding Study

Although cardiovascular mortality in Japan is lower than in other industrialized countries, clinical outcomes in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remain poor despite multiple evidence-based drug therapies and interventions. We assumed that part of residual risk in these patients may be attributable to enhanced inflammation, which can be inhibited presumably by colchicine. However, dose-responsiveness of anti-inflammatory effect of colchicine has not been elucidated. Therefore, we designed a multicenter, randomized, double-blinded, parallel-group study to explore the dose-dependent effects of low-dose colchicine on serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentration and safety in CAD patients with T2DM and enhanced inflammatory response as a phase 2 study. Enhanced inflammatory response was defined as peripheral white-blood cell count ≥7,000/μL. Patients (N = 63) will be randomly assigned to two doses of colchicine 0.25 mg/day, 0.5 mg/day, or placebo in a 1:1:1 ratio once daily for 12 weeks. Changes in serum hs-CRP levels will be evaluated as the primary endpoint, and changes in flow-mediated vasodilation and plasma myeloperoxidase levels will be evaluated as secondary endpoints. The results of this study will contribute to the development of a protocol for a planned future phase 3 trial to estimate the reduction in CAD. The present study describes the rationale, design, and methods of the trial.

The association between C-reactive protein, metabolic syndrome, and prediabetes in Korean children and adolescents

PURPOSE

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a state of chronic inflammation, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) indicates inflammation. This paper evaluates the associations between hsCRP and MetS and its components in Korean children and adolescents.

METHODS

We analyzed the data of 1,247 subjects (633 males, 14.2±2.7 years) from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2016-2017. This study defined MetS and its components using the modified National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) criteria.

RESULTS

The mean hsCRP level was 0.86±1.57 mg/dL (median and interquartile range: 0.37 and 0.43 mg/dL). Subjects with MetS had higher hsCRP level than subjects without MetS (geometric mean: 1.08 mg/dL vs. 0.46 mg/dL, p<0.001). With a higher quartile value of hsCRP, the prevalence of MetS increased. Compared to the lowest quartile, the odds ratio (OR) for MetS in the highest quartile was 7.34 (3.07-17.55) after adjusting for age and sex. In the top quartile of hsCRP, the risk of abdominal obesity and low HDL was high after adjusting for age, sex, and other components of MetS. Additionally, the OR for prediabetes (HbA1c ≥5.7%) in the highest quartile was 2.70.

CONCLUSION

Serum hsCRP level was positively associated with MetS and prediabetes using NCEP-ATP III criteria. Among the MetS components, abdominal obesity and low HDL were highly correlated with hsCRP in Korean children and adolescents.

Prediction of Noninvasive Ventilation Failure in a Mixed Population Visiting the Emergency Department in a Tertiary Care Center in India

Background

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is an established first-line treatment of acute respiratory failure both in emergency departments (ED) and intensive care unit (ICU) settings. It is however not always successful.

Materials and methods

Prospective, observational study was done among patients above 18 years presenting with acute respiratory failure initiated on NIV. Patients were placed in one of two groups covering successful NIV treatment and NIV failure. Two groups were compared on four variables: initial respiratory rate (RR), initial high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio (p/f ratio), and heart rate, acidosis, consciousness, oxygenation, and respiratory rate (HACOR) score at the end of 1 hour of initiation of NIV.

Results

A total of 104 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the study, of which 55 (52.88%) were exclusively treated with NIV (NIV success group), and 49 (47.11%) required endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation (NIV failure group). Noninvasive ventilation failure group had a higher mean initial RR compared with NIV success group (40.65 ± 3.88 vs 31.98 ± 3.15, p <0.001). Mean initial PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio was also significantly lower in the NIV failure group (184.57 ± 50.33 vs 277.29 ± 34.70, p <0.001). Odds ratio for successful NIV treatment with a high initial RR was 0.503 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.390-0.649) and with a higher initial PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio was 1.053 (95% CI: 1.032-1.071 and with a HACOR score of >5 at the end of 1 hour of initiation of NIV was highly associated with NIV failure (p <0.001). A high initial level of hs-CRP was 0.949 (95% CI: 0.927-0.970).

Conclusion

Noninvasive ventilation failure could be predicted with information available at presentation in ED, and unnecessary delay in endotracheal intubation could possibly be prevented.

How to cite this article

Mathen PG, Kumar KPG, Mohan N, Sreekrishnan TP, Nair SB, Krishnan AK, et al. Prediction of Noninvasive Ventilation Failure in a Mixed Population Visiting the Emergency Department in a Tertiary Care Center in India. Indian J Crit Care Med 2022;26(10):1115-1119.

Impact of semaglutide on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein: exploratory patient-level analyses of SUSTAIN and PIONEER randomized clinical trials

Background

Exploratory analysis to determine the effect of semaglutide versus comparators on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in subjects with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Trials of once-weekly subcutaneous (SUSTAIN 3) and once-daily oral (PIONEER 1, 2, 5) semaglutide with hsCRP data were analyzed. Subjects with type 2 diabetes (N = 2482) received semaglutide (n = 1328) or comparators (placebo, n = 339; exenatide extended-release, n = 405; empagliflozin, n = 410). hsCRP ratio to baseline at end-of-treatment was analyzed overall, by clinical cutoff (< 1.0, ≥ 1.0 to ≤ 3.0, or > 3.0 mg/L), by tertile, and by estimated glomerular filtration rate in PIONEER 5 (a trial which was conducted in a population with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease [CKD]). Mediation analyses assessed the effect of change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA_1c) and/or change in body weight (BW) on hsCRP reductions.

Results

Geometric mean baseline hsCRP was similar across trials (range 2.7–3.0 mg/L). Semaglutide reduced hsCRP levels by clinical cutoffs and tertiles from baseline to end-of-treatment in all trials versus comparators (estimated treatment ratios [ETRs] versus comparators: 0.70–0.76; p < 0.01) except versus placebo in PIONEER 5 (ETR [95% CI]: 0.83 [0.67–1.03]; p > 0.05). The effect of semaglutide on hsCRP was partially mediated (20.6–61.8%) by change in HbA_1c and BW.

Conclusions

Semaglutide reduced hsCRP ratios-to-baseline versus comparators in subjects with type 2 diabetes (not significant with CKD). This effect was partially mediated via reductions in HbA_1c and BW and potentially by a direct effect of semaglutide. Semaglutide appears to have an anti-inflammatory effect, which is being further investigated in ongoing trials.

Trial registrations: ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT01885208 (first registered June 2013), NCT02906930 (first registered September 2016), NCT02863328 (first registered August 2016), NCT02827708 (first registered July 2016).

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12933-022-01585-7.

Effect of colchicine on inflammatory markers in patients with coronary artery disease: A meta-analysis of clinical trials

Whether colchicine reduces the levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) remains uncertain. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to evaluate the overall effect of colchicine treatment on hs-CRP and IL-6 levels in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). PubMed/Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for studies published before October 2021. Clinical trials in patients with CAD with reports of hs-CRP and IL-6 level changes before and after colchicine intervention were included. In total, 11 trials on hs-CRP and two trials on IL-6 were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with that in the control group, colchicine treatment was significantly associated with decreased hs-CRP levels (weighted mean differences [WMDs], -0.81 mg/L; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.34 to -0.28 mg/L; P = 0.003) in patients with CAD. Besides, the levels of IL-6 were significantly reduced in colchicine users compared to that of placebo (WMD, -1.28 pg/mL; 95% CI, -2.35 to -0.21 pg/mL; P = 0.02). In a subgroup analysis, colchicine led to a significant reduction in hs-CRP levels in studies with duration of intervention >7 days (WMD, -0.65 mg/L; 95% CI, -1.08 to -0.21 mg/L; P = 0.004) and studies with baseline hs-CRP levels ≥3.0 mg/L (WMD, -0.99 mg/L; 95% CI, -1.92 to -0.06 mg/L; P = 0.04). Colchicine intervention was associated with a reduction in hs-CRP and IL-6 levels in patients with CAD. Future investigations are required to verify the effect of colchicine on inflammatory markers and clarify the potential mechanisms of the cross talk between colchicine, inflammation, and cardiovascular outcomes.

Abdominal obesity, chronic inflammation and the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of abdominal obesity and chronic inflammation on risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among Chinese population.

METHODS

Overall, 50776 staff from the Kailuan Group who participated in and finished physical examinations between 2006 and 2007 were included in the cohort study. Their medical information was collected and they were followed after examination. The correlations of waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) or serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-crp) with NAFLD were analyzed. Then, we categorized all participants into four groups: non-abdominal obesity and non-chronic inflammation group, abdominal obesity and non-chronic inflammation group, non-abdominal obesity and chronic inflammation group, abdominal obesity and chronic inflammation group, and non-abdominal obesity and non-chronic inflammation group was used as a control group. The combined effects of abdominal obesity and chronic inflammation with NAFLD were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazard regression model.

RESULTS

After a mean follow-up of 5.59±1.79 years, a total of 15451 NAFLD cases occurred. We found the WHtR and hs-crp increase the risk for NAFLD, respectively. Compared with the non-abdominal obesity and non-chronic inflammation group, the risk of NAFLD was significantly increased in the abdominal obesity and non-chronic inflammation group (HR 1.21, 95%CI 1.11-1.32), non-abdominal obesity and chronic inflammation group (HR 1.32, 95%CI 1.27-1.38), abdominal obesity and chronic inflammation group (HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.52-1.70). And, a significant interaction effect was found of abdominal obesity and chronic inflammation on NAFLD.

CONCLUSION

In this study, it was demonstrated in the Chinese population that both abdominal obesity and chronic inflammation increase the risk of NAFLD, and there is an interaction between the two factors in the incidence of NAFLD.

Synergistic effect of the commonest residual risk factors, remnant cholesterol, lipoprotein(a), and inflammation, on prognosis of statin-treated patients with chronic coronary syndrome

Background

Currently, remnant cholesterol (RC), lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], and inflammation are considered the principal residual cardiovascular risk (RCVR) factors. This study sought to evaluate the combined impact of RC, Lp(a), and inflammation on prognosis of statin-treated patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS), which has not been investigated.

Methods

A total of 6839 patients with CCS were consecutively enrolled. Baseline RC, Lp(a), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) concentrations were measured and their medians were used for categorizations. All patients were followed for the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), including cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and stroke. The individual and combined effects of RC, Lp(a), and hsCRP on MACEs were examined and stratification analysis according to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was performed.

Results

Over an average of 54.93 ± 18.59 months follow-up, 462 MACEs were recorded. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that elevated RC and Lp(a) levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of MACEs, while high hsCRP levels were related to a slightly but non-significantly increased MACEs risk. Moreover, when participants were subgrouped according to RC, Lp(a), and hsCRP levels together, only High RC-High Lp(a)-High hsCRP group had significantly higher risk of MACEs [hazard ratio (HR) 1.99, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15–3.47] compared with the reference group (Low RC-Low Lp(a)-Low hsCRP), especially in patients with LDL-C < 2.6 mmol/L.

Conclusions

The combination of elevated levels of RC, Lp(a), and hsCRP potentiated the adverse effect on MACEs among statin-treated patients with CCS, suggesting that multiple RCVR factors assessment may be a better strategy to improve stratification in very-high risk population.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-022-03448-x.

Assessment of TNF-α expression in unstable atherosclerotic plaques, serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels in patients with acute coronary syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis

The role of inflammatory cytokines is well researched in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but not in the presence of both conditions. This study aimed to compare TNF-α expression, serum TNF-α, IL-6, and hs-CRP in ACS patients with RA (n = 46) with ACS patients without RA (n = 49) and healthy controls (n = 50). TNF-α expression was assessed from coronary artery samples, taken during coronary artery bypass surgery. Serum levels TNF-α, IL-6, and hs-CRP were measured 24 and 48 h after cardiac surgery. Stronger TNF-α expression was observed in the ACS patients with RA versus the ACS patients without RA, p = 0.001. Serum TNF-α, IL-6, and hs-CRP at the 24th h were significantly elevated in both patient groups and distinguished them from the healthy controls with accuracy ranging from 80 to 99%. At the 48th h, serum TNF-α and IL-6 in the ACS group without RA decreased to those of the healthy controls but remained high in the group with RA. ACS cases with RA could be correctly identified from the levels of IL-6 (AUC = 0.885, 95% CI 0.791 to 0.938) and TNF-α (AUC = 0.852, 95%CI 0.720 to 0.922). Our results suggest that the presence of RA in ACS cases is likely to provoke stronger TNF-α expression on atherosclerotic plaques, aggravate the pro-inflammatory response, and sustain it even after the cardiac stress is lowered. In ACS cases with RA, long-term monitoring and control of TNF-α and IL-6 levels can be a useful preventive strategy.

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol association with incident of cardiovascular events: Isfahan cohort study

BACKGROUND

There are many studies on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) association with cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, just a few studies investigated whether the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) could participate in hs-CRP prognostic strength. This study aimed to determine the alliance of hs-CRP and LDL-C in different concentrations in occurrence cardiovascular events in the Isfahan Cohort Study (ICS).

METHODS

3277 participants aged 35 and above were included in the current analysis. We evaluated the association of elevated hs-CRP levels (≥ 3 mg/dL) and CVD events including myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, stroke, CVD, CVD mortality, and all-cause mortality in those with LDL-C ≥ or < 130 mg/dL Cox frailty models was used to determine possible interactions.

RESULTS

In both crude and fully adjusted models, there was no significant interaction between LDL-C and hs-CRP levels with the incidence of MI, stroke, CVD mortality, and all-cause death. Neither elevated LDL-C alone nor elevated CRP alone were associated with the risk of all cardiovascular events and all-cause death. However, participants with elevated concentrations of both hs-CRP and LDL-C had a greater risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD) (hazards ratio (HR) 1.44; 95% CI 1.03-2.02) and CVD (HR 1.36; 95% CI 1.01-1.83) than those with low LDL-C and hs-CRP.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that despite a null association between elevated levels of CRP or LDL-C alone and CVD events, concurrent rise in LDL-C and hs-CRP levels is associated with higher risk of IHD and CVD.

Association between levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in plasma and freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease

This study explored the potential relationship between levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in plasma and freezing of gait (FOG) in Parkinson's disease (PD) in China. A total of 72 healthy subjects, 62 PD patients with FOG, and 83 PD patients without FOG from our center were enrolled in this prospective study. Patients with FOG showed significantly higher hs-CRP levels than controls, but patients without FOG did not. Binary logistic regression analysis identified levels of hs-CRP in plasma to be an independent risk factor for FOG among the patients in our cohort (OR 6.371, 95% CI 2.589-15.678, p < 0.001). In fact, a cut-off level of 0.935 mg/L distinguished patients with or without FOG [area under the ROC curve (AUC) = 0.908, sensitivity 87.1%, specificity 89.2%]. Our study suggests that high levels of hs-CRP in plasma are associated with the occurrence of FOG in PD. The pooled data combined with a previous study carried out in Spain also indicate a positive association between plasma hs-CRP levels and FOG in PD. However, more research is still needed to verify the plasma hs-CRP as a potential biomarker of FOG.

The Contribution of Inflammation to Stroke Recurrence Attenuates at Low LDL-C Levels

AIMS

Residual inflammation risk refers to inflammation that still increases the risk of cardiovascular disease after the level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reached the target (＜70 mg/dL). However, whether inflammation is still an important issue even if very low LDL-C levels have been achieved remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the contribution of inflammation to stroke recurrence on different LDL-C levels following ischemic stroke (IS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA).

METHODS

A total of 10499 IS/TIA patients whose LDL-C and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were measured were selected from the Third China National Stroke Registry. The cutoff values were set to 25, 35, 45, 55, 70, and 100 mg/dL for LDL-C, whereas the threshold values of hsCRP and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were 2 mg/L and 1.65 ng/L, respectively. Based on each group of LDL-C, Cox regressions were conducted to investigate the associations between inflammation and recurrent stroke within 1 year.

RESULTS

The associations between baseline hsCRP levels and stroke recurrence were non-significant in groups with LDL-C ＜55 mg/dL (P＞0.05). After stratification by baseline LDL-C of 55 mg/dL, hsCRP ≥ 2 mg/L (10.9% versus 7.5%, P＜0.0001) and IL-6 ≥ 1.65 ng/L (9.8% versus 7.4%, P=0.0002) were found to be related to a high incidence of recurrent IS among patients with LDL-C ≥ 55 mg/dL; however, no associations were observed among patients with LDL-C ＜55 mg/dL. Compared with low inflammation (both hsCRP ＜2 mg/L and IL-6 ＜1.65 ng/L), high inflammation (both hsCRP ≥ 2 mg/L and IL-6 ≥ 1.65 ng/L) was significantly associated with stroke recurrence when LDL-C ≥ 55 mg/dL (adjusted HR 1.38, 95% CI 1.10-1.74), whereas this association was not observed when LDL-C ＜55 mg/dL (adjusted HR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.41-1.25).

CONCLUSION

For IS/TIA patients, the contribution of inflammation to stroke recurrence seems to be attenuated at a low level of LDL-C.

Independent and joint effects of high-sensitivity c-reactive protein and hypoalbuminemia on long-term all-cause mortality among coronary artery disease: a prospective and multicenter cohort study

Background

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) plays an important role in hypoalbuminemia as a representative of inflammation, which is closely associated with poor prognosis among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The present study aimed to evaluate the independent and joint effects of high hs-CRP levels and hypoalbuminemia on long-term mortality among CAD patients.

Methods

A total of 1449 CAD patients were included from a prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study (REICIN, NCT01402232) of patients referred for coronary angiography (CAG). The primary endpoint was long-term all-cause death.

Results

During a median follow-up of 2.9 (2.0–3.0) years, a total of 107 (7.4%) patients died. The long-term mortality was higher among CAD patients with high hs-CRP levels (> 3 mg/L) than those with the low hs-CRP levels (≤ 3 mg/L; 10.7% versus 4.1%; hazard ratio [HR] 2.49; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.48–4.17). Similarly, CAD patients with hypoalbuminemia had higher mortality than those without hypoalbuminemia (12.2% versus 4.9%; HR 1.93; 95% CI 1.20–3.08). When hs-CRP and albumin were combined, CAD patients with high hs-CRP levels (> 3 mg/L) and with hypoalbuminemia were at the highest risk of death compared with their reference group (hs-CRP ≤ 3 mg/L and albumin > 35 g/L; HR 3.79; 95% CI 1.91–7.52).

Conclusions

High hs-CRP levels and hypoalbuminemia were independently and jointly associated with long-term mortality among CAD patients. Patients with high hs-CRP levels and hypoalbuminemia had the highest risk of long-term mortality compared with other groups.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12872-021-02431-6.

Association of Serum Biomarker Levels and BDNF Gene Polymorphism with Response to Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in Indian Patients with Major Depressive Disorder

INTRODUCTION

Depression is a major public health problem. Response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment varies considerably between patients. In the context of polygenic diseases like depression, measurement of a panel of biomarkers involved in the pathophysiology of depression might help predict outcome to treatment with SSRIs.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to establish the relationship between serum biomarker levels and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) val66met polymorphism and response to SSRIs in patients with major depressive disorder.

METHODS

50 patients with moderate to severe depression were recruited from the Department of Psychiatry, Sri Ra-machandra Institute of Higher Education and Research. Blood samples were collected, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scoring was done at baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment with SSRIs. Baseline and post-treatment levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), BDNF and neuregulin 1β1 (NRG1β1) were analysed using commercially available ELISA kits. Genotyping of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism was performed using a PCR-RFLP method.

RESULTS

Following treatment, there was a significant decrease in the mean hsCRP and NRG1β1 levels and a significant increase in the mean BDNF level. Responders had significantly lower baseline hsCRP and higher baseline BDNF levels when compared to non-responders. Response rates were significantly higher in the Val/Val group when compared to the Val/Met group.

CONCLUSIONS

Baseline serum levels of hsCRP and BDNF predicted response to SSRIs in major depressive disorder, and Val/Val patients responded better when compared to patients carrying the Met allele.

Combined impact of residual inflammatory risk and chronic kidney disease on long-term clinical outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory status is associated with cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and renal function impairment. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) increases the incidence of cardiovascular events. However, whether the presence of residual inflammatory risk (RIR) and CKD together has a synergistic effect on the long-term clinical outcomes of patients with stable CAD undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains unclear.

METHODS

We assessed 2,948 consecutive patients with stable CAD who underwent the first PCI from 2000 to 2016. Of these, we analyzed the data of patients (2,087) with measurements of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) available at follow-up (6-9 months later). High RIR was defined as hs-CRP of >0.6 mg/L according to the median value at follow-up. Patients were classified into four groups: Group 1 (low RIR, non-CKD), Group 2 (high RIR, non-CKD), Group 3 (low RIR, CKD), and Group 4 (high RIR, CKD). We evaluated all-cause mortality and major adverse cardiac events (MACE). The median follow-up period was 5.2 (interquartile range, 1.9-9.9) years.

RESULTS

In total, 189 (16.1%) and 128 (11.2%) cases of all-cause mortality and MACE, respectively, were identified during follow-up. The rates of all-cause mortality and MACE were significantly higher in Group 4 than those in the other groups (p<0.001). There was a stepwise increase in the incidence of all-cause mortality and MACE. Upon adjustment for important covariates, the presence of high RIR and/or CKD showed an independent association with a high incidence of MACE and all-cause mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of high RIR and CKD conferred a synergistic adverse effect on the long-term clinical outcomes of patients undergoing PCI.

Association of triglyceride-glucose index and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein with asymptomatic intracranial arterial stenosis: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) have been shown to play important roles in the pathophysiological mechanisms of atherogenesis. However, the cumulative value of TyG and hsCRP in identifying asymptomatic intracranial arterial stenosis (aICAS), as well as its severity and numerical burden, is uncertain. This study seeks to fill this knowledge gap.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This study included 1938 participants aged ≥40 years who were free of stroke or transient ischemic attack. All participants were classified into four groups based on the participants' TyG and hsCRP levels, including low-TyG and low-hsCRP, low-TyG and high-hsCRP, high-TyG and low-hsCRP, and high-TyG and high-hsCRP groups. The presence of aICAS was screened via transcranial Doppler ultrasound and confirmed by magnetic resonance angiography. The TyG was calculated as ln [fasting triglyceride (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2]. We used multinomial logistic regression analysis to investigate the cumulative value of TyG and hsCRP on identifying the severity of aICAS or its numerical burden. After adjustment for conventional confounders, isolated high-hsCRP, isolated high-TyG, and high-TyG combined with high-hsCRP were independently associated with moderate-to-severe aICAS. Compared with the low-TyG and low-hsCRP group, participants with high-TyG and high-hsCRP had a 2.6 times higher odds ratio (OR) of having a single moderate-to-severe aICAS and a 3.3 times higher OR of having multiple moderate-to-severe aICASs.

CONCLUSION

The cumulative value of TyG and hsCRP may better identify moderate-to-severe aICAS as well as its numerical burden.

Complement component 7 is associated with total- and cardiac death in chest-pain patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Complement activation has been associated with atherosclerosis, atherosclerotic plaque destabilization and increased risk of cardiovascular events. Complement component 7 (CC7) binds to the C5bC6 complex which is part of the terminal complement complex (TCC/C5b-9). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a sensitive marker of systemic inflammation and may reflect the increased inflammatory state associated with cardiovascular disease.

AIM

To evaluate the associations between CC7 and total- and cardiac mortality in patients hospitalized with chest-pain of suspected coronary origin, and whether combining CC7 with hsCRP adds prognostic information.

METHODS

Baseline levels of CC7 were related to 60-months survival in a prospective, observational study of 982 patients hospitalized with a suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS) at 9 hospitals in Salta, Argentina. A cox regression model, adjusting for conventional cardiovascular risk factors, was fitted with all-cause mortality, cardiac death and sudden cardiac death (SCD) as the dependent variables. A similar Norwegian population of 871 patients was applied to test the reproducibility of results in relation to total death.

RESULTS

At follow-up, 173 patients (17.7%) in the Argentinean cohort had died, of these 92 (9.4%) were classified as cardiac death and 59 (6.0%) as SCD. In the Norwegian population, a total of 254 patients (30%) died. In multivariable analysis, CC7 was significantly associated with 60-months all-cause mortality [hazard ratio (HR) 1.26 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.07-1.47) and cardiac death [HR 1.28 (95% CI 1.02-1.60)], but not with SCD. CC7 was only weakly correlated with hsCRP (r = 0.10, p = 0.002), and there was no statistically significant interaction between the two biomarkers in relation to outcome. The significant association of CC7 with total death was reproduced in the Norwegian population.

CONCLUSIONS

CC7 was significantly associated with all-cause mortality and cardiac death at 60-months follow-up in chest-pain patients with suspected ACS.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01377402, NCT00521976.

IL-6 Is Associated with Progression of Coronary Artery Calcification and Mortality in Incident Dialysis Patients

INTRODUCTION

Inflammation is important in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Elevated interleukin-6 (IL-6) is associated with cardiovascular events and also predicts mortality in individuals with CKD. Our goal was to determine the association between IL-6, FGF23, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) on coronary artery calcification (CAC) progression and mortality in incident dialysis patients without prior coronary events.

METHODS

A prospective cohort of incident adult dialysis participants had CAC measured by ECG-triggered multislice CT scans at baseline and at least 12 months later. Lipids, mineral metabolism markers, FGF23, and inflammatory markers, such as IL-6 and hsCRP, were measured at the baseline visit.

RESULTS

Participants in the high IL-6 tertile had the highest baseline CAC score (133.25 [10.35-466.15]) compared to the low (0.25 [0-212.2]) and intermediate (29.55 [0-182.85]) tertiles. Almost half of the participants with high IL-6 (15 of 32 [46.9%]) experienced progression of CAC compared to participants with low (8 of 32 [25%]) and intermediate (9 of 32 [28.1%]) (p = 0.05) IL-6 levels. Each log increase in IL-6 was associated with increase in death (hazard ratio 2.2, 95% CI: 1.2-3.8; p = 0.01). After adjusting for smoking, age, gender, race, diabetes, phosphate, and baseline calcium score, IL-6 (log) was associated with 2.2 times (95% CI: 1.1-4.6; p = 0.03) increase in death.

CONCLUSION

IL-6 is associated with progression of CAC and mortality in incident dialysis patients.

Role of Bempedoic Acid in Clinical Practice

Many patients do not achieve optimal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels with statins alone; others are unable to tolerate statin therapy. Additional non-statin treatment options including ezetimibe, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors, and bile acid sequestrants are often necessary to further reduce the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This review provides practical guidance as to the use of bempedoic acid to lower LDL-C and includes direction as to which patients may benefit and advice for safety monitoring during treatment. Bempedoic acid, a new class of agent, is a prodrug converted to bempedoyl-CoA by very long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 1, an enzyme with high expression in the liver but that is undetectable in the skeletal muscle. Bempedoic acid inhibits the enzyme adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-citrate lyase, which lies two steps upstream from β-hydroxy β-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. In clinical trials conducted in patients with or at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or familial heterozygous hypercholesterolemia, bempedoic acid in combination with statins and/or ezetimibe significantly reduced LDL-C, apolipoprotein B, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein compared with placebo. Bempedoic acid is generally well tolerated with no clinically meaningful increase in muscle-related symptoms relative to placebo, even in patients taking maximally tolerated statins. A small increase in serum uric acid (mean increase 0.8 mg/dL) is the most noteworthy adverse effect. Bempedoic acid provides an effective and generally well-tolerated medication to further reduce LDL-C in patients taking maximally tolerated statins or manage LDL-C levels in those who are unable to take statins. The potential for a reduced incidence of major cardiovascular events with bempedoic acid is being investigated in the CLEAR Outcomes trial, with results expected in 2023.

Association between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels and depression: Moderation by age, sex, obesity, and aerobic physical activity

BACKGROUND

Low-grade systemic inflammation evidenced by elevated serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels can be a biomarker for depression. This study aimed to investigate the association between serum hsCRP levels and depressive symptoms and to explore the potential moderating effects of age, sex, body mass index (BMI), and aerobic physical activity on the association.

METHODS

Data of 10,702 adults (≥ 19 years) were obtained from the nationwide cross-sectional Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys of 2016 and 2018. Significant depressive symptoms were defined as ≥ 10 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and high hsCRP level was defined as > 3.0 mg/L.

RESULTS

Adults with high hsCRP levels were more likely to have depressive symptoms (odds ratio [OR]: 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07-1.84) and suicidal ideation (OR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.07-1.80) than those with low hsCRP levels. In the age- and sex-stratified analysis, high hsCRP levels were associated with depressive symptoms in the non-geriatric population (age ≤ 64 years) alone, with a higher OR in males than females. In subgroup analyses, the association between them was observed only among obese adults and adults without aerobic physical activity.

LIMITATIONS

Causal interpretation is limited due to the cross-sectional design.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results replicate previous findings of an association between high hsCRP levels and depressive symptoms in adults using a large nationally representative sample. The association between them was more prominent in the non-geriatric population, males, obese adults, and those without aerobic physical activity.

The effects of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein on the clinical outcomes in obstructive sleep apnea patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

PURPOSE

To investigate the relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), and their respective impact on the clinical outcomes in patients undergoing off-pump cardiac artery bypass grafting (OPCABG).

METHODS

We enrolled consecutive eligible patients listed for elective OPCABG who underwent cardiorespiratory polygraphy before surgery between January 2019 and December 2019 in this prospective observational single-center study. Baseline, intraoperative, and postoperative clinical data were compared between absent-mild and moderate-severe OSA groups. Regression analysis investigated the relationship between Hs-CRP level and severity of OSA, and further assessed the factors influencing postoperative atrial fibrillation, duration of hospitalization, and hospital cost.

RESULTS

Patients with moderate-severe OSA accounted for 42.3% (52/123) of the cohort. Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2), Hs-CRP, apnea hypopnea index (AHI), mean apnea time, maximum apnea time, and oxygen desaturation index ODI ≥ 3% were significantly higher in the moderate-severe OSA group than in the absent-mild OSA group. Left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF), lowest arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), and mean SaO2 were significantly lower in the moderate-severe OSA group. Moderate-severe OSA was associated with elevated Hs-CRP level (OR = 2.356, 95% CI 1.101-5.041, P = 0.027). Hs-CRP was an independent risk factor for post-CABG atrial fibrillation (POAF) (OR = 1.212, P = 0.01). Hs-CRP level independently correlated with duration of hospitalization (B = 0.456, P = 0.001) and hospital cost (B = 1.111, P = 0.044).

CONCLUSION

Hs-CRP level was closely related to OSA severity and have potential utility in predicting POAF, duration of hospitalization, and hospital costs in patients undergoing OPCABG.

Long-term impact of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in patients with intermittent claudication due to peripheral artery disease following endovascular treatment

Little is known about the prognostic impact of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels on causes of death during long-term follow-up. We, therefore, investigated the associations between hs-CRP and clinical outcomes in the patients with intermittent claudication. Three hundred thirty-five consecutive patients (mean age, 72 ± 8 years, 82% men) undergoing first intervention for de novo iliac and/or femoropopliteal artery lesions from 2009 to 2020 were studied. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the optimal cutoff value of hs-CRP (> or ≤ 0.15 mg/dL). The median follow-up duration was 3.6 years (interquartile range, 1.0-6.2 years). Although the cumulative incidence rate of major adverse cardiovascular limb events was not significantly different between the higher and lower hs-CRP groups (29.0 and 22.1%, respectively; log-rank test, p = 0.410), that of all-cause death was significantly higher in the higher hs-CRP group than in the lower hs-CRP group (18.7 vs. 5.8%, log-rank test, p = 0.007), even in cardiovascular-related death and malignancy-related death (log-rank test, p = 0.030 and 0.046, respectively). Higher hs-CRP levels at the time of intervention were significantly associated with higher frequency of all-cause death, even after adjusting for other risk factors (hazard ratio 2.79; 95% confidence interval 1.66-7.17, p = 0.024). In addition, malignancy-related death was most frequent as high as 60% (21/35 deaths), and elevated hs-CRP levels and the Brinkman index were strongly independent predictors of malignancy-related death. In conclusion, elevated hs-CRP levels were significantly associated with cardiovascular-related and malignancy-related deaths in patients with intermittent claudication. Furthermore, the result that cancer mortality exceeds cardiovascular mortality is different from previous reports, so the present findings warrant further investigation.

Effect of Bempedoic Acid on atherogenic lipids and inflammation: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Bempedoic acid is a novel non-statin drug that was developed to treat hyperlipidemia in combination with other lipid-lowering drugs in those patients who need additional lipid lowering.

OBJECTIVES

(1) To investigate the lipid efficacy of bempedoic acid; (2) to analyze the anti-inflammatory effects of bempedoic acid estimated through high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP).

METHODS

We performed a meta-analysis including randomized trials of bempedoic acid therapy, reporting low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), apolipoprotein B and hsCRP with a minimum of 4 weeks of follow-up. The primary endpoint was defined as the percentage change in lipids and hsCRP levels measured from baseline to follow-up, comparing groups of subjects on bempedoic acid versus placebo.

RESULTS

Seven eligible trials of bempedoic acid (3892 patients) were included. The bempedoic acid therapy was associated with a significant reduction in LDL-C levels [-20.3% (CI 95% -23.5 to -17.1)]; I²=43%]. Similarly, a significant percentage reduction in the apolipoprotein B levels [-14.3% (CI 95% -16.4 to -12.1)]; p<0.05; I²=46%], non-HDL-C levels [-15.5% (CI 95% -18.1 to -13.0)]; p<0.05; I²=53%] and hsCRP [-23.4% (CI 95% -32.6 to -14.2)]; p<0.05; I²=69%] was demonstrated with the bempedoic acid use. The sensitivity analysis showed that the results were robust.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggests that the use of bempedoic acid significantly reduces the levels of all atherogenic lipid markers, including LDL-C, non-HDL-C and apolipoprotein B. Furthermore, considering hsCRP levels, the drug produces an anti-inflammatory effect.

Serum High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Levels and the Development of Atrial Fibrillation in a General Japanese Population - The Hisayama Study

BACKGROUND

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia in the elderly, and causes complications such as cardioembolic stroke. Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation, has been reported to be a risk factor for developing AF in Western countries. However, few community-based studies have examined this issue in general Asian populations.Methods and Results:A total of 2,510 community-dwelling Japanese participants aged ≥40 years without a history of AF were divided into 4 groups according to the sex-specific quartiles of serum hs-CRP concentrations (Q1, lowest and Q4, highest) and followed up for 24 years. The hazard ratios and their 95% confidence intervals for the development of AF were estimated using a Cox proportional hazards model. During the follow up, 234 subjects developed AF. The risk of AF increased significantly with elevating serum hs-CRP levels after adjustment for potential confounding factors (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval], Q1, 1.00 [reference]; Q2, 1.26 [0.83-1.92]; Q3, 1.77 [1.18-2.66]; and Q4, 1.89 [1.24-2.86]; P for trend <0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The study findings suggest that elevated serum hs-CRP levels are an independent risk factor for the development of AF in a general Japanese population.

Predictive Value of Cystatin C for Stroke Recurrence in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke

BACKGROUND

This study explored the value of cystatin C (CysC) in predicting stroke recurrence in patients with acute ischemic stroke.Methods and Results:This was a post hoc analysis of the China Antihypertensive Trial in Acute Ischemic Stroke (CATIS) on 3,474 acute ischemic stroke patients with documented serum CysC and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) concentrations. Study outcomes included stroke recurrence and combined vascular events within 2 years after stroke. In stroke patients with higher (i.e., ≥4.8ng/mL), but not lower, hsCRP concentrations, a higher CysC concentration (i.e., ≥0.78 mg/L) was associated with a 2.48-fold increase in the risk of recurrent stroke (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.37-4.51; P=0.003) and a 2.04-fold increase in the risk of vascular events (95% CI 1.27-3.28; P=0.003). Serum hsCRP concentrations significantly modified the association of serum CysC with recurrent stroke (P_interaction=0.001) and vascular events (P_interaction=0.007). Moreover, CysC may improve reclassification of stroke recurrence (net reclassification improvement [NRI] 42.9%, P=0.001; integrated discrimination improvement [IDI] 1.2%, P=0.001) and vascular events (NRI 35.8%, P=0.001; IDI 1.1%, P=0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

In ischemic stroke patients with high hsCRP concentrations, higher CysC concentrations increased the risk of stroke recurrence and vascular events. This indicates that the predictive value of CysC on stroke recurrence may depend on the inflammation status of patients.

Adding high-sensitivity C-reactive protein to frailty assessment to predict mortality and cardiovascular events in elderly inpatients with cardiovascular disease

OBJECTIVE

Chronic inflammation is associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), mortality, and frailty. Our aim was to add high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) to the frailty assessment to predict its association with prognosis of older adults with cardiovascular disease (CVD).

METHODS

A comprehensive geriatric assessment was conducted at baseline in 720 in-patients aged ≥65 years with CVD. We divided the population into frailty and non-frailty groups according to the Fried phenotype, and hsCRP was further combined with frailty to stratify all patients into c-frailty and non-c-frailty groups. Predictive validity was tested using Cox proportional hazards regression model analysis and the discriminative ability was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

RESULTS

Of all the subjects enrolled, 51.0% were male and the mean age was 75.32 ± 6.52 years. The all-cause death and MACE rate was 6.4% at the 1-year follow-up. Frailty and c-frailty were independent predictors of all-cause death and MACE (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.55, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.35-4.83, p = 0.004; HR: 3.67, 95% CI: 1.83-7.39, p < 0.001). Adding hsCRP to the frailty model resulted in a significant increase in the area under the ROC curve from 0.74 (95% CI: 0.70-0.77) to 0.77 (95% CI: 0.71-0.84) (p = 0.0132) and a net reclassification index of 7.9% (95% CI: 1.96%-12.56%, p = 0.012).

CONCLUSION

Adding hsCRP to the frailty assessment is helpful to identify a subgroup of older CVD patients with a higher risk of death and MACE over a period of 1 year.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ChiCTR1800017204; date of registration: 07/18/2018. URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=28931.

Metabolic syndrome, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels and the risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation: Results from the Kailuan Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Some studies have reported that metabolic syndrome (MS) and a high inflammatory state are risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF). However, the combined effect of MS and a high inflammatory state on AF is still unknown. We aimed to investigate the association of MS and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels with the risk of AF in a large community-based population.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 81,092 subjects from the Kailuan Study with electrocardiogram examination and hs-CRP data at baseline (1st examination, 2006-2007) were included in this study. The enrolled population was divided into 4 groups according to the presence or absence of metabolic syndrome and high hs-CRP (>3 mg/L). The follow-up examinations were performed every two years (2nd examination, 2008-2009; 3rd examination, 2010-2011; 4th examination, 2012-2013; 5th examination, 2014-2015). All participants were followed until the occurrence of AF or the date of the last examination. After a mean time of 7.2 ± 2.0 years, a total of 271 individuals developed incident AF. MS or high hs-CRP alone was not associated with incident AF after multivariable adjustment. However, multiple Cox regression analysis showed that subjects with MS and hs-CRP > 3 mg/L had a greater risk for AF than those without MS and with hs-CRP ≤ 3 mg/L (hazard ratio, 1.61; 95% confidence interval 1.08-2.41; P = 0.019).

CONCLUSION

MS combined with a high hs-CRP level is associated with an increased risk for AF in the Chinese population. However, the mechanism is unknown and awaits further study. TRIAL REGISTRATION SITE: http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

ChiCTR-TNRC-11001489.

Peripheral inflammation is associated with dysfunctional corticostriatal circuitry and executive dysfunction in bipolar disorder patients

Bipolar disorder (BD) has been linked to abnormal frontal and striatal function, and elevated inflammatory responses. However, the impact of peripheral inflammation on the corticostriatal functional connectivity (FC) remains obscure in BD. The current study aimed to explore the association between peripheral inflammation and corticostriatal connectivity in euthymic BD. We recruited 25 euthymic BD patients and 43 healthy controls (HCs) from the community. Resting state functional images were obtained using 3T magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and striatal seed-based whole-brain functional connectivity analyses were performed, with the fasting plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level entered as a regressor of interest. The participants also completed the Wisconsin Card-Sorting Test (WCST) and the Continuous Performance Test (CPT). The euthymic BD group had a similar hs-CRP level to the HC group, but a significantly poorer cognitive performance. Compared with the HC group, a higher connectivity between the right dorsal caudal putamen (dcP) and the ventral lateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC) in the BD group was significantly correlated with a higher hs-CRP level. Stronger dcP-vlPFC connectivity was correlated with a lower CPT unmasked d' in the BD group. BD patients might be particularly sensitive to the effects of inflammation on corticostriatal connectivity. The potentially greater sensitivity of BD patients to peripheral inflammation may differentially modulate the cognitive and reward related corticostriatal circuitry, which may contribute to the pathophysiology of cognitive-affective dysregulation in the euthymic state. Anti-inflammatory or other circuit-specific treatment is warranted for individualized treatment in BD.

The Predictive Value of Procalcitonin and High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein for Early Bacterial Infections in Preterm Neonates

INTRODUCTION

Evidence on the reliability of using procalcitonin (PCT) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) as diagnostic markers for early-onset neonatal bacterial infections is still insufficient because of their physiological elevation during the early neonatal period. This study aimed to assess the respiratory influence of serum PCT and hs-CRP levels and evaluate their predictive value for bacterial infections during the first 72 h of life in preterm neonates.

METHODS

The preterm neonates enrolled in this single-center retrospective cohort study were categorized into 3 groups: reference, infection-unlikely respiratory failure, and probable bacterial infection; their serum PCT and hs-CRP levels were assessed. Subsequently, age-specific 95th percentile curves were plotted and the median and cutoff PCT and hs-CRP levels for predicting bacterial infections at birth and 7-18, 19-36, and 37-72 h after birth were determined. Moreover, the analysis of PCT and hs-CRP with a neonatal sequential organ failure assessment (nSOFA) score was performed in very low birth weight neonates.

RESULTS

Serum PCT levels were influenced by respiratory failure. A significant difference was found in the median PCT and hs-CRP levels among the 3 groups at each time point. PCT sensitivities for predicting bacterial infection were slightly higher than those of hs-CRP in each time frame during the first 72 h of life. In both PCT and hs-CRP, there was no significant difference between infants with nSOFA scores of >4 and those with nSOFA scores of ≤4.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

Age-specific evaluation showed that PCT has better predictive value than hs-CRP for early-onset bacterial infections in preterm neonates.

Association of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio with non-calcified coronary artery burden in psoriasis: Findings from an observational cohort study

BACKGROUND

Inflammation in the form of elevated high-sensitivity c-reactive protein (hs-CRP) has been shown to be critical in the development of atherothrombosis. Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, is associated with high systemic-inflammation, elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and accelerated non-calcified coronary artery burden (NCB) by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). We hypothesized that NLR would associate with early, rupture-prone atherosclerosis assessed as NCB independent of hs-CRP.

METHODS

316 consecutive psoriasis participants were recruited with 233 having one-year follow-up as part of a prospective, observational cohort study design. CCTA scans were performed to assess NCB in all three major epicardial coronary arteries.

RESULTS

Patients with above average NLR (>mean: 2.29 ​± ​1.21) were older (mean ​± ​SD; 52.0 ​± ​12.8 vs. 47.9 ​± ​12.6, p ​= ​0.002), had higher hs-CRP (med. IQR: 2.3 (0.9-7.3) vs. 1.4 (0.7-3.2), p ​= ​0.001) and had higher NCB (mean ​± ​SD; 1.21 ​± ​0.58 vs. 1.13 ​± ​0.49, p ​= ​0.018) when compared to patients with below average NLR. NLR associated with psoriasis area severity index score (β ​= ​0.14, p ​= ​0.017), hs-CRP (β ​= ​0.16, p ​= ​0.005), as well as NCB independent of traditional risk factors, body mass index, statin use and hs-CRP (β ​= ​0.08, p ​= ​0.009). One year of biologic therapy for psoriasis was associated with a reduction in NLR (-14.5%, p ​< ​0.001), and this change in NLR associated with change in NCB in fully adjusted models and beyond hs-CRP (β ​= ​0.17, p ​= ​0.002).

CONCLUSION

NLR associated with psoriasis severity, hs-CRP and NCB at baseline. Biologic therapy reduced NLR over time and this change in NLR associated with the change in NCB at one-year. Taken together, these findings suggest that NLR may capture psoriasis patients at higher risk of NCB due to residual inflammation not fully captured by hs-CRP.