Abnormal Lipid Levels Research Articles

Association of Catalytic Iron With Cardiovascular Disease

The ability of iron to cycle reversibly between its ferrous and ferric oxidation states is essential for the biological functions of iron but may contribute to vascular injury through the generation of powerful oxidant species. We examined the association between chemical forms of iron that can participate in redox cycling, often referred to as "catalytic" or "labile" iron, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). In our cross-sectional study of 496 participants, 85 had CVD. Serum catalytic iron was measured using the bleomycin-detectable iron assay that detects biologically active iron. The odds of existing CVD for subjects in the upper third of catalytic iron were 10 times that of subjects with lower catalytic iron in unadjusted analyses. The association was decreased by 1/2 by age adjustment, but little additional attenuation occurred after adjusting for age, Framingham Risk Score, estimated glomerular filtration rate, hypertension status, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and systolic blood pressure, with the association remaining strong and significant (odds ratio 3.8, 95% confidence interval 1.4 to 10.1). In conclusion, we provide preliminary evidence for a strong detrimental association between high serum catalytic iron and CVD even after adjusting for several co-morbid conditions; however, broader prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings, which would support therapeutic trials to assess the beneficial effects of iron chelators on CVD.

High Prevalence of Lipid Abnormalities among Antiretroviral-Naive HIV-Infected Asian Children with Mild-To-Moderate Immunosuppression

Dyslipidaemia is a common complication among HIV-infected children after antiretroviral therapy (ART); however, HIV itself can cause abnormal lipid metabolism. There is limited information of lipid profiles among Asian HIV-infected children naive to ART. A total of 274 HIV-infected ART-naive Thai and Cambodian children aged 1-12 years with CD4% between 15% and 24% were included. Patients were fasted for ≥4 h before blood was drawn. Abnormal lipid levels were defined as triglyceride (TG)>130 mg/dl, total cholesterol (TC)>200 mg/dl, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)>130 mg/dl and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)≤40 mg/dl. The mean (±SD) was 76.6 (33.8) months for age and -1.3 (1.0) for weight Z-score. Mean (±SD) CD4% was 19.9 (4.8) % and HIV RNA was 4.6 (0.6) log(10) copies/ml. The median (±SD) fasting time was 13.0 (2.7) h. Mean (±SD) for lipids were 116 (62) mg/dl for TG, 139 (29) mg/dl for TC, 73 (29) mg/dl for LDL and 45 (19) mg/dl for HDL. Overall 63.9% had dyslipidaemia with hypertriglyceridaemia and hypo-HDL being the most common (28% and 45%, respectively), while 2% had hypercholesterolaemia or hyper-LDL. After adjusting for age, having HIV RNA>5 log(10) copies/ml was associated with hypo-HDL with ORs of 8.1 (95% CI 2.7-24.3). Up to two-thirds of ART-naive, HIV-infected Asian children with mild-to-moderate immune suppression had dyslipidaemia. Low HDL was the most common and was associated with high HIV viraemia. The long-term consequence of low HDL deserves further investigation in children.

A study of the mechanisms of methylglyoxal-induced dyslipidemia

Dyslipidemia, defined as abnormal levels of plasma lipids, is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, and is increasing worldwide. Methylglyoxal (MG), a reactive glucose metabolite, is a causative factor for type 2 diabetes and is associated with hypertension. We have recently reported abnormal plasma lipid levels in Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats treated chronically with MG. The aim of this study was to explore the possible mechanism(s) of MG-induced dyslipidemia. MG (60mg/kg/day) or 0.9% saline was administered to 12-week-old male SD rats by continuous infusion with a minipump for 28days, and thereafter the plasma, liver and adipose tissue were collected.

Low HDL-C can predict prognosis of patients with coronary heart disease who underwent PCI in Shanxi

causative factor for type 2 diabetes and is associated with hypertension. We have recently reported abnormal plasma lipid levels in Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats treated chronically with MG. The aim of this study was to explore the possible mechanism(s) of MG-induced dyslipidemia. MG (60 mg/kg/day) or 0.9% saline was administered to 12-week-old male SD rats by continuous infusion with a minipump for 28 days, and thereafter the plasma, liver and adipose tissue were collected. We also used cultured 3T3-L1 adipocytes for molecular studies. We performed Oil-Red O and hemotoxylin-eosin staining, ELISA, western blotting and quantitative PCR. In the liver of rats treated chronically with MG, there was increased protein expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein-2 (SREBP-2), 3-hydroxy 3 methyl glutaryl coenzymeA (HMG-CoA) reductase and microsomal transfer protein (MTP), with no change in SREBP-1c. In the adipose tissue, MG treated rats showed enlarged abdominal adipocytes, and increased protein expression and/or mRNA of CCAAT-enhancer binding protein (C/EBP)α, C/EBPβ and TNFα, with no significant change in leptin and lipoprotein lipase levels. The effects of MG were attenuated by alagebrium, a MG scavenger and an advanced glycation endproducts breaker. The findings in adipose tissue were confirmed in 3T3-L1 cells. Our results indicate that the increase in plasma cholesterol and triglycerides by MG may be due to increased activity of hepatic SREBP-2 and HMG-CoA reductase, and the subsequent increased cholesterol synthesis; and due to increased activity of MTP and the resultant increased VLDL synthesis. The increase in plasma free fatty acids may be due to up regulated gene expression of TNFα and the resultant decreased free fatty acids uptake and increased lipolysis in adipocytes.

Kidney aging—inevitable or preventable?

The aging process affects all organs, including the kidneys. As part of this process, progressive scarring and a measurable decline in renal function occur in most people over time. The improved understanding of the processes that can lead to and/or hasten scarring and loss of renal function over time parallels advances in our understanding of the aging process. Clinical factors, including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity, abnormal lipid levels and vitamin D deficiency, have been associated with increasing renal sclerosis with age. In addition, tissue factors such as angiotensin II, advanced glycation end products, oxidative stress and Klotho are associated with renal aging. These associations and possible interventions, including the control of blood pressure, blood sugar, weight, diet and calorie restriction might make renal aging more preventable than inevitable.

The Role of Atherosclerosis Imaging in Redefining Normal and Abnormal Cholesterol Values, and Risk Reduction in Primary Prevention Statin Trials

The emergence of atherosclerosis imaging, using coronary calcium scanning (CAC) and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and plaque as stronger predictors of cardiovascular events than risk factors of atherosclerosis, has created a paradigm shift in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Rather than population-derived indices to define normal or abnormal low-density lipoprotein (or other lipid values) in the untreated individual patient, it is more appropriate to define "normal" as "cholesterol values at which level there is no subclinical atherosclerosis" and "abnormal" as "cholesterol values at which level there is subclinical atherosclerosis," with the severity of "abnormal" depending on the degree of subclinical atherosclerosis. Similarly, the low-density lipoprotein treatment goal is the level at which atherosclerosis progression is halted. Extension of the subclinical atherosclerosis risk-based paradigms to primary prevention trials dramatically changes the manner in which trials should be conducted in the future, as well as the results of trials already performed. For example, asymptomatic patients with a CAC score of 0 have an extraordinarily low event rate but have been included in primary prevention statin trials even though their risk without treatment is very small. Reanalysis of the statin primary prevention trials after excluding the percentage (40%) of patients who would be expected to have a CAC score of 0 yields an absolute risk increase of 60% in both the placebo group (from 5.4% to 8.5%), and the statin group (from 3.0% to 4.8%). Absolute risk reduction increased by 58% (from 2.4% to 3.8%). Relative risk reduction of 44% was unchanged. In conclusion, 1) the presence or absence of atherosclerosis as measured by CAC redefines normal or abnormal lipid levels in an individual patient; 2) statin absolute risk reduction is significantly greater than previously appreciated; and 3) patients with a CAC score of 0 should be excluded from primary prevention randomized controlled trials.

Increased T cell Immunoglobulin and Mucin Domain 3 Positively Correlate with Systemic IL-17 and TNF-α Level in the Acute Phase of Ischemic Stroke

Tim-3 has been linked to several inflammatory diseases by regulation on both adaptive and innate immunities. Here, we assessed the augmented expression of Tim-3 in brain tissue of ischemia-reperfusion mice and PBMCs of ischemic stroke (IS) patients. The augmented expression of Tim-3 significantly correlated with abnormal lipid levels. In vitro studies showed that plasma from ischemic stroke patients induced Tim-3 expression in THP-1 cells. More importantly, our results revealed a significant correlation of Tim-3 expression on CD4(+) T cells with systemic IL-17 in patients with ischemic stroke. Consistently, we also found a positive correlation of Tim-3 expression on CD14(+) monocytes and serum TNF-α in IS patients. Collectively, augmented expression of Tim-3 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke by regulation of proinflammatory cytokines. Further studies will give us new insights on the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke and potentially provide a new target at the medical therapy.

Hypolipidemic effect of triphala (Terminalia chebula, Terminalia belerica and Emblica officinalis) on female albino rats.

Hyperlipidemia, hyperlipoproteinemia or dyslipidemia is the presence of elevated or abnormal levels of lipids and / or lipoproteins in the blood. Lipid and lipoprotein abnormalities are extremely common in the general population and are regarded as a highly modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease due to the influence of cholesterol, one of the most clinically relevant lipid substances in atheroscterosis. Aim of the work: This study aimed to evaluate the possible treatment and protective effect of triphala on hyperlipidemic rats. Material and methods: Six groups (5rat/group) of female albino rats (Rattus albinus) were used. The 1st group used as control, in the 2nd group hyperlipidemia (25% fat & 2% cholesterol) was induced for 3 weeks only then sacrified , the 3rd group was hyperlipidemic rats for 3 weeks then left for other 3 weeks without any additional treatment as a recovery period, the 4th group served as hyperlipidemic group for 3 weeks then treated with triphala for another 3 weeks (25 mg/100 gm b. wt.), the 5th group was hyperlipidemic (25% fat & 2% cholesterol) for 6 weeks and the 6th group served as hyperlipidemic rats for 6 weeks, and at the same time given triphala (25 mg/100 gm b. wt.) by oral administration. Results: The biochemical parameters showed highly significant increase in the body weight, serum glucose, ASAT, ALAT, GGT, LDH, total protein, albumin and total lipids in liver .Many histopathological and histochemical changes were detected in liver tissue of the hyperlipidemic rats. Meanwhile, the treatment with triphala ameliorated the biochemical parameters, histological and histochemical results. Conclusion: It is recommended to use triphala in diets for hyperlipidemic patients or those people who have hyperlipidemic family history.

Hypolipidemic effect of triphala (Terminalia chebula, Terminalia belerica and Emblica officinalis) on female albino rats.

Hyperlipidemia, hyperlipoproteinemia or dyslipidemia is the presence of elevated or abnormal levels of lipids and / or lipoproteins in the blood. Lipid and lipoprotein abnormalities are extremely common in the general population and are regarded as a highly modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease due to the influence of cholesterol, one of the most clinically relevant lipid substances in atheroscterosis. Aim of the work: This study aimed to evaluate the possible treatment and protective effect of triphala on hyperlipidemic rats. Material and methods: Six groups (5rat/group) of female albino rats (Rattus albinus) were used. The 1st group used as control, in the 2nd group hyperlipidemia (25% fat & 2% cholesterol) was induced for 3 weeks only then sacrified , the 3rd group was hyperlipidemic rats for 3 weeks then left for other 3 weeks without any additional treatment as a recovery period, the 4th group served as hyperlipidemic group for 3 weeks then treated with triphala for another 3 weeks (25 mg/100 gm b. wt.), the 5th group was hyperlipidemic (25% fat & 2% cholesterol) for 6 weeks and the 6th group served as hyperlipidemic rats for 6 weeks, and at the same time given triphala (25 mg/100 gm b. wt.) by oral administration. Results: The biochemical parameters showed highly significant increase in the body weight, serum glucose, ASAT, ALAT, GGT, LDH, total protein, albumin and total lipids in liver .Many histopathological and histochemical changes were detected in liver tissue of the hyperlipidemic rats. Meanwhile, the treatment with triphala ameliorated the biochemical parameters, histological and histochemical results. Conclusion: It is recommended to use triphala in diets for hyperlipidemic patients or those people who have hyperlipidemic family history.

Lipid Profile and Its Association with Risk Factors for Coronary Heart Disease in the Highlanders of Lhasa, Tibet

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of abnormal lipid levels and its association with selected coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors in the Tibetan population living at 3660 meters above sea level in Lhasa, Tibet. Three hundred seventy one randomly selected male and female, aged 30 to 70 yr took part in the study. Based on the National Cholesterol Education Programme (NCED) adult treatment panel ATP-III 2004 criteria, the age-adjusted prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia was 12.0%; high triglycerides (TG), 33.4%; high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), 4.8%; and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C); 24.3%. After adjusting for age, sex, smoking, alcohol, physical activity, diet, hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), an increase in waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) by 0.1 unit was associated with a statistically significant increase in TG, total cholesterol (TC) and LDL-C by 0.25 mmol/L, 0.24 mmol/L, and 0.18 mmol/L, respectively. Female gender increased HDL-C by 0.18 mmol/L when compared with males. Age-adjusted prevalences of Framingham CHD risk score for males and females were 16.3% and 0.6%, respectively. This study demonstrated a high prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia in males, a higher prevalence of low HDL-C in females, and a high hypercholesterolemia prevalence in both genders. However, further longitudinal studies assessing CHD risk factors in high altitude natives are required.

Abnormal retinal vascular function and lipid levels in a sample of healthy UK South Asians

Background/aimsTo investigate ethnic differences in retinal vascular function and their relationship to traditional risk indicators for cardiovascular disease (CVD).MethodsA total of 90 normoglycaemic subjects (45 South Asian (SA) and 45...

A Comprehensive Study on a Polyherbal Siddha Compound on Plasma Glucose and Serum Lipids in South Indian Population

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is progressively on the rise in India. It is considered as equivalent to cardio vascular and cerebro vascular disease[1]. Treatment with allopathic medicine though effective poses high economic burden on the individual and the well-known side effects which reduces compliance[2]. There is constant search for drugs from alternative medicine[3]. The PURSE HIS (Prevalence of risk factors and the detection of occult and overt endovascular disease in Urban, Rural and SEmiurban regions with Holistic Intervention Study) cohort study is an ongoing study addressing the above issues. We provide intervention with Siddha medical system[4], according to willingness of participants with abnormal plasma glucose level and serum lipid level conducting a longitudinal follow up for three years. Participants above 20 years of age are provided Madhumega Chooranam (MMC) (2X500mg capsules twice a day) to those with fasting plasma glucose level 6.10–8.26 mmol/L and two hours plasma glucose level 11.1–16.59 mmol/L, total cholesterol 4.53–5.69 mmol/L, triglyceride 1.69–2.83mmol/L and low density lipoprotein 2.07–3.10mmol/L. Base values are kept at a lower range as the compound is being tried for the first time for the two risk factors according to the norms of good clinical practice. Investigations were carried out during follow up visits for glycemic control, lipid profile, renal and liver function tests and hematological parameters. Preliminary phytochemical analysis and HPTLC finger printing were done. This pilot study reveals that MMC has statistically significant hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic action with no adverse effects.

The ACCORD-Lipid study: implications for treatment of dyslipidemia in Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Treatment of diabetic dyslipidemia, comprised mainly of hypertriglyceridemia, and low HDL-C, with either statin or fibrate monotherapy, is moderately effective at reversing the abnormal lipid levels, but does not completely reverse the risk of CVD. Combination therapy with a statin and fibrate more effectively treats diabetic dyslipidemia; however, neither the impact on CVD risk nor the safety profile of statin-fibrate combined treatment had been tested in a large randomized trial. The Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD)-Lipid trial tested the hypothesis that combination therapy with a fibrate and statin would more effectively prevent major CVD events in a high-risk population of patients with T2DM compared with statin monotherapy. In ACCORD-Lipid, over 5000 patients were treated with fenofibrate plus simvastatin versus simvastatin alone. Although combination therapy did not significantly reduce CVD event rates in the ACCORD-Lipid cohort as a whole, a predefined subgroup of participants with the combination of significant hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL-C experienced a 31% lower event rate with combination therapy. Post hoc analyses conducted in similar subsets in previous fibrate monotherapy trials were concordant with these findings in ACCORD-Lipid. Combination therapy was well tolerated and safe, with no detectable increase in myopathy. The implications of the ACCORD-Lipid findings for the treatment of dyslipidemia in patients with T2DM are discussed.

Association between interleukin-6 receptor gene variations and atherosclerotic lipid profiles among young adolescents in Taiwan

BackgroundTo analyze the potential genetic associations between four polymorphisms of interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) gene and atherosclerotic lipid profiles among young adolescents in Taiwan.MethodsUsing data from the Taipei Children Heart Study-II - a cross-sectional survey in 2003. After multi-stage sampling, we selected 418 boys and 441 girls with an average age of 13.1 years. We genotyped the subjects for four IL-6R gene polymorphisms (rs4845617 G/A, rs4845623 A/G, rs8192284 A/C, and rs2229238 C/T) using a TaqMan 5' nuclease assay. Lipid profiles, including total cholesterol (CHOL), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) were measured using standard methods. We also calculated CHOL/HDL-C ratio, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, and TG/HDL-C ratio as atherosclerotic indexes.ResultsIL-6R rs8192284 A/C and rs2229238 C/T variants showed strong associations with high TG (additive model, OR = 1.58, 95%CI: 1.05-2.37; OR = 1.55, 95%CI: 1.04-2.29, respectively), low HDL-C (additive model, OR = 1.57, 95%CI: 1.03-2.39; OR = 1.68, 95%CI: 1.12-2.52, respectively), and high CHOL/HDL-C (additive model, OR = 1.68, 95%CI: 1.08-2.61, OR = 1.82, 95%CI: 1.18-2.79, respectively) in girls. We inferred five common haplotypes using rs4845617 G/A, rs4845623 A/G, and rs2229238 C/T (GAC, GAT, GGC, AAC, and AAT). In girls, the AAT haplotype was associated with a significant risk of high TG, low HDL-C, high CHOL/HDL-C, and abnormal lipid levels (high TG or low HDL-C) when compared with the GAC haplotype (OR range = 3.08-4.40, all p < 0.05).ConclusionThe IL-6R rs8192284 A/C and rs2229238 C/T variants are associated with dyslipidemia in girls, but not in boys. The AAT haplotype of the IL-6R gene (rs4845617 G/A, rs4845623 A/G, and rs2229238 C/T) may play an important role in the pathogenesis of dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis in girls.

Associations Between Serum Lipid Levels and Chronic Low Back Pain

Low back pain may be related to abnormal lipid levels because of atherosclerosis in arteries supplying the lumbar region. In the cross-sectional HUNT 2 study in the Norwegian county of Nord-Trøndelag, lipid levels were measured in 33,962 women and 30,031 men. A total of 8954 women (26%) and 6273 men (21%) reported suffering from low back pain continuously for at least 3 months in the past year. In age-adjusted analyses, the prevalence of low back pain was inversely associated with HDL cholesterol and positively associated with triglycerides, with stronger associations in women than in men. Relatively weak associations remained in women after adjustment for smoking, physical activity, education, work status, blood pressure, and body mass, but no associations remained among men. Total cholesterol levels were unrelated to low back pain in either sex after age adjustment. The results are partly consistent with the atherosclerosis hypothesis.

Association of Lipid Metabolism with Ovarian Cancer

Defects in lipid metabolism have been found to be linked to several diseases, among which atherosclerosis, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes are the most important. Although cancer is chiefly a genetic disease, dietary lipid intake and metabolism are related to some cancer risks, including the risk for ovarian cancer. Higher intake of dietary lipids, systemic lipid metabolism malfunction, and abnormal serum lipid levels are somehow related to ovarian cancer. Overexpression of some lipid metabolic enzymes are also found in ovarian cancer. In this review article, we summarize the relationships between lipid intake, lipid metabolism, and ovarian cancer.

The association of hyperuricemia with blood pressure and blood levels of lipids and sugar

Objective To explore the association of hyperuricemia with blood pressure and blood levels of lipids and sugar in the individuals on regular physical examination. Methods The hyperuricemia group included 1129 male and 165 female individual with hyperuricemia comfirmed in a regular physical examination for civil servants in 2008. The control group had the matched sex, age, and profession.The effects of hyperuricemia on blood pressure, lipids, and sugar were determined. Results The average levels of systolic and diastolic pressures, TG, HDL-C, and fasting blood sugar were markedly higher in the hyperuricemia group than in the control group; the rates of hypertension, abnormal lipid levels, and impaired fasting sugar were higher in the hyperuricemia group. Conclusions Hyperuricemia is closely associated with blood pressure and levels of blood lipids and sugar. Health education on hyperuricemia should be strengthened to prevent the occurrence of the disorder earlier. Key words: Hyperuricemia; Blood pressure; Blood lipids; Blood sugar

Nonoptimal lipids commonly present in young adults and coronary calcium later in life: the CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) study.

Dyslipidemia causes coronary heart disease in middle-aged and elderly adults, but the consequences of lipid exposure during young adulthood are unclear. To assess whether nonoptimal lipid levels during young adulthood cause atherosclerotic changes that persist into middle age. Prospective cohort study. 4 cities in the United States. 3258 participants from the 5115 black and white men and women recruited at age 18 to 30 years in 1985 to 1986 for the CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults) study. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, and coronary calcium. Time-averaged cumulative exposures to lipids between age 20 and 35 years were estimated by using repeated serum lipid measurements over 20 years in the CARDIA study; these measurements were then related to coronary calcium scores assessed later in life (45 years [SD, 4]). 2824 participants (87%) had nonoptimal levels of LDL cholesterol (>or=2.59 mmol/L [>or=100 mg/dL]), HDL cholesterol (<1.55 mmol/L [<60 mg/dL]), or triglycerides (>or=1.70 mmol/L [>or=150 mg/dL]) during young adulthood. Coronary calcium prevalence 2 decades later was 8% in participants who maintained optimal LDL levels (<1.81 mmol/L [<70 mg/dL]), and 44% in participants with LDL cholesterol levels of 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) or greater (P < 0.001). The association was similar across race and sex and strongly graded, with odds ratios for coronary calcium of 1.5 (95% CI, 0.7 to 3.3) for LDL cholesterol levels of 1.81 to 2.56 mmol/L (70 to 99 mg/dL), 2.4 (CI, 1.1 to 5.3) for levels of 2.59 to 3.34 mmol/L (100 to 129 mg/dL), 3.3 (CI, 1.3 to 7.8) for levels of 3.37 to 4.12 mmol/L (130 to 159 mg/dL), and 5.6 (CI, 2.0 to 16) for levels of 4.14 mmol/L (160 mg/dL) or greater, compared with levels less than 1.81 mmol/L (<70 mg/dL), after adjustment for lipid exposure after age 35 years and other coronary risk factors. Both LDL and HDL cholesterol levels were independently associated with coronary calcium after participants who were receiving lipid-lowering medications or had clinically abnormal lipid levels were excluded. Coronary calcium, although a strong predictor of future coronary heart disease, is not a clinical outcome. Nonoptimal levels of LDL and HDL cholesterol during young adulthood are independently associated with coronary atherosclerosis 2 decades later. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

Dietary effect on plasma lipid changes and pregnant outcomes in early-onset pre-eclampsia-like murine model

To investigate the effects of dietary factors on the pre-eclampsia-like mouse model development at multiple stages of gestation. Pre-eclampsia-like model was established in C57 wild-type (WT) and apoE(-/-) pregnant mice at early, middle and late gestational stages by injecting nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) subcutaneously. Control groups received normal saline (NS) simultaneously. Each group was subdivided into standard chow subgroup (SC, n = 6) and high-fat diet subgroup (HF, n = 6). Blood pressure, urinary protein and plasma lipid were measured and fetal outcomes compared. Data were analyzed statistically. In early and middle L-NAME subgroups, the plasma concentrations of cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and free fatty acid (FFA) all increased. And the early L-NAME subgroup in apoE(-/-) mice was the most remarkable (P < 0.05). In apoE(-/-) groups (both L-NAME and NS groups), the plasma concentrations of total TC and TG were higher than those of WT groups (P < 0.05). But there was no significant difference in FFA between them. The plasma lipid levels of apoE(-/-) HF + L-NAME group were the highest among all the groups (P < 0.05). Fetal and placental weights significantly decreased in early and middle L-NAME groups in both apoE(-/-) and WT mice (P < 0.05). But no significant difference was found between late L-NAME subgroup and NS groups (P > 0.05). Compared with WT groups, the weights were lower in apoE(-/-) mice. The fetal and placental weights in HF groups were lower than SC groups and the changes in early HF + L-NAME subgroup in apoE(-/-) mice were the most remarkable (P < 0.05). A lower live fetal rate and a higher absorbed fetal rate were found in early L-NAME groups than those of the NS groups (P < 0.05). Pre-eclampsia occurring at an early stage is more likely to have abnormal plasma lipid levels and adverse feto-placental outcomes. High-fat dietary may aggravate the impact of L-NAME pre-eclampsia on pregnancy outcomes at an early gestational stage especially in ApoE(-/-) mice.

Mutations in the insulin pathway affect lipid metabolism, brain function and visual physiology in Drosophila melanogaster

Insulin growth factor signaling is involved in growth and homeostasis in mammals. In Drosophila melanogaster, insulin‐like peptides likewise regulate these processes through the evolutionarily conserved insulin pathway. Here, we studied the effects of mutant conditions for insulin pathway genes. We measured total lipid and carbohydrate levels, brain function as assayed by cholinesterase activity levels (acetylcholine is the main brain neurotransmitter in flies), and retinal function by electrorretinograms (ERGs). We found that mutant flies had generally abnormal high levels of lipids, whereas carbohydrates levels were normal. Several mutants tested (mutations in the insulin receptor, chico (the Drosophila insulin receptor substrate), and protein kinase B) also show electroretinogram defects (reductions in amplitude) and a lower cholinesterase activity in head extracts. In general, metabolic and nervous system alterations correlated in the mutants, suggesting that in flies, as is true in humans, altered metabolism may lead to nervous system impairments. CONACYT 162563; 81864.