Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Levels Research Articles

Disparities in Achieving LDL-C Goals After Revascularization in a Diverse Real-World Cohort.

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) testing and the use of lipid-lowering therapies (LLT) both reduce risk in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). This study aims to assess LDL-C testing and the utilization of LLT in a diverse real-world cohort. This retrospective cohort study assessed 6,405 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), or a peripheral artery disease (PAD) revascularization between 2018 and 2023 at a New York City health system. Patient-level data were extracted from the electronic health record. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to evaluate associations. Overall, 4,319 patients (67%) had a follow-up LDL-C test. The median time to follow-up LDL-C testing was 11 months, with 35% having follow-up testing within 6 months. Early LDL-C testing (within 6 months) was associated with a higher utilization of high-intensity statins, ezetimibe, and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). At follow-up, 2,259 (52%) patients had an LDL-C <70 mg/dL (1.8 mmol/L). Female sex (odds ratio [OR] 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61, 0.80) and non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity (OR 0.57; 95% CI 0.49, 0.67) were independently associated with a lower likelihood of achieving a follow-up LDL-C <70 mg/dL (1.8 mmol/L) after multivariable adjustment. Among patients with ASCVD who underwent revascularization, a large proportion did not have follow-up LDL-C testing, and in those who did, testing was delayed. Only half of patients achieved LDL-C levels below 70 mg/dL (1.8 mmol/L), with female and non-Hispanic Black patients less likely to attain this goal.

Safety and Effectiveness of Pravastatin in Korean Patients with Dyslipidemia Based on the Cardiovascular Risk Classification: Pooled Analysis of Four Observational Studies.

Despite their efficacy, statin-related adverse events (AEs) may interfere with statin treatment and contribute to negative outcomes in patients with cardiovascular diseases. In this study, we evaluated the safety and effectiveness of pravastatin in Korea. Pooled data were collected from four multicenter prospective observational studies conducted in Korea between 2011 and 2020. Finally, 7,334 and 2,022 participants were included in the safety and effectiveness analyses, respectively. Overall safety, particularly muscle-related, incidence of new-onset diabetes mellitus (DM), changes in fasting plasma glucose and hemoglobin A1c level, achievement of target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level, and changes in LDL-C level were analyzed. At week 24, after 20 or 40 mg pravastatin treatment, safety results showed that AEs and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were 8.7% and 1.3%, respectively, and that muscle-related AEs and ADRs were 0.5% and 0.3%, respectively, with no statistically significant difference in risk factors for statin-associated muscle symptoms. No patients developed DM during the study period. Additionally, at week 24, the achievement rates of target LDL-C levels were 87.9%, 78.4%, 57.8%, and 11.6% in low-, moderate-, high-, and very high-risk groups, respectively. This study found that 20 or 40 mg pravastatin had minimal side effects and was safe for use in real-world clinical settings in Korea. Specifically, these doses effectively achieved the target LDL-C levels in patients with dyslipidemia in low-, moderate-, and high-risk groups for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). These results demonstrate that pravastatin can be safely administered continuously to patients with low-, moderate-, and high-risk ASCVD in a real-world clinical setting.

Prevalence and role of elevated serum lipoprotein(a) in patients with myocardial infarction according to the Russian register of acute myocardial infarction REGION-MI

Objective. Serum lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a))&gt;50 mg/dl is associated with higher risk of cardiovascular diseases and complications. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of elevated Lp(a) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) in various regions of the Russian Federation (RF), as well as the prevalence of target level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) in these patients. Material and methods. The REGION–IM (Russian Registry of Acute Myocardial Infarction) is a multiple-center prospective observational study. The follow-up included 3 stages: hospital-stay, 6 and 12 months after inclusion in the register. Demographic and anamnestic data, as well as information about MI were entered into the registration card. Lp(a) was analyzed in 1.623 (22%) patients from 40 regions of the Russian Federation. There were 1.173 (72%) men and 450 (28%) women aged 60 years (range 30—94). Results. Mean serum Lp(a) was 12.4 mg/dl (range 2 — 722.2). This value was significantly higher in women (15.5 mg/dl versus 10.8 mg/dl, p&lt;0.05) and STEMI patients (12.9 mg/dl versus 10.8 mg/dl, p&lt;0.05). Serum Lp(a) &gt;50 mg/dl was recorded in 414 (26%) patients, 50—100 mg/dl — 12.9%, 101—180 mg/dl — 2.9%, &gt; 180 mg/dl — 10.3% of patients. Conclusion. Serum Lp(a) &gt; 50 mg/dl was recorded in every fourth patient while extreme elevation (&gt;180 mg/dl) — in every tenth patient of this register. Screening of serum Lp(a) at least once in lifetime will allow determining the category of patients with extremely high risk of cardiovascular complications including those with target level of LDL-C.

The Effects of SGLT2 Inhibitors on Lipid Profile and Kidney Function in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Regardless of Diabetes and Hypertension Status

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive, irreversible impairment of kidney function due to various etiologies. Numerous studies have shown that sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) slow the progression of CKD, due to their pleiotropic effects. Therefore, there has been an increase in interest in their effects not only on kidney function but also on other parameters in patients with CKD. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of SGLT2i on serum lipid values and kidney function in patients with CKD undergoing SGLT2i treatment. Methods: This study was a retrospective data analysis of 75 patients with CKD on SGLT2i treatment. We compared the values of biochemical parameters, renal function outcomes, and blood pressure at two time points: baseline and 24 months after. Results: Total cholesterol (Chol) significantly decreased in all patients, while triglyceride (Tg) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) levels also decreased in all patients. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) levels increased, but this increase was not significant. Creatinine clearance (Ccr) significantly decreased, and serum urea (Sur) significantly increased in all patients. The proteinuria (Prt) levels did not change significantly. The results showed that the diastolic blood pressure (DBP) significantly decreased in all patients. Conclusions: This study showed that the use of SGLT2i reduced total Chol in all patients with CKD during the 24-month follow-up, regardless of diabetes mellitus (DM) status. No significant differences were observed for the Tg, LDLc, and HDLc values.

Inclisiran in Cardiovascular Health: A Review of Mechanisms, Efficacy, and Future Prospects.

Dyslipidemia is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and managing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels is a crucial strategy for both the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. The active ingredient in the novel lipid-lowering drug, inclisiran, is a new type of small interfering RNA that primarily regulates blood lipid levels by inhibiting the synthesis of proprotein convertase subtilisin type 9 (PCSK9). Enhanced lipid-lowering effects can be achieved following 3 administrations. This article summarizes inclisiran's mechanism of action, efficacy, safety, current research hotspots, clinical applications, and future development prospects, based on the latest literature and research advancements. Through comparative analysis with traditional lipid-lowering drugs, we conclude that inclisiran has promising application prospects and market potential, as it can complement traditional statin therapies to enhance lipid-lowering efficiency. This not only provides convenience to patients but also improves treatment compliance. Its safety profile alleviates patients' concerns and mitigates the impact of negative emotions on their condition. Additionally, the potential applications of inclisiran in oncology have been identified. However, inclisiran also presents certain limitations and challenges. For instance, its long-term safety and efficacy require further investigation in future studies, and its high cost can restrict its widespread adoption and promotion. Furthermore, additional clinical evidence is needed to evaluate its synergistic or antagonistic effects when used in conjunction with other medications.

Evaluation of the efficacy of online healthcare system for the remote management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus has emerged as a globally prevalent chronic disease among middle-aged and elderly populations, with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) constituting over 90% of diagnosed cases. The pathophysiological alterations and associated complications of this metabolic disorder exert profound detrimental effects on patients' quality of life and long-term health outcomes. The study aimed to investigate the impact of an online healthcare system on glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure (BP) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A total of 950 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were enrolled in the online healthcare platform and subsequently categorized into 2 groups based on their visit frequency over a period of approximately 6 months (180 days ± 10%). The control group included 203 patients with only 1 visit, while the observation group comprised 747 patients with twice or more. Comparative analysis was conducted between the 2 groups to assess the levels of HbA1c, LDL-C, BMI, and BP control, as well as compliance rates. The analysis revealed that the observation group showed notably lower levels of HbA1c, LDL-C, and BP compared to the control group. While there was no significant variance in BMI between the groups, the observation group experienced a substantial reduction in BMI over the 6-month period. Our findings substantiate that telemedicine complemented by an online healthcare system, based on the traditional medical model, effectively regulated HbA1c, LDL-C, BMI, and BP in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This approach facilitates enhanced patient self-management, improved disease knowledge, better quality of life, and favorable prognosis.

Association between polymorphisms of the adenylate cyclase 3 gene rs2241759 and the effect of high-intensity interval training on blood lipid profiles.

One of the recognized effects of systematic physical activity is the improvement of physical fitness, with a negative correlation found between physical fitness and cardiovascular and cardiometabolic risk. The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the adenylate cyclase 3 (ADCY3) gene on the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on blood lipids, and simultaneously screen out the genetic markers sensitive to HIIT in Chinese Han youth. In the 12-week HIIT program, a total of 237 Chinese Han college students with non-regular exercise habits were recruited, and these volunteers participated in the training three times a week. Baseline and after the HIIT program, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were measured, respectively. DNA was extracted from the white blood cells of volunteers and genotyping was carried out. The PLINK v1.09 software was used to conduct quality control screening on the obtained SNPs, and a linear regression model was constructed to analyze the association between ADCY3 gene SNPs and the effect of HIIT on blood lipids. ANOVA multiple comparison (LSD) was performed to test the difference between groups (P < 0.05). (1) Through the analysis of Illumina CGA chip scanning, a total of 22 SNPs of the ADCY3 gene were identified. Following rigorous quality control screening, 15 SNPs were included in the subsequent analysis. Notably, it was found that the rs2241759 locus is associated with the effect of HIIT on blood lipid profiles. (2) Among male volunteers, significant differences in the baseline HDL-C values were observed among the three genotypes at the rs2241759 locus of the ADCY3 gene (β=-0.019, P = 0.040). The baseline value for the GG genotype was higher than that AA/AG genotypes. (3) After HIIT, the total levels of TC and HDL-C in volunteers increased significantly (P < 0.05). In contrast, the total levels of TG and LDL-C decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Further statistical analysis categorized by gender revealed that, with the exception of TC values in men, significant changes were observed for TC, TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C across both genders (P < 0.05). (4) Compared to male volunteers with the GG genotype, male volunteers carrying the A allele exhibited a more pronounced change in TC values following training (β=0.044, P = 0.038). (5) The rs2241759 locus demonstrated a significant association with the effect of HIIT on LDL-C (β=-0.065, P = 0.04363). (1) The implementation of a 12-week HIIT regimen can significantly enhance the blood lipid status of college students. (2) The locus rs2241759 of the ADCY3 gene is significantly associated with the sensitivity of LDL-C to HIIT.

Effect of Hesperidin on Lipid Profile, Inflammation and Apoptosis in Experimental Diabetes.

In recent years, therapeutic approaches against diabetes-induced liver damage have attracted great interest. Studies indicate the anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lipid-lowering potential of hesperidin (HESP), a flavonoid in citrus fruits. This study examined how HESP prevented streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic liver damage. Four groups of seven rats each were created: Control, HESP (100mg/kg/day), STZ (45 mg/kg), and STZ + HESP (45 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg/day, respectively). Serum AST, ALT, LDH, LDL, triglyceride, total cholesterol levels, and the TNF-α, IL-1β, and caspase-3 expression levels of liver tissue in the STZ group were higher than the other groups (p < 0.05). However, these values were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the STZ + HESP group compared to the STZ group. Furthermore, administering HESP together with STZ reduced liver expression levels of caspase-3, TNF-α, and IL-1β, as well as blood levels of AST, ALT, LDH, LDL, triglyceride, and total cholesterol. HESP against diabetes-induced hepatic damage reduced proinflammatory cytokine levels, and returned the lipid profile, and apoptotic indicators to normal levels. These findings suggested that HESP therapy may be an important therapeutic role against diabetes-induced liver damage.

Serum midkine level and its association with subclinical coronary artery calcification and carotid atherosclerosis in chronic kidney disease

BackgroundThere are no studies investigating the role of midkine (MK) in vascular calcification (VC) or vascular disease associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study assessed serum MK level and investigated its relationship with carotid atherosclerosis and coronary artery calcification (CAC) in non-dialysis CKD.MethodsThe study comprised 80 controls and 185 adult patients with CKD at stages 3–5 who were free of cardiovascular diseases. Acute renal failure, chronic hemodialysis, severe liver disease, inflammatory states, anticoagulation therapy and cancer were excluded. The patients were classified based on presence of CAC score into severe and mild to moderate CAC groups. They were also divided into atherosclerotic and non-atherosclerotic groups based on carotid atherosclerosis. CBC, kidney function tests, lipid profile, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), and phosphorus were assessed. Serum levels of MK, tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF- α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were quantitatively tested using ELISA. Cardiac CT scan was done to calculate CAC score. Carotid ultrasonography was used to evaluate carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and identify plaques.ResultsAll CKD categories, including CKD-3, CKD-4, and CKD-5, showed higher rates of carotid plaques (p = 0.007, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively), higher levels of MK (p < 0.001 for each), and higher CAC scores (p < 0.001 for each) as CKD worsened. Compared to mild to moderate CAC patients, severe CAC patients showed increased CIMT (p < 0.001) and raised serum levels of MK (p < 0.001), TNF-α (p = 0.001), IL-6 (p = 0.002), hs-CRP (p = 0.003), iPTH (p = 0.02), phosphorus (p < 0.001), total cholesterol (TC), and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C). Multivariate linear regression revealed that CAC was reliably predicted by MK (p = 0.008) and serum creatinine (p = 0.001). Carotid atherosclerotic patients had higher serum levels of MK, TNF-α, IL-6, hs-CRP, iPTH, phosphorus, TC, total triglycerides and LDL-C (p < 0.001 for each). Multivariate logistic regression showed that serum MK (p = 0.001), serum creatinine (p = 0.005), age (p < 0.001), iPTH (p = 0.007), and IL-6 (p = 0.024) were significant predictors of carotid atherosclerosis.ConclusionsAs CKD worsened, MK levels, carotid atherosclerosis and CAC increased. Serum MK was a reliable biomarker for asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis and CAC in non-dialysis CKD, allowing prompt early diagnosis to avert cardiovascular morbidity and death in the future.Trial registrationThe trial number was 1138 and its registration was approved by the hospital’s Research Ethics Committee in 4/2024.

Residual cholesterol and inflammatory risk in statin-treated patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention†.

Residual cholesterol and inflammatory risk in statin-treated patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention†.

Machine learning-based prediction of LDL cholesterol: performance evaluation and validation.

This study aimed to validate and optimize a machine learning algorithm for accurately predicting low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, addressing limitations of traditional formulas, particularly in hypertriglyceridemia. Various machine learning models-linear regression, K-nearest neighbors (KNN), decision tree, random forest, eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB), and multilayer perceptron (MLP) regressor-were compared to conventional formulas (Friedewald, Martin, and Sampson) using lipid profiles from 120,174 subjects (2020-2023). Predictive performance was evaluated using R-squared (R 2), mean squared error (MSE), and Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) against measured LDL-C values. Machine learning models outperformed traditional methods, with Random Forest and XGB achieving the highest accuracy (R 2=0.94, MSE = 89.25) on the internal dataset. Among the traditional formulas, the Sampson method performed best but showed reduced accuracy in high triglyceride (TG) groups (TG > 300 mg/dL). Machine learning models maintained high predictive power across all TG levels. Machine learning models offer more accurate LDL-C estimates, especially in high TG contexts where traditional formulas are less reliable. These models could enhance cardiovascular risk assessment by providing more precise LDL-C estimates, potentially leading to more informed treatment decisions and improved patient outcomes.

Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of Sevelamer Carbonate Combined with Calcium Carbonate in Children with Chronic Kidney Disease and Hyperphosphatemia

The treatment of hyperphosphatemia in children is of great significance; however, there are currently very few studies investigating the use of sevelamer carbonate for this condition in pediatric patients. This study was conducted to compare the safety and efficacy of calcium carbonate and calcium carbonate combined with sevelamer carbonate in pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Pediatric patients diagnosed with CKD combined with hyperphosphatemia from March 2018 to June 2023 were included in this study. Patients in the sevelamer group received a combination of calcium carbonate and sevelamer carbonate to decrease serum phosphorus levels, while patients in the calcium carbonate group or the control group received only calcium carbonate. The therapeutic effect index included serum phosphorus, serum calcium, intact parathyroid hormone, human albumin, lipoprotein, and alkaline phosphatase levels. A total of 118 children diagnosed with CKD complicated with hyperphosphatemia were included in this study. After 12 weeks of treatment, the serum phosphorus levels of the children in the sevelamer group significantly reduced along with significant changes in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol levels (P &lt; 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in other indicators. Adverse reactions mainly included the adverse reactions of the digestive system, which occurred in 12 and 9 cases in the control and sevelamer groups, respectively. Sevelamer carbonate combined with calcium carbonate can reduce serum phosphorus levels more efficiently and without serious adverse reactions in children.

Time for Change: A 3-Year Prospective Study on Mediterranean Diet Adherence and Body Composition in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

The aim of this prospective follow-up study was to evaluate changes in body composition parameters and Mediterranean diet (MeDi) adherence among kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) over a three-year period. Additionally, this study sought to investigate the associations between these changes and clinical parameters, including laboratory parameters, new onset of diseases, and death outcome. A total of 116 KTRs were initially assessed in 2019 and subsequently re-evaluated in 2022. The Mediterranean Diet Serving Score (MDSS) was used to assess dietary adherence to the MeDi at baseline and follow-up assessments. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was used to assess body composition and clinical outcomes were assessed by the data available from medical charts. After three years, MeDi adherence significantly decreased (p = 0.028) from 15 (18.29%) to 5 (6%), with dominantly lower adherence for vegetable, fruit, legume, red meat, olive oil and fish intake. Regarding body composition parameters, the most prominent change was seen in muscle mass, which deteriorated from 41.77% (IQR 6.46) to 39% (IQR 6.14; p = 0.004). However, changes in fat mass level were not significant in the follow-up period. Furthermore, cereal intake, fasting blood glucose (FBG), cholesterol level, level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), triglyceride leve and presence of diabetes mellitus lwere shown to be predictive for the decline of skeletal muscle mass. There were no significant changes in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) or albuminuria level during the follow-up period. Associations with the death outcome were found for the MeDi-advised intake of eggs (β = -1.06, HR = 0.35, CI (0.14-0.87), p = 0.023), phase angle (PhA) (β = -2.68, HR = 0.07, CI (0.01-0.43), p = 0.004), cholesterol level (β = 0.95, HR = 2.60, CI (1.40-4.70), p = 0.001) and calcium level (β = -7.21, HR = 0.00, CI (0.00-1.50), p = 0.063). This study highlights a significant decline in MeDi adherence and skeletal muscle mass among KTRs over a three-year follow-up period, with no notable changes in fat mass or kidney function. The predictors of muscle mass loss and associations with mortality underscore the importance of dietary and clinical management in this population.

Prevalence and risk factors of obstructive sleep apnea in depression: an observational retrospective study

BackgroundA substantial number of previous studies have concentrated on the prevalence of depression among patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). However, research regarding the prevalence of OSA among patients with depression remains relatively scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of OSA among patients with depression and to identify the associated risk factors.MethodA single-center retrospective chart review was conducted. The research focused on patients diagnosed with depression who were referred for a polysomnogram (PSG) during a one-year period. Patients were diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) if their apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was ≥5. Using the PSG monitoring results, patients were classified into two distinct groups: the OSA group, consisting of 50 patients, and the non-OSA group, which included 109 patients. An in-depth analysis was subsequently conducted on the sleep architecture and factors associated with the risk of OSA.ResultsAmong the 159 depression patients who met the subject criteria, 31.4% were diagnosed with OSA. Statistically significant differences were observed between the OSA group and the non-OSA group in terms of sex, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, and lipid levels (all p&amp;lt;0.05). The PSG monitoring results indicated that both the duration of non-rapid eye movement stage 3 (N3) sleep and the percentage of N3 sleep relative to total sleep time (N3/TST) were markedly lower in the OSA group than in the non-OSA group, with a statistically significant difference (p&amp;lt;0.01). Statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding the number of awakenings, arousal index (ArI), mean oxygen saturation, oxygen saturation nadir, and oxygen desaturation index (all p&amp;lt;0.01). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that advanced age (odds ratio [OR]=1.034, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.004-1.065, p=0.024), female sex (OR=0.378, 95% CI: 0.171-0.837, p=0.016), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (OR=1.946, 95% CI: 1.026-3.692, p=0.041), and BMI≥25.0 kg/m² (OR=3.434, 95% CI: 1.411-8.360, p=0.007) were factors associated with OSA among patients with depression.ConclusionOSA was prevalent among patients with depression. Risk factors for OSA included male sex, advancing age, a BMI≥25.0 kg/m², and elevated LDL-C levels.

A promising agent for lipid profile correction in children with familial hypercholesterolemia

Introduction. Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (heFH) is a disorder with a high risk of early cardiovascular events and a fatal risk of myocardial infarction at the age of 20–39 years.Aim. To assess the efficacy and safety of the use of ezetimibe in real-world settings in children and adolescents with heFH, and to compare the efficacy of ezetimibe monotherapy and combination therapy with statins in this populationMaterials and methods. A retrospective descriptive analysis study was conducted from August 2021 to December 2024. The study assessed the efficacy of ezetimibe monotherapy and ezetimibe and atorvastatin combination therapy in 130 children with dyslipidaemia (average age 13.2 ± 3.1 years). Prior to treatment initiation all subjects followed a lipid-lowering diet, after which their baseline lipid profile was determined.Results. The results showed that 3-month ezetimibe monotherapy led to a decrease in the levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), which was statistically significant. The average LDL-C reduction was 1.6 ± 0.6 mmol/L (21.3%), and LDL-C targets (&lt;4 mmol/L for children &lt;10 years and &lt;3.5 mmol/L for children ≥10 years) were achieved in 70% of patients. In patients with an inadequate response to ezetimibe monotherapy, atorvastatin or combination therapy were prescribed, which demonstrated a 46.9% and 53.1% decrease in LDL-C levels from baseline, respectively, which were statistically significant.Discussion. Ezetimibe monotherapy resulted in a decrease in TC, LDL-C and non-HDL-C levels. These results were consistent with the results from the previous studies and showed the efficacy of ezetimibe as a first-line drug to treat hypercholesterolemia in children. However, the monotherapy was less-than-adequate in 30% of patients.Conclusion. The results of the study have confirmed the efficacy and safety of ezetimibe monotherapy in children with dyslipidaemia. It was difficult to achieve target values in patients with high baseline LDL-C levels using monotherapy, which justifies the necessity of combination therapy.

Exploring Lipid Levels as Indicators of Cardiovascular Risks in a University’s Executive staff: A Case Study at Rivers State University, Nigeria

Introduction: Executive staff are the senior administrative and academic officers responsible for overall management of the university. These group of officers are at risk of developing abnormal lipid profile, which is a major risk factor in developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), due to occupationally related stress and sedentary lifestyles. This study was designed to explore the status of lipid parameters of executive staff in Rivers State University. Materials and Methods: A total of two hundred executive staff, ranging from administrative to senior academics enrolled for this study and blood samples were obtained from all participants who indicated interest to participate in the study and also qualified in the inclusion criteria. Serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL Cholesterol) was analyzed spectrophotometrically with kits obtained from Spectrum Diagnostics employing manufacturer’s instructions, while Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) was calculated using the Friedewald’s equation. BMI w determined by calculation from height and weight of participants, while the blood pressures were determined using automatic blood pressure kit. The results were analyzed with SPSS version 24. Mean values were considered statistically significant when p&lt;0.05. Results: The mean value of total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein Cholesterol levels were 4.37±1.04mmol/L 0.78±0.55mmol/L, 1.65±0.44mmol/L and 2.47±1.15mmol/L respectively for male and 4.56±0.79mmol/l, 0.72±0.79mmol/l, 1.65±0.55mmol/l and 2.50±0.90mmol/l respectively for women. There were no significant differences when males were compared with females. However, when the participants were grouped into age bracket, the middle aged and the older participants had significant elevation in total cholesterol (p=0.04), triglyceride (p=0.003) and LDL (p=0.04). Furthermore, when the BMI of the participants were grouped into normal weight, overweight and obese, the triglyceride was significantly elevated in the overweight and the obese participants (P=0.03). The total cholesterol (P=0.007) and the triglyceride (P=0.001) were significantly elevated in participants with high blood pressure. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest the incidence of dyslipidemia in the executive staff of Rivers State University. Based on these findings, we advocate for life style modifications such as regular exercise, healthy dieting and regular medical checks among the study population in order to prevent and manage unhealthy lipid profile levels.

Serum aberrant expression of LINC00963 and its diagnostic value in carotid artery stenosis

Abstract Objectives Carotid artery stenosis (CAS) significantly impacts cerebral health. The identification of effective biomarkers for CAS and its progression is of paramount importance. The study aimed to explore a novel biomarker for diagnosing CAS and predicting its poor prognosis. Methods This study involved 109 CAS subjects and 87 healthy individuals. The LINC00963 expression of all subjects was evaluated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the diagnostic value of LINC00963 on CAS was analyzed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The association between LINC00963 and the CAS clinical indicators was assessed by the chi-square test. The occurrence of cerebral ischemic events (CIE) in CAS was assessed by the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Multivariate COX regression analysis was employed to evaluate the independent prognostic factors for CAS. Results Upregulation of LINC00963 expression was observed in CAS subjects and showed a diagnostic value on CAS. The blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels of CAS subjects were significantly elevated than those of healthy controls. A close association between LINC00963 expression and levels of systolic blood pressure (SBP), triglyceride (TG), LDL-C, and the CAS degree was revealed. CAS subjects with high expression levels of LINC00963 showed a higher incidence of CIE than CAS subjects with low LINC00963 expression. Besides, SBP, LDL-C, CAS degree, and the LINC00963 expression were independent prognostic factors for CAS. Conclusions Upregulated LINC00963 expression in CAS showed a significant diagnostic and prognostic value on CAS and could serve as the independent prognostic factor for CAS.

Ablation of Mouse Selenium-Binding Protein 1 and 2 Elevates LDL by Disruption of Cholesterol Efflux and Lipid Metabolism.

Selenium-binding protein 1 (SeBP1) is an anticancer factor that affects lipid metabolism in mouse kidneys via the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARA) pathway. However, its physiological role in the liver is difficult to explain because of the presence of the highly homologous selenium-binding protein 2 (SeBP2). To investigate the role of these proteins in the liver, we generated SeBP1 and SeBP2 double-knockout mice (SeBP1/2-DK). SeBP1/2 deletion did not significantly alter the mice phenotypic compared to that of the wild-type strain. Then, we identified the genes involved in hepatic lipid metabolism. The double knockout did not affect fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis, but inhibited fatty acid oxidation and cholesterol efflux. Furthermore, transfection of HepG2 cells with human selenium-binding protein 1 (hSeBP1) positively regulated PPARA and the genes controlled by it. Overexpression of hSeBP1 reduced the levels of non-esterified fatty acids in the culture medium. The serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides were significantly different among the three groups. In summary, we elucidated the potential signaling pathways of SeBP1 and SeBP2 in fatty acid oxidation and hepatic cholesterol efflux. Our findings provide insights relevant for developing new strategies to prevent and treat lipid metabolism disorders.

Mitochondrial Changes Induced by SGLT2i in Lymphocytes from Diabetic Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Pilot Study.

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) preserve cardiac and renal function by mechanisms that are not completely elucidated. Among other things, SGLT2i promote nutrient-deprivation signalling, which might affect the immune function. As the fate of immune cells is controlled by their metabolism, we aimed to study the mitochondrial integrity of lymphocytes isolated from renal transplant recipients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) upon SGLT2i therapy instauration and six-month follow up. In this real-world pilot study, the mitochondrial respiration of isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells was monitored in a Seahorse XFp extracellular-flux analyzer and cells were photographed with a confocal microscope. Mitochondrial mass, membrane potential, and superoxide content of lymphocyte subpopulations were measured by flow cytometry (MitoTrackerTM Green, TMRM, and MitoSOXTM Red probes). Leveraging in vivo conditions of immune cells, we evaluated their metabolic profiles associated with immune activation. Herein, we identified changes in redox homeostasis with sustained membrane polarization, and an increased mitochondrial biogenesis upon PHA stimulation that significantly correlated with changes in body weight and LDL-cholesterol levels, and a resultant compensatory mitochondrial function of lymphocytes. Our data suggest novel mechanisms induced by SGLT2i to modulate immune cells, which probably underlie the observed beneficial effects in kidney transplant recipients. Nonetheless, further mechanistic studies are required to extend these exploratory findings and encourage the use of this therapeutic strategy.

Alpha-lipoic acid on intermediate disease markers in overweight or obese adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesTo evaluate the associations between alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) intake and intermediate disease markers in overweight or obese adults.DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis.Data sourcesPubMed, EMBASE, Medline, APA PsycINFO, SocINDEX, CINAHL, SSRN, SocArXiv,...