Disturbed Lipid Profile Research Articles

Combination therapy of systemic and local metformin improves imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like lesions with type 2 diabetes: the role of AMPK/KGF/STAT3 axis.

Insulin resistance and a disturbed lipid profile are common associations with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and different skin diseases, particularly psoriasis (PsO). We investigated potential therapeutic mechanisms of metformin in a murine animal model of psoriasiform lesions in T2DM. Forty-two rats were randomly divided into control, PsO, and type II DM (T2DM) groups. After confirmation of DM, the type II diabetic rats were allocated into T2DM+ PsO, T2DM+ PsO+ systemic metformin (S. met), T2DM+ PsO+ topical metformin (T. met)), and T2DM+ PsO + combined metformin (C. met). PsO was induced by topical imiquimod. Systemic administration of the cornerstone antidiabetic drug, metformin, was able to improve insulin resistance and lipid profile. At molecular levels, both topical and systemic metformin significantly increased AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and lowered keratinocyte growth factor (KGF) / "Signal transducer and activator of transcription" (STAT)3 protein levels, and the IL-17RA and IL-17RC gene expression. Although its glucose-controlling effect was not optimum, T.met gel served anti-psoriatic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Screening of Serum Cholesterol Level Amongst Sri Lankan Women in Relation to Waist-Height Ratio (WHtR), Waist Circumference (WC), Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR), and Waist-Thigh Ratio (WTR): A Cross-Sectional Study

Anthropometric measurements give a general reflection of any changes in lipid concentration in the human body. A disturbed lipid profile can be associated with cardiovascular disease risk. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum total cholesterol level and different anthropometric parameters related to obesity in a female population of two administrative areas in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. Analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in Boral and Hiththatiya-Meda areas of Matara district, Sri Lanka. The systematic random sampling method was followed to select 314 females aged 18-60 years. Serum total cholesterol concentration was measured on a venous blood sample by Konelab 20XT biochemistry analyser with a commercially available reagent kit. Body Mass Index (BMI), Waist-Height Ratio (WHtR), Waist Circumference (WC), Waist-Hip Ratio (WHR), and Waist-Thigh Ratio (WTR) parameters were calculated for each individual. Pearson correlation test, chi-squared test and t-test were done to analyse data using SPSS, 16 (P<0.05). The serum total cholesterol concentration is positively associated with abdominal obesity while showing a statistically significant positive correlation with BMI, WC, WHR, WTR and WHtR (r=0.217, r=0.590, r=0.315, r=0.347 and r=0.574 respectively; P≤0.05). The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in the population was 8.6%. These results indicate that all main anthropometric parameters of this study are positively associated with serum total cholesterol levels and an increment of these risk markers can lead to an increase in risk of developing metabolic diseases associated with abdominal obesity among women.

Evaluation of a Lipid Profile in Normoglycemic and Pre-diabetic Saudi Office Employees in Makka Region: A Case-Control Study.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) poses a significant health challenge worldwide. The impact of a sedentary lifestyle in predicting and managing complications of diabetes represents an urgent need for health strategies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the lipid profile among normoglycemic and prediabetic Saudi office workers. The research was a case-control study carried out in Makkah al-Mukarramah (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, KSA).Seventy-five office worker volunteers between the ages of 19 and 45 years were recruited for the study. The participants were divided into two groups: a control group of non-diabetic normal subjects (NGT) and prediabetic subjects with impaired fasting plasma glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), based on the American Diabetes Association recommendations. Measurements of glucose, hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were performed using standard procedures and commercial kits. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the lipid profile in the two groups, and a P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. A proportion (58.7%) of the office workers are prediabetics; prediabetic office workers had higher total cholesterol compared to the controlgroup (p < 0.05). Triglyceride levels were higher in office workers with prediabetes compared to the normoglycemic group (p < 0.05). LDL levels were elevated in the prediabetic office workerscompared to the control group (p < 0.05). Office employees with prediabetes exhibit elevated levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL. The disturbance in lipid profile may be linked to impaired glucose tolerance in individuals with a sedentary lifestyle, such as office workers.

From NAFLD to MASLD: Meta-analysis and systematic review of NAFLD patients in Turkiye in terms of metabolic profile and MASLD potential.

Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is both a cause and a consequence of metabolic disturbances. Consequently, the disease term has recently changed to Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). Turkiye is one of the leading countries with high incidences of diseases such as diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and fatty liver. This study aims to identify the metabolic parameters and MASLD potential of NAFLD in Turkiye. All NAFLD studies conducted in Turkiye were systematically searched using the keywords "fatty liver disease" AND " Turkiye " on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. A total of 2653 articles were scanned, and 120 studies were eligible for meta-analysis. The metabolic parameters were meta-analyzed from a broad perspective. According to the meta-analysis results, there were significant increases in waist circumferences (mean difference: 10.90, p<0.00001), HOMA-IR (mean difference: 2.13, p<0.00001), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (mean difference: 17.82, p<0.00001), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (mean difference: 5.86, p<0.00001), and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (mean difference: 0.95, p<0.00001). These parameters are representative biochemical findings of disturbed glucose metabolism, lipid profile, blood pressure, and acute phase response mechanisms. Furthermore, the analysis of all related parameters commonly found among the articles confirmed these metabolic dysfunctions. NAFLD is a metabolic disease that encompasses multiple pathways related to glucose and lipid metabolism, vascular function, inflammation, and acute phase responses. Additionally, our results suggest that Turkish NAFLD patients identified in previous studies mostly have MASLD. This is the first meta-analysis study indicating changes in metabolism-related parameters with a cumulative meta-analysis of all Turkish NAFLD studies.

Multipurpose Drug from Rouwolfia serpentina and Nigella sativa: A Herbal Approach to Treat Hypertension and Hyperlipidemia in Experimental Rodent Model

Introduction: Hypertension refers to the condition where the pressure of blood towards the artery walls is constantly too excessive. Estimated 17.9 million lives each year is taken by this. Its key etiological factors consist of genetic predisposition, unhealthy lifestyle choices, including immoderate salt intake, obesity, lack of physical activity, and chronic situations like kidney disease or hormonal imbalances. Focusing on herbal medications for this will be safer, and affordable alternatives of unwanted risk and negative effects of synthetic medications.&#x0D; Methods and Materials: Six groups of mice were taken. In group 2-5 high fat diet and 3% NaCl was given to induce disease. Group 3,4 and 5 was treated by the ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa, Rouwolfia Serpentina and mixture of Nigella sativa and Rouwolfia Serpentina respectively. &#x0D; Results and Discussion: It has been observed that in all group hypertension condition was restored significantly (p&lt;0.05). In the treatment groups Rouwolfia Serpentina has displayed best efficiency. The mixture of Rouwolfia Serpentina and Nigella sativa showed 2nd most efficiency. On the other hand, Nigella sativa showed comparatively less but statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) efficacy than others. Nigella sativa significantly (p&lt;0.05) restored disturbed lipid profile (Low density lipoprotein, High density lipoprotein and Triglyceride).&#x0D; Conclusion: As The mixture of the two plant extracts gives both anti-hypertensive and anti- hyperlipidemic activity, it has high potential to be used in hypertension management specially when it is exacerbated by hyperlipidemia and this demands for further study.

Histomorphological and histomorphometric evaluation of the therapeutic role of sulforaphane on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis in polycystic ovary syndrome rats via its potential anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance. Sulforaphane (SFN) is a widely distributed isothiocyanate found in cruciferous vegetables. This study investigated the role of SFN on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis in PCOS rats. Twenty-four female rats randomized into group A control received 2 ml of normal saline. Group B received 4 mg/kg body weight (bwt) I.P of estradiol valerate (EV) on the first day, groups C received 100 mg/kg bwt of SFN orally, and Group D received I.P 4 mg/kg bwt of EV follow by 100 mg/kg bwt of SFN orally. All administrations were done once daily for 30 days. Final body weight, estrous cycle, ovarian weight, blood glucose, serum sex hormones levels, serum lipid profile, ovarian antioxidants assay, ovarian inflammatory cytokines, and ovary and pituitary histology were assessed.The PCOS rats exhibited the characteristic features of PCOS. Disturbed ovarian cyclicity, histopathological alterations, decreased the number of healthy follicles and corpora lutea and increased degenerated and cystic follicles were detected by light microscopic studies. A significant increase in final body weight, ovarian weight, blood glucose, sex steroids hormone levels, and antioxidant assays in PCOS rats. Sulforaphane reduces the elevated level of serum sex steroids hormone, lipid profile, ovarian diameter, and cysts and restores healthy follicles in PCOS rats. SFN reduces the upraised levels of ovarian oxidant and inflammatory cytokines and increases the suppressed antioxidant enzymes.Sulforaphane thus ameliorates the disturbed hormonal levels, lipid profile, and antioxidant status in PCOS rats through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity.

Associations between Normal-Weight Obesity and Disturbances in the Lipid Profile of Young Adults.

Normal-weight obesity (NWO) is characterized by normal body mass index (BMI) but high body fat percentage (%BF) that increases the risks of cardiometabolic comorbidities. Accurate assessment and interpretation of body composition data are necessary to reduce these risks. To compare the cardiometabolic profile of individuals with NWO and normal %BF and evaluate the associated risk factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 222 Brazilian adults from a university community, of whom 157 had NWO and 65 had normal BMI and %BF (non-NWO). All participants reported being asymptomatic and without underlying health conditions. Socioeconomic, lifestyle, food intake, anthropometry, body composition measures (using dual-energy radiological absorptiometry), and lipid and glycemic profiles were evaluated. A p < 0.05 was established as significant. The median age of the participants was 23 years (interquartile range: 21 to 25), and most were female (67.1%). No significant differences were found in blood pressure, age, or physical activity levels between the NWO and non-NWO groups. However, the frequency of lipid profile disturbances was higher in the NWO group (54%) compared to the non-NWO group (34%) (p < 0.006). Neck circumference, %BF, and lipid profile disturbances were positively associated with NWO. Individuals with NWO have a worse cardiometabolic profile than those without NWO, and this condition is associated with important biomarkers. Addressing these outcomes is important for preventing long-term cardiometabolic complications. Accurate assessment and interpretation of body composition data, regardless of BMI, are crucial in this scenario.

The correlation of lipid profile with subclinical and overt hypothyroidism: A cross-sectional study from Syria.

We proceeded with this study to investigate the relationship between hypothyroidism and lipid profile disturbance. A cross-sectional study at Al- Mowasat University Hospital in Damascus was conducted from March 2021 to March 2022, and included 324 adults. For each participant with abnormal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4) was requested. The participants were categorized into 3 groups: euthyroid (226 participants), subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) (75 participants), and overt hypothyroidism (23 participants). Fasting lipid profile was tested as: cholesterol (Chol), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and high density lipoprotein (HDL). A significant relationship between hypothyroidism and dyslipidemia was noticed. LDL, TG, and Chol but not HDL showed a significant difference between study groups (euthyroidism, subclinical, and overt hypothyroidism). The lowest levels of these parameters were in euthyroidism and increased in subclinical and overt hypothyroidism subsequently. Overt hypothyroidism showed a significant difference in LDL, TG, and Chol compared to euthyroidism, however, we did not find a difference in lipid parameters in SCH compared to euthyroidism. LDL and Chol showed significant differences between subclinical and overt hypothyroidism. TSH had a positive weak correlation with LDL, TG, and Chol, however, there was no correlation with HDL. Also, FT4 had a negative weak correlation with LDL, TG, and Chol, however, there was a positive correlation with HDL. Our findings suggest a higher level of lipids (LDL, TG, and Chol) among SCH and overt hypothyroidism compared to general population. A weak correlations of lipid parameters with TSH and FT4 were detected. It is not well evident whether a restoration of euthyroidism might influence the morbidity and mortality, especially cardiovascular comorbidities, in this population, which mandates future studies.

Product Development of Baked Soya and Makhana Cookies with Hypolipidemic Properties

Disturbed lipid profile refers to the abundance or lack of lipoprotein component which is a repercussion of ruined and impaired lipoprotein metabolism involving degraded levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, non high density, low density and high density lipoproteins. Scientific studies have proven that nutrition has a pivotal role in the management of hyperlipidemia. Keeping this in view, a research project was planned to develop the soya and makhana baked goods with hypolipidemic properties. Present study was performed on product development, sensory evaluation, standardization and nutritional calculation of baked soya and makhana cookies enriched with hypolipidemic mixture so as to nutritionally improve the disturbed lipid parameters. Hypolipidemic nutritional mixture was developed using chia seeds, almonds, wheat bran and mango seed powder. Baked soya and makhana cookies were enriched using developed hypolipidemic nutritional mixture at different incorporation levels. These products were tested for their suitability using 9 point hedonic scale and nutritional value was calculated using RDA 2020 and IFCT 2017. The most acceptable mean sensory scores of baked soya and whole wheat cookies enriched with hypolipidemic mixture at 12 and 15% incorporation levels were 7.75±0.75 and 7.59±0.91 respectively. Statistically, baked cookies with hypolipidemic properties had significant higher content of dietary fiber, monounsaturated fatty acids and linoleic acid. Baked soya and makhana cookies with hypolipidemic properties had high level of nutrients which are scientifically responsible for nutritionally managing and improving the perturbed lipid parameters accompanied by acceptable organoleptic scores.

Altered levels of fecal short-chain fatty acids are associated with subclinical inflammation and worse cognitive performance in patients with schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a multi-systemic disorder that is associated with lipid profile disturbances, altered glucose homeostasis and subclinical inflammation. It has been proposed that dysfunction of the gut-brain axis might underlie these alterations. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are considered to play a pivotal role in the gut-brain axis. In this study, we aimed to compare fecal levels of SCFAs in patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls (HCs), taking into consideration their relationship with common peripheral blood alterations observed in schizophrenia. The study included 100 stable outpatients with schizophrenia and 55 HCs. The levels of SCFAs (acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid, isovaleric acid, and lactic acid) in fecal samples were measured. Also, lipid profile together with the levels of C-reactive protein, glucose and insulin were determined. The levels of isovaleric acid were significantly higher in patients with schizophrenia after co-varying for age, sex, and the adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Moreover, there were significant positive correlations of the levels of valeric acid, isovaleric acid and CRP in patients with schizophrenia. In this group of participants, higher levels of isovaleric acid were associated with significantly lower scores of delayed memory after adjustment for potential covariates and interactions with CRP levels. Our results indicate that individuals with schizophrenia show altered levels of isovaleric acid that might be associated with impairments of delayed memory. The association with cognitive impairments might be independent of interactions with immune-inflammatory processes. Longitudinal and experimental studies are needed to test causal mechanisms of observed correlations.

Disturbed lipid profile in common variable immunodeficiency - a pathogenic loop of inflammation and metabolic disturbances.

The relationship between metabolic and inflammatory pathways play a pathogenic role in various cardiometabolic disorders and is potentially also involved in the pathogenesis of other disorders such as cancer, autoimmunity and infectious diseases. Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most common primary immunodeficiency in adults, characterized by increased frequency of airway infections with capsulated bacteria. In addition, a large proportion of CVID patients have autoimmune and inflammatory complications associated with systemic inflammation. We summarize the evidence that support a role of a bidirectional pathogenic interaction between inflammation and metabolic disturbances in CVID. This include low levels and function of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), high levels of triglycerides (TG) and its major lipoprotein very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and an unfavorable fatty acid (FA) profile. The dysregulation of TG, VLDL and FA were linked to disturbed gut microbiota profile, and TG and VLDL levels were strongly associated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS), a marker of gut leakage in blood. Of note, the disturbed lipid profile in CVID did not include total cholesterol levels or high low-density lipoprotein levels. Furthermore, increased VLDL and TG levels in blood were not associated with diet, high body mass index and liver steatosis, suggesting a different phenotype than in patients with traditional cardiovascular risk such as metabolic syndrome. We hypothesize that these metabolic disturbances are linked to inflammation in a bidirectional manner with disturbed gut microbiota as a potential contributing factor.

Thymus linearis Extracts Ameliorate Indices of Metabolic Syndrome in Sprague Dawley Rats.

The extract library (n-hexane (NH), ethyl acetate (EA), methanol (M), distilled water (DW), and combined extract (CE)) was standardized using in vitro phytochemical, antioxidant, and α-amylase inhibition assays, after which the protective effect of selected "hit," i.e., CE against metabolic syndrome, was determined in vivo, using rats fed a high-fat diet supplemented with additional cholesterol administration. CE was administered to Sprague Dawley rats in high dose as 100 mg/kg in carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) (1 ml; 0.75% in DW) and low-dose group as 50 mg/kg in CMC (0.5 ml; 0.75% in DW). After 10 weeks, the effects of CE on insulin resistance, lipid metabolism, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), oxidative stress, and genotoxicity were assessed through histological, biochemical, and hematological investigations. Phytochemical analysis including RP-HPLC analysis of the extracts showed that flavonoids and phenolics (myricetin, kaempferol, and apigenin), previously known to be effective against obesity and diabetes, are present in the extracts. Antioxidant studies revealed that the plant possesses a highly significant (p < 0.05) concentration of antioxidants. Satisfactory α-amylase inhibitory activity was also observed in in vitro experiments. In vivo studies showed that CE-administered animals had significantly (p < 0.05) lower weight gain and smaller adipocytes than the control group. Moreover, CE resisted any significant (p < 0.05) change in the organ weights. Analogous to findings from its traditional use, the plant extract had a positive modulatory effect on insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. The study also indicated that CE resisted high-fat diet-induced disturbance in lipid profile and countered any pathological changes in liver enzymes caused by fat-infused diet. Furthermore, a study on endogenous antioxidant levels indicated that CE was effective in maintaining catalase and peroxidase levels within the normal range and resisted the effects of lipid peroxidation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. In principle, the current study's findings scientifically validate the implication of T. linearis in metabolic syndrome and recommend further studies on molecular insights of the observed therapeutic activity.

Vitamin D Deficiency and its Relation to Lipid Profile

Background Vitamin D deficiency is considered as a major public health problem all over the world. Vitamin D acts as a hormone with multi-functions. The main source of vitamin D is solar UV radiation, which converts 7-dehydrocholesterol to pro-vitamin D which is modified to vitamin D given normal skin temperature. Vitamin D deficiency is a common disorder presents in all ages and in both genders. Vitamin D plays an important role in modulating the immune response to infections and reduction inflammatory response. Vitamin D deficiency has a genetic predisposition. There is a correlation between low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and dyslipidemia, so correction of vitamin D deficiency is important for treating disturbance in lipid profile. Repletion of 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels raised serum calcium level and decrease parathyroid hormone levels.

Air pollution combined with high-fat feeding aggravates metabolic and cardiovascular diseases: A dangerous, oxidative, and immune-inflammatory association

Obesity and particulate air pollutant (PM2.5) are important risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases. PM2.5 exacerbates insulin resistance and lipid ectopic deposition in obese animals. The inorganic fraction of PM2.5, the Residual Oil Fly Ash (ROFA), is related to cardiovascular events, by enhancing the generation of reactive species, inflammatory cytokines, and leukocyte activation. However, the synergistic effects of ROFA and a high-fat diet (HFD) are still poorly described, and the studies were mainly conducted with males. AimsTo investigate if ROFA could potentiate the cardiometabolic effects of diet-induced obesity in female rats. Material and methodsWistar female rats were divided into four groups: Control (n = 6), Polluted (n = 6), HFD (n = 6), and HFD + Polluted (n = 6). HFD and HFD + Polluted received a high-fat diet (HFD) (58.3 % as fats), whilst Control and Polluted groups received a standard diet (Nuvilab CR-1). In addition, Polluted and HFD + Polluted groups received intranasal instillation of ROFA (250 μg/50 μL), while Control and HFD groups received saline solution (50 μL) daily, five days per week. Both interventions occurred 24 weeks after the animals were euthanized. Key findingsHFD combined with ROFA exposure impaired lipid profile challenged systemic and cardiac antioxidant defense, and presented a synergistic effect in inducing an immune-inflammatory condition. We found that the lipid profile disturbance is associated with HFD-induced hepatic, but not cardiac, deposition of triglycerides in female animals. SignificanceOur results support the hypothesis that ROFA exposure combined with bad feeding can exacerbate metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

Investigation of Hyperlipidemia Associated with Increased Levels of Oxidized Low-Density Lipoproteins and 8-Hydroxy-2´-Deoxyguanosine.

Hyperlipidemia is a common risk factor for atherosclerosis, heart diseases, and other pathological conditions. The factors leading to the oxidation of native low-density lipoproteins remain of valuable importance for a better understanding of the mechanisms leading to these pathologies. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between lipid status and the levels of oxidized low-density lipoproteins and 8-hydroxy-2´-deoxyguanosine. One hundred and fourteen participants were enrolled. Lipid profile parameters were measured and used individually to categorize subjects into two groups of normal and hyperlipidemic cases according to the international reference ranges. Oxidized low-density lipoproteins and 8-hydroxy-2´-deoxyguanosine were then compared in normal and high lipid profile groups. The obtained results were then statistically analyzed. 8-Hydroxy-2´-deoxyguanosine was found to be positively correlated with hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and high levels of low-density lipoproteins (r = 0.53, 0.41, and 0.60), respectively (p<0.001). A positive correlation was observed also between the levels of oxidized low-density lipoproteins and the same lipid profile parameters (r = 0.42, 0.31, and 0.45), respectively (p<0.001). The present study suggests that disturbance in lipid profile may result in increased levels of oxidized low-density lipoproteins and oxidative stress in the study group; however, a larger sample is needed to confirm the present findings.

Estimation of insulin like growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) and other biochemical parameters in nephropathy patients

A major consequence of diabetes (type 2) is diabetic nephropathy and its leading cause of chronic kidney disease. This study was amid to determination of insulin like growth factor −1 in diabetic nephropathy patients and its relation with other biochemistry. This study was carried out at the National Diabetes Center/ Mustansiriyah University during the period from 1/11/2020 to 30/3/2021. A highly significant increase of serum fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, and insulin like growth factor −1 in Nephropathy with Diabetes Mellitus when compared with Nephropathy without Diabetes Mellitus and highly significant decrease of glomerular filtration rate in Nephropathy with Diabetes Mellitus when compared with Nephropathy without Diabetes Mellitus. as Higher serum levels of fasting blood sugar, hypertension, and disturbances in lipid profile and kidney function are found in nephropathy with diabetes mellitus patients. Lower serum insulin like growth factor −1 levels were found to be positively linked with diabetic nephropathy. We propose that serum insulin like growth factor −1 levels be included in routine nephropathy studies in diabetic individuals.

Oligochaeta ramosa (Roxb.) Extract Regulates Lipid Metabolism and Exerts Hepatoprotective Effects in Cadmium-Induced Hepatic Injury in Rats.

Environmental pollutants present a potential source of toxicity when exposed to humans. The study was aimed at investigating the potential of Oligochaeta ramosa (Roxb.) as a hepatoprotective agent in cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity causing lipid profile disturbance. The aqueous methanolic (30 : 70 v/v) extract of O. ramosa Roxb. (AME.Or) was subjected to preliminary phytochemical analysis, whereas the antioxidant activity of its constituents was investigated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. The hepatoprotective and antihyperlipidemic effects of AME.Or was investigated by dividing animals into five groups (A-E). Animals were either treated with normal saline or CdCl2 (6.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) followed by treatment with silymarin (100 mg/kg), or AME.Or (200 mg/kg) and AME.Or (400 mg/kg) for consecutive three weeks. Blood samples were collected, and the serum lipid profile was assessed on the 11th and 21st day of treatment. Histopathological analysis was performed after euthanization. In vitro analysis of AME.Or revealed 64% inhibition as free radicals scavenging potential during DPPH, total phenolic content (TPC) (79.92 mgGAE/g), and total flavonoids content (TFC) (38.75 mgRE/g). The group intoxicated with CdCl2 showed significantly high (p ≤ 0.05) levels of the liver function indicators and lipid profile than in the control group. The higher dose of AME.Or (400 mg/kg) significantly decreased the aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (p ≤ 0.001), decreased total cholesterol and triglycerides (p ≤ 0.01) while significantly increased high density lipoprotein (HDL; p ≤ 0.01) as compared to the intoxicated group. The histopathological analysis of the liver revealed signs of necrosis in the intoxicated group, while AME.Or treated groups showed marked improvement. The findings accentuate the therapeutic importance of O. ramosa (Roxb.) as a hepatoprotective remedy.

Rho-kinase inhibition ameliorates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in type 2 diabetic rats.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), obesity, and insulin resistance. The Rho/ROCK pathway had been involved in the pathophysiology of diabetic complications. This study was designed to assess the possible protective impacts of the Rho/Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase (Rho/ROCK) inhibitor fasudil against NAFLD in T2DM rats trying to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Animals were assigned into control rats, non-treated diabetic rats with NAFLD, and diabetic rats with NAFLD that received fasudil treatment (10 mg/kg per day) for 6 weeks. The anthropometric measures and biochemical analyses were performed to assess metabolic and liver function changes. The inflammatory and oxidative stress markers and the histopathology of rat liver tissues were also investigated. Groups with T2DM showed increased body weight, serum glucose, and insulin resistance. They exhibited disturbed lipid profile, enhancement of inflammatory cytokines, and deterioration of liver function. Fasudil administration reduced body weight, insulin resistance, and raised liver enzymes. It improved the disturbed lipid profile and attenuated liver inflammation. Moreover, it slowed down the progression of high fat diet (HFD)-induced liver injury and reduced the caspase-3 expression. The present study demonstrated beneficial amelioration effect of fasudil on NAFLD in T2DM. The mechanisms underlying these impacts are improving dyslipidemia, attenuating oxidative stress, downregulated inflammation, improving mitochondrial architecture, and inhibiting apoptosis.

Mitochondrial dysfunction: The pathological link between psoriasis and insulin resistance?

Psoriasis is strongly associated with insulin resistance (IR). Lipid profile disturbances and upregulation of enzymes crucial for fatty acid oxidation have been reported in patients with psoriasis. Mitochondrial ß-oxidation is altered in patients with IR. Common mitochondrial dysfunction may be involved in the origin of both diseases. This study aimed to evaluate mitochondrial ß-oxidation, intermediary metabolism, and mitochondrial content in psoriatic patients with or without IR and compare them to healthy controls. The participants were divided into three groups: (1) psoriasis and IR (n=26); (2) psoriasis without IR (n=17); and (3) healthy controls (n=17). Quantification of amino acids and acylcarnitines (AC) by tandem mass spectrometry, determination of urinary organic acids by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and mitochondrial DNA quantification were performed in all groups. When comparisons were made between the two psoriatic groups, no differences were found between: C5DC + C6OH, C16:1, Met/Leu, Met/Phe, C16:1/C16, and C5DC + C6OH/C4DC + C5OH ratios. Nine analytes were different: phenylalanine, Cit/Phe, and Cit/Tyr ratios, C0, C3, C5, C6DC, C16, and C18:1OH. There were no correlations between psoriasis area and severity index (PASI), body mass index (BMI) and duration of disease with ACs. A higher proportion of patients with psoriasis showed increased urine levels of uric acid and hippuric acid (p=0.01). The mtDNA content was significantly higher in cases than in controls, with no differences between IR and non-IR psoriatic patients. Psoriasis patients with and without IR have a different acylcarnitine profile reflecting impaired ß-oxidation. A distinctive profile of acylcarnitines suggests an involvement of mitochondrial function associated with an increase in stearoyl CoA desaturase (SCD) activity in psoriatic patients with and without IR.

Evaluation of Lipid Profiles and Hematological Parameters in Hypertensive Patients

Aim: To evaluate the lipid profiles and hematological parameters in hypertensive patients. Study design: Cross sectional analytical study Place and duration of study: Department of Hematology, Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore from 1st July 2021 to 31st December 2021. Methodology: Eighty hypertensive patients within the age group of 25-65 years were enrolled. A 5-cc blood was withdrawn from each study patient for analysis of their complete lipid profile including triglycerides, cholesterol, low density lipoproteins, high density lipoproteins as well as for hematological parameters analysis which included red blood cells, white blood cells hematocrits, hemoglobin, red blood cell indices and platelets. Result: The mean age of the patients was 51.89±12.47 years. There were 45 males and 35 females in this study. Obesity was more common in hypertensive women than men. Lipid profile except high density lipoproteins was significantly higher in patients with uncontrolled blood pressure levels. High red blood cells were observed in both males and females with uncontrolled blood pressure while the platelets level decreased in uncontrolled BP males and increased in uncontrolled BP females in comparison to controlled males and females respectively. An increased level of hemoglobin and hematocrit in patients from both genders with uncontrolled blood pressure was observed. Conclusion: Disturbed lipid profile and hematological parameters imbalances are related with the hypertension Key words: Lipid profile, Hematological parameters, Hypertension