Changes In Serum Lipid Parameters Research Articles

Transcriptome analysis reveals that high temperatures alter modes of lipid metabolism in juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) liver

With the increase in farming density and the continuously high summer temperatures against the background of global warming, high temperature stress has become a major challenge in fish farming. In this study, we simulated the high temperature environments (20 °C, 24 °C, and 28 °C) that may occur during turbot culture. High-throughput sequencing was used to investigate the lipid metabolism response patterns in juvenile turbot liver under high temperature stress. A total of 2067 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. KEGG analysis revealed that the DEGs were mainly associated with glycerophospholipid metabolism, steroid biosynthesis, glycerolipid metabolism, fatty acid metabolic pathways, and the PPAR signaling pathway. A regulatory network was constructed to further elucidate the transcriptional regulation of lipid metabolism. We speculated that high temperature activates PPAR signaling pathway through interaction with ligands such as fatty acids. On the one hand, the HMGCS1 gene in this pathway can inhibit sterol synthesis by down-regulating the expression of key genes in steroid biosynthesis pathway (SQLE, EBP, and DHCR24). On the other hand, the expression of ACSL1 in this pathway is significantly increased under high temperature, which may play an important role in regulating fatty acid metabolism. Moreover, we collected blood and detected changes in serum lipid parameters; the variation patterns were also consistent with our results. These findings reveal that lipid metabolism has an important regulatory role in stress resistance when turbot is exposed to high temperatures.

Association between SLC44A4-NOTCH4 SNPs and serum lipid levels in the Chinese Han and Maonan ethnic groups

BackgroundThe current research was to assess the relationship of the solute carrier family 44 member 4 (SLC44A4) rs577272, notch receptor 4 (NOTCH4) rs3134931 SNPs and serum lipid levels in the Han and Maonan ethnic groups.MethodsThe genetic makeup of the SLC44A4 rs577272 and NOTCH4 rs3134931 SNPs in 2467 unrelated subjects (Han, 1254; Maonan,1213) was obtained by using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism technique, combined with gel electrophoresis, and confirmed by direct sequencing.ResultsThe genotype frequencies of SLC44A4 rs577272 and NOTCH4 rs3134931 SNPs were different between Han and Maonan populations (P < 0.05); respectively. The SLC44A4 rs577272 SNP was associated with total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in Maonan group. The NOTCH4 rs3134931 SNP was associated with triglyceride (TG) in Han; and TG and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in Maonan groups (P < 0.025–0.001). Stratified analysis according to gender showed that the SLC44A4 rs577272 SNP was associated with TC and HDL-C in Han and Maonan females; TC in Maonan males, meanwhile, the NOTCH4 rs3134931 SNP was associated with TG and HDL-C in Han males; TG in Han females; TG and LDL-C in Maonan males; and TG, HDL-C and LDL-C in Maonan females. Linkage disequilibrium analysis showed that the most common haplotype was rs577272G-rs3134931A (> 50%) in both Han and Maonan groups. The haplotype of rs577272G-rs3134931A was associated with TG and HDL-C in Han; and TC, TG and HDL-C in Maonan ethnic groups.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the relationship among SLC44A4 rs577272, NOTCH4 rs3134931 SNPs and serum lipid parameters may vary depending on the gender and/or ethnicity/race in some populations. Haplotypes could explain more changes in serum lipid parameters than any single SNP alone particularly for TC, TG and HDL-C.

Lipoprotein turnover and possible remnant accumulation in preeclampsia: insights from the Freiburg Preeclampsia H.E.L.P.-apheresis study

BackgroundPreeclampsia is a life-threatening disease in pregnancy, and its complex pathomechanisms are poorly understood. In preeclampsia, lipid metabolism is substantially altered. In late onset preeclampsia, remnant removal disease like lipoprotein profiles have been observed. Lipid apheresis is currently being explored as a possible therapeutic approach to prolong preeclamptic pregnancies. Here, apheresis-induced changes in serum lipid parameters are analyzed in detail and their implications for preeclamptic lipid metabolism are discussed.MethodsIn the Freiburg H.E.L.P.-Apheresis Study, 6 early onset preeclamptic patients underwent repeated apheresis treatments. Serum lipids pre- and post-apheresis and during lipid rebound were analyzed in depth via ultracentrifugation to yield lipoprotein subclasses.ResultsThe net elimination of Apolipoprotein B and plasma lipids was lower than theoretically expected. Lipids returned to previous pre-apheresis levels before the next apheresis even though apheresis was repeated within 2.9 ± 1.2 days. Apparent fractional catabolic rates and synthetic rates were substantially elevated, with fractional catabolic rates for Apolipoprotein B / LDL-cholesterol being 0.7 ± 0.3 / 0.4 ± 0.2 [day− 1] and synthetic rates being 26 ± 8 / 17 ± 8 [mg*kg− 1*day− 1]. The distribution of LDL-subclasses after apheresis shifted to larger buoyant LDL, while intermediate-density lipoprotein-levels remained unaffected, supporting the notion of an underlying remnant removal disorder in preeclampsia.ConclusionLipid metabolism seems to be highly accelerated in preeclampsia, likely outbalancing remnant removal mechanisms. Since cholesterol-rich lipoprotein remnants are able to accumulate in the vessel wall, remnant lipoproteins may contribute to the severe endothelial dysfunction observed in preeclampsia.Trial registrationClinicalTrails.gov, NCT01967355.

Changes in serum lipids in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with a combination of tocilizumab and methotrexate compared with methotrexate alone for 24 weeks of observation

Background. According to the some studies tocilizumab therapy (TCZ) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is accompanied by deterioration of blood lipid profile. Aim. To study changes in serum lipid parameters in patients with RA treated with a combination of tocilizumab and methotrexate compared with methotrexate alone for 24 weeks of observation. Material and methods. Patients (n=72) with RA were included into the pilot non-randomized 24-week study and divided in two groups: 1) TCZ+MTX group (n=39; women 30; median age 51 [43-55] years; 6 i.v. infusions of TCZ 8 mg/kg + МТX 10-20 mg/week); 2) MTX group (n=33; women 23; mеdian age 56 [48-63] years; MTX 7.5-20 mg/week). Results. At the baseline, similar proatherogenic blood profile was observed in both groups. The patients of MTX group more frequently took statins (n=19; 57.6%) compared with the group TCZ+MTX (n=7; 18%), (p&lt;0.05). The lipid levels correlated positively with traditional risk factors (p&lt;0.05). RA activity and duration correlated negatively with high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), (p&lt;0.05). Good/satisfactory anti-inflammatory effect was achieved in both groups after 24 weeks of treatment. Patients of TCZ+MTX group showed an increase in total cholesterol and HDL-C levels by 11% and 110%, respectively and decrease in plasma atherogenic index (PAI) by 47%, (p&lt;0.05). HDL-C level increased by 22% and PAI decreased by 16% in patients of MTX group (p&lt;0.05). Among patients of MTX group without statin therapy HDL-C as well as non-HDL-C levels were increased by 24% and 27%, respectively (p&lt;0.05); PAI did not change significantly in this subgroup. Among patients of MTX group treated with statins isolated increase in HDL-C level by 22% and decrease in PAI by 37.3% (p&lt;0.05) were observed. A number of patients with achieved target levels of all studied lipid parameters did not change significantly in both groups. Conclusions. TCZ+MTX combined therapy as well as MTX monotherapy are associated with similar improvement in lipid parameters. Adjusted statin doses may be needed to achieve target serum lipid profile in RA patients.

Resistin-Like Molecule β Is Abundantly Expressed in Foam Cells and Is Involved in Atherosclerosis Development

Resistin-like molecule (RELM) β is a secretory protein homologous to resistin and reportedly contributes to local immune response regulation in gut and bronchial epithelial cells. However, we found that activated macrophages also express RELMβ and thus investigated the role of RELMβ in the development of atherosclerosis. It was demonstrated that foam cells in atherosclerotic lesions of the human coronary artery abundantly express RELMβ. RELMβ knockout ((-/-)) and wild-type mice were mated with apolipoprotein E-deficient background mice. RELMβ(-/-) apolipoprotein E-deficient mice exhibited less lipid accumulation in the aortic root and wall than RELMβ(+/+) apolipoprotein E-deficient mice, without significant changes in serum lipid parameters. In vitro, RELMβ(-/-) primary cultured peritoneal macrophages (PCPMs) exhibited weaker lipopolysaccharide-induced nuclear factor-κB classical pathway activation and inflammatory cytokine secretion than RELMβ(+/+), whereas stimulation with RELMβ upregulated inflammatory cytokine expressions and increased expressions of many lipid transporters and scavenger receptors in PCPMs. Flow cytometric analysis revealed inflammatory stimulation-induced RELMβ in F4/80(+) CD11c(+) PCPMs. In contrast, the expressions of CD11c and tumor necrosis factor were lower in RELMβ(-/-) PCPMs, but both were restored by stimulation with recombinant RELMβ. RELMβ is abundantly expressed in foam cells within plaques and contributes to atherosclerosis development via lipid accumulation and inflammatory facilitation.

Lipid concentrations in postmenopausal women on letrozole after 5 years of tamoxifen: an NCIC CTG MA.17 sub-study

To evaluate changes in serum lipid parameters (cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]), in postmenopausal women receiving letrozole after tamoxifen therapy. MA.17L is a sub-study of MA.17, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of extended adjuvant letrozole. Eligible postmenopausal women were non-hyperlipidemic and not on lipid-lowering drugs. This analysis considers the 183 patients on the letrozole arm. Lipid parameters evaluated at baseline, 6 months, 12 months, and yearly thereafter until completion of 5 years of letrozole. The median duration of letrozole treatment was 5.0 years with a range from 0.03 to 6.05 years. After 5 year tamoxifen, patients on letrozole experienced significant increases from baseline in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and Lp(a) at all study time points but no statistically significant changes in triglycerides. Specifically, a statistically significant increase was found at 60 months in total cholesterol [mean percentage change from baseline (PC) 5.27; p = 0.003], HDL cholesterol (mean PC 6.75; p = 0.003), LDL cholesterol (mean PC 10.02; p = 0.001), Lp(a) (mean PC 105.95; p < 0.0001). 103 (56 %) women in the study had clinically significantly elevated levels of Lp(a) (106 % above baseline) after 5 years of therapy. The results were similar after excluding the 21 % of patients who had ever received anti-lipid treatment. Significant increases in total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and, most notably, Lp(a) in postmenopausal women were observed following 5 years of adjuvant letrozole treatment and after 5 years of tamoxifen therapy and such patients should have monitoring of their lipid levels in clinical practice.

Influence of selenium and/or magnesium on alleviation alcohol induced oxidative stress in rats, normalization function of liver and changes in serum lipid parameters

The aim of this study was to evaluate the attenuating effect of given selenium and/or magnesium on ethanol-induced oxidative stress, disturbances of liver function and cholesterol metabolism. Forty male rats were divided into five groups: C - control, Et - intoxicated with alcohol (15% solution in drinking water), Et + Mg, Et + Se, Et + Mg + Se - intoxicated with alcohol and supplemented with selenium (0.4 mg Se/l water), magnesium (100 mg Mg/l water) and combination of Se and Mg, respectively. The experiment was carried out over the 3 months. The results show that the chronic ingestion of alcohol induces lipid peroxidation and histopathological changes in liver. Supplementation with magnesium only partially alleviates oxidative stress and damages in this tissue. The both selenium alone and combination of magnesium and selenium significantly elevated total antioxidant status (TAS) in serum, activity of glutathione peroxidase and ratio of reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) in liver and retarded oxidative stress and histopathological changes in this tissue. Chronic administration of ethanol (alone and with magnesium) resulted in significant decrease in the serum total cholesterol and retardation in the body weight gain in comparison with the control group. In the groups supplemented with selenium and selenium and magnesium simultaneously, concentration of total cholesterol in serum and body gains was similar to the control group. Supplementation of Se or selenium and magnesium simultaneously significantly enhances antioxidant defence and is more effective against alcohol-induced oxidative stress, disturbance of liver function and cholesterol metabolism than the separate use of magnesium.

The influence of letrozole on serum lipid concentrations in postmenopausal women with primary breast cancer who have completed 5 years of adjuvant tamoxifen (NCIC CTG MA.17L)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in serum lipid parameters {cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]}, in postmenopausal women receiving letrozole or placebo after adjuvant tamoxifen for early stage breast cancer (NCIC CTG MA.17L). MA.17L is a substudy of MA.17, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of letrozole 2.5 mg taken daily for 5 years in postmenopausal women with primary breast cancer completing approximately 5 years of prior adjuvant tamoxifen. Patients consenting to participate in this companion study had blood drawn and lipid parameters (total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, Lp(a), triglycerides) evaluated at baseline, 6 months, 12 months and yearly thereafter until completion of protocol therapy. It was required that women be non-hyperlipidemic and not taking lipid-lowering drugs at time of entry on this trial. Three hundred and forty seven women were enrolled in the study. The letrozole and the placebo groups demonstrated marginally significant differences in the percentage change from baseline in HDL cholesterol at 6 months (P=0.049), in LDL cholesterol at 12 months (P=0.033) and triglycerides at 24 months (P=0.036). All comparisons of lipid parameters at other time points were not significantly different between the two treatment groups. No statistically significant differences in the number of patients exceeding the thresholds defined for the lipid parameters were found between the two treatment groups. The MA.17 trial demonstrated a significant improvement in disease-free survival with the use of letrozole as extended adjuvant therapy post tamoxifen. Results from this study suggests that letrozole does not significantly alter serum cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides or Lp(a) in non-hyperlidiemic postmenopausal women with primary breast cancer treated up to 36 months following at least 5 years of adjuvant tamoxifen therapy. These findings further support the tolerability of extended adjuvant letrozole in postmenopausal women following standard tamoxifen therapy.

Influence of the Type of Membrane and Heparin on Serum Lipid Parameters during a Dialysis Session: A Pilot Study

Background/Aim: The type of heparin and membrane used might influence the lipids in patients on hemodialysis (HD). However, there are limited and debatable data concerning the lipid changes during an HD session. The aim of our study was to examine the changes in serum lipid parameters during the HD session in relation to the heparin and dialysis membrane used. Methods: Ten patients on HD 3 times/week participated in the study. The study was performed in three phases (A, B, C), each of 1 week’s duration. The types of membranes used were Hemophan (phase A), ethylene vinyl alcohol (phase B) and polyacrylonitrile (phase C), respectively, in a random order. During the midweek session of each phase we used classic heparin, while during the session at the end of the week low molecular weight heparin was administered. Serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, Lp(a), albumin and total proteins were measured before and 5 min after the HD and hourly during the HD session. Results: In all phases, we found a progressive increase in all lipid parameters during the HD session, except Lp(a). This increase, however, was possibly due to hemoconcentration. Conclusions: This pilot study showed that (1) the type of heparin and membrane used does not seem to affect the serum lipid profile during a single HD procedure, and (2) the changes observed in serum lipid parameters are mainly due to hemoconcentration.

The incidence of thyroid function abnormalities in patients attending an outpatient lipid clinic.

Thyroid disorders are known to influence lipoprotein metabolism. In the current study we examined the incidence of thyroid function abnormalities in patients attending our outpatient lipid clinic. During the last 2 years, 248 patients were admitted to our lipid clinic for the diagnosis and management of dyslipidemia. In all cases, a detailed medical history was obtained and a thorough physical examination was performed with emphasis on the presence of symptoms/signs indicative of underlying thyroid diseases. In addition to lipid parameters, thyrotropin (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4) levels were measured in a fasting blood sample. Seven female asymptomatic patients (2.8%) had frank biochemical hypothyroidism, and 11 patients (9 female, 2 male) (4.4%) had subclinical hypothyroidism with TSH levels between 5.8-19 mU/L. After restoration of a euthyroid state with levothyroxine therapy, no significant changes in serum lipid parameters were observed in the whole group of patients with subclinical hypothyroidism. However, in 4 patients with TSH levels >12 mU/L relatively small doses of levothyroxine (75 microg/day) were followed by a significant improvement of serum lipid profile. Interestingly, 3 patients exhibited clinical or subclinical hyperthyroidism that influenced serum lipid parameters as well as the effectiveness of hypolipidemic treatment. It is concluded that thyroid function abnormalities are relatively common in dyslipidemic patients attending a lipid clinic and could significantly affect the patients' lipid profile as well as the patients' management.

A Comparison of Estrogen Replacement, Pravastatin, and Combined Treatment for the Management of Hypercholesterolemia in Postmenopausal Women

To evaluate and compare the lipid-altering effects of conjugated estrogens and pravastatin, alone and in combination, in postmenopausal women with hypercholesterolemia. This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 4 parallel groups. Participants (N = 76) were randomly assigned to receive conjugated estrogens, 0.625 mg/d; pravastatin sodium, 20 mg/d; conjugated estrogens plus pravastatin; or a placebo for 16 weeks. Primary end points were changes in serum lipid parameters. Among participants treated with conjugated estrogens, levels of non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) (13.0%) and calculated low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (13.5%) decreased, while levels of HDL-C (22.5%) and triglycerides (4.2%) increased. Participants in the pravastatin group achieved reductions of 23.7% and 25.4% in non-HDL-C and calculated LDL-C levels, respectively. Levels of HDL-C increased slightly (3.7%) and triglycerides decreased by 12.1%. Among participants treated with a combination of conjugated estrogens plus pravastatin, the non-HDL-C (-25.2%) and calculated LDL-C (-28.7%) responses were similar to those of the pravastatin group, and the HDL-C response (21.2%) was similar to that observed in the conjugated estrogens group. Triglyceride levels remained similar to baseline (-0.9%) in the combined treatment group. Administration of conjugated estrogens resulted in potentially antiatherogenic changes in levels of non-HDL-C, HDL-C, and calculated LDL-C. The HDL-C response to combined treatment was similar to that observed in women taking conjugated estrogens alone, while the non-HDL-C and LDL-C responses to combined treatment were similar to those produced by pravastatin therapy alone. These findings support the position of the National Cholesterol Education Program that estrogen replacement, with a progestin where indicated, should be given consideration as a therapeutic option for the management of hypercholesterolemia in postmenopausal women.