High-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels Research Articles

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 > 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.

The Importance of Metabolic Factors in Endometrial Cancer: Evaluating the Utility of the Triglyceride-to-Glycemia Index and Triglyceride-to-High-Density Lipoprotein Ratio As Biomarkers.

Introduction Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecological malignancy in developed countries worldwide. Its incidence is rising, making it a significant public health concern. The relationship between lipids, hyperglycemia, and anthropometric risk factors in the development of EC has gained increasing attention in recent years. Understanding the role of dyslipidemia as a part of metabolic syndrome is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies for EC. We investigate the association between dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and EC. This study aims to elucidate the potential contribution of altered lipid profiles and chronic hyperglycemia to endometrial carcinogenesis. By analyzing patients with benign and malignant endometrial pathologies, we seek to identify novel biomarkers and unravel the underlying mechanisms by which these metabolic factors influence the risk of developing EC. Material and methods Our retrospective unicentric study included 390 patients (192 diagnosed with EC and 198 with endometrial hyperplasia), in which we compared the clinical and biochemical characteristics, with a particular focus on lipid profiles and glycemic indices sampled 24-48 hours before surgery. The data obtained from the medical records were analyzed using statistical methods to compare selected metabolic factors between EC and endometrial hyperplasia. Results Our analysis revealed statistically significant differences in metabolic health and lipid profiles between patients diagnosed with EC and those with endometrial hyperplasia. The EC group exhibits trends towards higher levels of triglycerides (TG) and glycated hemoglobin, alongside a higher BMI. Notably, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were lower in the EC group. Conclusion Although the triglycerides-to-fasting blood glucose index and the triglycerides-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio did not demonstrate sufficient discriminatory power for predicting myometrial invasion depth in this study, further exploration of cost-effective emerging biomarkers warrants investigation in future studies.

Association of plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level with risk of stress urinary incontinence in women: a retrospective study

BackgroundStudies have found that high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels are linked to a variety of diseases. However, evidence for the relationship between stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and HDL-C remain limited.Methods590 eligible women were enrolled. Basic characteristic, gynecological examinations and blood sampling were collected. The examination of the possible link between HDL-C and SUI was done using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Feature importance ranking and Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed to further evaluate the association between HDL-C and SUI in women.ResultsA significant association was found between HDL-C and SUI in women, revealing higher HDL-C levels were related to a lower risk of SUI (OR 0.238; 95%CI: 0.091–0.623; P < 0.01) after adjustment for potential key confounders. The AUC for the SUI predicted by the combined HDL-C was 0.845 (95%CI: 0.798–0.891, P < 0.001). The feature importance ranking revealed that vaginal delivery, HDL-C were the top two important factors.ConclusionsHDL-C levels were correlated with the development of SUI. In addition to physical and surgical treatments, HDL-C may offer the possibility of potential targeted treatment and prevention of SUI afterwards.

The serum metabolomic profiles of atrial fibrillation patients treated with direct oral anticoagulants or vitamin K antagonists

AimsLong-term oral anticoagulation is the primary therapy for preventing ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Different types of oral anticoagulant drugs can have specific effects on the metabolism of patients. Here we characterize, for the first time, the serum metabolomic and lipoproteomic profiles of AF patients treated with anticoagulants: vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Materials and methodsSerum samples of 167 AF patients (median age 78 years, 62 % males, 70 % on DOACs treatment) were analyzed via high resolution 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Data on 25 metabolites and 112 lipoprotein-related fractions were quantified and analyzed with multivariate and univariate statistical approaches. Key findingsOur data provide evidence that patients treated with VKAs and DOACs present significant differences in their profiles: lower levels of alanine and lactate (odds ratio: 1.72 and 1.84), free cholesterol VLDL-4 subfraction (OR: 1.75), triglycerides LDL-1 subfraction (OR: 1.80) and 4 IDL cholesterol fractions (ORs ∼ 1.80), as well as higher levels of HDL cholesterol (OR: 0.48), apolipoprotein A1 (OR: 0.42) and 7 HDL cholesterol fractions/subfractions (ORs: 0.40–0.51) are characteristic of serum profile of patients on DOACs' therapy. SignificanceOur results support the usefulness of NMR-based metabolomics for the description of the effects of oral anticoagulants on AF patient circulating metabolites and lipoproteins. The higher serum levels of HDL cholesterol observed in patients on DOACs could contribute to explaining their reduced cardiovascular risk, suggesting the need of further studies in this direction to fully understand possible clinical implications.

Association between monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio and gallstones in U.S. adults: findings from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–2020

BackgroundStudies have indicated that monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) can be a reliable indicator of various diseases. However, the association between MHR and gallstone prevalence remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to explore any potential association between MHR and gallstone prevalence.MethodsThis study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–March 2020. MHR was calculated as the monocyte count ratio to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Multiple logistic regression models, Cochran-Armitage trend test, and subgroup analyses were used to examine the association between MHR and gallstones.ResultsThis study included 5907 participants, of whom 636 (10.77%) were gallstone formers. The study participants had a mean age of 50.78 ± 17.33 years. After accounting for multiple covariables, the multiple logistic regression model showed a positive linear association between MHR and gallstone odds. The subgroup analyses and interaction testing results revealed that the association between MHR and gallstones was statistically different across strata, including sex, smoking, asthma, and hypertension.ConclusionsGallstone prevalence positively associated with elevated MHR, indicating that MHR can be employed as a clinical indicator to assess gallstone prevalence.

The impact of duration and severity of obesity exposure on cardiometabolic health

PurposeDuration and severity of exposure to excess adipose tissue are important risk factors for complications, but are generally not examined in conjunction. We developed a metric considering both factors to examine the relationship between obesity-related complications and parameters of cardiometabolic health in patients undergoing a metabolic bariatric procedure (MBS).Materials & MethodsData from patients screened for primary MBS between 2017 and 2021 were analyzed. The Obesity Exposure score (OBES), based on self-reported years of life with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, was calculated with increased weighting applied for higher BMI categories. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed, adjusting for multiple potential confounders.ResultsIn total, 2441 patients were included (76% female, age 42.1 ± 11.9 years, BMI 42.0 ± 4.9 kg/m2). OBES was positively related to myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation and renal function loss (per 10 OBES-units: OR 1.31, 95%CI [1.11–1.52], p = 0.002; OR 1.23, 95% CI [1.06–1.44], p = 0.008; and OR 1.26, 95% CI [1.04–1.51], p = 0.02). OBES was negatively associated with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) (OR 0.90, 95% CI [0.83–0.98], p = 0.02). In patients without obesity-related complications, OBES was related to lower HbA1c and higher HDL-cholesterol levels (ß -0.5 95% CI [-0.08-.0.02] p < 0.001 and ß 0.02 [0.00–0.04] p = 0.01).ConclusionOBES was related to myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation and renal function loss in patients applying for MBS. OBES was negatively related to OSAS, possibly because undiagnosed years were not taken into account. In the absence of obesity-related complications, OBES was not related to metabolic blood markers. Our data may aid in improving perioperative risk assessments.Graphical

Evaluation of the lipid profile level in patients with hypothyroidism

The thyroid gland is considered one of the most important endocrine glands in the human body. It controls blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, weight, and other vital functions.The aim of this study is to evaluate the level of lipid in patients with hypothyroidism. The study was included 60 female patients with hypothyroidism and 40 healthy women, who were considered as control group, in the age group range from 22 to 44 years.The results of this study showed that subjects with hypothyroidism had significant increase in the level of lipids, as the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein were (248.0±59.3, 226.7±52.5, and 145.0±32.6) mg/dL, respectively. , compared with the control group, (189.1 ±30.5, 189.6 ±36.1, 95.8 ±22.9) mg/dL, respectively. While the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and very low-density lipoprotein, there were high differences, as it reached (50.5 ± 11.6, 42.8 ± 12.1) mg /dL compared to healthy subjects, which amounted to (55.1 ± 13.7, 38.2 ± 11.2), mg/dL. We conclude from this study that hypothyroidism leads to an increase in the level of fats, due to a decreasing in metabolic processes, which is also the cause of hyperlipidemia.

Monoglucosyl rutin, a flavonoid glycoside, improves low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels in healthy adults: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) continues to be a significant contributor to global mortality, impacting over 523 million individuals worldwide. Dyslipidemia stands as one of the foremost risk factors for ASCVD. Thus, prioritizing the reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels is essential in mitigating cardiovascular complications. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the lipid-lowering activity of a dietary supplement containing monoglucosyl rutin (MR) in individuals with low to mild hypercholesterolemia. Methods: This was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study conducted from April 20 to December 24, 2022. The study population included 56 healthy Japanese adult participants with LDL-C levels between 120–139 mg/dL who were randomly allocated to either the MR or placebo groups (n = 28/group) using a computerized random number generator. 200 mg of MR or placebo divided into 3 tablets was given daily; participants were instructed to take 1 tablet with water after each meal for 12 weeks. The main focus was on measuring the serum LDL-C level as the primary outcome, with additional attention given to secondary outcomes such as serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol, and nonHDL-C levels. The study also evaluated the percentage of participants achieving serum LDL-C levels below 120 mg/dL after the 12-week intervention. Assessments were conducted after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of intervention. Results: There were 54 (27 in each group) participants in the per-protocol set (PPS) and 53 (placebo group, 26; MR group, 27) participants in the modified PPS (mPPS). A statistically significant group difference in serum LDL-C levels was observed (P &lt; 0.05), with a 5.0% decrease from preintervention to after 12 weeks. The reduction in LDL-C levels coincided with (statistically significant?) decreases in total cholesterol levels, nonHDL-C levels, and the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio. During the study period, there was no adverse event or concern about the safety of MR. Conclusions: MR has potential as a preventive or therapeutic tool for improving improve long-term health and reducing cardiovascular morbidity. Keywords: monoglucosyl rutin, flavonoid glycoside, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hyperlipidemia, lipid profile Trial registration number: UMIN000047790

Imbalance of APOB Lipoproteins and Large HDL in Type 1 Diabetes Drives Atherosclerosis.

Individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) generally have normal or even higher HDL (high-density lipoprotein)-cholesterol levels than people without diabetes yet are at increased risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). Human HDL is a complex mixture of particles that can vary in cholesterol content by >2-fold. To investigate if specific HDL subspecies contribute to the increased atherosclerosis associated with T1D, we created mouse models of T1D that exhibit human-like HDL subspecies. We also measured HDL subspecies and their association with incident CVD in a cohort of people with T1D. We generated LDL receptor-deficient (Ldlr-/-) mouse models of T1D expressing human APOA1 (apolipoprotein A1). Ldlr-/-APOA1Tg mice exhibited the main human HDL subspecies. We also generated Ldlr-/-APOA1Tg T1D mice expressing CETP (cholesteryl ester transfer protein), which had lower concentrations of large HDL subspecies versus mice not expressing CETP. HDL particle concentrations and sizes and proteins involved in lipoprotein metabolism were measured by calibrated differential ion mobility analysis and targeted mass spectrometry in the mouse models of T1D and in a cohort of individuals with T1D. Endothelial transcytosis was analyzed by total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. Diabetic Ldlr-/-APOA1Tg mice were severely hyperglycemic and hyperlipidemic and had markedly elevated plasma APOB levels versus nondiabetic littermates but were protected from the proatherogenic effects of diabetes. Diabetic Ldlr-/-APOA1Tg mice expressing CETP lost the atheroprotective effect and had increased lesion necrotic core areas and APOB accumulation, despite having lower plasma APOB levels. The detrimental effects of low concentrations of larger HDL particles in diabetic mice expressing CETP were not explained by reduced cholesterol efflux. Instead, large HDL was more effective than small HDL in preventing endothelial transcytosis of LDL mediated by scavenger receptor class B type 1. Finally, in humans with T1D, increased concentrations of larger HDL particles relative to APOB100 negatively predicted incident CVD independently of HDL-cholesterol levels. Our results suggest that the balance between APOB lipoproteins and the larger HDL subspecies contributes to atherosclerosis progression and incident CVD in the setting of T1D and that larger HDLs exert atheroprotective effects on endothelial cells rather than by promoting macrophage cholesterol efflux.

Confounding association between plasma HDL-C levels and increased fracture risk: A correspondence.

This article explores the association between fractures, particularly in the elderly, and elevated plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. The study challenges the conventional idea of HDL-C as "good cholesterol" by revealing its potential role as a risk factor for fractures. Factors contributing to fractures in the elderly, such as diminishing bone strength due to aging-related tissue breakdown, are discussed. Sedentary lifestyles, low bone mineral density (BMD), and habits like smoking and alcohol consumption compound fracture susceptibility. The study delves into mechanisms linking elevated HDL-C to fractures, using data from the ASPREE-Fracturesub-study of the ASPREE trial involving Australian and American participants aged 65 and above. The study showed that over a 4-year period, elevated HDL-C levels in healthy older people were linked to a 14% higher fracture risk. This revelation expands the understanding of fracture risk factors beyond the established norms. The article emphasizes the need to reconsider HDL-C's traditional role as an indicator of cardiovascular health, particularly in light of medications like Statins and Anacetrapib that raise HDL-C levels. It calls for further exploration into the relationship between HDL-C, fractures at varying sites, and different age groups. Practical implications involve incorporating fracture risk associated with high HDL-C into clinical considerations, alongside advocating lifestyle changes for optimal HDL-C levels. In summary, this study prompts a reevaluation of HDL-C's implications in clinical practice, demanding further investigation into the intricacies of this relationship.

Relationship Between Lipid Profile and Body Mass Index in Patients With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Indian Women of Reproductive Age.

Introduction Characterized by a range of symptoms including irregular menstrual cycles, hirsutism, and infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) also poses substantial metabolic challenges. Among these, dyslipidemia and obesity are particularly concerning due to their long-term implications for cardiovascular health.The present study explores the intricate relationship between lipid profile and body mass index (BMI) in patients with PCOS presenting to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology,King George's Medical University, Lucknow, a tertiary care teaching hospital in Northern India. Methods The present work involves analysis of clinical characteristics of 230 premenopausal women between 18-45 years of age diagnosed with PCOS (according to Rotterdam Criteria). Patientswith conditions such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia; Cushing's syndrome; uncontrolled hypertension, smoking,hypogonadism; using oral contraceptives; pregnant or lactating mothers; smoking or drug addiction; psychiatric illness; and those diagnosed with androgen-secreting tumors were excluded. For each participant, data was collected pertaining to demographics (age, marital status), clinical presentation,height, and weight (for BMI calculation), and total lipid profile comprising of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C). Thepatients were stratified according to their BMI as per the WHO Asian classification, andPearson's correlation coefficient was calculated to see the correlation between lipid profile and BMI. Results The final analysis was done on 228 patients, with a mean age of25.22 (±4.82) years, and 45.6% were currently married. Among the participants, 28.1% of the participants were overweight, and 42.5% of them classified as obese, while the remaining 29.4% had a BMI in the normal range.The mean (SD) total cholesterol was 172.26 (49.55) mg/dl, and 65 patients (28.5%) had elevated serum cholesterol (≥200 mg/dl). Triglycerides were raised (≥ 150 mg/dl) in a majority of the study participants (n=160, 70.2%). While none of the patients had high VLDL-C, LDL-C was elevated in 52 patients (22.8%). HDL-C levels were lower than the threshold value of 50 mg/dl in 152 participants (66.7%). On performing correlation analysis, a significant negative correlation was noted between HDL-C and BMI in the entire study cohort (r=-0.342, p=0.003). Overweight patientsexhibited a statistically significant positive correlation between triglycerides and BMI (r=2.628, p=0.002). Participants with BMI in the overweight range demonstrated statistically significant correlations with HDL-C (r=-0.497, p=0.017) and triglycerides (r=2.628, p=0.002); and BMI of obese patients significantly correlated with total cholesterol (r=0.301, p=0.037) and triglycerides (r=0.146, p=0.028). Conclusion The findings of the study underscore the multifaceted nature of PCOS, affecting reproductive health as well as metabolic components. The significant correlations between BMI and lipid parameters, specifically, HDL-C, triglycerides, and total cholesterol, highlight the importance of weight management in reducing cardiovascular risks in women with PCOS.

Metabolic profiles of children aged 2-5 years born after frozen and fresh embryo transfer: A Chinese cohort study.

Frozen embryo transfer (FET) has become a widely employed assisted reproductive technology technique. There have historically been concerns regarding the long-term metabolic safety of FET technology in offspring due to pregnancy-induced hypertension and large for gestational age, both of which are well-recognized factors for metabolic dysfunction of children. Therefore, we aimed to compare the metabolic profiles of children born after frozen versus fresh embryo transfer at 2 to 5 years of age. This was a prospective cohort study. Using data from the "Assisted Reproductive Technology borned KIDs (ARTKID)," a birth cohort of offspring born from assisted reproductive technology at the Institute of Women, Children and Reproductive Health, Shandong University, China. We included 4,246 singletons born after FET (n = 2,181) and fresh embryo transfer (n = 2,065) enrolled between 2008 and 2019 and assessed the glucose and lipid variables until the age of 2 to 5 years. During a mean follow-up of 3.6 years, no significant differences were observed in fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance Index, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels between offspring conceived by fresh and frozen embryo transfer in the crude model and adjusted model (adjusted for parental age, parental body mass index, parental education level, paternal smoking, parity, offspring age and sex). These results remained consistent across subgroup analyses considering offspring age, the stage of embryo transfer, and the mode of fertilization. Results from sensitivity analysis on children matched for age within the cohort remains the same. The main limitation of our study is the young age of the offspring. In this study, the impact of FET on glucose and lipid profiles during early childhood was comparable to fresh embryo transfer. Long-term studies are needed to evaluate the metabolic health of offspring born after FET.

Serum High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol level in patients suffering from sepsis, measured on the first and fifth day of admission, and its relation with prognosis

Serum High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol level in patients suffering from sepsis, measured on the first and fifth day of admission, and its relation with prognosis

Analyzing the impact of acupuncture in conjunction with a Quantum lipid-lowering device on hyperlipidemic rats: insights into adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase signaling, blood lipids, and gut microbiota.

We explored the impact of acupuncture (ACUP) in conjunction with a quantum lipid-lowering device (Quantum) on the blood lipids and gut microbiota in hyperlipidemic rats, focusing on the adenosine monophosphate- (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. Fifty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly allocated into five groups: Normal, Model, Acup + Quantum, Acup, and Quantum. Hyperlipidemic models were established in all groups except Normal. The Model group did not receive any intervention after modeling. The Acup + Quantum group received both treatments, the Acup group received only acupuncture, and the Quantum group received only the quantum lipid-lowering device. We used ELISA to measure serum lipid and liver enzyme levels, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining for liver pathology, Western blot for protein expression, and 16S rRNA sequencing to analyze intestinal microbiota diversity in rats. Elisa results showed that compared with the model group, Acup + Quantum group could reduce the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), aspartate transaminase (AST) and aspartate transaminase (ALT) in rats with hyperlipidemia (P<0.01), and increase the level of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (P<0.01). HE staining results showed that compared with the model group, the hepatocytes of rats in the Acup + Quantum group looked round and full, the liver plates were arranged regularly and neatly, and there was no obvious abnormality in the liver sinusoids. Western blot results showed that compared with the model group, the Acup + Quantum group inhibited AMPK activation, increased P-AMPK/AMPK protein expression (P<0.05), and decreased phospho-acetyl-CoA carboxylases (P-ACC/ACC), Sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor-1C (SREBP-1C), and FAS protein expression (P<0.05; P<0.01; P<0.01), which resulted in lipid-lowering effect. The results of intestinal flora showed that Acup + Quantum group improved the intestinal microbial microenvironment of hyperlipidemic rats by regulating the structure of intestinal microflora, increasing the abundance of Firmicutes flora, and decreasing the abundance of harmful bacteria, such as Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. Acupuncture combined with quantum lipid-lowering device can improve the blood lipid and liver function levels and regulate the intestinal microbial microenvironment of hyperlipidemic rats. This therapeutic outcome is likely achieved through the activation of the AMPK pathway and the beneficial modulation of the intestinal microbiota of rats.

THE PREVALENCE OF DYSLIPIDEMIA IN THE POPULATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA (PRELIMINARY DATA)

Dyslipidemias are among the most important modifiable risk factors associated with cardiovascular pathology. Materials and methods. The preliminary results of the observational, cross-sectional study conducted from February 2020 to January 2023 are presented. The prevalence of dyslipidemia and the lipid profile in a sample of 728 participants from rural and urban environments were analyzed. Results: In a group of participants with a mean age of 47.14 ± 12.65 years, it was observed that elevated LDL- cholesterol and decreased HDL-cholesterol levels were the most frequent abnormal lipid parameters in men, and in women isolated elevation of LDL-cholesterol was often recorded. Conclusions: The study emphasizes the importance of early screening in apparently healthy populations. Early diagnosis may identify high-risk population groups, where early intervention may lead to avoidance of later complications related to dyslipidemia.

Efficacy Assessment of Five Policosanol Brands and Damage to Vital Organs in Hyperlipidemic Zebrafish by Six-Week Supplementation: Highlighting the Toxicity of Red Yeast Rice and Safety of Cuban Policosanol (Raydel®).

Policosanol is a mixture of long-chain aliphatic alcohols (LCAAs) derived from various plant and insect origins that are marketed by various companies with distinct formulations and brand names. Policosanols offer several beneficial effects to treat dyslipidemia and hypertension; however, a comprehensive functionality comparison of various policosanol brands has yet to be thoroughly explored. In the present study five distinct policosanol brands from different origins and countries, Raydel-policosanol, Australia (PCO1), Solgar-policosanol, USA (PCO2), NutrioneLife-monacosanol, South Korea (PCO3), Mothernest-policosanol, Australia (PCO4), and Peter & John-policosanol, New Zealand (PCO5) were compared via dietary supplementation (1% in diet, final wt/wt) to zebrafish for six weeks to investigate their impact on survivability, blood lipid profile, and functionality of vital organs under the influence of a high-cholesterol diet (HCD, final 4%, wt/wt). The results revealed that policosanol brands (PCO1-PCO5) had a substantial preventive effect against HCD-induced zebrafish body weight elevation and hyperlipidemia by alleviating total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) in blood. Other than PCO3, all the brands significantly reduced the HCD's elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). On the contrary, only PCO1 displayed a significant elevation in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level against the consumption of HCD. The divergent effect of PCO1-PCO5 against HCD-induced hepatic damage biomarkers, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), was observed. PCO1, PCO2, and PCO4 efficiently curtailed the AST and ALT levels; however, PCO3 and PCO5 potentially aggravated the HCD's elevated plasma AST and ALT levels. Consistently, the hepatic histology outcome revealed the least effectiveness of PCO3 and PCO5 against HCD-induced liver damage. On the contrary, PCO1 exhibited a substantial hepatoprotective role by curtailing HCD-induced fatty liver changes, cellular senescent, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) production. Likewise, the histological outcome from the kidney, testis, and ovary revealed the significant curative effect of PCO1 against the HCD-induced adverse effects. PCO2-PCO5 showed diverse and unequal results, with the least effective being PCO3, followed by PCO5 towards HCD-induced kidney, testis, and ovary damage. The multivariate interpretation based on principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) validated the superiority of PCO1 over other policosanol brands against the clinical manifestation associated with HCD. Conclusively, different brands displayed distinct impacts against HCD-induced adverse effects, signifying the importance of policosanol formulation and the presence of aliphatic alcohols on the functionality of policosanol products.

Changes in blood lipid levels and influencing factors among treatment-naïve adult male HIV/AIDS patients following BIC/FTC/TAF vs . 3TC+EFV+TDF.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) was often associated with dyslipidemia among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. This study aimed to assess treatment-naïve adult male patients with HIV/AIDS who initiated ART with either co-formulated bictegravir, emtricitabine, and tenofovir alafenamide (BIC/FTC/TAF) or lamivudine, efavirenz, and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (3TC+EFV+TDF), monitoring at weeks 4, 12, 24, and 48. A case-control retrospective study was conducted. The newly diagnosed HIV-infected individuals attending the sexual transmission disease (STD)/AIDS clinic of Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, from January to December 2021. The patients were divided into BIC/FTC/TAF group or 3TC+EFV+TDF group. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) at different time points over 48 weeks between two groups were compared. A multivariate Cox regression model was used to identify relevant influencing factors for the population at high risk of increased LDL-C. A total of 870 participants, with 510 in BIC/FTC/TAF group and 360 in 3TC+EFV+TDF group. There were no statistically significant differences in median age, baseline CD4/CD8 ratio, median body mass index (BMI) between the two groups. In both two groups, levels of TG, TC, and LDL-C were higher at 4 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks of treatment (all P <0.05), and there were no statistically significant differences at 48 weeks compared to those at baseline (all P >0.05). In addition, the differences in average changes of the level of TG, TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C from weeks 4, 12, 24, and 48 to baseline between two groups were not statistically significant (all P >0.05). Multivariate Cox proportional risk model analysis showed that initiating ART with HIV RNA ≥10 5 copies/mL (compared with <10 5 copies/mL) was associated with an increased risk of elevated LDL-C (hazard ratio=1.26, 95% confidence interval: 1.07-1.48, P =0.005). Transient elevations in blood lipid levels (TC, TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C) were observed in treatment-naïve adult male HIV/AIDS patients with BIC/FTC/TAF at 4 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks of treatment. However, these levels did not differ significantly from baseline after 48 weeks of treatment, regardless of whether patients were in the BIC/FTC/TAF or 3TC+EFV+TDF group.

Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels predict early recurrence and prognosis of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma after surgical resection

IntroductionDysregulation in lipid metabolism contributes to the occurrence and development of various cancers. The connection between changes in lipid metabolism and the development of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma remains uncertain. Our objective was to investigate the significance of blood lipid levels in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma who have undergone surgery. MethodsNinety-seven ICC patients who underwent surgery were retrospectively enrolled. After 92.2 months of follow-up, the Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard model were used to calculate overall survival and recurrence-free survival. ResultsThe median age of this cohort was 56 years, and 79 (81.4 %) of them were male. Eighty-eight (90.7 %) patients presented with tumor recurrence and 73 (75.3 %) died. In multivariate analyses, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (<0.91 vs. ≥ 0.91 mmol/L, hazard ratio [HR] = 2.55; 95 % CI: 1.38–4.71), lymph node metastasis (Yes vs. No, HR = 2.58; 95 % CI: 1.28–5.19), etiology factor (chronic HBV infection vs. others, HR = 0.5; 95 % CI: 0.28–0.88) and multiple tumor lesions (Yes vs. No, HR = 1.85; 95 % CI: 1.01–3.39) were independent predictors of overall survival. However, only high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (HR = 1.86; 95 % CI: 1.19–2.92) emerged as the independent factor for recurrence-free survival. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (HR = 2.07; 95 % CI: 1.26–3.41), etiology factor (HR = 0.49; 95 % CI: 0.29–0.84), and multiple tumor lesions (HR = 2.00; 95 % CI: 1.14–3.51) were independent predictors of early recurrence. For patients who did not experience the spread of cancer to the lymph nodes, there was a significant correlation between the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and their overall survival, recurrence-free survival, and early recurrence. For patients with low pre-operation high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, high post-operation high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were associated with better prognosis. ConclusionsLow serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level might serve as a sign of poor clinical outcomes (overall survival and recurrence-free survival) and early recurrence among intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients. Strengthening the monitoring and intervention of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma patients with poor prognosis might be critical for improving the prognosis.

Changes in cardiovascular disease risk predicted by the Framingham risk model in the Hong Kong population between 2003-2005 and 2014-2015: data from Population Health Surveys.

The Framingham risk model estimates a person's 10-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. This study used this model to calculate the changes in sex- and age-specific CVD risks in the Hong Kong Population Health Survey (PHS) 2014/15 compared with two previous surveys conducted during 2003 and 2005, namely, PHS 2003/2004 and Heart Health Survey (HHS) 2004/2005. This study included individuals aged 30 to 74 years from PHS 2014/15 (n=1662; n=4 445 868 after population weighting) and PHS 2003/2004 and HHS 2004/2005 (n=818; n=3 495 074 after population weighting) with complete data for calculating the risk of CVD predicted by the Framingham model. Sex-specific CVD risks were calculated based on age, total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, mean systolic blood pressure, smoking habit, diabetic status, and hypertension treatment. Mean sex- and age-specific CVD risks were calculated; differences in CVD risk between the two surveys were compared by independent t tests. The difference in 10-year CVD risk from 2003-2005 to 2014-2015 was not statistically significant (10.2% vs 10.6%; P=0.29). After age standardisation according to World Health Organization world standard population data, a small decrease in CVD risk was observed, from 9.4% in 2003-2005 to 8.8% in 2014-2015. Analysis according to age-group showed that more participants aged 65 to 74 years were considered high risk in 2003 to 2005 (2003-2005: 66.8% vs 2014-2015: 53.1%; P=0.028). This difference may be due to the decrease in smokers among men (2003-2005: 30.5% vs 2014-2015: 24.0%; P<0.001). From 2003-2005 to 2014-2015, there was a small decrease in age-standardised 10-year CVD risk. A holistic public health approach simultaneously targeting multiple risk factors is needed to achieve greater decreases in CVD risk.