Lower Serum Cholesterol Research Articles

Implantation of CPT1AM-expressing adipocytes reduces obesity and glucose intolerance in mice

Obesity and its associated metabolic comorbidities are a rising global health and social issue, with novel therapeutic approaches urgently needed. Adipose tissue plays a key role in the regulation of energy balance and adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AT-MSCs) have gained great interest in cell therapy. Carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) is the gatekeeper enzyme for mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. Here, we aimed to generate adipocytes expressing a constitutively active CPT1A form (CPT1AM) that can improve the obese phenotype in mice after their implantation. AT-MSCs were differentiated into mature adipocytes, subjected to lentivirus-mediated expression of CPT1AM or the GFP control, and subcutaneously implanted into mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). CPT1AM-implanted mice showed lower body weight, hepatic steatosis and serum insulin and cholesterol levels alongside improved glucose tolerance. HFD-induced increases in adipose tissue hypertrophy, fibrosis, inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis were reduced in CPT1AM-implanted mice. In addition, the expression of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes was enhanced in the adipose tissue of CPT1AM-implanted mice. Our results demonstrate that implantation of CPT1AM-expressing AT-MSC-derived adipocytes into HFD-fed mice improves the obese metabolic phenotype, supporting the future clinical use of this ex vivo gene therapy approach.

Macular outer nuclear layer, ellipsoid zone and outer photoreceptor segment band thickness, axial length and other determinants

The study aims to assess the thickness of the retinal outer nuclear layer (ONL), ellipsoid zone (EZ) and photoreceptor outer segment (POS) band in various macular regions and its associations with axial length and other parameters. Participants of the Beijing Eye Study 2011 underwent a series of examinations including spectral-domain optical coherence tomography of the macula. The current study included 2213 participants without retinal or optic nerve diseases (age: 61.7 ± 8.4 years; range 50–93 years); axial length: 23.15 ± 0.95 mm; range 18.96–29.15 mm). The ONL (fovea: 98.9 ± 8.8 µm), EZ (fovea: 24.1 ± 0.5 µm) and POS band (fovea: 24.3 ± 3.5 µm) were the thickest (P < 0.001) in the fovea (defined as the thinnest central point), followed by the temporal inner, nasal inner, inferior inner, superior inner, inferior outer, temporal outer, nasal outer, and superior outer region. In multivariable analysis, a thicker retinal ONL was associated (correlation coefficient r: 0.40) with shorter axial length (beta: − 0.14; P < 0.001) and shorter disc–fovea distance (beta: − 0.10; P = 0.001), after adjusting for younger age (beta: − 0.26; P < 0.001), male sex (beta: 0.24; P < 0.001), lower serum cholesterol concentration (beta: − 0.05; P = 0.04), and thicker subfoveal choroidal thickness (beta: 0.08; P < 0.001). The POS thickness increased with shorter axial length (beta: − 0.06; P < 0.001) and shorter optic disc–fovea distance (beta: − 0.05; P = 0.03), after adjusting for younger age (beta: − 0.34; P < 0.001), male sex (beta: 0.15; P < 0.001), and thicker subfoveal choroidal thickness (beta: 0.24; P < 0.001). As a conclusion, the photoreceptor ONL, EZ and POS band vary in thickness between different macular regions and differ in their correlations with axial length, disc–fovea distance, age, sex, and subfoveal choroidal thickness. The ONL thickness decrease with longer axial length and longer disc–fovea distance may point to an axial elongation-associated retinal stretching in the macula.

Silent Stroke -a Drag on Quality of Life

A stroke is a condition because of something blocking blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts disrupting the blood supply to a particular portion of the brain. In either case, parts of the brain become damaged or die, manifesting as lasting brain damage, long-term disability, or even death. Symptoms include dizziness, numbness, weakness on one side of the body, and problems with talking, writing, or understanding language. Most of us have heard or seen of a case of a stroke, with symptoms like slurred speech, loss of balance, difficulty speaking, and so on - but not many know that one can have a stroke without even knowing it? known as a silent stroke or Mini-stroke or asymptomatic cerebral infarction. A silent stroke refers to a stroke that doesn't cause any noticeable symptoms. It is recognized by a brain (CT scan or an MRI) imaging that will show white spots or lesions where your brain cells have stopped functioning. Brain scans can detect one or multiple silent strokes. Most silent strokes are caused by a clot that blocks a blood vessel in the brain. The blockage prevents blood and oxygen from reaching that area, causing nearby brain cells to die. While in the middle-aged people with no apparent signs of stroke about 10% have brain damage from one and this rate increases to 25% among people over 80 years. The damage that happens is permanent, but therapy might help stimulate other parts of the brain so you regain abilities that may have weakened. Common Silent Stroke Symptoms include sudden lack of balance, temporary loss of basic muscle movement slight memory loss and sudden changes in mood or personality and issues with cognitive skills and ability. As different parts of our brain control different parts of our body, our symptoms will depend on the part of our brain affected and the extent of the damage but usually begin suddenly. Therefore, it is critical to seek diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. The chances of getting a stroke go up among elderly, diabetes, hypertensives, persons with heart disease, vascular disease, or atrial fibrillation. The management of silent strokes involves prescribing medications for blood thinning, to lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and serum cholesterol medications to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. The significant burden of stroke on the mortality rates in India, is well-documented, but robust data regarding the aggregates of evidence on the quality of life (QOL) of stroke survivors is limited. Therefore, it is critical to seek diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Material &amp; Methods: This manuscript is based on a real case study in last 15 months. Chidambar a male of 70 years with history of Diabetes for over 15 years and Hypertension for 10 years, both poorly controlled. He had left sided hemiparesis following a stroke in January 2022, that resulted in left sided hemiparesis, speech, and cognitive signs. Since early 2023 he is suffering frequent falls, vomiting, urinary incontinence, changing moods and worsening memory and dementia indicative recurrent silent strokes, that have worsened his quality of life. Review of literature and published articles have added value to this article.

Lowering Serum Cholesterol: Who Benefits?

Lowering Serum Cholesterol: Who Benefits?

Pectin Feeding Influences Fecal Bile Acid Excretion, Hepatic Bile Acid and Cholesterol Synthesis and Serum Cholesterol in Rats

This study was designed to investigate the effects of pectin on cholesterol and bile acid metabolism and to elucidate the mechanisms involved in its hypolipidemic effect in rats. The key regulatory enzymes in cholesterol and bile acid metabolism, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG-CoA reductase) and cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase, were determined. Circulating, hepatic, and biliary lipid concentrations and fecal bile acid excretion were also measured. Male Wistar rats were fed a fiber-free or a pectin-supplemented (7 g/100 g) diet for 4 wk. Bile flow and the biliary secretion of both bile acids and cholesterol were not significantly different than controls in pectin-fed rats. The addition of pectin to the diet resulted in lower serum and liver cholesterol concentrations (-27 and -17%, respectively). Fecal bile acid excretion (+168%) and the hepatic activity of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (+70%) were significantly higher in pectin-fed animals. HMG-CoA reductase activity was also significantly greater (+11%) in the presence of dietary pectin. Results of our study indicate that pectin, by enhancing fecal bile acid excretion, may cause increased hepatic synthesis of bile acids and liver depletion of cholesterol in rats, which results in a higher rate of cholesterol synthesis and reduced serum cholesterol concentrations.

Soy Protein Concentrate and Isolated Soy Protein Similarly Lower Blood Serum Cholesterol but Differently Affect Thyroid Hormones in Hamsters

There is a wide variation in the hypocholesterolemic response to ingestion of soy protein in humans. One possible explanation is that the different soy protein preparations used contain different spectra of biologically active components. This could affect a number of indices including thyroid hormone status. An increased level of thyroxine has been proposed as an underlying mechanism of the hypocholesterolemic effect of soy protein. The objective of this study was to determine if serum cholesterol and thyroid hormone concentrations differed because of feeding soy protein from different sources. Twenty-nine male weanling golden Syrian hamsters were fed rations containing 25 g/100 g protein from either isolated soy protein (ISP), soy protein concentrate (SPC) or casein for 35 d. Serum total cholesterol concentrations were lower in hamsters fed ISP and SPC compared with those fed casein (P < 0.05). No differences in cholesterol concentrations were observed in lipoprotein fractions. Serum thyroxine and free thyroxine were greater only in hamsters fed ISP than in those fed casein (P < 0.05), whereas triiodothyronine concentrations were higher in casein-fed than in SPC-fed hamsters (P < 0.05). Results indicate that protein from ISP and SPC are both effective in lowering blood cholesterol concentrations, whereas only ISP increases thyroxine concentrations. Therefore, it appears unlikely that modulation of thyroid hormone status is responsible for the cholesterol-lowering effect of soy protein.

Effect of almond consumption on insulin sensitivity and serum lipids among Asian Indian adults with overweight and obesity- A randomized controlled trial.

Asian Indians have an increased susceptibility to type 2 diabetes and premature coronary artery disease. Nuts, like almonds, are rich in unsaturated fat and micronutrients with known health benefits. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of almonds for reduction of insulin resistance and improving lipid profile in overweight Asian Indian adults. This parallel-arm, randomized, controlled trial was conducted in Chennai, India on 400 participants aged 25-65 years with a body mass index ≥ 23 kg/m2. The intervention group received 43 g of almonds/day for 12 weeks, while the control group was advised to consume a customary diet but to avoid nuts. Anthropometric, clinical, and dietary data were assessed at periodic intervals. Glucose tolerance, serum insulin, glycated hemoglobin, C-peptide and lipid profile were assessed at baseline and end of the study. Insulin resistance (homeostasis assessment model-HOMA IR) and oral insulin disposition index (DIo) were calculated. A total of 352 participants completed the study. Significant improvement was seen in DIo [mean (95% CI) = + 0.7 mmol/L (0.1, 1.3); p = 0.03], HOMA IR (-0.4 (-0.7, -0.04; p = 0.03) and total cholesterol (-5.4 mg/dl (-10.2, -0.6); p = 0.03) in the intervention group compared to the control group. Incremental area under the curve (IAUC) and mean amplitude of glycemic excursion (MAGE) assessed using continuous glucose monitoring systems were also significantly lower in the intervention group. Dietary 24-h recalls showed a higher significant reduction in carbohydrate and increase in mono unsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) intake in the intervention group compared to the control group. Daily consumption of almonds increased the intake of MUFA with decrease in carbohydrate calories and decreases insulin resistance, improves insulin sensitivity and lowers serum cholesterol in Asian Indians with overweight/obesity. These effects in the long run could aid in reducing the risk of diabetes and other cardiometabolic disease.

Impact of malnutrition evaluated by the mini nutritional assessment on the prognosis of acute hospitalized older adults.

Malnutrition is prevalent among hospitalized older patients. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between nutritional status [assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and serum albumin levels] and adverse outcomes in hospitalized older patients. We also aimed to compare the predictive utility of our findings. This retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 2016 and June 2020. In total, 808 older patients (aged ≥ 65 years, mean age 82.8 ± 6.70 years, 45.9% male) admitted to the acute geriatric unit were included in our sample. Comprehensive geriatric assessments, including the MNA, were performed. Malnutrition and risk of malnutrition were defined as MNA < 17, albumin < 3.5 g/dL and 17 ≤ MNA ≤ 24, 3.5 g/dL ≤ albumin < 3.9 g/dL, respectively. The primary outcome was that patients could not be discharged to their own homes. The secondary outcomes were overall all-cause mortality, 3-month all-cause mortality, and incidence of geriatric syndrome, including delirium, falls, and newly developed or worsening pressure sores during hospitalization. Poor nutritional status was associated with older age; female sex; admission from the emergency room; high risk of pressure sores and falls; lower physical and cognitive function; higher depressive score; and lower serum albumin, protein, cholesterol, and hemoglobin levels. In the fully adjusted model, malnutrition assessed using the MNA predicted discharge to nursing homes or long-term care hospitals [odds ratio (OR) 5.822, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.092-16.199, P = 0.001], geriatric syndrome (OR 2.069, 95% CI: 1.007-4.249, P = 0.048), and 3-month mortality (OR 3.519, 95% CI: 1.254-9.872, P = 0.017). However, malnutrition assessed using albumin levels could only predict 3-month mortality (OR 3.848, 95% CI: 1.465-10.105, P = 0.006). The MNA predicted 3-month mortality with higher precision than serum albumin levels (P = 0.034) when comparing the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Nutritional risk measured by the MNA was an independent predictor of various negative outcomes in hospitalized older patients. Poor nutritional status assessed by serum albumin levels, the most widely used biochemical marker, could predict mortality, but not the development of geriatric syndrome or discharge location reflecting functional status.

Effects of a therapeutic weight loss diet on weight loss and metabolic health in overweight and obese dogs.

Obesity has become a major health issue in dogs. Obesity in dogs increases the risk of many chronic diseases and chronic low-grade inflammation. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of a therapeutic weight loss (TWL) diet on weight loss and metabolic health in overweight and obese dogs. Thirty overweight and obese dogs were randomized into two groups with 15 dogs per group based on key baseline (BSL) parameters and allotted to either a control or TWL diet for 6 mo. At the start of the study, the control group had six females and nine males with mean age of 9.12 ± 0.48 (mean ± SEM) yr; there were seven females and eight males with mean age of 9.73 ± 0.63 yr in the TWL group. The control group and the TWL group had comparable body weight (34.78 ± 0.76 and 34.63 ± 0.86 kg, respectively), % body fat (BF; 39.77 ± 1.18 and 39.89 ± 0.93, respectively), and body condition score (BCS; 7.80 ± 0.14 and 7.67 ± 0.16 on a 9-point BCS scale, respectively). The control (CTRL) diet was formulated based on the macronutrient ratio of a commercial metabolic diet, and the TWL diet was enriched with dietary protein, fish oil, and soy germ meal. Both diets were fortified with essential nutrients to account for caloric restriction during weight loss. Dogs were fed with 25% less than BSL maintenance energy requirement (MER) for the first 4 mo and if they did not reach a BCS of 5, they were fed 40% less than BSL MER for the last 2 mo. Body composition was determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Postprandial glucose profiles were determined by continuous glucose monitoring devices. Serum samples were collected for analyses of blood parameters, hormones, and cytokines. All data were analyzed using SAS 9.3, with significance being P < 0.05. At the end of the study, the control group and the TWL group had comparable weight loss (-5.77 ± 0.31 and -6.14 ± 0.32 kg, respectively; P = 0.4080). But the TWL group lost significantly (P = 0.034) more BF (-13.27 ± 1.28%) than the control group (-9.90 ± 1.23%). In addition, the TWL diet completely prevented loss of lean body mass (LBM) in dogs compared with BSL. Dogs fed with the TWL diet had significantly lower fasting serum cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin, leptin, mean postprandial interstitial glucose, and pro-inflammatory cytokines compared with dogs fed with the CTRL diet. In summary, the TWL diet prevented loss of LBM, promoted weight loss and metabolic health, and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in overweight and obese dogs during weight loss.

Parâmetros bioquímicos sanguíneos de cordeiros alimentados com dietas contendo palma forrageira

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effects of partial replacement (750g/kg) of Tifton hay by two cactus cladodes (Nopalea or Opuntia) on the metabolic profile of lambs. Thirty-six uncastrated male Santa Inês lambs (22.0 ± 2.9kg initial body weight) were distributed in a completely randomized design, with three treatments and 12 repetitions. The animals were fed a control diet (Tifton hay as exclusive roughage), Miúda cactus cladodes-based diet or Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (O.E.M.) cactus cladodes-based diet. Blood samples were collected one day before (baseline) and 45 days after the introduction of the tested diets. The Miúda cactus cladodes caused an increase (P=0.055) in the serum activity of the gamma-glutamyl transferase enzyme (53.66U/L) and in the blood content of glucose and fructosamine. The O.E.M. cactus cladodes caused lower (P=0.038) serum cholesterol content (41.33mg/dL). Regardless of the variety, there was a decrease (P=0.001) in the serum content of indirect bilirubin, urea, and sodium, and increase in the serum magnesium concentration. The partial replacement of the Tifton hay by Miúda or O.E.M. cactus cladodes in lamb feeding increases the enzyme activity, indicating liver and/or kidney changes, but does not cause relevant damage to energy, protein, and mineral metabolism.

Liver-specific FGFR4 knockdown in mice on an HFD increases bile acid synthesis and improves hepatic steatosis

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease with increased risk in patients with metabolic syndrome. There are no FDA-approved treatments, but FXR agonists have shown promising results in clinical studies for NAFLD management. In addition to FXR, fibroblast growth factor receptor FGFR4 is a key mediator of hepatic bile acid synthesis. Using N-acetylgalactosamine–conjugated siRNA, we knocked down FGFR4 specifically in the liver of mice on chow or high-fat diet and in mouse primary hepatocytes to determine the role of FGFR4 in metabolic processes and hepatic steatosis. Liver-specific FGFR4 silencing increased bile acid production and lowered serum cholesterol. Additionally, we found that high-fat diet–induced liver steatosis and insulin resistance improved following FGFR4 knockdown. These improvements were associated with activation of the FXR-FGF15 axis in intestinal cells, but not in hepatocytes. We conclude that targeting FGFR4 in the liver to activate the intestinal FXR-FGF15 axis may be a promising strategy for the treatment of NAFLD and metabolic dysfunction.

Effect of L-carnitine supplemented diets with varying protein and lipid levels on growth, body composition, antioxidant status and physio-metabolic changes of white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei juveniles reared in inland saline water

Addition of suboptimum protein and higher lipid in the diet can be a better strategy to develop an environment friendly feed for cultured species. But very high amount of dietary lipids can cause metabolic burden to the species leading to growth retardation and lipid accumulation in the body of the animals. In this context, a feeding trial of 60 days was conducted to find out the effect of L-carnitine supplemented diets with different protein and lipid levels on growth, feed conversion, nutrient utilization, body composition, antioxidant status and physio-metabolic responses of Penaeus vannamei juveniles reared in inland saline water (ISW) of 10 ppt salinity. Three hetero-nitrogenous (36.17, 33.13, 30.11% crude protein, CP), hetero-lipidic (5.12, 8.15, 11.17% lipid) and hetero-caloric (378–411 Kcal digestible energy or DE/100 g) diets were supplemented with three levels (0%, 0.05% and 0.1%) of L-carnitine to prepare nine experimental diets viz. P36L5C0 (36% CP, 5% lipid and 0% L-carnitine), P36L5C0.05 (36% CP, 5% lipid and 0.05% L-carnitine), P36L5C0.1 (36% CP, 5% lipid and 0.1% L-carnitine), P33L8C0 (33% CP, 8% lipid and 0% L-carnitine), P33L8C0.05 (33% CP, 8% lipid and 0.05% L-carnitine), P35L8C0.1 (33% CP, 8% lipid and 0.1% L-carnitine), P30L11C0 (30% CP, 11% lipid and 0% L-carnitine), P30L11C0.05 (30% CP, 11% lipid and 0.05% L-carnitine) and P30L11C0.1 (30% CP, 11% lipid and 0.1% L-carnitine). Six hundred and seventy-five (675) acclimated P. vannamei juveniles (average body weight, 4.02 ± 0.01 g) were randomly distributed to nine treatments viz. P36L5C0, P36L5C0.05, P36L5C0.1, P33L8C0, P33L8C0.05, P33L8C0.1, P30L11C0, P30L11C0.05 and P30L11C0.1in triplicate following 3 (protein-lipid levels) × 3 (dietary levels of L-carnitine) factorial design. The shrimp fed with 33% protein, 8% lipid and 0.05% L-carnitine showed significantly (p < 0.05) the highest weight gain percentage, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, lipid efficiency ratio, and protease activity and the lowest feed conversion ratio. The hepatopancreas somatic index (HPSI) value, whole body lipid content and activities of amylase and lipase significantly (p < 0.05) increased with increase in dietary lipid level with the highest values found in 11% lipid fed group, but dietary L-carnitine caused the decreasing trend of HPSI and increasing trend of lipase respectively with the lowest and the highest values in 0.05% L-carnitine fed group. Similarly, the 0.05% L-carnitine fed group showed significantly higher body lipid content and amylase activity than its non-supplemented counterpart. Body moisture content significantly decreased with increase in dietary lipid level with the lowest value in 11% lipid fed group. However, dietary L-carnitine did not affect the body moisture level. The 33% protein, 8% lipid and 0.05% L-carnitine fed group exhibited significantly higher Carnitine palmitoyl transferase-I and glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase activity than non-supplemented groups. The shrimp of 11% lipid fed group showed significantly lowest serum total protein and the highest serum glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides, gill and hepatopancreatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and hepatopancreatic malondialdehyde (MDA). But, 0.05% L-carnitine fed group showed significantly higher serum total protein and lower serum glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides and lower tissue SOD, CAT and MDA. In conclusion, P. vannamei juveniles reared in 10 ppt ISW and fed with 33% crude protein, 8% lipid and 0.05% L-carnitine diet can exhibit better growth performance, body lipid content, antioxidant status and physio-metabolic responses. This information will be useful in formulating the L-carnitine supplemented eco-friendly low protein high lipid or energy (LPHL or LPHE) feed for profitable culture of P. vannamei in ISW.

HCV Infection and Liver Cirrhosis Are Associated with a Less-Favorable Serum Cholesteryl Ester Profile Which Improves through the Successful Treatment of HCV.

Background: Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) lowers serum cholesterol levels, which rapidly recover during therapy with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). Serum cholesterol is also reduced in patients with liver cirrhosis. Studies investigating serum cholesterol in patients with chronic liver diseases are generally based on enzymatic assays providing total cholesterol levels. Hence, these studies do not account for the individual cholesteryl ester (CE) species, which have different properties according to acyl chain length and desaturation. Methods: Free cholesterol (FC) and 15 CE species were quantified by flow injection analysis high-resolution Fourier Transform mass spectrometry (FIA-FTMS) in the serum of 178 patients with chronic HCV before therapy and during treatment with DAAs. Results: Serum CEs were low in HCV patients with liver cirrhosis and, compared to patients without cirrhosis, proportions of CE 16:0 and 16:1 were higher whereas % CE 20:4 and 20:5 were reduced. FC levels were unchanged, and the CE/FC ratio was consequently low in cirrhosis. FC and CEs did not correlate with viral load. Four CE species were reduced in genotype 3 compared to genotype 1-infected patients. During DAA therapy, 9 of the 15 measured CE species, and the CE/FC ratio, increased. Relative to total CE levels, % CE 16:0 declined and % CE 18:3 was higher at therapy end. At this time, % CE 14:0, 16:0 and 16:1 were higher and % CE 20:4 and 22:6 were lower in the cirrhosis than the non-cirrhosis patients. Viral genotype associated changes of CEs disappeared at therapy end. Conclusions: The serum CE composition differs between patients with and without liver cirrhosis, and changes through the efficient elimination of HCV. Overall, HCV infection and cirrhosis are associated with a higher proportion of CE species with a lower number of carbon atoms and double bonds, reflecting a less-favorable CE profile.

Codium fragile reduces adipose tissue expansion and fatty liver incidence by downregulating adipo- and lipogenesis.

Codium fragile (C. fragile) is a marine alga with high functional food potential. Recent studies have proven C. fragile extract (CFE) effective against obesity. However, the exact underlying mechanism of CFE's anti-obesity effects remains unclear. Herein, CFE was orally administered to male C57BL/6 mice for 7 weeks, along with a high-fat diet. CFE (100 mg/kg) effectively induced weight loss, lowered serum cholesterol levels, and suppressed adipocyte differentiation in white adipose tissue (WAT). Furthermore, CFE effectively reduced hepatic total triglyceride, cholesterol, and lipid levels, while significantly improving liver size and color. mRNA expression analysis in WAT and liver tissue revealed that CFE significantly suppressed the expression of PPARγ and aP-2 in adipocyte differentiation, and SREBP-1c and FAS in de novo lipogenesis, suggesting that CFE's anti-obesity effect is exerted by gene inhibition. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Research on marine plants with anti-obesity effects has been increasing recently. This study demonstrated that C. fragile extract (CFE) is effective in reducing body weight and suppressing adipocyte differentiation, along with the improvement of fatty liver in mice fed with a high-fat diet (HFD). The anti-obesity effect of CFE was exhibited by the down-regulation of adipogenesis and lipogenesis, respectively. Based on these results, C. fragile could be useful, not only to effectively combat obesity but also in improving obesity-induced liver dysfunction.

Bile salt hydrolase and cholesterol assimilation potential of lactobacilli fromNigerian fermented foods and human sources

Bile salt hydrolases (BSH) results in microbes releasing enzymes conferring physiological functions for both the producing organisms and the host and subsequently lower serum cholesterol. In recent years, these attributes have generated interest towards screening of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) for functional food production. In this present study, lactobacilli (n=34) (13 L. casei, 6 L. paracasei, 11 L. brevis, 3 L. pentosus and 1 L. plantarum) from varied sources viz. Nigerian fermented foods and human specimens were screened qualitatively and quantitatively for BSH activity using the direct plate assay and cell free extracts (CFE) of overnight cultures. To establish a correlation between BSH and cholesterol reduction, 12 isolates displaying high precipitation over bile salt agar plates, and high BSH enzyme activity in CFE were selected for in vitro cholesterol reduction assay. Results showed that 58% of the isolates from humans, and 36% from fermented food origin showed larger zones of precipitation. The highest BSH activity was exhibited by Lactobacillus casei GR4 (76mM) after 10 min of incubation, an isolate from fermented food. Isolates from human specimens expressed higher enzyme activity compared to those from fermented foods with significant increase (P&lt;0.05) after 30 min incubation. Cholesterol level was variable as L. pentosus 8ST5 and 8ST7 had 2 and 4% cholesterol levels in the medium; while L. casei and paracasei group (Lactobacillus casei group, LCG) 3MB4, 8BM6, BK4 and L. brevis GR29 had 7%/ml each proving their application in food formulation, reduction of hypercholesterolemia, and as prophylaxis for controlling serum cholesterol levels.

Proximate Composition, Antidiabetic and Hypolipidemic Activity of Bread Produced from Wheat-Sorghum Base Supplemented with Mung Bean Malt and Carrot Flour.

Diabetes is a group of disorders of carbohydrate metabolism characterized by a high level of glucose in urine. Evidence supports the use of whole-grain foods, vegetables, and fruits, and foods with a low glycemic index in the management of diabetes. Ten (10) blends of wheat-sorghum flour supplemented with mung bean malt and carrot flour were used for bread production and evaluated for proximate composition. Three bread samples with protein contents of 18% or higher were tested for antidiabetic and hypolipidemic effects on alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Bread samples containing 30% mung bean malt and 5% carrot flour had the highest protein (22.88%), ash (2.41%), and fiber (3.60%) contents that differed significantly (P < .05) from other composite breads and control (100% wheat bread). The reduction in fasting blood sugar level was observed to be greater in the rat groups fed experimental samples than in the control. Bread samples with the highest content of mung bean malt (30%) and carrot flour (5%) were more effective in the reduction of fasting blood glucose, triglyceride, and serum cholesterol levels than other formulations. When rats fed experimental diets were compared with controls, they had lower serum cholesterol (137.67, 150.67, and 154.67 mg/dL), lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL; 68.46, 84.96, and 84.20 mg/dL), higher very LDL (11.86, 20.20, and 22.18 mg/dL), and higher high-density lipoprotein (54.67, 45.67, and 48.33 mg/dL). The results suggest that the bread modified with mung bean malt and carrot flour possesses antidiabetic and hypolipidemic effects. Approval Reference Number: FVM-UNN-IACUC-2021-1182.

Contribution of HIF-P4H isoenzyme inhibition to metabolism indicates major beneficial effects being conveyed by HIF-P4H-2 antagonism

Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) prolyl 4-hydroxylases (HIF-P4Hs 1–3) are druggable targets in renal anemia, where pan-HIF-P4H inhibitors induce an erythropoietic response. Preclinical data suggest that HIF-P4Hs could also be therapeutic targets for treating metabolic dysfunction, although the contributions of HIF-P4H isoenzymes in various tissues to the metabolic phenotype are inadequately understood. Here, we used mouse lines that were gene-deficient for HIF-P4Hs 1 to 3 and two preclinical pan-HIF-P4H inhibitors to study the contributions of these isoenzymes to the anthropometric and metabolic outcome and HIF response. We show both inhibitors induced a HIF response in wildtype white adipose tissue (WAT), liver, and skeletal muscle and alleviated metabolic dysfunction during a 6-week treatment period, but they did not alter healthy metabolism. Our data indicate that HIF-P4H-1 contributed especially to skeletal muscle and WAT metabolism and that its loss lowered body weight and serum cholesterol levels upon aging. In addition, we found HIF-P4H-3 had effects on the liver and WAT and its loss increased body weight, adiposity, liver weight and triglyceride levels, WAT inflammation, and cholesterol levels and resulted in hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, especially during aging. Finally, we demonstrate HIF-P4H-2 affected all tissues studied; its inhibition lowered body and liver weight and serum cholesterol levels and improved glucose tolerance. We found very few HIF target metabolic mRNAs were regulated by the inhibition of three isoenzymes, thus suggesting a potential for selective therapeutic tractability. Altogether, these data provide specifications for the future development of HIF-P4H inhibitors for the treatment of metabolic diseases.

Lipid metabolic disorders and physiological stress caused by a high-fat diet have lipid source-dependent effects in juvenile black seabream Acanthopagrus schlegelii.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different dietary lipid sources on growth performance, lipid metabolism, and physiological stress responses including oxidative stress (OS) and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) of juvenile Acanthopagrus schlegelii (initial weight 0.88 ± 0.01g) fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Four isonitrogenous and isolipidic experimental diets containing different lipid sources were formulated: fish oil (FO), palm oil (PO), linseed oil (LO), and soybean oil (SO), respectively. Results indicated that fish fed HFD supplemented with FO significantly improved growth than SO treatment. The high concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase were found in HFD supplemented with SO. Fish fed dietary LO supplementation showed significantly lower serum cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein contents than those in SO group. Likewise, hepatic paraffin section analysis indicated that HFD with PO or SO supplementation increased fat drop. The expression levels of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor alpha (pparα) and silent regulator 1 (sirt1) were significantly elevated by HFD with FO or LO supplementation. Additionally, the key marker of OS malonaldehyde was significantly increased in FO and SO groups. ERS-related genes were activated in dietary PO or SO supplementation and, hence, triggering inflammation and apoptosis by promoting the expression levels of nuclear factor kappa B (nf-κb) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (jnk). Overall, the present study reveals that lipid metabolic disorders and physiological stress caused by a HFD have significant lipid source-dependent effects, which have important guiding significance for the use of HFD in marine fish.

Effect of Labazyme on Growth Performance, Physiological Parameters, and Economic Efficiency of Broiler Chickens

Enzymes have a significant positive effect on nutrient digestion, feed efficiency, and growth rate of poultry. The current experiment aimed to determine the optimal dosage levels of Labazyme as feed additives. A total of 240 one-day-old broiler chickens (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to four groups with three replicates. The feeding experiment was carried out from hatching to day 42 of age. Three experimental groups contained Labazyme at 0.5, 1, and 1.5 mg/kg of the total diet. The control group received a basal diet. Growth performance, European performance efficiency index (EPEI), production index (PI), biochemical and lipid profiles, as well as antioxidant parameters were then measured. The results showed that chickens fed Labazyme supplementation (1 and 1.5 mg/kg) had a higher growth performance than those in the control group. Nonetheless, there was a significant difference between the Labazyme and the control group in terms of feed intake. In addition, Labazyme groups had a significantly positive effect on broiler economic scores. The EPEI and PI of the Labazyme-fed chickens were both higher than the control. There was a non-significant difference in total protein, albumin, globulin, and uric acid. The serum glucose level of the chickens fed Labazyme (1 and 1.5 mg/kg) was lower, compared to the control group. In contrast, chickens that consumed a diet supplemented with Labazyme 1 and 1.5 mg/kg indicated lower serum cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, and very-low-density lipoprotein levels in broilers, compared to the control group. Serum high-density lipoprotein levels were improved and more pronounced in chickens fed Labazyme, compared to the control group. In conclusion, the results of the current study indicated that supplementation of Labazyme could help the improvement of growth performance, lipid profile, and profitability of broiler chickens.

Identification of Serum Oxylipins Associated with the Development of Coronary Artery Disease: A Nested Case-Control Study.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is among the leading causes of death globally. The American Heart Association recommends that people should consume more PUFA-rich plant foods to replace SFA-rich ones to lower serum cholesterol and prevent CAD. However, PUFA may be susceptible to oxidation and generate oxidized products such as oxylipins. In this study, we investigated whether the blood oxylipin profile is associated with the risk of developing CAD and whether including identified oxylipins may improve the predictability of CAD risk. We designed a nested case-control study with 77 cases and 148 matched controls from a 10-year follow-up of the Nutrition and Health Survey in a Taiwanese cohort of 720 people aged 50 to 70. A panel of 46 oxylipins was measured for baseline serum samples. We discovered four oxylipins associated with CAD risk. 13-oxo-ODE, which has been previously found in formed plagues, was positively associated with CAD (OR = 5.02, 95%CI = 0.85 to 15.6). PGE2/PGD2, previously shown to increase cardiac output, was inversely associated (OR = 0.16, 95%CI = 0.06 to 0.42). 15-deoxy-PGJ2, with anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptosis effects on cardiomyocytes (OR = 0.26, 95%CI = 0.09 to 0.76), and 5-HETE, which was associated with inflammation (OR = 0.28, 95%CI = 0.10 to 0.78), were also negatively associated as protective factors. Adding these four oxylipins to the traditional risk prediction model significantly improved CAD prediction.