Hypercholesterolemia Research Articles

Matched Comparison Examining the Effect of Obesity on Clinical, Economic, and Humanistic Outcomes in Patients with BipolarI Disorder.

BipolarI disorder (BD-I) is associated with an increased risk of obesity, but few studies have evaluated the real-world clinical, humanistic, and economic effects associated with obesity in people with BD-I. This was a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of responses to the 2016 and 2020 National Health and Wellness surveys. Respondents (18-64years) with a self-reported physician diagnosis of BD-I were matched to controls without BD-I based on demographic and health characteristics. Respondents were categorized by body mass index as underweight/normal weight (< 25kg/m2), overweight (25 to < 30kg/m2), or obese (≥ 30kg/m2). Multivariable regression models were used to compare obesity-related comorbidities, healthcare resource utilization (HCRU), health-related quality of life (HRQoL), work productivity, and indirect and direct costs. Before matching, the BD-I cohort was younger than the non-BD-I cohort and included more female and white respondents and a greater proportion covered by Medicaid or Medicare. After matching, the BD-I and non-BD-I cohorts had similar characteristics. A total of 5418 respondents (BD-I, n = 1806; matched controls, n = 3612) were analyzed. Obese respondents with BD-I reported the highest adjusted prevalences of high blood pressure (50%), high cholesterol (35%), sleep apnea (27%), osteoarthritis (17%), type2 diabetes (12%), and liver disease (4%). Obesity in respondents with BD-I was associated with the lowest HRQoL scores. Measures of work impairment were highest in respondents with BD-I and obesity, as was HCRU. Respondents with BD-I and obesity had the highest associated total indirect and direct medical costs ($25,849 and $44,482, respectively). Obese respondents with BD-I had greater frequencies of obesity-related comorbidities, higher HCRU, lower HRQoL, greater work impairments, and higher indirect and direct medical costs. These findings highlight the real-world burden of obesity in people with BD-I and the importance of considering treatments that may reduce this burden.

Effects of yeast and exogenous fibrolytic enzyme additives on lamb performance and feed efficiency.

Yeast and fibrolytic enzymes serve as additives incorporated into the nutrition of ruminants to regulate rumen fermentation and increase the digestibility of fiber, thereby enhancing the efficiency of rumen fermentation. Two experiments were conducted to assess the impact of five diets: a control diet without additives, diets with yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) or exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFE), and diets with a blend of 0.7yeast + 0.3EFE or 0.7EFE + 0.3Yeast (based on recommended levels in g/kg of total DM). In the first experiment, 40 five-month-old Santa Ines lambs (mean weight 25.0 ± 1.3kg) were distributed in a completely randomized design (5 treatments and 8 lambs) for 81 days to evaluate performance, ingestive behaviour, and serum metabolites. In the second experiment, 25 Santa Ines male lambs weighing 25.7 ± 4.1kg were housed in metabolic cages, in a randomized design with 5 treatments and 5 lambs, evaluating digestibility, nitrogen balance, and rumen pH. EFE supplementation increased intakes of dry matter (DM), total digestible nutrients (TDN), and apNDF (mean of 38.1, 5.26, and 27%, respectively) compared to yeast or the 0.7yeast-0.3EFE blend. Feed conversion was most efficient (mean of 27.1%) in lambs fed Yeast, 0.7EFE + 0.3yeast, and the control diet. Lambs fed 0.7yeast + 0.3EFE spent less time eating (mean of 16.5%) and more time idling (mean of 10.75%), whereas EFE-fed lambs spent more time eating (mean of 19.73%), and 0.7EFE + 0.3yeast-fed lambs spent more time ruminating (mean of 20.14%). Control group lambs chewed and ruminated less (means of 24.64 and 17.21%, respectively) compared to other treatments. Lambs on the 0.7yeast + 0.3EFE blend had higher eating and rumination efficiency rates for DM and apNDF (mean of 19.11 and 17.95%, respectively) compared to other additive treatments or individual additives. They also exhibited lower (means 7.59g/d) urinary N excretion, with improved N retention (mean 3185g/d) compared to the control group. There were significant effects on serum albumin and cholesterol concentrations, with the 0.7yeast + 0.3EFE blend showing higher albumin (mean 4.08g/dL) levels, while diets without additives and yeast-EFE blends had higher cholesterol (mean of 62.51g/dL) concentrations. Including Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast along with 0.7 yeast + 0.3 EFE blend is recommended when feeding similar lamb diets to those used herein because it improves the efficiency of intake, rumination of DM and NDF, and nitrogen utilization without affecting the lamb performance.

From prevention to treatment: Prescription medication, information, and health behaviors.

Medical innovations may lessen the perceived risk of disease which can decrease the take-up of healthy behaviors, a phenomenon known as risk compensation. In contrast, a diagnosis provides updated information about the state of one's health which may motivate positive behavior change. In this paper, I consider how behavior changes in response to a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease (CVD) before and after the FDA approval of new classes of drugs to treat high blood pressure and high cholesterol in 1973. I find that individuals diagnosed with CVD are more likely to follow a diet and decrease body-mass index in response to the diagnosis, irrespective of medication approvals. Nonsmoking is a notable exception. Prior to medication availability, there is no change in smoking behavior in response to a CVD diagnosis. Conversely, when medication is available, there is a significant decline in smoking. The empirical complementarity of medication and smoking cessation may be driven by increased exposure to medical professionals (who emphasize the harms of smoking) or because medication decreases the risk of CVD death which heightens the importance of investing in future health.

Cardiovascular disease risk factors and their associations with inflammation among US adolescents: NHANES, 2015 to March 2020

IntroductionThe prevalence of obesity and glycemic dysfunction in adolescents has increased over the past several decades but less is known on how these conditions are associated with systemic inflammation in...

Population-level trends in self-reported healthcare utilization among older adults in Mexico with and without cognitive impairment

BackgroundOlder adults with cognitive impairment exhibit different patterns of healthcare utilization compared to their cognitively healthy counterparts. Despite extensive research in high-income countries, similar studies in low- and middle-income countries are lacking. This study aims to investigate the population-level patterns in healthcare utilization among older adults with and without cognitive impairment in Mexico.MethodsData came from five waves (2001–2018) of the Mexican Health and Aging Study. We used self-reported measures for one or more over-night hospital stays, doctor visits, visits to homeopathic doctors, and dental visits in the past year; seeing a pharmacist in the past year; and being screened for cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension in the past two years. Cognitive impairment was defined using a modified version of the Cross Cultural Cognitive Examination that assessed verbal memory, visuospatial and visual scanning. Total sample included 5,673 participants with cognitive impairment and 34,497 without cognitive impairment interviewed between 2001 and 2018. Generalized Estimating Equation models that adjusted for time-varying demographic and health characteristics and included an interaction term between time and cognitive status were used.ResultsFor all participants, the risk for one or more overnight hospital stays, doctor visits, and dental visits in the past year, and being screened for diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol increased from 2001 to 2012 and leveled off or decreased in 2015 and 2018. Conversely, seeing a homeopathic doctor decreased. Cognitive impairment was associated with higher risk of hospitalization (RR = 1.13, 1.03–1.23) but lower risk of outpatient services (RR = 0.95, 0.93–0.97), cholesterol screening (RR = 0.93, 0.91–0.96), and diabetes screening (RR = 0.95, 0.92–0.97).No significant difference was observed in the use of pharmacists, homeopathic doctors, or folk healers based on cognitive status. Interaction effects indicated participants with cognitive impairment had lower risk for dental visits and hypertension screening but that these trajectories differed over time compared to participants without cognitive impairment.ConclusionsWe identified distinct population-level trends in self-reported healthcare utilization and differences according to cognitive status, particularly for elective and screening services. These findings highlight the necessity for policy interventions to ensure older adults with cognitive impairment have their healthcare needs met.

Treatment with 1.25% cholesterol enriched diet produces severe fatty liver disease characterized by advanced fibrosis and inflammation and impaired autophagy in mice

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is reaching pandemic proportions due to overnutrition. The understanding of advanced stages that recapitulate the human pathology is of great importance to get a better mechanistic insight. We hypothesized that feeding of WT (C57BL) mice with a diet containing a high content of fat (21%), sugar (41.5%) and 1.25% of cholesterol (called from now on high fat, sucrose and cholesterol diet, HFSCD) will reproduce the characteristics of disease severity. Analysis of 16 weeks HFSCD-fed mice demonstrated increased liver weight and plasmatic liver damage markers compared with control diet (CD)-fed mice. HFSCD-fed mice developed greater hepatic triglyceride, cholesterol and NEFA content, inflammation and NAFLD activity score (NAS) indicating an advanced disease. HFSCD-fed mice displayed augmented hepatic total CD3+ T and Th9 lymphocytes, as well as reduced Th2 lymphocytes and CD206 anti-inflammatory macrophages. Moreover, T cells and anti-inflammatory macrophages correlated positively and inversely, respectively, with intrahepatic cholesterol content. Consistently, circulating cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes, Th1, and B cell levels were elevated in HFSCD-fed WT mice. Hepatic and adipose tissue expression analysis demonstrated changes in fibrotic and metabolic genes related with cholesterol, triglycerides, and fatty acid synthesis in HFSCD-fed WT. These mice also exhibited reduced antioxidant capacity and autophagy and elevated ERK signaling pathway activation and CHOP levels. Our results indicate that the feeding with a cholesterol-enriched diet in WT mice produces an advanced NAFLD stage with fibrosis, characterized by deficient autophagy and ER stress along with inflammasome activation partially via ERK pathway activation.

Metabolically healthy obesity and risks of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality, a matched cohort study: the Shizuoka study.

Metabolically healthy obesity is not always a benign condition. It is associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality. We investigated the prognostic significance of metabolically healthy obesity by comparing clinical profile-matched metabolically healthy obesity and non-obesity groups. We analyzed a health insurance dataset with annual health checkup data from Japan. The analyzed data included 168,699 individuals aged <65 years. Obesity was defined as ≥25 kg/m2 body mass index. Metabolically healthy was defined as ≤1 metabolic risk factor (high blood pressure, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or high hemoglobin A1c). Incidence rates of stroke, myocardial infarction, and all-cause mortality identified from the insurance data were compared between metabolically healthy obesity and non-obesity groups (n = 8644 each) using a log-rank test. The stroke (obesity: 9.2 per 10,000 person-years; non-obesity: 10.5; log-rank test p = 0.595), myocardial infarction (obesity: 3.7; non-obesity: 3.1; p = 0.613), and all-cause mortality (obesity: 26.6; non-obesity: 23.2; p = 0.304) incidence rates did not differ significantly between the metabolically healthy obesity and non-obesity groups, even when the abdominal obesity was considered in the analysis. The lack of association was also observed in the comparison between the metabolically unhealthy obesity and non-obesity groups (n = 10,965 each). The population with metabolically healthy obesity reported negligibly worse metabolic profiles than the population with non-obesity at the 5.6-year follow-up. Obesity, when accompanied by a healthy metabolic profile, did not increase the risk of cardiovascular outcomes and all-cause mortality.

Discordant High Remnant Cholesterol With LDL-C Increases the Risk of Stroke: A Chinese Prospective Cohort Study.

Previous studies focusing on assessing the effects of remnant cholesterol (RC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) on stroke may not consider their mutual influence. We aimed to explore the associations of RC and discordant high RC with LDL-C with stroke, ischemic stroke (IS), and hemorrhagic stroke. This prospective cohort study was conducted based on 3 cohorts of the China-PAR (Prediction for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk in China) project. RC was calculated as non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol minus LDL-C estimated by Martin/Hopkins equations. Concordant/discordant categories for RC versus LDL-C were determined based on cut-points of 130 mg/dL for LDL-C and equivalent percentile (32.50 mg/dL) for RC. Cox models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios and 95% CIs for incident stroke. Among 113 448 participants recruited at baseline, a total of 98 967 participants were eligible for the final analysis (mean age of 51.44 years; 40.45% were men). During 728 776.87 person-years of follow-up, 2859 stroke cases, 1811 IS cases, and 849 hemorrhagic stroke cases were observed. RC was positively associated with stroke and IS, but not hemorrhagic stroke, with adjusted hazard ratios (95% CIs) of 1.06 (1.02-1.10), 1.09 (1.04-1.13), and 0.95 (0.88-1.03) for per SD increase in RC. Compared with low LDL-C/low RC group, low LDL-C/high RC group had higher risks of stroke (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.15 [95% CI, 1.02-1.30]) and IS (1.19, 1.03-1.38), while high LDL-C/low RC group had no increased risk of stroke (1.07 [0.95-1.20]) and IS (1.09 [0.94-1.25]). Higher RC was associated with increased risks of stroke and IS but not hemorrhagic stroke. Discordantly high RC, not discordantly high LDL-C, conferred higher risks of stroke and IS. Our findings support further lowering RC by interventions to reduce residual IS risk.

Gestational Diabetes and Subsequent Metabolic Dysfunction: An National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Analysis (2011-2018).

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) complicates ∼10% of pregnancies, with the highest rates among Asian women. Evidence suggests that GDM is associated with an increased risk for future chronic health conditions, yet data for Asian women are sparse. We explored the association between prior GDM and metabolic dysfunction with nationally representative data to obtain Asian-specific estimates. Methods: For this cross-sectional study, data were drawn from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for 7195 women with a prior pregnancy. GDM (yes/no) was defined using the question "During pregnancy, were you ever told by a doctor or other health professional that you had diabetes, sugar diabetes, or gestational diabetes?." Current metabolic dysfunction (yes/no) was based on having at least one of four indicators: systolic blood pressure (SBP, ≥130 mmHg), waist circumference (≥88 cm), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (<50 mg/dL), and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (≥6.5%). Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between prior GDM and metabolic outcomes, overall and by race. Models included sampling weights and demographic and behavioral factors. Results: Overall, women with prior GDM had 46% greater odds of high waist circumference (OR: 1.5; 95% CI: 1.1-2.0) and 200% greater odds (OR: 3.0; 95% CI: 2.1-4.2) of high HbA1c. Prior GDM was not associated with high blood pressure or low HDL cholesterol. In race-specific analyses, prior GDM was associated with increased risk of elevated HbA1c among Asian (OR: 6.6; 95% CI: 2.5-17.2), Mexican American (OR: 3.0; 95% CI: 1.5-5.8), Black (OR: 3.0; 95% CI: 1.7-5.5), and White (OR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.5-4.6) women. Prior GDM was associated with elevated SBP among Mexican American women and low HDL among Black women. Discussion: Prior GDM is associated with elevated HbA1c among all women, yet is a stronger predictor of elevated HbA1c among Asian women than other women. Race-specific associations between prior GDM and metabolic dysfunction were observed among Mexican American and Black women. Further research is warranted to understand the observed race/ethnic-specific associations.

Pemeriksaan Gula Darah Sewaktu Bagi Kader Asadana Semesta Tabanan

A person is more at risk of developing blood sugar disease (type 2 DM) due to the following factors. someone who is over 45 years old, has a family history of type 2 diabetes, rarely does physical activity or exercise, is overweight or obese, suffers from prediabetes, suffers from high cholesterol, and suffers from high blood pressure (hypertension). A blood sugar test is an examination that is absolutely necessary to diagnose type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The results of blood sugar measurements will show whether a person has diabetes or not. Patients must control their blood sugar in a disciplined manner through a healthy diet so that blood sugar does not increase above normal. The aim of this service to society is to determine current blood sugar levels and provide knowledge to Asadana Semesta Tabanan cadres. The solution given is to check blood sugar levels and provide information about DM disease. The results were that most were at normal values ​​and only six people had blood sugar above 200 mg/dl. It was concluded that it is important to carry out examinations and provide information about DM disease so that they carry out routine examinations

Differential roles of lysosomal cholesterol transporters in the development of C. elegans NMJs.

Cholesterol homeostasis in neurons is critical for synapse formation and maintenance. Neurons with impaired cholesterol uptake undergo progressive synapse loss and eventual degeneration. To investigate the molecular mechanisms of neuronal cholesterol homeostasis and its role during synapse development, we studied motor neurons of Caenorhabditis elegans because these neurons rely on dietary cholesterol. Combining lipidomic analysis, we discovered that NCR-1, a lysosomal cholesterol transporter, promotes cholesterol absorption and synapse development. Loss of ncr-1 causes smaller synapses, and low cholesterol exacerbates the deficits. Moreover, NCR-1 deficiency hinders the increase in synapses under high cholesterol. Unexpectedly, NCR-2, the NCR-1 homolog, increases the use of cholesterol and sphingomyelins and impedes synapse formation. NCR-2 deficiency causes an increase in synapses regardless of cholesterol concentration. Inhibiting the degradation or synthesis of sphingomyelins can induce or suppress the synaptic phenotypes in ncr-2 mutants. Our findings indicate that neuronal cholesterol homeostasis is differentially controlled by two lysosomal cholesterol transporters and highlight the importance of neuronal cholesterol homeostasis in synapse development.

Gender difference in coronary artery disease

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) continues to exert a substantial impact on global health, being the main factor causing morbidity and mortality in North America and Europe. Men and women have different incidences of CAD and risk factors, which has been widely reported across populations. In light of a notable scarcity of studies examining the variation in CAD risk among different subgroups. We investigated how cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure, and age affect CAD risk in different sex and smoking groups. Method: Framingham Heart Study, a longest-running cardiovascular epidemiological investigation used furnishing valuable insights into CAD risk. Investigating the relationship between these characteristics and the occurrence of CHD involved using logistic regression. Result: For blood pressure variable among smoking group, there were significant increase in male group (=0.0255, P&lt;0.001) compared with non-smoking group (=0.0164 in male, =0.0162 among female group, P&lt;0.001) and reduction among female group (=0.0089, P&lt;0.001). Within the female group, the age variable exhibited a notable reduction in smoking group (=0.0460, P=0.0020) compared with the non-smoking group (=0.0829, P&lt;0.001). After adding the interactions between smoking and blood pressure, smoking and age. In the male group, both smoking and the interaction become insignificant, whereas in the female group the interaction is significant. Conclusion: Our study suggested that high level of glucose, total cholesterol and blood pressure increased the risk of CAD. By dividing into subgroup, we discovered that the combined presence of smoking and increased blood pressure, and of smoking and age could potentially exert a more adverse effect on pressure wave reflection in women compared to men.

Perfluorononanoic acid as a risk factor for metabolic syndrome: A case-control study

BackgroundCurrent epidemiological results from studies linking per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) to metabolic syndrome (MetS) remain inconsistent. ObjectivesWe aim to investigate the association between serum PFASs and MetS using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in the United States (US NHANES) 2017–2018. MethodsThe Bayesian kernel regression (BKMR) and weighted quantiles sum regression (WQS) models were used to assess the association of serum PFASs with MetS and calculate the weight of each substance. Stratification analysis and sensitivity analysis were used to study the effect modification and the robustness of the study results, respectively. ResultsAll statistical models used in this study consistently indicated that serum perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) was positively associated with an increased risk of MetS. The BKMR model revealed that serum PFASs mixtures had a combined toxic effect on MetS and its components, and serum PFNA could contribute the most to driving the overall association. Specifically, the combined exposure of PFASs was significantly associated with lipids (LP), among which serum PFNA contributed significantly to high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and serum perfluorodecanoate (PFDeA) was significantly positively correlated with triglyceride (TG). Besides, a nonlinear dose-response relationship between PFASs and MetS was observed. The final stratified analysis results underscore the critical importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, as obesity, smoking, and consume carryout/delivered foods exhibit effect modification on the association between PFASs and MetS. ConclusionOur findings point to PFNA as a risk factor for metabolic diseases, particularly affecting lipids.

Analysis of Waist-to-Hip Ratio with Total Cholesterol Levels in Obese and Non-Obese Employees at El Tari Airport Kupang

Increased cholesterol levels are one of the causes of obesity. One type of obesity is central obesity, characterized by the amount of accumulation of fat in the abdominal area. Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR) measurement is more potent than Body Mass Index (BMI) in predicting cardiovascular disease risk. WHR is also used to identity the occurrence of central obesity, which is a risk factor for elevated cholesterol levels. This study aimed to analyze the difference in total cholesterol levels in the group of normal and above normal WHR employees at El Tari Airport, Kupang. This study was an observational analytic type with the cross-sectional method and used venous blood samples to measure total cholesterol levels and WHR. Data analysis using independent sample t-test. The results of the independent sample t-test showed a significant difference in total cholesterol levels between obese employees (above normal WHR) and non-obese employees (normal WHR). The significance result is 0.027 (p &lt; 0.05) in the independent sample t-test. This indicates that WHR can be used to identify central obesity in a person and also person with above normal WHR tend to have high total cholesterol levels.

Anti-Hypertensive and Anti-Hypercholesterolemic Effects of Protein Hydrolysates from (Phaseolus vulgaris) L. in Functional Beverage

The study aimed to formulate a functional beverage from common bean seeds, isolate the proteins and evaluate their anti-hypertensive and anti-cholesterolemic properties. White common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) mature seeds were used to prepare the beverage. Proteins isolated from the beverage were subjected to digestion with pepsin and combined enzymes including trypsin, thermolysin, and chymotrypsin. The unhydrolyzed beverage and protein hydrolysates were subsequently tested for Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibition and cholesterol micellar solubility inhibition. The results showed that both unhydrolyzed and hydrolyzed proteins exhibited blood pressure and cholesterol-lowering properties, with high ACE inhibition (77.60%) and cholesterol micellar solubility inhibition (27.38%). The formulated functional beverage from white common bean seeds has potential for preventing hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. This study offers a theoretical foundation for the formulation of functional beverages or bean-based food products by food companies.

Influence of Varied Dietary Cholesterol Levels on Lipid Metabolism in Hamsters

Syrian hamsters are valuable models for studying lipid metabolism due to their sensitivity to dietary cholesterol, yet the precise impact of varying cholesterol levels has not been comprehensively assessed. This study examined the impact of varying dietary cholesterol levels on lipid metabolism in Syrian hamsters. Diets ranging from 0% to 1% cholesterol were administered to assess lipid profiles and oxidative stress markers. Key findings indicate specific cholesterol thresholds for inducing distinct lipid profiles: below 0.13% for normal lipids, 0.97% for elevated LDL-C, 0.43% for increased VLDL-C, and above 0.85% for heightened hepatic lipid accumulation. A cholesterol supplementation of 0.43% induced hypercholesterolemia without adverse liver effects or abnormal lipoprotein expression. Furthermore, cholesterol supplementation significantly increased liver weight, plasma total cholesterol, LDL-C, and VLDL-C levels while reducing the HDL-C/LDL-C ratio. Fecal cholesterol excretion increased, with stable bile acid levels. High cholesterol diets correlated with elevated plasma ALT activities, reduced hepatic lipid peroxidation, and altered leptin and CETP levels. These findings underscore Syrian hamsters as robust models for hyperlipidemia research, offering insights into experimental methodologies. The identified cholesterol thresholds facilitate precise lipid profile manipulation, enhancing the hamster’s utility in lipid metabolism studies and potentially informing clinical approaches to managing lipid disorders.

Correlation between hyperuricemia and thickened left ventricular wall in hypertensive young adults

BackgroundIn this study, we examine the association between the hyperuricemia(HU) and hypertension(HTN) in Chinese young adults. Besides, the correlation between the occurrence of thickened left ventricular wall and HU was identified in patients with HTN.MethodsIn all, 360 patients with HTN and 1991 young adults with normal blood pressure(NBP) were enrolled in the study. Participant characteristics were collected. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression tests were utilized to identify the correlation between the presence of HU and HTN, and the correlation between the occurrence of thickened ventricular septum and HU in patients with HTN.ResultsThe prevalence of HU in Chinese young adults with HTN was significantly higher than young adults with NBP(36.39% vs. 16.93%). Univariable analyses revealed that 8 factors were related with the presence of HTN with p value < 0.001, including HU, male, body mass index(BMI) ≥ 24 kg/m2, total cholesterol(TC) > 5.17mmol/L, triglyceride(TG) > 1.70mmol/L, high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C) < 1.0mmol/L, fasting blood glucose(FBG) > 6.10mmol/L and fatty liver. After adjusting these covariates, multivariable analysis revealed that HU[odds ratio(OR):1.47, 95% confidence interval(CI): 1.10–1.95, p = 0.008] remained independent association with HTN in young adults. Additionally, univariable and multivariable logistic analyses revealed that HU kept the independent effect on the presence of thickened interventricular septum(adjusted OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.05–3.11, P = 0.03) and thickened left ventricular posterior wall(adjusted OR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.28–4.08, P = 0.005) in young adults with HTN.ConclusionHU was independently associated with HTN in young adults. HU was independently correlated with thickened left ventricular wall, including interventricular septum and left ventricular posterior wall, in young adults with HTN.

Handgrip strength, and erectile dysfunction among men with metabolic syndrome attending an institutional primary care clinic in Malaysia: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is an independent predictor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The prevalence increases with age, but little is known about the relationship between handgrip strength (HGS) and ED, especially among men with a high risk of CVD. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ED among men aged ≥40 years with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its association with HGS. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study at an institutional primary care clinic in Malaysia was conducted between June 2021 and October 2021. HGS and erectile function were assessed using a hand dynamometer and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the association between sociodemographics, clinical characteristics, and HGS with ED. Results: A total of 334 participants were recruited. The prevalence of ED was 79% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.75-0.84). ED was associated with elderly aged ≥60 years (odds ratio [OR] 3.27, 95%CI: 1.60-6.69), low HGS (OR 15.34, 95%CI: 5.64-41.81) and high total cholesterol (OR 0.36, 95%CI: 0.16-0.78). Conclusion: In conclusion, age above 60 years and those with low HGS are at higher risk of ED. Thus, robust screening of ED among men with MetS and improving muscle strength and physical fitness may be warranted.

Cholesterol-rich lysosomes induced by respiratory syncytial virus promote viral replication by blocking autophagy flux

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hijacks cholesterol or autophagy pathways to facilitate optimal replication. However, our understanding of the associated molecular mechanisms remains limited. Here, we show that RSV infection blocks cholesterol transport from lysosomes to the endoplasmic reticulum by downregulating the activity of lysosomal acid lipase, activates the SREBP2–LDLR axis, and promotes uptake and accumulation of exogenous cholesterol in lysosomes. High cholesterol levels impair the VAP-A-binding activity of ORP1L and promote the recruitment of dynein–dynactin, PLEKHM1, or HOPS VPS39 to Rab7–RILP, thereby facilitating minus-end transport of autophagosomes and autolysosome formation. Acidification inhibition and dysfunction of cholesterol-rich lysosomes impair autophagy flux by inhibiting autolysosome degradation, which promotes the accumulation of RSV fusion protein. RSV-F storage is nearly abolished after cholesterol depletion or knockdown of LDLR. Most importantly, the knockout of LDLR effectively inhibits RSV infection in vivo. These findings elucidate the molecular mechanism of how RSV co-regulates lysosomal cholesterol reprogramming and autophagy and reveal LDLR as a novel target for anti-RSV drug development.

Subclinical hypothyroidism and metabolic syndrome in psychiatric patients: A systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

The systematic review evaluated the association of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and specific MetS components in people with major psychiatric disorders. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the association of SCH with MetS and its components in people with major psychiatric conditions. Five studies incorporating 24,158 participants met the inclusion criteria. All five studies comprised patients with depression and/or anxiety. Three studies incorporating 3365 participants were suitable for the meta-analysis. The pooled Odds Ratio (OR) of MetS was 3.46 (95% Confidence Interval/CI = 1.39-8.62) in major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorders patients with concurrent SCH compared to those without SCH. Meta-analysis showed a significant positive association between SCH and high body mass index (OR = 2.58, 95%CI = 1.33-5.01), high fasting plasma glucose (OR = 3.05, 95%CI = 1.79-5.18) and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR = 2.30, 95%CI = 1.82-2.92). These findings suggest a significant positive association between MetS and SCH in people with MDD and anxiety disorders. This review informed the clinical implications of MetS in MDD with comorbid SCH and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for SCH and MetS in psychiatric patients.