Increased HDL Cholesterol Concentrations Research Articles

Antithrombotic Action of Alcohol in Relation to Platelet Function

The relationship between alcohol consumption and incident ischemic heart disease and stroke is characterized by a J- or U-shape. This denotes that light drinking has a preventive effect on cardiovascular diseases. Effects of alcohol drinking on lipid metabolism including an increase in HDL cholesterol concentration and a decrease in LDL cholesterol concentration are the main reasons for the anti-atherosclerotic action of alcohol. The antithrombotic effect of alcohol through the inhibition of platelet function is also involved in the lower incidence of ischemic arterial disease in drinkers. Capacitative Ca2+ entry, a main mechanism for platelet aggregation, is inhibited by ethanol. Ethanol also inhibits plasmalemmal phospholipase A2 activity and consequent thromboxane A2 production. French paradox is a phenomenon showing the merit of red wine consumption for the prevention of ischemic heart disease. In addition to ethanol, red wine contains anti-oxidative polyphenol compounds, represented by resveratrol, which has an antiplatelet action. Resveratrol also inhibits the capacitative Ca2+ entry in platelets. Furthermore, ethanol and resveratrol show a synergic inhibitory action on platelet aggregation, which may be caused by the reduction in the Ca2+ sensitivity of the contractile apparatus of platelets and the attenuation of COX-1 activity. Thus, the strength of the antithrombotic action is thought to differ depending on alcohol beverage. Decreases in concentrations of coagulation factors including fibrinogen are also involved in the alcohol-induced antithrombotic action. Alcohol drinking causes hemorrhagic diathesis as well as antithrombotic tendency.

Model for Patients with Multivessel Coronary Artery Lesions in the Highlands Region (Qinghai Province, Northwest China)

Objective: The severity and prognosis of coronary artery disease are closely associated with treatment strategy choice. To achieve timely, accurate, early selection of a suitable treatment plan and assess patients’ prognosis, we developed an effective predictive model for early identification of high-risk patients according to lesion severity. Methods: Among the 510 patients with chest pain admitted to the Qinghai Red Cross Hospital between August 2018 and October 2019, 386 had coronary artery disease detected by coronary angiography. A total of 24 demographic characteristics and serum markers were analyzed in study participants. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression was used to select variables, and multivariate logistic regression was used to build predictive models by using nominal plots. The discriminatory power of the models was evaluated with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Predictive models were calibrated with calibration plots and the Hosmer–Lemeshow test. Their clinical validity was evaluated via decision curve analysis. Results: Data were randomly divided (7:3) into training (358 cases) and test (152 cases) sets. The predictive model included sex, age, smoking status, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, albumin, urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol as predictors. The AUCs for the training and test sets were 0.793 and 0.732, respectively. The predictive model showed a good fit, and decision curve analysis indicated the clinical validity of the predictive model. Conclusions: We developed an effective risk predictive model with good clinical value for predicting multivessel disease. Smoking cessation, lowering creatinine, and increasing HDL cholesterol concentrations might decrease the risk of developing multivessel disease, thereby avoiding severe disease.

Effects of Cyperus alternifolius, Echinochloa pyramidalis, Typha angustifolia, and Imperata cylindrica on Growth Performance, Feed Digestibility, Gut Microbiota, Haemato-biochemical and Immunity Parameters in Broiler Chickens

The rhizomes of Cyperus (C.) alternifolius, Echinochloa (E.) pyramidalis, Typha (T.) angustifolia, and Imperata (I.) cylindrica are rich in secondary metabolites and have diverse pharmacological activities. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of dietary C. alternifolius, E. pyramidalis, T. angustifolia, and I. cylindrical rhizomes on the performance of broiler chickens. A total of 384 day-old chicks were randomly assigned to six treatment groups (each treatment replicated four times). The first group received a basal diet (negative control), and the second group received a basal diet with 1 gr of antibiotic (Doxicycline, positive control). Other groups received a basal diet with 2 gr of each phyto-additives/kg feed. The results revealed that treatments had no significant effects on feed intake and carcass yield in chickens. The C. alternifolius and T. angustifolia significantly increased live weight and weight gain, and decreased feed conversion ratio, compared to negative control. The addition of C. alternifolius, T. angustifolia, and I. cylindrica to broilers’ diet significantly increased the apparent digestibility of dry matter and crude protein, compared to the negative control. Compared to the negative control, the lactic acid bacteria count significantly increased with the incorporation of T. angustifolia and I. cylindrica. The granulocytes count and globulins concentration were not affected by the different treatments. However, the lymphocyte count was significantly decreased with the diet containing E. pyramidalis compared to the negative and positive controls, and the diets containing C. alternifolius and T. angustifolia. The spleen and bursa weights and volumes significantly increased in all groups of chickens fed on phyto-additives, compared to the negative control. Except for haematocrit, which significantly increased with C. alternifolius and T. angustifolia in the treatments compared to the negative control, the feed additives did not significantly affect the hematological parameters. Compared to the negative control, T. angustifolia and I. cylindrica significantly increased HDL-cholesterol concentration in broiler chickens’ serum, while all treatment groups were comparable for all the other biochemical parameters. Incorporating 2 g of C. alternifolius and T. angustifolia in broiler chickens’ feed improves feed digestibility, enhances the population of lactic acid bacteria in the gut, and causes subsequent improvement in growth performance.

Morus Alba leaf extract affects metabolic profiles, biomarkers inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A double-blind clinical trial

Morus Alba extract, despite its special properties, has been less studied in terms of its effects on metabolic profiles in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study was carried out to determine the effects of Morus Alba extract, known as white mulberry, on liver enzymes, biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress, insulin metabolism and lipid profiles in patients with T2DM. The current randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 60 patients with T2DM. Subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups to receive either Morus Alba extract (300mg) (n=30) or placebo (n=30) twice a day. Fasting blood samples were collected at the baseline and 12 weeks after intervention to quantify related markers. Morus Alba extract intake significantly decreased insulin (P=0.026) and malondialdehyde (MDA) (P<0.001), and significantly increased HDL-cholesterol concentrations (P=0.001) compared with the placebo. However, Morus Alba extract intake did not affect other metabolic profiles. The results of this study shown that the 12-week administration of Morus Alba extract among subjects with T2DM had beneficial effects on HDL-cholesterol, insulin and MDA levels, but did not affect other metabolic profiles. The present study was registered in the Iranian website for clinical trials as http://www.irct.ir: IRCT2016081312438N21.

Effects of androgenic properties of progestin combined with ethinyl estradiol on vascular endothelial reactivity, plasma lipids and free radical production in women with endometriosis.

Endothelial reactivity is inhibited and oxidative stress is enhanced in women with endometriosis. Testosterone may adversely affect lipids and endothelium. We investigated the effects of androgenic properties of progestins combined with ethinyl estradiol (EE) on endothelial function, lipids and free radical production in such women. Women with endometriosis were treated with 20 μg EE + 3 mg drospirenone (DRSP) or 35 μg EE + 1 mg norethisterone (NET) for 3 months. Plasma concentrations of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), lipids, copper (Cu), derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs), biological antioxidant potential (BAP), nitrite/nitrate, endothelin-1 and asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) were measured before and after treatment. Flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) of the brachial artery was measured by ultrasonography. DRSP group, but not NET group, significantly increased FMD and concentrations of nitrite/nitrate and small dense LDL cholesterol, while decreased endothelin-1 concentrations. In both groups, ADMA and LDL cholesterol concentrations were significantly decreased, but triglyceride, SHBG, d-ROMs, Cu and ceruloplasmin concentrations increased, and BAP concentrations did not change. DRSP group significantly increased HDL cholesterol concentrations, whereas NET group decreased its concentrations. Changes in triglyceride correlated positively either with changes in SHBG (r = 0.57, P < 0.001) or with small dense LDL cholesterol (r = 0.45, P = 0.005). Changes in Cu correlated positively with changes in d-ROMs (r = 0.87, P < 0.001). Androgenic properties of progestin may counteract EE's favorable effects on endothelial function and HDL cholesterol, while eliminating its adverse effects on increased triglyceride-induced small dense LDL cholesterol in women with endometriosis.

The impact on metabolic and reproductive diseases of low-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets

With low carbohydrate diets glucose becomes unavailable as a source of energy for our body, leading to the production of ketones from fatty acids in the liver. The increase in plasma ketones is known as nutritional ketosis. The available evidence from basic and clinical studies indicates that both low carbohydrate and high fat low carbohydrate diets are effective for weight loss and are better than non-intervention. However, low carbohydrate diet and ketogenic diets induce unique metabolic changes and consistently improve some markers of cardiovascular risk, lowering elevated blood glucose, insulin, triglycerides, ApoB and saturated fat concentrations, reducing small dense LDL particle numbers, glycated hemoglobin levels, blood pressure and body weight while increasing HDL-cholesterol concentrations and reversing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Low carbohydrate diets are an efficient strategy for the management of obesity and metabolic syndrome. They may also benefit patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. They must be prescribed by trained professionals to balance the risks and benefits for each individual patient. Future research is required to improve the knowledge about individual responses to dietary interventions, their safety, tolerance, efficacy and long-term effects.

Glucocorticoids impair HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux besides increased HDL cholesterol concentration: a proof of concept.

Glucocorticoids (GC) are associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity despite increased HDL-C concentration. HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux, a major anti-atherogenic property of HDL particles, is negatively associated with CVD risk. We aimed to determine whether HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux was influenced by GC. Prospective, observational study. Lipid parameters, HDL composition, HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux, cholesteryl ester transfer protein, phospholipid transfer protein and lecithin cholesterol acyl-transferase (LCAT) activities were determined in ten patients with giant cell arteritis before and 3 months after GC introduction and in seven control subjects. HDL concentration and composition, HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux and LCAT activity were determined in GC-treated mice. In patients, HDL-C concentration was higher after than before treatment GC-treatment (P = 0.002), while HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux was decreased (P = 0.008) and negatively associated with the proportion of cholesteryl ester in HDL (P = 0.04), independently of CRP. As well, in mice, HDL-C level was increased after GC exposure (P = 0.04) and HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux decreased (P = 0.04). GC-treated patients had higher cholesteryl ester content in HDL, higher HDL2-to-HDL3 ratio and higher LCAT activity than before treatment (P = 0.008, P = 0.02 and P = 0.004, respectively). We report, for the first time, that in patients with giant cell arteritis and mice treated with GC, HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux was impaired by GC besides an increased HDL-C level. This impaired HDL functionality, possibly related to HDL enrichment in cholesteryl ester, could contribute to the increased CVD risk observed in GC-treated patients. Further studies are needed in larger populations, to further decipher the effect of GC on HDL.

Development of omega-3 rich eggs through dietary flaxseed and bio-evaluation in metabolic syndrome.

An egg is a nutrient‐dense food that contains protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals. It is proven that the consumption of eggs influences serum lipid concentration. Therefore, a study was conducted to investigate the effect of normal and omega‐3 eggs on serum lipids profiles. Lipids were extracted from egg yolks and analyzed for fatty acids content. The present research is a crossover study design in which 20 participants were recruited randomly, and all subjects received three treatments: no eggs, omega‐3 eggs, and normal eggs. However, fasting blood was drawn at baseline and the end of each diet period and analyzed for serum lipids, blood glucose, and insulin level. Omega‐3 egg treatment showed reduction in the serum total cholesterol by 16.57 mg/dl (p < .001), triglyceride by 17.48 mg/dl, and increase in HDL cholesterol concentration by 0.48 mg/dl (p < .001) as compared to no‐egg. A significant (p < .05) reduction in blood pressure by 8.34/8.67 mm/Hg and insulin level was observed due to omega‐3 egg consumption which indicates that omega‐3 fatty acids improve insulin sensitivity. On the other hand, regular egg intake elevates serum total cholesterol and triglycerides concentration but decreases blood pressure. It was concluded that omega‐3‐enriched egg consumption had a positive effect on the serum lipid profile and blood pressure of patients with metabolic syndrome as compared to normal eggs.

Development of a Genetic Score to Predict an Increase in HDL Cholesterol Concentration After a Dietary Intervention in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome

Dietary intervention (DI) is a primary strategy to attenuate some of the metabolic abnormalities associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS), including low HDL cholesterol. There is no biomarker that can identify individuals who respond to DI by increasing HDL cholesterol. The aim of this study was to assess the predictive power of a genetic predisposition score (GPS) in Mexican adults with MetS to identify HDL cholesterol responders to DI. This study followed a prospective cohort design. Sixty-seven Mexican adults aged 20-60 y (21% men) with BMI ≥25 and ≤39.9 kg/m², who had at least 3 of 5 positive criteria for MetS, were included. Participants consumed a low saturated fat diet for 2.5 mo (<7% energy as saturated fat, <200 mg of cholesterol/d) and reduced their usual diet by ∼440 kcal/d, a reduction in total energy intake of about 25%. Anthropometry and serum biochemical markers, including HDL cholesterol, were measured before and after DI. A multilocus GPS was constructed using previously reported genetic variants associated with response to diet in subjects with MetS. GPS values, designed to predict the response of HDL cholesterol to the DI, were computed for each individual as the sum of the number of effect alleles across 14 SNPs. Individuals were dichotomized as high and low GPS according to median GPS (-2.12) and we observed a difference in HDL cholesterol changes on DI of +3 mg/dL (6.3%) in subjects with low GPS, whereas those with high GPS had HDL cholesterol decreases of -3 mg/dL (-7.9%) (P=0.04). Individuals with low GPS showed greater increases in their HDL cholesterol than those with high GPS. Therefore, the GPS can be useful for predicting the HDL cholesterol response to diet.

Effect of supplementation of L. plantarum and L. casei based probiotic milk powder on hematology, blood biochemistry and lipid profile of Charles Foster rats

Effects of supplementation of L. plantarum and L. casei based spray dried probiotic milk powder on hematology, blood biochemistry and lipid profile was investigated in Charles Foster (CF) rats. Forty-eight male CF rats (21 day old) were divided into four groups and fed on basal diets supplemented with plane spray dried milk powder without any probiotic (control) and L. plantarum, L. casei and the mixed culture of L. plantarum and L. casei based spray dried probiotic milk powder in LP, LC and LPLC treatment groups, respectively. Supplementation of diets with spray dried probiotic milk powder containing either the monoculture of L. plantarum or L. casei or their mixed culture improved health performance of rats in terms of hematological and blood biochemical parameters. Significant decrease in the total serum cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, and a significant increase in HDL-cholesterol concentration was observed in rats fed on diets supplemented with spray dried probiotic milk powder. Although the improvement in blood biochemical, hematological parameters and serum lipid profile of experimental rats was observed in all the three probiotic milk powder supplemented groups viz. LP, LC and LPLC; however these improvement was more in the L. plantarum and L. casei mixed culture supplemented group as compared to other two monoculture probiotic milk powder supplemented groups. Nevertheless, these increases were only of statistical significance without any clinical relevance as most of these parameters were within the normal physiological values for rats.

Cashew Nut Consumption Increases HDL Cholesterol and Reduces Systolic Blood Pressure in Asian Indians with Type 2 Diabetes: A 12-Week Randomized Controlled Trial

There is increasing evidence that nut consumption decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, there are few data on the health effects of cashew nuts among adults with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The study aimed to investigate the effects of cashew nut supplementation on glycemia, body weight, blood pressure, and lipid profile in Asian Indians with T2DM. In a parallel-arm, randomized controlled trial, 300 adults with T2DM [mean ± SD age: 51 ± 9.3 y; body mass index (BMI; in kg/m2): 26.0 ± 3.4; 55% male] were randomly assigned to receive advice to follow a standard diabetic diet (control) or similar advice plus 30 g cashew nuts/d (intervention) for 12 wk. The macronutrient composition of the prescribed diabetic diet was 60-65% energy from carbohydrates, 15-25% from fat, and the rest from protein. Differences between groups in changes in anthropometric and biochemical variables were analyzed using linear models with robust variance estimation under an assumed independence working correlation. Participants in the intervention group had a greater decrease in systolic blood pressure from baseline to 12 wk than did controls (-4.9 ± 13.7 compared with -1.7 ± 11.6 mm Hg; P = 0.04) and a greater increase in plasma HDL cholesterol compared with controls (+1.7 ± 5.6 compared with +0.1 ± 4.6 mg/dL; P = 0.01). There were no differences between the groups with respect to changes in body weight, BMI, blood lipid, and glycemic variables. Plasma oleic acid concentrations and self-reported dietary intake of nuts, oleic acid, and monounsaturated fatty acids suggested excellent compliance with the nut consumption. Cashew nut supplementation in Asian Indians with T2DM reduced systolic blood pressure and increased HDL cholesterol concentrations with no deleterious effects on body weight, glycemia, or other lipid variables. This study was registered at the clinical trial registry of India as CTRI/2017/07/009022.

Efficacy of low carbohydrate diet for type 2 diabetes mellitus management: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the efficacy of Low Carbohydrate Diet (LCD) compared with a normal or high carbohydrate diet in patients with type 2 diabetes. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library database for randomized controlled trials. Researches which reported the change in weight loss, blood glucose, and blood lipid levels were included. A total of 9 studies with 734 patients with diabetes were included. Pooled results suggested that LCD had a significantly effect on HbA1c level (WMD: -0.44; 95% CI: -0.61, -0.26; P=0.00). For cardiovascular risk factors, the LCD intervention significantly reduced triglycerides concentration (WMD: -0.33; 95% CI: -0.45, -0.21; P=0.00) and increased HDL cholesterol concentration (WMD: 0.07; 95% CI: 0.03, 0.11; P=0.00). But the LCD was not associated with decreased level of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Subgroup analyses indicated that short term intervention of LCD was effective for weight loss (WMD: -1.18; 95% CI: -2.32, -0.04; P=0.04). The results suggested a beneficial effect of LCD intervention on glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes. The LCD intervention also had a positive effect on triglycerides and HDL cholesterol concentrations, but without significant effect on long term weight loss.

Haematological and biochemical studies on Justicia carnea leaves extract in phenylhydrazine induced-anemia in albino rats.

Justicia carnea is a medicinal plant used widely in Nigeria which is reported to have diverse functions, including blood-boosting potential. Aim. The effect of the ethanol extract of Justicea carnea (JC) leaves in phenylhydrazine induced-anemia albino rats on haematological and lipid profile parameters was investigated. The experimental animals were randomly grouped into five groups of six rats each &ndash; group 1 (non-anemic control), group 2 (anemic control), group 3 (500 mg/kg of JC extract), group 4 (1000 mg/kg of JC extract) and group 5 (DMSO control). Phenylhydrazine was administered once at a dose of 80 mg/kg b.w.&nbsp; to induce hemolytic anemia. After 28 days of extract administration, they were humanely sacrificed and the serum collected was used for biochemical analysis. In the acute toxicity study, the LD50 was found to be above 5000 mg/kg body weight. Packed Cell Volume (PCV) values, Red Blood cell (RBC) and haemoglobin (Hb) concentrations decreased (p < 0.05) sig- nificantly after 48 hours of phenylhydrazine induction, but after 28 days of administering extracts of Justicia carnea, PCV values, RBC and Hb increased (p < 0.05) significantly. There were significant (p < 0.05) de- creases in cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and LDL cholesterol concentrations in the extract-administered groups (groups 3&4) relative to the anemic control. There was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in HDL-cholesterol concentrations in the extract groups (3&4) relative to the non-anemic control. Extracts of Justicia carnea not only reversed anemic conditions in the phenylhydrazine-induced rats, it also improved the lipid profile, and this may be attributed to its rich phytochemical, nutrient and vita- min composition. Therefore, the findings of the study suggest that J. carnea leaves could be used to manage lipid abnormalities associated with anemia.

The Impact of Supplementation with Folic Acid on Homocysteine Concentration and Selected Lipoprotein Parameters in Patients with Primary Hypertension.

The aim of the study was the assessment of the impact of supplementation with folic acid on the concentration of homocysteine, total cholesterol (TC), HDL- and LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), apoprotein AI (apoAI) and apoprotein B (apoB) in patients suffering from primary hypertension. The examined group comprised 42 patients suffering from primary hypertension. All examined patients underwent laboratory tests as follows: concentration of homocysteine, folic acid, TC, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, TG, apoAI and apoB. All patients were orally administered with 15 mg of folic acid per day for 45 d. After this period, all laboratory tests were repeated. Homocysteine concentration was measured by the FPIA method, concentrations of apoAI and apoB were measured by the nephelometric method, and other parameters with routine methods. After administration of 15 mg of folic acid to patients with primary hypertension, a considerable decrease in the concentration of homocysteine was observed in parallel with a substantive growth of HDL-cholesterol, as well as apoprotein AI concentrations and a reduction of the apoprotein B concentration. Results of statistical analysis indicated a significant correlation between the decline in homocysteine concentration and the increase in HDL-cholesterol concentration, as well as between the increase of folic acid concentration and the increase in apoAI concentration in patients following the intake of folic acid. The drop in homocysteine concentration through the supplementation with folic acid can cause quantitative changes in the lipid and lipoprotein parameters which, in consequence, may lead to the mitigation of risk concerning the development of atherosclerosis.

Effects of a Novel Fixed Combination of Nutraceuticals on Serum Uric Acid Concentrations and the Lipid Profile in Asymptomatic Hyperuricemic Patients : Results from the PICONZ-UA Study.

Asymptomatic hyperuricemia is not a current indication for therapy as the definite role of serum uric acid elevation as a cardiovascular risk factor is extremely likely but still controversial. We designed a double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study to assess the effects of a combination of nutraceuticals (ZinutriK®, containing a fixed combination of kampferol, baicalin, caffeine, and rutin) on serum uric acid levels, lipid variables and the global cardiovascular risk profile. Sixteen individuals (mean age 59.0±11.9years, 4 women) with asymptomatic hyperuricemia completed the study. ZinutriK® treatment (4weeks) reduced serum uric acid concentrations (from 7.9+0.9 to 7.0+0.7mg/dL) when compared to both baseline and placebo (p<0.006 and p<0.001, respectively). Compared to both placebo and baseline, the same fixed combination of nutraceuticals also reduced circulating LDL cholesterol and increased HDL cholesterol concentrations within 4weeks (p<0.001 or less), thereby improving the Framingham risk score (p<0.001 or less). Neither minor nor major side effects were observed. This study represents the first demonstration that a short-term therapy with a fixed combination of different natural substances can significantly reduce serum uric acid concentrations in asymptomatic hyperuricemic patients, with no side effects and a significant improvement in the lipid pattern and then in the global cardiovascular risk profile.

High intake of fatty fish, but not of lean fish, affects serum concentrations of TAG and HDL-cholesterol in healthy, normal-weight adults: a randomised trial

The aim of the present study was to examine whether high intake of lean or fatty fish (cod and farmed salmon, respectively) by healthy, normal-weight adults would affect risk factors of type 2 diabetes and CVD when compared with lean meat (chicken). More knowledge is needed concerning the potential health effects of high fish intake (>300 g/week) in normal-weight adults. In this randomised clinical trial, thirty-eight young, healthy, normal-weight participants consumed 750 g/week of lean or fatty fish or lean meat (as control) for 4 weeks at dinner according to provided recipes to ensure similar ways of preparations and choices of side dishes between the groups. Energy and macronutrient intakes at baseline and end point were similar in all groups, and there were no changes in energy and macronutrient intakes within any of the groups during the course of the study. High intake of fatty fish, but not lean fish, significantly reduced TAG and increased HDL-cholesterol concentrations in fasting serum when compared with lean meat intake. When compared with lean fish intake, fatty fish intake increased serum HDL-cholesterol. No differences were observed between lean fish, fatty fish and lean meat groups regarding fasting and postprandial glucose regulation. These findings suggest that high intake of fatty fish, but not of lean fish, could beneficially affect serum concentrations of TAG and HDL-cholesterol, which are CVD risk factors, in healthy, normal-weight adults, when compared with high intake of lean meat.

Lipoprotein hydrophobic core lipids are partially extruded to surface in smaller HDL: "Herniated" HDL, a common feature in diabetes.

Recent studies have shown that pharmacological increases in HDL cholesterol concentrations do not necessarily translate into clinical benefits for patients, raising concerns about its predictive value for cardiovascular events. Here we hypothesize that the size-modulated lipid distribution within HDL particles is compromised in metabolic disorders that have abnormal HDL particle sizes, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). By using NMR spectroscopy combined with a biochemical volumetric model we determined the size and spatial lipid distribution of HDL subclasses in a cohort of 26 controls and 29 DM2 patients before and after two drug treatments, one with niacin plus laropiprant and another with fenofibrate as an add-on to simvastatin. We further characterized the HDL surface properties using atomic force microscopy and fluorescent probes to show an abnormal lipid distribution within smaller HDL particles, a subclass particularly enriched in the DM2 patients. The reduction in the size, force cholesterol esters and triglycerides to emerge from the HDL core to the surface, making the outer surface of HDL more hydrophobic. Interestingly, pharmacological interventions had no effect on this undesired configuration, which may explain the lack of clinical benefits in DM2 subjects.

Growth Performance, Nutrient Utilization and Haemato-biochemical Profile in Ven-cobb Broiler Chicken as Influenced by Dietary Supplementation of Crude Soy Lecithin

Day old Ven cobb broiler chicks (n= 288) were randomly allocated to 6 treatment groups (T1-T6) with 4 replicates of 12 chicks in each. The starter (0–14 d), grower (14–28 d) and finisher (28–42 d) diets contained 23, 21.5 and 20% CP and 2900, 3025 and 3100 kcal ME/kg, respectively. Group T1 was control, T2-T6 contained graded levels (1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3% of diet, respectively) of crude soy lecithin (CSL). The average body weight at 6 week was higher in birds fed diet containing 3% CSL. Birds of all the treatment groups consumed less feed as compared to control, however, there was no significant effect on the feed conversion ratio. The Dry matter metabolizability was significantly (P<0.05) higher in the birds of group T6 as compared to T1, T2 and T3. The apparent metabolizable energy as percent of GE was significantly (P<0.05) higher in group T6 as compared to other treatment groups. Birds in all the groups were in positive N, Ca and P balance. Inclusion of different levels of CSL did not influence the Hb and PCV concentration and also the activity of liver enzymes viz. alkaline phosphatase and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase at 35 d amongst the birds of different groups. The serum cholesterol concentration was low in T6 as compared to control and there was increase in HDL-cholesterol concentration in the groups T4, T5 and T6 as compared to control. The total lipid in breast and thigh muscle was not affected. The cholesterol content of thigh and breast muscles decreased significantly (P<0.05) in the groups fed CSL at 2% level or above as compared to control. It is concluded that crude soy lecithin at a level of 3% of the diet was found beneficial with higher body weight and better FCR.

Insulin resistance determines a differential response to changes in dietary fat modification on metabolic syndrome risk factors: the LIPGENE study

Previous data support the benefits of reducing dietary saturated fatty acids (SFAs) on insulin resistance (IR) and other metabolic risk factors. However, whether the IR status of those suffering from metabolic syndrome (MetS) affects this response is not established. Our objective was to determine whether the degree of IR influences the effect of substituting high-saturated fatty acid (HSFA) diets by isoenergetic alterations in the quality and quantity of dietary fat on MetS risk factors. In this single-blind, parallel, controlled, dietary intervention study, MetS subjects (n = 472) from 8 European countries classified by different IR levels according to homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were randomly assigned to 4 diets: an HSFA diet; a high-monounsaturated fatty acid (HMUFA) diet; a low-fat, high-complex carbohydrate (LFHCC) diet supplemented with long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (1.2 g/d); or an LFHCC diet supplemented with placebo for 12 wk (control). Anthropometric, lipid, inflammatory, and IR markers were determined. Insulin-resistant MetS subjects with the highest HOMA-IR improved IR, with reduced insulin and HOMA-IR concentrations after consumption of the HMUFA and LFHCC n-3 diets (P < 0.05). In contrast, subjects with lower HOMA-IR showed reduced body mass index and waist circumference after consumption of the LFHCC control and LFHCC n-3 diets and increased HDL cholesterol concentrations after consumption of the HMUFA and HSFA diets (P < 0.05). MetS subjects with a low to medium HOMA-IR exhibited reduced blood pressure, triglyceride, and LDL cholesterol levels after the LFHCC n-3 diet and increased apolipoprotein A-I concentrations after consumption of the HMUFA and HSFA diets (all P < 0.05). Insulin-resistant MetS subjects with more metabolic complications responded differently to dietary fat modification, being more susceptible to a health effect from the substitution of SFAs in the HMUFA and LFHCC n-3 diets. Conversely, MetS subjects without IR may be more sensitive to the detrimental effects of HSFA intake. The metabolic phenotype of subjects clearly determines response to the quantity and quality of dietary fat on MetS risk factors, which suggests that targeted and personalized dietary therapies may be of value for its different metabolic features. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00429195.

EFFECTIVENESS OF NUTRITIONAL TREATMENT ASSESSED BY THE QUALITY OF THE DIET IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE.

The effectiveness of nutritional treatment is important protective factor for the prevention of recurrences of cardiovascular diseases. The goal of this study was to assess the effectiveness of nutritional treatment and to know the eating pattern and the quality of an adjuvant diet for optimized clinical treatment in patients with chronic coronary artery disease (CCAD). This is a clinical trial with a three-month duration conducted with 116 patients of both sexes with (CCAD) in secondary prevention. The patients underwent nutritional treatment and blood pressure, anthropometric, biochemical and dietetic (24-hour recall) measures were collected. The Brazilian Healthy Eating Index (BHEI-R) was calculated for assessing diet quality. The average age was 62.5 ± 7.8 years. The nutritional treatment reduced: weight -1.5 ± 2.3 kg; p < 0.01; body mass index -0.5 ± 0.9 kg/m2; p < 0.01; waist circumference -2.0 ± 0.1cm; p < 0.01; neck circumference -0.8 ± 0.1; p < 0.01 cm; concentrations of plasma insulin -1.3 ± 0.5mU/ mL p < 0.03, glycated hemoglobin -0.4 ± 0.1 mg/dL; p < 0.01 (- 0,004 mmol/L), and HOMA-IR (-0.8 ± 3.9; p < 0.03); and increased insulin sensitivity 6.64 ± 23,9 x10-3; p < 0.01. The nutritional treatment increased HDL-cholesterol concentrations in patients who adhered to the diet after BHEI-R control 1.7 ± 1.4 mg/dL; p = 0.04 (0,04 mmol/L). Three-month nutritional treatment promoted reduction of saturated fats consumption (-1.9 ± 0.5%; p=<0.01), cholesterol (-67.7 ± 18.6 mg/d; p < 0.01), and sodium(815.2 ± 146.5 mg/d; p < 0.01); and 20.7% of the patients finished the study with a healthy diet. The intensive nutritional treatment was effective in reducing anthropometric measures and improving glycemic control.