Cholesterol Levels Research Articles

Consumption and expenditure of drugs used for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia: a governance analysis

ABSTRACT Background Elevated cholesterol levels are a significant contributor to cardiovascular disease risk. While statins have long been the cornerstone for lowering LDL cholesterol, their associated side effects have prompted the exploration of alternative treatments, including ezetimibe, bempedoic acid, PCSK9 inhibitors and inclisiran.f Research design and methods This research seeks to analyze the usage patterns and financial implications during 2023 and 2024. The goal is to assess the economic impact of emerging therapies in hypercholesterolemia. Results Findings indicate a decline in the exclusive use of traditional statins and a rise in the adoption of newer and combination therapies. Statin monotherapy usage decreased markedly from 42% in 2023 to 30% in 2024. Combination treatments, such as statins paired with ezetimibe, remained steady at 17% across both time frames. The utilization of novel treatments, notably PCSK9 inhibitors, increased from 33% to 40% between the two periods, whereas bempedoic acid, whether used alone or with ezetimibe, stayed below 2%. Conclusion The landscape of hypercholesterolemia treatment has expanded with several new therapeutic options. Bempedoic acid may mitigate adverse effects and enhance treatment efficacy, potentially delaying the need for costlier injectable medications like evolocumab, alirocumab, and inclisiran.

Cholesterol-targeting Wnt-β-catenin signaling inhibitors for colorectal cancer.

Most persons with colorectal cancer (CRC) carry adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) truncation leading to aberrant Wnt-β-catenin signaling; however, effective targeted therapy for them is lacking as the mechanism by which APC truncation drives CRC remains elusive. Here, we report that the cholesterol level in the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane (IPM) is elevated in all tested APC-truncated CRC cells, driving Wnt-independent formation of Wnt signalosomes through Dishevelled (Dvl)-cholesterol interaction. Cholesterol-Dvl interaction inhibitors potently blocked β-catenin signaling in APC-truncated CRC cells and suppressed their viability. Because of low IPM cholesterol level and low Dvl expression and dependence, normal cells including primary colon epithelial cells were not sensitive to these inhibitors. In vivo testing with a xenograft mouse model showed that our inhibitors effectively suppressed truncated APC-driven tumors without causing intestinal toxicity. Collectively, these results suggest that the most common type of CRC could be effectively and safely treated by blocking the cholesterol-Dvl-β-catenin signaling axis.

HKDC1 promotes ovarian cancer progression through boosting lipid metabolism and immune escape by stabilizing G6PC/G6PC2

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a significant health challenge, yet the mechanisms driving its progression remain unclear. This study explored the role of hexokinase domain-containing protein 1 (HKDC1) in OC, focusing on tumor growth, lipid metabolism, and immune evasion. Human OC cell lines (SKOV3 and HEY) and the murine OC cell line (ID8) were used to knock down and overexpress HKDC1. An ID8-based epithelial OC mouse model was established to validate the in vitro findings. Our results demonstrated that HKDC1 was upregulated in OC and promoted cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. HKDC1 enhanced lipid accumulation by elevating levels of free fatty acids (FFA), triglycerides, phospholipids, cholesterol, and neutral lipid, while upregulating key enzymes (ACC1, FASN, SCD1, HMGCS1, and HMGCR). It promoted immune escape through PD-L1 upregulation, inhibiting T cell proliferation and reducing IFN-γ, granzyme B, and perforin levels while increasing PD-1 levels. HKDC1 knockdown reversed these effects, which were restored by adding FFA. Mechanistically, HKDC1 interacted with and stabilized glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunits (G6PC/G6PC2), supporting its tumor-promoting functions. These findings were confirmed in an OC mouse model, highlighting HKDC1 as a key driver of OC progression through lipid biosynthesis and immune suppression, offering potential therapeutic targets.

The protective effect of dietary sphingomyelin supplementation against impaired lipid metabolism in obese mice: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Studies have shown that sphingomyelin (SM) supplementation can improve lipid metabolism, regulate intestinal microbiota, and attenuate chronic metabolic diseases in obese mice or mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Therefore, we hypothesized that dietary SM supplementation benefits mice with disturbed lipid metabolism. To test our hypothesis, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of dietary SM supplementation on physiological indicators such as body weight, hepatic, and blood parameters in normal C57BL/6 mice or obese model mice fed a HFD. Multiple databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were searched to identify randomized controlled trials that were set to investigate the effects of dietary SM supplementation in obese mice fed a HFD. The search was limited to studies published between January 1, 2000, and September 30, 2024. The Cochrane bias risk assessment tool was used to evaluate and cross-check the literature quality of the included animal experiments. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 software. A total of 14 articles were included in this study, and the experimental mice were divided into two categories with a total of 612 animals. One study included normal C57BL/6 mice fed a HFD, and the other studies used obese model mice. Compared with the control group, dietary SM supplementation did not affect blood SM and total phospholipids content in obese mice fed a HFD. The addition of dietary SM supplementation significantly reduced the levels of hepatic total lipids, triglyceride, total cholesterol (TC) and liver weight in both normal and obese mice, lowered intestinal cholesterol absorption, and substantially increased fecal lipid profile including total lipids, and TC levels in normal mice. Furthermore, dietary SM improved inflammatory cytokine levels and glycemic profile. The findings of this meta-analysis indicate that SM supplementation in the diet may have a protective effect against impaired lipid metabolism in obese mice. Basic research and further clinical trials are needed.

Safety and Effectiveness of Pravastatin in Korean Patients with Dyslipidemia Based on the Cardiovascular Risk Classification: Pooled Analysis of Four Observational Studies.

Despite their efficacy, statin-related adverse events (AEs) may interfere with statin treatment and contribute to negative outcomes in patients with cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we evaluated the safety and effectiveness of pravastatin in Korea. Pooled data were collected from four multicenter prospective observational studies conducted in Korea between 2011 and 2020. Finally, 7,334 and 2,022 participants were included in the safety and effectiveness analyses, respectively. Overall safety, particularly muscle-related, incidence of new-onset diabetes mellitus (DM), changes in fasting plasma glucose and hemoglobin A1c level, achievement of target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level, and changes in LDL-C level were analyzed. At week 24, after 20 or 40 mg pravastatin treatment, safety results showed that AEs and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were 8.7% and 1.3%, respectively, and that muscle-related AEs and ADRs were 0.5% and 0.3%, respectively, with no statistically significant difference in risk factors for statin-associated muscle symptoms. No patients developed DM during the study period. Additionally, at week 24, the achievement rates of target LDL-C levels were 87.9%, 78.4%, 57.8%, and 11.6% in low-, moderate-, high-, and very high-risk groups, respectively. This study found that 20 or 40 mg pravastatin had minimal side effects and was safe for use in real-world clinical settings in Korea. Specifically, these doses effectively achieved the target LDL-C levels in patients with dyslipidemia in low-, moderate-, and high-risk groups for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). These results demonstrate that pravastatin can be safely administered continuously to patients with low-, moderate-, and high-risk ASCVD in a real-world clinical setting.

Cholesterol levels as a predictive marker for ICU survival in patients with cardiogenic shock supported by VenoArterial ExtraCorporeal membrane oxygenation.

BackgroundVeno-Arterial Extracorporeal Life Support (VA ECMO) is a critical intervention for patients with cardiogenic shock, serving as bridge to recovery, transplantation, or long-term therapies. The complexity of VA ECMO and its associated risks underscore the need for reliable prognostic markers to guide patient management. This study aimed to evaluate whether cholesterol levels could serve as a specific marker for ICU survival in patients with cardiogenic shock treated with VA ECMO.MethodsA retrospective observational study was conducted at Catharina Hospital Eindhoven, The Netherlands, between January 2013 and November 2019. Data from 67 patients treated with VA ECMO were analyzed. Cholesterol levels were measured daily from day 1 to day 5 after VA ECMO initiation. Demographic data, comorbidities, and outcomes were extracted from the patient data management system. Statistical analysis was performed, with a focus on non-normality of data distribution and the predictive value of cholesterol levels on ICU survival.ResultsThe study identified a significant association between higher cholesterol levels on the first day of VA ECMO treatment and increased ICU survival. A cholesterol threshold of 2.0mmol/L was found to be an independent predictor of survival, with patients above this threshold having a higher survival rate. Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed the significance of this cholesterol threshold in predicting ICU survival.ConclusionCholesterol levels measured on the first day after the initiation of VA ECMO are a significant indicator of ICU survival in patients with cardiogenic shock. A threshold of 2.0mmol/L is particularly predictive, offering a potential prognostic tool for clinicians managing these critically ill patients.

Comparative Study of Total Cholesterol and Triglyceride in Obese and Non-Obese Subject

Objective: To assess the possible effects on cardiovascular health by comparing the levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol in obese and non-obese people.Methodology: At Ghurki Hospital in Lahore, a comparative cross-sectional study was carried out. One hundred participants in all were classified as either non-obesity (BMI < 30) or obese (BMI > 30). Following an 8–12 hours fast, blood samples were drawn, and enzymatic colorimetric tests were used to determine the levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides. SPSS software was used to statistically analyze the data.Results: The results showed a strong correlation between changed lipid profiles and obesity. The levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol were considerably greater in fat people than in non-obese people. Obesity and hyper-cholesterolemia were shown to be strongly correlated (p = 0.000), with 44% of the study population having high cholesterol levels (≥200 mg/dL). Likewise, hyper-triglyceridemia and obesity were statistically significantly correlated (p = 0.000), with 62% of subjects having increased triglyceride levels (≥150 mg/dL).Conclusion: Increased levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol are closely linked to obesity, which may raise the risk of cardiovascular disorders. These results emphasize the necessity of early screening and focused interventions, such as dietary and lifestyle changes, to control lipid abnormalities linked to obesity and avoid related health issues.

Impact of Pharmacist Educational Intervention on Costs of Medication with Improved Clinical Outcomes for Diabetic Patients in Various Tertiary Care Hospitals in Malaysia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and Objective: A lifestyle-associated disease, diabetes mellitus, mandates compliance with established policies by physicians and patients to achieve optimal glycemic control. Collaborative care from health care providers and patients is essential for effective management, which slows disease progression, improves quality of life, and reduces medication costs. This study assessed the effectiveness of pharmacist-led educational initiatives provided to patients on clinical outcomes and direct treatment costs for those with diabetes in two public hospitals in Malaysia. Methods: Four hundred type 2 diabetes patients included in this study were randomly allocated to two corresponding groups. The control group, consisting of 200 patients (100 from each hospital), received standard treatment using the Malaysian Clinical Practice Guideline 2015, while the intervention group, also comprising 200 patients (100 from each hospital), received pharmacist-led care through Diabetic Medication Therapy Adherence Clinics (DMTACs), including pharmacist-provided education, alongside conventional treatment. The patients were equally selected from both hospitals based on the sample size calculation. The pharmacists provided educational interventions emphasizing dietary adjustments, lifestyle modifications, the significance of physical activity, and appropriate medication storage. Among these, 143 control patients and 156 intervention patients completed this one-year study, which comprised an initial and two follow-up visits. Clinical outcomes and treatment expenses were evaluated, and a data analysis was performed utilizing version 24 SPSS. Descriptive statistics were presented as the mean ± standard deviation, including normality assessed using the skewness, kurtosis, and Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Independent t-tests were applied for hypothesis testing when the data showed normal distribution. Paired t-tests were used for cost assessments. Results: After the research, the group receiving intervention had a much higher decrease in HbA1c levels relative to the control group (3.59% versus 2.17%; p < 0.001). The intervention group had considerable decreases in systolic blood pressure (9.29 mmHg) and similarly in diastolic blood pressure (7.58 mmHg; with p < 0.005). Additionally, the levels of cholesterol in the intervention group improved significantly (0.13 mmol/L; p < 0.001). Moreover, treatment expenses for the pharmacist-led intervention group showed a substantial reduction (p < 0.001). By the second follow-up, the additional cost per patient since baseline was MYR 236.07 (Malaysian Ringgit), approximately 53.45 USD, in the control group, compared to only MYR 47.33 per patient, approximately 10.72 USD, in the intervention group with pharmacist involvement. Only medication costs were considered, and all unnecessary medications were discontinued as patient clinical outcomes improved sufficiently with pharmacist intervention, allowing for management through lifestyle changes alone. Counseling costs were not included since the pharmacists providing education were already employed in these hospitals, and no additional pharmacists were appointed for this purpose. Conclusion: Pharmacist-led interventions led to a significant improvement in HbA1c levels. While medication expenses increased in both groups from the initial follow-up, the control group exhibited a significantly greater increase in costs and HbA1c levels than the intervention group.

Utilizing an aqueous-liquid crystal interface to investigate membrane protein interactions and mutation effects of a pore-forming toxin.

Listeriolysin O (LLO) is a crucial cholesterol-dependent cytolysin (CDC) secreted by Listeria monocytogenes. LLO lyses the phagosomal membrane via pore-formation, resulting in pathogenesis. CDCs' ability to recognize and bind to membrane cholesterol is a hallmark in the pathogenesis of these pore-forming toxins, distinguishing them from other toxins. Conservation of the cholesterol-recognition motif (CRM) has been discovered to be one of the prerequisites for the membrane binding of some CDCs, but the role of the CRM for LLO binding and pore-formation is still unclear. Therefore, we investigated LLO-mediated lipid remodelling at a nanomolar concentration using the interfacial properties of a biomimetic liquid crystal (LC)-aqueous interface. The examination addresses the significance of the CRM in protein structure and membrane reorganizations for the cholesterol-mediated binding of LLO. We report that the CRM assists in the binding of LLO in a unique amphipathic environment, especially at low cholesterol levels. However, eliminating or substituting the CRM from LLO significantly alters the threshold cholesterol level required for its activity. This study also reveals the effect of cholesterol-dependent membrane dynamics in the association and activity of LLO. Our findings suggest a novel paradigm that opens up an array of possibilities for discovering sequential mutations and delineating the molecular mechanisms of CDCs in nanomolar concentration regimes.

Prevalence and role of elevated serum lipoprotein(a) in patients with myocardial infarction according to the Russian register of acute myocardial infarction REGION-MI

Objective. Serum lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a))>50 mg/dl is associated with higher risk of cardiovascular diseases and complications. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of elevated Lp(a) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) in various regions of the Russian Federation (RF), as well as the prevalence of target level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) in these patients. Material and methods. The REGION–IM (Russian Registry of Acute Myocardial Infarction) is a multiple-center prospective observational study. The follow-up included 3 stages: hospital-stay, 6 and 12 months after inclusion in the register. Demographic and anamnestic data, as well as information about MI were entered into the registration card. Lp(a) was analyzed in 1.623 (22%) patients from 40 regions of the Russian Federation. There were 1.173 (72%) men and 450 (28%) women aged 60 years (range 30—94). Results. Mean serum Lp(a) was 12.4 mg/dl (range 2 — 722.2). This value was significantly higher in women (15.5 mg/dl versus 10.8 mg/dl, p<0.05) and STEMI patients (12.9 mg/dl versus 10.8 mg/dl, p<0.05). Serum Lp(a) >50 mg/dl was recorded in 414 (26%) patients, 50—100 mg/dl — 12.9%, 101—180 mg/dl — 2.9%, > 180 mg/dl — 10.3% of patients. Conclusion. Serum Lp(a) > 50 mg/dl was recorded in every fourth patient while extreme elevation (>180 mg/dl) — in every tenth patient of this register. Screening of serum Lp(a) at least once in lifetime will allow determining the category of patients with extremely high risk of cardiovascular complications including those with target level of LDL-C.

Relationship between albumin and osteoporosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate whether low albumin levels are a risk factor for osteoporosis (OP) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Patients and methodsThis study included adult patients with T2DM hospitalized at the Hebei General Hospital in China between 2019 and 2020. Patients were divided into groups based on OP to explore the differences between the two groups and stratified by sex. Confounding factors were screened based on the statistical results and clinical practice, and regression analysis was used to explore the relationship between albumin levels and OP.ResultsIn total, 125 patients (68 men and 57 women) with T2DM were included in this study. Triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels significantly differed between groups. In the low-albumin group, after adjusting for all confounding factors, the P value was 0.041 and the odds ratio (OR) was 4.608 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.063, 19.063] compared with that in the normal-albumin group. Among male patients, considering all confounding factors, the OR was 12.936 (95% CI: 1.130, 148.125) and P = 0.040 in the low-albumin group compared with that for the normal-albumin group. No such relationship was found in female patients.ConclusionA low albumin level is a risk factor for OP in the total population and in male patients but not in female patients. Therefore, albumin levels should be considered when controlling glucose levels in patients with T2DM.

The Effects of SGLT2 Inhibitors on Lipid Profile and Kidney Function in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Regardless of Diabetes and Hypertension Status

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive, irreversible impairment of kidney function due to various etiologies. Numerous studies have shown that sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) slow the progression of CKD, due to their pleiotropic effects. Therefore, there has been an increase in interest in their effects not only on kidney function but also on other parameters in patients with CKD. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of SGLT2i on serum lipid values and kidney function in patients with CKD undergoing SGLT2i treatment. Methods: This study was a retrospective data analysis of 75 patients with CKD on SGLT2i treatment. We compared the values of biochemical parameters, renal function outcomes, and blood pressure at two time points: baseline and 24 months after. Results: Total cholesterol (Chol) significantly decreased in all patients, while triglyceride (Tg) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) levels also decreased in all patients. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) levels increased, but this increase was not significant. Creatinine clearance (Ccr) significantly decreased, and serum urea (Sur) significantly increased in all patients. The proteinuria (Prt) levels did not change significantly. The results showed that the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) significantly decreased in all patients. Conclusions: This study showed that the use of SGLT2i reduced total Chol in all patients with CKD during the 24-month follow-up, regardless of diabetes mellitus (DM) status. No significant differences were observed for the Tg, LDLc, and HDLc values.

Association of cholesterol and glycemic state biomarkers with phenotypic variation and Parkinson's disease progression: The Oxford Discovery cohort.

BackgroundParkinson's disease (PD) has marked phenotypic variability. Increased lipids have been suggested as being neuroprotective whilst hyperglycemia may increase α-synuclein aggregation.ObjectiveWe have tested whether high total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low levels of fructosamine are associated with better PD phenotypes and predict less rapid progressionMethodsNon-fasting serum HDL-C, total cholesterol, and fructosamine were measured at baseline in 866 patients with early PD (median duration, 0.96; IQR, 0.43-1.98 years) from the Oxford Discovery cohort. These biomarkers were compared against our data-derived PD subtypes using multinomial logistic regression. We used multilevel models to predict longitudinal motor and non-motor outcomes (e.g., cognition, mood).ResultsHDL-C and total cholesterol differed across baseline PD phenotype clusters, with reduced levels associated with the most severe motor and non-motor phenotypes (psychological well-being, cognitive impairment, REM sleep behavior disorder, and daytime sleepiness). Higher HDL-C and total cholesterol, although the latter was attenuated after adjustment for statin use, were associated with better baseline activities of daily living (e.g., UPDRS-II score with 1 SD increase in HDL-C -0.74, 95%CI -1.22 to -0.26, p = 0.002) and non-motor features. Neither predicted the rate of motor or non-motor progression. Fructosamine levels were not associated with phenotypic variability or rate of disease progression.ConclusionsHypercholesterolemia was associated with a better motor/non-motor disease subtype and daily living impairment at presentation, but did not predict longitudinal change. Future research needs to determine if these associations are causally related or secondary to disease onset by examining prodromal subjects.

Inclisiran in Cardiovascular Health: A Review of Mechanisms, Efficacy, and Future Prospects.

Dyslipidemia is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and managing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels is a crucial strategy for both the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. The active ingredient in the novel lipid-lowering drug, inclisiran, is a new type of small interfering RNA that primarily regulates blood lipid levels by inhibiting the synthesis of proprotein convertase subtilisin type 9 (PCSK9). Enhanced lipid-lowering effects can be achieved following 3 administrations. This article summarizes inclisiran's mechanism of action, efficacy, safety, current research hotspots, clinical applications, and future development prospects, based on the latest literature and research advancements. Through comparative analysis with traditional lipid-lowering drugs, we conclude that inclisiran has promising application prospects and market potential, as it can complement traditional statin therapies to enhance lipid-lowering efficiency. This not only provides convenience to patients but also improves treatment compliance. Its safety profile alleviates patients' concerns and mitigates the impact of negative emotions on their condition. Additionally, the potential applications of inclisiran in oncology have been identified. However, inclisiran also presents certain limitations and challenges. For instance, its long-term safety and efficacy require further investigation in future studies, and its high cost can restrict its widespread adoption and promotion. Furthermore, additional clinical evidence is needed to evaluate its synergistic or antagonistic effects when used in conjunction with other medications.

Association of obesity traits and uric acid levels with cardiovascular disease in Punjabi patients from Faisalabad, Pakistan

Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are one of the significant public health concerns worldwide. Understanding the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist Circumference (WC), Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) and uric acid levels are important in assessing cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to investigate the associations of BMI, WHR, WC and several biochemical parameters including uric acid levels with cardiovascular disease in patients from Faisalabad, Pakistan. Methods This is a Retrospective Observational Study. A total of 403 cardiovascular patients were enrolled. Anthropometric measurements including BMI, WC and WHR were recorded. Serum samples were used to measure various biochemical parameters. SPSS ver. 21 was used to perform statistical analyses. Results Results showed that BMI (29%↑), waist circumference (7%↑) and hip circumference (8%↑) were higher in obese CVD patients as compared to non-obese CVD patients. Additionally, uric acid levels were high (11%↑) in male CVD patients as compared to female CVD patients while total cholesterol (8%↑) and triglycerides (20%↑) levels were higher in female CVD patients as compared to male CVD patients. Pearson correlation and Linear regression analysis confirmed that uric acid was associated with total cholesterol, triglycerides, alanine transaminase, creatinine and urea levels (p < 0.05). Conclusion This study confirms the associations between BMI, WC, WHR, uric acid levels and multiple biochemical parameters with health status in cardiovascular patients from Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Time- and season-dependent changes in the steroidogenic markers in female tree sparrow (Passer montanus).

Seasonal breeders display elevated sex steroid hormone production during reproductive seasons, resulting in significant physiological and structural alterations. One such seasonal breeder adapted to the changing environment is a Tree sparrow (Passer montanus). The study aims to investigate 24-h rhythmicity and annual variations in the expression of steroidogenic gene markers of adult female tree sparrows. Two experiments were conducted; in experiment one, birds (n = 5 birds/time points) were sampled at six time points, i.e., ZT1, ZT5, ZT9, ZT13, ZT17, and ZT21 (ZT = Zeitgeber time, ZT0 = sunrise time) during the reproductive stage; subsequently, hypothalamus and ovary were harvested for gene expression analysis. In experiment two, birds (n = 5/month) were sampled at mid-day every month for a year. Feather molt, follicular diameter, body mass, and bill coloration were recorded. The hypothalamus and ovary were harvested for gene expression studies. Blood plasma cholesterol and progesterone were also measured. The study indicates a larger follicular size during May and June. Whereas, maximum molt was observed during the post-reproductive phase. Cholesterol levels were highest prior breeding phase and higher progesterone levels paralleled larger follicular size. While higher levels of GnIh (gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone) and Dio3 (type 3 deiodinase) were observed during the non-breeding phase, elevated expression of Tshβ (thyroid stimulating hormone subunit beta), Dio2 (type 2 deiodinase), and GnRh (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) was noted during the reproductive period. The study also reveals 24-h rhythmicity in selected steroidogenic markers (StAR, Nr4a1, Er, Scp2, Cyp17a1, Foxl2, Cyp11a1, Hsd11b2, Cyp11b, Cyp19a1, and Vdac1) and seasonal variations directly influence steroidogenesis, which connects with the annual reproductive cycle.

Association of Obesity, Visceral Fat Accumulation, and Dyslipidemia with the Risk of Chronic Kidney Disease.

Objective Although chronic kidney disease (CKD) is independently associated with hypertension or hyperglycemia, there is no consensus on the thresholds of obesity, dyslipidemia, or visceral fat accumulation to predict CKD onset and progression. Methods We performed a multivariable logistic regression analysis for the association of the subsequent rate of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline with body mass index (BMI), blood high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglycerides (TG) levels on 308,174 subjects who underwent health examinations conducted by the Public Health Research Center Foundation from 2015 to 2022. In addition, a Poisson regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between the appearance of urinary protein in participants without baseline urinary protein levels and eGFR decline. Results The median age of the subjects was 46 years old, and the median observation period was approximately 3 years. An eGFR decline rate of ≥5%/year was significantly associated with low HDL-cholesterol levels (<40 mg/dL), independent of the BMI and TG levels. A high baseline BMI (≥25 kg/m2) or waist circumference (≥85 cm for men and ≥90 cm for women), high TG levels (≥150 mg/dL), and low HDL-cholesterol levels were significantly associated with new-onset proteinuria. Furthermore, the higher the baseline BMI, the higher the incidence rate ratio of new-onset proteinuria. Conclusion Independent of hyperglycemia and hypertension, dyslipidemia according to the Japanese metabolic syndrome criteria and an elevated BMI were associated with a high risk of new-onset proteinuria, and a low HDL-cholesterol level was significantly associated with a rapid eGFR decline.

Effect of Hesperidin on Lipid Profile, Inflammation and Apoptosis in Experimental Diabetes.

In recent years, therapeutic approaches against diabetes-induced liver damage have attracted great interest. Studies indicate the anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lipid-lowering potential of hesperidin (HESP), a flavonoid in citrus fruits. This study examined how HESP prevented streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic liver damage. Four groups of seven rats each were created: Control, HESP (100mg/kg/day), STZ (45 mg/kg), and STZ + HESP (45 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg/day, respectively). Serum AST, ALT, LDH, LDL, triglyceride, total cholesterol levels, and the TNF-α, IL-1β, and caspase-3 expression levels of liver tissue in the STZ group were higher than the other groups (p < 0.05). However, these values were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the STZ + HESP group compared to the STZ group. Furthermore, administering HESP together with STZ reduced liver expression levels of caspase-3, TNF-α, and IL-1β, as well as blood levels of AST, ALT, LDH, LDL, triglyceride, and total cholesterol. HESP against diabetes-induced hepatic damage reduced proinflammatory cytokine levels, and returned the lipid profile, and apoptotic indicators to normal levels. These findings suggested that HESP therapy may be an important therapeutic role against diabetes-induced liver damage.

Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 and nitrative stress in psoriasis vulgaris: a cross-sectional study.

Hyperlipidemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, and low serum lipid levels may play a protective role. Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP1) is a receptor involved in lipid metabolism, cellular signal transduction, and inflammation processes. Nitrosative stress (NO, 3-NT) may also contribute to the pathophysiology of dermatological diseases. To date, no published study has investigated the concentrations of nitrosative stress biomarkers, such as 3-NT and NO, along with LRP1 levels in patients with psoriasis vulgaris. This study aims to assess the relationship between lipid profiles, nitrosative stress markers (NO, 3-NTx), and LRP1 levels with disease severity in psoriasis vulgaris patients. The study included 50 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and 50 healthy individuals. Serum lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, HDL, VLDL) were measured using a colorimetric enzyme method on an autoanalyzer, while NO, 3-NTx, and LRP1 levels were determined via ELISA. The severity of psoriasis was evaluated using the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI). Data on disease duration, medication use, smoking, alcohol consumption, and weight were recorded. Total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL levels were significantly higher in psoriasis vulgaris patients compared to healthy controls (p < 0.05). Increased NO and 3-NTx levels were identified as indicators of oxidative stress. A positive correlation was found between LRP1, NO, 3-NTx levels, and PASI scores. Altered lipid profiles and increased oxidative stress in psoriasis vulgaris patients are associated with cardiovascular risk. The correlation between LRP1, NO, and 3-NTx levels and disease severity suggests that these biomarkers may serve as potential monitoring tools in psoriasis management. Further studies are needed to determine their therapeutic and clinical significance.

Aerobic training and vitamin D supplementation effects on diabetes-related parameters in a rat model of type 2 diabetes

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by disturbances in glucose, lipid, and energy metabolism, including dyslipidemia and dysregulation of metabolic peptides like spexin; however, the effects of combined interventions, such as aerobic training and nutritional intervention, on these parameters are not fully elucidated. The objective of this study was to investigate the influences of aerobic training (AT) and vitamin D (Vit D) supplementation on the lipid profile and spexin levels in a model of rats with type 2 diabetes (T2D).MethodsA total of 56 male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: SHAM (non-diabetic control; n = 8) and diabetic (n = 48). The diabetic rats were further divided into six groups: AT with high doses of vitamin D (D + AT + HD; 10,000 IU/kg/week), AT with moderate doses of vitamin D (D + AT + MD; 5,000 IU/kg/week), high doses of vitamin D (D + HD; 10,000 IU/kg/week), moderate doses of vitamin D (D + MD; 5,000 IU/kg/week), AT receiving vehicle (sesame oil; D + AT + oil), and control (oil-receiving; D + C). To induce type 2 diabetes, rats were first fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 2 weeks to induce obesity, followed by an intraperitoneal injection of 110 mg/kg nicotinamide and 55 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) dissolved in 0.1 M citrate buffer (pH 4.5). Blood samples were collected 48 h after the last training session under anesthesia for measuring spexin levels, and lipid profile parameters. Statistical analyses were performed using the paired t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey post hoc test.ResultsCompared to the SHAM rats, there were significant increases in body weight, BMI, FI, and WC in the diabetic rats (p < 0.001). Also, there was a significant decrease in body weight, BMI, FI, and WC of the diabetic groups who received interventions, especially in D + AT + HD (body weight: -11.07%, BMI: -10.25%, FI: -19.16%, WC: -16.54%). The lipid profiles were significantly improved, with the lowest total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels and the highest high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels being found in the D + AT + HD group compared with the D + C group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the D + AT + HD group had elevated spexin levels compared with the other diabetic groups, which may play a metabolic role.ConclusionAT and Vit D supplementation effectively normalized serum lipids and increased spexin levels in T2D rats. These findings suggest that AT and Vit D supplementation may serve as potential therapeutic strategies for managing T2D and its associated complications. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and to evaluate the long-term effects of these interventions in humans.