1. |
- Aimo, Alberto, et al.
(author)
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High-sensitivity troponin T, NT-proBNP and glomerular filtration rate : A multimarker strategy for risk stratification in chronic heart failure
- 2019
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In: International Journal of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0167-5273 .- 1874-1754. ; 277, s. 166-172
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: In a recent individual patient data meta-analysis, high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT) emerged as robust predictor of prognosis in stable chronic heart failure (HF). In the same population, we compared the relative predictive performances of hs-TnT, N-terminal fraction of pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), hs-C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) for prognosis.Methods and results: 9289 patients (66 ± 12 years, 77% men, 85% LVEF <40%, 60% ischemic HF) were evaluated over a 2.4-year median follow-up. Median eGFR was 58 mL/min/1.73 m2 (interquartile interval 46–70; n = 9220), hs-TnT 16 ng/L (8–20; n = 9289), NT-proBNP 1067 ng/L (433–2470; n = 8845), and hs-CRP 3.3 mg/L (1.4–7.8; n = 7083). In a model including all 3 biomarkers, only hs-TnT and NT-proBNP were independent predictors of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality and cardiovascular hospitalization. hs-TnT was a stronger predictor than NT-proBNP: for example, the risk for all-cause death increased by 54% per doubling of hs-TnT vs. 24% per doubling of NT-proBNP. eGFR showed independent prognostic value from both hs-TnT and NT-proBNP. The best hs-TnT and NT-proBNP cut-offs for the prediction of all-cause death increased progressively with declining renal function (eGFR ≥ 90: hs-TnT 13 ng/L and NT-proBNP 825 ng/L; eGFR < 30: hs-TnT 40 ng/L and NT-proBNP 4608 ng/L). Patient categorization according to these cut-offs effectively stratified patient prognosis across all eGFR classes.Conclusions: hs-TnT conveys independent prognostic information from NT-proBNP, while hs-CRP does not. Concomitant assessment of eGFR may further refine risk stratification. Patient classification according to hs-TnT and NT-proBNP cut-offs specific for the eGFR classes holds prognostic significance.
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2. |
- Aimo, Alberto, et al.
(author)
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Prognostic Value of High-Sensitivity Troponin T in Chronic Heart Failure : An Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis
- 2018
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In: Circulation. - 0009-7322 .- 1524-4539. ; 137:3, s. 286-297
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Most patients with chronic heart failure have detectable troponin concentrations when evaluated by high-sensitivity assays. The prognostic relevance of this finding has not been clearly established so far. We aimed to assess high-sensitivity troponin assay for risk stratification in chronic heart failure through a meta-analysis approach.Methods: Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Scopus were searched in April 2017 by 2 independent authors. The terms were “troponin” AND “heart failure” OR “cardiac failure” OR “cardiac dysfunction” OR “cardiac insufficiency” OR “left ventricular dysfunction.” Inclusion criteria were English language, clinical stability, use of a high-sensitivity troponin assay, follow-up studies, and availability of individual patient data after request to authors. Data retrieved from articles and provided by authors were used in agreement with the PRISMA statement. The end points were all-cause death, cardiovascular death, and hospitalization for cardiovascular cause.Results: Ten studies were included, reporting data on 11 cohorts and 9289 patients (age 66±12 years, 77% men, 60% ischemic heart failure, 85% with left ventricular ejection fraction <40%). High-sensitivity troponin T data were available for all patients, whereas only 209 patients also had high-sensitivity troponin I assayed. When added to a prognostic model including established risk markers (sex, age, ischemic versus nonischemic etiology, left ventricular ejection fraction, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and N-terminal fraction of pro-B-type natriuretic peptide), high-sensitivity troponin T remained independently associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 1.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.41–1.55), cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio, 1.40; 95% confidence interval, 1.33–1.48), and cardiovascular hospitalization (hazard ratio, 1.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.36–1.49), over a median 2.4-year follow-up (all P<0.001). High-sensitivity troponin T significantly improved risk prediction when added to a prognostic model including the variables above. It also displayed an independent prognostic value for all outcomes in almost all population subgroups. The area under the curve–derived 18 ng/L cutoff yielded independent prognostic value for the 3 end points in both men and women, patients with either ischemic or nonischemic etiology, and across categories of renal dysfunction.Conclusions: In chronic heart failure, high-sensitivity troponin T is a strong and independent predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, and of hospitalization for cardiovascular causes, as well. This biomarker then represents an additional tool for prognostic stratification.
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3. |
- Aimo, Alberto, et al.
(author)
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Revisiting the obesity paradox in heart failure : Per cent body fat as predictor of biomarkers and outcome
- 2019
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In: European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. - : Sage Publications. - 2047-4873 .- 2047-4881. ; 26:16, s. 1751-1759
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims Obesity defined by body mass index (BMI) is characterized by better prognosis and lower plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in heart failure. We assessed whether another anthropometric measure, per cent body fat (PBF), reveals different associations with outcome and heart failure biomarkers (NT-proBNP, high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT), soluble suppression of tumorigenesis-2 (sST2)). Methods In an individual patient dataset, BMI was calculated as weight (kg)/height (m) (2) , and PBF through the Jackson-Pollock and Gallagher equations. Results Out of 6468 patients (median 68 years, 78% men, 76% ischaemic heart failure, 90% reduced ejection fraction), 24% died over 2.2 years (1.5-2.9), 17% from cardiovascular death. Median PBF was 26.9% (22.4-33.0%) with the Jackson-Pollock equation, and 28.0% (23.8-33.5%) with the Gallagher equation, with an extremely strong correlation (r = 0.996, p < 0.001). Patients in the first PBF tertile had the worst prognosis, while patients in the second and third tertile had similar survival. The risks of all-cause and cardiovascular death decreased by up to 36% and 27%, respectively, per each doubling of PBF. Furthermore, prognosis was better in the second or third PBF tertiles than in the first tertile regardless of model variables. Both BMI and PBF were inverse predictors of NT-proBNP, but not hs-TnT. In obese patients (BMI >= 30 kg/m(2), third PBF tertile), hs-TnT and sST2, but not NT-proBNP, independently predicted outcome. Conclusion In parallel with increasing BMI or PBF there is an improvement in patient prognosis and a decrease in NT-proBNP, but not hs-TnT or sST2. hs-TnT or sST2 are stronger predictors of outcome than NT-proBNP among obese patients.
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4. |
- Andersen, Thomas, et al.
(author)
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C-X-C Ligand 16 Is an Independent Predictor of Cardiovascular Death and Morbidity in Acute Coronary Syndromes
- 2019
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In: Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology. - 1079-5642 .- 1524-4636. ; 39:11, s. 2402-2410
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective:The chemokine CXCL16 (C-X-C motif ligand 16) is a scavenger receptor for OxLDL (oxidized low-density lipoproteins) and involved in inflammation at sites of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the association of CXCL16 with clinical outcome in patients with acute coronary syndrome.Approach and Results:Serial measurements of CXCL16 were performed in a subgroup of 5142 patients randomized in the PLATO trial (Platelet Inhibition and Patient Outcome). Associations between CXCL16 and a composite of cardiovascular death, spontaneous myocardial infarction or stroke, and the individual components were assessed by multivariable Cox regression analyses. The hazard ratio per 50% increase in admission levels of CXCL16 analyzed as continuous variable was 1.64 (95% CI, 1.44-1.88), P<0.0001. This association remained statistically significant after adjustment for randomized treatment, clinical variables, CRP (C-reactive protein), leukocytes, cystatin C, NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide), troponin T, GDF-15 (growth differentiation factor 15), and other biomarkers; hazard ratio 1.23 (1.05-1.45), P=0.0126. The admission level of CXCL16 was independently associated with cardiovascular death (1.50 [1.17-1.92], P=0.0014) but not with ischemic events alone, in fully adjusted analyses. No statistically independent association was found between CXCL16 measured at 1 month, or change in CXCL16 from admission to 1 month, and clinical outcomes.Conclusions:In patients with acute coronary syndrome, admission level of CXCL16 is independently related to adverse clinical outcomes, mainly driven by an association to cardiovascular death. Thus, CXCL16 measurement may enhance risk stratification in patients with this condition.
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5. |
- Arora, Satish, et al.
(author)
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Effect of Everolimus Initiation and Calcineurin Inhibitor Elimination on Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy in De Novo Heart Transplant Recipients
- 2018
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In: Circulation. Heart failure. - 1941-3297. ; 11:9, s. 004050-004050
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) limits survival after heart transplantation, and the effect of different immunosuppressive regimens on CAV is not fully understood. The randomized SCHEDULE trial (Scandinavian Heart Transplant Everolimus De Novo Study With Early Calcineurin Inhibitors Avoidance) evaluated whether initiation of the proliferation signal inhibitor everolimus and early cyclosporine elimination can reduce CAV development. Methods and Results The SCHEDULE trial was a multicenter Scandinavian trial, where 115 de novo heart transplantation recipients were randomized to everolimus with complete cyclosporine withdrawal 7 to 11 weeks after heart transplantation or standard cyclosporine-based immunosuppression. Seventy-six (66%) patients had matched intravascular ultrasound examinations at baseline and 12 and 36 months. Intravascular ultrasound analysis evaluated maximal intimal thickness, percent atheroma volume, and total atheroma volume. Qualitative plaque analysis using virtual histology assessed fibrous, fibrofatty, and calcified tissue as well as necrotic core. Serum inflammatory markers were measured in parallel. The everolimus group (n=37) demonstrated significantly reduced CAV progression as compared with the cyclosporine group (n=39) at 36 months (Δ maximal intimal thickness, 0.09±0.05 versus 0.15±0.16 mm [ P=0.03]; Δ percent atheroma volume, 5.3±2.8% versus 7.6±5.9% [ P=0.03]; and Δ total atheroma volume, 33.9±71.2 versus 54.2±96.0 mm3 [ P=0.34], respectively]. At 36 months the number of everolimus patients with rejection graded ≥2R was 15 (41%) as compared with 5 (13%) in the cyclosporine group ( P=0.01). Everolimus did not affect CAV morphology or immune marker activity during the follow-up period. Conclusions The SCHEDULE trial demonstrates that everolimus initiation and early cyclosporine elimination significantly reduces CAV progression at 12 months, and this beneficial effect is clearly sustained at 36 months. Clinical trial registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT01266148.
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6. |
- Arora, Satish, et al.
(author)
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Effect of Everolimus Introduction on Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy-Results of a Randomized, Multicenter Trial
- 2011
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In: Transplantation. - : Williams and Wilkins. - 0041-1337 .- 1534-6080. ; 92:2, s. 235-243
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background. Everolimus reduces the progression of cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) in de novo heart transplant (HTx) recipients, but the influence on established CAV is unknown. Methods. In this Nordic Certican Trial in Heart and lung Transplantation substudy, 111 maintenance HTx recipients (time post-HTx 5.8 +/- 4.3 years) randomized to everolimus+reduced calcineurin inhibitor (CNI) or standard CNI had matching (intravascular ultrasound) examinations at baseline and 12 months allowing accurate assessment of CAV progression. Results. No significant difference in CAV progression was evident between the treatment groups (P=0.30). When considering patients receiving concomitant azathioprine (AZA) therapy (n=39), CAV progression was attenuated with everolimus versus standard CNI (Delta maximal intimal thickness 0.00 +/- 0.04 and 0.04 +/- 0.04 mm, Delta percent atheroma volume 0.2%+/- 3.0% and 2.6%+/- 2.5%, and Delta total atheroma volume 0.25 +/- 14.1 and 19.8 +/- 20.4 mm(3), respectively [Pless than0.05]). When considering patients receiving mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), accelerated CAV progression occurred with everolimus versus standard CNI (Delta maximal intimal thickness 0.06 +/- 0.12 vs. 0.02 +/- 0.06 mm and Delta percent atheroma volume 4.0%+/- 6.3% vs. 1.4%+/- 3.1%, respectively; Pless than0.05). The levels of C-reactive protein and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 declined significantly with AZA+everolimus, whereas MMF+everolimus patients demonstrated a significant increase in levels of C-reactive protein, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, and von Willebrand factor. Conclusions. Conversion to everolimus and reduced CNI does not influence CAV progression among maintenance HTx recipients. However, background immunosuppressive therapy is important as AZA+everolimus patients demonstrated attenuated CAV progression and a decline in inflammatory markers, whereas the opposite pattern was seen with everolimus +MMF. The different effect of everolimus when combined with AZA versus MMF could potentially reflect hitherto unknown interactions.
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7. |
- Berg, Aase, et al.
(author)
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Complement Activation Correlates With Disease Severity and Contributes to Cytokine Responses in Plasmodium falciparum Malaria
- 2015
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In: The Internet Journal of Infectious Diseases. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1528-8366 .- 0022-1899 .- 1537-6613. ; 212:11, s. 1835-1840
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The impact of complement activation and its possible relation to cytokine responses during malaria pathology was investigated in plasma samples from patients with confirmed Plasmodium falciparum malaria and in human whole-blood specimens stimulated with malaria-relevant agents ex vivo. Complement was significantly activated in the malaria cohort, compared with healthy controls, and was positively correlated with disease severity and with certain cytokines, in particular interleukin 8 (IL-8)/CXCL8. This was confirmed in ex vivo-stimulated blood specimens, in which complement inhibition significantly reduced IL-8/CXCL8 release. P. falciparum malaria is associated with systemic complement activation and complement-dependent release of inflammatory cytokines, of which IL-8/CXCL8 is particularly prominent.
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8. |
- Bollerslev, Jens, et al.
(author)
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Effect of surgery on cardiovascular risk factors in mild primary hyperparathyroidism.
- 2009
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In: The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism. - : The Endocrine Society. - 1945-7197 .- 0021-972X. ; 94:7, s. 2255-61
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- CONTEXT: Mild primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) seems to have a good prognosis, and indications for active treatment (surgery) are widely discussed. The extraskeletal effects of PTH, such as insulin resistance, arterial hypertension, and cardiovascular (CV) risk, may however be reversible by operation. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to study biochemical markers of bone turnover, indices of the metabolic syndrome, and various risk markers for CV disease in patients with mild pHPT randomized to observation without surgery or operative treatment and followed for 2 yr. DESIGN/SETTING/PATIENTS: A total of 116 patients (mean age, 63 +/- 8 yr; 19 men and 97 women) who on May 1, 2008, had performed the 2-yr visit in a randomized study on mild pHPT (serum calcium at baseline, 2.69 +/- 0.11 mmol/liter) and where frozen samples were available from baseline and follow-up participated in the study. RESULTS: Calcium and PTH levels were normalized after surgery, and biochemical markers of bone turnover decreased by 35%, followed by a significant increase in BMD in the spine (2.7%; P < 0.01) and femoral neck (1.1%; P < 0.02) compared with the observation group. No significant differences were observed between the groups for blood pressure, markers of insulin resistance, detailed cholesterol metabolism, adipokines, or parameters of inflammation and CV surrogate markers. CONCLUSIONS: We observed expected effects on biochemical markers of bone turnover and bone mass after surgical treatment of mild pHPT, with stable values in the group randomized to observation. For a variety of measures of the metabolic syndrome, adipokines, and CV risk factors, no benefit of operative treatment could be demonstrated. Neither did we observe any deleterious effects of conservative management in the 2-yr perspective.
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9. |
- Broch, Kaspar, et al.
(author)
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Soluble ST2 is associated with adverse outcome in patients with heart failure of ischaemic aetiology
- 2012
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In: European Journal of Heart Failure. - : Wiley. - 1388-9842 .- 1879-0844. ; 14:3, s. 268-277
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims: In patients with ischaemic heart failure (HF), myocardial dysfunction often progresses. Elevated levels of soluble ST2 (sST2) are associated with a poor prognosis, but an association between sST2 and worsening heart failure per se has not been established. We assessed the association between sST2 and cause-specific outcome in 1449 patients enrolled in the Controlled Rosuvastatin Multinational Trial in Heart Failure (CORONA study). Methods and results: Soluble ST2 was measured with a highly sensitive immunoassay in 1449 patients ≥60 years of age with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤40% due to ischaemic heart disease. By Cox regression analyses, we found sST2 to be associated with the primary endpoint, i.e. a composite of cadiovascular (CV) death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or stroke, as well as all pre-defined secondary endpoints in the CORONA study, even after adjustment for baseline clinical variables. After adjustment for N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide and C-reactive protein, the association between sST2 and the primary endpoint was attenuated and no longer statistically significant. However, sST2 remained associated with death due to worsening HF, hospitalization due to worsening HF, and hospitalization due to any CV cause, even after full adjustment. Conclusions: Soluble ST2 is associated with adverse outcomes in older patients with systolic, ischaemic HF. In particular, sST2 is independently associated with worsening HF. © The Author 2012.
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10. |
- Caidahl, Kenneth, 1949, et al.
(author)
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Homeostatic Chemokines and Prognosisin Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes.
- 2019
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In: Journal of the American College of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1558-3597 .- 0735-1097. ; 74:6, s. 774-782
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The chemokines CCL19 and CCL21 are up-regulated in atherosclerotic disease and heart failure, and increased circulating levels are found in unstable versus stable coronary artery disease.The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of CCL19 and CCL21 in acute coronary syndrome (ACS).CCL19 and CCL21 levels were analyzed in serum obtained from ACS patients (n=1,146) on the first morning after hospital admission. Adjustments were made for GRACE (Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events) score, left ventricular ejection fraction, pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, troponin I, and C-reactive protein levels.The major findings were: 1) those having fourth quartile levels of CCL21 on admission of ACS had a significantly higher long-term (median 98months) risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and myocardial infarction in fully adjusted multivariable models; 2) high CCL21 levels at admission were also independently associated with MACE and cardiovascular mortality during short-time (3months) follow-up; and 3) high CCL19 levels at admission were associated with the development of heart failure.CCL21 levels are independently associated with outcome after ACS and should be further investigated as a promising biomarker in these patients.
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11. |
- Gregersen, Ida, et al.
(author)
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Legumain in Acute Coronary Syndromes : A Substudy of the PLATO (Platelet Inhibition and Patient Outcomes) Trial
- 2020
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In: Journal of the American Heart Association. - : WILEY. - 2047-9980. ; 9:17
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The cysteine protease legumain is increased in patients with atherosclerosis, but its causal role in atherogenesis and cardiovascular disease is still unclear. The aim of the study was to investigate the association of legumain with clinical outcome in a large cohort of patients with acute coronary syndrome. METHODS AND RESULTS : Serum levels of legumain were analyzed in 4883 patients with acute coronary syndrome from a substudy of the PLATO (Platelet Inhibition and Patient Outcomes) trial. Levels were analyzed at admission and after 1 month follow-up. Associations between legumain and a composite of cardiovascular death, spontaneous myocardial infarction or stroke, and its individual components were assessed by multivariable Cox regression analyses. At baseline, a 50% increase in legumain level was associated with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.13 (95% CI, 1.04-1.21),P=0.0018, for the primary composite end point, adjusted for randomized treatment. The association remained significant after adjustment for important clinical and demographic variables (HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.02-1.19;P=0.013) but not in the fully adjusted model. Legumain levels at 1 month were not associated with the composite end point but were negatively associated with stroke (HR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44-0.88;P=0.0069), including in the fully adjusted model (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.37-0.88;P=0.0114). CONCLUSIONS: Baseline legumain was associated with the primary outcome in patients with acute coronary syndrome, but not in the fully adjusted model. The association between high levels of legumain at 1 month and decreased occurrence of stroke could be of interest from a mechanistic point of view, illustrating the potential dual role of legumain during atherogenesis and acute coronary syndrome. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT00391872.
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12. |
- Hoffmann-Vold, Anna Maria, et al.
(author)
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CCL21 as a Potential Serum Biomarker for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Systemic Sclerosis
- 2018
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In: Arthritis and Rheumatology. - : Wiley. - 2326-5191. ; 70:10, s. 1644-1653
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a major cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Murine models indicate key roles for chemokines CCL19 and CCL21 and their receptor CCR7 in lung inflammation leading to PAH. The objective of this study was to assess the chemokine CCL19–CCL21 axis in patients with SSc-related PAH. Methods: Serum samples obtained from 2 independent prospective SSc cohorts (n = 326), patients with idiopathic PAH (n = 12), and healthy control subjects (n = 100) were analyzed for CCL19/CCL21 levels, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The levels were defined as either high or low, using the mean + 2 SD value in controls as the cutoff value. Risk stratification at the time of PAH diagnosis and PAH-related events were performed. Descriptive and Cox regression analyses were conducted. Results: CCL21 levels were higher in patients with SSc compared with controls and were elevated prior to the diagnosis of PAH. PAH was more frequent in patients with high CCL21 levels (≥0.4 ng/ml) than in those with low CCL21 levels (33.3% versus 5.3% [P < 0.001]). In multivariate analyses, CCL21 was associated with PAH (hazard ratio [HR] 5.1, 95% CI 2.39–10.76 [P < 0.001]) and occurrence of PAH-related events (HR 4.7, 95% CI 2.12–10.46, P < 0.001). Risk stratification at the time of PAH diagnosis alone did not predict PAH-related events. However, when risk at diagnosis was combined with high or low CCL21 level, there was a significant predictive effect (HR 1.3, 95% CI 1.03–1.60 [P = 0.027]). A high CCL21 level was associated with decreased survival (P < 0.001). Conclusion: CCL21 appears to be a promising marker for predicting the risk of SSc-related PAH and PAH progression. CCL21 may be part of a dysregulated immune pathway linked to the development of lung vascular damage in SSc.
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13. |
- Holt, Margrethe Flesvig, et al.
(author)
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The Alternative Complement Pathway Is Activated Without a Corresponding Terminal Pathway Activation in Patients With Heart Failure
- 2021
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In: Frontiers in Immunology. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 1664-3224. ; 12
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective: Dysregulation of the complement system has been described in patients with heart failure (HF). However, data on the alternative pathway are scarce and it is unknown if levels of factor B (FB) and the C3 convertase C3bBbP are elevated in these patients. We hypothesized that plasma levels of FB and C3bBbP would be associated with disease severity and survival in patients with HF. Methods: We analyzed plasma levels of FB, C3bBbP, and terminal C5b-9 complement complex (TCC) in 343 HF patients and 27 healthy controls. Results: Compared with controls, patients with HF had elevated levels of circulating FB (1.6-fold, p < 0.001) and C3bBbP (1.3-fold, p < 0.001). In contrast, TCC, reflecting the terminal pathway, was not significantly increased (p = 0.15 vs controls). FB was associated with NT-proBNP, troponin, eGFR, and i.e., C-reactive protein. FB, C3bBbP and TCC were not associated with mortality in HF during a mean follow up of 4.3 years. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that in patients with HF, the alternative pathway is activated. However, this is not accompanied by activation of the terminal pathway.
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14. |
- Kontny, Frederic, et al.
(author)
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Pentraxin-3 vs C-reactive protein and other prognostic biomarkers in acute coronary syndrome : A substudy of the Platelet Inhibition and Patients Outcomes (PLATO) trial
- 2020
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In: European Heart Journal. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 2048-8726 .- 2048-8734. ; 9:4, s. 313-322
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- AIMS: We investigated the dynamics, associations with patient characteristics, other biomarkers, and clinical outcomes of pentraxin 3 in acute coronary syndrome.METHODS AND RESULTS: In multivariate analyses, pentraxin 3 measured in 5154 patients randomised in the Platelet Inhibition and Patients Outcomes (PLATO) trial (NCT00391872) was compared with leukocytes, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, cystatin C, N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide, high-sensitivity troponin T and growth differentiation factor 15 concerning prediction of clinical outcome. Pentraxin 3 peaked earlier than high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and was more strongly correlated with N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide and high-sensitivity troponin T than with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. The frequency of cardiovascular death, spontaneous myocardial infarction or stroke by quartiles of pentraxin 3 at admission was 6.1%, 7.3%, 9.7% and 10.7%, respectively ( p<0.0001). The hazard ratio per 50% increase of pentraxin 3 was 1.13 (95% confidence interval: 1.07-1.19), p<0.0001. This association remained significant after stepwise adjustments for leukocytes/high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (1.09 (1.02-1.15)), p=0.009, interleukin-6 (1.07 (1.01-1.14)), p=0.026, and cystatin C (1.07 (1.00-1.13)), p=0.044, but not after adjustment for N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide, high-sensitivity troponin T and growth differentiation factor 15. Admission pentraxin 3 was also associated with several of the individual endpoint components (cardiovascular death/spontaneous myocardial infarction; p=0.008, cardiovascular death; p=0.026, and spontaneous myocardial infarction; p=0.017), but not with stroke. Pentraxin 3 measured in the chronic phase (i.e. at one month) was still predictive of the composite endpoint in univariate analysis (1.12 (1.04-1.20) per 50% increase) p=0.0024, but not after adjustment for the other biomarkers.CONCLUSION: Admission level of pentraxin 3 is a modestly stronger predictor than high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, but not than N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide or high-sensitivity troponin T, concerning cardiovascular outcome in acute coronary syndrome. Pentraxin 3 is more strongly correlated with N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide and high-sensitivity troponin T than with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein.
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15. |
- Lekva, Tove, et al.
(author)
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Epithelial Splicing Regulator Protein 1 and Alternative Splicing in Somatotroph Adenomas
- 2013
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In: Endocrinology. - : The Endocrine Society. - 0013-7227 .- 1945-7170. ; 154:9, s. 3331-3343
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Somatotroph adenomas secrete supraphysiological amounts of GH, causing acromegaly. We have previously hypothesized that epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) may play a central role in the progression of these adenomas and that epithelial splicing regulator 1 (ESRP1) may function prominently as a master regulator of the EMT process in pituitary adenomas causing acromegaly. To further elucidate the role of ESRP1 in somatotroph adenomas and in EMT progression, we used RNA sequencing (RNAseq) to sequence somatotroph adenomas characterized by high and low ESRP1 levels. Transcripts identified by RNAseq were analyzed in 65 somatotroph adenomas and in GH-producing pituitary rat cells with a specific knockdown of Esrp1. The clinical importance of the transcripts was further investigated by correlating mRNA expression levels with clinical indices of disease activity and treatment response. Many of the transcripts and isoforms identified by RNAseq and verified by quantitative PCR were involved in vesicle transport and calcium signaling and were associated with clinical outcomes. Silencing Esrp1 in GH3 cells resulted in changes of gene expression overlapping the data observed in human somatotroph adenomas and revealed a decreased granulation pattern and attenuated GH release. We observed an alternative splicing pattern for F-box and leucine-rich repeat protein 20, depending on the ESPR1 levels and on changes in circulating IGF-I levels after somatostatin analog treatment. Our study indicates that ESRP1 in somatotroph adenomas regulates transcripts that may be essential in the EMT progression and in the response to somatostatin analog treatment.
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16. |
- Lunde, Ngoc Nguyen, et al.
(author)
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Legumain is upregulated in acute cardiovascular events and associated with improved outcome - potentially related to anti-inflammatory effects on macrophages
- 2020
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In: Atherosclerosis. - : Elsevier. - 0021-9150 .- 1879-1484. ; 296, s. 74-82
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background and aims: We have previously found increased levels of the cysteine protease legumain in plasma and plaques from patients with carotid atherosclerosis. This study further investigated legumain during acute cardiovascular events.Methods: Circulating levels of legumain from patients and legumain released from platelets were assessed by enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay. Quantitative PCR and immunoblotting were used to study expression, while localization was visualized by immunohistochemistry.Results: In the SUMMIT Malmo cohort (n = 339 with or without type 2 diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease [CVD], and 64 healthy controls), the levels of circulating legumain were associated with the presence of CVD in non-diabetics, with no relation to outcome. In symptomatic carotid plaques and in samples from both coronary and intracerebral thrombi obtained during acute cardiovascular events, legumain was co-localized with macrophages in the same regions as platelets. In vitro, legumain was shown to be present in and released from platelets upon activation. In addition, THP-1 macrophages exposed to releasate from activated platelets showed increased legumain expression. Interestingly, primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with recombinant legumain promoted anti-inflammatory responses. Finally, in a STEMI population (POSTEMI; n = 272), patients had significantly higher circulating legumain before and immediately after percutaneous coronary intervention compared with healthy controls (n = 67), and high levels were associated with improved outcome.Conclusions: Our data demonstrate for the first time that legumain is upregulated during acute cardiovascular events and is associated with improved outcome.
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17. |
- Marcks, Nick, et al.
(author)
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Re-appraisal of the obesity paradox in heart failure : a meta-analysis of individual data
- 2021
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In: Clinical Research in Cardiology. - : Springer Nature. - 1861-0684 .- 1861-0692. ; 110:8, s. 1280-1291
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background Higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with better outcome compared with normal weight in patients with HF and other chronic diseases. It remains uncertain whether the apparent protective role of obesity relates to the absence of comorbidities. Therefore, we investigated the effect of BMI on outcome in younger patients without co-morbidities as compared to older patients with co-morbidities in a large heart failure (HF) population. Methods In an individual patient data analysis from pooled cohorts, 5,819 patients with chronic HF and data available on BMI, co-morbidities and outcome were analysed. Patients were divided into four groups based on BMI (i.e. <= 18.5 kg/m(2), 18.5-25.0 kg/m(2); 25.0-30.0 kg/m(2); 30.0 kg/m(2)). Primary endpoints included all-cause mortality and HF hospitalization-free survival. Results Mean age was 65 +/- 12 years, with a majority of males (78%), ischaemic HF and HF with reduced ejection fraction. Frequency of all-cause mortality or HF hospitalization was significantly worse in the lowest two BMI groups as compared to the other two groups; however, this effect was only seen in patients older than 75 years or having at least one relevant co-morbidity, and not in younger patients with HF only. After including medications and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin concentrations into the model, the prognostic impact of BMI was largely absent even in the elderly group with co-morbidity. Conclusions The present study suggests that obesity is a marker of less advanced disease, but does not have an independent protective effect in patients with chronic HF. [GRAPHICS] .
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18. |
- Norum, Hilde M, et al.
(author)
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Circulating delta-like Notch ligand 1 is correlated with cardiac allograft vasculopathy and suppressed in heart transplant recipients on everolimus-based immunosuppression.
- 2019
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In: American journal of transplantation : official journal of the American Society of Transplantation and the American Society of Transplant Surgeons. - : Elsevier BV. - 1600-6143. ; 19:4, s. 1050-1060
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) causes heart failure after heart transplantation (HTx), but its pathogenesis is incompletely understood. Notch signaling, possibly modulated by everolimus (EVR), is essential for processes involved in CAV. We hypothesized that circulating Notch ligands would be dysregulated after HTx. We studied circulating delta-like Notch ligand 1 (DLL1) and periostin (POSTN) and CAV in de novo HTx recipients (n=70) randomized to standard or EVR-based, calcineurin inhibitor-free immunosuppression and in maintenance HTx recipients (n=41). Compared to healthy controls, plasma DLL1 and POSTN were elevated in de novo (P<.01; P<.001) and maintenance HTx recipients (P<.001; P<.01). Use of EVR was associated with a treatment effect for DLL1. For de novo HTx recipients, a change in DLL1 correlated with a change in CAV at 1 (P=.021) and 3years (P=.005). In vitro, activation of T cells increased DLL1 secretion, attenuated by EVR. In vitro data suggest that also endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) could contribute to circulating DLL1. Immunostaining of myocardial specimens showed colocalization of DLL1 with T cells, endothelial cells, and VSMCs. Our findings suggest a role of DLL1 in CAV progression, and that the beneficial effect of EVR on CAV could reflect a suppressive effect on DLL1. Trial registration numbers-SCHEDULE trial: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01266148; NOCTET trial: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00377962.
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19. |
- Omland, Torbjörn, et al.
(author)
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Circulating osteoprotegerin levels and long-term prognosis in patients with acute coronary syndromes.
- 2008
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In: Journal of the American College of Cardiology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1558-3597 .- 0735-1097. ; 51:6, s. 627-33
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to assess the association between osteoprotegerin (OPG) levels on admission and long-term prognosis in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). BACKGROUND: Osteoprotegerin, a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, has pleiotropic effects on bone metabolism, endocrine function, and the immune system. METHODS: Serum samples for OPG analysis were obtained within 24 h of admission in 897 ACS patients (median age 66 years, 71% men) and related to the incidence of death, heart failure (HF) hospitalizations, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke. RESULTS: A total of 261 patients died during a median follow-up of 89 months. The baseline OPG concentration was strongly associated with increased long-term mortality (hazard ratio [HR] for HR per 1 SD increase in logarithmically transformed OPG level 1.7 [range 1.5 to 1.9] p < 0.0001) and HF hospitalizations (HR 2.0 [range 1.6 to 2.5]; p < 0.0001) but weaker with recurrent MI (HR 1.3 [range 1.0 to 1.5]; p = 0.02) and not with stroke (HR 1.2 [range 0.9 to 1.6]; p = 0.35). After adjustment for conventional risk markers, including troponin I, C-reactive protein (CRP), B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), and ejection fraction, the association remained significant for mortality (HR 1.4 [range 1.2 to 1.7]; p < 0.0001) and HF hospitalization (HR 1.6 [range 1.2 to 2.1]; p = 0.0002), but not recurrent MI. By comparison of the area under the receiver-operating characteristics curves, OPG performed similarly to BNP and ejection fraction and significantly better than CRP and troponin I as a predictor of death. CONCLUSIONS: Serum OPG is strongly predictive of long-term mortality and HF development in patients with ACS, independent of conventional risk markers.
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20. |
- Orrem, Hilde L., et al.
(author)
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IL-6 Receptor Inhibition by Tocilizumab Attenuated Expression of C5a Receptor 1 and 2 in Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
- 2018
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In: Frontiers in Immunology. - : Frontiers Media S.A.. - 1664-3224. ; 9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: Elevated interleukin-6 (IL-6) and complement activation are associated with detrimental effects of inflammation in coronary artery disease (CAD). The complement anaphylatoxins C5a and C3a interact with their receptors; the highly inflammatory C5aR1, and the C5aR2 and C3aR. We evaluated the effect of the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R)-antagonist tocilizumab on the expression of the anaphylatoxin receptors in whole blood from non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients. Separately, anaphylatoxin receptor expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with different entities of CAD was investigated. Materials and Methods: NSTEMI patients were randomized to one dose of tocilizumab (n = 28) or placebo (n = 32) and observed for 6 months. Whole blood samples drawn at inclusion, at day 2, 3 and after 6 months were used for mRNA isolation. Plasma was prepared for analysis of complement activation measured as sC5b-9 by ELISA. Furthermore, patients with different CAD entities comprising stable angina pectoris (SAP, n = 22), non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS, n = 21) and ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI, n = 20) were included. PBMC was isolated from blood samples obtained at admission to hospital and mRNA isolated. Anaphylatoxin-receptor-expression was analyzed with qPCR using mRNA from whole blood and PBMC, respectively. Results: Our main findings were (i) Tocilizumab decreased C5aR1 and C5aR2 mRNA expression significantly (p < 0.001) and substantially (> 50%) at day 2 and 3, whereas C3aR expression was unaffected. (ii) Tocilizumab did not affect complement activation. (iii) In analyzes of different CAD entities, C5aR1 expression was significantly increased in all CAD subgroups compared to controls with the highest level in the STEMI patients (p < 0.001). For C5aR2 and C3aR the expression compared to controls were more moderate with increased expression of C5aR2 in the STEMI group (p < 0.05) and C3aR in the NSTE-ACS group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Expression of C5aR1 and C5aR2 in whole blood was significantly attenuated by IL-6R-inhibition in NSTEMI patients. These receptors were significantly upregulated in PBMC CAD patients with particularly high levels of C5aR1 in STEMI patients.
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21. |
- Orrem, Hilde L., et al.
(author)
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Soluble IL-1 receptor 2 is associated with left ventricular remodelling in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction
- 2018
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In: International Journal of Cardiology. - : Elsevier. - 0167-5273 .- 1874-1754. ; 268, s. 187-192
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: The inflammatory response following myocardial infarction (MI) is prerequisite for proper healing of infarcted tissue, but can also have detrimental effects on cardiac function. Interleukin (IL)-1 alpha and IL-1 beta are potent inflammatory mediators and their bioactivity is tightly regulated by IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) and soluble (s) IL-1 receptors (R). We aimed to examine whether levels of soluble regulators of IL-1 signalling are changed during ST-elevation MI (STEMI) and their associations with parameters of cardiac injury and ventricular remodelling. Methods: Plasma levels of IL-1Ra, sIL-1R1, sIL-1R2 and sIL-1R accessory protein (sIL-1RAcP) were measured by immunoassays in repeated samples from patients with STEMI (n = 255) and compared to healthy controls (n=65). Results: IL-1Ra, sIL-1R1 and sIL-1R2 levels were all significantly elevated after STEMI, while levels of sIL-1RAcP were lower compared to controls. sIL-1R2 levels (at different time points) correlated positively with C-reactive protein, myocardial infarct size and change in indexed left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volume (LVEDVi and LVESVi) measured by cardiac MR acutely and after 4 months, and negatively with LV ejection fraction. Patients with >median levels of sIL-1R2 in the acute phase were more likely to have increased change in LVEDVi and LVESVi. Importantly, sIL-1R2 remained significantly associated with change in LVEDVi and LVESVi also after adjustment for clinical covariates. Conclusion: Levels of sIL-1R2 are independently associated with parameters of LV adverse remodelling following STEMI. (C 18 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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22. |
- Persson, Anita, 1971, et al.
(author)
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Effect of surgery on cardiac structure and function in mild primary hyperparathyroidism.
- 2011
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In: Clinical endocrinology. - : Wiley. - 1365-2265 .- 0300-0664. ; 74:2, s. 174-180
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context The cardiovascular (CV) risk profile is worsened in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), and CV mortality is related to serum calcium levels. It is unknown whether CV mortality is increased in the most common form of PHPT and whether the increased CV risk is reversible after surgery. Objective To investigate reversibility of echocardiographic variables in patients with mild PHPT who were randomized to observation without surgery or operation, and followed for 2years. Design/Setting/Patients Forty-nine patients (mean age 63±7years, 8 men) who had performed the 2-year visit in a randomized study on mild PHPT (serum calcium at baseline 2·65±0·09mm) (observation) vs 2·67±0·06mm (surgery) and where echocardiography had been performed, participated in the study. Results Calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were normalized following surgery and were stable in the observation group. PTH levels at baseline were highly correlated with ventricular mass. Detailed echocardiography revealed a minor and borderline significant treatment effect of surgery on left ventricular mass index (LVMI) compared to observation (P=0·066) and a significant 11% reduction in diastolic dimension of the interventricular septum (IVSd-mean) in the surgery group (P<0·01), with no alterations in the observation group. Conclusions Based on detailed echocardiographic measures over a 2-year observation period, we found only minor differences between the two groups. However, the potential treatment effect on LVMI and the within-group differences in IVSd-mean suggest that longer follow-up may yield larger and clinically important differences.
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23. |
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24. |
- Sahraoui, Afaf, et al.
(author)
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Anakinra and Tocilizumab Enhance Survival and Function of Human Islets During Culture : Implications for Clinical Islet Transplantation
- 2014
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In: Cell Transplantation. - 0963-6897 .- 1555-3892. ; 23:10, s. 1199-1211
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Pretreatment culture before islet transplantation represents a window of opportunity to ameliorate the pro-inflammatory profile expressed by human beta-cells in duress. Analcinra (IL-1 receptor antagonist) and tocilizumab (monoclonal IL-6 receptor antibody) are two known anti-inflammatory agents successfully used in the treatment of inflammatory states like rheumatoid arthritis. Both compounds have also been shown to reduce blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin in diabetic patients. We therefore sought to evaluate the impact of anakinra and tocilizumab on human p-cells. The islets were precultured with or without anakinra or tocilizumab and then transplanted in a marginal mass model using human islets in immunodeficient mice. Islet viability was evaluated in an in vitro model. The pretreatment culture led to a significantly improved engraftment in treated islets compared to the vehicle. Anakinra and tocilizumab are not toxic to human islets and significantly reduce markers of inflammation and cell death. These results strongly support a pretreatment culture with anakinra and tocilizumab prior to human islet transplantation.
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25. |
- Shahini, Negar, et al.
(author)
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Increased Complement Factor B and Bb Levels Are Associated with Mortality in Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis
- 2019
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In: Journal of Immunology. - : American Association of Immuologists. - 0022-1767 .- 1550-6606. ; 203:7, s. 1973-1980
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Inflammation is involved in initiation and progression of aortic stenosis (AS). However, the role of the complement system, a crucial component of innate immunity in AS, is unclear. We hypothesized that circulating levels of complement factor B (FB), an important component of the alternative pathway, are upregulated and could predict outcome in patients with severe symptomatic AS. Therefore, plasma levels of FB, Bb, and terminal complement complex were analyzed in three cohorts of patients with severe symptomatic AS and mild-to-moderate or severe asymptomatic AS (population 1, n = 123; population 2, n = 436; population 3, n = 61) and in healthy controls by enzyme immunoassays. Compared with controls, symptomatic AS patients had significantly elevated levels of FB (2.9- and 2.8-fold increase in population 1 and 2, respectively). FB levels in symptomatic and asymptomatic AS patients were comparable (population 2 and 3), and in asymptomatic patients FB correlated inversely with valve area. FB levels in population 1 and 2 correlated with terminal complement complex levels and measures of systemic inflammation (i.e., CRP), cardiac function (i.e., NT-proBNP), and cardiac necrosis (i.e., Troponin T). High FB levels were significantly associated with mortality also after adjusting for clinical and biochemical covariates (hazard ratio 1.37; p = 0.028, population 2). Plasma levels of the Bb fragment showed a similar pattern in relation to mortality. We concluded that elevated levels of FB and Bb are associated with adverse outcome in patients with symptomatic AS. Increased levels of FB in asymptomatic patients suggest the involvement of FB from the early phase of the disease.
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