Blood Serum Cholesterol Levels Research Articles

On the Cholesterol Raising Effect of Coffee Diterpenes Cafestol and 16-O-Methylcafestol: Interaction with Farnesoid X Receptor.

The diterpene cafestol represents the most potent cholesterol-elevating compound known in the human diet, being responsible for more than 80% of the effect of coffee on serum lipids, with a mechanism still not fully clarified. In the present study, the interaction of cafestol and 16-O-methylcafestol with the stabilized ligand-binding domain (LBD) of the Farnesoid X Receptor was evaluated by fluorescence and circular dichroism. Fluorescence quenching was observed with both cafestol and 16-O-methylcafestol due to an interaction occurring in the close environment of the tryptophan W454 residue of the protein, as confirmed by docking and molecular dynamics. A conformational change of the protein was also observed by circular dichroism, particularly for cafestol. These results provide evidence at the molecular level of the interactions of FXR with the coffee diterpenes, confirming that cafestol can act as an agonist of FXR, causing an enhancement of the cholesterol level in blood serum.

Dandelion Root Extract in Trout Feed and its Effects on the Physiological Performance of Oncorhynchus mykiss and Resistance to Lactococcus garvieae Infection

Abstract In this study, we investigated the dietary effects of dandelion root extract (DRE) on growth performance, body composition, serum biochemical parameters, intestinal and liver histology, and fish resistance against Lactococcus garvieae infection in the rainbow trout. In total, 540 rainbow trout fry (22.05±1.740 g and 13.03±0.470 cm) were used. Six experimental groups (control, 2.5 mL/kg (DRE-1), 5 mL/kg (DRE-2), 10 mL/kg (DRE-3), 20 mL/kg (DRE-4), and 40 mL/kg (DRE-5) dandelion root extract) with three replicates were formed. In each tank, 30 fish were placed and fed for 90 days, and the volume of water was adjusted to 80 L with a flow-through system. The results showed that the final fish weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, and protein deposition rate were significantly higher in the DRE-4 group, while the feed conversion ratio and fat deposition ratio were significantly lower compared to that in the control group (P<0.05). The viscerosomatic index and the hepatosomatic index decreased in the experimental groups depending on the concentration of the extract used, while the condition factor was higher than that in the control (P<0.05). The DRE significantly decreased glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase levels in blood serum in the fish from the experimental groups, but it significantly increased high-density lipoprotein, alkaline phosphatase, and total protein levels (P<0.05). Similarly, the DRE positively affected intestinal histology by increasing the stratum compactum, submucosa, lamina propria, villi length, villi width, absorption area, tunica muscularis thickness, mucosal folds, and goblet cell count. In the liver, depending on the high-fat diet (crude lipid = 20%), vacuolization areas, hepatocellular degeneration areas, apoptotic hepatocyte nucleus, and necrotic areas recorded in the control group decreased or even disappeared completely in the extract groups. The results of the challenge test showed that adding 2.5 mL/kg of the DRE to the feed positively affected the disease resistance against Lactococcus garvieae infection. The results of the quadratic polynomial regression showed that an average level of 23.91±1.048 mL/kg of DRE would be suitable for optimum fish growth.

Predictors of macrovascular complications in Al-Madinah Al-Munawara type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

Background/aim Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, which causes macrovascular complications that account for most of the morbidity, hospitalizations, and deaths. The goal of this study is to evaluate the relationship between macrovascular complications and associated risk factors in Al-Madinah Al-Munawara patients suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients and methods This descriptive cross-sectional study involved 275 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients who resided in Al-Madinah Al-Munawara and visited the diabetic clinic at King Fahd Hospital on a regular basis. Participants in the study ranged in age from 20 to 65. Hemoglobin, glycated hemoglobin, serum calcium, fasting blood glucose, and lipid profile were analyzed. Results Out of 275 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, 113 have had macrovascular complications. A significant association (P<0.05) has been observed between the age of the patients and different forms of macrovascular complications, which impact 62.7% of the elderly (41–65 years old). The prevalence of macrovascular complications was higher among females. Glycated hemoglobin levels positively correlated with the number of hospitalizations, high blood pressure, hemoglobin, and serum cholesterol levels. Macrovascular complications are positively correlated with age, sex, hypertension, and therapy type (P<0.05), while physical activity has a negative significant effect on the appearance of macrovascular complications by multiple regression analysis. Conclusion In this study, diabetic macrovascular complications were prevalent. The age, sex of participants, and type of treatment were independent predictors of macrovascular complications. Hypertension has a significant positive effect on the appearance of macrovascular complications. Physically inactive patients have a higher risk of macrovascular complications.

Potential of lactic acid bacteria from wong tea can reduce rats' blood serum cholesterol levels

Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) isolated from wong tea which have the potential to be probiotic candidates generally have the ability to reduce cholesterol levels. This research uses BAL isolate from wong tea as a probiotic drink that can lower cholesterol. The LAB isolate used is resistant to low pH, resistant to microbial activity (S. aureus and E. coli) and resistant to bile salts. The aim of this research was to determine the effect of giving LAB from wong tea to reduce blood serum cholesterol levels in mice in vitro. The research design used was a Randomized Block Design (RAK) with 5 treatments giving BAL and each treatment was repeated 4 times. Giving BAL for 14 (fourteen) days is carried out in batches. Total LAB was carried out using the surface method on MRS agar, Gram staining using the staining method, cholesterol levels were measured using a cholesterol kit using the CHOD-PAP enzymatic method. The total research results of Wong tea's LAB ranged from 1.23 x 109 to 2.20 x 109 cfu/ml. The isolation process obtained by Gram staining showed positive Gram staining results in the form of rods.

Low cholesterol levels are associated with increasing risk of plasma cell neoplasm: A UK biobank cohort study.

Plasma cell neoplasms are a group of hematologic neoplasms that often develop in the elderly population. The relationship between cholesterol levels and hematologic malignancy has been identified in population studies. However, it is still unclear if there is a relationship between cholesterol levels and plasma cell neoplasm in European ancestry. Prospective cohorts included 502,507 individuals from the UK Biobank who were followed up to 2019 and assessed total cholesterol(TC) levels, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, apolipoprotein A (ApoA) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) as risk factors for plasma cell neoplasms with Cox proportional hazard regression and restricted cubic spline model. We also used two-sample Mendelian randomization to determine if the cholesterol level has a causal effect on developing plasma cell neoplasms. We observed 1819 plasma cell neoplasm cases during 14.2 years of follow-up in the UK Biobank. We found higher blood serum cholesterol levels at baseline were associated with a lower risk of plasma cell neoplasm in our study. All lipid profiles we analyzed in this study were inversely associated with plasma cell neoplasm risk (all ptrend <0.005) but triglycerides did not have such association. However, there was no suggestive association of genetically predicted serum LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol levels with multiple myeloma. Low serum total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, ApoA, and ApoB levels were all associated with increasing the risk of plasma cell neoplasm.

Developing a Paper-Based Sensor for Cholesterol Measurement and Processing Images Using ImageJ

Cholesterol is an important fatty molecule that functions in maintaining the structural integrity and fluidity of the cell membrane. It is widely found throughout the human body, and the body uses cholesterol to produce vitamin D and bile acids that digest fats. Excess cholesterol in the blood causes cholesterol to accumulate in the blood vessels and thus narrowing and hardening them. Accurate determination of free cholesterol levels in blood serum and food is very important for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of related conditions. Microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPAD) offer different advantages such as low cost, ease of use and disposable (disposable) compared to other measurement methods. Here, a µPAD was developed using cholesterol oxidase, 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) for cholesterol measurement. The sensors were tested with solutions containing cholesterol at different concentrations, and color changes in the detection areas were imaged and analyzed using ImageJ. The results showed that the sensor had a low detection limit for cholesterol. The sensor has great potential to be used in different fields from clinic to sports medicine.

Assessment of Corrected QT Interval and QT Dispersion in Patients with Uncomplicated Metabolic Syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome (MS) itself has become a new entity being a constellation of physiological, biochemical, metabolic, and clinical factors that have been related to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and morbidity and mortality. The burden of MS is increasing all over the world with the current prevalence being 30%. The QT interval and QT dispersion (QTd) have been long associated with ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac deaths. The association between QT and diabetes and healthy subjects has been clearly studied, but the association between QT and uncomplicated MS has not been very well defined. A total of 400 patients visiting the medicine clinics were assessed for blood pressure, anthropometric measurements, fasting serum lipid profile, FBS, and electrocardiogram (ECG). The patients diagnosed with uncomplicated MS as per the International Diabetic Federation (IDF) criteria were included in the study. QT interval in the ECG was recorded, and the relationship between various parameters of an uncomplicated MetS and the QT interval was recorded. Our study revealed more females with uncomplicated MS as compared to males and increasing burden as age progressed. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), WHP, systolic blood pressure (SBP), Diastolic blood pressure (DBP), Fasting blood sugar (FBS), serum cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were positively correlated with QT values. QT interval, a strong predictor of malignant ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac deaths, is associated with uncomplicated MS.

Biochemical profiles of pregnant women attending Gambo Sawaba General Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria

The hormonal and metabolic changes that occur during pregnancy promote the development and survival of the foetus. Pregnancy problems, however, might result from an imbalance in metabolic profiles. Biochemical profile assessments may be useful for both identification and treatment of some underlining causes of pregnancy complications. The biochemical profiles of pregnant and non-pregnant women attending the prenatal clinic at the Gambo Sawaba General Hospital in Zaria were examined in this study. Pregnant women in various stages (First trimester, second trimester, third trimester), and non-pregnant women were divided into four groups of thirty women each at random from a total of 90 pregnant and 30 non-pregnant women. Standard techniques were used to measure serum glucose, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulin, urea, uric acid, creatinine, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and body mass index. The findings demonstrate that, in comparison with non-pregnant women, women in the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy showed a significantly (P &lt;0.05) higher levels of blood glucose, serum cholesterol, and body mass index. But serum protein, urea, uric acid, albumin, globulin, and creatinine levels among pregnant women in the three trimesters were not significantly different (P&gt;0.05) however, the difference was significant (P&lt;0.05) when compared to non-pregnant women. While there was no difference in the levels of ALT and AST between pregnant and non-pregnant women (there was a significant difference in the levels of ALP (P&lt;0.05) between pregnant and non-pregnant women. This study shows that assessing the metabolic profile of pregnant women may be important in managing pregnancy-related complications and prepare the mother for safe delivery. It is recommended that specific biochemical parameters, particularly serum glucose, serum cholesterol, and BMI be monitored during prenatal visits to prevent life threatening complications.

Short-term effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on hyperlipidemic obese patients

Introduction Obesity has become a global epidemic and a major health problem in the twenty-first century. Studies have demonstrated that weight loss lowers increased serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and raises high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. One of the most recent procedures for managing weight loss in obese people with other options is laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the short-term effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy on lipid profile in hyperlipidemic obese patients during the nine months of postoperative care. Methods From July 2020 to October 2021, 50 hyperlipidemic obese patients who were eligible for bariatric surgery underwent this prospective study at Main University Hospital in Alexandria, Egypt. Before and one, three, six, and nine months after the surgical intervention, measurements of body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, fasting and postprandial blood sugar, serum cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL, and LDL levels were taken. Results The patients’ average age was 33.72±7.95 years. BMI, weight, blood sugar, and other measurements all significantly decreased. The mean body mass index (BMI) of the patients was 48.59±5.78 kg/m2 before surgery, however, it was reduced to 32.58±3.91 kg/m2 nine months afterwards. Studies revealed a statistically significant rise in HDL levels in the serum and a statistically significant fall in triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL levels. Results also revealed a favorable association between preoperative differences in age, BMI, and diabetes state and postoperative lipid profile alterations. Conclusion Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) decreases body mass index, improves glucose and lipid metabolism, and alters the lipid profile by significantly lowering total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol while significantly raising HDL cholesterol.

Effect of High Fat and Cholesterol Diet on Total Blood Cholesterol Levels in Pregnant Wistar Rats

Hypercholesterolemia during pregnancy is a physiological condition resulting from increased insulin resistance, lipoprotein synthesis, and lipolysis in adipose tissue, which mobilizes lipids as an energetic substrate for fetal growth. Consumption of foods high in fat and cholesterol may lead to an increase in total blood cholesterol levels during pregnancy due to saturated fat and cholesterol contents that will increases the synthesis of lipoproteins in the blood. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of high fat and cholesterol diet on the total blood cholesterol levels in pregnant Wistar rats. This study was a true experimental research using a randomized post-test-only control group design conducted from November 2020 to October 2021on fourteen female Wistar rats that were divided into control and intervention groups. Cow brain was provided as the high fat and cholesterol diet and after the rats gave birth, blood was drawn from the heart. The total blood serum cholesterol levels were assessed using Micro Lab 300 with the CHOD-PAP method and the data were analyzed using an independent t-test. This study showed that the mean total blood cholesterol levels for the control and treatment groups were 80.43±18.512 mg/dL and 142.57±24.786 mg/dL, respectively, which reflected a significant differences in the mean total blood cholesterol level between the control and treatment groups (p-value &lt;0.01). In conclusion, a high fat and cholesterol diet affects the total blood cholesterol level in pregnant Wistar rats.

Indexing hematological and serum biochemical reference intervals of Himalayan snow trout, Schizothorax esocinus to instrument in health assessment.

Schizothorax esocinus, commonly known as snow trout, is one of the main contributors of food and livelihood in the colder zone of Himalayan region. The comprehensive information on its hematological and serum biochemical reference intervals is not reported yet. In the present study an attempt has been made to elucidate the hematological and serum biochemical reference intervals of S. esocinus from River Jhelum using protocols of the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP). Wild fish were sampled over a period of 2years from the pollution free sites of river Jhelum. Fish blood was harvested through caudal venipuncture and hemato-biochemical analysis performed thereof. Data values from a total of healthy 432 adult fish specimens (216 male, 216 female) were systematically recorded. The reference intervals for hematological and serum biochemical parameters of S. esocinus were established using Reference Value Advisor software v 2.1. RIs for hematological and serum analytes ranged as: hemoglobin (Hb) 78.38-116.35 (g/L); white blood cells (WBC) 10-20 (×109/L); red blood cells (RBC) 1.30-2.15 (×1012/L); packed cell volume 27.00-39.45 (%); total protein 39.21-61.62 (g/L); albumin 8.20-22.02 (g/L); globulin 27.58-49.55 (g/L); glucose 3.25-7.18 (mmol/L); urea 0.96-2.38 (mmol/L); cholesterol 3.80-6.90 (mmol/L). The study also depicted that certain blood measurands were influenced with respect to sex. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher values of Hb, red blood cells count and serum glucose were noted in male as compared to female which, on the other hand, registered higher white blood cells count and serum cholesterol level (Mann Whitney U test, p < 0.05). The work, therefore, provides baseline information on hematological and serum biochemical analytes of this species which holds high commercial importance. RIs reported here can help monitor the health status of fish by improving the use of non-lethal diagnostic methods in piscine medicine.

The effect of using pomegranate peel powder and protexin probiotic on carcass traits, blood parameters, jejunal tissue morphology and intestinal microbial population of Japanese quails

To evaluate the effect of using pomegranate peel powder and protexin probiotic on carcass traits, blood parameters, jejunal tissue morphology and intestinal microbial population of Japanese quails, two hundred and forty-one days-old Japanese quails were divided as an experimental randomized design plan into the eight treatments with 3 replicates and 10 quails each. The treatments were basal diet basis corn and soybean meal with no any supplementation kept as control, and three 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 perctengae of pomegranate peels powder and two levels (0 and 0.1) percentage of diet of protexin probiotic respectively. At the age of 35 days, two quail pieces (male and female) were randomly selected from each replication and blood sampling were done to determine blood parameters. Mentioned quails were slaughtered to evaluate the carcass traits also and to determine the histomorphology of the intestinal tissue samples near Meckel's diverticulum from ileum were chosen and to determine the microbial population of the small intestine, fresh sample of the digestive contents of the ileum was taken. The results showed that the percentage of live weight and carcass weight increased significantly with the consumption of pomegranate peel powder and protexin (p≤0.05). The live and carcass weight and relative organ weight of gizzard, heart and intestine increased, but the relative weight of the liver showed a significant decrease (p≤0.05). Data also showed that the cholesterol and triglyceride levels in blood serum of quails were significantly reduced under the influence of pomegranate peel powder and protexin consumption (p≤0.05). Intestinal evaluation of ileum showed that by consuming pomegranate peel powder and protexin, the population of Lactobacillus increased and the population of Escherichia coli decreased none significantly .Additionally the histomorphology evaluation of the intestinal jejunum tissue showed that the width, length, height of the intestinal villi and the mucosal muscle increased with the increase in the consumption of pomegranate peel powder and protexin probiotic, but no statistically significant difference was observed between the treatments. In general, the results showed beneficial effects of increasing levels of pomegranate peel powder up to 0.6 percentage level and protexin probiotic on carcass traits, blood parameters, jejunal tissue morphology and intestinal microbial population in quails.

The Effects of Lactobacillus farciminis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus on Growth, Blood Biochemical, and Meat Quality Indicators of Specific Pathogen-Free Broiler Chickens.

The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus farciminis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus on live weight gain, feed consumption indicators, and some metabolic blood biochemical and meat quality indicators of specific pathogen-free Ross 308 broiler chickens. We carried out the study in three trials and included a total of 780 unsexed Ross 308 chickens, which we randomly divided into two groups: the control group (Con, n = 390, basal diet) and the probiotic group (ProL, n = 390, basal diet + a powder consisting of L. farciminis and L. rhamnosus 4 g/10 kg of feed). We raised broilers until day 35. We determined the amount of feed consumed, the average daily weight gain, the feed conversion ratio, the average daily feed intake, and the cumulative feed intake once a week. We collected blood samples from 45 broilers from each group at the end of the study. In addition, we slaughtered 30 broilers from each group by cervical dislocation to obtain a breast muscle sample (without skin) to determine meat quality in these chickens (cholesterol and unsaturated, omega-3, omega-6, omega-9, and saturated fatty acids). Feeding a probiotic mixture containing L. farciminis and L. rhamnosus did not significantly affect the growth and feed intake indicators. Feeding these probiotics significantly lowered the blood serum cholesterol levels but did not provide the expected reduction in meat cholesterol levels. However, feeding a probiotic mixture increased the levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids) in the breast meat and decreased saturated fatty acids. To better explain the effect of the combination of lactic acid bacteria (L. farciminis and L. rhamnosus) on the growth and development of broiler chickens in our study, histological and immunohistochemical examinations should be performed.

Follicular fluid and serum biochemical and hormonal profiles of normal and cystic dromedary camel breeds.

Ovarian cysts (OC) in female dromedary camels have been described as problematic because they can cause infertility. This study aimed to compare the hormone concentrations and biochemical contents present in serum and follicular fluid of normal and cystic she-dromedaries of the two most common Algerian camel breeds (Sahraoui and Targui) to gain a better understanding of biological differences that may yield insights into preventing or treating this ovarian abnormality. At an abattoir in southeastern Algeria, 100 pairs of the same females' ovaries and blood samples were taken immediately after the slaughter of clinically healthy, non-pregnant females (8-15 years old) over two consecutive breeding seasons (November 2017-April 2018 and November 2018-April 2019). The concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, protein, urea, creatinine, triglyceride, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase were determined using commercial diagnostic kits and standard analytical procedures. Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay was used to measure progesterone (P4) and insulin concentrations. The concentrations of glucose, insulin, cholesterol, and P4 in sera and follicular fluid (regardless of ovarian follicle diameter) were different (p < 0.001), but there was no significant difference in the other parameters studied. Glucose, insulin, cholesterol, urea, and P4 levels in blood serum differed significantly from pre-ovulatory follicles. None of the biochemical and hormonal components measured differed significantly between the pre-ovulatory and cystic fluids of the she-dromedaries studied. The breed did not affect the biochemical and hormonal composition of she-dromedary cystic and follicular fluids. Ovarian cysts appear to form in a metabolic milieu distinct from follicular fluid and blood serum, with no influence from camel breeds. It is suggested that further research on the blood-follicle barrier be conducted to gain a better understanding of the OC development process in she-dromedaries.

Chrono-Aerobic Exercise Optimizes Metabolic State in DB/DB Mice through CLOCK-Mitophagy-Apoptosis.

Although the benefits of aerobic exercise on obesity and type 2 diabetes are well-documented, the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and the intervention mechanism of exercise remain ambiguous. The correlation between mitochondrial quality and metabolic diseases has been identified. Disruption of the central or peripheral molecular clock can also induce chronic metabolic diseases. In addition, the interactive effects of the molecular clock and mitochondrial quality have attracted extensive attention in recent years. Exercise and a high-fat diet have been considered external factors that may change the molecular clock and metabolic state. Therefore, we utilized a DB/DB (BSK.Cg-Dock7m +/+ Leprdb/JNju) mouse model to explore the effect of chrono-aerobic exercise on the metabolic state of type 2 diabetic mice and the effect of timing exercise as an external rhythm cue on liver molecular clock-mitochondrial quality. We found that two differently timed exercises reduced the blood glucose and serum cholesterol levels in DB/DB mice, and compared with night exercise (8:00 p.m., the active period of mice), morning exercise (8:00 a.m., the sleeping period of mice) significantly improved the insulin sensitivity in DB/DB mice. In contrast, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increased the expression of CLOCK and impaired the mitochondrial quality (mitochondrial networks, OPA1, Fis1, and mitophagy), as well as induced apoptosis. Both morning and night exercise ameliorated impaired mitochondrial quality and apoptosis induced by diabetes. However, compared with morning exercise, night exercise not only decreased the protein expression of CLOCK but also decreased excessive apoptosis. In addition, the expression of CLOCK was negatively correlated with the expression of OPA1 and Fis1. In summary, our research suggests that morning exercise is more beneficial for increasing insulin sensitivity and promoting glucose transport in T2DM, whereas night exercise may improve lipid infiltration and mitochondrial abnormalities through CLOCK–mitophagy–apoptosis in the liver, thereby downregulating glucose and lipid disorders. In addition, CLOCK-OPA1/Fis1–mitophagy might be novel targets for T2DM treatment.

Proximate Composition, Antidiabetic and Hypolipidemic Activity of Bread Produced from Wheat-Sorghum Base Supplemented with Mung Bean Malt and Carrot Flour.

Diabetes is a group of disorders of carbohydrate metabolism characterized by a high level of glucose in urine. Evidence supports the use of whole-grain foods, vegetables, and fruits, and foods with a low glycemic index in the management of diabetes. Ten (10) blends of wheat-sorghum flour supplemented with mung bean malt and carrot flour were used for bread production and evaluated for proximate composition. Three bread samples with protein contents of 18% or higher were tested for antidiabetic and hypolipidemic effects on alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Bread samples containing 30% mung bean malt and 5% carrot flour had the highest protein (22.88%), ash (2.41%), and fiber (3.60%) contents that differed significantly (P < .05) from other composite breads and control (100% wheat bread). The reduction in fasting blood sugar level was observed to be greater in the rat groups fed experimental samples than in the control. Bread samples with the highest content of mung bean malt (30%) and carrot flour (5%) were more effective in the reduction of fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, and serum cholesterol levels than other formulations. When rats fed experimental diets were compared with controls, they had lower serum cholesterol (137.67, 150.67, and 154.67 mg/dL), lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL; 68.46, 84.96, and 84.20 mg/dL), higher very LDL (11.86, 20.20, and 22.18 mg/dL), and higher high-density lipoprotein (54.67, 45.67, and 48.33 mg/dL). The results suggest that the bread modified with mung bean malt and carrot flour possesses antidiabetic and hypolipidemic effects. Approval Reference Number: FVM-UNN-IACUC-2021-1182.

Serum Endocan Levels and Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Patients with Chronic Kidney and End-Stage Renal Diseases.

Background and AimChronic kidney disease (CKD) and its final stage: end-stage renal disease (ESRD), are common clinical conditions. Endocan is a human endothelial cell-specific molecule produced by endothelial cells. Its production is related to activation of endothelium and angiogenesis. In this study, we assessed the relation between serum endocan levels and subclinical atherosclerosis (SCA) in CKD and hemodialysis (HD) patients.Subjects and MethodsThe present case control study enrolled 30 patients on regular HD for at least 6 months, 30 patients with CKD, and 30 age and sex-matched healthy controls. All participants were subjected to careful history taking and thorough clinical examination. Laboratory investigations included complete blood count, kidney functions, and serum cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium, phosphorus, albumin, PTH, hsCRP, and endocan levels.Results HD and CKD groups had significantly higher endocan levels when compared with control group (median (IQR): 519.0 (202.3–742.0) versus 409.0 (245.3–505.3) and 273.0 (168.0–395.5) ng/L, respectively). Also, HD patients had significantly higher endocan levels when compared with CKD levels. HD patients had significantly higher carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) when compared with CKD patients (median (IQR): 0.80 (0.80–0.90) versus 0.75 (0.73–0.75) mm, p < 0.001). HD patients had significantly higher frequency of SCA when compared with CKD patients (46.7% versus 13.3%, p=0.005). Patients with SCA had significantly higher hsCRP (median (IQR): 36.5 (26.8–43.5) versus 24.0 (15.8–29.0) mg/dl) and endocan levels (697.0 (528.3–974.8) versus 222.5 (158.8–565.8) ng/L) when compared with patients without SCA. ROC curve analysis of endocan for identification of SCA in HD patients showed that at a cutoff of 380.5 ng/L, endocan has an AUC of 0.862 with a sensitivity and specificity of 92.9% and 68.7%, respectively. Conclusions Serum endocan levels are related to SCA in HD patients. In addition, it is associated with the hyperinflammatory state in those patients.

Comparing self-reported and measured hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia at standard and more stringent diagnostic thresholds: the cross-sectional 2010–2015 Busselton Healthy Ageing study

BackgroundPopulation health behaviour and risk factor surveys most often rely on self-report but there is a lack of studies assessing the validity of self-report using Australian data. This study investigates the sensitivity, specificity and agreement of self-reported hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia with objective measures at standard and more stringent diagnostic thresholds; and factors associated with sensitivity and specificity of self-report at different thresholds.MethodsThis study was a secondary analysis of a representative community-based cross-sectional sample of 5,092 adults, aged 45–69 years, residing in Busselton, Western Australia, surveyed in 2010–2015. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire. Blood pressure and serum cholesterol levels were measured.ResultsAt currently accepted diagnostic thresholds, sensitivities of self-reported hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia were 58.5% and 39.6%, respectively and specificities were >90% for both. Agreement using Cohen’s kappa coefficient was 0.562 and 0.223, respectively. At two higher diagnostic thresholds, sensitivities of self-reported hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia improved by an absolute 14–23% and 15–25%, respectively and specificities remained >85%. Agreement was substantial for hypertension (kappa = 0.682–0.717) and moderate for hypercholesterolaemia (kappa = 0.458–0.533). Variables that were independently associated with higher sensitivity and lower specificity of self-report were largely consistent across thresholds and included increasing age, body mass index, worse self-rated health, diabetes and family history of hypertension.ConclusionsSelf-reported hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia often misclassify individuals’ objective status and underestimate objective prevalences, at standard diagnostic thresholds, which has implications for surveillance studies that rely on self-reported data. Self-reports of hypertension, however, may be reasonable indicators of those with blood pressures ≥160/100 mmHg or those taking anti-hypertensive medications. Self-reported hypercholesterolaemia data should be used with caution at all thresholds.

Lipoproteins as Risk Indicators of Atherosclerosis in Middle Age Adults, A Clinical Cross Section Study

Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of current study was to assess the relationship of lipoproteins with atherosclerosis as a risk factors of cardiovascular diseases in local population for health awareness. This study was conducted from June 2021 to March 2022 in medical units of Lahore General Hospital Lahore, Pakistan. Materials and Methods: Total 172 male individuals were selected for present study and divided them into two different groups. 72 normal male individuals were placed in Group-C while remaining 100 male individuals with cardiovascular diseases were in Group-A. Blood serum levels of Cholesterol. Triglycerides, Low Density Lipoproteins and High Density Lipoproteins of each person were measured through Colorimetric kit method. Collected raw data was presented bio-statistically with the applications of SPSS version 2021. Results: The metabolic biomarkers, Blood serum levels of Cholesterol. Triglycerides, Low Density Lipoproteins and High Density Lipoproteins of Group-C and Group-A (200.10±0.01, 150.01±0.02, 130.01±0.04, 45.04±0.03) and (280.10±0.01, 200.11±0.04, 180.02±0.01, 35.01±0.04) were obtained. The measured data of Group-A showed a significant (p&lt;0.05) difference than the control group. On the other hand t-test difference for non-metabolic biomarkers i.e. Smokers, Sample size, Cardiac syndrome and Gender (-45,-28,-28,-28) of both groups have higher t-score. Conclusion: In this prospective clinical research of Pakistani middle-aged men in Lahore, findings have correlation between cardiovascular diseases and high blood serum levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and low levels of HDL. Keywords: Cholesterol. Triglycerides, Low Density Lipoproteins and High Density Lipoproteins, Atherosclerosis, Plaque.

In-vitro and in-vivo supportive research on medicinal properties of Cannabis sativa: A comprehensive review

Cannabis sativa is an herbaceous plant which is mainly used as a remedy for neurological, digestive and immunological ailments in traditional medicine. Even though Cannabis is the most illicit plant around the world, its medicinal properties are beneficial in number of ways. Numerous beneficial effects of C. sativa have been demonstrated in multiple in-vitro and in-vivo studies from different parts of the world. The aim of this paper was to systematically review the literature and provide a summary on potential medicinal benefits of C. sativa. This systematic review was conducted by using the data bases; Science direct and PubMed for studies published from 1st of January 2015 to 31st of October 2020. In order to obtain further data, a manual search was also carried out from the reference lists of included articles. After removing the duplicate articles 77 total number of articles included in this present review. The beneficial health effects of C. sativa were anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-microbial, anti-parasitic, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer properties. In addition, it revealed that C. sativa lower blood glucose, serum cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Apart from that, the use of Cannabis in other diseases such as irritable bowel disease, renal diseases, neurofibromatosis, and leucorrhea was also identified. The wide range of medicinal effects may be due to main active ingredients of Tetrahydro cannabinol, Cannabidiol, Cannabinol and Tetrahydro cannabivarin. Available in-vitro and invivo evidence suggested that C. sativa has many favorable health effects and further randomized controlled clinical trials will be needed to determine these effects thoroughly.