Hypercholesterolemic Group Research Articles

Lipid profile improvement of food products containing bioactive compounds from unsaponifiable matters of palm fatty acid distillate in hypercholesterolemia rats

BACKGROUND: Unsaponifiable matters (USM) from palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) contains vitamin E (mainly tocotrienols), phytosterols, and squalene that have ability to reduce blood cholesterol. Fortification of USM into food products is a way for hypercholesterolemia management. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated effects of fortification of USM from PFAD into instant noodle, bread, and biscuit on lipid profile improvement of hypercholesterolemia rats. It was also aimed to compare the effects of different type of foods as USM carrier that represented different processing steps and nutritional composition. METHODS: Rats were divided into control-standard diet and atherogenic diet fed groups, and 6 hypercholesterolemia groups fed by instant noodle, plain bread, and biscuit with 1% USM fortification and without fortification for 8 weeks. Lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol) was analysed at week 0, 4, and 8. Hepatic and fecal cholesterol and bile acid were also examined at the end of experiment to elucidate some mechanism of cholesterol lowering due to USM fortified foods administration. RESULTS: Some bioactive compounds lost during USM fortified food preparation and the highest retention was found in biscuit. Lipid profile improvement was indicated by reduction of total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDL cholesterol, meanwhile HDL cholesterol increased. Type of fortified foods affected the level of alteration of lipid profile. Degree of lipid profile improvement was affected by nutritional composition of fortified foods, food intake of the rats, and level of bioactive content. Bioactive compounds in USM fortified foods inhibited cholesterol absorption that indicated by higher fecal cholesterol and bile acid compared to atherogenic diet fed group. Modulation of cholesterol synthesis was likely to occur that indicated by lower hepatic cholesterol and higher bile acids. CONCLUSIONS: Feeding of USM fortified food products improved lipid profile of hypercholesterolemia rats.

The Effect of Rice Bran Cereals on Total Cholesterol, Malondialdehyde (MDA) Levels and Histopathology Description of Aortic Organ on Mice Model of Hypercholesterolemia

Rice bran cereals could be used as the alternative treatment on hypercholesterolemia condition. Tocopherol as an antioxidant and dietary fiber as cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin which contained in rice bran cereals have the potential to decrease total cholesterol and malondialdehyde levels. The aims of this study are to determine the role of rice bran cereals to decrease total cholesterol, malondialdehyde levels and improve the histopathology of the aortic organ due to hypercholesterolemia. This study used rats (Rattus Norvegicus) as animals model which were divided into 5 groups: control group (healthy rats), hypercholesterolemia group (sick rat) and 3 therapy groups with variation dose respectively 270, 540 and 810 mg/kg body weight. Data analysis for total cholesterol and malondialdehyde levels used one-way ANOVA with α = 0.05 with Tukey test as a follow-up test. The results of statistical analysis proved that rice bran cereals with a dose of 810 mg/kg body weight effect for the changes of total cholesterol and malondialdehyde levels which are 21.72% and 50.88%, respectively. In addition, results showed that rice bran cereals therapy could significantly influence (p = 0.05) decrease of total cholesterol, malondialdehyde levels and improve the histopathology of an aortic organ in hypercholesterolemic rats.

Anti-hypercholesterolemic impacts of barley and date palm fruits on the ovary of Wistar albino rats and their offspring

A high cholesterol diet is related to ovarian dysfunction and infertility which has been increased among young ages consuming processed food products. The present study was conducted to evaluate the role of a high cholesterol diet on the ovaries of young female rats via assessments of histopathology, immunohistochemistry, oxidative stress and apoptic markers. Also, mating of hypercholesterolemic female rats was carried out to measure the fertility and numbers of their offspring. At the same time, phytotherapy was carried out through supplementing the diet with barley and/ or date palm fruits (10%) during the experiment to assess the phyto-therapeutic impacts in attenuation of drastic hypercholesterolemic effects.Hypercholesterolemic diet-fed rats exhibited damage of the ovarian follicles and increased follicular atresia. Furthermore, expression of cleaved caspase-3 was upregulated, while PCNA was downregulated in granulosa, theca and stroma cells. Hypercholesterolemic female rats showed marked depletion of antioxidative enzymes, increased lipid peroxidation and apoptotic markers. Alterations to the female serum hormones were detected. Offspring maternally fed on hypercholesterolemic diet showed a significant decrease of body weight and altered sex ratio. However, concomitant supplementation of barley and or date fruits to hypercholesterolemic groups revealed marked improvement of ovarian structure and function.On the basis of these evidences, it is believed that the enhanced synergistic effects of barley and/or date palm fruits in the amelioration of ovarian structure and functions were elicited by the potential antioxidant activity of their phytomicronutrients, polyphenols, β-glucan and trace elements. These materials scavenge free radicals from inflamed cells that can be used to establish an effective and novel therapeutic strategy for activating ovarian cell regeneration.

Moderate consumption of a soluble green/roasted coffee rich in caffeoylquinic acids reduces cardiovascular risk markers: results from a randomized, cross-over, controlled trial in healthy and hypercholesterolemic subjects.

Coffee is rich in bioactive compounds with health beneficial properties, with green coffee presenting higher phenol content than roasted. We evaluated the effects of regularly consuming realistic amounts of a green/roasted coffee blend on cardiovascular health-related biomarkers. A randomized, cross-over, controlled study was carried out in 25 normocholesterolemic [total cholesterol (TC) < 200mg/dL] and 27 hypercholesterolemic (TC 200-240mg/dL) subjects. During 8 weeks, volunteers consumed 6g/day of soluble green/roasted (35:65) coffee or a control beverage (water or an isotonic drink). Blood pressure, heart rate and body weight were monitored at the end of each intervention, and serum lipids [TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL-C, triglycerides and phospholipids], cytokines and chemokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17, G-CSF, GM-CSF, MCP-1, MIP-1β, TNF-α, INF-γ), adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1), and C-reactive protein were measured. Plasma antioxidant capacity (FRAP, ORAC and ABTS methods), and lipid (malondialdehyde, MDA) and protein (carbonyl groups, CG) oxidation were also determined. Attending to the general lineal model of variance for repeated measures, after the green/roasted coffee intervention significant reductions in TC, LDL-C, VLDL-C and triglycerides levels (p = 0.006, 0.001, 0.003 and 0.017, respectively), and a significant group effect were observed (0.001, < 0.001, 0.019 and 0.027, respectively). Only within the hypercholesterolemic group, attending to the Bonferroni test, the aforementioned lipid parameters were significantly lower after regular green/roasted coffee intake compared to baseline values. Moreover, after the coffee stage, plasma antioxidant capacity improved, according to the increase in ORAC and FRAP values (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) and decrease of MDA (p = 0.015) and CG (p < 0.001) levels, without differences between groups. Systolic (p = 0.001) and diastolic (p < 0.001) blood pressure, heart rate (p = 0.035), and body weight (p = 0.017) were reduced in both normo- and hypercholesterolemic groups. Regular consumption of moderate amounts of a soluble green/roasted (35:65) coffee blend may contribute to improve cardiovascular health in moderately hypercholesterolemic people, as reducing serum lipids, blood pressure and body weight effects, as well as increasing plasma antioxidant capacity, have been observed. Moreover, positive influences on blood pressure, body weight, and plasma antioxidant capacity were obtained in the healthy group. Therefore, incorporation of green coffee beans into the coffee brew can be recommended as part of a dietary strategy to protect from cardiovascular disease.

Association of Achilles tendon thickness and LDL-cholesterol levels in patients with hypercholesterolemia

BackgroundAchilles tendons are the most common sites of tendon xanthomas that are commonly caused by disturbance of lipid metabolism. Achilles tendon thickening is the early characteristic of Achilles tendon xanthomas. The relationship between Achilles tendon thickness (ATT) and LDL-C levels, and risk factors of ATT in patients with hypercholesterolemia, have thus far been poorly documented.MethodsA total of 205 individuals, aged 18-75 years, were enrolled from March 2014 to March 2015. According to the LDL-C levels and the “Chinese Guidelines on Prevention and Treatment of Dyslipidemia in Adults”, all subjects were divided into 3 groups: normal group (LDL-C < 3.37 mmol/L, n = 51); borderline LDL-C group (3.37 mmol/L ≤ LDL-C ≤ 4.12 mmol/L, n = 50); and hypercholesterolemia group (LDL ≥ 4.14 mmol/L, n = 104). ATT was measured using a standardized digital radiography method and the results were compared among the 3 groups. The correlation between ATT and serum LDL-C levels was analyzed by Pearson’s correlation, and the risk factors of ATT were determined by the logistic regression model.ResultsATT in borderline LDL-C group was 8.24 ± 1.73 mm, markedly higher than 6.05 ± 0.28 mm of normal group (P < 0.05). ATT in hypercholesterolemia group was 9.42 ± 3.63 mm which was significantly higher than that of normal group (P < 0.005) and that of borderline LDL-C group (P < 0.05). There was a positive correlation between the serum LDL-C levels and ATT (r = 0.346, P < 0.001). The serum LDL-C level was a risk factor (OR = 1.871, 95% CI: 1.067-3.280) while the levels of HDL-C (OR = 0.099, 95% CI: 0.017-0.573) and Apo AI (OR = 0.035, 95% CI: 0.003-0.412) were protective factors of ATT.ConclusionsATT might serve as a valuable auxiliary diagnostic index for hypercholesterolemia and used for the assessment and management of cardiovascular disease.

Fermented rice bran extract improves dyslipidemia in rodents

PurposeThe study aims to investigate the potency of fermented rice bran extract as anti-hypercholesterolemia product by looking at its effect on lipid profile levels and blood glucose levels in dyslipidemia model rats.Design/methodology/approachRice bran was fermented using Rhizopus oligosporus-contained tempeh mold extracted using distilled water. Twenty-four Sprague Dawley rats were divided into a control group and hypercholesterolemia groups. Hypercholesterolemia, also known as dyslipidemia, was induced with fructose-supplemented high-fat diet. Rats induced with dyslipidemia received three different fermented rice bran extract doses, 0 (negative) 1102.5 mg/kgBW/day (FRBE 1) and 2205 mg/kgBW/day (FRBE 2). Blood was collected before and after four weeks of treatment for lipid profile and blood glucose analysis.FindingsFRBE 2 had significantly lower total cholesterol (101.6 ± 3.3 vs 187.6 ± 3.7 mg/dL), triglyceride (83.3 ± 2.8 vs 130.7 ± 3.4 mg/dL) and LDL level (27.9 ± 1.7 vs 76.7 ± 1.5 mg/dL) but higher HDL level (64.1 ± 3.0 vs 25.5 ± 1.2 mg/dL) compared to the negative group (p < 0.001). Provision of fermented rice bran showed dose-response relationship in all blood lipid markers.Originality/valueThis study was the first to investigate the effectivity of Rhizopus sp.-fermented rice bran extract to improve glucose and lipid profile.

Placental mitochondrial biogenesis and function was slightly changed by gestational hypercholesterolemia in full-term pregnant women.

It was reported that high blood cholesterol levels increased the susceptibility to mitochondrial dysfunction. This study hypothesized that the gestational hypercholesterolemia (HC) could induce the mitochondrial dysfunction in term human placenta. The eligible pregnant women were recruited from Xuanwu Hospital in Beijing during their first prenatal visit (before their 10th week of pregnancy). In total, 19 pregnant women whose serum total cholesterol levels were higher than 7.25 mm at third trimester (measured at 36-38 weeks) were selected as gestational HC. Other 19 pregnant women with normal cholesterol level matched with age, pre-gestational body mass index, and the neonatal gender were included as the control group. Full-term placenta samples were collected. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number, messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, adenosine triphosphate monophosphatase 6 (ATP6ase), citrate synthase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) co-activator 1α, PPARγ co-activator 1β and estrogen-related receptor-α, and the activity of mitochondrial respiratory chain enzyme complex were measured. Pregnancy outcomes were obtained by extraction from medical records and the labor ward register. The results showed that only placental mtDNA copy number and mRNA expression of ATP6ase were significantly decreased in HC group. No significant differences were detected of other measurements between the two groups. These findings indicated that gestational HC might not induce the damage of placental function seriously.

EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL TRAINING ON THE MYOCARDIUM OF FEMALE LDL KNOCKOUT OVARIECTOMIZED MICE

ABSTRACT Introduction: The emergence of coronary heart disease increases with menopause, physical inactivity and with dyslipidemia. It is known that physical training promotes the improvement of cardiovascular functions. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of aerobic physical training on the left ventricle in female LDL knockout ovariectomized mice. Methods: Thirty animals were divided into 6 groups (n=5), namely, sedentary non-ovariectomized control; sedentary ovariectomized control; trained ovariectomized control; sedentary non-ovariectomized; sedentary ovariectomized; and trained ovariectomized. We analyzed the mean nuclear volume parameters, the cross sectional area of the myocytes, the apparent density of the capillaries, interstitium, myocytes and collagen fibers. Results: The results show that for the density of the number of nuclei, the physical activity decreased to values close to the ovariectomized control group. Regarding the mean nuclear volume and the average area of myocytes, training and ovariectomy promoted the elevation of these values but hypercholesterolemia was lower. the volume density of myocytes, hypercholesterolemia showed an increase of these values as well as the training. There was no change in the volumetric density of the capillaries and the density of collagen fibers. The training caused the decrease in the density of the interstitial volume, and the hypercholesterolemia changed to a smaller one than the control group. Conclusion: We concluded that the moderate aerobic activity or the training time used in our study were not sufficient to generate significant alterations in the hypercholesterolemic group.

Hypolipidemic and cardioprotective effects of Ulva lactuca ethanolic extract in hypercholesterolemic mice

Context: Hypercholesterolemia has significant cardiac consequences, since it is among the major risk factors of ischemic heart diseases.Objective: The aim was searching the cardioprotective effect of chemical constituents from the sea lettuce Ulva lactuca upon hypercholesterolemic regime in mice.Material and methods: Mice were randomly divided into three groups: untreated group, hypercholesterolemic group, and mice receiving 1% cholesterol associated with U. lactuca ethanolic extract.Results: In vitro study demonstrated that algal extract has antioxidant efficacy attributable to the presence of phenolic compounds. Additionally, the alga alleviated cardiotoxicity, as shown by the improvement of haematological parameters, white cell viability, heart oxidative stress, plasma biochemical parameters and index of atherogenesis. Gene expression of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 significantly decreased in the heart of U. lactuca supplemented hypercholesterolemic animals.Conclusion: It was established that the green alga, thanks to its bioactive compounds, effectively counteracts cardiotoxic effects of hypercholesterolemic regime.

Microbiological and Histopathological studies on cholesterol reducing effect of lactobacillus acidophilus

A total of 50 albino rats were used to carry out an in vivo study on the cholesterol lowering impact of isolated L. acidophilus isolated from diatery supplements. Blood serum of the experimental rats as well as their liver, heart and aorta tissues were analyzed and examined .The attained results revealed a great decrease in serum cholesterol due to the use of live or dead bacterial cells. The histopathological results collected from examination of liver revealed that in live lactobacillus treated group display significant amelioration compare to non treated group, while no significant improvement detected in dead lactobacillus treated group. The corresponding results of the heart in showed that some pathological lesions seen in cardiac tissue in high cholesterol feeding group, still observed. This is besides atrophy of many cardiomyocytes and apoptosis. Signe of improvement was noticed in dead lactobacillus treated hypercholesterolemic group, where the severity and incidence of the pathological lesions observed in hypercholesterolemia animals was significantly reduced. Concerning the aorta, the attained results demonstrated that in live lactobacillus treated group, early plague formation was observed in few areas, however fibrin covered wide area of the endothelial layer. Significant amelioration in aorta tissues of dead lactobacillus treated hypercholesterolemia group was detected.

The Antioxidant And Hepatoprotective Effects Of Ginger And Fish Oil On Hypercholesterolemia-Induced Oxidative Stress In Male Rats

The aim of the present study was to investigate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of ginger and fish oil against oxidative stress induced by atherosclerotic diet that enhanced hepatic changes in rats. The animals were divided into four groups of twelve rats each. Group I served as the control. Rats in groups II, III and IV were fed with an atherogenic diet for 8 weeks, group III received atherogenic diet supplemented with 5% ginger, and group IV received atherogenic diet supplemented with 10 % fish oil. Hypercholesterolemia was confirmed by significant elevation of total cholesterol. The protective role of those treatments was confirmed by the significant reduction in the elevated liver enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP levels) and increase in total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT) activity and glutathione reduced (GSH) levels , while malondialdehyde (MDA) levels was significantly reduced when compared with hypercholesterolemic group. We concluded that ginger and fish oil have modulatory effects on antioxidant status and liver functions in hypercholesterolemic male rats.

Lipidomic analysis reveals the significant increase in diacylglycerophosphocholines in umbilical cord blood from pregnant women with gestational hypercholesterolemia

Gestational hypercholesterolemia has been recognized as a risk factor of some pregnancy complications. We supposed that maternal hypercholesterolemia modified the lipid profile of the fetus. Thirty pregnant women with hypercholesterolemia and matched controls were recruited and cord blood was sampled. Lipidomic analysis was used to evaluate the lipid profile change between the two groups. The results showed that the content of diacylglycerophosphocholines (PC) was significantly high in cord blood from hypercholesterolemic pregnant women. PC (16:0/20:4) and PC (18:0/20:4) were selected as the most important lipid species in cord plasma and their contents were positively related to the total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in cord blood. The contents of these two PCs were significantly higher in the hypercholesterolemic group than in the control group. These results suggested that gestational hypercholesterolemia might program the phospholipid metabolism in offspring.

CD36 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells reflects the onset of atherosclerosis.

Together with complex genetic and environmental factors, increased serum cholesterol and ox-LDL levels are considered as major triggering factors of atherosclerosis. Mononuclear cell infiltration to the arterial wall and uptake of ox-LDL, which is facilitated by CD36 receptor through an uncontrolled manner, play a key role in foam cell formation followed by atherogenesis development. The aim of this study was to analyze if CD36 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells reflect its aortic tissue level in hypercholesterolemia. In this study, CD36 protein expression was evaluated in aortic specimens of cholesterol or cholesterol plus Vitamin E treated animals in relation to the immunohistochemical analyses for the HNE-protein adducts, as well as for smooth muscle actin and vimentin. The CD36 mRNA expression was determined by RT-PCR in PBMC of hypercholesterolemic rabbits and hypercholesterolemic versus normocholesterolemic individuals. Immunohistochemistry findings revealed that smooth muscle actin, smooth muscle vimentin, HNE-protein conjugates, and CD36 protein expressions were significantly increased in aorta of hypercholesterolemic group where foam cells were present. High cholesterol diet significantly induced CD36 mRNA expression in both rabbit aorta and PBMCs, while positive correlation between aortic and PBMC CD36 expression has been found. In addition, consistent with the rabbit model, CD36 mRNA expression levels in human PBMCs were significantly higher in hypercholesterolemic patients than in normocholesterolemic individuals. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the CD36 mRNA levels of PBMCs could reflect the CD36 mRNA levels in aorta and could be used as a biomarker for diagnosis of atherosclerotic burden. © 2018 BioFactors, 44(6):588-596, 2018.

Subendocardial viability ratio and ejection duration as parameters of early cardiovascular risk in children.

The purpose of this study was to investigate subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR) and ejection duration (ED) in children and adolescents with common cardiovascular risk factors such as arterial hypertension, obesity, and hypercholesterolemia. Four groups of pediatric patients were analyzed: 31 children and adolescents had hypertension, 36 were overweight, 49 were overweight and had hypertension, and 70 had hypercholesterolemia. The patients were compared to a control group of 50 healthy individuals. Subjects were sampled by opportunity sampling at the Department of Pediatrics Maribor, Slovenia. In each patient, blood pressure, anthropometrical parameters, and pulse wave analysis (PWA) measurements using applanation tonometry technique were performed and calculated. The results show a statistically-significant difference in ED (p=0.013) but not in SEVR (p=0.074) in the hypercholesterolemia group in comparison to the control group. In other research groups, no statistically-significant differences were found. In all study groups, SEVR correlated significantly with age (positive, moderate) and heart rate (negative, strong) as well as with central mean pressure (CMP). Our study does not show a significant role of SEVR and ED in early cardiovascular risk determination in children. However, some results do indicate a potential role of both, at least in hypercholesterolemia, and should be further investigated. .

Effects of Karela (Bitter Melon; Momordica charantia) on genes of lipids and carbohydrates metabolism in experimental hypercholesterolemia: biochemical, molecular and histopathological study

BackgroundHypercholesterolemia is a serious diseases associated with type-2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disorders and liver diseases. Humans seek for safe herbal medication such as karela (Momordica charantia/bitter melon) to treat such disorders to avoid side effect of pharmacotherapies widely used.MethodsForty male Wistar rats were divided into four equal groups; control group with free access to food and water, cholesterol administered group (40 mg/kg BW orally); karela administered group (5 g /kg BW orally) and mixture of cholesterol and karela. The treatments continued for 10 weeks. Karela was given for hypercholesterolemic rats after 6 weeks of cholesterol administration. Serum, liver and epididymal adipose tissues were taken for biochemical, histopathological and genetic assessments.ResultsHypercholesterolemia induced a decrease in serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, reduced glutathione (GSH) and an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels that were ameliorated by karela administration. Hypercholesterolemia up regulated antioxidants mRNA expression and altered the expression of carbohydrate metabolism genes. In parallel, hypercholesterolemic groups showed significant changes in the expression of PPAR-alpha and gamma, lipolysis, lipogenesis and cholesterol metabolism such as carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1). Acyl CoA oxidase (ACO), fatty acids synthase (FAS), sterol responsible element binding protein-1c (SREBP1c), 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoAR) and cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1) at hepatic and adipose tissue levels. Interestingly, Karela ameliorated all altered genes confirming its hypocholesterolemic effect. Histopathological and immunohistochemical findings revealed that hypercholesterolemia induced hepatic tissue changes compared with control. These changes include cholesterol clefts, necrosis, karyolysis and sever congestion of portal blood vessel. Caspase-3 immunoreactivity showed positive expression in hepatic cells of hypercholesterolemic rats compared to control. All were counteracted and normalized after Karela administration to hypercholesterolemic group.ConclusionCurrent findings confirmed that karela is a potential supplement useful in treatment of hypercholesterolemia and its associated disorders and is good for human health.

Investigation of the predictive value of speckle tracking imaging for the assessment of cardiac function and clinical prognosis in patients with hypercholesterolemia.

The predictive value of speckle tracking imaging (STI) for the assessment of cardiac function and clinical prognosis in patients with hypercholesterolemia was explored. One hundred forty-seven patients with hypercholesterolemia diagnosed in our hospital and 137 healthy adults from our health examination center over the same period were included in this study. Using STI and color Doppler ultrasound, we carried out follow-up of cardiac function in patients with hypercholesterolemia and statistical analysis based on collected data. Global longitudinal strain, global circumferential strain, and the strains of apical long-axis, four-chamber and two-chamber planes, and short-axis mitral valve, short-axis papillary muscle, and short-axis apical levels in the hypercholesterolemia group were significantly lower than those in the control group. Global systolic and early diastolic strain rates were significantly lower than those in the control group. In the coronaries, the percentage of segments with significant differences was 80% (24/30) in the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD), 66.7% (9/12) in the left circumflex coronary artery (LCX), and 75% (8/12) in the right coronary artery (RCA). The average strains in the long axis, radial, and circumferential directions (StrainSL, SC, SR - Avg) in the three main coronaries were significantly different between the hypercholesterolemia group and control group (P<0.0001). In the three coronaries and their basal and mid segments, there were significant differences between LCX and LAD, and between LCX and RCA (P<0.0001). In conclusion, the application of STI for monitoring cardiac function in patients with hypercholesterolemia provides physicians with useful information related to hypercholesterolemia to achieve early diagnosis and effective treatment.

Modulation of cholesterol transport by maternal hypercholesterolemia in human full-term placenta.

The significance of maternal cholesterol transporting to the fetus under normal as well as pathological circumstances is less understood. The objective of this study was to observe the effects of maternal hypercholesterolemia on placental cholesterol transportation. Human full-time placenta, maternal and venous cord blood were sampled at delivery from the pregnant women with serum total cholesterol (TC) concentrations at third trimester higher than 7.25 mM (n = 19) and the pregnant women with normal TC concentrations (n = 19). Serum lipids and expression of genes related to cholesterol transportation were measured by western blot or real-time PCR. The results indicated that serum TC, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were significantly increased, in pregnancies, but decreased in cord blood in hypercholesterolemic group compared to the matched control group. All the subjects were no-drinking, non-smoker, and gestational disease free. The mRNA expression of lipoprotein receptors, including LDLR and VLDLR were significantly increased, while the protein expression of PCSK9 was significantly increased in hypercholesterolemic placenta. In conclusion, maternal hypercholesterolemia might decrease the transportation of cholesterol from mother to fetus because of the high levels of PCSK9 protein expression.

Expression and alteration of BKCa channels in the sphincter of Oddi's from rabbits with hypercholesterolemia

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to investigate the expression and function of BKCa channels in the Sphincter of Oddi (SO) in a rabbit model of hypercholesterolemia (HC). New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into 2 groups: the control group was fed standard chow (n = 18) whereas the high-cholesterol group was fed cholesterol-enriched chow containing 1.5% cholesterol (n = 18). The serum cholesterol level was significantly greater in the HC groups than in the control group, but there was no significant difference in body weight between the control and HC groups. Although the total protein expression of BKCa α- and β1-subunit was not significantly different between the control and HC groups, the Tyr-phosphorylation of BKCa α-subunit was significantly decreased in the HC group than in the control group. In addition, hypercholesterolemia significantly increased Acetylcholine (ACh)-induced contraction of the SO rings. Pretreatment with 30 μM NS1619, a BKCa channel agonist, significantly reduced ACh-induced contraction of the SO rings in HC rabbits. Moreover, pretreatment with 100 μM Na3OV4, a protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor, significantly reduced ACh-induced contraction of the SO rings in HC rabbits, whereas it significantly increased upon pretreating with 10 μM Genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Whole-cell patch clamp recordings showed that BKCa current density was significantly lower in SOSMCs from HC group than that from control group. Our findings suggest that hypercholesterolemia-induced downregulation of BKCa channel, and Tyr-phosphorylation of BKCa α-subunit may contribute to the hyperresponsiveness of the SO ring in HC rabbits.

The Hypocholesterolemic Effects of Eryngium carlinae F. Delaroche Are Mediated by the Involvement of the Intestinal Transporters ABCG5 and ABCG8.

Hypercholesterolemia is a metabolic disorder characterized by a high concentration of cholesterol in the blood. Eryngium carlinae is a medicinal plant used to treat lipid diseases. The goal of this work was to evaluate, in a model of hypercholesterolemia in mice, the hypocholesterolemic effect of a hydroalcoholic extract of E. carlinae and its main metabolite, D-mannitol. Biochemical analyses of serum lipids and hepatic enzymes were performed by photocolorimetry. We performed histopathological studies of the liver and the expression of the intestinal cholesterol transporters Abcg5 and Abcg8 was determined by standard western blot method. Our results showed that hydroalcoholic extract at doses of 100 mg/kg and D-mannitol at doses of 10 mg/kg reduced the concentration of both total cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol, without altering the concentration of HDL cholesterol and without damage to hepatocytes. Treatment with the extract increased Abcg8 intestinal transporter expression, while D-mannitol decreased the expression of the two Abcg5/Abcg8 transporters, compared with the hypercholesterolemic group. Considering that Abcg5/Abcg8 transporters perform cholesterol efflux, our results demonstrate that the lipid-lowering effect of the hydroalcoholic extract may be associated with the increase of Abcg8 expression, but the hypocholesterolemic effect of D-mannitol is independent of overexpression of these intestinal transporters and probably they have another mechanism of action.

New insights into the effects of onion consumption on lipid mediators using a diet-induced model of hypercholesterolemia

The levels and roles of lipid mediators can be modified in response to nutritional stimuli. The aim of this study was to investigate shifts in oxylipin and sphingolipid profiles stimulated by a hypercholesterolemic (HC) diet along with the modulating effects of onion introduced as an antioxidant functional ingredient characterized in the diet (HCO). Oxylipin and sphingolipid profiles were determined in plasma and tissues from Wistar rats using LC-MS/MS. Plasma ω-3 and ω-6 PUFA-derived oxylipins decreased in rats after 7 weeks of HC feeding, but did not evidence a further shift with HCO diet. Onion ingredient supplementation modulated the hepatic concentrations of prostaglandins and enhanced ω-3 oxylipins in the liver of HCO-fed rats relative to the HC group. The HC diet induced shifts in plasma sphingolipids, increasing sphingoid bases, dihydroceramides and ceramides, whilst the sphingomyelin, hexosylceramide and lactosylceramide families decreased. The HCO diet modified some HC diet-induced changes in sphingolipids in liver and spleen tissue. Onion supplementation effected changes in lipid mediator levels in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic Wistar rats. The potential of onion as regulator of pro-inflammatory mediators, and possible enhancer of pro-resolution pathways, warrants further study of the interaction of functional ingredients with bioactive lipid mediators and their potential impact on inflammation, oxidative stress and organ dysfunction.