Blood Cholesterol Concentrations Research Articles

Closed Bipolar Electrode-Enabled Electrochromic Sensing of Multiple Metabolites in Whole Blood.

We report a closed bipolar electrode (CBE)-based sensing platform for the detection of diagnostic metabolites in undiluted whole human blood. The sensor is enabled by electrode chemistry based on: (1) a mixed layer of blood-compatible adsorption-resistant phosphorylcholine (PPC) and phenylbutyric acid (PBA), (2) ferrocene (Fc) redox mediators, and (3) immobilized redox-active enzymes. This scheme is designed to overcome nonspecific protein adsorption and amplify sensing currents in whole human fluids. The scheme also incorporates a diffusing mediator to increase electronic communication between the immobilized redox enzyme and the working electrode. The use of both bound and freely diffusing mediators is synergistic in producing the electrochemical response. The sensor is realized by linking the analyte cell, containing the specific electrode surface architecture, through a CBE to a reporter cell containing the electrochromic reporter, methyl viologen (MV). The colorless-to-purple color change accompanying the 1e- reduction of MV2+ is captured using a smartphone camera. Subsequent red-green-blue analysis is performed on the acquired images to determine cholesterol, glucose, and lactate concentrations in whole blood. The CBE blood metabolite sensor produces a linear color change at clinically relevant concentration ranges for all metabolites with good reproducibility (∼5% or better) and with limits of detection of 79 μM for cholesterol, 59 μM for glucose, and 86 μM for lactate. Finally, metabolite concentration measurements from the CBE blood metabolite sensor are compared with results from commercially available FDA-approved blood cholesterol, glucose, and lactate meters, with an average difference of ∼3.5% across all three metabolites in the ranges studied.

The association of accelerated epigenetic age with all-cause mortality in cardiac catheterization patients as mediated by vascular and cardiometabolic outcomes

BackgroundEpigenetic age is a DNA methylation-based biomarker of aging that is accurate across the lifespan and a range of cell types. The difference between epigenetic age and chronological age, termed age acceleration (AA), is a strong predictor of lifespan and healthspan. The predictive capabilities of AA for all-cause mortality have been evaluated in the general population; however, its utility is less well evaluated in those with chronic conditions. Additionally, the pathophysiologic pathways whereby AA predicts mortality are unclear. We hypothesized that AA predicts mortality in individuals with underlying cardiovascular disease; and the association between AA and mortality is mediated, in part, by vascular and cardiometabolic measures.MethodsWe evaluated 562 participants in an urban, three-county area of central North Carolina from the CATHGEN cohort, all of whom received a cardiac catheterization procedure. We analyzed three AA biomarkers, Horvath epigenetic age acceleration (HAA), phenotypic age acceleration (PhenoAA), and Grim age acceleration (GrimAA), by Cox regression models, to assess whether AAs were associated with all-cause mortality. We also evaluated if these associations were mediated by vascular and cardiometabolic outcomes, including left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), blood cholesterol concentrations, angiopoietin-2 (ANG2) protein concentration, peripheral artery disease, coronary artery disease, diabetes, and hypertension. The total effect, direct effect, indirect effect, and percentage mediated were estimated using pathway mediation tests with a regression adjustment approach.ResultsPhenoAA (HR = 1.05, P < 0.0001), GrimAA (HR = 1.10, P < 0.0001) and HAA (HR = 1.03, P = 0.01) were all associated with all-cause mortality. The association of mortality and PhenoAA was partially mediated by ANG2, a marker of vascular function (19.8%, P = 0.016), and by diabetes (8.2%, P = 0.043). The GrimAA-mortality association was mediated by ANG2 (12.3%, P = 0.014), and showed weaker evidence for mediation by LVEF (5.3%, P = 0.065).ConclusionsEpigenetic age acceleration remains strongly predictive of mortality even in individuals already burdened with cardiovascular disease. Mortality associations were mediated by ANG2, which regulates endothelial permeability and angiogenic functions, suggesting that specific vascular pathophysiology may link accelerated epigenetic aging with increased mortality risks.

Physiological and Productivity Performances of Japanese Quails Supplemented with Cassava Leaf Paste

This study aimed to evaluate and analyze the physiological performances of quails raised under this temperature range and then given cassava leaf paste to reduce the heat stress effects. The variables measured were blood chemical, stress indicators, body resistance, productivity, and quality of quail eggs. This experiment used 160 quails in a completely randomized design with 4 doses of cassava leaf paste as treatments with 4 replications, namely P0 (0 mg/g), P1 (5.29 mg/g), P2 (10.58 mg/g), and P3 (15.87 mg/g). The administration of cassava leaf paste for 30 days was carried out through 100 mL of drinking water for each dose. The results showed that administering various doses of cassava leaf paste to quails increased blood glucose and lower blood cholesterol concentrations. Administration of cassava leaf pastes in P3 treatment increased the oxygen saturation value of quail by 6.14% compared to the control treatment. Malondialdehyde (MDA) serum concentration as an indicator of oxidative stress significantly increased at a higher dose (P3) of cassava leaf paste administration. Meanwhile, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) serum concentration remains the same. Administration of cassava leaf pastes in P3 treatment decreased liver MDA by 66.66%, and P2 treatment increased liver SOD by 3.85% compared to the control treatment. The clearance test showed the presence of cassava leaf paste increased by 1.2% the death of Salmonella pullorum bacteria. The provision of cassava leaf paste can increase egg productivity and quality. The total cholesterol of egg yolks of quails receiving cassava leaf paste was lower than the control. In conclusion, applying cassava leaf paste can support the physiological performance such as blood chemistry (glucose levels, cholesterol, and oxygen saturation), stress indicators (serum and liver MDA and SOD concentrations), body resistance (total leukocyte count and the death rate of Salmonella pullorum bacteria), of quails, thereby increasing the productivity and quality of quail eggs.

PASTA PRODUCTS FROM AMARANTH FLOUR

Production of gluten-free pasta is offered. A new food product for a special purpose has been developed - pasta made from whole-grain amaranth flour, which will be able to provide the daily rate of fiber consumption. An analysis of the latest research and publications was conducted and it was found that Ukrainian and foreign scientists are investigating the use of new raw materials from amaranth in the technologies of functional food products. On the basis of the analyzed sources, a complex of studies on the development of macaroni recipes and determining their quality is substantiated. Based on the research results, a technology for making gluten-free pasta products has been developed. Eating amaranth macaroni will reduce the signs of aging and heart disease, reduce the effect of inflammation that occurs during allergies due to the production of immunoglobulin E and the cholesterol content in human blood. The rich content of proteins, vitamins, trace elements, fiber and essential amino acids, in particular lysine, makes pasta not only tasty, but also useful and functional food. Thanks to this, the new pasta can become a dietary product that will provide the human body with all the necessary nutrients. It was established that amaranth noodles have insufficient strength for production, because of this, manufacturers combined amaranth with other types of raw materials. It was determined that the addition of albumin, xanthan, guarana significantly improves the properties of pasta products. The ratio of recipe ingredients that ensured the production of quality products: 15% albumin, 0.7% xanthan, and 0.5% guarana to amaranth flour, were experimentally determined. The organoleptic and digestive parameters of the developed products were determined. Losses during cooking of pasta, their dependence on the type of additional raw materials, were established. The effect of albumin, xanthan, guaran as substances that ensure the hardness and consistency of products and reduce losses during cooking has been confirmed. The moisture content of finished pasta was determined. Their strength, hardness, shape and consistency were evaluated. Attention is focused on the low strength of amaranth flour pasta products and the need to pack them in hard cardboard boxes. The possibility of introducing the production of pasta products on flow-mechanized lines was considered. The rich mineral composition of amaranth, increased protein content, this allows gluten-free pasta products to have a health-giving character and become an indispensable product for healthy, balanced human nutrition.

Short-term postprandial changes in select serum biochemistry analytes in healthy adult cats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the magnitude, duration and significance of postprandial changes to select serum biochemistry analytes in healthy adult cats in the 12 h period after a meal. Nine adult research cats fed commercial food were included. Blood samples were taken after a 12 h fast (hour 0), cats were offered and consumed a meal, and postprandial samples were obtained over a 12 h period starting 2 h after the baseline blood draw (hours 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12). Serum samples were run on a Roche Cobas C501 chemistry analyzer to obtain concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, phosphorus, total calcium, bicarbonate, cholesterol, magnesium, sodium, potassium and chloride. Serum concentrations of each analyte at hours 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 were compared with concentrations prior to feeding. Serum concentration for at least one postprandial time point was different from baseline fasted concentration for BUN (hour 2, P = 0.006; hour 4, P <0.0001; hour 6, P = 0.002; hour 8, P = 0.026), phosphorus (hour 2, P = 0.019), bicarbonate (hours 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10; all P <0.01), glucose (hour 12, P = 0.014), magnesium (hour 10, P = 0.029) and chloride (hour 2, P = 0.026; hour 4, P = 0.044; hour 12, P = 0.019). No significant difference was seen at any postprandial sampling point compared with baseline for serum creatinine, total calcium, cholesterol, sodium or potassium concentrations. Short-term postprandial serum concentrations of BUN, phosphorus, bicarbonate and chloride differed at multiple time points within a 12 h period compared with the fasted state at baseline, with most values remaining within the reference intervals. Veterinarians should be aware of these alterations, though they are unlikely to be mistaken for pathological disease states in healthy adult cats.

Flavan-3-ols and Cardiometabolic Health: First Ever Dietary Bioactive Guideline.

Guideline recommendation for a plant bioactive such as flavan-3-ols is a departure from previous recommendations because it is not based on deficiencies but rather improvement in health outcomes. Nevertheless, there is a rapidly growing body of clinical data reflecting benefits of flavan-3-ol intake that outweigh potential harms. Thus, the objective of the Expert Panel was to develop an intake recommendation for flavan-3-ols and cardiometabolic outcomes to inform multiple stakeholders including clinicians, policymakers, public health entities, and consumers. Guideline development followed the process set forth by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, which includes use of the Evidence to Decision Framework. Studies informing this guideline (157 randomized controlled trials and 15 cohort studies) were previously reviewed in a recently published systematic review and meta-analysis. Quality and strength-of-evidence along with risk-of-bias in reporting was reviewed. In drafting the guideline, data assessments and opinions by authoritative scientific bodies providing guidance on the safety of flavan-3-ols were considered. Moderate evidence supporting cardiometabolic protection resulting from flavan-3-ol intake in the range of 400-600mg/d was supported in the literature. Further, increasing consumption of dietary flavan-3-ols can help improve blood pressure, cholesterol concentrations, and blood sugar. Strength of evidence was strongest for some biomarkers (i.e., systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and insulin/glucose dynamics). It should be noted that this is a food-based guideline and not a recommendation for flavan-3-ol supplements. This guideline was based on beneficial effects observed across a range of disease biomarkers and endpoints. Although a comprehensive assessment of available data has been reviewed, evidence gaps identified herein can inform scientists in guiding future randomized clinical trials.

Relationship Between Shift Work and Cardiovascular disease Risk Factors in Workers Referred to Occupational Medicine Center of Gonabad University of Medical Sciences

Background: There are many well-known biologic and anthropometric risk factor for Developing Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD). Shift Work (SW) may be associated with CVD risk factors. Objectives: This study was performed to investigate the relationship of shift work and some of CVD risk factors. Materials &amp; Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was done in Occupational Medicine Center of Gonabad University of Medical Sciences from April to December in 2021. A total of 743 workers who referred for periodic health examination were selected by simple random sampling. Those workers with at least one year of work experience who had Satisfaction for participation were included to the study. Having congenital heart disease, heart failure, kidney disease, Taking drugs that increase blood pressure, blood lipid and sugar and pregnant women were excluded. Demographic data, Physical examination and Blood cholesterol, triglyceride and glucose measures were collected. Data analysis was performed using Mann–Whitney U test, student t-test, Chi-Square and Multivariate Linear Regression model with SPSS software version 21 at a significant level of 0.05. Results: Of total, 73.4% were men and 47.3% were shift workers. The Mean±Standard Deviation of age was 33.9±5.07 among shift workers, and 36.32±5.81 among Day-time workers. There was significant independent association between shift work and triglyceride (B=7.5, 95%CI=1.02,1.21, P=0.03) and cholesterol (B=7.2, 95%CI=1.12,1.22, P=0.028) values. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that the concentration of blood triglycerides and cholesterol is higher in shift workers than day-time workers. Therefore, particular follow-up of shift workers should be recommended for screening and preventing cardiovascular risk factors

The effect of a biocidal paint as a disinfectant and disinsectant on the growth performance and blood biochemical parameters of broiler chickens

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of liming and a biocidal paint, used in poultry houses as part of disinfection and disinsection procedures, on the growth performance and blood biochemical parameters of broiler chickens. It was assumed that in successive experimental runs (replicates), the active ingredients contained in the tested slow-release water-based long-lasting biocidal paint would not significantly compromise bird performance or blood biochemistry. The following performance parameters were evaluated: body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), mortality, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and the European Broiler Index (EBI). Blood samples were analyzed to determine the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), urea, cholesterol and triglycerides. It was found that broilers from group BP (biocidal paint) were characterized by better growth performance than birds from group L (liming). Long-term application of the biocidal paint had no significant negative effect on the growth performance or blood biochemical parameters of chickens. However, changes were noted in blood cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in trials II and III, depending on the applied disinfection and disinsection method. The average values of these parameters were significantly higher in group BP in trials II and III, but the observed differences were at the significance threshold. The results of this study suggest that the innovative biocidal paint can be applied in poultry houses as an effective disinfectant and disinsectant.

Effects of replacing soybean meal with linseed meal in broiler diet on selected broilers’ blood parameters, meat chemical composition, fatty acid profiles, and sensory characteristics

The study was conducted with the objective of determining the effects of the dietary replacement of soybean meal with graded levels of linseed meal on selected blood parameters, meat composition, fatty acid profiles, and meat quality of broiler chickens. Cobb500 broilers were fed diets containing linseed meal at 0% (T1), 6.5% (T2), 13% (T3), 19.5 (T4), and 26% (T5), replacing 0% to 100% soybean meal in compound rations for 45 days. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with five treatments, each replicated three times with 12 birds. Blood hematological indices were not affected (P&amp;gt;0.05) by treatment diets while among the blood biochemistry triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations in T1 were higher (P&amp;lt;0.05) than in T3, T4, and T5. Glucose was higher in T3, T4, and T5 than in T1 and T2 (P&amp;lt;0.01). The breast and thigh proximate composition for crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), ash, carbohydrate, and gross energy were similar (P&amp;gt;0.05) among treatments. The sensory scores for breast and thigh meat samples were not different (P&amp;gt;0.05) among treatments. The palmitic acid content of breast and thigh meat was higher (P&amp;lt;0.05) in T1 and T2 than in the other treatments. Eliadic and stearic acid concentrations in thigh meat were greater (P&amp;lt;0.05) in T1, T2, and T3 than in T4 and T5. The oleic and linoleic acid contents of thigh meat were higher (P&amp;lt;0.05) in T2 and T3 than in the rest of the treatments. Breast linolenic acid was high (P&amp;lt;0.05) in T5 but similar in thigh meat. Total saturated fatty acid (SFA) showed a decreasing trend with an increasing level of linseed meal (LSM) in the ration. The ratio of monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) to SFA for breast and thigh was higher in T4 and T5 than in T1 and T2. Breast meat ratio of omega-6 (n-6) to omega-3 (n-3) showed a decreasing trend as the level of LSM replacement for soybean meal (SBM) in the ration increased. Generally, linseed meal replacement levels up to 26% in the broilers’ diet improves the essential fatty acid content of chicken meat without affecting the proximate composition and the chickens’ normal blood indices and does not alter meat sensory attributes.

Dietary Liberalization in Tetrahydrobiopterin-Treated PKU Patients: Does It Improve Outcomes?

Purpose: this systematic review aimed to assess the effects of dietary liberalization following tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) treatment on anthropometric measurements, nutritional biomarkers, quality of life, bone density, mental health and psychosocial functioning, and burden of care in PKU patients. Methods: the PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases were searched on 7 April 2022. We included studies that reported on the aforementioned domains before and after dietary liberalization as a result of BH4 treatment in PKU patients. Exclusion criteria were: studies written in a language other than English; studies that only included data of a BH4 loading test; insufficient data for the parameters of interest; and wrong publication type. Both within-subject and between-subject analyses were assessed, and meta-analyses were performed if possible. Results: twelve studies containing 14 cohorts and 228 patients were included. Single studies reported few significant differences. Two out of fifteen primary meta-analyses were significant; BMI was higher in BH4-treated patients versus controls (p = 0.02; standardized mean difference (SMD) (95% confidence interval (CI)) = −0.37 (−0.67, −0.06)), and blood cholesterol concentrations increased after starting BH4 treatment (p = 0.01; SMD (CI) = −0.70 (−1.26, −0.15)). Conclusion: there is no clear evidence that dietary liberalization after BH4 treatment has a positive effect on anthropometric measurements, nutritional biomarkers, or quality of life. No studies could be included for bone density, mental health and psychosocial functioning, and burden of care.

Modelling Blood Flow through a Sclerotic Artery and the Effect of Thermal Heat on Cholesterol Concentration in the Presence of a Magnetic Field

Blood flow through a sclerotic artery and the effect of thermal heat on cholesterol concentration in the presence of a magnetic field are modelled using mathematical models which represent the blood momentum coupled with buoyancy due to temperature, cholesterol concentration, porosity of the medium and magnetic field effect. The study involved the formulation of the geometry of atherosclerosis at a specific location with sclerosis over time in the arterial channel. The system of equations was solved using the Laplace method, where the blood velocity, cholesterol concentration and temperature profile were obtained with governing parameters such as magnetic field, Schmidt number, Soret number, Prandtl number, radiation parameter, chemical parameter, and oscillatory frequency, respectively. The result revealed that the blood velocity increases for different units of increase in Soret number, radiation parameter, and porosity parameter, while the velocity decreases for different values of solutal Grashof number, Schmidt number, Prandtl number, and magnetic field parameter. Furthermore, the cholesterol concentration decreases with an increase in Soret number, Schmidt number, and Prandtl number, respectively. The study also revealed that an increase in Prandtl number, radiation parameter, and oscillatory frequency parameter decreases the blood temperature.

Colloidal complexed nanocarriers: A modulated aspect in fabrication and characterization for streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Despite strong antioxidant effect, less solubility, high light sensitivity and strong intermolecular interactions, phthalocyanine (Pc) show limited applications in the treatment of various ailments like diabetes, cancer and inflammation. Antioxidants mainly inhibit intracellular free radicals or scavenge formation with decrease in vascular NAD(P)H oxidase activity in case of diabetic complications. To alter the physicochemical characteristics of Pc, a modified polymer condensation method was strategized for the entrapment using hexamethylene diisocyanate cross-linked nanostructure in the form of monodispersed colloidal matrix system. The objective of the present work was to investigate the effect of Pc and Pc-loaded nanosponges in streptozotocin-diabetic rats for the reduction of hyperglycemic, hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress. The particle size, surface charge and % entrapment efficacy of optimized formulation containing β-cyclodextrin and hexamethylene diisocyanate in the ratio of 1:8 was found to be 328.12 ± 1.02 nm, −35.08 ± 0.89 mV and 75.23 ± 0.59%, respectively. The drug release profile of Pc was 87.80 ± 2.09% within the period of 36 h owing to decrease in crystalline nature of Pc and increase in solubility of nanocavities. The SEM images showed slightly spherical surface of the nanosponges with the size range of 100–300 nm. The FTIR, DSC and XRPD studies proved the entrapment by N-H stretching vibrations of urethane structure at 1567 cm−1, confirming the polyurethane polymer formation with significant loss of Pc crystallinity due to the formation of a new phase and change in the intensities of the peaks. The antidiabetic study of Pc-loaded nanosponges on streptozotocin-induced rat diabetic model showed gradual decrease in the blood glucose level, triglyceride, cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase and protein content with steady increase in weight within 28 days. It was concluded that Pc-loaded nanosponges improved bioavailability significantly (P < 0.0001) with anti-diabetic action within the period of 28 days.

Neonatal orally administered curcumin: impact on the metabolic response and renal histology of Sprague-Dawley rats fed a high-fructose diet until adolescence

BackgroundFructose-rich diets are linked to the epidemic of metabolic syndrome and co-morbidities including nephropathy. Phytochemicals are increasingly being used for medicinal purposes due to their perceived safety compared to conventional drugs. Although previously shown to beneficially programme metabolism, these phytochemicals might have a negative impact on metabolic health when introduced early in life. We investigated whether neonatal administration of curcumin to rats would impact their response in adolescence to a high-fructose diet. Sprague-Dawley pups (n = 128) were administered either 0.5% dimethyl sulphoxide, curcumin (500 mg kg−1), fructose (20%, w/v) or a combination of curcumin and fructose from post-natal day 6 to 21. Each group was then subdivided into two; one had tap water, while the other had fructose (20%, w/v) to drink for 6 weeks.ResultsThere were no differences (p > 0.05) in the fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, plasma insulin and adiponectin concentrations across the groups. The renal corpuscular, glomerular tuft and Bowman capsular areas were similar (p > 0.05) across the treatment groups, in both sexes. Post-weaning fructose alone induced tubular secretions and mesangial proliferation in the kidneys which were prevented by curcumin.ConclusionsDespite the observed benefits in adolescence, the impact of curcumin on renal health beyond adolescence needs to be explored.

Cholesterol and its biological significance. Atherosclerosis. Statin therapy (Part 1)

Despite the profound development of the theory explaining atherosclerosis pathogenesis, many questions still remain open. Modern ideas about the nature of atherosclerotic lesions in the vascular wall are largely based on the results of N.N. Anichkov’s research where hypercholesterolemia is considered the key point. Numerous theories of atherosclerosis have been proposed to date. However, the lipid-infiltrative idea, established over 100 years ago, remains dominant, and, despite the involved controversies, this concept lays the foundation for the therapeutic and preventive measures in cardiovascular diseases.Aim. The purpose of this review is to remind the reader of the biological significance of cholesterol, which performs essential vital functions in the body; to discuss some controversial points of view and contradictory facts regarding the etiological role of hypercholesterolemia in atherogenesis, which call into question the appropriateness of using blood cholesterol content as an indicator of disease severity and the possibility to assess the treatment effectiveness based on cholesterol level dynamics.

Slow-release urea partially replacing soybean in the diet of Holstein dairy cows: intake, blood parameters, nutrients digestibility, energy utilization, and milk production

Abstract The present experiment aimed to evaluate the partial replacement of soybean with slow-release urea (Optigen 1200™) in the diet of lactating cows for 84 d. Three-hundred multiparous lactating Holstein (635 ± 25 kg of body weight, BW) cows were stratified by live body weight; parity and previous milk production were randomly assigned into two experimental groups with 150 cows per each treatment. In the control treatment, 25 g soybean meal was replaced by 5.7 g slow-release urea for 84 d. Optigen treatment did not affect feed intake, daily milk production, milk composition, or milk (feed) efficiency; however, it increased (P&lt;0.01) total BW gain and daily BW gain. Optigen treatment increased (P&lt;0.01) the digestibility of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber. Optigen treatment increased (P&lt;0.01) estimated N balance, milk urea-N, and net energy (NE) for gain. Without affecting blood total protein, creatinine, urea-N, triglycerides, glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate, or non-esterified free fatty acids, Optigen treatment increased the concentrations of blood albumin and cholesterol compared to the control (P&lt;0.05). In conclusion, slow-release urea could replace soybean meal in ruminant diets with no adverse effects on feed intake, nitrogen utilization, or digestibility; however, it improved the total tract digestibility of fiber and crude protein in cows.

Effect of in ovo lithium carbonate and citrate injection on embryonic development and total blood glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol concentration

Effect of in ovo lithium carbonate and citrate injection on embryonic development and total blood glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol concentration

Determination of blood cholesterol concentration using calibration-based laser plasma spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared technique

In this paper, the analysis of blood cholesterol is demonstrated using calibration curves derived from laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) technique. First of all, five standard samples and one target sample are prepared by adding different concentrations of cholesterol (as the analyte) to normal human blood serum (as the matrix). The plasma emission spectrum of the above samples is measured through LIBS process. Subsequently, considering the constituent elements of cholesterol (C27H46O), the relative average intensity of spectral lines having appropriate signal-to-noise ratio related to these elements is calculated. In the next step, four calibration curves of the relative average intensities are drawn in terms of cholesterol concentration of the samples. Finally, the target cholesterol concentration and its standard error of the mean (SEM) are obtained by the use of the calibration curves. In another way, cholesterol concentration of the target is also examined using the FTIR spectrum of the samples. Absorption bands corresponding to vibrational modes of the cholesterol molecule are identified. Then, the transmittance of the identified absorption peaks is plotted versus the blood cholesterol of the standard samples, and the cholesterol concentration of the target is determined by the resulted calibration lines. The results yielded from both LIBS and FTIR technique are in very good agreement with each other and with the certified value of the target cholesterol concentration, which once again indicates that in the molecular analysis, in addition to FTIR technique, LIBS method can also be very efficient.

Blood fat profile of laying hens consuming rations fortified with citric acid and beta-carotene

Extreme climate change greatly affects the metabolism of laying hens due to their intolerance to high environmental temperatures. Hence, to improve the metabolism, the feed quality also needs to be improved. This study aims to determine the blood lipid profile of laying hens consuming a diet rich in citric acid and beta-carotene (β-carotene). During the study, 200 laying hens of the Lohmann strain aged 35 weeks and a ration with a crude protein content of 18.39% and metabolic energy of 2960 Kcal/kg were used. The treatment was fortification with various levels of β-carotene sources in the diet and 0.2% citric acid, namely T0 (without fortification of β-carotene sources and citric acid), T1 (0.1% fortification of β-carotene sources + 0.2% citric acid), T2 ( 0.15% fortification of β-carotene + 0.2% of citric acid), and T3 (0.2% fortification of β-carotene + 0.2% of citric acid). The data were analyzed by analysis of variance and further testing by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Furthermore, the observed variables were blood cholesterol content and HDL, as well as triglycerides. The results showed that the fortification of citric acid and β-carotene significantly affected blood cholesterol levels but had no significant effect on the concentration of HDL and triglycerides. Considering these results, it was concluded that fortification of citric acid and β-carotene sources in the ratio of laying hens decreased the amount of fat in the blood.

Low-Density Lipoprotein Internalization, Degradation and Receptor Recycling Along Membrane Contact Sites.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) internalization, degradation, and receptor recycling is a fundamental process underlying hypercholesterolemia, a high blood cholesterol concentration, affecting more than 40% of the western population. Membrane contact sites influence endosomal dynamics, plasma membrane lipid composition, and cellular cholesterol distribution. However, if we focus on LDL-related trafficking events we mostly discuss them in an isolated fashion, without cellular context. It is our goal to change this perspective and to highlight that all steps from LDL internalization to receptor recycling are likely associated with dynamic membrane contact sites in which endosomes engage with the endoplasmic reticulum and other organelles.

Management of Hypercholesterolemia Through Dietary ß-glucans–Insights From a Zebrafish Model

Consumption of lipid-rich foods can increase the blood cholesterol content. β-glucans have hypocholesterolemic effect. However, subtle changes in their molecular branching can influence bioactivity. Therefore, a comparative investigation of the cholesterol-lowering potential of two β-glucans with different branching patterns and a cholesterol-lowering drug, namely simvastatin was undertaken employing the zebrafish (Danio rerio) model of diet-induced hypercholesterolemia. Fish were allocated to 5 dietary treatments; a control group, a high cholesterol group, two β-glucan groups, and a simvastatin group. We investigated plasma total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol levels, histological changes in the tissues, and explored intestinal transcriptomic changes induced by the experimental diets. Dietary cholesterol likely caused the suppression of endogenous cholesterol biosynthesis, induced dysfunction of endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, and altered the histomorphology of the intestine. The two β-glucans and simvastatin significantly abated the rise in plasma cholesterol levels and restored the expression of specific genes to alleviate the endoplasmic reticulum-related effects induced by the dietary cholesterol. Furthermore, the distinct patterns of transcriptomic changes in the intestine elicited by the oat and microalga β-glucans impacted processes such as fatty acid metabolism, protein catabolic processes, and nuclear division. Oat and microalgal β-glucans also altered the pattern of lipid deposition in the liver. Our study provides insights into the effectiveness of different β-glucans to alleviate dysfunctions in lipid metabolism caused by dietary cholesterol.