LDL Concentrations Research Articles

Significance of Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) and Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) for the Monitoring of Treatment Response to Cyclosporine in Patients with Psoriasis.

Serum samples were obtained before and after three months cyclosporine therapy. Patients were grouped into responders and non-responders to cyclosporine depending on whether they achieved at least 50% reduction of Psoriatic Activity Score Index (PASI), or not. Serum levels of PCSK9 and NGAL were assayed using commercially available ELISA tests. Lipid levels were measured with an enzymatic method. There were 40 patients enrolled. A significant decrease in serum NGAL level was seen in cyclosporine responders. No similar dependance was found for PCSK9. Serum PCSK9 concentration correlated with total cholesterol (TChol) and LDL at baseline and after three month treatment. Cyclosporine therapy contributes to the reduction of the NGAL serum but not the PCSK9 concentration. Correlation between the PCSK9 serum level and TChol as well as LDL concentration may help to understand drug induced dyslipidemia after cyclosporine.

Potential of alveolar bone damage in periodontitis patients with dyslipidemia

Background: Severe periodontitis is the sixth most prevalent disease across the globe. Periodontitis is highly associated with decreased HDL, increased LDL concentrations, and triglycerides. The increase of serum lipid levels beyond the physiological range will change immune cell function by increasing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines which will interfere with tissue response and affect wound healing thereby increasing susceptibility to periodontitis. Purpose: To explain the mechanism of increased alveolar bone destruction in patients with periodontitis accompanied by dyslipidemia. Methods: This study uses a narrative review Results: Several mechanisms of alveolar bone destruction in periodontitis accompanied by dyslipidemia are through the severity of the metabolic syndrome, serum Lp-PLA2, CRP, chemerin, plasma secretion of TNF-α, IL1β, IL-6, PGE2, IL-2, interferon gamma, matrix metalloproteinases, systemic inflammatory burden, serum triglyceride levels, increased HDL and LDL levels, and decreased serum cholesterol. Conclusions: Alveolar bone damage in periodontitis accompanied by dyslipidemia can occur through several mechanisms. This study complies with and supports the Sustainable Development Goal No. 3, to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

Effects of Ocimum basilicum mucilage on hyperlipidemia and gut microbiota on mice fed a high-fat diet

Reducing obesity by modifying gut microbiota is a promising therapeutic option. We tested our hypothesis on mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) with Ocimum basilicum L. (OB) through oral gavage. The present study examined whether mucilage isolated from OB could maintain weight gain in HFD-fed mice. Mice were randomly divided into CTL (control group – normal diet), HFD, and HFD + OB (HFD diet supplemented with OB mucilage). Body weight, food consumption, body fat mass, liver, blood plasma, and feces were collected and analyzed. Liver and large intestine samples were collected via dissection to evaluate the liver histological and fatty acids in the large intestine. Fecal samples were taken to assess the gut microbiome. Compared to the HFD group, the HFD + OB group significantly reduced weight, food consumption, fat ratio, liver weight, and lipid. LDL concentration also decreased in the HFD + OB group, but there was no difference in other biochemical indicators, which was a good sign in preventing hyperlipidemia. In addition, there was a change in gut microbiota composition in the HFD group compared to HFD + OB one, comparable to the gut microbiota in the CTL control group. OB mucilage was a potential prebiotic for weight control through lowering plasma lipids and modifying the gut microbiota.

Metabolic disorders in patients with post-COVID-19 Tuberculosis: A Peruvian unicentric experience

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the diagnosis, monitoring, and prevention of many significant pathologies began to be ignored, tuberculosis (TB) being one of these pathologies. The objective was to determine metabolic disorders and their association with TB stages in post-COVID-19 TB patients from the Félix Torrealva Gutiérrez Hospital in Ica, Peru. Methods: The research was observational, cross-sectional, and descriptive-correlational. The study was carried out on 80 patients diagnosed with post-COVID-19 tuberculosis. A questionnaire was used to collect the sociodemographic characteristics and the metabolites analyzed were glucose, lipid profile, and hepatic profile. Results: Among the 80 patients, a mean age of 56.6 years was observed and 52.5% were male. The presence of sensitive tuberculosis (56.3%), multiresistant tuberculosis (15%), and recurrent tuberculosis (28.7%) with 5.94 months of treatment was found. Alterations were found in the concentration of glucose (36.3%), total cholesterol (31.3%), triglycerides (52.5%), HDL (52.5%), LDL (53.8%), albumin (32.5%), total bilirubin (46.3%), direct bilirubin (5.0%), TGO (30.0%), TGP (56.3%), alkaline phosphatase (50.0%), GGTP (46.3%) and total protein (22.5%). TB stage was significantly associated with sex (p=0.011), treatment time (p˂0.001) and total cholesterol (p=0.021). Conclusions: There are post-COVID-19 metabolic disorders in patients with tuberculosis at the Félix Torrealva Gutiérrez Hospital in Ica, Peru.

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells exhibit increased mitochondrial respiration after adjuvant chemo- and radiotherapy for early breast cancer.

Adjuvant chemo- and radiotherapy cause cellular damage to tumorous and healthy dividing cells. Chemotherapy has been shown to cause mitochondrial respiratory dysfunction in non-tumorous tissues, but the effects on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) remain unknown. We aimed to investigate mitochondrial respiration of PBMCs before and after adjuvant chemo- and radiotherapy in postmenopausal patients with early breast cancer (EBC) and relate these to metabolic parameters of the patients. Twenty-three postmenopausal women diagnosed with EBC were examined before and shortly after chemotherapy with (n = 18) or without (n = 5) radiotherapy. Respiration (O2 flux per million PBMCs) was assessed by high-resolution respirometry of intact and permeabilized PBMCs. Clinical metabolic characteristics and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content of PBMCs (mtDN relative to nuclear DNA) were furthermore assessed. Respiration of intact and permeabilized PBMCs from EBC patients significantly increased with adjuvant chemo- and radiotherapy (p = 6 × 10-5 and p = 1 × 10-7 , respectively). The oxygen flux attributed to specific mitochondrial complexes and respiratory states increased by 17-43% compared to before therapy initiation. Similarly, PBMC mtDNA content increased by 40% (p = 0.002). Leukocytes (p = 0.0001), hemoglobin (p = 0.0003), and HDL cholesterol (p = 0.003) concentrations decreased whereas triglyceride (p = 0.01) and LDL (p = 0.02) concentrations increased after treatment suggesting a worsened metabolic state. None of the metabolic parameters or the mtDNA content of PBMCs correlated significantly with PBMC respiration. This study shows that mitochondrial respiration and mtDNA content in circulating PBMCs increase after adjuvant chemo- and radiotherapy in postmenopausal patients with EBC. Besides the increased mtDNA content, a shift in PBMC subpopulation proportions towards cells relying on oxidative phosphorylation, who may be less sensitive to chemotherapy, might influence the increased mitochondrial respiration observed iafter chemotherapy.

Diet and physical activity and metabolic disorders in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar affective disorder in the Polish population.

There are numerous reports of a higher prevalence of metabolic disorders in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (BD), yet its connections to diet and physical activity remain not fully explained. This article aimed to evaluate diet, physical activity and selected biochemical and anthropometric parameters associated with metabolism in patients with schizophrenia and BD and to analyse the relationships between these variables in the subjects. A total of 126 adults participated in the study: 47 patients with schizophrenia, 54 patients with BD and 25 patients in mental illness remission (reference group). Data were collected on the underlying illness and concomitant illnesses, and the severity of symptoms of the current episode was assessed using the following scales: PANSS, MADRS and YMRS. An assessment of the subjects' diet (KomPAN questionnaire) and their physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire) was carried out. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were taken and BMI and WHR were calculated. Serum concentrations of fasting glucose, TSH, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL fractions, triglycerides and leptin, ghrelin and resistin were determined. For statistical analysis, the significance level was set at 0.05. For multiple comparisons one way ANOVA or Kruskal Wallis were used with post hoc Tukey and Dunn tests, respectively. To determine correlation of variables, Pearson's linear correlation coefficient or Spearman's rank correlation coefficient were used. A total of 50.8% of the subjects had at least one metabolic disorder-most commonly excessive body weight (66.7%) and abdominal obesity (64.3%). Patients did not differ significantly in terms of physical activity, but they did differ in mean time spent sitting-with this being significantly longer for all groups than in the general population. The subjects differed in diet: patients with BD consumed less unhealthy foods than patients with schizophrenia. The highest correlations between physical activity, diet and variables defining metabolic disorders were found in patients with BD. Only in patients with schizophrenia were there significant correlations between the course of the disease and physical activity. The results suggest the existence of associations between diet, physical activity, and metabolic disorders in both BD and schizophrenia patients. They also suggest a tendency among those patients to spend long periods of time sitting.

Assessment of Prolonged Administration of SynriamTM on Haematological Parameters and Lipid Profiles of Rats

A potential antimalarial prospect should have high efficacy with low toxicity. SynriamTM antimalarial drug has been proven to be safe and effective for the treatment of malaria in human with dearth information on rats. This study investigated its potential toxicity from prolonged administration on lipid profiles and haematological indices in rats. Thirty-five Wistar rats were randomized into five groups (A – E) of seven rats each. Animals in group A (control) received 0.5 mL distilled water, while groups B, C, D, and E respectively received 4.0, 8.0, 16.0 and 32.0 mg/kg bwt of the drug once daily for 28 days. The concentrations of serum TC, LDL and atherogenic index showed significant (p<0.05) decrease, while serum TRIG, HDL, and VLDL concentrations had no effect (p>0.05). The drug also had no effect (p>0.05) on the levels of the red blood cell count, PCV, Hb, MCV, MCH, and MCHC. Similarly, it had no effect (p>0.05) on the levels of the WBC, lymphocytes and neutrocytes, while the platelet counts had slight (p<0.05) decrease. Hence, SynriamTM is relatively safe at doses of 4.0-32.0 mg/kg bwt in rats when taken once daily with minimal effects on the lipid profiles and haematological indices.

PCOS during the menopausal transition and after menopause: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Current knowledge about the consequences of PCOS during the late reproductive years and after menopause is limited. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of data on the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of women ≥45 years of age-peri- or postmenopausal-with PCOS. Studies published up to 15 April 2023, identified by Entrez-PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus online facilities, were considered. We included cross-sectional or prospective studies that reported data from peri- or postmenopausal patients with PCOS and control women with a mean age ≥45 years. Three independent researchers performed data extraction. Meta-analyses of quantitative data used random-effects models because of the heterogeneity derived from differences in study design and criteria used to define PCOS, among other confounding factors. Sensitivity analyses restricted the meta-analyses to population-based studies, to studies including only patients diagnosed using the most widely accepted definitions of PCOS, only menopausal women or only women not submitted to ovarian surgery, and studies in which patients and controls presented with similar indexes of weight excess. Quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE system. The initial search identified 1400 articles, and another six were included from the reference lists of included articles; 476 duplicates were deleted. We excluded 868 articles for different reasons, leaving 37 valid studies for the qualitative synthesis, of which 28 studies-published in 41 articles-were considered for the quantitative synthesis and meta-analyses. Another nine studies were included only in the qualitative analyses. Compared with controls, peri- and postmenopausal patients with PCOS presented increased circulating total testosterone (standardized mean difference, SMD 0.78 (0.35, 1.22)), free androgen index (SMD 1.29 (0.89, 1.68)), and androstenedione (SMD 0.58 (0.23, 0.94)), whereas their sex hormone-binding globulin was reduced (SMD -0.60 (-0.76, -0.44)). Women with PCOS showed increased BMI (SMD 0.57 (0.32, 0.75)), waist circumference (SMD 0.64 (0.42, 0.86)), and waist-to-hip ratio (SMD 0.38 (0.14, 0.61)) together with increased homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (SMD 0.56 (0.27, 0.84)), fasting insulin (SMD 0.61 (0.38, 0.83)), fasting glucose (SMD 0.48 (0.29, 0.68)), and odds ratios (OR, 95% CI) for diabetes (OR 3.01 (1.91, 4.73)) compared to controls. Women with PCOS versus controls showed decreased HDL concentrations (SMD -0.32 (-0.46, -0.19)) and increased triglycerides (SMD 0.31 (0.16, 0.46)), even though total cholesterol and LDL concentrations, as well as the OR for dyslipidaemia, were similar to those of controls. The OR for having hypertension was increased in women with PCOS compared with controls (OR 1.79 (1.36, 2.36)). Albeit myocardial infarction (OR 2.51 (1.08, 5.81)) and stroke (OR 1.75 (1.03, 2.99)) were more prevalent in women with PCOS than controls, the ORs for cardiovascular disease as a whole, coronary artery disease as a whole, breast cancer and age at menopause, were similar in patients and controls. When restricting meta-analysis to studies in which women with PCOS and controls had a similar mean BMI, the only difference that retained statistical significance was a decrease in HDL-cholesterol concentration in the former and, in the two studies in which postmenopausal women with PCOS and controls had similar BMI, patients presented with increased serum androgen concentrations, suggesting that hyperandrogenism persists after menopause, regardless of obesity. Hyperandrogenism appeared to persist during the late-reproductive years and after menopause in women with PCOS. Most cardiometabolic comorbidities were driven by the frequent coexistence of weight excess and PCOS, highlighting the importance of targeting obesity in this population. However, the significant heterogeneity among included studies, and the overall low quality of the evidence gathered here, precludes reaching definite conclusions on the issue. Hence, guidelines derived from adequately powered prospective studies are definitely needed for appropriate management of these women.

Lipid -Lowering Effect of Polysaccharide (Pectin) of Viscum album L. Plant in Rats

Disturbances of lipid metabolism is a predisposing factor of cardiovascular diseases, which are accompanied by high mortality rates of the population - ischemic heart disease and ischemic stroke. Plant polysaccharides can be promising remedies for correction of lipid imbalance.
 In this regard, the aim of the study was to assess the hypolipidemic activity of polysaccharides isolated from the leaves of mistletoe.
 The test-object was the leaves of the white mistletoe (Viscum album L.) growing on the apple (Malus domestica Borkh.), and the pear (Pyrus communis L.). Polysaccharides (water-soluble polysaccharides and pectin substances) were quantitatively determined by the gravimetric method followed by reprecipitation from ethanol. The qualitative composition was evaluated by thin layer chromatography. Functional groups in polysaccharides were determined by titrimetric method. The hypolipidemic activity of the obtained polysaccharides was determined under oral administration at a dose of 100 mg / kg in Wistar rats by the change of the concentration of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and HDL cholesterol. The change of the content of cholesteryl ester transfer protein and Niemann-Pick C1-Like1 protein was also determined.
 As a result, it was found that among the polysaccharides in the leaves of mistletoe, pectin substances are predominate, which belong to the group of low-esterified pectins. A significant content of free carboxyl groups in pectins from the leaves of mistletoe was also found. The study of hypolipidemic activity showed that, among the polysaccharides of mistletoe leaves, pectin substances exert a more pronounced effect on lipid metabolism, the use of which reduced the content of triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol with an increase in LDL cholesterol in rats, probably due to a decrease in the activity of cholesteryl ester transfer protein and Niemann-Pick C1-Like1 protein. At the same time, at the level of the trend, mistletoe pectins showed a higher level of activity than analogous compounds obtained from the leaves of host-plants. It should be noted that the severity of the pharmacological effect of mistletoe pectins did not depend on the host-plants.
 Thus, based on the obtained results, it can be assumed that pectins obtained from the mistletoe leaves can be a potentially effective and safety hypolipidemic agent.

#3560 STATIN THERAPY IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS UNDERGOING HAEMODIALYSIS

Abstract Background and Aims In 2017, around 4 million people with end-stage renal disease worldwide were on renal replacement therapy. Haemodialysis is accounted as the most common therapy, accounting for 69% of all renal replacement therapies and 89% of all dialysis. Patients receiving haemodialysis present significantly higher risk for cardiovascular events which affect more than two-thirds of patients, making it the primary cause of morbidity (Bello et al., 2022). Statin therapy is used as primary prevention of cardiovascular risk amongst the general population; nonetheless, in patients with chronic kidney disease the benefits of statins are controversial (Fellström et al., 2009). The aim of this study is to analyze data of statins use in patients from different Latvian haemodialysis centers. Method A cross-sectional observational study included consecutive patients from four haemodialysis centers from June till October 2022. Patients were interviewed about disease anamnesis, comorbidities, statins and other drug use. Data was analyzed with SPSS statistics. Results Among 113 included patients, 64.6% were man, mean age was 62.8±14.9 years, mean body-mass index was 26.66± 5.3 kg/m². Current smokers were 14.2%. Most common primary cause for hemodialysis (47.2%) was glomerular diseases. Comorbidities as primary arterial hypertension and diabetes were diagnosed in 39.8% and 17.7% of patients, respectively. History of arterial vascular disease was present in 47 (41.6%) patients, 26 (23%) patients underwent revascularization. Anamnesis of kidney transplantation was present in 17.7%. Mean plasma concentration for total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides were 4.4±1.3 mmol/L, 2.5±1.1 mmol/L and 1.7±1.3 mmol/L, respectively. Mean haemodyalisis period was 51.88 months and mean statin use period was 73.3 months. Statins were used in 60 (53.1%) patients, majority of them (68.3%) were using atorvastatin and 19 (31.7%) patients were using rosuvastatin. The most common type and dosage was atorvastatin 20 mg in 21 (35%) patient, following by atorvastatin 40mg in 9 (15%) and rosuvastatin 20mg in 9 (15%) patients. Majority of statin users (49.2%) had unknown therapy starting date regarding haemodialysis, while 31.7% of patients were using statins before haemodialysis and only 19% of patients started statin therapy while undergoing haemodialysis. Patients who had transplantation were associated with 2.4 times increased usage of statins (P = .09). No significant lipid concentration difference was observed between patients who underwent transplantation and those who did not (p>0.05). LDL concentration with and without statin use was 1.97 and 2.73 (P = .03), respectively. Patients with history of cardiovascular events had 8.4 times higher probability of using statins than patients without cardiovascular events (p<0.001, Cl 3.47-20.53) and 10.3 times higher probability of using statins after revascularization than patients without revascularization (p<0.001, Cl 2.98-37.11). Conclusion Statin therapy was related to history of cardiovascular events and revascularization, as well expressing significantly lower LDL concentration, that might be beneficial in secondary prophylaxis. History of transplantation was associated with increased statin administration.

Serum lipids concentration on prognosis of high-grade glioma.

To investigate the effect of serum lipids concentration on the prognosis of high-grade glioma patients undergoing postoperative radiotherapy. Retrospective analysis of the patients with high-grade glioma who received postoperative Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy between 13 May 2013 and 12 September 2018 was performed. The patients were grouped according to the average values of serum total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL concentration in peripheral blood (before surgery, 6months after therapy). Cox proportional hazards model was performed to determine whether the total cholesterol concentration, LDL concentration, and HDL concentration in peripheral blood before therapy and their changes after therapy were factors influencing the prognosis. The results of COX regression analysis showed that the independent prognostic factors of high-grade glioma patients were pathological grade, the extent of resection, serum cholesterol concentration pre-surgery, and the change of LDL concentration from pre-surgery to post-therapy. The prognosis of patients with high serum total cholesterol concentration before therapy was worse than those of patients with low total cholesterol concentration. The 5-year survival rate and the median survival time of patients with high serum total cholesterol concentration before therapy were 4.9% and 23.6months, but the low cholesterol concentration group were 19.6% and 24.5months, respectively. Besides, the average serum LDL concentration in high-grade glioma patients gradually increased after therapy. The 5-year survival rate of patients and the median survival time with elevated LDL concentration after therapy is 11.8% and 20.4months, but the reduced LDL concentration group was 16.7% and 28.4months, respectively. The total cholesterol and LDL concentration increased significantly after therapy in Grade IV patients while Grade III patients did not. The cholesterol concentration before therapy and LDL concentration change from pre-surgery to post-therapy are the factors that affect the prognosis of high-grade glioma patients who have undergone postoperative radiotherapy. In the final analysis, the high serum cholesterol pre-surgery and the increased in serum LDL concentration from pre-surgery to post-therapy were associated with worse survival of patients.

Collagen supplementation - does it bring real benefits?

Collagen is a protein and one of the main building blocks of our skin. It is found in bones, tendons, ligaments, internal organs, blood vessels, and the lining of the intestines. In our body, collagen enables the cohesion of tissues and organs, affects hydration, resistance and elasticity of the skin, reduces the risk of developing degenerative joint diseases. Its production decreases with age. As a result, more and more people are taking collagen supplements. It has been proven that doing so can bring many benefits to the body. Taking collagen orally can be an effective way to improve the quality of the skin, increase hydration and delay the aging process. Collagen peptides are potential therapeutic agents for treating osteoarthritis and maintaining joint health. Collagen supplementation may be an element of preventive medicine in the field of cardiovascular diseases. as it significantly reduces fat mass and increases lean mass, it also leads to lower LDL concentrations. A beneficial effect was also noted on hair and nails, as well as on brain function.

Dietary fat intakes, lipid profiles, adiposity, inflammation, and glucose in women and men in the Framingham Offspring Cohort.

Introduction: The role of dietary fat in the evolution of cardiometabolic disorders is highly controversial. As both dietary intake and the development of cardiometabolic risk differ by sex, we evaluated sex-specific differences in the associations between dietary fats (saturated and unsaturated) and four key cardiometabolic risk factors-lipid profiles, body fat, inflammation, and glucose regulation. Methods: We included 2391 women and men aged ≥30years in the prospective Framingham Offspring Cohort. Weight-adjusted dietary fats (saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 and omega-6) were derived from 3-day dietary records. Analysis of covariance was used to derive adjusted mean levels of all outcomes. Results: In both men and women, intakes of saturated and monounsaturated fats were inversely associated with TG:HDL ratio (p < 0.02 for both types of fat). In women, higher omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs were also inversely associated with TG:HDL (p < 0.05 for both), but for men, only omega-3 PUFAs were associated (p = 0.026). All types of dietary fat were beneficially associated with larger HDL particle sizes in both men and women, while only saturated and monounsaturated fats were associated with larger LDL particles in men. In addition, saturated and monounsaturated fats were associated with statistically significantly higher concentrations of HDL and lower concentrations of LDL and VLDL particles in both sexes, while polyunsaturated fat had favorable associations in women only. Saturated fat also had beneficial associations with three measures of body fat. For example, women with the highest (vs. lowest) saturated fat intake had a lower BMI (27.7 ± 0.25 vs. 26.2 ± 0.36kg/m2, p = 0.001); findings were similar in men (28.2 ± 0.25 vs. 27.1 ± 0.20, p = 0.002). Unsaturated fats had beneficial associations with body fat primarily in women. Finally, omega-3 PUFAs among women were inversely associated with interleukin-6 levels. There was no association between dietary fat intake and fasting glucose levels in either women or men. Discussion: In sum, we found no evidence of an adverse association between dietary fats and several surrogate markers of cardiometabolic health. This study suggests that different dietary fats may have divergent associations with cardiometabolic risk in women and men, perhaps owing to differences in food sources of the same dietary fats.

Exocarpium Citri Grandis alleviates the aggravation of NAFLD by mitigating lipid accumulation and iron metabolism disorders

Ethnopharmacological relevanceExocarpium Citri grandis (ECG, Huajuhong in Chinese), the epicarp of C. grandis ‘Tomentosa’, has been used for hundreds of years as an anti-inflammatory, expectorant, hypoglycemic, and lipid-lowering medication in China. Nevertheless, there have been few papers that have explored the mechanism behind ECG's hypolipidemic characteristics from the perspective of treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Aim of studyThe purpose of our study was to confirm the therapeutic and preventative effects of ECG in NAFLD by regulating lipid accumulation and iron metabolism, and to explore the specific mechanism of ECG in enhancing hepatic iron transport and excretion capabilities. Study designWe constructed a NAFLD model by feeding male C57BL/6 J mice with a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. Mice were gavaged with ECG beginning in the seventh week of modeling, and three dosage gradients were established: low dose group (2.5 g/kg/d), medium dose group (5 g/kg/d) y, and high dose group (10 g/kg/d) until the end of model construction in week 12. Materials and methodsWe used network pharmacology to analyze the relationship between ECG and NAFLD. In addition, we constructed a nonalcoholic fatty liver disease model by feeding male C57BL/6 J mice a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. Finally, lipid accumulation, iron accumulation, inflammation and oxidative stress were evaluated by serological index detection, histological detection, immunofluorescent and immunohistochemical staining, and western blotting. ResultsNetwork pharmacology confirmed the treatment effect of ECG in NAFLD. Three active components of ECG, including Naringenin, Naringin and Neohesperidin, were detected by UHPLC-HRMS analysis. The results of serum TC, TG, LDL concentration, HE staining, Oil red staining and Nile red staining demonstrated that ECG could improve lipid metabolism disorders. The results of serum iron concentration, liver tissue iron concentration, iron metabolism-related proteins Ferritin light chain, Ferroportin1, Transferrin receptor, and Transferrin demonstrated that ECG improved the iron transport and storage capacities of hepatic cells. ConclusionsOur results demonstrated that ECG relieved liver injury by inhibiting lipid accumulation and iron accumulation in NAFLD.

Hepatoprotective effect of Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) in laying hens

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of artichoke plant (Cynara scolymus) at different ratios (0, 5, 10 and 15 g/kg) supplementation into high-energy laying hen diet on performance, egg quality parameters, serum lipid profile, some liver enzymes and liver fat ratio. In total, one hundred and twenty 70-week-old Lohman LSL laying hens were randomly assigned to five groups and each group consisted of six subgroups. The control group was fed the basal feed (2650 kcal/kg ME), and the treatments groups were fed with high energy (2850 kcal/kg ME) including 0, 5, 10 and 15 g/kg artichoke, respectively. The feed and water were given to animals as ad-libitum during the experimental period. Experiment lasted for 8 weeks.The supplementation of 10 g/kg artichoke to the diet improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) and increased egg production. All additive artichoke diets showed the highest eggshell weight, shell breaking strength, shell thickness and yolk color. The addition of artichoke to the high energy diet reduced the serum triglyceride, LDL and VLDL concentration. The GSH, CAT and GPx values which are enzymatic antioxidants in serum were found to be highest in the HE+ artichoke 5 g/kg group. The liver fat content was dramatically lower in laying hens fed on HE+artichoke 10 g/kg diet (18.83 %) compared with those fed on the high energy diet (48.26 %).As s result, dietary supplementation of artichoke could be used in the diets to improve the performance, shell weight, breaking strength, thickness of shell, egg yolk color and reduced to serum triglyceride, LDL and VLDL concentration, liver fat ratio and increased the serum antioxidants enzymes (GSH, CAT and GPx).

LDL Affects the Immunomodulatory Response of Endothelial Cells by Modulation of the Promyelocytic Leukemia Protein (PML) Expression via PKC.

In addition to its function as an intravascular lipid transporter, LDL also triggers signal transduction in endothelial cells (ECs), which, among other things, trigger immunomodulatory cascades, e.g., IL-6 upregulation. However, the molecular mechanisms of how these LDL-triggered immunological responses in ECs are realized are not fully understood. Since promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) plays a role in promoting inflammatory processes, we examined the relationship between LDL, PML, and IL-6 in human ECs (HUVECs and EA.hy926 cells). RT-qPCR, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence analyses showed that LDL but not HDL induced higher PML expression and higher numbers of PML-nuclear bodies (PML-NBs). Transfection of the ECs with a PML gene-encoding vector or PML-specific siRNAs demonstrated PML-regulated IL-6 and IL-8 expression and secretion after LDL exposure. Moreover, incubation with the PKC inhibitor sc-3088 or the PKC activator PMA showed that LDL-induced PKC activity leads to the upregulation of PML mRNA and PML protein. In summary, our experimental data suggest that high LDL concentrations trigger PKC activity in ECs to upregulate PML expression, which then increases production and secretion of IL-6 and IL-8. This molecular cascade represents a novel cellular signaling pathway with immunomodulatory effects in ECs in response to LDL exposure.

Dietary zinc-chitosan nanoparticles addition influences on growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility, carcass indices, and immune function in weaned rabbits

The aim of this study was to study the effect of zinc oxide-chitosan nanoparticles (Zn-CNPs) on growth performance, plasma constituents, carcass indices, and immune function in rabbit diets. Eighty weaned V-line males rabbits at 5 weeks of age were divided into four dietary groups of control diet; 50 Zn-CNPs; 75 Zn-CNPs;100 Zn-CNPs. Supplementation of Zn-CNPs did not affect final live body weight and average daily weight gain. 100 ppm Zn-CNPs recorded (p < 0.05) higher digestibility of DM, OM, CP, EE, and NFE. Dietary groups of 75 and 100 ppm were higher (p < 0.05) in DCP, TDN (%), and DE (kcal/kg). Zn-CNPs supplementation was higher (p < 0.05) in hot carcass and spleen weights %. The addition of Zn-CNPs in diets promoted dressing%. Significant increases (p < 0.05) in plasma total protein and albumin levels for 75 and 100 Zn-CNPs. Zn-CNPs decreased (p < 0.05) glucose, total cholesterol, LDL concentrations and increased (p < 0.05) plasma zinc levels, IgG, IgM. Plasma HDL level increased (p < 0.05) with 75 and 100 ppm Zn-CNPs. In conclusion, Zn-CNPs supplementations can use safely as a zinc source in rabbits diets without any detrimental effects on growth performance, plasma constituents, and carcass indices. Moreover, 50, 75, and 100 ppm Zn-CNPs enhanced the immune functions.

A Digestive Cartridge Reduces Parenteral Nutrition Dependence and Increases Bowel Growth in a Piglet Short Bowel Model.

To determine whether the use of an immobilized lipase cartridge (ILC) to hydrolyze fats in enteral nutrition (EN) reduces parenteral nutrition (PN) dependence in a porcine model of short bowel syndrome with intestinal failure (SBS-IF). SBS-IF occurs after intestinal loss resulting in malabsorption and PN dependence. Limited therapeutic options are available for achieving enteral autonomy. Eleven Yorkshire piglets underwent 75% jejunoileal resection and were randomized into control (n=6) and treatment (n = 5) groups. PN was initiated postoperatively and reduced as EN advanced if predefined clinical criteria were fulfilled. Animals were studied for 14 days and changes in PN/EN calories were assessed. Intestinal adaptation, absorption, and nutrition were evaluated at the end of the study (day 15). Comparisons between groups were performed using analysis of covariance adjusted for baseline. ILC animals demonstrated a 19% greater reduction in PN calories ( P < 0.0001) and higher mean EN advancement (66% vs 47% of total calories, P < 0.0001) during the 14-day experiment. Treatment animals had increased intestinal length (19.5 vs 0.7%, P =0.03) and 1.9-fold higher crypt cell proliferation ( P =0.02) compared with controls. By day 15, ILC treatment resulted in higher plasma concentrations of glucagon-like peptide-2 ( P = 0.02), eicosapentaenoic acid ( P < 0.0001), docosahexaenoic acid ( P = 0.004), vitamin A ( P = 0.02), low-density lipoprotein ( P = 0.02), and high-density lipoprotein ( P = 0.04). There were no differences in liver enzymes or total bilirubin between the two groups. ILC use in conjunction with enteral feeding reduced PN dependence, improved nutrient absorption, and increased bowel growth in a porcine SBS-IF model. These results support a potential role for the ILC in clinical SBS-IF.

Trends in lipid profile and lipid control among survivors of stroke or myocardial infarction among US adults, 2001-2018.

We aim to analyze the change in lipid profile and lipid control among survivors of stroke and/or myocardial infarction among US adults from 2001-2018. In total, 3,736 survivors of stroke and/or myocardial infarction from the 2001-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys were included in this study, representing a weighted total population of 110,005,898. Trends for lipid concentration and lipid control rate over time were detected via general linear regression analysis and lipid control was compared by sex and race via survey-weighted logistic regression analysis. The total cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride concentrations were significantly decreased in survivors from the 2001-2002 survey cycle to the 2017-2018 survey cycle (p for trend < 0.01). Lipid control was defined as total cholesterol < 200 mg/dL. Among survivors, the lipid control rate increased from 56.2% (95% CI: 43.9%, 67.7%) in the 2001-2002 survey cycle to 73.2% (95% CI: 64.8%, 80.2%) in the 2017-2018 survey cycle (p for trend < 0.01). Women had a higher lipid concentration and were more likely have poor lipid control compared to men. Non-Hispanic White survivors possessed better lipid control than other races survivors. Lipid concentrations decreased and lipid control improved in stroke and/or myocardial infarction survivors from 2001 to 2018, with heterogeneity observed according to sex and race.

Electrocardiogram Analysis of Wistar Rats Induced by Hyperlipidemia using Wireless Mice Electrocardiogram (Wim ECG) in Coronary Heart Disease Study

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a life-threatening disease caused by obstruction of the coronary arteries that interferes with blood flow known as atherosclerosis. Hyperlipidemia, a risk factor of atherosclerosis, is characterized by excessive concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides with low concentrations of HDL. A high-fat diet (HFD) contributes to the progression of atherosclerosis, CHD, and other cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to measure electrocardiography (ECG) waves of hyperlipidemia-induced rats. Twenty rats were fed different diets for eight weeks, i.e., the control group (normal diet) and the HFD group (high-fat diet). Their ECG was recorded using a Wireless Mice Electrocardiogram (WIM ECG) for 5-10 min. After eight weeks, the HFD group showed a significantly higher lipid profile concentration (cholesterol: 179.03 mg/dL, triglyceride: 149.11 mg/dL, LDL: 123 mg/dL, HDL: 29.15 mg/dL) than the control. This hyperlipidemic condition causes a significant change in some characteristics of the ECG wave. At week 8, the characteristic ECG wave duration for the HFD groups was RR intervals (176.5 ms), QT intervals (123.5 ms), T waves (33.6 ms), P wave (27.4 ms), QRS interval (64.9 ms), ST-segment (23.7 ms), and heart rate (334 bpm). This study concludes that long-period HFD feeding in rats leads to hyperlipidemia and causes changes in the characteristics of ECG waves.