Very Low Density Lipoprotein Concentrations Research Articles

Comparison of serum very low-density lipoprotein concentrations during transition in primiparous and multiparous cows.

This study was carried out as an observational study in order to examine the difference of change in serum very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) between primiparous and multiparous cows. Twenty-one clinically healthy cows (10 primiparous and 11 multiparous) were selected at 21 days prior to expected calving. Blood samples were collected in the morning (before feeding) on days -21, -7, 7, 21 and 56 days in milk (DIM). At 7 and 21 DIM, the serum non-esterified fatty acid concentration of multiparous cows was significantly higher than that of primiparous cows. The serum β-hydroxybutyrate concentration was also markedly higher in multiparous cows than in primiparous cows at 21 DIM. These results suggested that the degree of negative energy balance was greater in multiparous cows than in primiparous cows during this period. In both, serum VLDL concentrations decreased at over 7 DIM, increased at 21 DIM, and then decreased at 56 DIM. On the other hand, triglyceride and total protein concentrations of VLDL in multiparous cows were significantly lower than in primiparous cows at 21 DIM. This suggests that multiparous cows have poor triglyceride secretion from the liver and that they become more susceptible to hepatic lipidosis.

Childhood socioeconomic position and sex-specific trajectories of metabolic traits across early life: prospective cohort study

Socioeconomic inequalities in cardiovascular disease risk begin early in life and are more pronounced in females than males later in life. Causal atherogenic traits explaining this are not well understood. We explored sex-specific associations between childhood socioeconomic position (SEP) and molecular measures of systemic metabolism across early life. Data were from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), a population-based birth cohort in southwest England. Pregnant women with an expected delivery date between 1991 and 1992 were invited to participate. Maternal education was the primary indicator of SEP. Concentrations of 148 metabolic traits from targeted metabolomics (nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy) from research clinics at ages 7, 15, 18 and 25years were analysed. The sex-specific slope index of inequality (SII) in trajectories of metabolic traits was estimated using multilevel models. Total number of participants included was 6537 (12,543 repeated measures). Lower maternal education was associated with more adverse levels of several atherogenic lipids and key metabolic traits among females at age 7years, but not males. For instance, SII for very small very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) concentrations was 0.16SD (95% CI: 0.01, 0.30) among females and-0.02SD (95% CI:-0.16, 0.13) among males. Between 7and 25years, inequalities widened among females and emerged among males particularly for VLDL particle concentrations, apolipoprotein-B concentrations, and inflammatory glycoprotein acetyls. For instance, at 25years, SII for very small VLDL concentrations was 0.36SD (95% CI: 0.20, 0.52) and 0.22SD (95% CI: 0.04, 0.40) among females and males respectively. Prevention of socioeconomic inequalities in cardiovascular disease risk requires a life course approach beginning at the earliest opportunity, especially among females. The UK Medical Research Council and Wellcome (grant ref: 217065/Z/19/Z) and the University of Bristol provide core support for ALSPAC. A comprehensive list of grants funding is available on the ALSPAC website (http://www.bristol.ac.uk/alspac/external/documents/grant-acknowledgements.pdf). KON is supported by a Health Research Board (HRB) of Ireland Investigator Led Award (ILP-PHR-2022-008). JB, GDS and KT work in a unit funded by the UK MRC (MC_UU_00011/1 and MC UU 00011/3) and the University of Bristol. OR is supported by a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship (MR/S03532X/1). These funding sources had no role in the design and conduct of this study. This publication is the work of the authors and KON will serve as guarantor for the contents of this paper.

EPIGALLOCATECHIN-3-GALLATE ALLEVIATES METABOLIC DISORDERS IN RATS SIMULTANEOUSLY EXPOSED TO ROUND-THE-CLOCK LIGHTING AND KEPT ON HIGH-CALORIE CARBOHYDRATE-LIPID DIET

The aim of the study is to investigate the effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on the parameters of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in the blood serum of rats exposed to round-the-clock lighting (RCL) and kept on high-calorie carbohydrate-lipid diet (HCCLD). The experiments were performed on 21 white Wistar rats weighing 210-250 g, divided into 3 groups. Animals in the first group (control) received a standard diet (energy value 2720 kcal/kg) and were exposed to an equally altered light and darkness periods. The rats of the second and third groups were under the constant round-the-clock light exposure and received HCCLD (4477 kcal/kg). In addition to the conditions in the second group, the test animals of the third group were administered EGCG daily through intragastric gavage in a dose of 40 mg/kg. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit for rat serum was used to assess insulin concentration. The concentration of serum glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and triacylglycerols (TAG) was determined by enzymatic methods using photometric equipment. Insulin resistance was assessed by the HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment) index. With the administration of EGCG, the concentration of glucose and insulin in the blood serum decreased by 34.7% and 59.1%, respectively, compared to group 2, and the HOMA-IR was 61.5% lower than in the comparison group. The HDL content increased with the administration of EGCG in the experiment and was 91.3% higher compared to the findings in the group 2. Under these circumstances, the concentrations of VLDL and TAG in the blood serum were significantly lower by 37.5 and 37.1% than the respective values in the group 2. It can be suggested that the administration of the bioflavonoid epigallocatechin-3-gallate significantly alleviates metabolic disorders in rats simultaneously exposed to RCL and kept on HCCLD.

Ceramide concentrations in liver, plasma, and very low-density lipoproteins of humans with severe obesity.

We investigated the relationships between ceramide species concentrations in liver, plasma and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) particles of humans with obesity as well as the relationships between hepatic fat content and hepatic ceramide concentrations and proportional distribution. Twenty-five obese (body mass index >35 kg/m2 ) adults participated in this study. Plasma, VLDL and hepatocellular ceramide concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. The proportionate distribution of measured ceramide species differed between liver, whole plasma and the VLDL fraction. We found significant, positive correlations between the proportion of C14:0, C18:0, C20:0 and C24:1 ceramide in the liver and whole plasma (γ=0.491, p=0.013; γ=0.573, p=0.003; γ=0.479, p=0.015; γ=0.716, p=0.00006; respectively). In contrast, only the proportional contribution of C24:1 ceramide correlated positively between VLDL and liver (γ=0.425, p=0.013). The percent hepatic fat correlated positively with the proportion of C18:1, C18:0 and C20:0 hepatic ceramides (γ=0.415, p=0.039; γ=0.426, p=0.034; γ=0.612, p=0.001; respectively), but not with total hepatic ceramide concentration. The proportions of whole plasma ceramide subspecies, especially C14:0, C18:0, C20:0 and C24:1chain length, are reflective of those of hepatic ceramide subspecies in obese humans; these appear to be markers of hepatic ceramide species composition.

ПАРАМЕТРИ ЛІПІДНОГО ПРОФІЛЮ У ДОНОРІВ, ЯКІ ПЕРЕХВОРІЛИ НА COVID-19 ТА МАЮТЬ РІЗНІ ТИТРИ АНТИ-SARS-CoV-2 IgG У ПЛАЗМІ КРОВІ

COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a systemic disorder of with possible pathological complications in human organism. One of the critical targets of SARS-CoV-2 is the metabolism of lipids and products, which may influence the changes in patients with illness. Currently, the mechanism of binding between SARS-CoV-2 and lipids, as well as the consequences of these processes, is unknown. In addition, the long post-COVID-19 period has been confirmed in the majority of people who have suffered from COVID-19; therefore, additional attention should be paid to studying the biochemical parameters of lipid metabolism after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our work is aimed the studying of lipid profile including concentration of total cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins (HDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) and triglycerides (TG) in donor groups who had suffered from COVID-19 and had different titers of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG in blood plasma. We selected donor groups with maximum and minimum changes of parameters among donor groups with titers of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG ≥ 10 Index (S/C), than we compared these groups to donor group with titer of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG 0 Index (S/C). We established that the donor group with titer of anti-SARS-CoV-2 95 ± 5 Index (S/C) was characterized by the maximum concentration of total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, TG, while the donor group with titer of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG 75 ± 5 Index (S/C) was determined as the minimum concentration of total cholesterol, HDL, LDL. In addition, donor group with titer of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG 85 ± 5 Index (S/C) was described a lower concentration of VLDL and TG then in donors – 0 Index (S/C). These changes may be linked to a potential risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Our work can be useful for future research targeting the study of the changes in lipid metabolism during SARS-CoV-2 infection and in the development of the treatment of COVID-19 or laboratory diagnostics of physiological processes in the post-COVID-19 period.

The protective effect of red cabbage on water-soluble fractions of spent crankcase oil-induced alterations in lipid function biomarkers and atherogenic indices in male Albino rats.

Spent crankcase oil (SCO) contains a cocktail of metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), transferred to the associated water-soluble fractions (WSF); and low-dose heavy metals exposures could increase the triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) concentrations. Hence, this study estimated the changes in the lipid profile and atherogenic indices (AI) of male Wistar albino rats exposed to the WSF of SCO and treated with aqueous extracts (AE) of red cabbage (RC) for 60 and 90days. Sixty-four male Wistar rats divided into 8 groups (8 animals each) were orally administered 1mL of deionized water, 500mg/kg AE of RC, 1mL of 25%, 50%, and 100% WSF of SCO daily for 60 and 90days, whereas alternate groups were given the stated percentages of the WSF and the AE. Serum TG, TC, LDL, and VLDL concentrations were then analyzed using appropriate kits and the AI estimated thereafter. Although the 60days study presented a nonsignificant (P<0.05) difference in the TG, VLDL, and high density lipoprotein (HDL)-C levels in all the exposed and treated groups, a significantly (P<0.05) elevated TC and non-HDL was recorded for the 100% exposed group alone. Also, the LDL concentration of all exposed groups was higher than all treated groups. The findings at the 90th day was different, such that the 100% and 25% exposed only groups had elevated lipid profile (except HDL-C) concentrations and AI compared with other groups. RC extracts can act as good hypolipidemic agents in WSF of SCO hyperlipidemia potentiating events.

BIOCHEMICAL ENERGY AND HEMATOLOGICAL PROFILE OF SHEEP SUPPLEMENTED WITH SOY MOLASSES

Soy molasses is a by-product of the soy industry, with low commercial cost and rich in carbohydrates and proteins. Despite the great variety of by-products and being potentially beneÞ cial, it is not fully understood how the interaction between the nutrients in this product and the physiological changes in sheep occurs. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the effects of supplementation levels with soy molasses on the energy metabolites and hematological parameters of sheep. The treatments consisted of 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12% of inclusion of soy molasses in dry matter basis for a basal diet of corn silage, which met the nutritional needs of the sheep in maintenance, distributed in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. The energy metabolites evaluated were: cholesterol, triglycerides, very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), and fructosamine. The hematological parameters were: red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrits, and platelets, in addition to leukocytes, rods, neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes. Supplementation with soy molasses did not signiÞ cantly alter (P&gt; 0.05) the serum concentrations of cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL, and fructosamine. There was no signiÞ cant difference in the blood cell, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet concentrations in sheep receiving soy molasses supplementation (P&gt; 0.05), which may indicate that the level of inclusion was sufÞ cient to meet the nutritional needs of the animals, without damage. Leukocyte, rod, neutrophil, eosinophil, monocyte, and lymphocyte concentrations did not change (P&gt; 0.05) with the inclusion of soy molasses in the sheep’s diet, indicating the absence of intoxication, diseases, and infections. It can be concluded that supplementation with soy molasses does not alter the energy metabolites and hematological parameters of sheep in maintenance.

Efficacy of ascorbic acid and different sources of orange peel on growth performance, gene expression, anti-oxidant status and microbial activity of growing rabbits under hot conditions

Orange peel and its extract are good sources of phenols and vitamin C that can be used as powerful antioxidants and antibacterial. The effects of dietary ascorbic acid (AA), orange peel powder (OPP) and orange peel extract (OPE) supplementations on growth performance, blood biochemicals, gene expression and antioxidant status of growing rabbits under hot conditions were investigated. A total of 80 weaned Giant Flander male rabbits, five weeks old (606.25 ± 10.08 g), were randomly assigned to four groups. The first group received untreated diet (control group). The other groups received diets supplemented with 0.5 g AA/kg diet, 2% OPP and 500 mg OPE/kg diet. The lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) was recorded by rabbits consumed diet supplemented with AA. Supplementations of OPP and OPE reduced blood plasma total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein and very-low density lipoprotein concentrations. The tested diets reduced triglycerides, total lipids, hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde levels, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli of the rabbits cecum. Supplementation of OPE improved activities of superoxide dismutase gene (6.1475) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (9.2108). Conclusively, dietary supplementation of OPE improved rabbit performance through improving antioxidant enzyme activities as well as upregulation of insulin-like growth gene. Additionally, OPP and OPE (2% and 500 mg/kg diet, respectively) had antibacterial effects for growing rabbits under hot conditions.

A metabolomic index based on lipoprotein subfractions and branched chain amino acids is associated with incident hypertension

ObjectiveThe present study aims to evaluate the performance of the Diabetes Risk Index (DRI), a metabolomic index based on lipoprotein particles and branched chain amino acids, on the incidence of newly developed hypertension in a large community dwelling cohort. MethodsThe DRI was calculated by combining 6 lipoprotein parameters [sizes of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), concentrations of large VLDL, small LDL, and large HDL particles], and the concentrations of valine and leucine. DRI scores were estimated in 4169 participants from the PREVEND prospective cohort. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to evaluate the association of DRI scores with incident hypertension. ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 8.6 years, 924 new hypertension cases were ascertained. In analyses adjusted for age and sex, there was a significant association between DRI and incident hypertension with a hazard ratio (HR) per 1 SD increase of 1.45 (95% CI 1.36,1.54; p < 0.001). After additional adjustment for traditional risk factors, the HR remained significant (HRadj 1.21, 95% CI 1.10, 1.33, p <0.001). Likewise, subjects in the top quartile of DRI presented with a higher risk of hypertension (HRadj 1.64, 95% CI 1.28, 2.10, p <0.001). Furthermore, the net reclassification improvement assessment improved after the addition of DRI to a traditional risk model (p <0.001), allowing proper reclassification of 34% of the participants. ConclusionHigher DRI scores were associated with an increased risk of incident hypertension. Such association was independent of traditional clinical risk factors for hypertension.

Comparing dietary score associations with lipoprotein particle subclass profiles: A cross-sectional analysis of a middle-to older-aged population

Lipoprotein particle concentrations and size are associated with increased risk for atherosclerosis and premature cardiovascular disease. Studies also suggest that certain dietary behaviours may be cardioprotective. Limited comparative data regarding any dietary score/index-lipoprotein particle subclass associations exist. Thus, our objective was to assess relationships between the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), Health Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015), Mediterranean Diet (MD) and Energy-adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (E-DII™) scores and plasma lipids and lipoprotein profiles to test the hypothesis that healthier diet (better quality and more anti-inflammatory) would be associated with a more favourable lipoprotein profile. This was a cross-sectional study of 1862 men and women aged 46-73 years, randomly selected from a large primary care centre in Ireland. DASH, HEI-2015, MD and E-DII scores were derived from food frequency questionnaires. Lipoprotein subclass particle concentrations and size were determined using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Correlation and multivariate-adjusted linear regression analyses with correction for multiple testing were performed to examine dietary score relationships with lipoprotein particle subclasses. In fully adjusted models, higher diet quality or a more anti-inflammatory diet was associated with less large and medium very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) (DASH and HEI-2015), intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL) (DASH, MD and E-DII) and small high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (DASH, HEI-2015 and E-DII) particles. After accounting for multiple testing, relationships with large VLDL (DASH: β=-0.102, p=.037), IDL (DASH: β=-0.089, p=.037) and small HDL (DASH: β=-0.551, p=.014 and E-DII: β=0.483, p=.019) concentrations persisted. These findings provide evidence that better diet quality, determined by the DASH score, may be more closely associated with a more favourable lipoprotein particle subclass profile in middle-to older-aged adults than the HEI-2015, MD and E-DII scores. A less pro-atherogenic lipoprotein status may be a potential mechanism underlying the cardioprotective effects of higher dietary quality.

EFFECT OF VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY ON WOMEN WITH POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME (PCOS)

The major an endocrine disorder in female is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), characterized by anovulation, irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, hirsutism, and infertility. Recently, interest has increased in studying the effects of Vit. D in many diseases, including PCOS. The goal of this study was to estimate the link of Vit D and the risk of PCOS by measuring estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), ovulation hormone, or called luteinizing hormone (LH), thyrotropin (TSH), total cholesterol, triacylglycerol TG, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and vitamin D in serum of 100 infertile with PCOS, 60 infertile with non-PCOS, and 60 control group. The results showed increase significantly in the concentration of estrogen, LH, TSH, cholesterol, triacyclglycerol, VLDL, and LDL compared to healthy women at P=0.01 (82.1±33.1 pg/ml), P=0.01 (5.71±3.34 mlU/ml), P=0.001 (2.48±1.23 µlU/ml), P=0.001 (186.3±39.4 mg/dL), P=0.001 (166.3±86.7 mg/dL), P=0.01 (33.4±17.2 mg/dL), and P=0.01 (112.6±34.5 mg/dL), respectively. Further, there was indeed decrease significantly in the concentration of progesterone, FSH, Vit D, and HDL compared to healthy women at P=0.01(1.295±0.82 ng/ml), P=0.001 (4.83±2.9 mlU/ml), P=0.001(11.94±5.82 mg/dL), and P=0.01 (40.83±8.80 mg/dL), respectively. The study showed that there is a strong correlation between vitamin D and the hormonal and biochemical variables that were measured. Therefore, we conclude that Vit. D is a new indicates the increase of infertility with PCOS.

A Study to Compare Hypolipidemic Effects of Allium Sativum (Garlic) Alone and in Combination with Atorvastatin or Ezetimibe in Experimental Model

Abstract Background: Dyslipidemia is a major cause of atherosclerosis and atherosclerosis induced conditions. Atorvastatin is an effective drug for dyslipidemia and reduce the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Ezetimibe is used as an adjunct to statins hypercholesterolemia. Garlic is known for the hypolipidemic effect in traditional medicine. There are very limited studies comparing the additive effects of Allium sativum on atorvastatin and ezetimibe. Aims: To compare the additive hypolipidemic effects of Allium sativum with atorvastatin and ezetimibe. Setting and Design: The experimental study was done in Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Burdwan Medical College, Burdwan from February 2014 - October 2015. Material and Methods: Dyslipidemia rat by (induced by atherogenic diet) were randomized into five groups of six rats in each and each cage was labelled for identification of different groups and treated with drugs (atorvastatin, ezetimibe, garlic homogenate, atorvastatin + garlic homogenate, ezetimibe + garlic homogenate) for twelve weeks and assessment of lipid profiles were done. Change of parameters checked for any significant difference by appropriate statistical tests. Results: Significant TC (Total Cholesterol) &amp; TG (Triglyceride) concentrations reduction were maximum among ezetimibe group (51% and 47%) respectively. LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) &amp; VLDL (Very Low-Density Lipoprotein) concentrations reduction were maximum (62% and 26%) among combination of atorvastatin and garlic group when compared to other treatment groups. HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) concentration was maximally increased (31%) among combination ezetimibe and garlic group which was also statistically significant. Conclusion: Garlic have significant hypolipidemic effect when used in combination with atorvastatin and ezetimibe.

Effect of liver total sphingomyelin synthase deficiency on plasma lipid metabolism

Sphingomyelin (SM) is one major phospholipids on lipoproteins. It is enriched on apolipoprotein B-containing particles, including very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and its catabolites, low-density lipoprotein (LDL). SM is synthesized by sphingomyelin synthase 1 and 2 (SMS1 and SMS2) which utilizes ceramide and phosphatidylcholine, as two substrates, to produce SM and diacylglyceride. SMS1 and SMS2 activities are co-expressed in all tested tissues, including the liver where VLDL is produced. Thus, neither Sms1 gene knockout (KO) nor Sms2 KO approach is sufficient to evaluate the effect of SMS on VLDL metabolism. We prepared liver-specific Sms1 KO/global Sms2 KO mice to evaluate the effect of hepatocyte SM biosynthesis in lipoprotein metabolism. We found that hepatocyte total SMS depletion significantly reduces cellular sphingomyelin levels. Also, we found that the deficiency induces cellular glycosphingolipid levels which is specifically related with SMS1 but not SMS2 deficiency. To our surprise, hepatocyte total SMS deficiency has marginal effect on hepatocyte ceramide, diacylglyceride, and phosphatidylcholine levels. Importantly, total SMS deficiency decreases plasma triglyceride but not apoB levels and reduces larger VLDL concentration. The reduction of triglyceride levels also was observed when the animals were on a high fat diet. Our results show that hepatocyte total SMS blocking can reduce VLDL-triglyceride production and plasma triglyceride levels. This phenomenon could be related with a reduction of atherogenicity.

Comparison of Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels in Golden Syrian Hamster Administrated trans-Octadecenoic Acid Positional Isomers.

We previously conducted a study using HepG2 cells to compare the effect on the secreted apolipoprotein B-100 and apolipoprotein A-1 ratio (B-100/A-1) corresponding to the ratio of low-density to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL/HDL) among 13 types of trans-octadecenoic acid (t-18:1) positional isomers. The results revealed that trans-5-18:1 (t5) significantly increased B-100/A-1. In this study, 1% of t5 in the diet, corresponding to 2.08 energy%, was administrated golden Syrian hamsters for 4 weeks to reveal the effects on lipid profiles, including LDL/HDL, by comparing cis-9-octadecenoic acid (OA, oleic acid), trans-9-octadecenoic acid (EA), trans-11-octadecenoic acid (VA), and trans-9,trans-12- octadecadienoic acid (TT). LDL/HDL was not significantly different among the groups. However, the cholesterol concentration of medium very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) was significantly lower in the TT diet than in the OA and t5 diets. The cholesterol concentration of small VLDL was significantly lower in the TT diet than in the OA, t5, and EA diets. The cholesterol concentration of large LDL was significantly lower in the TT diet than in the t5 and EA diets. However, no significant difference was detected between the TT and OA diets. In contrast, the cholesterol concentration of very small HDL was significantly higher in the TT diet than in the t5 diet. These results would support that lipid metabolism is affected by the structure of TFA in animals. However, t5-18:1 did not significantly change any lipid profile compared to OA existing in nature, and the previous result from the cell experiment showing that t5 increased B-100/A-1 (LDL/HDL) was not confirmed in this animal experiment.

Angiopoietin-like protein 4 promotes very-low-density lipoprotein assembly and secretion in bovine hepatocytes in vitro.

In dairy cows, fatty liver is one of the most common metabolic diseases that occurs during the periparturient period. Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) is a well-known downstream target of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), which regulate the glucose and fatty acid metabolisms. The inhibition of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity interferes with the storage of triglycerides (TG) in adipocytes, which plays an essential role in lipid metabolism in rodents. However, it remains unclear whether ANGPTL4 is involved in the pathological process of fatty liver in dairy cows as a result of the regulation of the hepatocellular lipid transport system. This study intended to investigate the effect of ANGPTL4 on the very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) assembly and secretion in bovine hepatocytes. Bovine hepatocytes were isolated using a modified two-step perfusion and collagenase digestion process, and treated with different concentrations of ANGPTL4 (0, 4, 12, and 24 ng/ml) for 24 hr. The results showed that a high concentration of ANGPTL4 could significantly increase the extracellular concentration of VLDL while reducing the intracellular content of TG. Thus, it was confirmed that ANGPTL4 could promote the transport of TG in the form of VLDL by partially regulating the expression of related proteins in hepatocytes, thereby contributing to the partial adaptive regulation of lipid transport in dairy cows.

Direct assessment of very-low-density lipoprotein by mass sensitive sensor with molecularly imprinted polymers

Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) contributes to the buildup of atherosclerotic plaque in the arteries and can lead to coronary heart disease. In clinical laboratory testing, the cholesterol content of VLDL (VLDL-C) cannot be assessed directly by the enzymatic colorimetric assay as it can for other lipoproteins, due to lack of a specific sample pretreatment technique. VLDL concentration relies on analyzing the endogenous triglycerides (TGs) bound in its particles and then converting to the VLDL-C estimate TGs/5. This estimation is valid for at least 12 h-fasted serum when exogenous TGs attached to chylomicrons (CMs) have been cleared from the circulation. A quartz crystal microbalance (QCM)-based sensor was generated using biomimetic sensing elements as a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) to directly measure actual VLDL. A novel VLDL-MIP was synthesized using methacrylic acid (MAA) and N-vinylpyrrolidone (VP) in the ratio 1:1 (v/v) as functional monomers in the presence of N, N′-(1,2-dihydroxyethylene) bis(acrylamide) (DHEBA) as a crosslinking agent. The VLDL-MIP sensor showed high sensitivity with a linear response from 2.5 mg dL−1 to 100 mg dL−1 of VLDL-C with a limit of detection at 1.5 mg dL−1. Recoveries of 96–103% were achieved when the VLDL-MIP sensor was used for VLDL assessment at 38–71 mg dL−1 concentrations. Repeatability and reproducibility of the sensor were very good with coefficients of variation at 1.63–4.74% and 4.25–9.04%, respectively. The sensor demonstrated low cross-reactivity with other lipoproteins; 6–7% of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) signals, 2–4% high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and 1% CMs compared to the signal of VLDL. Sensor results for 12 h-fasted serum and non-fasted serum correlated well with VLDL estimates TGs/5, with coefficients of determination (R2) at 0.9967 and 0.9932, respectively. This new sensor offers a new strategy for direct VLDL assessment from non-fasted serum without other sample pretreatment steps than dilution.

Association of serum VLDL level with hyperhomocysteinemia in hypertensive patients: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background Increasing evidence suggests that hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) and hyperlipidemia have been recognized as two independent risks for cardiovascular disease. However, the association between hyperlipidemia and HHcy in hypertensive patients has not been systemically elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and HHcy in hypertensive patients. Methods From July 2013 to March 2014, a large cross-sectional study was performed using 4012 participants from urban and rural communities in Hunan province, China. Participants underwent accurate assessment of lipid profiles, homocysteine (Hcy), anthropometric, blood pressure, and other biochemical indicators. Results Among 1257 participants with hypertension, 626 (49.80%) were men and 631 (50.20%) were women. In total, 1081 (86.00%) of the participants were found to have HHcy, of which 559 (44.47%) were men and 522 (41.53%) were women. In the univariate analysis, the OR for patients with hypertension associated with hyperhomocysteinemia was significantly enhanced as the quartiles of the Log VLDL were increased. OR for quartile 4 was significantly higher than that for quartile 1 (OR = 3.7, 95% CI: 2.6–5.1; P< .001). Additional adjustment for the confounding variables did not reduce the ORs for the association between the Log VLDL and hypertension associated with hyperhomocysteinemia (OR = 3.8, 95% CI: 2.7–5.5; P< .001; OR = 4.3, 95% CI: 1.6–11.8; P= .004, respectively). We also conducted analyses with Log VLDL as a continuous variable. Each unit increase in the Log VLDL was associated with the 1.3-fold increased risk of hypertension associated with hyperhomocysteinemia (95% CI: 1.9–2.9; P< .001). Adjusting for Cr, TG, TC, and HDL did not affect the relationship. Conclusions Our data indicate that the Log VLDL concentrations appear to be an independent contributor to hypertension associated with hyperhomocysteinemia, even after adjusting for age and other covariables. The utility of the Log VLDL as a diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic indicator for the disease warrants further investigation. Abbreviations HHcy: hyperhomocysteinemia; Hcy: homocysteine; VLDL: very low-density lipoprotein; CVD: cardiovascular disease; SBP: systolic blood pressure; DBP: diastolic blood pressure; BMI: body mass index; ALT: alanine aminotransferase; Cr: creatinine; UA: uric acid; TG: triglycerides; TC: total cholesterol; HDL: high-density lipoprotein; LDL: low-density lipoprotein; FBG: fasting blood glucose; CRP: C-reactive protein; MTHFR: methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase; NO: nitric oxide; HDL-C: high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Effects of beta-1,3-glucan supplementation on concentrations of serum metabolites in transition Holstein cows

Objectives of this study were to evaluate the alleviating effects of a commercial beta-1,3-glucan product (Aleta, containing 50% beta-1,3-glucan, Kemin Industries) on metabolic stress in transition Holstein cows as reflected by circulating metabolites and enzymes. Fifty-four multiparous Holstein cows were randomly allocated to three groups with 18 cows each. Cows in each group received a commercial basal diet or the basal diet supplemented with Aleta calculated to supply 5 or 10 g of Aleta per cow per day. Blood samples were collected at day −21, 1, and 21 relative to calving for determination of serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), glucose, insulin, β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA). Supplementation with Aleta markedly elevated serum concentrations of TG, TC, HDLC, LDL-C and VLDL, implying its positive effect on lipid metabolism in transition dairy cows. Aleta treatment significantly decreased the serum concentrations of NEFA and BHBA, but markedly elevated the serum concentrations of glucose and insulin. Also, Aleta treatment significantly elevated the dry matter intake and milk production in postpartum cows, indicating the alleviating effect of Aleta on negative energy balance in transition cows. Moreover, Aleta treatment significantly reduced the serum activities of AST, ALT and GGT, indicating its hepatoprotective effect on transition cows. These results suggest that Aleta supplementation may help to improve fat metabolism disorder initiated by negative energy balance in transition dairy cows.

Emerging concept of vitreous concentrations of proteins and lipids as discriminant of fresh water drowning death

BackgroundDrowning is the leading cause of unintentional death in the world, with about 372,000 drowning deaths reported annually. Forensic opinion of drowning is considered one of the most difficult tasks in confirming the exact cause of death. Drowning is now possibly patronized to cover up intentional crimes. This study was aimed at utilizing concentrations of vitreous proteins and lipids in making inroad into the inquest of true drowning. Twelve albino rabbits constituted the sample size. The rabbits were divided into three groups; control death (CD), post-mortem submersion death (PSD) and truly drowned death (TDD). Vitreous humor was extracted from the eyes of all the rabbits and centrifuged for biochemical analysis. The biochemical parameters analyzed included vitreous total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), globulin (GLO), albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobin M (IgM) total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and glucose (GLU) using standard methods. ResultThe mean concentrations of vitreous parameters amongst the groups were compared using one-way anova (pos hoc-LSD). The findings revealed that the concentrations of vitreous TP, GLO, IgG, IgM, TG, TC, TG, HDL, VLDL and GLU were significantly elevated (p < 0.05), whereas ALB and A/G ratio decreased significantly amongst the drowned death group compared to that either CD or PSD. ConclusionThe findings have indicated that some vitreous protein and lipid parameters could aid in discriminating deaths that truly emanated from true drowning from that of post-mortem drowning and suffocation.

Effect of Berberine Plus Bezafibrate Administration on the Lipid Profile of Patients with Mixed Dyslipidemia: A Pilot Clinical Trial

To evaluate the effect of berberine (BBR) plus bezafibrate administration on the lipid profile of patients with mixed dyslipidemia. A double-blind randomized pilot clinical trial with parallel groups was carried out in 36 patients, aged 30-60 years with mixed dyslipidemia [triglycerides (TG) ≥1.7 mM and total cholesterol (TC) ≥5.2 mM]. Patients were assigned to 3 groups of 12 patients each, receiving oral administration during 90 days of BBR 500 mg t.i.d., bezafibrate 400 mg b.i.d., or BBR 500 mg t.i.d. plus bezafibrate 400 mg b.i.d, respectively. Clinical evaluation, lipid profile, glucose, creatinine, and uric acid levels were measured before and after the pharmacological intervention. Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney U, and χ2 tests were used for statistical analyses; a P ≤ .05 was considered statistically significant. BBR reduced TC levels. Bezafibrate decreased TG, TC, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) concentrations. BBR plus bezafibrate decreased TG (2.6 ± 0.8 vs. 1.3 ± 0.7 mM, P = .007), TC (6.3 ± 0.7 vs. 4.6 ± 1.2 mM, P = .005), LDL-C (3.4 ± 0.6 vs. 2.2 ± 1.3 mM, P = .037), and VLDL (0.5 ± 0.2 vs. 0.2 ± 0.1 mM, P = .007) levels. Bezafibrate and BBR plus bezafibrate significantly decreased TG, TC, LDL-C, and VLDL concentrations, and thus, remitting the diagnosis of mixed dyslipidemia in 90% of the patients.