Sex differences in the association between epicardial adipose tissue volume and left atrial volume index.

BACKGROUND: Sex disparities in the association between epicardial adipose tissue volume (EATV) and cardiovascular disease have been reported. The sex-dependent effects of EATV on left atrial (LA) size have not been elucidated. METHODS: Consecutive 247 subjects (median 65 [interquartile range 57, 75] years; 67% of men) who underwent multi-detector computed tomography without significant coronary artery disease or moderate to severe valvular disease were divided into two groups: patients with sinus rhythm (SR) or atrial fibrillation (AF). Sex differences in the association between the EATV index (EATVI) (mL/m2) and LA volume index (LAVI) in 63 SR (28 men and 35 women) and 184 AF (137 men and 47 women) patients were evaluated using univariate and multivariate regression analyses. RESULTS: In overall that includes both men and women, the relationship between EATVI and LAVI was not significantly correlated for patients with SR and AF. The relationship between EATVI and LAVI differed between men and women in both SR and AF groups. In SR patients, there was a positive relationship between EATVI and LAVI in men, but not in women. In contrast, in patients with AF, a negative relationship was found between EATVI and LAVI in women, whereas no association was found in men. CONCLUSIONS: We evaluated sex differences in the association between EATVI and LAVI in patients with either SR or AF, and found a positive relationship in men with SR and a negative relationship in women with AF. This is the first report to evaluate sex differences in the relationship between EATVI and LAVI, suggesting that EAT may play a role, at least in part, in sex differences in the etiology of AF.

GH and IGF-1 in skin interstitial fluid and blood are associated with heat loss responses in exercising young adults.

PURPOSE: Sweat glands and cutaneous vessels possess growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) receptors. Here, we assessed if exercise increases GH and IGF-1 in skin interstitial fluid, and whether baseline and exercise-induced increases in GH and IGF-1 concentrations in skin interstitial fluid/blood are associated with heat loss responses of sweating and cutaneous vasodilation. METHODS: Sixteen young adults (7 women) performed a 50-min moderate-intensity exercise bout (50% VO2peak) during which skin dialysate and blood samples were collected. In a sub-study (n = 7, 4 women), we administered varying concentrations of GH (0.025-4000 ng/mL) and IGF-1 (0.000256-100 µg/mL) into skin interstitial fluid via intradermal microdialysis. Sweat rate (ventilated capsule) and cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) were measured continuously for both studies. RESULTS: Exercise increased sweating and CVC (both P < 0.001), paralleled by increases of serum GH and skin dialysate GH and IGF-1 (all P ≤ 0.041) without changes in serum IGF-1. Sweating was positively correlated with baseline dialysate and serum GH levels, as well as exercise-induced increases in serum GH and IGF-1 (all P ≤ 0.044). Increases in CVC were not correlated with any GH and IGF-1 variables. Exogenous administration of GH and IGF-1 did not modulate resting sweat rate and CVC. CONCLUSION: (1) Exercise increases GH and IGF-1 levels in the skin interstitial fluid, (2) exercise-induced sweating is associated with baseline GH in skin interstitial fluid and blood, as well as exercise-induced increases in blood GH and IGF-1, and (3) cutaneous vasodilation during exercise is not associated with GH and IGF-1 in skin interstitial fluid and blood.

Dietary nitrate supplementation increases nitrate and nitrite concentrations in human skin interstitial fluid.

Acute dietary nitrate (NO3-) supplementation can increase [NO3-], but not nitrite ([NO2-]), in human skeletal muscle, though its effect on [NO3-] and [NO2-] in skin remains unknown. In an independent group design, 11 young adults ingested 140 mL of NO3--rich beetroot juice (BR; 9.6 mmol NO3-), and 6 young adults ingested 140 mL of a NO3--depleted placebo (PL). Skin dialysate, acquired through intradermal microdialysis, and venous blood samples were collected at baseline and every hour post-ingestion up to 4 h to assess dialysate and plasma [NO3-] and [NO2-]. The relative recovery rate of NO3- and NO2- through the microdialysis probe (73.1% and 62.8%), determined in a separate experiment, was used to estimate skin interstitial [NO3-] and [NO2-]. Baseline [NO3-] was lower, whereas baseline [NO2-] was higher in the skin interstitial fluid relative to plasma (both P < 0.001). Acute BR ingestion increased [NO3-] and [NO2-] in the skin interstitial fluid and plasma (all P < 0.001), with the magnitude being smaller in the skin interstitial fluid (e.g., 183 ± 54 vs. 491 ± 62 µM for Δ[NO3-] from baseline and 155 ± 190 vs. 217 ± 204 nM for Δ[NO2-] from baseline at 3 h post BR ingestion, both P ≤ 0.037). However, due to the aforementioned baseline differences, skin interstitial fluid [NO2-] post BR ingestion was higher, whereas [NO3-] was lower relative to plasma (all P < 0.001). These findings extend our understanding of NO3- and NO2- distribution at rest and indicate that acute BR supplementation increases [NO3-] and [NO2-] in human skin interstitial fluid.

Association of Local Epicardial Adipose Tissue Depots and Left Ventricular Diastolic Performance in Patients With Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction.

BACKGROUND: Although full-volume quantification of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a predictor of LV diastolic dysfunction (LVDD), how localized EAT depots are linked to LVDD remains unclear. We evaluated the effect of local EAT depots on LV diastolic function parameters in patients with preserved LV ejection fraction (LVEF).Methods and Results:From 423 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac CT angiography, we recruited 252 with sinus rhythm and normal LVEF. The EAT volume index (EATV/body surface area) and the localized EAT thickness around the right coronary artery (EATRCA), left anterior descending artery (EATLAD), left circumflex artery (EATLCX), right ventricle (EATRV), left ventricle (EATLV), right atrium (EATRA), and left atrium (EATLA) were measured using cardiac CT. In the LVDD group (n=71), the EATV index (75±30 vs. 64±28 mL/m2, P=0.010), EATLCX(10.7±3.8 vs. 9.4±3.4 mm, P=0.008), and EATLV(2.6±1.6 vs. 2.1±1.4 mm, P=0.024) were greater than in the non-LVDD group (n=181). In contrast, EATLCXand EATLVwere markedly associated with decreased lateral e' and increased lateral E/e'. Multiple regression analysis indicated that EATLCXand EATLVwere strongly associated with LV diastolic function parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Localized EAT depots are linked to altered mitral annular motion. Further study is warranted to clarify whether localized EAT depots are functionally linked to the clinical manifestations of LVDD.

Local Thickness of Epicardial Adipose Tissue Surrounding the Left Anterior Descending Artery Is a Simple Predictor of Coronary Artery Disease　- New Prediction Model in Combination With Framingham Risk Score.

BACKGROUND: Compared with global cardiac adiposity, the local accumulation of fat surrounding coronary arteries might have a more direct impact on coronary artery disease (CAD). Here, we compared the local epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness and global cardiac adiposity volumes for predicting CAD.Methods and Results:A total of 197 consecutive subjects underwent 320-slice multi-detector computed tomography coronary angiography and were segregated into CAD (≥1 coronary artery branch stenosis ≥50%) and non-CAD groups. EAT thickness was measured at the right coronary artery (EATRCA), the left anterior descending artery (EATLAD), and the left circumflex artery (EATLCX). Although EATRCAand EATLCXwere similar between the 2 groups, EATLADwas larger in the CAD group than in the non-CAD group (5.45±2.16 mm vs. 6.86±2.19 mm, P<0.001). EATLAD, after correcting for confounding factors, was strongly associated with CAD (r=0.276, P<0.001) and Gensini score (r=0.239, P<0.001). On multiple regression analysis, Framingham risk score combined with EATLADwas a strong predictor of CAD (adjusted R2=0.121; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The local fat thickness surrounding the LAD is a simple and useful surrogate marker for estimating the presence, severity, and extent of CAD, independent of classical cardiovascular risk factors.

Effect of the Epicardial Adipose Tissue Volume on the Prevalence of Paroxysmal and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Although increasing evidence suggests that epicardial adipose tissue volume (EATV) is associated with atrial fibrillation (AF), it is controversial whether there is a dose-response relationship of increasing EATV along the continuum of AF. We evaluated the effect of the EATV on the prevalence of paroxysmal AF (PAF) and persistent AF (PeAF) and the relationships with cardiac structure and functional remodeling.Methods and Results:Subjects who underwent multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) coronary angiography because of symptoms suggestive of coronary artery disease were divided into sinus rhythm (SR) (n=112), PAF (n=133), and PeAF (n=71) groups. The EATV index (EATV/body surface area, mL/m2) was strongly associated with the prevalence of PAF and PeAF on the model adjusted for known AF risk factors. The effect of the EATV index on the prevalence of PeAF, but not on that of PAF, was modified by the left atrial (LA) dimension, suggesting that extension of the LA dimension is related to EATV expansion in PeAF. The cutoff value of the EATV index for the prevalence was higher in PeAF than in PAF (64 vs. 55 mL/m2, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The EATV index is associated with the prevalence of PAF and PeAF, and its cutoff values are predictive for PAF and PeAF development independently of other AF risk factors.

Metabolome analyses of skin dialysate: Insights into skin interstitial fluid biomarkers.

BACKGROUND: Metabolites in biofluids can serve as biomarkers for diagnosing diseases and monitoring body conditions. Among the available biofluids, interstitial fluid (ISF) in the skin has garnered considerable attention owing to its advantages, which include inability to clot, easy access to the skin, and possibility of incorporating wearable devices. However, the scientific understanding of skin ISF composition is limited. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to compare metabolites between skin dialysate containing metabolites from the skin ISF and venous blood (plasma) samples, both collected under resting states. METHODS: We collected forearm skin dialysate using intradermal microdialysis alongside venous blood (plasma) samples from 12 healthy young adults. We analyzed these samples using capillary electrophoresis-fourier transform mass spectrometry-based metabolomics (CE-FTMS). RESULTS: Significant positive correlations were observed in 39 metabolites between the skin dialysate and plasma, including creatine (a mitochondrial disease biomarker), 1-methyladenosine (an early detection of cancer biomarker), and trimethylamine N-oxide (a posterior predictor of heart failure biomarker). Based on the Human Metabolome Technologies database, we identified 12 metabolites unique to forearm skin dialysate including nucleic acids, benzoate acids, fatty acids, amino acids, ascorbic acid, 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethyleneglycol (an Alzheimer's disease biomarker), and cysteic acid (an acute myocardial infarction biomarker). CONCLUSION: We show that some venous blood biomarkers may be predicted from skin dialysate or skin ISF, and that these fluids may serve as diagnostic and monitoring tools for health and clinical conditions.

Young-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus enhances proteinuria, but not glomerular filtration rate decline: A Japanese cohort study.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: The time course of chronic kidney disease in young-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus remains unclear. We compared the trajectories of proteinuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline between young-onset (aged ≤40 years) and late-onset (aged >40 years) type 2 diabetes mellitus in a Japanese multicenter cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants without diabetic kidney disease were divided into two groups according to age at diagnosis: young- and late-onset. The primary endpoint was eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2, proteinuria or both. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards were calculated to estimate incidence. RESULTS: Among 626 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus, 78 (12.4%) had young-onset and 548 (87.6%) had late-onset diabetes. The incidence of eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 was lower (16.7% vs 33.5%, P = 0.003), but that of proteinuria was higher (46.2% vs 28.9%, P = 0.002) in the young-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus group. The Kaplan-Meyer curve showed that young-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus was associated with a decreased hazard ratio (HR) for eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and an increased HR for proteinuria compared with late-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus. In the multivariate Cox analysis, young-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus increased the HR (95% confidence interval) of proteinuria (1.53, 95% confidence interval 1.03-2.26), but did not change the eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 HR. CONCLUSIONS: Young-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus has a lower HR of eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and an increased HR of proteinuria compared with late-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus, indicating that young-onset type 2 diabetes mellitus has a different time course for the development of proteinuria and subsequent eGFR decline.

Role of perirenal adiposity in renal dysfunction among CKD individuals with or without diabetes: a Japanese cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: It remains unclear whether increased perirenal fat (PRF) accumulation is equally related to renal involvement in patients with and without diabetes mellitus (DM). We evaluated the association between PRF volume (PRFV) and low glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and proteinuria in people with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 473 individuals without T2DM (non-DM, n=202) and with T2DM (DM, n=271). PRFV (cm3), obtained from non-contrast CT, was indexed as PRF index (PRFV/body surface area, cm3/m2). Multivariate-adjusted models were used to determine the ORs of PRFV and PRFV index for detecting estimated GFR (eGFR) decrease of <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 proteinuria onset, or both. RESULTS: Although body mass index (BMI), visceral fat area, and waist circumference were comparable between the non-DM and DM groups, kidney volume, PRFV, and PRFV index were higher in individuals with T2DM than in those without T2DM. In the multivariate analysis, after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, hypertension, smoking history, and visceral fat area ≥100 cm2, the cut-off values of PRFV index were associated with an eGFR<60 in individuals with DM (OR 6.01, 95% CI 2.20 to 16.4, p<0.001) but not in those without DM. CONCLUSIONS: PRFV is associated with low eGFR in patients with T2DM but not in those without T2DM. This suggests that PRF accumulation is more closely related to the onset and progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) than non-DKD. Clarifying the mechanisms through which PRF influences DKD development could pave the way for novel prevention and treatment strategies.

High FIB4 index is an independent risk factor of diabetic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) may be linked to development of chronic kidney diseases (CKD). The FIB4 index, a noninvasive liver fibrosis score, has been reported to predict CKD in non-diabetic patients, but there are no reports yet in diabetic cases. Therefore, we evaluated the prognostic impact of FIB4 index on the risk of developing diabetic kidney disease (DKD) in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes in a retrospective cohort study. We assessed patients with type 2 diabetes with an eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and without dipstick positive proteinuria (≥ 1 +) at their first visit to our department. Participants were divided into two groups based on the FIB4 index at their first visit: FIB4 index > 1.3 and FIB4 index ≤ 1.3. The primary endpoint was defined as a decrease in eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or the onset of proteinuria during the course of treatment. The average age of all 584 type 2 diabetic participants (360 [61.6%] men) was 55 ± 11 years. There were 187 patients in the FIB4 index group > 1.3 (32.0%) and the median observation period was 6.0 (3.8-11.0) years. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that the risks of developing DKD, eGFR < 60 and proteinuria were all higher in FIB4 index > 1.3 patients than in FIB4 ≤ 1.3 patients. In the Cox regression analysis, an FIB4 index > 1.3 was a significant predictor for onset of DKD (HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.15-2.08) and proteinuria (HR 1.55, 95% CI 1.08-2.23), but not for an eGFR < 60 (HR 1.14, 95% CI 0.79-1.99). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that an FIB4 index > 1.3 has a prognostic impact on the development of CKD and proteinuria in type 2 diabetic patients. This warrants further investigation of the prognostic impact of the development of DKD or proteinuria.

Deleterious Effects of Epicardial Adipose Tissue Volume on Global Longitudinal Strain in Patients With Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction.

Background: It is known that epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume is linked to cardiac dysfunction. However, it is unclear whether EAT volume (EATV) is closely linked to abnormal LV strain. We examined the relationship between EATV and global longitudinal strain (GLS), global circumferential strain (GCS), and global radial strain (GRS) in patients with preserved LV function. Methods: Notably, 180 consecutive subjects (68 ± 12 years; 53% men) underwent 320-slice multi-detector computed tomography coronary angiography and were segregated into coronary artery disease (CAD) (≥1 coronary artery branch stenosis ≥50%) and non-CAD groups. GLS, GCS, and GRS were evaluated by 2-dimensional speckle tracking in patients with preserved left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥50%. Results: First, GLS, but not GRS and GCS, was lower in the high EATV group though the LVEF was comparable to the low EATV group. Frequency of GLS ≤18 was higher in the high EATV group. Second, multiple regression model showed that EATV, age, male sex, and CAD, were determinants of GLS. Third, the cutoff points of EATV were comparable (~116-117 mL) in both groups. The cutoff of EATV ≥116 showed a significant correlation with GLS ≤18 in overall subjects. Conclusions: Increasing EATV was independently associated with global longitudinal strain despite the preserved LVEF and lacking obstructive CAD. Our findings suggest an additional role of EAT on myocardial systolic function by impaired LV longitudinal strain.

Factors Associated with Risk of Diabetic Complications in Novel Cluster-Based Diabetes Subgroups: A Japanese Retrospective Cohort Study.

Diabetes is a complex and heterogeneous disease, making the prediction of the risks of diabetic complications challenging. Novel adult-onset diabetes subgroups have been studied using cluster analysis, but its application in East Asians remains unclear. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to elucidate the clinical utility of cluster-based subgroup analysis in the Japanese population. Cluster analysis based on anti-glutamate decarboxylase antibody (GAD antibody) levels, age at diagnosis, body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin A1c (A1c), and homeostatic model assessment 2 estimates of ß-cell function and insulin resistance was performed in 1520 diabetic patients. The risk of developing diabetic complications was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and the Cox proportional hazards model. By cluster analysis, we identified five distinct subgroups of adult-onset diabetes in the Japanese population. The risk of diabetic complications varied greatly among the clusters. Patients with severe autoimmune diabetes or severe insulin deficiency diabetes were at an increased risk of diabetic retinopathy, and those with severe insulin resistant diabetes (SIRD) had the highest risk of developing diabetic kidney disease (DKD). After adjusting for uncorrectable and correctable risk factors, SIRD was found to be an independent risk factor for DKD. In conclusion, we identified five subgroups of adult-onset diabetes and the risk factors for diabetic complications in the Japanese population. This new classification system can be effective in predicting the risk of diabetic complications and for providing optimal treatment.

Levels of Adiponectin Expression in Peri-Renal and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue and Its Determinants in Human Biopsied Samples.

Background: The interactions of adipose tissue with the kidney are hypothesized to affect kidney function. Also, excessive peri-renal fat may increase the risk of cardiometabolic risk. However, the role(s) of peri-renal fat adipocytokine has never been evaluated. Objectives: To elucidate levels of adiponectin expression in peri-renal and subcutaneous adipose tissue and its determinants in human biopsied samples. Methods: A pair of subcutaneous and perirenal fat tissue samples were collected from 80 patients (men: 54; women: 26) who underwent urological operations. Subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) area, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area and peri-renal adipose tissue (RAT) volume were quantified on abdominal computed tomography. Cytokine/adipocytokine expression was evaluated by real-time semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Probability was considered significant if P < 0.05. Results: Current study evaluated determinants of plasma adiponectin levels and expression levels of adiponectin in SAT and RAT in human samples. We found that: first, plasma adiponectin levels were correlated with VAT area but not with BMI, waist circumference, SAT area, and RAT volume; second, expression levels of adiponectin in SAT were correlated with BMI, waist circumference, and SAT area but not with VAT area and RAT volume; and third, expression levels of adiponectin in RAT were correlated with all adiposity indices including BMI, waist circumference, SAT area, VAT area, and RAT volume. Conclusion: This study evaluated levels of adiponectin expression in RAT and SAT and its determinants in patients who underwent urological operation. Levels of adiponectin mRNA in RAT were negatively correlated with remote fat mass in SAT and VAT and also with local fat mass in RAT, while level of adiponectin in SAT was not correlated with RAT volume. Further studies are warranted to evaluate roles of peri-renal fat mass accumulation and its pathophysiological machineries.

Gender-linked impact of epicardial adipose tissue volume in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery or non-coronary valve surgery.

BACKGROUND: Traditional and non-traditional risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) are different between men and women. Gender-linked impact of epicardial adipose tissue volume (EATV) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) remains unknown. METHODS: Gender-linked impact of EATV, abdominal fat distribution and other traditional ASCVD risk factors were compared in 172 patients (men: 115; women: 57) who underwent CABG or non-coronary valvular surgery (non-CABG). RESULTS: In men, EATV, EATV index (EATV/body surface area) and the markers of adiposity such as body mass index, waist circumference and visceral fat area were higher in the CABG group than in the non-CABG group. Traditional ASCVD risk factors were also prevalent in the CABG group. In women, EATV and EATV index were higher in the CABG group, but other adiposity markers were comparable between CABG and non-CABG groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that in men, CABG was determined by EATV Index and other ASCVD risk factors including hypertension, dyslipidemia, adiponectin, high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (Corrected R2 = 0.262, p < 0.0001), while in women, type 2 diabetes mellitus is a single strong predictor for CABG, excluding EATV Index (Corrected R2 = 0.266, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Our study found that multiple risk factors, including epicardial adipose tissue volume and traditional ASCVD factors are determinants for CABG in men, but type 2 diabetes mellitus was the sole determinant in women. Gender-specific disparities in risk factors of CABG prompt us to evaluate new diagnostic and treatment strategies and to seek underlying mechanisms.

Canagliflozin reduces epicardial fat in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether canagliflozin, a selective sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor, reduces epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness, which is associated with insulin resistance and is a risk factor for coronary artery disease. METHODS AND RESULTS: We administered 100 mg of canagliflozin for 6 months to 13 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. We evaluated glycemic control, visceral adipose tissue (VAT) area and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) area, and skeletal muscle mass by using impedance methods, and EAT thickness by using echocardiography. Canagliflozin treatment for 6 months decreased hemoglobin A1c level from 7.1 ± 0.5% to 6.7 ± 0.6% (P < 0.05) and decreased EAT thickness from 9.3 ± 2.5 to 7.3 ± 2.0 mm (P < 0.001), along with a trend of decreasing VAT and SAT area. No association was found between any of these changes. CONCLUSION: Canagliflozin reduced EAT thickness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus independent of its effect on lowering blood glucose, suggesting that canagliflozin may have an effect in preventing cardiovascular events in these patients (UMIN000021327).