Decrease In Total Cholesterol Research Articles

Associations between Long-term UFP Exposure and Certain Inflammatory Biomarkers and Blood Lipid Indicators: An Analysis Featuring Peak Exposure Metrics

BACKGROUND AND AIM: __ __Recent studies suggested that certain inflammatory biomarkers and blood lipid indicators may be associated with annual average of ultrafine particle (UFP) exposure. However, associations with repeated peaks of UFP exposure are rarely studied. __We previously proposed a novel metric for assigning UFP peak exposure. We hypothesize that, compared to annual average exposure, cumulative UFP peak exposure over a year may have stronger associations with the aforementioned biomarkers and indicators. METHODS: __ __Blood samples from 452 participants living in the Greater Boston Area were analyzed for three inflammatory biomarkers [high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNF-RII)] and four blood lipid indicators [total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)]. __UFP exposure data was hourly averages of particle number concentration (PNC) estimated using a land use regression model based on mobile-monitored ambient UFP concentration, with time-activity adjustment applied. __Both blood sample and UFP exposure data were previously reported in the literature. __Multivariate regression models were used to analyze associations between our peak exposure metric and the outcome biomarkers and indicators. RESULTS:__ __An increase in cumulative UFP peak exposure was significantly associated with a decrease in blood total cholesterol and HDL level. It was also significantly associated with an increase in blood TNF-RII among Non-Hispanic Whites. __The association with total cholesterol level was not found using annual average UFP exposure. __The change of these three outcomes associated with one inter-quartile range’s (IQR) increase in peak exposure was greater than the change associated with one IQR’s increase in annual average exposure. CONCLUSIONS:__ __Associations between UFP exposure and inflammatory biomarkers and blood lipid indicators based on our peak exposure metric were generally similar to associations based on the annual average metric. However, for certain biomarkers and indicators, our peak exposure metric may show stronger associations than the annual average. KEYWORDS: Traffic-related, Particulate matter, Cardiovascular diseases, Exposure assessment, Modeling, Environmental epidemiology

Metabolic Changes in SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Clinical Data and Molecular Hypothesis to Explain Alterations of Lipid Profile and Thyroid Function Observed in COVID-19 Patients.

It seems that during SARS-CoV-2 infection, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and HDL-C values decrease and lipids could play a fundamental role in viral replication. Moreover, it has been shown that SARS-CoV-2 infection could influence thyroid function. We performed a retrospective analysis of 118 hospitalized patients with COVID-19, comparing pre-infection lipid profile (53 patients) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) values (45 patients) to those measured on admission. Our aim was to evaluate whether SARS-CoV-2 infection could be involved in thyroid and lipid profile alterations and study possible correlations with disease severity and clinical outcome. Median baseline values at the admission time were: total cholesterol at 136.89 ± 42.73 mg/dL, LDL-C 81.53 ± 30.35 mg/dL, and HDL-C 32.36 ± 15.13 mg/dL; and triglycerides at 115.00 ± 40.45 mg/dL, non-HDL-C 104.53 ± 32.63 md/dL, and TSH 1.15 ± 1.08 μUI/mL. Median values of pre-infection total cholesterol, HDL-C, and TSH were significantly higher than those measured at the admission time (p value < 0.05). The C-reactive protein (CRP) negatively correlated with LDL-C (p = 0.013) and HDL-C (p = 0.05). Our data underline a possible impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on thyroid function. Moreover it suggests a possible relation between COVID-19 and the lipid profile with a negative correlation between CRP, LDL-C, and HDL-C values, proposing the hypothesis that lipid lowering could follow the rising of the COVID-19 inflammatory state.

Effects of Fixed-dose Combination of Low-intensity Rosuvastatin and Ezetimibe Versus Moderate-intensity Rosuvastatin Monotherapy on Lipid Profiles in Patients With Hypercholesterolemia: A Randomized, Double-blind, Multicenter, Phase III Study

We investigated whether the combination therapy of low-intensity rosuvastatin and ezetimibe is an useful alternative to moderate-intensity rosuvastatin monotherapy in patients requiring cholesterol-lowering therapy. This was a multicenter randomized, double-blind study to investigate the safety and efficacy of a fixed-dose combination of rosuvastatin 2.5 mg and ezetimibe 10 mg (R2.5+E10) compared to those of ezetimibe 10 mg monotherapy (E10), rosuvastatin 2.5 mg (R2.5), and rosuvastatin 5 mg monotherapy (R5) in patients with hypercholesterolemia. A total of 348 patients at 15 centers in Korea were screened, and 279 patients were randomized to different groups in the study. Clinical and laboratory examinations were performed at baseline and 4 and 8 weeks after intervention. The primary endpoint was the percentage change of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels at the 8-week follow-up. Baseline characteristics were similar among the four groups. There were significant changes in lipid profiles at the 8-week follow-up. A greater decrease in the LDL cholesterol levels (primary endpoint) were found in the R2.5+E10 group (-45.7±18.6%) than in the E10 group (-16.7±14.7%, p<0.0001), R2.5 group (-32.6±15.1%, p<0.0001), and R5 group (-38.9±13.9%, p=0.0003). Similar outcomes were observed regarding the decrease in total cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B protein. In addition, changes in the triglyceride and HDL levels in the R2.5+E10 group were significantly different compared with those in the E10 group; however, the changes were similar to those in the other treatment groups. In patients with low and moderate risk, all patients achieved the target LDL cholesterol levels in the R2.5+E10 group (100%) compared to 13.0% in the E10 group, 47.6% in the R2.5 group, and 65.2% in the R5 group. Adverse effects were rare and similar in the four groups. Fixed-dose combination of low-intensity rosuvastatin and ezetimibe was more effective in lowering LDL cholesterol and achieving LDL cholesterol goals than moderate-intensity rosuvastatin monotherapy. These findings suggest that the combination therapy of low-intensity rosuvastatin and ezetimibe is an useful alternative to moderate-intensity rosuvastatin monotherapy for cholesterol management, particularly in patients with low and moderate risk. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04652349.

Berberine ameliorates nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by decreasing the liver lipid content via reversing the abnormal expression of MTTP and LDLR

The global incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing. The present study explored the effect and mechanism of berberine (BBR) on NAFLD in rats. Thirty-five Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the control and NAFLD groups, which were fed a normal diet or high-fat diet, respectively, for 8 weeks. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed on liver tissues and establishment of the NAFLD model was confirmed by microscopy. NAFLD rats were subsequently randomly subdivided and treated with saline or BBR for 8 weeks. The liver wet weight of rats in each group was measured, the liver tissue structure was observed by microscopy, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), fasting blood glucose (FBG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were detected using a semi-automatic biochemical detector. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting were performed to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTTP), apolipoprotein B and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). Compared with the control group, the liver wet weight of the NAFLD rats was higher; the liver showed obvious fatty degeneration and liver TG levels increased significantly, as did serum levels of ALT, AST, TC, TG, FBG, HDL and LDL, while expression of MTTP and LDLR significantly decreased. Compared with the saline-treated NAFLD rats, the BBR-treated rats had reduced liver wet weight, improved liver steatosis and a significant decrease in liver TG levels, while ALT, AST, TC, TG, and LDL serum levels significantly decreased and MTTP levels were significantly upregulated. In conclusion, BBR treatment ameliorated the fatty liver induced by a high-fat diet in rats. Furthermore, BBR reversed the abnormal expression of MTTP and LDLR in rats with high-fat diet induced-NAFLD. The present findings suggest that fatty liver could be improved by BBR administration, via reversing the abnormal expression of MTTP and LDLR and inhibiting lipid synthesis.

Effect of Silymarin and Quercetin in a Miniaturized Scaffold in Wistar Rats against Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Silymarin and quercetin (SQ) are known antioxidants with substantial free radical scavenging activities. The efficacy of SQ activity is restricted due to poor absorption and availability. This study aims to increase the hepatoprotective activity of SQ by a newer delivery technique. We have optimized a technique, miniaturized scaffold (MS), for the delivery of active compounds of SQ. SQ molecules were embedded in MS and characterized by morphology, particle size, miniaturization efficiency, and functional group. Further, the hepatoprotective effects of MSQ were investigated through in vitro and in vivo methods. Hepatotoxicity was induced in rats by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), and subsequently, hepatotoxic rats were treated with the miniaturized scaffold of SQ (MSQ) for 8 weeks. The body weight were significantly high in groups fed with MSQ. A substantial decrease in triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase activities were observed in rats treated with MSQ. Similarly, rats treated with MSQ exhibited lower lipid accumulation in the hepatocytes. The experiments clearly demonstrated the efficacy of MSQ as a superior hepatoprotective agent against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease simulated through toxicity induced by CCl4.

Cholesterol and COVID-19: Findings from lipid profile of patients with SARS-COV-2 infection.

Background and Aims: At the moment COVID-19 is the most relevant global health problem. It seems that during SARS-CoV-2 infection total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, and HDL-C values decrease. In our clinical practice we frequently observed alterations of the lipid profile in patients with COVID-19. This study aims to evaluate whether SARS-CoV-2 infection could be actually involved in the determining of lipid profile alterations, and to study the possible correlation of TC, LDL-C, HDL-C lowering and disease severity and/or clinical outcome.

Isolation and characterization of anti-diabetic compound from Clerodendrum infortunatum L. leaves

Clerodendrum infortunatum L. (CI) leaves are traditionally used in the treatment of diabetic patients. This study aimed to isolate and characterize bioactive compounds from CI leaves and evaluate their anti-diabetic activities (ADI). The CI leaves extracts ADI was estimated on streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic rats by applying a different dose of extract and compared with the anti-diabetic medicine (Glibenclamide). The intraperitoneal's acute effect showed the progressive fall of the blood glucose level until 120 min on diabetic rats by applying the CI extract. Continuous administration of the target ethanolic extracts of CI at 0 to 28 days leads to a decrease in fasting serum glucose (FSG), total cholesterol (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was increased. The ethanolic extract of CI produced five fractions, fraction-1 indicated a greater insulin secretion effect compared to other fractions. So, the structure of fraction-1 was elucidated and characterized by IR, 1H, 13C-NMR, COSY, and MS and the identified compound name is phaeophytin a. This study suggests that phaeophytin a exhibits significant anti-diabetic activity.

Effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on myokine levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background and aimsTo evaluate the change in circulating serum irisin and interleukin-6 (IL-6), in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) after 6 and 12 months of GLP-1 treatment. Methods and resultsEighty-five patients with T2DM inadequately controlled with insulin or other hypoglycaemic drugs were added to dulaglutide (N° = 44) and liraglutide (N° = 41) treatment.After 6 months of GLP-1 analogues a significant decrease in BMI (p < 0.001), waist circumference (WC) (p < 0.001), fasting blood glucose (p < 0.001), HbA1c (p < 0.001), total cholesterol (p < 0.001), LDL-cholesterol (p = 0.003), triglycerides (p = 0.017), IL-6 (p = 0.045) and a significant increase in serum irisin (p < 0.001) were observed compared to baseline. After 12 months of treatment no significant differences were found compared to the levels at 6 months. The change in irisin from baseline (Δ_irisin) was significantly related to the changes in total-cholesterol (Δ_total-cholesterol) (r = −0.293; p = 0.020), while the change in IL-6 (Δ_IL-6) was significantly related to the changes in WC (Δ_WC) (r = 0.347; p = 0.006). ConclusionsAdditive treatment with GLP1-analogues results in an increase in serum circulating irisin levels and a decrease in IL-6. The post-treatment change in irisin was correlated with a decrease in total cholesterol, while the change in IL-6 was correlated with a decrease in WC.

Metabolic Actions of a Supplement of Ilex Paraguariensis (An Extract of the Leaf Standardized to 2% I-Deoxinojirimcina), White Mulberry and Chromium Picolinate in Nondiabetic Subects with Dysglycemia: A Randomized Trial.

Aim: To prove if a nutraceutical containing Ilex paraguariensis (Ilex L. spp. Aquifoliales) (an extract of the leaf standardized to 2% I-deoxinojirimcina), white mulberry (Morus spp., Moraceae), and chromium picolinate can be effective in improving glycemic status in subject with dysglycemia. Methods: We randomized patients to consume placebo or the nutraceutical, self-administered once a day, one tablet at breakfast, for 3 months. Results: A reduction in fasting plasma glucose, postprandial glucose, and glycated hemoglobin was observed with the nutraceutical combination, both compared to baseline and placebo. Data suggested a decrease in the Homeostasis Model Assessment index with the nutraceutical, both compared to baseline and placebo. The M value, an index of insulin sensitivity, obtained after nutraceutical treatment was higher compared to baseline. We recorded a decrease in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and triglycerides with the nutraceutical combination compared to baseline and placebo. A decrease in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was observed with the nutraceutical combination compared to baseline and placebo. Conclusions: A nutraceutical containing Ilex paraguariensis, white mulberry, and chromium picolinate can be helpful in improving glycemic status and lipid profile in dysglycemic subjects.

Evaluation of Lipoprotein Profile and Residual Risk Three Years After Bariatric Surgery.

Obesity is a chronic disease associated with other comorbidities, including atherogenic dyslipidemia (AD). Bariatric surgery (BS) has shown to reduce cardiovascular risk (CVR) by achieving a significant weight reduction and improving the lipid profile. Different surgical techniques may have a different effect on the lipoprotein profile. To evaluate the lipid profile at 3 years after BS according to the surgical technique used and to determine which variables predict variation in the lipid profile at 3 years after BS. Retrospective observational study of 206 patients who underwent BS between 2010 and 2019. We analyzed the variation of lipid parameters in the 3 years of follow-up according to the surgical technique, including a group analysis of patients according to whether they had dyslipidemia and whether they were treated or untreated and determined which variables predict variation in the lipid profile at 3 years after BS. There was a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) with sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and a significant decrease in total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-c), non-HDL, and LDL/non-HDL with biliopancreatic diversion (BPD). Variables predicting lipid profile variation were surgical technique and pre-surgery lipoprotein level. Malabsorptive techniques achieve a greater decrease in TC and LDL-c throughout follow-up and could also improve residual cardiovascular risk (non-HDL and LDL/non-HDL). The type of surgical technique and the presurgery lipid profile predict variation after 3 years of BS.

Anti-hyperlipidemic effects of citrus fruit peel extracts against high fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia in rats

The effects of extracts of orange, , lime, citron and sour orange fruit peels (250 and 500 mg kg-1, i.p) were tested in high fat diet-fed rats. The extracts of lime and sour orange peels (250 and 500 mg kg-1, i.p) showed potent effects, as evident by the decreases in total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), LDL-C, and VLDL-C, in addition to the increases in HDL-C levels. Besides, lime and sour orange peels (250 and 500 mg kg-1) extract significantly decreased LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, while lime, sour orange and peel extracts markedly decreased index. Remarkably, lime peel extract followed by sour orange and orange at 500 mg kg-1 improved hepatic architecture to near normal with less deposition of fat globules and fewer. Altogether, lime and sour orange peel extracts were found to be effective against parameters such as TC, TG, LDL-C, VLDL-C, and TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C ratios, and index, in addition to the increased levels of HDL-C. Thus, lime and sour orange peel extracts could be natural supplement in the management of and associated diseases.

Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum may reduce cardiovascular risk: An experimental study.

BACKGROUNDReduction of cardiovascular risk (CVR) is based on the correction of risk factors, especially dyslipidemia. Due to the limiting factors of conventional lipid-lowering medications, the investigation of alternative approaches is necessary.METHODSThe present open, comparative, randomized, and parallel investigation was conducted on 77 patients. Participants were of both sexes, 40-74 years-of-age, and had dyslipidemia. The participants were divided into 2 groups; the treatment group (n = 41) received a combination of Lactobacillus plantarum and simvastatin 20 mg once a day, and the control group (n = 36) received simvastatin 20 mg once a day. The trial included 5 visits; screening on the first 2, and treatment on the next 3 (on weeks 4, 8, and 12). On visits 1, 3, 4, and 5, the lipid profile was evaluated and CVR was calculated using 5 tools.RESULTSThe combination treatment led to a more pronounced decrease in total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) after 8 weeks (P = 0.002 and 0.016, respectively), that persisted after 12 weeks (P < 0.001 and 0.002, respectively). Reduction in TC and LDL by ³ 20% was observed more predominantly in the treatment group. A significant reduction was observed in CVR in the treatment group according to the Prospective Cardiovascular Münster (ýPROCAM) score (P = 0.004). Reduction of CVR by ³ 20% was mostly observed as a result of prescribing combination therapy according to the Framingham Risk Score ý(70.7%; P = 0.003), 2013 ACC/AHA ASCVD Risk Calculator ý(51.2%; P = 0.035), PROCAM (65.9%; P < 0.001), and WHO CVD risk chart (56.1%; P = 0.012).CONCLUSIONAdditional supplementation with Lactobacillus plantarum was more effective in the reduction of TC, LDL, and CVR according to PROCAM and the attainment of treatment goals regarding lipid profile and CVR levels.

Effect of Rice Bran on Productivity, Hatchability and Yolk and Blood Lipid Profile of Laying Japanese Quail

A total number of 216 female and 108 male Japanese quail at 14 wks of age were used in a 7-week-trial to investigate the effect of rice bran on the quality and quantity of egg production as well as blood lipid profile. There were three dietary treatment groups: a control group fed on a corn-soybean based diet, 12.5 and 25.0 % rice bran diets. Results showed that egg laying rate, egg weight, egg mass and feed conversion ratio were insignificantly affected by treatments. Egg quality insignificantly affected by different treatments. The results showed significant decrease in egg yolk total lipids and cholesterol due to inclusion of rice bran in the diets in comparison with the control group. Hatchability and fertility was not influenced by different treatments. Blood serum total lipids, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein were significantly decreased, however, high density lipoprotein increased with increasing level of rice bran in the diet. Rice bran treatments showed significant (P ≤ 0.01) increase in concentration of TAC than control group reached to 32.6 and 66.3 % for birds fed 12.5 and 25 % rice bran containing diets, respectively. Numerical increase in glutathione peroxidase in the group given 12.5 and 25 % rice bran containing diet as compared to the control group. In conclusion, egg laying rate and egg quality insignificantly affected by rice bran, however, the results showed significant improvements in blood and egg lipid profile, beside the antioxidative status as a result of inclusion fresh rice bran in the diet.

Динаміка метаболічних параметрів та вмісту VEGF в сироватці крові хворих на діабетичну хворобу нирок під впливом комплексної нефропротекторної терапії

The goal of many studies around the world is to find preventive agents that may slow the progression of diabetic nephropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at different stages of the disease, accordingly to preventing the progression of chronic kidney disease. The purpose of the work was to study the effect of complex nephroprotective therapy with the use of an inhibitor of the sodium glucose co-transporter 2 and spathogenetic therapy on metabolic parameters and the level of vasculoendothelial growth factor in blood serum of diabetic nephropathy patients at different stages of the disease. Materials and methods. 78 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were examined. Depending on the presence of albuminuria and glomerular filtration rate level, patients with diabetes mellitus were divided into the following groups: group I – patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with normal glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria (n=62), group II – patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with decreased glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria (n=16). The concentration of the vasculoendothelial growth factor was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay before and after 12 months of pathogenetic therapy. The glomerular filtration rate was calculated using the CKD EPI formula (KDIGO 2012). Patients of the first cohort received basic therapy, which included: blockers of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, a coenzyme A reductase inhibitor and metformin, patients of the second cohort additionally received a sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor. Results and discussion. A decrease in vasculoendothelial growth factor levels in blood serum was found in all groups of examined patients, both under the influence of standard nephroprotective therapy, and with the use of complex treatment with an additional prescription of the sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor dapagliflozin. The highest level of response to treatment was observed in the group with the early stages of nephropathy. The therapy led to a significant improvement in the lipid spectrum of blood serum (increase of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, decrease of total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins) in all study groups. Conclusion. A decrease in serum vasculoendothelial growth factor levels against the background of an improvement in the basic clinical and laboratory parameters indicates not only an improvement kidneys function, but also a decrease in cardiovascular risk in this category of patients. The results of investigation indicate the feasibility of practical use of study vasculoendothelial growth factor serum level of diabetic nephropathy patients as an early diagnostic marker of cardiac disorders, prognosis assessment and improvement of the cardionephroprotective strategy

Antidiabetic activity of aqueous extract of leaves of cnestis ferruginea vahl ex DC. (Connaraceae) on alloxan-diabetic induced mice.

Abstract Background: Cnestis ferruginea is a plant species widely used in the traditional african medicine to treat diabetes mellitus. The present study aimed to evaluate the antidiabetic activities of the aqueous extract of the leaves of Cnestis ferruginea (AECF) in diabetic mice. Methods: The mice were grouped into five groups of five animals per group: Group A was not induced with alloxan, Group B animals were induced but not treated, Group C animals were treated with 500 mg / kg of BW of metformin, Group D and E animals were treated with 100, 200 mg/kg BW of AECF respectively. The extracts were administered to the animals orally for 14 days. Fasting blood sugar was measured by a glucometer. Serum concentrations of hematological and biochemical parameters were measured by standard methods. Results: The animals administered with 100 and 200 mg/Kg B.W of extract showed highly significant decrease (P ˂ 0.0001) in blood sugar level compared to the untreated animals. The 100 mg / kg BW dose of AECF produce low significant decrease (P &lt;0.05) of total cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol, AST, ALT, urea, levels of white blood cells, platelets, hematocrit. The 200 mg / kg BW dose of AECF produce in addition significant decrease (P &lt;0.01) of AST and urea. Conclusion: The 200 mg / kg dose of BW of AECF had a greater antidiabetic activity than the dose of 100 mg / kg BW. Keywords: Cnestis ferruginea; antidiabetic activity; alloxan; diabetes mellitus.

The effects of low-fat, high-carbohydrate diets vs. low-carbohydrate, high-fat diets on weight, blood pressure, serum liquids and blood glucose: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Our aim was to determine the relative effectiveness of two dietary macronutrient patterns (LFHC (low-fat, high-carbohydrate) diets and LCHF (low-carbohydrate, high-fat) diets) on weight loss and cardiovascular risk factors. We searched four databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to identify the eligible studies on March 13, 2020. Randomized clinical trials (RCT) were included which compared the effect of two diets (LFHC and LCHF) on weight loss, blood pressure, serum liquids, and blood glucose in overweight or obesity adults. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used for the pooled results. This paper included eleven studies involving 739 participants. Compared with LFHC diets, LCHF diets had a greater effect on weight loss (SMD = -1.01 kg; 95% CI -1.99 to -0.04, p = 0.04) and HDL-cholesterol changes (SMD = 0.82 mmol/l; 95% CI 0.43 to 1.21, p < 0.0001), but a smaller effect on total cholesterol decrease (SMD = 0.63 mmol/l; 95% CI 0.18-1.08, p = 0.006) and LDL-cholesterol decrease (SMD = 0.59 mmol/l; 95% CI 0.11-1.18, p = 0.05). Between the two groups, changes in lean mass, fat mass, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, triglycerides, and glucose were non-significant. To conclude, both diets are effective for weight control and reduction of cardiovascular risk factors. And further studies with long-term follow-up are needed to confirm our results.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum HFY09 on Ethanol-Induced Liver Injury in Mice.

Lactobacillus plantarum is a bacterial strain that is used as a probiotic with health-promoting effects. Our study investigated the hepatoprotective effect of Lactobacillus plantarum HFY09 (LP-HFY09) in mice with ethanol-induced liver injury. The protection afforded by LP-HFY09 was evaluated by observing the morphology of hepatic tissue and measuring liver lipid indexes and function indexes, levels of anti-oxidative enzymes, and anti-inebriation enzymes, as well as oxidative metabolism-related gene expression. Gavage administration of LP-HFY09 [1 × 109 CFU/kg body weight (bw)] limited the loss of bw, alcohol damage to the liver, and maintained the normal hepatic tissue morphology. Lactobacillus plantarum HFY09 intervention in ethanol-induced mice led to decreases in serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), aspartic transaminase, alanine transaminase, hyaluronidase (HAase), and precollagen III (PC III), and increases in liver alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). Lactobacillus plantarum HFY09 assisted with alleviating inflammation by elevating the level of interleukin 10 (IL-10) and decreasing the levels of pro-inflammatory factors [IL-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF)-α]. Lactobacillus plantarum HFY09 significantly elevated hepatic levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH), and decreased liver malondialdehyde (MDA) from 3.45 to 1.64 nmol/mg protein. Lactobacillus plantarum HFY09 exhibited an overall strong regulatory effect on liver protection when compared to that of commercial Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus. The hepatoprotective effect of LP-HFY09 was reflected by the upregulated expression of peroxisome proliferator activated-receptors α, SOD1, SOD2, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), and catalase (CAT), and the downregulated expression of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX1), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK). Administration of LP-HFY09 at a concentration of 1.0 × 109 CFU/kg bw could be a potential intervention, for people who frequently consume alcohol.

Roxadustat treatment for anemia in peritoneal dialysis patients: A randomized controlled trial

Roxadustat, a first-in-class hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor, promotes erythropoiesis and regulates iron metabolism. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of roxadustat in Chinese patients with anemia on peritoneal dialysis (PD). One hundred and twenty-nine patients were randomized and treated with roxadustat (n=86) or erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) (n=43) for 24 weeks. The primary end points were the mean hemoglobin (Hb) level at week 24, the change in average Hb levels from baseline to week 24, and the cumulative response rate throughout the treatment period. The secondary end points included changes in hepcidin and iron indices and serum lipid levels. Subgroup analysis examined the effect of inflammatory status on the efficacy of Hb. Safety was assessed as the occurrence of emergent adverse events after treatment. The mean average Hb levels at week 24 and average change in Hb levels from baseline to week 24 were 11.5g/dL and 2.5g/dL in the roxadustat group and 11.2g/dL and 2.2g/dL in the ESAs group, respectively. The cumulative response rate was 96% in the roxadustat group and 92% in the ESAs group at week 24. Roxadustat decreased hepcidin levels and increased total iron-binding capacity. The decreases in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were greater with roxadustat than with ESAs. Roxadustat-induced Hb increases were independent of baseline C-reactive protein levels. Common adverse events included hyperkalemia, hypertension, and insomnia. Roxadustat effectively corrected and maintained target Hb levels in Chinese PD patients. This trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Register (ChiCTR2000035054).

Phytochemical screening and the effect of Trichosanthes dioica in high‐fat diet induced atherosclerosis in Wistar rats

AbstractTrichosanthes dioica fruit pericarp has a powerful hypolipidemic and antioxidant properties. Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n = 30). The normal control group received vehicle and standard diet throughout the experimental period. Groups II, III, IV, and V were given a high‐fat diet and free access of water for 21 days. Experimental groups IV and V were given high‐fat diet along with T. dioica extract 400 and 800 mg/kg, respectively. Blood was collected at 21 days, and lipid profile estimation was performed. The phytochemical screening was performed by different phytochemical screening methods. Lipid peroxidation and catalase activity were done by taking a liver tissue sample. The phytochemical screening of extract showed good results and indicated the presence of phytoconstituents in extract. 2,2‐Diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity of T. dioica was found to be 65.79% at a concentration of 100 μg/ml extract, whereas that of the control was 94.06%. The Wistar rats fed with a high‐fat diet with T. dioica showed a significant decrease in total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), very‐low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL), and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) levels and an increase in high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) level. The lipid peroxidation and catalase activity of methanol extract of T. dioica were significantly reduced with individual comparison with all groups. The methanol extract of T. dioica has the hypolipidemic effect, which showed a decrease in TC, TG, VLDL, and LDL levels and an increase in HDL level in Wistar rats. It also has antioxidant properties. In this study, we have evaluated the antioxidant and the antihyperlipidemic activities of T. dioica in high‐fat diet induced hyperlipidemia in Wistar rats.

Sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) inhibits hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in a mouse model of diet-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), closely associated with obesity, is a health concern worldwide. We investigated whether the consumption of U.S.-grown sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima), an edible brown alga, can prevent obesity-associated metabolic disturbances and NASH in a mouse model of diet-induced NASH. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a low-fat diet, a high-fat/high-sucrose/high-cholesterol diet (HF), or a HF diet containing sugar kelp (HF-Kelp) for 14 weeks. HF-Kelp group showed lower body weight with increased O2 consumption, CO2 production, physical activity, and energy expenditure compared with the HF. In the liver, there were significant decreases in weight, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and steatosis with HF-Kelp. The HF-Kelp group decreased hepatic expression of a macrophage marker adhesion G protein-coupled receptor E1 (Adgre1) and an M1 macrophage marker integrin alpha x (Itgax). HF-Kelp group also exhibited decreased liver fibrosis, as evidenced by less expression of fibrogenic genes and collagen accumulation than those of HF group. In epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT), HF-Kelp group exhibited decreases in eWAT weight and adipocyte size compared with those of the HF. HF-Kelp group showed decreased expression of collagen type VI alpha 1 chain, Adgre1, Itgax, and tumor necrosis factor α in eWAT. We demonstrated, for the first time, that the consumption of U.S-grown sugar kelp prevented the development of obesity and its associated metabolic disturbances, steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in the liver and eWAT of a diet-induced NASH mouse model.