High-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Concentrations Research Articles

Relationship between pesticide exposure and lipid metabolism in population

Objective: To investigate the effect of pesticides and herbicides on lipid metabolism. Methods: In November 2020, Based on the data of the national health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES) (2011-2014) , select the population aged 20~65 who have demographic information, pesticide use and data of four lipid metabolism indicators [total cholesterol (TC) , triglyceride (TG) , high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) ] (n=3039) . The subjects were divided into insecticide group (320 people) and non insecticide group (2719) according to the use of insecticides, and herbicide group (156 people) and non herbicide group according to the use of herbicides. Results: Among the 3039 subjects, the males and female were 1509 (49.7%) and 1530 (50.3%) respectively. The males age was (39.7±12.0) years and the females age was (40.2±12.0) years The concentration of HDLC in the NHANES (55.4±15.0) mg/dl was lower than that of (58.2±14.2) mg/dL in the non herbicide group (P<0.05) (b=-0.044, P<0.05) . The results showed that the use of herbicides was related to the decrease of HDLC and the increase of LDLC and LDLC/HDLC in female population (b=-0.050, 0.062, 0.067, all P<0.05) . Conclusion: Herbicide exposure can cause the change of lipid metabolism, and the effect on female population is more obvious.

DIABETIC CARDIAC AUTONOMIC NEUROPATHY: SIMVASTATIN, INSULIN RESISTANCE AND LIPIDS

Treatment of diabetic cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) is a complex process, that includes: lifestyle modification; reducing of insulin resistance (IR); optimal glycemic control; management of diabetic dyslipidemia; antioxidants; vitamins; treatment of myocardial metabolic abnormalities; thrombosis and others. The aim of study was to investigate the effects of simvastatin on insulin resistance and blood lipid profile parameters in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the definite stage of cardiac autonomic neuropathy. The study involved 107 patients with T2DM among them 16 patients without CAN, 19 with subclinical stage of CAN and 72 with definite CAN. Median age of patients was 53.6 ± 0.41 yrs, disease duration - 4.12 ± 0.24 yrs and median glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) - 7.01% ± 0.09%. The control group included 14 almost healthy people without DM. Patients with definite CAN were allocated into two treatment groups: 1st group - 22 patients received standard hypoglycemic therapy and simvastatin 20 mg/day; 2nd group - control (n = 15). The duration of the study was 3 mos. The concentrations of glucose, HbA1c, immunoreactive insulin (IRI) in the blood were determined. Lipid metabolism was assessed by the concentration of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG) measurements. The IR index (HOMA-IR), atherogenic coefficient (AC), TG/HDL-C parameters, and TG-glucose (TyG) index were calculated. It was established that in patients with T2DM with subclinical stage of CAN there was statistically significant increase in the parameters of HbA1c, IRI, TC, TG and HOMA-IR, AC, TyG indices and decrease of TG/HDL-C and HDL-C compared to control; increase of IRI, TG, TG/HDL-C and TyG indices compared to patients with T2DM without CAN. The definite stage of CAN is characterized by an increase of HbA1c, IRI, TC, LDL-C levels and HOMA-IR, AC indices and a significant decrease in the concentration of HDL-C (compared to patients with subclinical CAN). As a result of our study, we found out that prescription of simvastatin to patients with definite stage of CAN was accompanied by a statistically significant decrease in the concentration of TC, LDL-C, TG and an increase in the content of HDL-C (compared to 2nd, control group). Obtained results justify the appropriateness of statins prescription to patients with T2DM and the definite stage of CAN.

Effects of Elobixibat on Constipation and Lipid Metabolism in Patients With Moderate to End-Stage Chronic Kidney Disease.

Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of elobixibat on constipation and lipid metabolism; and determine the factors associated with the effect of elobixibat on constipation in patients with moderate to end-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD).Methods:Stool frequency and serum lipid parameters were retrospectively analyzed before and after 4 weeks of elobixibat administration in 42 patients (CKD stage G3, 6; stage G4, 9; stage G5, 9; stage G5D, 18). Relationships between the change in stool frequency after initiation of elobixibat and various clinical parameters were analyzed by using linear regression analysis.Results:Elobixibat increased stool frequency from 0.5 ± 0.4 per day to 1.1 ± 0.6 per day (p < 0.001) regardless of whether patients were undergoing dialysis, on concomitant laxatives, or were administered elobixibat before or after breakfast. Elobixibat reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration (from 90.9 ± 37.2 mg/dL to 77.5 ± 34.8 mg/dL, p < 0.05) and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration (from 44.9 ± 14.3 mg/dL to 57.0 ± 25.8 mg/dL, p < 0.05), but did not change triglyceride concentration. Adverse effects were observed in two patients (nausea and diarrhea). Only phosphate concentration was correlated with the change in stool frequency after initiation of elobixibat (standard coefficient = 0.321, p = 0.043).Conclusions:Elobixibat improved constipation and lipid metabolism in patients with moderate to end-stage CKD, without serious adverse events.

Very High High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels and Cardiovascular Mortality

Previous studies have shown reduced cardiovascular risk with increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. However, recent data in the general population have shown increased risk of adverse outcomes at very high concentrations of HDL-C. Thus, we aimed to study the gender-specific relation between very high HDL-C levels (>80, >100mg/100ml) and adverse cardiovascular outcomes and the genetic basis in the general population enrolled in the United Kingdom Biobank. A total of 415,416 participants enrolled in the United Kingdom Biobank without coronary artery disease were included in this prospective cohort study, with a median follow-up of 9years. A high HDL-C level >80mg/100ml was associated with increased risk of all-cause death (Hazard ratio [HR] 1.11, confidence interval [CI] 1.03 to 1.20, p=0.005) and cardiovascular death (HR 1.24, CI 1.05 to 1.46, p=0.01) after adjustment for age, gender, race, body mass index, hypertension, smoking, triglycerides, LDL-C, stroke history, heart attack history, diabetes, eGFR, and frequent alcohol use (defined as ≥3 times/week) using Cox proportional hazard and Fine and Gray's subdistribution hazard models, respectively. In gender-stratified analyses, such associations were only observed in men (all-cause death HR 1.79, CI 1.59 to 2.02, p <0.0001; cardiovascular death HR 1.92, CI 1.52 to 2.42, p <0.0001), but not in women (all-cause death HR 0.97, CI 0.88 to 1.06, p=0.50; cardiovascular death HR 1.04, CI 0.83 to 1.31, p=0.70). The findings persisted after adjusting for the genetic risk score comprised of known HDL-C-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms. Very high HDL-C levels are associated with an increased risk of all-cause death and cardiovascular death among men but not in women in the general population free of coronary artery disease.

Comparison of Various Lipid Levels in Patients with B-Thalassemia Major with that of Normal Individuals

Background: Thalassemia is the most common heterogeneous group of genetic disorders in which the production of normal hemoglobin (Hb) is partly or completely suppressed because of defective synthesis of one or more globin chains that vary widely in severity from asymptomatic forms to severe or even fatal entities. Aim of this study is to compare of various lipid levels in patients with b-thalassemia major with that of normal individuals. Methods: In this cross sectional study, 30 children (case) previously diagnosed as beta thalassemia major were evaluated for serum lipid levels who were admitted at the Department of Pediatrics in DMCH &amp; Thalassemia center of Dhaka Shishu Hospital from January 2012 to December 2012. The control group included 30 ages &amp; sex matched healthy participants. Serum lipids profiles (total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL­ cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol) as well as hemoglobin, MCV, MCH &amp; MCHC were compared between the two groups. P value &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Serum total cholesterol (TC), Triglycerides (TG) and HDL cholesterol concentrations were measured by using Photoelectric Colorimeter (ERMA INC, model no AE-30F, made in Japan) in clinical biochemistry department of Dhaka Medical College. Results: Hematological tests showed the mean haemoglobin level in thalassemia group was 7.23 gm/dl with standard deviation of 1.23 whereas in control group the mean haemoglobin level was 10.37 gm/dl with standard deviation of 1.22. There was significant differences between two groups (p=.001). Mean MCV, MCH and MCHC in thaiassemic group were significantly lower [69.83 fl (SD 8.34), 23.10 pgm (SD 3.57) and 28.03% (SD-2.58)] than those in their control counterpart [8323 fl (SD 4.97), 29.23 pgm (SD 2.43) and 31.20% (SD-1.83)] respectively (p = 0.001 in all parameters). Beta thalassemia major patients had significantly lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) compare with controls (p&lt;0.001). ......

Expressing the Human Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein Minigene Improves Diet-Induced Fatty Liver and Insulin Resistance in Female Mice.

Mounting evidence has shown that CETP has important physiological roles in adapting to chronic nutrient excess, specifically, to protect against diet-induced insulin resistance. However, the underlying mechanisms for the protective roles of CETP in metabolism are not yet clear. Mice naturally lack CETP expression. We used transgenic mice with a human CETP minigene (huCETP) controlled by its natural flanking region to further understand CETP-related physiology in response to obesity. Female huCETP mice and their wild-type littermates were fed a high-fat diet for 6 months. Blood lipid profile and liver lipid metabolism were studied. Insulin sensitivity was analyzed with euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp studies combined with 3H-glucose tracer techniques. While high-fat diet feeding induced obesity for huCETP mice and their wild-type littermates lacking CETP expression, insulin sensitivity was higher for female huCETP mice than for their wild-type littermates. There was no difference in insulin sensitivity for male huCETP mice vs. littermates. The increased insulin sensitivity in females was largely caused by the better insulin-mediated suppression of hepatic glucose production. In huCETP females, CETP in the circulation decreased HDL-cholesterol content and increased liver cholesterol uptake and liver cholesterol and oxysterol contents, which was associated with the upregulation of LXR target genes in long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis and PPARα target genes in fatty acid β-oxidation in the liver. The upregulated fatty acid β-oxidation may account for the improved fatty liver and liver insulin action in female huCETP mice. This study provides further evidence that CETP has beneficial physiological roles in the metabolic adaptation to nutrient excess by promoting liver fatty acid oxidation and hepatic insulin sensitivity, particularly for females.

Loss-of-function mutation in Pcsk1 increases serum APOA1 level and LCAT activity in mice

BackgroundThe convertase subtilisin/kexin family 1 gene (PCSK1) has been associated in various human genetics studies with a wide spectrum of metabolic phenotypes, including early-onset obesity, hyperphagia, diabetes insipidus, and others. Despite the evident influence of PCSK1 on obesity and the known functions of other PCSKs in lipid metabolism, the role of PCSK1 specifically in lipid and cholesterol metabolism remains unclear. This study evaluated the effect of loss of PCSK1 function on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism in mice.ResultsHDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1) levels in serum and liver, and the activities of two enzymes (lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase, LCAT and phospholipid transfer protein, PLTP) were evaluated in 8-week-old mice with a non-synonymous single nucleotide mutation leading to an amino acid substitution in PCSK1, which results in a loss of protein’s function. Mutant mice had similar serum HDL cholesterol concentration but increased levels of serum total and mature APOA1, and LCAT activity in comparison to controls.ConclusionsThis study presents the first evaluation of the role of PCSK1 in HDL metabolism using a loss-of-function mutant mouse model. Further investigations will be needed to determine the underlying molecular mechanism.

Association of rs780094 and rs1260326 glucokinase regulatory protein gene polymorphisms with dyslipidemia in a group of Serbian acute ischemic stroke patients

Although genetic variations rs780094 and rs1260326 of the glucokinase regulatory protein gene (GCKR) could be associated with lipid profile imbalance, their influence on acute ischemic stroke (AIS) risk has not yet been established. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of GCKR single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs780094 and rs1260326 on lipid profile parameters in patients with AIS, and to evaluate the association of these SNPs with the risk of AIS. In a case-control study, a total of 148 subjects were screened for GCKR rs780094 and rs1260326 SNPs using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. The lipid profile was determined based on serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triacylglycerol (TG) concentrations. The frequencies of the minor rs780094T allele and the minor rs1260326T allele were significantly lower in AIS patients compared to controls. The rs780094TT genotype and the rs1260326TT genotype were associated with decreased risk of AIS compared to wildtype carriers. In conclusion, this is the first study implying that decreased risk of AIS in rs780094 and rs1260326 homozygous minor allele carriers is not caused by dyslipidemia, but possibly by the lack of coagulation factor glycosylation.

Effects of daytime ingestion of melatonin on heart rate response during prolonged exercise

The current study sought to investigate the effect of melatonin consumption on cardiovascular response during submaximal exercise in healthy men. For this purpose, eight students (age: 21.8 ± 0.9) were asked to run for 45 minutes at submaximal intensity after melatonin-(6 mg) or placebo-ingestion, in a randomized and counterbalanced order. Heart rate (HR) and rectal temperature (Tre) evolution during exercise were measured. Blood samples were drawn twice (before and immediately after exercise) for the determination of triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), lactate, protein, and superoxide dismutase concentrations. The results showed that melatonin may disturb thermoregulatory control by exerting an effect on HR at 10 min of exercise, reducing HR by 6.6% (9 bpm; P &lt; 0.001), and this effect decreased to 3.6% at the end of exercise (P &lt; 0.01). Melatonin has no effect on triglycerides total cholesterol, HDL-c, lactate, and protein at rest and post-exercise. Although melatonin administration did not present a risk for cardiovascular function in healthy men, melatonin at high doses could decrease superoxide dismutase concentrations owing to the alteration of redox balance. These findings suggest that a high concentration of antioxidants does not enhance cardiovascular performance and may impair thermoregulatory control during prolonged exercise.

In Vivo Effects of Coffee Containing Javamide-I/-II on Body Weight, LDL, HDL, Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Leptin, Adiponectin, C-Reactive Protein, sE-Selectin, TNF-α, and MCP-1

BackgroundDiet plays an unequivocal role in the development of obesity. Interestingly, recent studies have demonstrated that coffee products containing javamide-I/-II may be commonly found in the market. However, there is no information about in vivo effects of coffee containing javamide-I/-II (CCJ12) on obesity-related metabolic factors (body weight, LDL, HDL, total cholesterols, triglycerides, adiponectin, and leptin) in nonobese people. ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to investigate in vivo effects of CCJ12 on these metabolic factors as well as inflammatory/cardiovascular disease risk factors [C-reactive protein (CRP), soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin), TNF-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1)] in a nonobese model. MethodsSprague-Dawley male rats were fed a complete diet for 20 wk with either drinking water containing CCJ12 [coffee containing javamide-I/-II group (CG), n = 10] or unsupplemented drinking water [water control group (NCG), n = 10]. The amounts of javamide-I/-II in CCJ12 were quantified by HPLC. Water/food consumption and body weight were monitored weekly, and the concentrations of metabolic/inflammatory/cardiovascular disease risk factors were measured by ELISA. ResultsThere was no significant difference in water/food consumption between the NCG and CG during the study. Also, no significant difference was found in average body weights between the groups either. In addition, after 20 wk, both groups did not show any significant difference in plasma LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol concentrations. Likewise, adiponectin and leptin concentrations were not significantly different between the groups. As expected, the 2 groups did not show any significant difference in plasma concentrations of CRP and sE-selectin. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in plasma concentrations of TNF-α and MCP-1 between the groups. ConclusionsThe data suggest that CCJ12 may not have significant effects on the metabolic/inflammatory/cardiovascular disease risk factors in the CG, compared with the NCG.

EVALUATION OF SERUM LIPID PROFILE IN PATIENTS OF CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) or cardiovascular diseases are recognized to be one of the most important reasons of morbidity and mortality and imposes tremendously heavy socioeconomic burden worldwide. There are varieties of risk factors in the literature which increases the incidence of CHD such as hyperlipidemia. By the year 2020, World Health Organization (WHO) is predicting more than 11.1 million deaths from CHD. Coronary heart disease occurs when cholesterol accumulates on the artery walls, creating plaques. Reduced blood ow occurs when one or more of these arteries become partially or completely blocked. The four primary coronary arteries are located on the surface of the heart are: right, left main coronary artery, left circumex artery and left anterior descending artery. Material and Methods: The present study was done on 100 patients with acute or severe coronary heart diseases. Serum levels of total cholesterol, HDLcholesterol, LDLcholesterol, and triglycerides were examined by using biochemical kits. Results: The Total Serum Cholesterol to High density lipoprotein-Cholesterol and Low density lipoprotein- Cholesterol to High density lipoprotein-Cholesterol ratios also were signicantly higher in cases than in controls, whereas the rise in Triglycerides to High Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol ratio was not found to be signicant. Conclusion: It was found that the total cholesterol, HDLcholesterol, LDLcholesterol and triglycerides concentrations were signicantly higher in coronary heart disease patients.

Impact of relative humidity on the laying performance, egg quality, and physiological stress responses of laying hens exposed to high ambient temperature.

The present study investigated the effects of relative humidity (RH) on the laying performance, egg quality, and stress indicators of laying hens raised at high ambient temperatures. A total of 180 Hy-Line Brown laying hens (68-wk-old) were randomly allotted to one of the following three RH conditions for 12h a day (9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.) over four weeks: low RH (LRH; 25% RH), moderate RH (MRH; 50% RH), and high RH (HRH; 75% RH); ambient temperature was 30°C under all treatments. None of the RH treatments affected hen-day egg production, egg weight, or egg mass (P>0.05). However, feed intake was lower in the HRH group than in the LRH group (P<0.05). Plasma corticosterone (CORT) concentration on day 21, yolk CORT concentration on day 3, and albumen CORT concentration on day 7 following RH exposure were higher in the HRH group than in the LRH group (P<0.05). Moreover, plasma HDL-cholesterol concentration on day 14 was higher in the HRH group than in the LRH group (P<0.05). On days 3 and 14, the Haugh unit decreased (P<0.05) in the LRH group compared with that in the MRH and HRH groups. The HRH-exposed laying hens showed the lowest (P<0.05) eggshell thickness on day 14. The absolute weights of eggshell, yolk, and albumen decreased in the HRH group compared with those in the MRH and LRH groups. Overall, high RH lowered feed intake and egg quality except for the Haugh unit, and induced stress response as manifested by elevated plasma, yolk, and albumen CORT concentrations. To our best knowledge, the present study is the first to demonstrate the role of RH in triggering temperature stress responses in laying hens.

Study of the Healthy Effects of Different Fat Ratios Mixtures of Omega-3 to Omega-6 in Male Mice with Alloxan-Induced Diabetes

This study was conducted at the Iraqi Center for Cancer Research / Al-Mustansiriya University / Baghdad Governorate, for the period from November 2020 to January 2021, to know healthy effects of different fat ratios mixtures of Omega-3 to Omega-6 in male mice with type 2 diabetes induced by Aloxan at a concentration of 100 mg / kg of weight. 32 mice aged (2-3) months and their weight (25-30) g were included. Four mice were isolated from them as a healthy control group and the remaining mice were injected with alloxan. Infected mice were divided into seven groups, one of which was untreated group (infected control), while the rest were treated with mixtures of different proportions of omega 6 and 3 fats. After the 30-day experiment, the biological study showed that the introduction of experimental diabetes mellitus with alloxan led to a higher Significant (p&gt;0.01) and (P&gt;0.05) in the concentration of glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C) compared with the proper control group. While it led to a significant decrease (p&gt;0.01) and (p&gt;0.05) in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations in the affected control group, but when using mixtures of different proportions of omega-6 fats: Omega-3 led to a decrease in the concentration of glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C) compared with the infected and untreated control group and an increase in concentrations of high-density lipoproteins (HDL-C) cholesterol.

Combination of High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Lipoprotein(a) as a Predictor of Collateral Circulation in Patients With Severe Unilateral Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis or Occlusion.

Background and PurposeCollateral circulation is considered an important factor affecting the risk of stroke, but the factors that affect collateral circulation remain unclear. This study was performed to identify the factors associated with collateral circulation, especially blood lipids.MethodsThe study involved patients who had undergone digital subtraction angiography and were confirmed as having severe unilateral stenosis or occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA). We classified the collateral circulation status of each patient as good (Grade 3 or 4) or poor (Grade 0, 1, or 2) according to the grading system of the American Society of Interventional and Therapeutic Neuroradiology/American Society of Interventional Radiology. We collected data on patients’ characteristics and identified the factors that affect collateral circulation.ResultsThis study included 212 patients. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration and a complete anterior half of the circle of Willis were independent protective factors for good collateral circulation, whereas elevated lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and serum creatinine concentrations were independent risk factors for good collateral circulation. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) was 0.68 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.61–0.76) for HDL-C and 0.69 (95% CI, 0.62–0.76) for Lp(a). A binary logistic regression model analysis of the joint factor of HDL-C and Lp(a) yielded an AUC of 0.77 (95% CI, 0.71–0.84).ConclusionsIn patients with severe unilateral ICA stenosis or occlusion, the combination of HDL-C and Lp(a) is a useful predictor of collateral circulation.

The relationship between informative indices and cases of postpartum complications in cows

Gestosis develops when the adaptive systems of the cow body is unable to create the necessary conditions for the developing fetus. The research goal is to reveal the relationship between the biochemical, hormonal and immune indices and the incidence of postpartum complications in cows. The studies were carried out in 2019 in the Black-Pied herd; 104 cows 60-10 days before calving were studied. The trial group consisted of 43 cows with postpartum complications (postpartum endometritis, retained placenta and parturient paresis); the control group consisted of 61 cows with a physiological course of calving and the postpartum period. There is a strong inverse statistically significant relationship between the concentration of estradiol in blood serum 15 days before calving and retained placenta cases (rs=-0.75; ?&lt;0.05). A close inverse statistically significant relationship was found between the progesterone concentration in cows 15 days before calving and retained placenta cases (rs=-0.72; ?&lt;0.05). The concentration of HDL-cholesterol is strongly negatively associated with the occurrence of parturient paresis (rs=-0.97; ?&lt;0.01). Regarding the levels of alkaline and placental-like alkaline phosphatase in blood serum of cows 45 days before calving, a close direct relationship was found with retained placenta cases (rs=0.67; ?&lt;0.05 and rs=0.88; ?&lt;0.01). A strong positive, statistically significant relationship was found between the value of the neutrophil functional reserve and the cases of postpartum pathologies as retained placenta (rs=0.76; 0.83) and endometritis (rs=0.69; 0.79).

Pre-infection HDL-cholesterol levels and mortality among elderly patients infected with SARS-CoV-2

Background and aimsLow HDL-cholesterol (HDLc) concentration is associated with a greater risk of infection-related mortality. We wanted to evaluate the relationship between pre-infection HDLc levels and mortality among older patients infected with SARS-Cov-2. MethodsThis is a population-based, cohort study, comprising all individuals residing in Madrid (Spain) born before 1 January 1945, and alive on 31 December 2019. Demographic, clinical, and analytical data were obtained from the primary care electronic clinical records. Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection was defined as a positive result in the RT-qPCR or in the antigen test. A death from COVID-19 was defined as that registered in the hospital chart, or as any death occurring in the 15 days following a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Data on infection, hospitalization, or death due to SAR-CoV-2 were collected from 1 March 2020 through 31 December 2020. ResultsOf the 593,342 individuals comprising the cohort, 36,966 had a SARS-CoV-2 infection during 2020, and at least one HDLc measurement in the previous five years. Among them, 9689 (26.2%) died from COVID-19. After adjustment for age and sex, the relative risk (95% confidence interval) of COVID-19 death across increasing quintiles of HDLc was 1.000, 0.896 (0.855–0.940), 0.816 (0.776–0.860), 0.758 (0.719–0.799), and 0.747 (0.708–0.787). The association was maintained after further adjustment for comorbidities, statin treatment and markers of malnutrition. While in females this association was linear, in males it showed a U-shaped curve. ConclusionsIn older subjects, a higher HDLc measured before SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with a lower risk of death.

Blood metabolic profile and acid base status of lactating Travnik ewes in an extensive production system

The research aimed to determine the blood metabolic profile and acid-base status of lactating Travnik ewes in an extensive production system. The research was carried out on 108 lactating Travnik ewes, with an average age of 3-4 years, in their 3rd lactation. The ewes were kept on pasture, and had water and animal salt ad libitum. Hematological indicators were determined in whole blood, biochemical parameters in serum, and acid-base status was determined in plasma. The determined average values of hematological parameters were mostly within reference values, except the lower MCHC content and higher MCV content, which indicates the instability of erythrocyte constants. Average mineral concentrations were within the reference values, except for Ca and Fe concentrations which were lower and were influenced by higher milk excretion. Most of the biochemical indicators, enzyme activity, and indicators of the acid-base balance of lactating Travnik ewes’ blood were within the reference values. A high concentration of urea above the reference values was found, and concentrations of total proteins, albumins, total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides at the upper limit or above the reference values were determined. Slightly lower GPx activity and higher SOD activity above reference values were determined. These indicators point to energy deficit, as well as poor grazing quality, and a lack of selenium in pasture plant species. When determining the blood metabolic profile of lactating Travnik ewes, the obtained results of the research should be considered, and they should be included in the development of reference values for the Travnik sheep breed.

Predictors of cardiovascular complications in patients with arterial hypertension and comorbid pathology

Aim. To study the relationship between central arterial pressure (BP) and cystatin C in patients with arterial hypertension and comorbid pathology, depending on gender differences.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study involved 162 patients aged 39 to 82 years, suffering from hypertension and comorbid pathology. The average age of the surveyed was 58.610.3 years. The following nosological forms were revealed: coronary heart disease 40.7% of the examined, overweight 33.9%, 1st degree obesity 30.8%, type 2 diabetes mellitus 29.0%, chronic obstructive disease lungs 16.6%, cerebrovascular diseases 13.5%. All participants underwent general clinical examinations. The concentration of the lipid spectrum was investigated: the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, cholesterol high density lipoproteins (HDL cholesterol) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) and plasma cystatin C. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated according to F. Hoek's formula (80.35/cystatin C 4.32=GFR). Study of central aortic pressure (CAP), mm Hg Art., was carried out using the device "AngioScan". Echocardiography was performed on a "Vivid q" apparatus (USA, 2014) according to the generally accepted technique. All examined patients were divided into 2 subgroups. The 1st subgroup includes women, the 2nd men.&#x0D; Results. In patients with hypertension and comorbid pathology, the most common abnormalities were an increased level of LDL cholesterol (58%), a decreased level of HDL cholesterol (51.8%), hypercholesterolemia (54.3%), hypertriglyceridemia (43.8%) and tachycardia (40.7%). In 51.8% of the surveyed, and more among males, the achievement of the target blood pressure level was detected. In women, the indicators of average age, body mass index, the content of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol were significantly higher. In male patients, the indicators of the diameter of the aortic outflow tract, end systolic and diastolic dimensions of the left ventricle (LV) significantly exceeded those of women, and the ejection fraction of the LV was significantly lower. The prevalence of LV hypertrophy (LVH) was 37% in the total sample, and it was higher in women than in men (45.9 and 26.6%, respectively, p=0.012). At the same time, the frequencies of concentric and eccentric types of LVH in both subgroups were similar. The incidence of LV concentric remodeling in women and men was 5.7 and 13.3%, respectively (p=0.001). In both subgroups, a negative correlation was found between the LV myocardial mass index and the calculated GFR. A positive correlation was noted between the levels of systolic blood pressure and CAP, the concentrations of cystatin C and plasma triglycerides.&#x0D; Conclusion. In hypertension, the structure of comorbid pathology is dominated by coronary heart disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, when hyper- and dyslipidemia were often detected. The incidence of LVH in the general group of subjects was 37.0%, and in women this indicator was higher. In the subgroup of men, cases of LV concentric remodeling were significantly more frequent. An increase in the level of CAP and systolic blood pressure, as well as the concentration of cystatin C, was associated with an increase in the LV myocardial mass index, especially in the subgroup of women.

Nitric oxide and fibrinogen in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism and their possible relation to cardiovascular damage

Endothelial dysfunction as well as hypercoagulability have been described as the initial triggers of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular damage and have been associated with subclinical hypothyroidism (SHC). The aim of this research was to determine the concentration of nitric oxide (NO), fibrinogen and circulating lipids in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism and to correlate these variables with thyrotropin (TSH) concentration to establish their possible association with the development of cardiovascular damage. A descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted at the IESS Hospital in Riobamba, Ecuador, in the period from January 2019 to September 2021. Ninety-five subjects were studied (65 patients with CAH and 30 controls). The concentration of total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, TSH, free thyroxine, ON and fibrinogen were determined. Results: We found a decrease in the concentration of ON (p&lt;0.001), accompanied by an increase in the concentration of total cholesterol (p&lt;0.0001), LDL cholesterol (p&lt;0.01) and fibrinogen (p&lt;0.0001) in patients with CAH vs. controls. A negative correlation (p&lt;0.0001; r= -0.5020) was observed between TSH and ON and a positive correlation (p&lt;0.0001; r= 5412) between TSH and plasma fibrinogen in patients with CAH. Conclusion: patients with CAH showed a decrease in serum ON levels and an elevation in plasma fibrinogen concentration. Both measurements correlated significantly with TSH concentration. These parameters associated with an increase in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol could favor vascular dysfunction, the development of atherosclerosis and consequent cardiovascular damage.

Concentración de colesterol-HDL y riesgo de infección por SARS-CoV-2 en personas mayores de 75 años: una cohorte con medio millón de participantes de la Comunidad de Madrid

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between HDL-cholesterol and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in over 75-year-olds residing in the Community of Madrid. MethodsStudy of a population-based cohort, composed of all residents in Madrid (Spain) born before January 1, 1945 and alive on December 31, 2019. Demographic, clinical and analytical data were obtained from primary care electronic medical records from January 2015. Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection was defined as a positive RT-PCR or antigen test result. Infection data correspond to the period March 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. ResultsOf the 593,342 cohort participants, 501,813 had at least one HDL-cholesterol determination in the past 5 years. Their mean age was 83.4±5.6 years and 62.4% were women. A total of 36,996 (7.4%) had a confirmed SARS-CoV2 infection during 2020. The risk of infection [odds ratio (95% confidence interval)] for SARS-CoV2 according to increasing quintiles of HDL-cholesterol was 1, 0.960 (0.915-1.007), 0.891 (0.848-0.935), 0.865 (0.824-0.909) and 0.833 (0.792-0.876), after adjusting for age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities. ConclusionsThere is an inverse and dose-dependent relationship between HDL-cholesterol concentration and the risk of SARS-CoV2 infection in subjects aged over 75 years of age in the Community of Madrid.