Blood Lipid Indexes Research Articles

Nonlinear relationship with saturation effect observed between neutrophil to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and atherosclerosis in a health examination population: a cross‐sectional study

BackgroundThe relationships between inflammatory indexes and atherosclerosis as well as those between blood lipid indexes and atherosclerosis have been widely studied, but the relationship between the neutrophil to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHR) and atherosclerosis had not been investigated until the present study.MethodsFor this cross‐sectional study, we continuously collected data from a health examination population in the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2012 to December 2017 (N = 1978). The collected data included clinical data, hematological indexes, and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (Ba-PWV). Atherosclerosis was defined as Ba-PWV ≥ 1400 cm/s. The relationship between the NHR and atherosclerosis was explored via univariate regression analysis, multivariate regression analysis, smoothing function analysis, and analysis of a threshold saturation effect.ResultsAmong 1978 participants, the mean age was 54 years, 1189 participants (60.11%) were male, and 1103 (55.76%) had a history of atherosclerosis. Univariate analysis showed a positive association between the NHR and atherosclerosis [odds ratio (OR) = 1.19, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11–1.27, P < 0.01], and this positive association remained significant on multivariate analyses with adjustments for confounding factors (OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.06–1.24, P < 0.01). Generalized additive model results revealed a non-linear relationship with a saturation effect between the NHR and atherosclerosis, with a threshold at 3.32. At values ≤ 3.32, the NHR was positively associated with atherosclerosis, but the association was not statistically significant for values > 3.32.ConclusionA nonlinear relationship with a certain saturation effect was observed between the NHR and atherosclerosis in a health examination population.

Effect of combination of glucocorticoid and different doses of atorvastatin on neural function, blood lipid levels and magnetic resonance imaging in patients wit h multiple sclerosis

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of the combination of glucocorticoid and different doses of atorvastatin in the treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).&#x0D; Methods: Sixty MS patients treated at Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College from January 2020 to June 2021, were equally and randomly assigned to study group (OG) and control group (CG). Patients in OG were treated with glucocorticoid and atorvastatin (half in low-dose, LDG; 20 mg/day) and the other half, in high-dose atorvastatin (HDG, 40 mg/day)). Patients in CG were treated with glucocorticoid and placebo. Changes in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), blood lipids, RhoA, and neural function were determined.&#x0D; Results: After treatment, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score was lower in HDG than in LDG and CG (p &lt; 0.05). Total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG) and lipoprotein a (LP(a)) were significantly reduced and followed the rank order: HDG &lt; LDG &lt; CG (p &lt; 0.05). No appreciable differences occurred in HDL-C levels amongst HDG, LDG and CG (p &gt; 0.05). Furthermore, RhoA levels were lower in HDG than in LDG and CG, with lower levels in LDG than in CG (p &lt; 0.05). There were lower numbers of T2 lesions in HDG than in LDG and CG at 28 days, 3, 6 and 12 months, post-treatment (p &lt; 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: Glucocorticoid and high-dose atorvastatin combination is better at reducing neurological dysfunction and improving blood lipid indicators in MS patients. This finding may provide a useful guide in the determination of the optimal dose of atorvastatin.

Study on the Effects and Adverse Effects of Statins and Cardiovascular Drugs for Coronary Heart Disease on Blood Lipid Indexes

Study on the Effects and Adverse Effects of Statins and Cardiovascular Drugs for Coronary Heart Disease on Blood Lipid Indexes

Valsartan in Combination with Tripterygium Glycosides Protects against Chronic Nephritis via the Toll-Like Receptor 4 Pathway.

Objective Valsartan has been studied to exert effects on kidney disease. However, the concrete function of valsartan in combination with tripterygium glycosides in chronic nephritis remained largely unknown. The study was designed to unravel the impacts of valsartan and tripterygium glycosides in chronic nephritis through the Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway. Methods The renal function indicators such as serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and β2 microglobulin (β2-MG), 24 h urine protein (Upro) levels, and blood lipid indicators such as total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), triacylglycerol (TG) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), inflammatory factors (e.g., IL-1β and IL-8), and the proportion of T lymphocyte subpopulations (CD4+ and CD8+) were detected in chronic nephritis patients before and after treatment with valsartan alone or valsartan combined with tripterygium glycosides. Symptoms of adverse reactions were recorded. TLR4 expression in the patients' serum was examined. Results Compared to patients before treatment, after treatment with valsartan alone or valsartan combined with tripterygium glycosides, the renal function indicators Scr, BUN, and 24 h levels were reduced, and TC, TG, and LDL-C levels were reduced, while HDL-C levels were elevated; inflammatory responses (IL-1β and IL-8) were mitigated; CD4+ ratio and CD4+/CD8+ ratio increased yet CD8+ ratio decreased; TLR4 expression was silenced after treatment. All of the changes were more obvious in patients after being treated with valsartan combined with tripterygium glycosides. Conclusion Valsartan in combination with tripterygium glycosides protects against chronic nephritis via suppressing the Toll-like Receptor 4 pathway.

Polydatin prevents lipotoxicity-induced dysfunction in pancreatic β-cells by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress and excessive autophagy

BackgroundChronically elevated free fatty acid levels can adversely affect pancreatic β-cells, leading to insulin resistance and eventually type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Polydatin (PD) from Polygonum cuspidatum has been shown to regulate blood lipid content and lower cholesterol levels. However, there have been no reports on the potential therapeutic effects and actions of PD on lipotoxicity in β-cells. PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the protective effects of PD on palmitate (PA)-treated INS-1 insulinoma cells and diabetic mice. MethodsCells were incubated with PA and varying concentrations of PD for 24 h. Viability assays, morphological observations, flow cytometric analysis, western blotting, and reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction were used to assess the effects of PD on PA-induced lipotoxicity. Western blotting was used to measure the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and the levels of autophagy-related factors after incubation with inducers and inhibitors of ERS and autophagy. Diabetic mice were treated with intragastric PD for 6 weeks followed by the measurement of their physiological and blood lipid indices and assessment of the results of histological and immunofluorescence analyses. ResultsTreatment with PD after PA exposure enhanced insulin secretion and the expression of diabetes-associated genes. PD promoted β-cell function by reducing the levels of proteins associated with ERS and autophagy while also attenuating ERS triggered by tunicamycin. PD also reduced tunicamycin-induced autophagy, indicating that it regulated ERS-mediated autophagy and reduced PA-induced cellular dysfunction. In addition, treatment of db/db mice with PD substantially reduced body weight gain, alleviated dyslipidemia, improved β-cell function, and reduced insulin resistance. ConclusionThese results suggest that PD protects β-cells from lipotoxicity-induced dysfunction and apoptosis by inhibiting ERS and preventing excessive autophagy. Our study provides a new basis for exploring the potential of PD against β-cell lipotoxicity and T2DM.

Influence of BMI and Blood Lipid Index on Pregnancy Outcome in Hypertensive Patients during Pregnancy

Influence of BMI and Blood Lipid Index on Pregnancy Outcome in Hypertensive Patients during Pregnancy

Clinical Value of Vitamin D, Trace Elements, Glucose, and Lipid Metabolism in Diagnosis and Severity Evaluation of Psoriasis.

Objective The levels of vitamin D, trace elements, and glucose and lipid metabolism in psoriasis were evaluated, and their value in disease diagnosis and severity evaluation was explored. Methods In this study, the serum trace elements, blood glucose, and blood lipid indexes of 360 patients with psoriasis and 500 healthy subjects were compared and analyzed. Results The results of 25-(OH) D3, Cu/Zn, and HDL-C in patients with psoriasis were significantly different from those in the control group. With the aggravation of the disease, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was positively correlated with 25-(OH) D3 and HDL-C and negatively correlated with Cu/Zn. The AUC of the three indexes for the diagnosis of psoriasis was 0.899, 0.675, and 0.848, respectively. Conclusion There are metabolic abnormalities of 25-(OH) D3, Cu/Zn, and HDL-C in patients with psoriasis, and paying attention to these indicators is conducive to the diagnosis of disease.

Risk Factors of Microvascular Complications Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients Using Cox Proportional Hazards Models: A Cohort Study in Tabuk Saudi Arabia.

PurposeThe burden of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is high in Saudi Arabia, but data related to its complications are limited. This study aimed to determine the incidence of microvascular complications caused by T2D and evaluate the impact of the associated risk factors.Patients and MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted at two military hospitals in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Data on the socio-demographics, glycaemic profile, blood lipid indices, duration of T2D, and associated microvascular complications were collected from electronic health records and medical files. Descriptive statistics and Cox proportional hazards models were used for data analysis.ResultsThis study included 1563 T2D patients. The incidence of microvascular complications was 34.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 32.0–36.6). Retinopathy was the most common complication (incidence=20.0%; 95% CI, 18.0–22.0%), while nephropathy was the least common complication (incidence=12.2%; 95% CI, 10.6–13.8%). Advanced age (≥65 years) showed the highest risk of retinopathy (Hazard ratios [HR], 2.86; 95% CI, 2.56–3.21), neuropathy (HR, 2.70; 95% CI, 2.40–3.05), and nephropathy (HR, 2.37; 95% CI, 2.12–2.64) compared with their counterparts. After adjusting for potential confounders, the study found that the significant risk factors for microvascular complications were longer duration (≥10 years) of T2D (HR, 5.3; 95% CI, 5.1–5.6), uncontrolled hypertension (HR, 3.9; 95% CI, 3.3–4.2), poor glycaemic control (HR, 4.6; 95% CI, 4.3–5.1), obesity (HR, 2.3; 95% CI, 2.2–2.6), and dyslipidaemia (HR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2–2.0).ConclusionGiven the high burden of microvascular complications in military healthcare facilities in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, a context-specific accessible public health program focusing on the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, physical activity, and consumption of a healthy diet, as well as the early diagnosis and management of diabetes, needs to be developed and implemented.

A Comparative Study of Xi's Tendon Gangrene (Nonischemic Type of Diabetic Foot) and Gangrene (Diabetic Foot Ischemic Type).

Background Diabetic foot gangrene refers to a lesion in which the tissue of the foot or lower extremities of diabetic patients is damaged, and the cause is the infection of peripheral blood vessels and neuropathy caused by diabetes. Objective To compare the related indexes of blood glucose, inflammation, blood viscosity, and peripheral neuropathy between the nonischemic diabetic foot and ischemic diabetic foot, the same and different characteristics of the two different types of diabetic foot in pathogenesis were discussed and studied. Methods A total of 122 patients with diabetic foot were selected from the Department of Vascular Medicine, Shanghai Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, including 61 cases of ischemic type and 61 cases of nonischemic type. The differences in blood glucose, inflammation, blood supply, and peripheral neuropathy between the nonischemic diabetic foot and ischemic diabetic foot were compared to explore their different characteristics. Results The blood glucose index, inflammatory index, and plasma fibrinogen in patients with nonischemic diabetic foot were significantly higher than those in patients with ischemic diabetic foot (P < 0.05). The patients with ischemic diabetic foot were higher in age and blood lipid index than those with the nonischemic diabetic foot (P < 0.05), while having no significant difference in platelet count, plasma viscosity, hematocrit, and end products of glycation (AGEs). Conclusion The nonischemic diabetic foot is mainly infective necrosis, and the ischemic type is ischemic necrosis. The former occurs in the middle-aged and elderly with good blood supply between 40 and 60 years old, while the latter occurs in the elderly with the severe vascular disease over 60 years old. The blood glucose level of nonischemic patients is significantly higher than that of ischemic patients, but it has little to do with the course of diabetes.

Effect of beraprost sodium on renal function and p38MAPK signaling pathway in rats with diabetic nephropathy

Purpose: To investigate the effect of beraprost sodium (BPS) on renal function and P38MAPK pathway in diabetic nephropathy (DN) rats.Methods: Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (n = 30) were randomly divided into three groups, viz, normal control (NC), diabetic nephropathy (DN) and beraprost sodium (BPS). Creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and fasting blood glucose (FBG), were determined by Hitachi 7020 automatic biochemical analyzer, while low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) were measured by Olympus 400 automatic biochemical analyzer. Western blot analysis was performed to examine protein expression. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), hs-CRP, and TNF-α levels were evaluated using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results: After 8 weeks of treatment, renal function indices (urine output, KW/BW, UAlb/24 h, Cr and BUN), blood lipid indices (FBG, LDL-C, TG and TC) and inflammatory factors levels (IL-6, hs-CRP and TNF-α) in DN group were higher than NC group (p &lt; 0.05). In BPS group, renal function and blood lipid indices and inflammatory factor levels decreased when compared to DN group (p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, BPS inhibited the protein expression of p-P38MAPK, TGF-β1 and COX-2.Conclusion: Beraprost sodium improves renal function in DN rats by inhibiting P38MAPK signalingpathway.

Clinical effectiveness of Qilong capsule in patients with ischemic stroke: A prospective, multicenter, non-randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThe Qilong capsule (QLC) is a Chinese patented medicine characterized by an equal emphasis on replenishing Qi and activating blood circulation. In 2000, China's FDA approved the use of QLC for ischemic stroke (IS). However, there is not yet much high-quality evidence of the clinical effectiveness of QLC combined with conventional treatment (CT) for IS with Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. PurposeIn this study, we conducted a prospective, multicenter, non-randomized controlled trial at 7 hospitals in China to investigate the clinical effectiveness of QLC combined with CT for IS with Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. MethodsParticipants aged 35 to 80 years old diagnosed as IS with Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome in TCM were recruited. Participants were treated with QLC (intervention group) or non-QLC (control group). The intervention course of QLC was 12 weeks. All participants in two groups received standard treatment. All participants returned for in-person follow-up visits at the 12th week and 24th week. Primary outcome measures included a modified Rankin Scale (mRS), the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and the Barthel Index (BI). Secondary outcome measures included TCM syndromes (Qi deficiency syndrome score, blood stasis syndrome score), psychological index (self-rating depression scale, SDS; self-rating anxiety scale, SAS), blood lipid index, blood coagulation index, homocysteine, and favorable functional outcome (mRS 0 – 3). Multiple imputations were used for any missing data. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to deal with any confounding factors (age, gender, scale score, etc.). Rank alignment transformation variance analysis (ART ANOVA) and generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) were introduced to improve the scientific and accuracy of repeated measurement data. All statistical calculations were carried out with R 3.6.1 statistical analysis software. ResultsA total of 2468 participants were screened from November 2016 to January 2019. Finally, 2302 eligible participants were included in the analysis. There were 1260 participants in the intervention group (QLC group) and 1042 participants in the control group (non-QLC group). After PSM matching, sub-samples of 300 participants in the QLC group and 300 participants in the non-QLC group were finally formed. The final results of clinical effectiveness are the same results shared by the total samples and sub-samples after PSM. In the 24th week after treatment, QLC combined with CT proved to be significantly better than CT alone in reducing the scores of mRS (p < 0.05), NIHSS (p < 0.001), Qi deficiency syndrome (p < 0.01), and blood stasis syndrome (p < 0.001), SAS (p < 0.05), as well as in improving BI score (p < 0.05). The favourable functional outcome (mRS score of 0 to 3 at week 12) was statistically different between QLC and non-QLC group in the sub-samples (p < 0.01, 97% vs 91.7%). The results of the ART ANOVA showed that the improvement of mRS (p < 0.01), BI (p < 0.05) and NIHSS (p < 0.001) in QLC group was better than non-QLC group when the interaction effect was considered. The results of GLMM showed that the reduction of mRS and NIHSS scores of patients in the QLC group were better than those of the non-QLC group (p < 0.001). The BI score of the QLC group in the sub-samples after PSM increased more than the non-QLC group (p < 0.001). There was no evidence showing that QLC can cause serious adverse reactions (ADRs) in treating patients with IS. ConclusionQLC combined with CT was better than CT alone in reducing mRS score, NIHSS score, Qi deficiency syndrome score, blood stasis syndrome score, and SAS score, as well as improving BI score after treatment. Further high-quality RCTs are needed to confirm the positive results. The study protocol was embedded in a registry study that registered in the Clinical Trials USA Registry (registration No. NCT03174535).

Silencing METTL3 Stabilizes Atherosclerotic Plaques by Regulating the Phenotypic Transformation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells via the miR-375-3p/PDK1 Axis.

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a primary cause of cardiovascular diseases. This study investigated the mechanism of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) in AS plaques via modulating the phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). AS mouse models and MOVAS cell models were established through high-fat diet and the treatment of ox-LDL, respectively. METTL3 expression in AS models was detected via RT-qPCR and Western blot. The AS plaques, lipid deposition, and collagen fibers were examined via histological staining. The levels of Ly-6c, α-SMA, and OPN were examined via Western blot. The blood lipid indexes in mouse aortic tissues were determined using kits. The proliferation and migration of MOVAS cells were detected via CCK-8 and Transwell assays. The m6A modification level of mRNA was quantified. The binding relationship between pri-miR-375 and DGCR8, and the enrichment of m6A on pri-miR-375 were detected via RIP. The binding relationship between miR-375-3p and 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase-1 (PDK1) was verified via dual-luciferase assay. Joint experiments were designed to investigate the role of miR-375-3P/PDK1 in the phenotypic transformation of VSMCs. METTL3 was highly expressed in AS. Silencing METTL3 alleviated AS progression and stabilized AS plaques in mice, and limited the phenotypic transformation of VSMCs induced by ox-LDL. Silencing METTL3 inhibited m6A level and decreased the binding of DGCR8 to pri-miR-375 and further limited miR-375-3p expression. miR-375-3p targeted PDK1 transcription. miR-375-3p upregulation or PDK1 downregulation facilitated the phenotypic transformation of VSMCs. METTL3-mediated m6A modification promoted VSMC phenotype transformation and made AS plaques more vulnerable via the miR-375-3p/PDK1 axis.

The Effect of Calisthenics on Hypoglycemic of Diabetic Patients.

Objective To analyze the effect of calisthenics on hypoglycemic in diabetic patients. Method From September 2019 to May 2020, 210 patients with type 2 diabetes who were newly diagnosed in our hospital were chosen. They were split into two groups: observation (n = 105) and control (n = 105). Only drug therapy and diet management were given to the control group, whereas the observation group was given calisthenics treatment in addition to regular diet control and medicine. The outcomes of the two groups of patient's blood glucose levels, BMI, quality of life, and blood lipid index were compared in this study. Results Before treatment, there was no significant difference in FPG, 2hPG, and HbA1c levels between the two groups (P > 0.05). Compared with before treatment, FPG, 2hPG, and HbA1c were significantly reduced in both groups (P < 0.05). In addition, FPG, 2hPG, and HbA1c in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in BMI between the two groups before treatment (P > 0.05). After treatment, the BMI of the two groups was significantly reduced (P < 0.05), and the BMI of the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group (P < 0.05). A comparison of the two groups' SF-36 scale scores before intervention revealed no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05). The observation group's SF-36 scores were substantially higher than the control group's after intervention (P < 0.05). After treatment, the TC and HDL-c levels in the observation group were not significantly different from those in the control group (P > 0.05). Compared with the control group, TG and LDL-C levels were significantly decreased, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.05). Conclusion Based on routine nursing intervention, using calisthenics to treat blood sugar has a significant effect, it not only made the patient's self-care ability significantly improved, which was worthy of active promotion in clinical practice.

Combined superposition effect of hypertension and dyslipidemia on left ventricular hypertrophy.

BackgroundHypertension and dyslipidemia are considered reversible risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of traditional and nontraditional blood lipid profiles on the risk of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and to explore the superposition effect of dyslipidemia combined with hypertension.MethodsData on 9134 participants (53.5 ± 10.3 years old) from the Northeast China Rural Cardiovascular Health Study (NCRCHS) were statistically analyzed. The blood lipid profile was measured by total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), total glyceride (TG), and calculated nontraditional blood lipid indices including non‐HDL‐C, atherosclerosis index (AI), TC/HDL‐C, and residual cholesterol (RC).ResultsAfter the adjustment of age and gender, the odds ratios (ORs) of LVH in patients with hypertension, high LDL‐C, high non‐HDL‐C, high AI, and high TC/HDL‐C were 3.97 (3.31–4.76), 1.27 (1.02–1.59), 1.21 (1.04–1.39), 1.33 (1.15–1.53), and 1.42 (1.22–1.65), respectively. After full adjustment of potential confounding factors, high AI and TC/HDL‐C were associated with LVH rather than traditional blood lipid indices. The combination of hypertension and nontraditional dyslipidemia (defined by high AI and TC/HDL‐C) was associated with the highest risk of LVH, especially in participants under 45 years of age. The risk was more significant in men, 5.09‐fold and 6.24‐fold, respectively, compared with 3.66‐fold and 4.01‐fold in women.ConclusionsPeople with dyslipidemia defined by nontraditional blood lipid indices (high AI and high TC/HDL‐C) and hypertension were more likely to develop LVH.

Prognostic value of PCSK9 and blood lipid in patients with sepsis

To investigate the prognostic value of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and blood lipid indexes in patients with sepsis. Patients with sepsis or septic shock who were ≥ 18 years old and met the Sepsis-3.0 diagnostic criteria admitted to the department of critical care medicine of Binzhou Medical University Hospital from January to October 2021 were enrolled. Healthy adults at the same period were selected as healthy control group. Baseline characteristics, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score were recorded. Venous blood samples were collected within 24 hours after diagnosis, and serum PCSK9 was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at 1, 3 days and 5 days. Meanwhile, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and lipoprotein A were detected. The differences of each index between sepsis group (28-day death group and survival group) and healthy control group were compared. Meanwhile, the indexes of patients with different severity and 28-day prognosis in sepsis group were compared. Receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) was drawn to evaluate the predictive value of PCSK9 and blood lipid for the prognosis of sepsis. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors for the prognosis of sepsis, and the Kaplan-Meier survival curve at 28th day was drawn. There were 50 patients in sepsis group (including 19 patients with sepsis, 31 patients with septic shock) and 27 patients in healthy control group. In the sepsis group, 19 patients died and 31 patients survived within 28 days. The serum PCSK9 in the sepsis group was significantly higher than that in the healthy control group [μg/L: 223.09 (198.47, 250.82) vs. 188.00 (165.27, 214.90), P < 0.01], and HDL-C, LDL-C, TC and lipoprotein A were significantly lower than those in the healthy control group [HDL-C (mmol/L): 0.82±0.35 vs. 1.45±0.24, LDL-C (mmol/L): 1.53 (1.14, 2.47) vs. 2.89 (2.55, 3.19), TC (mmol/L): 2.03 (1.39, 2.84) vs. 4.24 (3.90, 4.71), lipoprotein A (g/L): 8.80 (5.66, 17.56) vs. 27.03 (14.79, 27.03), all P < 0.01]. PCSK9 in the sepsis death group was higher than that in the survival group [μg/L: 249.58 (214.90, 315.77) vs. 207.01 (181.50, 244.95), P < 0.01], and the HDL-C, LDL-C and TC were lower than those in the survival group [HDL-C (mmol/L): 0.64±0.35 vs. 0.93±0.30, LDL-C (mmol/L): 1.32±0.64 vs. 2.08±0.94, TC (mmol/L): 1.39 (1.01, 2.23) vs. 2.69 (1.72, 3.81), all P < 0.01]. With the progression of the disease, the PCSK9 in the sepsis death group and the survival group was significantly lower than that within 1 day of diagnosis (all P < 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that PCSK9 had higher predictive value of 28-day death than HDL-C, LDL-C, TC [area under ROC curve (AUC) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.748 (0.611-0.885) vs. 0.710 (0.552-0.868), 0.721 (0.575-0.867), 0.702 (0.550-0.854)]. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that PCSK9 was an independent risk factor affecting the 28-day prognosis of sepsis (β value was 1.014, P = 0.020). Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that when PCSK9 ≥ 208.97 μg/L, with the increase of PCSK9, the 28-day survival rate of sepsis patients decreased significantly. PCSK9, HDL-C, LDL-C and TC can all predict the 28-day prognosis of patients with sepsis. The prognostic value of PCSK9 is the highest. PCSK9 is an independent risk factor affecting the prognosis of sepsis. In the early stage of the disease, PCSK9 may have a good predictive value for the prognosis of sepsis. When PCSK9 ≥ 208.97 μg/L, the 28-day survival rate decreased significantly.

A Comparison Study on the Therapeutic Effect of High Protein Diets Based on Pork Protein versus Soybean Protein on Obese Mice.

In this study, an obese C57BL/6J mice model was induced to compare the effect of different high protein diets (soybean protein and pork protein) on obesity. The obese mice were randomly divided into four groups: natural recovery (NR), high-fat diet (HF), high soybean protein diet (HSP), and high pork protein diet (HPP) groups. After 12 weeks of dietary intervention, the obesity-related indexes of mice were measured, such as body weight, fat coefficients, blood lipid indexes and so on. Results showed that HSP and HPP decreased the weight and fat coefficients of mice, the levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and leptin (p < 0.05). Soybean protein was shown to be more effective in reducing the weight and fat mass of obese mice, although pork protein seemed to have a better effect on regulating serum triglyceride (TG). In addition, the two high protein diets both alleviated hepatic fat deposition effectively. Furthermore, HPP and HSP decreased the expression of hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) and increased the protein expression of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (pAMPK), phosphorylated acetyl CoA carboxylase (pACC), and uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the study shows that high protein diets based on both pork protein and soybean protein alleviated abdominal obesity in mice effectively by regulating lipid metabolism, probably via the UCP2-AMPK-ACC signaling pathway.

Efficacy, Safety, and Prognosis of Sequential Therapy with Tamoxifen and Letrozole versus Letrozole Monotherapy for Breast Carcinoma.

Objective To explore the efficacy, safety, and patient prognosis of letrozole (LTZ) alone or in sequence with tamoxifen (TAM) for the treatment of breast carcinoma (BC). Methods In this retrospective study, 150 patients with BC who received treatment in the First People's Hospital of Ningyang County between January 2012 and January 2017 were selected. According to different treatment methods, 99 cases receiving sequential therapy with TAM and LTZ were included in the research group, and the remaining 51 patients receiving LTZ monotherapy were selected as the control group. The efficacy, safety, survival rate, recurrence rate, and blood lipid indices (total cholesterol, TC; triglyceride, TG; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, HDL-C; and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, LDL-C) of the two groups were observed and compared. Results The overall response rate of the research group was statistically higher than that of the control group, and the incidence of adverse reactions was significantly lower. No evident difference was observed in 1-, 3-, or 5-year survival rates between the two groups, while the 3-5-year recurrence rate was obviously lower, and the improvement of blood lipid indices was significantly better in the research group compared with the control group. Conclusion LTZ alone or in sequence with TAM is effective and safe for the treatment of BC, which can significantly improve the prognosis and blood lipid indices of BC patients.

Expression of Serum sLOX-1 in Patients with Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer and Its Correlation with Lipid Metabolism.

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the expression level of soluble LOX-1 (sLOX-1) in the serum of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and its correlation with lipid metabolism. Methods 99 inpatients with NSCLC and 81 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The levels of serum sLOX-1 were compared between the two groups, and the correlation of sLOX-1 with clinicopathological characteristics, blood lipid indices, and carcinoembryonic antigen was analyzed. Results Compared with the healthy controls, sLOX-1, low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, and carcinoembryonic antigen in the patients with NSCLC were significantly higher (p < 0.05), while the expression level of high-density lipoprotein was lower (p < 0.05). The expression level of sLOX-1 in the serum of patients with healthy controls was positively correlated with low-density lipoprotein (r = 0.72, p < 0.05). The levels of sLOX-1 and low-density lipoprotein in the serum of patients with NSCLC were closely related to the lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and TNM stage (p < 0.05). Compared with a single index, when the sLOX-1 was combined with the CEA, its specificity increased significantly to 97.5% (AUC = 0.995, p < 0.01, 95% CI: 0.989–1.000). Conclusion sLOX-1 and low-density lipoprotein were overexpressed in the serum of patients with NSCLC, positively correlated, and closely related to the TNM stage and metastasis. This result suggested that lipid metabolic disorders may promote the progression of NSCLC through sLOX-1, which could be a potential serological marker with diagnostic value for NSCLC.

Chinese expert consensus on non-traditional blood lipid parameters to control the risks of arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the general name of a series of diseases based on atherosclerosis. With the development of the social economy and the progress of population aging in China, the burden of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is increasing. However, in recent years some clinical studies have proved that the traditional blood lipid indicators, including low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, have some limitations in the risk control of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and the blood lipid indicators need to be further supplemented and improved. This consensus expounds non-traditional blood lipid indexes from the perspectives of test and clinic, mainly including apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein a, non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol and lipoprotein residue, and non-fasting blood lipid. This consensus systematically expounds the pathophysiological mechanism of non-traditional blood lipid indexes, the relationship with cardiovascular disease, detection methods and performance, intervention, control and application in the state of cardiovascular disease, and gives the corresponding clinical expert suggestion.

Effects of Erchen Decoction on Oxidative Stress-Related Cytochrome P450 Metabolites of Arachidonic Acid in Dyslipidemic Mice with Phlegm-Dampness Retention Syndrome: A Randomized, Controlled Trial on the Correspondence between Prescription and Syndrome.

Phlegm-dampness retention (PDR) syndrome is one of the main syndromes of dyslipidemia. This study investigated the effects of Erchen decoction (ECD) on concentrations of two oxidative stress-related cytochrome P450 (CYP450) metabolites of arachidonic acid—14,15-dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acid (14,15-DHET) and 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE)—in mice with dyslipidemia and phlegm-dampness retention (PDR) syndrome (n = 5 C57BL/6J mice and n = 30 apolipoprotein E knockout mice). Murine models of the disease and syndrome were established using multifactor stimulation. Then, all mice were assigned to normal, model, low- (L-), medium- (M-), or high- (H-) dose ECD groups or to a control or an unmatched prescription-syndrome (unmatched P-S) group; five mice were included in each group. Dose formulations were administered by oral gavage for 30 days to animals in the corresponding groups. We detected and analyzed hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining characteristics of the mouse aorta and serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), peroxynitrite (ONOO−), 14,15-DHET, and 20-HETE concentrations in each group. TC and LDL-C concentrations significantly decreased in the M-ECD versus control group (P < 0.05); however, the TC and LDL-C concentrations were not significantly different in the unmatched P-S versus model group (P > 0.05). After treatment in the P-S correspondence groups (L-ECD, M-ECD, and H-ECD groups), the concentration of ONOO− decreased to different degrees in each group. Among these groups, the concentration of ONOO− significantly decreased in the L-ECD, M-ECD, and H-ECD groups versus the model group (P < 0.05). However, the concentration of ONOO− was not significantly different in the unmatched P-S versus the model group (P > 0.05). From the perspective of aortic HE staining, the P-S group experienced an improved endothelium structure after treatment. 14,15-DHET concentrations significantly increased in the normal, M-ECD, and H-ECD groups versus the model group; in the H-ECD versus the L-ECD group; and in the H-ECD versus the control group (all P < 0.05) to various extents after different doses of the prescription. 20-HETE concentrations pronouncedly decreased in the M-ECD versus normal group; in the M- and H-ECD groups versus the model group; in the M-ECD versus the L-ECD group; in the M-ECD versus the control group; and in the M-ECD versus the unmatched P-S (P < 0.05). However, the concentrations of 14,15-DHET and 20-HETE in the model group were not significantly different from those of the unmatched P-S (P > 0.05). In this study, ECD reversed blood lipid indexes and ameliorated oxidative stress-related metabolites, elevating serum 14,15-DHET and lowering serum 20-HETE in mice with dyslipidemia and PDR syndrome via CYP450 pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism. The efficacy of ECD relies on correspondence between the prescription and the syndrome. These findings scientifically validate the treatment according to traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation. ECD can strengthen the protective effect on the vascular endothelium by driving out pathogenic factors and strengthening healthy resistance. Its efficacy may be related to the adjustment of the polarization state of macrophages.