Plasma Triacylglycerol Concentrations Research Articles

The Chinese herbal medicine FTZ attenuates insulin resistance via IRS1 and PI3K in vitro and in rats with metabolic syndrome

BackgroundInsulin resistance plays an important role in the development of metabolic syndrome (MS). Fu Fang Zhen Zhu Tiao Zhi formula (FTZ), a Chinese medicinal decoction, has been used to relieve hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis and other symptoms associated with metabolic disorders in the clinic.MethodsTo evaluate the effect of FTZ on insulin resistance, HepG2 cells were induced with high insulin as a model of insulin resistance and treated with FTZ at one of three dosages. Next, the levels of glucose content, insulin receptor substrate1 (IRS1) protein expression and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) subunit p85 mRNA expression were measured. Alternatively, MS was induced in rats via gavage feeding of a high-fat diet for four consecutive weeks followed by administration of FTZ for eight consecutive weeks. Body weight and the plasma levels of lipids, insulin and glucose were evaluated. Finally, the expression of PI3K p85 mRNA in adipose tissue of rats was measured.ResultsOur results revealed that FTZ attenuated glucose content and up-regulated the expression of PI3K p85 mRNA and IRS1 protein in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells in vitro. Moreover, FTZ reduced body weight and the plasma concentrations of triacylglycerol, cholesterol, fasting glucose and insulin in insulin resistant MS rats. FTZ also elevated the expression of PI3K p85 mRNA in the adipose tissues of MS rats.ConclusionFTZ attenuated MS symptoms by decreasing the plasma levels of glucose and lipids. The underlying mechanism was attenuation of the reduced expression of PI3K p85 mRNA and IRS1 protein in both insulin-resistant HepG2 cells and MS rats.

Angiopoietin-like 4: An endogenous break of intestinal lipid digestion

Angiopoietin-like 4: An endogenous break of intestinal lipid digestion

Metabolic effects of a high‐fat diet post‐weaning after low maternal dietary folate during pregnancy and lactation

Investigate the influence of low-folate supply during pregnancy and lactation on obesity and markers of the metabolic syndrome in offspring, and how provision of a high-fat diet post weaning may exacerbate the resultant phenotype. Female C57Bl/6 mice were randomized to low or normal folate diets (0.4 or 2 mg folic acid/kg diet) prior to and during pregnancy and lactation. At 4 wk of age, offspring were randomized to high- or low-fat diets, weighed weekly and food intake assessed at 9 and 18 wk old. Adiposity was measured at 3 and 6 months. Plasma glucose and triacylglycerol (TAG) concentrations were measured at 6 months. Maternal folate supply did not influence adult offspring body weight or adiposity. High-fat feeding post weaning increased body weight and adiposity at 3 and 6 months (p > 0.001). Maternal low folate lowered plasma glucose (p = 0.010) but increased plasma TAG (p = 0.048). High-fat feeding post weaning increased plasma glucose and TAG (p = 0.023, p = 0.049 respectively). Offspring from folate-depleted (but not folate-adequate) dams had 30% higher TAG concentration when fed the high-fat diet from weaning (p = 0.005 for interaction). Inadequate maternal folate intake has long-term effects on offspring metabolism, manifested as increased circulating TAG, particularly in offspring with high-fat intake post weaning.

Insulin Resistance in SHR/NDmc-cp Rats Correlates with Enlarged Perivascular Adipocytes and Endothelial Cell Dysfunction in Skeletal Muscle

Ectopic adipose tissue in skeletal muscle is implicated in the development of insulin resistance, which is frequently induced by abnormal dietary habits such as excessive eating and a high-fat diet. However, the characteristics of ectopic adipocytes are unknown. In this study, we investigated the characteristics of ectopic adipocytes in the skeletal muscle of spontaneously hypertensive corpulent congenic (SHR/NDmc-cp) rats as a model of insulin resistance from excessive eating. SHR/NDmc-cp rats displayed overt insulin resistance with high plasma glucose, insulin, and triacylglycerol concentrations relative to control Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. In contrast, streptozotocin (STZ)-treated WKY rats had high glucose but low insulin concentrations. Ectopic adipocytes were found around blood vessels in the gastrocnemius in SHR/NDmc-cp rats. Areas of perivascular adipocytes and protein expression of resistin were greater in SHR/NDmc-cp rats than in control and STZ-treated WKY rats. The level of the phosphorylated (active) form of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in the gastrocnemius was lower in SHR/NDmc-cp rats than in the other groups. Insulin-resistant SHR/NDmc-cp rats showed enlarged perivascular adipocytes and greater endothelial cell dysfunction in the gastrocnemius.

Acute energy intake restriction, moderate intensity exercise and postprandial plasma triacylglycerol concentration in girls

This study compared the effect of an isoenergetic energy deficit, induced by mild energy-intake restriction or acute exercise, on postprandial triacylglycerol concentrations ([TAG]) in girls. Eleven healthy girls (mean(SD): age 12.1(0.6) years; body mass 42.1(5.8) kg; peak oxygen uptake ( V ̇ O 2 peak ) 47(6) mL kg −1 min −1 ) completed three, two-day conditions in a counterbalanced, crossover design. On day 1, participants rested (CON), restricted food energy intake by 1.47(0.18) MJ (ER) or walked at 60% V ̇ O 2 peak (EX; net energy expenditure 1.46(0.01) MJ). On day 2, capillary blood samples were taken in the fasted state and at pre-determined intervals throughout the 6.5 h postprandial period. A standardised breakfast was consumed immediately after the fasting sample and a standardised lunch at 4 h. Compared with CON, fasting [TAG] was lower after ER (95% confidence interval (95% CI) −0.22 to −0.01, effect size (ES) = 0.42) and EX (95% CI −0.38 to −0.19, ES = 1.33); EX was lower than ER (95% CI −0.30 to −0.03, ES = 0.66). Differences in postprandial [TAG] over time between conditions were moderate (ES = 0.50). The total area under the [TAG] versus time curve was lower after EX than CON (95% CI −2.89 to −0.86, ES = 0.80), with a small difference between ER and CON (95% CI −1.85 to 0.16, ES = 0.27) and EX and ER (95% CI −2.48 to 0.42, ES = 0.40). An exercise-induced energy deficit elicits a greater reduction in fasting and postprandial [TAG] in girls than an isoenergetic diet-induced energy deficit.

Interval training attenuates the metabolic disturbances in type 1 diabetes rat model

This study investigated the effect of interval training on blood biochemistry and immune parameters in type 1 diabetic rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: sedentary (SE, n = 15), interval training (IT, n = 17), diabetic sedentary (DSE, n = 17), diabetic interval training (DIT, n = 17). Diabetes was induced by i.v. injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). Swimming Interval Training consisted of 30-s exercise with 30-s rest, for 30 minutes, during 6 weeks, four times a week, with an overload of 15% of body mass. Plasma glucose, lactate, triacylglycerol and total cholesterol concentrations, phagocytic capacity, cationic vesicle content, and superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide production by blood neutrophils and peritoneal macrophages were evaluated. Proliferation of mesenteric lymphocytes was also estimated. Interval training resulted in attenuation of the resting hyperglycemic state and decreased blood lipids in the DIT group. Diabetes increased the functionality of blood neutrophils and peritoneal macrophages in the DSE group. Interval training increased all functionality parameters of peritoneal macrophages in the IT group. Interval training also led to a twofold increase in the proliferation of mesenteric lymphocytes after 6 weeks of exercise in the DIT group. Low-volume high-intensity physical exercise attenuates hyperglycemia and dislipidemia induced by type 1 diabetes, and induces changes in the functionality of innate and acquired immunity.

Background Diet and Fat Type Alters Plasma Lipoprotein Response but not Aortic Cholesterol Accumulation in F1B Golden Syrian Hamsters

Dietary modification alters plasma lipoprotein profiles and atherosclerotic lesion progression in humans and some animal models. Variability in response to diet induced atherosclerosis has been reported in hamsters. Assessed was the interaction between background diet composition and dietary fat type on aortic cholesterol accumulation, lipoprotein profiles, hepatic lipids and selected genes. F1B Golden Syrian hamsters (20/group) were fed (12 weeks) semi-purified or non-purified diets containing either 10 % (w/w) coconut oil or safflower oil and 0.15 % (w/w) cholesterol. The non-purified diets relative to semi-purified diets resulted in significantly higher TC (72 % [percent difference] and 38 %, coconut oil and safflower oil, respectively) and nHDL-C (84 and 61 %, coconut oil and safflower oil, respectively), and lower HDL-C (-47 and -45 %, coconut oil and safflower oil, respectively) concentrations. Plasma triacylglycerol concentrations in the hamsters fed the non-purified coconut oil-supplemented diets were three- to fourfold higher than non-purified safflower oil-supplemented, and both semi-purified diets. With the exception of HDL-C, a significant effect of fat type was observed in TC, nHDL-C and triacylglycerol (all P < 0.05) concentrations. Regardless of diet induced differences in lipoprotein profiles, there was no significant effect on aortic cholesterol accumulation. There was an inverse relationship between plasma nHDL-C and triacylglycerol, and hepatic cholesteryl ester content (P < 0.001). Diet induced differences in hepatic gene transcription (LDL receptor, apoB-100, microsomal transfer protein) were not reflected in protein concentrations. Although hamsters fed non-purified and/or saturated fatty acid-supplemented diets had more atherogenic lipoprotein profiles compared to hamsters fed semi-purified and/or polyunsaturated fatty acid-supplemented diets these differences were not reflected in aortic cholesterol accumulation.

Modulation of human postprandial lipemia by changing ratios of polyunsaturated to saturated (P/S) fatty acid content of blended dietary fats: a cross-over design with repeated measures.

BackgroundPostprandial lipemia (PL) contributes to coronary artery disease. The fatty acid composition of dietary fats is potentially a modifiable factor in modulating PL response.MethodsThis human postprandial study evaluated 3 edible fat blends with differing polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids (P/S) ratios (POL = 0.27, AHA = 1.00, PCAN = 1.32). A cross-over design included mildly hypercholestrolemic subjects (9 men and 6 women) preconditioned on test diets fats at 31% energy for 7 days prior to the postprandial challenge on the 8th day with 50 g test fat. Plasma lipids and lipoproteins were monitored at 0, 1.5, 3.5, 5.5 and 7 hr.ResultsPlasma triacylglycerol (TAG) concentrations in response to POL, AHA or PCAN meals were not significant for time x test meal interactions (P > 0.05) despite an observed trend (POL > AHA > PCAN). TAG area-under-the-curve (AUC) increased by 22.58% after POL and 7.63% after PCAN compared to AHA treatments (P > 0.05). Plasma total cholesterol (TC) response was not significant between meals (P > 0.05). Varying P/S ratios of test meals significantly altered prandial high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations (P < 0.001) which increased with decreasing P/S ratio (POL > AHA > PCAN). Paired comparisons was significant between POL vs PCAN (P = 0.009) but not with AHA or between AHA vs PCAN (P > 0.05). A significantly higher HDL-C AUC for POL vs AHA (P = 0.015) and PCAN (P = 0.001) was observed. HDL-C AUC increased for POL by 25.38% and 16.0% compared to PCAN and AHA respectively. Plasma low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations was significant (P = 0.005) between meals and significantly lowest after POL meal compared to PCAN (P = 0.004) and AHA (P > 0.05) but not between AHA vs PCAN (P > 0.05). AUC for LDL-C was not significant between diets (P > 0.05). Palmitic (C16:0), oleic (C18:1), linoleic (C18:2) and linolenic (C18:3) acids in TAGs and cholesteryl esters were significantly modulated by meal source (P < 0.05).ConclusionsP/S ratio of dietary fats significantly affected prandial HDL-C levels without affecting lipemia.

Enzymatically synthesized glycogen reduces lipid accumulation in diet-induced obese rats

Based on a recent study indicating that enzymatically synthesized glycogen (ESG) possesses a dietary, fiber-like action, we hypothesized that ESG can reduce the risk of obesity. In this study, the antiobesity effects of ESG were investigated in a model of diet-induced obesity. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups and fed a normal or high-fat diet, with or without 20% ESG, for 4 weeks. Body weight, food intake, lipid deposition in the white adipose tissues and liver, fecal lipid excretion, and plasma lipid profiles were measured. At week 3, the body fat mass was measured using an x-ray computed tomography system, which showed that ESG significantly suppressed the high-fat diet–induced lipid accumulation. Similar results were observed in the weight of the adipose tissue after the experiment. Moreover, ESG significantly suppressed the lipid accumulation in the liver but increased fecal lipid excretion. The plasma concentrations of triacylglycerol and nonesterified fatty acid were lowered after a high-fat diet, whereas the total bile acid concentration was increased by ESG. However, the hepatic messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of enzymes related to lipid metabolism were not affected by ESG. Conversely, the mRNA levels of long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase and medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase were up-regulated by ESG in the muscle. These results suggest that the combined effects of increased fecal lipid excretion, increased mRNA levels of enzymes that oxidize fatty acids in the muscle, and increased total bile acid concentration in the plasma mediate the inhibitory effect of ESG on lipid accumulation.

Hypolipidemic Effects of Starch and γ-Oryzanol fromwx/aeDouble-Mutant Rice on BALB/c.KOR-ApoeshlMice

waxy/amylose-extender (wx/ae) double-mutant japonica rice (Oryza sativa L.) produces resistant starch (RS) and a large amount of γ-oryzanol. Our previous study has shown the hypolipidemic effect of wx/ae brown rice on mice. To identify the functional constituents of the hypolipidemic activity in wx/ae rice, we prepared pure wx/ae starch and γ-oryzanol from wx/ae rice and investigated their effect on the lipid metabolism in BALB/c.KOR/Stm Slc-Apoe(shl) mice. The mice were fed for 3 weeks a diet containing non-mutant rice starch, non-mutant rice starch plus γ-oryzanol, wx/ae starch, or wx/ae starch plus γ-oryzanol. γ-Oryzanol by itself had no effect on the lipid metabolism, and wx/ae starch prevented an accumulation of triacylglycerol (TAG) in the liver. Interestingly, the combination of wx/ae starch plus γ-oryzanol not only prevented a TAG accumulation in the liver, but also partially suppressed the rise in plasma TAG concentration, indicating that wx/ae starch and γ-oryzanol could have a synergistic effect on the lipid metabolism.

Acute High-Intensity Interval Running Reduces Postprandial Lipemia in Boys

Acute moderate-intensity exercise reduces postprandial lipemia in boys. However, the effect of high-intensity exercise has not been investigated. This study examined the effect of low-volume, high-intensity interval running (HIIR) on postprandial plasma triacylglycerol (TAG) concentrations. Fifteen healthy, active boys (means ± SD; age = 11.8 ± 0.4 yr, body mass = 42.8 ± 8.0 kg, peak oxygen uptake [VO2] = 55 ± 6 mL · kg(-1) · min(-1)) completed two 2-d trials in a counterbalanced, crossover design separated by 14 d. On day 1, participants rested (CON) or completed 10 × 1 min running intervals at 100% maximal aerobic speed, determined from an incremental peak VO2 test, with 1 min recovery between intervals (HIIR). On day 2, capillary blood samples were taken in the fasted state and at predetermined intervals throughout the 6.5-h postprandial period while participants rested. A standardized breakfast was consumed at 0800 h, immediately after the fasting sample, and a standardized lunch meal was consumed at 1200 h. Differences in fasting plasma TAG concentration were small to moderate (95% confidence interval [CI] = -0.11 to 0.01, effect size [ES] = 0.40). Postprandial TAG concentration was lower during HIIR compared with CON (95% CI = -0.19 to -0.02, ES = 0.58). The total area under the TAG concentration versus time curve was lower after HIIR compared with CON (5.2 ± 1.1 vs 5.8 ± 1.5 mmol(-1) · L 6.5 h; 95% CI = -1.18 to -0.12, ES = 0.50). This is the first study to show that low-volume HIIR attenuates postprandial TAG concentration in healthy, active 11- to 12-yr-old boys.

Retention of carotenoids in egg yolks of laying hens supplemented with heterotrophic Chlorella

The present study investigated the effect of 1 and 2% feed supplementation with biomass of Chlorella grown through heterotrophic fermentation on the concentration of total and individual carotenoids in egg yolks. A total of twenty-four Hisex Brown laying hens aged 56 weeks were included in the experiment. The layers were kept individually in cages. They were divided into three groups of eight birds and fed a diet typical for laying hens. Control birds (C) received only a basal diet, while experimental diets (P1 and P2) were supplemented with 1 and 2% (i.e. 10 and 20 g/kg) dry disintegrated Chlorella biomass. Egg yolk deposition of total carotenoids was significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.01) increased by 46% (P1) and 119% (P2). The rising curves of total carotenoids reached their plateau during the fourth experimental week. The respective values oscillated around 25&amp;nbsp;mg (P1) and 40 mg (P2) per g of yolk during the following weeks. Lutein and zeaxanthin were equally deposited and they represented more than 90% of total carotenoids in yolk. The deposition of carotenoids significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.01) increased the colour characteristics of yolks measured using the Roche Yolk Colour Fan scale. Supplementation with Chlorella biomass significantly decreased the egg yolk weight of P2 in comparison with P1 (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and C (P &amp;lt; 0.01). These effects were probably related to lower feed consumption in these hens. The daily feed intake per hen, as well as its consumption per egg, was lower by 5&amp;ndash;7 g in both supplemented groups. Recalculation of the diet consumption per kg of egg and yolk mass eliminated these differences. There were no differences among laying hens in plasma concentrations of triacylglycerol and cholesterol.

Improvement of diabetic dyslipidemia by legumes in experimental rats

Grain legumes are a valuable source of food proteins; hence, their exploitation is expected to grow in relation to a growing world's food needs. Apart from high level of dietary fibre, their protein composition makes them useful in managing diabetes. This paper reports a study conducted to evaluate the effects of four different non-soy legume-based (Vigna unguiculata ssp. dekindtiana var dekindtiana, Vigna unguiculata ssp. unguiculata, Sphenostylis stenocarpa and Vigna subterranea) diets in rats administered with alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg bodyweight). Concentration of plasma glucose, triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and HDL-triacyglycerol as well as hepatic levels of cholesterol and triacylglycerols were determined spectrophotometrically in alloxan-induced diabetic rats fed on these legumes for five weeks. Induction of rats with alloxan monohydrate led to significant (p&lt;0.05) elevation of fasting plasma glucose and reduction in body weight. Consumption of each of the four legumes led to a significant reduction in the fasting plasma glucose concentrations in the diabetic rats (p&lt;0.05) with V. subterranean causing about 60% reduction. Vigna unguiculata ssp. dekindtiana var dekindtiana and Sphenostylis stenocarpa caused a reversal of the diabetes-induced reduction of hepatic cholesterol (p&lt;0.05). Plasma dyslipidemia was observed in the alloxan-induced diabetic rats as significant (p&lt;0.05) increases in total cholesterol, triacylglycerols, HDL-cholesterol, HDL-triacylglycerols and LDL-cholesterol levels were observed. The legumes improved the plasma lipid profile as shown by a significant (p&lt;0.05) reduction in the ratios of total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol (ranging from 1.25-2.25 for control groups to 1.00-1.35 for the legume-fed groups) and LDLCholesterol/HDL-Cholesterol (ranging from 0.50-1.75 for control groups to 0.50-0.75 for the legume fed groups). The results suggest that wild cowpea, white cowpea, african yam bean and bambara groundnut equally reversed diabetes-associated dyslipidemia as indicated by the indexes of cardiovascular disorder. This, therefore, underscores the potential of these underutilized legumes in managing dyslipidemia associated with diabetes in experimental rats. These data should contribute toward enhancing the nutraceutical potential and utility of these legumes.

Production, fractionation, characterization of extracellular polysaccharide from a newly isolated Trametes gibbosa and its hypoglycemic activity

The submerged fermentation for extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) production from Trametes gibbosa was optimized. An optimal medium for EPS production was obtained through central composite design (CCD) as follows: 53.12g/L maltose and 4.21g/L polypeptone in distilled water. Furthermore, four groups of EPSs (designated as Fr-I, Fr-II, Fr-III and Fr-IV) were obtained from the culture filtrates by size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and their molecular characteristics were examined by a multiangle laser-light scattering (MALLS) and refractive index (RI) detector system. The weight-average molar mass of Fr-I was determined to be 3.872x105g/mol and its molecular shape was revealed to be a rigid rod in an aqueous solution. Finally, the hypoglycemic effect of the EPS, investigated in streptozotocin induced diabetic mice, decreased plasma glucose, total cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations by 17.4%, 14.0% and 12.6%, respectively. The results indicate the potential of this EPS to prevent hyperglycemia in diabetic patients.

Acute oral amino acid intake increases both secretion and breakdown of very low density lipoprotein‐triacylglycerol

We have previously reported a reduced plasma triacylglycerol (TAG) concentration in elderly individuals following chronic intake of amino acids (AAs), but it is unclear how acute intake of AAs affects plasma TAG kinetics. We used dual stable isotope tracer methodology in this study to investigate the effect of acute AA intake on the fractional secretion rate (FSR) and fractional breakdown rate (FBR) of VLDL‐TAG derived from plasma fatty acids. Eight hypertriacylglycerolaemic volunteers (mean ± standard deviation (SD): age 63.4 ± 7.7 years; BMI 29.6 ± 5.0 kg·m−2; fasting TAG 191 ± 52 mg·dl−1) were studied during a 5‐h basal period and a 5‐h period of acute AA intake. Infusions of U‐13C16‐palmitate and 2H2‐palmitate were started and stopped at specific time points to allow VLDL‐TAG secretion and breakdown to be calculated. VLDL‐TAG FSR was significantly higher during the AA intake period than during the basal period (mean ± SEM: 12.9 ± 2.6 vs. 8.7 ± 1.4 %·h−1; P &lt; 0.05), as was VLDL‐TAG FBR (13.8 ± 4.0 vs. 4.9 ± 1.6 %·h−1; P &lt; 0.05). We conclude that acute amino acid intake increases fractional secretion and breakdown rates of VLDL‐TAG, and may promote a state of net breakdown, which lowers the plasma TAG concentration. The study is sponsored by 1R01 AG033761 NIH/NIA and P30 AG024832 NIH/NIA. Screenings and study visits are being undertaken within the ITS‐Clinical Research Center at UTMB, funded by grant 1 U54RR026141 NIH/NCRR.

Effects of Heat-KilledLactobacillus pentosusS-PT84 on Postprandial Hypertriacylglycerolemia in Rats

The effect of Lactobacillus pentosus strain S-PT84 (S-PT84) on postprandial hypertriacylglycerolemia was investigated in rats. S-PT84 dose-dependently inhibited the hydrolysis of triacylglycerols by pancreatic lipase in vitro. Intragastric administration of S-PT84 significantly reduced the lymphatic recovery of (3)H-trioleoylglycerol up to 8 h. The oral administration of a fat emulsion, with or without S-PT84, resulted in the concentration of plasma triacylglycerol 2 h and 3 h after administration being significantly lower in the S-PT84 group than in the group without S-PT84 (control group). These results suggest that S-PT84 alleviated postprandial hypertriacylglycerolemia by delaying triacylglycerol absorption in the intestine through the inhibition of pancreatic lipase.

Identification and design of a novel series of MGAT2 inhibitors

[Acyl CoA]monoacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (MGAT2) is of interest as a target for therapeutic treatment of diabetes, obesity and other diseases which together constitute the metabolic syndrome. In this Letter we report our discovery and optimisation of a novel series of MGAT2 inhibitors. The development of the SAR of the series and a detailed discussion around some key parameters monitored and addressed during the lead generation phase will be given. The in vivo results from an oral lipid tolerance test (OLTT) using the MGAT2 inhibitor (S)-10, shows a significant reduction (68% inhibition relative to naїve, p<0.01) in plasma triacylglycerol (TAG) concentration.

Gene Transfer of Apolipoprotein A-V Improves the Hypertriglyceridemic Phenotype of apoa5 (−/−) mice

Apolipoprotein (apo) A-V is a low abundance protein with a profound influence on plasma triacylglycerol levels. In human populations, single nucleotide polymorphisms and mutations in APOA5 positively correlate with hypertriglyceridemia. As an approach to preventing the deleterious effects of chronic hypertriglyceridemia, apoA-V gene therapy has been pursued. Recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) 2/8 harboring the coding sequence for human apoA-V or a control AAV2/8 was transduced into hypertriglyceridemic apoa5 (-/-) mice. After injection of 1×10(12) viral genome AAV2/8-apoA-V, maximal plasma levels of apoA-V protein were achieved at 3 to 4 weeks, after which the concentration slowly declined. Complementing the appearance of apoA-V was a decrease (50±6%) in plasma triacylglycerol content compared with apoa5 (-/-) mice treated with AAV2/8-β-galactosidase. After 8 weeks the mice were euthanized and plasma lipoproteins separated. AAV2/8-apoA-V-transduced mice displayed a dramatic reduction in very low-density lipoprotein triacylglycerol content. Vector generated apoA-V in plasma associated with both very low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein fractions. Taken together, the data show that gene transfer of apoA-V improves the severe hypertriglyceridemia phenotype of apoa5 (-/-) mice. Given the prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia, apoA-V gene therapy offers a potential strategy for maintenance of plasma triacylglycerol homeostasis.

Fermentation characteristics in stirred-tank reactor of exopolysaccharides with hypolipidemic activity produced by Pleurotus geesteranus 5#

In this study, the hypolipidemic effect of exopolysaccharides (EPS) from Pleurotus geesteranus 5# fermenting liquor by the optimal culture conditions in a 5-L stirred-tank reactor was investigated. The hypolipidemic effect of the polysaccharide, investigated in streptozotocin induced diabetic mice, decreased plasma glucose, total cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations by 17.1 %, 18.8 % and 12.0 %, respectively. The results of the present investigation strongly demonstrate the potential of this polysaccharide to prevent hyperglycemia in the experimental animals. Under optimal culture conditions, the maximum concentrations of mycelial and EPS were 22.63 g/L after 7 d cultivation and 11.09 g/L after 10 d, respectively. Furthermore, the morphological parameters (i.e. mean diameter, circularity, roughness and compactness) of the pellets and the broth viscosity were characterized. It was proved that compactness of the pellet morphology (R²=0.963, p<0.01) was significantly and positively determined with mycelial biomass. Moreover, mean diameter (R²=93.3, p<0.01) and broth viscosity (R²=0.950, p<0.01) were significantly and positively determined with EPS content.

Comparison of plasma triacylglycerol levels in vegetarians and omnivores: A meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo compare the effect of vegetarian diets and omnivorous diets on triacylglycerols (TGs). MethodsWe identified cross-sectional and cohort studies related to TGs (an index of blood lipids) listed on PubMed and ISI Web of Knowledge, bibliographies, and related references and studies suggested by search engines to further increase the range of data collected (all-year time span until May 2011). ResultsTwelve studies with 1300 subjects were included for meta-analysis. Vegetarian diets were effective in lowering plasma TG concentrations (standardized mean difference −1.28 mmol/L, 95% confidence interval −2.14 to −0.42); in eight developed countries, plasma TG levels were insignificantly lower in vegetarians than in omnivores (standardized mean difference −0.31 mmol/L, 95% confidence interval −1.13 to 0.50), but in four developing countries, the phenomenon was obvious (standardized mean difference −4.06 mmol/L, 95% confidence interval −7.43 to −0.70). ConclusionCompared with omnivorous diets, vegetarian diets provide health benefits, especially in developing countries. This favorable effect occurs even if vegetarian diets last for at least 6 mo.