A follow-up study to explore factors associated with rapid kidney function decline and new-onset kidney disease among Chinese elderly population.

AIM: To explore potential factors associated with rapid kidney function decline and new-onset kidney disease among a Chinese elderly population, and to examine the relationships between baseline serum uric acid (SUA), longitudinal change in SUA and rapid estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline over 5 years for this Chinese elderly population. METHODS: A 5-year follow-up study was conducted from 2016 to 2020 in Xiamen City, China; and 2436 elderly people with normal kidney function at baseline was included. The multivariable logistic regressions were used to explore risk factors for rapid eGFR decline and new-onset kidney disease. RESULTS: The median age of subjects was 65 years, and 38.5% were men. These elderly people experienced a median 5-year decrease in eGFR of 14.50 mL/min/1.73 m2 , and 11.2% of them had developed new-onset kidney disease after 5-year follow-up. Participants with elevated SUA change from the normal group to the hyperuricemia group witnessed the highest decrease of eGFR after a 5-year follow-up than other groups. Multivariate analysis found advanced age, female, elevated baseline SUA, elevated SUA change, hypertension and triglyceride-glucose index were risk factors for rapid eGFR decline and new-onset kidney disease. CONCLUSION: The Chinese elderly population was more likely to encounter rapid renal function decline and new-onset kidney disease. A regular test for kidney disease was strongly recommended for these elderly people who were female, with advanced age, with elevated baseline SUA and elevated SUA change; and had high levels of insulin resistance, and blood pressure. The derived findings can offer significant evidence for targeted prevention for the Chinese elderly population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 968-975.

Vespakinin-M, a natural peptide from Vespa magnifica, promotes functional recovery in stroke mice.

Acute ischemic stroke triggers complex systemic pathological responses for which the exploration of drug resources remains a challenge. Wasp venom extracted from Vespa magnifica (Smith, 1852) is most commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis as well as neurological disorders. Vespakinin-M (VK), a natural peptide from wasp venom, has remained largely unexplored for stroke. Herein, we first confirmed the structure, stability, toxicity and distribution of VK as well as its penetration into the blood-brain barrier. VK (150 and 300 µg/kg, i.p.) was administered to improve stroke constructed by middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice. Our results indicate that VK promote functional recovery in mice after ischemia stroke, including an improvement of neurological impairment, reduction of infarct volume, maintenance of blood-brain barrier integrity, and an obstruction of the inflammatory response and oxidative stress. In addition, VK treatment led to reduced neuroinflammation and apoptosis associated with the activation of PI3K-AKT and inhibition of IκBα-NF-κB signaling pathways. Simultaneously, we confirmed that VK can combine with bradykinin receptor 2 (B2R) as detected by molecular docking, the B2R antagonist HOE140 could counteract the neuro-protective effects of VK on stroke in mice. Overall, targeting the VK-B2R interaction can be considered as a practical strategy for stroke therapy.

Combined use of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-1 ratio prior to elective coronary angiography and oral glucose tolerance tests.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to investigate the predictive value of the combination of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and apolipoprotein B (apoB)/apoA-1 ratio for the outcomes of coronary angiography (CAG), echocardiography and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs). DESIGN AND METHODS: Hs-CRP, apoB, apoA-1, and the profiles of CAG, echocardiography and OGTTs as well as traditional risk factors were measured in 1757 cardiology patients. RESULTS: Hs-CRP or apoB/apoA-1 ratio was significantly correlated with the presence and severity of angiographic profiles, the levels of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, LV mass and LV mass index, and the presence of abnormal glucose metabolism. The combination of hs-CRP and apoB/apoA-1 ratio had greater correlation with abnormal glucose metabolism than its individual components in patients with normal fasting glucose, and was an independent predictor for coronary artery disease. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of hs-CRP and apoB/apoA-1 ratio may be a strong predictor for coronary artery disease and abnormal glucose metabolism.