Effects of 6 weeks of treatment with dapagliflozin, a sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor, on myocardial function and metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized, placebo-controlled, exploratory study.

AIM: To explore the early effects of dapagliflozin on myocardial function and metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes without heart failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with type 2 diabetes on metformin treatment were randomized to double-blind, 6-week placebo or dapagliflozin 10 mg daily treatment. Investigations included cardiac function and structure with myocardial resonance imaging; cardiac oxygen consumption, perfusion and efficiency with [11 C]-acetate positron emission tomography (PET); and cardiac and hepatic fatty acid uptake with [18 F]-6-thia-heptadecanoic acid PET, analysed by ANCOVA as least square means with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: Evaluable patients (placebo: n = 24, dapagliflozin: n = 25; 53% males) had a mean age of 64.4 years, a body mass index of 30.2 kg/m2 and an HbA1c of 6.7%. Body weight and HbA1c were significantly decreased by dapagliflozin versus placebo. Dapagliflozin had no effect on myocardial efficiency, but external left ventricular (LV) work (-0.095 [-0.145, -0.043] J/g/min) and LV oxygen consumption were significantly reduced (-0.30 [-0.49, -0.12] J/g/min) by dapagliflozin, although the changes were not statistically significant versus changes in the placebo group. Change in left atrial maximal volume with dapagliflozin versus placebo was -3.19 (-6.32, -0.07) mL/m2 (p = .056). Peak global radial strain decreased with dapagliflozin versus placebo (-3.92% [-7.57%, -0.28%]; p = .035), while peak global longitudinal and circumferential strains were unchanged. Hepatic fatty acid uptake was increased by dapagliflozin versus placebo (0.024 [0.004, 0.044] µmol/g/min; p = .018), while cardiac uptake was unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: This exploratory study indicates reduced heart work but limited effects on myocardial function, efficiency and cardiac fatty acid uptake, while hepatic fatty acid uptake increased, after 6 weeks of treatment with dapagliflozin.

Next-Generation Sequencing of CYP2C19 in Stent Thrombosis: Implications for Clopidogrel Pharmacogenomics.

PURPOSE: Describe CYP2C19 sequencing results in the largest series of clopidogrel-treated cases with stent thrombosis (ST), the closest clinical phenotype to clopidogrel resistance. Evaluate the impact of CYP2C19 genetic variation detected by next-generation sequencing (NGS) with comprehensive annotation and functional studies. METHODS: Seventy ST cases on clopidogrel identified from the PLATO trial (n = 58) and Mayo Clinic biorepository (n = 12) were matched 1:1 with controls for age, race, sex, diabetes mellitus, presentation, and stent type. NGS was performed to cover the entire CYP2C19 gene. Assessment of exonic variants involved measuring in vitro protein expression levels. Intronic variants were evaluated for potential splicing motif variations. RESULTS: Poor metabolizers (n = 4) and rare CYP2C19*8, CYP2C19*15, and CYP2C19*11 alleles were identified only in ST cases. CYP2C19*17 heterozygote carriers were observed more frequently in cases (n = 29) than controls (n = 18). Functional studies of CYP2C19 exonic variants (n = 11) revealed 3 cases and only 1 control carrying a deleterious variant as determined by in vitro protein expression studies. Greater intronic variation unique to ST cases (n = 169) compared with controls (n = 84) was observed with predictions revealing 13 allele candidates that may lead to a potential disruption of splicing and a loss-of-function effect of CYP2C19 in ST cases. CONCLUSION: NGS detected CYP2C19 poor metabolizers and paradoxically greater number of so-called rapid metabolizers in ST cases. Rare deleterious exonic variation occurs in 4%, and potentially disruptive intronic alleles occur in 16% of ST cases. Additional studies are required to evaluate the role of these variants in platelet aggregation and clopidogrel metabolism.

C-X-C Ligand 16 Is an Independent Predictor of Cardiovascular Death and Morbidity in Acute Coronary Syndromes.

OBJECTIVE: The chemokine CXCL16 (C-X-C motif ligand 16) is a scavenger receptor for OxLDL (oxidized low-density lipoproteins) and involved in inflammation at sites of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to investigate the association of CXCL16 with clinical outcome in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Approach and Results: Serial measurements of CXCL16 were performed in a subgroup of 5142 patients randomized in the PLATO trial (Platelet Inhibition and Patient Outcome). Associations between CXCL16 and a composite of cardiovascular death, spontaneous myocardial infarction or stroke, and the individual components were assessed by multivariable Cox regression analyses. The hazard ratio per 50% increase in admission levels of CXCL16 analyzed as continuous variable was 1.64 (95% CI, 1.44-1.88), P<0.0001. This association remained statistically significant after adjustment for randomized treatment, clinical variables, CRP (C-reactive protein), leukocytes, cystatin C, NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide), troponin T, GDF-15 (growth differentiation factor 15), and other biomarkers; hazard ratio 1.23 (1.05-1.45), P=0.0126. The admission level of CXCL16 was independently associated with cardiovascular death (1.50 [1.17-1.92], P=0.0014) but not with ischemic events alone, in fully adjusted analyses. No statistically independent association was found between CXCL16 measured at 1 month, or change in CXCL16 from admission to 1 month, and clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with acute coronary syndrome, admission level of CXCL16 is independently related to adverse clinical outcomes, mainly driven by an association to cardiovascular death. Thus, CXCL16 measurement may enhance risk stratification in patients with this condition. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00391872.

Admission Levels of DKK1 (Dickkopf-1) Are Associated With Future Cardiovascular Death in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes.

Objective- The Wnt/wingless signaling antagonist DKK1 (dickkopf-1) regulates platelet-mediated inflammation and may contribute to plaque destabilization. We hypothesized that DKK1 would be associated with cardiovascular outcomes. Approach and Results- We determined DKK1 levels in serum samples obtained before randomization, at discharge, and 1 and 6 months in a subset of 5165 patients with acute coronary syndromes in the PLATO trial (Platelet Inhibition and Patient Outcomes; NCT00391872). The median (interquartile range) DKK1 concentrations were 0.61 (0.20-1.27) ng/mL at baseline and increased during follow-up. The hazard ratio (95% CIs) for the composite end point (cardiovascular death, nonprocedural spontaneous myocardial infarction, or stroke) during 1 year of follow-up, per 50% increase in baseline DKK1 concentration, was 1.06 (1.02-1.10), P=0.0011, and remained significant in fully adjusted analysis with 14 conventional clinical and demographic and 6 biochemical variables, including NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide), hs-TnT (high-sensitivity troponin T), and GDF-15 (growth differentiation factor 15; 1.05 [1.00-1.09]; P=0.028). This association was mainly driven by the association with cardiovascular death, where a gradual increase in event rates was observed with increasing quartiles of DKK1 (2.7%, 3.0%, 4.3%, and 5.0%) and remained significant and unmodified in fully adjusted analysis (hazard ratio, 1.10 [1.04-1.17]; P=0.002). Change in DKK1 and levels at 1 month were unrelated to outcomes. A modifying effect of ticagrelor on DKK1 discharge levels was observed but not associated with prognosis. Conclusions- In patients with acute coronary syndromes treated with dual antiplatelet treatment, admission DKK1 levels were independently associated with a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke and with cardiovascular death alone.

Ticagrelor in patients with heart failure after acute coronary syndromes-Insights from the PLATelet inhibition and patient Outcomes (PLATO) trial.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) following acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is associated with worse prognosis; however, the efficacy and safety of ticagrelor in patients with HF and if ticagrelor influences the risk of new-onset HF are unknown. METHODS: We examined the efficacy and safety of ticagrelor compared to clopidogrel in patients with ACS in the randomized PLATelet inhibition and patient Outcomes (PLATO) trial subdivided by strata: (1) previous HF and/or clinical signs of HF on admission or (2) no HF on admission. The primary outcome was the combination of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke evaluated by multivariable Cox regression models. The safety outcome was major bleeding. New-onset HF was defined as an HF event after discharge in patients without previous HF. RESULTS: Data were available in 18,556 patients, whom 2,862 (15.4%) patients had HF, including 1,584 (8.5%) patients with previous HF. Patients randomized to ticagrelor had lower risk of the composite end point regardless of HF status: hazard ratio (HR) 0.87 (95% CI: 0.73-1.03) in patients with HF and HR 0.84 (95% CI: 0.75-0.93) in patients with no HF (P = .76). Corresponding HR for major bleeding were HR 1.08 (95% CI: 0.87-1.34) and HR 1.03 (95% CI: 0.94-1.14) (P = .71). There was no difference in new-onset HF at 12 months between patients randomized to ticagrelor (4.1%, n = 278) or clopidogrel (4.0%, n = 276). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ACS, ticagrelor is more efficacious in protecting against new ischemic events and mortality than clopidogrel irrespective of the presence of HF. There is no difference between ticagrelor or clopidogrel treatment in new-onset HF post-ACS.

Prevalence and relevance of abnormal glucose metabolism in acute coronary syndromes: insights from the PLATelet inhibition and patient Outcomes (PLATO) trial.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and abnormal glucose metabolism are associated with cardiovascular (CV) disease. We investigated the prevalence and prognostic importance of dysglycaemia in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in the PLATelet inhibition and patient Outcomes (PLATO) trial. Diabetes was defined as known diabetes or HbA1c ≥ 6.5% or non-fasting glucose ≥ 11.1 mmol/L on admission, prediabetes as HbA1c ≥ 5.7% but < 6.5%, and no diabetes as HbA1c < 5.7%. The primary endpoint was the composite of CV death, spontaneous myocardial infarction type 1 (sMI) or stroke at 12 months. Multivariable Cox regression models, adjusting for baseline characteristics, and biomarkers NT-proBNP and troponin I, were used to explore the association between glycaemia and outcome. On admission, 16,007 (86.1%) patients had HbA1c and/or glucose levels available and were subdivided into DM 38.5% (6160) (1501 patients had no previous DM diagnosis), prediabetes 38.8% (6210), and no DM 22.7% (3637). Kaplan Meier event rates at 12 months for CV death, sMI or stroke per subgroups were 14.5% (832), 9.0% (522), and 8.5% (293), respectively with multivariable adjusted HRs, versus no diabetes, for diabetes: 1.71 (1.50-1.95) and for prediabetes 1.03 (0.90-1.19). Corresponding event rates for CV death were 6.9% (391), 3.4% (195) and 3.0% (102), respectively, with adjusted HRs for patients with DM of: 1.92 (1.42-2.60) and for prediabetes 1.02 (0.79-1.32). Abnormal glucose metabolism is common in ACS patients, but only patients with definite DM have an increased CV risk, indicating that prediabetes is not immediately associated with worse CV outcomes.

Equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 gene polymorphisms and clinical outcomes following acute coronary syndromes: findings from the PLATelet inhibition and patient Outcomes (PLATO) study.

In the PLATelet inhibition and patient Outcomes (PLATO) study, the P2Y12 inhibitors ticagrelor and clopidogrel were compared in the treatment of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Ticagrelor was shown to reduce occurrence of the primary end point - a composite of death from vascular causes, myocardial infarction, or stroke - compared to clopidogrel. Ticagrelor's pleiotropic effects on reuptake of adenosine via inhibition of equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1) have been hypothesized to contribute to this. Several polymorphisms of ENT1 are known to exist. We explored the interaction between ENT1 polymorphisms and clinical outcomes in ACS patients participating in the PLATO genetic substudy. Using genotyping data obtained in a genome-wide association study, the gene region encoding ENT1 was assessed and 94 polymorphisms were identified. After quality control filtering, data from 9943 participants were included. Subjects were divided into discovery (phase 1, n = 3970) and replication (phase 2, n = 5973) cohorts. Cox-regression analysis of the relationship between variants and seven efficacy and safety outcomes was performed in discovery, replication, and combined cohorts. Treatment-marker interactions were also determined. Although 35 variants were found with associations to the investigated outcomes reaching p < 0.05 in the discovery cohort, only one of these was replicated in phase 2 of the analysis and also reached the predetermined level of statistical significance in the combined data, taking into account the number of tests performed: the rare polymorphism rs141034817, with a frequency of 0.2%, was significantly associated with bleeding. Thirty-three treatment-marker interactions were found with a significance level of p < 0.05 in phase 1, but none was replicated in phase 2. We found no significant interaction between ENT1 genotype and clinical outcomes in ACS patients treated with ticagrelor or clopidogrel, apart from the association between a rare polymorphism and bleeding that requires further study. If ticagrelor's pleiotropic effects on adenosine uptake are clinically relevant, these do not appear to be significantly affected by variation in the ENT1 gene.

An examination of the relationship between serum uric acid level, a clinical history of gout, and cardiovascular outcomes among patients with acute coronary syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Studies have suggested a relationship between higher baseline serum uric acid (sUA) levels and an elevated risk of subsequent ischemic cardiovascular outcomes among acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients; this relationship may be modified by a clinical history of gout and has not been studied in large patient cohorts. We sought to understand the effect of sUA and gout on ACS outcomes. METHODS: Using PLATO and TRACER data on 27,959 ACS patients, we evaluated baseline sUA levels in relation to a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction (MI), or stroke. We assessed interaction terms to determine if a baseline clinical diagnosis of gout modified this putative relationship; 46% (n=12,882) had sUA levels elevated >6.0 mg/dL. RESULTS: Patients with elevated levels were more often male with a history of prior MI, diabetes, and heart failure compared with those with sUA <6.0 mg/dL. The unadjusted risk of the composite endpoint increased with corresponding elevations in sUA levels (per 1 mg/dL increase) (HR=1.23 [95% CI: 1.20-1.26]) above the statistical inflection point of 5.0 mg/dL. After adjustment, the association between sUA level and the composite outcome remained significant (HR=1.07 [95% CI: 1.04-1.10]), and baseline gout did not modify this relationship. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ACS, increasing levels of sUA are associated with an elevated risk of cardiovascular events, regardless of a clinical diagnosis of gout. Further investigation is warranted to determine the mechanism behind this relationship and to delineate whether sUA is an appropriate therapeutic target to reduce cardiovascular risk.

Albuminuria and cardiovascular events in patients with acute coronary syndromes: Results from the TRACER trial.

BACKGROUND: Albuminuria is associated with cardiovascular (CV) outcomes. We evaluated albuminuria, alone and in combination with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), as a predictor of mortality and CV morbidity in 12,944 patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes. METHODS: Baseline serum creatinine and urinary dipsticks were obtained, with albuminuria stratified into no/trace albuminuria, microalbuminuria (≥30 but <300 mg/dL), or macroalbuminuria (≥300 mg/dL). Kaplan-Meier rates and proportional Cox hazards models of CV death, overall mortality, CV death or myocardial infarction (MI), and bleeding were calculated. Incidence of acute kidney injury, identified by adverse event reporting and creatinine increase (absolute ≥0.3 mg/dL or relative ≥50%), was descriptively reported. RESULTS: Both dipstick albuminuria and creatinine values were available in 9473 patients (73.2%). More patients with macroalbuminuria, versus no/trace albuminuria, had diabetes (66% vs 27%) or hypertension (86% vs 68%). Rates for CV death and overall mortality per strata were 3.1% and 4.8% (no/trace albuminuria); 5.8% and 9.0% (microalbuminuria); and 7.7% and 12.6% (macroalbuminuria) at 2 years of follow-up. Corresponding rates for CV death or MI were 12.2%, 16.9%, and 23.5%, respectively. Observed acute kidney injury rates were 0.6%, 1.2%, and 2.9% (n = 79), respectively. Adjusted HRs for macroalbuminuria on CV mortality were 1.65 (95% CI 1.15-2.37), and after adjustment with eGFR, 1.37 (95% CI 0.93-2.01). Corresponding HRs for overall mortality were 1.82 (95% CI 1.37-2.42) and 1.47 (95% CI 1.08-1.98). CONCLUSIONS: High-risk patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes and albuminuria have increased morbidity and increased overall mortality independent of eGFR.

Effect of genetic variations on ticagrelor plasma levels and clinical outcomes.

AIMS: Ticagrelor, a direct-acting P2Y12-receptor antagonist, is rapidly absorbed and partly metabolized to the major metabolite AR-C124910XX (ARC). To identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with pharmacokinetics of ticagrelor and clinical outcomes, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in patients treated with ticagrelor in the PLATO trial. METHODS AND RESULTS: A two-stage design was used for the GWAS with discovery (discovery phase: n = 1812) and replication cohorts (replication phase: n = 1941). The steady-state area under the curve (AUCss) values, estimated by the population pharmacokinetic (PK) models, were log transformed and analysed on a genome-wide scale using linear regression. SNPs were analysed against clinical events using Cox-regression in 4990 patients. An SNP (rs113681054) in SLCO1B1 was associated with levels of ticagrelor (P = 1.1 × 10(-6)) and ARC (P = 4.6 × 10(-13)). This SNP is in linkage disequilibrium with a functional variant (rs4149056) that results in decreased OATP1B1 transporter activity. Ticagrelor levels were also associated with two independent SNPs (rs62471956, P = 7.7 × 10(-15) and rs56324128, P = 9.7 × 10(-12)) in the CYP3A4 region. Further, ARC levels were associated with rs61361928 (P = 3.0 × 10(-14)) in UGT2B7. At all loci, the effects were small. None of the identified SNPs that affected ticagrelor PK were associated with the primary composite outcome (cardiovascular death myocardial infarction, and stroke), non-CABG-related bleeds or investigator-reported dyspnoea. CONCLUSION: In patients with ACS, ticagrelor pharmacokinetics is influenced by three genetic loci (SLCO1B1, UGT2B7, and CYP3A4). However, the modest genetic effects on ticagrelor plasma levels did not translate into any detectable effect on efficacy or safety during ticagrelor treatment. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT00391872.

Polymorphism of the cystatin C gene in patients with acute coronary syndromes: Results from the PLATelet inhibition and patient Outcomes study.

PURPOSE: Elevated cystatin C concentration is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) events in patients with acute coronary syndromes. Genetic polymorphisms in CST3 influence cystatin C levels, but their relationship to outcomes is unclear. METHODS: We measured cystatin C concentrations in plasma, obtained within 24 hours of admission, in 16,279 acute coronary syndrome patients from the PLATO trial. In 9,978 patients, we performed a genome-wide association study with up to 2.5 million single nucleotide polymorphisms. Single nucleotide polymorphisms affecting cystatin C levels were evaluated in relation to the first occurrence of myocardial infarction (MI) or CV death within 1 year using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Several single nucleotide polymorphisms were associated with cystatin C levels, most significantly rs6048952 (P = 7.82 × 10(-16)) adjacent to CST3. Median cystatin C concentrations per genotype were 0.85 mg/L (A/A), 0.80 mg/L (A/G), and 0.73 mg/L (G/G). Modeled as additive, the allelic effect, multivariable adjusted, was -0.045 mg/L per G allele for rs6048952. The multivariable adjusted c-statistic regarding the combined end point (CV death or MI) was 0.6735. Adding cystatin C or genotype-adjusted cystatin C levels resulted in c-statistics of 0.6761 and 0.6758, respectively. The multivariable adjusted hazard ratios per G allele at rs6048952 in the entire population were 0.94 (95% CI 0.83-1.06) for CV death or MI and 0.88 (95% CI 0.71-1.08) for CV death. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic polymorphisms affect cystatin C concentrations independently of kidney function. However, the polymorphisms were not observed to be associated with outcome, nor did they improve risk prediction or discriminative models.

Cystatin C- and creatinine-based estimates of renal function and their value for risk prediction in patients with acute coronary syndrome: results from the PLATelet Inhibition and Patient Outcomes (PLATO) study.

BACKGROUND: The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) independently predicts cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction (MI) and can be estimated by creatinine and cystatin C concentrations. We evaluated 2 different cystatin C assays, alone or combined with creatinine, in patients with acute coronary syndrome. METHODS: We analyzed plasma cystatin C, measured with assays from Gentian and Roche, and serum creatinine in 16 279 patients from the PLATelet Inhibition and Patient Outcomes (PLATO) trial. We evaluated Pearson correlation and agreement (Bland-Altman) between methods, as well as prognostic value in relation to cardiovascular death or MI during 1 year of follow up by multivariable logistic regression analysis including clinical variables, biomarkers, c-statistics, and relative integrated discrimination improvement (IDI). RESULTS: Median cystatin C concentrations (interquartile intervals) were 0.83 (0.68-1.01) mg/L (Gentian) and 0.94 (0.80-1.14) mg/L (Roche). Overall correlation was 0.86 (95% CI 0.85-0.86). The level of agreement was within 0.39 mg/L (2 SD) (n = 16 279). The areas under the curve (AUCs) in the multivariable risk prediction model with cystatin C (Gentian, Roche) or Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration eGFR (CKD-EPI) added were 0.6914, 0.6913, and 0.6932. Corresponding relative IDI values were 2.96%, 3.86%, and 4.68% (n = 13 050). Addition of eGFR by the combined creatinine-cystatin C equation yielded AUCs of 0.6923 (Gentian) and 0.6924 (Roche) with relative IDI values of 3.54% and 3.24%. CONCLUSIONS: Despite differences in cystatin C concentrations, overall correlation between the Gentian and Roche assays was good, while agreement was moderate. The combined creatinine-cystatin C equation did not outperform risk prediction by CKD-EPI.

Outcome and causes of renal deterioration evaluated by serial cystatin C measurements in acute coronary syndrome patients -- results from the PLATelet inhibition and patient Outcomes (PLATO) study.

BACKGROUND: To investigate if ticagrelor treatment and other clinical characteristics were associated with increased cystatin C concentrations and if a deterioration in estimated renal function was associated with worse outcome in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). METHODS: Plasma cystatin C concentrations were determined within 24 hours of admission (baseline), at discharge, 1 month, and 6 months in the PLATO trial. The changes over time in relation to randomized treatment were analyzed by analysis of covariance. C-statistics and the relative Integrated Discrimination Improvement of the cystatin C concentrations regarding the primary outcome (cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction) was evaluated by multivariable analysis including background characteristics and biomarkers: N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and Troponin I. RESULTS: Mean cystatin C concentrations in 2133 ticagrelor- and 2162 clopidogrel-treated patients were at baseline (0.86 mg/L and 0.86 mg/L), discharge (1.01 mg/L and 0.98 mg/L) (P < .0005), 1 month (1.00 mg/L and 0.98 mg/L) (P = .12), and 6 months (1.00 mg/L and 0.99 mg/L) (P = .17), respectively. Age, heart failure, and type of ACS were major determinants of the cystatin C concentration. c Statistics and the relative Integrated Discrimination Improvement of the primary outcome for the baseline cystatin C concentration were 0.687 and 5.2%, compared to 0.684 and 4.5% at discharge (n = 4034) and 0.693 and 5.1% at one month (n = 3096), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Mean cystatin C concentrations increased in ACS patients, most importantly determined by age. The initial greater increase in ticagrelor-treated patients was not sustained over time. Risk prediction did not improve with serial measurements of renal markers.

Cystatin C and estimated glomerular filtration rate as predictors for adverse outcome in patients with ST-elevation and non-ST-elevation acute coronary syndromes: results from the Platelet Inhibition and Patient Outcomes study.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the predictive ability of cystatin C and creatinine-based estimations of glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), including the Chronic Kidney Disease-Epidemiology (CKD-EPI) equation, in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with (STE-ACS) or without (NSTE-ACS) ST elevation in a large contemporary ACS population. METHODS: Concentrations of cystatin C and creatinine, as well as eGFR at randomization, were measured in 16 401 patients in the Platelet Inhibition and Patient Outcomes (PLATO) study and evaluated as predictors of the composite end point of cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction within 1 year. Two Cox proportional hazards models were used, the first adjusting for clinical characteristics and the second for clinical characteristics plus the biomarkers N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, troponin I, and C-reactive protein. RESULTS: The median cystatin C value was 0.83 mg/L. Increasing quartiles of cystatin C were strongly associated with poor outcome (6.9%, 7.1%, 9.5%, and 16.2%). The fully adjusted hazard ratios per SD of cystatin C in the NSTE-ACS and STE-ACS populations were 1.12 (95% CI 1.04-1.20) (n=8053) and 1.06 (95% CI 0.97-1.17) (n=5278), respectively. There was no significant relationship of cystatin C with type of ACS (STE or NSTE). c Statistics ranged from 0.6923 (cystatin C) to 0.6941 (CKD-EPI). CONCLUSIONS: Cystatin C concentration contributes independently in predicting the risk of cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction in NSTE-ACS, with no interaction by type of ACS. CKD-EPI exhibited the largest predictive value of all renal markers. Nevertheless, the additive predictive value of cystatin C or creatinine-based eGFR measures in the unselected ACS patient is small.

SGLT2 inhibition reduces myocardial oxygen consumption.

Aims/hypothesis: SGLT2 inhibition is associated with a reduced risk of cardiac disease that is still largely unexplained. According to one hypothesis, improved myocardial energetics may explain the cardioprotective effects of SGLT2i. However, recent mechanistic studies that have addressed this question have lacked the power to detect discrete but still clinically significant effects. Methods: We pooled data from two recent randomized clinical trials and performed a meta-analysis to determine the effect of SGLT2 inhibition on myocardial oxygen consumption and myocardial external efficiency measured by positron emission tomography. Results: SGLT2 inhibition reduced myocardial oxygen consumption (-1.06 [95%CI: 0.22-1.89] mL/100 g/min (n = 59, p = 0.01)), but did not affect myocardial external efficiency (2.22 [95%CI: 0.66-5.11] % (n = 59, p = 0.13)). Conclusions: /interpretation: SGLT2 inhibition reduces myocardial oxygen consumption at rest, which may contribute to the drugs' cardioprotective effects.

Safety and efficacy of the 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein inhibitor AZD5718 in patients with recent myocardial infarction: The phase 2a FLAVOUR study.

BACKGROUND: Leukotrienes are pro-inflammatory vasoactive lipid mediators implicated in the pathophysiology of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. We studied the effect of the 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein inhibitor AZD5718 on leukotriene biosynthesis and coronary microvascular function in a single-blind, phase 2a study. METHODS: Patients 7-28 days after myocardial infarction (±ST elevation), with <50% left anterior descending coronary artery stenosis and Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction flow grade ≥ 2 after percutaneous coronary intervention, were randomized 2:1:2 to once-daily AZD5718 200 mg or 50 mg, or placebo, in 4- and 12-week cohorts. Change in urine leukotriene E4 (uLTE4) was the primary endpoint, and coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR; via echocardiography) was the key secondary endpoint. RESULTS: Of 129 randomized patients, 128 received treatment (200 mg, n = 52; 50 mg, n = 25; placebo, n = 51). Statistically significant reductions in uLTE4 levels of >80% were observed in both AZD5718 groups versus the placebo group at 4 and 12 weeks. No significant changes in CFVR were observed for AZD5718 versus placebo. Adverse events (AEs) occurred in 12/18, 3/6 and 6/13 patients receiving 200 mg, 50 mg and placebo, respectively, in the 4-week cohort, and in 27/34, 14/19 and 24/38 patients, respectively, in the 12-week cohort. Serious AEs in seven patients receiving AZD5718 and four receiving placebo were not treatment-related, and there were no deaths. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with recent myocardial infarction, AZD5718 was well tolerated, and leukotriene biosynthesis was dose-dependently inhibited. No significant changes in CFVR were detected. CLINICALTRIALS: gov identifier: NCT03317002.

Associations of Polymorphisms in the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator-1 Alpha Gene With Subsequent Coronary Heart Disease: An Individual-Level Meta-Analysis.

Background: The knowledge of factors influencing disease progression in patients with established coronary heart disease (CHD) is still relatively limited. One potential pathway is related to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PPARGC1A), a transcription factor linked to energy metabolism which may play a role in the heart function. Thus, its associations with subsequent CHD events remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the effect of three different SNPs in the PPARGC1A gene on the risk of subsequent CHD in a population with established CHD. Methods: We employed an individual-level meta-analysis using 23 studies from the GENetIcs of sUbSequent Coronary Heart Disease (GENIUS-CHD) consortium, which included participants (n = 80,900) with either acute coronary syndrome, stable CHD, or a mixture of both at baseline. Three variants in the PPARGC1A gene (rs8192678, G482S; rs7672915, intron 2; and rs3755863, T528T) were tested for their associations with subsequent events during the follow-up using a Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for age and sex. The primary outcome was subsequent CHD death or myocardial infarction (CHD death/myocardial infarction). Stratified analyses of the participant or study characteristics as well as additional analyses for secondary outcomes of specific cardiovascular disease diagnoses and all-cause death were also performed. Results: Meta-analysis revealed no significant association between any of the three variants in the PPARGC1A gene and the primary outcome of CHD death/myocardial infarction among those with established CHD at baseline: rs8192678, hazard ratio (HR): 1.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.98-1.05 and rs7672915, HR: 0.97, 95% CI 0.94-1.00; rs3755863, HR: 1.02, 95% CI 0.99-1.06. Similarly, no significant associations were observed for any of the secondary outcomes. The results from stratified analyses showed null results, except for significant inverse associations between rs7672915 (intron 2) and the primary outcome among 1) individuals aged ≥65, 2) individuals with renal impairment, and 3) antiplatelet users. Conclusion: We found no clear associations between polymorphisms in the PPARGC1A gene and subsequent CHD events in patients with established CHD at baseline.

Design and rationale of FLAVOUR: A phase IIa efficacy study of the 5-lipoxygenase activating protein antagonist AZD5718 in patients with recent myocardial infarction.

Patients with coronary artery disease remain at increased risk of recurrent life-threatening cardiovascular events even after adequate guideline-based treatment of conventional risk factors, including blood lipid levels. Inflammation is a critical pathway in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and is independently associated with risk of recurrent cardiovascular events. Leukotrienes are potent pro-inflammatory and vasoactive mediators synthesized by leukocytes in atherosclerotic lesions. AZD5718 is a novel antagonist of 5-lipoxygenase activating protein that suppresses leukotriene biosynthesis. FLAVOUR is a phase IIa efficacy and safety study of AZD5718 in patients with myocardial infarction 1-4 weeks before randomization. Stenosis of the left anterior descending coronary artery after percutaneous intervention must be <50%, and Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow grade must be ≥ 2. Enrolled participants receive standard care plus oral AZD5718 200 mg, 50 mg, or placebo once daily for up to 12 weeks (extended from 4 weeks by protocol amendment). The planned sample size is 100 participants randomized to 12 weeks' treatment. Change in urine leukotriene E4 levels is the primary efficacy outcome. FLAVOUR also aims to evaluate whether AZD5718 can improve coronary microvascular function, as measured by transthoracic colour Doppler-assisted coronary flow velocity reserve. Centrally pretrained study sonographers use standardized protocols and equipment. Additional outcomes include assessment of comprehensive echocardiographic parameters (including coronary flow, global strain, early diastolic strain rate and left ventricular ejection fraction), arterial stiffness, biomarkers, health-related quality of life, and safety. Specific anti-inflammatory therapies may represent novel promising treatments to reduce residual risk in patients with coronary artery disease. By combining primary pharmacodynamic and secondary cardiovascular surrogate efficacy outcomes, FLAVOUR aims to investigate the mechanistic basis and potential benefits of AZD5718 treatment in patients with coronary artery disease.

Pentraxin-3 vs C-reactive protein and other prognostic biomarkers in acute coronary syndrome: A substudy of the Platelet Inhibition and Patients Outcomes (PLATO) trial.

AIMS: We investigated the dynamics, associations with patient characteristics, other biomarkers, and clinical outcomes of pentraxin 3 in acute coronary syndrome. METHODS AND RESULTS: In multivariate analyses, pentraxin 3 measured in 5154 patients randomised in the Platelet Inhibition and Patients Outcomes (PLATO) trial (NCT00391872) was compared with leukocytes, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, cystatin C, N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide, high-sensitivity troponin T and growth differentiation factor 15 concerning prediction of clinical outcome. Pentraxin 3 peaked earlier than high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and was more strongly correlated with N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide and high-sensitivity troponin T than with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. The frequency of cardiovascular death, spontaneous myocardial infarction or stroke by quartiles of pentraxin 3 at admission was 6.1%, 7.3%, 9.7% and 10.7%, respectively (p<0.0001). The hazard ratio per 50% increase of pentraxin 3 was 1.13 (95% confidence interval: 1.07-1.19), p<0.0001. This association remained significant after stepwise adjustments for leukocytes/high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (1.09 (1.02-1.15)), p=0.009, interleukin-6 (1.07 (1.01-1.14)), p=0.026, and cystatin C (1.07 (1.00-1.13)), p=0.044, but not after adjustment for N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide, high-sensitivity troponin T and growth differentiation factor 15. Admission pentraxin 3 was also associated with several of the individual endpoint components (cardiovascular death/spontaneous myocardial infarction; p=0.008, cardiovascular death; p=0.026, and spontaneous myocardial infarction; p=0.017), but not with stroke. Pentraxin 3 measured in the chronic phase (i.e. at one month) was still predictive of the composite endpoint in univariate analysis (1.12 (1.04-1.20) per 50% increase) p=0.0024, but not after adjustment for the other biomarkers. CONCLUSION: Admission level of pentraxin 3 is a modestly stronger predictor than high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin-6, but not than N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide or high-sensitivity troponin T, concerning cardiovascular outcome in acute coronary syndrome. Pentraxin 3 is more strongly correlated with N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide and high-sensitivity troponin T than with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein.

ALCAM predicts future cardiovascular death in acute coronary syndromes: Insights from the PLATO trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Activated leukocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM) is upregulated during inflammation and involved in transmigration of leukocytes and T-cell activation. We hypothesized that ALCAM might be associated with recurrent events in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). METHODS: ALCAM was measured in serum obtained on admission, at discharge, 1 month and 6 months in a subgroup of 5165 patients admitted with ACS and included in the PLATelet inhibition and patient Outcomes (PLATO) trial (NCT00391872). The association between ALCAM and the composite endpoint and its components, including cardiovascular (CV) death, non-procedural spontaneous myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke during 1-year follow-up, was assessed by Cox proportional hazards models with incremental addition of clinical risk factors and biomarkers (including high-sensitivity troponin T, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and growth differentiation factor-15). RESULTS: The median (Q1-Q3) concentration of ALCAM at admission was 97 (80-116) ng/mL. A 50% higher level of ALCAM on admission was associated with a hazard ratio (HR) of 1.16 (95% confidence interval [1.00-1.34] p = 0.043) for the composite endpoint in fully adjusted analysis, mainly driven by the association with CV death (HR 1.45 [1.16-1.82] p = 0.0012). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ACS, admission level of ALCAM was independently associated with adverse outcome including CV death even after adjustment for established inflammatory and cardiac biomarkers.