Fasting Serum Triglyceride Research Articles

Malnutrition and lipid abnormalities in antiretroviral naïve HIV-infected adults in Addis Ababa: A cross-sectional study.

BackgroundBoth under- and over-nutrition may occur among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals and impact on the course of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and its management due to the close interaction between immunity and nutrition. We investigated occurrence of undernutrition, excess weight and lipid abnormalities among antiretroviral naïve HIV-infected adults in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study on 594 antiretroviral therapy (ART) naïve HIV-infected adults was conducted in four hospitals in Addis Ababa from February to September 2013. Hematological parameters (CD4+ T cell count and hemoglobin concentration), fasting serum glucose, total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) were determined. Information on socio-demographic, anthropometric and World Health Organization (WHO) clinical stages was collected from patient clinical records, and triangulated by structured questionnaire. Height and weight measurements were taken and body mass index (BMI), undernutrition (BMI <18.5 kg/m2) and excess weight (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) determined. Statistical comparisons were made to identify significant factors associated with nutritional status and lipid profiles.ResultsThe prevalence of undernutrition was 15.1%, and the prevalence of excess weight was 22.1%, including 5.4% who were obese. The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia was 16.6% and it was higher in women (18.9%) than in men (11.0%) (p<0.05). However, the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia was 29.8%. There was significant positive Spearman correlation between CD4+ T cell count and serum TC (r = 0.210, p<0.001), but no correlation was observed between CD4+ T cell count and TG (r = -0.007, p>0.05). Age categories 30–39 and 40–79, and WHO clinical stages III/IV for undernutrition; age categories 30–39 and 40–79, WHO clinical stages III/IV and TC ≥200 mg/dL for excess weight; and being female, age categories 30–39 and 40–79, and hypertriglyceridemia for hypercholesterolemia were found to be independent predictors by binomial logistic regression analysis.ConclusionUndernutrition, excess weight, hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia were variably prevalent in ART naïve HIV-infected populations. This emphasizes the need for targeted nutritional programs as an integral part of HIV/AIDS care. Lipid levels need to be monitored regularly in patients whether on or off ART. In addition, improvement on household income and positive change in lifestyle and/or nutritional treatment to reduce morbidity and mortality are necessary interventions in HIV/AIDs patient management.

Orlistat Therapy for Children With Type 1 Hyperlipoproteinemia: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Patients with type 1 hyperlipoproteinemia (T1HLP), a rare genetic disorder, have extreme chylomicronemia and recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis. Currently, the only therapeutic option is to consume an extremely low-fat diet because the triglyceride-lowering medications are not efficacious. To determine the efficacy of orlistat, a gastric and pancreatic lipase inhibitor, in reducing serum triglyceride levels in patients with T1HLP. We conducted a randomized, open-label, clinical trial with a four-period, two-sequence ("orlistat" and "off orlistat" for 3 months), crossover study design. Two unrelated young Asian Indian males (11 and 9 years old) with T1HLP due to homozygous large GPIHBP1 deletions were enrolled at the UT Southwestern Medical Center. The patients were randomized to receive 3 months of orlistat or no therapy (off), then crossed over to the other arm, and this sequence was then repeated. Fasting serum triglyceride levels, fat-soluble vitamins, and gastrointestinal side effects were assessed. Compared with the two off periods, orlistat therapy reduced serum triglycerides by 53.3% and 53.0% in patient 1 and 45.8% and 62.2% in patient 2. There was no deficiency of fat-soluble vitamin levels, and their growth continued. There were no serious adverse effects of orlistat; patient 1 had a mild increase in passage of gas and bloating, and patient 2 had constipation with mild stool leakage. Orlistat is safe and highly efficacious in lowering serum triglycerides in children with T1HLP and should be the first-line therapy in conjunction with an extremely low-fat diet.

Assessment of serum neopterin as an inflammatory and cardiovascular marker in type 1 and 2 diabetes complicated by diabetic foot syndrome: a comparative study

Introduction. Neopterin is a byproduct of nerve trans­mitter coenzyme that is synthesized and released by macrophages and T-lymphocytes. It is a useful inflam­matory marker of diabetes progression, as its levels increase with the progression of the disease from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study aimed to compare serum neopterin levels between type-1 and type-2 diabetes patients with diabetic foot syndrome (DFS), and assess the relation between serum neopterin levels and cardiometabolic risk factors. Materials and methods. This observational cross-sec­tional study was carried out in the Centre of Diabetes Mellitus in Erbil, Iraq from 1st January to 31st December 2016. A total of 30 healthy subjects and 140 patients with DFS [70 patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and 70 patients with T2D] were enrolled in the study. The main outcome measurements included anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, fasting serum glucose, glycated haemoglobin, lipid profile, neopterin and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Results. Serum neopterin levels of T2D patients were significantly (p < 0.001) higher than the corresponding levels of T1D patients (18.6 ± 2.1 nmol/L vs. 12.6 ± 1.3 nmol/L). The changes in the serum neopterin levels were related to cardiometabolic risk factors. In T1D, a significant positive correlation between serum levels of neopterin and diastolic blood pressure were ob­served, while in T2D the significant positive correlation was found between fasting serum triglyceride levels and neopterin levels. Serum levels of neopterin were insignificantly correlated with hs-CRP in T1D and T2D. Conclusions. In patients with DFS, serum neopterin lev­els are significantly higher in those with T2D compared with T1D patients. Neopterin levels are not related to the grading of DFS, but are invariably related to cardio­metabolic risk factors. (Clin Diabetol 2018; 7, 2: 91–96)

The prevalence change of hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia and the effectiveness of yearly physical examinations: an eight-year study in Southwest China

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence changes of hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia from 2009 to 2016 and the effectiveness of yearly physical examinations to hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia prevention in Chengdu.MethodsA total of 794 residents (499 males) who have undergone annual health check-ups for 8 consecutive years (from 2009 to 2016) in Chengdu, a city in southwest China were selected as the follow-up group, 7226 residents in 2009 and 75,068 residents in 2016 who underwent health examinations in the same hospital were chosen to be the contemporary control group. The concentration of fasting serum triglyceride(TG), total cholesterol(TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and glucose were measured and compared among these groups.ResultsThere was a clear rise in the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia from 2009 to 2016 (p < 0.05). The follow-up group didn’t show difference in levels of serum lipids and glucose compared with the general population after an 8-years’ consecutive physical examination (p > 0.05), the follow-up cohort in the 8th year exhibited significant increases in serum total cholesterol and glucose compared with the 1st year (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia were increased significantly from 2009 to 2016. Annual physical examination didn’t show a positive effect in the prevention of hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia. Health education should be improved to ensure the fulfillment of the preventive objective of yearly physical examination.

Abstract P142: Light Smoking is Associated With Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors in Chilean Young Adults

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors for CVD and DM2 that includes abdominal obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and dyslipidemia. While cigarette smoking has been associated with MetS risk factors in adults, young adulthood is an under-studied, susceptible period for developing long-term morbidity and mortality related to MetS. Objective: This study aims to examine the association between cigarette smoking and MetS in Chilean young adults. We hypothesized that cigarette smoking, even at low levels of exposure (&lt; 30 per week), is associated with an increased risk of developing MetS in young adults. Methods: We studied 243 Chilean young adults who were part of infancy studies related to iron deficiency and recruited for a study of cardiovascular risk at age 16. Participant BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL were measured. MetS was defined using IDF and AHA/NHLBI criteria, and MetS risk z-scores were calculated using published equations. Participants self-reported smoking and drinking habits using standardized questionnaires. Logistic regressions examined associations between smoking and each MetS risk factor. All models were adjusted for sex, MetS at adolescence, and frequency of alcohol consumption. Results: Participants were mean 22.5 years old and 49.8% male (121 of 243). The prevalence of obesity and MetS was 24.3% (59 of 243) and 15.3% (37 of 243) respectively. Among smokers (125 of 243), mean age of smoking initiation was 14.6 years and mean consumption was smoking 28 cigarettes per week. Smokers had significantly higher fasting serum glucose levels, lower HDL, and higher MetS risk scores compared to non-smokers. Smoking was significantly associated with greater odds of fasting hyperglycemia (OR 2.41, CI 1.04 - 5.59) and low HDL (OR 1.87, CI 1.05 - 3.31). Conclusion: Cigarette smoking was associated with MetS risk factors, specifically fasting hyperglycemia and low HDL cholesterol levels, in a population-based sample of Chilean young adults. Since our sample had low levels of smoking exposure (&lt; 30 cigarettes per week), these risk factors may herald the onset of MetS associated with light cigarette smoking. Increased emphasis should be placed on preventing the initiation of smoking or promoting cessation during this crucial risk period.

Associations of dietary phytosterols with blood lipid profiles and prevalence of obesity in Chinese adults, a cross-sectional study

BackgroundIt has been established in RCTs that high dose of phytosterols can significantly reduce blood cholesterol. However, it was uncertain whether low dose of phytosterols from daily diets was effective. In this study, we evaluated the associations between dietary phytosterols and body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), blood glucose, serum lipid profiles and prevalence of overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity in healthy subjects.MethodsFour hundred nine men and 503 women aged 18–60 years were included in this study. Dietary intakes of phytosterols were estimated using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Height, body weight, WC and blood pressure were measured, an oral glucose tolerance test was performed. Moreover, fasting serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) were further determined.ResultsWhen comparing extreme quartiles of dietary phytosterols, significant differences of BMI, WC, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), serum TC and LDLc were found. Dietary phytosterols presented a negative association with BMI, WC, SBP, DBP, serum TC and LDLc (with and without adjustment for energy). After adjustment for confounders, we found higher dietary phytosterols were linked with lower prevalence of overweight/obesity (OR highest vs. lowest quartile = 0.487; 95% CI 0.234, 0.918 for men; OR highest vs. lowest quartile = 0.277; 95% CI 0.124, 0.619 for women) and abdominal obesity (OR highest vs. lowest quartile = 0.344; 95% CI 0.144, 0.819 for men; OR highest vs. lowest quartile = 0.321; 95% CI 0.140, 0.571 for women).ConclusionsHigher dietary phytosterols were associated with lower BMI, WC, blood pressure, serum TC and LDLc and lower prevalence of overweight/obesity and abdominal obesity in Chinese adults.

Metabolic Profiles in Obese Children and Adolescents with Insulin Resistance.

BACKGROUND:In the past several decades, the increasing frequency of overweight and obese children and adolescents in the world has become a public health problem. It has contributed significantly to the already high tide of diabetes, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.AIM:To investigate the frequency of insulin resistance and to evaluate the metabolic profile of insulin resistant and non-insulin resistant obese children and adolescents.SUBJECTS AND METHODS:The study included 96 (45 boys, 51 girls) obese children and adolescents aged 4-17 years old (10.50 ± 2.87 years). Only participants with Body Mass Index ≥ 95 percentile were included. We analysed sera for fasting insulin levels (FI), fasting serum triglycerides (TG), total serum cholesterol (TC), fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and plasma glucose 2 hours after the performance of the oral glucose tolerance test (2-h G). Homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index was calculated as fasting insulin concentration (microunits per millilitre) x fasting glucose concentration (millimolar)/22.5. The value of HOMA-IR above 3.16 was used as a cut-off value for both genders.RESULTS:Insulin resistance was determined in 58.33% of study participants. Insulin resistant participants had significantly higher level of 2-h G (p = 0.02), FI level (p = 0.000) as well as TG levels (p = 0.01), compared to non-insulin resistant group. Strikingly, 70.73% of the pubertal adolescents were insulin resistant in comparison to 49.09% of the preadolescents (p = 0.03). Significantly higher percentage of insulin-resistant participants were girls (p = 0.009). Moreover, a higher percentage of the girls (70.59%) than boys (44.44%) had HOMA-IR above 3.16 and had elevated FI levels (70.59% vs 48.89%). The difference in the frequency of insulin resistance among obese versus severely obese children and adolescents was not significant (p = 0.73, p > 0.05). Our study results also showed positive, but weak, correlation of HOMA-IR with age, FPG, TG and BMI of the participants (p < 0.05).CONCLUSION:Higher percentage of insulin-resistant participants was of female gender and was adolescents. In general, insulin resistant obese children and adolescents tend to have a worse metabolic profile in comparison to individuals without insulin resistance. It is of note that the highest insulin resistance was also linked with the highest concentrations of triglycerides.

Effects 0f Aliskiren on the Absorption of Monosaccharides in Animal Model of Fructose-induced Metabolic Syndrome

The renin angiotensin system (RAS) was involved in various metabolic processes including insulin secretion, carbohydrate absorption and proliferation of adipose tissue. This study aims to evaluate the effects of aliskiren on the absorption of glucose in rats with fructose-induced metabolic syndrome. The results showed that treatment with aliskiren attenuates the increase in body weight and improves fasting serum glucose, insulin, triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Moreover, absorption of glucose was significantly decreased after oral glucose load in high-fructose diet fed rats. In conclusion, aliskiren significantly reduces body weight, fasting serum glucose, insulin, triglyceride and total cholesterol levels, and the rate of glucose absorption after oral glucose load in high fructose-fed rats.

Association of Metabolic Syndrome with Migraine: A Case-Control Study

Background: Migraine is a disabling primary headache disorder and metabolic syndrome is a major escalating public-health challenge worldwide. They share some common pathophysiology. But till date, their relationship is obscure. Methods: This study was conducted in headache clinic and inpatient-outpatient department of Neurology and Biochemistry laboratory of BSMMU, from June 2017 to February 2019. In these age-sex matched case control study, 30 migraine patient and equal number non migraine volunteer were taken according to inclusion exclusion criteria. Waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), serum triglyceride (TG) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured among all. Results: In this case control study, 24 women and 6 men were taken in both case and control groups, with mean age (±SD) of 32 (±7.77) and 30 (±8.46) years respectively. Metabolic syndrome was significantly higher among migraineurs (36.7% in case and 13.3% in control group respectively, p=0.037). Patient with metabolic syndrome had 3.763 times more chance of having migraine then person without metabolic syndrome [p=0.037, OR=3.763, 95% C.I. (1.038-13.646)]. Conclusion: There is an association between metabolic syndrome and migraine. Bangladesh Journal of Neuroscience 2018; Vol. 34 (1): 17-24

Dyslipidemia and Associated Cardiovascular Risk Factors among Young Nepalese University Students.

IntroductionCardiovascular diseases are one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, atherosclerosis being the principal underlying cause of cardiovascular diseases. Early detection of dyslipidemia and long-term prevention of atherosclerosis by controlling risk factors should begin in young age. The purpose of this study was to assess dyslipidemia and associated cardiovascular risk factors among university students of Nepal.MethodsA sample of 280 students aged 17–24 years, were selected randomly from Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University. An interview-based questionnaire was designed and information was collected on the basis of age, gender, smoking and alcohol consumption. Body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio of all participants were calculated. Fasting blood samples were collected from all participants and assayed for fasting serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein.ResultsOverall, dyslipidemia was seen as hypercholesterolemia in 31 (11.1%), elevated low-density lipoprotein in 34 (12.1%), low high-density lipoprotein in 95 (33.9%) and hypertriglyceridemia in 39 (13.9%). Current smoking and binge drinking were significantly associated with hypercholesterolemia. Gender, binge drinking, and current smoking were found to be significantly associated with elevated low-density lipoprotein. All factors were significantly associated with hypertriglyceridemia. There was no statistically significant association between risk factors and the low high-density lipoprotein. Body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio were significantly higher in subjects with hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and elevated low-density lipoprotein level.ConclusionsThe prevalence of dyslipidemia was high in young Nepalese university students. Screening the levels of lipids in youth, especially those at risk, and accurate follow-up of those with dyslipidemia can be done to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Population based and animal study on the effects of Schistosoma japonicum infection in the regulation of host glucose homeostasis

Although parasitic infection affects the glucose homeostasis of mice, only few studies have integrated epidemiological and animal data to determine the effect of Schistosoma japonicum infection on mice metabolism. The current study assessed the effects of S. japonicum infection on blood glucose and other metabolic parameters in both patients and animal models of chronic schistomiasis. A total of 2183 patients with chronic schistosomiasis and age- and gender-matched individuals without schistosomiasis (n = 1798) were enrolled in this study. Fasting blood glucose and other metabolic parameters, including body mass index (BMI) and serum triglyceride and total cholesterol, were compared between the two groups. Mice infected with S. japonicum were used to test the effects of the parasite on glucose tolerance. We found that chronic schistosomiasis patients had significantly lower BMI and fasting blood glucose, serum triglyceride, and total cholesterol levels than non-schistosomiasis individuals. In the animal studies, both bisexual and unisexual S. japonicum infection improved glucose tolerance in wild-type mice. Additionally, S. japonicum-infected ob/ob mice, a model that spontaneously develops obesity and diabetes, also had decreased body weight and improved glucose tolerance. We further observed that S. japonicum-infected mice had lower inflammatory gene expression in the visceral white adipose tissue than the control mice. Collectively, our results demonstrated that S. japonicum infection improved glucose tolerance and other metabolic parameters both in human and animals. Downregulated inflammatory gene expression due to S. japonicum infection might be among the mechanisms for the improved glucose tolerance.

Salivary Cortisol Does Not Correlate with Metabolic Syndrome Markers or Subjective Stress in Overweight Children.

Being overweight is a risk factor for metabolic syndrome in children, but not all overweight children develop metabolic syndrome. Cortisol excess from chronic psychological stress has been proposed as an independent risk factor for metabolic syndrome in this already at-risk population. The present study assesses the relationship of biochemical and body composition radiographic markers of metabolic syndrome to salivary cortisol and self-report of chronic psychological stress in a cohort of overweight children. This cross-sectional study took place in a multi-disciplinary pediatric obesity clinic at a tertiary care hospital, and involved fifteen children with BMI at or above the 85th percentile for age and sex, 10 of whom provided salivary cortisol samples. The main outcomes measured were salivary bedtime cortisol, first-waking cortisol, and cortisol awakening response (CAR-the rise in cortisol in the first half hour after waking); fasting serum triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, glucose and insulin for HOMA-IR; the ratio of abdominal fat to total body fat by DXA scan; and scores of validated stress and bullying questionnaires (PANAS-C, PSS, and SEC-Q). In this pilot study, no correlation was found between salivary cortisol measures and questionnaire scores of subjective stress or bullying, and no correlation was found between any of these measures and markers of metabolic syndrome (dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, increased abdominal fat). These results suggest that measures of psychological stress, whether biochemical or subjective, do not appear to predict risk of metabolic syndrome in overweight children. While ease of collection and demonstrated utility both in detection of pediatric Cushing disease and in adult psychological research make salivary cortisol assessment an attractive clinical tool, further investigation into the value of salivary measures in pediatric stress research is needed.

Which Criteria to Use to Identify Metabolic Syndrome among Patients with Addictive Disorders?: Observations among Patients with Alcohol and Opioid Dependence Syndrome.

In spite of various psychoactive substances (including tobacco, alcohol, and opioids) being closely associated with development of metabolic syndrome (MS), little research exists on the prevalence of MS among persons with addictive disorders. The criteria used to diagnose MS varied across these studies, and part of the variation in the prevalence rate (5.1%–30.6%) could be attributable to this fact. The current study aimed to assess the prevalence of MS in patients with alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS) and opioid dependence syndrome (ODS) using revised National Cholesterol Education Programme Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP ATP-III) criteria and International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. We tried to assess the impact of the choice of the diagnostic criteria on the prevalence rate of MS in the persons with ADS and ODS. This was a cross-sectional observational study. Semi-structured pro forma was used to collect information on the sociodemographic profile and clinical profile. Anthropometric measurements included waist circumference, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI). The systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood sugar (FBS), serum triglycerides, and serum high-density lipoprotein were measured. Patients were diagnosed as having MS by using revised NCEP ATP-III and IDF criteria. Statistical analysis was done by Chi-square (Fischer's exact test), independent sample Student's t-test, and Cohen's kappa. Among the individuals with ADS, the prevalence of MS was found to be 20.8% and 9.9% according to revised NCEP ATP III criteria and IDF criteria, respectively. Among individuals with ODS, the prevalence of MS was found to be 20.3% and 5.1% according to revised NCEP ATP III criteria IDF criteria, respectively. While there was a good degree of concordance between IDF and modified NCEP-ATP III criteria for MS for ADS (n = 256) (κ = 0.649, P < 0.001), the concordance was only fair for ODS (κ = 0.333, P < 0.001). The findings of our study thereby support the recommendation that revised NCEP ATP-III criteria is better choice than IDF criteria for identification of MS in individuals having addictive disorders, especially opioid dependence.

Effects of Pediococcus acidilactici R037 on Serum Triglyceride Levels in Mice and Rats after Oral Administration.

The biological effects of heat-killed Pediococcus acidilactici R037 (R037) were evaluated when orally administered in mice and rats. Oral R037 administration at a daily dose of 10 and 100 mg/kg for 3 wk dose-dependently reduced fasting and non-fasting serum triglyceride concentrations in KK-Ay/TaJcl mice, a model of type II diabetes, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertriglyceridemia. Serum levels of free fatty acids in the 100 mg/kg group tended to decrease (not statistically significant), and total cholesterol levels remained unchanged. Treatment with R037 resulted in a significant decrease in blood glucose (at 100 mg/kg) and liver weight (at 10 and 100 mg/kg), and a small body weight gain (at 100 mg/kg) as compared to those in control mice. In addition, oral R037 administration at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/d for 1 wk dose-dependently suppressed the increase in serum triglyceride levels in Wistar rats after oral fat loading. Moreover, intraduodenal injection of 120 mg of R037 in Wistar rats suppressed gastric vagal nerve activity (GVNA) indicating suppression of intestinal digestion and absorption of food, and suppression of appetite. The R037 injection potentiated epididymal white adipose tissue sympathetic nerve activity (WAT-SNA) and tended to potentiate pancreatic sympathetic nerve activity (PSNA), suggesting that R037 activated lipolysis. Taken together, these findings indicate that R037 lowers serum triglycerides, possibly through suppressing intestinal absorption and potentiating lipolytic pathways. R037 may be useful for primary prevention of coronary artery diseases in subjects with mild or borderline dyslipidemia in combination with lifestyle changes.

The Effect of Gluten Free Diet on Components of Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background:This study aimed to assess the effects of Gluten free diet (GFD) on components of metabolic syndrome (MES).Materials and Methods:In this randomized clinical trial, 50 subjects diagnosed with MES were randomly divided into two groups (n=25). The first group received a GFD and the second group continued their regular diet. Biochemical markers of MES and blood pressure were measured before and after 8-week intervention.Results:Forty five subjects completed the study. A post-hoc comparison of the groups showed no effects of the GFD and control diet on LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels. The GFD reduced fasting blood glucose, waist circumference (WC) and serum triglyceride concentration significantly compared with the control diet (p<0.05).Conclusion:Short-term GFD reduced WC and improved glycemic control and Triglyceride level in subjects with the metabolic syndrome.

Vascular Remodeling, Oxidative Stress, and Disrupted PPARγ Expression in Rats of Long-Term Hyperhomocysteinemia with Metabolic Disturbance.

Hyperhomocysteinemia, a risk factor for vascular disease, is associated with metabolic syndrome. Our study was aimed at exploring the effect of long-term hyperhomocysteinemia with metabolic disturbances on vascular remodeling. We also studied oxidative stress and expression of PPARγ in the coronary arteriole as a possible mechanism underlying vascular remodeling. Rats were treated with standard rodent chow (Control) or diet enriched in methionine (Met) for 48 weeks. Plasma homocysteine, blood glucose, serum lipids, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured. Coronary arteriolar and carotid arterial remodeling was assessed by histomorphometric techniques and the expression of PPARγ in vessel wall was investigated. In Met group, an increase in the level of fasting blood glucose, serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, MDA, and NO, a decline in the serum SOD level, and increased collagen deposition in coronary and carotid arteries were found. Moreover, we detected decreased expression of PPARγ in the coronary arterioles in Met group. In summary, our study revealed metabolic disturbances in this model of long-term hyperhomocysteinemia together with vascular remodeling and suggested that impaired oxidative stress, endothelium dysfunction, and decreased PPARγ expression in the vessel wall could be underlying mechanisms.

OLR1 Gene Polymorphism and Oxidized LDL Levels in Metabolic Syndrome in Indian Population.

Objective:Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with abnormal lipid profile and high cardiovascular risk. There is an increased prevalence of coronary artery disease and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in India. Oxidized Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor 1(OLR1), a cell surface endocytosis receptor recognize, internalize and degrade oxidized LDL (oxLDL) in vascular endothelium and plays a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The aim was to explore the association of OLR1 gene polymorphism and measure the serum levels of ox-LDL in patients with MetS in Indian population.Materials and Methods:Forty cases fulfilling the IDF diagnostic criteria for MetS and 40 healthy controls having similar age and sex ratio were genotyped for OLR1 gene (SNP: IVS4–73C>T , rs3736234) by RFLP-PCR. Serum ox-LDL was estimated by ELISA.Their BP, BMI and waist circumference were measured. Fasting Plasma glucose, Serum Triglyceride and HDL-C were measured.Results:Serum oxLDL was significantly higher in MetS cases as compared to controls (p < 0.0001). Odds ratio of T allele of above OLR1 SNP among subjects with MetS was 14.79 (95%CI: 1.80-121.2, p < 0.05). But no association was found between the SNP and serum ox-LDL levels. People having TT allele had higher BMI compared to those having CC allele.Conclusion:Ox LDL, being more atherogenic might contribute in the pathogenesis of MetS. The intronic SNP: IVS4-73 C>T of OLR1 gene increases the risk of developing MetS by a yet unknown mechanism that is independent of rise in ox-LDL. This OLR1 SNP probably influences BMI.

Lower Fasting Serum Triglyceride Levels on Admission are Associated with Increased Risks of 30-Day and 1-Year Mortality in Patients with Ischemic Stroke

Objective: This study was to assess the 30-day and 1-year mortality associated with serum triglyceride levels on admission for patients with acute ischemic stroke using the Taiwan Stroke registry (TSR) data. Patients and methods: From the TSR database, we identified 45931 acute ischemic stroke patients from April 2006 to April 2014 and stratified them into 3 groups by the serum triglyceride level measured on admission: <150 mg/dL, 150 mg/dL -199 mg/dL, and ≥ 200 mg/dL. They were prospectively followed to measure the 30-day and 1- year mortality after acute ischemic stroke. Result: The mortality rate after acute ischemic stroke decreased as the triglyceride level increased. The 30-day mortality rate was 2.3-fold greater in patients with triglyceride levels 200 mg/dL (1.62 vs.0.72 per 1000 person-days), with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1.25 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.06-1.46). The 1-year mortality rate was also greater in patients with lower triglyceride levels than in patients with higher levels (0.47 vs. 0.22 per 1000 person-days), with an adjusted HR of 1.21 (95% CI=1.09-1.34). Compared to patients with triglyceride levels >200 mg/dL, those with triglyceride levels <150 mg/dL had 2.2% lower 30-day survival rate and 6.3% lower 1-year survival rate after acute ischemic stroke. Conclusion: Acute ischemic stroke patients with lower fasting serum triglyceride levels on admission are at a higher risk of both 30-day mortality and 1-year mortality.

Hepatoprotective effect of calculus bovis sativus on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in mice by inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis of hepatocytes

Calculus bovis (CB, niu-huang) is a high-class therapeutic drug that is often used in traditional Chinese medicine. CB helps to eliminate heat and toxic components, and prevents the accumulation of phlegm and blood stasis in the liver. In Asian countries, CB Sativus (CBS), an ideal substitute for natural CB, is presently extensively used for long-term treatment of chronic liver diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects and potential mechanism(s) of action of CBS on mice with fructose-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The NAFLD model was established in C57BL/6 mice by exclusively feeding fluids containing 30% fructose for 8 consecutive weeks. After these 8 weeks, mice were given CBS (50 mg/kg/day or 100 mg/kg/day) for 2 consecutive weeks. Treatment with CBS reversed the fructose-induced impaired glucose tolerance. Compared with the model group, in which mice received 8 weeks of high-fructose diet and 2 weeks of 0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, CBS treatment significantly decreased the levels of fasting serum glucose, fasting insulin, triglyceride, and total cholesterol, and increased levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. CBS treatment also significantly decreased the levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, and free fatty acid in the liver. The activity of superoxide dismutase in the liver was increased after treatment with CBS, however, levels of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species decreased. Histopathological examination showed that liver steatosis and injury were significantly reduced in CBS-treated mice. The expression of fatty acid synthase, nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, Cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3, and synonyms B-cell leukemia/lymphoma-2 gene-associated X protein were downregulated after treatment with CBS, whereas the expression of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 was upregulated. In conclusion, CBS treatment exerted therapeutic effects in the liver of mice with NAFLD, which may be associated with amelioration of metabolic disorders, enhanced antioxidant effects, and alleviation of apoptosis.

Fructose ingestion impairs expression of genes involved in skeletal muscle\u2019s adaptive response to aerobic exercise

BackgroundThe inverse relationship between exercise capacity and its variation over time and both cardiovascular and all-cause mortality suggests the existence of an etiological nexus between cardiometabolic diseases and the molecular regulators of exercise capacity. Coordinated adaptive responses elicited by physical training enhance exercise performance and metabolic efficiency and possibly mediate the health benefits of physical exercise. In contrast, impaired expression of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis or protein turnover in skeletal muscle—key biological processes involved in adaptation to physical training—leads to insulin resistance and obesity. Ingestion of fructose has been shown to suppress the exercise-induced GLUT4 response in rat skeletal muscle. To evaluate in greater detail how fructose ingestion might blunt the benefits of physical training, we investigated the effects of fructose ingestion on exercise induction of genes that participate in regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis and protein turnover in rat’s skeletal muscle.MethodsEight-week-old Wistar rats were randomly assigned to sedentary (C), exercise (treadmill running)-only (E), fructose-only (F), and fructose + exercise (FE) groups and treated accordingly for 8 weeks. Blood and quadriceps femoris were collected for biochemistry, serum insulin, and gene expression analysis. Expression of genes involved in regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis and autophagy, GLUT4, and ubiquitin E3 ligases MuRF-1, and MAFbx/Atrogin-1 were assayed with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.ResultsAerobic training improved exercise capacity in both E and FE groups. A main effect of fructose ingestion on body weight and fasting serum triglyceride concentration was detected. Fructose ingestion impaired the expression of PGC-1α, FNDC5, NR4A3, GLUT4, Atg9, Lamp2, Ctsl, Murf-1, and MAFBx/Atrogin-1 in skeletal muscle of both sedentary and exercised animals while expression of Errα and Pparδ was impaired only in exercised rats.ConclusionsOur results show that fructose ingestion impairs the expression of genes involved in biological processes relevant to exercise-induced remodeling of skeletal muscle. This might provide novel insight on how a dietary factor contributes to the genesis of disorders of glucose metabolism.