Improved Serum Lipid Research Articles

Hydrolyzed Bound Phenolics from Rice Bran Alleviate Hyperlipidemia and Improve Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in High-Fat-Diet Fed Mice.

It has been confirmed the lipid-lowering effect of rice bran free phenolics, but it is unknown whether rice bran bound phenolics, the phenolic profile of which differs from the free ones, have a similar effect. Thus, the hypolipidemic effect and potential mechanism of hydrolyzed bound phenolics (HBP) from rice bran was investigated in this study. The results showed that HBP supplementation significantly improved serum lipid profiles of high-fat-diet fed mice. HBP inhibited the activation of nuclear receptors liver X receptor-α (LXRα), sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c), and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors-γ (PPARγ), and, therefore, changed the expressions of their downstream genes, including LDLR, CD36, ACC1, FAS, and DGAT2 in the liver. Moreover, HBP supplementation reversed the high-fat-diet induced gut microbiota dysbiosis. These findings suggest that HBP might alleviate the hyperlipidemia via inhibiting the hepatic de novolipogenesis, regulating the uptake of cholesterol and fatty acid in the liver and their absorption in the gut. The attenuation of microbiota dysbiosis might contribute to the above effects.

Effect of Crude Leaves Extract of Bersama abyssinica on Blood Glucose Level and Serum Lipid Level of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice: Evidence for in vivo Antidiabetic Activity.

Diabetes mellitus is one of the major and common metabolic and chronic disorders in the world. Several medicinal plants have been used globally for the management of diabetes mellitus. The current study aimed to study the antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects of Bersama abyssinica. Antidiabetic effect of 80% methanolic crude extract of Bersama abyssinica was studied in a repeated dose-treated STZ-induced diabetic mice model. The activities of Bersama abyssinica on serum lipid level and body weight were investigated on STZ-induced diabetic mice. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and were significant when the p-value was less than 0.05. All doses of the crude 80% methanolic extract of Bersama abyssinica (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg) exhibited a noticeable BGL reduction when compared with baseline blood glucose level and diabetic control on the 7th and 14th days of administration. Moreover, higher dose of the extract (at 400 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.001, 54.3%) decreased the BGL in STZ-induced diabetic mice. The maximum decrement in fasting BGL was achieved at the 14th days: 34.92%, 41.10%, 54.30%, and 59.66%, respectively for BAC 100 mg/kg, BAC 200 mg/kg, BAC 400 mg/kg, and GLC 5 mg/kg treated groups. Bersama abyssinica also displayed a significant (p < 0.05) improvement of serum lipid levels and body weight. Bersama abyssinica crude extract exhibited a significant antidiabetic effect and prevented body weight loss in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. The finding also confirmed the valuable biochemical activity of Bersama abyssinica by improving serum lipid levels.

The Chinese herbal medicine Fufang Zhenzhu Tiaozhi protects against diabetic cardiomyopathy by alleviating cardiac lipotoxicity-induced oxidative stress and NLRP3-dependent inflammasome activation

BackgroundFufang Zhenzhu Tiao Zhi (FTZ) formula is a Chinese herbal preparation used in the clinical treatment of disorders of glucolipid metabolism. Given its effective actions on the regulation of lipid dysfunction and its anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects, we designed this study to investigate the cardioprotective effect and possible mechanism of FTZ in diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) mice. MethodsFTZ was administered to diabetic mice by oral gavage daily at a dose of 1.2 g/kg or 2.4 g/kg bodyweight for 8 weeks. Doppler echocardiography, H&E, and WGA staining were used to evaluate cardiac function and structure in the mice. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines and lipids in serum were detected with corresponding commercial kits. Immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry were used to detect oxidation damage and pyroptosis in myocardial cells. RT–PCR and western blotting were used to analyze the protein and mRNA expression levels of NLRP3 inflammasome-related genes. ResultsOur study indicated that FTZ improved cardiac function, attenuated heart hypertrophy, improved serum lipid and proinflammatory cytokine levels, and restrained oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome-induced inflammatory activities in diabetic mouse hearts. The in vitro data suggested that FTZ suppressed intercellular lipid accumulation as well as palmitic acid (PA)-induced oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent pyroptosis in cardiomyocytes. ConclusionOur present findings indicate that FTZ inhibits DCM by inhibiting both oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activation induced by cardiac lipotoxicity.

Theabrownin isolated from Pu-erh tea regulates Bacteroidetes to improve metabolic syndrome of rats induced by high-fat, high-sugar and high-salt diet.

Theabrownin (TB), a high macromolecular compound and a characteristic component of Pu-erh tea, is able to markedly regulate blood lipid and glucose metabolism. We hypothesized that TB could ameliorate metabolic syndrome induced by high-fat, high-sugar and high-salt diet (HFSSD). To test these hypotheses, we fed rats with HFSSD and administered a gavage of TB. HFSSD successfully induced metabolic syndrome in rats. TB significantly improved serum lipid status, prevented obesity and fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycosylated hemoglobin (GHbAIc) in rats. After TB intervention, Firmicutes/Bacteroides (F/B) ratio was greatly reduced and showed a dose-effect relationship. TB promoted the reproduction of Bacteroidetes such as prevotella_sp._CAG:1031, prevotella_sp._MGM2 and Bacteroides_sartorii, and inhibited the reproduction of Firmicutes such as roseburia_sp._1XD42-69 and roseburia_sp._831b. In HFSSD mode, prevotella_sp._CAG:1031 was one of the main dominant characteristic bacteria of TB targeting regulation, while roseburia_sp._1XD42-69 mainly inhibitory intestinal bacteria, which help to reduce body weight, TG and blood sugar levels of HFSSD rats. Glycerophospholipid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and insulin resistance were the critical pathway. TB has a high application potential in reducing the risk of metabolic diseases. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Fucoidans from Pearsonothuria graeffei prevent obesity by regulating intestinal lipid metabolism and inflammation related signalling pathways.

Background: Fucoidans extracted from sea cucumber Pearsonothuria graeffei (fuc-Pg) are rich in 4-O-sulfation, and have been shown to be potential functional polysaccharides for preventing metabolic syndromes. Objective: The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of fuc-Pg on the prevention of obesity and its underlying mechanism. Method: Mice were fed a normal diet, high-fat diet (HFD), HFD plus low and high dosage of fuc-Pg, and HFD plus simvastatin for 8 weeks. Results: fuc-Pg intervention could significantly decrease weight gain and fat accumulation in the HFD-fed mice. Moreover, fuc-Pg improved serum lipid profile by decreasing serum concentrations of TG, TC, LDL-C, sCD36, ApoB48, and ApoB100 compared with the HFD group. HFD-induced upregulation of intestinal CD36, FABP-1, P-ERK1, and the ratio of p-ERK/ERK was reversed by the fuc-Pg treatment. Moreover, fuc-Pg improved the normal function of white adipose tissue by increasing the expression of UCP1, PPAR-γ, and PGC-1α in the HFD-fed mice. Furthermore, fuc-Pg alleviated systemic inflammation by reducing serum pro-inflammatory factors and breaking the TLR4/NF-κB pathway in both the colon and liver. Conclusion: Fuc-Pg is a potential functional polysaccharide for preventing obesity and systemic inflammation caused by HFD.

Synthesis and antihyperlipidaemic activity of a new piperine derivative

Long pepper (Piper longum Linn.) is widely used as a medicinal substance in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Its major alkaloid piperine is the main active constituent with various therapeutic activities and has low solubility in water. In this study, a soluble new derivative of a piperine alkaloid, named N-leucinylpiperamide was synthesized. The animal experiment showed that N-leucinylpiperamide has more hypolipidemic effects than commercially available simvastatin and piperine in modulating serum lipids in Wistar male rats. At the amount of 10 mg/kg bw, it significantly reduced TC (-52.4%), TG (-61.7%), and LDL-C (-27.8%), respectively, and increased HDL-C (+147.4%) in the serum of the high-lipid model group. Furthermore, the synthesized N-leucinylpiperamide had no noticeable cytotoxicity against HepG2 cell line in vitro. Thus, our study shows that N-leucinylpiperamide has an ability to improve serum lipid profile in hyperlipidemic model rats and could be a valuable promising agent for the preventing hyperlipidemia.

Anti-Obesity Effects of Morus alba L. and Aronia melanocarpa in a High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese C57BL/6J Mouse Model.

The present study investigated the synergic effect of extracts of Morus alba (MA) and Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) (AR) against high-fat diet induced obesity. Four-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into five groups that were fed for 14 weeks with a normal diet (ND), high-fat diet (HD), HD with M. alba 400 mg/kg body weight (MA), HD with A. melanocarpa 400 mg/kg body weight (AR), or HD with a mixture (1:1, v/v) of M. alba and A. melanocarpa (400 mg/kg) (MA + AR). Treatment with MA, AR, and MA + AR for 14 weeks reduced high fat diet-induced weight gain and improved serum lipid levels, and histological analysis revealed that MA and AR treatment markedly decreased lipid accumulation in the liver and adipocyte size in epididymal fat. Furthermore, micro-CT images showed MA + AR significantly reduced abdominal fat volume. Expression levels of genes involved in lipid anabolism, such as SREBP-1c, PPAR-γ, CEBPα, FAS, and CD36 were decreased by MA + AR treatment whereas PPAR-α, ACOX1, and CPT-1a levels were increased by MA + AR treatment. Protein expression of p-AMPK and p-ACC were increased in the MA + AR group, indicating that MA + AR ameliorated obesity by upregulating AMPK signaling. Together, our findings indicate that MA and AR exert a synergistic effect against diet-induced obesity and are promising agents for managing obesity.

Flavonoids from Whole-Grain Oat Alleviated High-Fat Diet-Induced Hyperlipidemia via Regulating Bile Acid Metabolism and Gut Microbiota in Mice.

A high-fat diet (HFD) causes hyperlipidemia, which worsens disturbances in bile acid (BA) metabolism and gut microbiota. This study aimed to investigate the regulation of flavonoids from whole-grain oat (FO) on BA metabolism and gut microbiota in HFD-induced hyperlipidemic mice. The experiment results showed that FO improved serum lipid profiles and decreased body weight and lipid deposition in HFD-fed mice. Through real-time qualitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot assays, by up-regulating the expression of PPARα, CPT-1, CYP7A1, FXR, TGR5, NTCP, and BSTP, and down-regulating those of SREBP-1c, FAS, and ASBT, FO suppressed lipogenesis, promoted lipolysis and BA synthesis, and efflux to faeces via the FXR pathway. 16s rRNA sequencing revealed that FO significantly increased Akkermansia and significantly decreased Lachnoclostridium, Blautia, Colidextribacter, and Desulfovibrio. Spearman's correlation analysis showed that these bacteria were strongly correlated with hyperlipidemia-related parameters. Therefore, our results indicated that FO possessed an antihyperlipidemic effect via regulating the gut-liver axis, i.e., BA metabolism and gut microbiota.

Structural analysis and anti‐obesity effect of Polygonatum cyrtonema polysaccharide against obesity induced by high‐fat diet in mice

AbstractThis study aimed to analyse the physicochemical properties of Polygonatum cyrtonema polysaccharide (PCP) and evaluated its effects in a high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced obese mice. Experimentally, PCP was established as a homogeneous heteropolysaccharide with both α‐ and β‐configurations, and its estimated average molecular weight was ˜5.1 kDa. Besides, we discovered its major monosaccharides, including galactose, mannose, rhamnose, galacturonic acid and glucose. PCP markedly decreased obesity‐related parameters, improved serum lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, and leptin levels and reversed insulin resistance. It also reduced the hepatic infiltration of lipid droplets and the size of adipocytes in adipose tissues. Finally, PCP simulation significantly downregulated the mRNA expression of CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein‐α (C/EBPα), peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPARγ), sterol regulatory element‐binding protein‐1c (SREBP‐1c) and fatty acid synthase (FAS). On the contrary, it increased carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT1) and uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) levels closely related to thermogenesis and glucolipid metabolism. Taken together, these findings have provided evidence that PCP could be a potential anti‐obesity ingredient in preventing diet‐induced obesity.

Combined ginger and garlic extract improves serum lipid profile, oxidative stress markers and reduced IL-6 in diet induced obese rats

Dyslipidemia is a major modifiable contributor to cardiovascular disease and obesity. Zingiber officinalle (ginger) and Allium sativum (garlic) are popular culinary spice in traditional medicine with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Our study investigated the effects of combined ginger and garlic extracts against dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation in rats fed High Fat Diet (HFD). Sixty Male Wister rats were assigned into Group 1(Control), Group II and III (500 and 1000 mg/kg extract respectively), Group IV (HFD only), and Group V and VI (HFD + 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg extract) for 8 weeks. Biochemical analysis was done by spectrophotometric method. GC-MS identification of compounds was also conducted on the extracts. Statistical analysis of data was done by one-way analysis of variance and post hoc test by Duncan's Multiple test using statistical package for social sciences 21.0. The combined extract restored the hematological indices and improved the serum lipid profile. Treatment with the extracts also prevented obesity in rats. Antioxidant enzymes (SOD and Catalase) were increased significantly (p < 0.05) by the extracts while GSH only increased significantly (p < 0.05) when HFD fed rats were treated with 1000 mg/kg and normal rats were administered 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg extract. TNF-alpha and IL-6 increased significantly (p < 0.05) when rats were fed HFD but was normalized when treated with the extract. This study showed that the combined extract possess anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant anti-lipidemic and immune-modulatory effects, therefore can be useful in the management of inflammatory related diseases and useful as immune booster.

The Role of GPR109a Signaling in Niacin Induced Effects on Fed and Fasted Hepatic Metabolism.

Signaling through GPR109a, the putative receptor for the endogenous ligand β-OH butyrate, inhibits adipose tissue lipolysis. Niacin, an anti-atherosclerotic drug that can induce insulin resistance, activates GPR109a at nM concentrations. GPR109a is not essential for niacin to improve serum lipid profiles. To better understand the involvement of GPR109a signaling in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, we treated GPR109a wild-type (+/+) and knockout (−/−) mice with repeated overnight injections of saline or niacin in physiological states characterized by low (ad libitum fed) or high (16 h fasted) concentrations of the endogenous ligand, β-OH butyrate. In the fed state, niacin increased expression of apolipoprotein-A1 mRNA and decreased sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 mRNA independent of genotype, suggesting a possible GPR109a independent mechanism by which niacin increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) production and limits transcriptional upregulation of lipogenic genes. Niacin decreased fasting serum non-esterified fatty acid concentrations in both GPR109a +/+ and −/− mice. Independent of GPR109a expression, niacin blunted fast-induced hepatic triglyceride accumulation and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α mRNA expression. Although unaffected by niacin treatment, fasting serum HDL concentrations were lower in GPR109a knockout mice. Surprisingly, GPR109a knockout did not affect glucose or lipid homeostasis or hepatic gene expression in either fed or fasted mice. In turn, GPR109a does not appear to be essential for the metabolic response to the fasting ketogenic state or the acute effects of niacin.

Protective effect of moringa-based beverages against hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes-induced rats

The objectives of this study were to determine the phenolic profile and potential antioxidant activity of Moringa oleifera leaves (MOL) cultivated in Saudi Arabia and to investigate the protective effect of moringa-based beverages on lipidemic and glycemic parameters in alloxan-induced diabetic rats (DR). The total phenolic content (TPC), chlorophylls, total carotenoids, total flavonoids, total flavonols, ascorbic acid content, and antioxidant activities (AOA) of MOL were determined and HPLC analysis of MOL was quantitatively performed. Moringa beverages as pure moringa (PM) and ginger-flavored moringa (GM) were given to diabetic rats (DR) at a dose of 1 mL 100 g-1 body weight/day for a successive six weeks. Glucose level (GL), lipid profile, and antioxidant parameters including malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), and pancreas histopathological alterations were examined. Results indicated that MOL and prepared moringa-based beverages possess a suppressive amount of phenolics with considerable antioxidant activity in vitro. TPC was 78.72 mg GAE g-1 DW possess AOA as 36.33 μmol TE g-1 DW. Among the eleven identified phenolic acids and six flavonoids in MOL, caffeic acid and catechin were predominant and recorded 151.01 and 736.30 mg/100 g, respectively. Administration of PM or GM beverages significantly decreased GL and significantly improved serum lipid profiles in the DR group. Interestingly, oral administration of PM and GM beverages significantly attenuated the MDA and GSH levels in the DR compared to normal rats. Histopathologically, severe atrophy was noted in the islets of Langerhans in the DR group. However, after six weeks of oral administration of PM beverage, only mild atrophy was recorded in the islets of Langerhans, while with GM beverage, no histopathological alteration in the islets of Langerhans was found. The nutritional and biological evaluation of the moringa-based beverages revealed that both PM and GM beverages exhibit high antioxidant activity, possess antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects, and alleviated alloxan-induced pancreatic damage in DR. Moringa could be recommended for diabetes and utilized for its great therapeutic benefits.

COMPLEMENTARY EFFECT OF BLACK PEPPER AND TURMERIC ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE AND PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF JAPANESE QUAIL

The physiological effect of black pepper and turmeric are of great interest due to their antioxidant, nutritional and therapeutic properties. Therefore, the target of this study was to investigate the physiological and immunological effects of black pepper to enhance bioavailability of turmeric on productive performance of growing Japanese quail. A total of two hundred unsexed seven day-old from Japanese quail were divided into four groups, each group was distributed into five replicates, 10 birds in each replicate. All groups were fed the same basal diet supplemented with 0.0%,2% turmeric powder/ Kg diet,0.5 % black pepper powder/ Kg diet for the 1st , 2nd and 3rd groups, while the fourth group was given basal diet supplemented with a mixture of 2% turmeric powder + 0.5 % black pepper powder/ Kg diet. All quails were fed the experimental diets from 7 to 42 days of age. The results revealed that dietary supplements turmeric, black pepper either singly or in combination had significantly improved live body weight, weight gain and feed conversion ratio compared to control group. Additionally, results illustrated that combined black pepper + turmeric group had positive effect on protein fraction, globulin fractions(α, β, and γ-globulin), lipids profile, and immunoglobulin G (IgG) compared to other groups. Additionally, combined black pepper with turmeric group recorded highly significant values of thyroid hormones concentration, T3/T4 ratio and improvement SOD, MDA and GSH-Px concentration compared to other groups. Meanwhile, treated groups had no significant effect on feed consumption, liver functions markers (ALT, AST and ALP) and immunoglobulin A and M (IgA, IgM) compared to control group of growing quail. However, there were no significant differences between turmeric or black pepper groups on physiological and immunological responses of growing quails. Conclusion: These results concluded that combining of 0.5% black pepper to 2% turmeric together may enhance productive performance and had significantly improved serum lipids concentration, thyroid hormones, antioxidant enzymes activity, immunoglobulin G of growing quail.

Biochemical changes related to aging in the brain of rats and the effect of alpha lipoic acid.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of alpha-lipoic acid (LA) on aging and lipid profile in rats. Animals: 48 male rats. Procedures: Rats were allocated equally to four groups (12 rats each); Group 1 (control young group) was fed on a normal diet. Group 2 (control adult group) was fed on a normal diet. Group 3 (lipoic young group); was fed on the lipoic acid-rich diet. Group 4 (lipoic adult group) ;was fed on the lipoic acid-rich diet also. Results: MDA concentration, GSH activity and SOD activity were significantly increased in adult lipoic treated groups at 30 days (P<0.05) compared to other groups, but catalase activity was significantly decreased (P<0.05) table(1). Serum cholesterol, triglycerides and VLDL were significantly decreased in adult lipoic treated groups at 30 days (P<0.05) compared to other groups table(2). Apoptotic markers (BCL2 and caspase 3) were significantly increased in young lipoic treated groups at 30 days (P<0.05) compared to other groups, but they were significantly decreased in adult lipoic treated groups at 30 days (P<0.05) table (3) . Conclusion and clinical relevance: LA supplementation is effective in lowering triglycerides, VLDL, LDL serum levels. In young rats, LA may produce up-regulation of pro-survival genes. For aged rats, LA may protect the brain cells from apoptosis and improved serum lipid profile

Antiobesity Effect of Novel Probiotic Strains in a Mouse Model of High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity.

Obesity is one of the major causes of the development of metabolic diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases and type-2 diabetes mellitus. Increased lipid accumulation and abnormal adipocyte growth, which is an increase in cell numbers and differentiation, have been documented as major pathological characteristics of obesity. Thus, the inhibition of adipogenic differentiation prevents and suppresses obesity. Recently, specific probiotic strains have been known to regulate lipid metabolism in vitro and/or in vivo. Previously, we demonstrated that Lactobacillus johnsonni 3121 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus 86 could act as novel probiotic strains and reduce cholesterol levels. Moreover, both strains significantly reduced lipid accumulation and inhibited adipocyte differentiation by downregulating the adipogenic transcription factor in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Therefore, L. johnsonni 3121 and L. rhamnosus 86 were selected for in vivo evaluation of their anti-obesity effects using a high-fat diet-induced obese mouse model. Daily oral administration of L. johnsonni 3121 and L. rhamnosus 86 for 12weeks significantly improved serum lipid profile and downregulated the expression of genes related to adipogenesis and lipogenesis in epididymal white adipose tissue of high-fat diet fed obese mice (p < 0.05). Fecal analysis also suggested that the two probiotic strains could normalize the altered obesity-related gut microbiota in high-fat diet-fed obese mice. These results collectively demonstrate that oral administration of L. johnsonni 3121 and L. rhamnosus 86 could prevent obesity, thereby improving metabolic health.

Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities of phlorizin from Lithocarpus polystachyus Rehd in diabetes rats.

The objective of this study was to investigate the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of phlorizin on sweet tea in rats with diabetes. Diabetic rat model was established by feeding with HFD (high‐fat diet) and then treating with intraperitoneal injection of STZ (streptozocin). The experiments were divided into therapeutic and preventive experiments. In both experiments, rats were divided into normal, diabetic control, positive control, and phlorizin groups. Symptoms of diabetes, fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, serum lipid parameters, and pathological changes in the pancreas and liver were evaluated. It was found that the symptoms of diabetes were improved by phlorizin treatment. In addition, phlorizin could decrease FBG, improve serum lipid levels, protect against damaged pancreas islet, and decrease fat deposition in hepatic cells. These effects of phlorizin can be shown only attain to a certain dosage. It can be concluded that phlorizin has the therapeutic and preventive effects on hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia in diabetes rats.

Danthron attenuates experimental atherosclerosis by targeting foam cell formation.

What is the central question of this study? Does danthron alleviate experimental atherosclerosis by inhibiting the formation of foam cells? What are the main findings and their importance? Danthron improved serum lipid profiles and significantly reduced the atherosclerotic plaque areas and lipid accumulation in the aortic root of ApoE-/- mice. Danthron inhibited foam cell formation in oxidized low-density lipoprotein-induced RAW264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, danthron exerted its function in atherosclerosis at least partly through activating the AMP-activated protein kinase-sirtuin 1 signalling pathway. These findings suggest that danthron has the potential to alleviate atherosclerosis. Danthron, an ingredient isolated from Rheum palmatum L., has been revealed to reduce lipid accumulation in vitro. This study aimed to discover the effects of danthron on the development of atherosclerosis and to delineate the underlying mechanisms. For in vivo studies, male ApoE-/- mice were fed a high-fat diet and orally treated with danthron (30 or 60mg/kg/day) for 12weeks. For in vitro studies, RAW264.7 cells were induced by oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL, 50μg/ml) for 48h and subsequently administered danthron at appropriate concentrations for 24h. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor compound C was added to ox-LDL-stimulated RAW264.7 cells 2h before danthron administration to confirm the role of the AMPK signalling pathway in the regulation by danthron of foam cell formation. We found that danthron improved serum lipid profiles, and significantly reduced atherosclerotic plaque areas and lipid accumulation in the aortic root of atherosclerotic mice. Moreover, danthron upregulated the mRNA and protein expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), ABCG1 and liver X receptor α (LXRα), which play a crucial role in lipid metabolism, and activated the AMPK-sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) pathway. In an in vitro study, danthron inhibited foam cell formation in ox-LDL-induced RAW264.7 macrophages with an increase in the expression of ABCA1, ABCG1 and LXRα as well as activation of the AMPK-SIRT1 pathway. Furthermore, compound C abolished the effects of danthron on lipid accumulation and the protein expression of ABCA1/G1 and LXRα in vitro. Our results highlight that danthron possesses potential benefits in alleviating experimental atherosclerosis by targeting foam cell formation by activating the AMPK-SIRT1 signalling pathway.

Effects of dietary betaine supplementation on biochemical parameters of blood and testicular oxidative stress in Hu sheep

Betaine, a highly valuable feed additive, has been observed to alter the distribution of protein and fat in the bodies of ruminants and to exhibit strong antioxidant properties. However, the effects of dietary betaine supplementation on the biochemical parameters of blood and on testicular oxidative stress remain unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary betaine supplementation on lipid metabolism, immunity, and testicular oxidative status in Hu sheep. Experimental sheep (n=3, three sheep per group) were fed betaine-containing diets, a basal diet supplemented with 0 g/day (control group), 1 g/day (B1), and 3 g/day betaine (B2). There were no differences in the serum concentrations of triglycerides and cholesterol in Hu sheep receiving diets supplemented with betaine. The ratio of basophils significantly increased in the B1 and B2 groups. ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) results showed that testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity were significantly higher, whereas malondialdehyde (MDA) content significantly decreased, after feeding betaine-supplemented diets. qPCR results showed that the mRNA expression levels of CAT, SOD2, and GSH-Px were significantly upregulated in both the B1 and B2 groups compared to those in the control group. Furthermore, the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was significantly lower in the testes of betaine-treated Hu sheep than in the control group. Moreover, LKB1 (liver kinase B1) expression significantly increased, and mRNA expression of AMPK (AMP-activated serine/threonine protein kinase) significantly decreased in the B1 group. The relative gene expression of mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) was significantly higher in the B2 group than in the control group. RAPTOR expression significantly increased in the B1 group. Western blot revealed that the ratio of P-mTOR and mTOR significantly increased after feeding betaine-supplemented diets. In conclusion, betaine supplementation improved serum lipid metabolism, immune response, and increased the testicular antioxidant capacity of Hu sheep, which might be regulated via mTOR signaling pathway.

Effects of Ajwa date seed powder on serum lipids in humans: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Hyperlipidemia is one of the common risk factors of cardiovascular disease. The effects of Ajwa date seed powder on serum lipid profile in human beings in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study were evaluated. Hypercholesterolemic patients were instructed to take the Ajwa date seed powder (200 mg of seed powder filled in each capsule) three times daily after a meal for 90 days as a form of treatment once distributing them to intervention (n = 30) or placebo (n = 28) group. Each group was similar in essential baseline characteristics with no significant differences. The primary outcome measure was total cholesterol (TC) levels. Secondary outcome measures were low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The Ajwa date seed powder yielded a 19.4 %, 22.5 %, and 25.78 % decrease in total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides (TG) levels respectively along with an increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels by 23.81 % in the intervention group, and these values were significantly better than those of the placebo group. In summary, Ajwa date seed powder was found to have positive effects by improving serum lipid profile in the intervention group compared to the placebo group.

Physical Activity Amount and Cognitive Impairment in Korean Elderly Population.

The relationship between physical activity amount and cognitive function in elderly Koreans has received little attention. This study therefore aimed to understand the independent and common link between cognitive function and physical activity levels among elderly Korean adults. This study recruited a total of 2746 elderly adults (1348 males and 1398 females). All participants were assessed for cognitive functioning using the Korean Dementia Screening Questionnaire Cognition (KDSQ-C). The computerized Korean version short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) used in this study was entirely based on the long, self-administered, usual week-long IPAQ found in the IPAQ manual of operation. In the unadjusted model, elderly adults who met the recommended level of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity were more likely to have a sufficient level of cognitive function. Hemoglobin, creatinine, cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), LDL-C, and HDL-C differed significantly between groups. A negative correlation was found between KDSQ-C score and the moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) amount per week. Physical activity amount is associated with cognition function in Korean elderly adults. Increasing physical activity may improve hemoglobin and creatinine and be involved in improving serum lipid profiles in elderly adults. Thus, physical activity has been suggesting as a useful tool to reduce the risk of cognitive function associated with aging.