Blood Triglycerides Research Articles

Relationship Between Whole Blood Iron Levels and Lipid Profile Parameters in the General Population: Findings from Routine Physical Examination Report.

Dyslipidemia is related to the occurrence and development of many diseases and is a common problem among the general population. A significant link has been identified between dyslipidemia and ferroptosis. Lipid profile parameters are important indicators of dyslipidemia. Iron is the main cause of ferroptosis. However, the relationship between blood lipid parameters and whole blood iron levels has remained unclear. Based on a community population, the study aimed to explore the relationship between whole blood iron levels and blood lipids in Taizhou, China. The blood samples were collected from 1917 community residents, and levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and whole blood iron were measured. Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation between whole blood iron levels and lipids profile parameters. The results of the study showed that for both men and women, whole blood iron concentration was positively correlated with total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.001), but not with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.618, P = 0.083). The positive correlation between whole blood iron and triglycerides was the most significant (P < 0.001, r = 0.138). The above trends were more pronounced among men than among women. Therefore, the study suggested that regulating whole blood iron levels of populations in Taizhou, China, may be a potential strategy for regulating triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein. The potential for controlling triglycerides by regulating whole blood iron is more apparent. The result of the study has some implications for the prevention and diagnosis of dyslipidemia among medical staff and residents, especially male residents.

Impact of extended lairage periods on physio-metabolic status and meat quality in commercial broilers

ABSTRACT 1. This study investigated the impact of different lairage duration on physiology, metabolism and meat quality in commercial broilers. 2. A total of sixty, one-d-old Vencobb broilers were reared until 42 d of age and subjected to five lairage treatments (T0-T5), with the control with no lairage and then each timepoint increasing by 2 h. 3. Head, eye and feet temperature increased progressively (P˂0.05), from 21 to 42 d. During lairage, temperature for the head, eye and feet were significantly higher in birds held until T3-T4 (P˂0.05), than at T0-T2 and T5 treatments. 4. Serum total protein, creatinine, lipase and TBARS showed no variation due to lairage (p > 0.05). Glucose levels were highest at T4 (p < 0.05) than at T1-T3 or T5 and serum albumin increased only at T4 as compared to T5 (p < 0.05). Higher levels for blood triglycerides were recorded for T0, T1 and T5 (p < 0.05), than at T2-T4 and total blood antioxidants were significantly higher at T1 (p < 0.05), than at T0 and T2-T5 treatments, respectively. 5. There was no significant difference for meat pH, ERV and WHC (p > 0.05), while, higher tyrosine levels (p < 0.05) were noted for birds in T5 than for the rest of the lairage treatments (T0-T4). On the same trend, TBA concentration was highest for birds in T5, as compared to T4 (p < 0.05). 6. In conclusion, lairage over eight hours for commercial broilers is not recommended, as there are drastic changes in physiology, metabolism and deterioration of meat, reducing meat quality.

Hypertension and DMFT: insights from the PERSIAN Guilan Cohort Study

BackgroundThis study investigated the association between hypertension and oral health status, as measured by the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) index, using data from the PERSIAN Guilan Cohort Study (PGCS).MethodsA cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 10,520 participants aged 35–70 from Guilan Province, Northern Iran. Blood pressure measurements, oral examinations, and comprehensive data collection on demographic, lifestyle, and clinical factors were performed. The DMFT index was used to assess oral health status. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation, t-tests, and multiple linear regression.ResultsThe mean DMFT score was significantly higher in hypertensive participants than in non-hypertensive individuals (15.80 vs. 13.62, p < 0.001). Factors associated with increased DMFT scores in both hypertensive and non-hypertensive groups included older age, lower education levels, lower BMI, not flossing, smoking, alcohol use, and infrequent tooth brushing. In the hypertensive group, urban residency was additionally associated with higher DMFT scores. For non-hypertensive participants, hookah use, not using mouthwash, and lower socioeconomic status were also linked to increased DMFT scores. A significant negative correlation was found between blood triglyceride levels and DMFT scores in individuals with hypertension (p = 0.037).ConclusionThis study establishes a significant association between hypertension and poor oral health, as evidenced by elevated DMFT scores. The findings highlight the importance of integrated healthcare approaches that consider cardiovascular and oral health.

Effects of probiotic and yeast extract supplement on liver functionality index and metabolic parameters in transition period of dairy cattle

This research sought to evaluate the potential effects of probiotics and yeast cell wall (YCW) supplements on the liver functionality index (LFI) and metabolic parameters of dairy cattle throughout the transitional period. A cohort of forty dry cows was randomly divided into four groups, namely the probiotic group (Pr) receiving a basal diet combined with a blend of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus lechiniformis, Streptococcus Thermophilis, and Enterococcus faecium; the YCW group receiving a basal diet enriched with Saccharomyces cerevisiae; the probiotic and yeast cell wall extract group (P & Y) receiving a basal diet supplemented with a mixture of probiotic and yeast cell wall extract; and the control group adhering to the basal diet. The intervention was initiated 21 days before calving and persisted until 28 days post-calving, except for the control group. The study entailed the collection of blood samples at four sampling times, encompassing 21 days preceding calving, seven days before calving, seven days post-calving, and four weeks post-calving. Multiple biochemical parameters were assessed, including urea, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bilirubin (TB), albumin, total protein (TP), globulin, glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, and liver functionality index. The results showed that the Pr group exhibited reduced average levels of GGT and glucose compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Similarly, the P & Y group demonstrated lower average BUN, TB, and cholesterol levels than the control (P < 0.05). Notably, the LFI exhibited a discernible trend towards elevation in the Pr group compared to the control group (P = 0.007) and the P & Y group (P = 0.007). In essence, supplementation of YCW and probiotics is associated with advantageous effects on metabolic parameters and liver function.

Development of a predictive model for gastrointestinal side effects of metformin treatment in Chinese individuals with type 2 diabetes based on four randomised clinical trials.

This study aimed to build a model-based predictive approach to evaluate the gastrointestinal side effects following an initial metformin medication. The model was developed from data from four randomised clinical cohorts. A prediction model was established using integrated or simplified indicators. Ten machine learning models were used for the construction of predictive models. The Shapley values were used to report the features' contribution. Four randomised clinical trial cohorts, including 1736 patients with type 2 diabetes, were first included in the analysis. Seventy percent of participants (1216) were allocated to the training set, 15% (260) were assigned to the internal validation set and 15% (260) were assigned to the test set. The Extra Tree model had the highest area under curve (AUC) (0.87) in the validation and test set. The top five crucial indicators were blood urea nitrogen (BUN), sex, triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC), and these five indicators were selected for constructing a simplified predictive model (AUC = 0.76). An online web-based tool was established based on the predictive model with integrated 17 features and top five indicators. To predict gastrointestinal side effects in diabetic patients for initial use of metformin, a few easily obtained features are needed to establish the model. The model can be applied to the Chinese population in clinical practice.

Protective Effects of Food-Derived Kaempferol on Pancreatic β-Cells in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Kaempferol (KPF), a flavonoid abundant in edible plants, possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties beneficial with notable health benefits. Objective: To evaluate the protective effects of KPF on metabolic disturbances and pancreatic damage in a Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) mouse model. Methods: Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into normal, T1DM, T1DM + KPF 25 mg/kg, and T1DM + KPF 50 mg/kg groups. T1DM was induced by streptozotocin (STZ). KPF was administered via intraperitoneal injection for 2 weeks. After 4 weeks from the start, metabolic parameters, pancreatic histology, and plasma metabolites were analyzed. Network pharmacology and molecular docking identified key targets and pathways. In vitro, INS-1 cells were used to assess reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptosis. Results: KPF significantly reduced blood glucose (GLU) and triglyceride (TG) levels, increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, and preserved pancreatic β-cell structure. Metabolomics revealed changes in energy metabolism and oxidative stress-related metabolites. Network analysis highlighted the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, with strong binding affinities to targets such as AKT1. In vitro, KPF decreased ROS production in INS-1 cells; this effect was reversed by a PI3K/AKT inhibitor. KPF also reduced apoptosis in INS-1 cells. Conclusions: KPF ameliorates metabolic disturbances and pancreatic damage in T1DM mice, suggesting potential as a functional food ingredient for diabetes management.

Lifestyle and Risk Factors Related to Metabolic Syndrome in Administrative Workers: Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Perú

Objective: To characterize the lifestyle and risk factors related to Metabolic Syndrome of administrative workers at the Universidad Nacional de Trujillo. Method: A total of 168 administrative workers from the main campus of the Universidad Nacional de Trujillo were selected in accordance with stratified random method. Results: In the Lifestyle Profile according to Pender (1996), 65.5% of the participants have a low level of exercise, and 82.1% manifest sufficient personal habits. Adults accounted for 67.9%, and the majority were overweight (47.6%). Regarding metabolic status, 54.2% were healthy, while 45.8% were identified with Metabolic Syndrome. In addition, the risk of becoming ill, according to waist circumference, was very high in 42.9% (72) of cases. Likewise, the risk of cardiovascular disease is higher in healthy people, while it is very high in workers with Metabolic Syndrome (p &lt; 0.001). Moreover, workers with normal weight have a low risk of becoming ill, on the contrary, for those who are overweight it is high and those who are obese have a very high risk (p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: In terms of lifestyle, there was a low level of exercise, and most of the participants only had sufficient personal habits. Regarding the components linked to Metabolic Syndrome in the authoritative staff of Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, both men and women presented abdominal obesity, and the values of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting glucose and triglycerides were altered. Furthermore, the women had HDL values below what was desirable. Regarding the risk of cardiovascular disease, it is very high in syndromic workers, those who are overweight are high, and obese workers are at very high risk.

Prevalence of Elevated Blood Triglycerides and Associated Risk Factors: Findings from a Nationwide Health Screening in Mongolia

Background: This study aims to assess the demographic, lifestyle, and clinical characteristics associated with varying levels of triglycerides (TGs) in a large population sample. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized data from a nationwide health screening program in Mongolia. A total of 125,330 participants (mean age: 43.8 ± 15.3 years) were included. TG levels were categorized into normal, borderline high, high, and very high. Due to the small number of participants in the very high TG group, they were combined with the high TG category for analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of elevated TG levels. Results: The majority of participants (80.3%) had normal TG levels, while 10.3% had borderline high, 8.7% had high, and 0.7% had very high TG levels. Significant predictors of elevated TG levels included age (OR 1.013, 95% CI 1.012–1.014), male (OR 2.328, 95% CI 2.251–2.408), obesity (OR 1.920, 95% CI 1.855–1.987), central obesity (OR 1.866, 95% CI 1.801–1.933), smoking (OR 1.399, 95% CI 1.347–1.453), alcohol use (OR 1.233, 95% CI 1.176–1.292), and non-regular exercise (OR 1.144, 95% CI 1.118–1.171). Sex-specific analysis revealed that elevated TG levels were more prevalent among males, regardless of other risk factors such as obesity and smoking. Conclusions: Male sex, obesity, and smoking were the strongest predictors of elevated TG levels.

Study on the Effect of Cinnamon in the Treatment or Auxiliary Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus(T2DM) is one of the fastest-growing global health emergencies of the 21st century. Currently, more than 500 million people worldwide are living with diabetes. According to the International Diabetes Federation, it is expected to affect 592 million people by 2035 and 784 million by 2045. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to explore the feasibility of natural medicine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon, as a natural product, has been used as a spice or traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. The present clinical trials on the treatment of type 2 diabetes with cinnamon as an adjuvant were analyzed. By comparing the data of Fasting blood glucose(FBL), Glycosylated Hemoglobin(HbA1c), Total cholesterol(TC) and Triglyceride(TG) in different clinical trials, it can be concluded that cinnamon can be used to help treat patients with type 2 diabetes.

Effects of Time-Restricted Eating on Body Composition, Biomarkers of Metabolism, Inflammation, Circadian System and Oxidative Stress in Overweight and Obesity: An Exploratory Review.

Obesity is a chronic, complex and multi-factorial condition with an increasing prevalence worldwide. Irregular eating schedules might be a contributing factor to these numbers through the dysregulation of the circadian system. Time-restricted eating (TRE), an approach that limits eating windows, has been studied as a strategy to treat obesity, aligning eating occasions with metabolic circadian rhythms. This review aims to provide an overview of the impact of TRE protocols on metabolic, inflammatory, oxidative stress, and circadian rhythm biomarkers in people with overweight or obesity. Most studies report significant weight loss following TRE protocols. While glucose levels decreased in nearly all TRE interventions, only a few studies demonstrated statistically significant differences when compared to the control groups. The findings for CRP and TNF-α were inconsistent, with limited significant differences. Changes in lipid profile changes were variable and generally did not reach statistical significance. Both 4-hour and 6-hour TRE interventions significantly reduced 8-isoprostane levels. Additionally, TRE significantly altered clock gene expression, as well as that of genes associated with metabolic regulation in subcutaneous adipose tissue. While the evidence is still inconsistent, limiting eating to a consistent daily window of 8 to 12 hours can improve insulin sensitivity, reduce blood glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels and promote weight loss. These effects are likely attributable to both direct metabolic impacts and indirect benefits from weight loss and improved dietary habits. However, data on circadian, inflammatory, and specific metabolic biomarkers remain scarce and occasionally contradictory, highlighting the need for further research on these interventions.

Impact of a Physical Exercise and Health Education Program on Metabolic Syndrome and Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Breast Cancer Women Undergoing Adjuvant Treatment with Aromatase Inhibitors.

Background and Objectives: Adjuvant treatment with aromatase inhibitors (AIs) in breast cancer (BC) survivors can cause adverse effects such as metabolic syndrome (MS) (insulin resistance, central obesity, atherogenic dyslipidemia, and hypertension) associated with morbidity and premature mortality. We evaluate the effect of a multimodal program based on physical exercise and health education on MS and health-related quality of life (QoL) in postmenopausal women with BC under AIs. Methods: A total of 56 postmenopausal women, diagnosed with BC, aged 60 years or older (mean age 67.2 years) and on hormonal treatment with AIs, were included in the multimodal physical exercise and health education program, and evaluated before and after their participation. The assessment of the five criteria of the MS included the following: waist circumference, high blood pressure, fasting glucose, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Two main instruments were used to evaluate the impact of the intervention on QoL: the EORTC QLQ C30 (questionnaire for cancers in general) and the EORTC QLQ BR23 (specifically for breast cancer patients). The EuroQol 5D (EQ-5D) was also used to compare these results. Results: The percentage of women meeting the MS criteria was 37.7% at baseline and fell to 15.1% at 3 months after the intervention (p = 0.02). The intervention significantly reduced hypertension (p < 0.001), central obesity (p < 0.001), and the concentration of triglycerides (p = 0.016). No significant changes were observed in fasting glucose and HDL concentration. A statistically significant improvement was found in QoL (on both the QLQ30 and BR23 scales). A multivariate regression model analysis identified marital status (being married) (95% CI: 1.728-131.615, p = 0.014), and percentage of attendance at health education sessions (95% CI: 1.010-1.211, p = 0.029) as positive predictive variables of improvement in MS. Conclusions: The implementation of multimodal, community-based programs of physical exercise and health education improve the prevalence of MS and specific criteria of MS and QoL in postmenopausal women with breast cancer receiving AI treatment.

Protective effects of Bidens pilosa alleviates against alcohol—induced hepatic steatosis in rats: In vivo studies and in silico analysis

BackgroundSteatosis has become the critical indicator of the higher alcohol exposure to liver injury. Traditional Chinese medicine, notably Bidens pilosa, is used as anti-inflammatory, antihyperglycemic, and hepatoprotective. This current study aimed to investigate the protective effect of Bidens pilosa leaves ethanolic extract (EEB) against alcohol induced hepatic steatosis. MethodsUsing the rat model of alcoholic hepatic steatosis (AHS), this study investigated EEB efficacy through the experimental analysis and in silico method. The animals received EEB at doses of 300 and 600 mg/kg for 42 days in the acute alcoholic experiment. Biochemical analysis and histopathological alteration are examined in alcohol-induced liver rats. Additionally, the pharmacological analysis, molecular docking and dynamic study were evaluated. ResultsThe results indicated that the EEB has ameliorative effects against hepatic steatosis. It significantly improved hepatic histopathological change, the level of blood glucose, triglyceride, LDL and cholesterol in rats exposed to alcohol. Furthermore, the virtual screening study demonstrated the predominant compounds of EEB might regulate the top core targets linked to AHS, particularly AKT/PIK3CA, MAPK, and MTOR, respectively. ConclusionThus, the preventive effect of EEB could be an underlying mechanism for the development of herbal medicine to treat AHS in clinical therapy.

Effect of Barley on Postprandial Blood Glucose Response and Appetite in Healthy Individuals: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Background/Objectives: Barley dietary fiber (BDF), particularly β-glucan, has shown potential in modulating postprandial glycemic responses and improving metabolic health. This study aimed to assess the effects of Saechalssalbori (Hordeum vulgare L.), a glutinous barley variety rich in β-glucan, on postprandial blood glucose, insulin, glucagon, triglycerides, and appetite-related hormones in healthy adults. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial, healthy adults (n = 67) with fasting blood glucose levels below 126 mg/dL were assigned to consume either BDF or placebo (rice flour). Fasting and postprandial blood samples were collected at 30, 60, 120, and 180 min after consumption. Blood glucose, insulin, glucagon, triglycerides, and appetite-related hormones (ghrelin, PYY) were measured, and appetite was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS). The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (CHAMC 2022-08-040-007) and registered (KCT0009166). Results: BDF consumption significantly delayed the postprandial increase in blood glucose compared with placebo, reduced insulin secretion, and slightly increased glucagon and triglycerides. BDF also lowered hunger and increased satiety, with associated increases in ghrelin and PYY levels. Conclusions: BDF consumption, particularly from β-glucan-rich barley, may improve postprandial glycemic control and suppress appetite, making it a promising dietary intervention for managing metabolic conditions such as diabetes. Further studies are needed to explore its long-term impact on glycemic variability.

Abstract 4137713: Epsin-Mediated PCSK9-LDLR Interaction: A New Therapeutic Target for Atherosclerosis

Introduction: Atherosclerosis, a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases, causes about 17.9 million deaths annually. It is driven by high levels of LDL cholesterol (LDL-C). The liver's LDL receptor (LDLR) removes LDL-C from the bloodstream, but its degradation by PCSK9 exacerbates the condition. Epsin, an endocytic adaptor protein crucial for clathrin-mediated endocytosis, plays a significant role in atherosclerosis, particularly lipid metabolism. Hypothesis: We propose that hepatic epsins significantly contribute to atherosclerosis by facilitating the PCSK9-induced degradation of LDLR, thus impeding LDL-C clearance. Objectives: This study aims to investigate hepatic epsins' role in PCSK9-mediated LDLR degradation and its effects on LDL-C levels and atherosclerosis development. Using bioinformatics, we will analyze enriched pathways and networks to study epsins modulation, which will be validated through biochemical assays and in vivo experiments. Methods: Liver-specific double knockout (DKO) mice lacking epsin1 and epsin2 were created on an ApoE -/- background. Atherosclerosis was induced using a Western diet (WD), and blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels were monitored. We employed high-resolution single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to analyze cellular transitions, intercellular interactions, and Gene Ontology pathway enrichment within hepatocyte-derived data. Results: RNA velocity reveals the transition from lipogenic Alb hi Hepatocytes to glucogenic Hnf4a hi Hepatocytes in Liver-DKO mice on an ApoE -/- background on a WD. Liver-DKO mice on an ApoE -/- background on a WD exhibited significantly reduced atherogenesis and lower blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels compared with wild-type on an ApoE -/- background on a WD. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis showed elevated pathways for LDL particle clearance and enhanced LDLR-cholesterol communication scores in Liver-DKO mice, suggesting improved LDL-C clearance. Nanoparticle-encapsulated siRNAs targeting liver epsins effectively inhibited atherosclerosis. Conclusion: Epsin depletion in the liver upregulated LDLR protein levels, and PCSK9-triggered LDLR degradation was abolished, preventing atheroma progression. Targeting liver epsins presents a novel therapeutic strategy for atherosclerosis, supported by network analysis and predictive modeling for effective interventions.

Abstract 4112845: Trends in Cardiovascular Risk Factors Among Children and Adolescents by Race and Ethnicity and Socioeconomic Status, 1999-2020

Background: Recent findings from large-scale cohort studies indicate that risk factors such as body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and smoking during youth, starting in early childhood and adolescence, are associated with cardiovascular events and cardiovascular-related mortality in adulthood. The secular trends of cardiovascular risk factors among US children and adolescents remain unclear. Objectives: To examine 20-year trends in cardiovascular risk factors in the children and adolescents population by race and ethnicity and by socioeconomic status. Methods: The primary objective of the NHANES is to evaluate the overall health and nutritional status of the U.S. population. In this analysis, data from ten NHANES survey cycles, conducted from 1999-2000 through 2019-2020, were utilized. We calculated the mean and proportion changes in cardiovascular risk factors, and used linear and quadratic tests to assess the linear and nonlinear trends in their changes. Results: A total of 27891 participants aged 6 to 19-year-olds were included. Mean BMI increased significantly from 20.61kg/m 2 in 1999 to 21.71kg/m 2 in 2020 (P for trend &lt; 0.001). COT means decreased from 11.47 ng/ml to 6.17 ng/ml (P for trend &lt; 0.001). The prevalence of high COT decreased from 14.64% to 8.68% (P for trend &lt; 0.001). TC decreased from 4.22mmol/L to 4.02 mmol/L (P for trend &lt; 0.001). In the study population, TG levels decreased from 0.9mmol/L to 0.79 mmol/L (P for trend &lt; 0.001). Mean LDL levels decreased from 2.45 mmol/L to 2.27 mmol/L (P for trend &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Positive trends were observed in the levels of TG, TC, LDL, and COT in US children and adolescents. Mean BMI and the prevalence of obesity exhibited a gradually increasing unfavorable trend.

Abstract 4113300: Targeting Liver Epsins Ameliorates Dyslipidemia in Atherosclerosis

Rationale: Low density cholesterol receptor (LDLR) in the liver is critical for the clearance of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the blood. In atherogenic conditions, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) binds to LDLR on the surface of hepatocytes, preventing its recycling and enhancing its degradation in lysosomes, resulting in reduced LDL-C clearance. Our recent studies demonstrate that epsins, a family of ubiquitin-binding endocytic adaptors, are critical regulators of atherogenicity. Given the fundamental contribution of circulating LDL-C to atherosclerosis, we hypothesize that liver epsins promote atherosclerosis by controlling PCSK9-triggered LDLR endocytosis and degradation. Objective: We will determine the role of liver epsins in promoting PCSK9-mediated LDLR degradation and hindering LDL-C clearance to propel atherosclerosis. Methods and Results: We generated double knockout mice using albumin Cre in which both genes of epsin, namely, epsin 1 and epsin 2, are specifically deleted in the liver (Liver-DKO) on an ApoE -/- background. We discovered that western diet (WD)-induced atherogenesis was greatly inhibited, along with diminished blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Mechanistically, using scRNA-seq analysis on hepatocyte-derived data revealed elevated pathway involved in LDL particle clearance under WD treatment in ApoE -/- /Liver-DKO, which was coupled with diminished plasma LDL-C levels. Further analysis using the MEBOCOST algorithm revealed enhanced communication score between LDLR and cholesterol, suggesting elevated LDL-C clearance in the ApoE -/- Liver-DKO mice. In addition, we showed that loss of epsins in the liver upregulates of LDLR protein level. We further showed that epsins bind LDLR via the ubiquitin-interacting motif (UIM), and PCSK9-triggered LDLR degradation was abolished by depletion of epsins, preventing atheroma progression. Finally, our therapeutic strategy, which involved targeting liver epsins with nanoparticle-encapsulated siRNAs, was highly efficacious at inhibiting dyslipidemia and impeding atherosclerosis. Conclusions: Liver epsins promote atherogenesis by mediating PCSK9-triggered degradation of LDLR, thus raising the circulating LDL-C levels. Targeting epsins in the liver may serve as a novel therapeutic strategy to treat atherosclerosis by suppression of PCSK9-mediated LDLR degradation.

Development of a hamster model of spontaneous hypertriglyceridemia in diabetes.

Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) often accompanies diabetes and is considered a risk factor for diabetic vascular complications. However, inducing diabetic HTG typically requires high-fat diets in certain animal models. Leveraging our newly developed LDL receptor knockout hamster model, which exhibits features akin to human lipid metabolism, we sought to determine whether these animals would develop HTG without dietary manipulations in diabetes. Diabetes was induced via intraperitoneal injection of STZ in wild type and heterozygous LDL receptor deficient hamsters. Blood glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol were measured over 60 days. Plasma TG clearance was determined via olive oil gavage. The effect of insulin on diabetic HTG was assessed on Day 60 post-diabetes induction. Blood glucose increased over threefold, while plasma insulin decreased to 30% of controls after STZ injection in both wild type and heterozygous hamsters by Day 7, remaining stable for 60 days. Plasma TG in wild-type hamsters remained unchanged at Day 7 post-STZ injection but increased slightly thereafter. Conversely, heterozygous hamsters exhibited severe HTG by Day 7 until the end of the study. Olive oil gavage revealed much slower plasma triglyceride clearance in heterozygous hamsters compared to WT animals, despite significantly reduced lipoprotein lipase activity in post-heparin plasma in both animals. Hyperglycemia and HTG in heterozygous hamsters were reversed to pre-diabetic levels following intraperitoneal insulin administration. In conclusion, severe HTG in diabetic heterozygous LDL receptor deficient hamsters developed spontaneously and was insulin-dependent. Thus, this hamster model holds promise for effectively studying the complications associated with human diabetic HTG.

Combined high-intensity interval and resistance training improves cardiorespiratory fitness more than high-intensity interval training in young women with overweight/obesity: a randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) combined with resistance training (RT) versus HIIT alone on body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and glycolipid metabolism in young women with overweight/obesity. This randomized controlled trial divided 40 subjects into an experimental group (HIIT+RT) and a control group (HIIT). Both groups underwent training three times per week for eight weeks. Body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and glycolipid levels were assessed before and after the intervention. The results revealed that compared to baseline, both the experimental and control groups showed significant improvements in body weight, body mass index (BMI), Body fat, waist circumference (WC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), vital capacity (VC), oxygen pulse (VO2/HR), minute ventilation, resting heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p<0.05). Additionally, a significant increase in muscle mass and a significant reduction in 2-hour postprandial glucose were observed in the experimental group (p<0.05). Muscle mass (mean difference: 2.75%), VO2peak (mean difference: 1.61 mL/min/kg), VC (mean difference: 334mL), and VO2/HR (mean difference: 0.51mL/beat) showed greater improvement in the HIIT+RT group compared to the HIIT group (p<0.05). In conclusion, an 8-week regimen of either combined HIIT and RT or HIIT significantly improves body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and glycolipid metabolism in women with overweight/obesity. However, the combined training appears to offer more benefits than HIIT alone. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term effects and feasibility of combined training. https://www.chictr.org.cn/, identifier ChiCTR2300075961.

Impact of high-fructose diet and metformin on histomorphological and molecular parameters of reproductive organs and vaginal microbiota of female rat

There are limited data on the effects of a high-fructose diet on the female reproductive system. Although metformin has some functional effects on female fertility, its reproductive outcome on high fructose diet-induced metabolic syndrome is unclear. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the impact of a high fructose diet on histomorphological and molecular parameters of the reproductive organs and vaginal microbiota as well as the treatment potential of metformin. Wistar albino rats were used in the study. The metabolic syndrome model was induced by a high-fructose diet in rats for 15 weeks. Metformin was orally administered once a day for the last 6 weeks. The high-fructose diet increased blood glucose, triglycerides, insulin, and ovarian testosterone levels; however, it reduced ovarian aromatase levels and follicle numbers and caused uterine inflammation. The high-fructose diet-induced molecular abnormalities on ovarian tissue were demonstrated by the downregulation of ovarian insulin signaling pathway proteins and dysregulation of ovarian mitogenic and apoptotic pathway proteins. A high-fructose diet caused vaginal dysbiosis, metformin increased probiotic bacteria in the vaginal microbiota. Our results revealed that metformin improves ovarian impairments by modulating hormonal balance, insulin level, mapk, and apoptotic signaling molecules, as well as regulating the vaginal microbiota.

Relationship between thyroid-stimulating hormone and blood lipids in patients with first-episode depression

BackgroundPrevious studies demonstrated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) plays an important role in regulating lipid metabolism, but the relationship between the two is controversial. Meanwhile, it has not been reported in a population with major depressive disorder (MDD).MethodsWe divided 1718 first-episode and drug naïve patients with MDD into a TSH abnormal group (TSH-AB) and a TSH normal group (TSH-NOR). The participants in the two groups were assessed by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) and the positive subscale of Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. The patients’ blood was tested for TSH, free T3, free T4, fasting blood glucose, lipid indexes and body mass index was recorded.ResultsThe participants in the TSH-AB group had significantly higher HAMD scores, HAMA scores and total scores of positive symptoms, as well as higher incidence of suicide attempts than those in the TSH-NOR group, accompanied by significantly higher thyroglobulin antibodies, thyroid peroxidase antibodies, fasting blood glucose values, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels compared with those of TSH-NOR patients. However, the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) of TSH-AB patients was lower than those of TSH-NOR patients. TSH values were positively correlated with TC, TG, and LDL-C values, and negatively correlated with HDL-C value.ConclusionTSH was highly correlated with abnormal lipid metabolism in patients with MDD. The specific molecular mechanism of the relationship between TSH, lipid metabolism and the development of depression needs to be further in-depth investigation.