Coronary Heart Disease Factors Research Articles

Isolation and assessment of probiotic potential of Acidipropionibacterium acidipropionici C03B-STR from goat milk with cholesterol-lowering capability.

Elevated levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in the blood are one of the major risk factors for coronary heart disease, which is the foremost leading cause of death across the world. The aims of this study were to isolate and verify the potential probiotic strain and cholesterol-lowering capability from goat milk. The C03B-STR isolate had a broad-spectrum antibacterial property and exhibited remarkable bacteriostatic activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 13883 (27.00 ± 1.73mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 (19.33 ± 0.57mm) and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 10832 (19.00 ± 1.00mm) by agar well diffusion assay. This isolate is closely related to the 16S rDNA sequence of Acidipropionibacterium acidipropionici. Acidipropionibacterium acidipropionici C03B-STR can survive under acidic conditions (60.51 ± 0.02% of survival rate at pH 3.0 for 3h) and was as bile-tolerant strain (> 80% of survival rate at 0.30% bile salts after 3h of incubation). Furthermore, it showed significantly high cell surface hydrophobicity (74.36 ± 0.23%) and aggregation capability (> 83%) (p ≤ 0.05) but displayed low to moderate co-aggregation ability (44-61%). This strain can also be regarded as strongly adhesive (73.69 ± 0.74%) and inhibit pathogen attachment to the Caco-2 cell lines (39.20 ± 0.59-69.01 ± 0.29%). A. acidipropionici C03B-STR appeared to be safe (non-haemolytic) and controllable (sensitive to various antibiotics). Notably, it had the potential to suppress cholesterol uptake in Caco-2 cells (approximately 45%) and also reduced cholesterol level above 84% during the exponential phase under acidic conditions. Thus, A. acidipropionici C03B-STR from goat milk may be a promising novel potential cholesterol-lowering probiotic strain for application in functional foods and biotherapeutics.

Predictive value of Type D personality combined with unhealthy cardiovascular behaviors for the long-term adverse cardiovascular events in ACS patients

Abstract Background Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has become a major public health problem worldwide due to its high morbidity and mortality. In addition to traditional risk factors, psychosocial factors play an important role in the development of ACS.Type D personality, as a combination of social inhibition and negative affect, has been defined as a psychological risk factor for coronary heart disease by the European Society of Cardiology.Meanwhile, ACS patients with Type D personality may have behaviors such as unhealthy dietary behaviors, less regular physical activity, and poorer self-management behaviors. Then, whether the combination of Type D personality and poor cardiovascular health behaviors can increase the risk of poor prognosis in patients with ACS requires further research. Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Type D personality combined with poor cardiovascular health behaviors on long-term major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE) in patients with ACS. Methods A total of 18631 patients diagnosed with ACS between January 2017 and July 2023 were included in this study. Type D personality, cardiovascular health behaviors (smoking cessation, physical activity, average sleep duration at night, dietary assessment index, BMI, lipids, blood glucose, blood pressure) were assessed during the admission period, and were divided into poor, general, and ideal cardiovascular health with a cut-off score of 50 and 80.The binary logistic regression analysis was used to assese the effect of Type D personality combined with cardiovascular health score on the occurrence of MACE (stroke, reinfarction, revascularization, all-cause death). Results The median follow-up in this study was 37 months, and we found that a total of 3750 people had MACE during the follow-up period. The logistic regression result showed that compared with Type D personality (-) and cardiovascular health behaviors (poor) group, Type D personality (+) and cardiovascular health behaviors (poor) group (OR=1.451, 95%CI=1.055-1.995,P=0.022), Type D personality (+) and cardiovascular health behaviors (general) group (OR=1.425, 95%CI=1.092-1.858,P=0.009), Type D personality (-) cardiovascular health behavior (poor) group (OR=1.301, 95%CI=1.013-1.670, P=0.039) were independent risk factors for the occurrence of further adverse cardiovascular events. Conclusion Type D personality combined with unhealthy cardiovascular behavior individuals may be at high risk for MACE. Therefore, early assessment of Type D personality and cardiovascular health behaviors are needed, thereby reducing the incidence of MACE in ACS patients.

The Relationship Between Level of Knowledge and Healthy Behaviors with the Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in Teachers at SDN 106 Aek Galoga

Coronary artery disease (CHD) is a condition caused by problems with the coronary arteries which cause narrowing and blockage, which can disrupt the body's energy transfer process and cause an imbalance between oxygen demand and oxygen supply. This research aims to determine the relationship between knowledge and Healthy Behaviors on Coronary Heart Disease Risk Factors. This research method uses correlative analysis and a cross sectional approach. This research describes the relationship between a person's knowledge and lifestyle and the risk of coronary heart disease. The sample in this study consisted of 20 adults who were teachers at SDN 106 Aek Galoga. The selected subjects were interviewed using a research questionnaire. After conducting research, it can be concluded that 4 people (20.0%) had a good level of knowledge, 13 (65.0%) had a good level of knowledge, and 3 people (15.0%) had a poor level of knowledge. The results of the chi-square test show that there is a significant relationship between the level of knowledge of the risk factors for Coronary Heart Disease with a p value of: 0.001. Based on the data we obtained from 20 respondents from SDN 106 Aek Galoga, it can be concluded that there is a relationship between knowledge and Healthy Behaviors and risk factors for Coronary Heart Disease.

Perceptions Experiences and Challenges of Physical Activity among Firefighters with Coronary Heart Disease Risk Factors in the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services

Background The development of atherosclerosis in firefighters is affected by various cardiovascular risk factors, such as smoking, poor dietary choices, and lack of physical activity. Together, these elements lead to obesity, high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol, and increased blood sugar levels. Continuous exposure to these risks raises the chances of worsening atherosclerosis, which can impede blood circulation to essential organs like the heart and brain. As a result, sudden cardiac death is the leading cause of fatalities while on duty in the fire service. Aim This study aimed to explore and describe the perceptions, experiences, and challenges associated with physical activity among firefighters with risk factors for coronary heart disease in the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services. Methods A purposive sample of nine full-time active career firefighters from the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, representing three different ranks, was employed, using a descriptive qualitative study design. The semi-structured interview responses were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The participants were free to leave the study at any time and without penalty, and their rights to confidentiality were protected. The thematic analysis was then used to examine the transcripts. Results The results revealed that firefighters were not physically active enough to meet the suggested minimum levels of physical activity and were physically inactive. Sedentary lifestyles have numerous detrimental effects on the human body, such as elevated rates of dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease mortality, and all-cause death. Therefore, it is essential to reduce sedentary behavior and increase physical exercise to improve the health and well-being of firefighters. Conclusion Policy strategies should be designed to introduce physical activities at low-moderate intensity levels and accommodate firefighters with coronary heart disease risk factors. Implementing team-based physical activity interventions has demonstrated positive impacts on individual behavior changes within the fire service.

Assessment of Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Disease and Severity by Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography Imaging.

To investigate the correlation between risk factors for coronary stenosis and the degree of coronary artery stenosis based on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). Two hundred seventy-eight patients with coronary artery disease who received treatment in our hospital between January 2020 and January 2021 were selected as the experimental group, and 100healthy people who received physical examination in our hospital during the same period were selected as the control group (age and gender matched with the study group). The clinical data and CCTA data of the two groups of patients were collected and compared. Computed tomography fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) values were calculated based on the CCTA data of the patients in the study group, risk factors for coronary artery stenosis were analysed and the correlation between the risk factors and CT flow reserve fraction was explored. The serum total bilirubin (BIL), apolipoprotein A (apoA), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), uric acid, total cholesterol (TC) and mean platelet volume levels were higher in the experimental group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Unconditional logistic regression analysis showed that LDL-C, uric acid, TC, triglyceride, serum total BIL and apoA were independent risk factors for coronary heart disease (P < 0.05). Serum total BIL (r = 0.27), apoA (r = -0.30), uric acid (r = -0.48), TC (r = -0.35), triglyceride (r = -0.73) and LDL-C (r = -0.65) showed a negative correlation with FFRCT values (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was detected between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and FFRCT values (r = 0.37, P < 0.05). Triglycerides, LDL-C, uric acid, TC, serum total BIL and apoA are risk factors for coronary artery stenosis that should be closely monitored and receive active intervention in clinical practice.

Hypodynamia - as a risk factor for coronary heart disease

Hypodynamia - as a risk factor for coronary heart disease

An 8-SNP LDL Cholesterol Polygenic Score: Associations with Cardiovascular Risk Traits, Familial Hypercholesterolemia Phenotype, and Premature Coronary Heart Disease in Central Romania.

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is the most significant inherited risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). Current guidelines focus on monogenic FH, but the polygenic form is more common and less understood. This study aimed to assess the clinical utility of an 8-SNP LDLC polygenic score in a central Romanian cohort. The cohort included 97 healthy controls and 125 patients with premature (P)CHD. The weighted LDLC polygenic risk score (wPRS) was analyzed for associations with relevant phenotypic traits, PCHD risk, and clinical FH diagnosis. The wPRS positively correlated with LDLC and DLCN scores, and LDLC concentrations could be predicted by wPRS. A trend of increasing LDLC and DLCN scores with wPRS deciles was observed. A +1 SD increase in wPRS was associated with a 36% higher likelihood of having LDLC > 190 mg/dL and increases in LDLC (+0.20 SD), DLCN score (+0.16 SD), and BMI (+0.15 SD), as well as a decrease in HDLC (-0.14 SD). Although wPRS did not predict PCHD across the entire spectrum of values, individuals above the 90th percentile were three times more likely to have PCHD compared to those within the 10th or 20th percentiles. Additionally, wPRS > 45th percentile identified "definite" clinical FH (DLCN score > 8) with 100% sensitivity and 45% specificity. The LDLC polygenic score correlates with key phenotypic traits, and individuals with high scores are more likely to have PCHD. Implementing this genetic tool may enhance risk prediction and patient stratification. These findings, the first of their kind in Romania, are consistent with the existing literature.

Association of classic cardiovascular risk factors with myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke: A cross sectional analysis of the Shiraz Heart Study

BackgroundMyocardial infarction (MI) and ischemic stroke are the leading deadly clinical outcomes globally. This study aimed to investigate the association of classic cardiovascular risk factors with MI and ischemic stroke in a general population. MethodsThis cross-sectional study used the baseline data of the Shiraz Heart Study, a prospective cohort that investigate risk factors of coronary heart disease in a general population of Iran. Middle-aged citizens of 40–70 years old were included. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the association between sociodemographic, clinical, and metabolic factors and prevalent MI and stroke. ResultsOut of 7225 adults, 1.9 % (n = 135) had prior MI or stroke. Multiple logistic regression revealed that age≥60 years (aOR: 2.22, 95 % CI 1.45–3.20; P < 0.001), male sex (aOR: 3.82, 95 % CI 2.56–5.71; P < 0.001), history of hypertension (aOR: 1.71, 95 % CI 1.18–2.50; P < 0.005), history of hyperlipidemia (aOR: 2.42, 95 % CI 1.68–3.48; P < 0.001), having four 1st degree family members with sudden cardiac death (aOR: 26.28, 95 % CI 0.59–432.09; P < 0.022), and having a 1st degree family member with history of cardiovascular disease (aOR: 1.69, 95 % CI 1.13–2.54; P < 0.001) were associated with prior MI and stroke. Unlike high-density lipoprotein (P = 0.723) and triglyceride (P = 0.643), there were significant differences in the levels of fasting blood sugar (P < 0.001), total cholesterol (P < 0.001), and low-density lipoprotein (P < 0.001) between those with and without history of MI/stroke. ConclusionsBeing aged ≥60 years, history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia along with familial history of CVD and sudden cardiac death were in association with MI and stroke.

Exploring the interplay between genes and environmental risk factors of coronary heart disease

Exploring the interplay between genes and environmental risk factors of coronary heart disease

Comparative Analysis of Machine Learning Models and Key Risk Factors in Advancing Predictive Analytics for Coronary Heart Disease Over a Decade

This study aimed to identify key risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) and assess the performance of various machine learning models in predicting 10-year CHD risk. We conducted an exploratory data analysis using data from the Framingham Heart Study, which included 4,238 participants and 15 potential risk factors, to understand the distribution of variables and relationships. We used Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests to identify significant associations between risk factors and coronary heart disease. Logistic regression, random forest and support vector machine (SVM) models were established and their prediction accuracy and area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were evaluated. The results showed that age, systolic blood pressure and history of hypertension were the most influential risk factors. Logistic regression accuracyand AUCwere the highest, better than random forest and SVM. This indicates that we can pay more attention to such factors as age, systolic blood pressure and history of hypertension in subsequent CHD studies, and mainly use logistic regression model to predict coronary heart disease and optimize it.

Assess the Serum Lipid Profile in Patient with Acute Ischemic Stroke at Tertiary Care Center in Nepal

Introduction: Ischemic stroke takes place when the blood flow cessation endures for more than a few minutes leading to brain tissue infarction. After ischemic heart disease, ischemic stroke is the second most common cause of death worldwide and one of the top five diseases based on DALYs (disability-adjusted life years) in Nepal. Though dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease, it has an unclear role in the pathogenesis of ischemic stroke. In a patient with a previous ischemic stroke, statins reduce the risk of ischemic stroke. So, this study analyses the plasma prevalence of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), High-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglyceride (TG) in patients with acute non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke and their association with different non-modifiable risk factors (age, gender &amp; family history) and modifiable risk factors (diabetes, hypertension, obesity, smoking &amp; alcohol intake).  Materials and Method: This is a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional hospital-based study carried out from December 5th, 2021 to December 4th, 2022 including 80 patients admitted to Chitwan Medical College, Chitwan, with a diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke. All the patients underwent a detailed history, physical examination, and baseline investigations including fasting lipid profile along with CT- scan/MRI head. The fasting lipid profile was done within the first 24 hours of hospitalization. Data was entered in MS Excel 2013 and converted it into SPSS 26 for statistical analysis.  Result: A total of 80 patients with the diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke were enrolled. Out of them, 37 (46.25%) were female and 43 (53.75%) were male. A total number of 71 (88.75%) patients were from more than or equal to 55 years of age group and 9 (11.25%) patients were from less than 55 years of age group. The mean age ± standard deviation of male and female patients was 66.69 ±9.14 years and 68.54 ±14.96 respectively. Overall, derangement in serum lipid profile (dyslipidemia) was present in 63.75% of the patients. Among the total cases, high TC is found in 18 patients (22.5%), TG in 24 patients (30%), high LDL is found in 16 patients (20%), and low HDL is found in 23 patients (28.75%).  Conclusion: The study highlights hypertriglyceridemia as the leading dyslipidemia in ischemic stroke patients, showing gender and age variations in prevalence. It confirms dyslipidemia's role in brain vascular changes, notably in the Middle Cerebral Artery, and its link to carotid artery stenosis severity. Despite common risk factors, their direct association with dyslipidemia remains statistically insignificant, stressing the need for focused lipid management to mitigate stroke risks.

Pediatric nurses in Greece, investigation of knowledge and attitude towards the predisposing factors of coronary heart disease

Abstract Introduction Today, everyone agrees that the best treatment of coronary artery disease is its prevention through understanding the role and, of course, controlling the predisposing factors, i.e. those particular characteristics whose presence predicts the occurrence and progression of the disease. As Health professionals, nurses must know about the predisposing factors, participate in prevention programs, and advise on the Algorithm of Care. Objective To investigate pediatric nurses' knowledge about the predisposing factors of coronary Heart disease and assess the degree of risk of developing coronary heart disease based on the prevention measures they take and their lifestyle. Material and Methods The study sample consisted of 164 working nurses in our Pediatric hospitals, and its duration was four months. A specially designed questionnaire was used for data collection, which was distributed to employees of different departments and was answered by a total of 164 nurses. The questionnaire was weighted to check its validity, and minor adjustments were made for the study. Results Pediatric nurses identify the most important predisposing factors of coronary heart disease as hypertension, smoking, dyslipidemia, and stress as a result of their profession. They have a significantly increased body mass index, poor dietary habits, and appear negligent in preventive cardiac screening. Conclusions The level of knowledge of Greek pediatric nurses regarding the prevention of coronary heart disease is satisfactory. Their working environment, stress, lifestyle, and lack of regular check-ups make them extremely vulnerable to the predisposing factors of coronary heart disease.

A Global Perspective on Cardiovascular Risk Factors by Educational Level in CHD Patients: SURF CHD II.

Clinical guidelines recommend lifestyle modifications and medication use to control cardiovascular risk factors in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients. However, risk factor control remains challenging especially in patients with lower educational level. To assess inequalities by educational level in the secondary prevention of CHD in the Survey of Risk Factors in Coronary Heart Disease (SURF CHD II). SURF CHD II is a cross-sectional clinical audit on secondary prevention of CHD, conducted during routine clinical visits in 29 countries. The easy-to-perform design of the survey facilitates its implementation in settings with limited resources. We reported risk factor recording, attainment of guideline-defined risk factor targets, and treatment in CHD patients. Differences by educational level in target attainment and treatment were assessed with logistic regression stratified for high- (HIC), upper middle- (UMIC), and lower middle-income (LMIC) countries. SURF CHD II included 13,884 patients from 2019 to 2022, of which 25.0% were female and 18.6% had achieved only primary school level. Risk factor recording ranged from 22.2% for waist circumference to 95.6% for smoking status, and target attainment from 15.9% for waist circumference to 78.7% for smoking. Most patients used cardioprotective medications and 50.5% attended cardiac rehabilitation.Patients with secondary or tertiary education were more likely to meet targets for smoking, LDL cholesterol and physical activity in HICs and LMICs; for physical activity and triglycerides in UMICs; but less likely to meet targets for blood pressure in HICs and LDL <1.4mmol/L in UMICs. Higher education was positively associated with medication use and cardiac rehabilitation participation. CHD patients generally have poor attainment of risk factor targets, but patients with a higher educational level are generally more likely to participate in cardiac rehabilitation, use medication, and meet targets. Target attainment and participation in cardiac rehabilitation are poor in CHD patients globally.Patients with higher education are more likely to meet risk factor targets, showing health inequities in secondary prevention of CHD.The association between education and risk factor target attainment and treatment varies with country income level.

Comparison of Cycling and Cross Trainer on Rate Pressure Product in Hypertensive Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: The Rate pressure product is the valuable marker of cardiac function. It is the product of heart rate and systolic blood pressure. It plays a pivotal role in understanding the relationship between exercise and the cardiovascular system, particularly in hypertensive individuals. Hypertension is a primary risk factor for coronary heart disease, stroke, congestive heart failure, renal failure and peripheral vascular disease. The aim of the study is to determine the effect of cycling and cross trainer on rate pressure product in hypertensive patients. Methodology: A cross-sectional study includes 30 hypertensive patients with age group of 25-65 years and those who have any recent surgery or any neurological or psychological issues are excluded. Patients vitals were monitored pre exercise. Every patient does exercise on both cross trainer and cycling for 15 min each on alternate day to avoid superimpose effect of each other. Rate pressure product was calculated and compared between cross trainer and cycling exercise. Result: Result has been obtained from SPSS 20. Mean age of patients is 45.9+10.2. Comparison between cycling and cross trainer found using independent t-test (t=-2.534). There was significant difference of RPP between patients performing cycling and cross trainer. RPP of cross trainer (mean=19.09) is more than RPP of cycling (mean=18.14) having significant difference p&lt;0.05. Conclusion: This study concluded that there is greater rate pressure product during cross trainer exercise than in cycling. This shows that more myocardial oxygen consumption is greater in cross trainer as it involves both upper and lower extremity. So, cross trainer and cycling can be used effectively for exercise prescription and preventing cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients, but the cycling was more effective as the mean difference was low compared to cross trainer. Keywords: Static cycling, rate pressure product, cross trainer, hypertension

Association Between Serine Concentration and Coronary Heart Disease: A Case-Control Study.

Early identification of new residual risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) is warranted. In this study, we aim to investigate the association between the serine concentration, an important amino acid in one-carbon metabolism, and CHD in Chinese hospitalized patients. This case-control study included 428 case-control pairs comprising patients with CHD with a maximum coronary artery stenosis degree of >70% and controls with stenosis of <30%. The individuals were matched by age, sex, and date of coronary angiography at Peking University First Hospital from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2019. Conditional logistic regression was used to investigate the associations between the serine concentration and CHD. Patients with CHD were aged 63.48 ± 10.38 years, and 43.73% were male. Compared with controls, patients with CHD had a slightly lower serine concentration (13.35 ± 4.20 vs 13.77 ± 4.08 μg/mL), but the difference was not significant. In the multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis, for every 1 μg/mL increase in serine concentration, the odds of CHD decreased by 6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.90-0.99; P = 0.010). Patients with a serine concentration of ≥13.41 μg/mL had a lower CHD risk than those with a serine concentration of <13.41 μg/mL (odds ratio [OR] 0.57, 95% CI 0.39-0.84; P = 0.004). Subgroup analyses showed that sex interacted with the relationship between serine concentration and CHD (P interaction = 0.039), which was more significant in males (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.87-0.98; P = 0.013) than in females. This study observed an inverse association between the serine concentration and CHD prevalence in Chinese hospitalized patients, which revealed that serine might play a protective role in CHD.

CORRELATION OF DIASTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE WITH HIGH SENSITIVITY C-REACTIVE PROTEIN IN MIDDLE AGED CORONARY HEART DISEASE PATIENTS

Background and objectives: C-reactive protein is a plasma protein to determine the levels of inflammation inside our body. There are low levels of CRP in our blood but moderate to severe elevated levels can be seen in bacterial infection and any other autoimmune diseases. Hypertension is considered to be the significant risk factor in coronary heart disease. Our objective of study is to determine the correlation of hs-CRP with diastolic blood pressure in middle aged coronary heart disease individuals. Methods: This is a descriptive cross sectional study conducted among two groups i.e coronary heart disease and control (n=150). Their CRP levels as well as two readings of diastolic blood pressure are taken. Data and results collected, compiled and analyzed with SPSS version 23. Results: Hypertension is an important risk factor for coronary events. Results of our study has shown strong correlation between CRP and diastolic blood pressure having mean values about 146.3±2.14 (P&lt; 0.001) in coronary heart disease individuals and 92.14±17.14 in control group ( P value 0.008). Conclusion: It was observed that hs-crp has strong association with diastolic blood pressure in middle aged coronary heart disease individuals.

Відбір пробіотичних мікроорганізмів та їх композицій як основи для лінійки функціональних продуктів харчування з гіпохолестеринемічними властивостями

In modern clinical practice, the main methods for correcting elevated serum cholesterol levels are drugs that block the activity of the enzyme hydroxymethylglutaracyl-CoA-reductase (HMG-CoA-reductase) – statins or drugs that inhibit the absorption of cholesterol and sterols in the intestines ezetimibe. All hypocholesterolemic drugs are rather expensive and have side effects, the main of which is hepatotoxicity. During mono- and combined therapy with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors and ezetimibe, cases of increased activity of alanine and asparagine transaminases (biochemical indicator of cytolytic syndrome), disorders of the digestive and respiratory systems, the central and peripheral nervous systems, and the sense organs along with weight gain, etc. have been found. Scientific literature has increasingly reported on the ability of lactic acid bacteria to lower serum cholesterol. The ability of certain strains of representatives of the normal microbiota to assimilate and precipitate deconjugated bile acids, as well as to destroy, bind, and assimilate cholesterol, is the basis of their hypocholesterolemic activity (the ability to reduce the level of serum cholesterol). A high level of cholesterol, both in the total blood serum and in low-density lipoproteins, is one of the main risk factors for coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, cerebrovascular atherosclerosis, hypertension, tumors of the digestive tract, etc. The aim of the study was to establish the hypocholesterolemic activity in vitro and in vivo of previously selected highly effective probiotic strains of lactic- and bifidobacteria for the further creation on their basis of a line of effective functional food with hypocholesterolemic activity for the prevention and concomitant treatment of pathological conditions associated with high cholesterol levels. Methods. Bacterial hypocholesterolemic activity in vitro was determined according to Rudel L.L. and in vivo – on the mice model that was designed by us. Two schemes of the administration of probiotic strains – the prophylactic and therapeutic ones–were developed. Results showed that Lactobacillus acidophilus IMV B-7279 and Bifidobacterium animalis IMV B-7286 strains, as well as the Bifidobacterium animalis IMV B-7286: Bifidobacterium animalis IMV B-7285 (1:1) composition were the most effective probiotics used for treatment of mice with hypercholesterolemia. The cholesterol-lowering activity of all studied probiotic strains and their compositions ranged between 40–78 %. At the same time, it should be noted that the hypocholesterolemic activity of the other studied strains was not lower, and in some cases even higher than that of most of the drugs currently used for cholesterinosis. Conclusions. The obtained results allow us to assert that it is necessary to develop a series of functional foods and probiotics based on the studied strains and their compositions in an encapsulated form, for the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with the negative manifestations of high cholesterol levels.

Evaluation of the impact of a 20-week exercise referral scheme on Mauritian adults diagnosed with non-communicable diseases

AbstractThe escalating prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCD) presents a concern in Mauritius. These diseases, caused by many factors, reflect the social, economic and environmental conditions within which people live and work. Type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension and obesity are the most prevalent among Mauritian adults. Within the framework of a comprehensive systems approach aiming at addressing the social determinants of health, there is a need for customised strategies for both management and prevention of non-communicable diseases. One such example is exercise referral. Exercise referral schemes (ERS) represent an emerging tool for helping people become more physically active and healthier. Evidence of their effectiveness is equivocal and lacks contextual insight into their value in a Mauritian context. Hence, this study serves to bridge this gap. We report the outcomes of a 20-week ERS. Two hundred sixty consenting adults recruited from Area Health Centres (AHC) and Mediclinic’s around Mauritius were assigned to one of two groups: intervention group (ERS + guidance and support by exercise referral consultant) or control group (exercise ‘advice’ from a general practitioner). Body mass index (BMI), grip strength, waist circumference, fasting blood sugar (FBS), HbA1c, lipid profile and blood pressure were measured at week 0, 10 and 20. This quasi-experimental longitudinal study successfully demonstrated improvements in parameters associated with risk factors for coronary heart disease, particularly among women in the intervention group. Significant reductions in weight, waist circumference, FBS and BMI at week 10 and 20 were noted. A less pronounced decline in parameters was observed in men, except for waist circumference, which reached near significance (p = 0.076). Using female participants as a primary focal point, this study supports the notion of exercise referral as part of a holistic treatment plan to control NCDs. We advocate future ERS initiatives prioritise a patient-centred comprehensive approach in design and implementation to ensure successful outcomes.

The Effects of Medium-Chain Triglyceride Oil and Butter on Lipid Profiles.

Background and objective Butter coffee drinks, mainly a form of a saturated fat diet, are widely accepted as a "healthy energy-boosting drink", especially in the young and healthy military population. The objective of our study was to determine the effects of medium-chain triglyceride(MCT) oil and butter on lipid profile, especially apolipoprotein B (ApoB), low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (HDL-C), and other risk factors for coronary heart disease, such as BMI, BP, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in healthy adults. Materials and methods We conducted aprospective study of 60 subjects who were randomized to one of the two following regimens: (1) coffee or (2) coffee with butter plus MCT oil combination. The primary outcome was the effect on ApoB. Secondary outcomes were as follows: non-HDL-C, LDL-C, triglycerides, BP, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, and HbA1c. These parameters were evaluated at the baseline and after 12 weeks. The Mann-Whitney U test was utilized for analysis of the results. Results While 60 subjects were recruited for the study, only 41 completed it, meeting the minimum required sample size (17 per group) necessary to achieve the desired effect size: 21 males (nine in the control group and 12 in the experimental group) and 20 females (10 in each group). Anthropometric measures were similar between the two groups at baseline, and so were age and BMI(average age: 33.00 ± 5.84 years among controls and 30.86 ± 6.14 years in the experimental group; BMI: 27.35 ± 4.63 kg/m2vs. 25.74 ± 2.70 kg/m2). The pulse rate was 69.35 ± 10.98in the control vs. 70.68 ± 10.32 bpm in the experimental group.The waist size was also similar in both groups. Baseline lab findings were as follows: ApoB: 89.85 ± 17.52 (control), 81.60 ± 12.84mg/dL (experimental); hs-CRP: 0.18 ± 0.27(control), 0.17 ± 0.27 mg/L (experimental); LDL-C 113.65 ±23.71(control), 106.50 ± 18.99 mg/dL (experimental); HDL-C 57.35 ± 14.63(control),62.41 ± 16.15 mg/dL (experimental); and triglycerides: 76.00 ± 31.30(control), 56.77 ± 14.77 mg/dL (experimental), and these values were similar. The values after 12 weeks of intervention were as follows: BMI: 27.37 ± 5.24 (control), 26.36 ± 3.55 (experimental); pulse rate: 78.88 ± 14.00(control), 74.20 ± 11.90 bpm (experimental); ApoB 87.1 ± 17.38 (control), 85.7 ±20.59 mg/dL (experimental); hs-CRP 0.26 ± 0.22(control), 0.15 ± 0.14 mg/L (experimental); LDL-C 111.59 ± 20.35 (control), 114.10 ± 26.99 mg/dL (experimental); HDL-C 57.71 ± 12.93(control), 64.85 ± 13.32 mg/dL (experimental); and triglycerides: 74.71 ± 25.39(control), 60.80 ± 15.77 mg/dL (experimental). Conclusion At a significance level of 5%, there was no difference between the two groups, either at the baseline or at 12 weeks of intervention. Based on our findings, adding MCT oil and butter to coffee may be safe. However, further studies with larger sample sizes and longer duration are needed to validate our findings.

Kounis Syndrome: Myocardial Infarction After Wasp Bites

The presented clinical case describes a rather rare type II Kunis syndrome (SC) that occurred in a 69-year-old man with risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) after wasp bites and was accompanied by the development of acute myocardial infarction (MI) due to coronary artery thrombosis (CA). The diagnosis of MI was confirmed on the basis of laboratory and instrumental data: an increase in troponin levels (&gt;10000 pg/ml), changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG) (elevation of the ST segment in II, III leads, aVF), revealed violations of the contractility of the left ventricle (LV) according to echocardiography (zone of akinesia of the basal lower segment LV, hypokinesia of the median inferior and anterolateral segments of the LV, the apical-lateral segment of the LV), the results of coronary angiography (acute occlusion with signs of parietal thrombosis in the right coronary artery). The cause of CA thrombosis could be either a pronounced immuno-inflammatory reaction or the administration of adrenaline to stop anaphylactic reaction. Currently, there are no clear criteria for the verification of SC, the diagnosis is confirmed on the basis of a comprehensive examination of a patient with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and the presence of a pronounced allergic/anaphylactic reaction. Additionally, to confirm the SC, it is proposed to assess the level of histamine and tryptase in the blood, however, these markers are metabolized quite quickly and, in most cases, it is not possible to identify their elevated levels. This case once again underlines the importance of informing doctors about the risk of developing ACS against the background of a pronounced allergic reaction, as well as the need for further study of SC in order to develop tactics for the treatment and prevention of this group of patients.