VLDL Cholesterol Concentrations Research Articles

Lauric and Palmitic Acid-Enriched Diets have Minimal Impact on Serum Lipid and Lipoprotein Concentrations and Glucose Metabolism in Healthy Young Women

Fifteen healthy young women were fed diets enriched to 4% of energy with either palmitic acid (as palm oil) or lauric acid (as coconut oil). A randomized crossover study design was used so that subjects followed the two experimental diets for 4 wk, both preceded by consumption of a baseline diet for 2 wk. The experimental diets differed only with respect to the fatty acid composition: there was a substitution of 4% of energy intake with palmitic acid or lauric acid in the experimental diets for 4% of energy as monoenes in the baseline diet. There were no differences in the concentration of serum total or lipoprotein lipids, apolipoproteins A-I and B, and lipoprotein (a) or plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity between the experimental diet periods. The VLDL cholesterol concentration (0.38 ± 0.05 vs. 0.51 ± 0.05 mmol/L, means ± SEM, P = 0.01] and plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity [78 ± 5 vs. 88 ± 6 µmol/(h·L), P = 0.007) were greater at the end of the lauric acid diet period than at the end of the preceding baseline diet period. No differences were found in glucose effectiveness, insulin sensitivity index or insulin secretion measured by the intravenous glucose tolerance test (Minimal Model method). In conclusion, in terms of serum lipids, lipoproteins, and glucose metabolism, palmitic acid was equal to lauric acid at 4% of total energy intake exchange, and both of these saturated fatty acids were comparable to a 4% of total energy intake exchange with monoenes in healthy young women.

Influence of Flavonoid-Rich Fraction of Monodora tenuifolia Seed Extract on Blood Biochemical Parameters in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Mellitus in Male Wistar Rats.

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder caused by either the total destruction of the pancreatic beta cells that secrete insulin for the uptake of glucose from the circulation or as a result of the inability of body cells to respond to the presence of insulin in the blood. The present study investigated the effect of a flavonoid-rich fraction of Monodora tenuifolia seed extract (FFMTSE) on blood parameters in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male Wistar rats. The rats were divided into seven groups (n = 6). Group 1: normal control rats, Group 2: rats + FFMTSE (25 mg/kgbwt), Group 3: rats + FFMTSE (50 mg/kgbwt), Group 4: diabetic control rats, Group 5: diabetic rats + FFMTSE (25 mg/kgbwt), Group 6: diabetic rats + FFMTSE (50 mg/kgbwt), and Group 7: diabetic rats + Metformin. The assessment of the lipid profile, kidney functions (urea and creatinine), and cardiac biomarkers (LDH and CK-MB) were carried out in the plasma using established protocols. The results showed a significant increase in the concentrations of triacylglycerol, cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol, urea, and creatinine, as well as in cardiac enzyme activities in diabetic rats. However, the administration of the FFMTSE significantly improved the observed biochemical parameters. In addition, an increased concentration of HDL-cholesterol concentration was observed in the diabetic rats upon treatment with FFMTSE. These findings indicate that FFMTSE could be a potent anti-nephropathy and anti-cardiomyopathy agent in diabetic conditions.

Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and lipidomics and inflammatory proteomics in the human EuroMix study

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Exposure to PFASs has been associated with high cholesterol levels, lower vaccination response and higher childhood infections, in epidemiological studies. The mechanistic pathways involved are often unknown. Biomarkers of effect can provide insight in the biological implications of PFAS exposure. We explored the association between serum PFAS concentrations, lipoprotein particle subclasses and inflammatory biomarkers. METHODS: In 127 adult participants of the EuroMix human biomonitoring study (mean age: 40 years, 70% women) we determined the concentrations and lipid content of the major lipoproteins in two plasma samples by nuclear magnetic resonance and the serum concentrations of five perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSAs) and six perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs), and analysed their association by linear mixed-effect regression models. Further, we used an OLINK high-throughput proteomic assay to analyze plasma inflammatory proteins and explored the association with PFAS by linear regression analysis. RESULTS:Most PFCAs, and PFOS were positively associated with HDL and LDL cholesterol concentrations and negatively associated with VLDL cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in all lipoproteins. One interquartile range (IQR) increase in PFNA, PFDoDA and PFOS was associated with 11%-12% higher HDL cholesterol, independent of HDL particle size. One IQR increase in PFTrDA, PFHpS and PFOS was associated with 9%-14% higher cholesterol concentrations in the small-size LDL. Long-chain PFCAs were negatively associated with the cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in the large- and mid-sized VLDL subfractions. We found mostly negative associations between PFAS and inflammatory biomarkers. One IQR increase in PFOS, PFNA, PFDA, PFUnDA and PFDoDA was associated with 2-3% lower anti-inflammatory factors, HGF and IL-10RB. CONCLUSIONS:In this exploratory study, we aimed to identify serum lipoprotein and inflammatory biomarkers as markers of exposure to PFAS. We observed that PFAS exposure may influence the distribution and lipid composition of major lipoprotein subclasses, as well as modulation of inflammatory responses. KEYWORDS: Proteomics, PFAS, Cardiovascular diseases, Toxicology

Dietary Fruit and Vegetable Supplementation Suppresses Diet-Induced Atherosclerosis in LDL Receptor Knockout Mice

Epidemiologic studies suggest that fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption is inversely associated with incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, evidence for causality is lacking, and the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. We aimed to determine whether there is a causal relation between consuming high levels of F&V and prevention of atherosclerosis, the hallmark of CVD pathogenesis. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms were determined. Six-week-old male LDL receptor-knockout mice were randomly assigned to 3 diet groups (12 mice/group) for 20 wk: control (CON, 10%kcal fat, 0.20g/kg cholesterol), atherogenic (Ath, 27%kcal fat, 0.55g/kg cholesterol), and Ath supplemented with 15% F&V (Ath+FV) (equivalent to 8-9 servings/d in humans). F&V was added as a freeze-dried powder that was prepared from the 24 most commonly consumed F&Vs in the United States. Body weight, aortic atherosclerotic lesion area, hepatic steatosis area, serum lipid profile and proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α concentrations, gut microbiota, and liver TNF-α and fatty acid synthase (Fasn) mRNA concentrations were assessed. F&V supplementation did not affect weight gain. Mice fed the Ath+FV diet had a smaller aortic atherosclerotic lesion area (71.7% less) and hepatic steatosis area (80.7% less) than those fed the Ath diet (both P <0.001) independent of impact on weight, whereas no difference was found between Ath+FV and CON groups in these 2 pathologic markers. Furthermore, F&V supplementation prevented Ath diet-induced dyslipidemia (high concentrations of serum TG and VLDL cholesterol and lower concentrations of HDL cholesterol), reduced serum TNF-α concentration (by 21.5%), suppressed mRNA expression of liver TNF-α and Fasn, and ameliorated Ath-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis. Our results indicate that consuming a large quantity and variety of F&Vs causally attenuates diet-induced atherosclerosis and hepatic steatosis in mice. These effects of F&Vs are associated with, and may be mediated through, improved atherogenic dyslipidemia, alleviated gut dysbiosis, and suppressed inflammation.

Zinc and/or Selenium Enriched Spirulina as Antioxidants in Growing Rabbit Diets to Alleviate the Deleterious Impacts of Heat Stress during Summer Season.

Simple SummaryHeat stress in summer season impairs growth and causes heat-induced physiological stress in rabbits. Zinc acts as an antioxidant stress agent by inhibition of oxidation of macromolecules such as DNA as well as inhibition of inflammatory response, eventually resulting in the down-regulation of reactive oxygen species production. Selenium is a powerful biological anti-oxidant mineral. Spirulina is comparatively confined extreme protein (55–65%) and comprised all important amino acids, has wellbeing assistances, immuno-stimulatory influences and antiviral activity and ensured the capability to diminish heat stress impacts. In the current work, effects of dietary supplemental zinc and/ or selenium enriched spirulina (100 mg Zn-Sp/kg diet, 0.5 mg Se-Sp/kg diet or 100 mg Zn-Sp+ 0.5 mg Se-Sp, respectively) as antioxidants on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, plasma biochemicals and antioxidant status of New Zealand White growing rabbits under summer conditions were evaluated. The findings showed that the supplemented diets enhanced growth performance of rabbits at marketing, hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and total antioxidant capacity and reduced thio-barbituric acid reactive substances. Finally, dietary supplementation of 100 mg Zn-Sp, 0.5 mg Se-Sp or their combination could improve growth performance, nutrients digestibility and antioxidant status of heat stressed growing rabbits.Effects of dietary supplemental zinc and/ or selenium enriched spirulina (Zn-Sp, Se-Sp and Zn-Se-Sp, respectively) as antioxidants on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, plasma biochemicals and antioxidant status of growing rabbits under summer conditions were evaluated. A total of 160 New Zealand White male rabbits at six-weeks-old were randomly assigned to four groups. The first group received untreated diet (control). The other groups received diet supplemented with 100 mg Zn-Sp/kg diet, 0.5 mg Se-Sp/kg diet or 100 mg Zn-Sp+ 0.5 mg Se-Sp, respectively. The findings showed that the supplemented diets enhanced growth performance of rabbits at marketing. Rabbits fed Zn-Sp exhibited high dry and organic matter digestibilities while those fed Zn-Sp and Zn-Se-Sp diet supplemented achieved high crude protein digestibility. Rabbits fed diet supplemented with Zn-Se-Sp gave the highest hot carcass weight when competed with their counterparts. Zn-Sp and Zn-Se-Sp supplemented diets tended to promote dressing percentage. Low concentrations of plasma total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol were recorded by Se-Sp and Zn-Se-Sp groups. Rabbits fed Se-Sp, Zn-Se-Sp had the greatest HDL, plasma TAC and catalase and the lowest TBARs. Conclusively, dietary supplementation of 100 mg Zn-Sp, 0.5 mg Se-Sp or their combination could improve growth performance, nutrients digestibility and antioxidant status of heat stressed growing rabbits.

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy alters 1H-NMR-measured lipoprotein and glycoprotein profile in patients with severe obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Patients with morbid obesity frequently present non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) associated with pro-atherogenic alterations. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is an effective treatment for weight reduction, and for the remission of hepatic alterations. Using 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), we investigated the effects of LSG on lipoprotein and glycoprotein profile in patients with morbid obesity and liver disease. We included 154 patients with morbid obesity (49 non-NASH, 54 uncertain NASH, 51 definite NASH). A blood sample was obtained before surgery and, in patients with definite NASH, one year after surgery. Patients with NASH had increased concentrations of medium and small VLDL particles, VLDL and IDL cholesterol concentrations, IDL, LDL, and HDL triglyceride concentrations, and elevated glycoprotein levels. These changes were more marked in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. LSG produced significant decreases in the concentration of VLDL particles, VLDL cholesterol and triglycerides, an increase in the concentration LDL particles and LDL cholesterol concentrations, and a decrease in protein glycation. We conclude that patients with obesity and NASH had significant alterations in circulating levels of lipoproteins and glycoproteins that were associated with the severity of the disease. Most of these changes were reversed post-LSG.

Effect of Abelmoschus esculentus (okra)-based diet on streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus in adult Wistar rats

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of an okra-based diet on streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus in adult Wistar rats and its mechanism of action.Methods: Wistar rats (6) were administered streptozotocin (50 mg/kg ip) after an overnight fast. Upon confirmation of diabetes mellitus, the animals were fed ad libitum for 21 days with formulated okrabased test diet in place of normal diet. The rats treated similarly with streptozotocin and fed ad libitum with the normal diet served as diabetic control while rats fed on normal diet and not treated with streptozotocin served as the negative control. Thereafter, the rats were sacrificed, fasting bloodcollected and analysed for glucose concentration and biochemical parameters. Pancreas was also excised for histopathological studies.Results: There was a significant increase in body weight, HDL-cholesterol (p&lt; 0.05) but significant decrease in blood glucose (p &lt; 0.05), serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol and VLDLcholesterol concentrations in the okra-fed diabetic treated rats when compared to the diabetic control group. Furthermore, superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) was significantly higher in the diabetic control, and reduced significantly when fed with okra-based diet (p &lt; 0.05). Catalase (CAT) activity was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) decreased in diabetic control and treated group, whereas it was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) increased in normal control rats. There was a significant (p &lt; 0.05) decrease in reduced glutathione levels. The significant (p&lt; 0.05) increase in malondialdehyde in the diabetic group was significantly decrease in the diabetic rats fed with okra-diet. Also serum insulin level was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) increased and serum α amylase activity was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) decrease in the diabetic treated rats. Histology results show that there was damage to the β cells of the pancreas in the diabetic control when compared to normal control, but rats fed okra diet was able to regenerate endocrine β cells.Conclusion: Okra-based diet lowers hyperglycaemia as well as regenerate/repair endocrine β-cells and exocrine tissues of the pancreas damage by streptozotocin&#x0D; Keywords: Abelmoschus esculentus, Diabetes mellitus, anti-diabetic, Insulin, α-amylase, Mechanism

The effects of a 2-year physical activity and dietary intervention on plasma lipid concentrations in children: the PANIC Study

PurposeWe studied the effects of a physical activity and dietary intervention on plasma lipids in a general population of children. We also investigated how lifestyle changes contributed to the intervention effects.MethodsWe carried out a 2-year controlled, non-randomized lifestyle intervention study among 504 mainly prepubertal children aged 6–9 years at baseline. We assigned 306 children to the intervention group and 198 children to the control group. We assessed plasma concentrations of total, LDL, HDL, and VLDL cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL triglycerides, and VLDL triglycerides. We evaluated the consumption of foods using 4-day food records and physical activity using a movement and heart rate sensor. We analyzed data using linear mixed-effect models adjusted for age at baseline, sex, and pubertal stage at both time points. Furthermore, specific lifestyle variables were entered in these models.ResultsPlasma LDL cholesterol decreased in the intervention group but did not change in the control group ( − 0.05 vs. 0.00 mmol/L, regression coefficient (β) = − 0.0385, p = 0.040 for group*time interaction). This effect was mainly explained by the changes in the consumption of high-fat vegetable oil-based spreads (β = − 0.0203, + 47% change in β) and butter-based spreads (β = − 0.0294, + 30% change in β), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (β = − 0.0268, + 30% change in β), light physical activity (β = − 0.0274, + 29% change in β) and sedentary time (β = − 0.0270, + 30% change in β). The intervention had no effect on other plasma lipids.ConclusionLifestyle intervention resulted a small decrease in plasma LDL cholesterol concentration in children. The effect was explained by changes in quality and quantity of dietary fat and physical activity.Clinical Trial Registry NumberNCT01803776, ClinicalTrials.gov

Potent reduction of plasma lipoprotein (a) with an antisense oligonucleotide in human subjects does not affect ex vivo fibrinolysis

It is postulated that lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] inhibits fibrinolysis, but this hypothesis has not been tested in humans due to the lack of specific Lp(a) lowering agents. Patients with elevated Lp(a) were randomized to antisense oligonucleotide [IONIS-APO(a)Rx] directed to apo(a) (n = 7) or placebo (n = 10). Ex vivo plasma lysis times and antigen concentrations of plasminogen, factor XI, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor, and fibrinogen at baseline, day 85/92/99 (peak drug effect), and day 190 (3 months off drug) were measured. The mean ± SD baseline Lp(a) levels were 477.3 ± 55.9 nmol/l in IONIS-APO(a)Rx and 362.1 ± 89.9 nmol/l in placebo. The mean± SD percentage change in Lp(a) for IONIS-APO(a)Rx was -69.3 ± 12.2% versus -5.4 ± 6.9% placebo (P < 0.0010) at day 85/92/99 and -15.6 ± 8.9% versus 3.2 ± 12.2% (P = 0.003) at day 190. Clot lysis times and coagulation/fibrinolysis-related biomarkers showed no significant differences between IONIS-APO(a)Rx and placebo at all time points. Clot lysis times were not affected by exogenously added Lp(a) at concentrations up to 200 nmol/l to plasma with very low (12.5 nmol/l) Lp(a) levels, whereas recombinant apo(a) had a potent antifibrinolytic effect. In conclusion, potent reductions of Lp(a) in patients with highly elevated Lp(a) levels do not affect ex vivo measures of fibrinolysis; the relevance of any putative antifibrinolytic effects of Lp(a) in vivo needs further study.

The Effects of L-Carnitine Supplementation on Serum Lipids: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

The findings of trials investigating the effects of L-carnitine administration on serum lipids are inconsistent. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed to summarize the effects of L-carnitine intake on serum lipids in patients and healthy individuals. Two authors independently searched electronic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar from 1990 until August 1, 2019, in order to find relevant RCTs. The quality of selected RCTs was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. Cochrane's Q test and I-square (I2) statistic were used to determine the heterogeneity across included trials. Weight mean difference (SMD) and 95% CI between the two intervention groups were used to determine pooled effect sizes. Subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the source of heterogeneity based on suspected variables such as, participant's health conditions, age, dosage of L-carnitine, duration of study, sample size, and study location between primary RCTs. Out of 3460 potential papers selected based on keywords search, 67 studies met the inclusion criteria and were eligible for the meta-analysis. The pooled results indicated that L-carnitine administration led to a significant decrease in triglycerides (WMD: -10.35; 95% CI: -16.43, -4.27), total cholesterol (WMD: -9.47; 95% CI: - 13.23, -5.70) and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations (WMD: -6.25; 95% CI: -9.30, -3.21), and a significant increase in HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (WMD: 1.39; 95% CI: 0.21, 2.57). L-carnitine supplementation did not influence VLDL-cholesterol concentrations. When we stratified studies for the predefined factors such as dosage, and age, no significant effects of the intervention on triglycerides, LDL-C, and HDL-C levels were found. This meta-analysis demonstrated that L-carnitine administration significantly reduced triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels, and significantly increased HDL-cholesterol levels in the pooled analyses, but did not affect VLDL-cholesterol levels; however, these findings were not confirmed in our subgroup analyses by participant's health conditions, age, dosage of L-carnitine, duration of study, sample size, and study location.

Adipokine gene expression in adipocytes isolated from different fat depots of coronary artery disease patients

To compare DPP4, LCN2, NAMPT, ITLN1, APLN mRNA levels in adipocytes isolated from the biopsies of subcutaneous, epicardial and perivascular fat obtained from 25 patients with coronary artery disease. Gene expression signature was determined by RT-qPCR with hydrolysis probes. We found DPP4 and APLN mRNA was higher expressed only in adipocytes isolated from epicardial adipose tissue compared to the subcutaneous fat. The ITLN1 gene was overexpressed in epicardial adipose tissue compared to both subcutaneous and perivascular tissues. APLN mRNA expression was positively correlated with total and LDL cholesterol plasma level, and DPP4 mRNA expression – with VLDL cholesterol concentration. Thus, adipocytes isolated from different adipose depots are characterised by differential gene expression of adipokines. Epicardial adipose tissue is of particular interest in the context of its function, molecular and genetic mechanisms of regulation of the cardiovascular system and as a therapeutic target for correction of adipose tissue-induced effects on health.

Biochemical and toxicological implications of ethylacetate fraction of the methanolic extract of Plumbago zeylanica (Linn) root

Plumbago zeylanica, Linn. is an important plant with numerous medicinal values. This study was aimed to evaluate the biochemical and toxicological effects of the administration of the ethylacetate fraction of the methanolic extract of Plumbago zeylnica root (EAME). In sub-chronic study, extract doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight were administered orally in rats for 28 days. Biochemical and histological evaluations were carried out on the rats. At the highest dose of EAME, organ-body weight ratio increased by 170% in the liver, spleen by 85%, but reduced in kidney by 62%, lung 17% and heart 7%. In the plasma, administration of EAME at the highest dose increased the concentrations of protein by 11%, albumin 32%, glucose 153%, direct bilirubin 151%, total bilirubin 656%, creatinine 35% and uric acid 29%. Activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and gammaglutamyltansferase were also increased by 6%, 39%, 76% and 46% respectively. The concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol were not significantly different (p&gt;0.05) compared with the control. EAME induced histopathological alterations in the cellular architecture of the liver and lungs. Mild congestion in sinusoids and bile duct proliferation were observed in the liver, while the lung showed necrosis, oedema and haemorrhage. The alterations were more prominent in the lung of rats treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt. doses. No histopathological alteration was observed in the kidney. These findings indicate that EAME of P. zeylanica root contains bioactive compounds which are toxic to the organism but the action was organ specific.

Phyllanthus muellerianus (Euphorbiaceae) Restores Ovarian Functions in Letrozole-Induced Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Rats.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the common causes or female infertility. Phyllanthus muellerianus (Euphorbiaceae) is a plant used to treat various ailments including frequent menstruation and anovulation. We investigated the effects of P. muellerianus extracts on estrus cyclicity, lipid profile, oxidative stress-related markers, sex hormones, and ovarian architecture in letrozole-induced PCOS in rats. After induction of PCOS using letrozole (1 mg/kg/day), normal (n=6), and PCOS (n=108; distributed into 18 groups of 6 animals/group) rats were treated orally for 7 or 14 days with distilled water (10 ml/kg/day), clomiphene citrate (2 mg/kg/day), metformin (500 mg/kg/day), and aqueous or methanolic extract of P. muellerianus (30, 60, and 120 mg/kg). Estrus cyclicity, body, and sexual organ (ovaries and uterus) weights, biochemical and histological parameters were measured. There were letrozole-induced PCOS characterized by irregular estrus cyclicity, elevated (p<0.05-0.01) glycaemia, ovarian weight, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, malondialdehyde, luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone concentrations, but there were low (p<0.05-0.001) HDL cholesterol, estradiol, progesterone, catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase levels, compared with control. PCOS rats had multiple cysts compared with control. These reproductive, biochemical, and structural alterations were alleviated by P. muellerianus extracts. For instance, P. muellerianus restored the estrus cyclicity with a remarkable effect after 14 days of treatment. Moreover, P. muellerianus significantly decreased (p<0.001) LH and testosterone (both extracts; 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg) levels, but increased (p<0.01) estradiol (aqueous extract; 60 mg/kg) concentration. Cystic follicles were also decreased after plant application. P. muellerianus alleviated reproductive, hormonal, and structural alterations in PCOS rats. This plant could be useful in the management/treatment of reproductive and metabolic disorders related to PCOS.

Ferritina: biomarcador de doenças cardiovasculares em pacientes diabéticos

Introdução: O Diabetes Mellitus (DM) é uma condição clínica caracterizada pela hiperglicemia por defeito na secreção e/ou resistência à insulina. Objetivo: Verificar a correlação entre os marcadores de inflamação; Proteína C Reativa de alta sensibilidade (PCR-US), ferritina e lipídeos de pacientes diabéticos. Métodos: Foi realizada a análise do perfil lipídico de 50 pacientes diabéticos do tipo 2, com uma média de quatro anos de diagnóstico. Analisou-se a concentração plasmática de glicose, colesterol total, HDL colesterol, LDL colesterol e VLDL colesterol, triglicerídeos, ferritina e PCR-US. Resultados: Evidenciou uma correlação positiva forte entre PCR-US e ferritina (r=0,85); entre ferritina e colesterol LDL e triglicerídeos (r=0,91; r=0,91); correlação positiva moderada para colesterol total (0,63); negativa moderada para colesterol HDL (r=0,38). Conclusão: Os resultados indicam que a ferritina apresenta uma correlação positiva forte com a PCR-US, triglicerídeos e colesterol LDL, que, quando analisada de forma combinada, sugere a suspeita de processo inflamatório ativo e na ausência de doença de base, maior possibilidade de suspeita de inflamação aterosclerótica nestes pacientes.

Adenovirus 36 seropositivity is related to obesity risk, glycemic control, and leptin levels in Chilean subjects.

Adenovirus 36 (Ad-36) has been associated to adiposity in animal and in vitro studies. Ad-36 seropositivity has also been reported to contribute to obesity risk in children and adult populations. We investigated the relationship of Ad-36 serology with obesity and metabolic parameters in a Chilean population. Clinical and anthropometric data were obtained and blood samples were drawn from 99 lean (BMI: 18.5-24.9 kg/m2) and 151 obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2) subjects. Laboratory tests included lipid profile as well as glucose, insulin, leptin, and adiponectin levels. Ad-36 seropositivity was evaluated in serum samples by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Seroprevalence of Ad-36 was higher in the obese group (58%) than in lean controls (34%) demonstrating that individuals previously infected with Ad-36 have higher risk of obesity in the study population (OR: 2.67, 95%CI: 1.58-4.51, p < 0.001). Interestingly, Ad-36 was related to lower concentrations of triglycerides and VLDL cholesterol in lean subjects (p = 0.049) and lower leptin in obese individuals (p = 0.014). Previous Ad-36 infection was also related to lower glycemia, insulinemia, and HOMA-IR (p < 0.05) in obese subjects who were not under antidiabetic drugs. Our results provide evidence of the contribution of previous Ad-36 infection to an increased risk of obesity in adult Chilean population. Ad-36 seropositivity was also associated to lipid profile, glycemic control, and leptin levels in adult Chilean population.

Naringin abrogates HIV-1 protease inhibitors-induced atherogenic dyslipidemia and oxidative stress in vivo

Protective effects of naringin against HIV-1 protease inhibitors (PIs)-induced dyslipidemia and oxidative stress were investigated in vivo. Male Wistar rats were orally treated daily with atazanavir {ATV; 133 mg/kg body weight (BW)}, saquinavir (SQV; 333 mg/kg BW), distilled water (3.0 ml/kg BW) and with or without naringin (NAR; 50 mg/kg BW) for 56 days, respectively. ATV or SQV significantly reduced body weights and plasma HDL cholesterol concentrations but increased total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol concentrations and calculated atherogenic index ratio, respectively. Furthermore, ATV or SQV treatment significantly increased lipid peroxidation and carbonyl proteins concentrations in plasma, liver and pancreas tissues but significantly reduced antioxidant activities in the liver and pancreas compared to the controls, respectively. However, naringin treatment significantly improved weight loss, dyslipidemia and oxidative stress in ATV- or SQV-treated rats, respectively. Naringin prevents HIV PIs-induced dyslipidemia and oxidative stress and may therefore mitigate PI-associated metabolic complications in HIV patients.

The Effect of Magnesium and Vitamin E Co-Supplementation on Glycemic Control and Markers of Cardio-Metabolic Risk in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Data on the effects of magnesium and vitamin E co-supplementation on glycemic control and markers of cardio-metabolic risk of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) were collected. This investigation was conducted to evaluate the effects of magnesium and vitamin E co-supplementation on glycemic control and markers of cardio-metabolic risk in women with PCOS. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was carried out on 60 women with PCOS, aged 18-40 years old. Participants were randomly divided into two groups to receive 250 mg/day magnesium plus 400 mg/day vitamin E supplements or placebo (n=30 each group) for 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after the 12-week intervention to quantify related variables. After the 12-week intervention, compared with the placebo, magnesium and vitamin E co-supplementation led to a significant reduction in serum insulin levels (-1.1±3.0 vs. +1.6±3.7 μIU/ml, p=0.003) and homeostatic model of assessment for insulin resistance (-0.2±0.7 vs. +0.4±0.9, p=0.002), and a significant increase in the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (+0.01±0.01 vs. -0.009±0.02, p=0.003). Furthermore, magnesium plus vitamin E supplementation significantly decreased serum triglycerides (-15.0±24.4 vs. +6.7±22.2 mg/dl, p=0.001) and VLDL-cholesterol concentrations (-3.0±4.9 vs. +0.6±2.4 mg/dl, P=0.01) compared with the placebo. A trend toward a greater decrease in total cholesterol levels was observed in magnesium plus vitamin E group compared to placebo group (-7.0±32.6 vs. +8.1±26.6 mg/dl, p=0.05). In conclusion, magnesium and vitamin E co-supplementation for 12 weeks to PCOS women had beneficial effects on parameters of insulin metabolism and few markers of cardio-metabolic risk.

Cholesterol-lowering effect of diet with added sweet potato (Ipomea batatas) vines in rabbits

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of sweet potato vines as a source of fiber on the plasma parameters in healthy rabbits. For this, 15 rabbits were allocated into five groups, and each group was fed a different diet for a period of 46 days. The diets were as follows: diet without sweet potato vines (0SPV), and experimental diets with 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of sweet potato vines in replacement of alfalfa hay respectively (25SPV, 50SPV, 75SPV and 100SPV). Triglycerides and VLDL-cholesterol concentrations were approximately 53% lower in rabbits fed the 100SPV than in rabbits fed 0SPV. In addition, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and total-cholesterol concentrations were lower approximately 40% and 14%, respectively, in rabbits fed the 100SPV than in rabbits fed 0SPV. No significant differences were found among HDL-cholesterol, glucose, proteins, albumin and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations of the five groups. These results demonstrate that the consumption of sweet potato vines reduces the triglycerides, VLDLcholesterol and total cholesterol while maintains HDL-cholesterol levels. Therefore, sweet potato vines consumption may be another option to prevent coronary heart diseases in rabbits.

Selected risk factors for atherosclerosis in children and their parents with positive family history of premature cardiovascular diseases: a prospective study

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to evaluate serum parameters of lipid metabolism, homocysteine, soluble adhesion molecules and common carotid artery wall thickness in children from families with early symptoms of atherosclerosis.MethodsThe first stage included 137 pairs of mothers and newborns, and the second 18 children from the same group (age 18-30 months) and their parents (age 21-46 years) with a history of premature coronary artery disease (CAD), as well as 12 age- and sex-matched controls.ResultsDuring the first stage, inverse correlations were found between birthweight, cord blood concentrations of triglycerides (TG), VLDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B (Apo B). Serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1), LDL and HDL cholesterol and were significantly higher in female than in male newborns. During the second stage, children from families with a history for premature CAD were shown to present with significantly higher serum concentrations of TG, VLDL cholesterol and lipoprotein A (Lp(a)) than the controls. Furthermore, their TC correlated positively with vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (Rs=0.717, p<0.05) and intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) levels (Rs=0.833, p<0.05). Moreover, positive correlations were found between maternal carotid intima media thickness (IMT) and TC (Rs=0.831, p<0.01), as well as between paternal IMT and Apo B (Rs=0.692, p<0.05), TG and sICAM-1 (Rs=0.912, p<0.01), TG and sE-selectin (Rs=0.678, p<0.05).ConclusionsSerum Lp(a) may serve as a maker of cardiovascular risk in children and adolescents.

The Effects of Synbiotic Supplementation on Metabolic Status in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial.

Data on the effects of synbiotic supplementation on glycemic control, lipid profiles, and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are limited. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of synbiotic supplementation on glycemic control and lipid profiles in women with PCOS. A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was done at the Naghavi Hospital affiliated to Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran, between April 2017 and June 2017. Sixty women with PCOS were randomized to intake synbiotic capsule containing Lactobacillus acidophilus strain T16 (IBRC-M10785), Lactobacillus casei strain T2 (IBRC-M10783), and Bifidobacterium bifidum strain T1 (IBRC-M10771) (2 × 109CFU/g each) plus 800mg inulin (n = 30) or placebo (n = 30) for 12weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and after the 12-week intervention to determine related variables. Compared with the placebo, synbiotic supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in serum insulin concentrations (- 2.8 ± 4.1 vs. + 1.8 ± 6.4μIU/mL, P = 0.002) and homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (- 0.7 ± 1.0 vs. + 0.4 ± 1.5, P = 0.002), and a significant elevation in the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (+ 0.01 ± 0.01 vs. - 0.01 ± 0.03, P < 0.001). In addition, significant decreases in serum triglycerides (- 16.2 ± 31.4 vs. + 5.8 ± 23.1mg/dL, P = 0.003), VLDL-cholesterol concentrations (- 3.3 ± 6.3 vs. + 1.1 ± 4.6mg/dL, P = 0.003), and AIP (- 0.05 ± 0.08 vs. - 0.003 ± 0.10mg/dL, P = 0.03) were seen following the supplementation of synbiotic compared with the placebo. Overall, we found that synbiotic supplementation to women with PCOS for 12weeks had beneficial effects on markers of insulin resistance, triglycerides, VLDL-cholesterol concentrations, and AIP, but did not influence other lipid profiles. Trial registration: www.irct.ir: IRCT201604015623N71.