Plasma High-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Concentrations Research Articles

Effects of selenium-enriched Bacillus sp. compounds on growth performance, antioxidant status, and lipid parameters breast meat quality of Chinese Huainan partridge chicks in winter cold stress

BackgroundBoth selenium (Se) and probiotic Bacillus regulate the metabolism to help defense clod stress and improve the meat quality in breeding chicks. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplemental Se and Bacillus in the form of Se-enriched Bacillus (SECB) on the growth performance, lipid parameters, breast Se and antibiotic levels, and breast meat quality of chicken in winter cold stress.MethodsFive hundred 1-d-old chickens were divided into five groups randomly: Control, inorganic Se, compound Bacillus, SECB, and antibiotic. The feed duration was 56 d.ResultsAfter 28 d of treatment, chicks feed SECB or compound Bacillus had higher body weights than the control, and after 56 d, chicks given either SECB or compound Bacillus had higher body weights than the control chicks or those given inorganic Se. Adding SECB to feed significantly increased the lightness, redness, and yellowness of breast meat, improved the water-holding capacity, and reduced the shear force and cooking loss. The concentration of Se in the breast muscle very significantly increased after SECB and inorganic Se supplementation, which was opposite to the concentration of flavomycin in antibiotic supplemented chicks. The antioxidative status of plasma and breast meat was significantly improved with added compound Bacillus and SECB: the total antioxidant capacity, total superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase ability in the breast muscle significantly improved, and the malondialdehyde concentration in plasma decreased. The levels of total cholesterol plasma triglyceride and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the plasma and breast muscle was decreased compared to that of the control, while the plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration increased.ConclusionsIn conclusion, SECB supplementation promoted the body growth, antioxidative status, and Se concentrations in the plasma and breast meat, and also improved the breast meat quality.

Non-linear association of plasma level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol with endobronchial biopsy bleeding in patients with lung cancer

BackgroundDespite a large body of studies have demonstrated the multifaceted behavior of high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) in several physiological and pathological processes, the levels of plasma HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) that may be associated with endobronchial biopsy (EBB)-related bleeding have never been examined.MethodsWe conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study of 628 consecutive patients with primary lung cancer who had undergone EBB at a large tertiary hospital between January 2014 and February 2018. Patients were divided into the bleeding group and the non-bleeding group according to the bronchoscopy report. The association between HDL-C levels and EBB-induced bleeding was evaluated using the LASSO regression analysis, multiple regression analysis and smooth curve fitting adjusted for potential confounders.ResultsThere was an inverse association of plasma HDL-C concentration with the incidence of EBB-induced bleeding as assessed by univariate analysis (P < 0.05). However, in piecewise linear regression analysis, a non-linear relationship with threshold saturation effects was observed between plasma HDL-C concentrations and EBB-induced bleeding. The incidence of EBB-induced bleeding decreased with HDL-C concentrations from 1.5 mmol/L up to 2.0 mmol/L (adjusted OR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.20–0.74), but increased with HDL-C levels above the inflection point (HDL-C = 2.0 mmol/L).ConclusionsThere was a non-linear association between plasma HDL-C concentrations and the risk of EBB-induced bleeding in patients with lung cancer. The plasma level of HDL-C above 2.0 mmol/L or below 1.5 mmol/L may increase the risk of EBB-induced bleeding.

Naringin abrogates HIV-1 protease inhibitors-induced atherogenic dyslipidemia and oxidative stress in vivo

Protective effects of naringin against HIV-1 protease inhibitors (PIs)-induced dyslipidemia and oxidative stress were investigated in vivo. Male Wistar rats were orally treated daily with atazanavir {ATV; 133 mg/kg body weight (BW)}, saquinavir (SQV; 333 mg/kg BW), distilled water (3.0 ml/kg BW) and with or without naringin (NAR; 50 mg/kg BW) for 56 days, respectively. ATV or SQV significantly reduced body weights and plasma HDL cholesterol concentrations but increased total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL-cholesterol concentrations and calculated atherogenic index ratio, respectively. Furthermore, ATV or SQV treatment significantly increased lipid peroxidation and carbonyl proteins concentrations in plasma, liver and pancreas tissues but significantly reduced antioxidant activities in the liver and pancreas compared to the controls, respectively. However, naringin treatment significantly improved weight loss, dyslipidemia and oxidative stress in ATV- or SQV-treated rats, respectively. Naringin prevents HIV PIs-induced dyslipidemia and oxidative stress and may therefore mitigate PI-associated metabolic complications in HIV patients.

PO-199 Meta analysis of Exercise Intervention on Dyslipidemia in recent 6 years

Objective To investigate and evaluate the evidence of exercise intervention in dyslipidemia, this study aims to make a systematic evaluation of exercise intervention in recent 6 years and a summary evaluation of meta analysis.&#x0D; Methods The electronic database was searched including CNKI, Wanfang. The Chinese key words, dyslipidemia, exercise, physical activity, acute exercise, aerobic exercise, exercise training, etc., were collected from various databases from January 2013 to July 2018. After extracting the data,RevMan5.3 software was used to analyze the merging effect.&#x0D; Results 2066 subjects were included in 17 articles, 1026 in the experimental group and 1040 in the control group. The results showed that: (1) Total cholesterol (TC) SMD=-0.74 (95% Cl: -1.07- 0.41,P &lt; 0.00001); (2) Triglyceride (TG) SMD=-0.98 (95%Cl:-1.39 -0.56,P &lt; 0.00001); (3) Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C )SMD=-1.06 (95%Cl: -1.63-0.50, P &lt; 0.00001); (4) High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)SMD = 0. 66 (95% Cl: 0. 39~0.93, P &lt; 0.00001). &#x0D; Conclusions Exercise intervention can effectively reduce the plasma TCG LDL-C concentration and increase the plasma HDL-C concentration.

Effects of Cysteine-Stabilised Peptide Fraction of Aqueous Extract of Morinda lucida Leaf on Selected Cardiovascular Disease Indices in Mice.

This study evaluated the effects of cysteine-stabilised peptide fraction (CSPF) of aqueous extract of Morinda lucida leaf on selected cardiovascular disease indices in mice. Sixty adult Swiss Albino mice were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 10). Group A served as control and received 5% DMSO. Half of the mice in groups B, C, D, E and F received 31.25, 62.5, 125, 250, and 500mg/kg body weight of CSPF respectively for 7days while the other half received the various doses for 28days. After the experimental period, selected cardiovascular disease indices were determined in the mice. The results revealed that CSPF significantly reduced (p < 0.05) atherogenic index, plasma concentrations of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol but significantly increased (p < 0.05) plasma HDL-cholesterol concentration at higher doses after 28days of administration. Plasma lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities were not significantly altered (p > 0.05) at all doses of the CSPF after 7 and 28days of administration compared to controls. After 7days of CSPF administration, the activities of heart Ca2+, Mg2+-ATPase and Na+-K+-ATPase were not significantly altered (p > 0.05) but heart Mg2+-ATPase activity was significantly increased (p < 0.05) at 250mg/kg body weight compared to controls. Also, 28days of CSPF administration at all doses had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on the activities of heart Mg2+-ATPase and Na+-K+-ATPase of mice compared to controls but heart Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase activity was significantly increased (p < 0.05) at the highest dose with no significant alteration (p > 0.05) at other doses compared to controls. Generally, CSPF administration had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on haematological parameters after 7 and 28days. These results suggest that CSPF may not predispose subjects to cardiovascular diseases.

Association between HDL Cholesterol Levels and the Consumption of Vitamin A in Metabolically Healthy Obese Lebanese: A Cross-Sectional Study among Adults in Lebanon.

Objectives Previous studies show the association between vitamin A and elevation of plasma triglyceride concentrations. However, limited information exists on the association between vitamin A and plasma HDL cholesterol concentrations. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between plasma HDL cholesterol levels and vitamin A intake in 57 metabolically healthy obese (MHO) Lebanese. Methods Out of the 112 adult obese participants who had completed anthropometric and biochemical data, 57 (22 males and 35 females) aged 18–62 years old are metabolically healthy and their data are included in this study. A valid semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (SQFFQ) was used to test vitamin A intake among other antioxidants. The participants were recruited from the database of three dietary clinics across Lebanon. Results Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to measure the strength of the relationship between vitamin A and plasma HDL cholesterol levels. There was a significant positive correlation (P value = 0.0225) between vitamin A consumption and HDL cholesterol serum levels in obese participants; when vitamin A levels decrease, HDL levels decrease more in female than in male participants. Conclusion The association between dietary vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant, and high HDL levels is shown in MHO but should be further exploited in future studies.

Study of Hypolipidemic and Antioxidant Activities of Anvillea radiata Coss &amp; Durieu in Diabetic Rats

Objective: To evaluate the hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of aqueous extract leaves of Anvillea radiata (AEL of A. radiata) in normal and streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. In addition, the determination of total polyphenol and total flavonoid contents in the AEL of A. radiate was performed. Methods: The effects of oral administration of AEL of A. Radiata (10 mg/kg) on the plasma total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations were measured in both normal and diabetic rats. The antioxidant capacity was realized by the method of DPPH. Total polyphenol, as well as, flavonoid contents of the AEL of A. radiata were determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method and colorimetric AlCl3 method, respectively. Results: AEL of A. radiate (10 mg/kg) showed a strong hypolipidemic effect both in normoglycaemic and in STZ rats after 15 days of daily treatment. In normal rats, AEL of A. radiata induced a significant decrease in plasma triglyceride levels (p<0.0001). Moreover, plasma cholesterol total levels reduced significantly (p<0.05; p<0.0001) both in normal and diabetic rats, respectively. In contrast, plasma HDL-C levels showed a significant increase (p<0.05; p<0.01) both in normal and in STZ induced diabetic rats, respectively. On the other side, AEL of A. radiata showed important antioxidant activity and revealed the inhibitory concentration of 50% of free radicals (IC50) (IC50=343.41 mg/ml). Concerning the quantitative determination of total polyphenol and flavonoid contents, which were equal to 70.28 mg of gallic acid equivalent per gram of extract (mg EAG/g) and 16.38 mg of quercetin equivalent per gram of extract (EQ/g), respectively. Conclusion: AEL of A. radiata (10 mg/kg) shows the potential hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects in both normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats. Keywords: A. radiata, streptozotocin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, flavonoids, anti-oxidants.

Central adiposity markers, plasma lipid profile and cardiometabolic risk prediction in overweight-obese individuals

Waist circumference (WC) is the currently recommended marker of central fat for cardiometabolic risk screening. Alternative surrogate markers have been recently proposed to better reflect the metabolic impact of central fat accumulation per se, based on WC normalization by height (Weight-to-Height Ratio - WtoH; Body Roundness Index - BRI) or body mass index (BMI) without (A Body Shape Index - ABSI) or with inclusion of plasma triglyceride and HDL-cholesterol concentrations (Visceral Adiposity Index - VAI). We investigated associations between WtoH, BRI, ABSI or VAI and insulin resistance (HOMA-index) or metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a general population cohort from the North-East Italy Mo.Ma. study (n=1965, age=49±13 years, BMI=26.7±5.2kg/m2). Baseline values were also evaluated as predictors of future insulin resistance and MetS in overweight-obese individuals undergoing 5-year follow-up (Ow-Ob) (n=263; age=54±9, BMI=30,7±4,1). Compared to WC or BMI, basal WtoH and BRI were similarly associated with baseline HOMA and MetS prevalence after multiple adjustments (P<0.001) and all markers similarly predicted 5-year HOMA and MetS (P<0.001). Under basal conditions, superimposable results were observed for VAI whereas ABSI was less accurate or unable to identify baseline HOMA and MetS (p<0.05 vs WtoH-BRI-VAI-WC-BMI). VAI had highest 5-year risk predictive value in Ow-Ob [ROC Area Under the Curve (AUC) VAI>WtoH-BRI-WC-BMI; p<0.05] while no predictive value was in contrast observed for ABSI (ROC AUC ABSI<WtoH-BRI-WC-BMI; p<0.05). Using alternate formulae with plasma lipid inclusion in ABSI and removal from VAI calculations completely reversed their 5-year predictive value and AUC. The current findings do not support replacement of WC with height-normalized anthropometric central fat surrogate markers to predict cardiometabolic risk in the general and overweight-obese population. BMI-normalization impairs risk assessment unless plasma lipid concentrations are available and included in calculations.

Assessment of the Ameliorative Effect of Ruzu Herbal Bitters on the Biochemical and Antioxidant Abnormalities Induced by High Fat Diet in Wistar Rats

Background and Objective: Ruzu herbal bitters (RHB) is a poly-herbal preparation that is widely taken in Nigeria and it is used as an anti-obesity medicinal concoction. The concoction is an aqueous composition of different plant parts of Curculigo pilosa , Uvaria chamae and Citrullus colocynthis and so far, there has been no published scientific verification on the health enhancing claims of RHB’s intake. This study is aimed at evaluating the anti-obesity and the biochemical and antioxidant effects of RHB’s consumption, using an albino Wistar high-fat dietary model rats. Materials and Methods: A total of thirty-six (n = 36) rats were divided into six groups of six animals each. Group 1: The negative control animals (NEC), received the high-fat diet, group 2: The normal control animals (NC), was fed on standard rat chow and distilled water, groups 3-6 were placed on the high-fat diet and then dosed orally with the following: Pioglitazone (PIO) (30 mg kgG1 b.wt.,), RHB (0.3 mL kgG1), vitamin E (Vit. E) (10 IU kgG1) and a combination of PIO and Vit. E, respectively for 8 weeks. The animals were then sacrificed and antioxidant and biochemical tests on blood and other tissue samples were carried out by standard methods. Statistical analysis of the results was carried out by one-way analysis of variance with the SPSS. Results: The group 4 RHB administered animals had a significant reduction (p<0.05) in total body weight, in comparison with group 1 animals. As well as a significant (p<0.05) reduction the plasma activities of alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransaminase (AST) and concentrations of LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting blood glucose, total and indirect bilirubin when compared with group 1. A significant (p<0.05) increase in the concentrations of plasma HDL-cholesterol and reduced glutathione in the brain, spleen and liver of rats were also observed in group 4 while a significant (p<0.05) increase was observed in the activity of peroxidase in the liver and brain of rats in the RHB group in comparison with group 1. Conclusion: These findings validate the anti-obesity and antioxidant claims of RHB and these activities were attributed to its plant’s constituents.

Myo- and cardiotoxic effects of the wild winter mushroom ( Flammulina velutipes) on mice.

Rhabdomyolysis (destruction of striated muscle) is a novel form of mushroom poisoning in Europe and Asia indicated by increased circulating creatine kinase levels. Particular wild fungi have also been reported to induce elevated creatine kinase activities in mice. Flammulina velutipes (enokitake or winter mushroom) is one of the most actively cultivated mushroom species globally. As it is marketed as a medicinal mushroom and functional food, it is important to examine whether it could induce potentially harmful health effects similar to some previously studied edible fungi. The present study examined the effects of F. velutipes consumption on the plasma clinical chemistry, hematology, and organ histology of laboratory mice. Wild F. velutipes were dried, pulverized, mixed with a regular laboratory rodent diet, and fed to the animals at 0, 3, 6, or 9 g/kg body mass/day for five days ( n = 6/group). F. velutipes consumption caused increased activities of plasma creatine kinase and the MB-fraction of creatine kinase at 6-9 g/kg/d, indicating potentially deleterious effects on both skeletal and cardiac muscle. The plasma total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations (at 9 g/kg/d) and white blood cell and lymphocyte counts (at 6-9 g/kg/d) decreased. Although the cholesterol-lowering properties of F. velutipes can be beneficial, the previously unexamined, potentially hazardous side effects of mushroom consumption (myo- and cardiotoxicity) should be thoroughly investigated before recommending this mushroom species as a health-promoting food item. Impact statement This work is important to the field of functional foods, as it provides novel information about the potential myo- and cardiotoxic properties of an edible mushroom, Flammulina velutipes. The results are useful and of importance because F. velutipes is an actively cultivated mushroom and marketed as a health-promoting food item. The findings contribute to the understanding of the complexity of the balance between the beneficial and potentially harmful effects of mushroom consumption.

Metabolically healthy obesity and risk of leukoaraiosis; a population based cross-sectional study.

Metabolically healthy obese (MHO) individual is known to be defended from the metabolic complications of obesity. Leukoaraiosis, which is commonly detected on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is now recognized as a risk of stroke, dementia and death. However, the association between MHO and the prevalence of leukoaraiosis is unclear. In this cross-sectional study of 796 participants who received a medical examination program, we investigated the association between MHO and the prevalence of leukoaraiosis. We used common clinical markers for definition of metabolic healthy status: blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. Obesity was defined by body mass index ≥25.0 kg/m2. We diagnosed leukoaraiosis by fluid-attenuated inversion recovery without hypointensity on T1-weighted images or the presence of a hyperintensity on T2-weighted images. The crude prevalence proportion of leukoaraiosis was 44.5% (case/n = 171/384) in metabolically healthy nonobese (MHNO) individual, 46.3% (44/95) in MHO individual, 62.3% (114/183) in metabolically unhealthy nonobese (MUNO) individual or 56.6% (77/136) in MUO individual. The odds ratios of prevalence of leukoaraiosis were 1.19 (95% CI 0.74-1.90, p = 0.471) for MHO, 1.79 (1.22-2.62, p = 0.003) for MUNO and 1.56 (1.03-2.37, p = 0.037) for MUO individuals after adjusting for sex, age, smoking statues, habit of exercise and alcohol, compared with MHNO individual. We revealed that MHO individuals were not related with the higher risk of leukoaraiosis, whereas MUNO and MUO individuals were.

Curcumin potentiates cholesterol-lowering effects of phytosterols in hypercholesterolaemic individuals. A randomised controlled trial

BackgroundDietary phytosterols (PS) are well-known hypocholesterolaemic agents. Curcumin elicits hypolipidaemic and anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical studies, however, consistent findings in humans are lacking. ObjectiveConcurrent PS and curcumin supplementation may exhibit enhanced hypocholesterolaemic and anti-inflammatory effects to optimise cardio-protection. The objective of this trial was to investigate the effects of dietary intervention with PS with or without curcumin on blood lipids (primary outcome) in hypercholesterolaemic individuals. MethodsA double-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled, 2 × 2 factorial trial was conducted in hypercholesterolaemic individuals. Participants received either placebo (PL, no phytosterols or curcumin), phytosterols (PS, 2 g/d), curcumin (CC, 200 mg/d) or a combination of PS and curcumin (PS-CC, 2 g/d–200 mg/d respectively) for four weeks. Primary outcomes included fasting total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), TC-to-HDL-C ratio (TC:HDL-C). Secondary outcomes included anthropometrics and fasting blood glucose concentrations. ResultsSeventy participants with a mean (±SEM) fasting TC concentration of 6.57 ± 0.13 mmol/L completed the study (PL, n = 18; PS, n = 17; CC, n = 18; PS-CC, n = 17). PS and PS-CC supplementation significantly lowered TC, LDL-cholesterol and TC:HDL-C post-intervention (p < 0.05). Reductions from baseline in the PS group were 4.8% and 8.1% for TC and LDL-cholesterol respectively (p < 0.05). CC exhibited non-significant reduction (2.3% and 2.6%) in TC and LDL-C respectively, however, the PS-CC resulted in a greater reduction in TC (11.0%) and LDL-cholesterol (14.4%) than either of the treatments alone (p < 0.0001). The reduction in the PS-CC treatment was significantly greater compared to those for CC (p < 0.05) or PL (p < 0.01) alone. Plasma HDL-cholesterol and TG concentrations remained unchanged across all groups. No adverse side effects were reported. ConclusionsThe addition of curcumin to phytosterol therapy provides a complementary cholesterol-lowering effect that is larger than phytosterol therapy alone. Implications of these findings include the development of a single functional food containing both the active ingredients for enhanced lipid-lowering and compliance in hypercholesterolaemic individuals.ANZCTR identifier: 1261500095650

Early and Late Postnatal Accelerated Growth Have Distinct Effects on Metabolic Health in Normal Birth Weight Infants.

Accelerated growth in postnatal life in low birth weight infants has been associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome-related disorders in later life. Postnatal accelerated growth in also common in normal birth weight infants, but little is known about the impact on metabolic health. In a prospective cohort study of 203 term normal birth weight infants, we evaluated the impacts of accelerated (Δweight Z score > 0.5) or decelerated (Δweight ΔZ < −0.5) growth during early (0–3 months) and late (3–12 months) postnatal life on metabolic health indicators at age 1-year. The primary outcomes were homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), β-cell function [homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA-β)], and fasting plasma lipids. Adjusting for maternal, paternal, and infant characteristics, accelerated growth during the first 3 months of life was associated with a 41.6% (95% confidence interval 8.9–84.2%) increase in HOMA-β, and a 8.3% (0.7–15.4%) decrease in fasting plasma total cholesterols, and was not associated with HOMA-IR in infants at age 1-year. Accelerated growth during 3–12 months was associated with a 30.9% (3.3–66.0%) increase in HOMA-IR and was not associated with HOMA-β. Neither accelerated nor decelerated growth was associated with fasting plasma triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations in infants at age 1-year. Accelerated growth during early postnatal life may be beneficial for β-cell function, but during late postnatal life harmful for insulin sensitivity in normal birth weight infants.

The metabolic syndrome- associated small G protein ARL15 plays a role in adipocyte differentiation and adiponectin secretion

Common genetic variants at the ARL15 locus are associated with plasma adiponectin, insulin and HDL cholesterol concentrations, obesity, and coronary atherosclerosis. The ARL15 gene encodes a small GTP-binding protein whose function is currently unknown. In this study adipocyte-autonomous roles for ARL15 were investigated using conditional knockdown of Arl15 in murine 3T3-L1 (pre)adipocytes. Arl15 knockdown in differentiated adipocytes impaired adiponectin secretion but not adipsin secretion or insulin action, while in preadipocytes it impaired adipogenesis. In differentiated adipocytes GFP-tagged ARL15 localized predominantly to the Golgi with lower levels detected at the plasma membrane and intracellular vesicles, suggesting involvement in intracellular trafficking. Sequencing of ARL15 in 375 severely insulin resistant patients identified four rare heterozygous variants, including an early nonsense mutation in a proband with femorogluteal lipodystrophy and non classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and an essential splice site mutation in a proband with partial lipodystrophy and a history of childhood yolk sac tumour. No nonsense or essential splice site mutations were found in 2,479 controls, while five such variants were found in the ExAC database. These findings provide evidence that ARL15 plays a role in adipocyte differentiation and adiponectin secretion, and raise the possibility that human ARL15 haploinsufficiency predisposes to lipodystrophy.

High-Density Lipoprotein Subspecies Defined by Presence of Apolipoprotein C-III and Incident Coronary Heart Disease in Four Cohorts.

The causal role of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in cardioprotection has been questioned by genetic and randomized studies. Novel measures that relate to HDL function may contribute new information to the prediction of cardiovascular risk. Apolipoprotein C-III (apoC-III) is a key regulator of lipoprotein metabolism. We investigated whether subspecies of HDL defined by apoC-III are associated with coronary heart disease (CHD). We used immunoaffinity chromatography to measure the apoA-I concentrations of HDL that contains and lacks apoC-III in 2 prospective studies of adults free of CHD. In MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis), 5657 participants (52% women, 52-72 years of age) were followed for risk of CHD from 2000 to 2002 through 2013. In a case-cohort study nested within the DCH study (Danish Diet, Cancer, and Health), 3642 participants (47% women, 51-64 years of age) were followed from 1994 to 1997 through 2010. Subsequently, we conducted a meta-analysis that combined these results with the previously published findings from 2 cohort studies that used similar laboratory methodology to measure lipoproteins, totaling 2997 incident cases. ApoC-III was found on 6% to 8% of apoA-I. The 2 HDL subspecies showed opposing associations, with risk of CHD in each of the individual cohorts and in the meta-analysis (P heterogeneity between the 2 subspecies <0.01). HDL that contains apoC-III was associated with a higher risk of CHD (pooled relative risk per standard deviation, 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.18), whereas HDL that lacks apoC-III was associated with lower risk (relative risk, 0.76; 95% confidence interval, 0.70-0.83). The relative risk for HDL lacking apoC-III was even more negative than the relative risk for total HDL (relative risk, 0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.74-0.87). Our findings from 4 prospective studies support the hypothesis that apoC-III may mark a subfraction of HDL that is associated with higher risk of CHD. New measures reflecting HDL structure and function may provide novel insights for cardiovascular risk that extend beyond traditional plasma HDL cholesterol concentrations.

Hypolipidemic activity of Tamarix articulata Vahl. in diabetic rats

ObjectiveTamarix articulata Vahl. (Tamaricaceae) is a medicinal plant commonly used in Morocco for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hypolipidemic activity of aqueous extract of T. articulata in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Phytochemical analysis as well as determination of polyphenol and flavonoid contents in the aqueous extract of T. articulata was performed. MethodsThe effects of oral administration of aqueous extract of T. articulata (5 mg/kg) on the plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) concentrations were measured in both normal and STZ-induced diabetic rats. Total phenolic content of the aqueous extract was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method. In addition, determination of flavonoid content was performed using colorimetric AlCl3 method. ResultsA single oral administration in diabetic rats induced a significant increase in the HDL-c concentration after 6 h of treatment with T. articulata (5 mg/kg). The results also demonstrated that the aqueous extract of T. articulata produced a significant decrease of serum total cholesterol after repeated oral administration in diabetic rats (P < 0.01). The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of T. articulata aqueous extract were equal to 102.50 mg of gallic acid equivalent per gram of extract and 54.83 mg of quercetin equivalent per gram of extract, respectively. ConclusionAccording to preliminary phytochemical screening of the aerial part of T. articulata, several classes of chemicals have been found, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, cyanidins (flavones, catechols), mucilage, sesquiterpenes, terpenoids and carbohydrates. In conclusion, T. articulata exhibits a hypolipidemic effect in diabetic rats and its beneficial role as hypolipidemic agent should be evaluated in clinical studies.

The Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Glucose Metabolism and Lipid Profiles in Patients with Gestational Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to summarize the effect of vitamin D supplementation on glucose homeostasis parameters and lipid profiles in gestational diabetes (GDM) patients. We conducted an electronic systematic search of MEDLINE, and 4 other research databases from inception to August 2016, in addition to performing hand searches and consulting with experts in the field. The index of heterogeneity between studies was determined using Cochran (Q) and I-squared tests. Given the existing heterogeneity between studies, a fix or random effect model was performed to estimate the standardized mean difference (SMD) for each variable by using inverse variance method and Cohen statistics. Six randomized clinical trials (187 subjects and 184 controls) were included. The results showed that vitamin D supplementation significantly reduced the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) [SMD -0.66; 95% confidence interval (CI), -1.14 to -0.18], homeostatic model assessment-B cell function (HOMA-B) (SMD -0.52; 95% CI, -0.79 to -0.25), LDL-cholesterol levels (SMD -0.33; 95% CI, -0.58 to -0.07), and significantly increased quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) (SMD 0.73; 95% CI, 0.26 to 1.20). We found no beneficial effect of vitamin D supplementation on fasting plasma glucose (FPG), insulin, HbA1c, total-, HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides concentrations. In conclusion, this meta-analysis demonstrated that vitamin D supplementation may lead to an improvement in HOMA-IR, QUICKI, and LDL-cholesterol levels, but did not affect FPG, insulin, HbA1c, triglycerides, total- and HDL-cholesterol levels; however, vitamin D supplementation increased HOMA-B.

TRAK2, a novel regulator of ABCA1 expression, cholesterol efflux and HDL biogenesis.

The recent failures of HDL-raising therapies have underscored our incomplete understanding of HDL biology. Therefore there is an urgent need to comprehensively investigate HDL metabolism to enable the development of effective HDL-centric therapies. To identify novel regulators of HDL metabolism, we performed a joint analysis of human genetic, transcriptomic, and plasma HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration data and identified a novel association between trafficking protein, kinesin binding 2 (TRAK2) and HDL-C concentration. Here we characterize the molecular basis of the novel association between TRAK2 and HDL-cholesterol concentration. Analysis of lymphocyte transcriptomic data together with plasma HDL from the San Antonio Family Heart Study (n = 1240) revealed a significant negative correlation between TRAK2 mRNA levels and HDL-C concentration, HDL particle diameter and HDL subspecies heterogeneity. TRAK2 siRNA-mediated knockdown significantly increased cholesterol efflux to apolipoprotein A-I and isolated HDL from human macrophage (THP-1) and liver (HepG2) cells by increasing the mRNA and protein expression of the cholesterol transporter ATP-binding cassette, sub-family A member 1 (ABCA1). The effect of TRAK2 knockdown on cholesterol efflux was abolished in the absence of ABCA1, indicating that TRAK2 functions in an ABCA1-dependent efflux pathway. TRAK2 knockdown significantly increased liver X receptor (LXR) binding at the ABCA1 promoter, establishing TRAK2 as a regulator of LXR-mediated transcription of ABCA1. We show, for the first time, that TRAK2 is a novel regulator of LXR-mediated ABCA1 expression, cholesterol efflux, and HDL biogenesis. TRAK2 may therefore be an important target in the development of anti-atherosclerotic therapies.

Genetic factors exist behind the high prevalence of reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the Roma population

Background and aimsPrevious findings showed that reduced plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels are more frequent in all age groups of the Hungarian Roma compared to the general population. It suggests that genetic factors may exist behind this phenomenon. Our present study was designed to test this hypothesis, i.e., to define whether genetic factors contribute to the higher prevalence of reduced HDL-C among Roma. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (N = 21) contributing to the variation in plasma HDL-C concentrations were analysed in the Hungarian Roma (N = 646) and general (N = 1542) populations. MethodsGenetic risk scores, unweighted (GRS) and weighted (wGRS), were computed and compared. Associations between the GRSs and the prevalence of reduced HDL-C levels were analysed. ResultsThe GRS and wGRS were significantly higher in the Roma compared to the general population (GRS: 22.2 ± 3.2 vs. 21.5 ± 3.3; wGRS: 0.57 ± 0.1 vs. 0.53 ± 0.1; p<0.001). One half per cent of Roma subjects were in the bottom fifth of the wGRS (wGRS≤ 0.3) compared with 1.8% of those in the general population (p=0.025), while 5% of the Roma subjects were in the top fifth of the wGRS (wGRS≥ 0.75) compared with 2.6% of those in the general population (p=0.004). The GRS showed similar correlation with reduced plasma HDL-C levels in the two populations, whilst the wGRS showed stronger correlation with the trait among Roma after controlling for confounders. ConclusionsThese results strongly suggest that genetic factors contribute to the higher prevalence of reduced HDL-C levels among Roma, so interventions aiming to improve Roma health status need to consider their increased genetic susceptibility.

The HDL cholesterol/apolipoprotein A-I ratio: an indicator of cardiovascular disease.

In multiple studies, the HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration has been shown to be inversely associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CVD risk. Based on this observation, increasing the plasma HDL-C concentration is thought to be a desirable strategy, in the 21st century, for decreasing the burden of CVD. Recent studies have shown that powerful HDL-C concentration-increasing drugs are ineffective for decreasing CVD. Increasing evidence now shows that HDL is an unstable and heterogeneous particle, and that 'HDL particle functionality' is far more important in atheroprotection than is the HDL-C level, alone. Apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) is the major protein component of HDL, and increasing evidence suggests that the ratio of HDL-C to apoA-I may give additional insight as a risk marker not just for CVD but also for all-cause and cancer mortality. In this review, we discuss the importance of HDL composition, apoA-I levels, and the HDL-C/apoA-I ratio for predicting CVD and mortality outcomes.