Amyloid beta is associated with carotid wall echolucency and atherosclerotic plaque composition.

Circulating amyloid-beta 1-40 (Αb40) has pro-atherogenic properties and could serve as a biomarker in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). However, the association of Ab40 levels with morphological characteristics reflecting atherosclerotic plaque echolucency and composition is not available. Carotid atherosclerosis was assessed in consecutively recruited individuals without ASCVD (n = 342) by ultrasonography. The primary endpoint was grey scale median (GSM) of intima-media complex (IMC) and plaques, analysed using dedicated software. Vascular markers were assessed at two time-points (median follow-up 35.5 months). In n = 56 patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy, histological plaque features were analysed. Plasma Αb40 levels were measured at baseline. Ab40 was associated with lower IMC GSM and plaque GSM and higher plaque area at baseline after multivariable adjustment. Increased Ab40 levels were also longitudinally associated with decreasing or persistently low IMC and plaque GSM after multivariable adjustment (p < 0.05). In the histological analysis, Ab40 levels were associated with lower incidence of calcified plaques and plaques without high-risk features. Ab40 levels are associated with ultrasonographic and histological markers of carotid wall composition both in the non-stenotic arterial wall and in severely stenotic plaques. These findings support experimental evidence linking Ab40 with plaque vulnerability, possibly mediating its established association with major adverse cardiovascular events.

Modification of the GRACE Risk Score for Risk Prediction in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes.

Importance: The Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score, a guideline-recommended risk stratification tool for patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes (ACS), does not consider the extent of myocardial injury. Objective: To assess the incremental predictive value of a modified GRACE score incorporating high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) T at presentation, a surrogate of the extent of myocardial injury. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospectively designed longitudinal cohort study examined 3 independent cohorts of 9803 patients with ACS enrolled from September 2009 to December 2017; 2 ACS derivation cohorts (Heidelberg ACS cohort and Newcastle STEMI cohort) and an ACS validation cohort (SPUM-ACS study). The Heidelberg ACS cohort included 2535 and the SPUM-ACS study 4288 consecutive patients presenting with a working diagnosis of ACS. The Newcastle STEMI cohort included 2980 consecutive patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Data were analyzed from March to June 2023. Exposures: In-hospital, 30-day, and 1-year mortality risk estimates derived from an updated risk score that incorporates continuous hs-cTn T at presentation (modified GRACE). Main Outcomes and Measures: The predictive value of continuous hs-cTn T and modified GRACE risk score compared with the original GRACE risk score. Study end points were all-cause mortality during hospitalization and at 30 days and 1 year after the index event. Results: Of 9450 included patients, 7313 (77.4%) were male, and the mean (SD) age at presentation was 64.2 (12.6) years. Using continuous rather than binary hs-cTn T conferred improved discrimination and reclassification compared with the original GRACE score (in-hospital mortality: area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC], 0.835 vs 0.741; continuous net reclassification improvement [NRI], 0.208; 30-day mortality: AUC, 0.828 vs 0.740; NRI, 0.312; 1-year mortality: AUC, 0.785 vs 0.778; NRI, 0.078) in the derivation cohort. These findings were confirmed in the validation cohort. In the pooled population of 9450 patients, modified GRACE risk score showed superior performance compared with the original GRACE risk score in terms of reclassification and discrimination for in-hospital mortality end point (AUC, 0.878 vs 0.780; NRI, 0.097), 30-day mortality end point (AUC, 0.858 vs 0.771; NRI, 0.08), and 1-year mortality end point (AUC, 0.813 vs 0.797; NRI, 0.056). Conclusions and Relevance: In this study, using continuous rather than binary hs-cTn T at presentation, a proxy of the extent of myocardial injury, in the GRACE risk score improved the mortality risk prediction in patients with ACS.

Effector T cell chemokine IP-10 predicts cardiac recovery and clinical outcomes post-myocardial infarction.

Background and aims: Preclinical data suggest that activation of the adaptive immune system is critical for myocardial repair processes in acute myocardial infarction. The aim of the present study was to determine the clinical value of baseline effector T cell chemokine IP-10 blood levels in the acute phase of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) for the prediction of the left ventricular function changes and cardiovascular outcomes after STEMI. Methods: Serum IP-10 levels were retrospectively quantified in two independent cohorts of STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Results: We report a biphasic response of the effector T cell trafficking chemokine IP-10 characterized by an initial increase of its serum levels in the acute phase of STEMI followed by a rapid reduction at 90min post reperfusion. Patients at the highest IP-10 tertile presented also with more CD4 effector memory T cells (CD4 TEM cells), but not other T cell subtypes, in blood. In the Newcastle cohort (n=47), patients in the highest IP-10 tertile or CD4 TEM cells at admission exhibited an improved cardiac systolic function 12 weeks after STEMI compared to patients in the lowest IP-10 tertile. In the Heidelberg cohort (n=331), STEMI patients were followed for a median of 540 days for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Patients presenting with higher serum IP-10 levels at admission had a lower risk for MACE after adjustment for traditional risk factors, CRP and high-sensitivity troponin-T levels (highest vs. rest quarters: HR [95% CI]=0.420 [0.218-0.808]). Conclusion: Increased serum levels of IP-10 in the acute phase of STEMI predict a better recovery in cardiac systolic function and less adverse events in patients after STEMI.

Cathepsin S Levels and Survival Among Patients With Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes.

BACKGROUND: Patients with non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS) are at high residual risk for long-term cardiovascular (CV) mortality. Cathepsin S (CTSS) is a lysosomal cysteine protease with elastolytic and collagenolytic activity that has been involved in atherosclerotic plaque rupture. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the following: 1) the prognostic value of circulating CTSS measured at patient admission for long-term mortality in NSTE-ACS; and 2) its additive value over the GRACE (Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events) risk score. METHODS: This was a single-center cohort study, consecutively recruiting patients with adjudicated NSTE-ACS (n = 1,112) from the emergency department of an academic hospital. CTSS was measured in serum using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. All-cause mortality at 8 years was the primary endpoint. CV death was the secondary endpoint. RESULTS: In total, 367 (33.0%) deaths were recorded. CTSS was associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR for highest vs lowest quarter of CTSS: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.34-2.66; P < 0.001) and CV death (HR: 2.58; 95% CI: 1.15-5.77; P = 0.021) after adjusting for traditional CV risk factors, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, left ventricular ejection fraction, high-sensitivity troponin-T, revascularization and index diagnosis (unstable angina/ non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction). When CTSS was added to the GRACE score, it conferred significant discrimination and reclassification value for all-cause mortality (Delta Harrell's C: 0.03; 95% CI: 0.012-0.047; P = 0.001; and net reclassification improvement = 0.202; P = 0.003) and CV death (AUC: 0.056; 95% CI: 0.017-0.095; P = 0.005; and net reclassification improvement = 0.390; P = 0.001) even after additionally considering high-sensitivity troponin-T and left ventricular ejection fraction. CONCLUSIONS: Circulating CTSS is a predictor of long-term mortality and improves risk stratification of patients with NSTE-ACS over the GRACE score.

Beta-Secretase-1 Antisense RNA Is Associated with Vascular Ageing and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease.

BACKGROUND: The noncoding antisense transcript for ß-secretase-1 (BACE1-AS) is a long noncoding RNA with a pivotal role in the regulation of amyloid-ß (Aß). We aimed to explore the clinical value of BACE1-AS expression in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). METHODS: Expression of BACE1-AS and its target, ß-secretase 1 (BACE1) mRNA, was measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells derived from 434 individuals (259 without established ASCVD [non-CVD], 90 with stable coronary artery disease [CAD], and 85 with acute coronary syndrome). Intima-media thickness and atheromatous plaques evaluated by ultrasonography, as well as arterial wave reflections and pulse wave velocity, were measured as markers of subclinical ASCVD. Patients were followed for a median of 52 months for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). RESULTS: In the cross-sectional arm, BACE1-AS expression correlated with BACE1 expression (r = 0.396, p < 0.001) and marginally with Aß1-40 levels in plasma (r = 0.141, p = 0.008). Higher BACE1-AS was associated with higher estimated CVD risk assessed by HeartScore for non-CVD subjects and by European Society of Cardiology clinical criteria for the total population (p < 0.05 for both). BACE1-AS was associated with higher prevalence of CAD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.37-2.5), multivessel CAD (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.06-1.75), and with higher number of diseased vascular beds (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.07-1.61, for multiple diseased vascular beds) after multivariable adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors. In the prospective arm, BACE1-AS was an independent predictor of MACE in high cardiovascular risk patients (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.86 per ascending tertile, 95% CI: 1.011-3.43, p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: BACE1-AS is associated with the incidence and severity of ASCVD.

Clinical frailty, and not features of acute infection, is associated with late mortality in COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with excess mortality after hospital discharge. Identification of patients at increased risk of death following hospital discharge is needed to guide clinical monitoring and early intervention. Herein, we aimed to identify predictors of early vs. late mortality in COVID-19 patients. METHODS: A total of 471 patients with polymerase chain reaction-confirmed COVID-19 were followed up for 9 months [median (inter-quartile range) of follow-up time: 271 (14) days] after hospital admission. COVID-19-related signs and symptoms, laboratory features, co-morbidities, Coronavirus Clinical Characterisation Consortium (4C) mortality and Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) scores were analysed by logistic regression for association with early (28 day) vs. late mortality. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to determine the discriminative value of 4C and CFS scores for early vs. late mortality. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients died within 28 days from hospital admission. Of the remaining 351 patients, 41 died within the next 8 months. Respiratory failure, systemic inflammation, and renal impairment were associated with early mortality, while active cancer and dementia were associated with late mortality, after adjustment for age and sex. 4C mortality score and CFS were associated with both early [odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval-CI): 4C: 1.34 (1.25-1.45); CFS: 1.49 (1.33-1.66)] and late [OR (95% CI): 4C: 1.23 (1.12-1.36); CFS: 2.04 (1.62-2.56)] mortality. After adjustment for CFS, the association between 4C and late mortality was lost. By ROC analysis, 4C mortality score was superior to CFS for 28 day mortality [area under the curve (AUC) (95% CI): 0.779 (0.732-0.825) vs. 0.723 (0.673-0.773), respectively; P = 0.039]. In contrast, CFS had higher predictive value for late mortality compared with 4C mortality score [AUC (95% CI): 0.830 (0.776-0.883) vs. 0.724 (0.650-0.798), respectively; P = 0.007]. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, late mortality in COVID-19 patients is more strongly associated with premorbid clinical frailty than with severity of the acute infection phase.

Estimated pulse wave velocity improves risk stratification for all-cause mortality in patients with COVID-19.

Accurate risk stratification in COVID-19 patients consists a major clinical need to guide therapeutic strategies. We sought to evaluate the prognostic role of estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV), a marker of arterial stiffness which reflects overall arterial integrity and aging, in risk stratification of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. This retrospective, longitudinal cohort study, analyzed a total population of 1671 subjects consisting of 737 hospitalized COVID-19 patients consecutively recruited from two tertiary centers (Newcastle cohort: n = 471 and Pisa cohort: n = 266) and a non-COVID control cohort (n = 934). Arterial stiffness was calculated using validated formulae for ePWV. ePWV progressively increased across the control group, COVID-19 survivors and deceased patients (adjusted mean increase per group 1.89 m/s, P < 0.001). Using a machine learning approach, ePWV provided incremental prognostic value and improved reclassification for mortality over the core model including age, sex and comorbidities [AUC (core model + ePWV vs. core model) = 0.864 vs. 0.755]. ePWV provided similar prognostic value when pulse pressure or hs-Troponin were added to the core model or over its components including age and mean blood pressure (p < 0.05 for all). The optimal prognostic ePWV value was 13.0 m/s. ePWV conferred additive discrimination (AUC: 0.817 versus 0.779, P < 0.001) and reclassification value (NRI = 0.381, P < 0.001) over the 4C Mortality score, a validated score for predicting mortality in COVID-19 and the Charlson comorbidity index. We suggest that calculation of ePWV, a readily applicable estimation of arterial stiffness, may serve as an additional clinical tool to refine risk stratification of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 beyond established risk factors and scores.

Prognostic value of admission high-sensitivity troponin in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Although the diagnostic usefulness of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) is well established in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), its prognostic relevance in risk stratification of patients with STEMI remains obscure. This study sought to determine the prognostic value of pre-reperfusion (admission) and post-reperfusion (12-hour) hs-cTnT in patients with STEMI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). METHODS: Retrospective observational longitudinal study including consecutive patients with STEMI treated with PPCI at a university hospital in the northeast of England. hs-cTnT was measured at admission to the catheterisation laboratory and 12 hours after PPCI. Clinical, procedural and laboratory data were prospectively collected during patient hospitalisation (June 2010-December 2014). Mortality data were obtained from the UK Office of National Statistics. The study endpoints were in-hospital and overall mortality. RESULTS: A total of 3113 patients were included. Median follow-up was 53 months. Admission hs-cTnT >515 ng/L (fourth quartile) was independently associated with in-hospital mortality (HR=2.53 per highest to lower quartiles; 95% CI: 1.32 to 4.85; p=0.005) after multivariable adjustment for a clinical model of mortality prediction. Likewise, admission hs-cTnT >515 ng/L independently predicted overall mortality (HR=1.27 per highest to lower quartiles; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.59; p=0.029). Admission hs-cTnT correctly reclassified risk for in-hospital death (net reclassification index (NRI)=0.588, p<0.001) and overall mortality (NRI=0.178, p=0.001). Conversely, 12-hour hs-cTnT was not independently associated with mortality. CONCLUSION: Admission, but not 12-hour post-reperfusion, hs-cTnT predicts mortality and improves risk stratification in the PPCI era. These results support a prognostic role for admission hs-cTnT while challenge the cost-effectiveness of routine 12-hour hs-cTnT measurements in patients with STEMI.

Interleukin-17A Triggers the Release of Platelet-Derived Factors Driving Vascular Endothelial Cells toward a Pro-Angiogenic State.

Platelets comprise a highly interactive immune cell subset of the circulatory system traditionally known for their unique haemostatic properties. Although platelets are considered as a vault of growth factors, cytokines and chemokines with pivotal role in vascular regeneration and angiogenesis, the exact mechanisms by which they influence vascular endothelial cells (ECs) function remain underappreciated. In the present study, we examined the role of human IL-17A/IL-17RA axis in platelet-mediated pro-angiogenic responses. We reveal that IL-17A receptor (IL-17RA) mRNA is present in platelets transcriptome and a profound increase is documented on the surface of activated platelets. By quantifying the protein levels of several factors, involved in angiogenesis, we identified that IL-17A/IL17RA axis selectively induces the release of vascular endothelial growth factor, interleukin -2 and -4, as well as monocyte chemoattractant protein -1 from treated platelets. However, IL-17A exerted no effect on the release of IL-10, an anti-inflammatory factor with potentially anti-angiogenic properties, from platelets. Treatment of human endothelial cell two-dimensional tubule networks or three-dimensional spheroid and mouse aortic ring structures with IL-17A-induced platelet releasate evoked pro-angiogenic responses of ECs. Our findings suggest that IL-17A may critically affect platelet release of pro-angiogenic factors driving ECs towards a pro-angiogenic state.

The Fractalkine Receptor CX3CR1 Links Lymphocyte Kinetics in CMV-Seropositive Patients and Acute Myocardial Infarction With Adverse Left Ventricular Remodeling.

Aims: Latent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Virus-specific CX3CR1+ effector memory T-cells may be instrumental in this process due to their pro-inflammatory properties. We investigated the role of CX3CR1 (fractalkine receptor) in CMV-related lymphocyte kinetics and cardiac remodeling in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). Methods and Results: We retrospectively analysed lymphocyte count, troponin, and survival in 4874 STEMI/pPCI patients, evaluated lymphocyte kinetics during reperfusion in a prospective cohort, and obtained sequential cardiac MRI (cMRI) to assess remodeling. Pre-reperfusion lymphopenia independently predicted mortality at 7.5 years. Prior to reperfusion, CCR7+ T-lymphocytes appeared to be depleted. After reperfusion, T-lymphocytes expressing CX3CR1 were depleted predominantly in CMV-seropositive patients. During ischaemia/reperfusion, a drop in CX3CR1+ T-lymphocytes was significantly linked with microvascular obstruction in CMV+ patients, suggesting increased fractalkine-receptor interaction. At 12 weeks, CMV+ patients displayed adverse LV remodeling. Conclusion: We show that lymphopenia occurs before and after reperfusion in STEMI by different mechanisms and predicts long-term outcome. In CMV+ patients, increased fractalkine induction and sequestration of CX3CR1+ T-cells may contribute to adverse remodeling, suggesting a pro-inflammatory pathomechanism which presents a novel therapeutic target.

Bone marrow and plasma FGF-23 in heart failure patients: novel insights into the heart-bone axis.

AIMS: Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) is known to be elevated in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). As FGF-23 is expressed in the bone but can also be expressed in the myocardium, the origin of serum FGF-23 in CHF remains unclear. It is also unclear if FGF-23 expressed in the bone is associated with outcome in CHF. The aim of the present study was to investigate FGF-23 levels measured in bone marrow plasma (FGF-23-BM) and in peripheral blood (FGF-23-P) in CHF patients to gain further insights into the heart-bone axis of FGF-23 expression. We also investigated possible associations between FGF-23-BM as well as FGF-23-P and outcome in CHF patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: We determined FGF-23-P and FGF-23-BM levels in 203 CHF patients (85% male, mean age 61.3 years) with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤45% and compared them with those of 48 healthy controls (48% male, mean age 39.2 years). We investigated the association between FGF-23-BM and FGF-23-P with all-cause mortality in CHF patients, 32 events, median follow-up 1673 days, interquartile range [923, 1828]. FGF-23-P (median 60.3 vs. 22.0 RU/mL, P < 0.001) and FGF-23-BM (median 130.7 vs. 93.1 RU/mL, P < 0.001) levels were higher in CHF patients compared with healthy controls. FGF-23-BM levels were significantly higher than FGF-23-P levels in both CHF patients and in healthy controls (P < 0.001). FGF-23-P and FGF-23-BM correlated significantly with LVEF (r = -0.37 and r = -0.33, respectively), N terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide levels (r = 0.57 and r = 0.6, respectively), New York Heart Association status (r = 0.28 and r = 0.25, respectively), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (r = -0.43 and r = -0.41, respectively) (P for all <0.001) and were independently associated with all-cause mortality in CHF patients after adjustment for LVEF, estimated glomerular filtration rate, New York Heart Association status, and N terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide, hazard ratio 2.71 [confidence interval: 1.18-6.20], P = 0.018, and hazard ratio 2.80 [confidence interval: 1.19-6.57], P = 0.018, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In CHF patients, FGF-23 is elevated in bone marrow plasma and is independently associated with heart failure severity and all-cause mortality. The failing heart seems to interact via FGF-23 within a heart-bone axis.

Amyloid-ß (1-40) and Mortality in Patients With Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Cohort Study.

Background: Amyloid-ß (1-40) (Aß40) is implicated in mechanisms related to plaque destabilization and correlates with adverse outcomes in stable coronary artery disease. Objective: To determine the prognostic and reclassification value of baseline circulating levels of Aß40 after adjustment for the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) score, which is widely recommended for risk stratification in non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS). Design: Retrospective cohort study using data from 2 independent prospective cohorts, the Heidelberg study (n = 1145) and the validation multicenter international APACE (Advantageous Predictors of Acute Coronary Syndrome Evaluation) study (n = 734). Setting: Academic hospitals in 7 European countries. Participants: Patients with adjudicated NSTE-ACS followed for a median of 21.9 and 24.9 months in the Heidelberg and APACE studies, respectively. Measurements: All-cause mortality was the primary end point. Results: Amyloid-ß (1-40) was associated with mortality after multivariate adjustment for age, sex, diabetes mellitus, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T and C-reactive protein, revascularization, and ACS type (Heidelberg cohort hazard ratio [HR] for 80th vs. 20th percentiles, 1.66 [95% CI, 1.06 to 2.61; P = 0.026]; APACE cohort HR, 1.50 [CI, 1.15 to 1.96; P = 0.003]). It was also associated with mortality after adjustment for the GRACE score (Heidelberg cohort HR for 80th vs. 20th percentiles, 1.11 [CI, 1.04 to 1.18; P = 0.001]; APACE cohort HR, 1.39 [CI, 1.02 to 1.88; P = 0.036]). Amyloid-ß (1-40) correctly reclassified risk for death over the GRACE score (net reclassification index, 33.4% and 47.1% for the Heidelberg and APACE cohorts, respectively) (P < 0.05). Limitation: At low concentrations of Aß40, dose-response associations with mortality differed between cohorts, possibly because of varying blood preparations used to measure Aß40. Conclusion: Circulating Aß40 is a predictor of mortality and improves risk stratification of patients with NSTE-ACS over the GRACE score recommended by clinical guidelines. The clinical application of Aß40 as a novel biomarker in NSTE-ACS should be further explored and validated. Primary Funding Source: German Cardiac Society.

Different Effects of Ranibizumab and Bevacizumab on Platelet Activation Profile.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential influence of ranibizumab and bevacizumab on platelet activation and aggregation, which are critical processes in the pathogenesis of arterial thromboembolic events (ATEs). METHODS: For the assessment of platelet function, flow cytometry and aggregometry were employed. Platelets were isolated from healthy volunteers and exposed to ranibizumab (1 mg/ml and 150 ng/ml) and bevacizumab (2.5 mg/ml and 3 µg/ml) or their solvents for 10 and 30 min prior to the addition of TRAP (25 µM), PAR-4-AP (25 µM) or thrombin (0.02 U/ml). The surface expression of activated GP IIb/IIIa, P-selectin (CD62P) and platelet-bound stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) was measured on resting (nonactivated) and activated platelets by flow cytometry. The platelet aggregation capacity was examined using light transmission aggregometry. RESULTS: The expression of surface activation markers did not differ significantly between nonstimulated and TRAP-, PAR-4-AP- or thrombin-activated platelets after incubating with ranibizumab. However, GP IIb/IIIa, CD62P and SDF-1 were significantly downregulated in PAR-4-AP- and thrombin-activated platelets after exposure to bevacizumab 2.5 mg/ml. In addition, ranibizumab- and bevacizumab-FITC were significantly increased in all activated platelets. No significant differences were observed in the aggregation of activated platelets after incubation with ranibizumab or bevacizumab. CONCLUSION: All ranibizumab concentrations as well as the bevacizumab concentration of 3 µg/ml had no influence on platelet activation and aggregation. Therefore, this in vitro study did not show any relationship between the exposition of activated platelets to ranibizumab or bevacizumab and the development of ATEs. However, the highest level of bevacizumab interfered with platelet activation, leading to downregulation of platelet activation markers. This observation might explain why the systemic treatment with high-dose bevacizumab could be associated with an increased risk of bleeding. Regarding the use of lower intravitreal dosages, further research should focus on the complex interactions between platelets and other cells, such as endothelial cells, which might stronger relate to a potentially increased risk of ATEs and depend on systemic vascular endothelial growth factor levels. Facing the different activation profiles, the diverse effects of the drugs on the cellular level have to be critically scrutinized for their clinical relevance.

Amyloid-beta (1-40) and the risk of death from cardiovascular causes in patients with coronary heart disease.

BACKGROUND: The amyloid beta peptide is the major protein constituent of neuritic plaques in Alzheimer disease and appears to play a central role in vascular inflammation pathophysiology. OBJECTIVES: This study sought to determine the clinical value of amyloid-beta 1-40 (Abeta40) measurement in predicting cardiovascular (CV) mortality in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and arterial stiffness progression in young healthy subjects. METHODS: Abeta40 was retrospectively measured in blood samples collected from 3 independent prospective cohorts and 2 case-control cohorts (total N = 1,464). Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were assessed in the 2 prospective cohorts (n = 877) followed for a median of 4.4 years. To look at effects on subclinical disease, arterial stiffness was evaluated at baseline and after 5-year follow-up (n = 107) in young healthy subjects. The primary endpoint was the predictive value of Abeta40 for CV mortality and outcomes in patients with CHD. RESULTS: In Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for age, sex, estimated glomerular filtration rate, left ventricular ejection fraction, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and high-sensitivity troponin T, Abeta40 independently predicted CV death and MACE in patients with CHD (p < 0.05 for all). After multivariate adjustment, Abeta40 levels conferred a substantial enhancement of net reclassification index and integrated discrimination improvement of individuals at risk in the total combined CHD cohort over the best predictive model. Further cohort-based analysis revealed that Abeta40 levels were significantly and independently associated with arterial stiffness progression, incident subclinical atherosclerosis, and incident CHD. CONCLUSIONS: Measuring blood levels of Abeta40 identified patients at high risk for CV death.

Platelets as potential link between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.

Diabetes is a well-known risk factor for Alzheimer`s disease (AD) development in the elderly. The molecular link between diabetes and AD is still not completely understood. Recent evidence suggests that platelet activation observed in diabetes may contribute to AD development. The present review summarizes the common molecular mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of diabetes and AD and suggests novel therapeutic targets for prevention of the onset or slowing the progression of this disease.

Dysregulation of neurotrophic and haematopoietic growth factors in Alzheimer's disease: from pathophysiology to novel treatment strategies.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia in the elderly. Growth factors have been demonstrated to act in a synergistic way in angiogenesis and neurogenesis contributing to self-healing powers of the adult human brain. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that levels of many growth factors (neurotrophins and hematopoietins) are altered in cerebrospinal fluid and peripheral blood from AD patients and in animal models of AD. The present review summarizes the role of several neurotrophic growth factors (e.g., BDNF, SCF, NGF, GDNF) and haematopoietic growth factors (e.g., G-CSF, VEGF, SDF-1) in AD. Moreover, we summarize recent studies evaluating the diagnostic and prognostic value of growth factor levels in blood and cerebrospinal fluid in patients with AD and discuss the potential role of these growth factors as a promising new therapeutic approach in AD.

Increased myeloperoxidase plasma levels in patients with Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence supports the role of cardiovascular risk factors in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). OBJECTIVE: In the present pilot study, we investigated plasma concentrations of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and its possible association with plasma amyloid-ß (Aß)1-42/1-40 ratio in AD patients and elderly healthy controls. METHODS: The study sample included 28 AD patients and 27 elderly individuals with a normal cognitive status as a control group. The Mini-Mental Status Examination was used to determine the global cognition. MPO, Aß1-40, and Aß1-42 plasma concentrations were measured by enzyme linked immunoabsorbent assays. RESULTS: AD patients showed significantly higher plasma concentrations of MPO in comparison to healthy elderly controls (AD versus healthy elderly controls (mean ± SD): 132.8 ± 114.8 ng/mL versus 55.0 ± 42.6 ng/mL; p = 0.002). MPO plasma concentrations showed a significant positive correlation in the whole sample with the presence of AD (ρ = 0.428, p < 0.001) and its stage (ρ = 0.331; p = 0.013) as well as with plasma concentrations of Aß1-42 (ρ = 0.406; p = 0.004) and Aß1-42/1-40 ratio (ρ = 0.354; p = 0.013). In a binary logistic regression model, plasma MPO concentrations were independently associated with the presence of AD (p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: AD patients showed significantly increased plasma levels of MPO, which could be an important molecular link between atherosclerosis and AD. Further studies should evaluate whether MPO may also be a useful biomarker and potential new treatment target in AD.

Platelets and platelet interaction with progenitor cells in vascular homeostasis and inflammation.

Platelet adhesion on vascular wall is the first step following vascular injury. Differential platelet secretion supports angiogenesis and vascular homeostasis. Progenitor cells are pluripotent cells responsible for tissue regeneration and wound healing. Upon ischemia bone marrow-derived progenitor cells are mobilized into peripheral circulation and domiciliate into peripheral organ vasculature and either give birth to a series of cardiovascular cells, including endothelial cells, macrophages, smooth muscle cells, or support in a paracrinic way the angiogenic capacity of local tissue cells. Mobilization, chemotaxis, adhesion, differentiation and interaction with vascular cells are essential steps of progenitor cell-mediated tissue repair. This review summarizes the recent advances in our understanding of platelet function with focus on interaction with progenitor cells and its role in cardiovascular homeostasis. Moreover, the role of platelet microparticles in progenitor cell function is separately addressed. Understanding the mechanisms of platelet interaction with progenitor cells provides us with new insights in the mechanisms of vascular homeostasis and possible new therapeutical targets supporting vascular repair.

Platelets in atherothrombosis--diagnostic and prognostic value of platelet activation in patients with atherosclerotic diseases.

Platelets and their activation have a pivotal role in the development of atherosclerotic diseases such as acute myocardial infarction (AMI), stroke and peripheral arterial occlusion. Biomarkers of platelet activation are making inroads into clinical studies and may serve as promising agents upstream to established downstream markers of myocardial necrosis such as troponin and creatin kinase. Targeting the degree of platelet activation assessed by the key collagen receptor of platelet activation, glycoprotein VI (GPVI), may have diagnostic and prognostic value for the assessement of high-risk groups of patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease and ischemic stroke and may be worthwhile to help to facilitate clinical decision-making and to rapidly initiate adequate therapy. The concert of platelet count, platelet activation, platelet aggregation and subsequent inflammation has had a significant impact on the clinical outcome in patients with atherosclerotic diseases. For a therapeutical approach to ameliorate prognosis, the use of antiplatelet treatment in particular in AMI patients with low response to clopidogrel has partly been overcome by novel second antiplatelet drugs on top of aspirin such as prasugrel and ticagrelor. Antiplatelet therapy may be adapted according to a GPVI-based platelet activity monitoring along with aggregometry of residual platelet aggregation. Other approaches using protease-activated receptor- 1 antagonists vorapaxar or atopaxar, which inhibit the platelet thrombin receptor, soluble GPVI called Revacept©, which blocks the collagen binding sites at the vascular lesion and anopheline saliva protein derived from the malaria vector mosquito, a platelet adhesion inhibitor independent of a GPVI mechanism, still wait for their breakthrough.