Elevated Blood Lipid Levels Research Articles

Assessment of the hyperlipidemia risk for residents exposed to potential emitted metals in the vicinity of a petrochemical complex.

Hyperlipidemia, which is associated with certain environmental factors, is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Heavy metals are important pollutants from industrial emissions. However, the relationship between the exposure to heavy metals and the occurrence of hyperlipidemia is limited. This study aimed to investigate the association between serum metal levels and the risk of hyperlipidemia in adults living near a petrochemical complex. Our study subjects were 959 residents aged above 35years in 11 townships near the largest petrochemical complex in central Taiwan. The serum levels of chromium, arsenic, and mercury in the study subjects were measured. The basic characteristics of the study subjects were collected via a questionnaire survey, and the levels of blood lipid biomarkers were analyzed by health examination. The definition of hyperlipidemia was defined in the provided guidelines. Adjusted generalized linear and logistic regression models were applied to evaluate the associations between petrochemical-related metal exposure and hyperlipidemia. The study subjects had chromium, arsenic, and mercury serum levels of 3.24±3.45, 3.45±4.66, and 1.24±1.08 (μg/L), respectively, and close proximity of the study subjects to the petrochemical complex was significantly associated with increased serum metal levels. The results showed that the total cholesterol levels were significantly associated with the increased serum chromium, arsenic, and mercury levels. And, the LDL-C levels were significantly associated with the increased serum mercury levels. In addition, the increased serum arsenic and mercury levels of the study subjects were significantly associated with higher odds ratios for abnormal total cholesterol levels and the risk of hyperlipidemia. Residing in close proximity to a petrochemical complex and high arsenic and mercury exposure were associated with elevated blood lipid levels and an increased risk of hyperlipidemia among the residential population in the vicinity of the petrochemical industry.

Evaluation of physician's knowledge in Jordan about the ACC/AHA blood cholesterol guidelines.

Elevated levels of blood lipids are considered a major modifiable risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. The optimal management of dyslipidaemia remains inadequate worldwide. Accordingly, there is an increasing need to evaluate the basis that health care providers are using to control dyslipidaemia. To evaluate the awareness of Jordanian physicians about the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines for dyslipidaemia management. A written questionnaire was distributed to 250 physicians from different areas of Jordan during 7months period (from February 2018 until the end of August 2018). The target population is composed of the following categories: juniors, residents, fellows and consultants who were recruited from private, government and military practice settings. The validated developed questionnaire was distributed by trained medical personnel. A total of 207 physicians filled and handed back the questionnaire. The response rate was 82.8%. Generally, there was a difference in the level of knowledge between physicians (juniors/ residents/ consultants) while there was no difference between genders or practice settings (private or government). The current study showed that the awareness of physicians in different areas of Jordan regarding the 2013 (ACC/AHA) dyslipidaemia guidelines is suboptimal. Results indicated low levels of knowledge of 2013 ACC/AHA guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemia among physicians in Jordan. Hence, multiple interventions are needed to be implemented in order to increase the level of awareness among Jordanian physicians.

Potential interference on the lipid metabolisms by serum copper in a women population: A repeated measurement study

The relationship between excess copper (Cu) intake and lipid metabolic disorders is not well-studied, and most studies on this topic have a cross-sectional design. Here, we investigated the relationship between Cu exposure and blood lipid metabolism in women population, as well as potential mediation effects of oxidative stress and inflammation, using a repeated-measurement study. A total of 35 women in northern China were included, and each individual was visited for five times. Blood samples were collected, and the following serum biomarkers were analyzed: heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and lipids [triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a))]. A linear mixed-effect model was used to analyze the associations between Cu and the individual biomarkers in serum. The results showed that Cu was positively associated with TG (β = 0.0007, P = 0.01), TC (β = 0.0006, P = 0.002), LDL (β = 0.0004, P ≤ 0.001), and Lp(a) (β = 0.0004, P = 0.01), but not associated with HDL (β = 0.0001, P = 0.19). Likewise, serum Cu was positively associated with HO-1 (β = 0.0004, P = 0.03) and negatively associated with MCP-1 (β = −0.0006, P = 0.003) and IL-8 (β = −0.002, P = 0.03). Among the biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipids in serum, only IL-8 was negatively associated with HDL (β = −0.0004, P = 0.009). No other associations were observed. We conclude that high Cu exposure may elevate blood lipid levels as well as disturb processes related to oxidative stress and inflammation responses.

Erchen decoction for hyperlipemia: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background:Hyperlipidemia is a metabolic disease characterized by elevated levels of blood lipids and lipoproteins and a major pathogenic factor of atherosclerosis. In China, Erchen decoction (ECD) has been widely used to treat hyperlipidemia. However, there is no systematic review found. In order to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ECD in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, we need to conduct a meta-analysis and systematic evaluation.Methods:We will enroll the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness and safety of ECD in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. Data come mainly from 4 Chinese databases (China national knowledge infrastructure, Wanfang, Chinese biomedical literature database, and VIP Database) and 4 English databases (Pubmed, Embase excerpt medica database, Cochrane Library, and Web of science). The enrollment of RCTs is from the starting date of database establishment till September 30, 2020. Low density lipoprotein cholesterol is considered as the main indicator of the dyslipidemia, while the serum concentrations of total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein A, and apolipoprotein B are regarded as the secondary indicators. There are Safety indicators including liver enzyme, kidney function and fasting blood glucose. The work such as selection of literature, data collection, quality evaluation of included literature, and assessment of publication bias will be conducted by 2 independent researchers. Meta-analysis will be performed by RevMan 5.0 software.Results:This study will provide high-quality evidence for the effectiveness and safety of ECD in the treatment of hyperlipidemia.Conclusion:The results of the study will help us determine whether ECD can effectively treat hyperlipidemia.Ethics and dissemination:This study does not require ethical approval. We will disseminate our findings by publishing results in a peer-reviewed journal.OSF registration number:DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/GZ69F

Non- high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetic dyslipidaemia

Elevated levels of blood lipids are one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular (CV) disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetic dyslipidaemia is characterised by the presence of potentially atherogenic lipids, including high levels of plasma triglycerides (TGs), mild-to-moderately elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Statin therapy to reduce LDL-C levels is the mainstay of treatment practice to reduce CV risk. However, despite achieving targets for LDL-C, patients with diabetic dyslipidaemia remain at a high risk of residual CV events. Hence there is a need to target other components (i.e. elevated TGs) of the atherogenic dyslipidaemia that are not affected by treatment with statins. This review highlights the clinical benefits of using non-HDL-C, a single marker that includes all atherogenic lipoproteins, as a leading treatment target to reduce the residual CV risk.

Serum lipid levels are the risk factors of gallbladder stones: a population-based study in China

BackgroundGallstones are the cause of a majority of biliary tract discomfort. Although many community-based studies have addressed the risk factors for gallstone disease (GSD), little is known about GSD prevalence and risk factors in Chinese populations.MethodsFrom January 2014 to January 2015, participants (N = 2,068,523) were recruited by Meinian Onehealth Healthcare Co., Ltd. They received a physical examination, and GSD was determined by ultrasound.ResultsThe prevalence of GSD was 8.1%. Risks of GSD were similar between males and females in all age groups. Risk factors for gallstones include body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, and physical activity, as well as biological factors such as age, sex, and elevated blood lipid levels. Serum lipid levels of GSD were statistically different from controls in total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (H-DL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), and apolipoprotein B (APOB). Furthermore, TC > 5.00 mmol/L, TG > 1.39 mmol/L, HDL < 1.19 mmol/L, LDL > 3.04 mmol/L, and APOB > 0.97 mmol/L were risk factors for gallstones.ConclusionsSerum lipid levels are associated with GSD. TC, TG, LDL, and APOB are risk factors, while HDL is a protective factor.

Effects of aged garlic extract on arterial elasticity in a placebo-controlled clinical trial using EndoPAT™ technology.

Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death in the industrialized world, with the main risk factors being elevated blood pressure and blood lipid levels, leading to arterial stiffness and arteriosclerosis. In this study, we examined the effect of aged garlic extract (AGE) on arterial elasticity, using the EndoPAT™ technology in subjects with slightly elevated blood pressure. This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial examined 57 subjects over a period of 12 weeks, with EndoPAT™ measurements taken at 0 and 12 weeks; in addition, changes in blood pressure were analyzed. The positive effect of AGE on blood pressure values previously reported was confirmed. The results revealed a significant decrease in blood pressure in the AGE group, and in particular diastolic blood pressure. Using the EndoPAT™ technology, the augmentation index (AI) was analyzed, which measures arterial stiffness calculated via pulse waveform analysis of the PAT signal; lower AI values reflect better arterial elasticity. The AGE group exhibited a significant improvement in arterial elasticity, measured as AI75, by 21.6%. The result of this well-controlled clinical trial confirmed the positive effect of AGE on blood pressure. To the best of our knowledge, for the first time, the effect of AGE on arterial elasticity could be proven using the EndoPAT™ methodology. These results not only demonstrate the positive effects of AGE on the relevant risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, but also the direct effect on arterial elasticity. These data clearly indicate that AGE may exert several positive direct effects on the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases.

Male-pattern baldness and incident coronary heart disease and risk factors in the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study.

Male-pattern baldness (MPB) is characterized by a progressive hair loss from the frontal and vertex scalp that affects about 80% of men at the age of 80 years. Epidemiological studies show positive associations between MPB and coronary heart disease (CHD) and CHD related risk factors such as blood pressure (BP), diabetes mellitus (DM) or elevated blood lipid levels. The results however vary with regard to the pattern of hair loss (i.e. moderate, severe, frontal or vertex). Further, no study has investigated for a shared genetic determinant between MPB and CHD as well as CHD related risk factors. Using the longitudinal data from the population-based Heinz Nixdorf Recall study we aimed to systematically investigate the association between MPB and incident CHD and CHD risk factors on (i) an epidemiological (N = 1,673 males) and (ii) a genetic (N = 1,357 males) level. The prevalence of any baldness in our study population was 88% (mean age ± SD: 64±7.5 years). Compared to men with ‘no baldness’, in men with any kind of baldness a slightly increased risk for CHD (Hazard ratio [95% confidence interval (95%CI)] = 1.2 [0.8; 1.9]), a slightly higher extend of coronary artery calcification (CAC) (Beta [95%CI] = 0.2 [-0.1; 0.6]), a moderately increased risk for DM (prevalence ratio [95%CI] = 1.4 [0.9; 2.0]) and higher body mass index (BMI) (Beta [95%CI] = 0.6 [0.00003; 1.2]) seem to be indicated in the adjusted model. In contrast, the MPB genetic risk score did not show any association with CHD or CHD risk factors. Taken together, the results of our study suggest a weak association between MPB and a few CHD risk factors (CAC, DM and BMI) but do not point to MPB as a strong surrogate measure for CHD and CHD risk factors in general.

Metabolic Features of Individuals with Obesity Referred for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery: a Cohort Study

The concept of metabolic obesity phenotypes has been proposed, but its relevance to metabolic features is unclear. To determine a new definition of metabolic obesity phenotype, investigate the characteristics of expressing clustered normal and abnormal metabolic parameters, and analyze factors associated with metabolic abnormalities. Characteristics of 600 patients were analyzed. The definition of metabolic obesity phenotype includes elevated blood pressure, glucose, lipid, and uric acid levels and abnormal lipoprotein levels. Independent sample t test and a general linear model with repeated measures were applied to investigate the differences in metabolic parameters. A total of 108 (18.0%) participants were obese yet metabolically healthy, whereas 492 (82.0%) were obese and metabolically unhealthy. Body weight at baseline was significantly higher in metabolically unhealthy phenotype (P < 0.001). For non-phasic oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) curve shape, 100% glucose, 100% C-peptide, and 95.8% insulin curves were found in the metabolically unhealthy group. Men had an increased risk for elevated lipid level than women (OR = 1.83, 1.21-2.77). Individuals with class II/III obesity had an increased risk for elevated blood pressure, glucose, and UA levels than did those with class I obesity (OR = 2.22, 1.43-3.44; OR = 1.73, 1.11-2.68; OR = 3.61, 2.29-5.69, respectively). Approximately one-fifth of individuals with obesity had a metabolically healthy phenotype, and nearly one-third of individuals with class III obesity had this phenotype. Non-phasic OGTT curve shape is a meaningful predictive factor of metabolically unhealthy phenotype before bariatric surgery. Male sex and class II/III obesity are risk factors associated with specific metabolic abnormalities.

ε3/4 genotype of the apolipoprotein E is associated with higher risk of Alzheimer's disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

As a progressive and chronic disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by hyperglycemia with rising prevalence worldwide. The ε4 allele of the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene may be risk factor of severe peripheral neuropathy in T2DM patients. The association of ApoE polymorphism and Alzheimer's disease (AD) in T2DM patients remains largely unknown. Totally 156 T2DM patients with AD and 145 T2DM patients were included. The genotypes and allele frequency of ApoE were analyzed to explore the role of ApoE in AD in T2DM patients. The levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyeride (TG), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) were detected to further investigate mechanism of ApoE. Genotype frequency ratio of genotype ε3/4, ε4/4 and allele ε4 among the T2DM patients with AD was obviously increased. The TC, TG and LDL-C levels of T2DM patients with ε3/4 genotype were higher than those with ε3/3 or ε2/3 genotype and the ε3/4 genotype, while the HDL-C level was on the contrary, suggesting that ε3/4 genotype elevated blood lipid levels in T2DM patients with AD, thus increasing the risk of AD in T2DM patients. ApoE polymorphism was associated with AD in T2DM patients. ApoE ε3/4 genotype was possibly to serve as a risk factor for AD in T2DM patients by enhancing the blood lipid levels.

Preclinical Studies of the Lemon Hill as a Multi-approach Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Plant: Citrus Pseudolimon Tanaka

ABSTRACTThe antioxidant and antidiabetic activity of methanol leaves extract (CPMLE) and ethyl acetate fraction (CPEALF) of lemon hill (Citrus pseudolimon) was examined on key enzymes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase) in type-2 diabetes. In-vivo antidiabetic activity was evaluated in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats against CPMLE and CPEALF. Methanolic extract of the plant was effective against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging (IC50 = 313.20 µg mL−1), reducing power (IC50 = 366.69 µg mL−1), and H2O2 scavenging (IC50 = 498.26 µg mL−1) and phosphomolybdate radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 508.02 µg mL−1). Ethyl acetate fraction demonstrated DPPH radical scavenging (IC50 = 259.33 µg mL−1), reducing power (IC50 = 268.91 µg mL−1), and H2O2 scavenging (IC50 = 476.39 µg mL−1) and phosphomolybdate radical scavenging activity (IC50 = 278.60 µg mL−1). C. pseudolimon methanol extract had inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase (IC50 = 350.09 µg mL−1) and α-amylase (IC50 = 291.17 µg mL−1) enzymes. Oral administration of CPMLE and CPEALF reduced elevated fasting blood glucose, lipid levels, and oxidative stress along with Hb1AC level.

Correlation of Atherosclerotic Risk Factors with the Size of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA).

Introduction:Abdominal aortic aneurysm represents a local pathological dilatation of the abdominal aorta. It is caused by structural weakness of aortic wall but there are many other risk factors that may positively correlate with incidence of AAA like hypertension, smoking, male gender, older age, family history etc.Aim:The purpose of the study was to evaluate the correlation of atherosclerotic risk factors and the size of aortic aneurysm in patients that were admitted for the surgical treatment at the Clinic for cardiovascular surgery in Sarajevo during period 2016-2019.Methods:The study was designed as a retrospective study with one group of patients that was conducted at the Clinical Center of the University of Sarajevo at the Clinic for Cardiovascular Surgery. It included 150 patients, 126 males and 24 females, all of them with infrarenal localization of AAA. From medical records we have collected relevant anamnestic data (age, gender, positive family history, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, alcohol consumption and obesity). The size of aneurysm was determined by both ultrasound and CT arteriography. The data are processed in the Statistical Package for Social Sciences Ver. 22.0. The results are tabulated or graphically showed, and level of statistical significance was set at p <0.05.Results:Total amount of 129 of patients (86%) had hypertension, 57.3% (n=86) of them were smokers, 18.7% (n = 28) were former smokers, and 24% (n = 36) were non-smokers Blood lipid level analysis have shown that 44% (n = 66) of patients were normolipemic, while elevated blood lipid levels were found in 56% (n = 84) of patients. Diabetes mellitus was present in 17.3% (n = 26) of patients, 2.7% (n = 4) of them had an insulin-dependent form, while 14.7% (n = 22) of the analyzed patients had insulin independent DM. Almost half of total number of patients (46%, n = 69) were obese. 19.3% (n = 29) of patients consumed alcohol while the 80.7% (n = 121) denied alcohol consumption. Ratio of males in comparison to females was 5:1. The average age in males was 69.79 ± 8.16 years and 72.13 ± 9.11 years in females. Significant statistical correlation of AAA size and risk of atherosclerosis factor has not been established. We have found that there is a significant positive correlation between size of aneurysm and risk of rupture (p= 0,000<0,05).Conclusion:Although risk factors of atherosclerosis were present, statistically positive correlation was not confirmed between the size of AAA and analyzed risk factors.

Improving effect of vitamin D supplementation on obesity-related diabetes in rats.

Vitamin D, a fat-soluble secosteroid, plays a key role in several metabolic diseases like diabetes. Diabetes is becoming a third leading chronic disease in the world, which seriously threatens human health. In the current study, we found the beneficial effects of vitamin D supplementation in obesity-related diabetes rat. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, biochemical testing, real-time PCR and western blot were carried to investigate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on diabetes. Successful modeling of obesity-related diabetes was determined by significant weight loss and elevated levels of fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin and blood lipids at 12 weeks. Supplementation of vitamin D obviously increased body weight and decreased fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and blood lipids, accompanied by increased 25-hydroxyvitamin D and decreased insulin, parathormone and adipocytokines. Furthermore, low expressed insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1)/phosphorylation of IRS-1 (p-IRS-1), glucose transporter type 4 (GluT4) and vitamin D receptor (VDR) was increased. These suggested the beneficial effects of vitamin D supplementation in obesity-related diabetes rat, which may through VDR, IRS-1/p-IRS-1, and GluT4 signaling activation.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigating cholesterol-lowering effects and safety of yellow yeast rice in adults with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia: A study protocol.

Background:Elevated levels of blood lipids are well-documented risk factors for cardiovascular disease. For cardiovascular risk reduction, preventive strategies to lower blood cholesterol levels are essential, and these strategies include lifestyle modification and cholesterol-lowering agents. We aim to investigate the cholesterol-lowering effects and safety of yellow yeast rice in a randomized, controlled, double-blind, and parallel group study.Methods:Participants for this study will be selected based on the following inclusion criteria:1.Voluntary agreement to participate and sign the written informed consent forms2.Men and women (aged 20–45 years, premenopause)3.Body mass index: 18 to 30 kg/m24.Fasting low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels: ≥130 mg/dL5.Fasting triglyceride levels: <300 mg/dLParticipants are randomly allocated to the placebo or yellow-yeast-rice-treated group. Participants with mild to moderately elevated LDL-C levels will consume 1 pouch of yellow yeast rice powder (containing monacolin K) or placebo twice daily for 8 weeks. Next, the lipid profiles will be evaluated.Results:The number of participants required for this study is 68, and is currently recruiting participants. Participants are randomly assigned to control group and intervention group.Conclusion:This is the first human intervention study to investigate the cholesterol-lowering effects and safety of yellow yeast rice in adults with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia. Also, this is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that considers confounders, such as dietary habits, lifestyle factors, and genetic factors.

Effect of Baduanjin exercises on elevated blood lipid levels of middle-aged and elderly individuals: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

ObjectiveTo assess the safety and effect on elevated blood lipid levels of Baduanjin exercises in middle-aged and elderly individuals.MethodsA systematic literature search for articles up to March 2017 will be...

EVALUATION OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF EUPHORBIA NERIIFOLIA STEM BARK ON BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS, SERUM AND TISSUE LIPIDS IN A PRECLINICAL MODEL

Objective: The present study is undertaken to evaluate the effect of Euphorbia neriifolia stem bark on blood glucose and lipid levels in experimental diabetic rats. Methods: Methanolic extract of Euphorbia neriifolia stem bark (MEEN) was administered at different doses and its effect on blood glucose, haemoglobin, serum and tissue lipids, hexokinase and glucose-6-phosphatase in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were studied. Glibenclamide was used as standard reference drug. Results: Euphorbia neriifolia methanolic extract (MEEN), at doses of 100,200 and 400mg/kg body weight for 30 days, suppressed the elevated blood glucose and lipid levels in diabetic rats. Euphorbia neriifolia at 400mg/kg was found to be comparable to glibenclamide. Conclusion: The study indicates that the Euphorbia neriifolia possess antihyperlipidaemic effect as well as antidiabetic activity. Peer Review History: Received 3 May 2017; Revised 5 June; Accepted 1 July, Available online 15 July 2017 Academic Editor: Dr. Asia Selman Abdullah, Al-Razi university, Department of Pharmacy, Yemen, asia_abdullah65@yahoo.com Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.5/10 Reviewer(s) detail: Dr. Mohamed Derbali, Faculty of Pharmacy, Monastir, Tunisia, mohamed.edderbali@gmail.com Dr. Sabah Hussien El-Ghaiesh, Tanta University, Egypt, s.ghaiesh@gmail.com Similar Articles: EVALUATION OF ANTIDIABETIC DRUG ALOGLIPTIN FOR THE TREATMENT OF INFLAMMATION IN RATS IN -VIVO ANTI-DIARRHOEAL ACTIVITY OF METHANOL EXTRACT OF BOMBAX BUONOPOZENSE PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND IN-VITRO ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY POTENTIAL EVALUATIONS OF METHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF COCOS NUCIFERA (L.) LEAVES

Effects of Hyperlipidemia and Cardiovascular Diseases on Proliferation, Differentiation and Homing of Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Various clinical studies have revealed that cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are associated with bone loss diseases such as osteoporosis and periodontitis, especially in older population. As one of the best-established risk factors of CVD, hyperlipidemia is also reported to interfere with the metabolism, function and regeneration of mineralized tissues. Derived from postnatal tissue reservoirs, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered promising cell sources for mesenchymal and non-mesenchymal tissue regeneration based on their capacities for self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation as well as potent immunosuppressive effects, secretion of cytokines and regulation of vascularization. MSCs could home to the injury sites from peripheral circulation, proliferate and differentiate into bone-forming cells, therefore significantly enhancing bone regeneration. However, elevated blood lipid levels affect the physiological behaviors of MSCs, as well as the performance of transplanted MSCs. This review aims to summarize the effects of hyperlipidemia and CVD on the proliferation, osteogenic differentiation and homing of MSCs. The principal observations of the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms as well as the effects of lipid-lowering therapy on MSCs are also discussed.

Time-dependent changes and potential mechanisms of glucose-lipid metabolic disorders associated with chronic clozapine or olanzapine treatment in rats

Chronic treatment with second-generation antipsychotic drugs (SGAs) has been associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome. To evaluate the longitudinal changes in glucose-lipid homeostasis after SGA use, we studied the time-dependent effects of olanzapine (OLZ) (3 mg/kg, b.i.d.) or clozapine (CLZ) (20 mg/kg, b.i.d.) treatment on metabolic profiles for 9 weeks in rats. Although only OLZ significantly increased body weight in rats, both OLZ and CLZ elevated blood lipid levels. Chronic OLZ treatment induced significant weight gain leading to a higher fasting insulin level and impaired glucose tolerance, whereas CLZ lowered fasting insulin levels and impaired glucose tolerance independent of weight gain. Treatment with both drugs deranged AKT/GSK phosphorylation and up-regulated muscarinic M3 receptors in the rats’ livers. Consistent with an elevation in lipid levels, both OLZ and CLZ significantly increased the protein levels of nuclear sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs) in the liver, which was associated with improvement in hepatic histamine H1R. However, enhanced carbohydrate response element binding protein (ChREBP) signalling was observed in only CLZ-treated rats. These results suggest that SGA-induced glucose-lipid metabolic disturbances could be independent of weight gain, possibly through activation of SREBP/ChREBP in the liver.

Abstract 167: Vascular Tissue Engineering in Diabetes

Tissue engineered blood vessels based on biological scaffolds seeded with autologous cells are currently being developed, but very little information exists regarding their fate in the complex diabetic environment. Diabetes is a major risk factor for vascular diseases as elevated levels of blood glucose and lipids interact irreversibly with long-lived proteins, such as collagen and elastin from the blood vessel wall, via oxidation and crosslinking, resulting in formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and vascular stiffening. Vascular cells respond to diabetic environment by dysfunction and pathological remodeling, contributing to the onset and progression of vascular disease. These changes result in activation of inflammation, impaired healing, fibrosis, and calcification. Our hypothesis is that by reducing the level of AGEs in the cell milieu and stabilizing the matrix, vascular cells will positively contribute to the vascular wall remodeling. Therefore, acellular scaffolds prepared from renal arteries were treated with penta galoyl glucose (PGG), an antioxidant elastin-binding polyphenol, and seeded with adipose stem cells (ASCs) isolated from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Constructs were analyzed for AGE formation, inflammation, and calcification after subnormal implantation as autologous cell seeded grafts, as well as by end-to-end anastomoses to the aorta. PGG-treated scaffolds showed good patency, undetectable dilatation and well-preserved elastin. ASCs seeded on scaffolds diminished macrophage infiltration, while simultaneously allowed M2 macrophage polarization. PGG-treatment and ASC seeding inhibited scaffold calcification and expression of osteogenic proteins. In conclusion, the antioxidative properties of PGG and the immunomodulatory properties of ASCs prevented vascular wall deterioration under the hostile diabetic milieu.

Fenugreek

The objectives of this article are to provide a brief overview of the scientific literature regarding the use of fenugreek in the management of hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia and suggest recommendations for additional research. Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L., family Fabaceae) is an annual herb with triangular yellow flowers and seed-containing pods that grows in countries of the Mediterranean, Middle East, India, China, and, more recently, Canada. Fenugreek seed or its extracts are found in food products such as frozen dairy products, gelatin puddings, candy, and gravy sauces and in alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. An extract of fenugreek also is used as a flavoring ingredient in imitation maple syrup. Fenugreek has a history of use in traditional medicine in India and China. Its uses include as a treatment of weakness and leg edema, as a lactation and appetite stimulant, and as a remedy for indigestion, baldness, and fever. Some have used it topically for myalgia, wound treatment, and cellulitis. One potential benefit of fenugreek is improving elevated blood glucose and lipid levels associated with chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity. Human investigations suggest that fenugreek can be beneficial as an adjunct in controlling high blood glucose and lipid levels in people with diabetes. However, larger, adequately powered, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials examining multiple measures of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and insulin homeostasis are needed.