Low High-density Lipoprotein Levels Research Articles

Correlation Between Visceral Fat And Lipid Profile in Myocardial Infarction Patients

BACKGROUND : Previous studies reported that visceral fat plays an important role in cardiovascular disease, even in non-obese individuals. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) is a non-invasive and radiation-free method for assessing visceral fat. Not much is known whether visceral fat correlates with lipid profile in myocardial infarction (MI) patients in Indonesian population. PURPOSE : To analyze the correlation between visceral fat and serum lipid profile in MI patients. METHODE : This is a correlational study on 32 MI patients hospitalized at the ICCU of RSUP Dr. Kariadi Hospital recruited with consecutive sampling. Visceral fat was measured by BIA SECA mBCA 525 series, data regarding levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL), and high density lipoprotein (HDL) were gathered from medical record. The data were normally distributed, then the hypothesis was tested with the Pearson. RESULT : The mean age of the subjects was 55 ± 9.88 years, with 87.5% being male. As many as 81.3% of subjects experienced ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). The average body mass index (BMI) was 26.2 ± 3.68 kg/m², in which 40.6% of subjects were classified as grade 1 obesity. The majority of subjects (93.8%) had high visceral fat. As many as 68.8% of subjects had high LDL levels with an average of 120.5 ± 38.84 mg/dL. HDL average was 35±13.55 mg/dL with 62.5% of subjects having low HDL levels. More than half of the subjects (56.3%) experienced hypertriglyceridemia with an average of 157.4 ± 55.84 mg/dL. Visceral fat was significantly related to total cholesterol and triglycerides (r=0.40; p=0.02 and r=0.36; p=0.04). CONCLUSION : There is a significant correlation between visceral fat and total cholesterol and triglycerides in MI patients.

HDL Cholesterol and Functional Scale Measured by the NIHSS in Acute Thrombotic Stroke Patients

Highlight: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the world. There is correlation between HDL cholesterol in acute thrombotic patients and the functional degree of the NIHSS. The lower rate of HDL cholesterol is related to the higher NIHSS score or the higher level of stroke severity. ABSTRACT Introduction: Stroke is one of the world’s leading causes of death and disability. Acute thrombotic stroke accounts for 87% of all stroke cases. The study of the correlation between high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and acute thrombotic stroke is still limited, especially on the relationship between HDL levels and the degree of functional stroke. Objective: This study aimed to prove a correlation between HDL cholesterol and the functional scale measured by the NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) in acute thrombotic stroke. Methods: The design study was cross-sectional, with sampling by consecutive admission based on inclusion and exclusion criteria in the neurological ward (Seruni A) at Dr.Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya. The NIHSS was used to determine the degree of functional scale, and HDL levels were measured by enzymatic endpoint methods. Results: From the 40 subjects studied, 16 (40%) had normal HDL levels of ≥ 40 mg/dL with an NIHSS score between 0–10, and 24 (60%) had lower HDL levels of ≤ 40 mg/dL with an NUHSS score between 0–20. There were significant results in this study (r = 0.391 and p = 0.013). Conclusion: There was a negative correlation between HDL cholesterol levels and the functional scale measured by the NIHSS in acute thrombotic stroke patients.

Low-density lipoprotein promotes microvascular thrombosis by enhancing von Willebrand factor self-association

Abstractvon Willebrand factor (VWF) mediates primary hemostasis and thrombosis in response to hydrodynamic forces. We previously showed that high shear promoted self-association of VWF into hyperadhesive strands, which can be attenuated by high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and apolipoprotein A-I. In this study, we show that low-density lipoprotein (LDL) binds VWF under shear and enhances self-association. Vortexing VWF in tubes resulted in its loss from the solution and deposition onto tube surfaces, which was prevented by HDL. At a stabilizing HDL concentration of 1.2 mg/mL, increasing concentrations of LDL progressively increased VWF loss, the effect correlating with the LDL-to-HDL ratio and not the absolute concentration of the lipoproteins. Similarly, HDL diminished deposition of VWF in a post-in-channel microfluidic device, whereas LDL increased both the rate and extent of strand deposition, with both purified VWF and plasma. Hypercholesterolemic human plasma also displayed accelerated VWF accumulation in the microfluidic device. The initial rate of accumulation correlated linearly with the LDL-to-HDL ratio. In Adamts13−/− and Adamts13−/−LDLR−/− mice, high LDL levels enhanced VWF and platelet adhesion to the myocardial microvasculature, reducing cardiac perfusion, impairing systolic function, and producing early signs of cardiomyopathy. In wild-type mice, high plasma LDL concentrations also increased the size and persistence of VWF-platelet thrombi in ionophore-treated mesenteric microvessels, exceeding the accumulation seen in similarly treated ADAMTS13-deficient mice that did not receive LDL infusion. We propose that targeting the interaction of VWF with itself and with LDL may improve the course of thrombotic microangiopathies, atherosclerosis, and other disorders with defective microvascular circulation.

HIGH SERUM RATIO OF SOLUBLE FMS-LIKE TYROSINE KINASE 1 (sFlt-1) TO PLACENTAL GROWTH FACTOR (PIGF) AND HIGH LEVEL OF LOW-DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN (LDL) AS RISK FACTORS OF PREECLAMPSIA

Preeclampsia is an obstetric disease that is a health problem worldwide, including in Indonesia. Several studies have shown that changes in the maternal spiral arteries are thought to lead to preeclampsia. Preeclampsia in this decade has been associated with changes in angiogenesis regulatory proteins originating from the placenta and circulating in the mother's blood circulation, namely soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF). The author was interested in examining the ratio of sFlt-1/PIGF and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to the incidence of preeclampsia in pregnant women. This study used a case control analytic observational design. The research sample was selected by consecutive sampling of 20 cases and 20 controls. Univariate analysis was used to describe patient characteristics descriptively, and bivariate analysis was used to determine the relationship between the 2 variables There is no significant difference in the characteristics of the research subjects. Low PIGF levels are a risk factor for preeclampsia (OR 4.33; p 0.0302) with a cut-off value of 24.5. High sFlt-1 levels are a risk factor for preeclampsia (OR 4.33; p 0.027) with a cut-off value of 869.5. A high sFlt-1/PIGF ratio is a risk factor for preeclampsia (OR 4.33 p 0.030) with a cut-off value of 38. High LDL levels are a risk factor for preeclampsia (OR 6.0; p 0.013) with a cut-off value of 150 ,2. Low placental growth factor (PIGF), high levels of soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1), and high levels of LDL are risk factors of preeclampsia in pregnant women.

Disturbed lipid profile in common variable immunodeficiency - a pathogenic loop of inflammation and metabolic disturbances.

The relationship between metabolic and inflammatory pathways play a pathogenic role in various cardiometabolic disorders and is potentially also involved in the pathogenesis of other disorders such as cancer, autoimmunity and infectious diseases. Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most common primary immunodeficiency in adults, characterized by increased frequency of airway infections with capsulated bacteria. In addition, a large proportion of CVID patients have autoimmune and inflammatory complications associated with systemic inflammation. We summarize the evidence that support a role of a bidirectional pathogenic interaction between inflammation and metabolic disturbances in CVID. This include low levels and function of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), high levels of triglycerides (TG) and its major lipoprotein very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and an unfavorable fatty acid (FA) profile. The dysregulation of TG, VLDL and FA were linked to disturbed gut microbiota profile, and TG and VLDL levels were strongly associated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS), a marker of gut leakage in blood. Of note, the disturbed lipid profile in CVID did not include total cholesterol levels or high low-density lipoprotein levels. Furthermore, increased VLDL and TG levels in blood were not associated with diet, high body mass index and liver steatosis, suggesting a different phenotype than in patients with traditional cardiovascular risk such as metabolic syndrome. We hypothesize that these metabolic disturbances are linked to inflammation in a bidirectional manner with disturbed gut microbiota as a potential contributing factor.

Clinical risk factors and outcomes of young patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction: a retrospective study

BackgroundThis study aimed to analysis the clinical characteristics and prognosis of acute STEMI in patients aged ≤ 45 years.MethodsSeven hundred and one patients with STEMI from Liaocheng People’s Hospital from January 2018 to March 2021 were included in this study. Clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes (average follow-up: 11.5 months) were compared between patients aged ≤ 45 years and those aged > 45 years.ResultsOf the patients with STEMI who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention, 108 (15.4%) were aged ≤ 45 years. Compared to the older group, the younger patient group included more males, current smokers, and those with alcohol use disorder (AUD) or a family history of ischaemic heart disease (IHD). The culprit vessel in young patients was the left anterior descending (LAD) artery (60% vs. 45.9%, P = 0.031), which may have been due to smoking (odds ratio, 3.5; 95% confidence interval: 1.12–10.98, P = 0.042). Additionally, young patients presented with higher low-density lipoprotein and lower high-density lipoprotein levels than older patients; uric acid levels were also significantly higher in younger patients than that in the older group. Diabetes showed a trend toward major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in both groups; age and sex were both independent predictors of MACE in older patients.ConclusionMore patients who were smokers, had AUD, or a family history of IHD were present in the young patient group. Hyperuricaemia (but not dyslipidaemia) was a prevalent risk factor in patients aged ≤ 45 years. Diabetes should be controlled to reduce cardiovascular events in young patients.

Gut microbiota alterations in schizophrenia might be related to stress exposure: Findings from the machine learning analysis

Specific mechanisms underlying gut microbiota alterations in schizophrenia remain unknown. We aimed to compare gut microbiota between patients with schizophrenia and controls, taking into consideration exposure stress across lifespan, dietary habits, metabolic parameters and clinical manifestation. A total of 142 participants, including 89 patients with schizophrenia and 52 controls, were recruited. Gut microbiota were analyzed using the 16 S rRNA sequencing. Additionally, biochemical parameters related to glucose homeostasis, lipid profile and inflammation were assessed. Increased abundance of Lactobacillus and Limosilactobacillus as well as decreased abundance of Faecalibacterium and Paraprevotella were found in patients with schizophrenia. The machine learning analysis demonstrated that between-group differences in gut microbiota were associated with psychosocial stress (a history of childhood trauma, greater cumulative exposure to stress across lifespan and higher level of perceived stress), poor nutrition (lower consumption of vegetables and fish products), lipid profile alterations (lower levels of high-density lipoproteins) and cognitive impairment (worse performance of attention). Our findings indicate that gut microbiota alterations in patients with schizophrenia, including increased abundance of lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus and Limosilactobacillus) and decreased abundance of bacteria producing short-chain fatty acids (Faecalibacterium and Paraprevotella) might be associated with exposure to stress, poor dietary habits, lipid profile alterations and cognitive impairment.

Regulatory Roles of MicroRNAs in the Pathogenesis of Metabolic Syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome refers to a group of several disease conditions together with high glucose triglyceride levels, high blood pressure, lower high-density lipoprotein level, and large waist circumference. About 400 million people worldwide, one-third of the Euro-American population and 27% Chinese population over age 50 have it. microRNAs, an abundant novel class of endogenous small, non-coding RNAs in eukaryotic cells, act as negative controllers of gene expression by promoting either degradation/translational repression of target messenger RNA. More than 2000 microRNAs in the human genome have been identified and they are implicated in various biological & pathophysiological processes, including glucose homeostasis, inflammatory response, and angiogenesis. Destruction of microRNAs has a crucial role in the pathogenesis of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Recently the discovery of circulating microRNAs in human serum may help to promote metabolic crosstalk between organs and serves as a novel approach for the identification of various diseases, like Type 2 diabetes & atherosclerosis. In this review, we will discuss the most recent and up-to-date research on the pathophysiology and histopathology of metabolic syndrome besides their historical background and epidemiological highlight. As well as search the methodologies employed in this field of research and the potential role of microRNAs as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for metabolic syndrome in the human body. Furthermore, the significance of microRNAs in promising strategies, like stem cell therapy, which holds enormous promise for regenerative medicine in the treatment of metabolic disorders will also be discussed.

Effects of Senna alata Aqueous Extract on the Hematological and Biochemical Alterations in Rats Exposed to N-Nitroso-N-Ethyl Urea

The effect of carcinogen exposure has been established to alter biochemical and hematological profiles in humans. Secondary metabolites from plant sources like flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and others have been found to be potent anticancer agents and also investigated to protect against the effect of environmental carcinogens. Female albino rats were rats exposed to freshly prepared 3 fractionated doses of 50 mg/kg N-Nitroso-N-ethyl urea (carcinogen) dissolved in 1/15 M Phosphate buffer, given intraperitoneally and treated with varying concentrations of Senna alata plant aqueous extracts. At the end of the test period, hematological and biochemical parameters were determined in blood and serum samples. Compared to the control group, the carcinogen exposed rats treated group showed significances in several hematological parameters, including decreases in White blood cell (WBC), Red blood cell (RBC), and Platelet (PLT) counts. Furthermore, in comparison to the control group, the carcinogen exposed rats showed significantly increased blood glucose, serum total cholesterol, Low density lipoprotein (LDL-cholesterol), triacylglycerols levels and High density lipoprotein (HDL-cholesterol) level. The hematological and biochemical parameters in the carcinogen exposed rats treated group were approximately similar to control group. The S. alata extract significantly (P<0.05) restored the hematological and biochemical parameters in N-Nitroso-N-ethyl urea carcinogen exposed rats

Metabolism-related brain morphology accelerates aging and predicts neurodegenerative diseases and stroke: a UK Biobank study

sMetabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by a constellation of metabolic risk factors, including obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, hypertension, and hyperglycemia, and is associated with stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. This study capitalized on brain structural images and clinical data from the UK Biobank and explored the associations of brain morphology with MetS and brain aging due to MetS. Cortical surface area, thickness, and subcortical volumes were assessed using FreeSurfer. Linear regression was used to examine associations of brain morphology with five MetS components and the MetS severity in a metabolic aging group (N = 23,676, age 62.8 ± 7.5 years). Partial least squares (PLS) were employed to predict brain age using MetS-associated brain morphology. The five MetS components and MetS severity were associated with increased cortical surface area and decreased thickness, particularly in the frontal, temporal, and sensorimotor cortex, and reduced volumes in the basal ganglia. Obesity best explained the variation of brain morphology. Moreover, participants with the most severe MetS had brain age 1-year older than those without MetS. Brain age in patients with stroke (N = 1042), dementia (N = 83), Parkinson’s (N = 107), and multiple sclerosis (N = 235) was greater than that in the metabolic aging group. The obesity-related brain morphology had the leading discriminative power. Therefore, the MetS-related brain morphological model can be used for risk assessment of stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. Our findings suggested that prioritizing adjusting obesity among the five metabolic components may be more helpful for improving brain health in aging populations.

Serum Malondialdehyde-Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein Level Is Associated with Arterial Stiffness by Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients.

A high malondialdehyde-oxidized low-density lipoprotein (MDA-oxLDL) level is associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases and major adverse cardiovascular events. A higher cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) is independently associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, cardiovascular mortality, myocardial infarction, and stroke in patients with cardiovascular risk. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the relationship between serum MDA-oxLDL levels and CAVI in patients with triple-vessel coronary artery disease who underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Fasting blood samples and baseline characteristics were obtained from 88 patients who had undergone CABG. A commercialized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure MDA-oxLDL levels. An automatic pulse wave analyzer was used to measure CAVI values, and each side of CAVI values of ≥9 was designated as arterial stiffness. In total, 47 participants were assigned to the arterial stiffness group. More patients had diabetes mellitus, were older, and had higher serum MDA-oxLDL levels in the arterial stiffness group than in the control group. A multivariate logistic regression analysis disclosed that MDA-oxLDL and diabetes mellitus were independent predictors of arterial stiffness. Moreover, according to the Spearman's correlation analysis, the serum MDA-oxLDL level was positively associated with both left and right CAVI. Serum MDA-oxLDL levels were positively associated with arterial stiffness in patients who had undergone CABG.

Vascular Inflammatory Diseases and Endothelial Phenotypes

The physiological functions of endothelial cells control vascular tone, permeability, inflammation, and angiogenesis, which significantly help to maintain a healthy vascular system. Several cardiovascular diseases are characterized by endothelial cell activation or dysfunction triggered by external stimuli such as disturbed flow, hypoxia, growth factors, and cytokines in response to high levels of low-density lipoprotein and cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, aging, drugs, and smoking. Increasing evidence suggests that uncontrolled proinflammatory signaling and further alteration in endothelial cell phenotypes such as barrier disruption, increased permeability, endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EndMT), and metabolic reprogramming further induce vascular diseases, and multiple studies are focusing on finding the pathways and mechanisms involved in it. This review highlights the main proinflammatory stimuli and their effects on endothelial cell function. In order to provide a rational direction for future research, we also compiled the most recent data regarding the impact of endothelial cell dysfunction on vascular diseases and potential targets that impede the pathogenic process.

Statin Use and Stroke Rate in Older Adults With Atrial Fibrillation: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

Background Atherosclerotic disease is an important contributor to adverse outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). There is limited recognition of the association between statin use and stroke rates in AF. We aimed to quantify the association between statin use and stroke rate in AF. Methods and Results Using linked administrative databases in Ontario, Canada, we conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of patients, aged ≥66 years, diagnosed with AF between 2009 and 2019. We used cause-specific hazard regression to determine the association of statin use with stroke rate. We developed a second model to further adjust for lipid levels in the subset of patients with available measurements in the year before AF diagnosis. Both models adjusted for age, sex, heart failure, hypertension, diabetes, stroke/transient ischemic attack, vascular disease, and P2Y12 inhibitors at baseline, plus anticoagulation as a time-varying covariate. We studied 261 659 qualifying patients (median age, 78 years; 49% women). Statins were used in 142 834 (54.6%) patients, and 145 673 (55.7%) had lipid measurement(s) in the preceding year. Statin use was associated with lower stroke rates, with adjusted hazard ratios of 0.83 (95% CI, 0.77-0.88; P<0.001) in the full cohort and 0.87 (95% CI, 0.78-0.97; P=0.01) when adjusting for lipid data. Stroke rates increased in a near-linear manner as low-density lipoprotein values increased >1.5 mmol/L. Conclusions Statins were associated with lower stroke rates in patients with AF, whereas higher low-density lipoprotein levels were associated with higher stroke rates, highlighting the importance of vascular risk factor treatment in AF.

#6829 DIFFERENTIAL LIPIDIC PROFILE WITH THE USE OF CITRATE OR ACETATE DIALYSATES

Abstract Background and Aims Unlike other high-cardiovascular-risk populations, the efficacy obtained from lipid-lowering therapy remains uncertain in dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (DD-CKD) patients. This is probably given to the exclusion in clinical trials of patients with very high LDL levels, their population's heterogeneity, accompanying cardiovascular morbidities, and the higher mortality risk explained partly by chronic inflammation. The latter has been associated with the accumulation of uremic toxins, membrane biocompatibility, and acetate-based dialysates, which promote inflammation. Different dialysate weak acidifying agents such as lactic, pyruvic, hydrochloric, or citric acids have surged as less-inflammatory alternatives to acetate. This study aims to evaluate the effects of the metabolism of acetate and citrate in the lipidic profile of DD-CKD patients. Method In a unicentric, cross-over, prospective study, we compared the lipidic profile by assessing the plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TG), high-density (HDL) and very low-density (VLDL) lipoprotein cholesterol, and lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] comparing the use of citrate (CD) vs. acetate (AD) as dialysate buffers, after twelve sessions with each one. Prealbumin was also measured to rule out malnutrition as a potential confounding factor. Prevalent (i.e., dialysis vintage ≥3 months) adult patients on maintenance hemodialysis were included. The dialysis prescription parameters and additional medical treatments remained unchanged during their sessions with both dialysates. Quantitative variables are reported with mean and standard deviation. Normal distribution was assessed with the Shapiro-Wilk test, and the comparisons were made with the Student's paired T-test or Wilcoxon's signed-rank test, accordingly. A two-sided p-value ≤0,05 was considered statistically significant. Results After twelve dialysis sessions with CD, compared to AD, there was a statistically significant decline in TG and HDL and an increase in LDL. There was also a notable but non-significant reduction in VLDL (Table 1). Conclusion There were noteworthy differences in the lipid profile that can only be attributed to the change of dialysis fluid, as we avoided inter-individual (with a cross-over design) and intra-individual (different inflammatory or nutritional profiles would not be expected with this short-term setting) variabilities. Further studies must elucidate if the short-term changes induced in the lipidic profile of DD-CKD patients by the dialysate's weak acid translate into clinical implications.

Do Serum Adiponectin Levels Correlate with the Severity of Acne

Background: Acne vulgaris is a common disorder of pilosebaceous units affecting adolescents and young adults. The various causes include diet, stress, seborrhea, and premenstrual flare. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare lipid profile, insulin, and adiponectin levels in acne and controls. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients of acne from the age group of 12 to 25 years and 20 healthy age- and gender-matched controls were included in the study. Results: Patients with acne showed significantly higher levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), higher levels (although not statistically significant) of triglyceride, and very LDL and significantly lower levels of high-density lipoprotein as compared to controls. Furthermore, individuals with acne had significantly lower levels of serum adiponectin and significantly higher mean levels of fasting serum insulin as compared to controls. Conclusion: Derangements in serum lipid profile, serum insulin, and serum adiponectin levels can predispose to acne in adolescent individuals. Thus, dietary and lifestyle modifications should be recommended in such patients.

The suppression of hyperlipid diet-induced ferroptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells protests against atherosclerosis independent of p53/SCL7A11/GPX4 axis.

Ferroptosis as a novel programmed cell death that involves metabolic dysfunction due to iron-dependent excessive lipid peroxidation has been implicated in atherosclerosis (AS) development characterized by disrupted lipid metabolism, but the atherogenic role of ferroptosis in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), which are principal components of atherosclerotic plaque fibrous cap, remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of ferroptosis on AS induced by lipid overload, and the effects of that on VSMCs ferroptosis. We found intraperitoneal injection of Fer-1, a ferroptosis inhibitor, ameliorated obviously high-fat diet-induced high plasma levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, glucose and atherosclerotic lesions in ApoE-/- mice. Moreover, in vivo and in vitro, Fer-1 reduced the iron accumulation of atherosclerotic lesions through affecting the expression of TFR1, FTH, and FTL in VSMCs. Interestingly, Fer-1 did augment nuclear factor E2-related factor 2/ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 to enhance endogenous resistance to lipid peroxidation, but not classic p53/SCL7A11/GPX4. Those observations indicated inhibition of VSMCs ferroptosis can improve AS lesions independent of p53/SLC7A11/GPX4, which preliminarily revealed the potential mechanism of ferroptosis in aortic VSMCs on AS and provided new therapeutic strategies and targets for AS.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ETHANOL EXTRACT OF JAMBLANG LEAVES (Syzygium cumini L.) IN INCREASING HDL LEVELS IN WISTAR RATS MODELS OF METABOLIC SYNDROME

One of the characteristics of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is the low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Jamblang leaves (Syzygium cumini L.) contain various phytochemicals, which have antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and antioxidant properties. This study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of ethanol extract of jamblang leaves in increasing HDL levels in the Wistar rats model of MetS. A pretest-posttest with a control group design was conducted using 30 male Wistar rats, divided into five groups randomly, with six rats for each group. Here, KN means normal control group, K- negative control group, and P1, P2, and P3: treatment groups that were administered the 100 mg/kg/day, 150 mg/kg/day, and 200 mg/kg/day of ethanol extract of jamblang leaves for 28 days, respectively. The rat MetS model was developed by administering the high-fat fructose diet and streptozotocin-nicotinamide. The data were analyzed using paired t-test and one-way ANOVA (α=0.05). This study found that extract administration in P2 and P3 increased HDL levels significantly, but not with the P1 group. However, HDL levels in P1 were significantly higher compared to the K- group. Moreover, increasing the dose was significantly followed by higher HDL levels, although the highest dose did not reach the HDL level as in the KN group.

Glycemic control and its associated factors in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes.

Inadequate glycemic control among patients with type 2 diabetes is growing worldwide. Earlier research studies investigated the predictors of poor glycemic control among patients with diabetes, but not among hypertensive patients who have type 2 diabetes as a comorbid disease. The aim of this study was to explore the factors associated with poor glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes and hypertension. In the present retrospective study, the medical records of two major hospitals were used to collect sociodemographic, biomedical, disease and medication-related information about patients with hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Binary regression analysis was conducted to find the predictors of the study outcome. The data from 522 patients were collected. High physical activity (OR=2.232; 95% CI: 1.368-3.640; p<0.01), receiving insulin (OR=5.094; 95% CI: 3.213-8.076; p <0.01) or GLP1 receptor agonist (OR=2.057; 95% CI: 1.309-3.231; p<0.01) increased the odds of having controlled blood glucose. Increased age (OR=1.041; 95% CI: 1.013-1.070; p<0.01), elevated high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels (OR=3.727; 95% CI: 1.959-7.092; p<0.01), and lower triglycerides (TGs) levels (OR=0.918; 95% CI: 0.874-0.965; p<0.01) were also associated with improved glycemic control among the study participants. Most of the current study participants showed uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. Low physical activity, not receiving insulin or GLP1 receptor agonist, younger age, low HDL and high TG levels were independently associated with poor glycemic control. Future interventions should place a strong emphasis on the value of consistent physical activity and a stable lipid profile in enhancing glycemic control, particularly in younger patients and those who are not receiving insulin or GLP1 receptor agonist therapy.

Food insecurity is associated with glycemic markers, and socioeconomic status and low-cost diets are associated with lipid metabolism in Mexican mothers

The association between socioeconomic status (SES) and chronic disease has recently become more evident in middle- and low-income countries. We hypothesized that poor socioeconomic conditions, such as food insecurity, low educational level, or low SES, may restrict access to a healthy diet and may be associated with cardiometabolic risk independently of body fat. This study examined the relation between socioeconomic indicators, body fat, and cardiometabolic disease risk markers in a random sample of mothers living in Queretaro, Mexico. Young and middle-aged mothers (n = 321) answered validated questionnaires to determine SES, food insecurity, and educational level and a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire to determine dietary patterns and the cost of individual diet. Clinical measurements included anthropometry, blood pressure, lipids profile, glucose, and insulin. Obesity was present in 29% of the participants. Women with moderate food insecurity had higher waist circumference, glucose, insulin, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance than women with food security. High triglyceride concentration and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were associated with lower SES and lower educational level. Women who consumed a lower carbohydrate diet had higher SES, higher education, and better cardiovascular risk markers. The higher carbohydrate diet profile was the least expensive diet. There was an inverse association between the cost and energy-density of foods. In conclusion, food insecurity was associated with glycemic control markers, and lower SES and education were related to a low-cost, higher carbohydrate diet and to a greater cardiovascular risk. The influence of the social environment on obesity and cardiovascular diseases needs to be further explored.

High Serum Ratio of Soluble Fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 1 (sFlt-1) to Placental Growth Factor (PIGF) and High Level of Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) as Risk Factors of Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is an obstetric disease that is a health problem worldwide, including in Indonesia. Several studies have shown that changes in the maternal spiral arteries are thought to lead to preeclampsia. Preeclampsia in this decade has been associated with changes in angiogenesis regulatory proteins originating from the placenta and circulating in the mother's blood circulation, namely soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF). The author was interested in examining the ratio of sFlt-1/PIGF and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to the incidence of preeclampsia in pregnant women. This study used a case control analytic observational design. The research sample was selected by consecutive sampling of 20 cases and 20 controls. Univariate analysis was used to describe patient characteristics descriptively, and bivariate analysis was used to determine the relationship between the 2 variables There is no significant difference in the characteristics of the research subjects. Low PIGF levels are a risk factor for preeclampsia (OR 4.33; p 0.0302) with a cut-off value of 24.5. High sFlt-1 levels are a risk factor for preeclampsia (OR 4.33; p 0.027) with a cut-off value of 869.5. A high sFlt-1/PIGF ratio is a risk factor for preeclampsia (OR 4.33 p 0.030) with a cut-off value of 38. High LDL levels are a risk factor for preeclampsia (OR 6.0; p 0.013) with a cut-off value of 150 ,2. Low placental growth factor (PIGF), high levels of soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1), and high levels of LDL are risk factors of preeclampsia in pregnant women.