Effects and Safety of Sacubitril/Valsartan for Patients with Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Patients who develop heart failure (HF) after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are at higher risk of adverse fatal and nonfatal outcomes. Studies have shown sacubitril/valsartan can further reduce the risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure by 20% compared with enalapril. At the same time, its tolerance and safety are better. However, the current evidence regarding the efficacy of sacubitril/valsartan in patients with heart failure after acute myocardial infarction is controversial. To assess the effect of sacubitril/valsartan on heart failure after acute myocardial infarction, we conducted a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis of existing randomized clinical trials. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trails is used where data are collected from PubMed, the Cochrane library, Embase, and Web of Science. Data about sacubitril/valsartan were available from 5 studies. Forest plots showed that the sacubitril/valsartan group had a 299% higher value of sacubitril/valsartan to the control group (MD = 2.99%, 95% CI: 2.01, 3.96, I2 = 78%, P < 0.00001 , Figure 2), and the difference was statistically significant. Forest plots showed that the sacubitril/valsartan group had a 531% lower value of LVEF to the control group (MD = −5.31%, 95% CI: −7.36, −3.26, I2 = 91%, P < 0.00001 , Figure 2), and the difference was statistically significant. Forest plots showed that the sacubitril/valsartan group had a 133% lower value of NT-proBNP to the control group (MD = −1.33%, 95% CI: −1.54, −1.12, I2 = 96%, P < 0.00001 , Figure 3). Forest plots showed that the sacubitril/valsartan group had a 49% lower risk of heart failure to the control group (MD = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.27, 0.89, I2 = 0%, P = 0.02 , Figure 3). The patients in experimental showed an obviously lower OR of MACE (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.27, 0.82, P = 0.007 , Figure 3). The data were statistically significant. We have observed that for patients with heart failure after acute myocardial infarction, early administration of sacubitril/valsartan can significantly reduce the incidence of heart rate, left ventricular ejection fraction, NT-proBNP, and MACE. Our meta-analysis suggests that taking sacubitril/valsartan is relatively safe and effective, especially if started early after acute myocardial infarction.

Sacubitril/valsartan ameliorates doxorubicin-induced cardiomyocyte toxicity through inhibiting oxidative stress in rats

Background Doxorubicin (DOX)-based chemotherapy induces cardiotoxicity, which is considered the main limitation of its clinical application. Purpose The present study investigated the potential protective effect of sacubitril/valsartan, an angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitor, against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in rats and H9c2 cells, and whether the underlying mechanism for any such protection involves its antioxidant activity. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: DOX (1.5 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally for 10 days), DOX+valsartan (31 mg/kg/day by gavage from day 1 to day 18), DOX+sacubitril/valsartan (68 mg/kg/day by gavage from day 1 to day 18), and control (saline intraperitoneally for 10 days). There were 15 rats in each group. At the end of the treatment period, samples were collected and analysed. Cardiac function, tissue morphology, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were evaluated in rats. Serum levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA) and cardiac troponin T were also measured. Mitochondrial ROS production and cell viability were evaluated in H9c2 cells. Results DOX-induced cardiac dysfunction was not prevented by valsartan and sacubitril/valsartan in this model. However, the serum level of cardiac troponin T on day 18 was increased in the DOX group (0.046±0.006 ng/mL, p&lt;0.01 vs. control) and significantly reduced in the DOX+sacubitril/valsartan group (0.039±0.007 ng/mL, p=0.03 vs. DOX), but not in the DOX+valsartan group (0.046±0.005 ng/mL, p=1.00 vs. DOX). Regarding the effect of sacubitril/valsartan on fibrosis in rat myocardium, Masson's trichrome staining showed increased intestinal fibrosis in the DOX group compared to that in the control group (1.35±0.07% and 0.49±0.04%, p&lt;0.01) and significantly decreased intestinal fibrosis in the DOX+sacubitril/valsartan group (1.08±0.08%), but not in the DOX+ valsartan group (1.15±0.05%) compared to that in the DOX group (p=0.01 and p=0.15, respectively). The fluorescence intensity of dihydroethidium as a measure of ROD production in left ventricle, which was increased in the DOX group (1.56±0.07), was significantly reduced in the DOX+sacubitril/valsartan group (1.44±0.05, p=0.03), but not in the DOX+valsartan group (1.29±0.06, p=1.00). On day 11, the serum MDA level, which was increased in the DOX group, was significantly reduced in the DOX+ sacubitril/valsartan group (p=0.02), but not in the DOX+ valsartan group (p=0.75). In H9c2 cells, sacubitril/valsartan reduced DOX-induced mitochondrial ROS generation by 25%, which was more marked than valsartan-induced ROS generation (p&lt;0.01 and p=0.01, respectively). Sacubitril/valsartan improved cell viability more markedly than valsartan. Thus, DOX-induced cytotoxicity in H9c2 cells was improved by sacubitril/valsartan, but not valsartan. Conclusions Sacubitril/valsartan protected rat hearts from DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in vivo and in vitro by decreasing oxidative stress. FUNDunding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): This work was supported by Novartis Pharma K.K.

The Study on Angiotensin II Induced-Ferroptosis in Vascular Endothelial Cells

PurposeTo verify the effect of Angiotensin II on ferroptosis in vascular endothelial cells and clarify the related mechanism. MethodsHUVECs were evaluated for p53, P21,ALOX12, VEGF, MDA,GSH. Molecular marker impact upon AngII-induced ferroptosis was evaluated with students’ t-test，one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).ResultsAs the concentration of Ang II increased，the level of ALOX12, P53,GSH and MDA increased in HUVECs. The expression of VEGFA in HUVECs is negatively correlated with dose of Ang II. Incubation of HUVECs in AngII and valsartan for 48hr reduces ALOX12, P21, GSH and MDA. Compared with the single AngII group, ALOX12, P21, GSH and MDA in valsartan group was decreased significantly（p=0.000）.In pifithrin-α hydrobromide-treated, ALOX12, P21, GSH and MDA was reduced significantly, as compared to valsartan group（p=0.000）. The most larger reduction in ALOX12, P21,GSH and MDA was pifithrin - α hydrobromide combined with valsartan group. In contrast, the expression of VEGFA increased significantly after HUVECs were treated with pifithrin - α hydrobromide and valsartan（p=0.000）.ConclusionsAngII can induce ferroptosis of vascular endothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. The mechanism of AngII-induced ferroptosis may be regulated through the signal axis of ATR1,2-p53-ALOX12.

The Study on Angiotensin II Induced-ferroptosis in Vascular Endothelial Cells

Background: To verify the effect of Angiotensin II on ferroptosis in vascular endothelial cells and clarify the related mechanism.Methods: HUVECs were evaluated for p53, P21, ALOX12, VEGF, MDA, GSH. Molecular marker impact upon AngII-induced ferroptosis was evaluated with students’ t-test，one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).Results: As the concentration of Ang II increased，the level of ALOX12, P53, GSH and MDA increased in HUVECs. The expression of VEGFA in HUVECs is negatively correlated with dose of Ang II. Incubation of HUVECs in AngII and valsartan for 48hr reduces ALOX12, P21, GSH and MDA. Compared with the single AngII group, ALOX12, P21, GSH and MDA in valsartan group was decreased significantly（p=0.000）. In pifithrin-α hydrobromide-treated, ALOX12, P21, GSH and MDA was reduced significantly, as compared to valsartan group（p=0.000）. The most larger reduction in ALOX12, P21,GSH and MDA was pifithrin - α hydrobromide combined with valsartan group. In contrast, the expression of VEGFA increased significantly after HUVECs were treated with pifithrin - α hydrobromide and valsartan（p=0.000）.Conclusions: AngII can induce ferroptosis of vascular endothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. The mechanism of AngII-induced ferroptosis may be regulated through the signal axis of ATR1,2-p53-ALOX12.

Beneficial Effect of Left Ventricular Remodeling after Early Change of Sacubitril/Valsartan in Patients with Nonischemic Dilated Cardiomyopathy

Background and Objectives: Evidence for effectiveness of early change from angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) to sacubitril/valsartan is lacking. We aimed to investigate whether early changes to sacubitril/valsartan could improve outcomes in patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in real-world practice. Materials and Methods: A total of 296 patients with nonischemic DCM who were treated with ARB or ACEI continuously (group A, n = 150) or had their medication switched to sacubitril/valsartan (group S, n = 146) were included. The sacubitril/valsartan group was divided into early change (within 60 days, group S/E, n = 59) and late change (group S/L, n = 87) groups. Changes in echocardiographic parameters from the time of initial diagnosis to the last follow-up were analyzed. Results: Patients in group S showed greater left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic dimension (EDD) (group A vs. S, 61.7 ± 7.4 vs. 66.5 ± 8.0, p < 0.001) and lower LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (28.9 ± 8.2% vs. 23.9 ± 7.5%, p < 0.001) than those in group A at initial diagnosis. During a median follow-up of 76 months, patients in group S/E, ∆ LVEF (%) and ∆ LVESD (mm) were significantly improved compared with those in patients in group A (group A vs. S/E, ∆ LVEF, p = 0.036; ∆ LVESD, p = 0.023) or S/L (group S/E vs. S/L, ∆ LVEF, p = 0.05; ∆ LVESD, p = 0.005). Among patients whose medications were switched to sacubitril/valsartan, those with an earlier change showed a significant correlation with greater LVEF improvement (r = −0.367, p < 0.001) and LV reverse remodeling (r = 0.277, p < 0.001). Conclusions: in patients with nonischemic DCM, an early switch to sacubitril/valsartan was associated with greater improvement in LV function. Patients might benefit in terms of LV function by early switching to sacubitril/valsartan.

Efficacy and Safety of Sacubitril/Valsartan Therapy for Acute Decompensated Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction during the Vulnerable Phase: A Multicenter, Assessor-Blinded, Prospective, Observational, Cohort Study

<b><i>Background:</i></b> The 3-month period after hospitalization for acute cardiac failure is a vulnerable phase with the highest risk of mortality and rehospitalization. Safety and efficacy of early initiation of sacubitril/valsartan during the index hospitalization for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is unclear. Therefore, we tested whether sacubitril/valsartan could result in a lower rate of a composite outcome of first hospitalization for heart failure and death from cardiovascular causes compared to inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system alone. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We enrolled patients hospitalized for ADHF and reduced ejection fraction at 4 sites; patients were divided into a sacubitril/valsartan group or an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)/angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) group. All patients were followed up for 3 months after discharge. The primary endpoint was outcomes as a composite of death from cardiovascular causes and rehospitalization for heart failure. <b><i>Results:</i></b> In total, 251 patients who received sacubitril/valsartan and 251 patients who received ACEIs/ARBs had similar propensity scores and were included and compared. The primary endpoint was reached in 40 patients (15.9%) treated with sacubitril/valsartan and in 59 patients (23.5%) managed by ACEI/ARB (HR, 0.650; 95% CI: 0.435–0.971; <i>p</i> = 0.035). The NYHA class improved in 72.1% of patients in the sacubitril/valsartan group and in 59.8% of patients in the ACEI/ARB group (HR, 1.303; 95% CI: 1.097–1.548, <i>p</i> = 0.004). The key safety outcomes endpoints did not significantly differ. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Among patients hospitalized with ADHF and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, we observed that sacubitril/valsartan therapy led to reduction in death from cardiovascular causes and rehospitalizations for heart failure when compared to ACEI/ARB therapy alone during the vulnerable phase. Our results support that sacubitril/valsartan may be administered early in the vulnerable phase after ADHF and improves NYHA class.

Hemodynamic Effects of Sacubitril-Valsartan Versus Enalapril in Patients With Heart Failure in the EVALUATE-HF Study

Background: Treatment with sacubitril-valsartan reduces mortality and heart failure (HF) events in HF with reduced ejection fraction and may reduce HF hospitalization in women with HF with preserved ejection fraction. Methods: EVALUATE-HF randomized 464 participants (109 women) with HF with reduced ejection fraction to sacubitril-valsartan or enalapril for 12 weeks. Documented left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤0.40 within the prior 12 months was required, although core laboratory LVEF>0.40 was permitted. Assessments of aortic stiffness (pulse pressure and characteristic impedance, Z c ) were performed at baseline and at trough and 4 hours postdose at weeks 4 and 12. Results: In models of change from baseline adjusted for baseline value, treatment with sacubitril-valsartan produced greater overall reductions in mean arterial pressure (treatment group difference, −3.0±0.8 mm Hg, P <0.001) and pulse pressure (−3.0±0.8 mm Hg, P <0.001). Postdose reductions in Z c were greater in the sacubitril-valsartan group (−16±6 dyne×second/cm 5 , P =0.012). Post hoc analyses found evidence of effect modification by LVEF (interaction P =0.036). With LVEF<0.40, postdose reductions in Z c were greater in the sacubitril-valsartan group (trough, −3±8 dyne×second/cm 5 versus post-dose, −17±8 dyne×second/cm 5 ; interaction P =0.024) with no sex difference (treatment×sex interaction, P =0.3). With LVEF≥0.40, treatment with sacubitril-valsartan was associated with greater overall reductions in Z c in women (women, −80±21 dyne×second/cm 5 versus men, −20±13 dyne×second/cm 5 ; interaction P =0.019). Conclusions: In prespecified analyses that include pre- and postdose assessments at 4 and 12 weeks, treatment with sacubitril-valsartan was associated with greater postdose reductions in aortic Z c . In a post hoc analysis, sacubitril-valsartan was associated with sustained reductions in Z c in women with LVEF≥0.40. REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov ; Unique Identifier: NCT02874794.

Renal protective effect of sacubitril/valsartan in patients with heart failure

Sacubitril/valsartan is a combined neprilysin inhibitor/angiotensin II receptor blocker designed for treatment of heart failure (HF). Nonetheless, its renal protective effect remained an issue of debate. This retrospective cohort study investigated the renal protective effect of sacubitril/valsartan in HF patients. HF patients on sacubitril/valsartan or valsartan for > 30 days were matched for gender, age, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) to be enrolled into analysis. The follow-up period was 18 months. The outcomes included end eGFR, renal function decline defined as 20% reduction of eGFR, mortality, and HF-related hospitalization. Each group had 137 patients after matching. The mean age was 72.7 years and 65.7% were male. Mean eGFR was 70.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 and LVEF was 54.0% at baseline. Overall, the eGFR of sacubitril/valsartan groups was significantly higher than valsartan group at the end (P < 0.01). Subgroup analysis showed that the difference in eGFR was significant in subgroups with LVEF ≥ 40% or eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Multivariate Cox regression model showed that sacubitril/valsartan group had significantly reduced risk for renal function decline (hazard ratio: 0.5, 95% confidence interval: 0.3–0.9). Kaplan–Meier curve showed no difference in the risk for cardiovascular mortality, all-cause mortality or HF-related hospitalization. We showed renal protective effect of neprilysin inhibition in HF patients and specified that subgroups with LVEF ≥ 40% or eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were sensitive to this effect, suggesting an optimal subgroup of this treatment.

Pulse Pressure, Prognosis, and Influence of Sacubitril/Valsartan in Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction

Arterial stiffness is increased with increasing age, and pulse pressure (PP), a marker of arterial stiffness, is a predictor of incident cardiovascular disease and mortality. However, the prognostic relevance of PP in heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction has not been fully understood. We studied 4796 patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction from the PARAGON-HF trial. All patients underwent sequential run-in phases of valsartan and sacubitril/valsartan before randomization. We categorized patients by PP quartile and evaluated the influence of baseline PP on the PARAGON-HF primary end point (total HF hospitalizations and cardiovascular death). At screening, the median PP was 58 mm Hg (interquartile range, 50–69 mm Hg). There was a nonlinear, J-shaped association between PP and outcomes. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models showed that patients in the highest PP quartile had a higher risk of the primary end point (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.39 [95% CI, 1.14–1.69]; P =0.001), total HF hospitalizations (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.43 [95% CI, 1.15–1.79]; P =0.001), and myocardial infarction (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.54 [95% CI, 1.06–2.23]; P =0.022) compared with those in the second (lowest risk) PP quartile. Reductions in PP during sacubitril/valsartan run-in were associated with a decreased risk of the primary end point and total HF hospitalizations. One year after randomization, PP was significantly lower in the sacubitril/valsartan group compared with the valsartan group (3.0 mm Hg decrease [95% CI, 2.4–3.5]; P <0.001). In conclusion, PP was an independent predictor of cardiovascular events in patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction enrolled in PARAGON-HF. Sacubitril/valsartan lowered PP compared with valsartan.

The Results of the Use of Angiotensin Receptor Inhibitors and Neprilisin in Secondary Functional Mitral Regurgitation in Outpatient Practice

Background. Morbidity and mortality in patients with functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) remains high, however, no pharmacological therapy has been proven to be effective.Aimsto study the effect of sacubitrile/valsartan and valsartan on functional mitral regurgitation in chronic heart failure.Methods.This double-blind study randomly assigned sacubitrile/valsartan or valsartan in addition to standard drug therapy for heart failure among 100 patients with heart failure with chronic FMR (secondary to left ventricular (LV) dysfunction). The primary endpoint was a change in the effective area of the regurgitation hole during the 12-month follow-up. Secondary endpoints included changes in the volume of regurgitation, the final systolic volume of the left ventricle, the final diastolic volume of the left ventricle, and the area of incomplete closure of the mitral valves.Results.The decrease in the effective area of the regurgitation hole was significantly more pronounced in the sacubitrile/valsartan group than in the valsartan group (0.070.066against0.030.058sm2; p=0.018)in the treatment efficacy analysis, which included 100patients (100%). The regurgitation volume also significantly decreased in the sacubitrile/valsartan group compared to the valsartan group (mean difference:8.4ml; 95%CI, from 13.2 until 1.9;р=0.21). There were no significant differences between the groups regarding changes in the area ofincomplete closure of the mitral valves and LV volumes, with the exception of the index of the final LV diastolic volume (p=0.07).Conclusion.Among patients with secondary FMR, sacubitril/valsartan reduced MR more than valsartan. Thus, angiotensin receptor inhibitors and neprilysin can be considered for optimal drug treatment of patients with heart failure and FMR.