Value of N-Terminal Pro B-Type Natriuretic Peptide,High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein,and Homocysteine Levels in Predicting Cardiovascular Events in Chronic Heart Failure Patients After Discharge

Objective:To investigate the value of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP),high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),and homocysteine(Hcy)levels in predicting cardiovascular events(CV)in patients with chronic heart failure(CHF).Methods:A total of 63 patients with CHF admitted to our hospital between June 2019 and July 2021 were selected.Their NT-proBNP,hs-CRP,and Hcy levels were detected at discharge,and a 12-month follow-up was done after their discharge to collect clinical data.The collected data were inclusive of data from 21 CHF patients with cardiovascular disease and 42 CHF patients without cardiovascular disease.The effect of NT-proBNP,hs-CRP,and Hcy levels on the occurrence of CV was analyzed.Results:The levels of NT-proBNP,hs-CRP,and Hcy in the group with cardiovascular disease were significantly higher than those in the group without cardiovascular disease(P<0.05);the levels of serum NT-proBNP,hs-CRP,and Hcy at discharge had certain value in predicting short-term CV in CHF patients(P<0.05).Conclusion:NT-proBNP,hs-CRP,and Hcy levels can be used to predict CV in CHF patients,thus having clinical application value.

Effect of atorvastatin on serum oxidative stress and N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide expression in rats

Objective:To investigate the effect of atorvastatin on serum oxidative stress and N-terminal brain natriuretic peptide expression in rats.Methods:A total of 40 healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into the sham group(Croup A,n=10,saline 5 mL/d),ischemia-reperfusion group(Group B,n=10,saline S mL/d),atorvastatin group(Group C,n=10.atorvastatin 20 mg/kg·d),atorvastatin + N-amino-arginine group(Group D,n=10,atorvastatin 20 mg/kg·d + N-amino arginine 15 mg/kg).Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion rat model was eslablished after 3 days of gavage.N-amino arginine 15 mg/kg was given by tail vein injection 15 min before ischemia.After reperfusion,enzymology indicators such us creatine kinase(CK) and lactate dehydrogenase and the oxidative stress parameters such as nitric oxide(NO),malondialdehyde(MDA) and total superoxide dismutase(TSOD),and n-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)expression was detected by immunohistochemistry.Results:LDH and CK levels of group A were significantly lower than the outer three groups,and group B was the highest.There was significant difference between group B and group C(P<0.05),and no significant difference between group B and group D(P>0.05).MDA levels in group B were significantly higher than the other three groups.The lowest was group A,followed by group C,the difference among groups was significantly(P<0.05).TSOD and NO levels in group B was the lowest,the level in group A was the highest,followed by group C,the difference among groups was significant(P<0.05).NT-proBNP level in group B was significantly higher than the other three groups,the lowest was group A,followed by group C,the difference among groups was significant(P<0.05).Conclusions:Atorvastatin has a protective effect on the myocardial injury in the myocardial ischemia and reperfusion rats.It can increase NO synthesis and decrease MDA content,increase serum TSOD activity and the oxidative stress effect,meanwhile protect myocardial cells and reduce myocardial injury.

Plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels in elderly patients with isolated diastolic dysfunction

To investigate plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-BNP) levels and to assess their clinical significance in elderly patients with isolated diastolic dysfunction. Methods Plasma NT-BNP level were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay in 34 symptomatic patients (Group 1), 34 asymptomatic patients (Group 2) with isolated diastolic dysfunction, and in 16elderly healthy subjects (control group, Group 3), serving controls. Colored Doppler echocardiography was performed to evaluate the patients' cardiac structures and functions. Results The plasma NT-BNP level in Group 1 was significantly higher than those in Group 2 and Group 3 and increased with the severity of heart failure. There was no significant difference of plasma NT-BNP levels between Group 2 and Group 3 (p＞0.05). A NT-BNP value of 102.75 pg/mL showed a sensitivity of 88.2%, a specificity of 87.5%, and an accuracy of 88.1% for diagnosing diastolic dysfunction. Patients with restrictive filling pattern on echocardiography had higher NTBNP levels than those of impaired relaxation pattern (1961.2±304.9 versus 460. 1±92.7pg/mL, p＜0.001). Conclusion The elevation of plasma NT-BNP level in elderly patients with isolated diastolic dysfunction correlates with the severity of their diastolic abnormalities.The level of plasma NT-BNP has an important clinical value in the diagnosis of elderly patients with isolated diastolic dysfunction.

Prognostic Value of N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide in Acute Pulmonary Embolism

Patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) have a high risk of death and it is important to recognize factors associated with high mortality. N-Terminal pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-pro BNP) has recently emerged as a promising biomarker for risk assessment in acute pulmonary embolism (PE). The aim of this study is to detect the in hospital prognostic value of NT-pro BNP in patients with acute (PE). Methods: This study included 64 patients diagnosed as (PE) with the mean age of 59.1 ± 16.5 years, 40 patients of them (62.5%) were male. All patients were subjected to 12 leads ECG. X-ray chest, laboratory tests including D-Dimer, troponin I, NT-pro BNP, Doppler ultrasound for the venous system of both lower limbs, Echocardiograhy and 64 multislices CT pulmonary angiography. Results: According to the admission level of NT-pro BNP our patients were divided into two groups: group I included 22 patients with normal NT-pro BNP (less than 300 pg/ml), and group II included 42 patients with elevated NT-pro BNP (more than or equal 300 pg/ml). Patients in group II were found to have a significantly higher incidence of heart failure (28.6% Vs 4.6%, p = 0.025), impaired kidney function (serum creatinine was 1.7 ± 0.6 Vs 1.1 ± 0.2, p = 0.018), tachypnea (85.7% Vs 54.5%, p = 0.006) and cardiogenic shock (26.2% Vs 0%, p = 0.014) but a significantly lower incidence of chest pain (21.4% Vs 45.5%, p = 0.04) and lower left ventricular ejection fraction (51.3% ± 16.9% Vs 67.3% ± 12.8%, p = 0.043) compared to group I. There were a significantly higher treatment with thrombolytic therapy (35.7% Vs 9.1%, p=0.021) and positive inotropics (35.71% Vs 4.55%, p = 0.006) in group II compared to group I. Also group II had a higher need for mechanical ventilation (26.12% Vs 4.55%, p = 0.04) and a longer in hospital stay (19.5 ± 10.3 Vs 5.3 ± 4.5, p = 0.001) than group I. The in hospital mortality was significantly higher in group II compared to group I (19.05% Vs 0.0%, p = 0.042). Conclusion: Elevated NT-pro BNP levels in patients with (PE) are associated with worse short term prognosis in terms of higher morbidity and mortality and it could be used as a valuable prognostic parameter and good indicator for the need of more aggressive therapy.

Diagnostic Value of Combined Detection of Galectin-3 and N-Terminal B-Type Natriuretic Peptide in Patients with Acute Heart Failure

Background: Acute heart failure timely and effective diagnosis and treatment directly affects the prognosis of patients, so early diagnosis of acute heart failure treatment is very important. The current diagnosis of acute heart failure has yet to be further improved. To investigate the relationship between plasma levels of Galectin-3 and NT-proBNP in cardiac structure and function in patients with acute heart failure (AHF) Early detection of failure. Methods: The clinical data of 86 patients with acute heart failure in our hospital were analyzed and followed up. Twenty-six healthy subjects with normal cardiac function were used as control group. The plasma Galectin-3 and NT-proBNP levels were compared between the two groups to observe the value of plasma Galectin-3 combined with NT-proBNP in the diagnosis of acute heart failure. Results: There was no significant difference in the level of Galectin-3 and NT-proBNP between heart function group II and control group, and the levels of cardiac function III and IVG plasma Galectin-3 and NT-proBNP were significantly higher in patients with heart failure Compared with the healthy control group, the patients’ LVEF decreased and their cardiac function increased. The levels of plasma Galectin-3 and NT-proBNP increased significantly (P 0.01). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that plasma levels of Galectin-3 and NT-proBNP were independent of cardiac function. The area under the ROC curve for the combined detection of plasma Galectin-3 and NT-proBNP was greater than the area under the two alone tests. Conclusion: The combined detection of Galectin-3 and NT-proBNP has high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of acute heart failure and can be used as a new detection mode.

Effect of milrinone on the cardiac function and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels in patients with senile refractory heart failure

Objective:To study the effect of milrinone on the cardiac function and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels in patients with senile refractory heart failure. Methods:90 patients with senile refractory heart failure who were treated in our hospital between August 2013 and August 2016 were collected and divided into control group (n=45) and observation group (n=45) according to the random number table. The control group received regular clinical treatment, and the observation group received regular + milrinone treatment. The cardiac function and serum NT-proBN contents were compared between two groups of patients before and after treatment.Results: Before treatment, the differences in ultrasound and serum cardiac function indexes and serum NT-proBN levels were not statistically significant between two groups of patients. After treatment, ultrasound serum cardiac function parameter LVEDD level in observation group was lower than that in control group while CI and SV levels were higher than those in control group;serum cardiac function indexes Cys-C, GDF-15, sST2 and H-FABP contents were lower than those in control group;serum NT-proBNP content was lower than that in control group.Conclusion: Milrinone therapy can optimize the cardiac function and reduce the serum NT-proBN levels in patients with senile refractory heart failure.

Mechanism of annexin A1/N-formylpeptide receptor regulation of macrophage function to inhibit hepatic stellate cell activation through Wnt/β-catenin pathway

BACKGROUND Hepatic fibrosis is a common pathological process of chronic liver diseases with various causes,which can progress to cirrhosis.AIM To evaluate the effect and mechanism of action annexin(Anx)A1 in liver fibrosis and how this could be targeted therapeutically.METHODS CCl4(20%)and active N-terminal peptide of AnxA1(Ac2-26)and N-formylpeptide receptor antagonist N-Boc-Phe-Leu-Phe-Leu-Phe(Boc2)were injected intraperitoneally to induce liver fibrosis in eight wild-type mice/Anxa1 knockout mice,and to detect expression of inflammatory factors,collagen deposition,and the role of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in hepatic fibrosis.RESULTS Compared with the control group,AnxA1,transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1,interleukin(IL)-1βand IL-6 expression in the liver of mice with hepatic fibrosis induced by CCl4 was significantly increased,which promoted collagen deposition and expression ofα-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),collagen type I and connective tissue growth factor(CTGF),and increased progressively with time.CCl4 induced an increase in TGF-β1,IL-1βand IL-6 in liver tissue of AnxA1 knockout mice,and the degree of liver inflammation and fibrosis and expression ofα-SMA,collagen I and CTGF were significantly increased compared with in wild-type mice.After treatment with Ac2-26,expression of liver inflammatory factors,degree of collagen deposition and expression of a-SMA,collagen I and CTGF were decreased compared with before treatment.Boc2 inhibited the anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects of Ac2-26.AnxA1 downregulated expression of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis.In vitro,lipopolysaccharide(LPS)induced hepatocyte and hepatic stellate cell(HSC)expression of AnxA1.Ac2-26 inhibited LPS-induced RAW264.7 cell activation and HSC proliferation,decreased expression ofα-SMA,collagen I and CTGF in HSCs,and inhibited expression of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway after HSC activation.These therapeutic effects were inhibited by Boc2.CONCLUSION AnxA1 inhibited liver fibrosis in mice,and its mechanism may be related to inhibition of HSC Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation by targeting formylpeptide receptors to regulate macrophage function.

SERUM CONCENTRATIONS OF HYALURONIC ACID, PROCOLLAGEN TYPE III NH_2-TERMINAL PEPTIDE, AND LAMININ IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE

Objective To explore the role of serum fibrotic indices including hyaluronic acid (HA), procollagen type III NH_ 2-terminal peptide (PCIIIP), and laminin (LN) in assessing the severity of myocardial fibrosis in chronic congestive heart failure (CHF).Methods Serum levels of HA, PCIIIP, and LN in 39 patients with CHF[14 with New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class II, 21 with class III, 4 with class IV]and in 46 patients with NYHA functional class I were assessed by radioimmunoassay.Results The serum concentrations of HA, PCIIIP, and LN were 359.75±84.59 μg/L, 77.88±24.67 μg/L, 86.73±23.90 μg/L in CHF group, and 211.60±54.80 μg/L, 64.82±23.99 μg/L, 82.26±23.98 μg/L in NYHA functional class I group, respectively. The HA level was significantly higher in CHF patients as compared with NYHA functional class I group (P<0.05). However, no difference was found in the levels of PCIIIP and LN between CHF group and NYHA functional class I group. The serum HA concentration was negatively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction (r=-0.71, P<0.05).Conclusion Serum HA level may act as an indicator for myocardial fibrosis.

The Level of Serum Intact Terminal Peptide of Procollagen and Its Clinical Significance in Patients with Chronic Keshan Disease

Objectives To evaluate the changes of serum intact terminal peptide of procollagen in patients with chronic Keshan disease (KD) and investigate their clinical significance. Methods The concentrations of serum intact N-terminal peptide of type procollagen (P NP) and intact N-terminal peptide of type procollagen were measured by radioimmunoassay in 35 patients with chronic KD and 31 normal control. Doppler ultrasounds was used to determine several parameters of left ventricular systole and diastole functions. Results The concentration of serum P NP (74.07±16.74)μg/L and the ratio of P NP/ P NP (18.02 ±4.60) in chronic KD were significantly increased as compared to the control (39.63±12.07 μg/L, 12.12±4.24; P< 0.001). Serum P NP (4.19±0.64)μg/L in chronic KD was higher than that in the control (3.36±0.65 μg/L,P < 0.001) too. The higher of serum concentration of P NP and the ratio of P NP/ P NP, the worse of cardiac function in patients with chronic KD. A negative correlation was found between serum P NP/ P NP, P NP and VE/VA, LVEF (γ=-0.4502, -0.4608, P< 0.01 and γ=-0.3936, -0.3904, respectively; P<0.05). Conclusions These findings suggested that tissue synthesis of collagen type and type was abnormally increased in chronic KD. On the other hand, our results indicated that P NP and P NP were related to several functional alterations of the left ventricle. Serum procollagen peptide measurements might therefore provide indirectly diagnostic information on myocardial fibrosis associated with chronic KD.

血清透明质酸、层粘连蛋白、Ⅲ型前胶原N端肽和Ⅳ型胶原辅助诊断原发性肝癌的临床意义分析

目的 分析血清透明质酸(HA)、层粘连蛋白(LN)、Ⅲ型前胶原N端肽(PⅢNP)和Ⅳ型胶原(CⅣ)辅助诊断原发性肝癌的可行性和临床价值。方法 选取82例原发性肝癌患者、33例肝硬化患者及127例健康对照者作为研究对象,分别作为原发性肝癌组、肝硬化组及健康对照组。检测并比较三组血清HA、LN、PⅢNP、CⅣ水平;分析血清HA、LN、PⅢNP、CⅣ的受试者工作特征曲线(ROC曲线)及曲线下面积(AUC);分析血清HA、LN、PⅢNP和CⅣ的诊断界值及诊断效能。结果 原发性肝癌组血清HA 80.32(42.18, 165.50)ng/ml、LN 42.91(31.47, 74.91)ng/ml、PⅢNP 16.15(10.93, 31.33)ng/ml和CⅣ126.00(73.16, 236.60)ng/ml均显著高于健康对照组的26.83(17.25, 40.02)、30.46(25.02, 40.95)、6.38(4.93, 7.86)、48.49(40.24, 57.57)ng/ml(P<0.05);原发性肝癌组血清HA、LN、PⅢNP水平显著低于肝硬化组(P<0.05),原发性肝癌组血清CⅣ水平与肝硬化组比较无统计学差异(P>0.05);肝硬化组血清HA、LN、PⅢNP和CⅣ水平均显著高于健康对照组(P<0.05)。ROC曲线及AUC分析血清HA、LN、PⅢNP和CⅣ的诊断效能显示:血清HA、LN、PⅢNP和CⅣ诊断原发性肝癌的AUC分别为0.8453、0.7195、0.9310和0.8842;血清HA、LN和PⅢNP鉴别原发性肝癌和肝硬化的AUC分别为0.7749、0.6208和0.6384。根据ROC曲线计算原发性肝癌和肝硬化的诊断界值,血清HA+LN+PⅢNP+CⅣ诊断原发性肝癌的灵敏度为92.7%。结论 血清HA、LN、PⅢNP和CⅣ可用于原发性肝癌的辅助诊断,具有重要的临床价值。

补肾运脾方促矮小大鼠生长的效用机制研究

目的:观察补肾运脾方对矮小大鼠生长的影响,探讨其作用机制。方法:将雌性30只、雄性15只大鼠合笼过夜,雌鼠受孕后按随机数字表随机分为低蛋白饲料组与标准饲料组,所有孕鼠分娩后采用标准饲料喂养。仔鼠2周龄去除雌仔鼠,3周龄离乳。标准饲料组孕鼠分娩的新生仔鼠中按随机数字表随机方法选取10只雄鼠仔鼠标记为正常组,选矮小模型仔鼠50只分为模型组、西药组、低剂量组、中剂量组、高剂量组,每组10只。正常组、模型组给予无菌生理盐水灌胃,1 mL/100 g;低、中、高剂量组分别给予补肾运脾方药液0.76 g/mL、1.52 g/mL、3.04 g/mL灌胃,1 mL/100 g;西药组给予重组人生长激素注射液腹部皮下注射(0.84 IU/kg)。每天上午8:00给药,1次/d,连续3周。对比各组身长、体质量、骨密度(BMD)、骨矿盐(BMC)及血清Ⅰ型前胶原羧基端肽(PICP)、Ⅰ型胶原羧基吡啶交联肽(ICTP)、生长激素(GH)、胰岛素样生长因子-1(IGF-1)。结果:各组大鼠治疗后身长、体质量高于治疗前(P<0.05),低剂量组、高剂量组BMD高于模型组(P<0.05),正常组、西药组、中剂量组、高剂量组血清PICP含量低于模型组(P<0.05),中药3组血清PICP含量大于正常组(P<0.05),正常组、中药3组、西药组血清ICTP含量小于模型组(P<0.01),中药3组血清ICTP含量大于正常组(P<0.05);正常组、中药3组、西药组血清GH含量小于模型组(P<0.01),低剂量组、中剂量组血清GH含量大于西药组(P<0.05),低剂量组血清GH含量大于正常组(P<0.05);低剂量组、中剂量组血清IGF-1水平小于西药组(P<0.05)。结论:补肾运脾方可促进矮小大鼠身长、体质量增长,促进骨代谢,增加BMD,其效用机制为通过促进血清GH利用、提高血清IGF-1水平发挥促生长作用。

骨化三醇对老年骨质疏松性脊柱骨折病人PKP术后骨折愈合的影响

目的研究骨化三醇用于老年骨质疏松性椎体压缩性骨折(OVCF)病人经皮椎体后凸成形术(PKP)后治疗对骨折愈合和血清骨碱性磷酸酶(BALP)、Ⅰ型前胶原N-端前肽(PINP)、胶原羧基端肽β特殊序列(β-CTX)表达水平的影响。方法纳入2019—2020年我院接受PKP手术的106例OVCF病人为研究对象,并采用随机数表法均分为观察组和对照组,每组53例。对照组PKP术后给予钙剂+阿仑膦酸钠片进行治疗,观察组在此基础上加用骨化三醇进行治疗,2组疗程均为6个月,比较2组临床疗效、Cobb角、Oswestry功能障碍指数(ODI)、骨密度和骨代谢指标的差异。结果2组治疗6个月有效率分别为90.57%和83.02%,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),优良率分别为73.58%和52.83%,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。2组治疗1、3、6个月时Cobb角和ODI均明显低于治疗前(P<0.05),且观察组治疗6个月时ODI低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。2组治疗3、6个月时骨密度均明显高于治疗前(P<0.05),且观察组治疗6个月时骨密度高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。与治疗前相比,2组治疗1、3、6个月时BALP和PINP水平明显升高(P<0.05),β-CTX水平均明显降低(P<0.05),且观察组治疗1、3、6个月时BALP和PINP水平均高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论OVCF病人PKP术后应用骨化三醇进行治疗具有良好效果,有利于改善骨代谢并增加骨密度,对促进骨折愈合、改善脊柱功能和提升日常生活能力具有积极作用。

Colchicine reduces procollagen Ⅲ and increases pseudocholinesterase in chronic liver disease

AIM:To test whether colchicine would be an effective antif ibrotic agent for treatment of chronic liver diseases in patients who could not be treated with α-interferon.METHODS:Seventy-four patients(46 males,28 females) aged 40-66 years(mean 53±13 years) participated in the study.The patients were affected by chronic liver diseases with cirrhosis which was proven histologically(n=58);by chronic active hepatitis C(n=4),chronic active hepatitis B(n=2),and chronic persistent hepatitis C(n=6).In the four patients lacking histology,cirrhosis was diagnosed from anamnesis,serum laboratory tests,esophageal varices and ascites.Patients were assigned to colchicine(1 mg/d) or standard treatment as control in a randomized,double-blind trial,and followed for 4.4 years with clinical and laboratory evaluation.RESULTS:Survival at the end of the study was 94.6% in the colchicine group and 78.4% in the control group(P=0.001).Serum N-terminal peptide of type Ⅲ procollagen levels fell from 34.0 to 18.3 ng/mL(P=0.0001),and pseudocholinesterase levels rose from 4.900 to 5.610 mU/mL(P=0.0001) in the colchicine group,while no signif icant change was seen in controls.Best results were obtained in patients with chronic hepatitis C and in alcoholic cirrhotics.CONCLUSION:Colchicine is an effective and safe antifibrotic drug for long-term treatment of chronic liver disease in which fi brosis progresses towards cirrhosis.

Association of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide with the severity of coronary artery disease in patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction

Backround N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP） is a reliable predictor in acute coronary artery disease （CAD）. Little is known about patients with stable CAD, especially Chinese patients with CAD. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of NT-proBNP levels with the severity of CAD in patients with normal left ventricular ejection fraction. Methods A total of 658 consecutive patients were divided into two groups based on angiograms： CAD group （n=484） and angiographic normal control group （n=174）. The severity of CAD was evaluated by modified Gensini score, and its relationship with NT-proBNP was analyzed. Results The prevalence of risk factors such as age, male gender, diabetes mellitus （DM）, dyslipidemia, smoking, and family history of CAD in the CAD group were higher than that in the control group. In multivariate regression model analysis, age, gender, and DM were determinants of the presence of CAD. NT-pro BNP was found to be an independent predictor for CAD （OR：1.66 （95% CI： 1.06-2.61）, P 〈0.05）. In a receiver operating characteristic （ROC）curve analysis, an NT-proBNP value of 641.15 pmol/L was identified as a cut-off value in the diagnosis or exclusion of CAD （area under curve （AUC）=0.56, 95% CI： 0.51-0.61）. Furthermore, NT-proBNP was positively correlated with Gensini score （r=0.14, P 〈0.001） in patients with CAD. Conclusion NT-proBNP was an independent predictor for Chinese patients with CAD, suggesting that the NT-proBNP level might be associated with the presence and the severity of CAD.

Growth differentiation factor-15 combined with N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide increase 1-year prognosis prediction value for patients with acute heart failure: a prospective cohort study

Background:Clinical assessment and treatment guidance for heart failure depends on a variety of biomarkers.The objective of this study was to investigate the prognostic predictive value of growth differentiation factor-15(GDF-15)and N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)in assessing hospitalized patients with acute heart failure(AHF).Methods:In total,260 patients who were admitted for AHF in the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University were enrolled from April 2012 to May 2016.Medical history and blood samples were collected within 24 h after the admission.The primary endpoint was the all-cause mortality within 1 year.The patients were divided into survival group and death group based on the endpoint.With established mortality risk factors and serum GDF-15 level,receiver-operator characteristic(ROC)analyses were performed.Cox regression analyses were used to further analyze the combination values of NT-proBNP and GDF-15.Results:Baseline GDF-15 and NT-proBNP were significantly higher amongst deceased than those in survivors(P<0.001).In ROC analyses,area under curve(AUC)for GDF-15 to predict 1-year mortality was 0.707(95%confidence interval[CI]:0.648–0.762,P<0.001),and for NT-proBNP was 0.682(95%CI:0.622–0.738,P<0.001).No statistically significant difference was found between the two markers(P=0.650).Based on the optimal cut-offs(GDF-15:4526.0 ng/L;NT-proBNP:1978.0 ng/L),the combination of GDF-15 and NT-proBNP increased AUC for 1-year mortality prediction(AUC=0.743,95%CI:0.685–0.795,P<0.001).Conclusions:GDF-15,as a prognostic marker in patients with AHF,is not inferior to NT-proBNP.Combining the two markers could provide an early recognition of high-risk patients and improve the prediction values of AHF long-term prognosis.Clinical trial registration:ChiCTR-ONC-12001944,http://www.chictr.org.cn.

Predictive value of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in combination with the sequential organ failure assessment score in sepsis

Background The prognostic power of n-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP） in sepsis is disputable and unstable among different models. We attempt to evaluate the prognostic potential of NT-proBNP in combination with the sequential organ failure assessment （SOFA） score in sepsis. Methods In this retrospective study, 100 consecutive sepsis patients were enrolled. Clinical data such as admission SOFA, the Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation score, shock prevalence, use of lung protective ventilation, vasopressors, and glucocorticoids were recorded. Additionally, serum creatinine （Scrl and Scr3） and NT-proBNP （NT-proBNP1 and NT-proBNP3） were assayed and evaluated at admission and on day 3 respectively. Results ANT-proBNP （NT-proBNP3 minus NT-proBNP1） （P 〈0.001, Hazard ratio （HR）=1.245, 95% confidence interval （CI）, 1.137-1.362） and admission SOFA （P 〈0.001, HR=1.197, 95% CI, 1.106-1.295） were independently related to in-hospital mortality. Their combination was a more robust predictor for in-hospital mortality than either of them individually. Patients with high ANT-proBNP and SOFA had the poorest prognosis. Conclusions In our study, both ANT-proBNP and SOFA were independent predictors of septic patients＇ prognosis. Moreover, the combination of ,~NT-proBNP and admission SOFA provided a novel strategy that contained information regarding both the response to treatment and sepsis severity.

Association between N-terminal proB-type Natriuretic Peptide and Depressive Symptoms in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction

Background： While depression and certain cardiac biomarkers are associated with acute myocardial infarction （AM1）, the relationship between them remains largely unexplored. We examined the association between depressive symptoms and biomarkers in patients with AMI. Methods： We performed a cross-sectional study using data from 103 patients with AM1 between March 2013 and September 2014. The levels of depression, N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP）, and troponin 1 （Tnl） were measured at baseline. The patients were divided into two groups： those with depressive symptolns and those without depressive symptoms according to Zung Self-rating Depression Scale （SDS） score. Baseline comparisons between two groups were made using Student＇s t-test for continuous variables, Chi-square or Fisher＇s exact test for categorical variables, and Wilcoxon test for variables in skewed distribution. Binomial logistic regression and multivariate linear regression were performed to assess the association between depressive symptoms and biomarkers while adjusting for demographic and clinical variables. Results： Patients with depressive symptoms had significantly higher NT-proBNP levels as compared to patients without depressive symptoms （ 1135.0 [131.5, 2474.0] vs. 384.0 [ 133.0, 990.0], Z = -2.470, P 0.013）. Depressive symptoms were associated with higher NT-proBNP levels （odds ratio [OR] 2.348, 95% CI： 1.344 to 4.103, P= 0.003） and higher body mass index （OR = 1.169, 95% confidence interval [CI]： 1.016 to 1.345, P = 0.029）. The total SDS score was associated with the NT-proBNP level （[3 ： 0.327, 95% CI：1.674 to 6.119, P = 0.001） after multivariable adjustment. In particular, NT-proBNP was associated with three of the depressive dimensions, including core depression （β = 0.299, 95% CI：0.551 to 2.428, P=0.002）, cognitive depression （β= 0.320, 95% CI：0.476 to 1.811, P=0.001）, and somatic depression （β= 0.333, 95% CI： 0.240 to 0.847, P = 0.001）. Neither the overall depressive symptomatology nor the individual depressive dimensions were associated with TnI levels. Conclusions： Depressive symptoms, especially core depression, cognitive depression, and somatic depression, were related to high NT-proBNP levels in patients with AMI.

Association between plasma brain natriuretic peptide/N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels and atrial fibrillation： evidence from a meta-analysis

Background Several small sample-size observational studies evaluated the association of plasma brain natriuretic peptide （BNP） or N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP） with atrial fibrillation （AF）,but the results were contradictory.We aimed to perform a meta-analysis of relevant studies to evaluate the availability of this association.Methods We performed an extensive literature search on PubMed,Web of Science （WOS） and the Cochrane Library databases.Pooled standardized mean difference （SMD） and 95% confidence interval （CI） were calculated to assess the strength of association using random effects models.We performed sensitivity and subgroup analyses to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity.We also estimated publication biases.Statistical analyses were performed using the STATA 12.0 software.Results A total of 11 studies including 777 cases and 870 controls were finally analyzed.Overall,the brain natriuretic peptide/N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels were higher in atrial fibrillation patients than controls without atrial fibrillation.Results showed that the SMD in the natriuretic peptide levels between cases and controls was 2.68 units （95%CI 1.76 to 3.60）; test for overall effect z-score=5.7 （P 〈0.001）.There was significant heterogeneity between individual studies （I2=97.8%; P 〈0.001）.Further analysis revealed that differences in the assay of natriuretic peptide possibly account for this heterogeneity.Conclusions Increased BNP/NT-proBNP levels were associated with the presence of atrial fibrillation.This finding indicates that BNP/NT-proBNP may prove to be a biomarker of an underlying predisposition to AF.

Decrease of plasma N-terminal pro p-type natriuretic peptide as a predictor of clinical improvement after cardiac resynchronization therapy for heart failure

Background N-terminal pro β-type natriuretic peptide （NT pro BNP） has been shown to predict the prognosis and could guide the treatment of heart failure. We aimed to investigate the values of NT pro BNP in predicting the clinical response to cardiac resynchronization therapy （CRT）. Methods A total of 44 patients with chronic heart failure （34 male and 10 female, mean age of （58±13） years, New York Heart Association （NYHA） class 3.3±0.5, QRS duration （150±14） milliseconds） who underwent successful implantation of a CRT system were enrolled in this study. Pharmacotherapy remained stable during the first 3 months of follow-up. Plasma levels of NT pro BNP were evaluated before and 3 months after implantation. Clinical, echocardiographic and exercise parameters were monitored at each clinical visit after CRT implantation. Receiver operating characteristic analysis and a paired ttest were performed to analyze the data. Results After a mean of （16.3±5.5） months of follow-up, 11 nonresponders were identified. CRT resulted in a significant reduction in NT pro BNP （（1.70±1.28） vs （1.07±0.88） pmol/ml, P 〈0.001） in responders. Percentage change in NT pro BNP level （△BNP%） was a statistically significant predictor of long term clinical improvement at 3 months of follow-up. Conclusions △BNP% from baseline to 3 months of follow-up is a predictor of long term response to CRT. NT pro BNP may be a simple method for monitoring the effects of CRT.

Association between high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in a community based population

Background N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP） and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T （hs-cTnT） are excellent biomarkers for detecting heart failure and subclinical myocardial injury.However,it remains unclear whether subclinical myocardial injury is associated with NT-proBNP elevation in a community based population.Methods In a community based study,levels of hs-cTnT and of NT-proBNP were determined in 1 497 participants older than 45 years.The lower detection limit of the hs-cTnT assay used in the present study was 0.003 ng/ml.The association of hs-cTnT levels and NT-proBNP levels was analyzed.Results When the subjects with undetectable （〈0.003 ng/ml）,intermediate （0.003-0.014 ng/ml）,and elevated （≥0.014 ng/ml） levels of hs-cTnT were compared （r=0.175,P 〈0.001）,a strong association between the hs-cTnT levels and NT-proBNP levels was observed （β=-0.206,P 〈0.001; β=-0.118,P 〈0.001,respectively）.In multivariable analyses,older age and hs-cTnT were positively and independently associated with NT-proBNP levels （β=0.341,P 〈0.001; β=0.143,P 〈0.001,respectively）,and male gender and the levels of eGFR were inversely and independently associated with NT-proBNP levels.When the subjects with normal or elevated NT-proBNP were analyzed separately,the hs-cTnT level was not an independent predictor for the NT-proBNP level in the normal NT-proBNP group,whereas the hs-cTnT level was the only independent predictor for NT-proBNP level in the elevated NT-proBNP group （β=0.399,P 〈0.01）.Conclusions In this community based population,NT-proBNP elevation was common.In addition to female gender and older age,subclinical myocardial injury indicated by the hs-cTnT level was another important factor in NT-proBNP elevation.