Decreased HDL Cholesterol Research Articles

Vitamin D Levels in Pregnant Women with Metabolic Syndrome in the First Trimester of Pregnancy

The purpose of the study was to determine the level of vitamin D in pregnant women with metabolic syndrome and compare it in pregnant women without this syndrome. Materials and methods. 120 pregnant women were examined in the first trimester, of whom 60 women were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome before pregnancy (main group) and 60 patients without metabolic syndrome (control group). Anthropometric measurements were performed and an oral glucose tolerance test and fasting lipid profile (triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) were determined. Total 25-hydroxyvitamin D in blood serum was analyzed by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Statistical analysis was carried out in Microsoft System Excel 2016 (SPSS). The t-test, Pearson's chi-square were used, Spearman's correlation coefficient was calculated. Results and discussion. In patients of the main group, the body mass index was by 23.30% higher (p=0.041) than in the control group. In patients with metabolic syndrome, compared with the control group, an increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 41.4% (p=0.001) and a decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 44.0% (p=0.053) were detected. In winter, 38.3% were received; in summer – 20.0%. Vitamin D deficiency in the main group was detected in 70.0%, in the control group – 51.7% (p>0.05), 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency in the main group (30.0%) was less than in the control group (48.3%, p<0.05). According to the data obtained, vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women of the main and control groups was higher in winter and lower in summer. There was a direct, weak relationship between vitamin D concentration and body mass index in the main (r=0.175, p>0.05) and control group (r=0.290, p>0.05), as well as a weak, multidirectional correlation with triglycerides (r= 0.109, p>0.05), with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r=0.126, p>0.05) with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r=-0.107, p>0.05). We studied the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and such indicators as body mass index, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and revealed a weak statistically insignificant correlation. On the contrary, the results of the Chinese study indicate the presence of a correlation that was stronger in the overweight and obese groups. However, this relationship has not been confirmed by all authors, which corresponds to our results showing a weak relationship between body mass index and vitamin D levels. Conclusion. Despite living in one of sunny and warm cities, a high prevalence of low vitamin D levels among pregnant women in the first trimester was revealed – 60.8%. We do not rule out that low vitamin D levels were also associated with metabolic syndrome

Effect of Shisha (Water-Pipe) Smoking on Serum Lipid Profile and Antioxidant Vitamins among Smokers in Kano Metropolis

Shisha Smoking is a risk factor for coronary heart diseases. The smoke contains large amount of chemicals which are capable of generating reactive oxygen species which play an important role in oxidative stress which in turn leads to the development and progression of many disorders such as hypertension, cancer, diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. Monitoring lipid profile (HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triacylgycerides) and antioxidant vitamins (A, C and E) levels is very important to give an insight on the effect of shisha smoking on lipid profile and antioxidant vitamins. This study aimed to determine the effect of shisha smoking on serum lipid profile, and antioxidant vitamins in fifty (50) apparently healthy shisha smokers (exposed group) in Kano metropolis. A corresponding fifty (50) apparently healthy non-smokers were used as controls (non exposed group). The Shisha smoking was significantly associated with increased levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol (p˂0.05) in smokers compared to control group. However, there was a significant (p>0.05) decrease in HDL-cholesterol and serum antioxidant vitamins (A, C and E) in exposed group compared to non-exposed group. The results of this study also indicate that exposure of human being to shisha smoke over a period of time causes slight increase in lipid profile and antioxidant vitamins but the relation was statistically not significant (p>0.05). The findings suggest that shisha smoking causes dyslipidaemia and oxidative stress.

PARAMETERS OF LIPID METABOLISM IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE AND THYROID DYSFUNCTION

BACKGROUND . In CKD lipid metabolism disorders are associated with a high incidence of adverse outcomes. Dyslipidemia in patients with CKD is characterized by a decrease in HDL cholesterol, high triglyceride levels, and normal total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels. In CKD, a decrease in the functional activity of the thyroid gland (subclinical hypothyroidism) is often detected. THE AIM : to study the parameters of the lipid spectrum of blood in patients with different stages of chronic kidney disease and thyroid dysfunction. PATIENTS AND METHODS . A one-stage cross-sectional study of 457 patients with glomerulopathies without clinically significant diseases of the cardiovascular system with preserved ejection fraction (> 55% according to Simpson method) according to echocardiography was carried out. To identify thyroid dysfunction, a screening determination of the level of TSH, free T4 was assessed. The parameters of the blood lipid spectrum and GFR were assessed in all patients. Parametric and nonparametric methods of statistical analysis were used. RESULTS . Advanced stages of CKD are characterized by the formation of atherogenic dyslipidemias. 13.1% of patients received statin therapy, the target values of the blood lipid spectrum on statin therapy were not achieved. In the group of patients with nephrotic syndrome, the parameters of the blood lipid spectrum were significantly worse. Most of the patients with CKD were outside the target values of the blood lipid spectrum. In patients with TSH> 7.0 mIU / L, the content of TC, LDL, non-HDL was significantly higher than in the group of patients with normal thyroid function. CONCLUSION . Subclinical hypothyroidism contributes to the formation of atherogenic dyslipidemias in patients with CKD.

Urinary metals as influencing factors of coronary heart disease among a population in Guangzhou, China

The cardiovascular system is highly sensitive to toxic metal exposure and trace element dysregulation. However, previous findings relating to metal exposure and coronary heart disease (CHD) have partially been conflicting and difficult to exhibit the combined effect of metal mixtures. This case-control study investigated urinary concentrations of ten metal/metalloids among clinically-diagnosed CHD patients and healthy adults during May to December 2021 in Guangzhou, China. We found that cadmium (Cd) status in urine from CHD patients was remarkably higher than its reference, while chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu) and selenium (Se) concentrations were lower (p < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that urinary arsenic (As) and Se were highly correlated (rs=0.830, p < 0.001), indicating their similar sources. Principal component analysis (PCA) exhibited denser distribution of Cd-Sn in cases than in controls. Logistic regression analysis exhibited significant associations between urinary Cd (adjusted OR: 1.965, 95% CI: 1.222–3.162), Se (0.787, 95% CI: 0.695–0.893), Ni (0.493, 95% CI: 0.265–0.916) and CHD risk. Quantile g-computation showed negative joint effect of metal mixtures on CHD (adjusted OR: 0.383, 95% CI: 0.159–0.932) (p < 0.05), suggesting the need for supplementing essential trace elements. The negative partial effect was primarily attributed to Se and Ni, while positive partial effect was mainly due to tin (Sn) and Cd. Nevertheless, we also found a quantile increase of Cd-Sn level was negatively correlated with 8.26% (95% CI: 3.44–13.08%) decrease of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.001), and 71.2% of the joint effect attributed to Cd. Based on random forest, Se, Cd and Ni were found to be the dominant influencing factors of CHD. The role of Ni in CHD is yet to be uncovered, while excessive Cd exposure and low Se status among CHD patients need to be mitigated.

LIPID DISORDERS AND ESSENTIAL ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION RISK DEPENDING ON AGTR1 (RS5186) AND VDR (RS2228570) GENES POLYMORPHISM

Objective: Hypertension and dyslipidemia represent two of the most relevant modifiable cardiovascular risk factors and they often coexist. The aim of the research was to study lipid disorders and essential arterial hypertension (EAH) risk depending on AGTR1 (rs5186) and VDR (rs2228570) genes polymorphism. Design and method: 100 subjects with EAH and target-organ damaging (2nd stage), moderate, high or very high cardiovascular risk were involved in the case-control study. Among them, 70,83% females and 29,17% males, mean age 57,86 ± 7,81y.o. Control group consisted of 60 practically healthy individuals of relevant age. The lipid panel parameters, such as: TC (Total cholesterol), TG (Triglycerides), LDL-C (Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), HDL-C (High-density lipoprotein cholesterol) were investigated in blood plasma, using diagnostic kits “Accent 200” (Poland). The atherogenic index (IA) was calculated by the formula: (TC – HDL-C)/ HDL-C. Gene polymorphism of AGTR1 (rs5186) and VDR (rs2228570), was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Decreased HDL-C is associated with 2nd and 3d degrees of EAH (p = 0,048). The risk of EAH increases in C-allele carriers of AGTR1 (rs5186) gene with hypercholesterolemia (TC&gt; 5,0mmol/l) 1,5 times (OR–2,50;p = 0,048), with an increase in LDL-C and IA – 1,58 and 2,12 times (OR–10,80;p = 0,019), respectively. Homozygous carriers of the minor A-allele had extremely higher concentrations of TC, atherogenic LDL-C and IA, than GG-carriers – by 9,29%, 11,11% and 12,80% (pAA&lt;0,05), respectively. Risk of EAH increases with hypertriglycerolemia 1,89 times (OR–2,93;p = 0,03) and with the increase in LDL-C – 1,26 times (OR–3,60;p = 0,038) in AA-genotype carriers of VDR (rs2228570) gene. Risk of EAH synergistically escalates almost twice in A-allele carriers of VDR (rs2228570) gene with a decrease of HDL-C (OR–2,88;p = 0,046) and the increase of IA (OR–2,70;p = 0,039), significantly only in AG-carriers though. ANOVA analysis confirmed the association of VDR (rs2228570) gene with the increase in IA (F = 3,80;p = 0,05). Conclusions: The EAH risk escalates with hypercholesterolemia, elevated both LDL-C and IA in C-allele carriers of AGTR1 (rs5186) gene, as well as with decreased HDL-C and increased IA in A-allele carriers VDR (rs2228570) in the observed.

Histomorphometric and biochemical activities of bioactive component of Cyperus esculentus tubers extract on letrozole-induced polycystic ovarian syndrome and cholesterol homeostasis in female Sprague-Dawley rats

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous endocrine and metabolic disorder, causes irregular menstrual cycles, dyslipidemia, excessive body weight, oxidative stress, hyperandrogenism, and infertility. This study focused on the impact of Cyperus esculentus (CES) on letrozole-induced PCOS in female Sprague-Dawley rats. Twenty (20) normal rats and twenty (20) PCOS rats (150–200 g, 8 weeks old) were randomly divided into four groups of ten ( n = 10) rats each. Group A served as normal control group received 2 mL of normal saline, group B treated with 500 mg/kg body weight of CES , group C PCOS control group received 2 mL of normal saline, and group D PCOS rats post-treated with 500 mg/kg body weight of CES daily through gastric gavage for 30 days. Estrus cyclicity, body and ovaries weights, biochemical and histological parameters were measured. Observed irregular estrus cyclicity and multiple cysts in PCOS rats, increase glycemia, ovarian weight, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, malondialdehyde, luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, and decrease high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, estradiol, progesterone, catalase, reduced glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase levels, compared with control. The intervention of CES ameliorated and restored the estrus cyclicity reproductive hormone, biochemical, and structural alterations. Moreover, CES significantly decreased cystic follicles, LH, and testosterone levels, but increased estradiol concentration. This plant may be beneficial in the management and treatment of PCOS-related reproductive and metabolic disorders.

CROSS SECTIONAL, OBSERVATIONAL STUDY TO KNOW THE PREVALENCE OF MICROALBUMINURIA AND MACROALBUMINURIA, HYPERTENSION AND DYSLIPIDEMIA AND PREVALENCE OF CAROTID PLAQUES IN TYPE 2 DIABETES PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL KOLKATA, WEST BENGAL.

Type 2 diabetes is often associated with various coexisting comorbidities like-hypertension and dyslipidemia. They are very much associated with ASCVD. Effects of diabetes are more predicting. If we can control multiple risk factors besides Diabetes, we will be able to tackle the ASCVD more efficiently &amp; effectively. The other risk factors for ASCVD like Hypertension, Dyslipidemia, and obesity are prevalent in our country. There is a combination of 5 risk factors collectively named as syndrome X including Hypertension (BP &gt;130/85 mm Hg), insulin resistant DM, hypertriglyceridemia, decreased HDL cholesterol and increased Waist hip ratio. Syndrome X predispose to atherosclerotic changes in the carotids. High blood pressure is reported in over two-thirds of patients with type 2 diabetes, and its development coincides with the development of hyperglycaemia . Dyslipidemia is frequent among patients with type 2 DM (T2DM) (prevalence &gt; 75%) and is mainly a mixed dyslipidemia [increase in triglycerides (TGs), low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and small-dense (atherogenic), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) particles](2) . It was also reported that microalbuminuria or macroalbuminuria increased the mortality rate by 60 – 80% –(3) . Albuminuria can be measured by urinary Albumin-to Creatinine ratio (ACR) in a random spot urine collection–(4) . The carotid IMT is significantly higher in diabetic patients than that in non-diabetic patients(5) , and the increased IMT can predict future events of silent brain infarction and coronary heart disease in the patients with T2DM(6). Our objective is to find out the prevalence of microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria, hypertension, dyslipidemia, Diabetic kidney disease (serum Cr&gt;1.5) and presence of plaque in carotid arteries in type 2 diabetes patients in our country. Another objective was to find out the distribution of glycemic parameters (FBS, PPBS, HbA1c) and BMI among study groups.

Dynamic physical examination indicators of cardiovascular health: A single-center study in Shanghai, China.

Dynamic physical examination data can provide both cross-sectional and time-series characteristics of cardiovascular health. However, most physical examination databases containing health and disease information have not been fully utilized in China. Hence, this study aimed to analyze dynamic physical examination indicators for cardiovascular health to provide evidence for precise prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases in the primary prevention domain among healthy population with different demographic characteristics in Shanghai. Three-year continuous data were collected from the physical examination center of a hospital in Shanghai from 2018 to 2020, which included a total of 14,044 participants with an average age of 46.51±15.57 years. The cardiovascular status of overall healthy individuals may have a decreasing trend, which is manifested as a significant year-on-year decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; a significant year-on-year increase in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and blood glucose levels; and a possible increasing trend of diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, and triglycerides. Healthy population with different sex and age groups have various sensitives to cardiovascular physical examination indicators. To conduct more accurate cardiovascular health management and health promotion for key populations in primary prevention, focusing on the dynamic trends of blood pressure, blood lipids, blood glucose, and body mass index in men and changes in total cholesterol in women over time is especially important. The age group of 50-69 years is key for better prevention and control of cardiovascular health.

Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome Show Altered Fecal Lipidomic Profiles with No Signs of Intestinal Inflammation or Increased Intestinal Permeability.

Background: Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a clinical diagnosis where patients exhibit three out of the five risk factors: hypertriglyceridemia, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, hyperglycemia, elevated blood pressure, or increased abdominal obesity. MetS arises due to dysregulated metabolic pathways that culminate with insulin resistance and put individuals at risk to develop various comorbidities with far-reaching medical consequences such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cardiovascular disease. As it stands, the exact pathogenesis of MetS as well as the involvement of the gastrointestinal tract in MetS is not fully understood. Our study aimed to evaluate intestinal health in human subjects with MetS. Methods: We examined MetS risk factors in individuals through body measurements and clinical and biochemical blood analysis. To evaluate intestinal health, gut inflammation was measured by fecal calprotectin, intestinal permeability through the lactulose-mannitol test, and utilized fecal metabolomics to examine alterations in the host–microbiota gut metabolism. Results: No signs of intestinal inflammation or increased intestinal permeability were observed in the MetS group compared to our control group. However, we found a significant increase in 417 lipid features of the gut lipidome in our MetS cohort. An identified fecal lipid, diacyl-glycerophosphocholine, showed a strong correlation with several MetS risk factors. Although our MetS cohort showed no signs of intestinal inflammation, they presented with increased levels of serum TNFα that also correlated with increasing triglyceride and fecal diacyl-glycerophosphocholine levels and decreasing HDL cholesterol levels. Conclusion: Taken together, our main results show that MetS subjects showed major alterations in fecal lipid profiles suggesting alterations in the intestinal host–microbiota metabolism that may arise before concrete signs of gut inflammation or intestinal permeability become apparent. Lastly, we posit that fecal metabolomics could serve as a non-invasive, accurate screening method for both MetS and NAFLD.

Stroke preventing effect of resveratrol isolated from fungi and in vivo activity in male albino rats

The main objective of the study was to analyze the stroke preventing property of resveratrol from Alternaria alternata SK. The endophytic fungus A. alternata SK was isolated from the Brinjal plant. The isolated fungus was characterized based on morphological characters and molecular methods. It was cultured in submerged cultivation and resveratrol was isolated. The isolated resveratrol was used to test stroke preventing properties using animal model. The experimental male Albino rat fed with resveratrol decreased HDL cholesterol level in serum. The amount of malondialdehyde significantly lower in the cardiac tissues of Albino AD rat treated with resveratrol (P < 0.05). Likewise, the level of malondialdehyde in the haemolysate sample showed significant variation than control animal (P < 0.05). Administered resveratrol improved antioxidant potential. The amount of antioxidant enzymes such as, SOD, CAT and GPx significantly higher in resveratrol administered Albino rats (P < 0.05) than control rat. The amount of GSH, α-tocopherol and ascorbate in cardiac muscle of AD rats fed with resveratrol increased significantly than in AD Albino rats (P < 0.05). The amount of aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenate were reduced in experimental rats treated with resveratrol than control (P < 0.05). The experimental group treated with resveratrol decreased the level of LDH (1.63 ± 0.128 nmol NADPH/mg) than ischemia group (2.08 ± 0.11 nmol NADPH/mg) (P < 0.05). The amount of H2O2 was found to be high in ischemia group (428.2 ± 2.9 nmol) and it reduced (320.3 ± 10.2 nmol) in resveratrol treated animal (P < 0.05). In vivo analysis of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in Albino rats revealed the protective role of resveratrol on LDH and H2O2 in hippocampus region.

C-reactive protein as an indicator of polymorbidity in patients with arterial hypertension

Aim of the study was to investigate the role of C-reactive protein as an indicator of multimorbidity in patients with arterial hypertension.Material and methods. A retrospective archival study of the data of 1958 patients with arterial hypertension who were examined and treated at the clinic of the Federal Research Center for Fundamental and Translational Medicine (Novosibirsk) was carried out. 2 groups of patients were allocated depending on the concentration of C-reactive protein in the blood serum: normal and elevated (&gt; 5 mg/l). A comparative analysis of the severity of polymorbidity, as well as clinical, laboratory and biochemical parameters in the selected groups were carried out.Results. It has been established that patients with arterial hypertension with elevated values of C-reactive protein had higher rates of transnosological and transsystemic polymorbidity, accompanied by changes in lipid, carbohydrate and purine metabolism (a decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, an increase in the concentration of glucose and uric acid in blood serum, an increase in the index atherogenicity), as well as an increase in the content of fibrinogen in the blood serum.Conclusions. The concentration of C-reactive protein in the blood serum can serve as a biochemical marker of polymorbidity in patients with arterial hypertension.

Dynamics of endocrine and metabolic changes among patients with coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome while treating with telmisartan

Dynamics of endocrine and metabolic changes among patients with coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome while treating with telmisartan

Vitamin D Related Gene Polymorphisms and Cholesterol Levels in a Mediterranean Population.

In addition to its role in bone health, vitamin D (VitD) has been implicated in several pathological conditions. Specifically, VitD deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of dyslipidemia. Atherogenic dyslipidemia is characterized by increased low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and decreased high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C). In this study, we examined the association of six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in VitD-related genes with VitD and lipid levels, in a cohort of 460 Lebanese participants free from chronic diseases. Our results showed no association of the examined SNPs with VitD concentrations. However, the presence of the minor allele in rs10741657G>A of CYP2R1 was associated with increased levels in LDL-C (β = 4.95, p = 0.04)] and decreased levels in HDL-C (β = −1.76, p = 0.007)]. Interestingly, rs10741657G>A interacted with gender to increase LDL-C levels in females (β = 6.73 and p = 0.03) and decrease HDL-C levels in males HDL-C (β = −1.09, p = 0.009). In conclusion, our results suggest that rs10741657 G>A in CYP2R1 is associated with circulating LDL-C and HDL-C levels in a Lebanese cohort. Although this association was gender-specific, where rs10741657G>A was associated with increased LDL in females and decreased HDL in males, the presence of the minor allele A was associated with increased cardiovascular risk in both genders. These findings need to be validated in a larger population. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the molecular mechanism of VitD polymorphism and dyslipidemia.

Metabolic effects of estradiol versus testosterone in complete androgen insensitivity syndrome

PurposeTo study differences in metabolic outcomes between testosterone and estradiol replacement in probands with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS).MethodsIn this multicentre, double-blind, randomized crossover trial, 26 women with CAIS were included of whom 17 completed the study. After a two-months run in phase with estradiol, probands either received transdermal estradiol followed by crossover to transdermal testosterone or vice versa. After six months, differences in lipids, fasting glucose, insulin, hematocrit, liver parameters and blood pressure between the treatment phases were investigated.ResultsLinear mixed models adjusted for period and sequence did not reveal major group differences according to treatment for the investigated outcomes. In each treatment group, there were however significant uniform changes in BMI and cholesterol. BMI increased significantly, following six months of estradiol ( + 2.7%; p = 0.036) as well as testosterone treatment ( + 2.8%; p = 0.036). There was also a significant increase in total ( + 10.4%; p = 0.001) and LDL-cholesterol ( + 29.2%; p = 0.049) and a decrease in HDL-cholesterol (−15.8%; p < 0.001) following six months of estradiol as well as six months of testosterone treatment (total cholesterol: + 14.6%; p = 0.008; LDL-cholesterol: + 39.1%; p = 0.005, HDL-cholesterol: −15.8%; p = 0.004). Other parameters remained unchanged.ConclusionTransdermal estradiol as well as testosterone treatment in women with CAIS results in worsening in lipid profiles. Given the relatively small sample size, subtle group differences in other metabolic parameters may have remained undetected.

Marginal Zinc Deficiency Alters Essential Fatty Acid Metabolism in Healthy Men

BackgroundRice biofortification with Zinc (Zn) can improve the Zn status of rice-consuming populations. However, the metabolic impact in humans consuming Zn-biofortified rice is unknown. ObjectivesTo determine the effects of Zn-biofortified rice on lipid metabolism in normolipidemic men. MethodsThe men consumed a rice-based diet containing 6 mg Zn/d and 1.5 g phytate (phytate/Zn ratio = 44) for 2 wk followed by a 10-mg Zn/d diet without phytate for 4 wk. An ad libitum diet supplemented with 25 mg Zn/d was then fed for 3 wk. Fasting blood samples were taken at baseline and at the end of each metabolic period for measuring plasma zinc, glucose, insulin, triglyceride (TG), LDL and HDL cholesterol, fatty acids, oxylipins, and fatty acid desaturase activities. Statistical differences were assessed by linear mixed model. ResultsFatty acid desaturase (FADS) 1 activity decreased by 29.1% (P = 0.007) when the 6-mg Zn/d diet was consumed for 2 wk. This change was associated with significant decreases in HDL and LDL cholesterol. The alterations in FADS1, HDL cholesterol, and TG remained unchanged when Zn intakes were increased to 10 mg/d for 4 wk. Supplementation with 25 mg Zn/d for 3 wk normalized these metabolic changes and significantly increased LDL cholesterol at the end of this metabolic period compared with baseline. FADS1 activity was inversely correlated with FADS2 (rmcorr = –0.52; P = 0.001) and TG (rmcorr = –0.55; P = 0.001) at all time points. ConclusionsA low-zinc, high-phytate rice-based diet reduced plasma HDL cholesterol concentrations and altered fatty acid profiles in healthy men within 2 wk. Consuming 10 mg Zn/d without phytate for 4 wk did not improve the lipid profiles, but a 25-mg Zn/d supplement corrects these alterations in lipid metabolism within 3 wk.

Testing the Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommendations on maternal reproductive health and associated neonatal characteristics in a transitional, Mediterranean population

Background High pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) are significant risk factors for maternal and neonatal health. Aim To assess pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG during pregnancy and their association with different maternal and neonatal characteristics in the transitional Mediterranean population from the Eastern Adriatic islands. Subjects and methods Two hundred and sixty-two mother–child dyads from the CRoatian Islands’ Birth Cohort Study (CRIBS) were included in the study. Chi-square test, ANOVA, and regression analysis were used to test the association between selected characteristics. Results In total, 22% of women entered pregnancy as overweight/obese and 46.6% had excessive GWG. Pre-pregnancy overweight and obesity were significantly associated with elevated triglycerides uric acid levels, and decreased HDL cholesterol in pregnancy. Excessive GWG was associated with elevated fibrinogen and lipoprotein A levels. Women with high pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG values were more likely to give birth to babies that were large for gestational age (LGA), additionally confirmed in the multiple logistic regression model. Conclusion High maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and excessive GWG were both significantly associated with deviated biochemical parameters and neonatal size. More careful monitoring of maternal nutritional status can lead to better pre- and perinatal maternal healthcare.

A study on serum homocysteine and oxidized LDL as markers of cardiovascular risk in patients with overt hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is the most common endocrine disorder worldwide. Hypothyroisim increases cardiovascular risk, thus the study focuses on the assessment of cardiovascular risk factors such as serum Homocysteine, serum Oxidized LDL and Lipid profile and their correlation with TSH levels. Timely evaluation of these risk predictors would help in reducing cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality in hypothyroidism. This was a hospital based cross-sectional study consisting of Forty newly diagnosed patients with overt hypothyroidism in the age group of 20-60 years attending Medicine OPD were included as cases and Fifty healthy age and gender matched healthy controls participated as controls in the study. A written and informed consent to all the participants of both thegroups was taken after explaining the purpose and details of the study. The Thyroid profile was assessed by CLIA-based MAGLUMI- 1000 analyzer and Serum total cholesterol, triglycerides and high-density lipoproteins were analyzed in Fully automated clinical chemistry analyzer EM-200 by using commercially available kits. LDL was calculated indirectly using Friedwalds equation. Commercially available ELISA-based kits were used for analysis of serum Homocysteine and serum oxidized-LDL. Elevated levels of serum homocysteine (p<0.0001), Oxidized LDL (p<0.0001) were found in newly diagnosed overt hypothyroid patients as compared to controls whereas significant elevated levelsof TC, TG, LDL, andVLDL (p<0.0001) and decrease in HDLcholesterol (p<0.0001) were reported in newly diagnosed newly diagnosed overt hypothyroid patients. We concluded that the association of hyperhomocysteinemia and lipid abnormalities occurring in hypothyroidism may represent a dynamic atherogenic state and thyroid hormone failed to completely normalize Hcy levels. Thus, elevated plasma homocysteine levels may be an independent risk factor for the accelerated atherosclerosis seen in hypothyroidism. In addition, we found that the circulating ox-LDL levels were elevated in untreated hypothyroidism and they tend to be higher in thyroid dysfunction.

Association between urinary cadmium concentrations and liver function in adolescents.

Evidence from previous studies has shown that exposure to cadmium (Cd) is associated with cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and osteoporosis, but the effects of Cd on liver toxicity in adolescents are unclear. The data of 4411 adolescents who participated in the US The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) during 1999-2016 was analyzed. Liver function was indicated by the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate amino transferase (AST). The associations between the levels of urinary Cd and liver function were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for covariates. The results showed that the odds ratios of ALT and AST in the highest quartiles of urinary Cd were 1.40 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-1.82) and 1.64 (95% CI, 1.10-2.44), respectively, compared with the lowest quartiles, which were similar to using urinary creatinine as the covariate. We also found linear regression of associations of urinary Cd with elevated ALT and AST levels in boys. In addition, one augmented urinary Cd concentration unit (Log10) was associated with a 0.04-mg/dL increase in C-reactive protein and a 0.53-mg/dL decrease in HDL cholesterol in the fully adjusted model. Our results add novel evidence that exposure to Cd might be positively associated with indicators of liver injury, indicating the potential toxic effect of Cd exposure on the adolescent liver. Further confirmatory studies are needed.

Metabolic syndrome and its association with changes in modifiable risk factors: Epifloripa aging study.

To estimate the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and its association with changes in modifiable risk factors in older adults from southern Brazil. A longitudinal study was performed with data from EpiFloripa Aging study. We defined MetS by the existence of three or more of the following risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD): waist circumference (WC) (≥ 92cm in men and ≥ 87cm in women); fasting glucose (≥100mg/dl); decreased HDL cholesterol (<40mg/dl in men and <50mg/dl in women); hypertriglyceridemia (≥150mg/dl) and blood pressure (≥130/85mmHg). We evaluated the changes in modifiable risk factors (smoking, alcohol consumption, fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, and body mass index) between the two moments of the study (2009/10 and 2013/14). Directed acyclic graph and logistic regression models were used. Among the 599 participants, the prevalence of MetS was 64.0% (95% CI, 58.7-68.9). In the adjusted analysis, those who remained or became persons who are overweight (OR = 4.59; 95% CI: 3.05-6.89) and those who remained or became insufficiently active (OR = 1.92; 95% CI: 1.23-2.98) were more likely to present MetS. Our findings suggest that being or becoming overweight and being or becoming insufficiently active are modifiable factors associated with MetS. These results highlight the need for developing preventive strategies for the observed risk indicators to mitigate the prevalence of MetS in older adults.

Correlation between circulating microRNA and lipid indicesin patients with ischemic heart disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus

The aim of the study was to investigate circulating miRNAs-27a, -221 levels and their correlations with lipid indices in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Materials and methods. The study included 58 patients with stable IHD and type 2 diabetes mellitus, 22 IHD patients without diabetes and 19 healthy controls. MicroRNAs-27a-3р and 221-3р were determined in blood plasma by real time polymerase chain reaction. U6 small nuclear RNA was used for normalization. Results. The lowest levels of circulating miRNAs-27a and -221 were in IHD patients with diabetes. The decrease in the levels of both microRNAs in patients with diabetes was significant not only in comparison with the control group (P = 0.024, P = 0.006), but also with patients without diabetes (P = 0.011, P = 0.001). In IHD patients without diabetes, microRNAs-27a and -221 levels did not change significantly. In IHD patients with diabetes, microRNA-221 showed a significant positive correlation with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (R = 0.382, P = 0.003). MicroRNA-27a was correlated negatively with triglycerides (TG) (R = -0.284, P = 0.051) and positively – with HDL-C (R = 0.257, P = 0.078) at a borderline significance level. The lower level of microRNA-27a (the 1st tertile) was associated with significantly increased TG level in comparison with the 3rd tertile (P = 0.004), and significantly decreased HDL-C level in comparison with the 2nd (P = 0.001) and the 3rd (P = 0.023) tertiles. Patients with lower microRNA-221 level (the 1st tertile) had significantly reduced HDL-C level in comparison with the 3rd tertile(P = 0.007). Conclusions. The results have demonstrated the significant decrease in circulating microRNAs-27a and -221 levels in IHD patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and no change in both microRNAs in patients without diabetes. In IHD patients with diabetes, the lower expression of microRNA-27a was associated with the significant elevation of TG and the significant decrease in HDL-C. The lower microRNA-221 level was associated only with the significant decrease in HDL-C.