Plasma Lipid Concentrations Research Articles

Intake of 3 Eggs per Day When Compared to a Choline Bitartrate Supplement, Downregulates Cholesterol Synthesis without Changing the LDL/HDL Ratio.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is associated with high concentrations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). The impact of dietary cholesterol on plasma lipid concentrations still remains a concern. The effects of egg intake in comparison to choline bitartrate supplement was studied in a young, healthy population. Thirty participants were enrolled for a 13-week intervention. After a 2-week run-in period, subjects were randomized to consume either 3 eggs/day or a choline bitartrate supplement (~400 mg choline for both treatments) for 4-weeks each. After a 3-week washout period, they were allocated to the alternate treatment. Dietary records, plasma lipids, apolipoproteins (apo) concentrations, and peripheral blood mononuclear cell expression of regulatory genes for cholesterol homeostasis were assessed at the end of each intervention. Dietary intakes of saturated and monounsaturated fat were higher with the consumption of eggs compared to the choline period. In addition, higher plasma concentrations of total cholesterol (7.5%), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (5%) and LDL-C (8.1%) were observed with egg consumption (p < 0.01), while no change was seen in LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, a key marker of heart disease risk. Compared to choline supplementation, intake of eggs resulted in higher concentrations of plasma apoA-I (8%) and apoE (17%) with no changes in apoB. Sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase expression were lower with egg consumption by 18% and 31%, respectively (p < 0.05), suggesting a compensation to the increased dietary cholesterol load. Therefore, dietary cholesterol from eggs appears to regulate endogenous synthesis of cholesterol in such a way that the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio is maintained.

Childhood obesity treatment; Effects on BMI SDS, body composition, and fasting plasma lipid concentrations.

ObjectiveThe body mass index (BMI) standard deviation score (SDS) may not adequately reflect changes in fat mass during childhood obesity treatment. This study aimed to investigate associations between BMI SDS, body composition, and fasting plasma lipid concentrations at baseline and during childhood obesity treatment.Methods876 children and adolescents (498 girls) with overweight/obesity, median age 11.2 years (range 1.6–21.7), and median BMI SDS 2.8 (range 1.3–5.7) were enrolled in a multidisciplinary outpatient treatment program and followed for a median of 1.8 years (range 0.4–7.4). Height and weight, body composition measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and fasting plasma lipid concentrations were assessed at baseline and at follow-up. Lipid concentrations (total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), non-HDL, and triglycerides (TG)) were available in 469 individuals (264 girls). Linear regressions were performed to investigate the associations between BMI SDS, body composition indices, and lipid concentrations.ResultsAt baseline, BMI SDS was negatively associated with concentrations of HDL (p = 6.7*10−4) and positively with TG (p = 9.7*10−6). Reductions in BMI SDS were associated with reductions in total body fat percentage (p<2*10−16) and percent truncal body fat (p<2*10−16). Furthermore, reductions in BMI SDS were associated with improvements in concentrations of TC, LDL, HDL, non-HDL, LDL/HDL-ratio, and TG (all p <0.0001). Changes in body fat percentage seemed to mediate the changes in plasma concentrations of TC, LDL, and non-HDL, but could not alone explain the changes in HDL, LDL/HDL-ratio or TG. Among 81 individuals with available lipid concentrations, who increased their BMI SDS, 61% improved their body composition, and 80% improved their lipid concentrations.ConclusionReductions in the degree of obesity during multidisciplinary childhood obesity treatment are accompanied by improvements in body composition and fasting plasma lipid concentrations. Even in individuals increasing their BMI SDS, body composition and lipid concentrations may improve.

The effect of ABCA1 rs2230806 common gene variant on plasma lipid levels in patients with dyslipidemia.

The aim of this work was to assess the relationship of rs2230806 SNP of ABCA1 with lipid profile in patients with severe dyslipidemia. The study included 363 patients (42.8% of males), the average age was 48.7 years, 35.5% of patients received hypolipidemic drugs (mainly statins). Quantitative determination of total cholesterol (ТС) and triglycerides (TG) in fasting serum was carried out by a unified enzymatic method, and high density lipoproteins (HDL) - by a direct homogeneous method. Genotype according to the rs2230806 position in the ABCA1 gene was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) «in real time» using adjacent samples and melting reaction products after PCR. The frequencies of alleles and genotypes of variant rs2230806 of ABCA1 gene in patients with dyslipidemia did not differ from those in the control group of healthy individuals (athletes). The levels of plasma lipids - TC, TG and HDL cholesterol, on average, in patients with dyslipidemia were 7.8±3,4, 3,4±6,5 and 1.29±0.4 mmol/l, respectively. Compared to different genotypes, the plasma lipid concentrations did not differ significantly, but the analysis of different inheritance models of the allelic variant studied showed a significant association with the level of TG in the additive model, in which each minor allele (a) further enhanced the effect on the level of plasma TG at 1.02 mmol/l (p=0.044). The results of this study demonstrate the effect of a common variant rs2230806 of the ABCA1 gene on the plasma TG level in patients with severe dyslipidemia.

Overexpression of perilipin1 protects against atheroma progression in apolipoprotein E knockout mice

Background and aimsPerilipin1 (PLIN1), a lipid droplet-associated protein, plays an important role in the regulation of lipolysis and lipid storage in adipocytes. PLIN1 has recently been reported to be expressed in macrophages within atheroma plaques, suggesting PLIN1 may play a role in the accumulation of lipids at the arterial wall and in the development of atherosclerosis. To clarify the role of PLIN1 in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis, we assessed the progression of atherosclerosis in PLIN1 transgenic mice (Plin1Tg). MethodsPlin1Tg were crossed with apolipoprotein E knockout mice (ApoeKO). C57BL/6J mice, ApoeKO and Plin1Tg/ApoeKO received a normal chow diet for 20 weeks. Body weight, gonadal fat mass and plasma lipid concentrations were measured. Aortas were collected for quantification of atheroma lesions and histological analysis by Oil Red O staining. ResultsBody weight, gonadal adipose mass and plasma triglyceride concentrations were not significantly different among the three groups. In contrast, the atherosclerotic lesion area was significantly increased in ApoeKO (14.2 ± 3.2%; p < .01) compared with C57BL/6J mice (3.3 ± 1.2%) and Plin1Tg/ApoeKO (5.6 ± 1.9%). ConclusionsOverexpressed PLIN1 in macrophages had a protected role against atheroma progression in ApoeKO in the absence of changes in gonadal fat mass or plasma lipid levels, presumably due to modification of the stability and/or inflammatory profile of macrophages.

Association of tribbles homologue 1 gene expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells with duration of intrauterine exposure to hyperglycaemia.

Maternal gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is considered to be an important factor that epigenetically predisposes offspring to metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. However, the mechanisms of how intrauterine hyperglycaemia affects offspring have not been thoroughly studied. The mammalian tribbles homologue 1 (TRIB1) gene is associated with plasma lipid concentrations and coronary artery disease (CAD). Our aim was to study the effect of GDM and its treatment terms on the level of TRIB1 gene expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) of newborns from women with and without GDM. The study included 50 women with GDM and 25 women without GDM (control group). Women with GDM were divided into three groups according to their gestational age when the treatment of GDM started: 24-28 weeks (GDM1, N=16), 29-32 weeks (GDM2, N=25) and >34 weeks (GDM3, N=9). The levels of TRIB1 gene expression in GDM3, GDM2, GDM1 and control groups were 2.8±1.1, 4.2±2.4, 6.0±3.4 and 8.1±6.1, respectively (p=0.001). After comparison in pairs the difference was significant for the following pairs: GDM2-control (p=0.004), GDM3-control (p=0.002), GDM1-GDM3 (p=0.012). Notably, if treatment had been started before the 28th week of gestation, the difference in TRIB1 gene expression in HUVECs was not significant (p=0.320 for comparison between GDM1 and control groups). Our findings support the hypothesis that TRIB1 gene expression in HUVECs depends on the duration of intrauterine exposure to hyperglycaemia.

Cognitive impairment in elderly depressed and dementia patients in relation to plasma lipids

Objective The aim was to study the relation between plasma lipid severity of cognitive impairment in elderly patients with depression and dementia. Background Cognitive functions are related to changes in lipid profile. Materials and methods Two groups of participants were studied: group A (patient group) included 60 patients subdivided into two subgroups: 30 patients who currently have dementia as a whole without taking into consideration the different kinds of dementia, but after exclusion of vascular dementia, and 30 patients with depressive disorders. Group B (control group) included 30 normal participants selected from among volunteers matched to the patient group for age, sex, education, sociodemographic, and economic status. They were subjected to the following: a psychological assessment that included the geriatric depression scale, the Wechsler memory scale − revised short form, and plasma lipid concentration assessment (overnight fasting blood was collected from each participant by standard venipuncture). Results The results of the study clarified that dementia patients showed more statistically significant impairment in cognitive functions than depressed patients in terms of the Wechsler memory scale − revised. The mean values of the blood cholesterol level, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein in the depressed group were significantly higher than those of the dementia and control groups. Conclusion There is a relation between cognitive impairment in depressed and dementia patients and plasma lipid concentration.

Preventative activity of kimchi on high cholesterol diet-induced hepatic damage through regulation of lipid metabolism in LDL receptor knockout mice.

This study investigated the effect of kimchi on hepatic lipid metabolism and inflammatory response. Low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout mice fed high cholesterol diet (HCD) with an oral administration of kimchi methanol extracts (KME, 200mgkgbw-1day-1) or distilled water for 8weeks (n=10 per group). Compared with the control group, plasma and hepatic lipid concentrations were lower in the kimchi group (p<0.05), which was confirmed with hepatic histological examination by Oil Red O staining. Hepatic expressions for fatty acid synthesis were downregulated whereas those for beta-oxidation were upregulated in the kimchi group (p<0.05). Hepatic expressions for cholesterol synthesis were decreased but those for cholesterol export was increased in the kimchi group (p<0.05). Moreover, kimchi intake reduced expression for inflammatory cytokines (p<0.05). Kimchi exerted beneficial effects on HCD-induced hepatic damage by suppressing lipid synthesis and inflammation, and facilitating fatty acid oxidation and cholesterol excretion.

The Effects of Phytosterols Extracted from Diascorea alata on the Antioxidant Activity, Plasma Lipids, and Hematological Profiles in Taiwanese Menopausal Women.

The efficacy of phytosterols extracted from Diascorea alata on antioxidant activities, plasma lipids and hematological profiles was assessed in postmenopausal women. Gas chromatography and mass spectrophotometry was employed to determine the steroid content of Taiwanese yam (Diascorea alata cv. Tainung No. 2). A two-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical investigation on 50 postmenopausal women randomly assigned to two groups treated for 12 months with placebo or two sachets daily of Diascorea extracts containing 12 mg/dose was carried out. The main outcome measures were the plasma antioxidant activities, hematological profiles, and the concentrations of plasma lipids, including cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein,, and apolipoprotein A1 and B. A one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) test was performed to investigate the significance. Beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, 22-23-dihydro-, and γ-sitosterol were major phytosterols determined from Diascorea extracts. At six months in those receiving Diascorea, there were significantly decreased leukocyte counts (p < 0.01) and improvement on antioxidant activity of malondialdehyde (p < 0.001). After 12 months’ treatment, elevations of hematocrit and mean corpuscular volume (p < 0.01) were noted in those receiving Diascorea. Moreover, the low dose Diascorea consumption in menopausal women for one year generally did not present positive effects on lipid profiles.

Trimetazidine restores the positive adaptation to exercise training by mitigating statin-induced skeletal muscle injury.

BackgroundExercise rehabilitation is demonstrated to improve the prognosis of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Statins, as the key medicine to lower cholesterol in CHD, result in skeletal muscle injury and impair exercise training adaptation. Energy metabolism dysfunction is identified as the potential mechanism underlying statin‐induced skeletal muscle injury. In this study, we investigated the effects of the metabolic modulator trimetazidine on skeletal muscle energy metabolism and statin‐associated exercise intolerance.MethodsHigh‐fat fed apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE−/−) mice were given aerobic exercise and administrated simvastatin, trimetazidine, or simvastatin plus trimetazidine by gavage. Exercise capacity was evaluated at the end of the treatment by hanging grid test, forelimb grip strength, and running tolerance test. Plasma glucose, lipid, and creatine kinase concentrations were measured at the end of the treatment. After sacrifice, gastrocnemii were stored for assessment of muscle morphology and fibre type. Energy metabolism was estimated by plasma lactic acid concentration, ragged red fibres, and glycogen stores. Activities of mitochondrial complex III, citrate synthase activity, and membrane potential were measured to assess mitochondrial function. Oxidative stress was also evaluated by superoxide in mitochondria, superoxide dismutase activity, and glutathione redox state.ResultsIn high‐fat fed ApoE−/− mice, exercise training had no effect on lipid concentrations. Lower lipid concentrations with increased creatine kinase were observed with additional simvastatin treatment. Exercise capacity increased significantly in response to exercise training alone but was blunted by the addition of simvastatin. Similarly, cross‐sectional area of muscle fibres and the proportion of slow‐twitch fibres increased in the exercise group but decreased in the simvastatin plus exercise group. Additionally, simvastatin increased centronucleated fibres and induced energy metabolism dysfunction by inhibiting complex III activity and thus promoted oxidative stress in gastrocnemius. We demonstrated that trimetazidine could reverse simvastatin‐induced exercise intolerance and muscle damages. We also found the ability of trimetazidine in restoration of muscle fibre hypertrophy and facilitating fast‐to‐slow type shift. The energy metabolism dysfunction and oxidative stress in gastrocnemii were rescued by trimetazidine.ConclusionsTrimetazidine alleviated statin‐related skeletal muscle injury by restoration of oxidative phenotype and increasing fibre cross‐sectional areas in response to exercise training. Correspondingly, the exercise training adaptation were improved in high‐fat fed ApoE−/− mice. Moreover, trimetazidine is able to exert its positive effects without affecting the beneficial lipid‐lowering properties of the statins. Thus, trimetazidine could be prescribed to remedy the undesirable statins‐induced exercise intolerance during cardiac rehabilitation in patients with CHD.

The impact of argan oil on plasma lipids in humans: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The study aims to investigate the effect of argan oil on plasma lipid concentrations through a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis of available randomized controlled trials. Randomized controlled trials that investigated the impact of at least 2weeks of supplementation with argan oil on plasma/serum concentrations of at least 1 of the main lipid parameters were eligible for inclusion. Effect size was expressed as the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Meta-analysis of data from 5 eligible trials with 292 participants showed a significant reduction in plasma concentrations of total cholesterol (WMD: -16.85mg/dl, 95% CI [-25.10, -8.60], p<.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: -11.67mg/dl, 95% CI [-17.32, -6.01], p<.001), and triglycerides (WMD: -13.69mg/dl, 95% CI [-25.80, -1.58], p=.027) after supplementation with argan oil compared with control treatment, and plasma concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: 4.14mg/dl, 95% CI [0.86, 7.41], p=.013) were found to be increased. Argan oil supplementation reduces total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides and increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Additionally, larger clinical trials are needed to assess the impact of argan oil supplementation on other indices of cardiometabolic risk and on the risk of cardiovascular outcomes.

Prospective Analysis of Lipid Composition Changes with Antiretroviral Therapy and Immune Activation in Persons Living with HIV.

Background:Lipid profiles are altered by HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy (ART). Among HIV-uninfected (HIV-) populations the concentrations of various lipid classes (ie, lysophosphatidylcholine, LPC) and their saturated (SaFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), and polyun-saturated fatty acid (PUFA) composition are related to cardiometabolic disease risk. Associations between changes in the lipidome and immune activation in HIV-infected (HIV+) individuals beginning ART have not been described.Methods:Plasma lipid concentrations and their fatty acid composition were measured by differential mobility spectroscopy in samples from 35 treatment-naive HIV+ participants beginning raltegravir (RAL)-based ART and from HIV- individuals (n = 13) matched for age and sex.Results:The levels of SaFA, including palmitic (16:0) and stearic (18:0) acid were enriched in HIV+ participants (pre- and post-ART), and SaFA levels were often positively correlated with levels of immune activation (ie, IL-6, sCD14, and TNFR1) at baseline and week 48. Levels of PUFAs (including 18:3, 20:4, and 20:5) were lower in HIV+ participants at baseline compared to levels in HIV- participants (P < 0.01), and levels of these PUFAs were increased following 48 weeks of ART. Levels of PUFAs were often inversely related to immune activation. Levels of LPC were increased in HIV+ participants, both pre- and post-ART vs HIV- participants, and the composition of LPC was enriched for SaFAs among HIV+ individuals. At week 48, several LPC molecules containing SaFAs were positively correlated with levels of sCD14, D-dimer, and TNFR1 (P < 0.01), and levels of PUFA-containing LPC (18:3, 20:5, 22:5, 22:6) were positively correlated with CD4+ T cell counts and inversely correlated with sCD14 and IL-6 (P < 0.01).Conclusions:The composition of the lipidome is altered in HIV infection and changes when ART is administered. Alterations in SaFAs were generally associated with inflammatory markers and may contribute to comorbid disease pathogenesis.

Riesgo cardiovascular

ConceptArteriosclerosis is a systemic, progressive and silent disease that is associated with potentially modifiable life habits and conditions, which are known as cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs). ClassificationWe have identified 6 main CRFs: nicotine addiction, obesity, diabetes, physical inactivity, increased blood pressure and increased plasma lipid concentrations. However, the role of other variables (genetic and molecular) is being investigated to explain why some patients develop cardiovascular disease despite having the abovementioned CRFs under control. EpidemiologyCardiovascular morbidity and mortality is increasing due to the increase in diabetes and obesity and to the scarce implementation of control measures for this pandemic. Prognostic factorsIt is important to learn to estimate the overall cardiovascular risk. The most widely used model for this calculation is the Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE). Prevention strategiesOnce the cardiovascular risk has been established, the therapeutic objectives need to be established to control all CRFs synergistically and appropriately. Patients with a higher risk should undergo earlier and more intensive interventions; however, we should also proceed to detect subclinical atherosclerosis with noninvasive techniques in individuals with vascular risk near the decision threshold.

Plasma concentrations of lipids during pregnancy and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: A longitudinal study

Abnormal lipid profiles have been associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but studies with longitudinal measures of lipids throughout pregnancy are sparse. The aim of the present study was to characterize longitudinal changes in lipid profiles throughout pregnancy and prospectively examine the associations of plasma lipid concentrations with risk of GDM. This study was a nested case-control study including 107 GDM cases and 214 matched non-GDM controls from participants in the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Fetal Growth Studies - Singleton cohort. Blood samples were collected longitudinally at Gestational Weeks (GW) 10-14, 15-26 (fasting sample), 23-31, and 33-39. Plasma concentrations of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured by enzymatic assays. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was calculated using Friedewald's formula. Plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL-C increased as pregnancy progressed. At GW 10-14, the adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of GDM comparing the highest versus lowest quartile were 3.15 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.38-7.15; P trend = 0.002) for triglycerides and 0.44 (95% CI 0.18-1.09; P trend = 0.045) for HDL-C. At GW 15-26, the aORs were 6.57 (95% CI 2.25-19.17; P trend = 0.001) for triglycerides and 0.23 (95% CI 0.08-0.63; P trend = 0.005) for HDL-C. No significant associations were observed for total cholesterol and LDL-C concentrations with risk of GDM. Higher plasma triglyceride and lower HDL-C concentrations in early and mid-pregnancy were significantly associated with a greater risk of GDM. Total cholesterol and LDL-C concentrations during pregnancy were not significantly associated with GDM risk.

Association between thyroid function and lipid profiles, apolipoproteins, and high-density lipoprotein function

Thyroid hormone regulates lipid metabolism. In particular, it has been reported to regulate plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and the activity of molecules involved in HDL metabolism. We investigated changes in the concentrations of lipids and apolipoproteins and in the function of HDL according to acute dynamic changes in thyroid function. Concentrations of plasma lipids and apolipoproteins, paraoxonase-1 activity, and cholesterol efflux were measured in 27 patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma who underwent total thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment, at 3 distinct times: After surgery (baseline subclinical hyperthyroid state), on the day of undergoing RAI treatment (overt hypothyroid state), and 3 months post-RAI treatment (subclinical hyperthyroid state). The mean free T4 and thyroid-stimulating hormone concentrations were 0.24±0.06ng/dL and 91.2 (77.8-118.2) μIU/mL, respectively, on the day of RAI treatment. Total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apoB levels, and the apoA-I/II ratio were significantly increased in the overt hypothyroid state and recovered to baseline values with levothyroxine replacement. HDL-C and apoE levels were persistently elevated despite levothyroxine replacement. Paraoxonase-1 activity, corrected for apoA-I, decreased in the overt hypothyroid state but recovered with levothyroxine replacement (P=.009). Cholesterol efflux also decreased significantly in the overt hypothyroid state (21.5±5.1% vs 18.9±2.9%, P=.005), but remained low despite recovery of thyroid function. Changes in thyroid function are associated not only with changes in the concentrations of various plasma lipid components but also with changes in HDL function.

Study of the Association of PCSK9/Eam1104I Gene Polymorphism with Plasma Lipid Concentration and CAD in West Bengal Population

Study of the Association of PCSK9/Eam1104I Gene Polymorphism with Plasma Lipid Concentration and CAD in West Bengal Population

Gene expression and plasma lipid content in relation to intramuscular fat in Chinese indigenous Wuhua chicken

SUMMARY The deposition pattern of intramuscular fat (IMF), inosine monophosphate (IMP), and fat metabolism related gene expression profiles were studied in Wuhua chickens. A total of 160 healthy birds (80 of each gender) was reared. Ten birds from each gender were randomly selected at 90, 120, 150, and 180 d of age for blood and tissue sample collection. There were no changes in male IMF content that ranged from 0.9 to 1.79 mg/g. In females, there were large differences in IMF content, which increased from 0.62 mg/g at 90 d to the highest level of 2.61 mg/g at 150 d (P = 0.015). No statistical changes were observed in IMP content in both males and females. In females, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) exhibited an age dependent manner and reached the highest level of 64.93 mg/mL at 180 d, while the low density lipoprotein (LDL) reached the highest level at 120 d (1.35 nmol/L). Serum triglycerides (TG) increased to the highest level of 1.3 nmol/L at 180 d (P = 0.0003). In males, TG reached the highest level at 120 d (P = 0.035). The A-FABP mRNA expression was highest at 180 d of age in males (P = 0.017). The Apo-B and PPAR-γ genes expressed the highest levels around 150 d of age in female chickens. Higher plasma TG was associated with greater breast IMF in both males and females. The correlation coefficient between IMF and PPAR-γ expression was 0.875 (P = 0.065) in females. Plasma TG might be used as a potential index for breast IMF selection, and PPAR-γ might be used as a candidate gene for IMF selection in females.

Association between plant-based diets and plasma lipids: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ContextAlthough a recent meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials showed that adoption of a vegetarian diet reduces plasma lipids, the association between vegetarian diets and long-term effects on plasma lipids has not been subjected to meta-analysis.ObjectiveThe aim was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies and clinical trials that have examined associations between plant-based diets and plasma lipids.Data SourcesMEDLINE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for articles published in English until June 2015.Study SelectionThe literature was searched for controlled trials and observational studies that investigated the effects of at least 4 weeks of a vegetarian diet on plasma lipids.Data ExtractionTwo reviewers independently extracted the study methodology and sample size, the baseline characteristics of the study population, and the concentrations and variance measures of plasma lipids. Mean differences in concentrations of plasma lipids between vegetarian and comparison diet groups were calculated. Data were pooled using a random-effects model.ResultsOf the 8385 studies identified, 30 observational studies and 19 clinical trials met the inclusion criteria (N = 1484; mean age, 48.6 years). Consumption of vegetarian diets was associated with lower mean concentrations of total cholesterol (−29.2 and −12.5 mg/dL, P < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (−22.9 and −12.2 mg/dL, P < 0.001), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (−3.6 and −3.4 mg/dL, P < 0.001), compared with consumption of omnivorous diets in observational studies and clinical trials, respectively. Triglyceride differences were −6.5 (P = 0.092) in observational studies and 5.8 mg/dL (P = 0.090) in intervention trials.ConclusionsPlant-based diets are associated with decreased total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, but not with decreased triglycerides.Systematic Review RegistrationPROSPERO number CRD42015023783. Available at: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.asp?ID=CRD42015023783.

APOE genotype influences insulin resistance, apolipoprotein CII and CIII according to plasma fatty acid profile in the Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic markers associated with the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) may be affected by interactions between the APOE genotype and plasma fatty acids (FA). In this study, we explored FA-gene interactions between the missense APOE polymorphisms and FA status on metabolic markers in MetS. Plasma FA, blood pressure, insulin sensitivity and lipid concentrations were determined at baseline and following a 12-week randomized, controlled, parallel, dietary FA intervention in 442 adults with MetS (LIPGENE study). FA-APOE gene interactions at baseline and following change in plasma FA were assessed using adjusted general linear models. At baseline E4 carriers had higher plasma concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and apolipoprotein B (apo B) compared with E2 carriers; and higher TC, LDL-C and apo B compared with E3/E3. Whilst elevated plasma n-3 polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) was associated with a beneficially lower concentration of apo CIII in E2 carriers, a high proportion of plasma C16:0 was associated with insulin resistance in E4 carriers. Following FA intervention, a reduction in plasma long-chain n-3 PUFA was associated with a reduction in apo CII concentration in E2 carriers. Our novel data suggest that individuals with MetS may benefit from personalized dietary interventions based on APOE genotype.

Chardonnay grape seed flour supplemented diets alter intestinal microbiota in diet-induced obese mice

The intestinal microbiota of mice was evaluated after supplementation with flavonoid-rich whole grape seed flour from white winemaking. High-fat (HF)-diet-induced obese (DIO) mice were fed a HF diet supplemented with either 10% partially defatted chardonnay grape seed flour (ChrSd) or microcrystalline cellulose (MCC, control) for 6 weeks. Supplementation with ChrSd reduced HF-diet-induced weight gain, liver and adipose tissue weight, and plasma lipid levels. The results from high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA V3-4 region showed dynamic changes in the intestinal microbiome that are closely associated with the regulation of diet-induced obesity, polyphenol conversion, bile acid and hepatic lipid metabolism, and butyrate production. Body and adipose tissue weight gain and plasma LDL concentration were positively associated with Lactobacillus and negatively associated with Roseburia and Enterococcus. In conclusion, chardonnay grape seed flour ameliorates the effects of a HF diet on plasma lipid concentration and adipose tissue and body weight, possibly via modulation of the intestinal microbiota in DIO mice. Practical applications Construction of a healthy intestinal microbiota via prebiotic action using a flavonoid-rich ChrSd diet may be an effective manner for the prevention of obesity and obesity-related metabolic diseases.

The effects of chronic FAAH inhibition on myocardial lipid metabolism in normotensive and DOCA-salt hypertensive rats

AimsThere is significant evidence that the endocannabinoid system (ECS) takes part in the regulation of the cardiovascular system in hypertension. It is quite well established that hypertension causes several changes in the heart metabolism, but it is still unknown whether the ECS affects this process. Therefore, we investigated the influence of prolonged ECS activation on myocardial lipid metabolism in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt hypertensive rats by chronic fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibition. Materials and methodsWe examined the uptake and oxidation of palmitic acid during the heart perfusion as well as intramyocardial and plasma lipid contents using gas liquid chromatography. Total, plasmalemmal and intracellular expressions of selected proteins were estimated by the Western blot technique. Moreover, the left ventricle's morphology, including myocardial vessels density, was measured using immunohistochemistry. Key findingsWe demonstrated that hypertension induced cardiomyocytes and myocardial blood vessels hypertrophy, followed by a reduction in myocardial palmitate oxidation. Interestingly, prolonged activation of the ECS in the normotensive rats induced cardiomyocyte enlargement and intensified fatty acids metabolism. We have also shown that FAAH inhibition improved morphology of coronary blood vessels and only partially maintained its effect on lipid metabolism in the DOCA-salt hearts (i.e. elevated plasma and intramyocardial TAG contents as well as plasmalemmal FAT/CD36 and total FATP1 expressions). SignificanceThis study revealed that chronic FAAH inhibition has no protective effects on the heart lipid metabolism in hypertension.