Resistance Of LDL Research Articles

Correlation between Primary Knee Osteoarthritis and Metabolic Syndrome among Egyptian Patients

Abstract Background Previous studies have suggested that metabolic syndrome is associated with osteoarthritis (OA). However, analyses have not addressed whether levels of individual metabolic syndrome components are related to OA. This study was undertaken to examine the relationship of metabolic syndrome and its components with radiographic and symptomatic knee OA Objective To assess the impact of metabolic syndrome and its components on the degree of structural damage and function impairment in a sample of Egyptian patients with symptomatic primary knee OA. Patients and Methods In this study, 116 Egyptian osteoarthritic patients were included, Patients were divided into 2 groups: Group A: includes 58 osteoarthritic patients with metabolic syndrome. Group B: includes 58 osteoarthritic patients without metabolic syndrome. Results There was a positive correlation detected between HAQ and hypertension with P-Value 0.002. There was a positive correlation detected between WOMAC and hypertension with P-Value 0.000.we found that OA was sever in hypertensive patients, old age, patients with high waist circumference and high levels of CRP, TG, FBG and 2HPP with P-value > 0.001. While there was no correlation between X-ray grading with and ESR, uric acid, cholesterol, LDL, HDL, HBA1C and insulin resistance with P-Value > 0.05 Conclusion We concluded that patients with knee OA and metabolic syndrome has more radiological damage and severe grades of functional disability in comparative to patients with OA without MS.

Comparative Effects of Curcumin versus Nano-Curcumin on Insulin Resistance, Serum Levels of Apelin and Lipid Profile in Type 2 Diabetic Rats.

Background and PurposeType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by insulin resistance and abnormalities in insulin production. Apelin is associated with insulin resistance. According to the anti-diabetic properties of curcumin, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of curcumin and nano-curcumin intake on insulin resistance and serum levels of fasting blood sugar (FBS), Apelin, and lipid profile (cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL and VLDL) in T2DM rats.Materials and MethodsForty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: Control, diabetic, diabetic treated with two doses of curcumin (100 and 200 mg/kg) and diabetic treated with two doses of nano-curcumin (100 and 200 mg/kg). Induction of T2DM was performed by intraperitoneal injection of Nicotinamide (110 mg/kg) and Streptozotocin (45 mg/kg) in the fasting state. Rats received different doses of nano-curcumin and curcumin by gavage (daily) for 28 days. At the end of the intervention period, insulin resistance and serum levels of FBS, apelin and lipid profiles were measured.ResultsInsulin resistance and serum levels of FBS, Apelin, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL were significantly decreased in diabetic rats treated with curcumin and nano-curcumin (p<0.05) so that nano-curcumin in reducing lipid profile is more effective than curcumin (P<0.05). Serum level of HDL in nano-curcumin groups was significantly higher than diabetic and curcumin groups (p<0.05). Also, with increasing insulin resistance, serum level of apelin increased (P<0.05).ConclusionThe therapeutic effects of curcumin and nano-curcumin were effective in decreasing insulin resistance, serum levels of FBS, apelin and lipid profile. The dose of 100 mg/kg nano-curcumin was more effective in reducing lipid profile.

Micronutrients, Metabolic Complications, and Inflammation in Ugandan Children With HIV.

Selenium, zinc, and chromium are essential micronutrients. Their alterations have been associated with HIV disease progression, metabolic complications, and mortality. This is a cross-sectional study in children with perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV, n = 57), HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU, n = 59), and HIV-unexposed uninfected (HIV-, n = 56) children aged 2 to 10 years old, age- and sex-matched, enrolled in Uganda. PHIV were on stable antiretroviral therapy (ART) with undetectable viral load. We measured plasma concentrations of selenium, zinc, and chromium as well as markers of systemic inflammation, monocyte activation, and gut integrity. Among PHIV children, 93% had viral load ≤20 copies/mL, median CD4 was 37%, and 77% were receiving a nonnucleotide reserve transcriptase regimen. Median age of all participants was 8 years and 55% were girls. Median selenium concentrations were higher in PHIV compared with the HEU and HIV groups (P < 0.001), 46% of children overall had low zinc status (P = 0.18 between groups). Higher selenium, but not chromium or zinc, was associated with lower IL6, sTNFRI and II, and higher beta d glucan, a marker of fungal translocation, zonulin, a marker of gut permeability, oxidized LDL and insulin resistance (P ≤ 0.01). In this cohort of PHIV on ART in Uganda, there is a high prevalence of low zinc status overall. Higher plasma selenium concentrations were associated with lower systemic inflammation and higher gut integrity markers. Although our findings do not support the use of micronutrient supplementation broadly for PHIV in Uganda, further studies are warranted to assess the role of selenium supplements in attenuating heightened inflammation.

Association Between Plasma Lipids Profile and Lipids Oxidizability in Healthy Men

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to determine the susceptibility of lipids to Cu-induced peroxidation in diluted plasma and its relation with plasma lipids and lipoproteins in a group of healthy men. Materials and Methods: In 100 healthy men volunteers (age range 20-55 years with a mean of 36.8±10.3 years), fasting plasma levels of lipoprotein (a) [Lp (a)], total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) were assayed. The Cu2+-induced lipid peroxidation was evaluated. Lipid oxidation was estimated by monitoring the change of conjugated dienes in the diluted plasma following the addition of Cu2+. The kinetic curves of the accumulation of lipid peroxide products were prepared, and a number of quantitative parameters including lag time, time of maximal oxidation rate (T-max), and maximal accumulation of absorbing products (OD-max) were evaluated. Results: The TG concentrations were positively correlated with lag time and T-max (r=0.33, P < 0.01 and r=0.24, P < 0.05) respectively. Also, TC and LDL-C were positively correlated with OD-max (r=0.28, P < 0.01 and r=0.26, P < 0.05 respectively), and HDL-C was negatively correlated (r=-0.23, P < 0.05) with T-max. No significant correlation was observed between other variables and lipid oxidizability parameters. Conclusions: Results of this research indicate that TG increased the resistance of LDL and VLDL against initiation of lipid oxidation. In addition, HDL-C induced the susceptibility of lipid oxidizability.

The Mediterranean Diet decreases LDL atherogenicity in high cardiovascular risk individuals: a randomized controlled trial.

Traditional Mediterranean diet (TMD) protects against cardiovascular disease through several mechanisms such as decreasing LDL cholesterol levels. However, evidence regarding TMD effects on LDL atherogenic traits (resistance against oxidation, size, composition, cytotoxicity) is scarce. We assessed the effects of a 1-year intervention with a TMD on LDL atherogenic traits in a random sub-sample of individuals from the PREDIMED study (N = 210). We compared two TMDs: one enriched with virgin olive oil (TMD-VOO, N = 71) and another with nuts (TMD-Nuts, N = 68), versus a low-fat control diet (N = 71). After the TMD-VOO intervention, LDL resistance against oxidation increased (+6.46%, p = 0.007), the degree of LDL oxidative modifications decreased (-36.3%, p<0.05), estimated LDL particle size augmented (+3.06%, p = 0.021), and LDL particles became cholesterol-rich (+2.41% p = 0.013) relative to the low-fat control diet. LDL lipoproteins became less cytotoxic for macrophages only relative to baseline (-13.4%, p = 0.019). No significant effects of the TMD-Nuts intervention on LDL traits were observed versus the control diet. Adherence to a TMD, particularly when enriched with virgin olive oil, decreased LDL atherogenicity in high cardiovascular risk individuals. The development of less atherogenic LDLs could contribute to explaining some of the cardioprotective benefits of this dietary pattern.

Risk factor profile of coronary artery disease in black South Africans

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factor profile of coronary artery disease (CAD) in black South Africans. The study was motivated by the increased prevalence of CAD in South Africa, probably as a result of urbanisation. Despite this increase, however, very little is known regarding the cause, risk factor profile and clinical presentations of CAD in the black South African population. Design: A case control study was performed investigating 40 (33 men, 7 women) angiographically defined CAD patients and 20 (13 men and 7 women) age and body composition matched controls. Results: There was no difference in physical activity, sociodemographic factors or dietary intakes between the CAD and control group, except for the CAD patients consuming less vit C (40.9 vs 61.3 mg). The CAD group had significantly higher LDL-C, fasting glucose and CRP. There was also a significantly higher prevalence of smokers (35 vs 10%), hypertension (95 vs 75%) small dense LDL (73 vs 15%) and insulin resistance (M-value of 4.15 vs 12.5 mg/kg/min) in the CAD compared to the control group. In a logistic regression model, small dense LDL and insulin resistance were the main predictors of CAD. Conclusions: Black South African CAD patients had increased levels of the same risk factors that are typically seen in Caucasians with insulin resistance and small dense LDL being particularly significant in their contribution.

Lifestyle and weight predictors of a healthy overweight profile over a 20-year follow-up.

To examine whether changes in modifiable risk factors [physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), body weight, and diet composition] are associated with the transition to metabolically healthy overweight/obese (MHOW) versus metabolically abnormal overweight/obese. Analysis included 1,358 adults [aged 25.0 (3.5) years] from the CARDIA study who were healthy at baseline and had overweight/obesity at follow-up. Participants with zero or one of the following six risk factors were classified as MHOW: elevated triglycerides, LDL, blood pressure, fasting glucose, and HOMA-insulin resistance and low HDL. Over the 20-year follow-up, the sample gained weight (BMI 24.5 to 31.1 kg/m(2) ), and the prevalence of MHOW was 47% at follow-up. After adjusting for changes in CRF, diet, and weight change, physical activity and macronutrient intake were not independently associated with MHOW (P > 0.05), while changes in CRF [fit-unfit: RR (95%) = 0.58, 0.52-0.66; unfit-unfit: RR = 0.67, 0.58-0.76, versus fit-fit] and weight [gain: RR (95%) = 0.54, 0.43-0.67; cycle: RR = 0.74, 0.57-0.94, versus stable] were independently associated with MHOW. Focusing on high CRF and strategies to limit weight gain may be important for individuals with overweight and obesity in early to mid-adulthood to maintain a metabolically healthy profile.

Lipidomic changes of LDL in overweight and moderately hypercholesterolemic subjects taking phytosterol- and omega-3-supplemented milk

The benefits of dietary phytosterols (PhySs) and long-chain n-3 PUFA (ω3) have been linked to their effects as cholesterol- and triglyceride (TGL)-lowering agents. However, it remains unknown whether these compounds have further metabolic effects on LDL lipid composition. Here, we studied the effects of PhyS- or ω3-supplemented low-fat milk (milk) on the LDL-lipidome. Overweight and moderately hypercholesterolemic subjects (n = 32) were enrolled in a two-arm longitudinal crossover study. Milk (250 ml/day), enriched with either 1.57 g PhyS or 375 mg ω3 (EPA + DHA), was given to the participants during two sequential 28 day intervention periods. Compared with baseline, PhyS-milk induced a higher reduction in the LDL cholesterol (LDLc) level than ω3-milk. LDL resistance to oxidation was significantly increased after intervention with PhyS-milk. Changes in TGL and VLDL cholesterol were only evident after ω3-milk intake. Lipidomic analysis revealed a differential effect of the PhyS- and ω3-milk interventions on the LDL lipid metabolite pattern. Content in LDL-glycerophospholipids was reduced after PhyS-milk intake, with major changes in phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylserine subclasses, whereas ω3-milk induced significant changes in the long-chain polyunsaturated cholesteryl esters and in the ratio PC36:5/lysoPC16:0, associated to a reduced inflammatory activity. In conclusion, daily intake of milk products containing PhyS or ω3 supplements induce changes in the LDL-lipidome that indicate reduced inflammatory and atherogenic effects, beyond their LDLc- and TGL-lowering effects.

Resistance of LDL against Oxidation is Related to Macular Pigment Density and Cognition in Healthy Older Adults

Lutein, a dietary carotenoid, is selectively taken up and accumulated in neural tissues. Macular pigment (MP) is considered a surrogate biomarker of lutein levels in the macula and brain. MP density and lutein brain concentrations have been related to better cognitive function, and lutein has also been associated with the reduction of atherosclerotic lesions. Lutein's antioxidant properties may be one of the mechanisms by which it is protective of neural tissue, vasculature, and cognition. Our objective was to evaluate the relationships among MP density, oxidative stress, and cognition in healthy older adults (50 - 84 y, n = 44). MP density was measured using heterochromatic flicker photometry. The resistance of LDL against oxidation (rLDLox), a biomarker of oxidative stress and vascular health, was assessed using lag time of Cu2+induced oxidation. A computerized assessment battery (CANTAB) was used for measures of cognition. Cognitive data were normalized to z-scores; subjects were designated as higher o...

Exercise training protects the LDL I subfraction from oxidation susceptibility in an aged human population

BackgroundExercise training is considered an effective strategy to improve metabolic disease. Despite this, less is known regarding exercise training in the prevention and susceptibility of LDL subfraction oxidation, particularly in an aged population. MethodsEleven aged (55 ± 4 yrs) and twelve young (21 ± 2 yrs) participants were randomly separated into an experimental or control group as follows: young exercise (n = 6); young control (n = 6); aged exercise (n = 6) and aged control (n = 5). The participants assigned to the exercise groups performed 12 weeks of moderate intensity (55–65% VO2max) exercise training. Venous blood was extracted at baseline, and 48 h following 12 weeks of exercise and assayed for a range of metabolites associated with lipid composition and lipoprotein susceptibility to oxidation. ResultsAlthough there was no difference in the oxidation potential (time ½ max) of LDL I, II or III between groups at baseline (p > 0.05), there was an increase in time ½ max for LDL I following exercise within the aged exercise group (p < 0.05). Moreover, α-tocopherol concentration was selectively lower in the aged exercise group, compared to the young exercise at baseline. The lipid composition of LDL I, LDL II, LDL III, VLDL, HDL2, HDL3 and serum lipid hydroperoxides remained unchanged as a function of exercise training and ageing (p > 0.05). ConclusionThe primary finding of this study demonstrates that adaptations in LDL resistance to oxidation occur following 12 weeks of exercise training in the aged, and this may be of clinical significance, as oxidation of LDL has been implicated in atherosclerosis.

Potential benefits of berberine in the management of perimenopausal syndrome.

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in women after menopause and 56% of all causes of death in Western European countries. Nowadays, with increasing life span, women spend approximately one-third of their life-time in postmenopausal state; therefore, the development of new strategies to improve the prevention and treatment of menopause-associated pathologies is important topic in clinical practice. The studies to assess the safety of hormone replacement therapy in women with estrogen deficiency have not been conclusive due to the relative contraindications; therefore, hormone replacement therapy is prescribed only in selected cases and for a limited time. For this reason, today women are encouraged to use naturally available compounds to prevent or to attenuate menopausal symptoms and correlated pathologies, with fewer side effects. Among these compounds, berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid derived from plants of the generis Berberis, has been recognized as being capable of decreasing oxidative stress, LDL, triglycerides, and insulin resistance and of improving the mood. This review describes the cellular and clinical effects associated with the use of berberine, which suggest that this molecule could be an effective natural supplement to ensure a smooth peri- and postmenopausal transition.

Beer elicits vasculoprotective effects through Akt/eNOS activation.

There is controversy regarding the effect of alcohol beverage intake in vascular vasodilatory function in peripheral arteries. The effects of beer intake in coronary vasodilation remain unknown. We investigated whether regular beer intake (alcohol and alcohol-free) protects against hypercholesterolaemia-induced coronary endothelial dysfunction and the mechanisms behind this effect. Pigs were fed 10days: (i) a Western-type hypercholesterolaemic diet (WD); (ii) WD+low-dose beer (12·5g alcohol/day); (iii) WD+moderate-dose beer (25g alcohol/day); or (iv) WD+moderate-dose alcohol-free-beer (0·0g alcohol/day). Coronary responses to endothelium-dependent vasoactive drugs (acetylcholine: receptor mediated; calcium ionophore-A23189: nonreceptor mediated), endothelium-independent vasoactive drug (SNP) and L-NMMA (NOS-antagonist) were evaluated in the LAD coronary artery by flow Doppler. Coronary Akt/eNOS activation, MCP-1 expression, oxidative DNA damage and superoxide production were assessed. Lipid profile, lipoproteins resistance to oxidation and urinary isoxanthohumol concentration were evaluated. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic beer intake prevented WD-induced impairment of receptor- and non-receptor-operated endothelial-dependent coronary vasodilation. All animals displayed a similar vasodilatory response to SNP and L-NMMA blunted all endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation responses. Haemodynamic parameters remained unchanged. Coronary arteries showed lower DNA damage and increased Akt/eNOS axis activation in beer-fed animals. Animals taking beer showed HDL with higher antioxidant capacity, higher LDL resistance to oxidation and increased isoxanthohumol levels. Weight, lipids levels, liver enzymes and MCP-1 expression were not affected by beer intake. Non-alcoholic-related beer components protect against hyperlipemia-induced coronary endothelial dysfunction by counteracting vascular oxidative damage and preserving the Akt/eNOS pathway. Light-to-moderate beer consumption prevents and/or reduces the endothelial dysfunction associated with cardiovascular risk factors.

The effect of almonds on inflammation and oxidative stress in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized crossover controlled feeding trial

Almond consumption is associated with ameliorations in obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. The hypothesis of this 12-week randomized, crossover, controlled feeding trial was that almond consumption would ameliorate inflammation and oxidative stress in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (9 M, 11 F; 58 years; BMI: 26 kg/m²) with mild hyperlipidemia. After a 2-week run-in period, the patients were assigned to either a control NCEP step II diet (control diet) or almond diet for 4 weeks with a 2-week washout period between alternative diets. Almonds approximately at 56 g/day were added to the control diet to replace 20 % of total daily calorie intake. As compared to the control diet, the almond diet decreased IL-6 by a median 10.3 % (95 % confidence intervals 5.2, 12.6 %), CRP by a median 10.3 % (-24.1, 40.5), and TNF-α by a median 15.7 % (-0.3, 29.9). The almond diet also decreased plasma protein carbonyl by a median 28.2 % (4.7, 38.2) as compared to the C diet but did not alter plasma malondialdehyde. The A diet enhanced the resistance of LDL against Cu²⁺-induced oxidation by a median 16.3 % (7.4, 44.3) as compared to the C diet. Serum intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and vascular adhesion molecule-1 were not changed by both diets. Our results suggested that incorporation of almonds into a healthy diet could ameliorate inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with T2DM.

Increased protease activity in obese rats: implications on LDL and insulin receptors

Obesity leads to increased morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular complications. Among other characteristics of the metabolic syndrome, obesity is a major risk factor for Insulin resistance and high levels of LDL, although the mechanisms are not completely understood. We hypothesize that calorie over consumption can lead to increased proteolytic activity which in turn cleave extracellular domains of key receptors e.g. the insulin and LDL receptors, therefore impairing their uptake and contributing to their high levels in the circulation. Wister rats were fed high fat diet (HD) for 16 weeks. A control group was provided with regular chow (ND). Enzymatic activity was measured in vivo on the mesentery microcirculation using intravital fluorescent microscope. Levels of the extracellular domain of the insulin and LDL receptors were measured by immunohistochemistry on isolated leukocytes. Glucose and LDL uptake were measured by fluorescent imaging. HF rats had significantly higher enzymatic activity in the mesentery microcirculation compared to controls. This activity was accompanied with reduced levels of the extracellular domain of both insulin and LDL receptors. Leukocytes of obese rats uptake glucose and LDL in a slower rate compared to controls. Our results suggest that calorie over‐consumption can promote proteolytic activity and cleavage of key receptors thus promoting insulin resistance and high circulating levels of LDL in obesity.

Rye bread intake improves oxidation resistance of LDL in healthy humans

BackgroundOxidatively modified LDL particles contribute to atherogenic development and therefore dietary interventions for promoting oxidation resistance of LDL are of interest. The capacity of LDL to resist oxidation can be determined ex vivo by exposing isolated LDL particles to copper ions and measuring the formation of conjugated dienes by spectrophotometry. ObjectiveThe aim of this trial was to determine the effect of none versus high intake of rye bread on the oxidation resistance of LDL in healthy humans while otherwise on habitual diet. DesignSixty-three healthy subjects excluded rye products for one week (baseline), followed by a stepwise addition of rye bread from 99g/d during the first two weeks to 198g/d during the following two weeks. Additionally plant sterols were incorporated into the rye bread for half of the subjects to study cholesterol-lowering. The resistance of LDL against copper-induced oxidation was determined at baseline and at the end of the rye-period by monitoring formation of conjugated dienes. ResultsWe observed a significant increase in the oxidation resistance of LDL, determined as a prolongation of the lag time (P<0.001) and decrease in the slope of the propagation phase (P=0.048) from baseline to the end of the rye-period without changes in vitamin E concentration. We observed no significant differences in the oxidation resistance of LDL between subjects who did or did not receive plant sterols. ConclusionsRye bread intake improved significantly the oxidation resistance of LDL. Further studies are needed to clarify the protective mechanism(s).

Various Antioxidative Activities of Iranian Walnut (Juglans regia L.) Green Husks Hydroalcoholic Extract and its Effects on LDL Oxidation

Walnuts contain several antioxidant compounds which are thought to contribute to their biological properties. The present work investigated the various antioxidative activities of walnut (Juglans regia L.) green husks hydroalcoholic extract (W) and its effect on oxidation of LDL induced by CuSO4 in vitro by monitoring the formation of conjugated dienes and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). It was demonstrated that total antioxidant capacity of W was 307±30 nmol of ascorbic acid equivalents/g W. The W showed remarkable scavenging activity on 2,2-diphenyl-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (IC50 1819 μg/ml). Total phenolic content of W was 2705 ± 519 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g W and total flavonoid content of W was 10.08 ± 0.18 mg of of quercetin equivalents/g W. Walnut (Juglans regia L.) green huske extract showed an increase rate of 87 %, 178 % and 202 % lag time at concentrations ranging from 0.2 μg/ml to 20 μg/ml, respectively. The W was able to inhibit LDL oxidation and decrease the resistance of LDL against oxidation. The inhibitory effects of W on LDL oxidation were dose-dependent at concentrations ranging from 0.2 μg/ml to 20 μg/ml. This study showed that W is an source easily accessible of natural antioxidants and prevents the oxidation of LDL in vitro and it may be suitable for use in food and pharmaceutical applications.

Time-dependent changes in the expression of lymphocyte and monocyte cell adhesion molecules after meals of different composition

The objective of the present study was to compare the acute effect of meals of different composition on the expression of adhesion molecules that play a key role in leucocyte trafficking. A total of twenty apparently healthy subjects randomly consumed three isoenergetic meals 1 week apart: enriched in carbohydrates (CHO), enriched in monounsaturated fat and enriched in saturated fat. Blood samples were obtained before the meals and at 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 h after meal ingestion. Samples were analysed for LDL resistance to Cu-mediated oxidation and for the surface expression on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of CD62L, CD162, CD11a, CD11b, CD49d and CD54 by flow cytometry. The present results showed that there were no changes in LDL susceptibility to oxidation within and among the meals. After the CHO-enriched meal, there was a time-dependent increased expression of CD162, CD49d, CD11a and CD54 on PBMC that returned to basal values after 8-10 h. These changes were significantly greater than the ones observed after the consumption of the monounsaturated fat- and the saturated fat-enriched meals and were more evident in lymphocytes than in monocytes. In conclusion, acute ingestion of a CHO-enriched meal induces higher increases of lymphocyte activation markers than fat-enriched meals. These results suggest that long-term consumption of CHO-enriched diets may be associated with a sustained pro-inflammatory state.

Efeito dos ácidos graxos n-3 no perfil glicêmico e lipídico, no estresse oxidativo e na capacidade antioxidante total de pacientes com síndrome metabólica

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a cluster of factors which favors the development of cardiovascular diseases. Previous studies have shown that polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can improve some of these factors. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of fish oil on glucose and lipid profiles, oxidative stress and total antioxidant capacity (TRAP) in patients with MS. We conducted a clinical trial in 40 patients with the MS (20 controls and 20 patients receiving 3 g/day of PUFAs). The group that received treatment showed a significant decrease in levels of triglycerides and increased in TRAP, but they had a significant increase in LDL, glucose and insulin resistance. We conclude that intake of fish oil resulted in decreased levels of triglycerides and increased the TRAP of patients with MS; however, increased LDL levels and insulin resistance, were observed.

Effects of Maté Tea Intake on ex Vivo LDL Peroxidation Induced by Three Different Pathways

Yerba maté (Ilex paraguariensis) is a native South America plant widely consumed as different beverages. Yerba maté leaves contains high concentrations of polyphenols that are responsible for its high in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activity. The in vivo antioxidant properties vis a vis LDL particles has not yet been studied for maté tea, the roasted yerba maté product. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of maté tea ingestion ex vivo on human LDL. Fasting peripheral venous blood samples of healthy women were taken in three different times: before drinking the tea, one hour later and after one week (7 days) of daily consumption of maté tea. The isolated LDL was oxidized by three different pathways [copper (CuSO4), lipoxygenase and peroxynitrite (SIN-1)]. Conjugated dienes and structural modifications on LDL were evaluated. Ingestion of maté tea increased LDL resistance towards ex vivo copper oxidation, but did not alter the peroxidation pattern when SIN-1 or lipoxygenase were used as oxidants

Almonds ameliorate risk factors of cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes

Almond consumption is associated with ameliorations in obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. The objective of this 12‐wk crossover clinical trial was to investigate the effect of almonds on risk factors of cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetic patients with mild hyperlipidemia. After a 2‐wk run‐in period, 24 Chinese patients were randomly assigned to either a NCEP step II diet (C) or almond diet (A) for 4 wks with a 2‐wk washout period between alternative diets. Almonds were added to the C diet to replace 20% of total daily calorie intake. Addition of approximately 60 g almonds/d increased dietary intakes of fiber, magnesium, PUFA, MUFA, and vitamin E. As compared to the baseline, the A diet led to significant decreases in body fat by 1%, HOMA‐IR by 1.1%, blood sugar by 6.7%, insulin by 7.9%, total cholesterol by 8%, and LDL‐C by 13%. Almonds also increased plasma α‐tocopherol by 20% and resistance of LDL against ex vivo oxidation by 26%. Inflammatory biomarkers, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and CRP, were ameliorated by the A diet by 14, 35, and 41%, respectively. The C diet improved some of the risk factors of cardiovascular disease but not as magnificent as the A diet. Our results suggested that incorporation of almonds into a healthy diet could decrease risk of cardiovascular disease in type II diabetes. This study was funded by the Almond Board of California and USDA Agricultural Research Service.