Hypercholesterolemia Research Articles

Purslane Leaf Extract (Portulaca oleracea) as a Cholesterol Control Herbal Tea Mixture

Cholesterol is one of the essential molecules in humans. An imbalance in cholesterol levels in the body, such as high levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or total cholesterol, can contribute to one of the leading causes of death in Indonesia. Diseases caused by high cholesterol levels include cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, coronary heart disease, hypertension, and stroke [6,9,14]. As a result, additional intake from sources like omega-3-rich supplements or herbal remedies is recommended. Historically, plant-based treatments have been used as pharmacological therapies. Researchers have explored the use of purslane (Portulaca oleracea) leaves, which contain unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, including omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and C, and minerals such as magnesium and potassium, offering cardiovascular benefits. The researchers utilized purslane extract as an herbal tea blend, serving as a natural alternative to supplements in capsule form, which may be more expensive. In extract form, purslane leaves are hygienically processed and mixed with herbal tea, creating a convenient health drink for daily consumption. The purslane leaf extract was obtained through method maceration using 96% food-grade ethanol. Proximate tests were conducted to assess total energy, energy from fat, ash content, moisture content, carbohydrates (by difference), total fat, and protein content [5,24]. Sensory evaluation was conducted by semi-trained panelists to assess the color, aroma, and taste of herbal tea blends containing purslane leaf extract. This evaluation aimed to collect subjective feedback from potential consumers regarding the organoleptic characteristics of the product.

Correlation between marginal bone loss around dental implants and various systemic diseases: a cross-sectional study.

Diminished bone levels or the lack of osseointegration can lead to higher rates of failure of dental implants. The present study is aimed to evaluate the correlation between hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia, on the marginal bone loss (MBL) surrounding dental implants among patients attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas dental clinics. Clinical notes from patients at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) dental clinics were analyzed using AxiUm™ software. The study included patients with dental implants diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and hyperlipidemia who attended the UNLV School of Dental Medicine clinics from 2012 to 2022. Exclusions were made for patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome and those with a limited number of radiographs. A search was conducted using keywords such as 'systemic disease,' 'marginal bone loss,' 'dental implant,' 'high cholesterol,' 'hypertension,' and 'diabetes' within the system. Out of 1,310 potentially eligible patients, 57 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The total number of evaluated implants was 165. 18% of the sample patients were 55 to 64 years of age, and 79% were 65 or above. 45.6% of patients reported having more than four systemic diseases and 67% of patients had four or more prescription medications. Patients diagnosed with hypertension (78.95%) or hyperlipidemia (73.68%) had the highest presence of marginal bone loss surrounding the dental implant(s) while those with diabetes (40.35%) had the least amount of MBL. Patients diagnosed with both hypertension and hyperlipidemia (29.82%) experienced the highest incidence of MBL around implants. The medications prescribed to combat these health issues, such as statins and antihypertensive, also showed the same trends and corresponded with a higher prevalence of MBL. Within the limitations of the present investigation, patients diagnosed with hyperlipidemia and hypertension were more likely to exhibit MBL surrounding dental implants.

Unraveling the proteomic signatures of coronary artery disease and hypercholesterolemia.

Atherosclerosis, a leading cause of coronary artery disease (CAD), is heavily influenced by hypercholesterolemia (HC). Proteomics research has shown promise in identifying biological markers for CAD diagnosis and prognosis. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify novel biomarkers for detecting HC and CAD. Through the analysis of proteome data from healthy controls (n=45) and patients diagnosed with HC (n=51) or CAD (n=32), distinct protein patterns associated with each condition were identified. Significant alterations in protein levels were identified with a false discovery rate (FDR)-corrected q-value of <0.05. Subsequent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, with an area under the curve (AUC) greater than 0.75, was conducted. CAD patients exhibited significantly increased levels of the cholesterol-metabolizing protein PCSK9 and varied levels of the angiogenesis-related protein SDF-1 compared to controls. In pairwise comparisons among the study groups, 65 proteins showed significant differential expression. Notably, 14 of these proteins had significant correlations with blood cholesterol levels. Additionally, 22 of the identified proteins were associated with CAD or HC pathways, with nine proteins being common to both conditions (Apo E, Apo E3, MMP-3, PCSK9, SDF-1, Apo B, PAFAH, HSP 60, and TAK1-TAB1). Nevertheless, this is an exploratory study, and validation studies are needed to confirm these potential protein biomarkers for CAD in the context of HC.

Sexual identity differences in the association between psychological distress and cardiometabolic health among women: 2013-2018 National Health Interview Survey.

Poor psychological health has been consistently documented for sexually minoritized women. However, little is known about the association between poor psychological health and physical health. This study examined associations between psychological distress and cardiometabolic health, including cardiovascular disease risk conditions (hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes) and diagnoses (stroke, coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, and angina), by sexual identity among women. Data are from the 2013-2018 National Health Interview Survey and included 102,279 women, who were straight (n = 97,909), lesbian/gay (n = 1,424), bisexual (n = 1,235), something else (n = 360), did not know (n = 712), and refused to disclose (n = 639). Multivariable multinomial logistic regression models were fit to estimate associations between psychological distress (measured with Kessler-6) and cardiometabolic health (self-reported diagnosis) and to examine sexual-identity differences in these associations. Covariates included sociodemographic characteristics. Overall, severe psychological distress was associated with significantly higher odds of having a cardiometabolic health condition (OR = 2.66). These associations generally did not statistically significantly differ based on sexual identity. However, potential substantive differences in the magnitude of the association existed among lesbian/gay (OR = 4.00) compared to straight women (OR = 2.73). Moreover, women who identified as gay/lesbian, bisexual, "something else," or "I don't know" all reported significantly higher prevalence of severe psychological distress than straight women. Given the overall positive association between psychological distress and cardiometabolic health as well as the higher prevalence of severe psychological distress among sexual minority women, more work is needed to longitudinally examine the effects of psychological distress on health among sexually minoritized women. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Impaired Renal Function With Higher Remnant Cholesterol Related to Risk of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: CGPS.

Chronic kidney disease confers a high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), partly due to hyperlipidemia. Although statins reduce the risk of ASCVD in chronic kidney disease, residual risk persists. We investigated whether higher remnant cholesterol is associated with an increased risk of ASCVD in statin users and nonusers with impaired renal function. We included 107 925 individuals from CGPS (Copenhagen General Population Study) initiated in 2003 to 2015, of whom 10 427 had impaired renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate, <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2). Remnant cholesterol was calculated from a standard lipid profile. ASCVD was myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease death, ischemic stroke, coronary artery bypass graft, or percutaneous coronary intervention extracted from Danish nationwide health registries from baseline through 2018; individuals with events before the start of follow-up were excluded from relevant analysis. In individuals with impaired renal function during up to 15 years of follow-up, 597 were diagnosed with myocardial infarction, 618 with ischemic stroke, and 1182 with ASCVD. In these individuals, a 1-mmol/L (39 mg/dL) higher remnant cholesterol level was associated with multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios of 1.21 (95% CI, 1.03-1.43) for myocardial infarction, 1.12 (95% CI, 0.93-1.34) for ischemic stroke, and 1.19 (95% CI, 1.05-1.35) for ASCVD. Corresponding hazard ratios for ASCVD were 1.36 (95% CI, 1.01-1.81) in statin users and 1.16 (95% CI, 1.01-1.33) in nonusers. Of the 1.36-fold excess risk of ASCVD in impaired versus normal renal function, elevated remnant cholesterol and elevated LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol explained 25% (95% CI, 2.5%-47%) and 0% in statin users and 8.3% (95% CI, 2.4%-14%) and 14% (95% CI, 6.4%-22%) in nonusers, respectively. Our results suggest that higher remnant cholesterol is a good marker of increased risk of ASCVD in individuals with impaired renal function, while higher LDL cholesterol may not be. Patients with chronic kidney disease who have high levels of remnant cholesterol are identifiable through higher non-HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol or apoB levels.

Investigating the prevalence and associated factors of depression, anxiety, and loneliness among people with type-2 diabetes in Bangladesh: a community-based study

Diabetes mellitus is a major worldwide health concern. Diabetes has been associated with a number of adverse mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, and loneliness that can negatively impact diabetes outcomes. This study aimed to investigate factors associated with depression, anxiety, and loneliness in people, in the community, suffering with diabetes in Bangladesh. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 600 people with type-2 diabetes (54.83% females; mean age: 52.70 ± 11.56 years) between July and September 2022. Purposive sampling method was used to recruit the participants. A validated semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic and other data. Depression, anxiety, and loneliness were measured using the PHQ-9, GAD-7, and UCLA Loneliness scale, respectively. Bivariate and multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted to ascertain factors that were significantly associated with these mental health conditions. The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and loneliness was 31.17%, 21.83%, and 28.00%, respectively. A lack of formal education, and not taking part in physical activities were significantly associated with all three mental health states. Duration of diabetes and being on medication for high cholesterol were also associated with depression and anxiety. Older age and being widowed were significantly associated with loneliness. This study found that depression, anxiety, and loneliness are prevalent among Bangladeshi people with diabetes, with certain sociodemographic and diabetes-related factors associated with increased risk. The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to people within the communities, at grassroot levels in order to improve reduce health inequality, and improve the mental health of people living with diabetes.

An ethnobotanical study of medicinal and wild food plants in Kırşehir (Türkiye)

This study compiles information regarding the use of certain plants found in Kırşehir and its surrounding regions in the Central Anatolia Region in folk medicine and other ethnobotanical characteristics. A total of 180 people participated in this study. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with the participants. As a result of the study, demographic characteristics of the participants, types of medicinal plant used by the people of the region, preparation techniques, usage patterns and frequency were determined. Local people benefit from 80 plants belonging to 28 families. The most commonly encountered medicinal plant family was Asteraceae (22 taxa). Twenty-two disease categories were identified in which traditional medicinal plants were used. Local people frequently use medicinal plants for the treatment of various diseases. These include dermatologic ailments (ICF 0.87), hematology issues (ICF 0.98), high cholesterol (ICF 0.98), gastrointestinal problems (ICF 0.88). Medicinal plants are also employed for treating cancer (ICF 0.95), hand tremors (ICF 1.00), cataracts (ICF 1.00), and gonorrhea (ICF 1.00), and kidney stones (ICF 1.00). The highest UV was found for Mentha arvensis and M. pulegium. This research is important in terms of transferring traditional knowledge to future generations. Moreover, the findings obtained should be investigated in fields such as pharmacology and phytotherapy.

Prevalence and associated factors of dyslipidemia in elderly people: Results from the Ardakan Cohort Study on Ageing, Iran.

Dyslipidemia is a major modifiable factor in elderly people. The study objective was to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of dyslipidemia among the Iranian population aged over 50. This population-based cross-sectional study is part of the Iranian Longitudinal Study on Ageing conducted in Ardakan, Iran. In total, 5,197 participants aged over 50 years old were included through a stratified random sampling method. Dyslipidemia was defined in compliance with the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. The Chi-square and independent sample t-test were used to compare categorical and quantitative variables, respectively. A logistic regression analysis was applied to determine associated factors of dyslipidemia. The mean age of the participants was 62.24±7.52. The prevalence of dyslipidemia was 68.85%. High levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, and low level of high-density lipoprotein were seen among 9.74%, 24.66%, 5.54%, 19.20% of the participants, respectively. In addition, 66.05% of the study participants were under the treatment of lipid-lowering medications. Among the possible investigated risk factors of dyslipidemia, male gender (odds ratio (OR) = 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.47, 0.68), waist circumference (OR = 1.03, 95%CI: 1.02, 1.04), diabetes mellitus (OR = 2.28, 95%CI: 1.96, 2.66), and hypertension (OR = 1.59, 95%CI: 1.38, 1.83) showed a statistically significant association (p<0.05). Dyslipidemia is highly prevalent in Ardakan's older population. So, lipid management interventions are necessary for this population.

Burden of cardiovascular disease attributable to metabolic risks in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021.

To evaluate the global cardiovascular disease (CVD) burden attributable to metabolic risks in 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021. Following the methodologies used in the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021, this study analyzed CVD deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) attributable to metabolic risks by location, age, sex, and socio-demographic index (SDI). In 2021, metabolic risks accounted for 13.59 million CVD deaths (95% UI 12.01 to 15.13) and 287.17 million CVD DALYs (95% UI 254.92 to 316.32) globally, marking increases of 63.3% and 55.5% since 1990, respectively. Despite these increases, age-standardised mortality and DALY rates have significantly declined. The highest age-standardised rates of metabolic risks-attributable CVD mortality and DALYs were observed in Central Asia and Eastern Europe, while the lowest rates were found in High-income Asia Pacific, Australasia, and Western Europe, all of which are high SDI regions. Among the metabolic risks, high systolic blood pressure emerged as the predominant factor, contributing to the highest numbers of CVD deaths [10.38 million (95% UI 8.78 to 12.03)] and DALYs [14.52 million (95% UI 180.42 to 247.57)] in 2021, followed by high LDL cholesterol. Our study highlights the persistent and significant impact of metabolic risks on the global CVD burden from 1990 to 2021, emphasizing the need of designing public health strategies that align with regional healthcare capacities and demographic differences to effectively reduce these effects through enhanced international collaboration and specific policies.

Inclusion of Selected Spices in Wistar Rats Diets: Effects on their Heart Functions

The effects of extracts of Aframomum danielli, rough skin plum and country onion on the heart functions of albino wistar rats were evaluated. The rats’ diets were substituted with these spices at 5%, 10% and 15% inclusions, respectively; feeding duration was 28 days. At intervals of 7 days, their blood was taken and analysed for triglycerides, total serum cholesterol, low density lipoproteins and high density lipoprotein cholesterol to ascertain the heart functions of the wistar rats. The values obtained from these tests showed that the triglyceride, total serum cholesterol and low density cholesterol in the blood of test animals reduced from 180.4 mg/dl to 163.87 mg/100g, 136.93 mg/dl to 130.00 mg/dl, and 77.92 mg/dl to 75.74 mg/dl, respectively, while the high density lipoproteins cholesterol in the blood of the test animals increased from 24.10 mg/dl to 28.73 mg/dl. Despite the increase in the HDL in the blood of the test animals, all the mean concentrations of high density lipoprotein (HDL) obtained in this study were found to be very low as MedlinePlus (2007) reported that 60 mg/dl or above HDL helps to protect the heart against diseases. Hence, constant use of these spices is recommended to help boost the HDL level and help curb any possible means of heart disease.

Critical analysis of analytical techniques developed for statins in biological fluids, environmental and fermentation samples.

Statins are the most prescribed drug for regulating the high cholesterol level in the blood, which can lead to severe complications, such as cardiovascular diseases and other health complications. A wide range of analytical techniques have been employed for the quantification of statins from various origins, including fermentation derived (lovastatin, pravastatin, and compactin), semi-synthetic (simvastatin), and synthetic (atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, and fluvastatin) routes. The presence of more than one structural form and structural analogue generated in the biosynthesis pathway, as well as reaction intermediates and macromolecules in the clinical sample, complicates the quantification of statins. Furthermore, significant concentrations of statins in environmental samples pose serious health and ecology hazards, and estimating statins in those diluted samples is extremely difficult. On the other hand, the: cost, accurate estimation of the desired one from other structural forms, sample complexity, time, limits of detection and quantification, were major criteria distinguishing the usability of each technique. As a result, the current manuscript focuses on analytical techniques such as molecular spectroscopy (normal and derivatives UV-Visible spectrophotometer), chromatography (TLC, HP-TLC, HPLC, GC, swing column, micellar, and supercritical fluid), mass spectroscopy (HPLC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS), sequential flow injection, capillary electrophoresis, and cyclic voltammetry, as well as their: optimal operating conditions, limits of detection and quantification, advancements, and limitations. Furthermore, various online and offline sample preparations (precipitation, solid phase extraction, liquid-liquid extraction, and micellar extraction) have been highlighted as an essential pretreatment technique to avoid the interference caused by structural analogues and other macromolecules. The greener and more sustainable concepts used in analytical approaches for the quantification statins are also highlighted with current advancements.

A geographic perspective of the association between physical activity and cardiovascular health: A need for community-level intervention

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major cause of death globally, and minority communities are at higher risk of chronic health outcomes. A combination of lifestyle, including physical activity (PA), good nutrition, and reduced stress, can improve life expectancy. This study aimed to analyze the association between CVDs and PA among the adult population (N = 3,956) based on the World Health Organization (WHO) STEPwise Approach to Surveillance (STEPS) survey in Afghanistan. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression, and spatial analytical techniques were used to analyze the data. Based on the WHO STEPS data, the computed prevalence of CVDs, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol were 7.41%, 45.57%, 34.06%, 9.51%, and 12.16%, respectively. Multivariate logistic analysis indicated that moderate work-related PA was associated with higher odds of CVDs and high cholesterol while inversely associated with obesity. Moderate leisure-related PA was positively associated with obesity. Vigorous leisure-related PA was associated with lower risks of CVDs, obesity, and high cholesterol but had a positive association with hypertension. Spatial analysis revealed a CVD hotspot in the southern region and the risk factors clustered in the northern region. These findings offer valuable insights for community and public health practitioners to design targeted interventions for reducing the burden of CVDs and risk factors in communities in developing countries.

Hypercholesterolemia and Alzheimer's Disease: Unraveling the Connection and Assessing the Efficacy of Lipid-Lowering Therapies.

This article examines the relationship between cholesterol levels and Alzheimer's disease (AD), beginning with the early observation that individuals who died from heart attacks often had brain amyloid deposition. Subsequent animal model research proved that high cholesterol could hasten amyloid accumulation. In contrast, cholesterol-lowering treatments appeared to counteract this effect. Human autopsy studies reinforced the cholesterol-AD connection, revealing that higher cholesterol levels during midlife significantly correlated with higher brain amyloid pathology. This effect was especially pronounced in individuals aged 40 to 55. Epidemiological data supported animal research and human tissue observations and suggested that managing cholesterol levels in midlife could reduce the risk of developing AD. We analyze the main observational studies and clinical trials on the efficacy of statins. While observational data often suggest a potential protective effect against AD, clinical trials have not consistently shown benefit. The failure of these trials to demonstrate a clear advantage is partially attributed to multiple factors, including the timing of statin therapy, the type of statin and the appropriate selection of patients for treatment. Many studies failed to target individuals who might benefit most from early intervention, such as high-risk patients like APOE4 carriers. The review addresses how cholesterol is implicated in AD through various biological pathways, the potential preventive role of cholesterol management as suggested by observational studies, and the difficulties encountered in clinical trials, particularly related to statin use. The paper highlights the need to explore alternate therapeutic targets and mechanisms that escape statin intervention.

The Relationship of the Level of Nutritional Knowledge and Fat Intake to Cholesterol Levels in PT Employees Bolaang Mongondow District Tourism Management

Background: The quality of human resources is the main factor required for the successful implementation of business in the company. Labour productivity has a very important role in the development of human resources in the company. Empirical evidence shows that the quality of human resources can be determined by good nutritional status, and good nutritional status is determined by nutritional knowledge, the amount of food intake consumed and a person's physical activity. Objective: The aim of this research was to determine the relationship between the level of nutritional knowledge and cholesterol levels and fat intake among employees of PT Tata Wisata JRBM Bakan, Bolaang Mongondow Regency. Study Design: This type of research is analytical with a cross sectional approach. Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted at PT. Bakan Village Tourism Arrangement, Bolaang Mongondow Regency in November 2023. Methods: The population in this study were all employees of PT. Tata Wisata – JRBM Bakan Regency. Bolaang Mongondow aged 20-49 years, a total of 49 people. The samples in this study were 33 samples which were determined using the Slovin formula.Data collection was obtained from measuring cholesterol levels, fat intake using a 24-hour food recall form and nutritional knowledge by giving questionnaires to the sample. Results: The results of research and data analysis of a large sample with high category nutritional knowledge were 20 samples (60.6%). The fat intake of most samples was in the category above requirements for 18 samples (33%). Most of the cholesterol levels were at the threshold of high cholesterol levels in 14 samples (42.4%) and high cholesterol in 4 samples (12.1%). There is no relationship between nutritional knowledge and fat intake with a p value of (0.629). There is a relationship between fat intake and cholesterol levels with a p value (0.000). There is no relationship between nutritional knowledge and cholesterol levels with a p value of (0.882). From this research it can be concluded that of the 3 variables tested, namely nutritional knowledge, cholesterol levels and fat intake, only fat intake and cholesterol levels have a relationship.

Exploring the Linkages Among Chronic Illness, Substance Use, and COVID-19 Infection in Adults Aged 50 Years and Older: Retrospective Cross-Sectional Analysis of National Representative Data.

The co-occurrence of chronic illnesses and substance use presents complex challenges for health care systems. Understanding the interplay between these factors, compounded by the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, is essential for effective intervention strategies. This study aims to investigate the relationships among chronic illness, substance use, and COVID-19 infection in adults aged 50 years and older. Participants were 1196 adults aged 50 years and older. Descriptive statistics were used to describe demographic information. Logistic regressions and multiple regression analyses were used to determine associations between chronic illnesses, substance use, and COVID-19 infection. Mediation analysis was used to determine the effect of chronic illness mediators in the association between COVID-19 concerns and substance use. The mean age was 68 (SD 10.3) years, with 58.6% (701/1196) being women. Adjusted analysis revealed that age and sex (women) significantly predicted a lower level of substance use (P<.05). However, marital status (separated or widowed) and chronic illness significantly predicted a higher level of substance use (P<.05). Furthermore, having dementia, arthritis, and high cholesterol significantly predicted a higher level of concern about the COVID-19 pandemic (P<.05). Logistic regression analysis indicated that individuals with hypertension (odds ratio [OR] 1.91, 95% CI 1.37-2.66; P<.001), lung disease (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.23-4.75; P=.01), heart condition (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.28-3.10; P=.002), stroke (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.07-5.16; P=.03), and arthritis (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.25-2.37; P=.001) were more likely to have their work affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The mediation analysis showed a significant effect of COVID-19 concern on substance use through the mediation of chronic illness, with a 95% CI of -0.02 to -0.01 and an indirect effect of -0.01. Our study reveals complex associations among chronic illnesses, substance use, and COVID-19 infection among adults aged 50 years and older. It underscores the impact of demographics and specific chronic conditions on substance use behaviors and COVID-19 concerns. In addition, certain chronic illnesses were linked to heightened vulnerability in employment status during the pandemic. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions addressing physical health and substance use in this population during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pancreatic inflammation induced by hypothyroidism in female rabbits is associated with cholesterol accumulation and a reduced expression of CYP51A1, FXRβ, and PPARβ/δ.

In women and animal models, hypothyroidism induces hypercholesterolemia, pancreatitis, and insulitis. We investigated whether lipids are involved in the effects of hypothyroidism in the pancreas. Control (n = 6) and hypothyroid (n = 6) adult female rabbits were used. We quantified serum and pancreatic triacylglycerol and total cholesterol levels, the oxidative and antioxidant status, and the expression of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol receptor (LDLR) in the pancreas. Inflammation of the pancreas was evaluated by infiltration of immune cells positive to CD163 and α-farnesoid receptor (FXRα). Other lipid players involved in both inflammation and insulin secretion of the pancreas, such as lanosterol 14-α-demethylase (CYP51A1), β-farnesoid receptor (FXRβ), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β (PPARβ/δ), were quantified. Groups were compared by t-Student or U-Mann-Whitney tests (p ≤ 0.05). Hypothyroidism induced hypercholesterolemia and a high cholesterol accumulation in the pancreas of female rabbits, without affecting oxidative or antioxidative status nor the expression of LDLR. The pancreas of hypothyroid females showed inflammation identified by a great infiltration of immune cells, macrophages CD163+, and loss of expression of FXRα+ in immune cells. Moreover, a reduced expression of CYP51A1, FXRβ, and PPARβ/δ, but not 3β-HSD, in the hypothyroid pancreas was found. Pancreatitis and insulitis promoted by hypothyroidism may be related to the accumulation of cholesterol, lanosterol actions, and the activation of PPARβ/δ. All inflammatory markers evaluated in this study are related to glucose regulation, suggesting the link between hypothyroidism and diabetes.

Predictors in Youth of Adult Cardiovascular Events.

Childhood risk factors are associated with cardiovascular events in adulthood. We compared the utility of a risk model based solely on nonlaboratory risk factors in adolescence versus a model that additionally included lipids to predict cardiovascular events in adulthood. The study comprised 11 550 participants from 7 longitudinal cohort studies in the United States, Australia, and Finland with risk factor measurements in adolescence and followed into adulthood. The adolescent risk factors were defined by using clinical standards including overweight or obesity, elevated blood pressure, smoking, and borderline high or high levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides. The main outcomes were medically adjudicated fatal or nonfatal cardiovascular disease events occurring after age 25. Of 11 550 participants (55.1% female, mean age 50.0 ± 7.7 years), 513 (4.4%) had confirmed cardiovascular events. In a multivariable model (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval]), elevated blood pressure (1.25 [1.03-1.52]), overweight (1.76 [1.42-2.18]), obesity (2.19 [1.62-2.98]), smoking (1.63 [1.37-1.95]), and high total cholesterol (1.79 [1.39-2.31]) were predictors of cardiovascular events (P < .05). The addition of lipids (total cholesterol and triglycerides) into the nonlaboratory model (age, sex, blood pressure, BMI, and smoking) did not improve discrimination in predicting cardiovascular events (C-statistics for the lipid model 0.75 [SD 0.07] and nonlaboratory model 0.75 [0.07], P = .82). Nonlaboratory-based risk factors and lipids measured in adolescence independently predicted adult cardiovascular events. The addition of lipid measurements to nonlaboratory risk factors did not improve the prediction of cardiovascular events.

Association of serum Metrnl levels and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a cross-sectional study.

Meteorin-like (Metrnl) is a novel adipokine which is highly expressed in adipose tissue and has a beneficial effect on glucose and lipid metabolism. High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is well recognized to be inversely associated with cardiovascular events. However, the relationship between serum Metrnl levels and HDL-C in the type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the association of serum Metrnl with HDL-C levels in T2DM. Eighty participants with T2DM were included in this cross-sectional study. They were divided into two groups according to HDL-C levels: Group1 (lower HDL-C group): HDL-C < 1.04 mmol/L; Group2 (higher HDL-C group): HDL-C ≥ 1.04 mmol/L. Serum Metrnl levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). As compared with lower HDL-C levels groups, serum Metrnl levels were significantly higher in the group with higher HDL-C. Binary logistic regression analysis showed serum Metrnl levels were positively associated with HDL-C group after adjustment with sex, age, body mass index (BMI), mean arterial pressure (MAP), fasting blood glucose (FPG), triglyceride (TG). Furthermore, serum Metrnl levels were inversely correlated with insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR). HDL-C levels were lowest in the group with the lowest Metrnl levels group and remained positively associated with Metrnl after adjustment for sex, age, BMI, TG, and HOMA-IR by using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Serum Metrnl levels were positively associated with HDL-C levels in patients with T2DM.This suggests that increasing serum Metrnl levels maybe a candidate for improving lipid metabolism and preventing cardiovascular events in T2DM. The study was registered in the Chinese clinical trial registry (ChiCTR- 2100047148).

Phytochemical, Nutritional and Medicinal Profile of &lt;i&gt;Cucumis sativus&lt;/i&gt; L. (Cucumber)

Current studies were performed to review the phytochemistry, nutritional benefits, medicinal/therapeutic value, and cosmetic importance of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.). Cucumber fruits are an important part of the human diet, often used in salads, pickles, and sauces, due to their nutritious qualities and health benefits. They are a good source of vitamins, minerals, soluble carbohydrates, proteins, etc. The leaves, flowers, seeds, fruits, and bark of cucumber are rich in various phytoconstituents, including phenols, glycosides, alkaloids, flavonoids, carotenoids, tannins, steroids, terpenoids, phytosterols, phytoestrogens, saponins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, resins, and vitamins. Cucumbers are traditionally used to treat a variety of diseases, including high blood pressure, blood sugar issues, cancer, high cholesterol, kidney stones, constipation, Alzheimer's disease, eczema, hypertension, atherosclerosis, and diabetes-related problems. The therapeutic/pharmaceutical value of cucumbers may be attributed to their laxative, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, analgesic, anti-hepatotoxic, anti-diarrheal, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, thrombolytic, anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, free radical scavenging, and wound-healing properties. Cucumbers also improve skin quality, promote skin whitening and smoothness, enhance natural beauty, regulate hydration, aid in weight loss, and reduce fat. They are used in cucumber creams, perfumes, face packs, and facials. Cucumber extract is incorporated into several formulations for topical skin treatments. This review article aims to explore the traditional uses, phytochemical contents, nutritional value, cosmetic applications, and pharmacological and therapeutic potential of cucumbers. It will be highly beneficial for a wide range of readers, including the general public, researchers, physicians, farmers, and agricultural stakeholders.

Electroformation of Giant Unilamellar Vesicles from Damp Films in Conditions Involving High Cholesterol Contents, Charged Lipids, and Saline Solutions.

Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) are frequently used as membrane models in studies of membrane properties. They are most often produced using the electroformation method. However, there are a number of parameters that can influence the success of the procedure. Some of the most common conditions that have been shown to have a negative effect on GUV electroformation are the presence of high cholesterol (Chol) concentrations, the use of mixtures containing charged lipids, and the solutions with an elevated ionic strength. High Chol concentrations are problematic for the traditional electroformation protocol as it involves the formation of a dry lipid film by complete evaporation of the organic solvent from the lipid mixture. During drying, anhydrous Chol crystals form. They are not involved in the formation of the lipid bilayer, resulting in a lower Chol concentration in the vesicle bilayer compared to the original lipid mixture. Motivated primarily by the issue of artifactual Chol demixing, we have modified the electroformation protocol by incorporating the techniques of rapid solvent exchange (RSE), ultrasonication, plasma cleaning, and spin-coating for reproducible production of GUVs from damp lipid films. Aside from decreasing Chol demixing, we have shown that the method can also be used to produce GUVs from lipid mixtures with charged lipids and in ionic solutions used as internal solutions. A high yield of GUVs was obtained for Chol/1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC) samples with mixing ratios ranging from 0 to 2.5. We also succeeded in preparing GUVs from mixtures containing up to 60 mol% of the charged lipid 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine (POPS) and in NaCl solutions with low ionic strength (<25 mM).