Decrease In Total Cholesterol Research Articles

Correlation between Serum Lipid Parameters and Interleukin-10 Concentration in Obese Individuals.

BackgroundThe role of interleukin-10 (IL-10) in humans is controversial because IL-10 has been proposed to exhibit both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects. We aimed to determine the relationships between the changes in these parameters in obese individuals participating in a weight-reduction program.MethodsWe measured cardiometabolic parameters including lipid profile and serum IL-10 concentration before and after completion of a 12-week weight-reduction program in 63 non-diabetic obese subjects with a body mass index ≥27 kg/m2 who had comorbid hypertension or dyslipidemia. All the participants were provided with individual intervention sessions designed to implement lifestyle modifications and administered 120 mg orlistat three times daily for 12 weeks. The relationships between changes in serum IL-10 concentration and changes in cardiometabolic risk factors were analyzed.ResultsChanges in serum IL-10 concentration were significantly negatively correlated with changes in total cholesterol (r=−0.377), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; r=−0.377), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; r=−0.278) concentrations. However, there were no correlations between changes in serum IL-10 concentration and changes in other cardiometabolic parameters.ConclusionSerum IL-10 concentration can increase as serum total cholesterol decreases. Additional studies are needed to explore the mechanisms linking changes in serum IL-10 with serum LDL-C and HDL-C concentrations.

Trends in Cardiovascular Risk in the United States 1999 - 2018

Introduction: As guidelines evolve, lifestyle changes and new drugs are introduced, the long-term trends in cardiovascular risk in the general population are of interest. We evaluated the AHA-ACC-ASCVD risk score (ASCVD-RS) in the US population in the last 20 years.Methods: Participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2018 aged 40–79 years were included. Pregnant participants and those with missing relevant laboratory/self-reported data were excluded. Temporal trends in ASCVD-RS and its components, and the proportions of participants at high risk (score ≥10%) were characterized using linear regression, adjusted for age, sex, and ethnicity. Data analysis was performed using the R statistical package “survey” (version 3.6.3).Results: Altogether 12744 NHANES participants (mean age 56.4 years; 55.9% male) were analyzed. From 1999–2018, the proportion of people with diabetes and taking antihypertensives increased significantly (both p<0.001), while total cholesterol level decreased significantly (p<0.001). Levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL), and the proportion of smokers and individuals with systolic blood pressure ≥120mmHg remained static. The mean ± standard error of ASCVD-RS significantly increased from 11.4±0.7% in 1999–2000 to 12.5±0.5% in 2017–2018 (p=0.014), and the proportion of high-risk participants increased from 39.1% to 44.1% (p=0.020).Conclusions: Cardiovascular risk in the US population increased slightly in the past 20 years. Despite the increased treatment rate of hypertension and the decrease in total cholesterol, the prevalence of diabetes doubled. More effort should be directed at preventing diabetes through weight control and regular physical activity.

Changes in Visceral Fat and Its Correlation With Changes in Metabolic Variables After Bariatric Surgery

Obesity is a health problem. There is a relationship between visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and various metabolic components. So far the most effective treatment for weight reduction and control of comorbidities is bariatric surgery. After bariatric surgery there is a reduction in VAT and a correlation with better control of metabolic variables would be expected. Objective: To determine the decrease in VAT, calculated by bioimpedance at 3 and 6 months after bariatric surgery and its correlation with changes in metabolic parameters (fasting glucose, HOMA, HbA1c, lipid profile). MATERIAL AND Methods: Patients belonging to the HECMNSXXI Obesity Clinic undergoing bariatric surgery during 2020 who agreed to participate in the study were included. VAT volume was determined before surgery and at 3 and 6 months after the procedure by bioimpedance using the SECA mBCA525 body analyzer. At the same time, biochemical metabolic markers were determined (fasting glucose, HOMA, HbA1c, CT, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides). The results were reported using descriptive statistics. A Pearson or Spearman correlation was carried out according to the distribution of the variables. P <0.05 was taken as significant. Results: Eleven patients with a mean age of 49 ± 7 years were included, 73% of them were women. Their average initial BMI was 42 ± 4 kg/m2. VAT prior to surgery had a mean of 10.6 ± 2.5L for men and 6.4 ± 2.4L for women. Eighty-two percent of the patients fulfilled harmonized criteria for metabolic syndrome. There was a statistically significant decrease in VAT at 3 and 6 months after surgery in both men and women (Baseline 7.5 ± 3L, 3 months 3.8 ± 2.8 L (p <0.001), 6 months 2.5 ± 2 L (p = 0.001). An average decrease in visceral adipose tissue of 57 ± 24% in women and 34 ± 18% in men (p = 0.18) was found 3 months after surgery and 70 ± 22% in women and 60 ± 21% in men (p = 0.53) 6 months after surgery. Laparoscopic one-anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) was the type of surgery with the highest percentage of VAT loss at 3 and 6 months, however, this was not statistically significant when compared with Y-Roux Gastric bypass (YRGB). A statistically significant decrease in HbA1c, HOMA, total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides levels were found at 3 and 6 months after surgery. However, when correlating the proportion of VAT lost with the metabolic variables, only a significant correlation was found with the HbA1c levels. The higher the proportion of VAT lost, the lower the HbA1c levels (R2 -0.72 p = 0.01). Conclusions: Bariatric surgery produces a statistically significant reduction in visceral adipose tissue from 3 months after surgery. In this study, an inversely proportional correlation was found between the proportion of VAT lost and HbA1c levels.

Eliminating base-editor-induced genome-wide and transcriptome-wide off-target mutations.

The fusion of CRISPR-Cas9 with cytidine deaminases leads to base editors (BEs) capable of programmable C-to-T editing, which has potential in clinical applications but suffers from off-target (OT) mutations. Here, we used a cleavable deoxycytidine deaminase inhibitor (dCDI) domain to construct a transformer BE (tBE) system that induces efficient editing with only background levels of genome-wide and transcriptome-wide OT mutations. After being produced, the tBE remains inactive at OT sites with the fusion of a cleavable dCDI, therefore eliminating unintended mutations. When binding at on-target sites, the tBE is transformed to cleave off the dCDI domain and catalyses targeted deamination for precise base editing. After delivery into mice through a dual-adeno-associated virus (AAV) system, the tBE system created a premature stop codon in Pcsk9 and significantly reduced serum PCSK9, resulting in a ~30-40% decrease in total cholesterol. The development of tBE establishes a highly specific base editing system and its in vivo efficacy has potential for therapeutic applications.

Effect of Sodium Selenite, Selenium Yeast, and Bacterial Enriched Protein on Chicken Egg Yolk Color, Antioxidant Profiles, and Oxidative Stability.

The chicken egg is one of nature’s flawlessly preserved biological products, recognized as an excellent source of nutrients for humans. Selenium (Se) is an essential micro-element that plays a key role in biological processes. Organic selenium can be produced biologically by the microbial reduction of inorganic Se (sodium selenite). Therefore, the possibility of integrating Se enriched bacteria as a supplement in poultry feed can provide an interesting source of organic Se, thereby offering health-related advantages to humans. In this study, bacterial selenoproteins from Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was used as a dietary supplement with other Se sources in Lohman brown Classic laying hens to study the egg yolk color, egg yolk and breast antioxidant profile, oxidative stability, and storage effect for fresh and stored egg yolk at 4 ± 2 °C for 14-days. The results showed that dietary Se supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) improved egg yolk color, the antioxidant profile of egg yolk, and breast meat (total carotenoid and phenol content). When the Se treated groups were compared to control groups, there was a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in total cholesterol in fresh and stored egg yolk and breast muscle. In hens that were fed ADS18-Se, the primary oxidation products (MDA) concentrations in the eggs, breast, and thigh muscle, and plasma were significantly (p < 0.05) lower. However, the MDA content increased (p < 0.05) with an extended storage time in egg yolk. In comparison to inorganic Se and basal diets, egg yolk from hens fed organic Se remained fresh for two weeks. The egg yolk color, antioxidant profile, and oxidative status of egg yolk and tissue improve with dietary Se organic supplementation (ADS18 > Se-Yeast). The source of supplemented organic Se is critical for egg enrichment and antioxidant properties. As a result, ‘‘functional eggs’’ enriched with organic Se becomes possible to produce.

Effect of Curcumin Nanoemulsions Stabilized with MAG and DAG-MCFAs in a Fructose-Induced Hepatic Steatosis Rat Model.

Current changes in diet, characterized by an increase in the intake of sweetened beverages, are heavily related to metabolic disorders such as non-alcoholic fatty liver. This condition can produce simple steatosis and, in worse cases, potentially result in steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis, comparable to the damage caused by the consumption of more or less 20–30 g of alcohol per day. The main objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of curcumin (Curcuma longa) nanoemulsions, using mono- and diacylglycerides medium chain fatty acids as stabilizers in an in vivo hepatic steatosis rat model. Pathology was induced by providing 30% fructose intake in the drinking water. Globule sizes under 200 nm that were stable for 4 weeks were obtained; curcumin encapsulated in the nanoemulsion was >70%. The results revealed an improvement regarding body and liver weight in the animals treated with curcumin nanoemulsions. A decrease in total cholesterol, LDL, AST/ALT, and HDL in serum was observed; however, no apparent improvement regarding serum glucose or triacylglycerides values was noted. Histological analysis showed a significant decrease in the extent of steatosis, inflammation, and brown adipose tissue in the treated animals.

Beneficial Metabolic Effect of a Nutraceuticals Combination (Monacolin K, Yeasted Red Rice, Polyphenolic Extract of Annurca Apple and Berberine) on Acquired Hypercholesterolemia: A Prospective Analysis.

Hypercholesterolemia represents a serious public health problem as it significantly increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Its treatment with statin is limited by costs, side effects, and drugs interactions. Nutraceuticals appear to have an important metabolic effect on cholesterol reduction as well as on body weight and glycemia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a nutraceutical combination (Melasterol) in eighty-seven patients with acquired hypercholesterolemia. Clinically relevant parameters were collected at baseline and after three and six months of Melasterol treatment, one tablet per day. The primary endpoint was the change in cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Six months of treatment resulted in a 19.2% decrease in total cholesterol, accompanied by a 19.8% decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and a 23% reduction in triglycerides (p < 0.001) but not in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels (p > 0.05). These results were paralleled by a significative blood glucose (108.3 ± 21.3 vs. 98.4 ± 18.6 mg/dL p < 0.001) and body mass index (BMI) reduction (27.8 ± 4.4 vs. 27.0 ± 4.2 mg/dL, p < 0.001). A subgroup of 12 patients performed flow-mediated dilation, with values increasing by 1.8% (p < 0.05). No significant side effects were reported. Besides its cholesterol-lowering effect, Melasterol was associated with a significant improvement in other relevant metabolic parameters such as BMI and glycemia.

The study of efficacy of soy-pumpkin products in the diet of healthy people for prevention of acute respiratory infections

Introduction. Hypoalimentation with the formation of protein-energy malnutrition can reduce the body’s resistance to acute respiratory infections (ARI). Soy and pumpkin can be a promising source of normalization of the diet.Aim. To study the effectiveness of the use of soybean-pumpkin products in the diet of healthy people to increase the resistance of the human body to ARI.Materials and methods. An open, randomized, parallel group study was conducted. Group 1 included 18 people who took a soy-pumpkin drink and dessert for 10 weeks in addition to their usual diet. Group 2 included 17 people on a regular diet. The concentration of vitamin E, cholesterol, α- and β-lipoproteins was determined in blood serum. Diene conjugates and unoxidized lipids were determined in the expired air condensate (EAC) by means of spectrophotometry. Lung function was assessed using spirometry.Results. According to the questionnaire survey, 50% of the participants in group 1 registered a positive dynamics from the regular use of soybean-pumpkin products. Only one participant underwent ARI. In the 2nd group, 7 people (41%) applied for medical help (χ2=4.43; p˂0.05), of which 6 (35%) had ARIs. At the end of the observation, an increase in vitamin E (from 34.1±0.68 to 36.4±0.55 μg/mL, p=0.0036), a decrease in total cholesterol (from 4.85±0.23 to 4.32±0.14 mmol/L, p=0.0013) and β-lipoproteins (from 2.92±0.24 to 2.31±0.18 mmol/L, p=0.0003). At the beginning of the study, in individuals of group 1, there was a relationship between age and the concentration of total cholesterol (r=0.50; p=0.036) and β-lipoproteins (r=0.47; p=0.048), as well as the weight and level of α-lipoproteins (r=-0.49; p=0.041), the concentration of unoxidized lipids (r=0.55; p=0.02), diene conjugates (r=0.48; p=0.043) in EAC. After regular use of soybean-pumpkin products, this correlation dependence was lost.Conclusion. Regular use of soy-pumpkin products for 10 weeks has a beneficial effect on the lipid profile of the blood, increases antioxidant defence, and reduces the susceptibility of a healthy person to ARI.

Test Activity Combinations of Celery Herb (&lt;i&gt;Apium graveolens&lt;/i&gt; L.) and Bay Leaf (&lt;i&gt;Syzygium polyanthum&lt;/i&gt; W.) Ethanol Extract Toward DecreasedLipid Profile Levels in Hypertensive Mice

Celery herb contains flavonoid which can hamper cholesterol synthesis through inhibitor HMG-CoA reductase. Bay leaf has a working mechanism that stimulates bile fluid secretion and stimulates blood circulation. This research aims to know the activity combinations of bay leaf ethanol extract (BLEE) and celery herb ethanol extract (CHEE) and to know which dose mostly can decrease lipid profile levels. The design of this research uses experimental withpre-post control group design.The mice are rendered with NaCl 8% solution and High Fat Feed. The mice are divided into 9 groups, in each group there are 5 mice which are normal group, control group, HCT group, Simvastatin group, and CHEE 4.50 mg/kgBW, BLEE 25.00 mg/kgBW, combination 1, combination 2, and combination 3. Data analysis is conducted with Normality test,One Way ANOVAtest,Kruskal-Wallis,Mann-Whitney. Based on the research after they are induced with NaCl 8% solvent and given high-fat feed, the extract can increase total cholesterol levels, triglycerides, LDL, and also significantly decrease HDL (p &lt;0.05). After giving a test extract solution, it can reduce total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and also significantly increase HDL levels (p &lt;0.05). The conclusion, the three variations combinations dose can decrease total cholesterol, Triglycerides, LDL, and also increase HDL levels, and combination dose 3 has the greatest decrease in total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, and the highest increase in HDL levels. So the lower the total cholesterol level, the lower the possibility of hypertension.

Synopses of Cochrane Reviews from Cochrane Library Issue 12 2020 Through Issue 3 2021.

Synopses of Cochrane Reviews from Cochrane Library Issue 12 2020 Through Issue 3 2021.

Clinical and instrumental profile of patients with stage II essential hypertension with different forms of extrasystoles according to the level of apelin-13

Annotation. Essential hypertension (EH) is one of the leading causes of disability and mortality among cardiovascular diseases, so today new metabolic markers of cardiovascular risk are being actively studied. One of them is apelin-13. Objective – to evaluate the clinical and instrumental profile of patients with stage II hypertension with different forms of extrasystoles and different neurohumoral background – conditionally high/low serum apelin-13 levels. 156 patients with stage II essential hypertension were examined. 124 of them had frequent symptomatic extrasystoles, 32 patients had no arrhythmias and were considered to the comparison group. 30 practically healthy normotensive persons were considered to the control group. All patients underwent a complete clinical and anthropometric examination, blood pressure measurement, automatic daily blood pressure monitoring, daily electrocardiogram monitoring, echocardiography and the assessment of serum apelin-13 level. For statistical analysis, the procedure of non-linear data estimation was chosen, namely logistic regression or logit model. To form the basic statistical matrix of the analysis, we used clinical-instrumental and laboratory indicators, which passed a preliminary correlation analysis of Spearman with the level of apelin-13 serum and found a significant correlation (p&lt;0.05). In the course of the logistic analysis at the final model, which allowed to predict “background of apelin” in patients with stage II EH entered 4 independent factors that revealed statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) correlations with the initial parameter: the value of the systolic arterial pressure time index in%, the index of the left atrium in mm/m2, the average number of ventricular extrasystoles for 1 hour and the level of total cholesterol in plasma in mmol/l. The last indicator showed the least informativeness in predicting of the apelin-13 serum level. Interpreting the data of the obtained logit regression model, it should be said that in patients with EH of increasing the value of the systolic arterial pressure time index, the index of the left atrium and the average value of ventricular extrasystoles during 1 hour and decrease total cholesterol level in plasma increase the probability of determining relatively low (&lt;920 pg/ml) and at the same time reduce the probability of determining a relatively high (≥920 pg/ml) level of apelin serum. These data also show that the highest informativeness in predicting the level of apelin-13 in patients with EH was the total number of ventricular extrasystole per hour. So, a high “apelin background” (≥920 pg/ml) in patients with EH will be accompanied by a benign course of the disease, so an increase serum apelin-13 in patients with EH should be considered as positive neurohumoral changes that promote cardioprotection, improve prognosis course of the disease and reduce cardiovascular risk.

Short-term trajectories of exercise-induced plasma lipid changes in overweight females, with a focus on HDL-cholesterol.

Increased levels of plasma lipoproteins are among some of the modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Dietary changes and increased physical activity are the most powerful non-pharmacological interventions for achieving optimal plasma lipid levels. To investigate the effect of an intensive short-term lifestyle intervention on plasma lipid trajectories in overweight non-diabetic females. A total of 202 healthy overweight (body mass index (BMI) >27.5 kg/m2) females underwent an intensive short-term (ten-week) intervention (at least 4 units of one-hour exercise activity weekly at optimal energy intake) aimed at lowering body weight. Plasma lipid (total cholesterol (TC), low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG)) levels were examined at baseline and every 2 weeks over the course of the ten-week intervention. There was a significant decrease in BMI (Δ -4.7%, p < 0.001) and body weight (Δ -4.9%, p < 0.001) after the intervention. Positive changes (decreases) in TC (Δ -8%, p < 0.001), TG (Δ -9%, p < 0.001) and LDL-C (Δ -11%, p < 0.001) were observed immediately after 2 weeks, but levels did not decrease further thereafter. In contrast, HDL-C did not increase as expected: after 2 weeks of intervention, we observed a significant decrease of about 6% (p < 0.001) followed by a slow return to baseline values. But even after 10 weeks of intervention, HDL-C values had not reached the values detected at baseline. In overweight females, HDL-C decreased after short-term intensive lifestyle intervention. To confirm the protective effect of increased physical activity, plasma lipids need to be examined over a longer time period.

Effects of regular exercise on inflammatory biomarkers and lipid parameters in soccer players

ABSTRACT Since chronic dyslipidemia and inflammation play a major role in the etiopathogenesis of atherosclerotic plaque, we investigated the effects of a 7-week exercise on the serum lipid profile, plasma atherogenic index (PAI), and inflammatory biomarkers interleukin (IL), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 in male soccer players. Methods: The participants in this study were 22 healthy male soccer players aged 19–25 years. IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-a, MCP-1, and lipid profile were recorded before and after the program. PAI was calculated as log (TG/HDL-C), where TG is triglyceride and HDL-C is high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Results: There were significant decreases in post-exercise IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1 (for all, p< .05). Compared to the pretest values, there were significant decreases in posttest total cholesterol (TC), TGs, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), non- high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), and PAI (for all, p< .05). In contrast, HDL-C values increased after exercise (p< .001). After exercise training TC, TGs, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, and PAI decreased and HDL-C increased, indicating improvement in parameters of dyslipidemia. The decreases in IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1 suggest a decrease in systemic inflammation.

Paleolithic Diet-Effect on the Health Status and Performance of Athletes?

The aim of this meta-analysis was to review the impact of a Paleolithic diet (PD) on selected health indicators (body composition, lipid profile, blood pressure, and carbohydrate metabolism) in the short and long term of nutrition intervention in healthy and unhealthy adults. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials of 21 full-text original human studies was conducted. Both the PD and a variety of healthy diets (control diets (CDs)) caused reduction in anthropometric parameters, both in the short and long term. For many indicators, such as weight (body mass (BM)), body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC), impact was stronger and especially found in the short term. All diets caused a decrease in total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG), albeit the impact of PD was stronger. Among long-term studies, only PD cased a decline in TC and LDL-C. Impact on blood pressure was observed mainly in the short term. PD caused a decrease in fasting plasma (fP) glucose, fP insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in the short run, contrary to CD. In the long term, only PD caused a decrease in fP glucose and fP insulin. Lower positive impact of PD on performance was observed in the group without exercise. Positive effects of the PD on health and the lack of experiments among professional athletes require longer-term interventions to determine the effect of the Paleo diet on athletic performance.

Cardiometabolic Changes in Response to a Calorie-Restricted DASH Diet in Obese Older Adults.

Objective: To examine the response of a calorie-restricted Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet on indicators of cardiometabolic health in a cohort of sedentary obese older adults.Design: This was a controlled-feeding trial with a parallel design. Each participant consumed either 3 oz (85 g; n = 15) or 6 oz (170.1 g; n = 13) of lean fresh beef within a standardized calorie-restricted DASH-like diet for 12-weeks. Fasted blood samples were collected and used to measure conventional biomarkers of cardiovascular, metabolic and inflammatory health.Participants: Caucasian older (70.8 years), obese (BMI: 32 ± 6.9 kg/m2; WC: 101 ± 16.4 cm) females (n = 17) and males (n = 11) from the rural community of Brookings, South Dakota.Results: 28 participants completed the 12-week feeding trial, with no differences (p > 0.05) among the biomarkers of cardiometabolic health between the 3 and 6 oz beef intake groups. However, when the beef intake groups were combined, all biomarkers changed concentration in response to the intervention diet. Total cholesterol (p < 0.001), LDL-C (p = 0.004), HDL-C (p < 0.0001), insulin (p = 0.014), glucose (p = 0.008), HOMA-IR (p < 0.05), IL-12 (p < 0.001), and CRP (p = 0.006) all decreased in response to the study diet. IGF-1 (p < 0.001) and IL-8 (p = 0.005) increased in response to the intervention. Correlations among cardiometabolic biomarkers and body composition measures were observed. By study end, the decrease in insulin (R2 = 0.22; P = 0.012) and HOMA-IR (R2 = 0.22; P = 0.01) was positively correlated with the decrease in waist circumference. The increase in IGF-1 was significantly correlated with the decrease in waist circumference (R2 = 0.21; p = 0.014). The increase in IGF-1 was significantly correlated with the increase in sit-to-stand (R2 = 0.21; p = 0.016). The increase in IL-8 was significantly correlated with decreases in total cholesterol (R2 = 0.24; P = 0.008), LDL-C (R2 = 0.17; P = 0.031) and glucose (R2 = 0.44; P = 0.0001).Conclusions: These findings suggest that a DASH-like diet with restricted calories may potentially improve biomarkers of cardiometabolic health in sedentary obese older adults. These results also point to interrelationships between body composition changes and changes in cardiometabolic biomarkers. Lastly, regardless of meat intake amount, positive impacts on cardiometabolic biomarkers were observed in this cohort of older adults with an obese phenotype.

Trial to study the antibacterial effect of quercetin nanoparticles (QUENPS) on drug- resistant E. coli strains in rabbits

The present study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial effect and the antioxidant potential of quercetin nanoparticles on drug-resistant E. coli O157 in New Zealand White Rabbits. Initial surveillance lasting two years (2018-2019) was performed to isolate and molecular detection of some virulence genes of some drug-resistant E.coli strains circulating in NZW rabbits in Egypt.The selected E.coli O157 strain in our experimental work produced strong biofilm and sxt1 (MN902223), sxt2 (MT832770) and eaeA (MN813493) (similarities were 99-100% compared to other E. coli O157 strains in gene bank). The most important results of experimental work in the present study showed that rabbits treated with quercetin nanoparticles showed neither clinical signs nor post mortem lesions. E. coli O157 was re-isolated only at 3 dPI in comparison to that in other experimental infected groups. The groups of rabbits treated with quercetin and nano-quercetin showed a significant increase in antioxidant enzymes before and after infection and in comparison with quercetin, the highest activity in GPX and SOD level appeared in nano-quercetin group at 10 dPI, while at 3 dPI the lowest activity in MDA appeared in NQ group compared to other groups. There were no significant changes in biochemical parameters except nano-quercetin group showed a significant decrease in total cholesterol at 3,10 dPI. In conclusion, Quercetin nanoparticles could be used as a preventive therapeutic agent and a powerful antioxidant drug for protection against E. coli O157.

Does Gender-Affirming Hormonal Treatment Affect 30-Year Cardiovascular Risk in Transgender Persons? A Two-Year Prospective European Study (ENIGI)

BackgroundCardiovascular (CV) implications of long-term gender affirming hormonal treatment (GAHT) in transgender individuals still remain largely unknown. AimTo evaluate changes in the 30-year Framingham cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in a large cohort of transgender individuals after the start of GAHT. MethodsIn a multicenter prospective study, a consecutive series of 309 participants (165 transmen and 144 transwomen) was evaluated during a 2-year follow-up. Prospectively, after the start of GAHT a physical examination was performed and blood samples were drawn. CVD risk was calculated for each person, according to the Framingham 30-year CVD risk estimate. Main Outcome MeasureChanges in CV risk factors and 30-year Framingham CVD risk during GAHT. Clinical ImplicationsIn transmen testosterone-induced lipid profile alterations may have a clinical relevance on the individual long-term CVD risk. Strengths & LimitationsThe strength of the present study is the possibility to predict long-term CV outcomes in transgender individuals receiving GAHT based on a short observation; whereas the main limitation is that CVD risk prospective changes mainly represent the expression of risk factors changes during GAHT. ResultsIn transwomen a significant decrease in triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol was observed during the 2-year follow-up (P < .05), whereas unfavorable lipid changes – such as increased total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol levels and decreased HDL cholesterol levels (P < .05)- occurred after the start of GAHT in transmen. These changes in risk factors led to an increase in the risk of general and hard CVD events based on lipid profile over time in transmen (P = .001 and P = .005, respectively). No significant changes in general and hard CVD risk based on lipid profile were observed in transwomen over time. ConclusionsOur findings confirmed the unfavorable lipid changes in transmen after the start of GAHT even during a longer follow-up, empathizing the potential clinical impact of these modifications on individual long-term CVD risk.Cocchetti C, Castellini G, Iacuaniello D, et al. Does Gender-Affirming Hormonal Treatment Affect 30-Year Cardiovascular Risk in Transgender Persons? A Two-Year Prospective European Study (ENIGI). J Sex Med 2021;18:821–829.

Lipoprotein apheresis efficacy and challenges: single center experience

IntroductionLipoprotein apheresis (LA) is an extracorporeal therapy which removes apolipoprotein B-containing particles from the circulation. We evaluated techniques and efficiency of lipoprotein apheresis procedures applied to patients with familial and non-familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) at our center. MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated 250 LA procedures applied to 27 patients with dyslipidemia between March 2011 and August 2019. ResultsA total of 27 patients, of whom 19 (70.4%) were male and 8 (29.6%), female, were included. Eighteen (66.7%), 6 (22.2%) and 3 (11.1%) patients were diagnosed with non-FH, homozygous FH (HoFH) and heterozygous FH (HeFH), respectively. Two different apheresis techniques, direct adsorption of lipoproteins (DALI) (48.8%) and double filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) (51.2%), were used. The change in the serum total cholesterol (TC) level was the median 302 mg/dl (171–604 mg/dl) (60.4%) in HoFH patients, 305 mg/dl (194–393 mg/dl) (60.8%) in HeFH patients and 227 mg/dl (75–749 mg/dl) (65.3%) in non-FH patients. The change in the serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level was the median 275 mg/dl (109–519 mg/dl) (64.2%), 232 mg/dl (207–291 mg/dl) (64.5%) and 325 mg/dl (22–735 mg/dl) (70.9%) in patients with HoFH, HeFH and non-FH, respectively. A significantly effective reduction in serum lipid levels, including TC, LDL and triglycerides, was achieved in all patients, regardless of the technique, p < .001. The decrease in the serum TC and LDL levels was significantly higher in the DFPP, compared to the DALI, being 220 mg/dl (−300 to 771) vs 184 mg/dl (64–415), p < .001 and 196 mg/dl (11–712) vs 157 mg/dl (54–340), p < .001, respectively. ConclusionsOur results showed that LA is a highly effective treatment in reducing serum lipid levels and safe, without any major adverse event.

A single-dose, implant-based, trivalent virus-like particle vaccine against "cholesterol checkpoint" proteins.

Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death globally. Lowering cholesterol levels in plasma is the mainstay therapy; however lifelong treatment and adverse effects call for improved therapeutic interventions. We developed a trivalent vaccine candidate targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin-9 (PCSK9), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP). Vaccine candidates were developed using bacteriophage Qβ-based virus-like particles (VLPs) displaying antigens of PCKS9, ApoB, and CETP, respectively. Vaccine candidate mixtures were formulated as slow-release PLGA:VLP implants using hot-melt extrusion. The delivery of the trivalent vaccine candidate via the implant produced antibodies against the cholesterol checkpoint proteins at levels comparable to a three-dose injection schedule with soluble mixtures. The reduction in PCSK9 and ApoB levels in plasma, inhibition of CETP (in vitro), and total plasma cholesterol decrease was achieved. All-together, we present a platform technology for a single-dose multi-target vaccination platform targeting cholesterol checkpoint proteins.

The effects of exercise training on lipid profile in patients with sarcoidosis

This study aimed to determine the use of lipid profiling to assess the effects of moderate intensity exercise training (ET) on patients with sarcoidosis. Fourteen patients with sarcoidosis (mean age, 46.0 ± 9.6 years) were examined before and after 3-week of ET programme in hospital settings. Symptoms (fatigue: FAS, dyspnoea: MRC), lung function tests and physical function tests (6 MWT, muscle force) were measured before and after ET. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy combined with orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was used to determine lipid profile before and after ET. Twenty-five NMR signals from lipid compounds were selected for further analysis as well as serum lipid and inflammatory markers. Three weeks of ET results in improvement of symptoms (FAS: 27.5 vs. 21.0; p < 0.001, MRC: 0.86 vs. 0.14; p = 0.002) and physical function (6MWT: 508.43 vs. 547.29; p = 0.039). OPLS-DA analysis of the lipid profiles of patients with sarcoidosis revealed differences among the samples before and after ET, including decreases in fatty acids (p < 0.017), triglycerides (p < 0.022) and total cholesterol (p < 0.020). Other changes included shifts in fatty acids oxidation products and triacylglycerol esters. A short-time, in-hospital exercise training benefits patients with sarcoidosis by enhancing their physical function. Additionally, positive effect on lipid profile was observed also in this study. It is suggested that lipid profiling could become a new prognostic method to assess effects of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with sarcoidosis.