Adiponectin agonist treatment in diabetic pregnant rats.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) reduces maternal adiponectin and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) materno-fetal transfer, which may have negative consequences for the offspring. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of the administration of a novel adiponectin agonist (AdipoRon) to GDM rats on the long-term consequences in glycaemia and fatty acids (FA) profile in the offspring. Pregnant rats were randomized to three groups: GDM rats (GDM, n = 8), GDM rats treated with AdipoRon (GDM + ADI, n = 9), and control rats (n = 10). Diabetes was induced with streptozotocin (50 mg/kg) on day 12 of gestation. GDM+ADI received 50 mg/kg/day AdipoRon from day 14 until delivery. Glycaemia and FA profile were determined in mothers and adult offspring (12 weeks old). AdipoRon tended to reduce fasting glucose in diabetic mothers. Diabetic rats presented the foetus with intrauterine growth restriction and higher adiposity, which tried to be counteracted by AdipoRon. In the adult offspring, both GDM + ADI and control animals showed better glucose recovery after oral glucose overload with respect to GDM. DHA in offspring plasma was significantly reduced in both GDM and GDM + ADI compared to controls (P = 0.043). Nevertheless, n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) ratio improved in plasma of GDM + ADI adult offspring (GDM: 14.83 ± 0.85a%; GDM + ADI: 11.49 ± 0.58b%; control: 10.03 ± 1.22b%, P = 0.034). Inflammatory markers and oxidative stress were reduced in the adult offspring of AdipoRon-treated mothers. In conclusion, AdipoRon administration to pregnant diabetic rats improved glycaemia in the mothers and long-term glucose tolerance in the offspring. In addition, it tended to reduce excessive foetal fat accumulation and improved n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio significantly in offspring at the adult state.

Effect of the Fat Eaten at Breakfast on Lipid Metabolism: A Crossover Trial in Women with Cardiovascular Risk.

Recent studies point out that not only the daily intake of energy and nutrients but the time of day when they are ingested notably regulates lipid metabolism and cardiovascular risk (CVR). Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess if the type of fat ingested at breakfast can modify lipid metabolism in women with CVR. A randomized, crossover clinical trial was performed. Sixty volunteers were randomly assigned to a (A) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-rich breakfast, (B) saturated fatty acid (SFA)-rich breakfast, or (C) monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA)-rich breakfast. Plasma lipoprotein and apolipoprotein subfractions were determined. Our data showed that the PUFA-rich breakfast decreased lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)), very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), and intermediate-density lipoproteins (IDL), and increased high-density lipoproteins (HDL). A similar trend was observed for the MUFA-rich breakfast, whereas the SFA-rich breakfast, although it decreased VLDL, also increased IDL and reduced HDL. The PUFA-rich breakfast also decreased ß-lipoproteins and apolipoprotein-B. In summary, varying the type of fat eaten at breakfast is enough to significantly modify the lipid metabolism of women with CVR, which can be of great relevance to establish new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of these subjects.

Valor pronóstico comparativo del pro-péptido natriurético tipo B aminoterminal urinario en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda descompensada / Comparative Prognostic Value of Plasma and Urinary N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide in Patients With Acute Destabilized Heart Failure

Introducción y objetivos: Se ha sugerido que las concentraciones urinarias de la porción aminoterminal del pro-péptido natriurético tipo B (NT-proBNP) pueden tener valor pronóstico en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca estable, pero hasta ahora no se ha realizado una comparación directa con las concentraciones plasmáticas de este marcador en pacientes con una insuficiencia cardiaca aguda descompensada (ICAD). El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar el valor pronóstico de la concentración plasmática de NT-proBNP con el de la concentración urinaria de este marcador en la estratificación del riesgo de los pacientes con ICAD.Métodos: Se estudió prospectivamente a pacientes consecutivos hospitalizados con ICAD. A la llegada al hospital, se obtuvieron simultáneamente muestras de sangre y orina, para determinar las concentraciones de NT-proBNP. Se realizó un seguimiento clínico, y se registraron la mortalidad y la hospitalización por insuficiencia cardiaca.Resultados: Se incluyó un total de 138 pacientes (mediana de edad, 74 años [rango intercuartiles, 67-80]; 54 varones). Durante una mediana de seguimiento de 387 días [rango intercuartiles, 161-559], 65 pacientes (47%) presentaron eventos clínicos adversos. La concentración plasmática de NT-proBNP fue más alta en los pacientes que presentaron eventos clínicos adversos (4.561 pg/ml [2.191-8.631] frente a 2.906 pg/ml [1.643-5.823]; p=0,03), mientras que la concentración urinaria de NT-proBNP fue similar en ambos grupos (p=0,62). En los análisis de regresión de Cox multivariable, la concentración plasmática de NT-proBNP se asoció a un mayor riesgo de eventos clínicos adversos, tanto como variable continua (por 100 pg/ml; razón de riesgos [HR]=1,004; intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%, 1,001-1,007; p=0,003) o categórica (≥3.345 pg/ml; HR; IC del 95%, 1,41-3,93; p=0,001). En cambio, la concentración urinaria de NT-proBNP no se asoció a una evolución clínica adversa.Conclusiones: La concentración plasmática de NT-proBNP es superior a la concentración urinaria de este marcador en la predicción de los resultados clínicos adversos en pacientes con ICAD (AU)

Introduction and objectives: Urinary concentrations of amino-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) may be prognostically meaningful; however, direct comparison to plasma concentrations of this marker have not been performed in patients with acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF). The aims of this study were to compare the prognostic value of plasma versus urinary NT-proBNP concentration for the risk stratification of patients with ADHF. Methods: Consecutive hospitalized patients with ADHF were prospectively studied. Blood and urine samples were simultaneously collected on hospital arrival to determine NT-proBNP concentrations. Clinical follow-up was obtained, and the occurrence of mortality and heart failure hospitalization was registered. Results: The study included 138 patients (median, 74 years [interquartile range, 67-80]; 54% men). During a median follow-up period of 387 days [interquartile range, 161-559], 65 patients (47%) suffered adverse clinical events. Plasma NT-proBNP concentration was higher among patients who presented adverse events (4561 pg/mL [2191-8631] vs 2906 pg/mL [1643-5823]; P=.03), whereas urinary NT-proBNP was similar in both groups (P=.62). After multivariable Cox regression analyses, plasma NT-proBNP concentration was associated with a higher risk of adverse events, whether considered continuously (per 100 pg/mL; hazard ratio [HR]=1.004; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.001-1.007; P=.003) or categorically (≥3345 pg/mL; HR=2.35; 95% CI, 1.41-3.93; P=.001). In contrast, urinary NT-proBNP concentration was not associated with adverse outcomes. Conclusions: Plasma NT-proBNP concentration is superior to urinary NT-proBNP concentration for the prediction of adverse clinical outcomes among unselected patients with ADHF (AU)

[Comparative prognostic value of plasma and urinary N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide in patients with acute destabilized heart failure]. / Valor pronóstico comparativo del pro-péptido natriurético tipo B aminoterminal urinario en pacientes con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda descompensada.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Urinary concentrations of amino-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) may be prognostically meaningful; however, direct comparison to plasma concentrations of this marker have not been performed in patients with acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF). The aims of this study were to compare the prognostic value of plasma versus urinary NT-proBNP concentration for the risk stratification of patients with ADHF. METHODS: Consecutive hospitalized patients with ADHF were prospectively studied. Blood and urine samples were simultaneously collected on hospital arrival to determine NT-proBNP concentrations. Clinical follow-up was obtained, and the occurrence of mortality and heart failure hospitalization was registered. RESULTS: The study included 138 patients (median, 74 years [interquartile range, 67-80]; 54% men). During a median follow-up period of 387 days [interquartile range, 161-559], 65 patients (47%) suffered adverse clinical events. Plasma NT-proBNP concentration was higher among patients who presented adverse events (4561 pg/mL [2191-8631] vs 2906 pg/mL [1643-5823]; P=.03), whereas urinary NT-proBNP was similar in both groups (P=.62). After multivariable Cox regression analyses, plasma NT-proBNP concentration was associated with a higher risk of adverse events, whether considered continuously (per 100 pg/mL; hazard ratio [HR]=1.004; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.001-1.007; P=.003) or categorically (≥3345 pg/mL; HR=2.35; 95%CI, 1.41-3.93; P=.001). In contrast, urinary NT-proBNP concentration was not associated with adverse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma NT-proBNP concentration is superior to urinary NT-proBNP concentration for the prediction of adverse clinical outcomes among unselected patients with ADHF.

ß-trace protein and cystatin C as predictors of long-term outcomes in patients with acute heart failure.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic importance of novel markers of renal dysfunction among patients with acutely destabilized heart failure (ADHF). BACKGROUND: ß-trace protein (BTP) and cystatin C are newer biomarkers for renal dysfunction; the prognostic importance of these tests, particularly BTP, relative to standard measures of renal function remains unclear. METHODS: A total of 220 consecutive hospitalized patients with ADHF were prospectively studied. Blood samples were collected on presentation. In-hospital worsening renal function, as well as mortality and/or heart failure (HF) hospitalization, over a median follow-up period of 500 days was examined as a function of BTP or cystatin C concentrations; results were compared with creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and blood urea nitrogen. RESULTS: Neither BTP nor cystatin C was associated with worsening renal function during the index hospitalization. A total of 116 patients (53%) either died or were hospitalized for HF during follow-up. Those with adverse outcomes had higher BTP (1.04 mg/l [range 0.80 to 1.49 mg/l] vs. 0.88 mg/l [range 0.68 to 1.17 mg/l], p = 0.003) and cystatin C (1.29 mg/l [range 1.00 to 1.71 mg/l] vs. 1.03 mg/l [range 0.86 to 1.43 mg/l], p = 0.001). After multivariable adjustment, both BTP (hazard ratio: 1.41, 95% confidence interval: 1.06 to 1.88; p = 0.018) and cystatin C (hazard ratio: 1.50, 95% confidence interval: 1.13 to 2.01; p = 0.006) were significant predictors of death/HF hospitalization, whereas serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and blood urea nitrogen were no longer significant. In patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate >60 ml/min/1.73 m(2), elevated concentrations of BTP and cystatin C were still associated with significantly higher risk of adverse clinical events (p < 0.05). Net reclassification index analysis suggested cystatin C and BTP deliver comparable information regarding prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients hospitalized with ADHF, BTP and cystatin C predict risk of death and/or HF hospitalization and are superior to standard measures of renal function for this indication.