Prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) is possible with early recognition of individuals at risk. Salusin alpha is an endogenous bioactive peptide with anti-atherogenic properties. We aimed to reveal the relationship between salusin alpha levels and cardiovascular (CV) risk using the Systematic COronary Risk Estimation 2 (SCORE2) and Pooled Cohort Equation (PCE) algorithms. A total of 137 asymptomatic outpatients were included in the study. The participants were divided into four quartile groups according to the distribution of salusin alpha levels: Q1 (n = 34), Q2 (n = 35), Q3 (n = 34), and Q4 (n = 34). The relationships of salusin alpha with cardiovascular risk scores and groups were investigated. The means of SCORE2 and PCE risk scores (11.24 ± 1.24 and 13.30 ± 1.71, respectively; p < 0.001 for both), baseline scores in the presence of SCORE2 and PCE optimal risk factors (4.82 ± 0.71 (p = 0.034); 4.20 ± 0.77 (p = 0.010)), and means of Δ SCORE2 and Δ PCE risk score (6.41 ± 0.67 and 9.10 ± 1.10, respectively; p < 0.001 for both) were significantly higher in the Q1 group. The SCORE2 “very high” cardiovascular (CV) risk group was significantly represented in the Q1 group (n = 17 (50%)), while the “low-moderate” risk group was more heavily represented in the Q4 group (n = 15 (44.1%)) (p < 0.001). The PCE “high” CV risk group was significantly represented in the Q1 group (n = 9 (26.5%)), while the “low” risk group was more intensely represented in the Q4 group (n = 20 (58.8%)) (p < 0.001). Salusin alpha had a significantly negative moderate correlation with SCORE2 and PCE risk scores. As a result of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, it was found that salusin alpha had significant diagnostic power in the prediction of CV risk groups determined by SCORE2 and PCE risk scores. Salusin alpha was observed to be a risk-reducing factor in SCORE2 and PCE CV risk groups (odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)): 0.989 (0.982-0.997) (p = 0.002) and OR (95% CI): 0.988 (0.978-0.998) (p = 0.009) respectively). Salusin alpha has a negative correlation with SCORE2 and PCE risk scores. It has significant diagnostic power in the prediction of CV risk groups and is an independent variable that has a risk-reducing effect in the distribution of risk groups.

Revista oficial de la Sociedad Española de Nutrición Parenteral y de la Sociedad Española de Nutrición. Está dedicada al estudio y divulgación de temas relacionados con la nutrición.

Background: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is increasingly recognized as a systemic multiorgan syndrome driven by low-grade inflammation. While epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and skeletal muscle dysfunction are known contributors to exercise intolerance, their synergistic association remains undefined. Aims: We aimed to investigate the “Adipo-Muscular” association—the synergistic interplay between local cardiac inflammatory potential and peripheral muscle fatigability—as a predictor of functional capacity in HFpEF. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 192 stable HFpEF patients and 200 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. EAT thickness was quantified via echocardiography. Peripheral muscle function was assessed through maximal isometric strength and handgrip endurance (maintenance time at 50% maximal voluntary contraction), the latter serving as a surrogate for Type I fiber oxidative capacity. Functional capacity was validated using the 6-Minute Pegboard Ring Test (6PBRT), specifically chosen for its sensitivity to upper extremity “myopenia” (qualitative bioenergetic failure). A novel EAT-Endurance Index was calculated as: Index = ({EAT thickness [mm]} / {Handgrip endurance [sec]}) ×100. Results: Despite comparable BMI between groups, HFpEF patients displayed significantly greater EAT thickness (5.46 ± 1.65 vs. 3.20 ± 1.03 mm, p < 0.001). While maximal strength showed a moderate decline, handgrip endurance was profoundly compromised in HFpEF (48.48 ± 14.4 vs. 72.24 ± 12.1 s, p < 0.001), representing a massive effect size (Cohen’s d = -1.791). In multivariate analysis adjusting for age, sex, BMI, and major comorbidities (Hypertension, Diabetes, and Coronary Artery Disease), the EAT-Endurance Index emerged as the strongest independent predictor of impaired functional capacity (β = 0.385, p < 0.001). Sensitivity analysis confirmed this association was independent of glycemic status. Conclusions: We identified a distinct “Adipo-Muscular” phenotype in HFpEF, characterized by expanded epicardial fat and profound skeletal muscle fatigability. This association predicts functional decline independently of systemic obesity, maximal strength, and classic comorbidities. Targeting the interface between central adiposity and skeletal muscle mitochondrial function may offer novel therapeutic avenues for this challenging population.

Aims: Resistant hypertension (RHT) accounts for 10-15% of hypertensive patients, and diagnosis and treatment are more complex in these cases, which means a higher risk of cardiovascular complications. Although the effect of chronic systemic inflammation on the pathophysiology of RHT is known, the effective use of biomarkers is limited. This study investigated the relationship between the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) and the Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI), which are composite inflammatory indices that can be used as markers of chronic inflammation, and RHT, testing their clinical utility and predictive value. Methods: Between April 2022 and January 2025, 256 hypertensive patients followed up at our clinic were defined as having controlled hypertension (CHT) and 244 as having RHT, for a total of 500 patients included in this cross-sectional study. SII and SIRI values were calculated from routine blood count results. Data were analyzed and compared using multivariate logistic regression, quartile analysis, limited cubic spline modeling, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: Significantly higher SII (480.2 vs. 361.7, p