High-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels Research Articles

Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Artemisia and Salvia Genera in Cancer, Diabetes, and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Short Review of Clinical Evidence

Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of metabolic disorders comprising dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, elevated blood pressure, and abdominal obesity, is a silent epidemic that may lead to outcomes such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Due to the increase in the prevalence of these pathologies, the search for better treatments and more efficient drugs is imperative. Species of Artemisia and Salvia genera are excellent examples of noteworthy sources of bioactive products with health applications, their therapeutic properties being well known both in popular medicine and in the scientific community. There are reports of plant extracts or compounds from species belonging to either of these genera, which were able to combat cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular pathologies. For instance, dihydroartemisinin (analog of artemisin extracted from Artemisia annua L.) can reduce tumor markers p53 and Ki-67 expression levels, leading to a reduction in tumor proliferation. Salvia officinalis L. has antihyperglycemic and lipid profile-improving effects since it decreases total cholesterol, glycosylated hemoglobin, fasting glucose, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Clinical trials using mixtures (dried powdered plants or extracts) of known medicinal plants are recurrent in published works, in contrast with the scarce clinical trial studies with isolated compounds. Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge. was by far the most targeted plant in the clinical trials analyzed here. Regarding clinical trials concerning Artemisia, there are more studies aiming to see its effect on diabetes, but the studies about cancer are more advanced. This review aims to give a critical summary of the most interesting and promising results from clinical trials. The abundance of studies with limited statistically significant clinical evidence hinders progress in clinical therapy. This situation demands far greater rigor from the scientific community, researchers, regulatory agencies, editors, and reviewers in conducting and publishing clinical studies.

The Impact of Astaxanthin Supplementation on the Lipid Profile

Astaxanthin (AST) is a carotenoid renowned for its strong antioxidant properties and its role as a pigment in various aquatic organisms. Initially isolated from lobster and subsequently characterized in detail, AST has garnered significant interest in recent years within the research, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and supplement industries. This review aims to synthesize current literature on the impact of astaxanthin supplementation on lipid profiles, specifically focusing on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides. Evidence suggests that AST effectively prolongs the oxidation lag time of LDL, thereby mitigating the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases through its antioxidative mechanisms. The effects of AST on HDL-C levels are less consistent, with some studies reporting modest increases while others show no significant changes. Similarly, the influence of AST on triglyceride levels remains inconclusive, with studies presenting mixed outcomes ranging from significant reductions to negligible effects. AST is characterized by a high safety profile and favorable bioavailability, which is influenced by its source and isomeric composition. Despite these promising findings, many existing studies are limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneous participant groups, and varied dosing regimens, which impede the ability to draw definitive conclusions. Consequently, there is a need for larger, well-standardized clinical trials to accurately assess the efficacy and safety of astaxanthin as a therapeutic agent for lipid modulation and the prevention of metabolic disorders. Future research should focus on robust methodological designs and standardized supplementation protocols to clarify AST’s role in managing dyslipidemia and enhancing cardiovascular health.

Association between Healthy Eating Index 2015 and metabolic syndrome among US cancer survivors: evidence from NHANES 2005-2016.

Our study examined the relationship between diet quality and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among 1779 U.S. cancer survivors using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES, 2005-2016). Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI-2015). Higher HEI-2015 scores were linked to significantly lower MetS prevalence (OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.32-0.80). Specifically, a higher intake of seafood and plant proteins, and fatty acids, coupled with a reduced intake of added sugars, was associated with decreased odds of MetS prevalence (OR: 0.93; 95% CI, 0.86-0.99) in cancer survivors. Additionally, a better diet quality was linked to lower prevalence of high waist circumference, elevated triglycerides, reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and high fasting glucose levels (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.27-0.72). These results suggest that adopting healthy dietary habits may prevent MetS in cancer survivors.

Associations between serum lipids and glaucoma: a cohort study of 400 229 UK Biobank participants.

To examine the associations of commonly-used serum lipid measures (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG)) with glaucoma. This prospective cohort study included 400 229 participants from the UK Biobank. Cox regression and restricted cubic spline models and polygenic risk scores were employed to investigate the associations between serum lipids and glaucoma. Over a mean follow-up of 14.44 years, 6868 (1.72%) participants developed glaucoma. Multivariate Cox regression revealed that higher levels of HDL-C were associated with an increased risk of glaucoma (HR for 1-SD increase in HDL-C 1.05, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.08, p=0.001), while elevated levels of LDL-C (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94 to 0.99, p=0.005), TC (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.00, p=0.037) and TG (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94 to 0.99, p=0.008) were all associated with reduced risk. The analysis examining the associations between polygenic risk score of serum lipids and glaucoma showed per 1-SD increment of HDL-C genetic risk was associated with a 5% greater hazard of glaucoma (HR 1.05, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.11, p=0.031). However, the polygenic risk score of LDL-C, TC, and TG did not show a significant association with glaucoma. Elevated HDL-C is associated with an increased risk of glaucoma, while elevated LDL-C, TC, and TG levels are associated with a lower risk of glaucoma. This study enhances our understanding of the association between lipid profile and glaucoma and warrants further investigation of lipid-focused treatments in glaucoma management.

Wrist Circumference as a Predictor of Abnormal Cardiometabolic Risk in Children and Adolescents with Obesity.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of wrist circumference (WrC) as a predictor of abnormal cardiometabolic risk (CMR) in children and adolescents with obesity. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2024 to September 2024. Children with obesity (aged 5-17.9 years) were categorized into metabolic syndrome (MetS) and non-MetS groups according to the International Diabetes Federation consensus criteria for pediatric MetS. Participants were divided into three groups based on their pubertal stages: pre-pubertal, pubertal, and post-pubertal. Results: A total of 307 children and adolescents with obesity were analyzed, comprising 160 females and 147 males, with a median age of 12.9 years (interquartile range 4.2). MetS was diagnosed in 94 participants (30.6%). Participants with MetS demonstrated significantly higher waist circumference, WrC, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, serum triglycerides, fasting plasma glucose, insulin levels, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, alongside lower high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels compared with those without MetS. In correlation analyses, WrC positively correlated with age, BMI, and various metabolic parameters, while it negatively correlated with HDL-C levels. Logistic regression analysis identified the pubertal stage and WrC as the strongest independent predictors of MetS. In the mid-pubertal group, a cutoff of 1.795 (96.2nd percentile) for the WrC z-score effectively predicted MetS in children with obesity. In the post-pubertal group, a cutoff of 1.805 (96.7th percentile) for the WrC z-score effectively predicted MetS in children with obesity. Participants with increased WrC presented significantly higher rates of hypertension and MetS in both the mid-pubertal and post-pubertal groups. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that WrC is significantly elevated in children with obesity diagnosed with MetS compared with their non-MetS counterparts. Furthermore, findings indicate that mid-pubertal and post-pubertal subjects with increased WrC are at a greater risk of presenting CMR factors than those with normal WrC values.

Study on the Mechanism of the Leaves of Dimocarpus longan Lour. in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes based on Metabolomics.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease. The leaves of Dimocarpus longan Lour. (LYY), a well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with Guangxi national characteristics often used in simple recipes to treat DM has attracted increasing attention. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of LYY in diabetic rats from a metabolomic perspective. The type 2 diabetes (T2DM) rat model was induced by a high-sugar and high-fat diet (HSFD) combined with 40 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ). After oral administration of LYY (10.7 g/kg) for 28 d, their weight, fasted blood glucose (FBG), blood lipid levels, and inflammatory factors were assessed. The feces, urine, and serum samples of the rats were collected, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) technology was used to explore the changes in the sample's metabolism spectrum and analyze the relevant targeted metabolic pathways. Compared with the diabetes group, LYY rats significantly delayed the reduction of body weight and decreased the FBG level (P <0.01); the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), IL-6, and TNF-α in serum significantly reduced (P < 0.05, 0.01), and the level of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) significantly increased (P < 0.01). 2 candidate biomarkers were identified from feces samples, and 4 associated metabolic pathways were discovered. 13 potential biomarkers were screened from urine samples, leading to the identification of 16 related metabolic pathways. Similarly, 5 potential biomarkers were screened from serum samples, and 11 related metabolic pathways were found. LYY can regulate the metabolic disorder caused by T2DM by regulating amino acid metabolism, amino acid synthesis, and tricarboxylic acid cycle, which provides a specific reference for the clinical treatment of T2DM.

Serum Lipid Biomarkers and the Risk of Gastrointestinal Cancers in a Chinese Population: The Kailuan Prospective Study.

Current evidence on relationships between serum lipid biomarkers and the risk of gastrointestinal cancers remains controversial, with no consensus reached. We conducted a prospective cohort study within the Kailuan Cohort wherein 88,225 individuals with baseline information on triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was followed from 2006 to 2021 for the incidence of esophageal cancer (EC), gastric cancer (GC), and colorectal cancer (CRC). Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Increased EC risk was associated with high HDL-C levels (HRQ4vs.Q1 = 2.50, 95% CI: 1.57-3.98), while a U-shaped relationship between HDL-C and EC risk was revealed in the RCS analysis (poverall ≤ 0.0001, pnonlinear = 0.02). No robust association was identified between lipid biomarkers and GC risk. In multivariable analysis, increased CRC risk was positively associated with high TC levels (HRQ4vs.Q1 = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.11-1.83, ptrend = 0.03), dose-responsely negatively associated with LDL-C levels over quartiles (HRQ2vs.Q1 = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.66-1.02; HRQ3vs.Q1 = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.69-1.07; HRQ4vs.Q1 = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.53-0.86, ptrend = 0.02), and showed a diminished negative association with HDL-C levels over quartiles (HRQ2vs.Q1 = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.60-0.94; HRQ3vs.Q1 = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.61-0.95; HRQ4vs.Q1 = 0.91, 95% CI 0.74-1.13, ptrend = 0.02). The subsequent RCS analysis revealed a linear negative relationship of LDL-C (poverall = 0.004, pnonlinear = 0.67) and a U-shaped relationship of HDL-C (poverall = 0.05, pnonlinear = 0.02) with CRC risk. Competitive risk analysis and sensitivity analysis confirmed the stability of our results. We observed a U-shaped relationship regarding HDL-C levels with EC and CRC risk, and a linear inverse relationship between LDL-C levels and CRC risk. Relevant serum lipid levels should be properly managed in high-risk individuals of certain gastrointestinal cancers.

Efficacy and Safety of Pemafibrate, a Novel Selective PPARα Modulator in Chinese Patients with Dyslipidemia: A Double-Masked, Randomized, Placebo- and Active-Controlled Comparison Trial

Pemafibrate substantially lowers serum triglyceride (TG) levels and increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels primarily in Japan, but it has not been evaluated in China. We aimed to confirm the efficacy and safety of pemafibrate in Chinese patients with hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL-C levels by comparing placebo and fenofibrate. A multicenter, double-masked trial was conducted in China involving 344 patients with high TG and low HDL-C levels randomly assigned to one of four groups: pemafibrate 0.2 mg/d, pemafibrate 0.4 mg/d, fenofibrate 200 mg/d, or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the percentage change in fasting TG levels. The percentage change in TG levels from baseline was -34.1%, -44.0%, -30.5%, and 6.5% in the pemafibrate 0.2 mg/d, pemafibrate 0.4 mg/d, fenofibrate 200 mg/d, and placebo groups, respectively. Pemafibrate 0.4 mg/d significantly reduced TG levels compared with that in both placebo (p＜0.0001) and fenofibrate groups (p=0.0083). Significant improvements in HDL-C, remnant cholesterol, and apolipoprotein A1 levels were also observed with both doses of pemafibrate than with the placebo. Pemafibrate showed significantly smaller changes in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and serum creatinine levels than those with fenofibrate. In Chinese patients, pemafibrate exhibited superior efficacy in improving TG levels and enhanced hepatic and renal safety compared to fenofibrate. Thus, pemafibrate may represent a promising therapeutic option for dyslipidemia in Chinese patients.

Epiberberine Improves Hyperglycemia and Ameliorates Insulin Sensitivity in Type 2 Diabetic Mice.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic syndrome characterised by absolute or relative insufficiency of insulin secretion. The alkaloids from Rhizoma coptidis have potential hypoglycemic effects. Epiberberine (EPI), a protoberberine alkaloid extracted from Rhizome coptidis, has been found to regulate lipid metabolism. Our study aimed to investigate the antidiabetic effects of EPI on mice with T2DM, as well as its underlying mechanism. The T2DM model in mice was established using a combination of high-fat diet and streptozotocin. Animals were divided into the control, T2DM, EPI-low dose (50 mg/kg EPI), EPI-medium dose (100 mg/kg EPI), EPI-high dose (200 mg/kg EPI) and metformin (MTF) (200 mg/kg MTF) groups. Body weight, water/food intake, serum lipids, blood glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, histopathological alterations, insulin signalling pathway and inflammation-related pathways in each group were detected. EPI significantly reduced blood glucose levels and water/food intake in T2DM mice. EPI reduced the levels of total cholesterol, total triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, and elevated the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in serum. EPI effectively improved oral glucose tolerance, alleviated hepatic insulin resistance, decreased glycosylated haemoglobin levels and increased liver glycogen content. EPI ameliorated the histopathological alterations of skeletal muscle and liver in T2DM mice. EPI stimulated the insulin signalling pathway by increasing glucose transporter type 4 levels and activating insulin receptor substrate-1, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and protein kinase B in skeletal muscle and liver. EPI reduced the levels of proinflammatory cytokine in serum and inhibited the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling in skeletal muscle and liver of diabetic mice. Overall, these data demonstrate that EPI alleviates the symptoms of T2DM, providing new insights into EPI as a therapeutic compound for the alleviation of T2DM.

Abstract 12: High HDL Cholesterol Is Associated With Reduced Reperfusion Injury And Favorable Functional Outcome Following Thrombectomy For Ischemic Stroke

Introduction: Animal research suggests that HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) ameliorates reperfusion injury, a phenomenon that worsens clinical outcome following recanalization therapy for ischemic stroke. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that higher HDL-C levels have a guarding effect against cerebral reperfusion injury in human stroke survivors treated with thrombectomy. Methods: We included patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (acLVO) stroke who underwent thrombectomy from 01/2017 to 01/2023 at a tertiary stroke center in Germany into a prospective registry study with retrospective analysis. We assessed the association of HDL-C serum levels and imaging indices of post interventional reperfusion injury (any intracerebral or subarachnoid bleeding involving the ischemic brain region on CT or MRT), functional outcome quantified via modified Rankin scale (mRS) at 90 days and neurological outcome via National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at discharge using multivariable lasso logistic and linear regression adjusted for demographic, clinical and imaging characteristics. We performed sensitivity analysis applying propensity score matching and shift analysis using ordered logistic regression. Results: In our study population of 811 acLVO patients treated with thrombectomy (420 females, median age 77 years [66-84, interquartile range]) reperfusion injury was associated with detrimental functional outcome (adjusted OR 2.87; 95% CI [1.86;4.41]; p=0.000). Higher HDL-C was associated with lower odds of reperfusion injury (adjusted OR 0.57; 95% CI [0.35;0.95]; p=0.03) and emerged as predictor of favorable functional outcome defined as 90-day mRS 0-2 (adjusted OR 0.57; 95% CI [0.34;0.99]; p=0.04) and alleviated neurological deficits with lower NIHSS score at discharge (ß=-2.51; 95CI% [-4.88; -1.30]; p=0.04). On propensity score analysis an HDL-C level exceeding the median (1.15 mmol/L) was associated with a 13.8 % decrease in the probability of reperfusion injury (ß=-0.14; 95CI% [-0.23; -0.05]; p=0.003). A significant shift of 90-day mRS distribution favoring high HDL is shown in the figure. Conclusions: In patients undergoing thrombectomy for acLVO a higher level of HDL-C reduced the odds of reperfusion injury, which translated into improved functional and neurological outcome, hence constituting a possible target of adjunctive neuroprotective treatment.

Abstract TMP72: Lower High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Level Is Associated With Hematoma Expansion Following Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Abstract TMP72: Lower High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Level Is Associated With Hematoma Expansion Following Acute Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Diosgenin-Loaded Silver Nanoparticles Mitigate B[a]P-Induced Lung Fibrosis Through Modulation of Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Pathways.

Lung fibrosis, characterized by the thickening and scarring of lung tissue, is a serious condition often triggered by environmental toxins like Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P). Diosgenin, a natural steroidal sapogenin found in plants such as fenugreek and wild yam, has shown potential to protect against lung damage due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, its clinical application is limited by poor solubility and bioavailability. The current investigation aims at developing diosgenin-loaded silver nanoparticles (DioAgNPs) to enhance their delivery and efficacy. This study investigates the preparation, characterization, and protective effects of Dio-AgNPs against B[a]P-induced lung fibrosis in mice. Acute toxicity studies in mice were conducted to determine the lethal dose (LD50) of DioAgNPs. Sub-lethal doses (1/50 and 1/20 LD50) were selected for subsequent experiments. Mice were exposed to B[a]P to induce lung fibrosis. Dio-AgNPs were administered to assess their protective effects. Biochemical assays measured levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), malondialdehyde (MDA), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), interleukin-6 (IL-6), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2), and matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP12). Additionally, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were evaluated. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to analyze the expression levels of lung signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), transforming growth factor- β1(TGF-β1), and Sirtuin 1 genes. Insilico molecular docking studies were performed to evaluate the binding affinity of diosgenin with SIRT1, STAT3, and TGF-β1 proteins, with binding energies (ΔG) calculated to predict interaction strength. The synthesized Dio-AgNPs exhibited a mean diameter of 51.60±1.54 nm, a zeta potential of -19.5 mV, and encapsulation efficiency of 84.98%, confirming their stability through spectral analysis. In B[a]P-exposed mice, there was a significant elevation in TC, TG, MDA, NF-κB, IL-6, MMP2, and MMP12 levels, alongside a reduction in HDL-C, GSH, CAT, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels. Additionally, lung STAT3 and TGF-β1 gene expression was upregulated, while SIRT1 gene expression was downregulated. Administration of Dio-AgNPs to B[a]P-treated mice resulted in a significant reduction in TC, TG, and HDL-C levels, improvement in lung MDA, NF-κB, IL-6, MMP2, and MMP12 levels, downregulation of lung STAT3 and TGF-β1, and upregulation of SIRT1 gene expression. In-silico molecular docking studies demonstrated strong binding affinities of diosgenin with SIRT1, STAT3, and TGF-β1 proteins, with binding energies (ΔG) of -9.7, -9.6, - 10.1, and -9.7 kcal/mol, respectively. This study innovatively enhances the delivery and efficacy of diosgenin by developing diosgenin-loaded silver nanoparticles (Dio-AgNPs), addressing its solubility and bioavailability challenges. Dio-AgNPs demonstrated significant protective effects against B[a]P-induced lung fibrosis in mice, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation while modulating key genes like STAT3, TGF-β1, and SIRT1. Molecular docking studies confirmed strong binding affinities, underscoring the therapeutic potential of Dio-AgNPs. This research marks a significant advancement in nanomedicine and respiratory therapy, offering a promising approach to managing lung fibrosis and related conditions.

Effects of High-Intensity Aerobic Exercise on Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors and Inflammatory Markers in Normal Weight Obese Women Aged 20-30

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate the effects of high-intensity aerobic exercise on cardiovascular disease risk factors and inflammatory markers in normal weight obese women aged 20–30 years.METHODS Participants were divided into a high-intensity aerobic exercise group (HIEG, n=8) and a control group (CG, n=7). The aerobic exercise protocol was set at an intensity of 80-85% of the maximum oxygen uptake (VO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;max), which was determined through an exercise tolerance test, and consisted of a treadmill workout three times a week over a period of eight weeks. To assess the effects of the exercise intervention, the pre- and post-intervention body composition and VO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;max were measured. Additionally, blood samples were collected to analyze cardiovascular disease markers and inflammatory cytokines.RESULTS The results indicated that the HIEG group experienced a significant reduction in body weight and fat percentage (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;0.001) along with an increase in VO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;max (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;0.001) compared to the control group. Furthermore, the levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides showed a significant reduction (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;0.01) and inflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were significantly decreased in the HIEG group (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;0.001). Moreover, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly elevated in the HIEG group (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;0.001).CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that eight weeks of high-intensity aerobic exercise is effective in improving body composition and promoting positive changes in markers for cardiovascular disease and inflammation in normal weight obese women.

HDL proteome and apolipoproteins concentrations in severe ICU COVID-19 patients

BackgroundSARS-CoV-2 infection affects both lipid metabolism and lung function. The severity of the disease has been associated with reduced levels of both high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Despite the crucial role that these nanoparticles play in SARS-CoV-2 infection, few studies have examined their structure during COVID-19 beyond HDL quantity.The study aimed to assess apolipoprotein levels in COVID-19 patients who either survived or died following ICU admission. In addition, ICU survivors and non-survivors were compared for HDL particle size and proteome.MethodsBetween February and April 2020, our study enrolled 37 COVID-19 patients upon their intensive care unit admission. Among them, 18 survived the disease, while 19 succumbed to it. We used mass spectrometry to assess plasma levels of 14 apolipoproteins and LCAT. Additionally, we analyzed HDL subpopulation distribution by utilizing native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. HDL particles were isolated from both surviving and non-surviving patients using ultracentrifugation, followed by characterization of their proteomes with NanoLC-MS/MS.ResultsPlasma apolipoproteins, including Apo A-II, Apo Cs (I, II, III), Apo H, Apo J, Apo M, and LCAT, were decreased in patients who did not survive COVID-19. However, no alterations were noted in the distribution of HDL subpopulations in relation to mortality. HDL composition was further altered based on mortality, displaying a decline in Apo H and paraoxonase 3.ConclusionIn conclusion, we have shown an alteration in plasma apolipoproteins and HDL composition between surviving COVID-19 patients and non-survivors. Some markers, such as Apo H, are more predictive than baseline lipid concentrations such as HDL-C. These markers appear to provide a more accurate indication of mortality during COVID-19 compared with baseline lipid concentrations such as HDL-C.

Lipid Levels and Lung Cancer Risk: Findings from the Taiwan National Data Systems from 2012 to 2018

BackgroundLipids are known to be involved in carcinogenesis, but the associations between lipid profiles and different lung cancer histological classifications remain unknown.MethodsIndividuals who participated in national adult health surveillance from 2012 to 2018 were included. For patients who developed lung cancer during follow-up, a 1:2 control group of nonlung cancer participants was selected after matching. Multivariate conditional logistic regression was used to explore the associations between lipid profiles, different lung cancer histological classifications and epidermal growth factor receptor mutation statuses. Subgroup, sensitivity, and dose‒response analyses were also performed.ResultsA total of 4,704,853 participants (30,337 lung cancer participants and 4,674,516 nonlung cancer participants) were included. In both the main and sensitivity analyses, the associations remained constant between lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and a higher risk of lung cancer (main analysis: odds ratio: 1.13 [1.08–1.18]) and squamous cell carcinoma (1.29 [1.16–1.43]). Hypertriglyceridemia was associated with a lower risk of adenocarcinoma (0.90 [0.84–0.96]) and a higher risk of small cell lung cancer (1.31 [1.11–1.55]). Hypercholesterolemia was associated with a lower risk of squamous cell carcinoma (0.84 [0.76–0.94]). In the subgroup analysis, lower HDL cholesterol levels were associated with greater risk across most subgroups. HDL cholesterol levels also demonstrated a dose‒response association with the development of lung cancer.ConclusionsThe distinct associations between specific lipid profiles and lung cancer subtypes suggest that lipid metabolism may play different mechanistic roles in lung cancer development.

The Effects of Selenium Supplementation on Lipid Profile and the Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Markers in Patients With Kidney Diseases

This meta-analysis analyzed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to determine the impact of selenium supplementation on lipid profiles, inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Data were combined using a fixed- or random-effects model. Results of 7 included RCTs showed a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels following selenium intake. However, circulating levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-c, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were not significantly affected. Selenium intake also reduced high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels compared to controls, suggesting that selenium supplementation might lower and elevate hs-CRP and HDL-c levels, respectively, indicating its potential therapeutic effect.

The Role of Paraoxonase-1 Activity, Apolipoprotein B Levels, and Apolipoprotein B/Apolipoprotein A-I Ratio as Risk Markers for Aortic Stenosis in Patients with a Bicuspid Aortic Valve

The bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is commonly associated with the early degeneration of the aortic valve. Up to 45% of BAV patients over the age of 50 develop aortic stenosis (AS). Although published data indicate a robust interplay between lipids and calcific AS in tricuspid aortic valve patients, the studies on the BAV population are lacking. We aimed to evaluate the association between selected lipid markers and the occurrence of AS in BAV patients. Methods: The study included 76 adults (21 female) with a BAV diagnosed by echocardiography, divided by age and AS diagnosis. Biochemical parameters concentrations in serum were measured: high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels by standard enzymatic colorimetric tests, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels by the Friedewald formula, apolipoprotein A-I (Apo AI) and apolipoprotein B (Apo B) serum concentration by the nephelometric method, and paraoxonase-1 activity (PON-1 ASE) and arylesterase activity (PON-1 ARE) based on paraoxon and phenyl acetate hydrolysis. Results: A total of 54 patients (15 female) were more than 45 years old and 22 (6 female) were 45 or less years old. BAV patients with AS aged ≤45 had higher levels of Apo B, compared to those without AS [110.5 (102–132) vs. 95.6 (77–101) mg/d; p 0.044]. Similarly, Apo B/Apo AI ratio was higher in BAV patients with AS aged ≤45, compared to those without AS [(0.8 (0.7–1) vs. 0.6 (0.5–0.7); p 0.029]. In the group aged ≤45, Apo B showed a positive correlation with the aortic valve peak transvalvular velocity (AV Vmax) measurement (R Spearman 0.6, p 0.004). We found also that, among young BAV patients, those with AS had a lower level of PON-1 ARE compared to the cohort without AS [63.4 (52–80) vs. 85.3 (70–102); p 0.012]. We did not find any differences in lipid parameters in patients aged &gt;45. Conclusions The metabolic link between Apo B level and Apo B/AI ratio with AS presence in BAV patients under 45 years of age suggests a significant impact of these parameters on the earlier development of AS in the BAV population. Molecules associated with high density lipoprotein and its antioxidant function, such as PON1, are valuable markers for AS development, compared to HDL-C and LDL-C levels.

Exploring serum miR-33b as a novel diagnostic marker for hypercholesterolemia and obesity: insights from a pilot case-control study.

Obesity and atherosclerosis are significant metabolic diseases characterized by disrupted lipid metabolism. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, conserved, non-coding RNA sequences consisting of approximately 22 nucleotides, playing crucial roles in biological and pathological functions. Among these, miR-33a/b is particularly associated with metabolic diseases, notably obesity and atherosclerosis. In this pilot case-control study, 45 subjects were examined, and serum miR-33b levels were measured in three groups: a control group, hypercholesterolemic (HC) subjects without obesity (HC group), and obese subjects without hypercholesterolemia (obese group). Serum miR-33b levels were determined using the real-time PCR method. The expression of miR-33b was significantly higher in the HC and obese groups compared to the control group (p < 0.001). The Body mass index (BMI) in the obese group was significantly higher than in the control and HC groups (p < 0.001). Additionally, serum total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels were higher in the HC group compared to both the control and obese groups. Our study demonstrated a correlation between serum miR-33b levels and HC and obesity. Finally, the ROC analysis demonstrated that miR-33b had an AUC of 0.74 for identifying hypercholesterolemia and an AUC of 0.76 for identifying obesity, indicating its acceptable diagnostic value alongside traditional markers. Therefore, serum miR-33b levels can be considered as a potential biomarker for obesity and hypercholesterolemia, but these finding are preliminary and further investigation is necessary in larger samples to confirm these associations.

Preliminary Research on Dietary Supplementation of Potassium Magnesium Sulphate on Transport Stress in Finishing Pigs Prior to Slaughter

Transport stress prior to slaughter frequently induces a stress response, negatively affecting meat quality. This study investigated the impact of dietary potassium magnesium sulphate (PMS) supplementation during the fattening stage on the stress response and meat quality in finishing pigs subjected to transport stress. The experiment involved two phases. Initially, 48 finishing pigs (68.00 ± 0.40 kg) were randomly allocated into two groups: a control group receiving a basal diet (CON) and a PMS-supplemented group receiving the basal diet with 0.50% PMS. Each group was housed in six pens, with four pigs per pen. After 60 days of feeding, in the second phase, two pigs from each pen were randomly selected for slaughter, with one pig subjected to a 4 h transportation stress prior to slaughter. Pigs were categorized into four treatment groups based on diet and stress: (1) control without transport stress, (2) control with transport stress, (3) PMS-supplemented without transport stress, and (4) PMS-supplemented with transport stress. Serum, jejunum, and longissimus thoracis muscle (LM) samples were collected. The results indicated that dietary PMS supplementation did not significantly affect growth performance during the fattening stage (p &gt; 0.05). However, following transport, the PMS pigs showed a reduction in norepinephrine and cortisol concentrations (p = 0.09, p &lt; 0.05) and a significant increase in serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity (p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, PMS supplementation significantly increased serum catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (p &lt; 0.05), while significantly reducing cholesterol (CHO) levels (p &lt; 0.05). Transport stress adversely affected the intestinal health of finishing pigs, as evidenced by a decrease in intestinal villus height (0.05 &lt; p &lt; 0.1), a condition ameliorated by PMS supplementation. Additionally, transported pigs exhibited a higher drip loss24h in LM (p &lt; 0.05), which was also alleviated through PMS supplementation. In conclusion, PMS supplementation mitigates transport stress and improves meat quality in finishing pigs.

The Association Between Metabolic Syndrome and the Risk of Endometrial Cancer in Pre- and Post-Menopausal Women: A UK Biobank Study

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a syndrome that comprises central obesity, increased serum triglyceride (TG) levels, decreased serum HDL cholesterol (HDL) levels, raised blood pressure (BP), and impaired glucose regulation, including prediabetic and diabetic glycaemic levels. Recently, the association with endometrial cancer (EC) has been described but it is unclear if the risk associated with MetS is higher than the individual effect of obesity alone. This study investigates the association between MetS components and differing MetS definitions on EC risk and compares the risk of MetS with the risk posed by obesity alone. It also analyses how MetS affects the risk of EC development in the pre- and post-menopausal subgroups. Methods: A prospective cohort study was undertaken using data from the UK biobank. Multivariable Cox proportional risk models with the time to diagnosis (years) were used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) of MetS and its components on the risk of EC. A subgroup analysis was also undertaken for pre- and post-menopausal participants. Kaplan–Meier (KM) was undertaken to assess the difference in the risk of EC development in differing BMI classes, and in pre- and post-menopausal subgroups. Results: A total of 177,005 females from the UK biobank were included in this study. Of those participants who developed EC (n = 1454), waist circumference &gt; 80 cm, BMI &gt; 30 kg/m2, hypertension &gt; 130/80 mmHg, hyperlipidaemia and diabetes (HbA1C &gt; 48 mmol/L were significant predictors of EC development, with waist circumference being the strongest predictor (HR = 2.21; 95% CI: 1.98–2.47, p &lt; 0.001). Comparing the pre- and post-menopausal subgroup, hypertriglyceridaemia and diabetes were the strongest predictors of EC in the pre-menopausal subgroup (HR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.18–1.99 and HR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.08–2.12, p &lt; 0.05, respectively). Raised waist circumference was not a significant independent predictor in the pre-menopausal subgroup. A KM curve analysis showed a clear distinction between those with and without MetS in the pre-menopausal group, suggesting a benefit of testing for MetS components in pre-menopausal women with obesity. Conclusions: Components of MetS, both independently and in combination, significantly increase the risk of EC. Screening those with obesity for MetS in their pre-menopausal years may help to identify those at the highest risk.