Cholesterol Fractions Research Articles

Lipid redistribution in the highly curved footprint of Piezo1

We investigate the effects on the distribution of lipids in the plasma membrane that are caused by the insertion of a protein, Piezo1, that significantly distorts the membrane toward the cytosol. From coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations, we find that the major effects occur in the outer, extracellular, leaflet. The mol fraction of cholesterol increases significantly in the curved region of the membrane close to Piezo1, while those of phosphatidylcholine and of sphingomyelin decrease. In the inner leaflet, mol fractions of cholesterol and of phosphatidylethanolamine decrease slightly as the protein is approached, while that of phosphatidylserine increases slightly. The mol fraction of phosphatidylcholine decreases markedly as the protein is approached. Most of these results are understood in the context of a theoretical model that utilizes two elements: 1) a coupling between the leaflets’ actual curvatures and their compositionally dependent spontaneous curvatures and 2) the dependence of the spontaneous curvatures not only on the mol fractions of the phospholipids, but also on the effect that cholesterol has on the spontaneous curvatures of the phospholipids.

Effects of cholesterol on the structure and collapse of DPPC monolayers

Cholesterol induces faster collapse by compressed films of pulmonary surfactant. Because collapse prevents films from reaching the high surface pressures achieved in the alveolus, most therapeutic surfactants remove or omit cholesterol. The studies here determined the structural changes by which cholesterol causes faster collapse by films of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine, used as a simple model for the functional alveolar film. Measurements of isobaric collapse, with surface pressure held constant at 52 mN/m, showed that cholesterol had little effect until the mol fraction of cholesterol, Xchol, exceeded 0.20. Structural measurements of grazing incidence X-ray diffraction at ambient laboratory temperatures and a surface pressure of 44 mN/m, just below the onset of collapse, showed that the major structural change in an ordered phase occurred at lower Xchol. A centered rectangular unit cell with tilted chains converted to an untilted hexagonal structure over the range of Xchol = 0.0–0.1. For Xchol = 0.1–0.4, the ordered structure was nearly invariant; the hexagonal unit cell persisted, and the spacing of the chains was essentially unchanged. That invariance strongly suggests that above Xchol = 0.1, cholesterol partitions into a disordered phase, which coexists with the ordered domains. The phase rule requires that for a binary film with coexisting phases, the stoichiometries of the ordered and disordered regions must remain constant. Added cholesterol must increase the area of the disordered phase at the expense of the ordered regions. X-ray scattering from dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol fit with that prediction. The data also show a progressive decrease in the size of crystalline domains. Our results suggest that cholesterol promotes adsorption not by altering the unit cell of the ordered phase but by decreasing both its total area and the size of individual crystallites.

Extra- versus intracranial atherosclerosis: two facets of the same problem

Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease of elastic and muscle-elastic type arteries, which occurs due to abnormal lipid and protein metabolism and is accompanied by the deposition of cholesterol and certain lipoprotein fractions in the lumen of blood vessels. The article discusses the history of atherosclerosis discovery, various theories of the development of atherosclerosis, main risk factors for the development of the disease. The main groups of biomarkers, their functions and specificity for the diagnosis of atherosclerosis are described, the diagnostic value of such methods as MR angiography, CT angiography and ultrasound is discussed. Different aspects of extra- and intracranial atherosclerosis are outlined. The main possibilities for developing therapeutic strategies to slow the progression and develop targeted therapy are considered, and the portrait of a patient with intracranial atherosclerosis, requiring screening, is described.

Polymorphism of the FABP2 gene (Ala54Thr) and anthropometric, lipid and glucometabolic parameters during strengthening of physical activity

Objective — to study effects of polymorphic variants of the FABP2 gene (Ala54Thr) on the changes in anthropometric parameters and indicators of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in individuals with different physical activity.
 Materials and methods. Examinations involved 176 patients, from them 128 (72.7 %) women and 48 (27.3 %) men aged 37 to 57 years with low to moderate cardiovascular risk, who were observed and treated in the hospital of the L. T. Malaya Therapy National Institute. Genotyping of the polymorphism Thr54Ala 163G > A, rs179988346А > G, was carried out by polymerase chain reaction in real time using a set of reagents «SNP‑EXPRESS‑SHOT» («Litech»). Levels of total cholesterol and lipoprotein fractions (triglycerides, cholesterol of the lipoproteins of high and low density) were determined by enzymatic method. Glycemic level was determined by glucose oxidase method. Physical activity was assessed by the IPAQ (International Questionnaire on Long Physical Activity) questionnaire. Muscle strength was assessed using a CAMRY dynamometer, EH101. Body composition was determined by bioimpedance (weight OMRONHJ‑203‑EK). The training program included 3 stages: warm‑up (10 minutes), basic aerobic program (43 minutes), stretching and breathing exercises (7 minutes). SPSSIBM version 17.0 was used for statistical analysis.
 Results. Analysis of anthropometric parameters showed no difference between body mass index (BMI) and bioimpedancemetry data between the groups, although there was a trend in the group with polymorphic variant AA to lower BMI (p > 0.05), lower percentage of adipose tissue (p > 0.05) and greater strength (p > 0.05). After 12 weeks of follow‑up, there was a significant difference in the decrease of BMI, percentage of adipose tissue, caliperometry results and increased muscle strength in all groups. Analysis of lipid profile depending on the genotype of polymorphic FABP2 (Ala54Thr) revealed that carriers of the AA variant had significantly higher indices of the total cholesterol levels vs the carriers of GG variant (6.20 [5.62 — 7.61]; 5.09 [4.50 — 6.20] mmol/l. No significant difference was established for the indices of carbohydrate exchange, levels of fasting glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (р > 0.05). After 12 weeks of physical activity, levels of fasting glucose and HbA1c decreased, however only for AA gene FABP2 (Ala54Thr) glucose reduction was significant (from 5.72 [4.68 — 7.00] up to 4.65 [4.18 — 6.00] mmol/l (p = 0.050). The analysis of genetic factors and assessment of the distribution by groups of polymorphic variants of the FABP2 gene (Ala54Thr), no significant differences in gene loci were identified.
 Conclusions. The decrease in body mass index during the 12‑week training program was established only in 68.5 % of patients. Carriers of the GG variant had a higher BMI throughout the study period compared to the carriers of AA. No association has been established between the weight loss and genotypes of the polymorphic locus FABP2 (Ala54Thr) against the background of physical activity.

Daytime Lipid Metabolism Modulated by CLOCK Gene Is Linked to Retinal Ganglion Cells Damage in Glaucoma

Lipid metabolism is intimately linked to circadian mechanisms and light signaling. Deteriorated photic transduction because of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss occurring with glaucoma progression reduces perceived light amplitude, causing circadian disruption. To investigate associations with RGCs, total cholesterol (TC), its low-density (LDL-C) and high-density (HDL-C) fractions, and triglycerides (TG) were measured, under a controlled meal regimen, during daytime hours in 114 patients diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). RGC damage was assessed by high-definition optical coherence tomography (HD-OCT). Analysis of eight clock, clock-related, and melatonin receptor gene polymorphisms was performed on 19 patients. RGC loss was associated with changes in lipid metabolism in a time-dependent manner. Morning (08:00) values of HDL-C (r = 0.613, p < 0.0001) and TG (r = 0.568, p < 0.0001) correlated positively with RGC global loss, while LDL-C at 08:00 had a weak correlation (r = 0.235; p = 0.012) but showed a strong correlation in the evening (20:00) (r = 0.533, p < 0.0001). The morning–evening gradients (MEGs, changes at 20:00 versus 08:00) in TC and LDL-C changed sign from a negative to a positive association in patients exceeding the 15% two-eye mean GLV threshold. MEG (LDL-C higher in the evening than in the morning) was positive only in POAG patients with the CLOCK_3111 TT genotype.

Brazilian Green Propolis Modulates Cholesterol Homeostasis in a Preclinical Guinea Pig Model

This study investigates the effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of Brazilian green propolis on lipid metabolism in hypercholesterolemic guinea pigs. This product has been considered an important source of bioactive compounds with potential health benefits. Thirty‐six guinea pigs, Cavia porcellus (male), 90 days old, weight of 400 g, were divided into six groups of six animals each and fed a standard AIN‐93 M diet (C), hypercholesterolemic diet (H), hypercholesterolemic diet + hydroalcoholic extract (75 mg/kg body weight [HEtOH1]; 150 mg/kg body weight [HEtOH2], and 300 mg/kg body weight [HEtOH3]), or hypercholesterolemic diet + simvastatin (1.5 mg/kg body weight) (HS) for 10 weeks. The group‐specific diet and water were provided ad libitum throughout the experimental period. Blood and liver tissue samples were collected for biochemical analysis and histopathology. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism software version 5.0. The experimental protocol for the use of animals was approved by the Ethics Committee on Animal Use of the University of São Paulo (N°18.1.999.60.0). Animals in the H groups had a lower food intake than in the C group. Fecal excretion was regulated by the administration of extracts, being higher in these groups when compared to H and HS groups. Liver weights were influenced by the diet and administration of the hydroalcoholic extract of green propolis. Hypercholesterolemic diets determined an increase of about 2 times in the relative weight of this organ when compared to the C group, being more expressive in the groups of animals that received the hydroalcoholic extract. A significant increase in serum levels of total and non‐HDL cholesterol was observed in H group, concomitant with a reduction in the concentration of cholesterol‐HDL when compared to group C. However, these high levels of total cholesterol were reduced when simvastatin and extracts were administered with the hypercholesterolemic diet. The same was observed for the non‐HDL cholesterol fraction, where administration with simvastatin and extracts significantly reduced the concentration of these fractions, especially in HS and HEtOH3 groups when compared to group H. Analysis of the HDL fraction demonstrates that the animals submitted to the hypercholesterolemic diet had the lowest levels for this parameter when compared to the groups that received the control diet and/or extracts and simvastatin. There was a significant reduction in serum triacylglycerol levels in the HEtOH2 and HEtOH3 groups. However, a change in liver metabolism was observed, favoring the deposition of lipids in the liver, a different profile from what was observed when administering simvastatin. C group presented a histological aspect compatible with the normality of the organ. The H and HS groups presented moderate to severe fat degeneration, with a slight degeneration in the HS group when compared to the H group. A profile similar to that of the HS group was observed in the HEtOH2 group. Our results suggest that the Brazilian green propolis extract induces positive effects on dyslipidemia.

Development of new standards and methods for determining the different features of confectionery products to confirm new products on the market

Methods have been developed for determining the mass fraction of protein, water-soluble vitamins B₁ and B₂, the mass fraction of omega-3 fatty acids, the mass fraction of cholesterol in fat-containing confectionery. Factual data on the content of vitamins B₁ and B₂, omega-3 fatty acids, cholesterol in fat-containing confectionery products have been obtained. It has been established that of the studied samples of sugar cookies, one sample is a source of vitamins B₁, B₂. Of the studied samples of flour confectionery, two samples of oatmeal cookies are a source of omega-3 fatty acids and are characterized by the absence of cholesterol. Based on the developed methods, a methodology has been developed for monitoring the content of vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, cholesterol in fat-containing confectionery products.

Nitric oxide donor 8-bromo-cGMP suppresses cholesterol depleted RBCs band 3 dysfunction.

Red blood cells (RBCs) carry large cholesterol fractions and imbalance in them leads to several vascular complications. RBCs band 3 protein plays an important role in maintaining membrane integrity and there are many reports on cholesterol and band 3 protein interaction. Yet, RBCs band 3 protein role in regulating cholesterol homeostasis needs to be investigated. In this study, we induced cholesterol-depletion and band 3 inhibition in RBCs; both of which cause stress by decreasing band 3 channel activity with an increase in RBCs adhesion to endothelial cells (EC) by elevating band 3 phosphorylation (Tyr21), methemoglobin level and decreasing nitric oxide level. We hypothesized that nitric oxide (NO), a prominent determinant for RBC structural stability, would protect RBCs from stressors. To estimate this, we used three NO donors (SpNO, Sildenafil citrate and 8-Bromo-cGMP) and found that all 3 NO donors were able to recover, with 8-Bromo-cGMP being the most effective as it not only increased band 3 channel activity but also decreased RBC-EC adhesiveness and methemoglobin level in both stressors. Whereas NO donor's treatment did not display an ameliorative impact when both stresses were combined. Overall, these findings may shed light on the role of 8-bromo-cGMP in regulating RBC cholesterol homeostasis by maintaining band 3 function. Further studies in this direction might help identify targets for the therapeutic use of NO donors in the treatment of blood disorders.

Serum esterified cholesterol subfractions as a risk marker for coronary artery disease

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the total esterified cholesterol and non-HDL esterified cholesterol as a risk marker for coronary artery disease and compare it with the classical risk factors. Methods: Fifty-six patients with proven coronary artery disease as assessed by angiography and 40 healthy controls were subjects for study. Total esterified cholesterol, Non-HDL esterified cholesterol and the classic lipid profile parameters were measured for both groups. Results: Total Esterified Cholesterol was not found to be significantly associated with CAD. However Non-HDL esterified cholesterol was found to be having statistically significant association. Using Receiver Operator Characteristics (ROC) Curve it was found that Non-HDL esterified cholesterol at a cut off value of 107mg/dl, has a sensitivity of 57% and specificity of 66.6%, as a risk marker for the coronary artery disease. Conclusion: Evaluation of coronary artery disease by measuring esterified cholesterol fraction of Non-HDL cholesterol may help in risk assessment and will provide more data to understand the mechanisms of cholesterol homeostasis.

Evaluation of the oxidative and inflammatory profile of patients with migraine

Among one of the most commonly seen and primary headaches is migraine. Oxidative stress and inflammation is discussed to be implicated in the pathogenesis of migraine. However, further knowledge about this issue is necessary because data are in part controversial and the possible underlying mechanisms remain inconclusive to date. To evaluate and compare the oxidative and inflammatory profile of patients with migraine 47 volunteers were divided into 3 groups: 15 women with chronic migraine (WCM); 17 women with episodic migraine (WEM) and 15 men with migraine (MM) and enrolled in this study.Total antioxidant status; the enzymatic activity of the antioxidant agents Catalase (CAT), Glutathione S-transferase (GST) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD); oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde (MDA) and carbonylated proteins; blood count and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio; uric acid, c-reactive protein and cholesterol total and fractions were determined in pacients with migraine in the interictal phase. The group male participants (MM) displayed a reduction in total antioxidant status, as well as a lower value for antioxidant enzymes, but had no significant alterations in markers related to damage by oxidative stress compared to women. These findings suggest that there is a difference in the oxidative profile between the sexes among migraine patients. This may allow a better understanding of patients profile with different migraine phenotypes and identify new markers that might help understanding the pathophysiology and migraine patient management.

EFFECT OF N-STEAROYLETHANOLAMINE ON THE LIPID COMPOSITION OF THE FRONTAL CORTEX AND HIPPOCAMPUS OF THE RAT'S BRAIN AT THE AGING

Aim. To study the possible protective effect of cannabimimetic lipid - N-stearoylethanolamine (NSE) on the lipid composition of the frontal cortex, hippocampus and on the state of episodic memory of old rats. Methods. Extraction of lipids from the tissues of the hippocampus and frontal cortex of rats was performed by the method of Bligh and Dyer. Phospholipids were separated by two-dimensional thin layer chromatography. Methyl esters of fatty acids from lipid extract were obtained by a modified method of Carreau and Dubaco. Quantitative analysis of fatty acid methyl esters was performed by gas-liquid chromatography on an Agilent GC7890 chromatograph with an Agilent 8987 mass detector. The fractions of free and esterified cholesterol were separated by one-dimensional thin layer chromatography. The dry cholesterol residue was analyzed on a Carlo Erba gas-liquid chromatograph. Results. The study of the diacyl (DF) and plasmalogen (PF) forms of phospholipids (PLs) content in the frontal cortex and hippocampus have shown a significant decrease in the plasmalogen form of PE (Phosphatidylethanolamine) (up to 15%) and an increase in its DF, compare to its content in young rats. Administration of NSE to old rats led to a significant increase in PF PE and did not cause significant changes in the content of PF in the composition of other PL of the frontal cortex of the brain and hippocampus. The decrease in the percentage of various phospholipids was found in frontal cortex and hippocampus of old rats: the content of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylinositol (PI) was significantly reduced in the frontal cortex and the decrease of diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), PI and phosphatidylserine (PS) was found in the hippocampus, compare to the young animals. Administration of NSE to old rats had a different effects on the content of various phospholipids. The increase in the content of PC and PI in the frontal cortex and PS and DPG in the hippocampus is particularly pronounced due to NSE. An increase in the content of saturated fatty acids (FFAs ) and a decrease in the content of unsaturated FFAs in the frontal cortex and hippocampus of old rats also has been found. It has also been found that NSE administration to old rats promoted the growth of the free cholesterol level in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. The results of the New Object Recognition test in old rats have shown that a short-term memory has been improved by NSE. Conclusions. The administration of NSE to old rats causes an increase in PF of PLs in the frontal cortex and hippocampus of the brain, which can be considered as one of the mechanisms of neuroprotective action of NSE in aging. The changes in the phospholipids and fatty acids composition, and free cholesterol level of the frontal cortex and hippocampus of the brain of old rats caused by NSE administration have been shown to be adaptive and restorative. The New Object Recognition Behavioral Test has shown that NSE restores short-term memory in older rats. The obtained results expand the understanding of the mechanisms of biological action of NSE during aging in mammals and create the basis for the development a new drug with geroprotective properties.

Doxycycline Decreases Atherosclerotic Lesions in the Aorta of ApoE-⁄- and Ovariectomized Mice with Correlation to Reduced MMP-2 Activity.

Atherogenic events promote changes in vessel walls, with alteration of the redox state, and increased activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Thus, this study aims to evaluate aortic remodeling, MMP activity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels after treatment with doxycycline in ApoE-⁄- and ovariectomized mice (OVX). Female ApoE-⁄--knockout mice (5 weeks) were submitted to ovariectomy surgery to induce experimental menopause. They then received chow enriched with 1% cholesterol to induce hypercholesterolemia. The animals were divided into two experimental groups: ApoE-⁄-/OVX vehicle and ApoE-⁄-/OVX doxycycline (30 mg/kg) administered by gavage once a day for 28 days (15th to the 18th week of life). Blood samples were collected to measure total cholesterol and fractions. The aorta was used for morphometry and to measure the activity and expression of MMP-2 and ROS levels. The ApoE-⁄-/OVX doxycycline group showed no change in total and fraction cholesterol levels. However, there was a reduction in ROS levels, MMP-2 expression, and activity that correlated with a decrease in atherosclerotic lesions relative to the ApoE-⁄-/OVX vehicle (p > 0.05). Therefore, we conclude that doxycycline in ApoE-⁄-/OVX animals promotes a reduction in atherosclerotic lesions by reducing ROS and MMP-2 activity and expression.

Process development of cholesterol removed Pacific white shrimp lipid enriched with astaxanthin using silica column

This study used silica column to eliminate cholesterol and to fractionate astaxanthin for production of cholesterol free shrimp lipid rich in astaxanthin. Polar fraction was loaded onto silica gel column and eluted using hexane/ acetone mixture with different ratios consecutively. The first fraction (F1) was obtained after elution with hexane. For fraction 2 and 3 (F2, F3), hexane/ acetone mixture (98: 2) and (96: 4) were used, respectively. Both fractions were rich in cholesterol, while F4 eluted with hexane/ acetone mixture (94: 6) consisted of pigments and fatty acid conjugates. Astaxanthin was found in F5, where hexane/ acetone mixture (98:2) was used for elution and it constituted 30% of total components. Cholesterol containing fractions (F2 and F3) accounting for 26% were removed and other fractions were combined with non-polar lipid. Fraction F5 was further injected into HPLC to separate astaxanthin peak from other compounds. The collected astaxanthin containing peak had 87% purity. LCMS result showed the presence of wax esters along with cholesterol in F2 and F3 and fatty acid conjugates along with astaxanthin were found in F5. Lowered cholesterol fraction had negligible wax esters. Overall, the developed method could be used for production of cholesterol removed shrimp oil.

Epidemiological evaluation of paediatric psoriasis patients at the Dermatology Department

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic autoinflammatory disease, which mostly affects skin and joints. Patients with psoriasis are at risk of developing comorbidities such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases or mental disorders. It is reported that even one-third of the total psoriatic cases may have skin symptoms in childhood. Material and methods: The study aimed to perform a retrospective analysis of paediatric patients with psoriasis admitted to the dermatological department between 2018 and 2020. Patients’ data were analysed for age, gender, medical diagnosis (ICD-10) including subtypes of psoriasis, treatment, the clinical course of the disease and results of the diagnostic tests including cholesterol fractions and blood glucose level. Results: In the years 2018–2020 73 children were admitted to the dermatological department. The number of female patients 47 (64.38%) significantly dominated over the number of male patients 26 (35.62%). Almost 95% of them were diagnosed with psoriasis vulgaris. Only 3 cases (4.11%) of generalized pustular psoriasis and 1 case (1.37%) of psoriatic arthritis were reported. Almost 20% of children had a positive family history of psoriasis. Readmission to the ward was required in 35.62% of the cases. 23.4% of patients presented abnormality in lipid profile. 15% had various comorbidities. Conclusions: Better understanding of psoriasis and its management from an early age, may improve the quality of life of psoriasis patients and prevent them from developing serious comorbidities in the future.

Effects of cholesterol on the size distribution and bending modulus of lipid vesicles.

The influence of cholesterol fraction in the membranes of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) on their size distributions and bending moduli has been investigated. The membranes of GUVs were synthesized by a mixture of two elements: electrically neutral lipid 1, 2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) and cholesterol and also a mixture of three elements: electrically charged lipid 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1′-rac-glycerol) (DOPG), DOPC and cholesterol. The size distributions of GUVs have been presented by a set of histograms. The classical lognormal distribution is well fitted to the histograms, from where the average size of vesicle is obtained. The increase of cholesterol content in the membranes of GUVs increases the average size of vesicles in the population. Using the framework of Helmholtz free energy of the system, the theory developed by us is extended to explain the experimental results. The theory determines the influence of cholesterol on the bending modulus of membranes from the fitting of the proper histograms. The increase of cholesterol in GUVs increases both the average size of vesicles in population and the bending modulus of membranes.

Biochemical changes associated with the administration of aqueous pulp extract of Irvingia gabonensis fruit on adult male Wistar rats

Biochemical changes associated with the administration of aqueous pulp extract of Irvingia gabonensis fruit on adult male Wistar rats

Оценка эффективности диетотерапии с модификацией белкового компонента у пациентов пожилого возраста с ожирением

Patients and methods. This study included 43 elderly patients with class I-III obesity, who were randomized into two groups: the study group (24 patients) and the comparison group (19 patients). Anthropometric and serum parameters were assessed in all patients before and after diet therapy: total protein, transaminases, triglycerides, cholesterol fractions, glucose, uric acid, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, vitamins A, B2, B6, B9, B12, E, C and 25(OH)D3. Patients in the study group received a modified version of the standard diet with calorie restriction up to 1700 kcal and with protein modification by including 36 g of a specialized product for 14 days. Patients in the comparison group received a variation of the standard diet with calorie restriction up to 1730 kcal. Results. In patients in the study group, there were positive dynamics of biochemical parameters (a significant decrease in the levels of total cholesterol, glucose, uric acid, an increase in serum concentrations of 25(OH) D3, vitamin E and B12, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and zinc) and body composition parameters (a significant reduction of fat mass, total fluid, a slight increase in muscle mass) against the background of diet therapy with the inclusion of a specialized food product. Conclusion. Thus, timely diagnosis and correction of eating disorders in the elderly is an important part of the prevention and rehabilitation of alimentary-dependent diseases. Key words: obesity, diet therapy, elderly

Clinical effect, changes in the lipid structure of the erythrocyte membrane and microcirculation in patients with arterial hypertension in combination with coronary heart disease under the influence of laser therapy

To evaluate the clinical effect of LT in patients with hypertension in combination with coronary artery disease and trace its relationship with the dynamics of the structure of the lipid bilayer of the erythrocyte membrane and changes in the microvascular bed. We examined 65 male patients (mean age 50.9±6.3 years) with II-III degree AH in combination with coronary artery disease with angina pectoris. Among them, 40 patients received a 10-day course of LT, and 25 patients underwent simulated laser irradiation. At the initial stage and after 1 month, all patients underwent a bicycle exercise test, a study of the lipid composition of the erythrocyte membrane, including the main fractions of phospholipids and free cholesterol, as well as the level of intracellular Ca2+ and lipid peroxidation products - malondialdehyde and diene conjugates. Microcirculation was assessed using the method of conjunctival biomicroscopy. One month after the course of LT, patients showed a significant increase in exercise tolerance by 37.8%, a decrease in systolic blood pressure with a standard load by 9.9%. The improvement of the clinical picture occurred against the background of a decrease in the activity of lipid peroxidation and structural changes in the cell membrane: an increase in polyunsaturated fractions of phospholipids and a decrease in the cholesterol content, as well as a decrease in the Ca2+ level in the cell from 0.23 [0.19; 0.32] to 0.20 [0.16; 0.26] mmol/l. The results of the analysis of conjunctival biomicroscopy demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in the ratio of arteriolovenular calibers, a limitation of the severity of sludge syndrome by 59%, and an almost twofold (from 3.9±0.52 to 7.2±1.23 cap/mm2) increase in capillary density. The data obtained showed that in patients with hypertension in combination with coronary artery disease, LT causes positive changes in the lipid structure of the cell membrane and microcirculation parameters, which is accompanied by a hypotensive effect and an improvement in the clinical and functional state of patients.

Влияют ли возраст и пол на фенотип хронической сердечной недостаточности?

The increase in life expectancy of the Russian population is accompanied by a tendency of aging of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and chronic heart failure (CHF). Attention is paid to gender differences in the contributions of individual characteristics to the formation of the heart failure clinical phenotype. The purpose to determine the features of the clinical picture of chronic heart failure in patients with coronary heart disease, taking into account gender and age. Material and methods. 517 patients with CHF and coronary heart disease of both genders were examined. A comparison was made of clinical, laboratory, and instrumental parameters of patients with CHF of different age periods, males and females. Results. Until the age of 60, CHF was predominantly observed in men, in the group older than 75 years in women (p < 0.001). With increasing age, the proportion of nicotine dependent patients decreased, as well as the value of the metabolic index and exercise tolerance. In older patients with CHF, the levels of hemoglobin and triglycerides (TG) in blood decreased. The inverse correlation was found between age and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and LV end-diastolic size. Among men, tobacco smoking (p = 0.001) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p = 0.001) were found more often. In women, CHF was combined with diabetes mellitus (p < 0.001) and chronic kidney disease (p = 0.001). Female patients differed in levels of general cholesterol, triglyceride and non-high fraction blood cholesterol (p = 0.001, p = 0.023, p = 0.009). Men had more creatinine (p = 0.001) and blood uric acid (p = 0.014). Conclusions. The study identified heart failure with preserved LVEF in 61.5% of men and 74.6% of women; CHF with moderately reduced LVEF — in 15.9% and 18.3%, and CHF with reduced LVEF — in 20.2% and 9.5% (p = 0.003), respectively.

Lipohypertrophy and nutritional profile among people living with HIV in Southern Brazil

Introduction: People living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are generally overweight or have an altered body composition as compared to healthy individuals, showing a change in nutritional profile over time. Objective: The aim of the study was to characterize the nutritional status, estimate the prevalence of lipodystrophy, and examine the association between lipohypertrophy and lipid profile alterations, and other clinical data of HIV-infected individuals. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study on male and female subjects living with HIV, treated at a specialized outpatient clinic, aged 18 years old and over, whether using the antiretroviral therapy or not. Results: The sample consisted of 420 people with a mean age of 43.8 years (standard deviation 11.7). The length of time of the HIV infection averaged 74.6 months, and 91% of the respondents were on antiretroviral therapy. Lipodystrophy prevalence was 35.7%. Of these, 82 (54.7%) presented lipohypertrophy, 61 (40.7%) had lipoatrophy and 7 (4.6%) had a mixed syndrome. Female gender, body mass index, fat percentage, waist circumference and waist-hip ratio were positively associated with the presence of lipohypertrophy (p<0.001). High mean total cholesterol (p=0.015) and LDL fraction (p=0.028) also showed a statistically significant association with lipohypertrophy. The sampled participants had a nutritional profile compatible with overweight or obesity. No association was found between lipohypertrophy and ART and the therapy duration. Conclusion: Considering the consequences of overweight as a cause of various pathological conditions, preventive measures and interventions are highly recommended for this population.