Elevated Serum Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Research Articles

Abstract P178: Prevalence of Elevated LDL-C and Non-HDL-C in Adults With Total Serum Cholesterol in the Normal Range

Background: Normal serum total cholesterol (TC) based on standard lab definitions is typically considered <200 mg/dL. However, normal TC levels do not indicate optimal levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) or non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), the two measures most associated with risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Methods: This study included all adults ≥18 years of age in NHANES from 1999-2018 without ASCVD and with TC <200 mg/dL while not on lipid-lowering therapy (n = 11,843). We evaluated age-adjusted, survey-weighted prevalence of LDL-C ≥100 mg/dL or non-HDL-C ≥130 mg/dL in the total population and within subgroups. Results: Among adults with normal TC, half (95% CI 48.5-51.3%) had either LDL-C ≥100 mg/dL or non-HDL-C ≥130 mg/dL. Among all subgroups, the highest prevalence of elevated LDL-C or non-HDL-C was seen in adults with elevated triglycerides (85.5% [95% CI 80.0-91.0%] for those with triglycerides > 400 mg/dL and 67.0% [95% CI 64.0-69.9%] with 150-400 mg/dL) or metabolic syndrome (66.2%, 95% CI 63.2-69.1%). A higher prevalence of elevated LDL-C or non-HDL-C was also seen in adults who were male, 40-80 years of age, or of Hispanic ethnicity, as well as those with pre-diabetes, diabetes, or elevated body mass index (Table). Prevalence of elevated LDL-C or non-HDL-C was substantially lower with decreasing levels of TC, ranging from 37.4% (95% CI 36.0-38.8%) for adults with TC <190 mg/dL down to 0.2% (95% CI 0.0-0.5%) for adults with TC <150 mg/dL (Table). Conclusions: Among adults free of ASCVD with TC <200 mg/dL and not on lipid lowering therapy, half have elevated serum LDL-C or non-HDL-C. Current definitions of normal TC are therefore insufficient to identify ASCVD risk in the general population, particularly those with metabolic syndrome, elevated blood glucose or triglycerides, or increased body weight. Lower goals for normal TC and increased emphasis on non-HDL-C should be considered as part of public health measures for primary prevention.

Elevated serum LDL-C increases the risk of Lewy body dementia: a two-sample mendelian randomization study

BackgroundLewy body dementia (LBD) ranks second among prevalent neurodegenerative dementias. Previous studies have revealed associations of serum lipid measures with several neurodegenerative diseases. Nevertheless, the potential connection between serum lipids and LBD remains undetermined. In this study, Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were carried out to assess the causal relationships of several serum lipid measures with the risk of developing LBD.MethodsGenome-wide association study (GWAS) data for serum lipids and LBD in European descent individuals were acquired from publicly available genetic summary data. A series of filtering procedures were conducted to identify the genetic variant candidates that are related to serum lipids, including high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG). The causal effects were primarily determined through inverse-variance weighting (IVW)-based analyses.ResultsNeither TG (odds ratio [OR] = 1.149; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.887–1.489; P = 0.293) nor HDL-C (OR = 0.864; 95% CI, 0.718–1.041; P = 0.124) had causal effects on LBD. However, a causal relationship was identified between LDL-C and LBD (OR = 1.343; 95% CI, 1.094–1.649; P = 0.005), which remained significant (OR = 1.237; 95% CI, 1.015–1.508; P = 0.035) following adjustment for HDL-C and TG in multivariable MR.ConclusionsElevated serum LDL-C increases the risk of LBD, while HDL-C and TG have no significant causal effects on LBD.

Whether and Why Do We Need a Vaccine Against Atherosclerosis? Can We Expect It Anytime Soon?

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a leading cause of premature death. Lipid disorders, particularly elevated serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), contribute significantly to ASCVD. The risk of developing ASCVD is influenced by the duration of exposure to elevated LDL-C concentrations (cholesterol-years concept). Implementing lipid-lowering treatments based on the principles of "the earlier the better," "the lower the better," and "the longer the better" has been shown to reduce cardiovascular risk and significantly extend lifespan. Despite the availability of numerous lipid-lowering drugs, achieving satisfactory control of lipid disorders remains very challenging. Therefore, there is a need for novel approaches to improve treatment adherence. One promising solution under investigation is the development of an anti-PCSK9 vaccine, which could be administered annually to provide long-term control over LDL-C concentrations. Experimental studies and the sole clinical trial conducted thus far have demonstrated that the anti-PCSK9 vaccine induces a durable immune response associated with lipid-lowering and anti-atherosclerotic effects. Furthermore, it has exhibited good tolerability and a satisfactory safety profile. However, we still need data from phase 2, 3, and cardiovascular outcome trial to confirm its safety and efficacy and add value in the armamentarium of available and perspective lipid-lowering drugs. This article highlights the significance of developing an anti-PCSK9 vaccine and provides an overview of the current knowledge on various anti-PCSK9 vaccines.

Genetic Polymorphisms and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

<p><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: PMingLiU; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: EN-US;">Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of death and disability worldwide. Major and well-established cardiovascular disease risk factors include advancing age, male sex, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, elevated total serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Genetic polymorphism represents an additional risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is not explored and researched thoroughly. In this review article, a total of 31 scientific articles studying the association between different genetic polymorphisms and the risk of cardiovascular disease were studied. <a name="_Hlk80393453"></a>Different genetic polymorphisms were found to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease incidence, and genotyping of these different genetic polymorphisms should be considered as routine screening for cardiovascular disease.</span></p>

Prevalence and risk factors of keratoconus (including oxidative stress biomarkers) in a cohort study of Shiraz university of medical science employees in Iran

BackgroundTo determine the prevalence of keratoconus in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Employees and the related risk factors including oxidative stress biomarkers.Methods2546 subjects’ mean age ± SD, 40.35 ± 6.70 (46% male) were recruited. All participants underwent objective refraction using auto-refractometer and retinoscopy, followed by subjective refraction, and bio-microscopy. Pentacam imaging was performed for the detected keratoconus patients. The prevalence of keratoconus and frequency of the visual impairment among keratoconus cases were evaluated. Potential risk factors of sex, age, family history of keratoconus, body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m2, serum levels of glucose ≥ 100 mg/d, low-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL) ≥ 110 mg/dL, high-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol ≤ 40 mg/d, and triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dL in the blood were evaluated.ResultsThe prevalence of keratoconus at least in one eye was 0.98% (95% CI: 0.6- 1.4%). The best corrected visual acuity in the keratoconus group was 0.06 ± 0.1 and the rest of the population was 0.01 ± 0.07 logMAR (p < 0.001). The frequency of visual impairment in the keratoconus group was zero. Odds ratios of the family history of keratoconus (21.00, 95% CI: 9.00–48.00, p < 0.001) and LDL ≥ 110 mg/dL (3.00, 95% CI: 1.20–6.40, p = 0.01) were significant.ConclusionsKeratoconus is rare and is not considered a risk factor for visual impairment. A family history of keratoconus and elevated serum LDL levels are contributing risk factors, suggesting an inflammatory background for the disease. Serum levels of LDL ≥ 110 mg/dL in the blood increased the risk of keratoconus three folds.

Current status and time trends of lipid and use of statins among older adults in China-real world data from primary community health institutions.

Elevated serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels are established risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, a leading cause of death in China, especially in aged population. We sought to assess the latest levels of serum lipids, prevalence of dyslipidemia and achievement of LDL-C lowering targets among Chinese aged population. The data was obtained from the annual health check and medical records in primary community health institutions of Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, Southern China. A sample of approximately 135,000 participants provides comprehensive estimates of the status of cholesterol level and statins use in older adults in China. Clinical characteristics were compared by different age grades, genders and years. Independent risk factors associated with statin use were determined by stepwise logistic regression analysis. The mean levels of TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, TG were 5.39, 1.45, 3.10, and 1.60 mmol/L, respectively, while the prevalence of high TC, high TG, high LDL-C, and low HDL-C were 21.99, 15.52, 13.26, and 11.92%, respectively. Although statin use showed an increasing trend in both participants > 75 years and ≤75 years of age, the achievement of treatment goals fluctuated between 40.94 and 48.47%, and even seemed to have a downward trend. Stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis further indicated that age, medical insurance, ability of self-care, hypertension, stroke, CAD, and high LDL-C were shown to be associated with statins use (P < 0.05). Those aged ≤75 years old seemed to be less likely to use statin, and those without medical insurance or ability of self-care seemed to be less likely to use statin, too. Patients with hypertension, stroke, CAD and high LDL-C were more inclined to use statins. Chinese aged population currently experienced high serum lipid levels and prevalence of dyslipidemia. Although an increasing trend was shown in the proportion of high CVD risk and statin use, the achievement of treatment goals seemed to have a downward trend. Improvement of lipid management is necessary in order to reduce the burden of ASCVD in China.

The Effects of Statin Treatment on Serum Ferritin Levels: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Statins are the most widely used drugs for decreasing elevated serum LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and thus for the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), but they have also some pleiotropic effects, including anti-inflammatory properties. Atherosclerosis is a low-grade inflammatory disease, and elevated ferritin is considered to be one of the markers of inflammation. Since the results of studies on the effects of statins on serum ferritin levels are conflicting, this meta-analysis was performed. Methods: A literature search was performed using major electronic databases (MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and ISI Web of Science) from inception up to 5 March 2022 to find studies evaluating the effect of different statins on serum ferritin levels. The effect size was determined using weighted mean differences (WMDs) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The meta-analysis of nine studies (1611 patients) analyzing the effects of statins on serum ferritin levels that were included showed a significant decrease in circulating ferritin levels caused by statins. The results did not suggest any significant association between the changes in concentrations of serum ferritin and the duration of treatment with statins. Conclusions: Statin therapy decreases the circulating concentrations of ferritin, which might be beneficial for the prevention and/or progression of ASCVD. This effect might be explained by the anti-inflammatory effects and maybe some other pleiotropic effects of statins and not by their lipid-lowering effects.

Status of premature coronary artery disease in Vietnam and its associated risk factors

Background: Knowledge about premature coronary artery disease (PCAD) is still limited in Vietnam. This study aimed to describe status of coronary artery lesion and its associated risk factors in these patients. Methods: A cross sectional study (2018 - 2019) of 177 patients aged ≤ 55 years for men and ≤ 60 for women undergoing coronary angiography was conducted. Results: Most of PCAD patients was acute coronary syndrome (83.1%). The most common cardiovascular risk factor was smoking (63.3%). Complex lesions were common in PCAD patients, including long lesion, (44.6%), diffuse lesion (18.6%), chronic total occlusion (12.4%), bifurcation lesion (12.4%), ostial lesion (5.6%) and SYNTAX score ≥ 22 (27.9%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level was independently related to the presence of moderate-severe coronary artery disease (SYNTAX score ≥ 22) with Odds ratio as 1.706. Conclusions: PCAD patients had significant rates of complex lesions. Elevated serum LDL-C level was independent risk factor related to mordeate-severe coronary artery disease in these patients. Key words: atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, premature

Abstract 11850: Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing of 36 Lipid-Related Genes in Patients With Clinically Diagnosed Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is characterized by elevated serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and premature coronary artery disease. This condition is considered to be caused by mutations of conventional FH genes such as LDL receptor (LDLR), apolipoprotein B (APOB), and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). However, it is not fully elucidated whether other lipid-related gene variants may be overlapped in addition to these FH genes. Methods and Results: One hundred twenty-five heterozygous FH (HeFH) patients in Osaka University Hospital and Rinku General Medical Center, who met the clinical FH criteria of Japan Atherosclerosis Society were enrolled. Genomic DNA for each patient was extracted from peripheral blood cells. Targeted exon sequencing was performed to investigate 36 lipid-related genes including conventional FH genes. Among variants with a minor allele frequency of &lt;5% in 1000 Genomes Project of East-Asian population, we have defined pathogenic variants if they fulfilled i) protein truncating variants, ii) damaging missense variants, and iii) ClinVar-registered pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants. Among 125 HeFH patients, we have identified LDLR pathogenic variants in 89 patients (71.2%), PCSK9 variants in 6 patients (4.8%), and APOB variants in 1 patient (0.8%). Among these 96 patients, 37 patients (38.5%) additionally have pathogenic variants of other lipid-related genes, which include apolipoprotein E2 (APOE2) in 3 patients, apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) in 19 patients, variants of ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 5 (ABCG5) in 3 patients, apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3) in 1 patient, and CD36 in 11 patients. As for remaining 29 patients without conventional FH gene variants, 17 patients (58.6%) have pathogenic variants of other lipid-related genes, which include APOE4 in 13 patients, apolipoprotein E5 (APOE5) in 1 patient, variants of ABCG5 in 1 patient, and CD36 in 2 patients. Conclusion: Approximately 40% clinically diagnosed HeFH patients have pathogenic variants of other lipid-related genes in addition to those of conventional FH genes. These overlapping variants may affect the atherogenicity of patients and selection of medication.

Frequency and pattern of dyslipidemia in diabetes mellitus type 2.

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the frequency and pattern of dyslipidemia in patients of diabetes mellitus type 2. Study Design: Cross Sectional Observational study. Setting: Medicine Department and National Institute of Diabetes and Endocrinology OPD of Dow University Hospital OJHA Campus Karachi Sindh. Period: March 2018 to September 2018. Material &amp; Methods: 142 diabetes mellitus type 2 patients aged between 35-60 years, selected by non-probability consecutive sampling method. Detailed medical history and blood sample for fasting lipid profile was obtained from each diabetic patient. Result: Out of 142 diabetic patients investigated for dyslipidemia, 72 (50.7%) were male and 70 (49.3%) were female with a mean age of 47.49±6.40 (35-60) years. Dyslipidemia was detected in 114 (80.3%) patients; with most common abnormality was elevated serum triglycerides (54.9%), followed by decreased serum HDL cholesterol (50.7%), elevated serum VLDL cholesterol (50.0%), elevated serum cholesterol (38.7%) and elevated serum LDL cholesterol (16.9%). Conclusion: It was concluded that diabetes mellitus type 2 is directly correlated with higher incidence of dyslipidemia.

Dietary Strawberries Improve Cardiometabolic Risks in Adults With Obesity and Elevated Serum LDL-Cholesterol in a Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial

Abstract Objectives Dietary berries, such as strawberries are rich in bioactive compounds and have been shown to lower cardiometabolic risks. We examined the dose-response effects of two dietary achievable doses of strawberries on glycemic control and lipid profiles in adults. Methods In this 14-week randomized controlled crossover study, adults with obesity and elevated serum LDL-cholesterol were assigned to one of the three arms for four weeks separated by a one-week washout period: control powder, one serving strawberries (low dose: 13 g powder/day), and 2.5 servings strawberries (high dose: 32 g powder/day). Participants were instructed to follow their usual diet and lifestyle while refraining from consuming other berries and related products throughout the study. Blood samples and anthropometric measures were collected at baseline and at the end of each four-week phase of intervention. Results Thirty-three participants completed all three phases of the trial [(mean ± SD): Age: 53 ± 13 y; BMI: 33 ± 3.0 kg/m2). Outcome measures were analyzed using a mixed model analysis of variance with statistical significance set at P &amp;lt; 0.05. Findings revealed significant reduction in fasting insulin as well as homeostatic model of assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) following the high dose strawberries when compared to the low dose strawberry and control phases. Glucose and conventional lipid profiles did not differ among groups. Total and small LDL particle concentrations (nuclear magnetic resonance-determined) were significantly decreased in the high dose strawberry group compared to control and low dose group (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusions These data suggest that consuming strawberries at two and half servings for four weeks significantly improves insulin resistance and LDL particle profiles in adults with features of the metabolic syndrome. Funding Sources Supported by the NIH grant U54GM104938 (Oklahoma Shared Clinical and Translational Resource), OUHSC and the California Strawberry Commission.

Implementation of a Machine-Learning Algorithm in the Electronic Health Record for Targeted Screening for Familial Hypercholesterolemia: A Quality Improvement Study.

Implementation of a Machine-Learning Algorithm in the Electronic Health Record for Targeted Screening for Familial Hypercholesterolemia: A Quality Improvement Study.

Dietary Strawberries Improve Cardiometabolic Risks in Adults with Obesity and Elevated Serum LDL Cholesterol in a Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial.

Background and aims: Dietary berries, such as strawberries, are rich in bioactive compounds and have been shown to lower cardiometabolic risk. We examined the effects of two dietary achievable doses of strawberries on glycemic control and lipid profiles in obese adults with elevated serum LDL cholesterol (LDL-C). Methods: In this 14-week randomized controlled crossover study, participants were assigned to one of the three arms for four weeks separated by a one-week washout period: control powder, one serving (low dose: 13 g strawberry powder/day), or two-and-a -half servings (high dose: 32 g strawberry powder/day). Participants were instructed to follow their usual diet and lifestyle while refraining from consuming other berries and related products throughout the study interval. Blood samples, anthropometric measures, blood pressure, and dietary and physical activity data were collected at baseline and at the end of each four-week phase of intervention. Results: In total, 33 participants completed all three phases of the trial [(mean ± SD): Age: 53 ± 13 y; BMI: 33 ± 3.0 kg/m2). Findings revealed significant reductions in fasting insulin (p = 0.0002) and homeostatic model of assessment of insulin resistance (p = 0.0003) following the high dose strawberry phase when compared to the low dose strawberry and control phases. Glucose and conventional lipid profiles did not differ among the phases. Nuclear magnetic resonance-determined particle concentrations of total VLDL and chylomicrons, small VLDL, and total and small LDL were significantly decreased after the high dose strawberry phase, compared to control and low dose phases (all p < 0.0001). Among the biomarkers of inflammation and adipokines measured, only serum PAI-1 showed a decrease after the high dose strawberry phase (p = 0.002). Conclusions: These data suggest that consuming strawberries at two-and-a-half servings for four weeks significantly improves insulin resistance, lipid particle profiles, and serum PAI-1 in obese adults with elevated serum LDL-C.

Biochemical Urine Testing of Medication Adherence and Its Association With Clinical Markers in an Outpatient Population of Type 2 Diabetes Patients: Analysis in the DIAbetes and LifEstyle Cohort Twente (DIALECT).

To assess adherence to the three main drug classes in real-world patients with type 2 diabetes using biochemical urine testing, and to determine the association of nonadherence with baseline demographics, treatment targets, and complications. Analyses were performed of baseline data on 457 patients in the DIAbetes and LifEstyle Cohort Twente (DIALECT) study. Adherence to oral antidiabetics (OADs), antihypertensives, and statins was determined by analyzing baseline urine samples using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Primary outcomes were microvascular and macrovascular complications and treatment targets of LDL cholesterol, HbA1c, and blood pressure. These were assessed cross-sectionally at baseline. Overall, 89.3% of patients were identified as adherent. Adherence rates to OADs, antihypertensives, and statins were 95.7%, 92.0%, and 95.5%, respectively. The prevalence of microvascular (81.6% vs. 66.2%; P = 0.029) and macrovascular complications (55.1% vs. 37.0%; P = 0.014) was significantly higher in nonadherent patients. The percentage of patients who reached an LDL cholesterol target of ≤2.5 mmol/L was lower (67.4% vs. 81.1%; P = 0.029) in nonadherent patients. Binary logistic regression indicated that higher BMI, current smoking, elevated serum LDL cholesterol, high HbA1c, presence of diabetic kidney disease, and presence of macrovascular disease were associated with nonadherence. Although medication adherence of real-world type 2 diabetes patients managed in specialist care was relatively high, the prevalence of microvascular and macrovascular complications was significantly higher in nonadherent patients, and treatment targets were reached less frequently. This emphasizes the importance of objective detection and tailored interventions to improve adherence.

Prevalence of coronary artery disease and achievement of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol management targets in familial hypercholesterolemia patients at Osaka University Hospital

Background and Aims: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is characterized by elevated serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and high prevalence of premature coronary artery disease (CAD). Japan Atherosclerosis Society (JAS) revised the LDL-C management target levels for FH in 2017. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of CAD and the achievement of LDL-C target levels in FH patients at Osaka University Hospital.

Plasma exosome-derived microRNAs expression profiling and bioinformatics analysis under cross-talk between increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level and ATP-sensitive potassium channels variant rs1799858

BackgroundExosome-derived microRNAs (exo-miRs) as messengers play important roles, in the cross-talk between genetic [ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP) genetic variant rs1799858] and environmental [elevated serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level] factors, but the plasma exo-miRs expression profile and its role in biological processes from genotype to phenotype remain unclear.MethodsA total of 14 subjects with increased LDL-C serum levels (≥ 1.8 mmol/L) were enrolled in the study. The KATP rs1799858 was genotyped by the Sequenom MassARRAY system. The plasma exo-miRs expression profile was identified by next-generation sequencing.Results64 exo-miRs were significantly differentially expressed (DE), among which 44 exo-miRs were up-regulated and 20 exo-miRs were down-regulated in those subjects carrying T-allele (TT + CT) of rs1799858 compared to those carrying CC genotype. The top 20 up-regulated DE-exo-miRs were miR-378 family, miR-320 family, miR-208 family, miR-483-5p, miR-22-3p, miR-490-3p, miR-6515-5p, miR-31-5p, miR-210-3p, miR-17-3p, miR-6807-5p, miR-497-5p, miR-33a-5p, miR-3611 and miR-126-5p. The top 20 down-regulated DE-exo-miRs were let-7 family, miR-221/222 family, miR-619-5p, miR-6780a-5p, miR-641, miR-200a-5p, miR-581, miR-605-3p, miR-548ar-3p, miR-135a-3p, miR-451b, miR-509-3-5p, miR-4664-3p and miR-224-5p. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were subsequently implemented to identify the top 10 DE-exo-miRs related specific target genes and signaling pathways. Only 5 DE-exo-miRs were validated by qRT-PCR as follows: miR-31-5p, miR-378d, miR-619-5p, miR-320a-3p and let-7a-5p (all P < 0.05).ConclusionThese results firstly indicated the plasma exo-miRs expression profile bridging the link between genotype (KATP rs1799858) and phenotype (higher LDL-C serum level), these 5 DE-exo-miRs may be potential target intermediates for molecular intervention points.

Blood lipid markers are associated with hippocampal viscoelastic properties and memory in humans

Age-related memory loss shares similar risk factors as cardiometabolic diseases including elevated serum triglycerides (TGs) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The mechanisms linking these aberrant blood lipids to memory loss are not completely understood but may be partially mediated by reduced integrity of the hippocampus (HC), the primary brain structure for encoding and recalling memories. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that blood lipid markers are independently associated with memory performance and HC viscoelasticity—a noninvasive measure of brain tissue microstructural integrity assessed by high-resolution magnetic resonance elastography (MRE). Twenty-six individuals across the adult lifespan were recruited (14 M/12 F; mean age: 42 ± 15 y; age range: 22–78 y) and serum lipid profiles were related to episodic memory and HC viscoelasticity. All subjects were generally healthy without clinically abnormal blood lipids or memory loss. Episodic memory was negatively associated with the TG/HDL-C ratio. HC viscoelasticity was negatively associated with serum TGs and the TG/HDL-C ratio, independent of age and in the absence of associations with HC volume. These data, although cross-sectional, suggest that subtle differences in blood lipid profiles in healthy adults may contribute to a reduction in memory function and HC tissue integrity.

ATP-sensitive potassium channels gene polymorphism rs1799858 affects the risk of macro-/micro-vascular arteriosclerotic event in patients with increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels

BackgroundPlasma concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is causally related to the risk of arteriosclerotic events. Whether ATP-sensitive potassium channels (KATP) genetic variants predict increased LDL-C concentration (≥1.8 mmol/L) and risk of macro-/micro-vascular arteriosclerotic event remain elusive.MethodsA total of 320 subjects with increased LDL-C concentration (≥1.8 mmol/L) and 320 counterpart subjects (< 1.8 mmol/L) from the South China were enrolled in this study. Three KATP polymorphisms (rs1799858, rs4148671 and rs78148713) were genotyped by the Sequenom MassARRAY system. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association of the 3 KATP variants with increased LDL-C concentration and carotid artery stenosis (CAS) ≥50%. Two-way ANOVA was used to analyze the association of the 3 KATP variants with microalbumin in urine (MAU) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HsCRP) levels. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to retrospectively analyse the association of the optimal variant with the risk of new onset/recurrent acute myocardial infarction (AMI).ResultsAmong the 3 studied KATP gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), only rs1799858 (TT + CT genotype) was associated with elevated risk of LDL-C ≥ 1.8 mmol/L (adjusted OR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.31–3.85, P = 0.003) and CAS ≥50% (adjusted OR = 2.80, 95% CI: 1.12–6.98, P = 0.028). KATP SNP rs1799858 was also associated with increased MAU (P = 0.013) and HsCRP (P = 0.027) levels. The follow-up for an average of 51.1-months revealed that participants carrying the T-allele (TT + CT) of rs1799858 was associated with high risk of new onset/recurrent AMI (adjusted HR = 2.90, 95% CI: 1.06–7.94, P = 0.038).ConclusionThe KATP SNP rs1799858 may be an optimal genetic predisposition marker for increased LDL-C concentration (≥1.8 mmol/L) and its related macro-/micro-vascular arteriosclerotic event risk. The KATP variant rs1799858 was associated with higher risk of macro-/micro-vascular arteriosclerotic events in patients with elevated serum LDL-C levels.

Elevated serum triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol promotes the formation of colorectal polyps

BackgroundHyperlipidaemia may be a potential risk factor for the occurrence of intestinal polyps. This study aimed to evaluate correlation between lipidaemia and the formation of colorectal polyps.MethodsOne hundred and fourteen patients with colorectal polyps and forty-eight healthy controls were included in this study. Colonoscopies were performed for all patients and controls within 1 week before blood samples were taken. The concentrations of serum lipids and lipoproteins were measured simultaneously using an automatic biochemical analyser. The colorectal lesions were classified based on pathological characteristics, and four types were identified in the study: hyperplastic polyp (HP), tubular adenoma (TA), tubulovillous adenoma (TVA) and adenoma with high-grade dysplasia (A-HGD). Advanced adenoma was classified according to the number, size and histological type of polyps.ResultsThe value of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was significantly higher in the group with advanced adenoma than in the controls (p < 0.05). Moreover, the LDL-C values in the HP and TA groups were higher when compared to that of controls (p < 0.05). Obesity, age, and increased TG and LDL-C were independent risk factors for the formation of colorectal polyps. The cut-off values of triglyceride (TG) and LDL-C to distinguish polyp patients from healthy controls were 0.96 mmol/L (AUC = 0.604, p = 0.036) and 3.05 mmol/L (AUC = 0.654, p = 0.002). The combined use of increased LDL-C and TG levels to distinguish polyp patients was effective, with a sensitivity of 50.0% and a specificity of 89.6% (AUC = 0.733, p < 0.01).ConclusionsColorectal polyps are more often found in obese and older patients. Increased LDL-C and TG were correlated with the occurrence of polyps. Combination of the two serum indicators was useful to assess risk of colorectal lesions, maybe more effective in screening hyperplastic polyp, tubular adenoma and advanced adenoma.

Takayasu Arteritis with Dyslipidemia Increases Risk of Aneurysm

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) has been associated with the occurrence of abdominal aortic aneurysm. However, whether LDL-C elevation associated with aneurysms in large vessel vasculitis is unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical and laboratory features of Takayasu arteritis (TAK) and explore the risk factors that associated with aneurysm in these patients. This retrospective study compared the clinical manifestations, laboratory parameters, and imaging results of 103 TAK patients with or without aneurysms and analyzed the risk factors of aneurysm formation. 20.4% of TAK patients were found to have aneurysms. The LDL-C levels was higher in the aneurysm group than in the non-aneurysm group (2.9 ± 0.9 mmol/l vs. 2.4 ± 0.9 mmol/l, p = 0.032). Elevated serum LDL-C levels increased the risk of aneurysm by 5.8-fold (p = 0.021, odds ratio [OR] = 5.767, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.302–25.543), and the cutoff value of level of serum LDL-C was 3.08 mmol/l. The risk of aneurysm was 4.2-fold higher in patients with disease duration >5 years (p = 0.042, OR = 4.237, 95% CI: 1.055–17.023), and 2.9-fold higher when an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate was present (p = 0.077, OR = 2.851, 95% CI: 0.891–9.115). In this study, elevated LDL-C levels increased the risk of developing aneurysms in patients with TAK.