Elevated Blood Cholesterol Levels Research Articles

EXPLORING THE LINK BETWEEN HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA AND ATOPIC DERMATITIS: AGE-RELATED DIFFERENCES IN CHOLESTEROL LEVELS AND DISEASE SEVERITY

The association between hypercholesterolemia and atopic dermatitis (AD) remains a subject of increasing clinical interest due to the shared pathways of systemic inflammation. This study examines 70 patients aged 16 to 60 with elevated blood cholesterol levels (220–350 mg/dL) to investigate the relationship between cholesterol levels and AD severity. Patients were stratified into two groups based on age: those under 40 (48 patients) and those over 40 (22 patients). Results revealed that hypercholesterolemia was more prevalent in older patients, while younger patients exhibited more severe forms of AD, ranging from mild eczema to severe atopic dermatitis. The findings suggest that age plays a critical role in the interplay between lipid metabolism and the inflammatory processes underlying AD, highlighting the importance of lipid monitoring in managing AD severity. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms linking hypercholesterolemia and atopic inflammation.

2024 KSoLA consensus on secondary dyslipidemia.

Elevated blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels induced by secondary causes are frequently observed. The identification and appropriate handling of these causes are essential for secondary dyslipidemia treatment. Major secondary causes of hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia include an unhealthy diet, diseases and metabolic conditions affecting lipid levels, and therapeutic side effects. It is imperative to correct secondary causes prior to initiating conventional lipid-lowering therapy. Guideline-based lipid therapy can then be administered based on the subsequent lipid levels.

Polymorphism in the matrix metallopeptidase genes is associated with coronary artery disease risk with concomitant metabolic syndrome

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) and its components are the reasons of the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. Nowadays, the association between coronary artery disease and MS remains ambiguous. The central role of matrix metallopeptidases (MMP) in the metabolism of connective tissue proteins, cell matrix remodeling, tissue repair and other complex biochemical processes has been shown, which implies their involvement in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. The aim of the study: To study the associations of polymorphic variants in the MMP genes with the risk of stable coronary artery disease with concomitant metabolic syndrome. Materials and methods: 170 patients with stable coronary artery disease concomitant with a visceral type of obesity in combination with two or more pathological conditions (elevated serum blood glucose level, elevated serum blood cholesterol level, hypertension) were included in the case group. Conditionally healthy volunteers (n=182) were recruited in the control group. Genotyping of five polymorphic sites in the four genes MMP1 (rs514921), MMP3 (rs6796620 and rs626750), MMP9 (rs17576) and TIMP2 (rs2277698) was performed by real-time PCR. The serum blood level of MMP was measured by ELISA. Gene-gene interactions were analyzed using MDR v.3.0.2 software. Results: The frequency of heterozygous C/T genotype in the MMP3 gene (rs626750) was higher in the control group (37.90%) compared to the case group (23.20%), which indicates its protective effect on the risk of coronary artery disease with concomitant metabolic syndrome (OR=0.47, 95%CI 0.29-0.75). 2.6-fold increased risk of coronary artery disease with concomitant metabolic syndrome was demonstrated for carriers of the A/G genotype in the TIMP2 gene (rs2277698) according to the codominant inheritance model. We found no associations of polymorphic variants in the MMP1 (rs514921), MMP3 (rs626750), MMP9 (rs17576) and TIMP2 (rs2277698) genes with the serum blood level of MMP, as well as their inhibitors. Four-loci model of gene-gene interactions (MMP9 (rs17576) – MMP3 (rs626750) – MMP1 (rs514921) – TIMP2 (rs2277698)) characterized by high sensitivity, specificity and risk effect to the coronary artery disease with concomitant metabolic syndrome development was discovered. Conclusion: This study revealed the association of polymorphic variants in the MMP genes and their inhibitors with the risk of coronary artery disease with concomitant metabolic syndrome. In addition, a four-locus model of intergenic interactions with high sensitivity and specificity was obtained.

Pancreatitis-induced prediabetes and hepatic lipidosis in a mixed breed cat

Pancreatitis can lead to decreased insulin production and elevated blood glucose levels. Reduced insulin levels can cause excessive lipolysis, leading to hepatic lipidosis. This report aimed to illustrate how pancreatitis can result in prediabetes and hepatic lipidosis, providing insight into selecting appropriate and causal therapies. This case report discusses a 5-year-old male mixed-breed cat weighing 3.9 kg presented with anorexia and hypersalivation. Despite a routine physical examination, blood tests revealed decreased creatinine and Ca2+ levels and elevated blood glucose, SGPT, cholesterol, and amylase levels. These findings suggested a diagnosis of pancreatitis accompanied by prediabetes and hepatic lipidosis. The treatment administered included intravenous Ringer’s Lactate, subcutaneous Ornipural® injection, oral cephalexin (Rilexine®) and Samylin®, and dietary management with specialized renal wet food.

Low Dietary Betaine Intake Is Associated with Increased Blood Cholesterol in Mexican Subjects.

Betaine, an osmolyte derivative of the metabolite choline and the amino acid glycine, acts as a methyl donor in the conversion of homocysteine to methionine and is involved in the maintenance of adequate lipid metabolism. There is growing evidence for the role of betaine in the development of various lipid-related diseases, including dyslipidemia and cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to analyze associations between betaine intake and blood lipid profiles in Mexican subjects. A total of 212 adults were randomly recruited in the city of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. Betaine intake was estimated using Nutritionist Pro software. Body composition and metabolic measurements were obtained by conventional methods. In the total sample, the average intake of betaine was 14.32 mg/d. Individuals were categorized into three groups according to tertiles of betaine consumption: tertile/group 1 (<4.16 mg/d), tertile/group 2 (4.16-12.02 mg/d), and tertile/group 3 (>12.02 mg/d). Compared to group 3, subjects within group 1 had higher serum levels of total cholesterol (p = 0.001), LDL-c (p = 0.026), and non-HDL-c (p = 0.021). In addition, significant negative Pearson correlations were found between betaine intake and the serum levels of total cholesterol (r = -0.432, 95% CI, -0.684, -0.185, p = 0.001), LDL-c (r = -0.370, 95% CI, -0.606, -0.134, p = 0.002), and non-HDL-c (r = -0.351, 95%CI, -0.604, -0.098, p = 0.007). Our results show that a low intake of betaine is associated with elevated blood cholesterol levels in Mexican subjects. On this basis, betaine consumption could be used as an additional dietary measure for cardiovascular care. However, additional studies are required to confirm our results in other Mexican regions as well as in other populations worldwide.

IPSC-Derived Endothelial Cells Reveal LDLR Dysfunction and Dysregulated Gene Expression Profiles in Familial Hypercholesterolemia.

Defects in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) are associated with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), manifested by atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. LDLR deficiency in hepatocytes leads to elevated blood cholesterol levels, which damage vascular cells, especially endothelial cells, through oxidative stress and inflammation. However, the distinctions between endothelial cells from individuals with normal and defective LDLR are not yet fully understood. In this study, we obtained and examined endothelial derivatives of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) generated previously from conditionally healthy donors and compound heterozygous FH patients carrying pathogenic LDLR alleles. In normal iPSC-derived endothelial cells (iPSC-ECs), we detected the LDLR protein predominantly in its mature form, whereas iPSC-ECs from FH patients have reduced levels of mature LDLR and show abolished low-density lipoprotein uptake. RNA-seq of mutant LDLR iPSC-ECs revealed a unique transcriptome profile with downregulated genes related to monocarboxylic acid transport, exocytosis, and cell adhesion, whereas upregulated signaling pathways were involved in cell secretion and leukocyte activation. Overall, these findings suggest that LDLR defects increase the susceptibility of endothelial cells to inflammation and oxidative stress. In combination with elevated extrinsic cholesterol levels, this may result in accelerated endothelial dysfunction, contributing to early progression of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular pathologies associated with FH.

Variant Analysis in LDLR Gene Uncovers Genetic Basis of Familial Hypercholesterolemia: A Case Report

Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a hereditary disorder characterised by elevated blood cholesterol levels, predominantly Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C). This condition poses a significant risk for early-onset atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. A critical step toward effective clinical management is the precise identification of pathogenic variants responsible for FH. The present study aimed to unravel the genetic cause of FH through comprehensive variant effect prediction and comparison with clinical manifestations in a nine-year-old girl with hyperlipidemia. Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) was performed on the proband, and a set of three key genes associated with hyperlipidemia {Apolipoprotein E (APOE), Low -density Lipoprotein Receptors (LDLR), Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin /Kexin type 9 (PCSK9)} were evaluated for the presence of pathogenic mutations. The data were meticulously analysed based on the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) guidelines for variant classification. The analysis revealed two pathogenic variations in the LDLR gene: c.1A&gt;C (p.Met1Leu) in exon 1 and a splice site variant c.1187-10G&gt;A in intron 8. Sanger sequencing of family members confirmed the presence of one mutation each in the father and mother, while a younger sibling also carried both pathogenic variants. Genetic testing confirmed Heterozygous FH (HeFH) in the parents and Homozygous FH (HoFH) in both siblings. Proper classification of genetic variants is crucial for informed clinical decision-making and patient management. The study provides valuable insights into the molecular basis of FH in an Indian patient and contributes to the growing knowledge of the LDLR gene mutation spectrum.

A Multidrug Donor Preconditioning Improves Steatotic Rat Liver Allograft Function and Recipient Survival After Transplantation.

The scarcity of donors has prompted the growing utilization of steatotic livers, which are susceptible to injuries following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). This study aims to assess the efficacy of multidrug donor preconditioning (MDDP) in alleviating injuries of steatotic grafts following rat OLT. Lean rats were subjected to a Western-style diet with high-fat (HF) and high-fructose (HFr) for 30days to induce steatosis. Both lean and steatotic livers were implanted into lean recipients fed with a chow diet after OLT. The HF + HFr diet effectively elevated blood triglyceride and cholesterol levels and induced fat accumulation in rat livers. Our results demonstrated a significant decrease in alanine aminotransferase levels (p = 0.003), aspartate aminotransferase levels (p = 0.021), and hepatic Suzuki scores (p = 0.045) in the steatotic rat liver allograft group following MDDP treatment on post-operation day (POD) 7. Furthermore, the survival rates of steatotic rat liver allografts with MDDP (19/21, 90.5%) were significantly higher than those in the steatotic control (12/21, 57.1%, *p = 0.019). These findings indicate that MDDP treatment improves steatotic rat liver allograft function and recipient survival following OLT.

2024 KSoLA Consensus on Secondary Dyslipidemia.

Elevated blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels induced by secondary causes are frequently observed. The identification and appropriate handling of these causes are essential for secondary dyslipidemia treatment. Major secondary causes of hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia include an unhealthy diet, diseases and metabolic conditions affecting lipid levels, and therapeutic side effects. It is imperative to correct secondary causes prior to initiating conventional lipid-lowering therapy. Guideline-based lipid therapy can then be administered based on the subsequent lipid levels.

11.F. Workshop: Health examination surveys to support decision making and for monitoring risk factors

Abstract Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) contribute for 74% of all deaths globally. They are also major cause of morbidity and disability. Many of the NCDs could be prevented with timely lifestyle changes and treatment of biological risk factors. Several NCDs, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases and several cancers share same risk factors namely smoking, harmful alcohol use, unhealthy diet and lack of physical activity which impact on biological risk factors such as obesity, elevated blood pressure, elevated blood cholesterol and raised blood sugar levels. Up-to-date, representative, and high-quality health information is needed to support evidence-informed policy making and innovative research. Monitoring of lifestyles and biological risk factors affecting the NCDs is needed, to identify current the situation among different population groups and to plan and target required actions for prevention and treatment. Information on lifestyles is usually collected through survey questions about smoking habits, alcohol use, diet and physical activity. For biological risk factors, self-reported information tends to be biased. For example, elevated blood pressure, blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels are asymptomatic for a long time and people often don’t know about their condition. For obesity, stigma and societal pressure may lead to misreporting. For health care registers, information on biological risk factor is not systematically recorded and whenever data is available, it represents only patients. Therefore, for biological risk factors, the only reliable source for information about population level situation are health examination surveys (HES). At the European level, European Health Examination Survey (EHES) has provided a standardized protocols for measurement of key biological risk factors. These recommendations are in line with the WHO Stepwise approach for NCD risk factor surveillance. In the past ten years, less than half of the EU Member States have conducted at least one national HES. This workshop will include four presentations providing a general overview of why we need to be monitoring NCD risk factors and how broadly this is done in Europe. Three case examples showcase how the monitoring is conducted in different countries. Finland has done NCD risk factor monitoring regularly since 1960's and has the longest time series in Europe, Germany has conducted several comprehensive multi-year cross-sectional surveys since early 2000's and is piloting more flexible methods, and Portugal had their first health examination survey in 2015-2016 and is now planning the next one. How these countries have organized their monitoring and how the data obtained have been used to support actions targeting to improve population health will be discussed. Key messages • Health examination surveys are needed to obtain reliable and representative information about NCD risk factors at the population level. • Standardized protocols for measurements of biological risk factors are needed to ensure cross-country and over time comparison of the outcomes.

Long-term safety and effectiveness of alirocumab and evolocumab in familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) in Belgium

Background: In 2019, the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) published updated guidelines, recommending even lower blood cholesterol targets than previously. In patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), who have very elevated blood cholesterol levels and are at (‘Very’) ‘High risk’ of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), this represents a real challenge. Anti-Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 monoclonal antibody (anti-PCSK9 mAb) has been commercially available for FH in Belgium since 2015. Our study aims to investigate the real-life efficacy of anti-PCSK9 mAb in FH patients. Method: We sourced patients from the EAS FH Studies Collaboration database (an international database on FH in which Belgium participates). We only retained patients using anti-PCSK9 mAb and followed at our Lipid Clinic. Results: Of the 239 subjects included in this study (mean age: 56 years), 85% were considered at ‘Very High Risk’ (56% with a history of ASCVD), the remaining 15% were at ‘High Risk’. The PCSK9 mAb treatment reduced LDL-C levels by 54% within the first year. This reduction was maintained over the follow-up (FU) period (3.0 ± 1.8 years). The EAS targets were reached in 50% of the subjects, 93% of whom were also treated with statins. The treatment was very well tolerated. At the end of the observation period, 96% patients continued receiving PCSK9 mAb. Conclusions: Anti-PCSK9 mAb are a safe and effective therapeutic option for lowering LDL-C levels in FH patients. It allowed a significant portion of our FH patients to reach their lipid targets, mainly in those with combined therapy with statin and/or ezetimibe.

Competition between enzymatic and non-enzymatic electrochemical determination of cholesterol

Cholesterol is considered an essential component in animal bodies that plays a vital role in hormone production and creating vitamin D. The elevated blood cholesterol level increases the possibility of heart disease. Consequently, the clinical diagnosis of cholesterol concentration is critical for human health care. The electrochemical sensor is one of the leading techniques for detecting cholesterol in biological fluids with high accuracy. Therefore, this review included comparative insights into the enzymatic and non-enzymatic techniques for electrochemical sensing. We discussed the recent progress in the electrochemical determination of cholesterol via various materials, e.g., metal composites, carbonaceous materials, ionic liquid crystals, and polymers. We explained electrochemical sensing techniques like amperometric, potentiometric, conductometric, and impedimetric methods. Furthermore, various enzyme-immobilization approaches were reported, like surface binding and encapsulation. The synergistic effect between the electrode surface and enzymes was demonstrated to clarify the detection mechanism. The review article summarized the outcome detection limits and linear range of detection for various surfaces for enzymatic and non-enzymatic electrochemical techniques within the last twenty years.

Phyto-Enrichment of Yogurt to Control Hypercholesterolemia: A Functional Approach.

Cholesterol is essential for normal human health, but elevations in its serum levels have led to the development of various complications, including hypercholesterolemia (HC). Cholesterol accumulation in blood circulation formsplaques on artery walls and worsens the individuals’ health. To overcome this complication, different pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches are employed to reduce elevated blood cholesterol levels. Atorvastatin and rosuvastatin are the most commonly used drugs, but their prolonged use leads to several acute side effects. In recent decades, the potential benefit of ingesting yogurt on lipid profile has attracted the interest of researchers and medical professionals worldwide. This review aims to give an overview of the current knowledge about HC and the different therapeutic approaches. It also discusses the health benefits of yogurt consumption and highlights the overlooked phyto-enrichment option to enhance the yogurt’s quality. Finally, clinical studies using different phyto-enriched yogurts for HC management are also reviewed. Yogurt has a rich nutritional value, but its processing degrades the content of minerals, vitamins, and other vital constituents with beneficial health effects. The option of enriching yogurt with phytoconstituents has drawn a lot of attention. Different pre-clinical and clinical studies have provided new insights on their benefits on gut microbiota and human health. Thus, the yogurtphyto-enrichment with stanol and β-glucan have opened new paths in functional food industries and found healthy andeffective alternatives for HC all along with conventional treatment approaches.

The relationship between moderate to vigorous physical activity and metabolic syndrome: a Bayesian measurement error approach

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a serious condition that can be an early warning sign of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. MetS is characterized by having elevated levels of blood pressure, cholesterol, waist circumference, and fasting glucose. There are many articles in the literature exploring the relationship between physical activity and MetS, but most do not consider the measurement error in the physical activity measurements nor the correlations among the MetS risk factors. Furthermore, previous work has generally treated MetS as binary, rather than directly modeling the risk factors on their measured, continuous space. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), we explore the relationship between minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and MetS risk factors. We construct a measurement error model for the accelerometry data, and then model its relationship between MetS risk factors with nonlinear seemingly unrelated regressions, incorporating dependence among MetS risk factors. The novel features of this model give the medical research community a new way to understand relationships between MVPA and MetS. The results of this approach present the field with a different modeling perspective than previously taken and suggest future avenues of scientific discovery.

Molecular Structural, Hydrogen Bonding Interactions, and Chemical Reactivity Studies of Ezetimibe-L-Proline Cocrystal Using Spectroscopic and Quantum Chemical Approach.

Ezetimibe (EZT) being an anticholesterol drug is frequently used for the reduction of elevated blood cholesterol levels. With the purpose of improving the physicochemical properties of EZT, in the present study, cocrystals of ezetimibe with L-proline have been studied. Theoretical geometry optimization of EZT-L-proline cocrystal, energies, and structure–activity relationship was carried out at the DFT level of theory using B3LYP functional complemented by 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. To better understand the role of hydrogen bonding, two different models (EZT + L-proline and EZT + 2L-proline) of EZT-L-proline cocrystal were studied. Spectral techniques (FTIR and FT-Raman) combined with quantum chemical methodologies were successfully implemented for the detailed vibrational assignment of fundamental modes. It is a zwitterionic cocrystal hydrogen bonded with the OH group of EZT and the COO− group of L-proline. The existence and strength of hydrogen bonds were examined by a natural bond orbital analysis (NBO) supported by the quantum theory of atoms in molecule (QTAIM). Chemical reactivity was reflected by the HOMO–LUMO analysis. A smaller energy gap in the cocrystal in comparison to API shows that a cocrystal is softer and chemically more reactive. MEPS and Fukui functions revealed the reactive sites of cocrystals. The calculated binding energy of the cocrystal from counterpoise method was −11.44 kcal/mol (EZT + L-proline) and −26.19 kcal/mol (EZT + 2L-proline). The comparative study between EZT-L-proline and EZT suggest that cocrystals can be better used as an alternative to comprehend the effect of hydrogen bonding in biomolecules and enhance the pharmacological properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).

Barriers in utilizing lipid-lowering agents in non-institutionalized population in the U.S.: Application of a theoretical framework.

Cardiovascular diseases are a major cause of death globally. Epidemiological evidence has linked elevated levels of blood cholesterol with the risk of coronary heart disease. However, lipid-lowering agents, despite their importance for primary prevention, are significantly underused in the United States. The objective of this study was to explore associations among socioeconomic factors and the use of antihyperlipidemic agents in 2018 in U.S. patients with hyperlipidemia by applying a theoretical framework. Data from the 2018 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey were used to identify the population of non-institutionalized U.S. civilians diagnosed with hyperlipidemia. This cross sectional study applied the Andersen Behavioral Model to identify patients' predisposing, enabling, and need factors. Approximately 43 million non-institutionalized adults were diagnosed with hyperlipidemia. With the exception of gender and race, predisposing factors indicated significant differences between patients who used antihyperlipidemic agents and those who did not. The relation between income level and use of antihyperlipidemic agents was significant: X2 (4, N = 3,781) = 7.09, p <.001. Hispanic patients were found to be less likely to receive treatment (OR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.43-0.88), as observed using a logistic model, with controls for predisposing, enabling, and need factors. Patients without health insurance were less likely to use lipid-lowering agents (OR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.14-0.77). The present study offers essential data for prioritizing interventions by health policy makers by identifying barriers in utilizing hyperlipidemia therapy. Non-adherence to treatment may lead to severe consequences and increase the frequency of fatal cardiac events in the near future.

Effect of Sambiloto (Andrographis paniculata) Leaves against Cholesterol Levels in Wistar Rats with Atherogenic Diet

Introduction : The risk of atherosclerosis increases when elevated blood cholesterol levels. Flavonoids may help inhibit the absorption of fat, which indirectly helps in lower cholesterol levels.Flavonoids are widely available on the Andrographis paniculata leaves (APL).This study aims to examine the effect of flavonoids in APL stewto lower the cholesterol levels. Material and Methods: This research was carried out using five different groups of Wistarrats. Each group consists of five Wistar rats. Group (K-) received normal diet, group (K+) received atherogenic diet and three groups of atherogenic diets rats that pre-treated with three different doses (0.6, 1.2, and 2.4g/day) of APL leaf stew. APL stew is orally gavaged for 60 days. The cholesterol blood serum was analyzed using the CHOD-PAP method. Statistical analysis using One-Way ANOVA and Post-Hoc Tukey. Results : The results showed a significant difference in cholesterol levels between the groups of theatherogenic diet with other treatment groups (p = 0.000).When compared with thenormal diet group, treatment with 1.2 g and 2.4 g of APL produce cholesterol levels not significantly different.APLstew has been shown to inhibit the elevated levels of serum cholesterol in male Wistar rats that fed with the atherogenic diet which contributed 54.8%.While fat intake increased the cholesterol level by 16.3%.Both APL stew and fat dose intake together affect the formation of cholesterol with a contribution of 69.2%. Conclusion : The dose that is considered as the most effective in lowering cholesterol is 2.4 g becauseit producescholesterol level closest to normal.

Maternal obesity reverses the resistance to LPS-induced adverse pregnancy outcome and increases female offspring metabolic alterations in cannabinoid receptor 1 knockout mice

Maternal overnutrition negatively impacts the offspring's health leading to an increased risk of developing chronic diseases or metabolic syndrome in adulthood. What we eat affects the endocannabinoid system (eCS) activity, which in turn modulates lipogenesis and fatty acids utilization in hepatic, muscle, and adipose tissues. This study aimed to evaluate the transgenerational effect of maternal obesity on cannabinoid receptor 1 knock-out (CB1 KO) animals in combination with a postnatal obesogenic diet on the development of metabolic disturbances on their offspring. CB1 KO mice were fed a control diet (CD) or a high-fat diet (HFD; 33% more energy from fat) for 3 months. Offspring born to control and obese mothers were also fed with CD or HFD. We observed that pups born to an HFD-fed mother presented higher postnatal weight, lower hepatic fatty acid amide hydrolase activity, and increased blood cholesterol levels when compared to the offspring born to CD-fed mothers. When female mice born to HFD-fed CB1 KO mothers were exposed to an HFD, they gained more weight, presented elevated blood cholesterol levels, and more abdominal adipose tissue accumulation than control-fed adult offspring. The eCS is involved in several reproductive physiological processes. Interestingly, we showed that CB1 KO mice in gestational day 15 presented resistance to LPS-induced deleterious effects on pregnancy outcome, which was overcome when these mice were obese. Our results suggest that an HFD in CB1 receptor-deficient mice contributes to a "nutritional programming" of the offspring resulting in increased susceptibility to metabolic challenges both perinatally and during adulthood.

The Use of Precision Nutrition Among African Americans With Chronic Disease

ObjectivesTo characterize the effects of precision nutrition on dietary behavior change, weight, and waist circumference. To examine perceptions of receiving a personalized nutrition plan. MethodsFood as Medicine Phase II is a pilot study that measured the effectiveness of incorporating precision nutrition to improve chronic disease management in a cohort of 24 low income African Americans with either pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, elevated blood cholesterol levels, obesity or a combination of these disorders. Anthropometric measures and a food questionnaire were collected pre/post study. DNA samples were obtained from each participant and analyzed at Howard University on SNPs related to nutrient metabolism. Results from the DNA tests were incorporated in a detailed personal nutrition plan developed for each participant. Plans were presented and discussed during an initial individual face-to-face counseling session. Due to COVID 19, a second counseling session was conducted via Zoom. For three months after the 2nd counseling session, participants received weekly text messages reinforcing the information received. ResultsParticipants reported significant improvements in their intake of most recommended foods. Reductions in weight, waist circumference, and in the reported intake of non-recommended foods and beverages were not significant. Most participants either strongly agreed (14) or agreed (4) that the personalized nutrition plan provided useful information. The coronavirus pandemic was mentioned by 20% of participants as a barrier to following their personalized nutrition plan recommendations. ConclusionsThe results suggest that a personalized approach in providing dietary recommendations utilizing precision nutrition has the potential to increase self-efficacy and improve dietary intake among low income African Americans with chronic disease. It also demonstrated that it is feasible to recruit and retain individuals of African ancestry to participate in an investigation that assesses and discloses gene-associated disease risk. Funding SourcesArdmore Institute of Health

TO DETERMINE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DYSLIPIDEMIA AND MEIBOMIAN GLAND DYSFUNCTION

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is the leading cause of dry eye disease and loss of ocular surface homeostasis. Increasingly, several observational clinical studies suggest that dyslipidemia (elevated blood cholesterol, triglyceride or lipoprotein levels) can initiate the development of MGD. However, conclusive evidence is lacking, and an experimental approach using a suitable model is necessary to interrogate the relationship between dyslipidemia and MGD. This original article discusses current knowledge on the associations between dyslipidemia and MGD. We briefly introduce a diet-induced obesity model where mice develop dyslipidemia, which can serve as a potential tool for investigating the effects of dyslipidemia on the meibomian gland. Finally, the utility of lipidomics to examine the link between dyslipidemia and MGD is considered.