Changes In High-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Research Articles

A lifestyle intervention with an energy-restricted Mediterranean diet and physical activity enhances HDL function: a substudy of the PREDIMED-Plus randomized controlled trial

Consumption of a Mediterranean diet, adequate levels of physical activity, and energy-restricted lifestyle interventions have been individually associated with improvements in HDL functions. Evidence of intensive interventions with calorie restriction and physical activity is, however, scarce. To determine whether an intensive lifestyle intervention with an energy-restricted Mediterranean diet plus physical activity enhanced HDL function compared to a non-hypocaloric Mediterranean eating pattern without physical activity. In 391 older adults with metabolic syndrome (mean age, 65 years; mean BMI, 33.3kg/m2) from 1 of the Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea-Plus trial centers, we evaluated the impact of a 6-month intervention with an energy-restricted Mediterranean diet plus physical activity (intensive lifestyle; n=190) relative to a nonrestrictive Mediterranean diet without physical activity (control; n=201) on a set of HDL functional traits. These included cholesterol efflux capacity, HDL oxidative/inflammatory index, HDL oxidation, and levels of complement component 3, serum amyloid A, sphingosine-1-phosphate, triglycerides, and apolipoproteins A-I, A-IV, C-III, and E in apoB-depleted plasma. The intensive-lifestyle intervention participants displayed greater 6-month weight reductions (-3.83kg; 95% CI: -4.57 to -3.09 kg) but no changes in HDL cholesterol compared with control-diet participants. Regarding HDL functional traits, the intensive lifestyle decreased triglyceride levels (-0.15mg/g protein; 95% CI: -0.29 to -0.014 mg/g protein) and apoC-III (-0.11mg/g protein; 95% CI: -0.18 to -0.026 mg/g protein) compared to the control diet, with weight loss being the essential mediator (proportions of mediation were 77.4% and 72.1% for triglycerides and apoC-III levels in HDL, respectively). In older adults with metabolic syndrome, an energy-restricted Mediterranean diet plus physical activity improved the HDL triglyceride metabolism compared with a nonrestrictive Mediterranean diet without physical activity. This trial is registered at isrctn.com as ISRCTN89898870.

Effects of Gui pi tang on myocardial ischemia in rats

Objective: To investigate the effects of Guipitang (GPT) on myocardial ischemic (MI) injury of rats. Methods: Forty male SD rats were randomly divided into five groups as control, model, GPT low-dose and high-dose groups (7.52, 15.04 g/kg), and positive-drug trimetazidine group (2 mg/kg). Rat myocardial ischemia model was induced by feeding high fat forage and intraperitoneal injection of isoprenaline (ISO). After 15 days intragastric administration, rats were injected with ISO once a day for 3 days again. Subsequently, Electrocardiograph (ECG) was examined, serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and glucose (GLU) were detected using an automatic biochemical analyzer. The histopathological alterations of heart were assessed using HE and Masson staining. The protein expressions of Collagen I and Collagen III in heart were evaluated by Western blot. Results: Compared with control group, the electrocardiogram S-T segment of model rats moved down, the serum levels of TC, AST, CK, LDH and GLU in model group were increased significantly (P＜0.05), the expressions of collagen I and collagen III in heart were increased (P＜0.05), and the hearts were damaged severely. However, no significant changes of TG, HDL-C, LDL-C and ALT were observed (P＞0.05). Compared with the model group, the high and low dose groups of GPT and trimetazidine could inhibit the descent of S-T segment, reduced serum TC, AST, CK, LDH and GLU levels (P＜0.05), and decreased collagen III expression in heart (P＜0.05), and alleviated myocardial pathological damage as well. The high dose group of GPT could decrease the protein expression of collagen I. Conclusion: GPT could improve heart function and alleviate the injury of myocardial ischemia, especially the high lose.

The type rather than the daily dose or number of antipsychotics affects the incidence of hyperglycemic progression

There have been concerns that antipsychotics increase the incidence of hyperglycemic progression. Many factors have been suggested to contribute to the risk of antipsychotic-induced hyperglycemic progression, including the type, daily dose, and number of antipsychotics; however, few studies have examined these relationships. This study aimed to examine the affect of antipsychotic treatment-associated factors on hyperglycemic progression, after adjustment for the affect of background factors suggested to be associated with hyperglycemic progression. This was a nationwide, multicenter, prospective cohort study examining the incidence of hyperglycemic progression during a 12 mo period following the initiation of newly prescribed antipsychotic medication. Demographic data, medication history, and blood test values were collected from 631 study participants with normal blood glucose levels at baseline for 12 mo. The primary endpoint (incidence of hyperglycemic progression) was defined as progression from normal to prediabetic or probable diabetic status, and was evaluated based on the Japanese monitoring guidance in patients with schizophrenia. To further examine the affect of antipsychotics on glucose metabolism over time, we examined changes in HbA1c levels 3, 6, and 12 mo after the initiation of treatment with each antipsychotic. We found that treatment with zotepine and clozapine was associated with a significantly high incidence of hyperglycemic progression. Furthermore, changes in HbA1c levels 6 mo after the initiation of zotepine treatment were significantly higher than those following blonanserin and haloperidol treatments. In contrast, there was no significant difference in the change in total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and BMI during the same period. Moreover, the “daily dose” and “number” of antipsychotics did not show an association with the incidence of hyperglycemic progression. However, in a post hoc analysis in which the antipsychotics were divided into two groups according to the strength of blockade of H1, M1, M3, and 5-HT2C receptors, the incidence of hyperglycemic progression was higher in the medium- and high-daily dose groups than in the low-daily dose group in the antipsychotic group with strong blockade of these receptors. Our study indicated that the type of antipsychotic had a greater affect on the incidence of hyperglycemic progression than the daily dose of antipsychotics or their number. Among these, zotepine was most likely to increase the incidence of hyperglycemic progression, suggesting the need for caution when these antipsychotics are prescribed.

Short-term ozone exposure and metabolic status in metabolically healthy obese and normal-weight young adults: A viewpoint of inflammatory pathways

Unhealthy metabolic status increases risks of cardiovascular and other diseases. This study aims to explore whether there is a link between O3 and metabolic health indicators through a viewpoint of inflammatory pathways. 49 metabolically healthy normal-weight (MH-NW) and 39 metabolically healthy obese (MHO) young adults aged 18–26 years were recruited from a panel study with three visits. O3 exposure were estimated based on fixed-site environmental monitoring data and time-activity diary for each participant. Compared to MH-NW people, MHO people were more susceptible to the adverse effects on metabolic status, including blood pressure, glucose, and lipid indicators when exposed to O3. For instance, O3 exposure was associated with significant decreases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and increases in C-peptide and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) among MHO people, while only weaker changes in HDL-C and LDL-C among MH-NW people. Mediation analyses indicated that leptin mediated the metabolic health effects in both groups, while eosinophils and MCP-1 were also important mediating factors for the MHO people. Although both with a metabolically healthy status, compared to normal-weight people, obese people might be more susceptible to the negative effects of O3 on metabolic status, possibly through inflammatory indicators such as leptin, eosinophils, and MCP-1.

The Long-term Effect of Different Exercise Intensities on High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Older Men and Women Using the Per Protocol Approach: The Generation 100 Study.

ObjectiveTo examine whether 5 years of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration more than moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and control (CON) in older men and women.MethodsA total of 1567 older adults (790 [50.4%] women) were randomized (2:1:1) to either CON (n=780; asked to follow the national recommendations for physical activity) or 2 weekly sessions of HIIT (10-minute warm-up followed by 4×4-minute intervals at ∼90% of peak heart rate) or MICT (50 minutes of continuous work at ∼70% of peak heart rate). Serum HDL-C concentration was measured by standard procedures at baseline and at 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years. The study took place between August 21, 2012, and June 31, 2018. Linear mixed models were used to determine between-group differences during 5 years using the per protocol approach.ResultsMen in HIIT had a smaller reduction in HDL-C (−1.2%) than men in CON (−6.9%) and MICT (−7.8%) after 5 years (P=.01 and P=.03 for CON vs HIIT and MICT vs HIIT, respectively). No effect of exercise intensity on HDL-C was seen in women. Changes in peak oxygen uptake were associated with changes in HDL-C in both men and women, whereas changes in body weight and fat mass were not.ConclusionIn men, HIIT seems to be the best strategy to prevent a decline in HDL-C during a 5-year period. No effect of exercise intensity was seen for older women.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01666340.

An Oat β-Glucan Beverage Reduces LDL Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Men and Women with Borderline High Cholesterol: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial

BackgroundHigh-molecular-weight (MW) oat β-glucan (OBG), consumed at 3–4 g/d, in solid foods reduces LDL cholesterol by a median of ∼6.5%. ObjectivesWe evaluated the effect of a beverage providing 3 g/d high-MW OBG on reduction of LDL cholesterol (primary endpoint) when compared with placebo. MethodsWe performed a parallel-design, randomized clinical trial at a contract research organization; participants, caregivers, and outcome assessors were blinded to treatment allocation. Participants with LDL cholesterol between 3.0 and 5.0 mmol/L, inclusive [n = 538 screened, n = 260 ineligible, n = 23 lost, n = 48 withdrawn (product safety); n = 207 randomly assigned, n = 7 dropped out, n = 9 withdrawn (protocol violation); n = 191 analyzed; n = 72 (37.7%) male, mean ± SD age: 43.3 ± 14.3 y, BMI: 29.7 ± 5.2 kg/m2], were randomly assigned to consume, 3 times daily for 4 wk, 1 g OBG (n = 104, n = 96 analyzed) or rice powder (Control, n = 103, n = 95 analyzed) mixed into 250 mL water. Treatment effects were assessed as change from baseline and differences analyzed using a 2-sided t test via ANOVA with baseline characteristics as covariates. ResultsAfter 4 wk, change from baseline least-squares-mean LDL cholesterol on OBG (−0.195 mmol/L) was less than on Control (0.012 mmol/L) by mean: 0.207 mmol/L (95% CI: 0.318, 0.096 mmol/L; P = 0.0003); the following secondary endpoints were also reduced as follows: total cholesterol (TC) (0.226 mmol/L; 95% CI: 0.361, 0.091 mmol/L; P = 0.001), TC:HDL cholesterol ratio (0.147; 95% CI: 0.284, 0.010; P = 0.036), non-HDL cholesterol (0.194 mmol/L; 95% CI: 0.314, 0.073 mmol/L; P = 0.002), and Framingham cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk (0.474; 95% CI: 0.900, 0.049, P = 0.029). Changes in HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and insulin did not differ between treatment groups (P > 0.05). Lipid treatment effects were not significantly modified by age, sex, BMI, or hypertension treatment. There were no major adverse events, but both treatments transiently increased gastrointestinal symptoms. ConclusionsConsuming a beverage containing 1 g high-MW OBG 3 times daily for 4 wk significantly reduced LDL cholesterol by ∼6% and CVD risk by ∼8% in healthy adults with LDL cholesterol between 3 and 5 mmol/L.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03911427.

The effect of honey on lipid profiles: a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials

Honey is known not only as a natural food but also as complementary medicine. According to the controversial evidence about the effects of honey on blood lipids, this meta-analysis was performed to investigate the potential effects of honey on lipid profiles. Relevant studies were identified by searching PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase and Cochrane databases. All human controlled clinical trials (either with a parallel or a crossover design) published in English that reported changes in serum lipid markers (total cholesterol (TC), TAG, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol:HDL-cholesterol ratio) following honey consumption were considered. Standardised mean differences and their respective 95 % CI were calculated to assess the changes in lipid profiles following honey consumption by random effects model. Statistical heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis, publication bias and quality of the included studies were assessed, as well. The meta-analysis of twenty-three trials showed that honey had no significant effects on TC, TAG, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol:HDL-cholesterol ratio. Significant heterogeneity was seen among the studies for all the studied factors (I2 index > 50 %). Subgroup analysis based on the lipid profile status, types of honey and intervention duration revealed no significant effect on TC, TAG, LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol. Quality of the evidences varied from very low to moderate according to various parameters. In conclusion, honey consumption did not affect serum lipid profiles (TC, TAG, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol:HDL-cholesterol ratio).

The effects of low-fat, high-carbohydrate diets vs. low-carbohydrate, high-fat diets on weight, blood pressure, serum liquids and blood glucose: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Our aim was to determine the relative effectiveness of two dietary macronutrient patterns (LFHC (low-fat, high-carbohydrate) diets and LCHF (low-carbohydrate, high-fat) diets) on weight loss and cardiovascular risk factors. We searched four databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to identify the eligible studies on March 13, 2020. Randomized clinical trials (RCT) were included which compared the effect of two diets (LFHC and LCHF) on weight loss, blood pressure, serum liquids, and blood glucose in overweight or obesity adults. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used for the pooled results. This paper included eleven studies involving 739 participants. Compared with LFHC diets, LCHF diets had a greater effect on weight loss (SMD = -1.01 kg; 95% CI -1.99 to -0.04, p = 0.04) and HDL-cholesterol changes (SMD = 0.82 mmol/l; 95% CI 0.43 to 1.21, p < 0.0001), but a smaller effect on total cholesterol decrease (SMD = 0.63 mmol/l; 95% CI 0.18-1.08, p = 0.006) and LDL-cholesterol decrease (SMD = 0.59 mmol/l; 95% CI 0.11-1.18, p = 0.05). Between the two groups, changes in lean mass, fat mass, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, and glucose were non-significant. To conclude, both diets are effective for weight control and reduction of cardiovascular risk factors. And further studies with long-term follow-up are needed to confirm our results.

Influence of seasonal variation on post-farrowing dysgalactia syndrome (PFDS) and serum biochemistry profiles in the periparturient sow.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of seasonal variation on the frequency of post-farrowing dysgalactia syndrome (PFDS), sow body condition score (BCS), piglet survival, and weaning to estrus interval under intensive management systems. In addition, the effects of PFDS on litter characteristics and serum biochemistry, oxidative stress indices, thyroid, and cortisol profile were examined in order to identify potential biomarkers in the pre-farrowing stage. The study was conducted in summer and winter seasons in Nagaland, India, on 50 sows from 30days before farrowing until weaning at 45days. Sows were classified retrospectively into PFDS and non-PFDS. Although statistically, no significant difference was noted in the occurrence of PFDS between the seasons, the proportion of PFDS development was substantially higher in winter than summer (37.5 vs. 26.9%). In winter, the incidence of piglet stillbirth and sow weaning to estrus period was significantly higher (p < 0.05) and the mean litter size at weaning was significantly lower (p < 0.01). At weaning, the mean litter weight and average daily weight gain were decreased (p < 0.05) in both summer and winter, and the total number of piglets died in each litter was increased in sows afflicted with PFDS compared with healthy sows. A significant interaction effect of peripartum days and PFDS was observed in the changes of blood glucose, albumin (p < 0.05), and HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.07) concentration. Mean T3 and T4 concentration was influenced by peripartum days in both the season and a consistently lower T3 concentration was detected in PFDS sows before farrowing. It is concluded that PFDS sows exhibited an increased incidence of stillbirth and scouring of neonatal piglets during the winter. A pronounced drop in mean circulating T3 concentration in sows from 30days before farrowing to 3days after farrowing reflects endocrine-mediated metabolic dysfunction. Further research is warranted with more number of sows to identify the critical values of serum T3 concentration in the immediate pre-farrowing period for prediction of sows developing PFDS after farrowing.

Microbiota and Metabolite Modifications after Dietary Exclusion of Dairy Products and Reduced Consumption of Fermented Food in Young and Older Men.

The gut microbiota adapts to age-related changes in host physiology but is also affected by environmental stimuli, like diet. As a source of both pre- and probiotics, dairy and fermented foods modulate the gut microbiota composition, which makes them interesting food groups to use for the investigation of interactions between diet and ageing. Here we present the effects of excluding dairy products and limiting fermented food consumption for 19 days on gut microbiota composition and circulating metabolites of 28 healthy, young (YA) and older (OA) adult men. The intervention affected gut microbial composition in both groups, with significant increases in Akkermansia muciniphila and decreases in bacteria of the Clostridiales order. Lower fasting levels of glucose and insulin, as well as dairy-associated metabolites like lactose and pentadecanoic acid, were observed after the intervention, with no effect of age. The intervention also decreased HDL and LDL cholesterol levels. Dairy fat intake was positively associated with the HDL cholesterol changes but not with the LDL/HDL ratio. In conclusion, restricting the intake of dairy and fermented foods in men modified their gut microbiota and blood metabolites, while the impact of the dietary restrictions on these outcomes was more marked than the effect of age.

Does four-week consecutive, dawn-to-sunset intermittent fasting during Ramadan affect cardiometabolic risk factors in healthy adults? A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression

AimsThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of Ramadan diurnal intermittent fasting (RDIF; 29–30 days) on cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRF) in healthy adults, and examine the effect of various cofactors on the outcomes using sub-group meta-regression. Data synthesisWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to measure the effect sizes of changes in CMRF in healthy adult Muslims observing RDIF. Ten scientific databases (EBSCOhost, CINAHL, Cochrane, EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Google Scholar, ProQuest Medical, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science) were searched from the date of inception (1950) to the end of November 2020. The CMRF searched and analyzed were total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and heart rate (HR). We identified 91 studies (4431 adults aged 18–85 years) conducted between 1982 and 2020 in 23 countries distributed over four continents. RDIF-induced effect sizes for CMRF were: TC (no. of studies K = 77, number of subjects N = 3705, Hedge's g = −0.092, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.168, 0.016); TG (K = 74, N = 3591, Hedge's g = −0.127, 95% CI: −0.203, 0.051); HDL-C (K = 68, N = 3528, Hedge's g = 0.138, 95% CI: 0.051, 0.224); LDL-C (K = 65, N = 3354, Hedge's g = −0.115, 95% CI: −0.197, −0.034); VLDL-C (K = 13, N = 648, Hedge's g = −0.252, 95% CI: −0.431, 0.073), DBP (K = 32, N = 1716, Hedge's g = −0.255, 95% CI: −0.363, 0.147), and HR (K = 12, N = 674, Hedge's g = −0.082, 95% CI: −0.300, 0.136). Meta-regression revealed that the age of fasting people was a significant moderator of changes in both HDL-C (P = 0.02) and VLDL-C (P = 0.01). Male sex was the only significant moderator of changes in LDL-C (P = 0.055). Fasting time duration was the only significant moderator of HDL-C (P = 0.001) at the end of Ramadan. ConclusionsRDIF positively impacts CMRF, which may confer short-term transient protection against cardiovascular disease among healthy people.

Twelve weeks’ treatment with a polyphenol-rich seaweed extract increased HDL cholesterol with no change in other biomarkers of chronic disease risk in overweight adults: A placebo-controlled randomized trial

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading global cause of death. Strategies to reduce CVD risk are urgently needed. Polyphenols represent a class of bioactive compounds with potential to moderate biochemical risk factors for CVD (cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and inflammation). This double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized parallel-groups trial investigated the effect of a polyphenol-rich seaweed (Fucus vesiculosus) extract on biochemical markers of CVD risk. Thirty-four overweight and obese adults (21 female, 13 male) with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (>2.0 mmol/L) were randomized to either the seaweed extract (2000 mg/d) or placebo for twelve weeks. Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline, week six and week twelve to assess biochemical markers. Tests of cognitive performance and mood were performed at baseline, week six and week twelve. A 9.5% (-2.3, 12.9) increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was identified following the seaweed extract (baseline: mean (SD) 1.28 (0.23) mmol/L, week 12: 1.35 (0.24) mmol/L) which was different to placebo (baseline: 1.38 (0.54) mmol/L, week 12: 1.35 (0.59) mmol/L) (P=.045). No changes were identified in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, insulin, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, or tumour necrosis factor-alpha levels in the blood, or in cognitive performance or mood between the treatment and placebo groups. Despite the small increase observed in HDL cholesterol, the polyphenol-rich seaweed extract did not change CVD risk factors in adults with high fasting lipids. A larger sample size would be required to confirm the clinical relevance of the changes in HDL cholesterol.

Effect of high-intensity interval training on cardiometabolic risk factors in childhood obesity: a meta-analysis

This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to quantify the effectiveness of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on the cardiometabolic health of obese children and adolescents. Relevant articles were sourced from PubMed, Embase, the Web of Science, EBSCO, the Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). Randomized controlled trials were included if they employed participants aged 7-19 years. Outcomes included fasting glucose (FG), fasting insulin (FI), homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), triacylglycerol (TG), total cholesterol (TC), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured at baseline and postintervention and compared with those in the control group. Data analysis and synthesis were completed by Revman 5.3 software and Stata 12.0 software (StataCorp LLC., College Station, TX, USA). Eight trials involving 379 participants were identified. HIIT significantly decreased the FI, HOMA-IR, TC, TG, LDL-c and SBP in participants with obesity. With regard to changes in blood glucose and lipids, participants who underwent HIIT showed great improvement in FI (mean difference: -3.09 µU/mL, 95% confidence interval [CI] -3.71 to -2.46, P<0.0001), HOMA-IR (mean difference: -0.64, 95% CI -0.82 to -0.46, P<0.0001), TG (mean difference: -0.21 mmol/L, 95% CI -0.31 to -0.10, P<0.0001) and LDL-c (mean difference: -0.35 mmol/L, 95% CI -0.48 to -0.22, P<0.001) than the control group. Similar results were found for SBP (mean difference: -3.61 mmHg, 95% CI -5.85 to -1.37, P=0.002). However, no significant differences in changes in FG, HDL-c and DBP were observed between HIIT and control groups. HIIT can produce a positive effect on cardiometabolic risk factors in obese children and adolescents. HIIT may be an alternative and effective training method for managing childhood obesity.

Influences of Ketogenic Diet on Body Fat Percentage, Respiratory Exchange Rate, and Total Cholesterol in Athletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

(1) Background: The purpose of the current meta-analysis was to investigate any positive or negative effects of ketogenic diets in athletes and provide an assessment of the size of these effects. (2) Methods: Databases were used to select relevant studies up to January 2021 regarding the effects of ketogenic diets in athletes. Inclusion criteria were as follows: data before and after ketogenic diet use, being randomized controlled trials and presenting ketogenic diets and assessments of ketone status. Study subjects were required to be professional athletes. Review studies, pilot studies, and studies in which non-athletes were included were excluded from this meta-analysis. The outcome effect sizes in these selected studies were calculated by using the standardized mean difference statistic. (3) Results: Eight studies were selected for this meta-analysis. Athletes who consumed the ketogenic diet had reduced body fat percentages, respiratory exchange rates, and increased total cholesterol compared to athletes who did not consume this diet. However, body mass index, cardiorespiratory fitness, heart rate, HDL cholesterol, glucose level, and insulin level were unaffected by the diet. (4) Conclusions: Ketogenic diets had a beneficial effect by decreasing body fat percentage, but athletes with high total cholesterol level need to be monitored when instituting a ketogenic diet. Our study sample size was limited; therefore, additional studies may be needed to confirm the current findings. Further studies need to be conducted on changes in LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and ratio of LDL to HDL cholesterol.

Влияние мелатонина и льняного масла на состояние липидного обмена крыс при десинхронозе

The purpose of this study was to substantiate the possibility of correcting lipid metabolism changes at dark deprivation using linseed oil, melatonin, and their combination. Materials and methods. The experiment involved 130 white outbred male rats with a body weight of 170–220 g. The animals were divided into 5 groups: rats under standard fixed lighting conditions (12 hours light/12 hours dark); rats under modelled dark deprivation with round-the-clock lighting (24 hours light); rats under modelled dark deprivation with round-the-clock lighting (24 hours light) receiving intragastric injections of linseed oil, melatonin or their combination from day 1 of the experiment. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total phospholipids (TPL) and atherogenic index (AI) were determined. Results. Long-term dark deprivation led to dyslipoproteinemia, which consists in an increase in serum concentrations of TC by a factor of 1.33 (p = 0.0009), TG by a factor of 1.62 (p = 0.013), LDL-C by a factor of 1.2 (p = 0.026) and TPL by a factor of 1.15 (p = 0.0082). The severity of changes in TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C and TPL concentrations varied depending on the duration of the experiment. During the use of linseed oil, melatonin or their combination under dark deprivation, the severity of disorders caused by desynchronosis decreased and lipid metabolism in rat serum normalized, especially at the initial stages of the research. Conclusion. Changes in lipid metabolism due to desynchronosis in rats injected with the substances under study were significantly smaller compared with animals that did not receive them. The most pronounced effects of administering these substances were observed in the group of rats treated with linseed oil and melatonin at the same time.

Empagliflozin increases plasma levels of campesterol, a marker of cholesterol absorption, in patients with type 2 diabetes: Association with a slight increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol

Background and aimsSodium/glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors decrease plasma triglyceride levels and slightly increase low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). However, the mechanisms underlying such changes in the blood lipid profile remain to be determined. We investigated how empagliflozin affects plasma markers of cholesterol absorption and synthesis, and evaluated the relationship between changes in these markers and blood lipids in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods and resultsIn a randomized, active-controlled, open-label trial, 51 patients were randomly allocated in 2:1 ratio to receive empagliflozin 10 mg/day (n = 32) or standard therapy (n = 19) for 12 weeks. We measured plasma levels of lathosterol as a marker of cholesterol synthesis, and campesterol and sitosterol as markers of cholesterol absorption, at baseline and 12 weeks after treatment.In the empagliflozin group, serum HDL-c, but not LDL-c, significantly increased between baseline and 12 weeks (54.4 ± 16.3 vs. 58.8 ± 19.6 mg/dl; p = 0.0006), whereas in the standard therapy group, HDL-c and LDL-c remained unchanged. In the empagliflozin group, plasma campesterol also increased significantly (4.14 ± 1.88 vs. 4.90 ± 2.26 μg/ml, p = 0.0008), whereas no change in plasma campesterol or sitosterol was found in the control group. Although plasma lathosterol showed no change in the whole empagliflozin group, it decreased significantly in patients who were not taking statins. In statin non-users, plasma lathosterol decreased significantly after treatment with empagliflozin (2.71 ± 0.99 vs. 1.91 ± 0.99 μg/ml, p < 0.05). In the empagliflozin group, changes in plasma campesterol correlated positively with changes in HDL-c. ConclusionEmpagliflozin increases serum campesterol, a marker of cholesterol absorption, in patients with type 2 diabetes. This increase may be associated with SGLT2 inhibitor-induced increases in HDL cholesterol.

Atherosclerosis Regression and Cholesterol Efflux in Hypertriglyceridemic Mice.

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Evaluation of the Effects of Intravitreal Aflibercept and Ranibizumab on Systemic Inflammatory and Cardiovascular Biomarkers in Patients with Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the effects of intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) and intravitreal aflibercept (IVA) on systemic inflammatory and cardiovascular biomarkers in treatment-naive patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) Methods: This study included 24 eyes of 24 patients treated with 0.5 mg ranibizumab (IVR group) and 25 eyes of 25 patients treated with 2.0 mg aflibercept (IVA group). Complete blood count, C-reactive protein (CRP), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), uric acid (UA), albumin, fibrinogen levels were measured in blood samples before and after the three-monthly loading dose treatment. Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte/HDL-c ratio (MHR), CRP/albumin ratio (CAR), monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were also calculated. Results: A statistically significant decline was determined in post-treatment CRP (P = .002), LDL-c (P < .001) levels, white blood cell (WBC, P = .001), neutrophil (P < .001), monocyte (P = .019) counts and NLR (P = .020), MHR (P = .042), CAR (P = .010) ratios comparing with pre-treatment values in the IVA group. No statistically significant change was found in any of the parameters evaluated in the study in the IVR group. Also, there was no significant change in fibrinogen, lymphocyte count, MLR, HDL-c, UA, PLR, and platelet count values in both groups. Conclusion: Compared to IVR, IVA treatment had a small but significant effect on systemic inflammatory and cardiovascular biomarkers.

Phytosterol supplementation in the treatment of dyslipidemia in children and adolescents: a systematic review.

ABSTRACTObjective: To carry out a systematic review on the effects of phytosterol supplementation on the treatment of dyslipidemia in children and adolescents.Data sources: Review in the SciELO, Lilacs, Bireme, PubMed and Web of Science databases, with no time limit. Descriptors: phytosterols or plant sterols and dyslipidemias, hypercholesterolemia, cholesterol, children, adolescent, in English and Portuguese. The articles included were published in Portuguese, English or Spanish and evaluated the effect of phytosterol supplementation in pediatric patients with dyslipidemia. Documents that involved adults or animals, review papers, case studies and abstracts were excluded. Two authors performed independent extraction of articles. Of 113 abstracts, 19 were read in full and 12 were used in this manuscript.Data synthesis: Phytosterol supplementation to reduce cholesterol levels has been shown to be effective in reducing LDL-cholesterol levels by approximately 10%, with reductions above 10% in LDL-cholesterol levels observed after 8 to 12 weeks of intervention. Studies have not shown significant changes in HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Based on the absence of adverse effects, its use seems to be safe and of good tolerance in children and adolescents.Conclusions: Phytosterol supplementation seems to be of great therapeutic aid for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia in children and adolescents. Further studies assessing the long-term effect of phytosterol supplementation are necessary.

Effect of ABCG1 gene DNA methylations on the lipid-lowering efficacy of simvastatin.

Aim: We investigated the effect of ABCG1 gene DNA methylation in the lipid-lowering efficacy of simvastatin. Materials & methods: An extreme sampling approach was used to select 211 individuals from the top and bottom 15% of adjusted lipid-lowering response residuals to simvastatin after eight consecutive weeks. DNA methylation was measured before treatment by the MethylTarget bisulfite sequencing method. Results:ABCG1_A DNA methylations were negatively associated with baseline high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and the change in HDL-C after treatment. ABCG1_C methylations were also related to the change in triglyceride and HDL-C. Moreover, mean ABCG1_A and ABCG1_C methylations explain 7.2% of the ΔTC (total cholesterol)and 17.5% of the ΔHDL-C level variability, respectively. Conclusion: DNA methylations at the ABCG1 gene play significant inhibitory effects in the lipid-lowering therapy of simvastatin.