Lipid Levels Research Articles

Emerging PFAS Exposure Is More Potent in Altering Childhood Lipid Levels Mediated by Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pose potential health risks to lipid metabolism, but the effects of emerging PFAS alternatives, particularly in children, remain unclear. This cross-sectional study investigated the association between emerging PFAS exposure and lipid levels in 294 Chinese children aged 7-10 years, analyzing blood samples for 14 PFAS and lipid profiles, including triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), and apolipoprotein B (ApoB). Exposure to 6:2 Cl-PFESA, PFO4DA, and PFO5DoDA was associated with higher TC, TG, and LDL levels, with PFO4DA increasing the TC by 1.7% and PFO5DoDA increasing the TG by 10.7%. Weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression showed mixed PFAS exposure positively associated with TG (0.08, 95% CI: 0.007, 0.153). PFO4DA had the highest weight for TC (0.468), TG (0.327), LDL (0.57), ApoA1 (0.243), and ApoB (0.466), while PFMOAA had the highest weight for HDL (0.332). Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) analysis confirmed positive associations between the PFAS mixture and TC, TG, LDL, and ApoA1. Mediation analysis revealed that mtDNAcn significantly mediated PFAS exposure's effect on TG levels, explaining 27.2-74.2% of the total effect. These findings highlight the need for regulatory action to address the emerging PFAS risks.

A new prognostic model based on serum apolipoprotein AI in patients with HBV-ACLF and acutely decompensated liver cirrhosis

Background/AimTo investigate the prognostic value of circulating apolipoprotein AI (apoAI) levels and develop a new prognostic model in individuals with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) and acute decompensation (AD) of liver cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.MethodsBaseline levels of serum lipids were measured, and data concerning the presence of complications were collected from 561 HBV-ACLF and AD patients. Survival analysis was conducted by log-rank test. Proportional hazards model was used to perform multivariate analysis. The dynamics of serum apoAI levels were also explored in 37 HBV-ACLF patients.ResultsIn the cohort, the negatively correlation was found between the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score and serum apoAI levels (r = -0.7946, P < 0.001). Circulating apoAI concentration was an independent risk factor for 90-day survival according to Cox multivariate analysis. A new prognostic score-integrated serum lipid profile for ACLF patients (Lip-ACLF score = 0.86×International Normalized Ratio (INR) + 0.0034×total bilirubin (TBIL) (µmol/L) + 0.99× hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) (HRS: no/1; with/2) + 0.50×hepatic encephalopathy (HE) (grade/ponint: no/1; 1–2/2; 3–4/3) − 2.97×apoAI (g/L) + 5.2) was subsequently designed for the derivation cohort. Compared to MELD score, Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score or apoAI, Lip-ACLFs was superior for the prediction of 90-day outcomes (receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC): 0.930 vs. 0.885, 0.833 or 0.856, all P < 0.01), as was the validation cohort (ROC 0.906 vs. 0.839, 0.857 or 0.837, all P < 0.05). In Kaplan‒Meier survival analysis, low apoAI levels (< 0.42 g/L) at baseline indicated poor prognosis in ACLF and AD patients. Among the 37 patients, the deceased individuals were characterised with significantly decreased serum apoAI levels during the follow-up test compared with those at baseline (P < 0.05), whereas in patients with a good prognosis, the serum apoAI levels remained stable during the follow-up.ConclusionIn HBV-ACLF and AD patients, lower serum apoAI levels suggest greater disease severity and 90-day mortality risk. For predicting the short-term prognosis of these patients, the new Lip-ACLF score might serve as a potential model.

The Role of Functional Beverages in Mitigating Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors: A Focus on Their Antidiabetic and Hypolipidemic Properties

The incidence and mortality rates of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are constantly increasing. Among the main risk factors, diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidaemia, which are equally widespread pathological conditions, stand out. Current preventive strategies are based on physical activity and a healthy, balanced diet. Primary therapies, on the other hand, are based on the administration of hypoglycaemic and cholesterol-lowering drugs. Given the increasing consumer demand for food products with healthy properties, functional beverages may represent a breakthrough in this field. Through a careful analysis of studies conducted over the past seven years, it has emerged that herbal teas, fruit and vegetable drinks, as well as milk- and plant-based beverages, can mitigate these two critical CVD risk factors, often linked to the presence of specific polyphenols or fermentation processes. The selection of in vivo, in vitro and clinical trials revealed the ability of such drinks to reduce the enzymatic activity of α-glucosidase and α-amylase, as well as to decrease circulating lipid levels, properties that were surprisingly also exhibited by beverages derived from food waste. Therefore, this review aims to highlight the possibility of employing these drinks as adjuvant therapy in the treatment of diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidaemia in order to reduce two potential CVD risk factors.

Cardiometabolic Impact of Encapsulated Cocoa Powder and Pure Cocoa Ingredients Supplementation: A Comparative Placebo-Controlled RCT in Adults.

Consuming cocoa rich in flavan-3-ols (particularly epicatechin [EC]) may reduce vascular stiffness and blood pressure (BP) and improve serum lipid profiles. Because interventional studies on pure EC exhibited inconclusive results, the role of other cocoa ingredients such as methylxanthines (MX) on vascular health was assumed. This study aimed to systematically compare the effects of flavanol-rich cocoa and its major components EC and MX on vascular function and serum lipid levels. In a randomized controlled trial (RCT), 75 healthy young adults ingested capsules containing either (i) flavanol-rich cocoa powder, (ii) EC, (iii) MX, (iv) EC+MX, or (v) placebo (n=15 per group) daily for 4 weeks. Capsules provided equal amounts of EC and/or MX as the cocoa capsules. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), BP, endothelin-1, and lipids were investigated before and after intervention. No group-specific statistically significant differences in aortic PWV (p=0.410) or any other parameters (p≥0.05) were observed between before and after the intervention. Daily intake of neither flavanol-rich cocoa nor pure cocoa ingredients influenced vascular function and lipid profiles in healthy adults. Consequently, RCTs involving subjects with increased cardiometabolic risk may clarify the effects of EC and MX as cocoa components on cardiovascular health parameters. Trial Registration: URL: https://drks.de/search/en/trial. Unique identifier: DRKS00022056.

Study on the Mechanism of the Leaves of Dimocarpus longan Lour. in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes based on Metabolomics.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease. The leaves of Dimocarpus longan Lour. (LYY), a well-known traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with Guangxi national characteristics often used in simple recipes to treat DM has attracted increasing attention. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of LYY in diabetic rats from a metabolomic perspective. The type 2 diabetes (T2DM) rat model was induced by a high-sugar and high-fat diet (HSFD) combined with 40 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ). After oral administration of LYY (10.7 g/kg) for 28 d, their weight, fasted blood glucose (FBG), blood lipid levels, and inflammatory factors were assessed. The feces, urine, and serum samples of the rats were collected, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) technology was used to explore the changes in the sample's metabolism spectrum and analyze the relevant targeted metabolic pathways. Compared with the diabetes group, LYY rats significantly delayed the reduction of body weight and decreased the FBG level (P <0.01); the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), IL-6, and TNF-α in serum significantly reduced (P < 0.05, 0.01), and the level of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) significantly increased (P < 0.01). 2 candidate biomarkers were identified from feces samples, and 4 associated metabolic pathways were discovered. 13 potential biomarkers were screened from urine samples, leading to the identification of 16 related metabolic pathways. Similarly, 5 potential biomarkers were screened from serum samples, and 11 related metabolic pathways were found. LYY can regulate the metabolic disorder caused by T2DM by regulating amino acid metabolism, amino acid synthesis, and tricarboxylic acid cycle, which provides a specific reference for the clinical treatment of T2DM.

Abstract TP138: Life's Essential 8 Among Stroke Survivors

Background: The AHA uses “Life’s Essential 8 (LE8)” to quantify cardiovascular health (CVH). These metrics assess eight essential components of nicotine exposure, sleep duration, physical activity, diet, body mass index, lipid levels, blood glucose, and blood pressure to calculate a CVH score. However, little is known about LE8 scores in patients with history of stroke compared to the general population. Methods: Data was included on individuals aged 18 and older who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) from 2005 to 2018. A LE8 score ranging from 0 (lowest) to 100 (highest) was calculated for all participants. Subscores of 0 to 100 points were also calculated for each of the metrics. The total LE and individual metric scores of participants with a self-reported history of stroke were compared to those who did not. The characteristics of all participants were stratified across age, gender, race/ethnicity, poverty/income ratio (PIR), education level, insurance status, alcohol consumption, high cholesterol, high high density lipoprotein, and histories of hypertension, diabetes, and/or myocardial infarction. Results: 1,019 participants self-reported a history of stroke of 27,670 total participants. When adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education and PIR, the mean LE8 score was significantly lower in those who reported a history of stroke at (59.2, 95% CI, 57.8-60.5) compared to those who did not (63.8, 95% CI, 63.4-64.2) in those who did not. Stroke survivors had significantly lower mean subscores in 6 of 8 metrics on nicotine exposure (range 66.2-71.5), blood glucose (range 70.8-74.7), physical activity (range 30.8-36.9), diet (range 35.3-40.1), sleep duration (range 73.3-77.7), and blood pressure (range 58-62.4) compared to other participants (p&lt;.001). Conversely, stroke survivors had higher mean lipid subscore (range 66.8-71.6) compared to other participants (range 63.0-64.3). In contrast to general participants who showed improvements over time in smoking, lipid levels, and sleep subscores, stroke survivors did not exhibit significant changes over time in any of these scores. Conclusions: Stroke survivors have inferior overall cardiovascular health and lower total LE8 scores compared to the general population. More intensive and tailored secondary stroke interventions are necessary to ensure improvement in overall cardiovascular health among stroke survivors.

Advanced lipidomics using UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS reveals novel lipids in hibernating syrian hamsters.

Mammalian hibernation offers a unique model for exploring neuroprotective mechanisms relevant to neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we employed untargeted lipidomics with iterative tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) to profile the brain lipidome of Syrian hamsters across different hibernation stages: late torpor, arousal, and euthermia (control). Previously, a lipid species identified as methyl-PA(16:0/0:0) showed a significant increase during torpor, but its precise structure was unresolved due to technological constraints. Leveraging iterative MS/MS and advanced lipid annotation tools (LipidAnnotator and MS-DIAL), we accurately annotated 377 lipid species, including the re-identification of methyl-PA(16:0/0:0) as methylated lysophosphatidic acid (PMeOH 16:0/0:0). This reannotation led to the discovery of two additional lipids during torpor: PMeOH 18:0/0:0 and PMeOH 18:1/0:0. Verification involved manual inspection of MS/MS spectra and Kendrick Mass Defect plots. The lipid alterations observed during torpor suggest biochemical adaptations to maintain membrane fluidity and protect against oxidative stress under hypothermic conditions. Elevated levels of PMeOH lipids and their lyso-forms may play roles in cell survival signalling. Additionally, a decrease in phosphatidic acid species and an increase in diacylglycerol species imply a metabolic shift favouring diacylglycerol production, potentially activating protein kinase C signalling pathways. The increased levels of monogalactosyl diglyceride lipids during torpor suggest a role in neuroprotection by enhancing oligodendrocyte function and myelination. Our comprehensive lipidomic profiling provides detailed insights into lipid dynamics associated with hibernation and underscores the potential of advanced MS/MS methodologies in lipidomics for developing therapeutic strategies against neurodegenerative diseases.

Treatment of compound pollution in simulated livestock and poultry wastewater by algae-bacteria symbiosis system.

Livestock and poultry breeding wastewater contains a large number of heavy metals and antibiotics; the volume is huge, and it is difficult to treat, which causes serious pollution of the environment. Some studies have shown that symbiotic systems can effectively improve the efficiency of sewage treatment, but there is still a lack of research on the treatment of livestock and poultry wastewater. This experiment not only provides a more in-depth discussion of previous studies, but also demonstrates the feasibility of symbiotic treatment of livestock and poultry wastewater and explores the survival mode and operation mechanism of algal and bacterial symbiosis. The results show that the presence of bacteria greatly promoted the growth of microalgae, with production of 0.50-0.59g/L biomass and 17.5% lipid content. Lipid levels in the algae from the symbiotic system were 1.3 times higher than for the system of pure algae, which is attributed to the bacteria releasing extracellular substances to promote their own growth and providing small molecules of organic matter and other essential elements which can be used by microalgae. In addition, during the removal of complex pollutants in the symbiotic system we found that the main contributor to the removal of heavy metal ions was the adsorption by Chlorella, while the decomposition of antibiotics mainly originated from bacteria. Furthermore, in the context of this experiment was obtained the highest removal rate of SM2 reached 28.8%, while the removal rate of Cu(II) reached 60.6%-66.7%. The technology of symbiotic treatment of wastewater from livestock and poultry breeding fills a gap and lays a theoretical foundation for the improvement of wastewater treatment.

Role of CYP2D6 polymorphisms in tramadol metabolism in a context of co-medications and overweight.

Very few quantitative data exist on tramadol metabolites, which hampers our understanding of their role in efficacy and safety of tramadol. We aimed to provide quantitative data on tramadol and its 5 main metabolites in a patient cohort and to determine whether metabolite ratios can be predictive of a CYP2D6 metabolism phenotype. We also aimed to investigate the influence of co-medications and patient profile (BMI, glycemia, lipid levels) on tramadol metabolite ratios. Overall, 37 patient samples from the CONSTANCES cohort contained tramadol and its 5 metabolites. Mean concentrations found tramadol at 343.2±223.2μg/L, M1 at 62.4±41.4μg/L, M2 at 210.0±272.3, M3 at 1.76±3.0μg/L, M4 at 1.8±2.8μg/L and M5 at 31.8±28.4μg/L. The most frequent CYP2D6 phenotype was extensive metabolizers (51.3%), followed by intermediate metabolizers (24.3%) and poor metabolizers (10.8%). CYP2D6-inhibiting co-medications impacted tramadol metabolism independently of CYP2D6 metabolism phenotype. Lipid parameters and glycemia were significantly associated with changes in tramadol metabolic ratios. Metabolic ratios are not sufficient to determine the CYP2D6 metabolic phenotype in patients. CYP2D6 inhibitors and obesity/NAFLD/diabetes impact tramadol metabolism. These factors are likely to impact the analgesic efficacy and safety profile of tramadol, justifying the need for further studies in this area.

Body mass index is similar to alternative anthropometric indices in evaluating plasma lipids as proxy for cardiovascular disease in women with previous hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: A cross-sectional study.

Women with previous hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) have increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Overweight is a modifiable risk factor for both conditions. Anthropometric indices such as waist circumference, hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, estimated total body fat, a body shape index, waist-to-hip-to-height ratio, and index of central obesity improve estimation of cardiovascular death risk in the general population as compared to body mass index (BMI). We aimed to assess whether alternative body mass composition indices associate more strongly with postpartum blood lipid levels, as a proxy for CVD risk, than BMI. We also aimed to investigate whether associations differ between women with previous normotensive or hypertensive index pregnancies. In this cross-sectional study, we examined 296 women 1 or 3 years after an index pregnancy that was normotensive (n = 116) or complicated by a hypertensive pregnancy disorder, including preeclampsia (n = 133) or gestational hypertension (n = 47). Uni- and multivariable regression analyses, adjusted for age and smoking, were conducted to evaluate associations between postpartum body mass composition indices and blood lipids. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Median BMI and overweight rates were higher in women with previous HDP than in controls (23.9 kg/m2 versus 22.8 kg/m2 and 44.4% versus 30.2%, both p ⩽ 0.03). No body mass composition indices in any pregnancy complication group showed stronger associations with adverse lipid levels than BMI. However, women with previous HDP more often displayed significant associations between adverse body mass composition indices and adverse lipid levels, compared with controls. Alternative anthropometric measurements are not better suited to evaluate circulating lipids as proxy for CVD risk after HDP, compared to BMI. We hence recommend using BMI in CVD risk assessment after HDP due to its current widespread use and feasibility.

Blood-brain barrier integrity disruption is associated with both chronic vascular risk factors and white matter hyperintensities.

Cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) like hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes mellitus are increasingly linked to cognitive decline and dementia, especially in cerebral small vessel disease (cSVD). White matter hyperintensities (WMH) are closely associated with cognitive impairment, but the mechanisms behind their development remain unclear. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction may be a key factor, particularly in cSVD. This study explores the relationship between CRFs, BBB integrity, and WMH burden. The study included 155 participants from the Biomarkers and Cognition Study, Singapore (BIOCIS). CRFs were assessed through blood tests for glucose and lipid profiles, and blood pressure measurements. WMH volumes were quantified using MRI. BBB integrity was evaluated using a Transendothelial Electrical Resistance (TEER) assay with human brain microvascular endothelial cells (hBMEC) exposed to participant plasma. Plasma from individuals with a higher WMH burden was associated with increased BBB disruption in hBMEC. Higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure, as well as body mass index, were correlated with greater BBB disruption. Regression analyses revealed that elevated blood glucose and lipid levels were linked to increased BBB disruption. Both periventricular and subcortical WMH burdens were associated with increased BBB disruption. This study highlights a relationship between CRFs, BBB disruption, and WMH burden, suggesting that CRFs may impair BBB integrity and contribute to WMH and cognitive decline in cSVD.

Investigating the prevalence and associated factors of elevated liver enzymes and dyslipidemia during pregnancy

Liver dysfunctions during pregnancy can either be pregnancy-specific or preexisting in acute or chronic form. Data on the prevalence of abnormal liver functions and dyslipidemia during pregnancy in Bangladesh are scarce since these tests are not typically done in routine prenatal screening. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of elevated liver enzymes and dyslipidemia and associated risk factors in a cohort of pregnant women in Bangladesh. This cross-sectional study included 194 pregnant women participants from different trimesters. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect baseline, demographic, and lifestyle data. Blood samples were collected from each participant to measure biochemical parameters such as liver enzymes (ALT and GGT), lipid profile (TC, TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C), glucose, and creatinine levels in the serum. Logistic regression analysis was applied to identify factors associated with liver dysfunction and lipid profile abnormalities. The average age of the participants was 25 ± 5 years. Overall, the prevalence of preeclampsia was 12.4%. Among participants, 27% had increased ALT levels, most in their third trimester, while 11.8% had elevated GGT levels, mostly in early pregnancy. 83.8% of the study subjects had general dyslipidemia, with the highest prevalence in the second trimester and 5.2% had mixed dyslipidemia. Several factors were significantly associated with ALT elevation, such as preeclampsia, elevated blood pressure, low HDL-C levels, high parity number, having a higher number of children, hypertensive disorders during pregnancy and inadequate knowledge about pregnancy diet. On the other hand, advanced maternal age, high gravidity, and mixed dyslipidemia were associated with elevated GGT levels. Conversely, age, hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, preeclampsia, and diabetes were associated with dyslipidemia. In conclusion, elevated levels of liver enzymes and an abnormal lipid profile are common among pregnant women in Bangladesh. Various factors are linked to abnormal liver enzymes and dyslipidemia in these participants. Monitoring liver function and lipid levels, along with proper prenatal care, can help reduce the risk of maternal and neonatal mortality.

Linking psoriasis to atrial fibrillation: Insights from "Association between psoriasis and atrial fibrillation: A systematic review and meta-analysis".

Patients with psoriasis indeed face an elevated risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF), underscoring the need for vigilant monitoring to facilitate early detection and intervention. Given the current body of evidence linking psoriasis and AF is derived from observational studies, there is a clear need for more robust, multicenter, large-scale randomized studies. Such research would help to validate and reinforce the findings from observational data. Large-scale, randomized studies are necessary to confirm the association between psoriasis and AF, addressing potential biases and confounding factors present in observational research. Future studies should consider a broader range of factors that may influence the incidence of AF in psoriasis patients. This includes assessing the impact of AF "burden," which could refer to the frequency, duration, or overall impact of AF episodes on patients' health. Research should delve into the role of genetic predispositions that may contribute to the development of AF in patients with psoriasis. The influence of smoking and lipid levels, among other lifestyle and environmental factors, should be examined for their potential effects on the incidence of AF in psoriasis patients. An interdisciplinary team, including dermatologists, cardiologists, and other healthcare professionals, should collaborate to provide comprehensive care for patients with psoriasis.

The TFEB activator clomiphene citrate ameliorates lipid metabolic syndrome pathology by activating lipophagy and lipolysis

The balance between lipid synthesis and lipid catabolism is critical to maintain energy homeostasis. Lipophagy and lipolysis are two important pathways for lipid selective catabolism. Defects in lipophagy and lipolysis are linked to lipid metabolic diseases. Transcription factor EB (TFEB) is a master regulator of autophagy and lysosome biogenesis, as well as lipid metabolism by promoting expression of genes encoding fat catabolic lipases. Therefore, targeting TFEB provides a novel potential strategy for the treatment of lipid metabolic diseases. In this study, we showed that the TFEB activator clomiphene citrate (CC) activated the autophagy-lysosome and lipolysis pathways, and promoted degradation of lipid droplets induced by the free fatty acids oleate and palmitate in HepG2 cells. Moreover, CC treatment promoted lipid catabolism and attenuated obesity, restored lipid levels, blood glucose levels and insulin resistance, hepatocellular injury and hepatic steatosis, as well as liver inflammation in the HFD fed mice. In addition, we found that En-CC, a trans-isomer of CC, displayed less toxicity and more efficient activation of TFEB. Consistent with CC, En-CC treatment improved lipid metabolic syndrome pathology. These findings demonstrate that CC promotes clearance of lipids and ameliorates HFD-induced lipid metabolic syndrome pathology through activating TFEB-mediated lipophagy and lipolysis, indicating that CC has the potential to be used to treat lipid metabolic diseases.

Dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist tirzepatide alleviates hepatic steatosis and modulates gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism in diabetic mice.

Tirzepatide is a dual agonist of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors and is a promising therapeutic option for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Nevertheless, its effect and underlying mechanism on hepatic steatosis remain ambiguous. Herein, we explored the impact of tirzepatide on improving hepatic steatosis in diabetic mice, with a particular focus on the gut microbiota and bile acids (BAs) using animal models. The tirzepatide effectively reduced body weight, improved insulin resistance, decreased serum and hepatic lipid levels, and mitigated liver injury. Compared to semaglutide, tirzepatide exhibited superior efficacy in reducing hepatic lipid accumulation. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and targeted metabolomics of BAs revealed that tirzepatide ameliorated gut microbiota dysbiosis and BAs metabolism in diabetic mice. Notably, tirzepatide observably increased the abundance of beneficial genera such as Akkermansia, elevated the ratio of farnesoidXreceptor (FXR) antagonists (glycoursodeoxycholic acid: GUDCA, β-muricholic acid: β-MCA, hyodeoxycholic acid: HDCA, ursodeoxycholic acid: UDCA) to natural agonists (cholic acid: CA, lithocholic acid: LCA, chenodeoxycholic acid: CDCA, glycocholic acid: GCA, taurodeoxycholic acid: TDCA), and reduced FXR expression in intestinal tissues. In conclusion, tirzepatide attenuated hepatic steatosis in diabetic mice and regulated the gut microbiota and BAs metabolism, which may help to provide a novel therapeutic approach and therapeutic target for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

Lipoprotein(a) and the risk of type I cardiorenal syndrome in patients with coronary artery disease: A retrospective clinical study

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to investigate the correlation between lipoprotein(a) (Lp-a) and coronary artery disease (CAD) complicated by type I cardiorenal syndrome (CRS). MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with CAD admitted to the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at Shaoxing Central Hospital from January 2021 to December 2022, with chief complaints of “chest distress and dyspnea.” Patient demographic data, biochemical indicators (including blood lipid levels and serum creatinine), cardiac function markers (such as pro-brain natriuretic peptide, pro-BNP), echocardiography, and coronary angiography results were collected. Patients were categorized into two groups based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (e-GFR): the CRS group (e-GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2) and the simple heart failure group (SHF group, e-GFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2). A comparative analysis of baseline characteristics, lipid profiles, ejection fraction (LVEF), left atrial size (LA), end-diastolic interventricular septal thickness (IVSd), left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD), and left ventricular end-systolic dimension (LVESD) between the two groups was performed. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to assess the association between serum lipoprotein(a) (Lp-a) levels and the occurrence of CRS. ResultsA total of 269 patients were included, comprising 149 males and 120 females with an average age of 76.0 ± 11.4 years. Significant differences were observed between the CRS and SHF groups in terms of age, history of hypertension, diabetes, myocardial infarction, serum triglycerides, Lp-a, and creatinine (all P < 0.05). Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed an inverse relationship between Lp-a and e-GFR (r = -0.588, P < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that Lp-a (OR = 1.980, 95 % CI: 1.269–2.992, P = 0.027) and age (OR = 1.584, 95 % CI: 0.955–1.913, P = 0.006) were positively associated with the development of CRS. ConclusionSerum Lp-a levels are positively correlated with the occurrence of CRS, potentially serving as an independent risk factor for CRS.

Nutritional Potency of Mangifera indica L. (Mango): Focus on Mango as Antioxidant

Background: Mango, known as "the king of fruits," is one of the most popular fruits on the planet. Vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and bioactive substances abound. Objective: In the present review, we aimed to explore the therapeutic effects of mango as an antioxidant. Methods: Scopus and ScienceDirect databases were used to gather research papers over the pre-vious 12 years. Results: Our research explores the formidable antioxidant potential of mango, driven by its ele-vated phenolic and flavonoid content. Within mango, crucial metabolites such as glutathione and euxanthone contribute significantly to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory prowess. A note-worthy bioactive compound, Mangiferin, found in mango, exhibits anti-diabetic properties by inhibiting sucrase and isomaltase, consequently reducing glucose absorption in the intestine. Conclusion: In our study, mango has demonstrated its ability to lower blood sugar levels, en-hance insulin production, and reduce lipid levels. These beneficial effects are attributed to high soluble fiber, polyphenols, and carotenoids, including quercetin and beta-carotene. Our findings shed light on the multifaceted health-promoting attributes of mango, positioning it as a valuable natural resource for potential dietary interventions and health enhancement. In conclusion, ef-fective blood sugar management hinges on strategic dietary decisions. Steering clear of high-glycemic combinations with mangoes, choosing daytime consumption, and integrating regular physical activity for energy equilibrium is paramount.

The pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) in the glioma metabolism: a potent enhancer of malignancy.

The glioma hallmark includes reprogramming metabolism to support biosynthetic and bioenergetic demands, as well as to maintain their redox equilibrium. It has been suggested that the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) and glycolysis are directly involved in the dynamics and regulation of glioma cell proliferation and migration. The PPP is implicated in cellular redox homeostasis and the modulation of signaling pathways, which play a fundamental role in the progression of tumors to malignant grades, metastasis, and drug resistance. Several studies have shown that in glioblastoma cells, the activity, expression, and metabolic flux of some PPP enzymes increase, leading to heightened activity of the pathway. This generates higher levels of DNA, lipids, cholesterol, and amino acids, favoring rapid cell proliferation. Due to the crucial role played by the PPP in the development of glioma cells, enzymes from this pathway have been proposed as potential therapeutic targets. This review summarizes and highlights the role that the PPP plays in glioma cells and focuses on the key functions of the enzymes and metabolites generated by this pathway, as well as the regulation of the PPP. The studies described in this article enrich the understanding of the PPP as a therapeutic tool in the search for pharmacological targets for the development of a new generation of drugs to treat glioma.

Multi-omics dissection of metabolic dysregulation associated with immune recovery in people living with HIV-1

BackgroundDespite the success of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in suppressing HIV-1 replication, some people living with HIV-1 (PLWH) fail to achieve an optimal recovery of CD4 T cells, and precise metabolic regulation underlying immune recovery remained poorly understood.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, mass spectrometry was used for quantitative analysis of plasma metabolome and lipidome in 24 treatment-naïve PLWH (TNs), 33 immunological responders (IRs), 35 immunological non-responders (INRs), and 16 healthy controls (HCs). The data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U-test, Kruskal–Wallis test, Spearman correlation, and LASSO regression analysis.ResultsSignificant metabolic dysregulation was observed in TNs, IRs and INRs compared to HCs. In TNs, metabolomic analysis revealed increased levels of 3-hydroxyoctanoic acid, 3-oxododecanoic acid, 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, L-kynurenine, oleoylcarnitine, and pseudouridine that were positively correlated with CD8 T cell activation and inflammation-related markers, and decreased levels of phosphorylcholine, ribothymidine, and thymine that were negatively correlated. Notably, 3-hydroxyoctanoic acid and thymine were consistently associated with CD4 T cell counts and inflammation-related markers in PLWH, regardless of ART. Pathway analysis uncovered the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids as the major dysregulated pathway in TNs, IRs, and INRs, while primary bile acid biosynthesis was the dysregulated pathway specifically in INRs. Lipidomic analysis indicated higher plasma triacylglycerols, free fatty acids, ceramide, and monosialodihexosyl gangliosides (GM3) in TNs, IRs, and INRs compared to HCs. Pathway enrichment and differential correlation analyses underscore perturbed systemic lipid metabolism in treatment response to ART, possibly mediated by host-commensal metabolic interactions. Ultimately, we identified two panels, one consisting of 9 metabolites and another of 8 lipids, that can effectively distinguish INRs from IRs.ConclusionsMetabolic aberrations induced by chronic HIV-1 infection persist and do not recover with ART. Abnormal primary bile acid biosynthesis pathway and levels of DHA-containing lipids are closely associated with CD4 T cell recovery. These finding provide new intervention targets to achieve better immune recovery in PLWH.

Biochemical markers to detect protein malnutrition in type 2 diabetes and liver cirrhosis patients.

The study aimed to evaluate blood biochemical markers in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and liver cirrhosis (LC) to discover if they may be utilized to assess their nutritional status, specifically protein malnutrition (PM). A retrospective examination of 500 T2D patients referred to the hospital from January 2022 to December 2023 was performed. After that, participants were split into 2 groups: LC and non-LC. The research comprised T2D individuals with LC. We used their medical data and referring physician reports. Two hundred thirty-five (47%) individuals diagnosed with both T2D and LC were included in the study out of a total of 500 patients referred to Madinah Hospital. The LC group had greater average age, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, insulin resistance, and triglycerides as compared to other T2D patient groups without LC. Two hundred thirty-five people with LC were evaluated nutritionally using biomarkers including total protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, and transferrin, which can be a useful evaluation method. A 53.2% of individuals with LC and T2D had PM. A 47% of 500 individuals with T2D and LC. LC had elevated levels of BMI, lipids, liver enzymes, and total bilirubin. A 53.2% had PM as shown by biochemical markers, which might be useful in evaluating patients' nutritional status. PM correlated with older age, decreased hemoglobin levels, reduced total protein, albumin, and transferrin but high ALP with high BMI index (obese). These findings can assist T2D with LC specialists develop better nutritional management and quality of life methods.