Decrease In Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Research Articles

Anti-diabetic and Lipidemic Effect of Muskmelon Fruits and Seeds on Streptozocin Induced Diabetic Rat

Background: The increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus Worldwide and its complex nature of predisposing one to different ailments like obesity, eye defect, cardiovascular diseases etc. calls for alternative measures in the management of the disease. Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) is an underutilized food with a lot of nutritional and medical potential which are used traditionally in the management of different ailments like diabetes mellitus.
 Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-diabetes and anti-lipidemic effects of muskmelon fruits and seeds in streptozotocin induced-diabetic rats.
 Methods: Diabetes was induced using intravenous Streptozotocin at a dose of 42 mg/kg of body weight into the tail veins to groups 2-5. Twenty-five male albino rats were divided into 5 groups, group 1 normal control, group 2- diabetic control, group 3- Glucophage treatment, group 4-500mg/kg BW muskmelon fruits extract, and group 5- 500mg/kg bw muskmelon seeds extract and were treated for 2 weeks. Fasting blood glucose, body weight, triglyceride, LDL, HDL and total cholesterol were evaluated.
 Results: The result shows that the extract caused a significant increase in the body weight, HDL-cholesterol, and a significant decrease in triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose. Although the extract performed well there is a significant difference between the group that took Glucophage and the groups that ate muskmelon fruits and seed extract p<0.05
 Conclusion: The result proved the anti-diabetic and anti-lipidemic effect of muskmelon fruits and seeds which could be added to the pool of other food used in the management of diabetes mellitus which will lead to diet diversification.

Pleiotropic Benefits of Statins in Cardiovascular Diseases.

In 1976, Japanese microbiologist Akira Endo discovered the first statin as a product of the fungus Penicillium citrinum that inhibited the activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase. Their primary mode of action is to lower the blood cholesterol by decreasing hepatic cholesterol production, which upregulates hepatic low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors and increases LDL-cholesterol clearance. In addition to cholesterol lowering, statins inhibit other downstream products of the mevalonate pathway, causing the so-called pleiotropic effects. As a result of their pleiotropic effects statins modulate virtually all known processes of atherosclerosis and have beneficial effects outside the cardiovascular system Statins inhibit the post-translational prenylation of small GTP-binding proteins such as Rho, Rac, as well as their downstream effectors such as Rho kinase and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases since they suppress the synthesis of isoprenoid intermediates in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway altering the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, the stability of atherosclerotic plaques, production of proinflammatory cytokines, reactive oxygen species, platelet reactivity, development of cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in cell culture and animal experiments. Inhibition of Rho and Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase (ROCK), has emerged as the principle mechanisms underlying the pleiotropic effects of statins. However, the relative contributions of statin pleiotropy to clinical outcomes are debatable and difficult to measure because the amount of isoprenoid inhibition by statins corresponds to some extent with the amount of LDL-cholesterol decrease. This article examines some of the existing molecular explanations underlying statin pleiotropy and discusses if they have clinical relevance in cardiovascular diseases.

Therapeutic effects of aqueous extract of bioactive active component of Ageratum conyzoides on the ovarian-uterine and hypophysis-gonadal axis in rat with polycystic ovary syndrome: Histomorphometric evaluation and biochemical assessment

BackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder, affecting women of reproductive age. Ageratum conyzoïdes (AGC) is used traditionally in the treatment of fever, rheumatism, and ulcer. This study investigates the effects of AGC on ovarian-uterine in PCOS rats. MethodsFemale rats were randomized into four groups (n = 6). Group A control received 2 ml distilled water. Group B received a single dose of 4 mg/kg body weight (bwt) i.p estradiol valerate (EV). Group C received 500 mg/kg bwt AGC and group D received a single dose of 4 mg/kg bwt i.p EV followed by 500 mg/kg bwt AGC orally for 30 days. Parameters tested include follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (T), estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-18 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)- α, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT), total protein (TP), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and ovary and uterus histomorphometric. ResultsAgeratum conyzoides decrease insulin resistance, obesity indices, TC, TG, LDL, MDA, T, LH, FSH, CRP, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF- α in PCOS rats. And increase HDL, E2, P, TP, CAT, and SOD in PCOS rats. AGC improved ovary and uterus histo-architecture, tertiary, and Graafian follicles, corpus luteum and endometrial thickness increased,and cystic and atretic follicles decreased. ConclusionAgeratum conyzoides improved insulin sensitivity, antioxidant activities, hormonal imbalance, inflammatory makers, and histological changes in PCOS rats. Therefore AGC can be used as a potential adjuvant agent in the treatment of PCOS.

Effectiveness and Tolerability of a Two-Week Hypocaloric Protein-Rich Diet Prior to Obesity Surgery with Two Different Diet Interventions: a Prospective Randomized Trial

PurposePreoperative very low-calorie diets (VLCDs) have been shown to reduce liver volume and improve bariatric surgery safety. Here, we compare two VLCD that differ in macronutrient composition.Material/MethodsNinety patients awaiting obesity surgery were included in a prospective, open-label, randomized mono-centre trial comparing the effects of 2-week preoperative VLCDs: BCM Diät™ (diet 1) versus Optifast™ (diet 2).ResultsData from 33 patients in diet 1 and 36 in diet 2 could be analysed. There was no significant difference between the two diet intervention arms on outcome parameters. Overall, both VLCD strategies led to a mean weight reduction of 5.24 [4.72–5.76] kg (p < 0.001), mean excess weight loss was 8.2 [7.4–9.1] % (p < 0.001). BMI reduction was 1.81 [1.63–1.99] kg/m2 (p < 0.001). Over all patients, the liver volume was reduced by 397 [329–466] ml (p < 0.001), which corresponds to 14.6 [12.4; 16.8] %. Liver fat content was significantly reduced by 18.35 [8.98–27.71] %. Reduction of body weight correlates with liver volume loss.In addition, hip/waist circumferences, body fat and fat-free mass decreased significantly. We found an increase of ALAT/ASAT and a significant decrease of triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol and HbA1c. Parameters of inflammatory were significantly reduced upon VLCD.ConclusionIndependently of the macronutrient composition, VLCD leads to a significant decrease of body weight, reduction of liver volume and improved parameters of inflammation, glucose and lipid metabolism. Preoperative diets are widely used in conditioning; however, VLCD should be considered as option for patients with obesity undergoing other abdominal surgeries.Graphical abstract

Application possibilities of PCSK9 inhibitors in patients with coronary heart disease in combination with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Introduction. Coronary heart disease (CHD) combined with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) requires enhanced secondary prevention.The aim of the study was to evaluate the application possibilities of PCSK9 inhibitors in patients with coronary heart disease combined with type 2 diabetes.Materials and methods. The study included 77 patients with coronary heart disease divided into 2 groups: the first group without type 2 diabetes (n=39) and the second group with concomitant type 2 diabetes (n=38). Before the experiment started all patients received a combination of the maximum tolerated dose of atorvastatin and ezetimibe and did not reach the target values of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol), after that alirocumab was added to treatment. In all patients, for 12 months, the parameters of the lipid transport system, glycated hemoglobin and the dynamics of changes in the thickness of the intima-media complex of the carotid arteries were evaluated.Results. After starting treatment with alirocumab, in the first group, LDL cholesterol targets reached 97.4 % (n=38), in the second group – 94.7 % (n=36). The LDL cholesterol level in the first group decreased from 2.27 [2.21; 2.35] to 1.15 [1.07; 1.28] mmol/l (by 49.1 %, p&lt;0.001), in the second group from 2.32 [2.27; 2.36] to 1.17 [1.12; 1.19] mmol/l (by 49.6 %, p&lt;0.001). A direct strong statistically significant correlation was revealed between the concentration of LDL cholesterol and other indicators of lipid metabolism.Conclusion. The obtained results of PCSK9 inhibitors appliance in CHD patients with very high cardiovascular risk demonstrate a decrease in LDL cholesterol by 73.9 % in the group of CHD patients and by 74.2 % in the group of CHD patients in combination with type 2 diabetes. In the first group, the target concentrations of LDL cholesterol were reached by 97.4 % of patients, in the second group – 94.7 %. The achieved hypolipidemic effect was simultaneously combined with a decrease in the thickness of the intima-media complex in the group of patients with coronary artery disease: for the right common carotid artery by 7.8 %, for the left by 10.9 %; in patients with coronary heart disease with concomitant type 2 diabetes: for the right common carotid artery by 8.3 %, for the left by 8.1 %.

Efficacy and safety of saroglitazar for the management of dyslipidemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional studies.

Saroglitazar is a newer antidiabetic agent approved to manage dyslipidemia. The objective is tevaluate the efficacy and safety profiles of saroglitazar in patients with dyslipidemia. A systematic search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Google Scholar from the inception until January 2022. Interventional studies comparing the anti-hyperlipidaemic effect and safety of saroglitazar with or without a control group(s) were included. The efficacy of saroglitazar was assessed concerning its effect on total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, triglycerides, fasting plasma glucose, and non-HDL cholesterol. The effects on serum creatinine levels, bodyweight reduction, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were considered to be safety endpoint.The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. A total of six studies with 581 adults with a mean age ranging from 40.2 to 62.6 years were included in this study. A significant decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was observed with saroglitazar 4 mg therapy compared to saroglitazar 2 mg [standardized mean difference (SMD): -0.23 mg/dL, 95% CI: -0.47 to 0.00; p = 0.05; 2 studies], and control [SMD: -0.36 mg/dL, 95% CI -0.59 to -0.12; p = 0.0026; 3 studies]. Also, a significant decrease in the total cholesterol was observed with saroglitazar 4 mg therapy compared to saroglitazar 2 mg [SMD - 0.28 mg/dL, 95% CI: - 0.52 to -0.04; p < 0.01; 2 studies], and control [SMD - 0.49 mg/dL, 95% CI: - 0.72 to -0.26; p < 0.0001; 3 studies]. Saroglitazar was not associated with adverse effects such as increase in serum creatinine levels, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase and bodyweight reduction. Saroglitazar appeared to be an effective and safer therapeutic option for improving dyslipidemia in patients. However, comparative studies of saroglitazar with the other pharmacological agents are warranted.

Enigma of the cholesterol paradox in acute myocardial infarction: lessons from an 8-year follow-up of all-cause mortality in an age-matched and sex-matched case–control study with controls from the patients’ recruitment area

ObjectiveTo assess the impact of total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) on long-term all-cause mortality (ACM) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and controls.DesignMatched case–control study with...

Evaluation of serum lipid profile in breast cancer patients: a case control study

Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between serum lipid profile and breast cancer disease.Patients and methods: One hundred breast cancer women and 75 women with benign breast mass as a control group were included in the study. The control and the patient groups were aged matched. The age range of the control group was between 25 to 70 years (mean ± SD: 50.4 ± 15.1 years). The age range of the patient group was between 25 to 71 yeas (mean ± SD: 49.1 ± 14.6 years). The patients were undergone radical modified mastectomy, then treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy after the operation. Five mL of blood samples from the patient and control groups were taken, and the patient samples were taken before the operation. The blood samples were analyzed for serum lipid profile. The patients and the control groups were advised to fast for 14 hours before taking the blood samples. Body mass index was measured for the patients and controls. The stage, lymph involvement, and metastasis of the cancer were also included.Results: Body mass index (BMI) in patients was significantly higher than controls. However, serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and atherogenic index (AI), in the patients were significantly lower than controls. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HLD-C) was higher in the patients compared with the controls but not significant.Conclusion: a significant decrease in TC, TGs, and LDL-C with no significant increase for HDL-C was noticed in breast cancer women. Serum lipid profile may not be considered as a risk factor for breast cancer.

Lipid profile in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 depending on the outcome of its acute phase: data from the international registry "Dynamics analysis of comorbidities in SARS-CoV-2 infection survivors"

Aim. To study the lipid profile in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) depending on the outcome of its acute phase according to the AKTIV international registry.Material and methods. The AKTIV registry included men and women over 18 years of age with a diagnosis of COVID-19, who were treated in a hospital. A total of 9364 patients were included in the registry, of which 623 patients were analyzed for levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides on days 1-2 of hospitalization. The level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was calculated using the Friedewald equation.Results. We found that a decrease in LDL-C level was significantly associated with an unfavorable prognosis for hospitalized patients with COVID-19. This pattern persisted in both univariate and multivariate analyses. LDL-C levels in the final multivariate model had a significant relationship with the prognosis (an increase in the death risk by 1,7 times with a decrease per 1 mmol/l). In addition, we found that the survival of patients with an indicator level of &lt;2,45 mmol/l is significantly worse than in patients with an LDL-C level ≥2,45 mmol/l. All patients with high LDL-C ((≥4,9 mmol/l) survived, while among patients with low LDL-C (&lt;2,45 mmol/l. All patients with high LDL-C ((≥4,9 mmol/l) survived, while among patients with low LDL-C (&lt;1,4 mmol/l), mortality was 13,04%, which was significantly higher than in patients with LDL-C ≥1,4 mmol/l (6,32%, p=0,047).Conclusion. A decrease in LDL-C in the acute period is significantly associated with an unfavorable prognosis for hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Determination of LDL-C can be included in the examination program for patients with COVID-19. However, the predictive value of this parameter requires further study in prospective clinical studies.

Non-Lipid Effects of PCSK9 Monoclonal Antibodies on Vessel Wall.

Elevated low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels have an important role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis, followed by cardiovascular events. Besides statins and other lipid-modifying drugs, PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies are known to reduce hyperlipidemia. PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies decrease LDL cholesterol levels through inducing the upregulation of the LDL receptors and moderately decrease Lp(a) levels. In addition, PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies have shown non-lipid effects. PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies reduce platelet aggregation and activation, and increase platelet responsiveness to acetylsalicylic acid. Evolocumab as well as alirocumab decrease an incidence of venous thromboembolism, which is associated with the decrease of Lp(a) values. Besides interweaving in haemostasis, PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies play an important role in reducing the inflammation and improving the endothelial function. The aim of this review is to present the mechanisms of PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies on the aforementioned risk factors.

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HA-114 improves eating behaviors and mood-related factors in adults with overweight during weight loss: a randomized controlled trial

ABSTRACT Background: Gut microbiota has emerged as a modifiable factor influencing obesity and metabolic diseases. Interventions targeting this microbial community could attenuate biological and psychological comorbidities of excess weight. Objective: Our aim was to determine if Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus HA-114 supplementation accentuated beneficial impact of weight loss on metabolic and cognitive health. Methods: This 12-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial assessed biological markers of energy metabolism, eating behaviors and mood-related factors in 152 adults with overweight receiving L. rhamnosus HA-114 supplementation or placebo, that were also on a dietary intervention inducing a controlled weight loss. Results: Although probiotic supplementation did not potentiate the reduction in body weight or fat mass, a significant decrease in plasma insulin, HOMA-IR, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides was observed in the probiotic-supplemented group only. With respect to eating behaviors and mood-related factors, beneficial effects were either observed only in the group receiving probiotic supplementation or were significantly greater in this group, including decrease in binge eating tendencies, disinhibition and food-cravings. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the clinical relevance of probiotic supplementation to induce beneficial metabolic and psychological outcomes in individuals with overweight undergoing weight loss. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02962583.

Long Term Whole Egg, but Not Egg White Supplementation Promotes Growth and Bifidobacteria and Lachnospira Without Increasing LDL-Cholesterol in Primary School Children

ObjectivesWe aimed to determine long-term effects of egg supplementation on growth, blood lipoproteins, blood proteins, nutritional status, and microbiota in primary school children.MethodsA randomized controlled, cluster study was performed at 6 rural schools in Central, Eastern, and Western Thailand. 635 students (8–14 years old) were recruited into the study. Subjects were randomly assigned into 3 groups, based on weight for age: 1) Whole eggs (WE) - consume 10 additional eggs per week [n = 238] 2) Egg substitute (ES) - consume yolk-free egg substitute equivalent to 10 eggs per week [n = 200], and 3) control group (C, [n = 197]). The anthropometric, biochemical indexes, dietary intake, and microbiota were measured at week 0 (baseline), week 13–14, and week 34–35.ResultsAt baseline, 14% were under-weighed, 9% were stunted, and 16% were wasted. At 34–35 weeks, the increases in body weight and height were higher in WE group than those in C group (3.56 ± 0.93 kg, P < 0.001 and 5.11 ± 0.92 cm, P < 0.001). No significant differences in weight and height were observed between the ES and C groups. Prealbumin levels were higher (1.53 ± 0.33 mg/dL, P < 0.001) in WE but not ES as compared with C. There were significant decreases in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol in WE but not ES as compared with C. Additionally, HDL cholesterol tended to increase in WE (0.66 ± 0.99 mg/dL, ns) as compared with C. Bacterial diversity in WE, ES and C group was not significantly change neither alpha nor beta diversity. After whole egg supplementation, the overall relative abundance of the Bifidobacterium was increased up to 1.28-fold. The differential abundance analysis also indicated that Lachnospira significantly increased and Varibaculum significantly decreased after whole egg supplementation.ConclusionsLong-term whole egg supplementation significantly enhanced growth in young children with no adverse effect on blood cholesterol levels. The result coincided with promoting health-benefit gut bacteria. However, further insight into the mechanistic effect of egg consumption on gut microbiota and growth is needed.Funding SourcesAgricultural Research Development Agency (ARDA), Thailand.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Metabolic Syndrome in Women: Effects of Lifestyle Modifications.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most widespread liver disease, characterized by fatty acids liver accumulation and subsequent fibrosis. NAFLD prevalence ranges from 80% to 90% in obese subjects and is estimated to be around 50% in patients with metabolic syndrome. In this clinical scenario, diet and lifestyle modifications can play an important role. There are several imaging techniques that can accurately diagnose fatty liver. Recently, ultrasound has acquired a leading role in the diagnosis and follow-up of fatty liver disease. Furthermore, elastosonography represents a valid alternative to liver biopsy. Shear wave elastosonography evaluates the elastic and mechanical properties of liver tissue. The aim is to evaluate the effects of lifestyle and nutritional interventions and a loss of body weight during hepatic steatosis through ultrasonographic and elastosonographic techniques. Thirty-two female subjects with metabolic syndrome were subjected to clinical, anthropometric, and laboratory assessments, as well as abdominal ultrasonographic/elastosonographic measurements taken from enrollment time (T0) and after 3 months (T1) of lifestyle modifications. After 3 months of lifestyle changes, significant weight loss was observed, with a marked improvement in all adiposity indices. The laboratory parameters at T1 showed significant decreases in total and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, basal blood glucose, 120 min glycaemia, basal insulin and HOMA Index (p < 0.001). A similar improvement was observed at T1 for steatosis degree (p < 0.01) and elastosonographic measurements (Kpa p < 0.001). The linear regression analysis of the baseline conditions documented that the size of the liver positively correlated with body weight, BMI, neck and waist circumferences, waist to height ratio (WhtR), insulin and HOMA Index, fat mass and visceral fat, and steatosis grade. After 3 months, the liver size showed improvement with positive correlations to all previous variables. Hepatic stiffness (Kpa) positively correlated with neck circumference, visceral fat, and ALT, with basal insulin, gamma-GT, and AST, and with waist circumference, WhtR, and fat mass. The degree of steatosis was positively correlated with more variables and with greater statistical significance at T1 with respect to T0. Particularly, the positive correlations between the degree of steatosis and neck circumference (p < 0.001), HOMA Index, and triglycerides (p < 0.001) appeared to be very significant. NAFLD management in women with metabolic syndrome should be focused on lifestyle modifications. Moreover, liver involvement and improvement at follow-up could be evaluated in a non-invasive manner through ultrasonographic and elastosonographic techniques.

Intensification of lipid-lowering therapy in very high-risk patients: potential of combination with PCSK9 inhibitors

Aim. To assess the efficacy and safety of 6-month combined lipid-lowering therapy with a PCSK9 inhibitor in patients with very high cardiovascular risk (CVR).Material and methods. This prospective, open-label, single-center exploratory research study with active treatment included 5 outpatients with very high CVR. So, 80% of patients had prior coronary artery disease, 20% peripheral arterial disease, and 60% old myocardial infarction. The key inclusion criterion was the failure to achieve the target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) &lt;1,4 mmol/l with high-intensity statin monotherapy at the maximal tolerated doses or combination therapy with ezetimibe. On a regular basis, all included patients took atorvastatin 40-80 mg/day or rosuvastatin 20-40 mg/day, or pitavastatin 2-4 mg/day. In addition, 2 patients received a statin in combination with ezetimibe 10 mg/day. Patients were followed up for 6 months as follows: every 2 weeks, with a lipid profile monitoring, subcutaneous injections of alirocumab at a dose of 150 mg/ml were performed. Additionally, clinical and laboratory indicators of the safety of therapy were evaluated.Results. After 6 months, with the combined lipid-lowering therapy with alirocumab, a decrease in median LDL-C from 4,3 (4,11-4,67) to 1,27 (1,06-1,47) (p=0,001) mmol/l, total cholesterol from 6,1 (6-7) to 3,7 (3,5-3,9) (p=0,018) mmol/l, atherogenic index from 3,2 (3-3,26) to 0,8% (0,8-1,5) (p=0,001). There was no significant decrease in median triglycerides and an increase in median high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Six-month lipid-lowering therapy with a PCSK9 inhibitor had no adverse events and made it possible to achieve a maximum decrease in LDL-C by an average of 75,4% already by 4 months of treatment in actual clinical practice.Conclusion. Six-month combined lipid-lowering therapy with alirocumab 150 mg subcutaneously every 2 weeks in very high-risk patients allows the majority of patients to achieve target LDL-C values.

Impact of the DRD2 Polymorphisms on the Effectiveness of the Training Program.

Dopamine receptor D2 gene (DRD2) polymorphisms have been associated with cognitive abilities, obesity, addictions, and physical-activity-related behaviors, which may underlie differences in the effectiveness of training programs. What is not yet clear is the impact of DRD2 polymorphisms on the effectiveness of exercise programs. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between the DRD2 polymorphic sites (rs1076560, rs12364283, rs1799732, rs1800497, and rs1800498) and the body’s response to regular physical activity. We studied genotypes and haplotypes distribution in a group of 165 females measured for body mass and body composition measurements, lipid profile, and glucose levels before and after realization of a 12-week training program. When tested individually, statistical analyses revealed one significant genotype by training interaction under the general model (for the basal metabolic rate, BMR, p = 0.033). Carriers of the rs1076560 CC genotype exhibited a decrease in BMR in response to training (p = 0.006). Haplotype analyses also showed that (i) the CACCC and CACTT haplotypes were associated with a post-training decrease in glucose level (β = −4.11, p = 0.032; β = −6.86, p = 0.020, respectively); (ii) the CGCCT with an increase in BMR (β = 0.65, p = 0.003) and fat free mass (FFM, β = 1.20, p = 0.009); (iii) the CA-CT with a decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL, β = −17.26, p = 0.046). These results provide some evidence that the DRD2 polymorphisms may play a role in post-training changes in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, and, as a consequence, in the effectiveness of training programs.

Efficacy of using walnuts as statin adjuvants in hypertension management

ABSTRACT Background Due to the widespread unorthodox use of nuts to improve cardiovascular health, this clinical trial was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of walnut as an adjuvant statin in hypertensive subjects. Method A single-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial that lasted for 3 months. Forty-five screened hypertensive subjects on treatment, aged 45–65 years, were randomized into intervention and placebo groups according to their blood pressure defined by the American Heart Association criteria. Fifteen (15) normotensive subjects were also recruited for this study. The participants in the intervention group included daily 7 g of boiled walnut taken as snacks. The study was not controlled for type of diet and frequency of meals in a day. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) was the primary endpoint for this study. Results The mean LDLc levels of the intervention groups (84.6 mg/dl and 79.7 mg/dl, respectively) were significantly (p < .005) lower than the placebo (137.6 mg/dl). The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) levels of the intervention groups were significantly higher than the placebo. The mean total cholesterol levels of the intervention groups were significantly lower than the placebo group. The intervention groups recorded a significantly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to the placebo. The supplementation of walnut significantly decreased the apolipoprotein E (APOE), proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9), and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activities relative to the placebo. Conclusion The use of walnut as a statin adjuvant during hypertension treatment reduced LDLc levels within 42.1% and improved HDL levels by 33.6%, and the LDLc decrease related to reduced PCSK9 and APOE activities while the HDLc increase related to reduced CETP activities.

Efficacy, Safety and Protective Effects of Lipid Lowering Drugs in Patients with Diabetes

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the effects of statins and fibrates on the lipid profile of patients with diabetes and to determine their side effects. Methods: It was a transversal study. We included patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes that are followed in an outpatient department, treated for at least 3 months by statins or fibrates.We performed an interrogatory, a medical examination, dietary survey and biological tests for all patients. Results:The mean age was 59.5 ± 9.2 years. Women were 65% of patients. The mean duration of treatment with statins and fibrates was 2.2 ± 2.6 years and 4.9 ± 4.2 years, respectively.Under statin therapy, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol decreased significantly by 1.02±1.25 mmol/l and 0.32±0.47 mmol/l, respectively, triglycerides and HDL cholesterol decreased insignificantly.Fibrates caused a significant decrease in total cholesterol and triglycerides by 1.15± 2.24 mmol/l and 1.73 ±2.96 mmol/l, respectively and a non-significant decrease in LDL cholesterol and a non-significant increase in HDL cholesterol. No case of significant hepatic cytolysis was noted. Muscle pain was reported by 10.4% and 11.6% of patients on statins and fibrate, respectively.Under statins, the incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms increased significantly. Conclusion: The efficacy of lipid lowering drugs is widely proven. Although side effects are possible, the prescription of lipid lowering drugs should be largely encouraged for better health care of patients with diabetes.

Lipid-Lowering Responses to Dyslipidemia Determine the Efficacy on Liver Enzymes in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease with Hepatic Injuries: A Prospective Cohort Study.

PurposeEffective treatment of dyslipidemia with lipid-lowering agents is pivotal in the management of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) for preventing cardiovascular complications. We explored the associations between improvements in liver injuries indicated by changes in transaminases and a reduction in lipid levels in MAFLD patients with dyslipidemia and elevated transaminases during lipid-lowering therapies.MethodsThis prospective, cohort study enrolled consecutive MAFLD patients with hyperlipidemia and elevated transaminases. Patients were divided into a group receiving lipid-lowering agents and an age-, sex- and baseline lipid level-matched control group without receiving lipid-lowering agents. Clinical visits were performed at the 1st month and then every 3 months for 1 year.ResultsThis study included 541 MAFLD patients (lipid-lowering group: 325 patients; control group: 216 patients). Compared with controls, there was a substantially greater reduction in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) in the lipid-lowering group after 12 months (all P < 0.05). The decrease in ALT was positively correlated with the decrease in TC (r = 0.332), TG (r = 0.180), LDL-c (r = 0.253) and apolipoprotein E (ApoE) (r = 0.119), while the decrease in AST was positively correlated with the decrease in TC (r = 0.228) and LDL-c (r = 0.192) (all P<0.05). The greater range of reduction in blood lipids (TC/TG/LDL-c), the higher the transaminase and GGT normalization rate (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis confirmed that a TG decrease of over 50% remained an independent predictor of transaminase and GGT normalization (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.12–3.84, P=0.020).ConclusionLipid-lowering to target levels might be beneficial to liver injury improvements in MAFLD patients with dyslipidemia when receiving lipid-lowering agents.

Effectiveness and safety of red yeast rice predominated by monacolin K β-hydroxy acid form for hyperlipidemia treatment and management.

To assess the lipid-lowering activity and safety of a dietary supplement containing monacolin K β-hydroxy acid form (MKA), Heye (), and Cangzhu (), compared to lifestyle modifications. Totally 117 subjects with moderate to severe dyslipidemia (according to Chinese guidelines) and low CV risk were randomly assigned into three treatment groups: lifestyle modification (LM), LM plus a low dosage of MKA, LM plus a high dosage of MKA, and treated for 60 d. The primary endpoint was the reduction of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC). Safeties along with Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndromes were assessed through the study. A low dosage of MKA along with lifestyle modifications caused a significant decrease in LDL-C by 15.6% on average (95% , 9.6% to 21%) with, a decrease in TC by 15.3% on average (95% CI, 9.26% to 21.4%), and a decrease in non-HDL-C by 35.4% (95% CI, 25.76% to 41.34%). Weak evidence of a reduction of triglycerides but an increment of HDL-C was observed in patients with severe hyperlipidemia. No severe adverse events occurred during the study. Our results confirm the LDL-C and TC lowering properties of MKA is clinically meaningful. It also produces a significant reduction of non-HDL-C, and slightly effects on TG and HDL-C as well.

Innovative, centralised, multidisciplinary medicines optimisation clinic for PCSK9 inhibitors

BackgroundProprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9is) are an important but underutilised option to help optimise lipid management. We developed a new service to improve patient access to these medicines...