Plasma Total Cholesterol Levels Research Articles

Inhibition of activin receptor 2 signalling ameliorates metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease in western diet/L-NAME induced cardiometabolic disease

ObjectiveBlockade of activin 2 receptor (ACVR2) signaling has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and aid in weight loss. Inhibition of ACVR2 signaling restores cardiac function in multiple heart failure models. However, its potential in the treatment of obesity-related cardiometabolic disease remains unknown. Here, we investigated targeting ACVR2 signaling in cardiometabolic disease manifested with metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). MethodsMice were fed a high-fat, high-sugar diet combined with the administration of nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L-NAME in drinking water, which causes hypertensive stress. For the last eight weeks, the mice were treated with the soluble ACVR2B decoy receptor (sACVR2B-Fc). ResultssACVR2B-Fc protected against the development of comorbidities associated with cardiometabolic disease. This was most pronounced in the liver where ACVR2 blockade attenuated the development of MASLD including cessation of pro-fibrotic activation. It also significantly reduced total plasma cholesterol levels, impeded brown adipose tissue whitening, and improved cardiac diastolic function. In vitro, ACVR2 ligands activin A, activin B and GDF11 induced profibrotic signaling and the proliferation of human cardiac fibroblasts. ConclusionsBlockade of ACVR2B exerts broad beneficial effects for therapy of cardiometabolic disease. By reducing obesity, ameliorating cardiovascular deterioration and restraining MASLD, blockade of ACVR2B signaling proves a potential target in MASLD and its comorbidities.

Correction of plasma fat-soluble vitamin levels by blood lipids in elderly patients with coronary heart disease

This study aims to investigate the correlation between plasma fat-soluble vitamin levels and blood lipid in elderly patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). A total of 120 participants were enrolled, including 60 CHD patients and 60 controls without CHD. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) quantified plasma levels of vitamins A, D, E, and K. Data analysis was conducted using the statistical analysis system module of MetaboAnalyst 5.0. The CHD group showed significantly higher levels of plasma total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) but not high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) compared to controls. The CHD group exhibited significantly higher plasma levels of VA and VE, positively correlating with TC, TG, and LDL-C. After adjusted by TG levels, the CHD group had significantly lower plasma levels of VA and VE, negatively correlating with TC, TG, and LDL-C. The CHD group also had significantly lower concentrations of VD3, independent of TG modification, compared to controls. VD3 negatively correlated with TC, TG, and LDL-C. Elderly individuals with CHD display abnormal blood lipid metabolism, and fat-soluble vitamins adjusted by TG levels can more accurately and timely response to implicit fat-soluble vitamins deficiency in CHD patients.

Lanifibranor reduces inflammation and improves dyslipidemia in lysosomal acid lipase-deficient mice

Background and AimsRecent studies showed that patients suffering from lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LAL-D) benefit from enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), however, liver histolopathology improved in some but not all patients. We hypothesized that the pan-PPAR agonist lanifibranor may have beneficial effects on liver inflammation in LAL knockout (Lal-/-) mice based on its promising results in alleviating liver inflammation in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. MethodsFemale Lal-/- mice were daily gavaged with lanifibranor or vehicle for 21 days. The effects of the treatment were assessed by measuring body and organ weights, plasma lipids and lipoproteins, as well as hematological parameters, followed by liver proteomics and metabolomics. ResultsLanifibranor treatment slightly altered organ weights without affecting the total body weight of Lal-/- mice. We observed major changes in the proteome, with multiple proteins related to lipid metabolism, peroxisomal, and mitochondrial activities being upregulated and inflammation-related proteins being downregulated in the livers of treated mice. Hepatic lipid levels and histology remained unaltered, whereas plasma triacylglycerol and total cholesterol levels were decreased and the lipoprotein profile of lanifibranor-treated Lal-/- mice improved. ConclusionsLanifibranor treatment positively affected liver inflammation and dyslipidemia in Lal-/- mice. These findings suggest the necessity of a further combined study of lanifibranor with ERT in Lal-/- mice to improve the phenotype. Moreover, there is a compelling rationale for conducting clinical trials to assess the efficacy of lanifibranor as a potential treatment option for LAL-D in humans.

Candida albicans accelerates atherosclerosis by activating intestinal hypoxia-inducible factor2α signaling.

The gut microbiota is closely linked to atherosclerosis. However, the role of intestinal fungi, essential members of the complex microbial community, in atherosclerosis is poorly understood. Herein, we show that gut fungi dysbiosis is implicated in patients with dyslipidemia, characterized by higher levels of Candida albicans (C.albicans), which are positively correlated with plasma total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Furthermore, C.albicans colonization aggravates atherosclerosis progression in a mouse model of the disease. Through gain- and loss-of-function studies, we show that an intestinal hypoxia-inducible factor 2α (HIF-2α)-ceramide pathway mediates the effect of C.albicans. Mechanistically, formyl-methionine, a metabolite of C.albicans, activates intestinal HIF-2α signaling, which drives increased ceramide synthesis to accelerate atherosclerosis. Administration of the HIF-2α selective antagonist PT2385 alleviates atherosclerosis in mice by reducing ceramide levels. Our findings identify a role for intestinal fungi in atherosclerosis progression and highlight the intestinal HIF-2α-ceramide pathway as a target for atherosclerosis treatment.

Impact of Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet on Antioxidant Status and Metabolic Parameters in NAFLD Patients: A 24-Month Lifestyle Intervention Study.

The Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) is recognized as a healthy dietary pattern. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by the excessive accumulation of fat in the liver. To assess the antioxidant status in erythrocytes, plasma, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of NAFLD patients following a 24-month lifestyle intervention based on the MedDiet. Adult patients (n = 40; aged 40-60 years) diagnosed with NAFLD by magnetic resonance imaging were divided into two groups based on their adherence to the MedDiet. Consumption was assessed using a validated 143-item semiquantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire. Anthropometrics, biochemistry parameters, intrahepatic fat contents (IFC), antioxidants, and inflammatory biomarkers were measured in plasma and erythrocytes before and after the intervention. After the intervention, body mass index (BMI) and plasma levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-chol), triglycerides, malondialdehyde (MDA), and cytokeratin-18 (CK18) decreased, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-chol) increased. Participants with high adherence to MedDiet showed lower IFC, hepatic enzyme (AST, ALT, and GGT), glycemia, oxidase LDL (oxLDL) plasma levels, and erythrocyte MDA levels. Higher antioxidant activity (erythrocyte catalase-CAT, superoxide dismutase-SOD, glutathione peroxidase-GPx, glutathione reductase-GRd, and total glutathione-GSH as well as PBMCs-CAT gene expression) was observed in these patients, along with a reduction of PBMCs reactive oxygen species production and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression. Inverse associations were observed between adherence to the MedDiet and BMI, glycemia, AST, IFC, and CK18 plasma levels and oxLDL, CAT, SOD, and GRd activities in erythrocytes. A significant linear regression was observed between adherence to the MedDiet and antioxidant score. Adherence to the MedDiet is associated with improved plasma and PBMC antioxidant and inflammatory biomarker profiles and high antioxidant defences in erythrocytes.

Association between dyslipidemia and the risk of incident chronic kidney disease affected by genetic susceptibility: Polygenic risk score analysis.

The effect of dyslipidemia on kidney disease outcomes has been inconclusive, and it requires further clarification. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of genetic factors on the association between dyslipidemia and the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) using polygenic risk score (PRS). We analyzed data from 373,523 participants from the UK Biobank aged 40-69 years with no history of CKD. Baseline data included plasma levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride, as well as genome-wide genotype data for PRS. Our primary outcome, incident CKD, was defined as a composite of estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and CKD diagnosis according to International Classification of Disease-10 codes. The effects of the association between lipid levels and PRS on incident CKD were assessed using the Cox proportional hazards model. To investigate the effect of this association, we introduced multiplicative interaction terms into a multivariate analysis model and performed subgroup analysis stratified by PRS tertiles. In total, 4,424 participants developed CKD. In the multivariable analysis, PRS was significantly predictive of the risk of incident CKD as both a continuous variable and a categorized variable. In addition, lower total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and higher triglyceride levels were significantly associated with the risk of incident CKD. There were interactions between triglycerides and intermediate and high PRS, and the interactions were inversely associated with the risk of incident CKD. This study showed that PRS presented significant predictive power for incident CKD and individuals in the low-PRS group had a higher risk of triglyceride-related incident CKD.

고콜레스테롤 식이 쥐에서 2,3- 및 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acids의 항동맥경화 효과 비교

This study compared the anti-atherosclerosis effects of the long-term ingestion of 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,3-DHBA) and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,4-DHBA). Six group diets [normal diet (ND), high-fat diet (HFD), 2,3- and 3,4-DHBA high and low diets] were administered to Sprague-Dawley rats for six weeks. The final body weights of the six groups were similar. The total cholesterol, high, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the blood plasma of the HFD group were higher than those in the ND group. The plasma levels in the 2,3- and 3,4-DHBA groups were similar to those in the HFD group. HFD, 2,3- and 3,4-DHBA groups showed accumulation of lipid droplets in liver tissues, and the aorta of the HFD group was thicker than that of the ND group, but the recovered aortic thickness of 2,3- and 3,4-DHBA groups was similar to that of the ND group. In addition, in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities were the highest in the 3,4-DHBA group. Therefore, the daily intake of 2,3-DHBA and 3,4-DHBA may have anti-atherosclerosis effects.

Subtherapeutic Kitasamycin Promoted Fat Accumulation in the Longissimus Dorsi Muscle in Growing-Finishing Pigs.

Kitasamycin (KM), a broad-spectrum macrolide antibiotic, has implications for growth performance and residue in animals and humans. This study aimed to explore the effects of different KM doses on intramuscular fat accumulation, cecal microflora, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) using a growing-finishing pig model. Forty-two pigs were divided into three groups: control, subtherapeutic KM (50 mg/kg, KM50), and therapeutic KM (200 mg/kg, KM200) diets over 8 weeks. KM50 led to increased back fat thickness, fat content in the longissimus dorsi muscle (LM), and elevated plasma total cholesterol (TC) levels (p < 0.05), supported by upregulated lipid synthesis gene expression (Acc1, Fas, Scd1) (p < 0.05) in the LM. KM50 altered cecal microflora, reducing Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. abundance, while increasing SCFA concentrations (acetic acid, propionic acid, total SCFAs) (p < 0.05). KM200 had minimal effects on intestinal weight and density, with increased apparent digestibility of nutrients. These findings highlight the dose-dependent impact of KM on intramuscular fat deposition. Subtherapeutic KM induced ectopic fat deposition, emphasizing potential risks in disease treatment for humans and animals.

Lipid‐ and glucose‐lowering effects of Rhamnan sulphate from Monostroma nitidum with altered gut microbiota in mice

AbstractRhamnan sulphate (RS) is a sulphated polysaccharide found in green algae such as Monostroma nitidum that exhibits various biological functions, including anticoagulant, antitumour, antiviral, and anti‐obesity properties. In our previous clinical trial, we demonstrated that RS intake improves constipation. However, no specific bacteria showed a significant (p &lt; .05) change. Notably, these results were obtained after a short RS inoculation period of only 2 weeks. In the present study, to evaluate the long‐term effects of RS on the gut microbiota, we orally administered RS to BALB/c mice for 11 weeks, analyzed their blood biochemical data, and performed 16s rRNA‐sequencing. Oral administration of RS increased body weight with increased food intake, whereas plasma total cholesterol and fasting plasma glucose levels decreased. RS‐fed mice showed lower fasting insulin levels (p &lt; .1) and decreased homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR, p &lt; .0001), suggesting that RS improved insulin resistance. In the feces of mice, the amounts of acetic and propionic acids increased. In the gut microbiota, predictive metagenomic profiling using the phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states (PICRUSt2) revealed functional alterations in Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways in RS‐fed mice. Corresponding to the blood glucose‐lowering effect, the glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle pathways were activated. In addition, the Firmicutes/Bacteroides (F/B) ratio, which may be associated with various health outcomes, was also reduced. These results suggest that the blood glucose‐lowering effect, improvement in insulin resistance, and lipid‐lowering effect of RS may be due to changes in the intestinal microbiota.

Efficacy of cerebroxin capsules combined with aspirin in prevention of post-ischemic stroke in patients treated with thrombolysis

Purpose: To analyze the efficacy of Cerebro-Cardiac capsules combined with aspirin for secondary prevention in post-ischemic stroke patients treated with thrombolysis, and also to explore its clinical application value. &#x0D; Methods: 224 ischemic stroke patients in the outpatient clinic of Changsha First Hospital, China from June 2022 to December 2022 were randomly divided into treatment and control groups, with 112 patients per group. Both groups were given oral aspirin (100 mg/daily) but treatment group received cerebroxin capsules (four capsules, three times daily) in addition. The types of recurrent strokes, clinical efficacy, NIHSS score scale, modified Barthel index, levels of fibrinogen and plasma viscosity, total cholesterol and triacylglycerol were assessed and compared between the groups. &#x0D; Results: During the 6-month follow-up, 10 patients in treatment group and 12 patients in control group experienced dislodgment, and 202 cases completed treatment, but the difference was not statistically significant (p &gt; 0.05). Treatment group showed a higher effective rate (92 %) compared to control group (75 %), with a statistically significant difference in clinical symptom efficacy (p &lt; 0.05). Hemodynamic parameters were significantly better in treatment group than in control group (p &lt; 0.05). Both groups exhibited improved total cholesterol levels, triacylglycerol levels and modified Barthel index post-treatment. Treatment group had better NIHSS scores and Barthel index than control group (p &lt; 0.05), while their triacylglycerol levels were lower (p &lt; 0.05). &#x0D; Conclusions: Cerebroxin capsules combined with aspirin improve the symptomatic effect of thrombolytic therapy in patients after ischemic stroke with high safety profile. Analysis of the effect of this combination in an increased sample size and a longer follow-up period will be required in the future.

Evaluation of antihyperlipidemic effect of rosemary oil in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Aim: In this study, the potential effects of rosemary oil on the lipid profile in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were examined. Materials and Methods: In this study, thirty-two adult male Wistar Albino rats were used. Working groups were consisted as follows: control group (C, n=6), rosemary group (R, n=6), diabetes group (STZ, n=10) and diabetes+rosemary group (STZ+R, n=10). The rosemary oil was administered at oral dosage of 200 mg/kg daily for duration of three weeks in the groups receiving rosemary oil. Diabetes was performed by subcutaneous injections of streptozotocin at dosage of 40 mg/kg in 0.1 M citrate buffer (pH 4.5) for two consecutive days as a single daily dose. At the end of three weeks, blood samples collected from the all animals were assessed lipid parameters. Results: In this study, plasma levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol significantly elevated, alongside plasma HDL-cholesterol levels in diabetes group significantly reduced compared to the control group. However, upon the application of rosemary oil to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, a substantial decrease in plasma triglyceride, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol levels was observed, while plasma HDL-cholesterol notably increased. Conclusion: As a result of the current findings, it is concluded that rosemary oil may have antihiperlipidemic properties and could be used as a phytomedicine for the treatment of diabetes.

Prevalence, clinical features and prognosis of familial hypercholesterolemia in Chinese Han patients with acute coronary syndrome after a coronary event: a retrospective observational study

BackgroundFamilial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal semi-dominant disease, characterized by markedly elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) from conception and accelerated atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, often resulting in early death. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of clinically defined FH in Chinese Han patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and compare the long-term prognosis of ACS patients with and without FH receiving lipid-lowering therapy containing statins after a coronary event.MethodsAll ACS patients were screened at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University between Jan 2019 and Sep 2020, and 531 participants were enrolled. All were examined for FH under the Dutch Lipid Clinical Network (DLCN) criteria, and those patients were divided into definite/probable FH, possible FH and unlikely FH. The severity of coronary artery disease was evaluated by the Gensini scoring system. Plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-c), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-c), very low-density lipoproteins-cholesterol (VLDL-c), apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1), apolipoprotein B (apoB) and lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) were determined centrally at baseline and the last follow-up visit in the fasting state. The non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-c) concentration, the TC/HDL-c and apoB/apoA1 ratios were calculated. After FH patients received lipid-lowering treatment containing statin, the target LDL-c levels recommended by the guidelines (LDL-c < 1.8 mmol/L or < 1.4 mmol/L and a reduction > 50% from baseline) were evaluated, and the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) during the 12-month follow-up was recorded.ResultsThe prevalence of clinically definite or probable FH was 4.3%, and the prevalence of possible FH was 10.6%. Compared with the unlikely FH patients with ACS, the FH patients had higher levels of TC, LDL-c, apoB, Lp(a), non-HDL-c, TC/HDL-c and apoB/apoA1 ratio, more severe coronary artery diseases and greater prevalence of left main and triple or multiple vessel lesions. After lipid-lowering therapy containing statins, a minority of FH patients reached the target LDL-c levels defined by the guidelines (χ2 = 33.527, P < 0.001). During the 12-month follow-up, a total of 72 patients experienced MACCE. The survival curve in patients in the FH group was significantly lower than that in the unlikely FH group (HR = 1.530, log-rank test: P < 0.05). Furthermore, the survival curve in patients with high LDL-c (≥ 1.8 mmol/L) was significantly lower than that in patients with low LDL-c (< 1.8 mmol/L) at the 12-month follow-up visit (HR = 1.394, log-rank test: P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between patients with LDL-c levels ≥ 1.4 mmol/L and with < 1.4 mmol/L at the 12-month follow-up visit by using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis (HR = 1.282, log-rank test: P > 0.05).ConclusionsFH was an independent risk factor for MACCE in adult patients after a coronary event during long-term follow-up. However, there was inadequate high-intensity statins prescriptions for high-risk patients in this current study. It is important for FH patients to optimize lipid-lowering treatment strategies to reach the target LDL-c level to improve the long-term prognosis of clinical outcomes.

Research Progress in the Clinical Treatment of Familial Hypercholesterolemia.

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant inheritable disease with severe disorders of lipid metabolism. It is mainly marked by increasing levels of plasma total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), xanthoma, corneal arch, and early-onset coronary heart disease (CHD). The prevalence of FH is high, and it is dangerous and clinically underdiagnosed. The clinical treatment for FH includes both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment, of which non-pharmacological treatment mainly includes therapeutic lifestyle change and dietary therapy, LDL apheresis, liver transplantation and gene therapy. In recent years, many novel drugs have been developed to treat FH more effectively. In addition, the continuous maturity of non-pharmacological treatment techniques has also brought more hope for the treatment of FH. This paper analyzes the pathogenic mechanism and the progress in clinical treatment of FH. Furthermore, it also summarizes the mechanism and structure-activity relationship of FH therapeutic drugs that have been marketed. In a word, this article provides a reference value for the research and development of FH therapeutic drugs.

Determinants of Vitamin D deficiency among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients: A retrospective study.

Recent studies have shown an association between vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (T2DM), but the precise relationship between these conditions has yet to be clarified. In this study, we aimed to estimate the incidence of VDD among diabetic patients and identify any relationship between diabetes and the determinants of VDD among T2DM individuals. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Patients of either gender were selected from electronic records and checked for vitamin D levels, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and other parameters. A total of 864 subjects were enrolled. Subjects were grouped according to HbA1c levels, with < 5.7%, 5.7% to 6.49%, and > 6.5% considered normal, impaired, and diabetic, respectively. VDD was common, with an incidence of 723 (83.7%) subjects. A significantly lower vitamin D level was found in diabetic subjects than in nondiabetic subjects (29.1 ± 12.0 vs 44.0 ± 28.3, P < .001). A total of 207/209 (99%) subjects with impaired HbA1c and 179/183 (97.8%) people with diabetes had VDD. Interestingly, none of the diabetic or impaired HbA1c subjects had normal vitamin D levels. A significant association was found between VDD and being > 50 years old, overweight, or obese, as well as HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, calcium, and total cholesterol (TC) levels. A high rate of VDD and significantly lower vitamin D levels were found in diabetic subjects. Age, being overweight, obesity, HbA1c, and fasting plasma glucose were the few determinants of VDD among T2DM patients. These findings highlight the importance of addressing vitamin D status in managing and preventing T2DM, particularly in those over the age of 50, those who have higher body weight, and those with raised HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose levels.

Diet and Lipid-Lowering Nutraceuticals in Pediatric Patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia.

Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetically determined disease characterized by elevated plasma total and LDL cholesterol levels from the very first years of life, leading to early atherosclerosis. Nutritional intervention is the first-line treatment, complemented with nutraceuticals and drug therapy when necessary. Nutraceuticals with a lipid-lowering effect have been extensively studied in the past few decades, and have been recently included in international guidelines as a complement to nutritional and pharmacological treatment in subjects with dyslipidemia. In this review, we explore current nutritional interventions for dyslipidemia in childhood, with a specific focus on the main nutraceuticals studied for treating severe dyslipidemia in pediatric patients. Additionally, we briefly describe their primary mechanisms of action and highlight the advantages and risks associated with the use of lipid-lowering nutraceuticals in childhood.

－75 G/A Polymorphism of Apolipoprotein A1 Gene Promoter Region in Normal Pregnant Women and Patients With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

To investigate the －75 G/A single-nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter region of apolipoprotein A1 gene (apoA1) and its association with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in pregnant women and to provide references for the exploration in the molecular genetic basis of GDM. A total of 626 GDM patients and 1022 normal pregnant women, ie, the controls, were included in the study. The genotyping of apoA1 －75 G/A polymorphism was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and glucose (Glu) were measured by enzymatic methods. Plasma insulin (INS) was measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay. The protein levels of apoA1 and apoB were measured by the turbidimetric immunoassay. Allele frequencies of G and A were 0.718 and 0.282 in the GDM group and 0.713 and 0.287 in the control group, respectively. Distribution of the genotype frequencies was found to be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in both the GDM and control groups. There was no significant difference in the frequencies of alleles G and A and the genotypes of apoA1 －75 G/A polymorphism between the GDM and the control group (P>0.05). In the GDM group, the carriers with the genotype AA were associated with significantly higher levels of TC, HDL-C, and apoA1 than those with genotypes GG and GA did (all P<0.05). After the GDM patients were divided into obese and non-obese subgroups, the genotype-related apoA1 variation was observed only in obese patients, while the genotype-related TC and HDL-C variations were evident in non-obese patients (P<0.05). In the control group, carriers of genotypes AA and GA had higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) and HDL-C than the carriers of genotype GG did (all P<0.05). Carriers of genotypes AA had significantly lower Glu levels than carriers of genotypes GG and GA did (P<0.05). The control subjects were further divided into subgroups according to their body mass index (BMI). Analysis of the subgroups showed that AA carriers were associated with higher SBP levels in the obese control women only, while lower Glu levels were evident in both obese and non-obese control women. These results suggest that －75 G/A polymorphism in the apoA1 gene is not associated with GDM. However, the genetic variation is closed associated with the plasma apoA1, HDL-C, and TC levels in GDM patients and plasma HDL-C, Glu, and SBP levels in the control subjects. The apoA1 variant-associated lipids and SBP variation is BMI dependent in both groups.

Resveratrol - its properties, occurrence and health benefits

Introduction and purpose: Wine ingredients relevant to health are polyphenols, which are divided into flavonoids and non-flavonoids. Resveratrol is a non-flavonoid component of wine widely known for its health-promoting properties. This article will discuss its chemical structure, synthesis, metabolism, occurrence in nature and impact on human health.&#x0D; Review methods: The purpose of this article was to assemble and analyse the available data about resveratrol. The search of articles in Pubmed database was carried out using following keywords: “wine”, “resveratrol”, “polyphenols”, “alcohol”. Inclusion criteria: indexed in Pubmed database, published in last 10 years. Exclusion criteria: Case reports, studies in language other than English, studies that seemed to be biased.&#x0D; Descripiton of the state of knowledge: Resveratrol has a wide range of health-promoting effects. It inhibits some stages of platelet activation by reducing the synthesis of thromboxane A2 and their aggregation caused by agonists i.e. collagen, ADP, cathepsin G or thrombin. Furthermore, it causes a reduction in blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin levels, increases insulin sensitivity and potentially has protective effect on pancreatic cells. It lowers total plasma cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins levels while increasing insulin sensitivity and high-density lipoproteins level. In addition to this, it has neuroprotective, anti-tumour and anti-angiogenic effect proven in specific types of cancer.&#x0D; Summary: Resveratrol is said to improve the therapeutic outcome in patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases, diabetes type 2, Alzheimer's disease, other neurodegeneration diseases and in certain cancers. Nevertheless, the issue of resveratrol's effect on the human body requires further research.

Influence of the rat diet enrichment with oat β-gucans on the assimilation of B group vitamins, mineral elements and lipid metabolism

Despite the widespread use of oat β-glucans as ingredient of foods and dietary supplements, there is insufficient data on their effect on the metabolism of vitamins and minerals. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of including oat bran with a high content of β-glucans (β-glucan) in the diet on the absorption of micronutrients and lipid metabolism in growing rats deficient in vitamins D, group B and trace elements (iron, copper, zinc). Material and methods. After the development of micronutrient deficiency (for 23 days), in order to assess the effect of oat bran (5%) with a high content of β-glucans on the correction of the micronutrient status of growing male Wistar rats (with initial body weight of 70.7±0.7 g), the missing micronutrients were introduced in the semi-synthetic diet deficient in vitamins D, group B, iron, copper and zinc within 7 days either along with β-glucan (1.47%) or without its addition. Indicators of micronutrient sufficiency (riboflavin serum concentration, daily urinary excretion of thiamine, riboflavin and 4-pyridoxic acid, measured by fluorometric methods; serum concentration and urinary excretion of calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, phosphorus, measured by the atomic absorption method or using standard methods on a biochemical analyzer) and the biochemical parameters of blood serum were compared with the parameters of rats adequately provided with all micronutrients throughout the experiment. Results. Replenishment of missing micronutrients in the diet of rats with deficiency in vitamins D and group B, iron, copper and zinc for 7 days led to the elimination of deficiency of vitamins B1, B2 and B6, regardless of the presence of β-glucans in the diet. At the same time, against the background of the presence of β-glucans in the feed, an increase in the absorption of iron was observed, as evidenced by an increase by 1.73 times in iron blood plasma level (р<0.05) and a tendency towards its urinary excretion decrease by 1.60 fold (р<0.10) compared to animals from the control group. Adding oat bran with β-glucans to the feed did not lead to a decrease in blood plasma level of total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins cholesterol. The levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides in rats of all three groups did not have statistically significant differences. Conclusion. The presence of β-glucans in the diet had virtually no effect on the absorption of B vitamins and improved the absorption of iron.

Effects of Ostarine and Endurance Training on Some Functional, Hematological, and Biochemical Parameters in Male Rats

Background: Non-steroidal Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) are currently a group of drug candidates with anabolic effects, tissue selectivity, and the potential to improve the therapeutic process in a number of socially significant diseases. There is insufficient data on their effects during exercise and on their adverse side effects. Objectives: Our objective was to examine the role of selective androgen receptor modulators for the physical working capacity of the body, hematological and biochemical parameters, and to evaluate any side effects of SARMs. We studied the effects of ostarine (S-22, MK-2866, GTx-024, Enobosarm) alone or in combination with submaximal training in sexually mature male Wistar rats. Methods: The rats used were divided into a treadmill-trained group and a sedentary group. Half of each group received either ostarine or vehicle for 8 weeks (n = 10 each). We performed functional tests and blood analysis at the end of the experiment to analyze clinical chemistry and hematological indicators. Results: Ostarine did not affect maximal sprint speed, VO2max, and running economy, while submaximal training increased these parameters. Ostarine increased total plasma cholesterol and energy expenditure and decreased plasma glucose concentration. Neither treatment changed the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, the respiratory quotient, the concentration of triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol, or creatine kinase. Combined treatment neutralized the negative effect of ostarine on plasma total cholesterol levels. Conclusions: Ostarine did not affect the examined hematological and physical working capacity parameters, but it changed some clinical chemistry indicators. Training improved the physical working capacity but did not affect the clinical chemistry and hematological parameters. Further research is needed to clarify other aspects of the influence of non-steroidal SARMs on the physical working capacity and possible side effects during long-term use, as their administration, along with physical activity, is becoming popular among healthy adult bodybuilders in gyms.

The effects of Garcinia cambogia (hydroxycitric acid) on lipid profile: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Garcinia cambogia (GC) has antioxidant, anticancer, antihistamine, and antimicrobial properties. To determine the effect of GC on lipid profiles, a systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out. Up to February 9, 2023, six electronic databases (Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were searched at any time without limitations. Trials examining the impact of GC on serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in adults were included. The total effect was shown as a weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) in a random-effects meta-analysis approach. This systematic review and meta-analysis included 14 trials involving 623 subjects. Plasma levels of TC (WMD: -6.76 mg/dL; CI: -12.39 to -0.59, p-value = 0.032), and TG (WMD: -24.21 mg/dL; CI: -37.84 to -10.58, p < 0.001) were significantly reduced after GC use, and plasma HDL-C (WMD: 2.95 mg/dL; CI: 2.01 to 3.89, p < 0.001) levels increased. low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (WMD: -1.15 mg/dL; CI: -16.08 to 13.78, p-value = 0.880) were not significantly affected. The effects of lowering TC and TG were more pronounced for periods longer than 8 weeks. Consuming GC has a positive impact on TC, TG, and HDL-C concentrations. The limitations of this study include the short duration of analyzed interventions and significant heterogeneity. Nevertheless, it is imperative to conduct well-structured, and high-quality long-term trials to comprehensively evaluate the clinical effectiveness of GC on lipid profile, and validate these findings.