Blood Total Cholesterol Levels Research Articles

Study of Irisin Level Hormone and Some Biochemical Parameters in Iraqi Diabetic Type 2 without Hypothyroidism

This case-control study's purpose is to investigate serum irisin. levels and their role in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who don't have hypothyroidism. A total of 60 patients with T2DM were chosen as the) case group (based on the grounds for inclusion and exclusion, and a 1:1 ratio was determined based on the patients' inclusion rate. This cohort, which was created at the Medical City / Baghdad Teaching Hospital, consisted of adults aged 30 to 60. The control group consisted of 60 healthy volunteers of the same gender and age. Clinical data on the participants was collected in order to determine their medical history, BMI, fasting blood glucose (FBS), hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin, and serum lipid levels. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent test was used to measure the amount of irisin in the blood (ELISA). The data was analyzed using SPSS 23.0 software. only one variable. The amount of irisin in the T2DM group was substantially higher than in the control group (12.77±2.236 ng /mL and 4.121±0.308 ng /mL, respectively, according to single factor analysis. BMI, fasting blood sugar (FBS), HbA1c, insulin, total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) levels were all higher with statistically significant differences, the T2DM group outperformed the control group. Keywords: Irisin; Type 2 diabetic mellitus

Integrative pharmacology reveals the mechanisms of Erzhi Pill, a traditional Chinese formulation, against diabetic cardiomyopathy

Ethnopharmacological relevanceErzhi Pill (EZP) is a traditional Chinese prescription that has marked effects in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus and diabetic nephropathy. However, its underlying pharmacological mechanisms in the treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), remain to be elucidated. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to apply an integrative pharmacological strategy to systematically evaluate the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of EZP, and provide a solid theoretical basis for the clinical application of EZP in the treatment of DCM. Materials and methodsIn this study, the potential targets and key pathways of EZP were predicted and validated using network pharmacology and molecular docking, respectively. Changes in cardiac metabolites and major metabolic pathways in rat heart samples were examined using 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics. Finally, biochemical analysis was conducted to detect the protein expression levels of key pathways. ResultsWe found that EZP decreased fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels in the serum, and alleviated the morphological abnormalities of the heart tissue in diabetic rats. Furthermore, EZP effectively restored superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9 activity levels, as well as the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), B-cell lymphoma (Bcl)-2, and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) in the heart tissue. Network pharmacology prediction results indicated that the mechanism of EZP in treating DCM was closely related to apoptosis, oxidative stress, and the HIF-1, PI3K-Akt, and FoxO signaling pathways. In addition, 1H-NMR metabolomics confirmed that EZP primarily regulated both energy metabolism and amino acid metabolism, including the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, ketone bodies metabolism, glutamine and glutamate metabolism, glycine metabolism, and purine metabolism. Finally, immunohistochemistry results indicated that EZP reduced the expression levels of p-AMPK, p-PI3K, p-Akt, and p-FoxO3a proteins, in the heart tissue of DCM rats. ConclusionThe results confirmed that the overall therapeutic effect of EZP in the DCM rat model is exerted via inhibition of oxidative stress and apoptosis, alongside the regulation of energy metabolism and amino acid metabolism, as well as the AMPK and PI3K/Akt/FoxO3a signaling pathways. This study provides an experimental basis for the use of EZP in DCM treatment.

Whey protein and xylitol complex alleviate type 2 diabetes in C57BL/6 mice by regulating the intestinal microbiota

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a metabolic disorder that has become a major threat to public health. Epidemiological and experimental studies have suggested that whey protein isolate (WPI) and xylitol (XY) play an important role on T2D. This manuscript hypothesizes the supplementation of whey protein and xylitol complex (WXY) has the hypoglycemic and hyperlipidemia effect of T2D mice induced by the conjoint action of a high-fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ) by modulating of intestinal microbiota. The mice with diabetes displayed higher levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, total triglycerides, total cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and other serum parameters than the normal mice. Treatment with WXY for 6 weeks significantly modulated the levels of FBG and insulin, improved insulin sensitivity, pancreas impairment and liver function in T2D mice, and the effect was better than that observed with WPI and XY groups. Moreover, supplementation with WXY significantly changed the diversity and composition of the intestinal microbiota in T2D mice and restored the intestinal bacteria associated with T2D (Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Lactobacillus). This may be a potential mechanism for alleviating T2D symptoms. Spearman correlation analysis showed that the relative abundances of specific genera (Turicibacter, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Lactobacillus, Candidatus_Saccharimonas, Faecalibaculum and Coriobacteriaceae_UCG-002) were correlated with the levels of blood glucose and serum parameters. Therefore, WXY may be considered a promising dietary supplement for T2D treatment in the future.

Skin accumulation of advanced glycation end products and cardiovascular risk in Korean patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BackgroundThe formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) takes place during normal aging; however, their production is faster in people having diabetes. The accumulated AGEs reportedly play a role in the occurrence of various age-related disorders. Furthermore, the skin autofluorescence (SAF) technique can be used to detect accumulated AGEs levels. There are few reports on the association between skin accumulation of AGEs and risk of complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus. MethodsIn this study, we aimed to describe the association between the skin accumulation of AGEs and cardiovascular risk factors in Korean patients with type 2 diabetes. A total of 310 Korean patients with diabetes were enrolled, and the levels of AGEs were measured using SAP. Levels of fasting blood glucose (FBS), triglycerides, total cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, proteinuria, arterial pulse wave velocity (PWV), and blood vessel age were measured using an automatic waveform analyzer. General linear models were used to identify the independent effect of AGEs after adjusting for covariates (age, weight, and duration of diabetes). ResultsThe skin levels of AGEs were strongly correlated with the diabetes duration. Significant independent associations were observed for AGEs with FBS (P < 0.01), proteinuria (P < 0.001), and PWV (P < 0.001). The advanced glycated product was independently associated to the arterial pulse wave conduction velocity that is used as a representative method for measuring arteriosclerosis by analysis early cardiovascular risk factors. ConclusionOur results show that an increase in SAF levels in Korean patients with type 2 diabetes is associated with PWV and vein age, and thereby with arterial stiffness. Therefore, our results suggest that AGEs are associated with cardiovascular risk factors. The level of AGEs can thus be used as an indicator of cardiovascular diseases in the clinical diagnosis of patients with type 2 diabetes.

Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Cognition in Older Adults at High Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease Following a Lifestyle Multimodal Intervention: An Assessment of the PENSA Study

Abstract Objectives We aimed to evaluate the association between cardiovascular risk factors and cognition in individuals at high risk of Alzheimer's disease following 12 months of personalized multimodal intervention for preventing cognitive decline (PENSA Study), which includes Mediterranean diet, physical activity, cognitive training, psychoeducational, and social stimulation. Methods We report preliminary analyses of N = 128 older adults (64.1% women, aged 60–80 years) APOE-ɛ4 carriers meeting subjective cognitive decline criteria. Following the FINGER Study inclusion criteria, the CAIDE score was calculated and a cut-off point of ≥6 was established to identify individuals at high risk of dementia. Using the Pearson's r coefficient, we evaluated the baseline association and the 6-months correlated change (in sub-sample of N = 46 subjects) between cardiovascular factors and several cognitive tests, including the MoCA and the gold-standard Preclinical Alzheimer's disease Cognitive Composite (ADCS-PACC) and a modified version of this composite, the ADCS-PACC-plus-exe. Gender differences were also evaluated. Results At baseline, higher fasting plasma glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, triglycerides, abdominal circumference, and lower HDL-cholesterol, were associated with high dementia risk (P &amp;lt; 0.05). There was also a negative linear association between the CAIDE score and the MoCA (r = −0.26, P = 0.012), the ADCS-PACC (r = −0.23, P = 0.026) and the ADCS-PACC-plus-exe (r = −0.25, P = 0.018). After 6 months, the median CAIDE score decreased, (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in both gender. Median systolic and diastolic blood pressure, glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were also reduced in the overall population, but greater reductions were observed in men. Moreover, 6-months change in CAIDE score was negatively associated with changes in the ADCS-PACC in men (r = −0.57, P = 0.013), but this association was positive in women (r = 0.45, P = 0.031). Conclusions After 6 months of multimodal intervention, the cardiovascular profile of participants improved, in parallel with their cognitive performance. However, important gender differences emerged were observed. Funding Sources Alzheimer Association (18PTC-R-592,192) and Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII PI17/00,223). CIBERFES and CIBEROBN are initiatives of the Instituto de Salud Carlos III by the FEDER fund.

Genome-wide and phenome-wide analysis of ideal cardiovascular health in the VA Million Veteran Program.

BackgroundGenetic studies may help identify causal pathways; therefore, we sought to identify genetic determinants of ideal CVH and their association with CVD outcomes in the multi-population Veteran Administration Million Veteran Program.MethodsAn ideal health score (IHS) was calculated from 3 clinical factors (blood pressure, total cholesterol, and blood glucose levels) and 3 behavioral factors (smoking status, physical activity, and BMI), ascertained at baseline. Multi-population genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed on IHS and binary ideal health using linear and logistic regression, respectively. Using the genome-wide significant SNPs from the IHS GWAS, we created a weighted IHS polygenic risk score (PRSIHS) which was used (i) to conduct a phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) of associations between PRSIHS and ICD-9 phenotypes and (ii) to further test for associations with mortality and selected CVD outcomes using logistic and Cox regression and, as an instrumental variable, in Mendelian Randomization.ResultsThe discovery and replication cohorts consisted of 142,404 (119,129 European American (EUR); 16,495 African American (AFR)), and 45,766 (37,646 EUR; 5,366 AFR) participants, respectively. The mean age was 65.8 years (SD = 11.2) and 92.7% were male. Overall, 4.2% exhibited ideal CVH based on the clinical and behavioral factors. In the multi-population meta-analysis, variants at 17 loci were associated with IHS and each had known GWAS associations with multiple components of the IHS. PheWAS analysis in 456,026 participants showed that increased PRSIHS was associated with a lower odds ratio for many CVD outcomes and risk factors. Both IHS and PRSIHS measures of ideal CVH were associated with significantly less CVD outcomes and CVD mortality.ConclusionA set of high interest genetic variants contribute to the presence of ideal CVH in a multi-ethnic cohort of US Veterans. Genetically influenced ideal CVH is associated with lower odds of CVD outcomes and mortality.

Natural Mineral Waters and Metabolic Syndrome: Insights From Obese Male and Female C57BL/6 Mice on Caloric Restriction.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents one of the greatest challenges to public health given its serious consequences on cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. A carbohydrate-restricted, low-fat diet is the current therapy for MetS. Natural mineral waters (NMWs) are known to exert beneficial effects on human health. Our primary objective was to shed light on the potential therapeutic properties of NMWs in MetS. A total of 125 C57BL/6 male and female mice were included in the study. Of these, 10 were left untreated. They were fed a standard diet with tap water throughout the study period, and stayed healthy. The remaining 115 mice were initially fed a high-calorie diet (HCD) consisting of a high-fat feed (60% of energy from fat) with 10% fructose in tap water, served ad libitum over a period of 4 months to induce MetS (the MetS induction phase). Mice were then randomly divided into six treatment groups and a control group, all of which received a low-calorie diet (LCD), but with a different kind of drinking water, for 2 months (the treatment phase). Five groups were each treated with a different kind of NMW, one group by alternating the five NMWs, and one group – the control group – was given tap water. Body weight and blood biochemistry were monitored over the 6-month trial. After 4 months, male and female mice on HCD developed obesity, hypercholesterolaemia and hyperglycaemia, although gains in body weight, total cholesterol, and blood glucose in males were greater than those observed in females (P < 0.0001). When combined with an LCD, the NMWs rich in sulphate, magnesium and bicarbonate, and the minimally mineralised one were the most effective in reducing the blood levels of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and glucose. Sex differences emerged during both the MetS induction phase and the treatment phase. These results suggest that NMWs rich in specific macronutrients, such as bicarbonate, sulphate and magnesium, and minimally mineralised water, in combination with an LCD, may contribute to controlling blood lipid and glucose levels in subjects with MetS. Further studies are needed to confirm these results and to extend them to humans.

Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic, and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Beta-Pinene in Diabetic Rats.

Background Diabetes is a metabolic disease linked to multiple comorbidities, such as low-grade inflammation. β-pinene, a monoterpene commonly found in aromatic plants, is endowed with anti-inflammatory effect and this fact lead us to investigate the possible hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and anti-inflammatory effects of the monoterpene in the alloxan-induced diabetes experimental model. Methods Male Wistar rats (200–250 g) were treated orally with β-pinene (25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) or glibenclamide (5 mg/kg), for seven consecutive days. Diabetes was induced by alloxan (40 mg/kg) through the penile vein. On the seventh day of treatment, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. The anti-inflammatory effect of β-pinene was evaluated using the carrageenan-induced paw edema model, followed by the carrageenan-induced peritonitis. Results The treatment with β-pinene decreased plasma glucose, triglyceride, VLDL, LDL, and HDL levels, when compared to those of the control group. In addition, the association β-pinene 10 mg/kg + glibenclamide 2 mg/kg significantly decreased blood glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride level. Finally, oral treatment with β-pinene reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema and leukocyte migration in the peritoneum. Taken together, our results indicate that β-pinene shows hypoglycemic and hypolipemic effects, which may involve some common mechanisms of glibenclamide. Besides, the monoterpene presented an anti-inflammatory action in diabetic rats that needs further investigation in order to clarify such effect and its correlation with the alterations observed in plasma parameters of β-pinene-treated diabetic rats.

Cyclocarya paliurus triterpenoids suppress hepatic gluconeogenesis via AMPK-mediated cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway

BackgroundAbnormal enhancement of hepatic gluconeogenesis is a vital mechanism of the pathogenesis of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM); thus, its suppression may present an efficient therapeutic strategy for T2DM. Cyclocarya paliurus (CP), a plant species native to China, has been reported to have anti-hyperglycemia activity. Our previous studies have revealed that Cyclocarya paliurus triterpenic acids (CPT) exert the favorable glucose-lowering activity, but the regulatory effect of CPT on hepatic gluconeogenesis is still unclarified. PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the potential role and mechanism of CPT in gluconeogenesis. Study designIn this study, the ameliorative effect and underlying mechanism of CPT on gluconeogenesis were investigated: high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced T2DM mice and glucagon-challenged mouse primary hepatocytes. MethodsT2DM model mice with or without oral administration of CPT for 4 weeks were monitored for body weight, glucose and lipid metabolism. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to observe liver lipid deposition. Real-time PCR assays were performed to examine the mRNA expression of glucose-6-phosphate (G6Pase), and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), two key enzymes involved in liver gluconeogenesis. Western blotting was used to determine AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK) expression and induction of the glucagon signaling pathway. The possible mechanism of CPT on liver gluconeogenesis was further explored in glucagon-induced mouse primary hepatocytes. ResultsIn vivo and in vitro experiments revealed that CPT treatment significantly reduced fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and improved insulin resistance. Furthermore, CPT could obviously decreased the mRNA and protein expression of G6Pase and PEPCK, the cyclic AMP content, the phosphorylation level of protein kinase A and cyclic AMP response element-binding protein. But CPT promoted the phosphorylation of AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK) and activation of phosphodiesterase 4B. Mechanistically, intervention with Compound C (an AMPK inhibitor) partially blocked the suppressive effect of CPT on hepatic gluconeogenesis. ConclusionThese findings suggested that CPT may inhibit hepatic gluconeogenesis against T2DM by activating AMPK.

Oxidative and antioxidant changes in blood of young people with premature coronary artery disease and abdominal obesity

Aim. To study the oxidative and antioxidant blood profile in young people with premature coronary artery disease (CAD) and abdominal obesity (AO).Material and methods. The study included 169 people. The main group consisted of 47 patients diagnosed with premature (&lt;45 years of age) CAD, while 22 of them with AO and 25 without AO. The control group included 122 people without CAD, comparable with the main group in sex, age and body mass index. Among them, there are 67 people with AO and 55 people without AO. In all examined patients, the blood levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, MDA-modified oxidized high-density lipoprotein, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase 1, and whole blood total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined. Statistical processing was carried out in the SPSS 13.0 program.Results. The blood TAC was 2,3 times lower in persons with CAD than in those without CAD, and amounted to 1,58 mmol of trolox. The blood level of SOD in patients with CAD was 1,16 times higher than in the group of people without CAD. The relative odds of premature CAD were associated with decreased TAC (B=-2,855; Exp(B)=0,058; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0,008-0,392; p=0,004) and increased level of SOD (B=0,105; Exp(B)=1,076; 95% CI, 1,031-1,196; p=0,006), regardless of sex, age, risk factors. Conclusion. Thus, an increased SOD and reduced TAC can be potential biomarkers for premature CAD in people under 45 years of age.

Circulating microRNAs as putative mediators in the association between short-term exposure to ambient air pollution and cardiovascular biomarkers

BackgroundExposure to ambient air pollution is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) may mediate cardiovascular effects of exposure to air pollution. This study aims to investigate whether circulating miRNAs mediate the associations between short-term human exposure to ambient air pollution and cardiovascular biomarkers. MethodsTwenty-four healthy adults residing in the Research Triangle area of North Carolina, USA were enrolled between December 2016 and July 2019. Circulating miRNAs, protein, and lipid biomarkers were assessed repeatedly for 3 sessions separated by at least 7 days. Linear mixed-effects models were used to assess the associations between air pollutant concentrations obtained from nearby air quality monitoring stations and miRNAs controlling for covariates including omega-3 index, relative humidity, and temperature. miRNAs that were significantly altered were then matched with protein or blood lipid biomarkers using either Ingenuity Pathway Analysis or a literature search. A mediation analysis was performed to test the statistical significance of miRNA’s mediating effects between exposure to air pollution and cardiovascular biomarkers. ResultsShort-term exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5), ozone (O3), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) was associated with changes in 11, 9, and 24 circulating miRNAs, respectively. Pathway analysis showed that several miRNAs including miR-125b-5p, miR-144–5p, miR-26a-5p, and miR-34a-5p may mediate the effects of air pollutant exposure on the changes of downstream protein / lipid biomarkers including serum amyloid A (SAA), C-reactive protein (CRP), soluble vascular adhesive molecules 1 (sICAM1), total cholesterol, and high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Mediation analysis showed that only miR-26a-5p significantly mediated air pollutant (PM2.5 and NO2)-induced effects on blood CRP and total cholesterol levels. For example, 34.1% of PM2.5–associated changes in CRP were significantly mediated by miR-26a-5p at lag4 [indirect effects, 0.06 (0.02, 0.10), P = 0.005]. Similarly, the proportions of indirect effects of miR-26a-5p on the association between NO2 exposure and CRP were 46.8% at lag2 [0.06 (0.02, 0.11), P = 0.003], 61.2% at lag3 [0.05 (0.00, 0.09), P = 0.04], and 30.8% at 5-day moving average [0.06 (0.02, 0.10), P = 0.01]. In addition, omega-3 index may be a significant modifying factor of the mediated effects of miRNAs. ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that short-term exposure to ambient PM2.5, O3, and NO2 was associated with specific circulating miRNAs, and some of which may mediate their effects on the downstream inflammation and blood lipid markers.

Scutellarin Improves Type 2 Diabetic Cardiomyopathy by Regulating Cardiomyocyte Autophagy and Apoptosis.

Diabetes cardiomyopathy has metabolic disorder and abnormality of cardiomyocytes, which is closely related to autophagy or apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. Scutellarin (SCU) is an important monomer extracted from Erigeron breviscapus (vant.) Hand.-Mazz. This study was conducted to investigate the function of SCU on apoptosis and autophagy of myocardial cells. We established a model of type 2 diabetic cardiomyopathy by high-fat and high-sugar diet. The results indicated that SCU downregulated blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels and upregulated high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level. In addition, SCU downregulated lactic dehydrogenase 1 (LDH1) and creatine kinase (CK) levels. Meanwhile, SCU improved the myocardium morphology and reduced myocardial apoptosis. Furthermore, SCU promoted the mRNA and protein expression of autophagy-related factors (Beclin-1 and LC3-II) and inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of apoptosis-related factors (caspase-3, caspase-8, caspase-9, caspase-12, Bax, and Cyt-C). In conclusion, SCU can promote autophagy signal pathway by upregulating the autophagy-related factors and inhibit the apoptotic signal pathway by downregulating apoptosis-related factors, thereby relieving type 2 diabetic cardiomyopathy (T2DC).

Ameliorating Effect of Morin Hydrate on Chronic Restraint Stress-induced Biochemical Disruption, Neuronal, and Behavioral Dysfunctions in BALB/c Mice.

Morin hydrate (MH) is a bioflavonoid component of many fruits and vegetables. Our previous research demonstrated that MH provides neuroprotection in mouse models of acute restraint stress and sleep deprivation by attenuating hippocampal neuronal damage and enhancing memory. Based on these findings, our study investigated the role of MH in chronic stress-induced neuronal and biochemical perturbations in BALB/c mice. Male BALB/c mice were divided into 6 groups (n=6). Groups 1 and 2 received vehicle (10 mL/kg normal saline), groups 3-5 received MH (5, 10, 20 mg/kg IP), while group 6 received ginseng (25 mg/kg) daily and 30 minutes afterward were restrained in a plastic cylindrical restrainer for 14 days. Immobility time in the forced swim test increased in the MH-treated group, indicating an antidepressant-like effect. Also, a reduction in frequency and duration of open arms exploration was observed in the elevated plus-maze (EPM) test in stressed mice, and administration of MH (5, 10, 20 mg/kg, IP) reversed these effects. An increase in blood levels of glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and brain malondialdehyde and nitrite levels was observed in the stressed groups, which was reversed by MH. Furthermore, MH reversed the stress-induced reduction in HDL cholesterol and glutathione (GSH) levels and attenuated stress-induced alterations in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Our findings suggest that MH attenuated chronic restraint stress-behavioral and biochemical perturbations, probably due to its capability to decrease oxidative stress and brain neuronal damage. Chronic stress perturbs physiological and psychological homeostasis;Morin hydrate normalized chronic stress-induced biochemical disruptions;Morin hydrate attenuated structural changes in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Stress is a state of being overwhelmed by demands exceeding the personal and social means of coping. Exposure to excessive stress has resulted in disruption of neurochemical and physiological processes, which sometimes manifest as behavioural abnormalities. Therefore to cope with the stressful life style, there is need to develop a therapeutic agent of plant origin. Morin hydrate is a flavonoid with known antioxidant and neuroprotective properties; however, its effect in a stressful condition has not been studies. The study thus evaluated ameliorating effect of Morin hydrate on chronic restraint stress-induced biochemical disruption, neuronal and behavioral dysfunctions in BALB/c mice. To achieve this, mice were exposed to chronic restraint stress protocol for fourteen days. Behavioural changes were examined using various techniques. The vital parameters like antioxidant, glucose and nitrite levels were also taken. Our findings show that Morin hydrate prevented behavioral abnormalities and damage to the brain cells. It also inhibited stress-induced biochemical disturbance.

Antihyperglycemic activity of L-norvaline and L-arginine in high-fat diet and streptozotocin-treated male rats

BackgroundA decrease in nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability has been shown to cause hyperglycemia, type II diabetes mellitus (DM), and chronic cardio-metabolic complications. In turn, hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia are associated with increased oxidative stress that leads to reduced nitric oxide bioavailability through disruption of L-arginine transport into cells, inactivation of nitric oxide synthase, and activation of arginase. Upregulation of arginase has been demonstrated in both diabetic patients and animal models of hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes. L-norvaline is a nonselective inhibitor of arginase that increases NO production and promotes the normal functioning of the vascular endothelium. Another means of increasing NO bioavailability in the cardiovascular system is L-arginine supplementation. Whether L-norvaline and L-arginine have antihyperglycemic effects has not been studied. HypothesisWe hypothesized that inhibition of arginase will provide an antihyperglycemic effect and, as a result of the recovery of NO bioavailability, will protect against oxidative stress and hypercholesterolemia. MethodsRats were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for three weeks concomitant with the two-time injection of 30 mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ) to induce stable hyperglycemia. We studied the antihyperglycemic properties of arginase inhibition (via L-norvaline) and its combination with NOS substrate supplementation (via L-arginine). ResultsTreatment of HFD/STZ mice with L-norvaline and L-arginine reduced fasting blood glucose levels by 27.1% vs. untreated HFD/STZ rats (p < 0.001). Blood levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker for oxidative stress, were significantly decreased in both L-norvaline- and L-norvaline+L-arginine-treated HFD/STZ rats when compared with untreated rats. In addition, administration of L-norvaline and L-arginine reversed the progression of pancreatic and kidney pathology in HFD/STZ rats as assessed by histology (p < 0.001). ConclusionsBoth L-norvaline and L-arginine act as potent antihyperglycemic agents and can represent alternative therapeutic tools in individuals with hyperglycemia and pre-diabetes.

Contribution of CYP19A1, CYP1A1, and CYP1A2 polymorphisms in coronary heart disease risk among the Chinese Han population.

The previous study has pointed to that endogenous CYP metabolites play an important role in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease (CHD). The study aimed to identify the association of CYP19A1, CYP1A1, and CYP1A2 polymorphisms with CHD susceptibility in a Chinese Han population. A total of 960 genetically unrelated participants consist of 480 CHD patients and 480 healthy controls were enrolled. Nine SNPs in CYP19A1, CYP1A1, and CYP1A2 were randomly selected and genotyped using the Agena MassARRAY platform. Logistic regression analysis was used for the relationship between selected SNPs and CHD susceptibility by calculating odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) adjusted for age and gender. The distribution of clinical characteristics in different genotypes was evaluated by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). CYP1A2 rs2470890 TT genotype had a higher CHD risk compared with CC genotype (OR = 3.06, p = 0.032) or CC-CT genotype (OR = 3.04, p = 0.033). Moreover, the contribution of CYP19A1 and CYP1A2 polymorphisms to CHD susceptibility was associated with age, gender, and clinical phenotypes (course of the disease and Gensini score). Besides, CYP1A2 rs762551 was related to serum levels of red blood cell, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, p < 0.05). Our findings provided scientific evidence about CYP19A1, CYP1A1, and CYP1A2 polymorphisms on CHD incidence.

Trends & predictors of non-AIDS comorbidities among people living with HIV and receiving antiretroviral therapy in Lebanon.

Combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) increased the life expectancy of people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) (PLHIV) and remarkably reduced the morbidity and mortality associated with HIV infection. Consequently, PLHIV are experiencing non-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) associated comorbid conditions including diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of non-AIDS associated comorbid conditions among a cohort of PLHIV on cART in Lebanon.Data were collected between November 2018 and December 2019 from 105 voluntary participants. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect demographic and behavioral data including lifestyle, smoking, physical activity, substance use and abuse in addition to co-infections and family history of non-communicable diseases. Moreover, data on occurrence and treatment of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, lipid and metabolic disorders as well as mental health were collected. Blood samples were used to assess the levels of fasting blood sugar (FBS), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, and serum creatinine.Hypertension (29.5%) and hyperlipidemia (29.5%) followed by diabetes (23.7%) and cardiovascular disease (9.7%) were mainly reported among study participants. Higher rate of comorbid conditions was observed among participants >40 years of age than those ≤40 years with both hypertension and hyperlipidemia most commonly reported. Older age (odds ratio [OR] 7.6; 95% CI: 1.83-31.98; P = .005) is associated with higher odds of having hyperlipidemia. Moreover, participants on cART for ≥10 years are 5 times more likely to have hyperlipidemia (OR 5; 95% CI: 1.08-22.73; P = .039). Our results also showed that study participants did not experience anxiety, depression or somatic symptoms and that there was no association between these mental disorders and older age or comorbidities.Our results provide important information on HIV trends and associated comorbidities in Lebanon and can be used to improve the management of non-communicable diseases among PLHIV.

Effectiveness of a self-management education program on hypertension control and contributing factors in older adults: an interventional trial

Background: One of the common disorders that may negatively affect the health status in elderly is hypertension. Self-management education offers an effective method to control various disorders. This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of self-management educational program on blood pressure, and other cardiometabolic risk factors control among elderly patients from Tabriz, Iran. Material and methods: 227 eligible hypertensive elderly patients from three primary health care centers of Tabriz participated in 12 sessions of self-management education intervention conducted in 6 months from April to October 2019. Systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), serum levels of fasting blood sugar (FBS), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride, as well as anthropometric indices were assessed both before and at the end of the intervention. Results: The participants were 64.5 ± 5.8 years of age (mean ± SD). After 6-month attendance in educational sessions, the SBP (p = 0.04), body weight (p = 0.01), body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.02), FBS (p = 0.01), and TC (p &lt; 0.0001) were lower as referred to baseline. Conclusion: Study suggests self-management education programs in elderly may be beneficial for cardiovascular risk factors control.

Evaluation of pharmacist-led structured counselling on glycemic control and clinical outcomes of Type 2 diabetes mellitus patients at a health centre in East Jakarta, Indonesia

Background: The researchers developed structured counselling for Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients, comprised of an introduction to T2DM and how to manage it and its complications. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate structured counselling on its ability to improve glycemic control and the clinical outcomes of T2DM outpatients. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted from August to December 2019 involving T2DM patients at health centers in East Jakarta, who met the criteria and had completed informed consent. The patients were divided into the intervention group (IG, n = 33), which received counselling and booklets, and the control group (CG, n = 32), which received booklets. Results: Counselling showed significant results in decreasing HbA1c levels and improving fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) levels in the IG compared to the CG. Moreover, counselling in the IG reduced HbA1c 7.596 times more than in the CG. Conclusion: Pharmacist-led structured counselling significantly improves glycemic control and clinical outcomes in T2DM patients.

The Traditional Chinese Medicine Hua Tuo Zai Zao Wan Alleviates Atherosclerosis by Deactivation of Inflammatory Macrophages.

Introduction Positive effects have been observed when the traditional Chinese medicine Hua Tuo Zai Zao Wan (HTZZW) has been used for the treatment of atherosclerosis (AS), although with an unclear mechanism. Methods ApoE-/- C57/BALB mice were used to determine the efficacy of HTZZW by blood lipid biochemical analysis and histopathology H&E staining. qPCR and western blot were used to determine the expression of METTL3/14 and NF-κB. Results High-fat diet-fed ApoE-/- mice that consumed HTZZW exhibited significantly smaller plaque areas and significantly decreased unstable collagen areas in the aortic arch as well as significantly lower blood levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol compared with the control group. Consumption of HTZZW significantly decreased the proportion of Mφ1 in the peripheral blood. HTZZW not only inhibited the expression of m6A methyltransferases METTL14, METTL3, and overall RNA methylation level, but it also decreased the m6A modification level on specific sites of NF-κB mRNA. Conclusion HTZZW significantly alleviated the progression of AS by regulating the expression of the m6A methyltransferases METTL14 and METTL3 in macrophages, eliminating m6A modifications of NF-κB mRNA, influencing the stability of NF-κB mRNA, and ultimately resulting in the deactivation of inflammatory macrophages.

Structural equation modeling to identify the direct and indirect risk factors of diabetes in adults: Findings from a national survey

BackgroundFew previous studies have investigated the multiple pathways that contribute to diabetes mellitus (DM) because of the complex, simultaneous interplay of attributing covariates. Structural equation modelling (SEM) is a robust multivariate approach that measures both direct and indirect effects of variables by simultaneously utilizing several regression equations. The current study applied SEM to test a hypothesized model of the covariates affecting DM among the adult population of the Sultanate of Oman. MethodsData from a large nationally representative 2017 WHO STEPwise approach to surveillance survey were analyzed. Stata 16 software was used to perform SEM and path analysis of the sociodemographic, behavioral, anthropometric, and metabolic variables affecting normoglycemia and DM. A priori factor structure was hypothesized with special emphasis on observing direct and indirect effects, and the correlations that defined them. ResultsEight paths that directly affected DM status were established based on eight sociodemographic, metabolic, and behavioral variables (age, sex, educational status, physical activity level, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, systolic blood pressure, and family history of DM). The remaining variables (marital status, employment status, smoking, high-density lipoprotein level, total blood cholesterol level, fruit and vegetable intake, and type of oil used for cooking) showed variable indirect effects. ConclusionsThe results of this study further reinforce the evidence that lifestyle changes are vital for the prevention and control of DM. Individuals with a family history of DM and a high waist-to-hip ratio comprise a high-risk group and should be targeted with screening and lifestyle-intervention programs.