Blood Serum Lipids Research Articles

Using Lipid Parameters in Predicting Preterm Infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Background: Respiratory distress syndrome is a clinical diagnosis which is warranted in a preterm newborn with respiratory difficulty, including tachypnea (>60 breaths/min), chest retractions, and cyanosis in room air that persist or progress over the first 48-96 hr of life, and a characteristic chest radiographic appearance. Objective: to assess the cord blood lipid profile for predicting of preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome. Methods: This is a case control study which was conducted on 50 preterm neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Shebin El-Kom teaching hospital between January 2011 and October 2011. Results: the mean of weight gain during pregnancy in mothers of preterm with RDS was lower than the control group and the difference was statistically highly significant (P<0.01). Also, there was significant difference (P<0.05) regarding mode of delivery and antenatal steroid, however; no statistical significant difference was detected regarding maternal age, maternal weight, maternal BMI, pre-gravid height, the ruptured membrane > 24 hr and parity between both groups. the mean of total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in the cord blood was lower in group A than in group B and the difference was statistically highly significant (P <0.01), but there was no significant difference regarding the mean of both triglycerides and VLDL-cholesterol in both groups (P>0.05).the mean of total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol was lower in mothers of preterm infants with RDS than in control group and the difference was statistically highly significant (P <0.01), but there was no significant difference was detected regarding the mean of levels triglycerides and VLDL-cholesterol in both groups (P >0.05).the cutoff values of cord blood (total Cholesterol, HDL-C, and LDL-C) below which RDS can be predicted are 80, 45.5 and 23.2 mg/dl respectively with a sensitivity of 83.3%, 86.7% and 86.7% and with specificity of 95%, 80% and 70% respectively. Conclusion: We conclude that RDS is accompanied with lipid alteration in the infants and their mothers. The results of this study point to the importance of measuring of maternal serum and cord blood lipid profile as a predictor for the occurrence of RDS.

Studies of Lipid Profiles Among Infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Background: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is known as hyaline membrane disease (HMD). It is the major cause of neonatal respiratory distress, especially in preterm infants Infants with RDS present with tachapnea, cyanosis, grunting, subcostal and intercostal retractions and nasal flaring. Oliguria with mild generalized edema may be present. Oxygen requirement may increase rapidly and is typically higher than that seen in infant with transient tachapnea of the newborn (TTN). Objective: to evaluate the relationship between the maternal and cord blood lipid profiles in preterm babies with respiratory distress syndrome. Methods: This is a case control study which was conducted on 50 preterm neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Shebin El-Kom teaching hospital between January 2020 and October 2021. Results: the mean of total cholesterol was significantly higher in infants whose mothers had received antenatal steroid for lung maturity than those whose mothers had not (P<0.05). But there was no significant difference in the mean of levels of TG, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and VLDL cholesterol between both groups. Also, There is a positive correlation between weight gain during pregnancy and neonatal cord blood levels of (Total cholesterol, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C and VLDL-C), There is a positive correlation between maternal blood levels of (total cholesterol, TG, LDL-C and VLDL-C) and their neonatal cord blood levels of (total cholesterol, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C and VLDL-C), There is a positive correlation between the maternal blood level of HDL-C and their neonatal cord blood levels of (total cholesterol and HDL-C).also, the cutoff values of cord blood (total Cholesterol, HDL-C, and LDL-C) below which RDS can be predicted are 80, 45.5 and 23.2 mg/dl respectively with a sensitivity of 83.3%, 86.7% and86.7% and with specificity of 95%, 80% and 70% respectively. Conclusion: RDS is accompanied with lipid alteration in the infants and their mothers. The results of this study point to the importance of measuring maternal serum and cord blood lipid profile as a predictor for the occurrence of RDS.

Assessment and Predictors of Metabolic Syndrome in Patients With Xanthelasma Palpebrarum: An Observational Study

Introduction: Xanthelasma palpebrarum is considered to be a cutaneous marker for cardiovascular diseases, and there is a known association with hypertension, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, obesity and stroke. Objectives: Our aim was to study the association and identify the predictors of Metabolic Syndrome in patients of xanthelasma palpebrarum. Methods: An observational study was conducted on 55 patients in which patients of both sexes between the ages of 20-70 years without any other skin condition were included after written informed consent. After history and examination, blood pressure and waist circumference were measured in all the subjects. Investigations were sent for fasting blood sugar levels and serum lipid profile. The 2006 IDF Definition of Metabolic Syndrome was used as assessment criteria. Results: Among the 55 patients, metabolic syndrome was present in 23 patients (41.82%). There was a statistically significant (p<0.05) difference in the values of waist circumference (100% vs. 59.38%, P=0.0003), elevated blood pressure (82.61% vs. 9.38%, P<.0001), raised fasting blood sugar (47.83% vs. 18.75%, P=0.021), and raised triglyceride levels (56.52% vs. 25%, P=0.018) between patients with metabolic syndrome and those without. However, HDL cholesterol levels (34.78% vs. 50%, P=0.262) were comparable between both groups. Also, a patient aged 41 years or more with even a single xanthelasma of more than 1 year’s duration has 76.1% chance of developing metabolic syndrome. Conclusions: Metabolic syndrome develops in a sizeable number of xanthelasma palpebrarum patients and therefore this gives us an opportunity for early diagnosis and intervention to prevent the development of cardiovascular complications.

Research Institute of Internal and Preventive Medicine, Branch of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the clinical manifestations of osteoarthritis (OA) in combination with MS (OAMS) and their relationship with concentration of several circulating proinflammatory cytokines, the level of lipids in peripheral blood serum. Forty women patients with knee OA were examined: 19 patients from the experimental group in whom OA was combined with metabolic syndrome (MS), 21 patients with OA without MetS. All patients were elderly and overweight. In the first subgroup of patients, the absolute majority of people were obese, while in the second subgroup, overweight patients predominated. Patients in the experimental subgroup showed a statistically significant increase in waist circumference compared to patients without MS. The duration of OA did not differ in both subgroups. It has been established that the metabolic phenotype of gonarthrosis – OA in combination with metabolic syndrome – differs from patients with OA without MS in greater severity of pain, a decrease in the level of daily activity, an increase in the burden of the disease and other symptoms of OA. These core characteristics are associated with poor quality of life and clinically significant symptoms of depression. The metabolic type of gonarthrosis is characterized by more pronounced laboratory signs of systemic low-grade inflammation in comparison with patients without MS, as evidenced by a threefold increase in CRP content and an increase in the level of IL-6, IL-18 in PC serum. In addition, in patients with the metabolic phenotype of OA, a fivefold increase in the level of a specific humoral immune response to type 2 collagen (Col2Ab) and dyslipidemia – an increase in the content of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, with a comparable reduced level of HDL cholesterol – were revealed. It is concluded that the phenotype of OA in combination with MS is probably due to the pathogenetic similarity of OA and MS (syntropy), which is based on low-grade inflammation. Studying the pathogenesis of the OAMS phenotype and developing new principles for the treatment of multimorbidity should be based on patient-oriented approaches.

D-Xylose Ameliorates Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Targeting Macrophage-expressed LYZ Gene.

This study investigates the therapeutic effects of D-Xylose, a natural sugar, on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), focusing on the expression of the lysozyme gene (LYZ) in macrophages. Using the single-cell dataset GSE136103 for NAFLD, researchers analyzed macrophage populations and other groups utilizing the Seurat package in R, while a differential analysis was performed on the NAFLD dataset GSE61260 using the limma package. Both in vitro and in vivo models, including cell culture, mouse models, RT-qPCR, Western blot, ELISA, and histopathological analyses, were employed to examine the effect of D-Xylose on lipid accumulation, LYZ expression, blood lipid levels, and inflammatory responses. The study found a significant upregulation of LYZ in free fatty acid (FFA)-treated cells and mouse liver tissues, with a subsequent reduction after D-Xylose intervention. Treatment with D-Xylose and Amlodipine led to a notable decrease in lipid accumulation, as evidenced by reduced triglyceride and cholesterol levels. D-Xylose demonstrated a greater improvement in lipid metabolism than Amlodipine. Additionally, D-Xylose significantly mitigated inflammatory responses, reducing levels of inflammatory markers such as IL1R, IL6, MYS8, TNF, NF-κB, and IL-1. Furthermore, D-Xylose administration significantly reduced liver weight and liver index, with a positive impact on serum liver function and blood lipid levels. The findings suggest that D-Xylose could be a therapeutic intervention for NAFLD by targeting LYZ expression in macrophages, thereby modulating lipid metabolism and inflammatory responses.

Metabolomics Revealed the Effects of Momordica charantia L. Saponins on Diabetic Hyperglycemia and Wound Healing in Mice.

Momordica charantia L. saponins (MCS) may promote wound-healing properties but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. This study aimed to examine the effects and mechanisms of MCS on diabetic wounds. The results have shown that higher MCS intake lowered fasting blood glucose levels, serum lipids, and lipopolysaccharides in diabetic mice. MCS-treated diabetic mice exhibited faster wound healing than the diabetic control groups. After three days, the diabetic control groups exhibited a wound area reduction of only 19.3%, while a 39.75% reduction was observed following high-dose MCS treatment. Five potential biomarkers were screened in the metabolomics study. The results revealed that MCS mainly regulated glycerophospholipid metabolism, fructose and mannose metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, pyrimidine metabolism, and the Krebs cycle, thus affecting wound healing. Overall, MCS could not only exert a hypoglycemic effect but also promote diabetic wound healing, making it a potential treatment option for diabetes-related wounds.

Diagnostic Value of Serum Apolipoprotein B100 Combined With Hippocampal Volume in Alzheimer's Disease.

To explore the diagnostic value of serum apolipoprotein B100 (Apo B100) combined with hippocampal volume in Alzheimer's disease (AD). A total of 59 AD patients and 59 healthy subjects were selected. The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was used for neuropsychological assessment. Blood glucose and serum lipid levels were detected by biochemical analyzer. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect apolipoprotein E (Apo E) ε3/ε4 genotypes in the plasma. Hippocampal volume was calculated using Slicer software. Independent-sample t test or Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare the levels of various indicators between the two groups. Spearman's correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between each level. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was plotted, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to compare the diagnostic efficacy of individual and combined detection of serum Apo B100 levels and hippocampal volume in AD. Compared with the healthy control group, the levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), Apo B100, and plasma Apo E ε3/ε4 were higher in the AD group, and serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level was lower in the AD group (both p<0.05). The hippocampal volume in the AD group was lower than in the control group (p<0.01). The serum Apo B100 level was negatively correlated with MMSE score (r=-0.646), whereas hippocampal volume was positively correlated with MMSE score (r=0.630). ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC of the combined serum Apo B100 level and hippocampal volume for AD was higher than that of either alone (AUC=0.821, p<0.01). Serum Apo B100 level is elevated, and the hippocampal volume is reduced in AD patients. The combined detection of the two has a higher diagnostic efficiency for AD than other alone and has the potential to become an important indicator for the diagnosis of AD in the future.

Cholesterol to saturated fat index (CSI), metabolic parameters and inflammatory factors among obese individuals

BackgroundThe role of dietary fat quality in promotion of cardiovascular diseases is studies before. However, the results are inconsistent. Recently, cholesterol to saturated fatty acid index (CSI) is suggested as a novel indicator of the atherogenicity and thrombogenicity potential of a diet. However, due to limited number of studies, in the current cross-sectional study, we aimed to evaluate the role of CSI in metabolic and inflammatory response among obese individuals.MethodsIn the current cross-sectional study 488 obese individuals aged 18–50 years old were involved in volunteer based invitation from outpatient obesity clinics. Subjects underwent anthropometric assays including weight, height, waist circumference (WC) and body composition and their fasting blood sample were obtained for biochemical assessments including blood sugar, serum lipids, hs-CRP and IL-6 concentrations by commercial kits. Physical activity was also assessed by short form of international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ).ResultsAccording to our results, being at the top tetile of CSI was associated with higher anthropometric indices including weight, height, WC, FFM, and basal metabolic rate (BMR) compared with those at the lowest tertile (P < 0.05). Similarly, those at the highest category of CSI had significantly higher levels of serum glucose and hs-CRP both in crude and adjusted models in ANCOVA and in multinomial logistic regression models (P < 0.05).ConclusionIn the current study, for the first time, we identified the possible triggering role of dietary cholesterol to saturated fat index in increasing serum glucose and hs-CRP levels. due to cross-sectional design of the current study, causal inference is impossible. Further studies will help for better scientific justification.

Long-Term Exposure to Polystyrene Microspheres and High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity in Mice: Evaluating a Role for Microbiota Dysbiosis.

Microplastics (MPs) have become a global environmental problem, emerging as contaminants with potentially alarming consequences. However, long-term exposure to polystyrene microspheres (PS-MS) and its effects on diet-induced obesity are not yet fully understood. We aimed to investigate the effect of PS-MS exposure on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and underlying mechanisms. In the present study, C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet (ND) or a HFD in the absence or presence of PS-MS via oral administration for 8 wk. Antibiotic depletion of the microbiota and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) were performed to assess the influence of PS-MS on intestinal microbial ecology. We performed 16S rRNA sequencing to dissect microbial discrepancies and investigated the dysbiosis-associated intestinal integrity and inflammation in serum. Compared with HFD mice, mice fed the HFD with PS-MS exhibited higher body weight, liver weight, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) activity scores, and mass of white adipose tissue, as well as higher blood glucose and serum lipid concentrations. Furthermore, 16S rRNA sequencing of the fecal microbiota revealed that mice fed the HFD with PS-MS had greater -diversity and greater relative abundances of Lachnospiraceae, Oscillospiraceae, Bacteroidaceae, Akkermansiaceae, Marinifilaceae, Deferribacteres, and Desulfovibrio, but lower relative abundances of Atopobiaceae, Bifidobacterium, and Parabacteroides. Mice fed the HFD with PS-MS exhibited lower expression of MUC2 mucin and higher levels of lipopolysaccharide and inflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1, and IL-17A] in serum. Correlation analyses revealed that differences in the microbial flora of mice exposed to PS-MS were associated with obesity. Interestingly, microbiota-depleted mice did not show the same PS-MS-associated differences in Muc2 and Tjp1 expression in the distal colon, expression of inflammatory cytokines in serum, or obesity outcomes between HFD and HFD + PS-MS. Importantly, transplantation of feces from HFD + PS-MS mice to microbiota-depleted HFD-fed mice resulted in a lower expression of mucus proteins, higher expression of inflammatory cytokines, and obesity outcomes, similar to the findings in HFD + PS-MS mice. Our findings provide a new gut microbiota-driven mechanism for PS-MS-induced obesity in HFD-fed mice, suggesting the need to reevaluate the adverse health effects of MPs commonly found in daily life, particularly in susceptible populations. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP13913.

The effects and safety of testosterone replacement therapy for men with hypogonadism: the TestES evidence synthesis and economic evaluation.

Low levels of testosterone cause male hypogonadism, which is associated with sexual dysfunction, tiredness and reduced muscle strength and quality of life. Testosterone replacement therapy is commonly used for ameliorating symptoms of male hypogonadism, but there is uncertainty about the magnitude of its effects and its cardiovascular and cerebrovascular safety. The primary aim was to evaluate the safety of testosterone replacement therapy. We also assessed the clinical and cost-effectiveness of testosterone replacement therapy for men with male hypogonadism, and the existing qualitative evidence on men's experience and acceptability of testosterone replacement therapy. Evidence synthesis and individual participant data meta-analysis of effectiveness and safety, qualitative evidence synthesis and model-based cost-utility analysis. Major electronic databases were searched from 1992 to February 2021 and were restricted to English-language publications. We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis of individual participant data according to current methodological standards. Evidence was considered from placebo-controlled randomised controlled trials assessing the effects of any formulation of testosterone replacement therapy in men with male hypogonadism. Primary outcomes were mortality and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Data were extracted by one reviewer and cross-checked by a second reviewer. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. We performed one-stage meta-analyses using the acquired individual participant data and two-stage meta-analyses to integrate the individual participant data with data extracted from eligible studies that did not provide individual participant data. A decision-analytic Markov model was developed to evaluate the cost per quality-adjusted life-years of the use of testosterone replacement therapy in cohorts of patients of different starting ages. We identified 35 trials (5601 randomised participants). Of these, 17 trials (3431 participants) provided individual participant data. There were too few deaths to assess mortality. There was no difference between the testosterone replacement therapy group (120/1601, 7.5%) and placebo group (110/1519, 7.2%) in the incidence of cardiovascular and/or cerebrovascular events (13 studies, odds ratio 1.07, 95% confidence interval 0.81 to 1.42; p = 0.62). Testosterone replacement therapy improved quality of life and sexual function in almost all patient subgroups. In the testosterone replacement therapy group, serum testosterone was higher while serum cholesterol, triglycerides, haemoglobin and haematocrit were all lower. We identified several themes from five qualitative studies showing how symptoms of low testosterone affect men's lives and their experience of treatment. The cost-effectiveness of testosterone replacement therapy was dependent on whether uncertain effects on all-cause mortality were included in the model, and on the approach used to estimate the health state utility increment associated with testosterone replacement therapy, which might have been driven by improvements in symptoms such as sexual dysfunction and low mood. A meaningful evaluation of mortality was hampered by the limited number of defined events. Definition and reporting of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events and methods for testosterone measurement varied across trials. Our findings do not support a relationship between testosterone replacement therapy and cardiovascular/cerebrovascular events in the short-to-medium term. Testosterone replacement therapy improves sexual function and quality of life without adverse effects on blood pressure, serum lipids or glycaemic markers. Rigorous long-term evidence assessing the safety of testosterone replacement therapy and subgroups most benefiting from treatment is needed. The study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42018111005. This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme (NIHR award ref: 17/68/01) and is published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 28, No. 43. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.

Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (FABP4) as a potential biomarker for predicting metabolically driven low-grade and organ damage in thalassemia syndromes

Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP; FABP4) plays a significant role in the pathogenesis and progression of metabolically driven low-grade inflammation and organ damage. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of circulating FABP4 as a predictive and diagnostic biomarker for thalassemia-associated cardiometabolic events. This case-control study enrolled 50 adults with β-thalassemia and 30 age-, sex-, and body mass index-matched controls. Participants underwent a comprehensive evaluation, including complete blood count, liver and kidney function tests, serum blood glucose, lipid profile, and ferritin levels, pelviabdominal ultrasound, ECG, and echocardiography after taking a full medical history and conducting a clinical examination. Serum levels of FABP4 were measured using an Enzyme-Linked-Immunosorbent-Assay. The diagnostic performance of FABP4 was assessed using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to determine optimal values for excluding and confirming cardiometabolic metflammation. The thalassemia cohort exhibited a statistically significant higher concentration of FABP4 compared to the control group (p-value < 0.001). Positive correlations were found between FABP4 and ferritin serum levels above 800 or 1000 ug/L, as well as with ALT, TGS, and LDL (p-value < 0.05). Circulating FABP4 was identified as a statistically significant risk factor for thalassemia-associated cardiometabolic comorbidities (OR = 84.00, 95%CI:18.6–378.6, p-value < 0.001). ROC analysis determined that the FABP4 exclusionary cut-off value > 2.30 ng/ml could effectively discriminate between thalassemia-associated adverse metaflammation and controls, while the FABP4 confirmatory cut-off value was > 2.58 ng/ml. In conclusion, circulating FABP4 appears to be a potential risk factor for predicting progression to cardiometabolic events in thalassemia-associated adverse metaflammation. FABP4 holds promise as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for disease monitoring and risk stratification. Further validation through large-scale, multicenter, prospective studies is warranted.

Oral Supplementation with Betaine Powder Ameliorated High Blood Pressure in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats.

Supplementation of betaine is associated with improved cardiac health, potentially due to its function in re-methylation of homocysteine, an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. We investigated the effects of oral betaine supplementation on blood pressure homeostasis in spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats in an 8 week-feeding trial with control (SHR-con and WKY-con) and 1% betaine supplemented (SHR-b and WKY-b) diets. Systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure in the SHR-b group were significantly lower at week 8 (p = 0.013, p = 0.011, p = 0.010, respectively). Furthermore, serum nitric oxide (NO) levels were significantly (p < 0.05) improved in the WKY-b and SHR-b groups, suggesting a healthy endothelial function. Additionally, the serum angiotensin I converting enzyme level in SHR-b rats was also significantly lowered, which may have been another reason for lower blood pressure. A significantly higher non-HDL level in the SHR-b group might reflect enhanced lipid secretion into the circulation in the form of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). Betaine is known for its effect on the synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, a key component of VLDL. However, the long-term net outcomes of both blood pressure lowering and serum lipid increment should be further studied.

Assessment of Serum Omentin-1 and Interleukin-6 in the Diagnosis of Early Stages of Diabetic Nephropathy: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

Introduction The pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy highlights the progression of inflammation and fibrosis from tubular to glomerular damage during the early stages of kidney involvement in diabetic individuals. As urine albumin serves as a marker for glomerular function, its detection indicates a stage of diabetic nephropathy where the glomerulus is already compromised. Consequently, relying solely on urine albumin for diagnosis becomes questionable. In our pursuit of identifying innovative biomarkers for the early detection of diabetic nephropathy, this study was crafted to explore the relationship between chemokines, omentin-1, interleukin-6, and microalbuminuria. Materials and methods Our study cohort comprised 116 patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. In our study, participants were stratified into two groups based on their urine albumin levels: Group 1, characterized by urine albumin creatinine ratio <30 mg/gm and estimated glomerular filtration rate >90 ml/min, and Group 2, with urine albumin creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/gm and <300 mg/gm, and estimated glomerular filtration rate >60 ml/min and <90 ml/min.Serum creatinine, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood sugar and post-prandial blood sugar, lipid profile, total protein, albumin, fasting insulin, omentin-1, and interleukin-6 were estimated. Result There was a significant difference in the medians of serum urea, creatinine, omentin-1, interleukin-6, urine albumin creatinine ratio, and estimated glomerular filtration rate levels in the two groups. There was no difference in fasting blood sugar, post-prandial blood sugar,HbA1c, serum lipids, fasting insulin, and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance. The receiver operating characteristic curve plotted for the newer biomarkers of diabetic nephropathy showed that there was a significant diagnostic utility in diabetic nephropathy detection of serum omentin (p=0.000), interleukin-6 (p=0.002), and interleukin-6: omentin-1 ratio (p=0.000), which correlated well with the routine test that is urine microalbumin estimation. Risk assessment demonstrated that type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with an interleukin-6: omentin-1 ratio ≥0.26 had significantly higher odds, with an odds ratio of 3.97, for developing diabetic nephropathy, which was statistically significant. Conversely, a ratio of ≤0.26 was associated with kidney protection among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Conclusion Our findings revealed decreased levels of omentin-1 and increased levels of interleukin-6 in the group with diabetic nephropathy compared to those without diabetic nephropathy among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Interleukin-6: omentin-1ratio of ≤0.26 was associated with kidney protection among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Based on the results obtained from this study, we propose that measuring the serum interleukin-6: omentin-1 ratio in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus may assist in identifying the early stages of diabetic nephropathy before the onset of microalbuminuria. Timely intervention in these patients predisposed to diabetic nephropathy can aid in better treatment outcomes in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Effect of Vitamin C on Blood Glucose Levels, Glycosylated Hemoglobin, and Serum Lipid Profile in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective Study

Abstract Background: Vitamin C reduces oxidative stress as well as prevents nonenzymatic glycosylation of proteins because of its structural similarity to glucose. This prospective study was conducted to investigate the impact of vitamin C supplementation on glycemic control and serum lipid profile in newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Materials and Methods: Adult patients attending the outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital, diagnosed with T2DM within the last 3 months, with fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels exceeding 126 mg/dL, were randomly assigned to either control group (n = 98) or study group (n = 102). The study group received oral vitamin C (1 g/day) in addition to metformin 500 mg twice daily, while the control group received metformin 500 mg twice daily alone. Baseline characteristics, including age, gender, and comorbidities, were recorded. The parameters FBG, postprandial blood glucose (PPBG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and serum lipid profile were measured at baseline and at the 12th week. Results: Both the control and study groups experienced significant reductions in FBG, PPBG, and HbA1c levels after 12 weeks. However, the study group exhibited greater improvements, with FBG decreasing by 22.42 ± 2.7 mg/dL (P &lt; 0.05), PPBG decreasing by 33.25 ± 4.9 mg/dL (P &lt; 0.05), and HbA1c decreasing by 1.33 ± 0.3 g% (P &lt; 0.05). Additionally, both groups demonstrated significant improvements in serum lipid profile parameters, with the study group showing more significant improvements in high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and total cholesterol levels compared to the control group. Conclusion: Vitamin C supplementation as an adjuvant therapy with metformin for 12 weeks produces beneficial effects in T2DM patients, including improved glycemic control and significant improvement in the lipid profile.

Effectiveness of Aqueous Hibiscus Sabdariffa Extract on Reduction of Blood Pressure and Serum Lipids Among Prehypertensive Patients

ABSTRACT Pre-experimental one group pertest post-test research design was adopted to investigate the effectiveness of aqueous flower extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa in reduction of blood pressure, serum lipids among 60 prehypertensive patients. A self-structured questionnaire and manual sphygmomanometer and stethoscope monitored blood pressure levels before and after administering Hibiscus sabdariffa extract. Results showed a significant drop in blood pressure levels among prehypertensive patients with a mean difference score of 12.75, and a substantial decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels. The calculated paired ‘t’ test value of 16.280 was statistically significant at P &lt; 0.001 level, indicating that oral supplementation of Hibiscus sabdariffa’s flower extract is effective in reducing blood pressure and serum cholesterol in prehypertensive patients.

EFFECT OF DAPAGLIFLOZIN AND EMPAGLIFLOZIN ON BODY WEIGHT, LIPID PROFILE AND BLOOD PRESSURE IN TYPE 2 DIABETICS

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with risk factors including weight, lipid profile, and blood pressure. Evidence suggests sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors benefit T2DM patients. This study investigated the effects of SGLT-2 inhibitors on these risk factors in T2DM patients. Methods: This quasi-experimental study at Sheikh Zayed Medical College/Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan randomized T2DM patients with inadequate glycaemic control. First group received dapagliflozin 5?10 mg and second group received empagliflozin 10-25 mg as add-on therapy to conventional antidiabetic drugs for 12 weeks. The dose was adjusted based on serum blood sugar, with primary endpoints assessing changes in glycaemic control (blood sugar and HbA1c) from baseline. Secondary endpoints included recording additional glycaemic effects (body weight, BMI, lipid profile, and blood pressure) from baseline to endpoint. Results: Both drugs showed excellent tolerability and safety profiles with no major adverse effects. Significant reductions in body weight (empagliflozin 86.7±18 to 78±16.5 Kg, p=0.001; dapagliflozin 89.8±12 to 83±10 Kg, p=0.005), and BMI (empagliflozin 28±5.5 to 26.5±4.2 Kg/m², p=0.003; dapagliflozin 29.6±4.2 to 25.7±5.8 Kg/m², p=0.002) were observed. Both drugs significantly improved glycaemic control, fasting blood sugar (empagliflozin 180±32 to 140±44 mg/dL, p=0.003; dapagliflozin 190±48 to 150±33 mg/dL, p=0.005) and HbA1c (empagliflozin 9.7±2.6 to 7.5±1.8%, p=0.004; dapagliflozin 9.0±1.82 to 7.0±2.2%, p=0.001). Neither drug showed significant improvements in blood pressure or serum lipid profile. Conclusion: Empagliflozin and dapagliflozin have a modest effect on CVD risk factors in T2DM patients. Pak J Physiol 2024;20(2):36-40

Effects of metformin on the glucose regulation, lipid levels and gut microbiota in high-fat diet with streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetes mellitus rats.

Metformin, an anti-diabetic drug, regulates blood glucose by affecting gut microbiotas. However, the potential mechanism underlying this effect remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of metformin on glucose regulation, lipid levels, and the gut microbiota in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus induced by a high-fat diet with streptozotocin. Thirty Wistar rats was using in this experiment. T2DM rats were administered 300 mg/kg metformin for 8 weeks. The glucose regulation, lipid levels, organ coefficients, and gut microbiotawere measured by 16S rDNA. The metformin-gavaged rats exhibited significant improvements in blood glucose and serum lipid levels, accompanied by alterations in short-chain fatty acid levels and the intestinal microbiota (p < 0.05). In the diabetic rats, metformin potentially increased specific probiotics, thus improving the hypoglycaemic effects of the oral anti-diabetic drug. Further, damage to the liver and kidney was effectively alleviated in the metformin-gavaged rats. This study's findings demonstrate that metformin exerts a positive anti-diabetic effect in HFD- and STZ-induced T2DM rats. These findings potentially provide a basis for the recommended use of metformin as a reliable oral drug for T2DM owing to its positive effect on the intestinal microbiota.

Air Pollution, Ozone, and Sulfur Dioxide Can Affect the Blood Serum Lipid Profile and Oxidative Stress of Male Wistar Rats

The majority of the body’s organs are impacted by ambient air pollution (AAP), which is currently a serious environmental global health issue. The objective of this work was to assess the impact of ozone (O3 ), sulfur dioxide (SO2 ), and AAP on oxidative stress (OS) and lipid profile indicators in male Wistar rats. To this end, these rats were exposed for three hours each day for five weeks in control, AAP, O3 (0.6 ppm), and SO2 (10 ppm) groups (each containing 8 animals). Several parameters, such as total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride, and malondialdehyde (MDA), were measured on blood samples. AAP exposure on TAC (P=0.014) and SOD (P=0.05), MDA (P=0.018), and HDL (P=0.003), O3 exposure on TAC (P&lt;0.001), and SO2 exposure on blood serum TAC (P=0.006) all had statistically significant effects. Based on the results, exposure to SO2 and AAP did not significantly alter the lipid profile (P&gt;0.05). According to our research, exposure to O3 , SO2 , and AAP can increase overall antioxidant capacity by stimulating blood serum oxidative defense enzymes. Except for the enhanced effect of O3 exposure on serum HDL, AAP, SO2 , and O3 exposures had no discernible effects on the lipid profile.

CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTOR TRAJECTORIES AND INCIDENT CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE IN OLDER ADULTS: THE KAILUAN STUDY

Objective: Long-term condition and longitudinal accumulation of cardiovascular risk factor (CRF) may be associated with adverse outcomes in the elderly, but the previous evidence is scarce. We studied the associations of CRF trajectories, their accumulation, with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) in older adults. Design and method: From 2006, a population-based cohort of 8505 older adults have been repeatedly followed up for 14 years (until 31 December 2020). Blood pressure, serum lipids, height and weight, and blood glucose were assessed in all follow-ups and their trajectories from 2006 to 2010 were identified using latent class growth mixture modeling. Main outcome was incident CVD, which was a composite of coronary revascularization, myocardial infarction, heart failure, or stroke. The associations of CRF trajectories and incident CVD were studied for individual CRF trajectory and their accumulation, using Cox proportional hazards regression models. Results: We identified 3, 4, 2, 2 trajectories for systolic blood pressure (SBP), body mass index (BMI), total cholesterol (TC), and fasting blood glucose (FBG), respectively. Compared with low-increasing SBP, the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CI were 1.35 (1.19-1.54) for moderate-increasing SBP and 1.54 (1.28-1.86) for high-increasing SBP. Compared with low-stable BMI, the HRs (95% CIs) were 1.30 (1.11-1.53), 1.41 (1.19-1.66), 1.35 (1.07-1.71) for moderate-stable, elevated-stable, and high-stable BMI, respectively. Compared with low-stable TC, the HR (95% CI) were 1.19 (1.06-1.33) for high-stable TC. Compared with low-stable FBG, the HR (95% CI) were 1.38 (1.17-1.63) for high-stable FBG. A positive association was observed for the CRF trajectory accumulation with incident CVD (P for trend &lt; 0.001), with HRs (95% CIs) of 1.54 (1.16-2.04), 2.15 (1.63-2.83), 2.58 (1.93-3.45) and 2.92 (1.95-4.36) for 1, 2, 3, 4 high CRF trajectories, respectively. Sensitivity analyses showed consistent results after excluding those who ever used antihypertensive, antidiabetic, or lipid-lowering drugs during 2006 to 2010, excluding events within the first year of follow-up, and considering death as competing risk. Conclusions: Longitudinal higher CRF trajectory was independently associated with higher CVD risk in older adults. Besides, the higher the number of adverse CRF trajectories, the higher was the observed CVD risk.

Comparative analysis of oral and local intraovarian administration of metformin and nanoparticles (NPs11) in alleviating testosterone-induced polycystic ovary syndrome in rats

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine and metabolic dysfunction. This study aims to compare the oral and local treatments of metformin or its nanoparticles (NPs11) for ameliorating PCOS in rats. Rats were divided into 4 groups: the control group with no drug treatment; the PCOS group, where subcutaneous testosterone was given (10 mg/kg/day) for 28 days; the MET group, where metformin was administered orally or locally; and the NP group, where metformin NPs11 were also administered orally or locally. Oral administrations were for 21 days, while local injection was performed once surgically. After 7 weeks, all rats were sacrificed; blood glucose and serum hormonal levels and lipid profile were estimated, and the ovaries were assessed by histopathological, Ki-67 immunohistochemical, and histomorphometric evaluations. Blood glucose levels were significantly decreased in groups of orally administered metformin or NPs11 only, while the most efficient option for modulating PCOS-induced hormonal and lipid profile changes was intraovarian injection of NPs11. The ovaries of PCOS rats demonstrated large follicular cysts, massive collagen depositions, and attenuated Ki-67 immunoexpression. Also, the PCOS group revealed a significant decrease in the count of all stages of growing follicles, corpora lutea, granulosa cell layer thickness, and surface area of corpora lutea, in addition to an increase in the number of atretic follicles and follicular cysts, theca cell layer thickness, and surface area of the follicular cysts. All these parameters were recovered with metformin or their NPs11 treatments in different degrees, while local injection of NPs11 was the best option.