Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels Research Articles

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHOLESTEROL LEVELS AND THYROID EYE DISEASE.

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is the most prevalent extrathyroidal manifestation of Graves' disease (GD). Emerging evidence suggests a relationship between elevated total and LDL cholesterol levels and TED. This study aimed to investigate this correlation in the Brazilian population by analyzing data from two tertiary care centers. Data were collected from GD patients treated with methimazole between 1999 and 2021, excluding those receiving other treatments. Laboratory results and information on smoking habits, statin use, and medications affecting lipid profiles during the euthyroid state were analyzed. Smoking and elevated LDL cholesterol levels were significantly associated with TED activity and severity. Logistic regression revealed correlations between higher LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, and increased Clinical Activity Score (CAS) (p < 0.01, OR 1.012, CI 95% 1.003-1.021; p < 0.01, OR 1.010, CI 95% 1.002-1.018). These were also associated with more severe disease forms as defined by EUGOGO (p < 0.01, OR 1.015, CI 95% 1.006-1.024; p < 0.005, OR 1.011, CI 95% 1.004-1.019). Multiple regression confirmed TED activity was significantly correlated with LDL cholesterol (p < 0.01) and smoking status (p < 0.01). Disease severity was associated with reduced HDL cholesterol (p < 0.05, OR 0.973, CI 95% 0.948-0.999), elevated LDL cholesterol (p < 0.005, OR 1.013, CI 95% 1.004-1.023), and active smoking (p < 0.05, OR 2.881, CI 95% 1.190-6.971). Elevated LDL cholesterol may serve as a potential indicator of TED. Further research is needed to determine whether lipid-lowering interventions could reduce TED risk or improve its management.

High-selenium exposure is associated with modulation of serum lipid metabolism.

At present, there is no consensus on the relationship between selenium (Se) exposure and human serum lipid metabolism. The etiological role of high-Se exposure in lipid markers, dyslipidemia, and nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) remains unclear. We used serum untargeted metabolomics analysis to evaluate whether high-Se exposure is cross-sectionally associated with lipid metabolism in adults from high-Se exposure area (n = 112) and control area (n = 101) in Hubei Province, China. An untargeted liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS)-based metabolomic analysis identified 144 differential pathways and yielded 204 differentially abundant metabolites, including 32 lipid metabolites associated with lipids profiles. To further explore the correlation between Se exposure and serum lipid metabolism, we measured serum levels of lipid profiles among all the people, including serum cholesterol (CHOL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and apolipoprotein B (APOB). The average serum Se level of the high-Se exposure group was 537.18 μg/L, significantly higher than 72.98 μg/L in the control group (p < 0.0001). The measurement levels of serum TG, LDL-C, HDL-C, and APOB in the high-Se exposure group were 1.03 (0.76, 1.34) mmol/L, 2.25 ± 0.48 mmol/L, 1.12 ± 0.24 mmol/L, and 0.77 ± 0.15 g/L, respectively, while the control group were 1.13 (0.84, 1.80) mmol/L, 2.56 ± 0.61 mmol/L, 1.02 ± 0.22 mmol/L, and 0.83 ± 0.16 g/L, respectively (all p values <0.05). Correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation between serum Se and CHOL (r = -0.201, p < 0.01), serum Se is also associated with metabolomics markers, the negative correlation includes glyceric acid and ect., the positive correlation includes phosphorylcholine and ect. Our study suggests that high-Se exposure is negatively associated with serum lipid profiles and decreases the risk of high-TC and HDL-C dyslipidemia.

Effect of structured lipids as dietary supplements on the fatty acid profile, carcass yield, blood chemistry, and abdominal fat deposition of female broilers

An experiment was conducted to evalute the effects of adding palm olein (POL), modified palm olein (high degree of acyl migration palm olein, H-AMD), and lard (total fatty acid saturation degree is similar to palm olein) to the diet of broilers. The study assessed production performance, fatty acid absorption, and abdominal fat deposition. A total of 100 one-week-old female broiler chicks were randomly assigned to three-tiered pens and fed five experimental diets. Enzymatic interesterification of POL causes acyl migration, transforming 1-palmitoyl-2,3-dioleoyl-sn-glycerol (sn-POO) and 1,3-dipalmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycerol (sn-POP) into 1,3-dioleoyl-2-palmitoyl-sn-glycerol (sn-OPO) and 1,2-dipalmitoyl-3-oleoyl-sn-glycerol (sn-PPO), which increases the saturated fatty acid content at the sn-2 position. Feeding broilers with this modified oil has improved the absorption effect of saturated fatty acids and increased the content of palmitic acid in abdominal tissue by 1.55%-1.69%. The impact on the content and positional distribution of fatty acids deposited in the body is limited. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels decreased by 34%, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels increased by 23%, resulting in a lower risk of atherosclerosis. No significant differences have been observed in carcass yield results of the POL and H-AMD groups. Compared with animal-derived oils such as lard which are also rich in saturated fatty acids at the sn-2 position, plant-derived oils such as POL and its modified products have a smaller effect on abdominal fat deposition.

Meat Quality, Intestinal Microbiology and Serum Biochemical Parameters of Broilers Fed Different Levels of Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) and Mulberry (Morus alba) Leaves Powder.

Today, customers pay more attention to the feed composition and carcasses of poultry, and the interest in using natural and safe compounds such as medicinal plants and their extracts in animal feed is increasing. The present experiment was conducted to assess the effect of green tea (Camellia sinensis) and mulberry (Morus alba) leaves powder on the meat quality, intestinal microbiology and serum biochemical parameters in broilers. The experiment was conducted with 648 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler male chicks with a factorial arrangement including three levels of green tea powder (GTP) and three levels of mulberry leaf powder (MLP), with nine treatments and six replications in a completely randomized design for 42 days. Treatments included: (1) no GTP + no MLP (control), (2) 1% GTP + no MLP, (3) 2% GTP + no MLP, (4) no GTP + 1% MLP, (5) 1% GTP + 1% MLP, (6) 2% GTP + 1% MLP, (7) no GTP + 2% MLP, (8) 1% GTP + 2% MLP and (9) 2% GTP + 2% MLP. The results showed that the lowest lightness (L*), drip loss and total cholesterol levels, and the highest Lactobacillus population were observed in treatments: 1% GTP + no MLP, 2% GTP + no MLP, 1% GTP + 1% MLP, 2% GTP + 1% MLP, no GTP + 2% MLP, 1% GTP + 2% MLP and 2% GTP + 2% MLP (p <0.05). The groups receiving 1% GTP + 1% MLP, 2% GTP + 1% MLP, no GTP + 2% MLP, 1% GTP + 2% MLP and 2% GTP + 2% MLP had the highest pH 24h (p <0.05). The chickens fed with 1% and 2% GTP showed lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and malondialdehyde (MAD) levels (p <0.05). The results showed that using the GTP and MLP in the diet of broilers could improve meat quality traits and beneficial ileal bacteria populations and reduce serum lipid and MDA levels.

Effects of Tocotrienol on Cardiovascular Risk Markers in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Tocotrienols, isomers of vitamin E, may provide an effective nutritional strategy to mitigate common cardiovascular risks such as dyslipidemia, inflammation, and oxidative stress in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized clinical trial aimed to evaluate the effects of a tocotrienol‐rich fraction (TRF) supplementation (300 mg/day) on oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, including transcription factors in nondialysis (ND) and hemodialysis (HD) CKD patients for three months. Interleukin‐6, tumor necrosis factor‐α (IL‐6 and TNF‐α), C‐reactive protein (CRP), lipid peroxidation, biochemical parameters, and transcription factors such as NRF2 and NF‐κB mRNA expression were evaluated. Seventeen HD patients (9 in the placebo group, 8 in the TRF group) and 16 ND CKD patients (8 in the placebo group and 8 in the TRF group) completed the study. In HD patients, significant reductions were observed in LDL cholesterol (p = 0.04) and total plasma cholesterol levels (p = 0.01) after TRF intervention. CRP serum levels decreased significantly in ND CKD patients (p = 0.05) after TRF supplementation. Transcription factors NRF2 and NF‐κB mRNA expressions remained unaltered in both groups. This study suggests that TRF supplementation may mitigate dyslipidemia and inflammation, factors involved with increased cardiovascular risk, in CKD patients, with variations in efficacy between HD and ND patients.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04900532

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Inclisiran for the Treatment of Primary Hypercholesterolemia or Mixed Dyslipidemia in Singapore

This analysis evaluated the cost-effectiveness of inclisiran plus standard of care (SoC; comprising statins, ezetimibe, and fenofibrate) in primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia from a Singapore healthcare system perspective. Inclisiran+ SoC was separately compared with SoC, alirocumab+ SoC, and evolocumab+ SoC. A lifetime Markov model in the United Kingdom (UK) was adapted to the Singapore setting. The modeled population (comprising 4 separate subpopulations: "primary prevention heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia [HeFH]," "secondary prevention HeFH," "atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease [ASCVD]," "primary prevention with elevated risk") and efficacy of inclisiran were informed by the ORION-9, ORION-10, and ORION-11 trials. Comparative efficacies of inclisiran versus comparators were informed by a network meta-analysis. Baseline cardiovascular event risks were obtained from a large UK real-world data set and the Netherlands, and UK-based utilities were applied. Baseline population characteristics, distribution of patients in the ASCVD subpopulation, and costs were sourced from local clinicians and published literature. A willingness-to-pay threshold of S$45 000/quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) was selected. Across all subpopulations, inclisiran+ SoC resulted in higher QALYs and total costs than SoC (incremental cost-effectiveness ratios, S$35 658-163 896/QALY) and dominated evolocumab+ SoC and alirocumab+ SoC. At the selected threshold, inclisiran+ SoC is cost-effective among patients with ASCVD and secondary prevention HeFH. The deterministic sensitivity analysis found that the model was most sensitive to inclisiran's acquisition cost and efficacy and rate ratios translating reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels to the risk of cardiovascular death. Compared with SoC, evolocumab+ SoC, and alirocumab+ SoC, inclisiran+ SoC is cost-effective in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia in Singapore at the selected threshold.

Increased serum galectin-3 level is associated with endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular events in patients with hypertension.

Endothelial dysfunction can lead to various harmful cardiovascular complications. The importance of galectin-3 (Gal-3) has been proposed in some cardiac diseases related to chronic inflammation. However, its role in hypertension-induced endothelial dysfunction remains unclear. We enrolled 120 patients with hypertension, assessed their baseline characteristics, and monitored their 7-year cardiovascular outcomes. We performed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to measure serum Gal-3 levels. The vascular reactivity index (VRI) was examined by digital thermal monitoring. Patients with VRI <1.0, 1.0 to <2.0, and ≥2.0 were defined as having poor, intermediate, and good vascular reactivity, respectively. Among the recruited patients, 12 had poor vascular reactivity, 57 had intermediate vascular reactivity, and 51 had good vascular reactivity. Older age, higher total cholesterol levels, higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, and higher Gal-3 levels were associated with poor endothelial dysfunction. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that age and Gal-3 levels were correlated with VRI. During the 7-year follow-up period, patients with higher Gal-3 levels had more cardiovascular events. Higher Gal-3 levels are associated with endothelial dysfunction and unfavorable cardiovascular outcomes in patients with hypertension, suggesting its potential role in the hypertension-induced endothelial dysfunction.

Cardiometabolic risk factors in the Swedish Werlabs cohort based on self-initiated health screening: cohort profile

PurposeThere is limited research on individuals undergoing self-initiated health examinations, and the Werlabs cohort will be a base for such research.ParticipantsAll individuals aged 18 or older who had undertaken a...

The efficacy of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei MSMC39-1 and Bifidobacterium animalis TA-1 probiotics in modulating gut microbiota and reducing the risk of the characteristics of metabolic syndrome: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study.

Modern treatment, a healthy diet, and physical activity routines lower the risk factors for metabolic syndrome; however, this condition is associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality worldwide. This investigation involved a randomized controlled trial, double-blind, parallel study. Fifty-eight participants with risk factors of metabolic syndrome according to the inclusion criteria were randomized into two groups and given probiotics (Lacticaseibacillus paracasei MSMC39-1 and Bifidobacterium animalis TA-1) (n = 31) or a placebo (n = 27). The participants had a mean age of 42.29 ± 7.39 and 43.89 ± 7.54 years in the probiotics and placebo groups, respectively. Stool samples, anthropometric data, and blood chemistries were taken at baseline and at 12 weeks. The primary outcome was achieved by the probiotics group as their low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level dramatically lowered compared to the placebo group (the difference was 39.97 ± 26.83 mg/dl, p-value <0.001). Moreover, significant reductions in body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, and total cholesterol were observed in the volunteers treated with probiotics compared to the placebo. In the gut microbiome analysis, the results showed statistically significant differences in the beta diversity in the post-intervention probiotics group. Blautia, Roseburia, Collinsella, and Ruminococcus were among the gut microbiomes that were more prevalent in the post-intervention probiotics group. In addition, this group exhibited increases in the predicted functional changes in ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, as well as ribonucleic acid transport, the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and pyruvate metabolism. In conclusion, this research demonstrated that the probiotics L. paracasei MSMC39-1 and B. animalis TA-1 have the efficacy to lower risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome.

Sex differences in the association between lipids and cognitive function in older adults

Background: It is well known that cognitive function is associated with gender differences. However, the effect of sex differences on the relationship between lipids fractions and cognitive function in older adults has been contentious. Methods: 2,170 participants from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (1999-2002 and 2011-2014) were included. Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) were measured. Cognitive function was assessed using the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). Multiple linear regression models and restricted cubic spline curve fitting were used. Results: Overall, low HDL-C levels were negatively associated with DSST scores in every group. The levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C were not significantly associated with DSST scores, not only in the total population but also in the males. In the females, after adjustment for potential confounding factors, high TC levels were negatively related to DSST scores (OR = −3.590, 95% CI: – 6.343 to – 0.837), and high TG levels were found positively associated with DSST scores (OR = 2.323, 95% CI: 0.159–4.488). Conclusion: Low plasma HDL is associated with cognitive dysfunction in older adults. In older women, high TC levels are positively associated with cognitive decline while high TG levels may protect cognitive function.

Ayurvedic Management of Dyslipidemia: A Case Study

Abstract: Introduction- Dyslipidemia is a state that occurs due to the abnormalities of lipids in the blood, such as elevated total cholesterol (TC), elevated triglycerides (TG), low level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Most patients are asymptomatic for years. Symptomatic patients may complain of dyspnea, Excessive Hunger, Excessive Sweating, Bad Odour, Generalized Weakness, lethargy etc. The contemporary science uses Statins for the treatment which leads to side effects like including headache, nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal problems, disturbed sleep, muscle aches, myopathy etc. This case report represents the significance of Ayurvedic treatment in the management of Dyslipidemia. Material and methods- In this study patient with complaints of generalized weakness with feeling of heaviness in body approached to the Kayachikitsa OPD of Institute for Ayurved Studies and Hospital. The treatment plan was shaman chikitsa like Tab. Kanchnar guggulu for a period of 28 days. Result- Following this protocol, the patient got approximately 60% relief in all sign and symptoms. Discussion- Based on the case study, it can be concluded that Kanchnar Guggulu is effective in the management of Dyslipidemia.

Comparison of Low Dose Versus High Dose Statin Therapy in Improving Dyslipidemia

Dyslipidemia, a significant contributor to atherosclerosis and its associated conditions like coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral vascular disease, requires effective management through lifestyle changes and pharmacological treatment. Statins are commonly used to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, thus lowering the risks of myocardial infarctions and strokes. However, higher doses of statins, while more effective in reducing cardiovascular events, are associated with an increased risk of adverse effects such as myopathy and elevated liver enzymes. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of low-dose (10 mg) versus high-dose (40 mg) atorvastatin therapy in improving lipid profiles in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). A randomized trial was conducted with 90 ACS patients recruited from the Bolan Medical Complex, Quetta. They were randomly assigned to either receive 10 mg or 40 mg atorvastatin daily for four months. Lipid profiles, including HDL-C, LDL-C, triglycerides, and total cholesterol, were measured before and after the intervention. Both dosage groups showed significant improvements in their lipid profiles after the treatment period. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the overall improvement of dyslipidemia. These findings suggest that both low and high doses of atorvastatin are effective in improving lipid profiles, but higher doses may not offer additional benefits in this patient population.

A Multidisciplinary Approach to Managing Multiple Tuberous Xanthomas in a Pediatric Patient with Familial Hypercholesterolemia Type II: A Rare Case

Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a rare inherited disorder characterized by high cholesterol levels, primarily high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). This condition can lead to premature cardiovascular disease. A less recognized but significant manifestation of FH is the development of multiple tuberous xanthomas, which are exogenous masses or fatty deposits on the skin. Case presentation: This report describes the case of a 4-year-old female child who presented to the Dermatology, Venereology, and Aesthetics Department of Dr. M. Djamil General Hospital Padang with multiple yellowish, painless, and non-itchy lumps on her body. These lumps were located on her knuckles, hands, elbows, buttocks, knees, back of knees, ankles, and feet. The lumps had been progressively increasing in size over the past month. Her medical history revealed that she first developed a yellowish lump on her right ankle two years prior, which gradually spread to other areas of her body. A dermoscopic examination showed a yellow-brown structureless area, and laboratory tests confirmed hypercholesterolemia with elevated LDL levels. Her triglycerides were normal, and both of her parents also had hypercholesterolemia. A histopathology examination confirmed the diagnosis of xanthoma. The patient was diagnosed with tuberous xanthomas and treated with simvastatin 1x10 mg, along with surgical excision of the xanthomas and flap reconstruction under general anesthesia. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing multiple tuberous xanthomas in a child with FH. While surgical excision can effectively remove the lesions, ongoing lipid-lowering therapy is crucial to prevent recurrence and reduce cardiovascular risks associated with FH. Collaboration among dermatologists, pediatric cardiologists, and pediatric nutritionists is vital to ensure comprehensive care and enhance the patient's overall quality of life.

Assessment of dyslipidemia management in Turkey using a Delphi panel

This study evaluated the management of dyslipidemia in Turkey with the goal of understanding current diagnosis and treatment patterns, as well as identifying unmet needs in achieving effective low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) targets. Using a Delphi panel consisting of nine expert cardiologists, the study reveals key gaps in dyslipidemia management, particularly in the underutilization of combination therapies, such as statins and PCSK9 inhibitors, which are crucial for achieving LDL-C targets in high-risk patients. The findings indicate that while many patients with very high cardiovascular risk are diagnosed, a significant proportion do not receive optimal treatment to reach LDL-C levels recommended by European guidelines. Addressing these gaps could lead to more effective management of dyslipidemia and reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in Turkey. The study’s insights provide critical recommendations for clinicians and policymakers to improve clinical practice and health outcomes through more aggressive lipid-lowering strategies.

Relationship between Heated Tobacco Product Use and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Korean Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2018-2021 (VII-1 and VIII).

The use of heated tobacco products (HTPs) among Korean adults has been steadily increasing since they were first introduced in 2017. It is known that smoking combustible cigarettes (CCs) adversely affects the serum lipid profile and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the health impacts of HTPs remain under- researched. This study, therefore, aims to explore the effects of HTP use on serum lipid levels. This study involved 10,309 participants, selected from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VII-1 and VIII conducted between 2018 and 2021. Participants were categorized based on their smoking status: "HTPs ever user" included dual, triple, and past HTP users; "current HTPs only user" for those exclusively using HTPs; "current CCs only user" for those exclusively smoking CCs; and "never smoker." Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the impact of smoking type on serum lipid concentrations. The analysis revealed that the "HTPs ever user" group had a higher odds ratio (OR) for elevated total cholesterol compared to the "never smoker" group (OR, 1.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-1.92). The likelihood of having high low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol was greatest in the "current HTPs only user" group when compared to "never smokers" (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.01-2.89). The findings indicate that exclusive use of HTPs is linked to an increased level of serum LDL-cholesterol. Further longitudinal studies are necessary to fully determine the health risks associated with HTPs.

Newly Initiated Statin Treatment Is Associated with Decreased Plasma Coenzyme Q10 Level After Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) plays a crucial role in facilitating electron transport during oxidative phosphorylation, thus contributing to cellular energy production. Statin treatment causes a decrease in CoQ10 levels in muscle tissue as well as in serum, which may contribute to the musculoskeletal side effects. Therefore, we aimed to assess the effect of newly initiated statin treatment on serum CoQ10 levels after acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and the correlation of CoQ10 levels with key biomarkers of subclinical or clinically overt myopathy. In this study, we enrolled 67 non-diabetic, statin-naïve early-onset STEMI patients with preserved renal function. Plasma CoQ10 level was determined by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS-MS), while the myopathy marker serum fatty acid-binding protein 3 (FABP3) level was measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) at hospital admission and after 3 months of statin treatment. The treatment significantly decreased the plasma CoQ10 (by 43%) and FABP3 levels (by 79%) as well as total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B100 (ApoB100), and oxidized LDL (oxLDL) levels. The change in CoQ10 level showed significant positive correlations with the changes in total cholesterol, LDL-C, ApoB100, and oxLDL levels, while it did not correlate with the change in FABP3 level. Our results prove the CoQ10-reducing effect of statin treatment and demonstrate its lipid-lowering efficacy but contradict the role of CoQ10 reduction in statin-induced myopathy.

Increasing cumulative cabergoline dose in patients with prolactinoma improves metabolic parameters independently of decrease in prolactin levels

Objectives: In prolactinoma patients treated with cabergoline, all of whom achieved normoprolactinemia, longitudinal changes in metabolic parameters and the factors influencing these changes were investigated. Methods: This retrospective-longitudinal study was conducted at a pituitary disease center. Medical records of newly diagnosed prolactinoma patients between 2013 and 2023 were reviewed. After applying exclusion criteria, 102 prolactinoma patients were included in the final analysis. Clinical and laboratory parameters of prolactinoma patients were recorded. Metabolic parameters assessed were fasting plasma glucose, lipid levels, fasting insulin levels, HbA1c levels, and Homeostatic Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) levels. Subsequently, metabolic parameters assessed at the initial and final visits were compared, and factors influencing these parameters were analyzed. Results: All prolactinoma patients were treated with cabergoline, and all were in remission at their final visit. The treatment significantly reduced fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, and LDL cholesterol levels (P&amp;lt;0.05). Although there were improvements in other lipid parameters, fasting insulin, BMI, and HOMA-IR compared to baseline, the differences were not statistically significant. A correlation analysis was conducted to identify factors influencing fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, and LDL cholesterol levels at the final visit in prolactinoma patients. The analysis revealed that only the cumulative dose of cabergoline significantly impacted all three metabolic parameters (P&amp;lt;0.05). Conclusions: Cabergoline not only balances prolactin levels but also directly improves metabolic health. Current and future evidence clearly indicates that dopamine agonists like cabergoline could be an effective treatment not only for patients with prolactinomas but also for individuals affected by metabolic disorders without hyperprolactinemia.

Behavioral and biomedical factors associated with lifestyle modification practices among diagnosed hypertensive patients in pastoral health facilities of southern Ethiopia.

More than 23 million deaths and 36.5% of disability-adjusted life-years are the result of the direct effects of unhealthy behavior alone. Daily behaviors have strong implications for health outcomes and quality of life. The aim of this study is to determine the behavioral and biomedical factors associated with lifestyle modification practices among diagnosed hypertensive patients in pastoral health facilities of southern Ethiopia. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 453 diagnosed hypertensive adult patients in pastoral health of southern Ethiopia from June 1/2023 to July 30/2023. The study population was randomly selected from among patients diagnosed with hypertension that was followed up during the study period using a systematic random sampling technique. The data were entered into Epi-Data-4.6.0.2 and exported to SATAT version 14 for analysis. A binary logistic regression model was fitted to determine independent predictors of lifestyle modification practices among hypertensive patients. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to declare a state of significance. Out of 453 potential participants approached, 433 agreed to successfully participate in the study, for a response rate of 95.6%. Of the total participants, 56.1% (95% CI, 51.38-60.74) of the patients practiced the recommended lifestyle modifications. Alcohol consumption (AOR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.42-0.96), ever-practiced reducing salt intake (AOR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.57-3.93), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the blood (>160 mg/dl) (AOR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.72-6.34) were independently associated with lifestyle modifications in patients with hypertension. This study revealed that the prevalence of lifestyle modification practices (LMP) was low among hypertensive patients. Lifestyle modification is not one-stop practical, but continuous proper awareness creation, counseling, and health education and health promotion are needed to scale up healthy behavior in patients with hypertension to create a good lifestyle.

Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum L.) Flower and Fenofibrate Improve Lipid Profiles in Rats with Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD): The Role of Choline Metabolism.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is linked to choline metabolism. The present study investigated the effect of holy basil (Ocimum sanctum L.) flower water extract (OSLY) on MASLD with choline metabolism as an underlying mechanism. Rats with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced MASLD received 250-1000 mg/kg bw of OSLY, fenofibrate, or fenofibrate + 1000 mg/kg OSLY combination. Biochemical parameters, choline metabolites, and one-carbon gene transcription were analyzed. OSLY and fenofibrate independently reduced serum LDL cholesterol (p < 0.02), liver cholesterol (p < 0.001), and liver triglyceride levels (p < 0.001) in HFD-fed rats. Only OSLY reduced signs of liver injury and increased serum HDL. Fenofibrate influenced choline metabolism by decreasing liver glycerophosphocholine (GPC; p = 0.04), as well as increasing betaine (p < 0.001) and the betaine:choline ratio (p = 0.02) in HFD-fed rats. Fenofibrate (vs. HFD) increased the expression of one-carbon metabolism genes Mthfd1l, Pemt, Smpd3, and Chka (p < 0.04). The OSLY treatment decreased liver GPC (500 mg dose; p = 0.03) and increased Smpd3 expression (1000 mg dose; p = 0.04). OSLY and fenofibrate showed weak synergistic effects on lipid and choline metabolism. Collectively, OSLY and fenofibrate independently improve lipid profiles in MASLD rats. The benefits of fenofibrate are partially mediated by choline/one-carbon metabolism, while those of OSLY are not mediated by this pathway. Holy basil flower extract merits further development as an alternative medicine for MASLD.

New insights into the management of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia patients treated with lomitapide: a single-center experience.

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disease, usually with onset during childhood, characterized by elevated blood LDL cholesterol levels and potentially associated with severe cardiovascular complications. Concerning mutated genes in FH, such as LDLR, a small subset of FH patients presents a homozygous genotype, resulting in homozygous FH (HoFH) disease with a generally aggressive phenotype. Besides statins, ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors, lomitapide (an anti-ApoB therapy) was also approved in 2012-2013 as an adjunctive treatment for HoFH. Despite its clinical efficacy, lomitapide administration should be done with caution because of the possible occurrence of side effects, such as hepatosteatosis, increased blood transaminase levels and gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as the possible deleterious interactions with other drugs. In this context, we decided to report the main available evidence on the management and monitoring of HoFH patients treated with lomitapide and to accompany this literature review with a description of our clinical experience with a subset of six HoFH patients. In conclusion, this paper aims to address an important topic for HoFH-related clinical practice that, to our knowledge, is not yet formally regulated by proper national and/or international guidelines.