High-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol In Subjects Research Articles

The effects of jujube (Ziziphus jujube) on metabolic and mental health outcomes in patients with metabolic syndrome: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesThe effects of jujube (Ziziphus jujube) consumption on metabolic and mental health outcomes in subjects diagnosed with metabolic syndrome (MetS) is unknown and remains to be examined. Hence, we carried out a parallel-group, randomized controlled trial to investigate this issue. MethodsEligible participants were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 30) or the control (n = 30) groups to receive either jujube or a placebo for eight weeks. Subjects were provided with 30 g dried jujube powder or placebo and were asked to consume half of the powder at 10 a.m. and the rest at 4 p.m. Lipid profile, fasting blood glucose (FBG), waist circumference (WC), and blood pressure were evaluated as primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes collected were mental health measures (e.g., depression, anxiety, and stress). ResultsJujube consumption failed to decrease FBG, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and blood pressure, as well as depression and anxiety scores (P > 0.05). However, the between-group comparison revealed a significant improvement in WC (− 3.98 vs. − 0.51, P = 0.01), triglyceride (TG) (− 24.96 vs. − 0.73, P = 0.03), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (2.83 vs. 0.40, P = 0.01) in the jujube group compared to the placebo. In addition, compared to the control group, jujube consumption led to a significant improvement in the score of stress (− 5.80 vs. − 2.86, P = 0.01). ConclusionJujube consumption only had beneficial effects on WC, TG, and HDL-C in subjects with MetS. However, the current study has methodological weaknesses in blinding and herb purity/potency testing, which should be addressed in future studies.

Nigella sativa supplementation improves cardiometabolic indicators in population with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

ObjectiveNigella sativa (N. sativa) from the family Ranunculaceae has medicinal properties. Previous studies have reported promising findings showing that N. sativa may benefit cardiometabolic health; however, current evidence on its cardiometabolic effects on those with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is still unclear. Hence, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of N. sativa on cardiometabolic parameters in population with prediabetes and T2DM.MethodsPubMed/Medline, ISI Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane library were systematically searched up to June 20, 2022. Meta-analyses using random-effects models were used.ResultsEleven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the meta-analysis. N. sativa intervention resulted in significant changes in fasting plasma glucose (FPG), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), c-reactive protein (CRP), and malondialdehyde (MDA), without overall changes in glucose levels after oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), fasting insulin, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and body mass index (BMI) when compared with the control group. In subgroup analyses, N. sativa supplementation enhanced serum levels of HDL-C in subjects with baseline HDL-C lower than 40 mg/dL. Furthermore, HOMA-IR and BMI values decreased in the N. sativa-supplemented group compared with the control group, when the length of follow-up was more than 8 weeks and the dose was more than 1 g/day for N. sativa supplementation, respectively.ConclusionOur findings indicate that N. sativa supplementation may effectively improve cardiometabolic profiles in individuals with prediabetes and T2DM.

Oral Supplement Containing Hydroxytyrosol and Punicalagin Improves Dyslipidemia in an Adult Population without Co-Adjuvant Treatment: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled and Crossover Trial.

Hydroxytyrosol (HT) and punicalagin (PC) exert cardioprotective and antiatherosclerotic effects. This study evaluated the effect of an oral supplement containing HT and PC (SAx) on dyslipidemia in an adult population. A randomized, double-blind, controlled, crossover trial was conducted over a 20-week period. SAx significantly reduced the plasma levels of triglycerides (TG) in subjects with hypertriglyceridemia (≥150 mg/dL) (from 200.67 ± 51.38 to 155.33 ± 42.44 mg/dL; p < 0.05), while no such effects were observed in these subjects after the placebo. SAx also significantly decreased the plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in subjects with high plasma levels of LDL-C (≥160 mg/dL) (from 179.13 ± 16.18 to 162.93 ± 27.05 mg/dL; p < 0.01), while no such positive effect was observed with the placebo. In addition, the placebo significantly reduced the plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in the total population (from 64.49 ± 12.65 to 62.55 ± 11.57 mg/dL; p < 0.05), while SAx significantly increased the plasma levels of HDL-C in subjects with low plasma levels of HDL-C (<50 mg/dL) (from 44.25 ± 3.99 to 48.00 ± 7.27 mg/dL; p < 0.05). In conclusion, the supplement containing HT and PC exerted antiatherosclerotic and cardio-protective effects by considerably improving dyslipidemia in an adult population, without co-adjuvant treatment or adverse effects.

Phospholipid transfer to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) upon triglyceride lipolysis is directly correlated with HDL-cholesterol levels and is not associated with cardiovascular risk

Background and aimsWhile low concentrations of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) represent a well-established cardiovascular risk factor, extremely high HDL-C is paradoxically associated with elevated cardiovascular risk, resulting in the U-shape relationship with cardiovascular disease. Free cholesterol transfer to HDL upon lipolysis of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TGRL) was recently reported to underlie this relationship, linking HDL-C to triglyceride metabolism and atherosclerosis. In addition to free cholesterol, other surface components of TGRL, primarily phospholipids, are transferred to HDL during lipolysis. It remains indeterminate as to whether such transfer is linked to HDL-C and cardiovascular disease. Methods and resultsWhen TGRL was labelled with fluorescent phospholipid 1,1′-dioctadecyl-3,3,3′,3′-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate (DiI), time- and dose-dependent transfer of DiI to HDL was observed upon incubations with lipoprotein lipase (LPL). The capacity of HDL to acquire DiI was decreased by −36% (p<0.001) in low HDL-C patients with acute myocardial infarction (n = 22) and by -95% (p<0.001) in low HDL-C subjects with Tangier disease (n = 7), unchanged in low HDL-C patients with Type 2 diabetes (n = 17) and in subjects with high HDL-C (n = 20), and elevated in subjects with extremely high HDL-C (+11%, p<0.05) relative to healthy normolipidemic controls. Across all the populations combined, HDL capacity to acquire DiI was directly correlated with HDL-C (r = 0.58, p<0.001). No relationship of HDL capacity to acquire DiI with both overall and cardiovascular mortality obtained from epidemiological studies for the mean HDL-C levels observed in the studied populations was obtained. ConclusionsThese data indicate that the capacity of HDL to acquire phospholipid from TGRL upon LPL-mediated lipolysis is proportional to HDL-C and does not reflect cardiovascular risk in subjects widely differing in HDL-C levels.

Temporal decline in non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in subjects with diabetes mellitus without atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) includes atherogenic cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. Patients with diabetes frequently have elevations in non-HDL-C. This study examines temporal trends in the levels of non-HDL-C in free-living subjects with diabetes but a negative history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys conducted between 1999 and 2016 had data from 3,219 adults (aged 40-75years) with diabetes. Temporal trends in changes in the distribution of total cholesterol, non-HDL-C, LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), and HDL-C were evaluated. Data were weighted to account for complex survey design. Significant decreases were observed in non-HDL-C (20.1%; P<.0001) and total cholesterol (16.1%; P<.0001) levels between 1999 and 2016. No significant changes were noted in HDL-C levels. LDL-C was reduced by 29.6% in a subset of subjects. The reduction in non-HDL-C and LDL-C occurred simultaneously, with an increase of 4.4% of subjects per year taking cholesterol-lowering drugs and statins. In contrast, the fraction of subjects taking antihypertensives or hypoglycemia agents rose at a rate of 2.2% per year. There was also a significant trend for increases in weight gain (P≤.013). In subjects with diabetes, non-HDL-C levels have declined over time in parallel with reported increases in cholesterol-lowering drugs. Nonetheless, treatment targets for lipids in subjects with diabetes lag behind current recommendations. Reported intakes for antihypertensive agents and hypoglycemia agents were relatively high throughout the period of study, with little change over time. However, there was a trend for weight increase in diabetic subjects, which may offset some of the benefits of pharmacotherapy.

Relation of Decreased Circulating Sortilin Levels With Unfavorable Metabolic Profiles in Subjects With Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BackgroundSortilin, a pluripotent peptide hormone, plays a role in glucose and lipid metabolism. A link between sortilin and insulin sensitivity has been implicated. However, the clinical implications of this link remain elusive. Our aims were to investigate whether sortilin levels were altered in subjects with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (nT2DM) compared with subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and to determine whether a link exist between sortilin levels and metabolic parameters. Materials and MethodsA total of 150 subjects including 75 nT2DM patients and 75 subjects with NGT who were matched in age, body mass index, and sex were enrolled into this case-control study. The circulating levels of sortilin were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A 2-hour 75-g oral glucose tolerance test was used for diagnosis of T2DM. Metabolic parameters of enrolled subjects were also determined. ResultsThe circulating levels of sortilin were found to be significantly lower in subjects with nT2DM than in controls (138.44 ± 38.39 vs. 184.93 ± 49.67 pg/mL, P < 0.001). Sortilin levels showed a negative correlation with insulin resistance and unfavorable lipid profiles, while they were positively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in subjects with nT2DM. Linear regression analysis showed an independent and inverse link between sortilin and insulin resistance and unfavorable lipid profiles. Moreover, logistic regression analysis revealed that the subjects with the lowest sortilin levels had an increased risk of nT2DM compared with those subjects with the highest sortilin levels. ConclusionsDecreased circulating levels of sortilin were associated with unfavorable metabolic profiles in subjects with nT2DM.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials on the Effects of Turmeric and Curcuminoids on Blood Lipids in Adults with Metabolic Diseases

Dyslipidemia is a global health problem and a high risk factor for atherosclerosis, which can lead to serious cardiovascular disease (CVD). Existing studies have shown inconsistent effects of turmeric and curcuminoids on blood lipids in adults. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of turmeric and curcuminoids on blood triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol. We searched the English databases of the Web of Science, PubMed, Ovid (including EMBASE and MEDLINE), Scopus, and the Cochrane Library and 2 Chinese databases, Wanfang Data and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that studied the effects of turmeric and curcuminoids on blood TG, TC, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol in subjects with metabolic diseases. With random-effects models, separate meta-analyses were conducted by using inverse-variance. The results are presented as the mean difference with 95% CIs. Evidence from 12 RCTs for TG, 14 RCTs for TC, 13 RCTs for LDL cholesterol, and 16 RCTs for HDL cholesterol showed that turmeric and curcuminoids could lower blood TG by -19.1mg/dL (95% CI: -31.7, -6.46mg/dL; P=0.003), TC by -11.4mg/dL (95% CI: -17.1, -5.74mg/dL; P<0.0001), and LDL cholesterol by -9.83mg/dL (95% CI: -15.9, -3.74mg/dL; P=0.002), and increase HDL cholesterol by 1.9mg/dL (95% CI: 0.31, 3.49mg/dL; P=0.02). In conclusion, turmeric and curcuminoids can significantly modulate blood lipids in adults with metabolic diseases. However, these findings should be interpreted cautiously because of the significant heterogeneity between included studies (I2>50%). There is a need for further RCTs in future.

Risk factors for development and progression of diabetic retinopathy in Dutch patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

PurposeTo investigate risk factors for the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and long‐term visual outcomes in Dutch patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).MethodsCumulative incidences were calculated for DR, vision‐threatening DR (VTDR), defined as (pre)proliferative DR and diabetic macular oedema, and best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) <0.5 and <0.3 at the most recent eye examination. The following factors were assessed: duration of diabetes, age of onset of T1DM, gender, mean HbA1c, HbA1c variability (defined as coefficient of variation of five separate HbA1c measurements), mean arterial blood pressure, body mass index, albuminuria and lipid profile. We used multivariable Cox regression models to identify factors associated with DR development and progression to VTDR.ResultsWe found 25‐year cumulative incidences of 63% for DR, 21% for VTDR, 2% for BCVA <0.5, and 1% for BCVA <0.3. Mean HbA1c (HR 1.023, p < 0.001), HbA1c variability (HR 1.054, p < 0.001), age of onset of T1DM (HR 1.024, p < 0.001), HDL cholesterol (HR 0.502, p = 0.002) and total cholesterol (HR 1.210, p = 0.029) showed an independent association with faster development of any form of DR. The mean HbA1c (HR 1.023, p < 0.001) and the presence of albuminuria (HR 2.940, p = 0.028) were associated with faster progression to VTDR.ConclusionThese data show relatively low cumulative incidences of DR, VTDR and visual impairment. Higher mean HbA1c, HbA1c variability, age of onset of T1DM and total cholesterol were independently associated with the risk of DR development, and a protective association was found for HDL cholesterol in subjects with T1DM. Mean HbA1c and presence of albuminuria were associated with progression of DR.

Effects of Helicobacter pylori eradication on serum lipid levels.

The purpose was to clarify the effects of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication on the changes in serum lipid levels by comparing subjects with and without continuous H. pylori infection. The study subjects were 774 individuals (males 536, females 238, mean age 52.6 years) who visited between April 2013 and March 2016 for annual medical checkups. Serum total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), and triglyceride levels, and LDLC/HDLC ratio were compared between the subjects with and without H. pylori infection, as well as those with H. pylori eradication subjects. The HDLC level in the H. pylori-positive group was significantly lower as compared to the H. pylori-negative group. The serum level of HDLC in subjects with successful eradication of H. pylori tended to be higher, while the serum levels of total cholesterol, LDLC, and triglycerides tended to be lower in comparison to subjects with continuous H. pylori infection. In addition, the LDLC/HDLC ratio in the H. pylori-positive group was significantly higher than that in the H. pylori-negative group, and successful H. pylori eradication tended to reduce that ratio. In conclusion, successful eradication of H. pylori may have favorable effects on lipid metabolism.

Effect of Theobromine Consumption on Serum Lipoprotein Profiles in Apparently Healthy Humans with Low HDL-Cholesterol Concentrations.

Scope: Theobromine is a major active compound in cocoa with allegedly beneficial effect on high-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-CH). We have investigated the effect of theobromine (TB) consumption on the concentrations of triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol (CH) in various lipoprotein (LP) subclasses.Methods: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study, 44 apparently healthy women and men (age: 60 ± 6 years, BMI: 29 ± 3 kg/m2) with low baseline HDL-CH concentrations consumed a drink supplemented with 500 mg/d theobromine for 4 weeks. TG and CH concentrations in 15 LP subclasses were predicted from diffusion-edited 1H NMR spectra of fasting serum.Results: The LP phenotype of the subjects was characterized by low CH concentrations in the large HDL particles and high TG concentrations in large VLDL and chylomicron (CM) particles, which clearly differed from a LP phenotype of subjects with normal HDL-CH. TB only reduced CH concentrations in the LDL particles by 3.64 and 6.79%, but had no effect on TG and CH in any of the HDL, VLDL and CM subclasses.Conclusion: TB was not effective on HDL-CH in subjects with a LP phenotype characterized by low HDL-CH and high TG in VLDL.

Prevalence of diabetes mellitus and prediabetes: Changes during past 10 years in Shandong coastal area

Objective To determine the changes in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and prediabetes in residents aged over 20 years in Shandong coastal areas during years 2004-2014. Methods A random stratified cluster sampling was conducted, and 3 944 inhabitants were investigated in Qingdao, Yantai, Weihai, and Rizhao regions. Results (1)The standardized rate of diabetes mellitus prevalence was 10.36% in 2014, increased by 2.38% as compared with 2004 and 0.85% as compared with 2009 (P<0.05). There were 341 newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus patients, accounting for 57.4% of the diabetes mellitus patients, increased by 6.09% as compared with 2004 and decreased by 4.11% as compared with 2009 (P<0.05). The standardized rate of prediabetes was 12.47% in 2014, increased by 2.63% as compared with 2004 and 0.61% as compared with 2009 (P<0.05). (2) The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose regulation in individuals aged under 50 years in 2014 was significantly higher than that in 2004, but lower than that in 2009 (P<0.05). (3) Compared with 2004 and 2009, the levels of diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol in subjects with prediabetes and diabetes mellitus increased significantly in 2014 (all P<0.05). The levels of serum uric acid in subjects with prediabetes and diabetes mellitus decreased significantly in 2014 (P<0.05). (4) The logistic regression analysis showed that the age, body mass index, waist-hip ratio, triglyceride, LDL-C, systolic blood pressure, and diabetic family history were the risk factors for abnormal glucose regulation, while total cholesterol was the protective factor. Conclusions The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and prediabetes increased during 10 years (2004-2014), but the growth rate dropped precipitously during last five years as compared with the first five years. The age of diabetes mellitus onset is getting older in residents of Shandong coastal area, especially in females. Aging, overweight, hypertension, lipid disorders, and diabetic family history were the risk factors of diabetes mellitus. (Chin J Endocrinol Metab, 2017, 33: 473-478) Key words: Diabetes mellitus; Prediabetes; Epidemiology; Shandong coastal area

Plasma triglyceride and high density lipoprotein cholesterol are poor surrogate markers of pro-atherogenic chylomicron remnant homeostasis in subjects with the metabolic syndrome.

BackgroundSubjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS) exhibit impaired lipoprotein metabolism and have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Although the risk is attributed primarily to the risk associated with individual components, it is also likely affected by other associated metabolic defects. Remnants of postprandial lipoproteins show potent atherogenicity in cell and animal models of insulin resistance and in pre-diabetic subjects with postprandial dyslipidemia. However, few studies have considered regulation of chylomicron remnant homeostasis in MetS per se. This study measured the plasma concentration in Caucasian men and women of small dense chylomicrons following fasting and explored associations with metabolic and anthropometric measures.MethodsA total of 215 Australian Caucasian participants (median age 62 years) were investigated. Of them, 40 participants were classified as having MetS. Apolipoprotein (apo) B-48, an exclusive marker of chylomicrons, metabolic markers and anthropometric measures were determined following an overnight fast.ResultsThe fasting apo B-48 concentration was 40 % higher in subjects with MetS than those without MetS. In all subjects, triglyceride (r = 0.445, P < 0.0005), non-HDL cholesterol (r = 0.28, P < 0.0005) and HDL cholesterol concentration (r = −0.272, P < 0.0005) were weakly associated with apo B-48 concentration. In subjects with MetS, the association of apo B-48 with triglyceride and non-HDL cholesterol was enhanced, but neither were robust markers of elevated apo B-48 in MetS (r = 0.618 and r = 0.595 respectively). There was no association between apo B-48 and HDL cholesterol in subjects with MetS.ConclusionThis study demonstrates a substantial accumulation of pro-atherogenic remnants in subjects with MetS. We have shown that in a Caucasian cohort, the fasting plasma concentration of triglyceride or HDL/non-HDL cholesterol serves as poor surrogate markers of atherogenic chylomicron remnants. These findings suggest that subjects with MetS exhibit a chronic defect in chylomicron metabolism that is likely to contribute to their increased CV risk.

Correlation between ABO Blood Group, and Conventional Hematological and Metabolic Parameters in Blood Donors

Although several studies have investigated and confirmed the existence of an association between ABO blood type and several human disorders, especially with cardiovascular disease, little is known on the physiological influence or association of ABO blood groups on basal levels of some conventional hematological and metabolic parameters. A total number of 7,723 consecutive healthy blood donors underwent laboratory testing at the time of their first blood donation, which apart from ABO typing included assessment of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), triglycerides, creatinine, iron, ferritin, uric acid, glucose, hemoglobin, and platelet count. The most relevant finding was the identification of significantly higher values of total cholesterol and HDL-c in subjects with blood group A compared with those with O blood type, with the highest levels being observed in A1 subtype. The positive association between A blood type and plasma lipid levels supports its potential role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and the clinical observations of increased vulnerability to cardiovascular disease of individuals with non-O blood groups.

Serum Level of Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with and without Metabolic Syndrome

Effect of FGF21 on metabolic syndrome patients is not exactly clear. In the present study, we assessed serum level of fibroblast growth factor 21 in type 2 diabetic patients with and without metabolic syndrome in Gorgan. The study groups consisted of 120 patients with type 2 diabetes and 60 healthy subjects. Diabetic patients divided into two groups. All subjects were matched according to age and sex. The mean waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, triglyceride and fasting blood glucose levels and body mass index were significantly higher in the subjects with metabolic syndrome than control group, but the mean HDL-cholesterol was significantly lower (p = 0.0001). Mean serum level of FGF21 was higher in type 2 diabetic subjects with and without metabolic syndrome than that of control subject (p = 0.0001). There were significant negative correlation between FGF21 and BMI, diastolic blood pressure and HDL-cholesterol in subjects with metabolic syndrome (p<0.05). There were also significant negative correlation between FGF21 and cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol in control group (p<0.05). The findings of this study suggest that serum FGF21 are higher in patients with type 2 diabetes with and without metabolic syndrome than in age and sex matched control group. Our study shows that some of metabolic syndrome components (especially HDL-cholesterol) are associated with high serum FGF21 levels. Because of different effects of FGF21 in rodents, primates and in humans, it may require more investigating on metabolic effects of FGF21 in human's samples. © 2015, Asian Network for Scientific Information. All rights reserved.

Suicidal behavior in schizophrenia may be related to low lipid levels.

BackgroundLifetime suicide mortality in people with schizophrenia is approximately 4–5%, which is higher than in the general population. In mood disorders, many studies and meta-analyses have shown a link between suicidal behavior and low lipid levels, especially that of cholesterol, and some studies have also suggested such a relationship in schizophrenia. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate a possible correlation between suicidal behavior and lipid levels in schizophrenia patients recently admitted to a psychiatric hospital.Material/MethodsOur study included 148 (69 males, 79 females) schizophrenia patients with a mean age of 32±10 years, all recently admitted due to acute exacerbation of their mental illness. Psychometric and laboratory assessments were made within 24–72 hours after hospital admission. The main purpose of the interview was to assess occurrence of any suicidal thoughts, suicidal tendencies, and/or suicide attempts during the 3 months prior to admission. Serum total, LDL and HDL cholesterol, as well as triglycerides and total lipids were measured.ResultsA significant association was found between suicidal thoughts and attempts and low total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and total lipids, in both male and female patients. In male patients with suicidal tendencies, correlation with low LDL cholesterol and triglycerides did not reach statistical significance. No association with suicidality was found with HDL cholesterol in subjects studied.ConclusionsThe results obtained suggest that, similar to depressed patients, low total and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and total lipids can be state-dependent risk factors for suicidal behavior in Polish patients with schizophrenia.

The effect of quitting smoking on HDL-cholesterol - a review based on within-subject changes.

A higher concentration of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in ex-smokers than smokers has consistently been observed. Better evidence of quitting effects comes from within-subject changes. We extend an earlier meta-analysis to quantify the reduction, and investigate variation by time quit and other factors. We conducted Medline and Cochrane searches for studies measuring HDL-C in subjects while still smoking and later having quit. Using unweighted and inverse-variance weighted regression analysis, we related changes (in mmol/l) to intra-measurement period, and estimated time quit, and to study type, location and start year, age, sex, product smoked, validation of quitting, baseline HDL-C, baseline and change in weight/BMI, and any study constraints on diet or exercise. Forty-five studies were identified (17 Europe, 16 North America, 11 Asia, 1 Australia). Thirteen were observational, giving changes over at least 12 months, with most involving >1000 subjects. Others were smoking cessation trials, 12 randomized and 20 non-randomized. These were often small (18 of <100 subjects) and short (14 of <10 weeks, the longest a year). Thirty studies provided results for only one time interval. From 94 estimates of HDL-C change, the unweighted mean was 0.107 (95% CI 0.085-0.128). The weighted mean 0.060 (0.044 to 0.075) was lower, due to smaller estimates in longer term studies. Weighted means varied by time quit (0.083, 0.112, 0.111, 0.072, 0.058 and 0.040 for <3, 3 to <6, 6 to <13, 13 to <27, 27 to <52 and 52+ weeks, p=0.006). After adjustment for time quit, estimates varied by study constraint on diet/exercise (p=0.003), being higher in studies requiring subjects to maintain their pre-quitting habits, but no other clear differences were seen, with significant (p<0.05) increases following quitting being evident in all subgroups studied, except where data were very limited. For both continuing and never smokers, the data are (except for two large studies atypically showing significant HDL-C declines in both groups, and a smaller decline in quitters) consistent with no change, and contrast markedly with the data for quitters. We conclude that quitting smoking increases HDL-C, and that this increase occurs rapidly after quitting, with no clear pattern of change thereafter.

Genomic, Transcriptomic, and Lipidomic Profiling Highlights the Role of Inflammation in Individuals With Low High-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol

Low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is associated with cardiometabolic pathologies. In this study, we investigate the biological pathways and individual genes behind low HDL-C by integrating results from 3 high-throughput data sources: adipose tissue transcriptomics, HDL lipidomics, and dense marker genotypes from Finnish individuals with low or high HDL-C (n=450). In the pathway analysis of genetic data, we demonstrate that genetic variants within inflammatory pathways were enriched among low HDL-C associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms, and the expression of these pathways upregulated in the adipose tissue of low HDL-C subjects. The lipidomic analysis highlighted the change in HDL particle quality toward putatively more inflammatory and less vasoprotective state in subjects with low HDL-C, as evidenced by their decreased antioxidative plasmalogen contents. We show that the focal point of these inflammatory pathways seems to be the HLA region with its low HDL-associated alleles also associating with more abundant local transcript levels in adipose tissue, increased plasma vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM1) levels, and decreased HDL particle plasmalogen contents, markers of adipose tissue inflammation, vascular inflammation, and HDL antioxidative potential, respectively. In a population-based look-up of the inflammatory pathway single-nucleotide polymorphisms in a large Finnish cohorts (n=11 211), no association of the HLA region was detected for HDL-C as quantitative trait, but with extreme HDL-C phenotypes, implying the presence of low or high HDL genes in addition to the population-genomewide association studies-identified HDL genes. Our study highlights the role of inflammation with a genetic component in subjects with low HDL-C and identifies novel cis-expression quantitative trait loci (cis-eQTL) variants in HLA region to be associated with low HDL-C.

Beneficial effects of artichoke leaf extract supplementation on increasing HDL-cholesterol in subjects with primary mild hypercholesterolaemia: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of artichoke leaf extract (ALE) supplementation (250 mg, 2 b.i.d.) on the lipid pattern. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed on 92 overweight subjects with primary mild hypercholesterolaemia for 8 weeks. Forty-six subjects were randomized to supplementation (age: 54.2 ± 6.6 years, body mass index (BMI): 25.8 ± 3.9 kg/m2, male/female: 20/26) and 46 subjects to placebo (age: 53.8 ± 9.0 years, BMI: 24.8 ± 1.6 kg/m2, male/female: 21/25). Verum supplementation was associated with a significant increase in mean high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (p < 0.001) and in mean change in HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) (p = 0.004). A significantly decreased difference was also found for the mean change in total cholesterol (p = 0.033), low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (p < 0.001), total cholesterol/HDL ratio (p < 0.001) and LDL/HDL ratio (p < 0.001), when verum and placebo treatment were compared. These results indicate that ALE could play a relevant role in the management of mild hypercholesterolaemia, favouring in particular the increase in HDL-C, besides decreasing total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol.

Correlation between HDL cholesterol levels and beta-cell function in subjects with various degree of glucose tolerance

Some reports showed direct effects of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) on beta-cells survival and insulin secretion, suggesting an its role on glucose metabolism. We queried, whether subjects screened for type 2 diabetes (DM2) could display some impairment of beta-cell performance related to their HDL-C levels. A total of 1,087 clinical outpatients at risk of DM2 with no history of diabetes were studied. All participants were assessed for anthropometry, fasting lipid profile, and 2hOGTT with blood samples for plasma glucose and insulin determinations. Matsuda index of insulin sensitivity, early (insulinogenic index×Matsuda) and total (insulin secretion-sensitivity index-2 [ISSI-2]) indices of beta-cell function OGTT derived were applied. Linear regression analyzed the association between HDL-C levels and indices of beta-cell activity in subjects with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), impaired fasting glycemia (IFG), and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). After adjustment for triglyceride levels, waist circumference, blood pressure and age, in total NGT subjects the HDL-C levels were not significantly associated with IGI×Matsuda (β=0.039, P=0.10) and ISSI-2 index (β=0.069, P=0.18), while in NGT with low HDL-C and IFG subjects the IGI×Matsuda (β=0.052, P=0.019) and ISSI-2 indices (β=0.061, P=0.023) were significantly associated with HDL-C levels. This significant linear correlation has been also observed in IGT patients for both indices (β=0.264, P=0.0001 and β=0.191, P=0.002, respectively). In conclusion, in subjects with impaired glucose regulation, HDL-C levels are associated with indices of beta-cell dysfunction; thus, more attention, it should be deserve to HDL-C concentrations in IFG/IGT patients due their potential conversion to DM2.

Effects of Healthcare Advice with Particular Focus on Metabolic Syndrome: Differences by Advice Level from National Health Insurance Data

The Health Checkups and Healthcare Advice with Particular Focus on Metabolic Syndrome (Tokutei Kenshin Hokenshido) started in 2008. In this study, we examined the effects of healthcare advice with attention to the difference in effect according to the level of advice. We used data from insured individuals who received health checkups in 2008 and 2009, and healthcare advice in 2008 under the National Health Insurance system, in all municipalities in Yamaguchi prefecture. The numbers of subjects were 155 for intensive advice (Sekkyokuteki) and 735 for moderate advice (Doukizuke). We compared the changes in the results of health checkups according to the level of advice, and examined the effect adjusted for sex, age, and baseline data of health checkups in 2008. Other than systolic blood pressure and hemoglobin A1c, all items showed a significant improvement in all the subjects. The improvements in body weight, BMI, waist circumstance, and HDL-cholesterol in subjects who received intensive advice were significantly larger than those in subjects who received moderate advice. However, among the subjects under 65 years old, only waist circumstance and FBS showed a significant difference between intensive and moderate advice. After adjustment for sex, age, and baseline data, there was no relationship between the level of advice and the change in results of health checkups. Although our findings are not conclusive and further studies are required, they suggest that the effects of intensive and moderate advice are not significantly different. In addition to improving the effect of healthcare advice, a rethinking of provision of healthcare advice is essential: moderate advice might be more appropriate considering the limited resources and budget in communities.