Low-density Lipid Cholesterol Research Articles

Taohong Siwu decoction ameliorates atherosclerosis in rats possibly through toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88/nuclear factor-κB signal pathway.

To investigate the effect of Taohong Siwu decoction (, TSD) on atherosclerosis in rats as well as investigate the underlying mechanism based on molecular docking. Sixty healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 6 groups with 10 rats in each group: control group, model group, atorvastatin group (AT, 2.0 mg/kg), and TSD groups (20, 10, 5 g/kg) after 7 d of acclimation. The model of atherosclerosis was successfully established except the control group by high fat diet (HFD) and vitamin D2. Biochemical analyzers were used to detect the levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholestero (TC), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density lipid-cholesterol (HDL-C) in blood lipid. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Sudan IV staining and Hematoxylin and eosin staining (HE staining) were performed to observe the pathological changes in aortic tissue. Molecular docking technology was used to predict the best matching between the main components of TSD and the target proteins. The expression of target proteins was further detected by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot analysis. The results showed that TSD restricted atherosclerosis development and decreased the inflammatory cytokines in plasma. Molecular docking results predicted that the main components of TSD showed a strong binding ability with toll-like receptor (TLR4), myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88), and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB). The results of qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed that the mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB p65 in the aorta were reduced in atorvastatin group and TSD group. TSD can ameliorate atherosclerosis in rats, and the underlying mechanism is supposed be related to the suppression of inflammatory response by regulating TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signal pathway.

Serum lipid reference values recommended during a twin pregnancy and evaluating its association with perinatal outcomes

BackgroundMaternal lipid metabolism fluctuations have been shown to increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, there is no consensus over what constitutes normal maternal lipid values during twin pregnancy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to establish a serum lipid reference range for a twin pregnancy.MethodsA retrospective survey was conducted, from 2011 to 2021, at the Peking University Third Hospital. A total of 881 twin pregnancies, with lipid data from early and middle pregnancies, were included. After excluding those with adverse pregnancy outcomes, we performed a descriptive analysis of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipid cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipid cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, using the mean and standard deviation to determine appropriate percentiles. We later determined the lipid reference range in early and middle pregnancy based on the initial results. We evaluated Inappropriate lipid levels associations with pregnancy outcomes, including gestational diabetes, pregnancy-induced hypertension, small for gestational age.Results(1) Serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C increased significantly from early to late pregnancy, where the greatest increase was observed in TG. (2) Based on the results, we recommend that TC, TG, and LDL-C serum reference values during early and middle pregnancy should be less than the 95th percentile. On the other hand, HDL-C should be greater than the 5th percentile. During early pregnancy, the values recommended are TC < 5.31 mmol/L, TG < 2.25 mmol/L, HDL > 1.02 mmol/L and LDL < 3.27 mmol/L, and those during middle pregnancy are TC < 8.74 mmol/L, TG < 4.89 mmol/L, HDL > 1.25 mmol/L and LDL < 5.49 mmol/L, while the values during late pregnancy are TC < 9.11 mmol/L, TG < 6.70 mmol/L, HDL > 1.10 mmol/L and LDL < 5.81 mmol/L. Higher levels of blood lipids were associated with GDM, PE, SGA.ConclusionsWe suggested a reference ranges for blood lipids during the twin pregnancy in a Chinese population. The reference ranges recommended by this study can be used to identify women with twin pregnancies using unfavorable lipid values. Higher levels of blood lipids were associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Brief Overview of Statins for Lowering Low-Density Lipid Cholesterol

Brief Overview of Statins for Lowering Low-Density Lipid Cholesterol

High Intensity Statin With or Without Ezetimibe to Achieve Low Density Lipid Cholesterol Goal in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome- A Randomised Controlled Study

High Intensity Statin With or Without Ezetimibe to Achieve Low Density Lipid Cholesterol Goal in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome- A Randomised Controlled Study

Сучасні аспекти харчування українських підлітків з ожирінням

Purpose - to analyze the nature of nutrition and eating behavior in adolescents with obesity in order to improve the management of this category of patients. Materials and methods. A total of 140 adolescents were examined. The main clinical group included 108 adolescents aged 12-17 years with obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥95th percentile); the control group included 32 healthy adolescents (BMI 5-85th percentile) of the same age. The survey plan included a set of standard clinical and anamnestic studies, including the study of eating behavior, and laboratory and instrumental studies. To study the nature and diet, a questionnaire developed on the basis of the «Institute of Children and Adolescent Health Care of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine» was used. The study of eating behavior (EВ) in adolescents was carried out using the Dutch Questionnaire (DEBQ, The Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire). Statistical analysis was performed using the software STATISTICA 6.0. FOR WINDOWS (StatSoft Inc.). Pearson's Chi-square test (χ2) and Fisher's exact test (F) were used to compare the frequency indices of independent groups. To assess the direction, strength, and significance of the relationship between the studied characteristics, a correlation analysis was used to determine the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. The critical level of statistical significance for testing hypotheses is p&lt;0.05. Results. Adolescents with obesity were significantly more likely to have eating disorders, as well as the habit of snacking on sweets and sweets during the day and late dinner compared with the control group (p&lt;0.001). It was found that obese patients significantly more often used sweets, sweets, fast food, chips, croutons every day or several times a week compared to the examined control group (p&lt;0.05). In the course of the correlation analysis, the interdependence between the increase in the frequency of consumption of sweets, meat, sausages, sweet carbonated drinks, fast food and the increase in anthropometric indicators associated with obesity (BMI, waist circumference and hip circumference) was established; between an increase in the frequency of consumption of sugary carbonated drinks, sausages and an increase in the size of the liver, between a greater frequency of consumption of fruits and a lower level of triglycerides and very low density lipid cholesterol (p&lt;0.05). Analysis of the results of the DEBQ survey showed that more than 70% of obese patients had a restrictive violation of the EB, with a lesser frequency of external (43.8%) and emotiogenic (39.3%) type of EB in contrast to the control group (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions. The study revealed the problem of unbalanced nutrition in adolescents, which also manifested itself in the form of eating disorders. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the participating institution. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

Cardiovascular Risk Scores among Asymptomatic Adults with Haemophilia.

The mortality rate of Brazilian people with haemophilia (PwH) is decreasing, but the relative incidence of deaths associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increasing. We aimed to describe the CVD risk score of PwH according to Pooled Cohort Equations Risk (PCER) Calculator tool and its treatment recommendations. We also compared the PCER estimates with the respective Framingham Risk Score (FRS). This cross-sectional study included male PwH ≥ 40 years treated at the Comprehensive Haemophilia Treatment Centre of Pernambuco (Recife/Brazil). PwH with a previous CVD event or a low-density lipid cholesterol ≥ 5.0 mmol/L were excluded. Interviews, medical file reviews, and blood tests were performed. The PCER tool was used to estimate the CVD risk and compare it with the respective FRS. A p-value < 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. Thirty PwH were included. Median age was 51.5 [interquartile range-IQR; 46.0-59.5] years. The prevalence of obesity, systemic arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypertriglyceridaemia, hypercholesterolaemia, and hypoHDLaemia were 20%, 67%, 24%, 14%, 47%, and 23%, respectively. The median PCER score was 6.9% [IQR; 3.1-13.2], with 50% having a high risk (PCER ≥ 7.5%). Statin use was suggested for 54% of PwH. Blood pressure was poorly controlled in 47% of PwH. The agreement between PCER and FRS was 80% (κ = 0.60; p = 0.001). Half of the male people with haemophilia aged 40 years or older had a 10-year high risk of developing CVD with strong recommendations to improve control of dyslipidaemia and blood pressure.

Prognostic Impact of Atrial Fibrillation Pattern and other Clinical Biomarkers in Patients with Stroke Admitted in a Tertiary Hospital in Cebu City from 2015-2022.

The effect of atrial fibrillation (AF) patterns and clinical biomarkers among patients with AF-related stroke is still controversial. The objective of this study is to determine the association of the pattern of AF and markers on routine blood tests with the outcome of patients after an AF-related stroke. This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with stroke and AF admitted in a tertiary hospital in Cebu City from 2015-2022. Patients' baseline characteristics, laboratory tests, ECG, and radiologic data were collected. Descriptive statistics such as mean and frequency were computed. The Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test were used to calculate the incidence time. The Cox regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with survival. A stepwise regression technique was used in model building. The mortality rate of patients with AF-related stroke was 0.02. A Kaplan Meier survival estimate shows that patients with paroxysmal AF have better survival. Upon model building of variables, age, red cell distribution width (RDW), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet count, low density lipid cholesterol (LDL-C), and pattern of AF were predictive of mortality in patients with AF-related stroke. Among AF-related stroke patients admitted at a tertiary hospital in Cebu City, pattern of AF, age, RDW, NLR, platelet count, and LDL-C were associated with mortality. The parameters associated with increased mortality could be easily assessed using an ECG, CBC, and lipid profile. These are all readily available and cost-efficient.

Cardiometabolic profiles in children and adults with overweight and obesity and down syndrome.

Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) are at increased risk for being overweight/obese, but the associated cardiometabolic risk (CR) is not clear. Cross-sectional anthropometric and clinical laboratory data from a multi-site, international cohort of individuals with DS were analyzed to determine cardiometabolic risk by reporting observed distributions of cardiometabolic biomarkers in overweight/obese individuals with DS throughout the lifespan. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses by age categories determined the distributive percentiles for cardiometabolic biomarkers and tested for adiposity as a predictor of CR. Across seven DS clinics, data were collected on 240 patients between the ages of 3 and 63 years, with one quarter overweight and three quarters obese among children and nearly all adults being obese. In children and adults, most cardiometabolic biomarker profiles showed distributive values within normal ranges. Blood lipids were positively associated with body mass index (BMI) in children (high density lipid-cholesterol, p= 0.01; low density lipid-cholesterol, p= 0.02). Levels of hs-CRP were elevated in both children and adults, with BMI positively associated with hs-CRP in adults with DS (p= 0.04). Liver enzyme values were positively associated with BMI in children and adults. The data suggest that in contrast to the general population, in individuals with Down syndrome, being overweight and obese does not appear to confer a significantly increased risk for cardiometabolic disease by biomarker profile. Individuals with DS who are overweight/obese appear to have unique cardiometabolic profiles unrelated to adiposity, notable for increased hs-CRP and normal HA1c levels.

Abstract 9858: Trends in Lipid-Lowering Prescriptions by Statin Intensity — United States, 2017-202

Introduction: Almost 30% of US adults have elevated low-density lipid cholesterol (LDL-C) increasing their risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The 2018 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Multisociety Cholesterol Guideline recommends maximally tolerated statin for those at increased ASCVD risk and add-on therapies (ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors) for those at very high risk with LDL-C≥70 mg/dl, but prescription fill trends are unknown. Methods: Using the IQVIA Total Patient Tracker database (covering ~93% of outpatient retail prescriptions in the US) from Q1 2017–Q1 2022, we determined counts of patients who filled low-, moderate-, or high-intensity statins alone and with ezetimibe or PCSK9 inhibitors. Overall percent change and joinpoint regression were used to assess trends. Results: From Q1 2017–Q1 2022, patients filling any statin intensity increased 25% with the greatest increase in high-intensity statins (64.1%). Concurrent fills of high-intensity statin and ezetimibe rose 210%, with an increase in slope by Q2 2019 for all statin intensities (p&lt;0.001, Figure A). Patients filling a PCSK9 inhibitor and all statin intensities increased over the study period (2124% for high-intensity), with increases in slope in Q2 2019 and continued increase in fills but less sharp rise in Q1 2020 (p&lt;0.001, Figure B). Conclusions: Increasing prescription fills of high-intensity statins and add-on ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors indicate uptake of guideline-concordant lipid-lowering therapies for cardiovascular disease prevention. There is need for continuity of PCSK9 inhibitor therapy which may have been disrupted during COVID-19.

Predictors of weight reduction in a Nigerian family practice setting.

This study identified the predictors of weight reduction among adult obese patients in a Family Practice Setting and developed a statistical model to predict weight reduction. A prospective cohort design. The Family Practice Clinic, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. Obese adults were recruited into a three-month weight reduction program. Patient Information Leaflets were used for counselling, while questionnaires were administered to obtain socio-demographic and lifestyle factors. Potential predictors were assessed using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Zung Depression Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem scale, Garner's Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26), 24-hour dietary recall and International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form. Anthropometric indices, blood pressure and Fasting Lipid Profile were assessed. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis with a significance set at α0.05. Most 99(76.2%) of the 130 participants achieved weight reduction and had a median weight change of -2.3kg (IQR-4, -0.5), with 66 (66.7%) out of 99 attaining the weight reduction target of 10%. The regression model showed predictors of weight reduction to be Total Cholesterol [TC] (p=0.01) and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol [LDL-C] (p=0.03). The statistical model derived for Weight reduction = 0.0028 (LDL-C) -0.029 (TC)-0.053 (EAT-26) +0.041(High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol). The proportion of variance of the model tested was R2 = 0.3928 (adjusted R2 = 0.2106). Predictors of weight reduction among patients were eating attitude score, Total Cholesterol, Low-Density Lipid and High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol levels. A statistical model was developed for managing obesity among patients. Self-funded, with a discount from the Public-Private Partnership Laboratory obtained for the patients recruited.

Correlation between Smoking and Dyslipidemia in Elderly Males: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

Aim: To investigate the association between smoking and dyslipidemia in elderly males while accounting for age, BMI, and alcohol use. Study design: Analytical cross-sectional study Place and Duration: This study was conducted at Bhitai Dental and Medical College Mirpurkhas from march 2021 to march 2022 Methodology: The research comprised 2,160 participants who were divided into 3 different groups: current smokers, non-smokers, &amp; past smokers. The research excluded those who smoked just sometimes (one cigarette per day). This study separated smokers into four categories: light (26.7 pack-years), medium (426.7-90.5 pack-years), heavy (440.5-75.5 pack-years), and extremely heavy (455.5-165.5 pack-years).On the same day, a survey, physical examination, and laboratory study of blood samples were used to evaluate the study population. The person was assessed while wearing light clothes and no shoes, and anthropometric measures comprised height and body weight. Weight was divided by height squared (kg/m2) to get the BMI. Using established protocols in the clinical laboratory, an automated biochemistry analyzer measured the blood levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipid cholesterol, low- density lipid cholesterol, Apo protein B, and Lipoprotein. Result: When compared to present smokers, the levels of triglycerides and high-density lipid cholesterol among non-smokers and former smokers were statistically significantly different (P=0.001). Other variables, such as Age, body mass index, use of liquor, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, did not significantly differ between non-, past, and present smokers. In comparison to light smokers, moderate, heavy, and very heavy smokers more commonly displayed abnormal levels of TGs, Apo-B, and TC, while very heavy smokers less frequently displayed abnormal levels of low-density lipid cholesterol. It was unexpected to find that among very heavy smokers, aberrant Apo-B levels were seen more frequently than low-density lipid cholesterol levels. The prevalence of abnormal HDL-C and lipoprotein (a) was higher among light smokers. After accounting for alcohol, BMI, and age, smoking remained a significant independent threat fact for dyslipidemia (P = 0.032). Conclusion:The study revealed that smoking caused TGs and apoB levels to rise in elderly males, and HDL-C levels to decrease, making it an independent risk factor for dyslipidemia. Keywords: smoking, dyslipidemia, elderly, males

Impact of decreased physical activity due to COVID restrictions on cardio-metabolic risk parameters in Indian children and youth with type 1 diabetes

Background and aimsImplementation of COVID restrictions following lockdown led to changes in routines of subjects with type 1 diabetes due to closure of schools and outdoor activities. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of decreased physical activity due to COVID restrictions on cardio-metabolic risk parameters (waist circumference, laboratory and body composition parameters) in Indian children and youth with T1D. MethodsThis observational study included 312 participants (2–21 years) with T1DM having disease duration of ≥6 months. Demographic, anthropometric, body composition data and investigations were recorded at two time points (during COVID restrictions when children came for follow up, pre COVID restriction data from medical and electronic records). ResultsGlycemic control improved during COVID restrictions (Hba1c: 9.8 ± 2.0%) as compared to pre COVID restrictions (Hba1C: 10.0 ± 1.9%) (p < 0.05). However, due to significant reduction in physical activity (p < 0.05) there was significant increase in waist circumference z-scores (−0.9 ± 1.1 vs −1.6 ± 1.1), body fat percentage z-scores (−0.2 ± 1.0 vs −0.3 ± 0.9) and lipid parameters like cholesterol, low density lipid cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations (p < 0.05) without any significant change in body mass index z-scores (p > 0.05). ConclusionsProlonged COVID restrictions, although led to modest improvement in glycemic control, there was worsening of cardio-metabolic risk factors or indices of adiposity like waist circumference, body fat percentage and lipid parameters which could be attributed to decreased time spent in physical activity.

Anti-Obesity Effect of Carom Seeds (Trachyspermum Ammi) Tea on Bmi and Lipid Profile Leading to Cardiovascular Diseases

Introduction: Obesity refers to the deposition of fat ratio in the fat tissues of muscles in which the BMI raised (obesity and hyperlipidemia) that may have a negative impact on health. Herbs from ancient times till today have been utilized as a solution for some infections and issues. Objectives: The purpose of this research was to evaluate the defensive impact of Carom seed (Trachyspermum ammi) against obesity and hyperlipidemia. Materials &amp; Methods: Carom seed was acquired from the Faisalabad and was washed to expel the soil, dust, and outside materials clung to the test surface. The crude material was dried by utilizing an air forced draft oven. After planning, it was stuffed in water/airproof plastic containers and put away at 5 ± 1 °C until further analysis. Moreover, the blood samples were collected on 0-day, 15-day, 30-day, and 60-day by taking 15ml venous blood after a 12-hour night of fasting. Serum samples were separated by centrifugation and stored at -70?c until analysis. Low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were measured enzymatically. Concentrations of triglycerides and total cholesterol were measured by Peridochrom Triglyceride Kits. Sixteen subjects, separated into four groups were given carom seeds in the form of tea i.e. G0 (Control), G1 (500mg), G2 (1 mg) and G3 (1.5 mg) individually. This was an eight-week trial and all the parameters e.g. Body Mass Index, High-Density Lipid, Low-Density Lipid, Tri-Glycerides, and Total Cholesterol were measured at 0 days, 15 days, 30 days, and 60 days respectively. The yield data of carom seed tea for anti-obesity and anti-hyper-lipidemic effects obtained for each treatment were subjected to a paired t-test by using SPSS. Results: The significant change has been observed between the groups with the relevance of treatments given. G0 showed no significant changes among all the groups while G2 and G3 reported considerable changes because of the dosage concentrations of carom seed tea i.e. 1g and 1.5g respectively (p&lt;0.05).

A Class Effect Network Meta-analysis of Lipid Modulation in Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis for Dyslipidemia.

Pharmaceutical therapy for NASH is associated with lipid modulation, but the consensus on drug treatment is limited and lacks comparative analysis of effectiveness. A network meta-analysis was conducted to compare NASH drug classes in lipid modulation. Online databases were searched for randomized controlled trails (RCTs) evaluating NASH treatments in biopsy-proven NASH patients. Treatments were classified into four groups: (1) inflammation, (2) energy, (3) bile acids, and (4) fibrosis based on the mechanism of action. A Bayesian network analysis was conducted with outcome measured by mean difference (MD) with credible intervals (Crl) and surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). Forty-four RCTs were included in the analysis. Bile acid modulating treatments (MD: 0.05, Crl: 0.03-0.07) were the best treatment for improvement in high-density lipid (HDL) cholesterol, followed by treatments modulating energy (MD: 0.03, Crl: 0.02-0.04) and fibrosis (MD: 0.01, Crl: -0.12 to 0.14) compared with placebo. The top three treatments for reduction in triglycerides were treatments modulating energy (MD: -0.46, Crl: -0.49 to -0.43), bile acids (MD: -0.22, Crl: -0.35 to -0.09), and inflammation (MD: -0.08, Crl: -0.13 to -0.03) compared with placebo. SUCRA found treatment modulating fibrosis (MD: -1.27, Crl: -1.76 to -0.79) was the best treatment for reduction in low-density lipid (LDL) cholesterol followed by treatment modulating inflammation (MD: -1.03, Crl: -1.09 to -0.97) and energy (MD: -0.37, Crl: -0.39 to -0.34) compared with placebo, but LDL cholesterol was worsened by treatments modulating bile acids. Network analysis comparing the class effects of dyslipidemia modulation in NASH found that treatment targets can include optimization of atherogenic dyslipidemia. Future studies are required to evaluate the cardiovascular outcomes.

A systematic review with meta-analysis of biomarkers for detection of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

RationaleThe blood is a rich source of potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of idiopathic and hereditary pulmonary arterial hypertension (iPAH and hPAH, referred to as “PAH”). While a lot of biomarkers have been identified for PAH, the clinical utility of these biomarkers often remains unclear. Here, we performed an unbiased meta-analysis of published biomarkers to identify biomarkers with the highest performance for detection of PAH.MethodsA literature search (in PubMed, Embase.com, Clarivate Analytics/Web of Science Core Collection and Wiley/Cochrane Library) was performed up to 28 January 2021. Primary end points were blood biomarker levels in PAH versus asymptomatic controls or patients suspected of pulmonary hypertension (PH) with proven normal haemodynamic profiles.Results149 articles were identified by the literature search. Meta-analysis of 26 biomarkers yielded 17 biomarkers that were differentially expressed in PAH and non-PH control subjects. Red cell distribution width, low density lipid-cholesterol, d-dimer, N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic protein (NT-proBNP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and uric acid were biomarkers with the largest observed differences, largest sample sizes and a low risk of publication bias. Receiver operating characteristic curves and sensitivity/specificity analyses demonstrated that NT-proBNP had a high sensitivity, but low specificity for PAH. For the other biomarkers, insufficient data on diagnostic accuracy with receiver operating characteristic curves were available for meta-analysis.ConclusionThis meta-analysis validates NT-proBNP as a biomarker with high sensitivity for PAH, albeit with low specificity. The majority of biomarkers evaluated in this meta-analysis lacked either external validation or data on diagnostic accuracy. Further validation studies are required as well as studies that test combinations of biomarkers to improve specificity.

Association between Serum Lipid Parameters and Cognitive Performance in Older Adults.

(1) Background: Previous studies have suggested the association between lipid profiles and cognitive function in older adults. However, they generated inconsistent results. We aim to determine the relationship between lipid profiles and cognitive performance in older adults. (2) Methods: We used the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. This study included 2215 participants who were aged more than 60 years old and free of coronary heart disease or stroke. Lipid profiles included total cholesterol (TC), low density lipid cholesterol (LDL), high density lipid cholesterol (HDL), and triglyceride (TG). Cognitive function was assessed using the digit symbol substitution test (DSST). (3) Results: Positive correlations of DSST were observed with TC (r = 0.111; p < 0.0001), HDL (r = 0.127; p < 0.0001), and LDL (r = 0.107; p = 0.0005). However, there was no significant relationship between TG and DSST. A one-unit increase in HDL was associated with an increase in DSST score (beta coefficient: 0.036; p = 0.018); but the association was not significant for LDL, TG, and TC. In the categorical analysis, the high HDL group had a higher DSST score than the low HDL group (beta = 3.113; p < 0.0001) and the low TG group was more likely to show a lower DSST score than the high TC group (beta = −1.837; p = 0.0461). However, LDL and TC showed no statistically significant associations. Moreover, HDL was only associated with a 0.701 times increased risk of cognitive impairment (95% CI = 0.523–0.938) in the logistic regression analysis. (4) Conclusions: Higher blood concentrations of HDL levels were positively associated with DSST scores in older adults. We suggest that the high levels of HDL may be a protective factor against cognitive impairment.

Efficacy of simvastatin on carotid atherosclerotic plaque and its effects on serum inflammatory factors and cardiocerebrovascular events in elderly patients.

To investigate the efficacy of simvastatin on carotid atherosclerotic plaque (CAP) and its effects on serum inflammatory factors and cardiocerebrovascular events in elderly patients, 130 elderly patients with CAP were randomly divided into observation (n=65) and control groups (n=65). The control group was treated with 75 mg/day aspirin enteric-coated tablets, and the observation group was administered additional 20 mg/day simvastatin. Serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and high- and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (evaluated via the endpoint method) were determined in both groups. Furthermore, the length, thickness and number of CAPs was measured using color Doppler ultrasonography. In addition, levels of inflammatory biomarkers including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nitric oxide, D-dimer and fibrinogen, as well as change in microemboli count, were also compared After treatment, the observation group exhibited a significant reduction in size, thickness, and number of CAP and intima-media thickness compared with before treatment. However, no significant difference was found in the indicators of CAPs in the control group before and after treatment. The levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipid cholesterol decreased, while high-density lipid cholesterol increased in the observation group after treatment, with notable changes in the observation group compared with in the control group. Overall response rate was higher in the observation group compared with the control group. TNF-α, IL-6, and hs-CRP levels in the observation group decreased after treatment compared with those before treatment and those in the control group. Furthermore, the rate of microemboli positivity was lower in the observation group than in the control group. Moreover, the overall incidence of acute cardiocerebrovascular events was lower in the observation group than in the control group. Therefore, it was demonstrated that simvastatin can reduce blood lipid levels, decrease the quantity and size of plaques, alleviate inflammatory response, reduce microemboli formation and reduce the risk of cardiocerebrovascular events in elderly patients with CAP.

Is the effect of atorvastatin 60 mg on stabilization of lipid-rich plaque equivalent to that of rosuvastatin 10 mg? A serial optical coherence tomography combined with intravascular ultrasound imaging.

This study aimed to compare the effect of atorvastatin 60 (AT60) mg to that of rosuvastatin 10 (RT10) mg on the morphological changes in lipid-rich plaques (LRPs) and plaque volume, using serial optical coherence tomography (OCT) and intravascular ultrasound imaging (IVUS). Intensive lipid lowering therapy by statin provides more clinical benefit compared to that of moderate lipid lowering therapy. Fifty patients who underwent OCT and IVUS at baseline, 6, and 12 months were grouped by statin therapy into the AT60 mg (n = 27) and RT10 mg (n = 23) groups. The relationships between absolute and percentage changes in biomarkers and fibrous cap thickness (FCT) during follow-up were investigated using a simple regression analysis. At 6 months, the mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level reduced from 113.5 to 65.5 mg/dl (AT60 mg group) and 100.2 to 72.2 mg/dl (RT10 mg groups). A continuous increase in FCT from baseline to 12 months was observed in both groups (p < .001, p < .001, respectively). Mean lipid arc significantly decreased in both AT60 mg (189.0 ± 55.9°, 170.9 ± 60.2°, 155.6 ± 50.6°, p < .001) and RT10 mg (160.0 ± 45.6°, 151.2 ± 48.5°, 141.1 ± 52.9°, p = .010) groups. Plaque burden did not change significantly in both groups. Lipid-lowering therapy effect with AT60 mg was equivalent to that of RT10 mg in terms of change in plaque morphology. AT60 mg showed more intensive low-density lipid cholesterol level reduction compared to RT10 mg while RT10 mg was effective in increasing the high-density lipid cholesterol level. Both statin therapies could effectively stabilize LRPs.

Rosuvastatin and Fenofibrate Combination in The Treatment of Mixed Hyperlipidemia: A Narrative Review

Introduction: Patients with mixed dyslipidemia are presented with high levels of low-density lipid cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and reduced high-density lipid cholesterol (HDL-C). Though useful in lowering LDL-C, therapy with rosuvastatin is insufficient in optimizing the overall lipid profile, thus putting the patient at risk of residual cardiovascular risk. A combination of statin with other lipid-modifying agents has been used with more efficient lipid control and cardiovascular risk prevention. Of these, fenofibric acid is the most frequently used, along with rosuvastatin.&#x0D; Methods: Authors conducted a literature search of published literature to assess the use of rosuvastatin and fenofibrate combination in the management of mixed hyperlipidaemia.&#x0D; Results and discussion: The authors selected a total of 46 articles to be included in the review. Due to the small number of articles and heterogeneity on the combination of rosuvastatin and fenofibrate combination in mixed hyperlipidemia, the findings herein are presented using narrative summaries. Based on the thorough assessment of the selected literature, the essential themes that emerged from the review include safety and efficacy of rosuvastatin and fenofibrate combination, place of therapy of rosuvastatin, and fenofibrate combination, and potential cardiovascular risk reduction with rosuvastatin and fenofibrate combination. &#x0D; Conclusion: Based on the review, the authors suggested that the combination therapy with fenofibric acid was beneficial, well-tolerated with a similar safety profile compared with statin monotherapy. The combination therapy of moderate dose rosuvastatin and fenofibric acid led to a reduction of cardiovascular risk factors via several pathways.

Comparison of lipid profile in tobacco and non-tobacco abusers – A comparative study

Aims and Objectives: To evaluate and correlate the salivary and serum lipid profile in healthy individuals, tobacco chewers and smokers. Also, to compare the salivary lipid profile within each group statistically. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 samples were taken, 20 in each group. Fasting blood and unstimulated saliva sample collected and the lipid analysis (Total Cholesterol - TCHL, Triglycerides - TGL, High density lipid cholesterol - HDL, Low density lipid cholesterol - LDL, very low-density lipid cholesterol - VLDL) was done on an autoanalyzer based on spectrophotometric principle. Statistical analysis: Data are evaluated and statistical analysis was done using unpaired student “t” test and Karl Pearson’s correlation. Results: A moderate correlation was found between salivary and serum lipid profile of the study group and control group with exception to LDL. Low lipid profile was observed in the study group in comparison with control group. Conclusion: Saliva can be used as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for assessing lipid profile, however diagnostic value of saliva has to be determined in terms of sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility in larger samples and different disease setting. Keywords: Tobacco, Saliva, Serum, Lipids.