The Urinary Glycopeptide Profile Differentiates Early Cardiorenal Risk in Subjects Not Meeting Criteria for Chronic Kidney Disease.

Early diagnosis and treatment of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a worldwide challenge. Subjects with albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) ≥ 30 mg/g and preserved renal function are considered to be at no cardiorenal risk in clinical practice, but prospective clinical studies evidence increased risk, even at the high-normal (HN) ACR range (10-30 mg/g), supporting the need to identify other molecular indicators for early assessment of patients at higher risk. Following our previous studies, here we aim to stratify the normoalbuminuria range according to cardiorenal risk and identify the glycoproteins and N-glycosylation sites associated with kidney damage in subclinical CKD. Glycoproteins were analyzed in urine from hypertensive patients within the HN ACR range compared to control group (C; ACR < 10 mg/g) by mass spectrometry. A different cohort was analyzed for confirmation (ELISA) and sex perspective was evaluated. Patients' follow-up for 8 years since basal urine collection revealed higher renal function decline and ACR progression for HN patients. Differential N-glycopeptides and their N -glycosylation sites were also identified, together with their pathogenicity. N-glycosylation may condition pathological protein deregulation, and a panel of 62 glycoproteins evidenced alteration in normoalbuminuric subjects within the HN range. Haptoglobin-related protein, haptoglobin, afamin, transferrin, and immunoglobulin heavy constant gamma 1 (IGHG1) and 2 (IGHG2) showed increased levels in HN patients, pointing to disturbed iron metabolism and tubular reabsorption and supporting the tubule as a target of interest in the early progression of CKD. When analyzed separately, haptoglobin, afamin, transferrin, and IGHG2 remained significant in HN, in both women and men. At the peptide level, 172 N-glycopeptides showed differential abundance in HN patients, and 26 showed high pathogenicity, 10 of them belonging to glycoproteins that do not show variation between HN and C groups. This study highlights the value of glycosylation in subjects not meeting KDIGO criteria for CKD. The identified N-glycopeptides and glycosylation sites showed novel targets, for both the early assessment of individual cardiorenal risk and for intervention aimed at anticipating CKD progression.

Dysregulation of Lipid Metabolism Serves as A Link Between Alzheimer's and Cardiovascular Disease, As Witnessed in A Cross-Sectional Study.

Cardiovascular risk factors and established cardiovascular disease (CVD) increase the risk of suffering dementia of the Alzheimer's type (DAT). Here, we set out to define specific molecular profiles of CVD in patients with DAT to better understand its relationship, to unravel the mechanisms underlying the high risk of developing DAT in CVD patients and to define new markers of early disease. Plasma samples from patients with DAT, with and without CVD, were analyzed through a multiomics approach, with integration of metabolomics and proteomics datasets using the OmicsNet web-based tool. Metabolomics results showed an enrichment in lipids and lipid-like molecules. Similarly, the most significant cluster identified through proteomics was formed by 5 proteins related to lipoprotein and cholesterol metabolism. After integration and functional enrichment, glycerolipid metabolism, fatty acid degradation and sphingolipid metabolism were among the most significant functions. Finally, differential expression of ABCA1 and APOH proteins was verified, in an independent cohort also including controls and patients with CVD alone. Both proteins positively correlated with phospho-Tau (181), a classical hallmark of DAT. Different molecular profiles exist in patients with DAT, with and without CVD, with exacerbated alterations in patients in which DAT and CVD co-exist. This information may help to define biomarkers like ABCA1 and APOH that identify patients with cardiovascular dysfunction that are at high risk of developing DAT. Such markers will allow more personalized interventions to be selected, a further step towards precision medicine for individuals whose molecular profiles indicate a distinct response to the same management strategies.

Albumin Redox Modifications Promote Cell Calcification Reflecting the Impact of Oxidative Status on Aortic Valve Disease and Atherosclerosis.

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) are related cardiovascular diseases in which common mechanisms lead to tissue calcification. Oxidative stress plays a key role in these diseases and there is also evidence that the redox state of serum albumin exerts a significant influence on these conditions. To further explore this issue, we used multimarker scores (OxyScore and AntioxyScore) to assess the global oxidative status in patients with CAVD, with and without CAD, also evaluating their plasma thiol levels. In addition, valvular interstitial cells were treated with reduced, oxidized, and native albumin to study how this protein and its modifications affect cell calcification. The differences we found suggest that oxidative status is distinct in CAVD and CAD, with differences in redox markers and thiol levels. Importantly, the in vitro interstitial cell model revealed that modified albumin affects cell calcification, accelerating this process. Hence, we show here the importance of the redox system in the development of CAVD, emphasizing the relevance of multimarker scores, while also offering evidence of how the redox state of albumin influences vascular calcification. These data highlight the relevance of understanding the overall redox processes involved in these diseases, opening the door to new studies on antioxidants as potential therapies for these patients.

Monocyte-to-High-Density Lipoprotein Ratio Is Associated with Systemic Inflammation, Insulin Resistance, and Coronary Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Psoriasis: Results from 2 Observational Cohorts.

Systemic inflammation or insulin resistance drive atherosclerosis. However, they are difficult to capture for assessing cardiovascular risk in clinical settings. The monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) is an accessible biomarker that integrates inflammatory and metabolic information and has been associated with poorer cardiovascular outcomes. Our aim was to evaluate the association of MHR with the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with psoriasis. The study involved a European and an American cohort including 405 patients with the disease. Subclinical atherosclerosis was assessed by coronary computed tomography angiography. First, MHR correlated with insulin resistance through homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, with high-sensitivity CRP and with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in spleen, liver, and bone marrow by positron emission tomography/computed tomography. MHR was associated with both the presence of coronary plaques >50% of the artery lumen and noncalcified coronary burden, beyond traditional cardiovascular risk factors (P < .05). In a noncalcified coronary burden prediction model accounting for cardiovascular risk factors, statins, and biologic treatment, MHR added value (area under the curve base model = 0.72 vs area under the curve base model plus MHR = 0.76, P = .04) within the American cohort. These results suggests that MHR may detect patients with psoriasis who have subclinical burden of cardiovascular disease and warrant more aggressive measures to reduce lifetime adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

Perfil metabolómico diferenciador asociado a la condición de normoalbuminuria en la población hipertensa / Differential metabolic profile associated with the condition of normoalbuminuria in the hypertensive population

ANTECEDENTES Y OBJETIVO: La albuminuria es un indicador de daño orgánico subclínico y un marcador de riesgo cardiovascular y de enfermedad renal. Un porcentaje de pacientes hipertensos desarrollan albuminuria a pesar de estar bajo supresión crónica del sistema renina-angiotensina (SRA). Previamente identificamos metabolitos en orina asociados al desarrollo de albuminuria. En este estudio, investigamos alteraciones metabólicas que reflejen distintos niveles dentro de la condición de normoalbuminuria. PACIENTES, MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se analizó la orina de 48 pacientes hipertensos con supresión crónica del SRA. Se clasificaron según el cociente albúmina/creatinina (ACR) en 3 grupos: normoalbuminuria (< 10 mg/g); normal-alta (10-30 mg/g en varones, o 20-40 mg/g en mujeres) y albuminuria moderadamente elevada (microalbuminuria: 30-200 mg/g o 40-300 mg/g, respectivamente). El metaboloma se analizó mediante espectrometría de masas y se realizó un análisis de correlaciones entre los niveles de los metabolitos alterados y ACR. RESULTADOS: Oxalacetato, 3-ureidopropionato, guanidoacetato y malato muestran una variación significativa entre los grupos normo y micro. Además, estos metabolitos son capaces de diferenciar entre los pacientes normo y normal-alta. Igualmente se observó correlación significativa entre el nivel de los metabolitos identificados con el nivel de ACR. Las variaciones observadas señalan una alteración del metabolismo energético ya en pacientes con albuminuria en el rango normal-alta. CONCLUSIONES: Se confirma la asociación del panel molecular constituido por 3-ureidopropionato, oxalacetato, malato y guanidoacetato con distintos niveles de albuminuria. Así mismo, se ha identificado una huella metabólica capaz de mostrar variación dentro de la condición de normoalbuminuria, lo que permite una estratificación molecular más temprana de los pacientes

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Albuminuria is an indicator of sub-clinical organ damage and a marker of cardiovascular risk and renal disease. A percentage of hypertensive patients develop albuminuria despite being under chronic suppression of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). We previously identified urinary metabolites associated with the development of albuminuria. In this study, we searched for metabolic alterations which reflect different levels within the condition of normoalbuminuria. PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: Urine from 48 hypertensive patients under chronic RAS suppression was analysed. They were classified according to the albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) into 3 groups: Normoalbuminuria (< 10 mg/g); high-normal (10-30 mg/g in men, or 20-40 mg/g in women); and moderately high albuminuria (microalbuminuria, 30-200 mg/g or 40-300 mg/g, respectively). The metabolome was analysed by mass spectrometry and a correlation analysis was performed between altered metabolite levels and ACR. RESULTS: Oxaloacetate, 3-ureidopropionate, guanidoacetate and malate show significant variation between the normo and micro groups. Additionally, these metabolites are able to differentiate between patients in the normo and high-normal range. A significant correlation between metabolites and ACR was found. Observed variations point to alterations in the energy metabolism already in patients with albuminuria in the high-normal range. CONCLUSIONS: The association between the molecular panel consisting of 3-ureidopropionate, oxaloacetate, malate and guanidoacetate and different levels of albuminuria is confirmed. A metabolic fingerprint was also identified showing variations within the condition of normoalbuminuria allowing an earlier molecular stratification of patients

Asociación entre disminución de la función renal y actividad metaloproteinasa-9 en el paciente hipertenso / Association between renal dysfunction and metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 activity in hypertensive patients

Antecedentes y objetivo: Las enzimas metaloproteinasas de matriz (MMP) están involucradas en el remodelado tisular deletéreo asociado al daño de órganos diana de la enfermedad renal. El objetivo de este estudio fue explorar la asociación entre la caída de la función renal y la actividad sistémica de la metaloproteinasa inflamatoria MMP-9 en el paciente hipertenso con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) leve-moderada. Material y métodos: Se analizaron los niveles plasmáticos de MMP-9 activa, MMP-9 total, su inhibidor tisular (TIMP-1), el cociente MMP-9/TIMP-1 y la interacción entre MMP-9 y TIMP-1 en 37 pacientes hipertensos distribuidos según su tasa de filtración glomerular estimada (TFGe) en 3 grupos: > 90, 90-60 y 60-30 mL/min/1,73m2. Resultados: La MMP-9 total no fue diferente con respecto a la disminución en la TFGe. TIMP-1 estaba significativamente incrementado en los pacientes hipertensos con TFGe entre 60-30 mL/min/1,73 m2 (p < 0,01 versus > 90 mL/min/1,73 m2). Estos resultados fueron apoyados por la disminución significativa de la interacción MMP-9-TIMP-1 observada en los pacientes con TFGe entre 60-30 mL/min/1,73 m2 (p < 0,01 versus > 90 mL/min/1,73 m2). A pesar de la elevación sistémica de TIMP-1 encontramos un incremento significativo de MMP-9 activa en los pacientes hipertensos con TFGe entre 60-30 mL/min/1,73m2 (p < 0,05 y p < 0,01 versus > 90 y 90-60 mL/min/1,73 m2, respectivamente). Los niveles de TIMP-1, MMP-9 activa e interacción proteica MMP-9-TIMP-1 correlacionaron significativamente con el deterioro de la función renal, lo cual no se observó para la MMP-9 total. Conclusiones: La progresión de la ERC, incluso en estadios donde la caída de la función renal es aún moderada, se asocia con un aumento específico de la actividad MMP-9, lo cual podría considerarse como una potencial diana terapéutica

Background and objective: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in deleterious tissue remodeling associated with target organ damage in renal disease. The aim of this study was to study the association between renal dysfunction and activity of the inflammatory metalloproteinase MMP-9 in hypertensive patients with mild-moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD). Material and methods: Plasmatic active MMP-9, total MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of MMP-9 (TIMP-1), MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio and MMP-9-TIMP-1 interaction were analyzed in 37 hypertensive patients distributed by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in 3 groups:> 90, 90-60 y 60-30 mL/min/1.73 m2. Results: Total MMP-9 was not different as eGFR declines. TIMP-1 was significantly increased in hypertensive patients with eGFR 60-30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (P < .01 versus > 90 mL/min/1.73 m2). This relates to the significant decrease in the interaction between MMP-9-TIMP-1 observed in patients with eGFR 60-30mL/min/1.73 m2 (P < .01 versus > 90 mL/min/1.73 m2). Despite the systemic elevation of TIMP-1, active MMP-9 was significantly increased in hypertensive patients with eGFR 60-30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (P<.05 and P < 0.01 versus > 90 and 90-60 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively). TIMP-1, active MMP-9 and MMP-9-TIMP-1 interaction significantly correlate with the decline in renal function, which was not observed with total MMP-9. Conclusions: The progression of CKD, even in stages where the decline of renal function is still moderate, is associated with an increase in MMP-9 activity, which could be considered as a potential therapeutic target

Aportaciones de la proteómica al laboratorio clínico / The role of proteomics in the clinical laboratory

La irrupción de la proteómica en la última década ha abierto nuevas perspectivas en la investigación clínica, principalmente en la búsqueda de nuevos biomarcadores de diagnóstico, pronóstico, recuperación y respuesta a un tratamiento farmacológico. En su aplicación clínica, la proteómica está llamada a revolucionar la definición actual de enfermedad, al desarrollar un nuevo concepto que englobe el conjunto de cambios fisiológicos y patológicos derivados de una enfermedad y estableciendo perfiles proteicos que permitan realizar un diagnóstico más preciso. En este artículo se recogen, mediante una descripción detallada, las principales aportaciones que la proteómica ofrece a la práctica clínica (AU)

The irruption of proteomics in the last decade has opened new insights in clinical research, mainly in the search for new biomarkers of diagnosis, prognosis and recovery, as well as the response to pharmacological treatments. In its clinical application, proteomics is beginning to revolutionise the current definition of disease, developing a new concept that includes both the physiological changes and pathological origins of a disease, and establishing proteomic profiles that allow the clinician to make a more precise diagnosis. In this article presents a detailed description of the main contributions proteomics offers to clinical practice (AU)

Obtención de un protocolo óptimo para el análisis proteómico de válvulas aórticas humanas sanas y estenóticas / Development of an optimal protocol for the proteomic analysis of stenotic and healthy aortic valves

Introducción y objetivos. Durante años, la estenosisaórtica (EA) degenerativa ha sido considerada como un proceso pasivo secundario al depósito de calcio en la válvula aórtica. Aunque no se conoce su etiología, diversos autores han señalado que comparte los mismos factores de riesgo que la enfermedad arterial coronaria. Además, se han encontrado similitudes histológicas en la válvula aórtica estenótica y la placa de ateroma, lo que ha llevado a la hipótesis de que la EA degenerativa es un proceso inflamatorio similar a la aterosclerosis. No obstante, existen algunos datos discordantes con esta teoría, lo que hace necesario profundizar en el conocimiento de esta patología. El principal objetivo de este trabajo es la puesta a punto de un protocolo de extracción proteínica eficaz paraválvulas estenóticas aórticas y válvulas aórticas sanas, compatible con la realización de estudios proteómicos. Métodos. Para el desarrollo del objetivo planteado, sehan utilizado diferentes abordajes proteómicos: electroforesis bidimensional, espectrometría de masas y técnicas complementarias. Resultados. Hemos puesto a punto una metodología, sencilla, reproducible y desarrollada en el laboratorio, que permite el análisis proteómico de la válvula aórtica humana, así como la identificación de las proteínas quelas componen. Conclusiones. Obtención de un método de extracción de proteínas sencillo, reproducible y compatible con la espectrometría de masas, que permite el análisis a gran escala del proteoma de válvulas con estenosis aórtica. Además, esta metodología aumentará de forma significativa nuestro conocimiento del proteoma valvular (AU)

Introduction and objectives. For many years, degenerative aortic stenosis was thought to be a passive process secondary to calcium deposition in aortic valves. Although its etiology remains unknown, several authors have pointed out that degenerative aortic stenosis is associated with the same risk factors as coronary artery disease. Furthermore, histological similarities have been found between aortic valve stenosis and atherosclerotic plaque, giving rise to the hypothesis that degenerative aortic stenosis is an inflammatory process similar to atherosclerosis. Nevertheless, some data do not fit with this hypothesis and, consequently, greater understanding of the condition is needed. The main aim of this study was to develop a practical protocol for extracting protein for use in proteomic analysis from both stenotic and healthy aortic valves. Methods. The study was carried out using a number of different proteomic methods: two-dimensional electrophoresis, mass spectrometry and additional techniques. Results. We developed a simple and reproducible methodology in the laboratory for carrying out the proteomic analysis of human aortic valves and for identifying their component proteins. Conclusions. We developed a simple and reproducible method for extracting protein that can be used with mass spectrometry and that makes it possible to carry outlarge-scale proteomic analysis of stenotic aortic valves. Furthermore, the methodology will significantly increase our understanding of the valve proteome (AU)