High-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels Research Articles

Age and estimated glomerular filtration rate in Chinese older adults: a cohort study from 2014 to 2020.

This study aimed to fill the data gap of the course of renal function decline in old age and explore changes in renal function across different health states with increasing age. This observational, retrospective, single-center cohort study included 5,112 Chinese older adults (3,321 men and 1,791 women, range 60-104 years). The individual rate of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline was analyzed using linear mixed-effects model to account for repeated measures over the years. The median age was 66 years, median BMI was 24.56 kg/m2, and median eGFR was 89.86 mL/min.1.73 m2. For every 1-year increase in age, women's eGFR decreased by 1.06 mL/min/1.73 m2 and men's by 0.91 mL/min/1.73 m2. We observed greater age-related eGFR decline in men and women with high systolic blood pressure (SBP). Men with high triglyceride (TG), high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), had greater age-related eGFR decline. In women, different BMI groups showed significant differences in age-related eGFR decline, with the highest decline in those with obesity. Additionally, participants with normal baseline eGFR had a faster age-related decline than those with low baseline eGFR. The eGFR declined linearly with age in Chinese older adults, with women exhibiting a slightly faster decline than men. Both men and women should be cautious of SBP. Older adults with normal baseline renal function experienced a faster eGFR decline. Men with high TG, LDL-C, and low HDL-C levels, as well as obese women, should be vigilant in monitoring renal function.

Correlation of Hba1c, Triglyceride, HDL with the Degree of Stenosis in Coronary Heart Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is a disease caused by the narrowing of the coronary artery wall as a result of the atherosclerosis process. Atherosclerosis plays an important role from the beginning of plaque formation until plaque rupture which causes blood clots. Diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia are one of the major risk factors for CHD. In patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, there was an altered lipid profile which led to endothelial damage that caused the formation of atherosclerosis. HDL cholesterol labeled as good cholesterol was decreased due to uncontrolled LDL cholesterol labeled as bad cholesterol. LDL cholesterol synthesis process was disrupted then causing plaque formation in the arteries which causes CHD. Aim: The aim of this study was to analysis correlation between HbA1c levels, triglyceride levels, HDL levels and the degree of stenosis in coronary heart disease sufferers with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Method: This study was an observational cross-sectional analytical study with total of 51 patients with CHD who underwent cardiac catheterization at Telogorejo Hospital. Semarang. The correlation test in this study using the Spearman test with p 0.05 is considered significant. Results: Results of this study show that there is no significant correlation between HbA1C levels and triglyceride levels (p= 0.793), and Hba1C with the degree of stenosis was (p= 0.685) but, there was significant correlation between HDL cholesterol level with the degree of stenosis (p=0.015). Conclusion: It was concluded that there was no significant correlation between the correlation of HbA1c levels and triglyceride levels with the degree of stenosis and there was a moderately negative significant correlation between HDL levels and the degree of stenosis.

Metabolomics analyses reveal the liver-protective mechanism of Wang's metabolic formula on metabolic-associated fatty liver disease

Wang's metabolic formula (WMF) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula developed under the guidance of Professor Kungen Wang. WMF has been clinically utilized for several years. However, the therapeutic mechanism of WMF in treating metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) remains unclear. In this study, we performed phytochemical analysis on WMF using LC-MS. To study the role of WMF in MAFLD, we orally administered WMF (20.6 g/kg) to male MAFLD mice induced by a high-cholesterol high-fat diet (HCHFD). Then pathological, biochemical, and metabolomic analyses were performed. The main components of WMF are chlorogenic acid, geniposide, albiflorin, paeoniflorin, and calycosin-7-O-glucoside. MAFLD mice treated with WMF exhibited significant improvements in obesity, abnormal lipid metabolism, inflammation, and liver pathology. WMF decreased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and triglyceride (TG) levels in the serum of MAFLD mice while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels. WMF lowered liver TG levels and inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB). Metabolomic analysis of the liver annotated 78 differentially regulated metabolites enriched in four pathways: glycerophospholipid metabolism, retinol metabolism, PPAR signaling pathway, and choline metabolism. Western blot experiments showed that WMF increased the expression of PPAR-α, PPAR-β, and RXR in the liver while decreasing the expression of RAR. The study demonstrates that WMF has a solid preventive and therapeutic effect on MAFLD. The anti-inflammatory and regulation of abnormal liver metabolism activities of WMF involve retinol metabolism and the PPAR signaling pathway.

Efficacy and outcomes of bempedoic acid versus placebo in patients with hypercholesterolemia: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Bempedoic acid (BA) has shown varied efficacy in managing hyperlipidemia. We conducted the most extensive up-to-date meta-analysis, the first to include recent studies by Nissen et al., which boast the largest sample size. Literature search was done on Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library. The primary endpoint was a change in low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, while secondary endpoints encompassed changes in lipid parameters, clinical endpoints, and safety endpoints. The least-square mean (LSM) percent change was utilized for lipid changes, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. This analysis included 12 randomized control trials with 22,249 participants. BA exhibited a substantial reduction in LDL-C levels [LSM % change, -24.34; 95% confidence interval (CI), -27.80 to -20.88; P < 0.0001], total cholesterol levels (LSM % change, -16.62; 95% CI, -21.70 to -11.54; P < 0.00001) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (LSM % change, -4.22; 95% CI, -5.51 to -2.92; P < 0.00001) compared to the placebo. BA significantly lowers LDL-C, total cholesterol, HDL-C, non-HDL-C, high sensitivity C reactive protein, and apolipoprotein levels.

Folate and Vitamin B12 Levels in Chilean Women with PCOS and Their Association with Metabolic Outcomes.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects women of reproductive age. Many women with PCOS have been found to have an unbalanced diet and deficiencies in essential nutrients. This study aimed to assess the levels of folate and vitamin B12 (B12) and their relationship with metabolic factors in women with PCOS. Anthropometric, clinical, and genetic analyses were conducted to evaluate markers related to one-carbon metabolism in women with PCOS and in a control group. The PCOS group had a higher BMI and HOMA-IR (1.7 vs. 3.1; p < 0.0001). HDL cholesterol levels were 23% lower and triglyceride levels were 74% higher in women with PCOS. Although there were no significant differences in folate and B12 levels between the PCOS and control groups, over 60% of women with PCOS had low B12 levels (<300 pg/mL) and high homocysteine levels. In addition, the MTHFR A1298C and C677T polymorphisms were not associated with PCOS. Moreover, erythrocyte folate levels were positively correlated with fasting glucose, triglycerides, and free androgen index, and negatively correlated with SHBG and LH levels. These results suggest that B vitamins may be associated with the metabolic phenotype in PCOS. This study emphasizes the potential link between folate, vitamin B12, and metabolic and hormonal outcomes in women with PCOS.

Impact of COVID-19 on pro- and antiatherogenic lipoproteins (cross-sectional population study)

Aim. The aim of this cross-sectional retrospective study was to study the effect of SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 infection on population lipid parameters, which are leading risk factors for the development and progression of atherosclerosis, which can be significantly distorted in systemic inflammation and, in particular, during respiratory viral infections.Material and methods. We analyzed anonymized results of one-time, one-year studies of complete lipid profiles and related laboratory parameters performed in the Helix Laboratory Service from February 1, 2015 to December 30, 2020 in 238541 males and 384437 females aged from 22 to 83 years in 334 populated areas of the European Russia using Roche Cobas C502, C702 (Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Mannheim, Germany), LIAISON XL (DiaSorin S.p.A, Italy) analyzers.Statistical analysis included methods of descriptive statistics, distribution analysis, sample comparisons, and search for dependencies.Results. A dramatic change in the magnitude and nature of seasonal population fluctuations in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) during the COVID-19 spread has been identified.COVID-19 differentially affects the relationship between high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and atherogenic and antiatherogenic lipoproteins. These relationships have sex differences, are nonlinear, and in relation to HDL-C are associated with the level of specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 antibodies.Up to a hsCRP level of 2,5 mg/l, there is a significant increase in population levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with a correlation coefficient of 0,14 for women (p&lt;0,001) and 0,10 for men (p&lt;0,001). At hsCRP levels &gt;2,5 mg/l, the trend reverses. At the same time, HDL-C levels sharply decrease with a negative correlation of -0,23 (p&lt;0,001) in women and -0,22 (p&lt;0,001) in men with hsCRP values &lt;2,5 mg/l, followed by a less pronounced decline.Conclusion. The study results may be useful for optimal prevention development and adequate assessment of atherogenic dyslipidemia treatment effectiveness in patients after COVID-19.

Association of Metabolic Syndrome With Neuroimaging and Cognitive Outcomes in the UK Biobank.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been linked to dementia. In this study, we examined the association of MetS with neuroimaging and cognition in dementia-free adults, offering insight into the impact of MetS on brain health prior to dementia onset. We included 37,395 dementia-free adults from the UK Biobank database. MetS was defined as having at least three of the following components: larger waist circumference; elevated levels of triglycerides, blood pressure, HbA1c; or reduced HDL cholesterol levels. Multivariable-adjusted linear regression was used to assess associations of MetS with structural neuroimaging and cognitive domains. MetS was associated with lower total brain (standardized β: -0.06; 95% CI -0.08, -0.04), gray matter (β: -0.10; 95% CI -0.12, -0.08) and hippocampal (for left side, β: -0.03, 95% CI -0.05, -0.01; for right side, β: -0.04, 95% CI -0.07, -0.02) volumes, and greater white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume (β: 0.08; 95% CI 0.06, 0.11). Study participants with MetS performed poorer on cognitive tests of working memory (β: -0.10; 95% CI -0.13, -0.07), verbal declarative memory (β: -0.08; 95% CI -0.11, -0.05), processing speed (β: -0.06; 95% CI -0.09, -0.04), verbal and numerical reasoning (β: -0.07; 95% CI -0.09, -0.04), nonverbal reasoning (β: -0.03; 95% CI -0.05, -0.01), and on tests of executive function, where higher scores indicated poorer performance (β: 0.05; 95% CI 0.03, 0.08). More MetS components were also associated with less brain volume, greater WMH, and poorer cognition across all domains. MetS was associated poorer brain health in dementia-free adults, characterized by less brain volume, greater vascular pathology, and poorer cognition. Further research is necessary to understand whether reversal or improvement of MetS can improve brain health.

The association between serum high-density lipoprotein and hemoglobin A1c in T2DM: Evidence from a nationwide cross-sectional study in diabetic patients

IntroductionThe prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is expected to rise, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. This study explores the relationship between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and glycemic control in T2DM patients, measured by hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). While HDL is known to confer cardiovascular benefits, its impact on glycemic control remains unclear. MethodsThis cross-sectional study analyzed 30,195 Thai adults with T2DM data from the 2018 Thailand DM/HT database. Well-controlled HbA1c was defined as less than 53 mmol/mol (7 %). The study utilized multivariable linear, piecewise linear, and logistic regression analyses to investigate the relationship between HDL levels and glycemic control. ResultsThe impact of HDL on HbA1c levels was nonlinear, showing a U-shaped relationship among the study participants with an HDL inflection point of 59 mg/dl. In females, a U-shaped relationship was also observed at the same inflection point, where increased HDL above this level was associated with a rise in HbA1c (Adjusted β = 0.205, P < 0.001). In contrast, a linear model better explained the consistent negative relationship between HDL and HbA1c in males (Adjusted β = –0.076, P < 0.001). Furthermore, in the poorly controlled HbA1c group, a significant U-shaped pattern was observed with an inflection point at 59 mg/dl. ConclusionThis study found a nonlinear, gender-specific relationship between HDL and HbA1c in T2DM patients. Males with higher HDL are more likely to achieve glycemic control, while a U-shaped relationship is observed in females. Further research is needed to understand the differing correlation between well-controlled and poorly controlled groups.

Sex-Specific Effects of Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein (CETP) on the Perivascular Adipose Tissue.

Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) increases the atherosclerosis risk by lowering HDL-cholesterol levels. It also exhibits tissue-specific effects independent of HDL. However, sexual dimorphism of CETP effects remains largely unexplored. Here, we hypothesized that CETP impacts the perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) phenotype and function in a sex-specific manner. PVAT function, gene and protein expression, and morphology were examined in male and female transgenic mice expressing human or simian CETP and their non-transgenic counterparts (NTg). PVAT exerted its anticontractile effect in aortas from NTg males, NTg females, and CETP females, but not in CETP males. CETP male PVAT had reduced NO levels, decreased eNOS and phospho-eNOS levels, oxidative stress, increased NOX1 and 2, and decreased SOD2 and 3 expressions. In contrast, CETP-expressing female PVAT displayed increased NO and phospho-eNOS levels with unchanged NOX expression. NOX inhibition and the antioxidant tempol restored PVAT anticontractile function in CETP males. Ex vivo estrogen treatment also restored PVAT function in CETP males. Moreover, CETP males, but not female PVAT, show increased inflammatory markers. PVAT lipid content increased in CETP males but decreased in CETP females, while PVAT cholesterol content increased in CETP females. CETP male PVAT exhibited elevated leptin and reduced Prdm16 (brown adipocyte marker) expression. These findings highlight CETP sex-specific impact on PVAT. In males, CETP impaired PVAT anticontractile function, accompanied by oxidative stress, inflammation, and whitening. Conversely, in females, CETP expression increased NO levels, induced an anti-inflammatory phenotype, and preserved the anticontractile function. This study reveals sex-specific vascular dysfunction mediated by CETP.

Assessing High-Density Lipoprotein: Shifting Focus from Quantity to Quality in Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) has long been regarded as a protective factor against cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, recent research challenges this notion, suggesting that HDL functionality rather than its quantity may be a more accurate predictor of CVD risk. While epidemiological studies have traditionally found that higher HDL levels are associated with reduced CVD risk, intervention trials aiming to elevate HDL levels have yielded inconsistent results. Moreover, observational studies have reported that unusually high HDL levels are associated with increased mortality rates. These discrepancies underscore the complexity of the role of HDL in CVD. Reverse cholesterol transport, facilitated by HDL, plays a crucial role in preventing atherosclerosis by removing cholesterol from peripheral tissues. Additionally, HDL exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting endothelial adhesion molecules and suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines. Recent studies have highlighted the importance of HDL particle number, size, and functionality in assessing CVD risk. For instance, increased HDL particle number and larger particle size have been associated with reduced CVD risk, independent of HDL cholesterol levels. Furthermore, HDL’s cholesterol efflux capacity has emerged as a promising biomarker for predicting CVD risk, with higher efflux capacity correlating with lower CVD incidence and mortality. This article reviews the latest findings regarding the role of HDL in CVD risk assessment, emphasizing the need to focus on HDL quantity and HDL quality.

Effects of different natural products in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Due to a scarcity of appropriate therapeutic approaches capable of ameliorating or eliminating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), many researchers have come to focus on natural products based on traditional medicine that can be utilized to successfully treat NAFLD. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects exerted by seven natural products (curcumin, silymarin, resveratrol, artichoke leaf extract, berberine, catechins, and naringenin) on patients with NAFLD. For this purpose, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) exclusively. The selected studies were evaluated for methodological quality via the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool, and data analysis software was used to analyze the data accordingly. The RCTs from the earliest available date until September 2022 were collected. This process resulted in 37 RCTs with a total sample size of 2509 patients being included. The results of the network meta-analysis showed that artichoke leaf extract confers a relative advantage in reducing the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels (SUCRA: 99.1%), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (SUCRA: 88.2%) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (SUCRA: 88.9%). Naringenin conferred an advantage in reducing triglyceride (TG) levels (SUCRA: 97.3%), total cholesterol (TC) levels (SUCRA: 73.9%), and improving high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (SUCRA: 74.9%). High-density catechins significantly reduced body mass index (BMI) levels (SUCRA: 98.5%) compared with the placebo. The Ranking Plot of the Network indicated that artichoke leaf extract and naringenin performed better than the other natural products in facilitating patient recovery. Therefore, we propose that artichoke leaf extract and naringenin may exert a better therapeutic effect on NAFLD. This study may help guide clinicians and lead to further detailed studies.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant and Anti Hyperlipidemic Activity of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis in Male Wistar Rats

The current study's objective was to assess the antihyperlipidemic, in vitro antioxidant, and qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis flowers hydroalcoholic extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg in rats that were made hyperlipidemic by a high-fat diet. The Folins Ciocalteau reagent and the aluminium chloride method were used for the quantitative measurement of flavonoids and phenolics, respectively. Through phytochemical investigation, alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, tannins, phenolic compounds, triterpenoids, and steroids were found in the hydroalcoholic extracts of N. arbor-tristis flowers. The hydroalcoholic extract flowers had a total phenolic content of 126.000 mg/gm, which was followed by flavonoids at 103.104 mg/gm. Hydroalcoholic extracts of flowers showed concentration-dependent antioxidant activity in vitro against DPPH and superoxide radical scavenging test technique. In this investigation, rats were given a high-fat diet as part of an experimental induction procedure. By lowering LDL and VLDL cholesterol levels and raising HDL levels, the HANAT therapy and the medication atorvastatin dramatically reduce body weight. grew When hydroalcoholic flower extracts were given orally to animals that had been forced to become hyperlipidaemic due to a high cholesterol diet, the levels of HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoproteins, and very low-density lipoproteins were all much lower. The p value (p&lt;0.001) indicated that the results were significant. The triton-induced study results indicate that animals treated with HANAT at dose levels of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg had considerably lower blood lipid parameters (p&lt;0.01) than the control group; however, the 400 mg/kg of HANAT group animals showed significantly higher serum lipid parameters (p&lt;0.001) than the control group. Additionally, a higher HDL level was noted at this time. Keywords: Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, Physicochemical analysis, Antioxidant activity, DPPH. Antihyperlipidemic activity

Occupational noise and genetic variants in stress hormone biosynthesis-based genes and rates of blood lipid changes in China: A five-year longitudinal study

Lipid profiles are influenced by both noise and genetic variants. However, little is known about the associations of occupational noise and genetic variants with age-related changes in blood lipids, a crucial event in the initiation and evolution of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to evaluate the associations of blood lipid change rates with occupational noise and genetic variants in stress hormone biosynthesis-based genes. This cohort was established in 2012 and 2013 and was followed up until 2017. A total of 952 participants were included in the final analysis and all of them were categorized to two groups, the exposed group and control group, according to the exposed noise levels in their working area. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in stress hormone biosynthesis-based genes were genotyped. Five physical examinations were conducted from 2012 to 2017 and lipid measurements were repeated five times. The estimated annual changes (EACs) of blood lipid were calculated as the difference in blood lipid levels between any 2 adjacent examinations divided by their time interval (year). The generalized estimating equations for repeated measures analyses with exchangeable correlation structures were used to evaluate the influence of exposing to noise (versus being a control) and the SNPs mentioned above on the EACs of blood lipids. We found that the participants experienced accelerated age-related decline in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels as they were exposed to noise (β = −0.38, 95% confidence interval (CI), −0.66 to −0.10, P = 0.007), after adjusting for work duration, gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, and pack-years. This trend was only found in participants with COMT-rs165815 TT genotype (β = −1.19, 95% CI, −1.80 to −0.58, P < 0.001), but not in those with the CC or CT genotypes. The interaction of noise exposure and rs165815 was marginally significant (Pinteraction = 0.010) after multiple adjustments. Compared with DDC-rs11978267 AA genotype carriers, participants carrying rs11978267 GG genotype had decreased EAC of triglycerides (TG) (β = −5.06, 95% CI, −9.07 to −1.05, P = 0.013). Participants carrying DBH-rs4740203 CC genotype had increased EAC of total cholesterol (TC) (β = 1.19, 95% CI, 0.06 to 2.33, P = 0.039). However, these findings were not statistically significant after multiple adjustments. These results indicated that Occupational noise exposure was associated with accelerated age-related decreases in HDL-C levels, and the COMT-rs165815 genotype appeared to modify the effect of noise exposure on HDL-C changes among the occupational population.

1446-P: Gender Inequalities in Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Primary Prevention Adults Living with Type 1 Diabetes in Germany and France—Findings from DPV and SFDT1

Introduction &amp; Objectives: To evaluate whether medical care for and level of cardiovascular risk factors differ in primary prevention between adult men and women with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in two European countries in 2020-2022. Methods: We included 2657 participants from the DPV registry (Germany, mean age 40±15, diabetes duration 23±14 years; 50.9% men) and 1172 from the SFDT1 study (France, age 39±14, diabetes duration 22±13 years; 53.2% men). Results: HbA1c levels and body mass indexes were similar in women and men with similar proportions of HbA1c&amp;lt;7% (DPV: 36.6 vs. 33.0%, respectively; SFDT1: 22.8 vs. 24.9%; both n.s.). Women had less overweight in DPV (55.4 vs. 61.0%, p&amp;lt;0.05) but not in SFDT1 (48.0 vs. 44.9%, n.s.) and were less prone to smoke (DPV: 19.7 vs. 25.8%, p&amp;lt;0.05; SFDT1: 21.0 vs. 26.0%, n.s.). Systolic blood pressure was lower in women than men (DPV: 124±15 vs. 129±15; SFDT1: 121±16 vs. 126±14mmHg, both p&amp;lt;0.05) with similar rates of antihypertensive therapy in case of systolic/diastolic blood pressure ≥140/90mmHg (DPV: 70.5 vs. 63.6%; SFDT1: 73.3 vs. 68.6%, both n.s.). In case of microalbuminuria, ACEi-ARB were less prescribed in women than men in DPV (21.4 vs 37.6%, p&amp;lt;0.05) but not SFDT1 (70.6 vs 62.0%, n.s.). In women compared to men, HDL-cholesterol levels were higher; triglycerides lower and LDL-cholesterol similar in DPV and SFDT1. In those with LDL-cholesterol &amp;gt;130 mg/dL (DPV: 19.9 vs. 23.9%; SFDT1 17.0 vs. 19.2%, both n.s.), statin therapy was less prescribed in women than men in DPV (7.9 vs. 17.0%, p&amp;lt;0.05), SFDT1 (18.2 vs. 21.0%, n.s.). Conclusion: Women in primary prevention have a better cardiovascular risk profile than men in both studies. We observed a high rate of therapeutic inertia, which might be higher in women for statin and nephroprotection with ACEi-ARB especially in Germany. Disclosure E. Cosson: Advisory Panel; Abbott, AstraZeneca, Lilly Diabetes, Novo Nordisk, Sanofi, Roche Diagnostics, Novartis AG, Amgen Inc. M. Auzanneau: Other Relationship; Insulet Corporation. G.A. Aguayo: None. W. Karges: None. J. Riveline: Board Member; Abbott, Novo Nordisk A/S, Sanofi, Eli Lilly and Company, Medtronic, Dexcom, Inc., Insulet Corporation, Air Liquide, AstraZeneca. P. Augstein: None. L. Sablone: None. P.M. Jehle: None. G. Fagherazzi: Speaker's Bureau; Sanofi. Advisory Panel; Timkl, SAB Biotherapeutics, Inc., Vitalaire, Roche Diabetes Care. R.W. Holl: None.

Effects of belimumab on the lipid profile in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: an observational study.

This study is asked to investigate the effects of belimumab on the lipid profile in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Forty-one SLE patients who received at least 6months of belimumab treatment were retrospectively analyzed. The control group consisted of 56 age- and sex-matched lupus patients not treated with belimumab. The changes in lipid profile after a 6-month treatment were compared between the two groups. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) analyses were performed to examine lipid levels longitudinally during the period and the effect of clinical response variables and medication on the lipid profile in the belimumab group. In the belimumab group, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels increased significantly after the 6-month treatment (P = 0.02). After 1month, HDL, apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) significantly increased by 13.8 and 11.4%, compared with baseline, respectively. After 3months, HDL and apoA-I increased by 9.0 and 7.1%, respectively. After 6months, HDL increased by 7.6% compared with baseline. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B did not change significantly over the course of treatment. GEE analyses indicated a significant association between HDL and disease activity indexes, such as IgG, anti-dsDNA, and complement C3. Subgroup analysis revealed significant changes in HDL only in patients who had achieved a ≥ 4-point reduction in SLEDAI-2K after 6months of belimumab treatment. Belimumab treatment may result in a long-term increase in HDL level in SLE patients by improving control of lupus activity. This might have beneficial effects on controlling cardiovascular risk in lupus patients. Key Points • Treatment with belimumab resulted in a significant and sustained increase in the HDL levels in SLE patients. • Significant changes in HDL were observed in lupus patients treated with belimumab who had a better clinical response.

Prevalence, demographic characteristics, and clinical features of suicide risk in first episode drug-naïve schizophrenia patients with comorbid severe anxiety

BackgroundBoth anxiety symptoms and suicide risk are common in schizophrenia. However, previous findings about the association between anxiety and suicide risk in schizophrenia were controversial. This study is the first to examine the prevalence of suicide risk and related demographic, clinical features in a large sample of first episode drug-naïve (FEDN) schizophrenia patients with comorbid severe anxiety. MethodsIn total, 316 patients with FEDN schizophrenia were enrolled in this study. Patients' symptoms were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Serum levels of glucose, insulin, uric acid, and lipids including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), were evaluated. ResultsIn the current study, 56.3% patients presented comorbid severe anxiety. The rate of suicide risk was higher in the severe anxiety group (55.6%) than in the mild-moderate anxiety group (33.3%). The interactions among severe anxiety, uric acid and HDL-C were associated with suicide risk. Compared with patients with normal uric acid, those with abnormal uric acid exhibited a stronger association between HAMA scores and HAMD-suicide item scores. This enhanced association was also observed for patients with abnormal HDL-C levels. ConclusionsIn FEDN schizophrenia patients with comorbid severe anxiety, our findings suggested a high incidence of suicide risk. Abnormal levels of uric acid and low levels of HDL-C, as well as high depression may be associated with an increased risk of suicide in FEDN schizophrenia patients with comorbid severe anxiety.

HDL-cholesterol confers sensitivity of immunotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma via remodeling tumor-associated macrophages towards the M1 phenotype

BackgroundThe sustained effectiveness of anti-programmed cell death protein-1/programmed death-ligand 1 treatment is limited to a subgroup of patients with advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), and the specific biomarker determining the response...

Vitamin D and Breast Cancer Risk: Evaluating the Association and Effective Risk Reduction

Introduction: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among women globally. Vitamin D has been considered a protective factor; however, its relationship with any aspect of the disease remains controversial. Methods: A cross-sectional, single-center clinical study was conducted between 2015 and 2018, including 141 women diagnosed with BC and 239 women in the control group, with mean ages of 43.1 and 41.7 years, respectively (p = 0.103). Serum levels of vitamin D and lipid profile were measured. Clinical and nutritional data were obtained through interviews and medical records. Results: The vitamin D dosage presented an average value of 25.5 ng/mL and 31.0 ng/mL in the case and control groups, respectively (p < 0.001). The vitamin D cut-off point for discriminating the presence of BC was 27.45 ng/mL. Additionally, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were higher in the case group (121.4 mg/dL) compared to the control group (110.7 mg/dL) (p = 0.002), whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were lower in the case group (47.6 mg/dL) compared to the control group (53.3 mg/dL) (p = 0.001). Alcohol consumption was significantly higher in the case group than in the control group (2.7 vs. 5.3 doses/day; p < 0.001). Conclusion: The results indicate a significant association between lower vitamin D levels and BC, persisting after multivariate analysis (p < 0.001). These findings could inform prevention strategies, highlighting the importance of maintaining adequate vitamin D levels and potentially identifying a risk group.

Impact of the rs822393 Variant on Adiponectin Levels and Metabolic Parameters after Weight Loss Secondary to a High-Fat Hypocaloric Diet with Mediterranean Pattern.

The effects of the rs822393 variant of ADIPOQ gene on metabolic parameters such as insulin resistance and adiponectin levels following weight loss through dietary intervention are still uncertain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of rs822393 of ADIPOQ gene on adiponectin levels and metabolic parameters after weight loss with a high-fat hypocaloric diet with Mediterranean pattern during 12 weeks. A population of 283 patients with obesity was allocated to a dietary intervention trial with a high-fat hypocaloric diet during 12 weeks. Adiposity and biochemical parameters were determined. rs822393 was assessed with a dominant model analysis (CC vs. CT + TT). These patients had three different genotypes: CC (59.0%), CT (33.6%), and TT (7.4%). The allelic frequencies for C and T were 0.89 and 0.20, respectively. Basal and post-intervention HDL cholesterol, adiponectin levels, and adiponectin/leptin ratio were lower in T-allele than non-T-allele carriers. After dietary intervention, BMI, weight, fat mass, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, insulin, HOMA-IR, leptin, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol levels improved significantly in both genotype groups. Moreover, HDL cholesterol (CC vs. CT + TT) (delta: 8.9 ± 1.1 mg/dL vs. 1.7 ± 0.8 mg/dL; p = 0.02), serum adiponectin in non-T-allele carriers (43.1 ± 5.9 ng/dL vs. 2.8 ± 3 0.0 ng/dL; p = 0.01), and adiponectin/leptin ratio (1.37 ± 0.1 units vs. 0.17 ± 0.08 units; p = 0.02) improved only in non-T-allele carriers after weight loss. Individuals with obesity and without the T allele of rs822393 experienced improvements in adiponectin levels, adiponectin/leptin ratio, and HDL cholesterol levels after following a high-fat hypocaloric diet with a Mediterranean pattern.

Association of LEP rs2167270 and LEPR rs1137100 genetic variants with obesity in the Jordanian population cohort

Background Previous Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) of obesity susceptibility genes in different populations have confirmed the association of some variants with obesity, body mass index (BMI), and some related metabolic traits. To our knowledge, the current study is the first to investigate the genetic basis of obesity in the Jordanian population. The aim of our study is to investigate the occurrence and frequency of obesity-related genes in Jordanian individuals and any possible relationship between SNP genetic markers and phenotypic characteristics of studied individuals. Methods A total of 150 Jordanian unrelated adults, including 83 obese, 26 overweight, and 41 normal-weight subjects, were genotyped using the high resolution melt analysis (HRMA) and tested for the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs2167270 in LEP gene and rs1137100 in LEPR gene, with obesity risk, obesity/overweight risk, BMI, weight, height, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood level glucose. Results A significant association between obesity risk and the rs2167270 mutation in LEP gene was observed under a dominant model (odds ratio (OR) = 2.5147, 95% CI =1.0629 to 5.9494, p = 0.0358). A marginal (not significant) association between BMI and the rs2167270 mutation in LEP gene (p = 0.075), was also detected. Moreover, an association between rs2167270 mutation in LEP gene and glucose blood level was observed (p = 0.038). Total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol also presented a weak association with the rs1137100 mutation in LEPR gene, with p = 0.071 and p = 0.078, respectively. Additionally, no significant association between LDL-cholesterol and the rs2167270 mutation in LEP gene was observed (p = 0.091). By contrast, there was no association between weight or height and the SNPs mutation evaluated in this study (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusions These results suggest that some SNPs in some obesity-related genes may contribute to obesity risk and its related anthropometric and metabolic traits in Jordanian population. To confirm these results, further studies on a larger Jordanian cohort should be carried out.