Low-density Lipoprotein Concentrations Research Articles

The stem and progenitor cells and the functional activity of liver from age-different Wistar rats

The liver has a big potential for self-healing, but the activity of regeneration decreases with age. Changes are occurring, including in the functional activity of various liver cell populations, the study of the characteristics of which can become the basis for the development of new therapeutic approaches to the liver diseases treatment at older people. The aim of this research was to study the level of stem and progenitor cells and the functional activity of the healthy liver from age- different rats. Material and methods. Experiments were carried out on Wistar rats aged 6 and 12 months. Ultrasound and histological examination of the liver from rats was used to assess morphological changes. The lipid profile of blood serum was evaluated by biochemical methods. Cytometric methods were used to study the surface and intracellular antigens of stem and progenitor cells isolated from the bone marrow, arterial blood and liver of rats. Results and discussion. In 12-month-old male Wistar rats, compared with 6-month-old rats, excessive formation of extracellular matrix components, disruption of tissue architecture, development of portal hypertension, as well as an increase in the concentration of cholesterol, triglycerides, high- and low-density lipoproteins were revealed. We identified age- related differences in the content of hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells, epithelial cells (CD45–CD326+) in the bone marrow, blood and liver of rats. In the liver parenchyma, the populations of hepatocyte precursors (CD45– CD326+CD133+), oval cells (CD45–CD326+CD133+CD90+). At the same time, the level of all cell populations in the liver parenchyma of rats expressing the intracellular marker Sox9 was higher in one-year-old animals compared to younger ones, regardless of the cell phenotype. Conclusions. In the liver of 12-month-old rats, compared to 6-month-old rats, the number of cells expressing Sox9, lymphocytes with an inflammatory phenotype increases, the number of stem cells and various populations of epithelial and endothelial cells decreases, which leads to a decrease in the regenerative capacity of the liver, disruption of the tissue architecture of the organ and changes in lipid metabolism. These changes largely determine the increased susceptibility with age to the development of chronic liver diseases.

Exploring the efficacy of al-hijamah (wet cupping) in managing hypertension and dyslipidemia among indonesian population: a meta-analysis

Background: In Indonesia, wet cupping therapy has been thoroughly investigated as a treatment for hypertension and dyslipidemia. Nevertheless, the outcomes across these studies are contradictory. Objectives: To appraise the effectiveness of wet cupping therapy in the management of hypertension and dyslipidemia among the Indonesian population. Methods: We examined papers sourced from Google Scholar, the Indonesian Scientific Journal Database, and Garba Rujukan Digital until September 5, 2020. These papers investigated blood pressure and lipid profile levels both pre- and post-wet cupping treatment. The collective data underwent Z-test analysis to assess associations. Results: In total, we included 26 papers examining the correlation between wet cupping therapy and blood pressure, as well as 16 papers assessing lipid profile levels. Our combined analysis revealed significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (MD: 13.86; 95% CI: 10.01, 17.71), diastolic blood pressure (MD: 6.31; 95% CI: 3.84, 8.79), and lower total cholesterol levels (MD: 21.56; 95% CI: 10.32, 32.80]) in the post-treatment group compared to the pre-treatment group. However, we were unable to elucidate the impact of wet cupping therapy on the concentrations of low-density lipoprotein and triglyceride. Conclusions: Wet cupping therapy exhibits potential efficacy in reducing blood pressure and total cholesterol levels among individuals in Indonesia. Keyword: blood pressure, dyslipidemia, hypertension, lipid profile, wet cupping therapy

Krill oil supplementation in vivo promotes increased fuel metabolism and protein synthesis in cultured human skeletal muscle cells

IntroductionKrill oil is a dietary supplement derived from Antarctic krill; a small crustacean found in the ocean. Krill oil is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, as well as the antioxidant astaxanthin. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of krill oil supplementation, compared to placebo oil (high oleic sunflower oil added astaxanthin), in vivo on energy metabolism and substrate turnover in human skeletal muscle cells.MethodsSkeletal muscle cells (myotubes) were obtained before and after a 7-week krill oil or placebo oil intervention, and glucose and oleic acid metabolism and leucine accumulation, as well as effects of different stimuli in vitro, were studied in the myotubes. The functional data were combined with proteomic and transcriptomic analyses.ResultsIn vivo intervention with krill oil increased oleic acid oxidation and leucine accumulation in skeletal muscle cells, however no effects were observed on glucose metabolism. The krill oil-intervention-induced increase in oleic acid oxidation correlated negatively with changes in serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) concentration. In addition, myotubes were also exposed to krill oil in vitro. The in vitro study revealed that 24 h of krill oil treatment increased both glucose and oleic acid metabolism in myotubes, enhancing energy substrate utilization. Transcriptomic analysis comparing myotubes obtained before and after krill oil supplementation identified differentially expressed genes associated with e.g., glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, metabolic pathways and calcium signaling pathway, while proteomic analysis demonstrated upregulation of e.g., LDL-receptor in myotubes obtained after the krill oil intervention.ConclusionThese findings suggest that krill oil intervention promotes increased fuel metabolism and protein synthesis in human skeletal muscle cells, with potential implications for metabolic health.

Impact of Lp(a) on lipid control in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Abstract Background The lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) is a genetically determined low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-like particle. Lp(a) levels above 50mg/dl have been correlated to an increased risk of atherosclerosis and major adverse cardiovascular events. Thus, treatments designed to reduce Lp(a) levels are currently under investigation. However, it is unknown how high Lp(a) concentrations affect the control of lipid profile. Purpose The purpose of this project is to investigate how Lp(a) impacts lipid profile control in individuals with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Methods We designed a single-center prospective registry including consecutive patients admitted for ACS. Lp(a) levels were obtained from all enrolled patients during hospitalization; lipid profile (total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides) was obtained at admission and at the 6-month follow-up (6MFU). Patients were stratified according Lp(a) concentration (low-Lp(a): Lp(a) < 50 mg/dL; high-Lp(a): Lp(a) ≥ 50 mg/dL). LDL-cholesterol (LDLcorr) levels corrected for concentration of Lp(a) were calculated as LDLcorr= LDLmeasured – 30%Lp(a). At discharge cholesterol lowering drugs were introduced or titrated as standard of care. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients reaching target LDL and LDLcorr (<55 mg/dL) at 6MFU. The secondary endpoints were the correlations between Lp(a) levels and lipid profile, both at baseline and at 6MFU, as well as the correlation between Lp(a) levels and the total number of traditional cardiovascular risk factors in the study population. Results From February 2020 through September 2023, a total of 409 patients were included: 305 (74.6%) with Lp(a) < 50 mg/dL; 104 (25.4%) with Lp(a) ≥ 50 mg/dL (Table 1). High-Lp(a) patients showed a lower prevalence of diabetes (14.2% vs 27.87%, P = 0.0055), an overall lower number of traditional cardiovascular risk factors (>2 in 25.9% vs 38.1%, P=0.0244). High-Lp(a) patients showed higher level of LDL-cholesterol compared to the low-Lp(a) population both at baseline (124±52 mg/dL vs 110.4±44 mg/dL, P= 0.0263) and at 6MFU (70.5±21 vs 63.8±29, P= 0.0208) with fewer patients achieving the target LDL cholesterol levels (21.57% vs 40.13%, P=0.0184). Estimating the true LDL concentration (LDLcorr) the percentage of patients reaching target LDL cholesterol levels at FU significantly increased in the high-Lp(a) group (from 21.57% to 76.5%), with a minimal increase noticeable in the low-Lp(a) population (from 40.13% to 48.41%, p 0,1870). Conclusions In ACS population, patients with high Lp(a) concentrations have fewer traditional CV risk factors and a lower prevalence of diabetes. High-Lp(a) patients, furthermore, seem more challenging to meet LDL target at 6 month follow up, but not when the LDL values are adjusted for Lp(a).

Use of corn germ meal and bile acids in laying quail diets: effect on production, reproduction, health and economics

In the present study, the effects of corn germ meal (CGM) and bile acids (BA) inclusion in Japanese quail diet on the productive and reproductive performance, egg quality, and serum biochemical parameters were evaluated. Six wk old, 480 Japanese quail birds were randomly divided into 6 groups (60 hens and 20 males / group) with 4 replicates / group. CGM was incorporated at 0, 10 and 20 % of diet for groups (G1, G2, and G3), while G4, G5 and G6 had the same levels of CGM with BA addition (500 g/ton feed). The egg production (EP), egg mass (EM) and feed intake (FI) were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in response to CGM feeding which was clear with the 20 %. CGM at 10% inclusion enhanced the feed conversion ratio (FCR), while incorporation at 20% deteriorated (P < 0.05) it compared to the control group. Addition of BA to the CGM-containing diets reduced the FI, improved FCR, and ameliorated the negative effects on EP, EM and FCR in the CGM fed birds. Feeding on 10% CGM single or combined with BA increased fertility %, chick's weight after hatching and reduced embryonic death. Serum concentrations of triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were significantly increased (P < 0.05) with CGM inclusion. Dietary CGM inclusion without or with BA was associated with higher levels of serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein when compared to their control groups. BA addition to the CGM containing diets significantly reduced the alanine transaminase (ALT) activity (P ˂ 0.05) compared to their corresponding groups fed BA free diets especially those received the 10% CGM. Birds fed on 10% CGM supplemented with BA showed the highest economic efficiency values. In conclusion, CGM inclusion at 10% with BA supplementation could be used as alternative ingredient in the Japanese quail layer diet without compromising their productive performance.

Toxicological profile of Balanites agyptiaca in albino Wistar rats

Background: Balanites aegyptiaca (BAE) is a thorny tree that grows in most arid and semi-arid areas of Africa, the Middle East and India. It is used in traditional medicine for its cardioprotective, deworming, antihelmintic, anti-infectious and antifungal properties. Excessive consumption of this plant's products can present risks of intoxication for consumers. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the acute and subchronic oral toxicity of the aqueous extract of Balanites aegyptiaca leaves and roots, with a view to ensuring the safety of consumers of this plant. Method: Acute toxicity was carried out in accordance with the OECD experimental protocol. The plant extract tested was administered orally to female rats at a single dose of 2000 mg/kg. These animals were observed for 14 days. For the subchronic toxicity study, the aqueous extract was administered daily orally to male and female rats at different doses (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) for 30 days. After the treatment period, the animals were sacrificed for hematological, biochemical and histopathological analyses. Results: The results of the acute oral toxicity test showed that the aqueous extract of Balanites aegyptiaca leaves and roots was non-toxic at a dose of 2000 mg/kg. During the sub-chronic test period, observation of rat signs and behaviour revealed no abnormalities in the groups of animals treated with the extract compared with controls. A significant variation in relative heart and liver weights was observed at 1000 mg/kg. In addition, there was a significant reduction in concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase, total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins in these rats. Compared with control groups. There was also a significant decrease in hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin, with an increase in lymphocytes and white blood cells at the same dose of 1000mg/kg. Histological examinations of the kidneys and liver showed normal renal architecture, and the liver also showed normal hepatic architecture with slight degeneration at a dose of 1000mg/kg of the extract tested. Conclusion: Single administration of the 2000 mg/kg dose did not induce signs of significant toxicity in rats. However, in long-term oral treatment, safety measures must be taken. Thus, sub-chronic oral exposure of BAE to lower doses is recommended, while higher doses, of the order of 1000 mg/kg, should be avoided.

The Effect of Lower Limb Pressotherapy Treatment on Selected Rheological and Biochemical Indices of Blood in Young, Healthy Women.

Background: Intermittent pneumatic compression is a non-invasive therapeutic technique that has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its potential use in many areas of medicine. It can be successfully used alone or in combination with other therapeutic methods. The aim of this study was to investigate whether and how a series of pressotherapy treatments on the lower limbs affects the rheological properties of blood (blood count, red blood cell deformability and aggregation, and blood viscosity), lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein), and renal profile (urea, creatinine, and estimated glomerular filtration rate) in young, healthy women. Methods: The study group consisted of 15 healthy women aged 20-26 (22.5 ± 1.5), without chronic diseases and not practicing competitive sports. The participants underwent a series of 10 lower limb pressotherapy treatments. A single treatment lasted 30 min and each time the pressure used during the treatment was individually selected according to the participants' preference. The first blood test was performed a week before the treatments; the second on the day of the start of treatment, but before the pneumatic massage; the third after the completed series of pressotherapy treatments; and the fourth a week after the completed series of treatments. Results: In the conducted study, the analysis of the values of the complete blood count showed the following: a significant decrease in red blood cell count, hemoglobin, average hemoglobin concentration in erythrocytes, average red blood cell volume, average hemoglobin mass in red blood cells; a significant increase in average red blood cell volume; and an average hemoglobin mass in red blood cells. The analysis of the values of rheological parameters showed the following: a significant decrease in elongation indices 0.58, 1.13, 4.24, 15.95, 30.94, and 60.00; blood viscosity; the aggregation index; the degree of complete aggregation; and a significant increase in elongation indices 0.30, 1.13, 8.23, 30.94, 60.00; blood viscosity; the degree of complete aggregation; and the half-time of complete aggregation. A decrease in the concentration of low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein fractions was also noted. No significant changes were found in the values of total cholesterol and triglycerides, as well as in renal profile elements. Conclusions: The application of a series of 10 lower limb pressotherapy treatments has a beneficial effect, with a decrease in blood viscosity and the aggregation index, and an increase in the elongation index at shear stress from 0.30 [Pa] to 8.23 [Pa] in young, healthy women. A series of 10 lower limb pressotherapy treatments may affect the decrease in the values at high shear stress forces of 30.95 [Pa] and from 60.00 [Pa] in young, healthy women. The use of a series of 10 lower limb pressotherapy treatments increases the values of hemoglobin, the average red blood cell volume, and the average hemoglobin concentration in erythrocytes, and also reduces the values of red blood cell count, average hemoglobin mass in red blood cells and low-density lipoproteins and high-density lipoproteins in young, healthy women (it also does not cause any adverse changes). The use of pressotherapy on the lower limbs seems to be an effective element of the multi-component prevention of circulatory system diseases.

Serum Interleukin (IL)-6, Lipid Profile, and Association With Disease Severity in Patients With Psoriasis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study estimated the lipid profile and inflammatory biomarker (interleukin-6, IL-6) levels in patients with psoriasis and explored the association between lipid profiles and inflammatory biomarkers (IL-6) in assessing the severity of the disease. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, in association with the Department of Dermatology, at the Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Burla, from November 2022 to June 2023. A fully automated analyzer (Cobas C311, Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany) was used to estimate the lipid profile, while the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Erba, Transasia Bio-medicals Ltd., Mumbai, India) was used to estimate the inflammatory marker (IL-6). Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). An unpaired t-test was conducted to examine the relationship between two variables. A p value of <0.05 was considered significant. The correlation among IL-6, lipid profile, and psoriasis area severity index (PASI) score was analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient. Quantitative data were expressed as means and standard deviations. Of the 102 study participants, 68 had psoriasis alone, and 34 had psoriasis with arthritis (psoriatic arthritis, PsA). Higher mean serum concentrations of IL-6, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides were found in patients with PsAcompared to those with psoriasis alone. In patients with PsA, TCand IL-6showed a strong positive correlation with the PASIscore. In contrast, high-density lipoprotein showed a negative correlation with PASI (r = -0.036, p < 0.05). In conclusion, our study revealed lipid profile abnormalities and increased IL-6activity in PsA patients. By measuring inflammatory markers (IL-6) and lipid profiles early in the disease process, we can employ preventive strategies to better manage and improve survival and quality of life in patients with psoriasis.

Sexual dimorphism in physiological responses of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L) under acute hypoxia and reoxygenation

Dissolved oxygen (DO) is a crucial factor throughout fish life cycle. In this study, the hematology, hepatic antioxidant levels, histomorphology of the liver and gill were determined in both female and male turbot under acute hypoxia to evaluated the underlying mechanisms and potential sexual dimorphism difference. Results showed that acute hypoxia stress treatment for 3 h significantly increased plasma cortisol, glucose, hemoglobin (HGB), cholesterol (CHO), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, red blood cell count (RBC) number, hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), alanine-aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate-aminotransferase (AST) activity in both male and female turbot. Male obtained higher plasma CHO, TG and LDL contents, GSH-Px and SOD activity than female under hypoxia. Meanwhile, hypoxia increased gill respiratory frequency, secondary lamellar length, secondary lamellar width, perimeter, lamellar surface area and gill surface area and decreased interlamellar distance. Acute hypoxia induced clubbing, hyperplasia, hypertrophy of gill filaments and hepatic vacuolization in both male and female turbot. The aforementioned parameters were recovered to normal levels after reoxygenation for 12 h. In conclusion, sex dimorphism difference of turbot hematological (RBC, HGB) and biochemical (glucose, CAT, GSH-Px, MDA) parameters were observed under hypoxia stress, while male demonstrated more hypoxia tolerance than female. These results help understand turbot hypoxia tolerance mechanisms and provide more data for management in captivity.

Effect of ketogenic diets on lipid metabolism in adults: protocol for a systematic review

IntroductionThe ketogenic diet is a very low carbohydrate diet known for its ability to reduce weight and counteract hyperglycaemia. However, ketogenic diets recommend an increased intake of fats, raising concerns...

Effects of Short-Term Differences in Concentrate Feeding on the Recovery of In Vivo Embryos in Hanwoo Donor Cows through Superovulation Treatment.

Superovulation is a technique used to increase the number of oocytes released for fertilization. This study investigated the effects of short-term differences in concentrate feed intake on in vivo embryo production through superovulation in indigenous Korean (Hanwoo) cows. The cows were given fresh water and hay ad libitum and randomly divided into three groups (control (CON, n = 9): 2.0 kg/day (unchanged diet); low concentrate (LC, n = 10): 0 kg/day; and high concentrate (HC, n = 8): 4.0 kg/day) according to the amount of formula they were fed. This feeding treatment began seven days before the start of the hormonal treatment for superovulation. From the results, the LC group had the greatest weight change and the lowest body condition score at harvest, followed by the CON and HC groups (p < 0.05). The LC group had the highest number of harvesting embryos, followed by the HC and CON groups (p < 0.05). Estradiol, progesterone, glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, total protein, and blood urea nitrogen concentrations did not differ between the groups, except for a temporary increase in the HC group on day 0. These findings suggest that more embryos may be harvested when short-term changes in concentrate intake are made during superovulatory responses in Hanwoo cows.

Contrasting association pattern of plasma low-density lipoprotein with white matter integrity in APOE4 carriers versus non-carriers

Apolipoprotein E ε4 (APOE4) is a strong genetic risk factor of Alzheimer’s disease and metabolic dysfunction. However, whether APOE4 and markers of metabolic dysfunction synergistically impact the deterioration of white matter (WM) integrity in older adults remains unknown. In the UK Biobank data, we conducted a multivariate analysis to investigate the interactions between APOE4 and 249 plasma metabolites (measured using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy) with whole-brain WM integrity (measured by diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging) in a cohort of 1917 older adults (aged 65.0–81.0 years; 52.4 % female). Although no main association was observed between either APOE4 or metabolites with WM integrity (adjusted P > 0.05), significant interactions between APOE4 and metabolites with WM integrity were identified. Among the examined metabolites, higher concentrations of low-density lipoprotein and very low-density lipoprotein were associated with a lower level of WM integrity (b=−0.12, CI=−0.14,−0.10) among APOE4 carriers. Conversely, among non-carriers, they were associated with a higher level of WM integrity (b=0.05, CI=0.04,0.07), demonstrating a significant moderation role of APOE4 (b =−0.18, CI=−0.20,−0.15, P<0.00001).

Cholecalciferol combined with Satureja rechingeri essential oils improves growth performance and immune response of broiler chickens.

Vitamin D possesses an important role in the maintenance and health of broiler chickens. Herbal essential oils (EOs) have been proposed as a suitable alternative to chemical drugs in intensive production management systems for better performance of broilers with slight side effects and admirable therapeutic properties. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding cholecalciferol (VD) in combination of Satureja rechingeri EO (SREO) on growth performance, haematological indicators and immunological response of broilers. A total of 540 1-day-old mixed-sex broiler chickens (Ross 308) were used in a completely randomized design with a 3×3 factorial arrangement of treatments. Experimental treatments included different concentrations of cholecalciferol (VD) (0, 2000 and 4000IU/kg=0, 0.05 and 0.1mg/kg) and SREO (0, 200 and 400mg/kg) on growth performance, haematological indicators and immunological responses of broiler chickens were investigated. The results showed that the chicken fed diet supplemented with 0.1mg/kg VD (VD0.1) in combination of 200mg/kg SREO (SREO200) increased the feed intake during the overall and first 14-day periods of the trial when compared with other dietary treatments. Interaction of VD0.1×SREO200 led to more body weight gain (BWG) in the grower and finisher phases than all other feed treatment groups. The blood level of lymphocyte at day 42, heterophil at days 28 and 42 and heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio at 14 and 28 days of age were affected by VD0.1+SREO200 in comparison with VD0+SREO0 group. Feeding VD and/or SREO decreased triglyceride, cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein concentrations at days 28 and 42 of the study, especially in VD0.1+SREO200 treatment. Feeding VD0.1+SREO200 also resulted in higher serum status of immunoglobulin M, lysozymes and phagocytic percentage among all treatments. Considering the outcomes, it is suggested that the combination of suitable concentration of VD and EO of the plant had favourable effects on the immune system and performance criteria of broiler chickens.

Multi-omics integrated analysis reveals the physiological response of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) to starvation and refeeding during overwintering

This study aimed to investigate the physiological response to starvation and refeeding during the overwintering period of large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) using physiological and biochemical assays, microbiomics and transcriptomics. Fish were sampled at the beginning of starvation (Fa0 group), after 8 weeks (Fa8 group), after 16 weeks (Fa16 group), and after 8 weeks of refeeding (Fe group). Results indicated that compared to the Fa0 group, the viscerosomatic index (VSI) and intestinal digestive enzyme activities (trypsin, lipase, and amylase) significantly decreased in the Fa8 and Fa16 groups (P < 0.05), but these indicators recovered in the Fe group. Prolonged starvation significantly reduced triglyceride (TG) levels in both serum and liver, but these levels rebounded after 8 weeks of refeeding. Chronic starvation also led to a notable increase in serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, accompanied by a significant decrease in liver LDL content. As the duration of starvation increasing, the antioxidant and immune capabilities in the serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), lysozyme (LZM), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), acid phosphatase (ACP) significantly enhanced (P < 0.05), and these indicators significantly declined in the Fe group (P < 0.05). Intestinal flora analysis showed that the Alpha diversity gradually decreased with the prolongation of starvation but recovered after 8 weeks of refeeding, with the abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila significantly increasing (P < 0.05) in the Fa16 group compared to the other groups. Liver transcriptomic analysis revealed that upregulated genes enriched in pathways such as "Ribosome biogenesis in eukaryotes", "Proteasome", "RNA transport", "Biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids", "Fatty acid metabolism", "Fatty acid degradation", and "PPAR signaling pathway" (P < 0.05), while downregulated genes significantly enriched in "metabolic pathways" (P < 0.05) in the Fa16 group. Genes related to immune responses were significantly downregulated (P < 0.05) in the Fe group. The correlation analysis of intestinal flora and transcriptome revealed LOC104925398 (complement C3-like) and LOC113745439 (heat shock 70 kDa protein) exhibited significant positive correlations with Levilactobacillus brevis, unclassified Lachnoclostridium, Escherichia coli, and Akkermansia muciniphila (P < 0.05). In conclusion, prolonged starvation was more advantageous to the safe overwintering of large yellow croaker. Our study revealed the physiological response of large yellow croaker to starvation and refeeding during the overwintering period, providing a theoretical foundation for the formulation of safe overwintering strategies.

Dietary supplementation with 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 regulates productive performance, lipid metabolism and gut microbiota in aged laying ducks

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) on productive performance, lipid metabolism and gut microbiota in aged laying ducks. A total of 432 healthy Longyan ducks at 60-week of age were randomly allotted to 6 groups, each with 6 replicates of 12 ducks. Ducks were given a basal diet (without added 25(OH)D3) or that diet supplemented with 800, 1600, 2400, 3200, or 4000 IU/kg 25(OH)D3 for a total of 16 wk. Dietary supplementation with 25(OH)D3 improved egg production, egg mass and average daily feed intake, and decreased the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of ducks during the whole trial period (linear, quadratic; P < 0.05). Supplementation with 25(OH)D3 decreased very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) content in yolk (P = 0.008), decreased high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) content in plasma (P = 0.002). Hepatic index, VLDL, LDL, triglyceride and total cholesterol content in liver, nonalcoholic fatty liver activity score of liver and alanine aminotransferase content in plasma were decreased with supplementation of 25(OH)D3 (linear or quadratic; P < 0.05). The decreased hepatic apolipoprotein B 100 and lipoprotein lipase expression, and increased hepatic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α and sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 expression resulted from 25(OH)D3 supplementation (linear, quadratic; P < 0.05). Moreover, 25(OH)D3 supplementation increased the villus/crypt ratio (linear, quadratic; P < 0.05) and expression of zonula occludens protein 1 and nuclear factor-κ-gene binding in duodenum (P < 0.05). The supplementation of 25(OH)D3 reduced the abundance of Wittenberg polluted soil-2 bacteria, Synergistota, Bacteroidales, Colidextribacter, Eggerthellaceae, Oscillospira, Oscillibacter, UCG-009, Barnesiellaceae and Lachnospiraceae_UCG-010 in cecal contents (P < 0.05). Dietary requirements for 25(OH)D3 for ducks (60 to 76 wk), were estimated to be 3377 IU/kg for egg production, 3434 IU/kg for egg mass, and 3256 IU/kg for FCR. In summary, dietary 25(OH)D3 supplementation improved productive performance and influenced liver and plasma lipid homeostasis in aged laying ducks, which may be associated with the reduction of bacteria involved in carbohydrate metabolism in the cecum. Supplementing the basal diet with 3250 to 3450 IU/kg 25(OH)D3 is recommended for aged laying ducks (60 to 76 wk).

Beyond symptomatology: A comparative analysis of unilateral and bilateral macronodular mild autonomous cortisol secretion.

To investigate the clinical, laboratory findingsand signal intensity index (SII) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of patients with bilateral and unilateral macronodular mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS). Clinical and laboratory findings of 81patients with MACS were examined from retrospective records. SII of adenomas and internodular areas were evaluated by MRI. The unilateral group included patients with an adrenal macronodule (≥1 cm) in a single adrenal gland, while the bilateral group included patients with at least one macronodule in both adrenal glands. In total, 46 patients were in the unilateral (57%), while 35 (43%) patients were in the bilateral groups. The dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate(DHEA-S) level was lower in the unilateral than in the bilateral group (p < .001). The presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and low-density lipoprotein(LDL) concentrations were higher in the bilateral group (p < .05). However, no significant difference was detected in terms of adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH) and overnight 1 mgdexamethasone suppression test (DST) between the two groups (p > .05). There was no difference in SII between adenomas within the same patient, as well as between the unilateral and bilateral groups (p > .05). Logistic regression analysis based on the differentiation between unilateral and bilateral macronodular MACS demonstrated that DHEA-S, HbA1cand LDL concentrations were associated factors. DHEA-S levels may not be as suppressed in patients with bilateral macronodular MACS as compared to those with unilateral adenoma. T2DM and hypercholesterolaemia have a higher frequency in bilateral patients. However, ACTH, overnight 1 mgDSTand SII may not provide additional information for differentiation of bilaterality and unilaterality.

Cross-sectional and Mendelian randomization study of fibroblast growth factor 19 reveals causal associations with metabolic diseases.

Fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) is an intestinal-derived factor that plays a role in metabolic diseases. We performed a differential study of circulating FGF19 levels and investigated the causal effects of FGF19 on metabolic diseases using Mendelian randomization (MR). Firstly, 958 subjects were included in the physical examination center of affiliated hospital from January 2019 to January 2021. Dividing the subjects into different subgroups to compare FGF19 levels. We conducted a two-sample MR analysis of genetically predicted circulating FGF19 in relation to alcohol, cardiovascular and metabolic biomarkers and diseases, and liver function biomarkers using publicly available genome-wide association study summary statistics data. The circulating FGF19 levels in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients were lower than those without NAFLD (P<0.001). The FGF19 levels in participants with obese were lower than those without obese (P<0.001). In two-sample MR analyses, genetically predicted higher circulating FGF19 levels was significantly associated with lower aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyltransferase, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and C-reactive protein concentrations (P<0.05) and a negative correlation with cardiovascular disease and cirrhosis whereas a positive association with type 2 diabetes mellitus (P<0.05). Our study found that circulating FGF19 levels were lower in NAFLD and obese populations. Additionally, our MR research results support the causal effects of FGF19 on improved liver function, lipids, and reduced the occurrence of inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and cirrhosis. We found a positive correlation with diabetes, which may indicate a compensatory increase in regulating above FGF19 resistance states in humans.

Evaluation of neutrophile-to-lymphocyte ratio and lipid profile in non-violent suicide attempters: a mechanistic study.

Suicide is one of the most common causes of juvenile death. Screening suicide risk is quite challenging and even more difficult in subjects who have no psychiatric disorder or other suicide risk factors in their medical history. To date, the association of serum lipid profile and suicidal risk has been evaluated in patients with different psychiatric disorders, yielding conflicting results. Here, we aimed to investigate the lipid panel and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in the sera of people with a first episode of suicide attempt in western Iran. A total of 159 suicide attempters and 186 volunteers without history of suicide, aged 18-35 years, were evaluated in this experiment. Blood samples were collected between 8-10 AM and kept at 37 °C for blood clotting. We then analyzed the concentration of various lipid markers, including triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), using a series of enzymatic reactions. Additionally, we determined the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) by dividing the total number of neutrophils by the total number of lymphocytes after conducting peripheral blood cell counts. The concentration of TG was 94.2±5.8 mg/dL in males and 92.3±5.3 mg/dL in females. TC was 136.3±3.6 mg/dL in males and 152.7±4.4 in females, with a significant decrease in comparison with the control subjects (p less than 0.0001). NLR was 4.34±0.9 with a significant increase compared with the controls (P less than 0.002). (TG), (TC) and (LDL) levels in suicide attempters were significantly lower than in the control groups. Nevertheless, serum (HDL) levels in male and female suicide attempters were significantly higher than in the control group. Furthermore, NLR was significantly lower in the subjects with suicide attempts compared with the controls. Lower concentrations of (TG), (TC) and (LDL) along with higher NLR were associated with non-violent suicide attempts. These findings might be an effective tool in screening suicide risk in young adults.

The Effect of Systemic Endotoxinemia on the Structure of the Brachiocephal Arteries Wall or a Potential Clinical Model for Assessing the Efficacy of Anti-Aging Measures

Integrated indicators of systemic endotoxemia (SEE): the level of endotoxin (ET) and the concentration of antibodies to the hydrophobic (AT-LPS-FOB) and hydrophilic (AT-LPS-PIL) forms of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) molecule in the general circulation can be used to determine the risk category of atherosclerosis development and progression, which dynamics is an objective marker of aging rate. The comparison of images the structure of brachycephalic arteries wall in dynamics with changes in blood parameters is one of the most successful models for monitoring the atherosclerotic process in a clinical setting. 42 people were examined without the presence of recognized risk factors for the progression of atherosclerosis at baseline and after 1.5-2 years. It was found that lipid profile indicators, such as the concentration of total cholesterol, low and high density lipoproteins, triglycerides, atherogenic index had no prognostic value. Whereas in the group with the progression of damage to the arterial wall, an increase in the concentration of ET was noted with a decrease in the concentration of AT-LPS-FOB and AT-LPS-PIL. In the group with regression of atherosclerotic changes, on the contrary, against the background of a decrease in the concentration of ET, an increase in AT was noted. A prospective study revealed an extremely important fact of a decrease in the concentration of LPS in the blood of patients with positive dynamics of morphological manifestations of atherosclerosis, indicating both the reversibility of the atherosclerotic process and the participation of ET in atherogenesis, which is a real way for extending the life of an individual and indicates the direction to achieve this goal – “antiendotoxin therapy”.

A Comparative Study of the Effect Coffee and Tea on Some Parameters in the Rats Blood

Abstract Background: Tea and coffee have been consumed since decade ago and became a significant part of social life and cultural traditions. Objective: The study aims to evaluate the effects of coffee and black tea extract on some blood factors in adult albino rats. Materials and Methods: Eighteen adult male albino rats, classified into three groups of six: group 1 (control) received orally drinking water only, group 2 (tea) received orally extract tea, group 3 (coffee) treated orally with coffee. Coffee and tea extracts were prepared daily at a dose of 30 g/L and provided at all times to the rats for 30 day as drinking water. Iron and ferritin levels, cholesterol concentration of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities as well as the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were compared among these groups. Results: This study inferred, there was a significant decrease the amount of iron in the blood as well as the ferritin. Also consumption of coffee or tea lowers LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol and enhanced antioxidant activity by SOD and GPx enzymes more than control group. Furthermore, increased these levels in proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) in treated rats with tea and coffee extract more than their levels in the control group. Conclusion: The extracts of tea and coffee lowered the iron and ferritin concentration, have remarkable antioxidant activity, and increased the levels in proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) in the rat blood.