Lipid Analysis Research Articles

Revealing the mechanism of ohmic heating against Bacillus cereus spores through intracellular homeostasis and lipid analysis

Revealing the mechanism of ohmic heating against Bacillus cereus spores through intracellular homeostasis and lipid analysis

Tenofovir alafenamide compared to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, induces dysglycemia, and dyslipidemia in Wistar rats.

To determine the metabolic effects of tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) compared to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in vivo . Male Wistar rats ( Rattus novergicus , 250-300 g body weight) were divided into three groups ( n = 8) and orally treated daily with 1.0 ml distilled water (group 1), TAF (0.42 mg/kg) (group 2), or TDF (5.0 mg/kg) (group 3), respectively, for 56 days. Glucose tolerance tests were done before the animals were sacrificed by halothane overdose, and blood was collected by cardiac puncture for the analysis of plasma lipids, electrolytes, and insulin. The kidney and pancreatic tissues were excised and homogenized to measure oxidative stress. Compartmentation of TAF and TDF was determined in NRK-52 and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). There were no significant differences in weight gain among controls, TAF- or TDF-treated rats. TAF-treated rats had significantly increased fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting plasma insulin (FPI), insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, and dyslipidemia compared to control or TDF-treated rats, respectively. There was increased lipid peroxidation in the pancreas of TAF-treated compared to TDF-treated or control animals, respectively. TDF- treated rats presented with symptoms of Fanconi syndrome compared to TAF-treated or control animals, respectively. Kidney homogenates from TDF-treated animals had significantly reduced antioxidant enzyme activity compared to TAF-treated animals or controls, respectively. Intracellular concentrations of TAF were significantly higher than TDF in both NRK-52E cells and PBMC, respectively. TAF treatment is weight-neutral and causes dysglycemia, and dyslipidemia but not Fanconi syndrome compared to TDF.

Use of stable isotope combined with intact cell lipidomic by routine MALDI mass spectrometry analysis for rapid drug susceptibility assay in mycobacteria.

Rapid, accurate, and easy-to-perform diagnostic assays are required to address the current need for the diagnosis of resistant pathogens. That is particularly the case for mycobacteria, such as the human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which requires up to 2weeks for the determination of the drug susceptibility profile using the conventional broth microdilution method. To address this challenge, we investigated the incorporation of deuterium, the stable isotope of hydrogen, into lipids as a read out of the drug susceptibility profile. Deuterium is incorporated into newly synthesized proteins or lipids in place of hydrogen as bacterial cells grow, increasing the mass of the macromolecules, which can then be observed via matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). As proof-of-concept, we used the non-pathogenic Mycobacterium smegmatis mc2155 strain, which is susceptible to the aminoglycoside antibiotic kanamycin, and M.smegmatis mc2155 containing the empty vector pVV16, which is kanamycin-resistant. Bacteria were incubated in a culture medium containing 50% of deuterium oxide (D2O) and either 1 or 2 times the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC50) of kanamycin. Lipids were then analyzed using the MBT lipid Xtract matrix combined with routine MALDI mass spectrometry in the positive ion mode to evaluate the changes in the lipid profile. Using this approach, we were able to distinguish susceptible from resistant bacteria in less than 5h, a process that would take 72 h using the conventional broth microdilution method. We therefore propose a solution for the rapid determination of drug susceptibility profiles using a phenotypic assay combining D2O stable isotope labelling and lipid analysis by routine MALDI mass spectrometry.

Association of SOGPI in mediating the effect of Phosphatidylcholine on polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, marked by hormonal imbalances and disruptions in glucose and lipid metabolism. Emerging research has indicated a correlation between lipids and PCOS, yet the specific lipid profiles or associated genes identified in various studies vary, and observational data alone cannot establish causation. Therefore, our study seeks to establish a causal association between lipidome and PCOS. Methods Data from genome-wide association studies, liposomes, metabolites, and PCOS-related information were collected. Four rounds of double-sample bidirectional intermediate Mendelian Randomization analyses including liposomes to disease, liposomes to metabolites, metabolites to disease, and reverse Mendelian Randomization analysis of lipids, total effect values and intermediary effect values were calculated. The proportion mediated by the intermediary effect was determined by dividing the intermediary effect value by the total effect value. Results The analyses revealed that three liposomes and nine metabolites were causally associated with PCOS. Specifically, phosphatidylcholine and 1-Stearoyl-2-Oleoyl-Glycosylphosphatidylinositol were identified as independent risk factors for PCOS through further Mendelian Randomization analysis. The risk of developing PCOS increased by 32% for every one standard deviation increase in phosphatidylcholine and by 17% for every one standard deviation increase in 1-Stearoyl-2-Oleoyl-Glycosylphosphatidylinositol. Furthermore, the study revealed that phosphatidylcholine can influence the development of PCOS with 1-Stearoyl-2-Oleoyl-Glycosylphosphatidylinositol acting as a mediator, explaining 4.97% of the effect. Conclusions This study confirmed a causal relationship between phosphatidylcholine and 1-Stearoyl-2-Oleoyl-Glycosylphosphatidylinositol with PCOS, where phosphatidylcholine can influence the occurrence of PCOS with 1-Stearoyl-2-Oleoyl-Glycosylphosphatidylinositol as a mediator.

Lipid and brain volumetric measures in multiple sclerosis patients: findings from a large observational study.

This study aimed to investigate relationships between cholesterol profile, brain volumetric MRI, and clinical measures in a large observational cohort of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. We included 1.505 patients with 4.966 time points including complete lipid, clinical, and imaging data. The time among lipid, brain MRI and clinical measures was under 90 days. Cross-sectional statistical analysis at baseline was performed using an adjusted linear regression and analysis of longitudinal lipid and MRI measures data was performed using adjusted linear mixed models. We found associations between higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and lower brain parenchymal fraction (BPF) at cross-sectional analysis at baseline (B = -0.43, CI 95%: -0.73, -0.12, p = 0.005), as well as in longitudinal analysis over follow-up (B = -0.32 ± 0.072, χ2 = 36.6; p = < 0.001). Higher HDL-C was also associated with higher T2-lesion volume in longitudinal analysis (B = 0.11 ± 0.023; χ2 = 23.04; p = < 0.001). We observed a weak negative association between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and BPF at baseline (B = -0.26, CI 95%: -0.4, -0.11, p = < 0.001) as well as in longitudinal analysis (B = -0.06 ± 0.03, χ2 = 4.46; p = 0.03). T2-LV did not show an association with LDL-C. We did not find any association between lipid measures and disability. The effect of lipid levels on MRI measures and disability was minimal (Cohen f2 < 0.02). Our results contradict the previously described exclusively positive effect of HDL-C on brain atrophy in patients with MS. Higher LDL-C was weakly associated with higher brain atrophy but not with higher lesion burden.

Composition of lipid nanoparticles for targeted delivery: application to mRNA therapeutics

Today, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are some of the main delivery systems for mRNA-based therapeutics. The scope of LNP applications in terms of RNA is not limited to antiviral vaccines but encompasses anticancer drugs and therapeutics for genetic (including rare) diseases. Such widespread use implies high customizability of targeted delivery of LNPs to specific organs and tissues. This review addresses vector-free options for targeted delivery of LNPs, namely the influence of lipid composition of these nanoparticles on their biodistribution. In the review, experimental studies are examined that are focused on the biodistribution of mRNA or of the encoded protein after mRNA administration via LNPs in mammals. We also performed a comprehensive analysis of individual lipids’ functional groups that ensure biodistribution to desired organs. These data will allow us to outline prospects for further optimization of lipid compositions of nanoparticles for targeted delivery of mRNA therapeutics.

Insights into Crystallization of Neuronal Nicotinic α4β2 Receptor in Polarized Lipid Matrices

Obtaining high-resolution 3D structures of membrane proteins through X-ray crystallography remains a longstanding bottleneck in the field of structural biology. This challenge has led to the optimization of purification methods to acquire high-yielding, pure proteins suitable for crystallization. In this study, we performed crystallization screenings of purified human α4β2 nAChR using a polarized in meso method. After reconstituting the detergent-solubilized α4β2 nAChR into the LCP matrix, the samples were incubated in a polarized lipid matrix using the RMP@LMx device developed in our laboratory. The results showed that under these conditions, the α4β2-nAChR-LFC 16 complex gave a mobile fraction &gt;0.8, suggesting that its diffusion in the polarized lipid matrix is favorable for crystal nucleation. Voltages above 70 mV restricted crystal formation due to sample dehydration. Furthermore, a lipid analysis using UPLC-ESI MS/MS revealed a profile necessary for preserving protein integrity and promoting diffusion across the LCP. We harvested a single crystal and subjected it to X-ray diffraction, resulting in reflections comparable to previous studies of the muscle-type nAChR from Torpedo californica. X-ray diffraction of a single crystal gave distinct low-resolution diffractions of protein nature. These findings lay the groundwork for further optimization of membrane protein crystallization in polarized in meso phases.

Evaluation of protein extraction protocols for MALDI-TOF Biotyper analysis of mycobacteria

Infections caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and nontuberculous mycobacteria represent a significant global threat and medical concern. Therefore, accurate and reliable methods must be employed to identify mycobacteria rapidly. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a technique that compares the cellular protein profiles of unknown isolates with reference mass spectra in a database to identify microorganisms. However, the thick and waxy lipid layer, which is rich in mycolic acids and is present in mycobacterial cells, makes protein extraction challenging. To identify the optimal protocol for correctly identifying bacilli using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, this study compared four different cellular protein extraction methods. Four strains of M. bovis BCG were selected as representatives of slow-growing mycobacteria, while three strains of fast-growing mycobacteria were also included: M. peregrinum, M. smegmatis, and M. farcinogenes. The extraction method that proved most effective was the extraction of inactivated cells with chloroform and methanol, which partially delipidates the cells. These cells were then extracted with formic acid, as is standard practice for protein extraction. The advantage of this method is that it allows the parallel analysis of cellular lipids and proteins from a single sample. It is therefore important to optimize mycobacterial protein extraction for MALDI-TOF MS analysis in clinical microbiology laboratories.

Mobile Phase Contaminants Affect Neutral Lipid Analysis in LC-MS-Based Lipidomics Studies.

Lipidomics is a well-established field, enabled by modern liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) technology, rapidly generating large amounts of data. Lipid extracts derived from biological samples are complex, and most spectral features in LC-MS lipidomics data sets remain unidentified. In-depth analyses of commercial triacylglycerol, diacylglycerol, and cholesterol ester standards revealed the expected ammoniated and sodiated ions as well as five additional unidentified higher mass peaks with relatively high intensities. The identities and origin of these unknown peaks were investigated by modifying the chromatographic mobile-phase components and LC-MS source parameters. Tandem MS (MS/MS) of each unknown adduct peak yielded no lipid structural information, producing only an intense ion of the adducted species. The unknown adducts were identified as low-mass contaminants originating from methanol and isopropanol in the mobile phase. Each contaminant was determined to be an alkylated amine species using their monoisotopic masses to calculate molecular formulas. Analysis of bovine liver extract identified 33 neutral lipids with an additional 73 alkyl amine adducts. Analysis of LC-MS-grade methanol and isopropanol from different vendors revealed substantial alkylated amine contamination in one out of three different brands that were tested. Substituting solvents for ones with lower levels of alkyl amine contamination increased lipid annotations by 36.5% or 27.4%, depending on the vendor, and resulted in >2.5-fold increases in peak area for neutral lipid species without affecting polar lipid analysis. These findings demonstrate the importance of solvent selection and disclosure for lipidomics protocols and highlight some of the major challenges when comparing data between experiments.

Leech Granules Inhibit Ferroptosis and Alleviate Renal Injury in Mice with Diabetic Kidney Disease

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe underlying mechanisms of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) and effective treatment strategies remain unclear. DKD progression is closely associated with abnormal iron metabolism and ferroptosis in vivo. Leeches, used in traditional Chinese medicine for promoting blood circulation and resolving blood stasis, are utilized to treat diabetes and its associated complications. Leeches effectively antagonize oxidative stress injury and exert protective effects on renal function. However, whether leeches can inhibit ferroptosis by modulating oxidative stress and iron metabolism remains unclear. Aim of the studyTo investigate the therapeutic potential of leech granules in DKD and, specifically, their effects on ferroptosis. Materials and methodsWe used a mouse model of DKD. The mice were treated with leech granules via gavage. Component identification and analysis of leech granules were performed using UPLC-MS, and efficacy was assessed by histopathology and analysis of blood glucose, lipids, and renal function. Additionally, the pharmacological mechanisms of leech granules were explored via proteomics, immunohistochemical staining, western blotting, and cell culture. ResultsProteomic analysis showed that iron metabolism was dysregulated and ferroptosis increased in DKD mice. Leech granules significantly reduced iron accumulation and renal pathological damage, decreased ROS levels, upregulated GSH levels, and inhibited ferroptosis in the kidneys of DKD mice. Furthermore, in vitro cellular experiments demonstrated that leech granules could inhibit erastin-induced ferroptosis and protect renal cells. ConclusionsThe regulation of renal iron metabolism and inhibition of ferroptosis mediates the therapeutic effect of leech granules on DKD. Leech granules represent a promising approach for DKD treatment.

Lipid analysis of human primary dermal fibroblasts and epidermal keratinocytes after near-infrared exposure using mass spectrometry imaging

Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy is the application of near-infrared (NIR) exposure to injuries or lesions to (among others) improve wound healing, reduce inflammation, and decreases acute and chronic pain. However, the understanding of the molecular mechanism of PBM, more specifically the effects of NIR on skin cells is still lacking behind. Lipids are essential components of cellular membranes that are integral to skin structure and function. This study aims to elucidate the impact of NIR exposure on the skin’s lipidome by investigating the molecular effect of NIR exposure on single skin cells. Primary human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFa) and human epidermal keratinocytes (HEKa) were exposed to NIR (850nm) with a dose of 6.5J/cm2 for 5 consecutive days between 09.00 and 12.00 am. A workflow utilizing matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging combined with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry for lipidomics analysis was performed. This study provides evidence that adequate exposure of NIR influences lipid metabolism in NHDFa, whereas no alterations were found in HEKa. This work lays the groundwork in explaining the beneficial properties on both skin-related effects and systemic health benefits as seen in clinical studies.

Impaired unsaturated fatty acid elongation alters mitochondrial function and accelerates metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis progression

Background and aimsAlthough qualitative and quantitative alterations in liver Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) are observed in MASH in humans, a causal relationship of PUFAs biosynthetic pathways is yet to be clarified. ELOVL5, an essential enzyme in PUFA elongation regulates hepatic triglyceride metabolism. Nonetheless, the long-term consequences of elongase disruption, particularly in murine models of MASH, have not been evaluated. Approach & resultsIn humans, transcriptomic data indicated that PUFAs biosynthesis enzymes and notably ELOVL5 were induced during MASH progression. Moreover, gene module association determination revealed that ELOVL5 expression was associated with mitochondrial function in both humans and mice. WT and Elovl5-deficient mice were fed a high-fat, high-sucrose (HF/HS) diet for four months. Elovl5 deficiency led to limited systemic metabolic alterations but significant hepatic phenotype was observed in Elovl5−/− mice after the HF/HS diet, including hepatomegaly, pronounced macrovesicular and microvesicular steatosis, hepatocyte ballooning, immune cell infiltration, and fibrosis. Lipid analysis confirmed hepatic triglyceride accumulation and a reshaping of FA profile. Transcriptomic analysis indicated significant upregulation of genes involved in immune cell recruitment and fibrosis, and downregulation of genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation in Elovl5−/− mice. Alterations of FA oxidation and energy metabolism were confirmed by non-targeted metabolomic approach. Analysis of mitochondrial function in Elovl5−/− mice showed morphological alterations, qualitative cardiolipin changes with an enrichment in species containing shorter unsaturated FAs, and decreased activity of I and III respiratory chain complexes. ConclusionEnhanced susceptibility to diet-induced MASH and fibrosis in Elovl5−/− mice is intricately associated with disruptions in mitochondrial homeostasis, stemming from a profound reshaping of mitochondrial lipids, notably cardiolipins.

Membrane protein provision controls prothylakoid biogenesis in tobacco etioplasts.

The cytochrome b559 heterodimer is a conserved component of photosystem II whose physiological role in photosynthetic electron transfer is enigmatic. A particularly puzzling aspect of cytochrome b559 has been its presence in etiolated seedlings, where photosystem II is absent. Whether or not the cytochrome has a specific function in etioplasts is unknown. Here, we have attempted to address the function of cytochrome b559 by generating transplastomic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants that overexpress psbE and psbF, the plastid genes encoding the two cytochrome b559 apoproteins. We show that strong overaccumulation of the PsbE apoprotein can be achieved in etioplasts by suitable manipulations of the promoter and the translation signals, while the cytochrome b559 level is only moderately elevated. The surplus PsbE protein causes striking ultrastructural alterations in etioplasts; most notably, it causes a condensed prolamellar body and a massive proliferation of prothylakoids, with multiple membrane layers coiled into spiral-like structures. Analysis of plastid lipids revealed that increased PsbE biosynthesis strongly stimulated plastid lipid biosynthesis, suggesting that membrane protein abundance controls prothylakoid membrane biogenesis. Our data provide evidence for a structural role of PsbE in prolamellar body formation and prothylakoid biogenesis, and indicate that thylakoid membrane protein abundance regulates lipid biosynthesis in etioplasts.

In vitro digestion study comparing a predigested glycerolysis product versus long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich oils (LCPUFA) as a strategy for administering LCPUFA to preterm neonates

Background & aimsMaintaining an adequate supply of arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is essential for optimal growth of preterm infants. This study aims to evaluate and compare the digestibility and bioaccessibility of ARA and DHA oils compared to their predigested product through an in vitro digestion model. MethodsAn in vitro gastrointestinal digestion model was used in two stages: gastric digestion and intestinal digestion. Samples of two polyunsaturated rich oils (ARA and DHA oils) and their predigested product (2:1, ARA: DHA) produced by enzymatic glycerolysis have been digested for 120 min. The final digestion product obtained was composed of three phases: an upper oily phase (OP) containing the undigested species, an intermediate micellar phase (MP) containing digested and bioaccessible lipids, and a precipitate phase (PP) with insoluble compounds. The reaction was monitored by taking aliquots and their subsequent lipid extraction and analysis. ResultsPoorer digestibility for ARA and DHA oils was observed based on the percentage of the oily phase (26.7% and 20%, respectively) found compared to the glycerolysis product (GP) oily phase (13.9%). The highest micellar phase was found in the GP (approx. 83%). On the other hand, the monoglyceride (MAG) content was lower in the digestion product (DP) from ARA and DHA oils, 4.3% and 9.2%, respectively, compared to the MAG observed in the DP of GP (15%). ConclusionConsidering the percentage of oily phase, micellar phase, and the MAG content, it can be concluded that the GP is more digestible and ARA and DHA are more bioaccessible than in its precursor oils.

Rheological and Lipid Characterization of Minipig and Human Skin Tissue: A Comparative Study Across Different Locations and Depths.

Understanding the rheology of minipig and human skin is crucial for enhancing drug delivery methods, particularly for injections. Despite many studies on skin's viscoelasticity, especially the subcutaneous layer, comparative analyses across different clinical sites are scarce, as is data on the impact of hydration or lipid levels. This study employs shear rheology and lipid analysis to evaluate viscoelasticity and lipid content across three anatomical locations-breast, belly, and neck and three different depth layers in Yucatan minipigs. It reports on how viscoelastic properties change with frequency, time, and strain, noting strain-stiffening and shear-thinning at high strain amplitudes. Human male and female abdominal tissues are also compared to minipig tissues, highlighting distinct viscoelastic traits and lipid's role in them. The findings suggest the existence of species, anatomical location, tissue depth, and sex-based rheological differences.Furthermore, the use of male minipig models for studying human male subcutaneous tissue is discussed.

The Plasma Membrane H+-ATPase Promoter Driving the Expression of FADX Enables Highly Efficient Production of Punicic Acid in Rhodotorula toruloides Cultivated on Glucose and Crude Glycerol.

Punicic acid (PuA) is a conjugated fatty acid with a wide range of nutraceutical properties naturally present in pomegranate seed oil. To meet the rising demand for pomegranate seed oil, a single-cell oil enriched in PuA provides a sustainable biomass-derived alternative. This study describes the production of a PuA-enriched single-cell oil through the engineering of the red yeast Rhodotorula toruloides grown in glucose and a low-cost substrate, crude glycerol. The gene for Punica granatum fatty acid conjugase, PgFADX, was randomly integrated into the genome of R. toruloides without disrupting the carotenoid synthesis. In shake flask studies, the effects of three promoters (PPGI1, PNAR1, and PPMA1) on PuA production were evaluated. PuA titers of 105.77 mg/L and 72.81 mg/L were obtained from engineered cells expressing PgFADX from the PPMA1 promoter cultivated for 72 h in glucose and for 168 h in crude glycerol, respectively. Furthermore, the detailed lipid analysis revealed a high enrichment PuA in the triacylglycerol lipid structures, even without substantial modifications to the metabolic pathways. This report demonstrates the high potential of R. toruloides in the upcycling of a low-cost substrate, crude glycerol, into a value-added product such as PuA. The findings support the feasibility of using engineered R. toruloides for sustainable production of PuA-enriched single-cell oil.

THE THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF PRECONDITIONED MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS IN ATHEROSCLEROSIS

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a multifactorial and inflammatory disease the cause of which is the formation of lipid and cholesterol plaques on the inner wall of blood vessels. Experimental and clinical studies have shown that the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis is, in particular, connected with inflammatory reactions. Recent studies reported that preconditioned mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess an enhanced immunomodulatory potential. The purpose of the study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of preconditioned MSCs in the development of atherosclerosis. MSCs were isolated from the compact bone of mice by standard protocol. The characterization was conducted using flow cytometry, CFU assay and three-lineage differentiation. Cells were preconditioned with different combinations of cytokines and the optimal concentrations were determined by ELISA and by analysis of co-culturing with lymphocytes. The cytokine-preconditioned MSCs were administrated to mice with induced atherosclerosis. The lipids analysis, measuring of mouse spleens’ weights, ELISA and histological analysis of the aorta sections were done after 8-th weeks. We isolated MSCs and then confirmed the possession of the immunomodulatory properties. Preconditioning with the TNF-α cytokine effectively increased the immunomodulatory properties of MSCs compared to untreated MSCs in vitro. The results of in vivo study that the use of TNF-α-preconditioned MSCs reduced the development of atherosclerosis in mice compared to untreated MSCs: it increased the level of Treg cells in the spleen of mice; significantly reduced the levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ in blood serum; significantly reduced the spleen weights of mice; slightly decreased the total cholesterol levels and also increased HDL levels. Administration of TNF-α-preconditioned MSCs reduced the size of atherosclerotic plaques in the aorta of mice. The results of this study demonstrated the effect of cytokine-preconditioned MSCs in the inhibition of the development of atherosclerosis in a mouse model. However, for application as a therapy for suffered patients additional studies are needed. Besides, using of TNF-α preconditioned MSCs can be considered in other preclinical studies of the different diseases.

Quantifying Phospholipids in Organic Samples Using a Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography-Inductively Coupled Plasma High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HILIC-ICP-HRMS) Method.

In this study, a novel method using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) coupled with inductively coupled plasma high-resolution mass spectrometry (ICP-HRMS) was introduced for the quantification of phospholipids in oil samples. The method employed a bridged ethyl hybrid (BEH) stationary phase HILIC column with a tetrahydrofuran (THF)/water mobile phase, enhancing the solubility and detection of phospholipids. During the study, a gradient/matrix effect on ICP-HRMS sensitivity was observed and successfully compensated for experimentally, ensuring reliable quantification results. This approach has proven effective for a wide range of different oil samples including vegetable oils, animal fats, and phospholipid supplements. Notably, this method allowed the direct quantification of phospholipids in oil samples, bypassing the need for prior sample preparation methods, such as solid phase extraction (SPE), thereby streamlining the analytical process. The precision, accuracy, and reduced need for extensive sample preparation offered by this method mark a significant advancement in lipids analysis. Its robustness and broad applicability have substantial implications for industries such as food and renewable energy production, where both efficient and accurate lipid identification and quantification are crucial.

Metabolic Syndrome and Its Associated Factors Among Patients With Schizophrenia Treated With Second-Generation Antipsychotics at Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia.

Background Metabolic syndrome (MetS) encompasses a group of risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases, thereby increasing the mortality rate. Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are known for these side effects. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MetS and its associated factors at Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 3, 2022, to August 31, 2023. Fasting blood sugar and lipid analysis were performed using the Dimension® EXL™ 200 Integrated Chemistry System (Siemens Healthineers, Malvern, PA, USA). A diagnosis of MetS was established using the modified National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP-III) criteria. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25 (Released 2017; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) was used for analysis. A binary logistic regression model was employed, and a p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results A total of 271 participants were enrolled in the study. Most subjects were male (90%) and had a mean age of 34.2 years, with an SD of 10.5. Most participants (70.8%) had abnormal waist circumference, followed by lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) at 42.8%. The prevalence of MetS was 35.8%. Gender (being female) (adjusted odds ratio or AOR 3, 95% CI: 1.2-7.4; p = 0.02) and olanzapine use (AOR 2.2, 95% CI: 1.3-3.7; p = 0.005) were predictors of MetS. Conclusions MetS is highly prevalent in patients treated with SGAs. Being female and olanzapine use were predictors of MetS. Clinicians managing these patients should screen and monitor the metabolic components used to diagnose MetS.

Lipids and apolipoproteins and the risk of vascular disease and mortality outcomes in women and men with type 2 diabetes in the ADVANCE study.

Whether apolipoproteins (apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B, apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 [ApoB/ApoA1] ratio) or very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol are better risk predictors than established lipid risk markers, and whether there are sex differences, is uncertain, both in general populations and in patients with diabetes. The aim of this study was to assess the association between established risk markers, apolipoproteins and the risk of macro- and microvascular disease and death in a large study of women and men with diabetes and to assess the potential sex differences in the associations. Established lipid risk markers were studied in 11 140 individuals with type 2 diabetes from the Action in Diabetes and Vascular Disease: Preterax and Diamicron Modified-Release Controlled Evaluation (ADVANCE) trial, and apolipoproteins (A1, B, ApoB/ApoA1 ratio) and VLDL cholesterol from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) lipid analyses in biobanked samples from 3586 individuals included in the ADVANCE case-cohort study (ADVANCE CC). Primary outcomes were major macro- and microvascular events and death. Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for confounders were used to quantify the associations (hazard ratio [HR] and 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) between established lipid risk markers and apolipoproteins with study outcomes. To address potential effect modification by sex, we investigated the association between the lipid risk markers and outcomes in subgroup analyses by sex. There was a lower risk of macrovascular complications for high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HR [95%CI] 0.88 [0.82-0.95]), a higher risk for total cholesterol (1.10 [1.04-1.17]), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (1.15 [1.08-1.22]), non-HDL cholesterol (1.13 [1.07-1.20]) and the total cholesterol/HDL ratio (1.20 [1.14-1.27]) but no significant associations with triglycerides from ADVANCE. There was a higher risk of macrovascular complications for the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio (1.13 [1.03-1.24]) from the ADVANCE CC. Only the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio (1.19 [1.06-1.34]), but none of the established lipid risk markers, was associated with a higher risk of microvascular complications. There were no statistically significant sex differences for any of the established lipid risk markers or apolipoproteins with any outcome. Using C-statistics and net reclassification improvement (NRI) did not detect significant improvement in predicting all outcomes by adding lipids or apolipoproteins to the models with confounding factors only. All established lipid risk markers, except triglycerides, were predictors of macrovascular complications, but not microvascular complications, in patients with type 2 diabetes. The ApoB/ApoA1 ratio was associated with major macro- and microvascular complications, but there was no evidence that apolipoproteins are better than established lipid risk markers in predicting cardiovascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes.