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9 pages, 582 KiB  
Article
Usefulness of Myocardial Injury Parameters in Predicting Prolonged Postoperative Use of Inotropes Drugs in Patients Undergoing Heart Valve Surgery
by Piotr Duchnowski, Witold Śmigielski and Piotr Kołsut
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(8), 2719; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14082719 - 15 Apr 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 468
Abstract
Background: Prolonged use of inotropes drugs in the early postoperative period is one of the most common complications occurring in patients undergoing heart valve surgery. Patients requiring prolonged support via inotropes drugs are significantly more likely to experience serious postoperative complications such as [...] Read more.
Background: Prolonged use of inotropes drugs in the early postoperative period is one of the most common complications occurring in patients undergoing heart valve surgery. Patients requiring prolonged support via inotropes drugs are significantly more likely to experience serious postoperative complications such as acute kidney injury, cardiogenic shock, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, and death. This study assessed the usefulness of selected perioperative parameters in predicting prolonged postoperative use of inotropic drugs and cardiogenic shock and/or death in a group of patients requiring prolonged supply of inotropes drugs. Methods: This prospective study was conducted on a group of 607 patients undergoing heart valve surgery. The primary endpoint in-hospital follow-up was prolonged postoperative use of inotropes drugs. The secondary composite endpoint was cardiogenic shock requiring mechanical circulatory support (MCS) and/or death from any cause in patients with prolonged postoperative use of inotropes drugs. Results: A total of 210 patients required inotropes drugs for more than 48 h. Age (p = 0.03), preoperative atrial fibrillation (p < 0.001), preoperative NT-proBNP level (p < 0.001), Troponin T measured one day after surgery (TnT II) (p < 0.001), and the need for urgent postoperative rethoracotomy (p < 0.001) remained independent predictors of primary endpoint. Preoperative hemoglobin level (p = 0.001) and TnT II (p < 0.001) were independent predictors of death and cardiogenic shock requiring MCS. Conclusions: Patients with elevated preoperative NT-proBNP values, as well as with increasing postoperative troponin T levels, are at risk of prolonged postoperative use of inotropes drugs, a complication which is associated with a significant risk of developing further adverse consequences, such as cardiogenic shock and death. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Challenges in Heart Failure Management)
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20 pages, 2562 KiB  
Review
Vitamin D and Acute Kidney Injury: A Reciprocal Relationship
by Chandrashekar Annamalai and Pragasam Viswanathan
Biomolecules 2025, 15(4), 586; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15040586 - 15 Apr 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1343
Abstract
Vitamin D is a sterol prohormone with no intrinsic biological activity. Calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, is synthesized in the kidneys. It has well-known pleiotropic and cytoprotective properties. In addition to regulating parathyroid hormone secretion and enhancing gut calcium absorption, it [...] Read more.
Vitamin D is a sterol prohormone with no intrinsic biological activity. Calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, is synthesized in the kidneys. It has well-known pleiotropic and cytoprotective properties. In addition to regulating parathyroid hormone secretion and enhancing gut calcium absorption, it exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and antineoplastic effects. However, the role of vitamin D in AKI is unclear, unlike in CKD. Thus, this review aimed to understand how dysregulated vitamin D homeostasis occurs in AKI, as well as to explore how vitamin D deficiency and excess influence AKI. A comprehensive literature search was conducted between January 2000 and June 2024 to uncover relevant works detailing vitamin D homeostasis in health as well as investigating the impact of vitamin D deficiency and excess in humans, animals, and in vitro cell models of AKI. According to the findings of this review, vitamin D appears to have a reciprocal relationship with AKI. Acute renal injury, among other factors, can cause hypo- or hypervitaminosis D. Conversely, AKI can also be caused by vitamin D deficiency and toxicity. Even though hypovitaminosis D is associated with AKI, it is uncertain how it impacts AKI outcomes in distinct clinical scenarios. Newer therapeutic options might emerge as a result of understanding these challenges. Vitamin D supplementation may ameliorate renal injury but needs further validation. Furthermore, hypervitaminosis D has also been implicated in AKI by causing hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia. It is crucial to avoid prolonged, uncontrolled, and unsupervised supraphysiological vitamin D administration, especially intramuscular injection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Trends in Kidney and Cardiovascular Diseases)
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13 pages, 1897 KiB  
Article
Natriuretic Peptides and Soluble ST2 Improve Echocardiographic and Invasive Long-Term Survival Prediction in Patients Evaluated for Diastolic Dysfunction
by Horațiu Suciu, Paul-Adrian Călburean, Adina Huțanu, Mădălina Oprica, Diana Roxana Opriș, Anda-Cristina Scurtu, Alexandru Stan, David Aniței, Klara Brînzaniuc, László Hadadi and Marius Harpa
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(8), 3713; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26083713 - 14 Apr 2025
Viewed by 556
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the impact of long-term survival on cardiac serum biomarkers such as natriuretic peptides (mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide [MR-proANP], B-type natriuretic peptide [BNP], N-terminal prohormone BNP [NT-proBNP]), soluble ST2 (sST2), galectin-3 and mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proAMD). Consecutive patients hospitalized in [...] Read more.
This study aimed to investigate the impact of long-term survival on cardiac serum biomarkers such as natriuretic peptides (mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide [MR-proANP], B-type natriuretic peptide [BNP], N-terminal prohormone BNP [NT-proBNP]), soluble ST2 (sST2), galectin-3 and mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proAMD). Consecutive patients hospitalized in a tertiary center, undergoing echocardiographic and invasive left cardiac catheterization for diastolic dysfunction assessment were prospectively included in this study. Cardiac biomarkers were determined from pre-procedural peripheral venous blood samples. A total of 110 patients were included, with a median follow-up of 1.66 (1.23–2.16) years during which 16 (14.5%) patients died. A total of 45.4% (50) of patients had diastolic dysfunction. In the univariate Cox regression, long-term survival was predicted by BNP (p < 0.0001, HR = 0.39 [0.20–0.53]), NT-proBNP (p < 0.0001, HR = 0.40 [0.22–0.55]), MR-proANP (p = 0.001, HR = 0.30 [0.11–0.46]), sST2 (p < 0.0001, HR = 0.47 [0.30–0.60]), but not with MR-proAMD (p = 0.77) or galectin-3 (p = 0.76). In the final stepwise multivariable Cox regression non-invasive and invasive models, NT-proBNP and sST2 remained independent predictors of survival. Natriuretic peptides (BNP and NT-proBNP) and sST2 were predictors of long-term survival, while MR-proANP, MR-proADM and galectin-3 did not have predictive values. NT-proBNP and sST2 improved survival prediction in both a non-invasive scenario (including clinical, serum and echocardiographic parameters) and an invasive clinical scenario (including left heart catheterization parameters). The sST2 pathway could provide a target for therapeutic intervention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research in Cardiovascular Disease, 3rd Edition)
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14 pages, 934 KiB  
Article
Biomarkers of Inflammation and Association with Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Risk Stratification and Outcome in Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis
by Matthias Koschutnik, Christina Brunner, Christian Nitsche, Carolina Donà, Varius Dannenberg, Kseniya Halavina, Sophia Koschatko, Charlotte Jantsch, Katharina Mascherbauer, Christina Kronberger, Michael Poledniczek, Caglayan Demirel, Dietrich Beitzke, Christian Loewe, Christian Hengstenberg, Andreas A. Kammerlander and Philipp E. Bartko
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(7), 2512; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14072512 - 7 Apr 2025
Viewed by 735
Abstract
Background: Inflammatory indices have been proposed as simple and routinely obtainable markers of systemic inflammation in cardiac disease. This study investigated whether the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and the pan-immune inflammation value (PIV) serve as biomarkers for risk stratification [...] Read more.
Background: Inflammatory indices have been proposed as simple and routinely obtainable markers of systemic inflammation in cardiac disease. This study investigated whether the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and the pan-immune inflammation value (PIV) serve as biomarkers for risk stratification and outcomes measures in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) following valve replacement (AVR). Methods: In this retrospective analysis (January 2017–June 2022), patients with AS underwent pre-procedural cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging and were assigned a treatment strategy by a multidisciplinary Heart Team: (1) transcatheter AVR, (2) surgical AVR, or (3) no valvular intervention. Kaplan–Meier estimates and regression analyses were used to demonstrate associations between the NLR, MLR, and PIV with myocardial fibrosis—assessed by late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) and extracellular volume (ECV) on CMR—and a combined endpoint of heart failure hospitalizations and all-cause mortality. Results: A total of 356 patients (median age: 80 years, 50% male) were followed for a median of 40 months, during which 162 (46%) reached the combined endpoint. Linear regression identified C-reactive protein, but not the presence of LGE or elevated ECV, as the only independent predictor of all three inflammatory indices (p for all <0.001). After multivariable adjustment for clinical (EuroSCORE II), laboratory (baseline N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP] and C-reactive protein), and imaging parameters (AV mean pressure gradient, right ventricular ejection fraction, and ECV), the above-the-upper-quartile NLR (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]: 1.45, 95%-confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.92, p = 0.042), MLR (aHR: 1.48, 95%-CI: 1.05–2.09, p = 0.025), and PIV (aHR: 1.56, 95%-CI: 1.11–2.21, p = 0.011) remained significantly associated with adverse outcomes. Following AVR, the median NLR (3.5 to 3.4) and PIV (460 to 376) showed a significant post-procedural decline compared to baseline (p ≤ 0.019 for both). Conclusions: Inflammatory indices are readily available biomarkers independently associated with adverse outcomes in severe AS following AVR. However, no significant relationship was observed between the NLR, MLR, PIV, and myocardial fibrosis on CMR. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Concepts in Diagnosis and Therapy of Aortic Valve Disease)
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17 pages, 2880 KiB  
Review
Thyroid Hormone Deiodination—Mechanisms and Small Molecule Enzyme Mimics
by Debasish Giri and Govindasamy Mugesh
Biomolecules 2025, 15(4), 529; https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15040529 - 4 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1270
Abstract
Thyroid hormones, biosynthesized in the follicular cells in the thyroid gland, play a crucial role in regulating various important biological processes. The thyroid hormone is synthesized as pro-hormone L-thyroxine (T4), while the active form is primarily produced through the phenolic ring deiodination of [...] Read more.
Thyroid hormones, biosynthesized in the follicular cells in the thyroid gland, play a crucial role in regulating various important biological processes. The thyroid hormone is synthesized as pro-hormone L-thyroxine (T4), while the active form is primarily produced through the phenolic ring deiodination of T4 by iodothyronine deiodinase enzymes (DIOs). Three distinct isoforms of the enzyme are known, which, despite having almost similar amino acid sequences in their active site, differ in their regioselectivity of deiodination towards T4 and its metabolites. However, the precise mechanism and the origin of the differences in the regioselectivity of deiodination by DIOs are still not fully understood. Over the years, several research groups have attempted to mimic this system with small molecules to gain some insight into the reactivity and mechanism. In this review, we will explore the recent developments on the biomimetic deiodination of T4 and its derivatives by using selenium-based enzyme mimetics. For example, naphthalene-based molecules, featuring a 1,8-dichalcogen atom, have been shown to perform tyrosyl ring deiodination of T4 and T3, producing rT3 and 3,3′-T2, respectively. The modification of the electron density around the phenolic ring through substitutions in the 4′-hydroxyl group can alter the regioselectivity of the deiodination by deiodinase mimics. Additionally, we will highlight the recent progress in the development of a dipeptide-based DIO1 mimic, as well as the deiodination of other halogenated thyronine derivatives by mimics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biosynthesis and Function of Thyroid Hormones)
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20 pages, 1755 KiB  
Review
Immune Modulatory Effects of Vitamin D on Herpesvirus Infections
by Daniel Galdo-Torres, Sabina Andreu, Oliver Caballero, Israel Hernández-Ruiz, Inés Ripa, Raquel Bello-Morales and José Antonio López-Guerrero
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(4), 1767; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26041767 - 19 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2696
Abstract
In addition to its classical role in calcium and phosphate metabolism regulation, vitamin D also has an important impact on immunity modulation. Vitamin D regulates the immune response, shifting from a proinflammatory state to a more tolerogenic one by increasing the release of [...] Read more.
In addition to its classical role in calcium and phosphate metabolism regulation, vitamin D also has an important impact on immunity modulation. Vitamin D regulates the immune response, shifting from a proinflammatory state to a more tolerogenic one by increasing the release of anti-inflammatory cytokines while downregulating proinflammatory cytokines. Thus, low levels of vitamin D have been associated with an increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes. Furthermore, this prohormone also enhances the release of well-known antimicrobial peptides, like cathelicidin LL-37 and β-defensins; therefore, it has been proposed that vitamin D serum levels might be related to the risk of well-known pathogen infections, including herpesviruses. These are a group of widely spread viral pathogens that can cause severe encephalitis or tumors like Kaposi’s sarcoma and Burkitt lymphoma. However, there is no consensus on the minimum levels of vitamin D or the recommended daily dose, making it difficult to establish a possible association between these two factors. This narrative non-systematic review will analyze the mechanisms by which vitamin D regulates the immune system and recent studies about whether there is an association between vitamin D serum levels and herpesvirus infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancements in Host-Directed Antiviral Therapies)
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12 pages, 1089 KiB  
Article
The High Levels of Soluble Receptors for Tumor Necrosis Factor and Heart Injury in Children with the Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome Associated with Coronavirus Infection: Is This Just a Coincidence? A Proof-of-Concept Study
by Maciej Marczak, Alicja Krejner-Bienias, Agnieszka Jasińska, Marek Kulus, Paweł Miklis, Katarzyna Grzela and Tomasz Grzela
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(3), 924; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26030924 - 22 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1047
Abstract
(1) Pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome (PIMS) is a relatively rare complication of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). So far, it is unclear why COVID-19 in children has usually mild or asymptomatic courses, whereas PIMS, which develops several weeks after COVID-19, is a serious life-threatening condition. [...] Read more.
(1) Pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome (PIMS) is a relatively rare complication of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). So far, it is unclear why COVID-19 in children has usually mild or asymptomatic courses, whereas PIMS, which develops several weeks after COVID-19, is a serious life-threatening condition. (2) In this proof-of-concept study, using the ELISA method, we compared selected clinical and immunological parameters in small groups of children with PIMS and COVID-19. Children with various inflammatory diseases were included as a control. (3) Patients with PIMS revealed significantly higher levels of pro-inflammatory molecules (C-reactive protein and IL-6) and markers of heart injury (troponin I and N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide) as compared to other groups. Moreover, these markers correlated with increased levels of soluble receptors for tumor necrosis factor (sTNF-R1 and sTNF-R2). (4) Our observation may be a step forward to better understand the phenomenon of mild COVID-19 in children and its severe complications in PIMS. It is hypothesized that the delayed inflammation results in excessive cardiomyocyte damage and the release of sTNF-R1 and -R2. Therefore, possibly the involvement of the TNF pathway in PIMS could be explored as a potential therapeutic target. However, further studies are required to validate this approach. Full article
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14 pages, 491 KiB  
Perspective
NT-proBNP for Heart Failure Screening in Primary Care in an Eastern European Country: What We Know and Proposed Steps
by Ioana Camelia Teleanu, Anca Mîrșu-Păun, Cristian Gabriel Bejan and Ana-Maria Alexandra Stănescu
Epidemiologia 2025, 6(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/epidemiologia6010002 - 15 Jan 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2748
Abstract
Epidemiological studies indicate that heart failure (HF) prevalence and associated mortality are significantly higher among Eastern European countries as compared to their Western European counterparts. The significant financial burden on the healthcare system matches these sobering data. Thus, efficient programs for patients with [...] Read more.
Epidemiological studies indicate that heart failure (HF) prevalence and associated mortality are significantly higher among Eastern European countries as compared to their Western European counterparts. The significant financial burden on the healthcare system matches these sobering data. Thus, efficient programs for patients with HF have been called for. N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) represents a widely used, cost-effective, and readily available test that can be used to evaluate HF risk. However, it should not be used as a universal assessment, given the existing variability in proposed cut-off scores for various subgroups of patients. Thus, the clinical context needs to always be considered, and alternative diagnoses need to be ruled out. Based upon evidence from the literature for the above assumptions, the advantages and limitations of using NT-proBNP in primary care settings, along with other HF diagnostic modalities, are discussed in this paper. Also, this paper argues that an effective primary care network, in collaboration with specialist providers, may avoid a delay in HF diagnoses, may help provide on-time treatments, and may ultimately cut unnecessary healthcare expenditures associated with HF hospitalizations. Therefore, the present paper proposes an algorithm for diagnosing HF in primary care settings and discusses specific knowledge and skills that family physicians should be well equipped with in order to successfully respond to the needs of their patients with HF. Full article
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34 pages, 998 KiB  
Review
Blood Biomarkers as a Non-Invasive Method for the Assessment of the State of the Fontan Circulation
by Andrzej Wittczak, Anna Mazurek-Kula, Maciej Banach, Grzegorz Piotrowski and Agata Bielecka-Dabrowa
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(2), 496; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14020496 - 14 Jan 2025
Viewed by 3737
Abstract
The Fontan operation has become the primary palliative treatment for patients with a functionally univentricular heart. The population of patients with Fontan circulation is constantly growing and aging. As the number of Fontan patients surviving into adulthood increases, there is a clear need [...] Read more.
The Fontan operation has become the primary palliative treatment for patients with a functionally univentricular heart. The population of patients with Fontan circulation is constantly growing and aging. As the number of Fontan patients surviving into adulthood increases, there is a clear need for research on how best to follow these patients and manage their complications. Monitoring blood biomarkers is a promising method for the non-invasive assessment of the Fontan circulation. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the available evidence on this topic. The following biomarkers were included: natriuretic peptides, red blood cell distribution width (RDW), cystatin C, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, von Willebrand factor, carbohydrate antigen 125, lipoproteins, hepatocyte growth factor, troponins, ST2 protein, galectin-3, adrenomedullin, endothelin-1, components of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, norepinephrine, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor α, and uric acid. We did not find strong enough data to propose evidence-based recommendations. Nevertheless, significantly elevated levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP)/N-terminal prohormone of BNP (NT-proBNP) are most likely associated with the failure of the Fontan circulation. The use of the RDW is also promising. Several biomarkers appear to be useful in certain clinical presentations. Certainly, robust longitudinal, preferably multicenter, prospective studies are needed to determine the sensitivity, specificity, evidence-based cut-off values and overall predictive value of different biomarkers in monitoring Fontan physiology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adult Congenital Heart Disease: Latest Advances and Prospects)
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12 pages, 1736 KiB  
Article
The Importance of Dose Escalation in the Treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension with Treprostinil
by Piotr Kędzierski, Marta Banaszkiewicz, Michał Florczyk, Michał Piłka, Rafał Mańczak, Maria Wieteska-Miłek, Piotr Szwed, Krzysztof Kasperowicz, Katarzyna Wrona, Szymon Darocha, Adam Torbicki and Marcin Kurzyna
Biomedicines 2025, 13(1), 172; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines13010172 - 13 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1750
Abstract
Background: Treprostinil, which is administered via continuous subcutaneous or intravenous infusion, is a medication applied in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The dose of treprostinil is adjusted on an individual basis for each patient. A number of factors determine how [...] Read more.
Background: Treprostinil, which is administered via continuous subcutaneous or intravenous infusion, is a medication applied in the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The dose of treprostinil is adjusted on an individual basis for each patient. A number of factors determine how well patients respond to treatment. Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify factors that may influence the clinical response to the dose of treprostinil at 3 months after the start of therapy. Methods: The factors influencing treatment response were analyzed in consecutive PAH patients who started receiving treprostinil treatment. The treatment efficacy was assessed as improvement in 6 min walk distance (6MWD) and WHO functional class (WHO FC), a reduction in N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP), and the percentage of patients achieving low-risk status after 12 months of treatment. Results: A total of 83 patients were included in this analysis. Classification of patients according to the tertiles of treprostinil dose achieved at 3 months after drug inclusion shows that after 12 months of follow-up, the median WHO FC in the highest dose group was lower than that in the intermediate dose group (WHO FC II vs. WHO FC III, p = 0.005), the median NTproBNP was lower (922 pg/mL, vs. 1686 pg/mL, p = 0.036) and 6MWD was longer (300 m vs. 510 m, p = 0.015). The French Noninvasive Criteria (NIFC) scale score was higher (2 vs. 0, p = 0.008), and the Reveal scale score was lower (5.0 vs. 8.5, p = 0.034). In the group of patients who exceeded a dose of 19.8 ng/kg/min within 3 months, an improvement in 6MWD was observed significantly more often after one year of therapy, and they were more likely to show an increase in NIFC scale scores after one year of therapy than the group of patients who received the lower dose (65% vs. 30%, p = 0.02). In the group of patients younger than 50 years of age, a statistically significant correlation was observed between the dose of treprostinil achieved after three months of treatment and the parameters assessed after 12 months of treatment, including WHO FC, 6MWD, and NIFC prognostic scale scores (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: The clinical effect of treatment is critically dependent on the rapid escalation of the treprostinil dose during the first three months of treatment. Full article
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22 pages, 576 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Relationship Between Ejection Fraction, Arterial Stiffness, NT-proBNP, and Hospitalization Risk in Heart Failure Patients
by Gyongyi Osser, Brigitte Osser, Csongor Toth, Caius Calin Miuța, Gabriel Roberto Marconi and Laura Ioana Bondar
Diagnostics 2024, 14(24), 2885; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics14242885 - 22 Dec 2024
Viewed by 932
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Heart failure (HF) remains a leading cause of hospitalization and morbidity. Arterial stiffness, measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV) and the augmentation index (AIx), has been linked to HF severity and prognosis. This study investigates the relationship between clinical parameters, biochemical indicators, [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Heart failure (HF) remains a leading cause of hospitalization and morbidity. Arterial stiffness, measured by pulse wave velocity (PWV) and the augmentation index (AIx), has been linked to HF severity and prognosis. This study investigates the relationship between clinical parameters, biochemical indicators, and arterial stiffness in hospitalized patients with HF, aiming to identify predictors of hospitalization and improve patient management. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 98 patients admitted with HF: 53 with acutely decompensated HF (sudden worsening of symptoms) and 45 with chronic HF (stable symptoms of HF). Clinical and biochemical parameters, including ejection fraction (EF), N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels, and arterial stiffness indicators (PWV and AIx), were measured at admission. During follow-up, 59 patients required re-hospitalization due to acutely decompensated HF, while 39 remained outpatients without further hospitalization. The relationship between these parameters was analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple Cox regression analysis was conducted to identify independent predictors of re-hospitalization. Results: A significant negative correlation between EF and PWV was found (r = −0.853, 95% CI [−0.910, −0.764]), suggesting an association between improved heart function (higher EF) and reduced arterial stiffness (lower PWV). A moderate positive correlation between EF and AIx (r = 0.626, 95% CI [0.473, 0.805]) suggests that, while higher EF is associated with increased AIx, the relationship is weaker compared to EF and PWV. This may reflect differing contributions of vascular and myocardial factors to HF severity. Hospitalized patients exhibited significantly poorer clinical and biochemical profiles, including higher NT-proBNP levels (p < 0.001) and worse blood pressure (BP) measurements (systolic and diastolic, p < 0.01). Multiple Cox regression analysis identified PWV, Aix, and NT-proBNP as independent predictors of re-hospitalization in HF patients, with significant hazard ratios: PWV (HR = 1.15, p = 0.02), AIx (HR = 1.03, p = 0.02), and NT-proBNP (HR = 1.0001, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Arterial stiffness indices (PWV and AIx), EF, and NT-proBNP were identified as significant predictors of re-hospitalization in HF patients. These findings suggest that integrating arterial stiffness measurements into routine clinical assessments may enhance the risk stratification and inform targeted interventions to reduce hospitalizations and improve outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Clinical Diagnosis and Prognosis)
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11 pages, 934 KiB  
Article
Cardiac Damage in Patients Infected with Different SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern
by Francesco Robert Burkert, Martina Oberhollenzer, Daniela Kresse, Sarah Niederreiter, Vera Filippi, Lukas Lanser, Günter Weiss and Rosa Bellmann-Weiler
Microorganisms 2024, 12(12), 2617; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12122617 - 18 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3191
Abstract
Coronavirus Disease 2019 causes significant morbidity, and different variants of concern (VOCs) can impact organ systems differently. We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort analysis comparing biomarkers and clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients infected with the wild-type or Alpha (wt/Alpha) VOC against patients infected [...] Read more.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 causes significant morbidity, and different variants of concern (VOCs) can impact organ systems differently. We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort analysis comparing biomarkers and clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients infected with the wild-type or Alpha (wt/Alpha) VOC against patients infected with the Omicron VOC. We included 428 patients infected with the wt/Alpha VOC and 117 patients infected with the Omicron VOC. The Omicron cohort had higher maximal median high-sensitivity Troponin-T (hs-TnT) levels (wt/Alpha: 12.8 ng/L, IQR 6.6–29.5 vs. Omicron: 27.8 ng/L, IQR 13.7–54.0; p < 0.001) and N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) (wt/Alpha: 256 ng/L, IQR 74.5–913.5 vs. Omicron: 825 ng/L, IQR 168–2759; p < 0.001) levels. This remained true for patients under 65 years of age and without pre-existing cardiovascular disease (hs-TnT (wt/Alpha: 6.1 ng/L, IQR 2.5–10.25 vs. Omicron: 8.6 ng/L, IQR 6.2–15.7; p = 0.007) and NT-proBNP (wt/Alpha: 63 ng/L, IQR 25–223.75 vs. Omicron: 158 ng/L, IQR 75.5–299.5; p = 0.006)). In-hospital mortality was similar between the two groups (wt/Alpha: 53 or 12.7% vs. Omicron: 9 or 7.7%; p = 0.132) and more patients infected with wt/Alpha VOC required intensive care admission (wt/Alpha: 93 or 22.2% vs. Omicron: 14 or 12%; p = 0.014). Increased cardiac biomarkers were correlated with a higher risk of mortality and ICU admission in both groups. Herein, we detected higher levels of cardiac biomarkers in hospitalized patients infected with the Omicron VOC when compared to wt/Alpha, being indicative of higher cardiac involvement. Although hs-TnT and NT-proBNP levels were higher in the Omicron cohort and both markers were linked to in hospital mortality in both groups, the mortality rates were similar. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Challenges in Infectious Diseases Post COVID-19 Pandemic)
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17 pages, 1613 KiB  
Article
The Relationship between Vascular Biomarkers (Serum Endocan and Endothelin-1), NT-proBNP, and Renal Function in Chronic Kidney Disease, IgA Nephropathy: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Balázs Sági, Tibor Vas, Csenge Gál, Zoltán Horváth-Szalai, Tamás Kőszegi, Judit Nagy, Botond Csiky and Tibor József Kovács
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(19), 10552; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms251910552 - 30 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1873
Abstract
IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerular disease. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is one of the strongest vasoconstrictor materials in the blood. The N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is associated with renal function and poor outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD). [...] Read more.
IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerular disease. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is one of the strongest vasoconstrictor materials in the blood. The N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is associated with renal function and poor outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Serum endocan is a biomarker associated with proinflammatory cytokines, and the increase in the serum level plays a critical role in inflammatory, proliferative, and neovascularization processes and is associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes in patients with CKD too. Identifying high-risk patients using biomarkers could help to optimize their treatment. Ninety patients with biopsy-confirmed IgAN were included in the study (50 males/40 females, mean age: 54.9 ± 14.4 years). Serum endocan, ET-1, and NT-proBNP were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Echocardiography was performed, and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was measured by SphygmoCor in this cross-sectional study. Patients were divided into two groups based on serum endocan median level (cut-off: 44 ug/L). There was significantly higher aorta systolic blood pressure (SBPao) (p = 0.013), NT-proBNP (p = 0.028), albumin/creatinine ratio (p = 0.036), and uric acid (p = 0.045) in the case of the higher endocan group compared to the lower. There was also significantly higher SBPao (p = 0.037) and NT-proBNP (p = 0.038) in the case of higher endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels compared to the lower (cut-off: 231 pg/mL) group by the two-sample t-test. Then, we divided the patients into two groups based on the eGFR (CKD 1–2 vs. CKD 3–5). The levels of serum endocan, NT-proBNP, cfPWV, SBPao, left ventricular mass index (LVMI), uric acid, and albuminuria were significantly higher in the CKD 3–5 group compared to the CKD 1–2 group. The serum endocan and NT-proBNP levels were significantly higher in the diastolic dysfunction group (p = 0.047, p = 0.015). There was a significant increase in serum endocan levels (CKD 1 vs. CKD 5; p = 0.008) with decreasing renal function. In IgAN, vascular biomarkers (endocan, ET-1) may play a role in endothelial dysfunction through vascular damage and elevation of SBPao. Serum endocan, ET-1, and NT-proBNP biomarkers may help to identify IgAN patients at high risk. Full article
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11 pages, 582 KiB  
Article
Thoracic Fluid Content as an Indicator of High Intravenous Diuretic Requirements in Hospitalized Patients with Decompensated Heart Failure
by Agata Galas, Paweł Krzesiński, Małgorzata Banak and Grzegorz Gielerak
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(18), 5625; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13185625 - 22 Sep 2024
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Abstract
Background: The main cause of hospitalization in patients with heart failure is hypervolemia. Therefore, the primary treatment strategy involves diuretic therapy using intravenous loop diuretics to achieve decongestion and euvolemia. Some patients with acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF) do not respond well to [...] Read more.
Background: The main cause of hospitalization in patients with heart failure is hypervolemia. Therefore, the primary treatment strategy involves diuretic therapy using intravenous loop diuretics to achieve decongestion and euvolemia. Some patients with acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF) do not respond well to diuretic treatment, which may be due to diuretic resistance (DR). Such cases require high doses of diuretic medications and combination therapy with diuretics of different mechanisms of action. Although certain predisposing factors for diuretic resistance have been identified (such as hypotension, type 2 diabetes, impaired renal function, and hyponatremia), further research is needed to identify other pathophysiological markers of DR. Objective: This study aims to identify admission markers that can predict a high requirement for intravenous diuretics in hospitalized patients with decompensated heart failure. Methods: This study included 102 adult patients hospitalized for ADHF. At admission, patients underwent clinical assessment, laboratory parameter evaluation (including the N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide [NT-proBNP] levels), and hemodynamic assessment using impedance cardiography (ICG). Hemodynamic profiles were based on the use of parameters such as heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and thoracic fluid content (TFC) as markers of volume status. The analysis included 97 patients with documented doses of intravenous diuretic use. Patients were stratified into two groups based on median diuretic consumption (equivalent to 540 mg of intravenous furosemide): the high-loop diuretic utilization (LDU) group (n = 49) and the low-LDU group (n = 48). Results: Compared to low-LDU patients, high-LDU patients had greater thoracic fluid content at admission, both quantitatively (37.4 ± 8.1 vs. 34.1 ± 6.9 kOhm-1; p = 0.024) and qualitatively (TFC ≥ 35 kOhm-1: 59.2% vs. 33.3%; p = 0.011). Anemia was more common in the high-LDU group (67.4% vs. 43.8%; p = 0.019), as was elevated NT-proBNP (≥median of 3952 pg/mL: 60.4% vs. 37.5%; p = 0.024). High LDU was associated with a significantly longer hospitalization duration (12.9 ± 6.4 vs. 7.0 ± 2.6 days; p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis identified anemia, elevated NT-proBNP, and high TFC as predictors of high LDU (HR: 2.65, 2.54, and 2.90, respectively). In a multifactorial model, only high TFC remained an independent predictor (HR: 2.60, 95% CI 1.04–6.49; p = 0.038). Conclusions: TFC was the sole independent admission marker of a high requirement for intravenous diuretics in patients hospitalized for decompensated heart failure. An objective assessment of volume status by impedance cardiography may support intensive personalized decongestion therapy. Full article
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11 pages, 2532 KiB  
Article
Unveiling the Potential of Vitamin D3 Orodispersible Films: A Comprehensive FTIR and UV–Vis Spectroscopic Study
by Alfio Torrisi, Mariapompea Cutroneo, Lorenzo Torrisi, Salvatore Lavalle, Alessia Forzina and Francesco Pegreffi
Molecules 2024, 29(16), 3762; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29163762 - 8 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2068
Abstract
Vitamin D3 is a crucial fat-soluble pro-hormone essential for bolstering bone health and fortifying immune responses within the human body. Orodispersible films (ODFs) serve as a noteworthy formulation strategically designed to enhance the rapid dissolution of vitamin D, thereby facilitating efficient absorption in [...] Read more.
Vitamin D3 is a crucial fat-soluble pro-hormone essential for bolstering bone health and fortifying immune responses within the human body. Orodispersible films (ODFs) serve as a noteworthy formulation strategically designed to enhance the rapid dissolution of vitamin D, thereby facilitating efficient absorption in patients. This innovative approach not only streamlines the assimilation process but also plays a pivotal role in optimizing patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes. The judicious utilization of such advancements underscores a paradigm shift in clinical strategies aimed at harnessing the full potential of vitamin D for improved patient well-being. This study aims to examine the vitamin D3 ODF structure using spectroscopic techniques to analyze interactions with excipients like mannitol. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy were utilized to assess molecular composition, intermolecular bonding, and vitamin D3 stability. Understanding these interactions is essential for optimizing ODF formulation, ensuring stability, enhancing bioavailability, and facilitating efficient production. Furthermore, this study involves a translational approach to interpreting chemical properties to develop an administration protocol for ODFs, aiming to maximize absorption and minimize waste. In conclusion, understanding the characterized chemical properties is pivotal for translating them into effective self-administration modalities for Vitamin D films. Full article
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