Circulating N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT pro-BNP), high- sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and big endothelin (big-ET) have been shown to be increased in heart failure and to contribute to both hemodynamic deterioration and cardiovascular remodeling. Here, we examined the prognostic value of the three neurohormones at admission in a population of hospitalized patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

Background: Fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21) plays multiple roles in pathophysiological processes of the human body. Previous studies have evidenced FGF-21 to be an inhibitor of vascular calcification through a variety of mechanisms. Increased levels of serum FGF-21 are known to be associated with an elevated risk of coronary heart disease; however, the factors affecting the expression of FGF-21 are currently unclear. This study aimed to observe the effects of some medications and other factors on serum FGF-21 levels in patients with diabetes. Methods: Baseline characteristics of patients with diabetes, including body mass index (BMI), medication, level of exercise, and other information, were collected and analyzed, and their baseline levels of serum FGF-21 were tested. The relationship of serum FGF-21 levels with these characteristics was analyzed. Results: A total of 2118 patients were enrolled in the final analysis. Results revealed that the serum levels of FGF-21 in patients with a high BMI were elevated compared to those in patients with a normal or low BMI. Furthermore, the serum levels of FGF-21 in patients who engaged in regular exercise were higher than those in patients who exercised intermittently or not at all. No significant differences existed between patients who received different anti-diabetic drugs, or between patients treated with different antihyperlipidemic drugs. Also, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers had no obvious effects on serum levels of FGF-21 in patients with diabetes. Conclusions: Drugs used in the treatment of patients with diabetes have no significant effects on serum levels of FGF-21. Obese patients had higher serum levels of FGF-21 than did non-obese patients. Participating in sports might increase the levels of FGF-21 in patients with diabetes.

Background: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is currently the main treatment of acute ST-segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI), whereafter various postoperative adverse events often occur. Central arterial pressure (CAP) is closely related to the pathophysiological process of cardiovascular disease, and its relationship with outcomes after PCI in STEMI patients remains unclear. The aim of this study was to observe the relationship between pre-PCI CAP and in-hospital outcomes in STEMI patients which might be helpful to evaluate prognosis. Methods: A total of 512 STEMI patients who underwent emergency PCI were included. Baseline data and CAP information before PCI and in-hospital outcomes were collected. Multivariate logistic regression was used to adjust for confounding factors. Potential non-linear relationships between CAP and in-hospital outcomes were described using a restricted cubic bar plot. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), net reclassification index, and composite discriminant improvement index were used to analyze the correlation between CAP and outcomes during hospitalization. Results: Among the 512 patients, 116 experienced at least 1 in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), with an incidence rate of 22.60%. Among CAP indicators, higher [>137.5 mmHg, OR =2.70, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.20–6.06] or lower (<102 mmHg, OR =7.55, 95% CI: 3.45–16.52) central systolic pressure (CSP), lower (55 mmHg, OR =2.09, 95% CI: 1.01–4.31) or lower (101 mmHg, OR =2.07, 95% CI: 1.01–4.61) or lower (0.05), but the comparison of the 3 with CPP was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions: CSP, CDP, and CMP have certain predictive ability for postoperative in-hospital outcomes in STEMI patients and can be used during percutaneous intervention.