Plasma copeptin and markers of arterial disorder in patients with type 2 diabetes, a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: There is currently limited understanding of the relationship between copeptin, the midregional portion of proadrenomedullin (MRproADM) and the midregional fragment of the N-terminal of proatrial natriuretic peptide (MRproANP), and arterial disorders. Toe brachial index (TBI) and aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV) are established parameters for detecting arterial disorders. This study evaluated whether copeptin, MRproADM, and MRproANP were associated with TBI and aPWV in patients with type 2 diabetes with no history of cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS: In the CARDIPP study, a cross-sectional analysis of 519 patients with type 2 diabetes aged 55-65 years with no history of CVD at baseline, had complete data on copeptin, MRproADM, MRproANP, TBI, and aPWV was performed. Linear regression analysis was used to investigate the associations between conventional CVD risk factors, copeptin, MRproADM, MRproANP, TBI, and aPWV. RESULTS: Copeptin was associated with TBI (ß-0.0020, CI-0.0035- (-0.0005), p = 0.010) and aPWV (ß 0.023, CI 0.002-0.044, p = 0.035). These associations were independent of age, sex, diabetes duration, mean 24-hour ambulatory systolic blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin A1c, total cholesterol, estimated glomerular filtration rate, body mass index, and active smoking. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma copeptin may be a helpful surrogate for identifying individuals at higher risk for arterial disorders. TRIAL REGISTRATION:  ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT010497377.

Postoperative bioactive adrenomedullin is associated with the onset of ARDS and adverse outcomes in patients undergoing open thoracoabdominal aortic surgery.

Cytokine-mediated systemic inflammation after open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repairs plays a pivotal role in disrupting circulatory homeostasis, potentially leading to organ dysfunction. The bioactive form of adrenomedullin (bio-ADM) is a peptide hormone with immunomodulatory and vasomotor effects, making it a potential diagnostic agent in these cases. This retrospective, bicentric study, conducted between January 2019 and December 2022, recruited 36 elective open TAAA repair patients in two German centres. Serum and plasma samples were collected at multiple time points to measure bio-ADM levels. The primary objective was to evaluate the association of bio-ADM levels with the onset of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), with secondary endpoints focusing on mortality and SIRS-related morbidity. Results showed a significant association between postoperative bio-ADM levels (12-48 h after surgery) and the onset of ARDS (p < .001), prolonged ventilation (p = .015 at 12h after surgery), atrial fibrillation (p < .001), and mortality (p = .05 at 24h). The biomarker was also strongly associated with sepsis (p = .01 at 12 h) and multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) (p = .02 at 24 h after surgery). The study underscores the potential utility of bio-ADM as a diagnostic tool for identifying patients at risk of postoperative complications following open TAAA repairs.

Bioactive adrenomedullin as a marker of congestion and disease progression in patients with a systemic right ventricle.

BACKGROUND: Adults with a systemic right ventricle (sRV) are at a high risk for heart failure (HF) hospitalization and mortality. Bioactive adrenomedullin (bio-ADM) has been proposed as a marker of congestion and prognosis in patients with cardiovascular disease. We aimed to evaluate the association between bio-ADM and mortality and HF events in sRV patients. METHODS: Plasma bio-ADM was measured by a novel immunoassay in plasma of 85 sRV patients. A composite endpoint of all-cause mortality and HF events was used as outcome. HF events were defined as onset or progression of HF signs or symptoms requiring hospitalization, initiation or intensification of therapy. Multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between bio-ADM and outcome. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 37 ± 9 years and 65% were male. Patients with higher plasma bio-ADM concentrations were more often treated with diuretics (p = 0.007), possibly because of signs and/or symptoms of congestion. During a median follow-up of 10.2 years, 33.7% of the patients reached the endpoint. After adjustment for age and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP), higher bio-ADM levels were associated with a higher risk of the composite endpoint (hazard ratio: 2.09 [95%-confidence interval: 1.15-3.78]). Bio-ADM improved risk prediction when added to NT-proBNP and age (C-statistic improved from 0.748 to 0.776 [p = 0.03]). CONCLUSIONS: Bio-ADM can be considered as a marker of congestion and independent predictor of death and HF events in adult patients with a sRV. Moreover, in terms of risk prediction, it has added value to NT-proBNP.

Usefulness of mid-regional proadrenomedullin levels in the resuscitation phase of severely burned patients and its utility in early sepsis detection.

INTRODUCTION: Mid-regional proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM) reflects the adrenomedullin level, which has vasodilatory activity, decreases endothelial permeability, and downregulates proinflammatory cytokines. Sepsis diagnosis in these patients is difficult, and MR-proADM is a widely studied sepsis biomarker. This study evaluates MR-proADM levels during the resuscitation phase, considering the potential influence of haemodynamic changes and its usefulness for the early sepsis detection in burn patients. METHODS: A prospective observational study performed in the Critical Burn Unit. Demographic data, burn characteristics, comorbidities, prognostic/severity scales, and haemodynamic parameters were collected. The resuscitation protocol guided by diuresis, transpulmonary thermodilution, and lactate levels was followed. Blood samples were collected at various time points for biomarker measurement. Biomarker levels, including MR-proADM, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin were measured during the resuscitation phase and septic episodes. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were included, with a mean age of 51 years, a mean total body surface area burn of 41.8%, a mean Abbreviated Burn Severity Index of 9.7, and a mean Baux score of 92. MR-proADM levels were elevated on admission (0.9 ± 0.5 nmol/l) and continued to increase slightly during the resuscitation phase (2.4 ± 2.2 nmol/l). Haemodynamic changes during resuscitation did not significantly affect MR-proADM levels. Twelve of the 27 patients developed sepsis, whose MR-proADM levels were significantly elevated on the day of clinical diagnosis (3.91 ± 2.99 nmol/l) and even the day before (2.57 ± 3.37). Higher MR-proADM levels were associated with greater severity as measured by the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score. The mean MR-proadrenomedullin values during resuscitation in the patients who died was 3.51 ± 2.30 nmol/l, whereas in the survivors it was 1.28 ± 1.10 nmol/l (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: MR-proadrenomedullin values are elevated after thermal injury but are not affected by haemodynamic changes. During septic episodes in burn patients, MR-proADM rises early (the day before sepsis diagnosis). Higher levels of MR-proADM are associated with greater organ dysfunction and mortality.

Biomarkers Improve Diagnostics of Sepsis in Adult Patients With Suspected Organ Dysfunction Based on the Quick Sepsis-Related Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) Score in the Emergency Department.

OBJECTIVES: Consensus regarding biomarkers for detection of infection-related organ dysfunction in the emergency department is lacking. We aimed to identify and validate biomarkers that could improve risk prediction for overt or incipient organ dysfunction when added to quick Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) as a screening tool. DESIGN: In a large prospective multicenter cohort of adult patients presenting to the emergency department with a qSOFA score greater than or equal to 1, admission plasma levels of C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, adrenomedullin (either bioavailable adrenomedullin or midregional fragment of proadrenomedullin), proenkephalin, and dipeptidyl peptidase 3 were assessed. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression was applied to assess the impact of these biomarkers alone or in combination to detect the primary endpoint of prediction of sepsis within 96 hours of admission. SETTING: Three tertiary emergency departments at German University Hospitals (Jena University Hospital and two sites of the Charité University Hospital, Berlin). PATIENTS: One thousand four hundred seventy-seven adult patients presenting with suspected organ dysfunction based on qSOFA score greater than or equal to 1. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The cohort was of moderate severity with 81% presenting with qSOFA = 1; 29.2% of these patients developed sepsis. Procalcitonin outperformed all other biomarkers regarding the primary endpoint (area under the curve for receiver operating characteristic [AUC-ROC], 0.86 [0.79-0.93]). Adding other biomarkers failed to further improve the AUC-ROC for the primary endpoint; however, they improved the model regarding several secondary endpoints, such as mortality, need for vasopressors, or dialysis. Addition of procalcitonin with a cutoff level of 0.25 ng/mL improved net (re)classification by 35.2% compared with qSOFA alone, with positive and negative predictive values of 60.7% and 88.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Biomarkers of infection and organ dysfunction, most notably procalcitonin, substantially improve early prediction of sepsis with added value to qSOFA alone as a simple screening tool on emergency department admission.

Utility of Measuring Circulating Bio-Adrenomedullin and Proenkephalin for 30-Day Mortality Risk Prediction in Patients with COVID-19 and Non-COVID-19 Interstitial Pneumonia in the Emergency Department.

Background and Objectives: In order to accelerate the risk stratification of patients referred to the Emergency Department (ED) with interstitial pneumonia, it could be useful to provide new and effective laboratory tests for use. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prognostic role of two biomarkers, bio-adrenomedullin (Bio-ADM) and proenkephalin (penKid), in patients with interstitial pneumonia (IP) at ED admission. Materials and Methods: In 153 consecutive patients with IP, both from COVID-19 or non-COVID-19 etiology, we measured, in a prospective observational manner, penKid and Bio-ADM at ED admission and after 24 h. In order to evaluate patient outcomes, 30-day follow-ups were also performed. The endpoints were 24 h, 10-day, and 30-day mortality. Results: Both biomarkers were shown to be good predictors of adverse events at 30 days, with Bio-ADM outperforming penKid. Bio-ADM was linked with 24 h and 10-day patient mortality. Moreover, PenKid was related to parameters defining worsening kidney function. Conclusions: Both in patients with COVID-19 or non-COVID-19 interstitial pneumonia at ED admission, Bio-ADM and penKid were good predictors of patient mortality. To evaluate these two biomarkers could be considered to be useful during the first evaluation in the ED when integrated with clinical scores.

Mid-regional proadrenomedullin, C-terminal proendothelin-1 values, and disease course are not different in critically ill SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia patients with obesity.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Patients affected by obesity and Coronavirus disease 2019, the disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), appear to have a higher risk for intensive care (ICU) admission. A state of low-grade chronic inflammation in obesity has been suggested as one of the underlying mechanisms. We investigated whether obesity is associated with differences in new inflammatory biomarkers mid-regional proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM), C-terminal proendothelin-1 (CT-proET-1), and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 105 critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia were divided in patients with obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2, n = 42) and patients without obesity (BMI < 30 kg/m2, n = 63) and studied in a retrospective observational cohort study. MR-proADM, CT-proET-1 concentrations, and conventional markers of white blood count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT) were collected during the first 7 days. RESULTS: BMI was 33.5 (32-36.1) and 26.2 (24.7-27.8) kg/m2 in the group with and without obesity. There were no significant differences in concentrations MR-proADM, CT-proET-1, WBC, CRP, and PCT at baseline and the next 6 days between patients with and without obesity. Only MR-proADM changed significantly over time (p = 0.039). Also, BMI did not correlate with inflammatory biomarkers (MR-proADM rho = 0.150, p = 0.125, CT-proET-1 rho = 0.179, p = 0.067, WBC rho = -0.044, p = 0.654, CRP rho = 0.057, p = 0.564, PCT rho = 0.022, p = 0.842). Finally, no significant differences in time on a ventilator, ICU length of stay, and 28-day mortality between patients with or without obesity were observed. CONCLUSIONS: In critically ill patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, obesity was not associated with differences in MR-proADM, and CT-proET-1, or impaired outcome. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Netherlands Trial Register, NL8460.

Association of circulating MR-proADM with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in the general population: Results from the KORA F4 cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Despite its vasodilatory effect, adrenomedullin and its surrogate mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) have been found to be positively associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. However, the underlying mechanisms thereof remain unclear and the associations were mostly shown in geriatric cohorts or in patients with chronic diseases. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the possible involvement of abdominal obesity, selected adipokines, and biomarkers of subclinical inflammation in the association of MR-proADM with mortality in a population based study cohort. METHODS: Prospective analysis of the KORA F4 study; median follow-up 9.1 (8.8-9.4) years. Complete data on MR-proADM and mortality was available for 1551 participants, aged 56.9±12.9 years (mean±SD). Correlation and regression analyses of MR-proADM with overall (BMI) and abdominal obesity (waist circumference), selected adipokines and biomarkers of subclinical inflammation. Cox proportional hazard models on the association of MR-proADM with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality with adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors and selected biomarkers in study subgroups (n = 603-1551). RESULTS: MR-proADM associated with all-cause (HR (95%CI): 2.37 (1.72-3.26) and 2.31 (1.67-3.20)) and cardiovascular mortality (4.28 (2.19-8.39) and 4.44 (2.25-8.76)) after adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors including BMI or waist circumference, respectively. MR-proADM was further associated with four out of seven examined adipokines (leptin, retinol-binding protein-4, chemerin, and adiponectin) and with five out of eleven examined biomarkers of subclinical inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, myeloperoxidase, interleukin-22, and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist) after multivariable adjustment and correction for multiple testing. However, only IL-6 substantially attenuated the association of MR-proADM with all-cause mortality. CONCLUSIONS: We found an association of MR-proADM with (abdominal) obesity, selected adipokines, and biomarkers of subclinical inflammation. However, the association of MR-proADM with mortality was independent of these parameters. Future studies should investigate the role of IL-6 and further characteristics of subclinical inflammation in the association between MR-proADM and all-cause mortality.

On-admission plasma levels of BNP, MR-proADM, and cTnI in pediatric heart failure: contributions to diagnosis, prognosis, and outcome.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of on-admission plasma levels of BNP, MR-proADM, and cTnI in diagnosing the clinical severity and progression of heart failure (HF) in children with CHD. Also, to correlate the levels of these biomarkers with the HF outcome (survival versus in-hospital mortality). RESULTS: A prospective cohort study conducted in period from January 2017 to March 2018. All children presenting with HF had a Ross score assessment, echocardiography, and on-admission plasma level assay of BNP, MR-proADM, and cTnI. Patients were followed clinically throughout their hospital stay. The discriminatory power of on-admission measurement of each biomarker was determined using the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC). The results showed a significantly high on-admission plasma level of the 3 biomarkers among CHD cohort children than healthy controls (p < 0.001). Linear correlation was noted between the 3 biomarkers with Ross score, ejection fraction, and duration of hospital stay. Furthermore, significant association between on-admission level of the 3 biomarkers (BNP, MR-proADM, and cTnI) with patient's in-hospital mortality (p = 0.0003, Beta coefficient = 0.842; p = 0.0495, Beta coefficient = 0.183; and p < 0.001, Beta coefficient = 0.635, respectively), with on-admission BNP (cut of point 507.13) predicting in-hospital mortality, with 95.5% sensitivity, 88% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high diagnostic value of measuring the on-admission levels of BNP, MR-proADM, and cTnI regarding the clinical severity and disease progression in the setting of pediatric heart failure, but the BNP level was more superior in prediction of the patients' outcome.

Association between MR-proADM concentration and treatment intensity of antihypertensive agents in chronic kidney disease patients with insufficient blood pressure control.

Response to antihypertensive drugs in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has great interindividual variability. Adrenomedullin (ADM) is produced abundantly in hypertension, but clearance is very rapid. Mid-regional proADM (MR-proADM) produced from an ADM precursor is considered a surrogate biomarker for quantification of ADM. We investigated the association of MR-proADM with antihypertensive resistance in CKD patients with poor blood pressure (BP) control. This cross-sectional study analyzed 33 CKD patients with poor BP control defined as failure to achieve target BP despite at least two classes of antihypertensive drugs. Treatment intensity score was calculated to facilitate comparability of antihypertensive regimens across subjects taking different drugs. Plasma MR-proADM concentration was measured using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Plasma MR-proADM concentration correlated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (r = - 0.777, p < 0.001). Treatment intensity score correlated positively with plasma MR-proADM concentration (r = 0.355, p = 0.043), and the correlation was further enhanced after correction by weight (r = 0.538, p = 0.001). Single and multiple regression analysis identified MR-proADM concentration (p = 0.005) as independently associated with weight-corrected treatment intensity score. MR-proADM may be useful as a biomarker to determine the therapeutic intensity of antihypertensive drugs in CKD patients with poor BP control.

The relationship between plasma proadrenomedullin level and severity of the disease in patients with isolated rheumatic mitral stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to determine the plasma proadrenomedullin (ProADM) levels in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS), to evaluate the relationship between ProADM levels and the echocardiographic parameters that represent the severity of stenosis and symptoms, and to compare the ProADM and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels, which is a well-known marker for rheumatic MS. METHODS: Our study included 53 consecutive patients with isolated rheumatic MS and 45 volunteers with similar age and gender features. Patients with MS were divided into two groups based on the presence of an indication for intervention. Detailed echocardiographic examinations were performed on all participants, and blood samples were collected to detect the NT-proBNP and ProADM levels. RESULTS: NT-proBNP and ProADM levels were significantly higher in the rheumatic MS group compared with the control group. In rheumatic MS groups, patients with an indication for intervention had higher levels of NT-proBNP and ProADM compared with patients without an indication for intervention. Moreover, NT-proBNP and ProADM levels were found to be significantly correlated with echocardiographic parameters, which revealed the severity of stenosis in various degrees. Both parameters increased as the New York Heart Association (NYHA) class increased, and this increase had a statistical significance. Additionally, the cut-off values of both parameters (NT-proBNP: 119.9 pg/mL, ProADM: 6.15 nmol/L) could detect patients with an indication for intervention with high sensitivity and specificity rates. NT-proBNP was found to be slightly more effective in this regard. CONCLUSION: The increased NT-proBNP and ProADM levels in patients with isolated rheumatic MS can help clinicians in distinguishing patients with an indication for intervention by providing additional information to echocardiography.

Endothelial dysfunction and Mid-Regional proAdrenomedullin: What role in SARS-CoV-2 infected Patients?

BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction, a major complication of SARS-CoV-2 infectionplaying a key-role in multi-organ damage, carries high risk of mortality. AIM: To investigate the potential role of Mid-Regional pro-Adrenomedullin (MR-proADM) in detecting endothelial damage with a view to stratifying the risk of adverse events (length of stay, death, admission in Intensive Care Unit) and/or disease resolution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 135 consecutive patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, MR-proADM was measured in EDTA-K2 plasma samples using B.R.A.H.M.S. KRYPTOR® COMPACT Plus method (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Hennigsdorf, Germany) RESULTS: Patients were subdivided into three groups based on their MR-proADM value (nmol/L): 1 (n = 20, MR-proADM ≤ 0.55); 2 (n = 82, 0.55 < MR-proADM ≤ 1.50); 3 (n = 33, MR-proADM > 1.50). The higher the MR-proADM value, the greater the patients' age, the more frequent the occurrence of pneumonia, the requiring of more aggressive treatment, the longer the hospitalization and the more frequent a fatal event. Significant differences were found between the three groups for MR-proADM, White-blood cell count, Neutrophil count, D-dimer, C-reactive Protein, Procalcitonin and hs-Troponin I. At logistic regression,it was found that MR-proADM and Log10D-dimer were the most significant predictors of adverse events. CONCLUSION: The findings made in the present study highlight the relevance of MR-proADM values in providing clinically useful information, particularly for stratifying COVID-19 patients according to the risk of a more severe form of disease and to the development of adverse events.

Adrenomedullin: new inhibitory regulator for cortisol synthesis and secretion.

Preterm birth is associated with immaturity of several crucial physiological functions notably those prevailing in the lung and kidney. Recently, a steroid secretion deficiency was identified in very preterm neonates, associated with a partial yet transient deficiency in 11ß-hydroxylase activity, sustaining cortisol synthesis. However, the P450c11ß enzyme is expressed in preterm adrenal glands, we hypothesized an inhibition of cortisol production by adrenomedullin (ADM), a peptide highly produced in neonates and whose effect on steroidogenesis remains poorly known. We studied the effects of ADM on three models: 104 cord-blood samples of the PREMALDO neonate cohort, genetically targeted mice overexpressing ADM, and two human adrenocortical cell lines (H295R and HAC15 cells). Mid-regional-proADM (MR-proADM) quantification in cord-blood samples showed strong negative correlation with gestational age (P = 0.0004), cortisol production (P < 0.0001), and 11ß-hydroxylase activity index (P < 0.0001). Mean MR-proADM was higher in very preterm than in term neonates (1.12 vs 0.60 nmol/L, P < 0.0001). ADM-overexpression mice revealed a lower 11ß-hydroxylase activity index (P < 0.05). Otherwise, aldosterone levels measured by LC-MS/MS were higher in ADM-overexpression mice (0.83 vs 0.46 ng/mL, P < 0.05). More importantly, the negative relationship between adrenal ADM expression and aldosterone production found in control was lacking in the ADM-overexpression mice. Finally, LC-MS/MS and gene expression studies on H295R and HAC15 cells revealed an ADM-induced inhibition of both cortisol secretion in cell supernatants and CYP11B1 expression. Collectively, our results converge toward an inhibitory effect of ADM on glucocorticoid synthesis in humans and should be considered to explain the steroid secretion deficiency observed at birth in premature newborns.

Adrenomedullin Is a Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker for Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

Hemorrhagic stroke remains an important health challenge. Adrenomedullin (AM) is a vasoactive peptide with an important role in cardiovascular diseases, including stroke. Serum AM and nitrate-nitrite and S-nitroso compounds (NOx) levels were measured and compared between healthy volunteers (n = 50) and acute hemorrhagic stroke patients (n = 64). Blood samples were taken at admission (d0), 24 h later (d1), and after 7 days or at the time of hospital discharge (d7). Neurological severity (NIHSS) and functional prognosis (mRankin) were measured as clinical outcomes. AM levels were higher in stroke patients at all times when compared with healthy controls (p < 0.0001). A receiving operating characteristic curve analysis identified that AM levels at admission > 69.0 pg/mL had a great value as a diagnostic biomarker (area under the curve = 0.89, sensitivity = 80.0%, specificity = 100%). Furthermore, patients with a favorable outcome (NIHSS ≤ 3; mRankin ≤ 2) experienced an increase in AM levels from d0 to d1, and a decrease from d1 to d7, whereas patients with unfavorable outcome had no significant changes over time. NOx levels were lower in patients at d0 (p = 0.04) and d1 (p < 0.001) than in healthy controls. In conclusion, AM levels may constitute a new diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for this disease, and identify AM as a positive mediator for hemorrhagic stroke resolution.

Circulating adrenomedullin and B-type natriuretic peptide do not predict blood pressure fluctuations during pheochromocytoma resection: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Despite adequate presurgical management, blood pressure fluctuations are common during resection of pheochromocytoma or sympathetic paraganglioma (PPGL). To a large extent, the variability in blood pressure control during PPGL resection remains unexplained. Adrenomedullin and B-type natriuretic peptide, measured as MR-proADM and NT-proBNP, respectively, are circulating biomarkers of cardiovascular dysfunction. We investigated whether plasma levels of MR-proADM and NT-proBNP are associated with blood pressure fluctuations during PPGL resection. METHODS: Study subjects participated in PRESCRIPT, a randomized controlled trial in patients undergoing PPGL resection. MR-proADM and NT-proBNP were determined in a single plasma sample drawn before surgery. Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were used to explore associations between these biomarkers and blood pressure fluctuations, use of vasoconstrictive agents during surgery as well as the occurrence of perioperative cardiovascular events. RESULTS: A total of 126 PPGL patients were included. Median plasma concentrations of MR-proADM and NT-proBNP were 0.51 (0.41-0.63) nmol/L and 68.7 (27.9-150.4) ng/L, respectively. Neither MR-proADM nor NT-proBNP were associated with blood pressure fluctuations. There was a positive correlation between MR-proADM concentration and the cumulative dose of vasoconstrictive agents (03B2 0.44, P =0.001). Both MR-proADM and NT-proBNP were significantly associated with perioperative cardiovascular events (OR: 5.46, P =0.013 and OR: 1.54, P =0.017, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: plasma MR-proADM or NT-proBNP should not be considered as biomarkers for the presurgical risk assessment of blood pressure fluctuations during PPGL resection. Future studies are needed to explore the potential influence of these biomarkers on the intraoperative requirement of vasoconstrictive agents and the perioperative cardiovascular risk.

Plasma adrenomedullin level and year-by-year variability of body mass index in the general population.

Plasma levels of the hypotensive peptides of adrenomedullin and atrial and B-type natriuretic peptides (AM, ANP, BNP) are possible biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases. Increased variability of body mass index (BMI) over a certain period of time has been reported to be associated with cardiovascular morbidity or mortality. The aim of this study is to examine clinical significance of those hypotensive peptides as biomarkers by analyzing the relationship between plasma levels of the peptides and year-by-year variability of BMI in the general population without overt cardiovascular diseases. The subjects were 427 local residents (141 males and 286 females) attending their annual health check-up, who had been examined at least 5 times over the preceding period of 10 years. They were divided into two groups of low or high variability by the median of coefficient of variation (CV) of BMI values for each gender. Plasma AM levels of those with high year-by-year variability of BMI were significantly increased, as compared to the group with low variability, in both genders; meanwhile, such a difference was not noted in plasma levels of the natriuretic peptides. No significant differences were found in the basal parameters, which could affect plasma AM level, such as age, BMI, blood pressure or serum creatinine, between two groups. In conclusion, increase in plasma AM was associated with high year-by-year variability of BMI in the general population without overt heart disease. This relationship between the two suggests that increased plasma AM level is a cardiovascular risk marker.

Clinical Utility of Midregional Proadrenomedullin in Patients with COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the role of midregional proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM) in patients with COVID-19. METHODS: We included 110 patients hospitalized for COVID-19. Biochemical biomarkers, including MR-proADM, were measured at admission. The association of plasma MR-proADM levels with COVID-19 severity, defined as a requirement for mechanical ventilation or in-hospital mortality, was evaluated. RESULTS: Patients showed increased levels of MR-proADM. In addition, MR-proADM was higher in patients who died during hospitalization than in patients who survived (median, 2.59 nmol/L; interquartile range, 2.3-2.95 vs median, 0.82 nmol/L; interquartile range, 0.57-1.03; P <.0001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed good accuracy of MR-proADM for predicting mortality. A MR-proADM value of 1.73 nmol/L was established as the best cutoff value, with 90% sensitivity and 95% specificity (P <.0001). CONCLUSION: We found that MR-proADM could represent a prognostic biomarker of COVID-19.

Copeptin, pro-atrial natriuretic peptide and pro-adrenomedullin as markers of hypoxic stress in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-a prospective intervention study.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) might lead to oxidative stress, inflammation and elevated circulating copeptin, proANP and proADM levels. We aimed to evaluate whether the levels of these prohormones are higher in patients with OSA and whether they might change under continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, serving as potential proxies for the diagnosis and therapy-response in OSA. METHODS: A total of 310 patients with suspicion of OSA were recruited. Screening for OSA was performed using overnight pulse oximetry followed by polygraphy and a venous puncture in the morning. All patients diagnosed with OSA underwent CPAP adaptation. A venous puncture was conducted in the night before CPAP and in the following morning. At 1 and 6 months of treatment, polygraphy was performed, followed by a venous puncture in the morning. In the acquired blood, copeptin, proANP and proADM levels were measured. RESULTS: We analyzed 232 patients with OSA and 30 patients without OSA. Our results indicated that only copeptin levels differed significantly among patients with and without OSA at baseline. In OSA patients, the levels of proADM significantly changed after 1 and 6 months on CPAP therapy, when compared to baseline (p < 0.001 and p = 0.020). Additionally, proANP levels significantly decreased after 12 h on CPAP therapy, as compared to baseline levels (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Copeptin is significantly associated with the presence of OSA. ProANP levels might serve as a potential proxy for the acute response to non-invasive ventilation (12 h), while proADM reflects the long-term response (1 and 6 months).