Journal of internal medicine
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Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) and vitamin D are hormones involved in phosphate homoeostasis. They also directly influence cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. We examined whether the relationships between levels of vitamin D or FGF-23, cardiac phenotype and outcome were independent of established cardiac biomarkers in a large cohort of community-dwelling elderly subjects. ⋯ In community-dwelling elderly individuals with highly prevalent vitamin D deficiency, FGF-23 levels were associated with LV hypertrophy and predicted mortality independently of two robust cardiac biomarkers. A causal relationship was not demonstrated, but the hormones involved in mineral metabolism emerged as nontraditional risk factors and may affect cardiovascular risk.
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The endothelium provides an essential and selective membrane barrier that regulates the movement of water, solutes, gases, macromolecules and the cellular elements of the blood from the tissue compartment in health and disease. Its structure and continuous function is essential for life for all vertebrate organisms. Recent evidence indicates that the endothelial surface does not have a passive role in systemic inflammatory states such as septic shock. ⋯ The barrier function of the endothelial surface is almost uniformly impaired in septic shock, and it is likely that this contributes to adverse outcomes. In this review, we will highlight recent advances in the understanding of the signalling events that regulate endothelial function and molecular events that induce endothelial dysfunction in sepsis. Endothelial barrier repair strategies as a treatment for sepsis include modulation of C5a, high-mobility group box 1 and VEGF receptor 2; stimulation of angiopoietin-1, sphingosine 1 phosphate receptor 1 and Slit; and a number of other innovative approaches.