LDL-C Concentrations Research Articles

Changes in lipid profile and some biochemical parameters in postmenopausal women treated with honey

The study investigated the effect of natural honey on the lipid profile and some biochemical parameters among postmenopausal women, aged 45-65 years old. Sixty healthy postmenopausal women were given 20 g/day of natural honey and followed up for three months. The primary outcome was changes from baseline on the lipid profile and the chosen biochemical parameters (fasting blood sugar, serum calcium) and some anthropometric parameters. Paired t-test was performed to evaluate the difference between the baseline and the 3 month values of the parameters and lipid profiles. Sixty postmenopausal women successfully completed the study. The result showed that there were significant increases in HDL-C, calcium and significant decreases in LDL-C, TG, TC, and FBS concentrations in the blood of the research subjects after three months of treatment with honey compared with the values at baseline (p<0.05). Also there were significant decreases in the blood pressure, weight and waist circumference of the postmenopausal women after treatment when compared with baseline values (p<0.05). Natural honey helps in improving the lipid profile, FBS, Blood pressure, weights and waist circumference of postmenopausal women and can be included as part or alternative remedies in management of postmenopausal conditions.

Effects of Hamo NK hard capsule on experimental atherosclerosis model

This study evaluated the effects of Hamo NK hard capsule on athresclerosis using experimental atherosclerosis model. NewZealand White rabbits were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) containing cholesterol and peanut oil. The animals received oral administration of HFD and Hamo NK hard capsule at two doses of 0.126 and 0.378 g/kg bw/day for 8 consecutive weeks. Blood samples were collected for analyis of biochemical parameters at before treatment, week 4 and week 8. Histopathology assessments of the aortic artery and liver were carried out at the end of the experiment. Hamo NK was effective in reducing serum triglyceride level after 8 weeks of the experiment. In addition, Hamo NK at two doses of 0.126 g/kg b.w and 0.378 g/kg b.w for 8 consecutive weeks did not affect the cholesterol, LDL-C and HDL-C concentrations induced by a HFD. Hamo NK at the dose of 0.126 g/kg bw/day was not only able to decrease significant aortic surface lesions but also capable of managing atherosclerosis plaques formation in aorta; whereas theses activities were not notiaceable at the dose of 0.378 g/kg b.w.

Association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and Helicobacter pylori infection in Dali City, China.

Objectives:To investigate whether gastric Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is associated with the progress of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Dali city, China.Methods:One thousand and one hundred eighty-five adults who had visited a health examination center were enrolled. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and H. pylori infection were assessed by abdominal color ultrasound and 13C-urea breath test, respectively. Serum lipid metabolic indices were compared between NAFLD subjects without and with H. pylori infection.Results:The prevalence rate of NAFLD for the entire study population (n=1185) was 44.6% (n=529), including 167 women and 362 men. Among 529 NAFLD subjects, H. pylori was confirmed as a significant and independent risk factor for NAFLD (95% CI 1.02-1.79, p=0.036, OR =1.35). Compared with H. pylori non-infected individuals (n=721), higher contents of LDL-C (p=0.012) along with TC (p=0.014) were also observed in H. pylori-infected individuals (n=464).Conclusion:A positive correlation is identified between H. pylori infection and NAFLD.

A Common Polymorphism in the FADS1 Locus Links miR1908 to Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Through BMP1.

OBJECTIVE: Leveraging microRNA-Seq data and the 1000 Genomes imputed genotypes, we identified rs174561 as a strong microRNA quantitative trait loci for circulating microRNA-1908-5p with higher miR-1908-5p and reduced LDL (lowdensity lipoprotein)-cholesterol, fasting glucose and A1c concentrations in carriers of the rs-174561-C allele. Here, we have investigated the molecular mechanism(s) linking miR-1908-5p to LDL-C concentrations. APPROACH AND RESULTS: Transfection experiments demonstrate that the presence of the C allele significantly increases miR- 1908-5p abundance relative to the T allele. LDLR mRNA and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) total protein were unchanged in response to differential miR-1908-5p expression. However, the ratio of the cleaved to full-length form of LDLR decreased with miR-1908-5p mimic and increased with miR-1908-5p inhibitor treatment. BMP1 (bone morphogenetic protein 1) is a protease responsible for LDLR cleavage, and we show that miR-1908-5p mimic reduces BMP1 mRNA. Using a reporter array, we identified the TGF-β (transforming growth factor-beta) signaling pathway activity to be reduced by miR- 1908-5p mimic treatment, and this was associated with reduced TGFB1 expression. TGF-β signaling increases BMP1, and we further demonstrate that the effect of miR-1908-5p on LDLR cleavage is abolished by exogenous TGF-β treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These findings uncover a mechanism whereby miR-1908-5p reduces TGFB1 abundance resulting in lower expression of BMP1, ultimately leading to reduced LDLR cleavage. Cleavage of the mature LDLR is known to reduce cell surface affinity for LDL, thereby linking miR-1908-5p to lower circulating LDL-cholesterol levels.

Effects of Soy Isoflavones on Glycemic Control and Lipid Profile in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

The aim of the report was to investigate the impact of soy protein and isoflavones on glucose homeostasis and lipid profile in type 2 diabetes. The studies used in this report were identified by searching through the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases (up to 2020). Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were performed to explore the influence of covariates on net glycemic control and lipid changes. Weighted mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by using random-effect models. Changes in the lipid profile showed statistically significant decreases in total cholesterol and LDL-C concentrations: ‒0.21 mmol/L; 95% CI, ‒0.33 to ‒0.09; p = 0.0008 and ‒0.20 mmol/L; 95% CI, ‒0.28 to ‒0.12; p < 0.0001, respectively, as well as in HDL-C (−0.02 mmol/L; 95% CI, −0.05 to 0.01; p = 0.2008 and triacylglycerols (−0.19 mmol/L; 95% CI, −0.48 to 0.09; p = 0.1884). At the same time, a meta-analysis of the included studies revealed statistically insignificant reduction in fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR (changes in glucose metabolism) after consumption of soy isoflavones. The observed ability of both extracted isoflavone and soy protein with isoflavones to modulate the lipid profile suggests benefits in preventing cardiovascular events in diabetic subjects. Further multicenter studies based on larger and longer duration studies are necessary to determine their beneficial effect on glucose and lipid metabolism.

Correlation between Serum Lipid Parameters and Interleukin-10 Concentration in Obese Individuals.

BackgroundThe role of interleukin-10 (IL-10) in humans is controversial because IL-10 has been proposed to exhibit both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects. We aimed to determine the relationships between the changes in these parameters in obese individuals participating in a weight-reduction program.MethodsWe measured cardiometabolic parameters including lipid profile and serum IL-10 concentration before and after completion of a 12-week weight-reduction program in 63 non-diabetic obese subjects with a body mass index ≥27 kg/m2 who had comorbid hypertension or dyslipidemia. All the participants were provided with individual intervention sessions designed to implement lifestyle modifications and administered 120 mg orlistat three times daily for 12 weeks. The relationships between changes in serum IL-10 concentration and changes in cardiometabolic risk factors were analyzed.ResultsChanges in serum IL-10 concentration were significantly negatively correlated with changes in total cholesterol (r=−0.377), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; r=−0.377), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; r=−0.278) concentrations. However, there were no correlations between changes in serum IL-10 concentration and changes in other cardiometabolic parameters.ConclusionSerum IL-10 concentration can increase as serum total cholesterol decreases. Additional studies are needed to explore the mechanisms linking changes in serum IL-10 with serum LDL-C and HDL-C concentrations.

Nutrient Intake and Status of German Children and Adolescents Consuming Vegetarian, Vegan or Omnivore Diets: Results of the VeChi Youth Study.

There is a lack of data on associations between modern vegetarian and vegan diets and health among children and adolescents. The aim of the Vechi Youth Study was to cross-sectionally examine anthropometry, dietary intakes and nutritional status in a sample of 149 vegetarian, 115 vegan and 137 omnivore children and adolescents (6–18 years old, mean age: 12.7 ± 3.9 years). Group differences of dietary intake (calculated from three-day dietary records), nutrient biomarker and blood lipid concentrations were assessed using an analysis of covariance, adjusted for sex, age and other covariates. The total energy intake did not differ significantly between groups, but intake of carbohydrates was higher among vegetarians and vegans than among omnivores (p = 0.0002, respectively). The median protein intake exceeded 0.9 g/kg body weight/day in all diet groups and was lowest among vegetarians (p < 0.02). There was no significant difference of haemoglobin, vitamin B2, 25-OH vitamin D3, HDL-C and triglycerides blood concentrations between diet groups. Vegan participants had higher folate concentrations than vegetarian participants (p = 0.0053). Ferritin concentration was significantly higher in omnivores than in vegetarians (p = 0.0134) and vegans (p = 0.0404). Vegetarians had lower concentrations of holotranscobalamin (p = 0.0042) and higher concentrations of methylmalonic acid (p = 0.0253) than omnivores. Vegans had the lowest non-HDL-C and LDL-C concentrations in comparison to vegetarians (p = 0.0053 and p = 0.0041) and omnivores (p = 0.0010 and p = 0.0010). A high prevalence (>30%) of 25-OH vitamin D3 and vitamin B2 concentrations below reference values were found irrespective of the diet group. In conclusion, the Vechi Youth Study did not indicate specific nutritional risks among vegetarian and vegan children and adolescents compared to omnivores.

Serum Hormone Levels, T Lymphocyte Subsets, and Achievement of Pregnancies in Patients with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency following Administration of Ethinylestradiol/Drospirenone

Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is closely associated with ovarian hormone deficiency, amenorrhea, menopause, and infertility in women. Hormone replacement therapy remains the mainstay of treatment and management of POI. A combined oral contraceptive (Yasmin) containing 0.02 mg ethinylestradiol and 3 mg drospirenone has been shown to be a well-tolerated and effective combination that provides high contraceptive reliability and good cycle control. Herein, we aim to examine clinical efficacy of ethinylestradiol/drospirenone in treating patients with POI and its effects on serum hormone levels, body mass, lipid metabolism, and T lymphocyte subsets. Retrospective analysis of clinical records and follow-up data from 80 patients with POI was performed. The control group contained 40 patients with POI receiving oral administration of 0.035 mg ethinylestradiol and 2 mg cyproterone acetate once a day for consecutive 21 days with drug withdrawal of 7 days in 3 months. The observation group contained 40 patients with POI receiving oral administration of 0.02 mg ethinylestradiol and 3 mg drospirenone once a day for consecutive 28 days in 3 months. There was no significant difference on serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone (T), concentrations of high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C and LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG), body mass, the numbers of CD+3, CD+4, CD+8 T cells, and ratio of CD+4/CD+8 between the control and observation group ( P &gt; 0.05 ) before treatment. After treatment, serum levels of FSH, LH, and T, concentrations of LDL-C, and TG, body mass, and CD+8 T cells were reduced but the concentration of HDL-C, CD+3, and CD+4 T cells and ratio of CD+4/CD+8 were increased in both two groups ( P &lt; 0.05 ); these changes were more significant in the observation group compared with the control group ( P &lt; 0.05 ). Besides, the total response rate of the observation group was 90.00%, which is higher than that of the control group, 77.50% ( P &lt; 0.05 ). The pregnancy rate of the observation group was 45.00%, which is higher than that of the control group, 30.00% ( P &lt; 0.05 ). Taken together, these results suggest that the combined oral contraceptive (Yasmin) containing 0.02 mg ethinylestradiol and 3 mg drospirenone restores hormone levels, improves body mass and lipid metabolism, and sustains autoimmune function for patients with POI, suggesting ethinylestradiol/drospirenone treatment is effective in treating POI.

Discordantly normal ApoB relative to elevated LDL-C in persons with metabolic disorders: A marker of atherogenic heterogeneity

ObjectiveA significant proportion of persons with metabolic syndrome (MetS), prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes (T2D) do not develop atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).We sought to determine whether discordantly normal apolipoprotein B (ApoB) relative to elevated LDL-C may help to explain heterogeneity in ASCVD risk among persons with metabolic disorders. MethodsThere were 278 Bogalusa Heart Study participants with MetS (n=95), prediabetes (n=233), or T2D (n=31) and LDL-C ≥100 mg/dL who were free of carotid plaque at baseline (2001-02) and underwent carotid ultrasound at follow-up (2013-16). Multivariable modified Poisson regression estimated the long-term absence of carotid plaque for lower ApoB, continuously and categorically. ResultsParticipants were on average 36.1 years old at baseline, 61.5% were women, and 31.7% were black. A total of 50.7% had discordantly normal ApoB (<90 mg/dL) and the mean ApoB and LDL-C concentrations were 91.6 mg/dL and 137.7 mg/dL, respectively. In addition to having higher HDL-C and lower triglyceride values, individuals with ApoB <90 were more likely to maintain persistent absence of plaque compared to those with ApoB ≥90 (73.1% versus 58.4%, p=0.01). Contrastingly, there was no significant difference in the proportion of individuals who remained free of plaque with increasing LDL-C (p=0.45). Independent of traditional risk factors including LDL-C, each 10 mg/dL lower ApoB (RR=1.11, 95% CI: 1.03-1.19) and ApoB <90 (RR=1.22, 95% CI: 1.00-1.43) were significantly associated with the persistent absence of carotid plaque. ConclusionsOne-half of young persons with metabolic disorders and elevated LDL-C had discordantly normal ApoB and a low burden of carotid atherosclerosis over 13 years, suggesting that ApoB better represents the atherogenic lipid burden compared to LDL-C in this patient population. These results suggest a utility for assessing whether routine ApoB measurement can improve ASCVD risk stratification in young persons with metabolic disorders who have high triglycerides and low HDL-cholesterol.

Clinical laboratory characteristics of patients with obstructive jaundice accompanied by dyslipidemia

BackgroundAbnormal lipid metabolism manifests as hypercholesterolemia in patients with obstructive jaundice due to lipoprotein X (LpX). Our aim was to explore the clinical laboratory characteristics of patients with obstructive jaundice accompanied by dyslipidemia in a large number of samples. MethodsA total of 665 patients with obstructive jaundice were included and categorized into two groups (with/without dyslipidemia) based on the ratio of the sum of HDL-c and LDL-c to total cholesterol [(HDL-c + LDL-c)/TC] with a cut-off value of 0.695. Laboratory liver, kidney, and blood lipid parameters were determined. Cholesterol composition assessment was performed by ultracentrifugation and high-performance liquid chromatography (UC-HPLC), and serum protein profiles were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis. ResultsLiver function in patients with obstructive jaundice accompanied by dyslipidemia was more aggravated than that in patients with simple obstructive jaundice (P < 0.05). The (HDL-c + LDL-c)/TC ratio was negatively correlated with bilirubin levels (P < 0.05). In addition, the difference in ApoB/LDL-c ratios was statistically significant between the obstructive jaundice accompanied by dyslipidemia group and healthy control group (P < 0.05). The LDL-c concentration determined by the UC-HPLC method was more than five times that determined by the enzymatic method (P < 0.05). Bisalbuminemia was found in 43 of 60 patients with obstructive jaundice accompanied by hypercholesterolemia. ConclusionsIn patients with obstructive jaundice, the decreased (HDL-c + LDL-c)/TC ratio may be a novel marker to identify dyslipidemia secondary to LpX. The decreased ratio was associated with poor liver function and indicated disease progression.

Adherence to a Mediterranean diet, dyslipidemia and inflammation in familial hypercholesterolemia

Background and aimsFamilial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is characterized by elevated LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and high atherosclerosis risk. The impact of different dietary patterns on atherosclerosis biomarkers has been poorly studied in FH.This study verified the association of adherence to a Mediterranean diet with biomarkers of dyslipidemia and low-grade inflammation in molecularly proven FH adults from Brazil (BR) and Spain (SP). Methods and resultsIn this cross-sectional study adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed by a validated score and generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate its association with plasma LDL-C, apolipoprotein-B (ApoB) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentrations. We included 92 (mean age 45 years, 58.7% females) and 98 FH individuals (mean age 46.8 years, 60.2% females) respectively from BR and SP. FH causing variants did not differ between countries. LDL-C, ApoB and hs-CRP concentrations were higher in BR than in SP: 179 (135–250) and 161 (133–193) mg/dL; 141 (109–181) and 103 (88–134) mg/dL; and 1.6 (0.8–4.0) and 0.8 (0.4–1.5) mg/L respectively (all p < 0.001). Most of BR had low adherence (n = 77, 83.7%), while the majority of SP were divided into moderate (n = 35, 35.7%) and strong adherence to the Mediterranean diet (n = 37, 37.8%), p < 0.001. There was a significant inverse association of adherence to the Mediterranean diet score with higher LDL-C, ApoB, and hs-CRP after adjusting for socio economic parameters, caloric and fatty acid intakes as well as pharmacological lipid lowering therapies. ConclusionsHigher adherence to a Mediterranean diet was associated with better dyslipidemia and low-grade inflammation profiles in FH.

Clinical Characteristics and Degree of Glycemic and Cardiovascular Risk Factor Control in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes in Catalonia (Spain).

Background: This study aims to evaluate the clinical characteristics, complications, degree of glycemic control, and cardiovascular risk factor control in patients with type 1 diabetes in Catalonia (Northwest of Spain). Methods: Cross-sectional study using a database including clinical, laboratory, and treatment data. Patients with an ICD10 diagnosis of type 1 diabetes were included, excluding those treated with glucose-lowering agents other than insulin, or treated only with basal insulin two years after diagnosis. Results: 15,008 patients were analysed. Median IQR age was 42 (31–53) years, diabetes duration 11.8 (6.8–16.0) years, 56.5% men. Median (IQR) HbA1c was 7.9% (7.1–8.8). Microvascular complications were present in 24.4% of patients, 43.6% in those with a diabetes duration >19 years. In presence of known cardiovascular disease 69.3% of patients showed an LDL-C concentration >70 mg/dL, 37% had a systolic blood pressure >135 mmHg and 22.4% were smokers. Conclusions: This study provides a reliable snapshot about the clinical situation of a large population of patients with T1D in Catalonia, which is similar to that of other western areas. The lack of adequate control of cardiovascular risk factors in a significant proportion of patients with cardiovascular disease deserves a more detailed analysis and urges the need for improvement strategies.

New therapeutic agents marketed in 2020: Part 2

New therapeutic agents marketed in 2020: Part 2

Antidyslipidemic Effect of Fenugreek Seeds Powder against Sodium Fluoride-Induced Dyslipidemia in Male Rabbits

Background: Although fluoride is everywhere in the environment, the major environmental sources of population exposure to elevated levels of fluoride are water, food, beverages, air, food supplements, and dental products. Fluoride is a well determined non-biodegradable and moderate pollutant, which at high levels causes serious health problems. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the anti-dyslipidemia effect of fenugreek seeds powder against dyslipidemia induced by sodium fluoride in male rabbits. Materials and Methods: This study included twenty-four adult male rabbits, which were divided into 4 groups, 6 rabbits for each. Group I (control group): Animals were provided with tape water and fed with normal diet for 30 days. Group II (Fenugreek seeds powder group): Fenugreek seeds powder was given to rabbits in food at a dose of 10 g per kilogram of diet weight/kg of body weight/day for 30 Days. Group III (sodium fluoride group): Rabbits were injected intraperitoneally with sodium fluoride at a dose of 15mg/kg of body weight/day for 30 consecutive days. Group IV (Sodium fluoride/fenugreek co-administered group): Fenugreek seed flour was added at a rate of 10 g per kilogram of diet weight, and rabbits were injected with intraperitoneally with sodium fluoride at a dose of 15mg/kg of body weight/day for 30 consecutive days. After thirty days, blood samples were taken for biochemical analysis. Biochemical analyzes were performed to measure of the serum concentrations of cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, LDL-C, and VLDL-C in all groups. Results: The results of the study showed that the treatment of male rabbits with sodium fluoride resulted in a significant increase (P&lt;0.01) in the serum concentrations of cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, and VLDL-C, and a significant decrease was observed (P&lt;0.01) in serum HDL-C compared with the control group. In rabbits received fenugreek seeds powder only, the serum triglycerides and VLDL-C were significantly (P&lt;0.01) decrease and the serum HDL-C was significantly (P&lt;0.05) increase compared with the control group. A significant decrease (P&lt;0.01) was observed in serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, and VLDL-C, and a significant increase was observed (P&lt;0.01) in serum HDL-C in rabbits treated with sodium fluoride and fenugreek seeds powder compared with the sodium fluoride group, but these measurements did not reach normal levels in the control group. Conclusion: The results showed that injection of rabbits with sodium fluoride led to serum dyslipidemia, and the injection with sodium fluoride and treatment of fenugreek seeds powder alleviate dyslipidemia induced by sodium fluoride. The use of fenugreek seeds powder by humans can be considered beneficial in the alleviation of dyslipidemia. It is recommended that humans exposed to sodium fluoride should be advised to take Fenugreek seeds powder as a rich source of antioxidant to prevent serum dyslipidemia induced by sodium fluoride. Further studies are necessary to elucidate exact mechanism of the antidyslipidemic effect of Fenugreek seeds powder and potential usefulness of Fenugreek seeds powder as a protective agent against sodium fluoride induced dyslipidemia in clinical trials.

The Cardiovascular Health Integrated Lifestyle Diet (CHILD) Lowers LDL-Cholesterol Levels in Brazilian Dyslipidemic Pediatric Patients

Objective To analyze the impact of the CHILD-2 diet on the lipid profile of Brazilian children and adolescents with dyslipidemia. Methods This is a quasi-experimental study, where 149 participants (5–17 years) with mild-to-moderate hypercholesterolemia were divided into two groups (GI: low or normal weight; n = 58 and GII: overweight; n = 91). Both groups underwent the CHILD-2 diet, characterized by 25–30% total fat and less than 7% of low-saturated fat (SF) for 6 months. Changes from baseline in the lipid profile, including Total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, triacylglycerols and glucose concentrations, dietary and anthropometric data were examined at 3 and 6 months. Longitudinal analyses were performed using linear mixed-effects models in SAS. Results Serum LDL-C concentrations reduced over time compared with baseline (Δ = −5.1 mg/dL; p < 0.01), with no difference between groups (p = 0.35). TC concentrations decreased by −2.0 mg/dL (p < 0.01); but no difference was observed between groups. We found no significant changes in body mass index/age Z scores after a dietary intervention compared with baseline in both groups (p = 0.94). Conclusion Despite the modest reduction, our findings confirm that children with dyslipidemia can benefit from the CHILD-2 diet combined with a healthy lifestyle.

Effect of a dietary intervention with functional foods on LDL-C concentrations and lipoprotein subclasses in overweight subjects with hypercholesterolemia: Results of a controlled trial

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of global death. Hypercholesterolemia is among the main risk factors for developing cardiovascular events, and is highly prevalent in the Mexican population. The primary objective of the present work was to assess the effect of a dietary portfolio (DP) with functional foods containing dehydrated nopal, soy protein, chia seeds, inulin, and oats in LDL-C and TC concentrations of subjects with mild hypercholesterolemia. Also, we explored the changes in the profile of the lipoprotein subclasses measured by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). Sixty-two subjects (47 women, 15 men) with mild hypercholesterolemia (LDL-C, ≥130≤190mg/dL, TC>200mg/dL) completed the randomized, parallel, controlled study. The dietary intervention was given in two stages. First, a dietary standardization stage with a low saturated fat diet (LSFD) which matched the habitual energy intake of the volunteers for 2-weeks, followed by 2.5 months of dietary intervention with a LSFD plus placebo (PL) or DP. Subjects who consumed the LSFD+DP interventions had a significantly higher reduction of LDL-C (-18.05%, P=0.003) and TC (-17.08%, P=0.02) compared to volunteers who consumed an LSFD for the same period. Furthermore, the lipoprotein subclass profiling showed that the small low-density-lipoproteins, and the small high-density-lipoproteins significantly decreased (P=0.04, P<0.001, respectively), conveying a less atherogenic state. At the end of the study, 78% of the subjects who consumed LSFD+DP reduced their LDL-C below 160mg/dL, and of these, 47% reduced it below 130mg/dL. Based on the results obtained from this study, the inclusion of functional foods as part of the lifestyle modifications is recommended to treat mild hypercholesterolemia and reduce cardiovascular risk. Registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier no. NCT04148976.

Effects of melatonin supplementation on disease activity, oxidative stress, inflammatory, and metabolic parameters in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Considering the pathologic significance of inflammation and oxidative stress in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as well as the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hypolipidemic effects of melatonin, the current research is designed to investigate the effect of melatonin supplementation on disease activity, oxidative stress, inflammatory, and metabolic parameters in RA patients. In this randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 64 RA cases were selected and randomly assigned into 2 groups to take 6 mg/day melatonin or placebo for 12 weeks. Before and after trial, serum malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), lipid profile, fasting blood sugar (FBS), and insulin levels were measured and disease activity was determined by disease activity score-28 (DAS-28). Compared to the baseline, melatonin significantly decreased DAS-28, ESR, MDA, and LDL-C by 50.5%, 59%, 97%, and 13%, respectively (P<0.001) and significantly increased TAC by 89% (P=0.013) and HDL-C by 22% (P<0.001). After treatment, considerable differences were only seen between the two groups in serum MDA (P<0.001) and LDL-C (P=0.007) concentrations, adjusted for baseline measures. Moreover, there were no significant changes in DAS-28, ESR, TAC, triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL-C, FBS, and insulin levels compared to placebo group (P>0.05). Although melatonin supplementation had no beneficial effects on DAS-28, it could lower serum MDA and LDL-C levels. It seems that melatonin supplementation should not be used as a replace for routine drugs prescribed in RA treatment. Further investigations should be conducted to fully understand the effects of melatonin in RA. Key Points • Compared to baseline, melatonin significantly decreased DAS-28, ESR, MDA, and LDL-C and significantly increased TAC and HDL-C. • After treatment, considerable differences were only seen between melatonin and placebo groups in serum MDA and LDL-C concentrations. • After treatment, there were no significant changes in DAS-28, ESR, TAC, triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL-C, FBS, and insulin levels compared to the placebo group.

LXRα/β Antagonism Protects against Lipid Accumulation in the Liver but Increases Plasma Cholesterol in Rhesus Macaques.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by lipid accumulation in the liver and associates with obesity, hyperlipidemia, and insulin resistance. NAFLD could lead to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even cancers. The development of therapy for NAFLD has been proven difficult. Emerging evidence suggests that liver X receptor (LXR) antagonist is a potential treatment for fatty liver disease. However, concerns about the cholesterol-increasing effects make it questionable for the development of LXR antagonists. Here, the overweight monkeys were fed with LXRβ-selective antagonist sophoricoside or LXRα/β dual-antagonist morin for 3 months. The morphology of punctured liver tissues was examined by H&E staining. The liver, heart, and kidney damage indices were analyzed using plasma. The blood index was assayed using complete blood samples. We show that LXRβ-selective antagonist sophoricoside and LXRα/β dual-antagonist morin alleviated lipid accumulation in the liver in overweight monkeys. The compounds resulted in higher plasma TC or LDL-c contents, increased white blood cell and lymphocyte count, and decreased neutrophile granulocyte count in the monkeys. The compounds did not alter plasma glucose, apolipoprotein A (ApoA), ApoB, ApoE, lipoprotein (a) (LPA), nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA), aspartate transaminases (AST), creatinine (CREA), urea nitrogen (UN), and creatine kinase (CK) levels. Our data suggest that LXRβ-selective and LXRα/β dual antagonism may lead to hypercholesterolemia in nonhuman primates, which calls into question the development of LXR antagonist as a therapy for NAFLD.

Serum lipid profile of Parkinson's disease patients: A study from the Northwest of Iran.

Background:Parkinson's disease (PD) is defined as a long-lasting, neurological illness. Low levels of serum lipid fractions are related with a high risk of PD. Current investigation was designed to evaluate the concentration blood lipid fractions in patients suffering from PD and compared with healthy subjects.Methods:This case-control study was conducted from February 2016 to September 2018 in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran. The present investigation consisted of 75 persons who had PD and 75 normal people. The blood levels of lipid fractions were measured by concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), serum triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), and total cholesterol. The results were analyzed with SPSS software using Kolmogorov-Smirnov, chi-square, and student's t-test.Results:Serum level of TG was remarkably lower in patients with PD (111.92±8.75 mg/dL) compared with healthy subjects (123.64±9.97 mg/dL, P=0.008). Furthermore, we saw an important difference in the level of LDL-C (P=0.001) and TC (P=0.004) between the two groups. However, there was not any observed meaningful difference in the serum concentrations of HDL-C between the studied groups (P=0.135).Conclusion:Our results showed that the serum concentration of TG, LDL-C, and TC are noticeably lower in the PD suffering patients. Further investigations are needed to provide comprehensive information on the participants' cognitive layout and subsequent actions.

Inhibition of Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus Development by Sophocarpine through Targeting PPARy-Regulated Gene Expression.

Diabetes mellitus (DM), a metabolic disorder, is the causes of oxidative stress leading to complications in micro- and macro-vascular system. The present study investigated sophocarpine for anti-diabetic potential in vivo in mice model. Sophocarpine administration to diabetic mice significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated glucose content in the plasma. The diabetes mediated lowering of GSH, ceruloplasmin and vitamin E was prevented in mice plasma by sophocarpine administration. Sophocarpine significantly (p < 0.05) reversed diabetes mediated suppression of insulin level and total Hb content in the mice plasma. In sophocarpine administrated diabetic mice C-peptide level was elevated and glycosylated hemoglobin content was suppressed significantly (p < 0.05) relative to diabetic group. Administration of sophocarpine significantly (p< 0.05) repressed diabetes mediated increase in TG and TC levels in dose-based manner. Administration of sophocarpine exhibited preventive role against diabetes mediated pathological damage to pancreas in the mice. Sophocarpine administration to diabetic mice repressed PPARγ recruitment significantly (p < 0.05) in dose-dependent manner. Sophocarpine prevents oxidative stress mediated pancreatic damage through increase in vitamin E, GSH and C-peptide levels, Moreover, the PPARγ activity was down-regulated, LDL-c content lowered and HDL-c level elevated in diabetic mice by sophocarpine. Therefore, sophocarpine may be developed for treatment of diabetes, however, further in vivo studies need to confirm the same.