Determination Of Lipid Profile Research Articles

Assessment of metabolic syndrome among hypertensive adult subjects in Enugu southeastern, Nigeria

Objective: Hypertension poses a significant burden on the general population, being responsible for increasing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The association of hypertension with dyslipidemia, enlarged waistline (obesity), and insulin resistance, also known as metabolic syndrome, further increases the overall cardiovascular risk of an individual. This study assessed the metabolic syndrome among adult hypertensive individuals in Enugu, Nigeria. Methods: One hundred and twenty participants(18-50 years) consisting of sixty hypertensive subjects, as test group and sixty normotensive subjects, as control group were recruited for this cross sectional study. Anthropometric parameters, waist circumference (WC), height, weight, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were measured and body mass index (BMI) calculated. Five milliliters of fasting blood samples were collected and used for the determination of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and lipid profile (TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL-C) using enzymatic colorimetric methods. Laboratory investigations were done in a hospital setting. Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) prevalence was estimated using the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) criteria. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Results: The results showed a significant increase (P< 0.05) in the mean ± SD of SBP (162.30 ± 18.94, 124.27 ± 8.85), DBP (106.77 ± 25.77, 83.40 ± 11.47), FPG (5.70 ± 1.90, 4.47 ± 0.64), TC (5.19 ± 0.913, 3.70 ± 0.94), LDL-C (3.05 ± 1.09, 1.68 ± 0.94) and a non-significant difference (P > 0.05) in WC (91.48 ± 8.69, 91.96 ± 10.84), TG (1.35 ± 0.37, 1.26 ± 0.49), HDL-C (1.62 ± 0.45, 1.59 ± 0.50), VLDL-C (0.517 ± 0.16, 0.47 ± 0.64) of the hypertensive and normotensive subjects respectively. The prevalence of MetS in hypertensive subjects was 33.3%, while that of the control group (normotensives) was 3.3%. Conclusion: The study concludes that hypertension predisposes an individual to higher risk of developing MetS.

Changes in Metabolic and Inflammatory Markers after a Combined Exercise Program in Workers: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

We investigated the effects of a 16-week combined exercise training on body composition, metabolic and inflammatory markers in sedentary middle-aged workers. We also assessed whether significant alterations in metabolic markers were associated with changes in health-related outcomes. This randomized controlled trial involved 46 participants randomly allocated into control and exercise groups. The exercise group performed 16-week combined aerobic and resistance training for 75 min/session, 3 times/week. Fasting blood samples were collected at baseline and after 16-week intervention to determine lipid profile, metabolic and inflammatory markers as primary outcomes. A total of 36 participants completed the intervention (53.70 ± 6.92 years old) (n = 18 in each group). Waist circumference (interaction effect: F = 7.423, p = 0.002), fat mass (interaction effect: F = 5.070, p = 0.011), and muscle mass (interaction effect: F = 5.420, p = 0.007) were improved in the exercise group compared to the control group. Fasting glucose increased after the 16-week follow-up (time effect: F = 73.253, p < 0.001), without an intergroup difference. Insulin levels were greater in the control compared to exercise group (group effect: F = 6.509, p = 0.015). The control group tended to increase the HOMA-IR index (interaction effect: F = 3.493, p = 0.070) and to decrease the QUICKI index (interaction effect: F = 3.364, p = 0.075) to a greater extent compared to the exercise group. Exercise group reduced leptin (interaction effect: F = 11.175, p = 0.002) and adiponectin (interaction effect: F = 4.437, p = 0.043) concentrations in a greater magnitude than control group. IL-6 (time effect: F = 17.767, p < 0.001) and TNF-α (time effect: F = 9.781, p = 0.004) concentrations decreased after the intervention, without an intergroup difference. IL-17A levels increased in the control compared to exercise group (interaction effect: F = 5.010, p = 0.033). Effects on adiponectin, IL-6 and IL-17A levels seem to depend on baseline BMI, age, and sex. Percentage changes in leptin correlated positively with changes in HOMA-IR index in the exercise (r = 0.565, p = 0.015) and control (r = 0.670, p = 0.002) groups. A combined training program can be an effective strategy to improve body composition and inflammatory markers and prevent marked reductions in insulin sensitivity among middle-aged workers.

Impaired high-density lipoprotein function and endothelial barrier stability in severe anaphylaxis

Growing evidence demonstrates the importance of high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in certain immune and allergy-mediated diseases. This study aimed to evaluate levels of high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoproteins A1 and B in sera from a cohort of patients presenting with hypersensitivity reactions. We further assessed the function of high-density lipoprotein particles as well as their involvement in the molecular mechanisms of anaphylaxis. Lipid profile determination was performed in paired (acute and baseline) serum samples from 153 patients. Thirty-eight experienced a non-anaphylactic reaction and 115 had an anaphylactic reaction (88 moderate and 27 severe). Lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase activity was assessed in patient sera, and we also evaluated macrophage cholesterol efflux in response to the serum samples. Last, the effect of anaphylactic-derived high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles on the endothelial barrier was studied. Detailed methods are provided in the Methods section in this article's Online Repository available at www.jacionline.org. Serum samples from severe anaphylactic reactions show statistically significant low levels of HDL cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoproteins A1 and B, which points to their possible role as biomarkers. Specifically, HDL particles play a protective role in cardiovascular diseases. Using functional human serum cell assays, we observed impaired capacity of apolipoprotein B-depleted serum to induce macrophage cholesterol efflux in severe anaphylactic reactions. In addition, purified HDL particles from human anaphylactic sera failed to stabilize and maintain the endothelial barrier. These results encourage further research on HDL functions in severe anaphylaxis, which may lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Glycemic control and its associated factors among adult diabetic patients in Southern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study.

Diabetes mellitus is a group of common metabolic disorders that share the phenotype of hyperglycemia. Chronic hyperglycemia causes vascular complications, mortality, and life-threatening disabilities in low-income countries including Ethiopia. Glycemic control status in diabetic patients is crucial to maintain the blood glucose level at the optimal level and to reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications and mortality. However, there is limited data on poor glycemic control status and its associated factors among diabetic patients in southern Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. Thus, this study aimed to determine glycemic control status and its associated factors using glycated hemoglobin among adult diabetic patients at Nigist Elleni Mohammad Memorial Referral Hospital, Hossana, southern Ethiopia. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1 to June 30, 2020. A systematic random sampling technique was used to recruit 307 diabetic patients at follow-up. Interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics. Five milliliters of venous blood samples were collected to determine lipid profiles and hemoglobin A1C. Lipid profiles and hemoglobin A1C were measured by Cobas c311 analyzer. The data were analyzed by SPSS version 20. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to determine associated factors with poor glycemic control status. P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The overall prevalence of poor glycemic control among the study participants based on hemoglobin A1C ≥7% was 82.4%. Having a history of diabetic complications (AOR: 7.09, 95%CI: 1.72-29.16), duration of diabetes ≥7 years (AOR: 4.09, 95%CI: 1.38-12.08), insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents (AOR: 0.106 95%CI: 0.02-0.44), lack of self-glucose monitoring (AOR: 8.27, 95%CI: 1.61-42.46), lack of physical exercise (AOR: 5.5, 95%CI: 1.6-18.9) and dyslipidemia (AOR: 2.74, 95%CI: 1.12-6.66) were significantly associated with poor glycemic control. A high prevalence of poor glycemic control status (82.4%) was observed among diabetic patients in this study area, and disease-related factors like duration of diabetes, complication, treatment type and lack of self-glucose monitoring, physical exercise, and dyslipidemia were identified as factors significantly associated with poor glycemic control status. The finding of the current study should be taken into account to conduct a strategic and timely intervention on significantly associated factors to delay diabetic complications and to improve the health outcome of diabetic patients. Routine screening and monitoring of dyslipidemia and providing health education on behavioral factors were the necessary measures that should be conducted to reduce the burden of poor glycemic control status among diabetic patients.

Echogenicity of atherosclerotic plaque - a criterion for assessing the dynamics and prognosis of cardiovascular diseases

Aim: to measure the echogenicity of atherosclerotic plaques (AP) of carotid arteries to assess the dynamics of atherosclerosis and risk of cardiovascular outcomes (CVO) in patients with different CVD risk.Materials and methods. The study included 223 patients: 80 patients (47 males) with moderate CVD risk (mean age: 53 years, range: 39-66) (Group 1) and 143 patients (123 males) with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and high CVD risk (mean age: 57, range: 32-83) years (Group 2). All patients were examined at the Chazov National Medical Research Center of Cardiology. Patients underwent a standard clinical examination, biochemical blood test with lipid profile determination, and ultrasound duplex scanning. Patients with ACS were re-examined after 1-1.5 years and patients with moderate CVD risk were re-examined after 1 and 7 years.Results. We analyzed 181 APs in Group 1 and 378 APs in Group 2. Analysis of gray-scale median (GSM) at the first and second visit showed a significant increase in GSM in both groups: from 67.02 [54.13; 82.85] to 73.5 [59.5; 88.7] (p&lt;0.0001) in Group 1, and from 49.3 [39.73;63.64] to 50.7 [40.04;66.54] (p&lt;0.05) in Group 2. An increase in GSM was observed in 79% of patients in Group 1, in 53% of patients in Group 2. Unfavorable CVO (CVO+) developed after 7 years in 7 (8.8%) patients in Group 1, and after 1 year in 23 (23%) patients in Group 2. In Group 1, an increase in GSM was observed only in patients with favorable prognosis (CVO-): from 67.7[52.13; 79.0] to 77.5[64.12; 91.0] (n=148 AP, p&lt;0.05), in patients with CVO+, GSM increased non-significantly from 60.1[53.5; 66.5] to 66.5[55.0; 71.6] (n=18 AP, p=NS). In Group 2, a significant increase in GSM was observed in patients with CVO-: from 48.7[39.0; 63.4] to 51.3[40.0; 67.4] (n=141 AP, p&lt;0.01), in patients with CVO+, GSM decreased from 51.6[42.9; 72.5] to 50.2[40.4; 65.0] (n=43 AP, p=NS). In Group 2, GSM significantly increased by 2.75 (6.05%) from the initial value (p&lt;0.05) in patients with CVO-, while patients with CVO+ showed a significant decrease in the average GSM of AP by 3.33 (7.8%) (p&lt;0.05). Using ROC analysis, a Δ% GSM value of 6.96% was found (area under the curve 0.628 ± 0.0465 [95% CI 0.556 - 0.696], p = 0.0058). According to Cox regression analysis, the risk of CVO increased by 2.16 times with a decrease in GSM AP in the carotid arteries over time by ≥ 6.96% (НR=2.16; 95% CI=1.331 – 3.507); p=0.009.Conclusion. The ultrasound method of measuring the echogenicity of an atherosclerotic plaque of the carotid artery using GSM parameter can be effective for assessing the dynamics of atherosclerosis and prognosis of adverse cardiovascular events in patients with high and moderate CVD risk

Dyslipidemia: A risk factor for cataract.

Objective: To determine lipid profile in patients of age-related cataract and compared them with age-matched controls. Study Design: Case Control study. Setting: Naseer Memorial Hospital, Dadyal. Period: January 2022 to December 2022. Material &amp; Methods: A total of 300 patients were recruited using a consecutive non-probability sampling method and divided in two groups, one control and the other having cataract. The patients underwent a thorough ocular assessment and lipid profile evaluation. Inclusion criteria was age 40 years or older of any gender having senile cataracts of any morphological form. Exclusion criteria was history of ocular trauma, systemic disease, ocular surgery, oral steroids or cataract other than senile cause. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 23. The results showed that patients with senile cataracts had significantly higher levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol, and significantly lower levels of HDL cholesterol than the controls. The collected data was entered in the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21 for analysis. Independent t test was applied and p value ≤ 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: It was found that patients with senile cataracts had significantly higher levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL and significantly lower levels of HDL than the age-matched controls. Conclusion: The findings suggested that dyslipidemia is a modifiable risk factor for age-related cataract.

PCSK9 polymorphism rs505151 is associated with the risk of NAFLD in Iranian participants: A case-control study

BackgroundGain-of-function mutations in the PCSK9 gene lead to elevated serum lipid profile levels, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to investigate the relationship between selected PCSK9 gene polymorphisms and serum levels of PCSK9 enzyme in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Kurdistan province, Iran. Methods110 NAFLD patients and 50 healthy controls underwent biochemical assays to determine lipid profile levels, while genotyping for PCSK9 gene polymorphisms was done via RFLP-PCR and Sanger sequencing. Serum levels of PCSK9 were measured using an ELISA kit. ResultsSerum PCSK9 levels were not significantly different between NAFLD patients and healthy controls. The rs778796405 and rs28362201 polymorphisms had no mutant nucleotides. The rs505151 polymorphism had a frequency of 17.2 % in NAFLD patients and 10 % in controls, with no significant difference (P > 0.05). The G allele of rs505151 was associated with higher levels of LDL, ALT, cholesterol, and BMI, and the AG genotype was associated with the severity of liver steatosis in female patients. However, the AG genotype had no significant effect on NAFLD incidence. ConclusionsThe G allele of the rs505151 polymorphism in the PCSK9 gene may represent a genetic risk factor for developing fatty liver disease, with potential implications for the pathogenesis of lipid-related disorders.

Alkaloid-rich extract of Lannea egregia leaf protect against cardiomyopathy in streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats

BackgroundLannea egregia leaf has been used locally for the management of diseases with limited scientific support. Hence, the cardiomyopathy protective ability of an alkaloid-rich extract of L. egregia leaf in streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats was investigated in this study. A L. egregia leaf alkaloid-rich extract was obtained using a standard procedure. Streptozotocin was injected into the experimental animals intraperitoneal at a dose of 45 mg/kg body weight to induce type 2 diabetes mellitus, prior to this, the animals were given 20 % (w/v) fructose for one week. Thus, the animals were grouped into five (n = 8), comprising normal control (NC), diabetic control (DC), diabetic rats treated with low (50 mg/kg body weight) and high (100 mg/kg body weight) doses of L. egregia alkaloid-rich leaf extracts (i.e., LEL and LEH, respectively), and 200 mg/kg body weight metformin (MET). The animals were sacrificed on the 21st day, and blood and hearts were harvested and used for the determination of serum lipid profiles, atherogenic indices, oxidative stress biomarkers, ATPase activities, cardiac enzyme activities, creatinine kinase-MB, cardiac troponin, cytokines, N-terminal pro-B-type brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) and histology examination. ResultsThe results revealed that diabetic rats treated with LEL, LEH, and MET significantly (p < 0.05) reduced their fasting blood glucose levels, improved their serum lipid profile, and decreased their cardio-risk ratio, atherogenic index of plasma, atherogenic coefficient, and atherosclerosis index. In addition, diabetic treated with on LEL, LEH, and MET significantly (p < 0.05) ameliorated oxidative stress biomarkers, increased selected ATPase activities, increased specific cardiac enzyme activities, and decreased serum creatine kinase-MB, serum cardiac troponin I and T, as well as cytokines and NT-pro BNP in diabetic rats. These were supported by the histology examination by improving myocardial degeneration in diabetic rats administered LEL, LEH, and MET. ConclusionHence, it can be presumed that alkaloid-rich extracts obtained from L. egregia leaves could be beneficial in ameliorating diabetic cardiomyopathy conditions.

Increased Lipoprotein (a) and familial hypercholesterolemia: a dangerous combination.Data from a 12-year follow-up study

Abstract Background Lipoprotein (a)[Lp(a)] is a molecule characterized by very increased atherogenicity. Mounting evidence support the causal link between high Lp(a) concentration and atherosclerotic cardiovascular (CV) disease in the general population. Purpose The role of Lp (a) in specific categories of patients at high CV risk, such as patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), is also of special importance. The aim of our study was to investigate the prognostic role of Lp (a) regarding major adverse CV outcomes in subjects with heterozygous FH. Methods 155 patients from the outpatient lipid clinic of our hospital (56 males,mean age 41.2±14.2 years, 26% smokers, 16% with diabetes mellitus), without history of CV disease, who fulfilled the FH criteria participated in the study. Participants were evaluated for a mean follow-up period of 12.4±7.1 years with at least one annual visit. Venous blood samples were obtained at baseline in all patients for the determination of plasma glucose, lipid profile and levels of Lp(a). All subjects were on lipid-lowering medication during the follow-up period. The endpoint of our study was the composite of major CV events (coronary artery disease events and stroke). Results The incidence of the composite endpoint of major CV events during the follow-up period was 9% (n=14). In the total population, the mean baseline Lp (a) levels were 34.9±33.7 mg/dl, while 42% had increased Lp (a) levels ≥30mg/dl. The group of FH patients with new-onset CV disease had higher levels of Lp(a) at baseline compared to those without new-onset CV disease (48.1±37.3 vs 33.6±33.1 mg/dl, p=0.01). Also, those with new-onset CV disease had higher percentage of increased Lp(a) levels (≥30mg/dl) at baseline compared to those without development of CV disease (71% vs 39%, p=0.02).Multiple Cox regression analysis revealed that during the follow-up period independent predictors of major adverse CV events were:increased baseline Lp(a) levels(≥30mg/dl)(HR 5.61, 95% CI 1.51-10.92, p=0.01), male sex (HR 8.11, 95% CI 2.02-12.48, p&amp;lt;0.01), baseline low-density cholesterol levels (HR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.02, p=0.04) and the presence of hypertension at baseline (HR 3.59, 95% CI 1.03-12.49, p=0.04), after adjustment for confounding factors. Conclusions In patients with FH, increased baseline Lp(a) is an independent predictor of adverse CV events, after a 12-year follow-up period. FH patients with Lp (a)levels ≥30mg/dl have an almost 5-fold greater CV risk compared to those with lower Lp (a) levels. It seems that Lp (a) reclassifies the already increased CV risk of FH subjects into an even higher level.

Relationship between free circulating DNA levels, ejection fraction and brain natriuretic peptide levels in patients with chronic heart failure: prospective observational study

BACKGROUND: Chronic heart failure (CHF) is one of the most serious problems in cardiovascular diseases, requiring accurate diagnosis and treatment. The search for new laboratory markers of CHF can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and identify the severity of the patients condition.&#x0D; AIM: Our aim was to study the relationship between the levels of free-circulating DNA (cfDNA) and brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in the blood plasma of patients suffering from CHF with ejection fraction (EF), to investigate the relationship between these laboratory markers, and to evaluate the dynamics of changes in the studied parameters against the background of drug therapy.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 67 patients of both sexes with a diagnosis of CHF, verified by clinical and functional methods. 23 people without established chronic diseases formed the control group. At the stage of inclusion in the study, all patients underwent: physical examination, general blood test, biochemical blood test with determination of lipid profile, glucose, creatinine, NT-proBNP and cfDNA levels, as well as electrocardiography (ECG), electrocardiography (ECHO-CG), radiography of organs chest, ultrasound of the abdominal organs, 6-minute walk test. The level of cfDNA was determined using the method of P.P. Laktionov, S.N. Tamkovich, E.Yu. Rykova (2005). Repeated blood sampling with assessment of cfDNA and NT-proBNP levels was carried out in the group of patients with reduced ejection fraction 57 months from the start of treatment/correction of previous therapy.&#x0D; RESULTS: The study revealed significant differences in the levels of cfDNA in the blood plasma in patients with different EF (less than 40%, 4049%, 50% or more). At the same time, an inverse relationship was established between cfDNA indicators and EF, as well as between the level of NT-proBNP and EF, that is, a progressive decrease in myocardial contractility is accompanied by a combined increase in the levels of the studied markers in the blood, reflecting the severity of the patients condition. In addition, the positive effect of drug therapy on cfDNA and NT-proBNP levels in the group of patients with EF 40% has been proven.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: The identified patterns make it possible to consider the level of cfDNA in blood plasma as a potential biomarker of CHF, and also to use it for dynamic monitoring of patients.

Diet Fortification with &lt;i&gt;Curcuma longa&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Allium cepa&lt;/i&gt; Ameliorates 2,3,7,8-Tetracholorodibenzop-dioxin-induced Dyslipideamia and Oxidative Stress in Wistar Rats

Industrial and environmental activities continuously release chemicals such as 2,3,7,8-tetracholorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) that are hazardous to human health. This research seeks to assess the potentials of Allium cepa and Curcuma longa in suppressing 2,3,7,8- tetracholorodibenzo-p-dioxintoxicity. Forty (40) male Wistar rats weighing 121.77±16.23 g were divided into eight groups of five (5) rats per group. Positive control was fed standard diet, and given 2 µg/kg/week of TCDD in 0.5ml DMSO while normal control was fed standard diet and given 0.5ml dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)/kg body weight/week instead of TCDD. Other groups received 2µg/kg/week of TCDD in 0.5ml DMSO and were fed varied inclusion levels of powdered Allium cepa and Curcuma longa. On the 35th day of the experimental period, the rats were sacrificed and serum prepared from collected blood for antioxidant enzymes, malondialdehyde (MDA) and lipid profile determinations. All treated groups had significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher activities of antioxidant enzymes when compared with the positive control. Malondialdehyde concentration was significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower in the treated groups than the positive control (187.87±5.65 nmol/l). Lipid profiles were significantly improved upon by the inclusion of Allium cepa and Curcuma longa. Therefore, we conclude that dyslipidaemia and oxidative stress due to exposure to dioxin in rats could be suppressed by consumption of 2.5% to 5% inclusion levels of powdered onion and/or turmeric in the diet.

Lipid Profile Abnormalities in ß-Thalassemia Patients with Multiple Blood Transfusions

Objective: To determine lipid profile abnormalities in ß -thalassemia patients with multiple blood transfusions in tertiary care hospital. Study design and setting: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Chemical Pathology section, Pathology department Sheikh Zayad Medical College and Hospital Rahim Yar Khan from 1st July 2022 to 31st October 2022. Methodology: 110 patients aged 1 to 18 years from both genders enrolled in Thalassemia center of Sheikh Zayed Hospital with multiple blood transfusions were included in study using convenient sampling technique. Patients with cardiac disease, diabetes mellitus and family history of lipid disorders were excluded. Blood samples collected from thalassemia patients were subjected to estimation of serum total cholesterol, serum triglycerides, HDL-C, and LDL-C. Data was recorded on predesigned performa. Post stratification t test was applied and p value &lt;0.05 was considered significant. Results: Mean age of the patients was 7.77±3.846 years. Mean serum cholesterol, serum triglyceride, HDL-C and LDLC were 89.15±20.33mg/dl, 211.00±77.78mg/dl, 21.01±6.554mg/dl and 29.79±17.02 respectively. Mean triglyceride and LDL-C level was higher in patients with weekly transfusion than patients undergoing monthly transfusion with statistically significant difference of triglycerides and LDL-C between two groups with p=0.002 and 0.023 respectively. Conclusion: We found that frequent blood transfusion causes lipid profile abnormalities in thalassemia patients. Lipid profile abnormalities should be screened frequently in ß-thalassamia patients with multiple blood transfusions.

Effect of silymarin on the relative gene expressions of some inflammatory cytokines in the liver of CCl4-intoxicated male rats

The intensive exposure of the liver cells to any type of noxae, such as viruses, drugs, alcohols, and xenobiotics could induce hepatic inflammation through the upregulation of gene expression of several fibrotic and inflammatory mediators. So, our study assessed the role of silymarin on the inflammatory response induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) as an example of xenobiotics on liver tissues in male rats. Forty-eight Wister male rats (weight: 130 ± 10) were housed for 14 days and then divided randomly into six groups: control, SLY: rats received only silymarin orally for 12 weeks (daily), CO: rats were injected with corn oil for 8 weeks (3 times weekly), CCl4: rats were injected with CCl4 solubilized in corn oil for 8 weeks (day by day), Treated: rats received silymarin for 4 weeks after CCl4 injection, Protected: rats received silymarin for 4 weeks before and 8 weeks during CCl4 injection. When the treatment period for the rats was over, they underwent scarification after anesthesia. Then, the sera were extracted from the collected blood for the determination of irisin levels, liver functions, and lipid profiles. Liver tissues were separated for the histopathological examinations, the determination of oxidative stress (OS) parameters content, and the relative gene expression of inflammatory cytokines; nuclear factor kappa (NF)-κB, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β). The findings showed that silymarin reduced liver inflammation by overcoming the OS process and inflammatory cytokines production which was stimulated by CCl4. These results were confirmed by histopathology of liver tissues.

Alpha lipoic acid improved blood glucose level and lipid profile in type-2 diabetic Wistar rats

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common metabolic disorders that is associated with many complications such as dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) on blood glucose levels and lipid profile in type-2 diabetic male Wistar rats. Thirty (30) Wistar rats weighing between 200 – 250 grams were distributed into six groups of five each (n=5). Diabetes was induced using a high-fat diet for eight weeks with a single low dose of streptozotocin (40 mg/kg) intraperitoneally at the end of the sixth week. Group I served as normoglycemic control and received 1 ml/kg normal saline; groups II, III, IV, V, and VI were diabetic and received 1 ml/kg normal saline; glibenclamide 1 mg/kg; ALA 100 mg/kg, ALA 200 mg/kg and ALA 400 mg/kg; respectively. All administrations were done orally for a duration of 21 days. Blood glucose level was determined using the glucose oxidase method. Serum was collected for lipid profile determination. The results obtained from this study showed that ALA across all doses (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg) decreased significantly (p &lt; 0.05) the fasting blood glucose level (10.02 ± 0.71 mmol/L, 8.78 ± 0.94 mmol/L and 8.6 ± 0.68 mmol/L, respectively) when compared to the diabetic control group (20.06 ± 0.70 mmol/L). Lipid profiles were improved with HDL- and LDL- cholesterols increasing and decreasing significantly (42.60 ± 1.66 mg/dL and 1.12 ± 3.68 mg/dL) in the 400 mg/kg ALA group compared to the diabetic untreated group (37.00 ± 2.55 mg/dL and 26.31 ± 2.95 mg/dL, respectively). Therefore, the study demonstrated that ALA has both antihyperglycemic and antilipidemic in type-2 diabetic Wistar rats.

Central nervous system sulfatide deficiency as a causal factor for bladder disorder in Alzheimer's disease.

Despite being a brain disorder, Alzheimer's disease (AD) is often accompanied by peripheral organ dysregulations (e.g., loss of bladder control in late-stage AD), which highly rely on spinal cord coordination. However, the causal factor(s) for peripheral organ dysregulation in AD remain elusive. The central nervous system (CNS) is enriched in lipids. We applied quantitative shotgun lipidomics to determine lipid profiles of human AD spinal cord tissues. Additionally, a CNS sulfatide (ST)-deficient mouse model was used to study the lipidome, transcriptome and peripheral organ phenotypes of ST loss. We observed marked myelin lipid reduction in the spinal cord of AD subjects versus cognitively normal individuals. Among which, levels of ST, a myelin-enriched lipid class, were strongly and negatively associated with the severity of AD. A CNS myelin-specific ST-deficient mouse model was used to further identify the causes and consequences of spinal cord lipidome changes. Interestingly, ST deficiency led to spinal cord lipidome and transcriptome profiles highly resembling those observed in AD, characterized by decline of multiple myelin-enriched lipid classes and enhanced inflammatory responses, respectively. These changes significantly disrupted spinal cord function and led to substantial enlargement of urinary bladder in ST-deficient mice. Our study identified CNS ST deficiency as a causal factor for AD-like lipid dysregulation, inflammation response and ultimately the development of bladder disorders. Targeting to maintain ST levels may serve as a promising strategy for the prevention and treatment of AD-related peripheral disorders.

Lipoprotein(a), metabolic profile and new-onset type 2 diabetes in patients with familial combined hyperlipidemia: A 9 year follow-up study

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] appears to have an inverse association with the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the general population. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic role of Lp(a) regarding the development of type-2 diabetes in the special population of subjects with familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCH). This cohort study included 474 patients (mean age 49.7±11.3 years, 64% males) with FCH, without diabetes at baseline who were followed for a mean period of 8.2±6.8 years. At baseline evaluation venous blood samples were obtained for the determination of lipid profile and Lp(a) levels. The endpoint of interest was the development of diabetes. Patients with increased Lp(a) levels ≥30mg/dl compared to those with low Lp(a) levels <30mg/dl had lower levels of triglycerides (238±113 vs 268±129 mg/dl, p=0.01), greater levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (44±10 vs 41±10 mg/dl, p=0.01) and hypertension in a greater percentage (42% vs 32%, p=0.03). The incidence of new-onset diabetes during the follow-up period was 10.1% (n=48). Multiple Cox regression analysis revealed that increased Lp(a) is an independent predictor of lower diabetes incidence (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.17-0.90, p=0.02) after adjustment for confounders. Among subjects with FCH those with higher Lp(a) levels have lower risk for the development of type 2 diabetes. Moreover, the presence of increased Lp(a) seems to differentiate the expression of metabolic syndrome characteristics in patients with FCH, as increased Lp(a) is related to lower levels of triglycerides, greater prevalence of hypertension and higher levels of HDL cholesterol.

Lipidomic and comparative transcriptomic analysis of fatty acid synthesis pathway in Carya illinoinensis embryo.

Pecan (Carya illinoinensis (Wagenh.) K. Koch) is an important oilseed nut and is rich in fatty acids (FAs) and flavonols. Pecan FA has significantly edible, industrial and clinical value. To investigate the dynamic patterns and compositions of FA, and the molecular mechanism that controls FA accumulation in pecan, lipidomic and transcriptomic analyses were performed to determine lipid profiles and gene expression in pecan's FA biosynthesis pathway. In the present study, compared with cultivars 'Caddo' and 'Y-01', 'Mahan' formed larger and heavier embryos and accumulated higher oil content. Lipidomic analysis showed that FA and (O-acyl)-1-hydroxy FA contents were higher in 'Mahan' at the mature stage. Based on full-length and comparative RNA-Seq, differential expression gene enrichment analysis revealed that many functional genes participated in the pathways of 'fatty acid biosynthesis', 'fatty acid metabolism' and 'linoleic acid metabolism'. High FA accumulation model from 'Mahan' demonstrated that key enzyme-encoding genes played an important role in regulating FA biosynthesis. Co-expression module analysis indicated that several transcription factors (TFs; MYB, TCP, bHLH, Dof, ERF, NAC) were involved in FA accumulation by regulating the expression of functional genes, and real-time quantitative PCR verification proved that these TFs had a high correlation with the pecan FA accumulation pattern. These findings provided an insight into the molecular mechanism of FA accumulation in C. illinoinensis embryo, which contributes to pecan oil yielding and pecan molecular breeding.

What information is contained in experimentally determined lipid profiles?

Hundreds of molecular species make up the cellular lipidome. In this minireview, considerations for interpreting membrane and storage lipid profile changes that are often the focal point of lipidomic studies are discussed. In addition, insights how the most conserved molecular patterns are formed in eukaryotic systems and the consequences for the perturbation of lipid homeostasis are addressed. The implications of lipid identification specificity and experimental variability on modeling membrane structure and systemic responses are also discussed. The profile changes of membrane and storage lipids are bound to the kinetics of the metabolic system, and experimental design and functional interpretation in lipidomic research should be adapted accordingly.

Oral Supplementation with Hydroxytyrosol Synthesized Using Genetically Modified Escherichia coli Strains and Essential Oils Mixture: A Pilot Study on the Safety and Biological Activity

Several natural compounds have been explored as immune-boosting, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory dietary supplements. Amongst them, hydroxytyrosol, a natural antioxidant found in olive products, and endemic medicinal plants have attracted the scientific community's and industry's interest. We investigated the safety and biological activity of a standardised supplement containing 10 mg of hydroxytyrosol synthesized using genetically modified Escherichia coli strains and equal amounts (8.33 μL) of essential oils from Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum, Salvia fruticosa and Crithmum maritimum in an open-label, single-arm, prospective clinical study. The supplement was given to 12 healthy subjects, aged 26-52, once a day for 8 weeks. Fasting blood was collected at three-time points (weeks 0, 8 and follow-up at 12) for analysis, which included full blood count and biochemical determination of lipid profile, glucose homeostasis and liver function panel. Specific biomarkers, namely homocysteine, oxLDL, catalase and total glutathione (GSH) were also studied. The supplement induced a significant reduction in glucose, homocysteine and oxLDL levels and was tolerated by the subjects who reported no side effects. Cholesterol, triglyceride levels and liver enzymes remained unaffected except for LDH. These data indicate the supplement's safety and its potential health-beneficial effects against pathologic conditions linked to cardiovascular disease.

The Hypertriglyceridemic Waist Phenotype Is Associated with Several Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

To evaluate the association of HTWP with CVRF in RA. Cross-sectional study. Women (125) with RA were included (ACR, 1987). Anthropometry, bioimpedance, body mass index (BMI), disease activity score 28 (DAS28), and health assessment questionnaire disability index (HAQ-Di) were determined. The lipid profile determination includes the atherogenic index (AI) (TC/HDL) and Framingham Risk Score. HTWP is defined as a waist circumference ≥88 cm and triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dL. Chi-squared and Student's t-tests were applied for comparisons. HTWP was found in 38 (30.4%) patients. The subgroup with HTWP had a greater frequency of arterial hypertension (AHT) (57.9 vs. 37.9, p = 0.04), Type 2 DM (23.7 vs. 8.0, p= 0.02), BMI (29.7 ± 3.2, vs. 26.8 ± 4.3, p < 0.001), fat mass (39.3 ± 4.8 vs. 34.7 ± 6.8, p < 0.001), and AI (4.7 ± 1.2 vs. 3.7 ± 1.0, p < 0.001). No differences between DAS28 and HAQ-Di were found. HTWP was associated with the presence of MetS and CVR (p < 0.001 and p = 0.012, respectively). The HTWP in RA is associated with CVRF, and its potential predictive role should be evaluated in longitudinal studies.