Plasma Level of Retinol-Binding Protein 4, N-Terminal proBNP and Renal Function in Older Patients Hospitalized for Heart Failure.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Elevated plasma concentration of retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) has recently emerged as a potential new risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension (HT) and coronary artery disease (CAD). Limited data suggest that RBP4 promotes inflammatory damage to cardiomyocytes and participates in the development of heart failure (HF). This study aimed to analyze the relationship between concentrations of plasma RBP4 and serum N-terminal proBNP (NT-proBNP), a powerful biomarker of left ventricle dysfunction, in the older Polish population. METHODS: The study sample consisted of 2,826 (1,487 men) participants of the PolSenior study, aged 65 years and older, including a subgroup hospitalized for HF (n = 282). In all subjects, plasma concentrations of RBP4, interleukin-6 (IL-6), serum level of NT-proBNP, and hs-CRP were measured. Additionally, BMI, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and HOMA-IR were calculated. The prevalence of HT, CAD, atrial fibrillation (AF), and medication were considered as potential confounders. RESULTS: Similar RBP4 levels were found in subjects with NT-proBNP < 125 and ≥125 ng/mL, with and without AF, and in the subgroups hospitalized for HF with and without AF. Regression analysis revealed no association between log10(NT-proBNP) and log10(RBP4). Plasma levels of RBP4 were increased by HT occurrence and diuretic therapy, while diminished with regard to female gender, age, eGFR values, AF, and IL-6 levels. CONCLUSION: Our results show that RBP4 is affected by GFR but cannot be considered as an independent biomarker of heart muscle dysfunction.

[Osteoprotegerin as a marker of atherosclerosis and a prognostic factor in stroke]. / Osteoprotegeryna jako wskaznik nasilenia miazdzycy i czynnik prognostyczny w udarze mózgu.

Stroke is one of the most common causes of disability and lack of independence in activities of daily living in adults. One of the most important factors predisposing to stroke, besides hypertension and atrial fibrillation, is carotid atherosclerosis. Rupture of unstable plaque with formation of a platelet plug is the cause of about 20-25% of ischemic strokes. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is an important regulator of bone remodeling under physiological and disease conditions, as well as the regulator of osteoclast differentiation. Elevated plasma OPG level is associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke and heart diseases, including atrial fibrillation, and is observed in patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis and atherosclerotic vulnerable plaques. Furthermore, the occurrence of certain genotypes of OPG is 10 times more common in people with unstable atherosclerotic plaque, making them an independent risk predictor of plaque instability. This article summarizes the current state of knowledge on the potential role of OPG as a biomarker and prognostic indicator of stroke.