LDL Concentrations Research Articles

Modulation of vascular endothelial inflammatory response by proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9

Background and AimsEndotoxins carried within LDL are cleared from the circulation via hepatic LDL receptor (LDLR)-mediated endocytosis. Proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9) reduces this clearance by down-regulating LDLR density on hepatocytes. In addition to hepatocytes, vascular endothelial cells also express receptor targets of PCSK9, including LDLR. Therefore, we hypothesized that PCSK9 may regulate vascular endothelial cell uptake of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and alter the vascular endothelial cell inflammatory response. Methods and resultsWe found that LPS is internalized by human umbilical vein vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) and LPS uptake dose-dependently increased with increasing LDL concentration. Intracellular LPS co-localized with LDL. PCSK9 and, separately, blocking antibodies against LDLR, dose-dependently decreased the vascular endothelial cell uptake of LPS and, furthermore, inhibition of endocytosis using Dynasore blocked LPS uptake. In contrast, blocking antibodies against TLR4 did not alter LPS uptake. PCSK9 decreased the LPS-induced proinflammatory response (IL-6 and IL-8 gene expression and protein secretion, and VCAM-1/ICAM-1 expression) in vascular endothelial cells. In addition, a decrease in PCSK9 and increase in LDLR, mediated by triciribine or siPCSK9, increased LPS uptake and the LPS-induced proinflammatory response. Similar results were also found in aortic vascular tissue from Pcsk9−/− mice after LPS injection. ConclusionsOur data suggest that, similar to PCSK9 treatment in hepatocytes, PCSK9 reduces vascular endothelial cell uptake of LPS via LDLR-mediated endocytosis. Consequently, PCSK9 decreases the LPS-induced proinflammatory response in vascular endothelial cells. These results raise the possibility that PCSK9 inhibition may have additional effects on vascular endothelial inflammation via this alternative pathway, beyond the known effects of PCSK9 inhibition on LDL lowering and hepatic endotoxin clearance.

N-3 fatty acid supplementation mediates lipid profile, including small dense LDL, when combined with statins: a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial

BackgroundEpidemiological and clinical evidence suggests that high-dose intake of omega 3 fatty acids (n-3 FA) have a favorable role in altering serum triglycerides (TG) and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) when combined with statins in hyperlipidemic patients. Their efficacy in altering low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) particle size is yet to be established.AimThis study evaluated the effects of supplementing 4 g/day Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on serum blood lipids, including small, dense LDL-C particle concentration, in hyperlipidemic patients receiving stable statin therapy.MethodsIn this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind parallel group study, 44 patients on statin therapy for > 8 weeks with non-HDL-C concentrations above 130 mg/dL were randomized into two groups. For 8 weeks, together with their prescribed statin, the intervention group received 4 g/day EPA + DHA (3000 mg EPA + 1000 mg DHA in ethyl ester form) and the placebo group received 4 g/day olive oil (OO). Measurements of serum non-HDL-C, TG, total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL-C (including large - LDL I; intermediate - LDL II; and small - LDL III subclasses), very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) concentration, were taken at baseline and post-intervention. Dietary intake was assessed with a weighed intake, 3-day food diary at week 4. Primary outcome measures were percent change in LDL III, non-HDL-C and LDL particle number.ResultsAt the end of treatment, the median percent change in serum LDL III concentration was significantly greater in the n-3 FA group plus atorvastatin compared to placebo (− 67.5% vs − 0%, respectively; P < 0.001). Supplementation with n-3 FA plus atorvastatin led to significant reductions in serum non-HDL-C (− 9.5% vs 4.7%, P < 0.01), TG (− 21.5% vs 6.2%, P < 0.001) and VLDL-C (− 36.9% vs 4.0%, P < 0.001) and TC (− 6.6% vs 2.1%, P < 0.001). Between the groups, no significant difference in percent change in the serum concentration of LDL-C, HDL-C, as well as in the LDL I and LDL II subclasses was observed.ConclusionIn this group of hyperlipidemic patients on a stable statin prescription, OM3 plus atorvastatin improved small dense LDL concentrations, non-HDL-C, VLDL-C and TG to a greater extent than atorvastatin alone. Further studies are warranted in this area.Trial registrationThis trial was retrospectively registered on 23 May 2019 on ClinicalTrials.gov with ID: NCT03961763.

Effects of polysaccharide-based silver and selenium nanoparticles on growth performance, biochemical parameters, and immune response of Cyprinus carpio

Avicennia marina mangrove leaves polysaccharide (AMLP) was used for the synthesis of polysaccharide-based selenium (AMLP-SeNPs) and silver nanoparticles (AMLP-AgNPs). The synthesized nanoparticles were further characterized by UV-Vis, DLS, FT-IR, X-ray diffraction, and HR-TEM analysis. A 60-day (8 weeks) feeding trial experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of AMLP, AMLP-SeNPs, and AMLP-AgNPs dietary supplementation on growth performance parameters, blood parameters, immunological and enzymatic profiles in Cyprinus carpio. The characterization results of AMLP-SeNPs and AMLP-AgNPs confirmed the formation of well-stabilized spherical nanoparticles with a mean particle size of 37.25 and 72.40 nm, respectively having a crystalline structure. The feeding experiment results demonstrated that 2 mg/kg of AMLP-SeNPs followed by 0.2 mg/kg of AMLP-AgNPs showed significantly (p ˂ 0.05) higher final weight, weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR%), protein and lipid efficiency, and lower food conversion ratio as compared to other groups. The catalase, superoxidase dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activity were significantly (p ˂ 0.05) higher in the group fed 2 mg/kg supplemented AMLP-SeNPs. Total protein and globulin contents were significantly (p ˂ 0.05) higher and albumin concentration was significantly lower in fish that received 2 mg/kg of AMLP- SeNPs as compared to control. A significant increase in serum HDL and decrease in LDL and MDA concentrations were observed in the group supplemented with 2 mg/kg of nano selenium. The body's crude lipid, protein, moisture, and ash were not significantly different from the control. The AMLP-SeNPs showed significantly (p ˂ 0.05) lower aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and higher alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities compared to other test groups. The relative percentage survivability (RPS%) was higher in AMLP-SeNPs (84.6%) followed by AMLP-AgNPs (76.7%) after 8th weeks of supplementary diets as compared to control groups. Overall, the finding of these studies revealed that the inclusion of AMLP-SeNPs improved the growth performance and antioxidant defense system, enhance immune response, and provide resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila in Common carp.

Comparison of Two Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Methods for the Measurement of Lipoprotein Particle Concentrations.

Background: Measuring lipoprotein particle concentrations may help to improve cardiovascular risk stratification. Both the lipofit (Numares) and lipoprofile (LabCorp) NMR methods are widely used for the quantification of lipoprotein particle concentrations. Objective: The aim of the present work was to perform a method comparison between the lipofit and lipoprofile NMR methods. In addition, there was the objective to compare lipofit and lipoprofile measurements of standard lipids with clinical chemistry-based results. Methods: Total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides were measured with ß-quantification in serum samples from 150 individuals. NMR measurements of standard lipids and lipoprotein particle concentrations were performed by Numares and LabCorp. Results: For both NMR methods, differences of mean concentrations compared to ß-quantification-derived measurements were ≤5.5% for all standard lipids. There was a strong correlation between ß-quantification- and NMR-derived measurements of total and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (all r > 0.93). For both, the lipofit (r = 0.81) and lipoprofile (r = 0.84) methods, correlation coefficients were lower for HDL cholesterol. There was a reasonable correlation between LDL and HDL lipoprotein particle concentrations measured with both NMR methods (both r > 0.9). However, mean concentrations of major and subclass lipoprotein particle concentrations were not as strong. Conclusions: The present analysis suggests that reliable measurement of standard lipids is possible with these two NMR methods. Harmonization efforts would be needed for better comparability of particle concentration data.

A meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of garlic supplementation on performance and blood lipids profile of broiler chickens

The present meta-analysis examined the effects of garlic supplementation on the average daily gain (ADG) and blood lipids profile of broiler chickens by aggregating 40 peer-reviewed articles published between 1991 and 2021. The studies assessing garlic intervention effects on broiler diets were selected from Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, PubMed Central, and DOAJ databases based on eligibility criteria developed referring to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Hedges’ g effect size of dietary garlic treatment was calculated to estimate the standardized means difference (SMD) at 95% Confident Interval (95% CI) using random-effects models (REM) based on DerSimonian and Laird method. A subgroup meta-analysis was performed to clarify potentially significant effect sizes of covariates (study country, garlic form, rearing period, and strains of birds). A linear mixed-effect model was used to assess the inclusion levels effect along with the above-mentioned covariates. Results suggested that dietary garlic increased ADG (SMD = 3.239, 95% CI = 2.360 to 4.120, P < 0.001), and decreased feed intake (FI) (SMD = -2.230, 95% CI = -3.141 to -1.320, P < 0.001) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (SMD = SMD = -0.059, 95% CI = -0.080 to -0.040, P < 0.001). The increasing effects on ADG were consistent among the type of garlic (garlic powder, extracted, and fermented), rearing periods (starter, grower, and finisher), most broiler strains, and in most countries where the study was carried out), with few exceptions such as studies from Pakistan, Poland, and Indonesia but the sample sizes were small. Highest increasing effect was observed during grower period (SMD = 3.828; P < 0.001). Subgroup meta-analysis also showed that decreasing effects on FI and FCR were found in grower and finisher periods (P < 0.01) but were not observed in the starter period (P > 0.05). Additionally, the relationship between levels and performance depended on the rearing periods as shown by the significant interaction effects between levels and rearing period (P < 0.001). In particular, increasing garlic levels linearly increased ADG and decreased FI and FCR in the finisher period (P < 0.05) but no relationship was observed for starter and grower periods. This study also provided strong evidence that garlic improved blood lipids profile in broiler chickens as shown by decreasing the concentration of cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL while increasing HDL at the same time, regardless of dietary levels (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the present meta-analysis demonstrated that growth-promoting, hypolipidemic and hypocholesterolemic effects of garlic supplementation on broiler chickens were confirmed in most experimental conditions and rearing periods although the minimum effect was observed in the starter period in terms of ADG. It should be noted that high levels of garlic supplementation are typically unfavorable because it would decrease feed intake. Further study to evaluate low doses of specific bioactive compounds inclusion from garlic on broiler performance and health is warranted to minimize the deleterious effect on feed intake.

Correlation between Vitamin D3 Supplementation and Lipidemia in Women of Maysan Province, Iraq with Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes

A total of 130 overweight Iraqi women with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes, the ages of the women ( 28 to 60) years, were divided into groups, group 5000 IU (65 women) as group A and control (65 women) as group B. were participants from The Specialized Center for Diabetes in Maysan Province and its related areas in the countryside and the city for this double-blind, randomized control trial (Maysan Province, Iraq). A placebo and 5000 IU of D3 daily were given to the participants for four months. Laboratory tests were conducted at baseline and four months to analyze serum levels. After four months of treatment, positive changes in total cholesterol, D3 levels, and LDL cholesterol. There was no statistically meaningful change in HDL and TG concentration, and there were no significant differences in age and place of residence. According to this study, vitamin D may help type 2 diabetics lower their total cholesterol and LDL concentrations.

The Effects of Chitosan-PEG Nanoparticles Based on Channa striata Protein Hydrolyzate on Decreasing Diabetes Mellitus in Diabetic Rats.

Channa striata has several good nutrients, including 70% protein, 20% albumin, complete amino acids, zinc, selenium, and iron. However, no study has investigated the chitosan-PEG nanoparticles based on Channa striata protein hydrolyzate. This study's purpose was to determine the role of 10% Channa striata protein hydrolyzate, chitosan-PEG 4000 nanoparticles, and chitosan-PEG 6000 nanoparticles in reducing diabetes mellitus in diabetic rats. A randomized pretest-posttest control group design was used, with male Sprague-Dawley rats being divided into five groups: STZ, acarbose, hydrolyzate, chitosan-PEG 4000 nanoparticles, and chitosan-PEG 6000 nanoparticles. Diabetes was induced by a single injection of streptozotocin at 1 ml in each formulation. Blood glucose levels were analyzed using a glucometer 7, 14, and 21 days after treatment. The CHOD-PAP method was used to analyze the lipid profile. Pancreas and liver histology analyses were carried out using a microscope. The formulation of 10% Channa striata protein hydrolyzate and PEG 6000 was the most effective in lowering blood glucose concentrations, and the response was close to the acarbose result. The glucose concentration decreased after daily oral administration of chitosan-PEG nanoparticles for 21 days. The plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and HDL concentrations were lower in treated than in untreated diabetic rats. This study concluded that the formulation of 10% Channa striata protein hydrolyzate and chitosan-PEG 6000 nanoparticles was more effective than acarbose.

Mucin2 and Lipid Profile Estimation in Giardia Lamblia Infected Patients: A Case-control Study

Introduction: Globally, Giardia duodenalis (G. lamblia) is a protozoan parasite that has the ability to cause sporadic or epidemic infectious diarrhoea. Giardia infection is a crucial cause of waterborne and foodborne disease, outbreaks in the daycare centre, and international travel-related infection. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Giardia lamblia infection on serum MUC2 and lipid profile. Patients and Methods: From March to April 2021, a case-control study was conducted on 48 patients with giardiasis who attended AL-Hakeem Hospital in Najaf Province in Iraq and 24 healthy adults as a control group. Stool examinations were done using standard techniques for the identification of the parasitic infection. Results: The results showed a significantly higher concentration (130.57 ± 4.04 ng/ml, and 130.11 ± 3.6 ng/ml) (p &lt; 0.05 of MUC2 in G. lamblia infected patients (males and females) in comparison to the individuals of the control group. In addition, significantly higher concentrations (p &lt; 0.05) of cholesterol, VLDL, TG, and LDL were found in comparison to the control individuals, whereas the concentration of HDL was significantly lower (p &lt; 0.05 in patients infected with G. lamblia as compared to the control group. Conclusion: The current study revealed that MUC2 and lipid profile are valuable biomarkers that help in the diagnosis of G. lamblia parasite infection.

Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Red and White Wines Produced from Autochthonous Croatian Varieties: Effect of Moderate Consumption on Human Health.

Moderate wine consumption is often associated with healthy lifestyle habits. The role of wine as a healthy drink is mainly due to its bioactive compounds, which differ according to various viticultural and enological factors. The aim of the present study was to observe the differences in bioactive compounds of white and red autochthonous Croatian wines, differing in terms of the grape variety and production technology. Our further aim was to explore the effect of their moderate consumption (200 mL per day) over the course of six weeks on some aspects of health in sixty-six healthy individuals. Participants were divided into eight groups depending on the wines consumed, while one group formed a non-consuming control group. Medical examination and laboratory tests were performed before the start and at the end of the consumption period. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and LDL concentrations decreased. Additionally, an increase in HDL concentrations, and serotonin and dopamine levels, was observed. ALT, ALP, and GGT levels did not significantly increase in consumer groups, although alcohol concentration was relatively high in all the wines. Such results support the beneficial effects of wine-derived bioactive compounds on some health aspects resulting from moderate white and red wine consumption.

Linkages of Various Calcium Sources on Immune Performance, Diarrhea Rate, Intestinal Barrier, and Post-gut Microbial Structure and Function in Piglets.

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effects of different sources of calcium on immune performance, diarrhea rate, intestinal barrier, and post-intestinal flora structure and function in weaned piglets. A total of 1,000 weaned piglets were randomly assigned to five groups 10 replicate pens per treatment, 20 piglets per pen and fed calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, multiple calcium, and organic trace minerals of different concentrations of acidifier diets. The results of the study showed that the replacement of calcium carbonate with calcium citrate and multiple calcium had almost no significant effect on immune indexes (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α) of piglets compared with the control group (p > 0.05). The five groups did not show a change in the diarrhea rate and diarrhea index (p > 0.05). The diet containing multiple calcium dramatically decreased the TP compared to the C and L diet (p < 0.05). No significant difference in HDL was noted in the five groups (p > 0.05). However, the concentration of LDL in blood in the multiple calcium group was significantly higher than that in groups L and D (p < 0.05). Moreover, the concentration of Glu in blood in the multiple calcium group was significantly higher than that in group C (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, calcium citrate plus organic trace minerals diet markedly increased UCG-005 abundance in the colon (p < 0.05). In addition, the relative abundance of Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group had an upward trend in the colon of the M group compared to the D group (p = 0.070). Meanwhile, calcium citrate plus organic trace minerals diet markedly increased Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 abundance in the colon (p < 0.05). Metagenomic predictions by PICRUSt suggested that the colonic and fecal microbiota was mainly involved in carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism, and metabolism of cofactors and vitamins.

The Association between Nutritional Status and Length of Hospital Stay among Patients with Hypertension.

Background: Nutritional status is related to the prognosis and length of hospital stay (LOS) of patients with hypertension (HT). This study aimed to assess how nutritional status and body mass index (BMI) affect LOS for patients with hypertension. Method: We performed a retrospective analysis of 586 medical records of patients who had been admitted to the Institute of Heart Diseases of the University Clinical Hospital in Wroclaw, Poland. Results: A total of 586 individuals were included in the analysis. Individuals who were at a nutritional risk represented less than 2% of the study population, but more than 60% were overweight or obese. The mean BMI was 28.4 kg/m2 (SD: 5.16). LOS averaged 3.53 days (SD = 2.78). In the case of obese individuals, hospitalisation lasted for 3.4 ± 2.43 days, which was significantly longer than for patients of normal weight. For underweight patients, hospitalisation lasted for 5.14 ± 2.27 days, which was also significantly longer than for those in other BMI categories (p = 0.017). The independent predictors of shorter hospitalisations involved higher LDL concentration (parameter of regression: −0.015) and HDL concentration (parameter of regression: −0.04). Conclusions: The study revealed that with regard to the nutritional status of hypertensive patients, being either underweight or obese was associated with longer LOS. Additional factors that related to prolonged LOS were lower LDL and HDL levels and higher CRP concentrations.

T077 Laboratory-specific equation for calculated serum LDL concentration

T077 Laboratory-specific equation for calculated serum LDL concentration

Effect of Using Avocado and Chia Oil and their Mixture in Meat Broiler Diets on Some Physiological and Microbial Characteristics of Blood Plasma

This study was conducted in the field of the Poultry Research Station of the Department of Animal Production / Department of Agricultural Research / Ministry of Agriculture for the period 4/4/2021 to 16/5/2021, in which 300 one-day-old Ross308 chicks that fed on diets used avocado oil and Chia with percentages 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6% respectively, and their mixture consisting of 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 each of avocado and Chia oil (50% avocado + 50% Chia oil). The experiment included 4 treatments with 3 replicates for each treatment (10 birds/replicates), in order to study the effect of using avocado and chia oil and their mixture in meat broiler diets on some physiological and microbial characteristics of blood plasma. The results indicate a significant increase (P &lt; 0.01) in the concentration of total protein and globulin for the treatment birds in which the mixture of avocado and Chia oil was used. While there were no significant differences in the concentration of albumin between the types of the used oils. It was noted through the results that the percentage of usage 0.6% had achieved a high significant increase in the concentration of total protein, albumin and globulin in the blood plasma of the birds of these treatments compared with the rest of the percentages of use (0, 0.2 and 0.4). As for the interaction, the results showed a high significant increase in the protein concentration (P&lt;0.01) in the treatment (M0.6) in both total protein and albumin concentration compared with the rest of the interactions, And the concentration of globulin was significantly increased (P&lt;0.01) in the birds of the treatments (C0.6, M0.2, M0.4, M0.6) compared with the rest of the interactions. The results showed a high significant decrease (P&lt;0.01) in the concentration of cholesterol in the birds of the treatments in which the mixture of oil and Chia oil were used, while a high significant increase (P &lt; 0.01) in the concentration of HDL was observed in the birds that used the mixture of avocado and Chia oil in their diets compared with the other types of oils, While a high significant decrease (P&lt;0.01) in LDL concentration was observed in birds of the treatment with the oil mixture, while no significant differences were observed between types of oils in the concentration of both triglycerides and VLDL. The level of the percentage of usage had a high significant decrease (P &lt; 0.01) in the concentration of cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and VLDL at all levels of usage 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6% compared to the control treatment, while a high significant (P &lt; 0.01) increase in the concentration of HDL was observed at the rates of use of 0.4 and 0.6% compared with the control treatment which is void of usage. Whereas, the best high significant improvement (P&lt;0.01) in the lipid profile of the lipid plasma was achieved by a mixture treatment with a percentage of use of 0.6% compared with the rest of the interactions. It was noted that there was a high significant increase (P &lt; 0.01) in the number of Lactobacillus bacteria and a high significant decrease (P &lt; 0.01) in the number of E. coli bacteria in the avocado and Chia oil mixture treatments compared with the rest of the used oils. As for the study of the effect of the percentage of use, it increased significantly. (P &lt; 0.01) Lactobacillus bacteria numbers of all usage percentages (0.2, 0.4 and 0.6) compared with the control treatment, in addition to a high significant decrease (P &lt; 0.01) in the numbers of E. coli bacteria. As for the interaction between the type of oil and the percentage of usage, a high significant increase (P &lt; 0.01) was observed in the numbers of Lactobacillus bacteria in the treatment (M0.2 and M0.6) compared with the rest of the interactions, in addition to a high significant decrease (P &lt; 0.01) In the numbers of E.coli bacteria in treatment (M0.6) as the best interaction compared to the rest of the interactions. We conclude from this study that the use of mixed oil at a percentage of 0.4-0.6% in meat broiler diets will improve the physiological characteristics of the blood plasma, in addition to a decrease in the number of harmful bacteria (E. coli) and an increase in the number of beneficial bacteria, which has an important role in improving the physiological condition of birds, which is reflected positively on productive performance and obtaining high growth without the use of harmful synthetic materials.

Spatiotemporal changes of local hemodynamics and plaque components during atherosclerotic progression in rabbit

Background and objectiveRecent evidence demonstrates that the atherogenic process is discontinuous. Our goal is to study changes of plaque components and local hemodynamics during atherosclerotic progression. MethodsThe histological and immunohistochemical staining of high-fat diet rabbit aorta were evaluated at 0, 8, 10 and 12 weeks, respectively. In addition, the blood flow and LDL transport were simulated at the above four time points. ResultsThe plaque thickness at different characteristic regions increased at different rates. The collagen continued to increase, while the elastin, fibronectin, macrophages and smooth muscle cells increased first and then decreased. The relative surface LDL concentration decreased at 8 weeks, and then it increased first and decreased slightly. Meanwhile, the hemodynamic environment became better firstly at 8 weeks, then got slightly worse and lastly improved again. ConclusionsThe local hemodynamics and plaque components vary nonlinearly during atherosclerotic progression in rabbit aorta.

Analysis of the Relationship among Cognitive Impairment, Nutritional Indexes and the Clinical Course among COVID-19 Patients Discharged from Hospital-Preliminary Report.

Numerous data indicate the presence of cognitive impairment in people who have undergone COVID-19, often called COVID Fog (CF). This phenomenon persists even 6 months after infection, and its etiology and pathogenesis are not fully known. The aim of this article was to analyze the relationship among cognitive functioning, clinical data and nutrition indexes in patients discharged from the COVID-19 hospital of the Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland. The sample comprised 17 individuals—10 women and 7 men, with ages of 65 ± 14 years. Cognitive impairment was measured with the use of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The nutrition parameters included: hemoglobin, red blood cells, total cholesterol and its fractions, triglycerides, total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, phosphates, calcium and sodium. The analysis showed that albumin concentration significantly correlated with the total MoCA score and especially with the short-term memory test score. Conversely, total cholesterol, and especially LDL concentrations, were highly and negatively associated with the MoCA score. In conclusion: markers of nutritional status are correlated with the severity of CF. Individuals with malnutrition or risk of malnutrition should be screened for CF. Further studies need to be performed in this area.

Inclisiran: A Novel Small Interfering RNA Drug for Low-Density Lipoprotein Reduction.

Inclisiran increases the number of low-density lipoprotein surface receptors expressed on hepatocytes using small interfering RNA directed against proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) mRNA. This novel mechanism can reduce low-density lipoprotein by ≈50%, like reductions achieved with high-intensity statins or PCSK9-inhibiting monoclonal antibodies. Inclisiran is indicated in the treatment of adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, unable to achieve target LDL concentrations with diet and maximally tolerated statin therapy. It is more expensive than PCSK9-inhibiting monoclonal antibodies and still lacks clinical evidence for the expected reduction in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events when added to statin therapy. Although some patients experience injection-site reactions of mild or moderate severity, current evidence suggests a strong safety profile with total and serious adverse events approximating that of placebo. The dosing protocol of inclisiran offers its biggest clinical advantage over PCSK9-inhibiting monoclonal antibodies, being administered only every 6 months after initial baseline and 3-month doses rather than every second or fourth week. Unlike PCSK9-inhibiting monoclonal antibodies, inclisiran has not as yet been noted to induce neutralizing antidrug antibodies that can impact drug efficacy. Thus, inclisirin is a novel small interfering RNA molecule that provides further options in the management of hypercholesterolemia refractory to statins alone. However, cost and evidence considerations suggest it should not supplant adjunctive therapy with the PCSK9-inhibiting monoclonal antibodies, despite having an efficacy, safety, tolerability, and drug interaction profile superior to other antihypercholesterolemic options such as lomitapide, niacin, bile acid sequestrants, and bempedoic acid.

LIPID PROFILE IN TYPE 2 DIABETICS VERSUS NON-DIABETIC CONTROLS IN ADULT POPULATION OF DISTRICT BANNU, PAKISTAN

Background: High cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL and low HDL are high risk factors in type 2 diabetics in giving rise to cardiovascular diseases. The objectives of this study were to compare the serum concentrations (mg/dL) of cholesterol, TG, HDL and LDL in type 2 diabetics versus non-diabetic controls in adult population of district Bannu, Pakistan. Materials &amp; Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted in Department of Pathology, Bannu Medical College, Bannu, Pakistan from March, 2020 to February, 2021. Total known 100 type 2 diabetics along with 50 non-diabetic controls of &gt;35 years age were selected. Those with acute myocardial infarction, acute cerebrovascular accident, chronic renal failure, acute burns, trauma, post-surgery, pregnant women and those taking lipid/ blood pressure lowering drugs were excluded. Socio-demographic variables were age in years, sex, occupation, residence and family income/month in PKR. Serum cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL were four research variables on ratio scale and were analyzed by mean, SD and range with 95% CI. Independent samples t-test was used to compare the variables between the two groups. Results: The study group included 100 type 2 diabetics (66 men and 34 women) and 50 (29 men and 21 women) controls. Mean cholesterol concentration (mg/dL) was significantly higher (p=&lt;.0001) in diabetics (208.22±55.24) than controls (150.26±25.29). Mean triglycerides concentration (mg/dL) was significantly higher (p=&lt;.0001) in diabetics (202.58±82.62) than controls (157.88±53.42). Mean LDL concentration (mg/dL) was significantly higher (p=&lt;.0001) in diabetics (148.11±55.06) than controls (113.22±32.97). Mean HDL concentration (mg/dL) was significantly lower (p=.002) in diabetics (42.48±14.24) than controls (49.38±11.76). Conclusion: The current study concludes that serum concentrations of cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL were significantly higher in type 2 diabetics than controls, while HDL was lower in diabetics than controls. High cholesterol, TG and LDL along with low HDL are high risk factors in type 2 diabetics in giving rise to cardiovascular diseases; that needs evaluation at earlier stages.

To Study Lipid Profile Status in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients

Background: To study lipid profile in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.&#x0D; Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 COPD patients and including 50 healthy controls were enrolled in the study.&#x0D; Results: The lipid profile in COPD patients showed significantly higher serum levels of TC, TG, LDL as compare to controls and serum concentrations of HDL were also decreased significantly compared to controls.&#x0D; ConclusionL: COPD patients showed significantly higher serum levels of TC, TG, LDL and serum concentrations of HDL were also decreased significantly compared to controls.&#x0D; Keywords: Lipid profile, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, patients.

Effects of the Current Japanese Guideline for Dedicated, Intensive Lipid-lowering Therapy on Lipid Profile and Coronary Events in Patients After Acute Coronary Syndrome

Background: Patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) still have high rates of recurrent adverse cardiovascular events. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of changes in the Japan Atherosclerosis Society Guidelines for Prevention of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases for intensive lipid-lowering therapy on the prescription status, lipid profile and clinical outcomes among Japanese patients with ACS. Methods: Data were retrospectively analysed for 283 consecutive patients with de novo ACS who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention and received follow-up coronary angiography between January 2012 and September 2019. Patients were divided into two groups according to the to onset of ACS relative to the guideline update – before (Group 1; n=182) and after (Group 2; n=101). Changes in prescription status, lipid profile and clinical outcomes (composite of cardiac death and non-fatal MI, coronary events from culprit and non-culprit lesions) were evaluated. Results: Post-treatment LDL concentrations were significantly lower in Group 2, but target LDL concentrations of &lt;1.81 mmol/l were only achieved in 58.4% of patients. In Group 2, 85% of patients who received combination high-intensity statin/ezetimibe therapy achieved the target LDL. After propensity score matching, the incidence of coronary events from non-culprit lesions was significantly lower in Group 2 than Group 1 (3.0% versus 19.4%, respectively; p&lt;0.01). Cox model analysis showed that the guideline update resulted in a lower rate of events from non-culprit lesions (HR 0.50; 95% CI [0.33–0.75]). Conclusion: The introduction of new guidelines improved the prescription status and lipid profile in ACS patients. Guideline-recommended more intensive lipid-lowering therapy may decrease events from non-culprit lesions in ACS patients.

Efficacy of Plant Sterol-Enriched Food for Primary Prevention and Treatment of Hypercholesterolemia: A Systematic Literature Review.

Plant sterols/phytosterols (PSs) are molecules with a similar structure to cholesterol that have a recognized effect on elevated LDL concentrations (LDL-c). PSs are used as a natural therapy against elevated LDL-c in combination with a healthy diet and exercise. A systematic review was performed to evaluate the efficacy of PS-enriched foods in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Randomized controlled clinical studies reporting the use of PS-enriched foods to reduce LDL-c among adult individuals were retrieved and assessed for risk of bias. Meta-analyses were performed to assess changes in LDL-c by treatment, food matrix, LDL-c range, sterols dosage and risk of bias (RoB). In the 13 studies analyzed, LDL-c in PS-treated participants decreased by an average of 12.14 (8.98; 15.29) mg/dL. PS administration was statistically more effective in patients with LDL-c ≥ 140 mg/dL and for PS dosages > 2 g/day. It can be concluded that PSs can be used as an important primary prevention measure for hypercholesterolemia and as tertiary prevention for cardiovascular events in patients who already have mild to moderate LDL-c. However, in severe hypercholesterolemia and in cases of familial hypercholesterolemia, it is necessary to combine dietary treatment with the use of statins.