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Importance Elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of premature death worldwide. Assessing the LDL-C–related burden is critical for guiding prevention and treatment strategies. Objectives To estimate the global, regional, and national burden of ischemic heart disease and ischemic stroke attributable to elevated LDL-C (relative to 35-54 mg/dL) from 1990 to 2023 and to quantify the contributions of population growth, aging, risk-deleted burden, and exposure changes to burden trends. Design, Setting, and Population This comparative risk assessment, part of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023, estimated population-level LDL-C exposure and associated health loss in 204 countries and territories. Mean LDL-C levels were estimated using spatiotemporal gaussian process regression based on 806 studies across 161 countries. Relative risks were derived from meta-analyses of 38 randomized clinical trials. Population-attributable fractions for deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) were estimated by age and sex for adults aged 25 years or older from 1990 to 2023, with 95% uncertainty intervals. Exposure Population-level LDL-C concentrations. Main Outcomes and Measures Population-attributable fractions, counts, and rates (all ages and age standardized per 100 000) of LDL-C–attributable deaths and DALYs from ischemic heart disease and ischemic stroke, with uncertainty intervals. Results In 2023, elevated LDL-C accounted for 3.6 million deaths (95% uncertainty interval, 2.2-5.4 million; 6.0% of global mortality) and 90.7 million DALYs (95% uncertainty interval, 58.9-123.3 million; 3.2% of DALYs). Although global all-ages rates remained stable, age-standardized death and DALY rates decreased by 45.6% and 39.5%, respectively, since 1990. In 2023, age-standardized LDL-C–attributable DALY rates were highest in Eastern Europe and lowest in high-income Asia-Pacific. One-third of the global LDL-C burden occurred in India and China. Population growth and aging drove the increasing burden, with notable regional disparities in LDL-C exposure and risk-deleted DALY rates shifting toward middle-sociodemographic settings. Conclusions and Relevance Despite declining age-standardized rates, the absolute LDL-C burden has increased since 1990 due to demographic changes and has shifted toward middle-sociodemographic countries. Measurement and surveillance gaps persist. Strengthened prevention, diagnosis, and treatment access strategies are essential to mitigate the health burden of LDL-C.

Abstract Background and Aims Clinical models incompletely capture the molecular pathways driving heart failure (HF) progression. This study evaluated whether molecular risk stratification provides incremental prognostic information beyond established clinical predictors in patients with HF. Methods A total of 2432 patients from the Global Congestive Heart Failure (G-CHF) registry with available genotyping, DNA methylation, and proteomic profiling were analysed. Three molecular scores were assessed: a composite cardiovascular polygenic risk score (PRS) from DNA sequence polymorphisms, a methylation risk score (MRS) derived from epigenome-wide associations, and a 23-protein-based score (ProteomicDeath23). Each score was tested individually and in combination with the clinical Meta-Analysis Global Group in Chronic Heart Failure (MAGGIC) risk score and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels for mortality prediction. Validation was performed in an HF subset of the UK Biobank (UKB). Results Over a median follow-up of 3.0 years in G-CHF, 523 patients died from any cause (7.64 per 100 person-years [PY]). In multivariable analyses, ProteomicDeath23 was the strongest independent predictor of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] per 1 standard deviation, 2.23), outperforming NT-proBNP (HR 2.00), MRSMortality (HR 1.66), PRSmetaCVD (HR 1.10), and the MAGGIC score (HR 1.70). A model combining ProteomicDeath23 with MAGGIC and NT-proBNP achieved the highest discrimination for mortality (C-index, 0.77). Addition of MRSMortality to this proteomic-clinical model resulted in only small improvements in discrimination (ΔC-index, +0.004, P = .0039), while the PRSmetaCVD provided no incremental benefit. Among patients with low NT-proBNP/MAGGIC score, mortality rates increased from 1.71 to 8.12 per 100 PY across ProteomicDeath23 tertiles. Consistent results were observed in the UKB-HF validation cohort. Conclusion A proteomic score was the strongest molecular predictor of mortality in HF. Integrating proteomic signatures with clinical risk factors significantly improved risk prediction.

Abstract Purpose: Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is an attractive target for radiopharmaceutical therapy. Phase I of the LuMIERE study (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04939610) investigated the safety of [177Lu]Lu-FAP-2286 (177Lu-FAP-2286) in heavily pretreated patients with advanced solid tumors and identified the recommended phase II dosage (RP2D). Patients and Methods: LuMIERE is a prospective, open-label, nonrandomized, phase I/II, multicenter study. Phase I followed a Bayesian optimal interval design evaluating four escalating activity levels of 177Lu-FAP-2286 (3.70, 5.55, 7.40, and 9.25 GBq). Patients were selected by positive [68Ga]Ga-FAP-2286 (68Ga-FAP-2286, also known as [68Ga]Ga-HKG301) PET/CT imaging on all target lesions [maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) ≥1.5× SUVmean of mediastinal blood pool]. 177Lu-FAP-2286 was administered intravenously every 6 weeks for ≤6 cycles. The primary endpoint was dosage-limiting toxicities (DLT) and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE). Results: Of 35 patients imaged with 68Ga-FAP-2286, 27 received 177Lu-FAP-2286 (3.70 GBq, n = 3; 5.55 GBq, n = 6; 7.40 GBq, n = 7; 9.25 GBq, n = 11). Two DLTs were observed: one patient who received 5.55 GBq of 177Lu-FAP-2286 experienced grade 4 lymphopenia, and one patient who received 9.25 GBq experienced grade 3 hemoptysis; these were the only treatment-related grade ≥3 TEAEs. All-cause grade ≥3 TEAEs were reported for 11 patients (40.7%). The RP2D for 177Lu-FAP-2286 monotherapy was determined to be 9.25 GBq. Preliminary Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors efficacy findings demonstrated a partial response in 1 patient and stable disease in 10 patients (maintained for at least two assessments in 6 patients). Conclusions: 177Lu-FAP-2286 was well tolerated in patients with advanced solid tumors. The safety and preliminary efficacy findings support its continued development in phase II.

Abstract Background Ionizing radiation (IR) accelerates atherosclerosis through induction of cellular senescence, DNA damage, defective efferocytosis, and dysregulation of clonal hematopoiesis (CH) drivers. Although low-dose colchicine reduces ischemic cardiovascular events in coronary artery disease, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying its vasculoprotective effects remain incompletely defined, and whether it mitigates radiation-associated vascular injury is unknown. Methods Bone marrow–derived macrophages (BMDMs) were pretreated with low-dose colchicine and exposed to 2 Gy IR. Molecular effects were assessed by RNA-seq, immunoblotting, and molecular docking. In vivo effects were tested in a partial carotid ligation (PLCL) model using spatial proteomics. Human monocyte-derived macrophages (HMDMs) from thoracic malignancy patients were analyzed before and after radiation therapy (RT). Results Low-dose colchicine suppressed IR-induced macrophage senescence signaling while preserving NRF2 activity. In a cell-free assay, colchicine directly activated aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) in a dose-dependent manner (EC 50 1–5 nM), identifying ALDH2 as a direct molecular target of colchicine. Following irradiation, colchicine restored ALDH2, reduced mitochondrial (mt)ROS - dependent p90 ribosomal S6 kinase ( p90RSK ) activation and lipid peroxidation, preserved TET2 and DNMT3A expression, and rescued impaired efferocytosis while preventing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) depletion. These protective effects were ALDH2-dependent, as they were lost with ALDH2 inhibition or depletion and were mimicked by pharmacologic ALDH2 activation. In vivo, colchicine attenuated radiation-induced atherosclerosis and macrophage senescence-associated stemness (SAS). Consistently, macrophages from patients after RT showed reduced ALDH2 with increased mtROS, lipid peroxidation, and senescence. Conclusion These findings identify ALDH2 as a previously unrecognized molecular target of colchicine that links mitochondrial redox control to suppression of radiation-induced macrophage senescence and atherosclerosis and may contribute to the efficacy of low-dose colchicine in cardiovascular disease.

e16335 Background: Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is a rare but serious complication in gastrointestinal (GI) cancer patients. This study investigated its features and outcomes in U.S. hospitalizations. Methods: Hospitalizations (≥18 years old) with a GI malignancy (ICD-10-CM C15–C26) and portal vein thrombosis (PVT) (I81), hepatic vein thrombosis (HVT) (I82.0), or mesenteric/splenic vein thrombosis (MSVT) (I82.890 + K55) in any of the 40 diagnosis fields were found in 2022 National Inpatient Sample. Exclusions: non-GI cancers (C00-C14, C27-C96), thrombophilia (D68.5, D68.6, D45, D47.1, D59.5), or cirrhosis (K74, K70.3). Demographics and outcomes (in-hospital mortality, length of stay [LOS], and total hospital charges [TOTCHG]) were compared between SVT and non-SVT groups using unweighted descriptive statistics (medians, IQRs), χ², and Mann-Whitney U tests. Multivariable regression of mortality, LOS, and TOTCHG were adjusted for age, sex, race, income quartile, insurance type, hospital region and bed size, and comorbidity burden (elixsum). Stata 17.0 was used. Results: Among 51,940 GI cancer hospitalizations (mean age 68.37 ± 12.79 years; 44.46% female), 833 (1.60%) had SVT. SVT group was younger (66.60 ± 11.76 vs. 68.40 ± 12.80 years; p < 0.001). Sex distribution was similar (58.34% vs. 55.50% male; p = 0.101). Common cancers in SVT: liver (n=427; 51.26%), pancreas (n=310; 37.21%), and colorectal (n=42; 5.04%). SVT prevalence was highest in liver (7.10%), pancreatic (3.14%), gallbladder (2.65%), and biliary (2.13%) cancers. PVT was the predominant subtype (n=788; 94.60%), followed by HVT (n=21; 2.52%), MSVT (n=4; 0.48%), and multiple SVT sites (n=20; 2.40%). SVT subtype distribution was: PVT (n=788; 94.60%), HVT (n=21; 2.52%), MSVT (n=4; 0.48%), and multiple sites (n=20; 2.40%). SVT had longer median LOS (5 [3–10] vs. 4 [3–8] days; z = -6.666, p < 0.001), similar median charges ($65,053 [I33,560–130,026] vs. $66,433 [35,897–121,038]; z = -0.76, p = 0.447), and higher mortality (9.48% vs. 4.41%; χ² = 49.042, p < 0.001). In adjusted analyses, SVT had higher mortality (aOR = 2.23, 95% CI 1.74–2.85, p < 0.001), longer LOS by 1.50 days (95% CI 0.99–2.02, p < 0.001), and 14.63% higher TOTCHG (coefficient 0.136, 95% CI 0.051–0.222, p = 0.002). Conclusions: SVT affects ~1.6% of GI cancer hospitalizations, is most prevalent in liver cancer, and associated with longer stays and higher mortality, underscoring the need for proactive monitoring. Multivariable regression analyses of SVT on clinical outcomes (unweighted sample). Outcome SVT Effect 95% CI P-value Interpretation In-hospital mortality OR 2.23 1.74–2.85 <0.001 SVT doubles odds of in-hospital death Length of stay (days) +1.50 0.99–2.02 <0.001 SVT associated with ~1.5 extra hospital days Total hospital charges ($) +0.136 (log scale) 0.051–0.222 0.002 SVT increases hospital costs by ~14.63%

9525 Background: Melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) is a novel target for radiopharmaceutical therapy and is highly expressed on melanoma tumor cells. VMT01 is an MC1R-targeted peptide. 203 Pb is used for patient selection via SPECT imaging. Peptide radiolabeling with 212 Pb delivers alpha-particle therapy. Here, we present data on the treatment of adult patients with MC1R-positive metastatic melanoma receiving [ 212 Pb]VMT01 either as a monotherapy or in combination with the programmed death-1 (PD-1) checkpoint inhibitor, nivolumab. Methods: This is an ongoing phase I/IIa, first-in-human, prospective, multicenter, open-label, radioactive dose-finding and dose-expansion trial. The objectives are to investigate safety, pharmacokinetics, dosimetry, and efficacy. Participants receive up to 3 treatment cycles with either [ 212 Pb]VMT01 3 mCi, 5 mCi, or 1.5 mCi monotherapy, or combination therapy with [ 212 Pb]VMT01 (1.5 mCi) + nivolumab (480 mg, Q4W) or [ 212 Pb]VMT01 (3 mCi) + nivolumab. Participants are evaluated for any DLTs for the first 6 weeks after cycle 1. Efficacy is assessed by RECIST v1.1 criteria by the investigator. Results: As of 24 December 2025, 26 participants (53.8% male; median age: 68 years [range: 27-81]) with MC1R-positive metastatic melanoma were enrolled. The median prior systemic therapies was 4. All 26 enrolled participants received ≥1 dose of [²¹²Pb]VMT01. No DLTs were reported. All SAEs (including one grade 5 SAE) were attributed to disease progression. Most TEAEs were grade 1 (19.2%) and grade 2 (34.6%). Grade 3 TEAEs occurred in 8 participants (30.8%), 5 on monotherapy and 3 on combination therapy (3 mCi + nivolumab). Of the 22 evaluable participants, 1 PR, 9 SD, and 12 PD were reported. Four participants had progression-free survival of ≥6 months. Conclusions: [ 212 Pb]VMT01 as a monotherapy and in combination with nivolumab was generally safe and well-tolerated in 26 enrolled participants, with antitumor activity observed at the 3 mCi dose level. These data may be supplemented with a more complete follow-up at the time of the meeting. Clinical trial information: NCT05655312 .

BACKGROUND: For reasons not fully understood, Black adults experience more socioeconomic disadvantages (SED) than their White counterparts, as well as earlier onset and greater mortality from heart failure (HF). The John Henryism hypothesis predicts that repeated high-effort coping, that is, John Henryism (JH), with socioeconomic adversity can accelerate cardiovascular aging, thus increasing the risk for HF. METHODS: The analysis sample consisted of participants from the JHS (Jackson Heart Study), a cohort of Black adults from the Jackson, Mississippi Metropolitan area. The analysis sample included participants with no cardiovascular disease at baseline (2000–2004) with complete SED and JH scores. Indicators of SED included low household income, low educational attainment, and low maternal educational attainment scores. JH scores (0–36) were categorized as low (<28), moderate (29–32), and high (>32). Effect moderation of JH in the SED and incident HF association was assessed using interaction terms and stratification. Proportional hazards regression determined the hazard ratio and 95% CI, and models adjusted for age, sex, and established lifestyle risk factors. RESULTS: Among 1704 participants (mean age: 52.15 years, 64.3% female), 100 HF events occurred by 2016 (mean follow-up, 10 years). A statistically significant interaction between income and JH was observed for incident HF ( P =0.04). For every 1-unit increase in income disadvantage score, the risk of HF increased 2-fold among those with high JH (hazard ratio, 2.00 [95% CI, 1.39–2.86]) after full adjustment. Among participants with low JH, the corresponding unadjusted association was hazard ratio, 1.40 [95% CI, 1.04–1.90], but this association attenuated after adjusting for age and sex (hazard ratio, 1.19 [95% CI, 0.87–1.63]). CONCLUSIONS: The association between income disadvantage and HF differed by JH level. Because SED and high JH tend to co-occur, both should be considered in future research aiming to decrease the burden of HF in Black Americans.

Background/Objectives: Despite immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPIs)’s transformation of lung cancer treatment, pneumonitis remains a potentially serious immune-related adverse event. However, reliable data on the comparative risks of individual ICPIs remain unknown. We conducted this network meta-analysis (NMA) to, therefore, quantify and compare the exact pooled burden of pneumonitis risk across multiple ICPI analogs. Methods: We searched the following databases, PubMed, Embase, Scopus MEDLINE and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, as well as gray literature on Google Scholar for eligible studies reporting on the prevalence of pneumonitis following immune check point inhibitor exposures. Pairwise and network meta-analyses were performed to estimate pooled odds ratios (ORs) for pneumonitis, using placebo as the common comparator. Sensitivity analyses assessed the impact of study quality and combination therapies. Results: A total of 29 studies enrolling 15,271 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) satisfied the inclusion criteria and are included in the meta-analysis. Pembrolizumab was associated with a significantly increased risk of pneumonitis compared to placebo (odds ratio [OR] = 2.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.70–4.17), with similar elevated risk observed for sugemalimab (odds ratio [OR] = 2.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.52–3.95). Nivolumab was associated with increased odds of pneumonitis, although with unstable point estimate (odds Ratio [OR] = 2.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.64–11.35). Statistical heterogeneity was low (H statistics = 1.34). Atezolizumab and ipilimumab demonstrated modest or uncertain risk. Heterogeneity was low (I2 = 12%), and results were robust to sensitivity analyses. Higher pneumonitis rates were observed in combination regimens. Conclusions: Our analysis demonstrates that pneumonitis risk varies among ICPIs, with pembrolizumab and sugemalimab showing the highest odds. Although the absolute incidence is low, the potential severity of pneumonitis warrants vigilant monitoring. These results should guide clinicians in risk stratification and treatment planning, and they should support the development of standardized reporting criteria and further comparative research.

Background: Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are now the preferred anticoagulant over vitamin K antagonists for patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and venous thromboembolism (VTE). Variability in drug exposure raises concerns about bleeding and thrombotic events, highlighting the potential value of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis conducted a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov (from inception to May 2025) and identified studies reporting DOAC levels and clinical outcomes. Two reviewers independently performed screening, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessment (RoB 2.0, Newcastle–Ottawa Scale). Random-effects meta-analytical models generated pooled estimates, with meta-regression exploring potential sources of variability (DOAC type, drug levels) and exposure–response relationships. Results: Nineteen studies comprising 5770 patients were included in the review. The pooled event rates were 8% for major bleeding (95% CI: 0.05–0.11), 7% for thrombotic events (95% CI: 0.05–0.09), and 3% for mortality (95% CI: 0.03–0.04). Heterogeneity was substantial for bleeding and thrombotic events (I2 = 95.6% and 87.3%, respectively) but negligible for mortality (I2 = 0%). Meta-regression analyses showed no significant association between mean DOAC concentration and either major bleeding (β = −0.00021, p = 0.35, Adj R2 ≈ 0%) or thrombotic events (β = 0.00005, p = 0.78, Adj R2 ≈ 0%), indicating that variations in measured plasma levels did not meaningfully explain event rate differences across studies. Conclusions: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, measured DOAC concentrations show limited and inconsistent association with clinical outcomes. While the present synthesis does not demonstrate a statistically robust linear correlation between DOAC plasma concentrations and adverse outcomes, it highlights the multifactorial determinants of bleeding and thrombosis risk underscores the potential value of selective TDM in individualized care. Further prospective, standardized studies are needed to define clinically actionable thresholds and to validate TDM-guided strategies that optimize the delicate balance between safety and efficacy in DOAC therapy.

Significance: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed cancer therapy by reactivating antitumor immunity and improving outcomes across multiple malignancies. Yet, clinical observations and preclinical studies suggest that ICIs may increase long-term cardiovascular disease risk, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and thrombosis. The underlying mechanisms remain incompletely defined, highlighting the need for focused investigation into the vascular consequences of immune activation. Recent Advances: ICI-induced immune activation disrupts vascular and immune homeostasis through persistent production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial dysfunction, and accumulation of cell-free DNA (cfDNA). Sustained T-cell activation enhances ROS generation, driving DNA damage and senescence in both endothelial and immune cells. ICIs may also promote endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) through chronic oxidative and inflammatory signaling, contributing to fibrosis, vascular stiffness, and chronic inflammation. Transforming growth factor-beta, although immunosuppressive in many contexts, can drive profibrotic and EndoMT programs within the vasculature. Other cytokines and regulators, including interleukin-17 and regulator of calcineurin 1, have been implicated in vascular remodeling, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. Critical Issues: The relative roles of ROS, mitochondrial dysfunction, cfDNA-driven inflammation, and EndoMT in ICI-associated vascular senescence remain unclear. While inflammation-induced vascular damage is well-recognized, direct ICI-specific mechanisms require stronger evidence. How senescent endothelial and immune cells influence therapy resistance and remodeling of the tumor microenvironment also remains to be defined. Future Directions: Mitochondrial and cytosolic ROS sources—arising from electron leakage during oxidative phosphorylation and NADPH oxidases activity—shape immune signaling and sustain T-cell activation during checkpoint blockade. The DNA damage response kinases ataxia-telangiectasia mutated and ATM- and Rad3-related, activated by oxidative and replicative stress, engage p53-dependent senescence pathways in endothelial and immune cells. Future studies should evaluate biomarkers such as cfDNA and thrombospondin-1 and explore senescence-targeting or redox-modulating interventions that may alleviate cardiovascular toxicity without diminishing antitumor efficacy. This review outlines mechanistic pathways linking ICIs to vascular dysfunction and senescence, integrating preclinical data with emerging clinical insights. It distinguishes established processes from ICI-specific hypotheses and identifies key gaps requiring clinical validation. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 00, 000–000.