Blood Total Cholesterol Levels Research Articles

Diagnostic criteria of endothelial dysfunction, subclinical atherosclerosis and their relationship with NOS3 and HIF1A gene polymorphism in military personnel in extreme conditions of the arctic zone

The state of the arterial vascular endothelium against the background of subclinical atherosclerosis and its relationship with gene polymorphism in military personnel serving in the Arctic climatic zone, depending on the duration of service, was evaluated. In total, 251 male servicemen aged 28–40 years were examined. The group of servicemen of the Arctic climate zone included 99 people, who were divided into three groups according to the duration of military service in the Arctic: group 1 included 8 (8%) servicemen with up to 5 years of military service; group 2, 21 (21%) people with 5–10 years; group 3, 70 (71%) servicemen with 10 years. The control group included 152 military personnel aged 28–40 years from the temperate climate zone. All participants underwent a test with reactive hyperemia, elastography, measurement of the thickness of the intima–media complex on the brachial artery, ultrasound examination of the common carotid arteries, photoplethysmography, pulse oximetry, spirometry, anthropometry, biochemical blood analysis, and determination of gene polymorphism using polymerase chain reaction. The results revealed that endothelium-dependent vasodilation rats in groups 2 and 3 were 1. 7 and 2. 7 times less than that in group 1 (p 0. 05). In 11 (16%) military personnel of group 3, thickening of the intima–media complex was found in 50% of the adjacent areas of the common carotid arteries. In groups 2 and 3, the total blood cholesterol level exceeded the value by 10% and 14%, respectively, compared with group 1 (p 0. 05). The artery wall was rigid in carriers of the T/T genotypes of the HIF1A and NOS3 genes and was most elastic in the G/T genotypes of the NOS3 gene and C/C of the HIF1A gene. In general, military personnel serving in the Arctic climatic zone with a service duration of 10 years have endothelial dysfunction and peripheral vascular stiffness with subclinical atherosclerosis phenomena, particularly in military personnel with the T/T genotypes of HIF1A (rs11549465) and NOS3 (rs1799983). We believe that the leading pathogenetic link of endothelial dysfunction of arterial vessels is the resistance of myocytes to the effects of vasodilation factors expressed by the vascular endothelium, particularly nitric oxide. The longer the service experience of military personnel under conditions of polar hypoxia, the higher the probability of developing endothelial dysfunction.

Combination of purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) leaf extract with metformin on blood glucose and total cholesterol levels of albino rats induced by high-fat diet and streptozotocin

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia due to impaired insulin secretion, often accompanied by hypercholesterolemia. Metformin is a first-line antihyperglycemic drug that is often combined with other antihyperglycemic drugs. Purple sweet potato leaves have been widely studied to reduce glucose and cholesterol levels. Methods: This study was an experimental study using rats induced with a high-fat diet and streptozotocin, which were divided into 8 treatment groups, namely groups given CMC Na 0.5%, Metformin 45 mg/kg BW, Purple Sweet Potato Leaf Extract (SPLE) 200 mg/kg BW, SPLE 400 mg/kg BW, SPLE 800 mg/kg BW, SPLE 200 mg/kg BW with metformin 45 mg/kg BW, SPLE 400 mg/kg BW with metformin 45 mg/kg BW, and SPLE 800 mg/kg BW with metformin 45 mg/kg BW. Results: After treatment for 28 days with SPLE doses of 200 mg, 400 mg, and 800 mg/kg BW, both single doses and combinations with metformin showed a decrease in fasting blood glucose levels and total cholesterol, which were statistically significantly different (p<0.05) between treatment groups using the one-way ANOVA. The combination of SPLE 800 mg/kg BW with metformin normalized blood glucose levels of 93.50±4.93 mg/dl. Conclusion: The combination of purple sweet potato leaf extract with metformin is more effective in reducing blood glucose and total cholesterol levels compared to the single administration of metformin and SPLE.

Association study between genetic polymorphisms in MTHFR and stroke susceptibility in Egyptian population: a case–control study

Stroke is a major global disability cause, and genetic variables for multifactorial illnesses like stroke are crucial for precision medicine. The purpose of this study is to see if genetic variants in the MTHFR gene are associated with a higher risk of ischemic stroke among the Egyptian population. A case–control study was conducted at Mansoura University Hospital, involving 100 stroke patients and 150 healthy volunteers as the control group. Peripheral blood genomic DNA was isolated and single-nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped using ARMS-PCR. The CT and TT genotypes of the C677T gene polymorphism exhibited substantial risks for having stroke disease [(OR 3.856; P ≤ 0.001); (OR 4.026; P ≤ 0.001), respectively]. The T allele was significantly more prevalent among patients compared to controls. (OR 2.517; (P = 0.001)). The over-dominant and dominant models demonstrated a substantial relationship between stroke groups at risk of developing stroke but not the Recessive model. An extensive connection was found between the MTHFR A1298C and stroke danger in three different inheritance models: dominant (CC + CA vs. AA), over-dominant (AA + CC vs AC), and allelic (C allele) (P < 0.001). A highly significant difference in blood pressure, total cholesterol, and triglycerides levels was found between patients and control. While there was no meaningful link discovered between genetic polymorphism with SBP, DBP, TG, LDL, VLDL among stroke group (P > 0.05 for each) except the CC genotype that was significantly associated with lower levels of TC and HDL when compared to CT + TT genotypes. The study evaluates a strong link among MTHFR mutations in genes and the probability to get stroke. The research significantly supports the use of MTHFR ((rs1801133) and (rs1801131) variations in stroke prediction.

Correlation between serum IL-22 and IL-27 levels and vasculopathy in diabetic nephropathy patients.

To explore the correlation between serum interleukin-22 (IL-22) and interleukin-27 (IL-27) levels and vasculopathy in patients with diabetic nephropathy (DN). A total of 104 DN patients treated at the Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated Hospital were selected as the observation group, with another 104 healthy individuals, serving as the control group in this retrospective study. The baseline data and the serum levels of IL-22 and IL-27 were compared between the two groups. The observation group was divided into three subgroups based on their urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER): clinical albuminuria group (microangiopathy, 29 patients), microalbuminuria group (51 patients), and normal albuminuria group (24 patients). Logistic regression was used to analyze the factors influencing the occurrence of microangiopathy. According to whether they had major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) during 6-month follow-up, the DN patients were divided into a MACE group (n = 39) and a non-MACE group (n = 65). The serum levels of IL-22 and IL-27 were then compared between the two groups. The clinical utility of IL-22 and IL-27 in the assessment of microangiopathy and prognosis was evaluated through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Compared to the control group, the observation group exhibited significantly higher serum levels of fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, uric acid, blood creatinine, cystatin C, IL-22 and IL-27, but lower glomerular filtration rate (all P<0.05). There were significant differences among different albuminuria groups in terms of duration of disease, serum levels of fasting blood glucose, low-density lipoprotein, cystatin C, IL-22, IL-27, and glomerular filtration rate (all P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the serum levels of IL-22 and IL-27 were positively correlated with the duration of disease and serum levels of fasting blood glucose, low-density lipoprotein, uric acid, blood creatinine and cystatin C. However, they were negatively correlated with glomerular filtration rate (P<0.05). The logistic regression analysis indicated that the glomerular filtration rate and serum levels of cystatin C, IL-22, and IL-27 were independent risk factors for the occurrence of microangiopathy. Compared to non-MACE group, the MACE group presented with higher serum IL-22 and IL-27 levels. ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC (Area Under the Curve) for combined detection (>0.9) of serum IL-22 and IL-27 levels was higher than that (>0.8) for each alone in assessing microangiopathy in DN patients. Additionally, the AUC for using serum IL-22 and IL-27 levels, whether individually or in combination, exceeded 0.7 when evaluating patient prognosis. Elevated serum IL-22 and IL-27 levels are closely associated with the severity of the DN and can serve as auxiliary indicators for assessing microangiopathy and prognosis in DN patients.

Risk Factors for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Patients with Bipolar Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Retrospective Study.

The co-morbidity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) has a negative impact on patient treatment and prognosis. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of NAFLD in patients with BD and investigate the risk factors of NAFLD. A total of 678 patients with BD were included in the study. Clinical data were obtained from the hospital's electronic health record system. Data included fasting blood glucose, alanine aminotransferase, triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), alkaline phosphatase, total cholesterol, glutamine transpeptidase, uric acid, apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B, and liver ultrasound findings. The prevalence of NAFLD was 43.66% in patients with BD. Significant differences in body mass index (BMI), mean age, diabetes prevalence, course of BD, fasting blood glucose, alanine aminotransferase, HDL, alkaline phosphatase, triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase, uric acid, glutamine transpeptidase, apolipoprotein B, total cholesterol, and apolipoprotein A1 were seen between the groups (all P<0.01). Male sex, age, BMI, course of BD, alanine aminotransferase, fasting blood glucose, aspartate aminotransferase, diabetes, glutamine transpeptidase, total cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase, triglycerides, uric acid, apolipoprotein B, HDL, and apolipoprotein A1 levels were correlated with NAFLD (all P<0.05). In patients with BD, diabetes (OR=6.412, 95% CI=1.049-39.21), BMI (OR=1.398, 95% CI=1.306-1.497), triglycerides (OR=1.456, 95% CI=1.036-2.045), and apolipoprotein A1 (OR=0.272, 95% CI=0.110-0.672) were risk factors for NAFLD (all P<0.05). Risk factors for NAFLD in patients with BD include diabetes, BMI, course of BD, and a low level of apolipoprotein A1. A proactive approach to disease management, such as appropriate physical activity and adoption of a healthy diet, and regular monitoring of changes in patient markers should be adopted to reduce the prevalence of NAFLD.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy Can Improve a Biomarker of Liver Fibrosis in Hypogonadal Men: A Subanalysis of a Prospective Randomized Controlled Study in Japan (EARTH Study).

We investigated the effects of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on the Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index among hypogonadal patients who were extracted from a randomized controlled study in Japan (the EARTH study). Data of 186 patients (88 in the TRT group; 98 in the control group) were collected. The patients in the TRT group received intramuscular administration of testosterone enanthate (250 mg) every 4 weeks for 12 months. The patients' background information such as current medical history and lifestyle habits were collected. Waist circumference, body mass index, and body fat volume were measured at baseline and 12-month visit. Fasting blood sugar (FBS), hemoglobin A1c, total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were collected at baseline and 12-month visit. The FIB-4 index was calculated according to age, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, and platelet count. Except for serum FBS values, most of baseline characteristics were comparable between the TRT and control groups. When comparing the changes of each variable from baseline at 12-month visit in both groups, significant differences were found in waist circumference (p=0.00248), fat volume (p=0.00812), and platelet counts (p=0.0478), whereas a FIB-4 index did not change. On the contrary, in a subanalysis including only patients with a FIB-4 index ≥1.30 at baseline, a significant difference in a FIB-4 index (-0.10±0.39 vs. 0.04±0.44; p=0.0311) was observed with significant decreases in waist circumference, body fat volume, and TG levels, and an increase in platelet counts. The FIB-4 index was significantly decreased by TRT from 1.98±0.52 to 1.87±0.60 (p=0.0277). TRT for 12 months improved the FIB-4 index among hypogonadal men with a higher baseline FIB-4 index.

Is Serum Magnesium Associated with Prehypertension? Two-Year Cross-sectional Study at Rural Central India

Abstract Background: Prehypertension (HTN) raises the likelihood of developing HTN. Very few studies have been conducted on the serum magnesium responsible for causing pre-HTN. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 300 subjects (150 cases and 150 controls) were enrolled to investigate the association between serum magnesium levels and pre-HTN. One hundred and fifty individuals with pre-HTN were compared with 150 controls without pre-HTN. All subjects had undergone anthropometric measurements such as body mass index (BMI) and waist–hip ratio along with lipid profile. Results: Levels of serum magnesium were low among the study population with pre-HTN when compared to controls without pre-HTN. Prehypertensive individuals show high BMI (24.09 ± 2.10 vs. 21.54 ± 2.02), waist–hip ratio (0.86 ± 0.08 vs. 0.82 ± 0.07), fasting blood sugar levels (103.15 ± 7.47 vs. 94.41 ± 8.21), serum triglyceride (141.12 ± 41.41 vs. 128.37 ± 23.46), and total cholesterol (175.95 ± 28.12 vs. 159.59 ± 19.03) levels when compared to controls. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted which revealed a strong correlation between pre-HTN and hypomagnesemia. Conclusion: This study found a positive correlation between pre-HTN and low blood magnesium levels.

꿀벌 독의 독성 강도와 동물에 미치는 영향

Sting injury by bees or wasps have become frequent recently and have become a matter to prevent and consider in companion animal health care. Therefore, it is necessary to better understand the level of toxicity of Hymenoptera insect venom, and in this study, we were to investigate the toxicity of honey bee venom and its effects on animals through an acute toxicity test using mice. The mouse acute toxicity test was performed by intraperitoneally administering 0, 2.5, 5, and 7.5 mg/kg of bee venom to C57BL/6 mice. Body weight changes and blood glucose levels were measured before and after administration. During the administration, major common symptoms were observed. Lethal dose 50(LD50)values were calculated and blood samples were collected from sacrificed animals and used for hematologic examination to measure blood levels of ALB, ALT, AST, BUN, LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol. As a result of the mouse acute toxicity test, the LD50 value was found to be 4.48 mg/kg in male and 5.86 mg/kg in female C57BL/6 mice. Information on the toxicity of bee venom and hematological analysis results will provide basic data for the health care and emergency treatment of animals stung by bees.

Dietary Quality Indices and Its Cardiovascular Diseases Risk Factors: A Survey from the Kavar Cohort Study

Background: Atherosclerosis is known to be a significant reason for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, obesity, smoking, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diet are the most important causes of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to determine the relationship between DASH Diet Index, Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII), Mediterranean Diet (MEDI-LITE) Index, and CVDs risk factors. Materials and Methods: Out of 4997 patients, all eligible patients with CVDs (n=264) were chosen as the patient group, and 264 healthy individuals were included in the healthy group. Dietary intake and anthropometric measures were evaluated, including height, weight, hip and waist circumference, blood pressure, and lipid profile. Results: Among the three dietary indices, the DASH diet score was significantly higher in the healthy group than in the patient group (P=0.02). An inverse relationship was found between the DASH Diet Index and waist-to-hip ratio (r=-0.33, P=0.042), Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI; r=-0.16, P=0.044), systolic blood pressure (r=-0.13, P=0.035), triglycerides (r=-0.36, P=0.046), total cholesterol (r=-0.47, P=0.02), and low-density lipoprotein-C (LDL-C) levels (r=-0.09, P=0.03) in the patient group. Additionally, the MEDI-LITE Index was inversely associated with body mass index (BMI; r=-0.12, P=0.04), waist circumference (r=-0.065, P=0.05), triglyceride (r=-0.25, P=0.015), total cholesterol (r=-0.4, P=0.02), LDL-C levels (r=-0.2, P=0.006), and systolic blood pressure (r=-0.122, P=0.005) in the patient group. Also, a significant positive relationship was observed between the DII and BMI in both patients and healthy individuals (r=0.76, P=0.006 vs. r=0.24, P=0.01, respectively) and hip circumference (r=0.638, P=0.035) in the patients group. However, no significant relationship was observed between DII and CVDs risk factors. Conclusion: Patients with higher DASH diet scores had lower waist-to-hip ratio, VAI, total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, and lower blood pressure. In addition, patients with higher MEDI-LITE scores had lower BMI, waist circumference, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and lower blood pressure, but no correlation was found the healthy group.

Association of altered serum glucose and lipid profiles with headaches in young women: clinical, cross-sectional study

IntroductionHeadaches, including migraines and tension headaches, affect millions of people globally. Migraines are the most common neurological disorder, with around 14.4% of the world's population affected. It is suggested that dysregulation of biochemical markers and individual metabolic differences may contribute to headaches.ObjectiveWe evaluated the frequency of headaches or migraines with changes in lipid, glucose and vitamin D serum levels in young women.MethodsClinical, cross-sectional study with 139 young women, aged at least 18 years, based on the third edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3). The individuals were divided into two groups: one without headache and another with headache. Anthropometric analyzes (BMI, WC, BP and DBP) and blood samples were collected for analysis of vitamin D, glycemia and lipid profile.ResultsMean age was 22 (±4.6) years. We observed associations between headache and the following factors: high glucose levels (97 mg/dL, p=0.028), total cholesterol (180.4 mg/dL, p=0.002), HDL (44.2 mg/dL, p=0.017), and LDL (121.6 mg/dL, p=0.005). Longer duration of headache attacks was associated with increased levels of glucose (97.9 mg/dL, p=0.028), total cholesterol (186.8 mg/dL, p=0.05), diastolic blood pressure (74 mmHg, p=0.038), and BMI (24.6 kg/m2, p=0.024). High glucose levels were found to be directly related to the presence of migraine, particularly those with aura (105 mg/dL, p=0.034). However, there was no significant difference in vitamin D levels (p=0.640). ConclusionElevated levels of blood glucose and total plasma cholesterol and its fractions seems to be associated can increase with bouts of headache attacks, especially migraine, prolonging the duration of pain.

Blood pressure status in patients with metabolic syndrome

Relevance. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is existence of many abnormalities, such as abdominal obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and glucose intolerance. The occurrence of MetS in hypertensive people is linked to poorly managed hypertension. One of the parameters for the diagnosis of the syndrome is the presence of increased blood pressure; nevertheless, research shows that MetS patients are likely to experience hypertension often. Materials and Methods. 300 metabolic subjects were selected from the medicine OPD as study participants based on the joint interim statement’s 2009 definition of the metabolic syndrome. They were divided into three groups (normotensive, pre-hypertensive, and hypertensive) based on blood pressure readings that met the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Asian blood pressure criteria. The following parameters were recorded for data collection: anthropometric (Weight, Height, Body Mass Index Waist Hip Ratio), Blood pressure, biochemical (Fasting blood glucose, Lipid profile parameters). Results and Discussion. According to the resting blood pressure readings, out of 300 metabolic syndrome participants, 37 were normotensive [male (40.54 %); female (59.45 %)], 115 were pre-hypertensive [male (58.26 %); female (41.74 %), and 148 were hypertensive [male (52.7 %); female (47.3 %)]. In several parameters, there was no such significant difference between male and female participants across all groups. However, the levels of blood total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein were considerably greater in hypertensive and pre-hypertensive metabolic participants than in normotensive subjects, while the levels of high-density lipoprotein were lower. Conclusion. Study findings suggest, hypertension and pre-hypertension were more prevalent in the group with metabolic syndrome. Additionally, hypertensives have a higher chance of manifesting dyslipidemia.

Sex and Age Differences in the Association Between Social Determinants of Health and Cardiovascular Health According to Household Income Among Mongolian Adults: Cross-Sectional Study.

Although social determinants of health (SDH) are an underlying cause of poor cardiovascular health (CVH), there is insufficient evidence for the association between SDH and CVH, which varies by sex and age among Mongolian adults. We aimed to explore whether education, household income, and health insurance were associated with CVH according to sex and age among Mongolian adults. The final sample included data on 5691 participants (male: n=2521. 44.3% and female: n=3170, 55.7%) aged 18-69 years from the 2019 World Health Organization STEPwise approach to noncommunicable disease risk-factor surveillance. CVH was measured using a modified version of Life's Simple 7 with 4 health behaviors (cigarette smoking, BMI, physical activity, and a healthy diet) and 3 biological factors (blood pressure, fasting glucose, and total cholesterol blood levels) and classified into poor, intermediate, and ideal levels as recommended by the American Heart Association. Multinomial logistic regression analyses examined the associations between SDH and CVH by monthly equivalized household income after adjusting for age, sex, work status, area, history of myocardial infarction or stroke, use of aspirin, and use of statin. Subgroup analyses were conducted to examine the associations between SDH and CVH based on sex and age, considering monthly equivalized household income as a key variable. Using the ideal level of CVH as a reference, among those with the lowest household income, having less than 12 years of education, and not having health insurance were associated with poor CVH (education level: odds ratio [OR] 2.42, 95% CI 1.30-4.51; P=.006; health insurance: OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.13-4.18; P=.02). These associations were more profound among female individuals (education level: OR 2.99, 95% CI 1.35-6.63; P=.007; health insurance: OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.09-5.90; P=.03) and those aged 18-44 years (education level: OR 3.22, 95% CI 1.54-6.72; P=.002; health insurance: OR 2.03, 95% CI 0.98-4.18; P=.06). Participants in the lowest household income group with lower educational levels and without health insurance were more likely to have poor CVH, and these results were more pronounced in female individuals and young adults. These findings suggest the need to develop strategies for CVH equity in Mongolian female individuals and young adults that consider income levels, education levels, and health insurance.

Effect of Polygonati Rhizoma in improving pyroptosis injury of diabetic macroangiopathy via NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pathway

This study aims to explore the influence of Polygonati Rhizoma on the pyroptosis in the rat model of diabetic macroangiopathy via the NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)/cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1(caspase-1)/gasdermin D(GSDMD) pathway. The rat model of diabetes was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin(STZ) combined with a high-fat, high-sugar diet. The blood glucose meter, fully automated biochemical analyzer, hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot were employed to measure blood glucose levels, lipid levels, vascular thickness, inflammatory cytokine levels, and expression levels of pyroptosis-related proteins. The mechanism of pharmacological interventions against the injury in the context of diabetes was thus explored. The results demonstrated the successful establishment of the model of diabetes. Compared with the control group, the model group showed elevated levels of fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol(TC), triglycerides(TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-c), lowered level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-c), thickened vascular intima, and elevated serum and aorta levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β) and interleukin-18(IL-18). Moreover, the model group showed increased NLRP3 inflammasomes and up-regulated levels of caspase-1 and GSDMD in aortic vascular cells. Polygonati Rhizoma intervention reduced blood glucose and lipid levels, inhibited vascular thickening, lowered the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-18 in the serum and aorta, attenuated NLRP3 inflammasome expression, and down-regulated the expression levels of caspase-1 and GSDMD, compared with the model group. In summary, Polygonati Rhizoma can slow down the progression of diabetic macroangiopathy by inhibiting pyroptosis and alleviating local vascular inflammation.

Determination of the Relationship Between DNA Methylation Status of KLOTHO and ARNTL Genes With Hypertension.

Hypertension is a multifactorial chronic disease due to the interaction of environmental factors with genetic alteration. KLOTHO and ARNTL genes play an important role in the development of hypertension. Therefore, we analyzed the methylation status of KLOTHO and ARNTL genes by using methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MSHRM) in a total of 78 hypertensive and 49 control subjects. In this study, we could not identify a significant association between KLOTHO and ARNTL methylation and the hypertensive phenotype. Moreover, we could not find a direct association between KLOTHO and ARNTL methylation and the fasting blood sugar, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, sodium (Na), creatinine (Cr), potassium (K), and urea levels in hypertensive patients. However, we found a significant difference between the methylated KLOTHO hypertensive patients and the unmethylated KLOTHO control subjects for potassium (K).

Peculiarities of Metabolism and Cardiac Electrical Activity in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Coronary Heart Disease in the Presence of Metabolically-Associated Liver Steatosis

While the development of specific steatohepatitis-associated cardiomyopathy (SHACMP) in the context of fatty liver disease has been documented, it remains unclear whether any cardiac changes occur during the initial stage of fatty liver disease, known as metabolic-associated liver steatosis (LS). Objective — to evaluate the characteristics of metabolism and electrical activity of the heart in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic forms of coronary heart disease and concomitant liver steatosis. Materials and methods. 35 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory insufficiency stages I and II, coronary heart disease, atherosclerotic cardiosclerosis, and heart failure functional classes I and II, were examined. Their diagnosis and treatment were conducted in accordance with established protocols and international recommendations. Depending on the occurrence of LS, patients, matched for age, gender and lung function parameters, were divided into two groups: those suffering from it (n = 26) or not suffering from it (n = 9). Additionally, leptin level was determined, body mass index (BMI), leptin to BMI ratio, De Ritis ratio, hepatic steatosis index, glomerular filtration rate (according to MDRD) were calculated, and automatic ECG test was run. The results were processed statistically; the significance assumed at р &lt; 0.05. Results and discussion. It was established that LS was diagnosed in patients with a higher BMI and was accompanied by clear metabolic changes — higher values of leptin, leptin-to-BMI ratio, fasting blood glucose and total cholesterol levels. The criteria of LS are not only an increase in echogenicity and size of the liver, but also higher values of ALT, De Ritis ratio and hepatic steatosis index. According to the correlation analysis, the deterioration of the liver condition was accompanied by changes in the heart — tachycardia and a decrease in the angle of the QRS complex, which can be considered as signs of the development of SHACMP, characteri­zed by a prolongation of the PQ interval (р = 0.07) and a significant deviation of the angle of the QRS complex. Inflammation and endogenous intoxication are the leading mechanisms of progression of both LS and SHACMP. Conclusions. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic forms of coronary heart disease, alongside with liver steatosis, exhibit signs of steatohepatitis-associated cardiomyopathy caused by metabolic changes, inflammation and endogenous intoxication.

Associations between N-Terminal Pro-B-Type Natriuretic Peptide, Body Fluid Imbalance and Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Natriuretic peptides may be associated with the complex interaction between malnutrition and fluid overload. This study assessed the relationship between N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), body fluid composition, and quality of life (QOL) domains. A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted between 2019 and 2022. The QOL survey of 322 patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (227 men and 95 women; mean age, 65 ± 12 years) was conducted using the Kidney Disease QOL-Short Form v. 1.3. The patients in the higher NT-proBNP quartile group were older and had a longer dialysis vintage; lower body mass index, serum albumin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, sodium, uric acid, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and hemoglobin levels; lower geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI), skeretal mascle mass index, and phase angle (PhA); and higher pre- and post-dialysis systolic blood pressure (BP), cardiothoracic index, and C-reactive protein (CRP) (p &lt; 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that post-dialysis systolic BP, CRP, and GNRI or PhA were independently associated with NT-proBNP. The higher NT-proBNP group experienced muscle attenuation and/or inflammation and an enlarged left atrium. Consequently, the elevated NT-proBNP by such an imbalance in body fluid composition is associated with lower health-related QOL.

Agaricus Subrufescens ameliorates ovarian dysfunction and regulates altered biochemical parameters in rats with Letrozole induced polycystic ovarian syndrome

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to investigate the effects of an ethanolic extract derived from Agaricus subrufescens on rat models exhibiting Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) induced by Letrozole.MethodsA total of thirty female Wistar rats were divided into five groups, each consisting of six rats. The negative control group was administered a volume of 1 mL of a 0.5% solution of carboxy methylcellulose (CMC). Letrozole (1 mg/kg) was administered to additional groups for a duration of 21 days in order to induce polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Animals designated as positive controls were euthanized on the 22nd day. Both the test group and the standard group were subjected to treatment from the 22nd day to the 36th day. The experimental group was administered ethanolic extract of Agaricus subrufescens at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg p.o, while the control group received clomiphene citrate at a dose of 1 mg/kg. The study observed various physiological markers in individuals with polycystic ovarian disease, including estimated blood glucose levels, total cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and hormonal fluctuations such as increased testosterone and estrogen levels, as well as decreased progesterone levels. The presence of menstrual irregularities was confirmed through the examination of vaginal smears and histopathological changes in the ovaries.ResultsThe consumption of Agaricus subrufescens was found to have a significant impact on various physiological parameters, including blood glucose levels, testosterone levels, anovulation, and menstrual irregularity. All therapeutic interventions significantly normalized the levels of serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT). The rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that were induced by Letrozole exhibited increased levels of urea and creatinine. The findings of this study indicate that the administration of Agaricus subrufescens therapy has a protective effect on renal function, as evidenced by a reduction in serum levels of urea and creatinine. In rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) induced by Letrozole, the inhibition of hepatic synthesis, promotion of ovarian follicle immaturity, and elevation of androgen secretions result in an increase in the weight of the liver and ovaries. The weight of endocrine organs exhibited a decrease across all treatment groups. The histopathological examination of PCOS specimens revealed an increased presence of cysts and theca lutein cells. The group of rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that did not receive treatment exhibited a higher number of cysts compared to the groups that received treatment.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that the administration of Letrozole orally resulted in the development of polycystic ovarian disease. The results indicated heightened levels of blood glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides, as well as alterations in hormone levels such as increased testosterone and estrogen, and decreased progesterone. These hormonal changes were accompanied by menstrual irregularities, which were confirmed through the examination of vaginal smears and histopathological analysis of the ovaries in the control group with polycystic ovarian disease. The treatment groups that received Agaricus subrufescens exhibited a decrease in blood glucose, total cholesterol, and testosterone levels.

Effectiveness of milk kefir administration with the addition of sorghum flour against total cholesterol levels, and blood glucose levels in obesity-induced mice

Introduction: Someone who is overweight has the potential to experience complications from various diseases which become a heavy economic burden for the community. Dietary modification is considered as one of the strategies to prevent and handling obesity. It can be done by adjust the type, amount, frequency, processing methods, and schedule. Maintenance of intestinal microflora can be done by regulating food intake by consuming foods or drinks that have physiological functions for health. Synbiotics can control the number of good micro-flora in the digestive tract, thus providing health and therapeutic benefits. The aim of this study was to see the effectiveness of milk kefir plus sorghum flour on maintain the cholesterol and blood glucose levels of mice that have been fed a high-fat diet or induced obesity. Methods: This type of research design is true experimental in vivo using a randomized controlled pre-test-post-test control group design. Based on the test results using one way ANOVA statistical test which can be seen, it can be concluded that there are differences in blood glucose levels in the treatment group using the COD-PAP method with a p-value of 0,031. Results: According to ANOVA test, there are differences in total cholesterol levels in the treatment group using the CHOD-PAP method with a p-value of 0,000. Conclusion: There are differences in blood glucose and total cholesterol levels in mice fed kefir milk with the addition of sorghum flour.

Mango (Mangifera indica L.) seed kernel extract suppresses hyperglycemia by modulating pancreatic β cell apoptosis and dysfunction and hepatic glucose metabolism in diabetic rats.

This study investigated the anti-hyperglycemic action of mango seed kernel extract (MKE) and various mechanisms involved in its actions to improve pancreatic β cells and hepatic carbohydrate metabolism in diabetic rats. An intraperitoneal injection of 60mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ) followed by 30 consecutive days of treatment with MKE (250, 500, and 1000mg/kg body weight) was used to establish a study group of diabetic rats. Using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS) for identification, 26 chemical compounds were found in MKE and the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of the MKE also revealed the existence of mangiferin, gallic acid, and quercetin. The results confirmed that in each diabetes-affected rat, MKE mitigated the heightened levels of fasting blood glucose, diabetic symptoms, glucose intolerance, total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C). As demonstrated by a remarkable increment in serum and pancreatic insulin, the diabetic pancreatic β cell function was potentiated by treating with MKE. The effect of MKE on diabetic pancreatic apoptosis clearly reduced the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells, which was related to diminished levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and Bax and an increase in Bcl-xL protein expression. Furthermore, diabetes-induced liver damage was clearly ameliorated along with a notable reduction in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and abnormal liver histology. By enhancing anti-oxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, MKE alleviated diabetes-induced pancreatic and liver oxidative damage, as demonstrated by diminished levels of malondialdehyde. In minimizing the expression levels of glucose 6-phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase-1 proteins in the diabetic liver, MKE also enhanced glycogen content and hexokinase activity. Collectively, these findings indicate that by suppressing oxidative and inflammatory processes, MKE exerts a potent anti-hyperglycemic activity in diabetic rats which serve to protect pancreatic β cell apoptosis, enhance their function, and improve hepatic glucose metabolism.

Oral Administration of Rhamnan Sulfate from Monostroma nitidum Suppresses Atherosclerosis in ApoE-Deficient Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet.

Oral administration of rhamnan sulfate (RS), derived from the seaweed Monostroma nitidum, markedly suppresses inflammatory damage in the vascular endothelium and organs of lipopolysaccharide-treated mice. This study aimed to analyze whether orally administered RS inhibits the development of atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammation of the arteries. ApoE-deficient female mice were fed a normal or high-fat diet (HFD) with or without RS for 12 weeks. Immunohistochemical and mRNA analyses of atherosclerosis-related genes were performed. The effect of RS on the migration of RAW264.7 cells was also examined in vitro. RS administration suppressed the increase in blood total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In the aorta of HFD-fed mice, RS reduced vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, macrophage accumulation, and elevation of VCAM-1 and inhibited the reduction of Robo4. Increased mRNA levels of Vcam1, Mmp9, and Srebp1 in atherosclerotic areas of HFD-fed mice were also suppressed with RS. Moreover, RS directly inhibited the migration of RAW264.7 cells in vitro. Thus, in HFD-fed ApoE-deficient mice, oral administration of RS ameliorated abnormal lipid metabolism and reduced vascular endothelial inflammation and hyperpermeability, macrophage infiltration and accumulation, and smooth muscle cell proliferation in the arteries leading to atherosclerosis. These results suggest that RS is an effective functional food for the prevention of atherosclerosis.