Elevated Blood Lipids Research Articles

Differences in energy metabolism and mitochondrial redox status account for the differences in propensity for developing obesity in rats fed on high-fat diet.

Obesity is a metabolic disease that is accompanied by oxidative stress. Mitochondrial dysfunction is closely associated with the occurrence and development of obesity. However, it is unclear if there are differences in mitochondrial redox homeostasis and energy metabolism between obesity‐prone (OP) and obesity‐resistant (OR) individuals and if these differences account for the different susceptibilities to developing obesity. The present study aimed to compare the regulation of energy metabolism between OP and OR rats during high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced oxidative stress. Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into the control group and the HFD group. The HFD group was further divided into the OP and OR groups based on body weight gain (upper 1/3 for OP; lower 1/3 for OR) after eight weeks on HFD. Rats were sacrificed at the 8th and 20th week, and serum and organs were collected. At 8 weeks, HFD decreased mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme activity and increased the production of ROS in the OP rats, which was accompanied by unusual mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and decreased ATP production. When the feeding period was extended beyond the 8 weeks, the energy expenditure of the OP rats reduced further, resulting in elevated blood lipids and glucose levels and increased body weight. In contrast, the OR rats had higher mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme activity and normal redox homeostasis throughout the period, which was beneficial in energy utilization and ATP production. Thus, the increase in energy expenditure in the OR rats reduced the HFD‐induced weight gain. Mitochondrial function and antioxidant defense might be involved in the different propensities for developing obesity. Consequently, the ability of OR rats to resist obesity may be attributed to their ability to maintain mitochondrial function and redox balance.

Age- and sex-specific visceral fat reference cutoffs and their association with cardio-metabolic risk

Although excess visceral fat (VAT) is associated with numerous cardio-metabolic risk factors, measurement of this fat depot has historically been difficult. Recent dual X-ray absorptiometry approaches have provided an accessible estimate of VAT that has shown acceptable validity against gold standard methods. The aims of this study were to (i) evaluate DXA measured VAT as a predictor of elevated blood lipids and blood pressure and (ii) calculate thresholds associated with these cardio-metabolic risk factors. The sample comprised 1482 adults (56.4% women) aged 18-66 years. Total body scans were performed using a GE Lunar Prodigy, and VAT analyses were enabled through Corescan software (v 16.0). Blood pressure and blood lipids were measured by standard procedures. Regression models assessed how VAT mass was associated with each cardio-metabolic risk factor compared to other body composition measures. Measures of sensitivity and specificity were used to determine age- and sex-specific cut points for VAT mass associated with high cardio-metabolic risk. Similar to waist circumference, VAT mass was a strong predictor of cardio-metabolic risk especially in men over age 40. Four cut-offs for VAT mass were proposed, above which the cardio-metabolic risk increased: 700 g in women <40 yrs; 800 g in women 40+ yrs; 1000g in men <40 yrs; and 1200 g in men 40+ yrs. In general, these cut-offs discriminated well between those with high and low cardio-metabolic risk. In both sexes, DXA measured VAT was associated with traditional cardio-metabolic risk factors, particularly high blood pressure in those 40+ yrs and low HDL < 40 yrs. These reference values provide a simple, accessible method to assess cardio-metabolic risk in adults.

A study of lipid profile abnormalities among patients with hypertension attending tertiary care teaching hospital

Background: High blood pressure has been associated with elevated atherogenic blood lipid fractions. A better understanding of the relation between blood pressure and blood lipids may provide insight into the mechanisms where by hypertension is associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease.Methods: The serum lipid profiles of 100 hypertensive patients was studied and compared with those of healthy controls. The serum lipid profiles (TC, TGL.HDL, VLDL, LDL, TC/ HDL, LDL/HDL ratios) were studied with respect to various clinical profiles like age, sex, type, incidence etc. Study group consisted of patients with hypertension as identified by history, clinical examination, and other relevant examinations. Results: Serum TC, TGL, VLDL, LDL, TC/ HDL, LDL/HDL were significantly elevated in hypertensive group as compared to healthy controls. Serum HDL was low in patients with hypertension as was compared with controls, which was statistically significant. The LDL was raised in obese compared to non-obese patients, which is statistically very significant. TC/ HDL and LDL /HDL were also raised in obese patients which is statistically significant. TC is raised in CVA group, which is statistically highly significant. LDL is raised in CVA group, which is statistically very significant. TC/ HDL and LDL/HDL are raised in CVA group compared to non-CVA group, which is statistically very significant. TC is raised in IHD group, which is statistically significant. LDL is raised in IHD group, which is statistically very significant. LDL/HDL is raised in men, which is statically significant.Conclusion: There is significant alteration of lipid profile in hypertensive patients as compared to controls. Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL, TC/HDL and LDL/HDL ratios are significantly elevated in patients with hypertension. HDL is significantly reduced in hypertensive patients. Hyperlipidemia is seen in majority of cases of hypertension with Type IIa pattern being the most frequent. Mean TC, LDL, TC/HDL, LDL/HDL were higher in obese. Mean TC, LDL, TC/HDL and LDL/HDL ratios are raised in CVA group. Mean TC and LDL are raised in IHD group.

Education and income might protect the brain differently against white matter lesions in aging

AbstractBackgroundA lower socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with poorer cognitive health in old age and with more white matter lesions in the brain. It is not clear whether education and income, the two major components of SES, contribute differently to cognitive health, given that education is believed to build up a cognitive reserve. Aim of the study was to investigate how education and income independently contribute to cognitive functioning and brain white matter in aging.MethodParticipants (age 40‐80 years) of the representative population‐based LIFE‐Adult study completed the CERAD neurological test battery and underwent MR scanning (n=2,385 without neurological diseases). The association between education and income on cognitive performance and white matter lesions was analyzed via generalized linear regression modelling adjusted for age, gender, APOE e4 allele and household size. We further tested whether health (heart disease, high blood pressure, elevated blood lipids, diabetes, depression) could explain the associations.ResultHigher education as well as higher income were significantly associated with better performance in the CERAD and fewer total white matter hypointensities (WMH). Only higher education was associated with a lower Fazekas scale score, while only higher income was associated with fewer periventricular WMH. With increasing age, the protective effect of both, higher education and higher income, on performance in the Trail Making Test B and the total white matter volume increased. Older age additionally increased the protective effect of higher income on fewer total and periventricular WMH. The age‐related association between income and periventricular WMH was largely explained by high blood pressure.ConclusionOur findings suggest that higher education and higher income may protect cognitive functioning by a smaller loss of white matter in aging. While education is associated with WMH in general, income is specifically associated with periventricular WMH, an ageing‐related association that seems to be related to blood pressure. As none of the other health indicators explained our findings, more research is necessary to investigate what aspects of low educational attainment and low income bring about WMH.

Longitudinal change in arterial stiffness after delivery in women with preeclampsia and normotension: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundPreeclampsia is associated with increased arterial stiffness during pregnancy. However, data on the longitudinal change in arterial stiffness after delivery in women with preeclampsia are lacking. In this pilot study, we aimed to examine the longitudinal change in arterial stiffness using the cardio-ankle vascular index after delivery in women with preeclamptic and normotensive pregnancies.MethodsWe enrolled pregnant women with preeclampsia (n = 37) and normotension (n = 36) who gave birth at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between March 2013 and May 2016, and followed-up at day 1, 6 months, and 12 months after delivery. The longitudinal change in the cardio-ankle vascular index and other variables (blood pressure, lipid profiles, serum creatinine, and liver enzymes) were compared between the two groups using the mixed-effects model, and interactions among the main predictors were examined.ResultsThe longitudinal change in the cardio-ankle vascular index did not significantly differ between the two groups (β = 0.11, 95% CI: − 0.31–0.54, p = 0.60). Predictors of the longitudinal change in the cardio-ankle vascular index included age, time since delivery, body mass index, and diabetes mellitus. Women with preeclampsia showed significantly elevated blood pressure, lipid profiles, serum creatinine, and liver enzymes compared to women with normotension over the course of 1 year of follow-up.ConclusionsPreeclampsia is associated with unfavorable blood pressure and metabolic indices after delivery. However, we found no difference in the longitudinal change in arterial stiffness between women with preeclampsia and normotension over the course of 1 year after delivery.Trial registrationRetrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on October 29, 2019 (NCT04142268).

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.

The Protective Role of Hydrogen Sulfide Against Obesity-Associated Cellular Stress in Blood Glucose Regulation

Circulating palmitic acid (PA) is increased in obesity and causes metabolic stress, leading to diabetes. This includes the impairment of the glucoregulatory hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) secreted from intestinal L-cells. Recently, the anti-inflammatory gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has been implicated in the enhancement of GLP-1 secretion. We hypothesized that H2S can reduce the oxidative stress caused by palmitate and play a protective role in L-cell function. This study was conducted on both human and mouse L-cells and a mouse model of Western diet (WD)-induced obesity. PA-induced L-cell stress was assessed using DCF-DA. H2S was delivered using the donor GYY4137. C57BL/6 mice were fed either chow diet or PA-enriched WD for 20 weeks with ongoing measurements of glycemia and GLP-1 secretion. In both L-cell models, we demonstrated that PA caused an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS). This ROS induction was partially blocked by the H2S administration. In mice, the WD elevated body weight in both sexes and elevated fasting blood glucose and lipid peroxidation in males. Additionally, a single GYY4137 injection improved oral glucose tolerance in WD-fed male mice and also enhanced glucose-stimulated GLP-1 release. To conclude, H2S reduces oxidative stress in GLP-1 cells and can improve glucose clearance in mice.

Antioxidant-rich Tamarindus indica L. leaf extract reduced high-fat diet-induced obesity in rat through modulation of gene expression

BackgroundDifferent parts of the medicinal plant Tamarindus indica L. are full of phytochemicals that are able to reduce elevated blood pressure, blood sugar and lipids. These pharmacological effects are due to the presence of antioxidant type compounds in those parts of the plant. This study was aimed to explore the molecular mechanism of anti-obesity effects of ethanolic extract of T. indica L. leaves (TILE) through the evaluation of biochemical parameters and gene expression analysis in high-fat diet (HFD) consuming Wistar rats.MethodsMale Wistar rats were supplied with a standard diet (SD), or HFD, or HFD with 100 mg/kg or 200 mg/kg or 400 mg/kg TILE for 8 weeks. The body weight, liver weight, fat weight, plasma lipids, and oxidative stress-related parameters were measured. The transcript levels of different adipogenesis related transcription factors, lipogenic enzymes, and lipolytic enzymes were also evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR.ResultPhytochemical analysis demonstrated that TILE is enriched with a substantial level of polyphenols (287.20 ± 9.21 mg GAE/g extract) and flavonoids (107.52 ± 11.12 mg QE/g extract) which might be the reason of significant antioxidant and radical scavenging activities. Feeding of TILE (400 mg/kg/day) to HFD-fed rats increased activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase which is reflected as a significant reduction of oxidative stress markers like nitric oxide and malondialdehyde. TILE (400 mg/kg/day) feeding also down-regulated the mRNA levels of proadipogenic transcription factors including liver X receptor alpha (LXRα), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP1c) in diet-induced obese rats. As a consequence of this, the mRNA level of lipogenic enzymes like acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid synthase (FAS), diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT), and HMG-CoA reductase was down-regulated with a parallel up-regulation of the transcript level of lipolytic enzyme, hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL).ConclusionObservations from this study indicate that antioxidant-rich TILE can reduce HFD-induced body weight, fat weight and liver weight as well as blood lipids through down-regulating the gene expression of proadipogenic transcription factors and lipogenic enzymes with a concerted diminution of the gene expression of lipolytic enzyme, HSL.

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Gene Polymorphism in Dyslipidemia and Hypertension

ABSTRACT Background: Hypertension and dyslipidemia have a multifactorial background based on genetic and environmental interactive factors. Increasing blood pressure (BP) and hypertension incidence have also been found to be linked with elevated blood lipids rates. Insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphisms of the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) are said to be linked to pathogenesis of both hypertension and dyslipidemia. Objectives: to investigate the presence of the three genotypes of ACE gene (I/D) polymorphisms with hypertension and dyslipidemia. Subjects and methods: Participants included 30 Egyptian patients with hypertension and /or dyslipidaemia (Group I) and 20 apparently healthy controls (Group II). For all participants, DNA was isolated and amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR); the product was recognized by gel electrophoresis according to their size. Results: diferent ACE genotypes frequencies were detected according to the presence or absence of 287 bp fragment in intron 16; 30% for Deletion/Deletion (DD), 56.7% for Insertion/Deletion (ID) and 13.3% for Insertion/Insertion (II) in patients group, denoting that (I) allele has a significant association with hypertension and dyslipidemia (p < 0.05). Conclusions: There is increased frequency of ACE I/D and I/I, therefore, the I allele was common among Egyptian patients affected with hypertension and /or dyslipidaemia.

Abstract B59: Cardiometabolic complications after pediatric cancer: Associations with chemotherapeutic agents and body-mass-index fluctuations

Abstract Introduction: Survivors of childhood cancer are at risk of cardiometabolic complications including dyslipidemia, obesity, insulin resistance, and hypertension. In addition, children undergoing chemotherapy often suffer from substantial side effects including rapid weight gain, transient hypertension, and elevated blood glucose and lipids. However, little is known about the cardiometabolic health of children shortly after cancer treatment. This study aims to describe the cardiometabolic profile of children after treatment and to study the factors associated with these complications. Methods: Participants were recruited at Sainte-Justine UHC in Montreal as part of the VIE Program (Valorization, Implication, Education). Cardiometabolic health was assessed with biochemical, clinical, and anthropometric measures. Data on treatment (diagnosis, chemotherapeutic agents, and doses) were obtained from medical files. Results: Evaluations were performed on 71 participants (45% boys; median age: 9.8 years; 42% with acute lymphoblastic leukemia; median time since last treatment: 1.4 years, range: 0.2-3.5 years). Our assessment showed that 28% had hypertension, 27% were obese, 19% had altered glucose metabolism, and 33% had dyslipidemia. The risk of having dyslipidemia was associated with higher age [relative risk (RR): 1.28, 95%CI: 1.14-1.44, P&amp;lt;0.01] and body mass index (BMI) (RR: 1.76, 95%CI: 1.11-2.78, P=0.02). Participants who increased their BMI during treatment were at higher risk of obesity (RR: 3.01, 95%CI: 1.44-6.29, P&amp;lt;0.01). The increase of BMI during treatment was associated with exposure to glucocorticoids (coefficient β: 0.56, 95%CI: 0.13-0.98, P=0.01) and to methotrexate (coefficient β: 0.73, 95%CI: 0.34-1.11, P&amp;lt;0.01). Conclusion: We found important alterations of children’s cardiometabolic profile shortly after the end of cancer treatment. Increased BMI during and after treatment and exposure to corticosteroids and methotrexate were factors associated with cardiometabolic health. This stresses the importance of maintaining a favorable nutritional status during cancer therapy. Early nutritional interventions promoting sustainable healthy eating habits may contribute to limit cardiometabolic complications in the short and long term. Citation Format: Veronique Belanger, Alexandre Warin, Elitsa Tonova, Isabelle Bouchard, Caroline Meloche, Daniel Curnier, Serge Sultan, Caroline Laverdiere, Daniel Sinnett, Valerie Marcil. Cardiometabolic complications after pediatric cancer: Associations with chemotherapeutic agents and body-mass-index fluctuations [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on the Advances in Pediatric Cancer Research; 2019 Sep 17-20; Montreal, QC, Canada. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(14 Suppl):Abstract nr B59.

The Value of Estimating Paraoxonase Activity in Nephrotic Children

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a series of symptoms caused by kidney damage. This involves protein in the urine, low levels of blood albumin, elevated blood lipids, and high levels of swelling.

Hypolipidemic and Hypoglycaemic Effect of Wholemeal Bread with Amaranth (Amaranthus dubius Mart. ex Thell.) on Sprague Dawley Rats.

The effect of consuming breads made with wheat flour and Amaranth (Amaranthus dubius Mart. ex Thell.) wholemeal flour on Sprague Dawley rats with hyperlipidaemia and hyperglycaemia induced through feeding was studied. Four diets were provided: control (CD: Ratarina®), commercial bread (CBD), bread with 100 g·kg−1 (ABD10) and 200 g·kg−1 (ABD20) amaranth flour. Zoometric and blood chemistry parameters were measured before and after consuming the diets. A completely random factorial design of 2 × 4 × 2 was used. The factors were blood lipids and glucose level (normal, N and elevated, E), diet (CD, CBD, ABD10 and ABD20) and sex (female, F and male, M). The rats consuming ABD10 and ABD20 diets presented the lowest glucose values, although with no differences (p > 0.05) between the groups of elevated blood lipids and glucose rats (E). Triglyceride concentrations decreased in ABD10 and ABD20 treatments in comparison with CD, elevated blood lipids and glucose (E) rats, while ABD10 rats showed lower total cholesterol level than normal (N) rats. The high-density lipoprotein cholesterol values increased in the ABD10 and ABD20 groups (p < 0.05), while it did lower for very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and cardiac risk index (p < 0.05). In ABD10 and ABD20 treatments, the abdominal circumference decreased in both sexes (p < 0.05) between weeks 23 and 31. In conclusion, consumption of bread with amaranth improved lipid profiles of rats and could help to prevent metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

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.

Increased blood lead level induces oxidative stress and alters the antioxidant status of spray painters.

Background The aim of this study was to know the present scenario of blood lead level and its effect on serum lipid peroxide and antioxidant parameters of spray painters. Methods We included 42 male spray painters and 50 control subjects with an age range of 20-45 years. Blood lead level, serum lipid peroxide and antioxidant parameters, i.e. erythrocyte catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), plasma ceruloplasmin, nitric oxide, uric acid and bilirubin, were quantified by standard methods. Results We observed the significant elevated blood lead (p < 0.001, 458%), lipid peroxide (p < 0.001, 170%), uric acid (p < 0.001, 25.6%) and bilirubin (p < 0.01, 24.5%) and the significant decrease in antioxidant enzymes like SOD (p < 0.001, -50.4%), catalase (p < 0.001, -34.33%), ceruloplasmin (p < 0.001, -32.7%) and nitric oxide (p < 0.001, -39.58%) in the study group as compared to control. A significant positive correlation coefficient (r) of blood lead level with lipid peroxide (r = 0.44, p < 0.001), uric acid (r = 0.33 p < 0.05) and bilirubin (r = 0.35, p < 0.05) and a negative correlation with SOD (r = -0.32, p < 0.05), catalase (r = -0.33, p < 0.05), ceruloplasmin (r = -0.27, p < 0.05) and nitric oxide (r = 0.30, p < 0.05) were observed. Conclusions Elevated blood lead level induces serum lipid peroxide and alters the antioxidant enzymes of spray painters. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the blood lead level by taking proper precautions while spraying the paints, and additional antioxidant supplementation like vitamin C, multivitamin and multiminerals will be useful in reducing oxidative stress.

The fruit of Acanthopanax senticosus Harms improves arterial stiffness and blood pressure: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVESArterial stiffness and endothelial dysfunction are 2 of the independent predictors for cardiovascular disease, while Acanthopanax senticosus Harms (ASH) is a traditional medicinal plant that can improve cardiovascular health. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of the fruit of ASH on vascular function in apparently healthy subjects.SUBJECTS/METHODSA 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, consisting of healthy adults with at least 2 of the following 3 conditions: borderline high blood pressure (BP; 120 mmHg ≤ systolic BP ≤ 160 mmHg or 80 mmHg ≤ diastolic BP ≤ 100 mmHg), smoking (≥10 cigarettes/day), and borderline blood lipid levels (220 ≤ total cholesterol ≤ 240, 130 ≤ low density lipoprotein cholesterol ≤ 165, or 150 ≤ triglyceride ≤ 220 mg/dL). Randomly assigned 76 subjects who received a placebo or 2 doses of ASH fruit (low, 500 mg/day; high, 1,000 mg/day) completed the intervention. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), flow-mediated dilation, carotid intima-media thickness, and BP were measured both at baseline and following the 12-week intervention. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation was assessed by western blotting.RESULTSCompared with the placebo group, the low-dose group showed more significant changes after the 12-week intervention period in terms of systolic BP (0.1 vs. −7.7 mmHg; P = 0.044), baPWV (31.3 vs. −98.7 cm/s; P = 0.007), and the ratio of phospho-eNOS/eNOS (0.8 vs. 1.22; P = 0.037).CONCLUSIONSThese results suggest that ASH fruit extract at 500 mg/day has the potential to improve BP and arterial stiffness via endothelial eNOS activation in healthy adults with smoking and the tendency of having elevated BP or blood lipid parameters.Trial RegistrationClinical Research Information Service Identifier: KCT0001072

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.

Identification of genes and pathways related to atherosclerosis comorbidity and depressive behavior via RNA-seq and bioinformation analysis in ApoE-/- mice.

Depression is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis (AS), which can increase the risk of death and disability from AS. However, the mechanism of AS comorbidity with depression is complex. ApoE-/- and C57BL/6J mice were fed with a high-fat diet (model group, N=12 ♂) and a normal diet (control group, N=12 ♂). During the 15-week experimental period, the following tests were performed: coat color score, body weight, and sucrose preference tests (every 2 weeks); open-field test (1st, 7th, and 15th weeks); and light/dark and tail suspension tests (15th week). Oil Red O and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) stainings were used to assess the area of atherosclerotic status. The levels of triglyceride and total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the serum and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines were determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex were screened by RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and analyzed using the Gene Ontology (GO) annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) annotations. Our findings showed that compared with C57 mice in the control group, ApoE-/- mice in the model group gradually developed depression-like behavioral changes with elevated blood lipid concentrations, serum inflammatory factor levels, and atherosclerotic plaque formation in the thoracic aorta. Consequently, in the RNA-seq and bioinformatics analysis, the high expression of inflammatory chemokine genes was found in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex area. The regulation of movement, feeding, and reproduction of the gene expression decreased. These results indicate that when ApoE-/- mice were fed a high-fat diet for 15 weeks, depression-like behavioral changes occurred with the formation of atherosclerotic lesions. The RNA-seq, combined with bioinformatics analysis, showed that this AS comorbidity with depressive behavior was associated with the high expression of inflammation-related genes and pathways in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.

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.

Pilot randomized trial of short-term changes in inflammation and lipid levels during and after aspirin and pravastatin therapy

BackgroundInflammation and elevated blood lipids are associated with infertility. Aspirin and statin therapy may improve infertility treatment outcomes among overweight and obese women with systemic inflammation, but little is known about the short-term effects of statins in this population. We conducted a pilot study of aspirin, pravastatin, or combined treatment among a group of overweight and obese, reproductive-aged women. Our goal was to characterize short-term changes in inflammatory and lipid biomarkers during and after treatment.MethodsIn this open-label trial, women aged 18–40 years with a body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 were randomized to receive either 162 mg aspirin, 40 mg pravastatin, or both. The study medication was taken daily for 2 weeks, and participants were then followed for a two-week washout period. Participants provided blood samples at baseline, after the intervention period, and after the washout period. The outcomes were changes in biomarkers of inflammation and lipids measured in blood components at each timepoint.ResultsNine, 8, and 8 women were randomized to the aspirin, pravastatin, and combined arms, respectively. Analyses were conducted among 8, 7, and 7 women in the aspirin, pravastatin, and combined arms for whom biomarker data was available at baseline. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels were lower after treatment in all arms and continued to decrease after washout in the pravastatin and combined arms. Results were consistent between the whole sample and women with baseline hsCRP between 2 and 10 mg/L. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was lower after treatment in the pravastatin and combined arms and rose slightly after washout.ConclusionsOur results provide preliminary evidence that short-term aspirin and pravastatin therapy reduces hsCRP and LDL cholesterol among overweight and obese women of reproductive age, including those with low-grade inflammation. Because of these short-term effects, these drugs may improve infertility treatment outcomes in this population, which we will assess in a future randomized trial.

Role of Berry Bioactive Compounds on Lipids and Lipoproteins in Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome.

Blood lipids are an important biomarker of cardiovascular health and disease. Among the lipid biomarkers that have been widely used to monitor and predict cardiovascular diseases (CVD), elevated LDL and low HDL cholesterol (C), as well as elevated triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, deserve special attention in their predictive abilities, and thus have been the targets of several therapeutic and dietary approaches to improving lipid profiles. Among natural foods and nutraceuticals, dietary berries are a rich source of nutrients, fiber, and various types of phytochemicals. Berries as whole fruits, juices, and purified extracts have been shown to lower total and LDL-C, and increase HDL-C in clinical studies in participants with elevated blood lipids, type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome. This short review aimed to further discuss the mechanisms and magnitude of the lipid-lowering effects of dietary berries, with emphasis on reported clinical studies. Based on the emerging evidence, colorful berry fruits may thus be included in a healthy diet for the prevention and management of CVD.