Serum Cholesterol Levels Research Articles

Population dietary-metabolic characteristics and mortality from major cardiovascular disease subtypes: the Seven Contries Study 60-year follow-up

Background and aimDuring the last few years, the Seven Countries Study of Cardiovascular Diseases (SCS) produced some new analyses dealing with the relationships of a dietary score, the pool of dietary fatty acids and serum cholesterol with major types of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in 10 cohorts of 6 countries made of middle-aged men followed-up for 60 years until extinction. This sparse evidence is condensed here to provide a coherent view. Methods and resultsThe Mediterranean Adequacy Index (MAI, a dietary score whose high levels depict the characteristics of the Mediterranean Diet), was highly and significantly associated in an inverse way, at country levels, with the Atherogenicity (ATI) and the Thrombogenicity (THI) indexes that included a series of dietary fatty acids. These indexes were highly and significantly associated in a direct way with country baseline serum cholesterol levels. Countries with high serum cholesterol had largely higher death rates from coronary heart disease (CHD) and lower rates from other heart diseases of uncertain etiology and stroke. The reverse was observed in countries with low serum cholesterol. ConclusionThe chain of diet, dietary fatty acids and serum cholesterol seems to be responsible in various ways for the different distribution of major CVD mortality subtypes in extincted cohorts.

Effects of Immature Soybeans on Lipid Metabolism in Rats Fed Normal and High-Fat High-Fructose NAFLD Diets.

Edamame and chamame (brown edamame) are immature soybeans that contain abundant protein, vitamins, and dietary fiber. Edamame has a different nutrient composition compared with mature soybeans, as evidenced by its higher content of vitamins and folic acid. Recent studies have shown that proteins in mature soybeans, such as β-conglycinin, and dietary fiber influence the metabolism of lipids such as triglyceride and cholesterol. However, the effect of edamame on lipid metabolism has not been reported. In the present study, we investigated whether oral consumption of edamame or chamame affects lipid metabolism. We focused on the analysis of hepatic lipids, serum cholesterol, and fecal lipids in rats after feeding them a normal or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) diet containing edamame or chamame for 6 wk. We found that the consumption of dietary edamame and chamame significantly lowered hepatic triglyceride and serum cholesterol levels compared with those in the control groups fed with normal and NAFLD diets. Intake of edamame and chamame improved the NAFLD-like fatty liver. Finally, intake of edamame and chamame resulted in a significantly higher amount of fecal lipids and bile acid than in the control, suggesting the stimulation of lipid excretion. Together, dietary edamame and chamame decrease hepatic and serum cholesterol by promoting lipid excretion, not by the regulation of hepatic gene expression, leading to the improvement of lipid metabolism in both normal and NAFLD model rats.

Effect of eight weeks of swimming on cardiovascular health: Reduction of risk factors in middle-aged men with hypertension

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a swimming training course on cardiovascular risk factors in 50-60 year old men with high blood pressure. For this purpose, 20 hypertensive men aged 54.95±3.18 years, height 174.05±18.5 cm and weight 82.20±5.36 kg were selected in a targeted manner and they were randomly selected. They were placed in two groups of swimming training and control (10 people in each group). The swimming training group participated in an 8-week swimming training program. Aerobic swimming training with an intensity of 70% of the maximum heart rate, three sessions per week and 15 minutes in the first week, which gradually reached 45 minutes in the last week. During this period, the control group did not follow any regular physical activity program and only did their normal daily activities. Blood pressure, resting heart rate, body weight, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and HDL serum levels were evaluated before and after the intervention. Student's t statistical method for dependent and independent groups was also used for intra-group and inter-group comparison of variables, respectively. The results showed that a period of swimming training decreased weight, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, resting heart rate and blood pressure, as well as increased HDL in 50-60-year-old men with high blood pressure (P<0.05). Therefore, based on these findings, it is concluded that a course of swimming training improves the profile of blood lipids and blood pressure in elderly men with high blood pressure, and since high blood pressure threatens health and heart attacks, swimming training can improve the health of old and elderly men is beneficial. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a swimming training course on cardiovascular risk factors in 50-60 year old men with high blood pressure. For this purpose, 20 hypertensive men aged 54.95±3.18 years, height 174.05±18.5 cm and weight 82.20±5.36 kg were selected in a targeted manner and they were randomly selected. They were placed in two groups of swimming training and control (10 people in each group). The swimming training group participated in an 8-week swimming training program. Aerobic swimming training with an intensity of 70% of the maximum heart rate, three sessions per week and 15 minutes in the first week, which gradually reached 45 minutes in the last week. During this period, the control group did not follow any regular physical activity program and only did their normal daily activities. Blood pressure, resting heart rate, body weight, cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and HDL serum levels were evaluated before and after the intervention. Student's t statistical method for dependent and independent groups was also used for intra-group and inter-group comparison of variables, respectively. The results showed that a period of swimming training decreased weight, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, resting heart rate and blood pressure, as well as increased HDL in 50-60-year-old men with high blood pressure (P<0.05).

Inhibiting miRNA-146a suppresses mouse gallstone formation by regulating LXR/megalin/cubilin-media cholesterol absorption

BackgroundmiRNA has been implicated in regulating cholesterol homeostasis, a critical factor in gallstone formation. Here, we focused on elucidating the role of miR-146a in this pathological process. MethodsC57BL/6 mice were fed with lithogenic diet (LD) and injected with miR-146 antagomir (anta-146) via the tail vein for various weeks. The gallbladders and liver tissues were collected for cholesterol crystal imaging, gallstone mass quantification, and molecular analysis. Levels of cholesterol, bile salt, phospholipids, and metabolic parameters in serum and bile were assessed by ELISA. A 3′ UTR reporter gene assay was used to verify the direct target genes for miR-146. The relative expression of metabolism genes was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR and immunoblotting. ResultsmiR-146a-5p expression was reduced in mice and clinical samples with gallstones. Anta-146 treatment effectively prevented LD-induced gallstone formation in mice without hepatic and cholecystic damage. The mice treated with anta-146 exhibited beneficial alterations in bile cholesterol and bile acids and lipid levels in the blood. A key biliary cholesterol transporter-Megalin was identified as a direct target of miR-146. Anta-146 administration upregulated megalin expression, thereby ameliorating impaired gallbladder cholesterol absorption associated with the LXR-megalin/cubilin pathway. ConclusionThe data demonstrates that miR-146 modulates gallbladder cholesterol absorption by targeting megalin, and prevents the pathogenesis of cholesterol gallstones.

Differential effects of low or high-fat dairy and fat derived from dairy products on MASLD

Differential effects of low or high-fat dairy and fat derived from dairy products on MASLD

Use of placental-derived mesenchymal stem cells to restore ovarian function and metabolic profile in a rat model of the polycystic ovarian syndrome

IntroductionPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine and metabolic disturbance that affects many women worldwide and is characterized by chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and ovarian dysfunction. Placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PDMSCs) are derived from the placenta and have advantages over other sources of MSCs in terms of availability, safety, and immunomodulation.Materials and methodsIn this experimental study, twenty female Wistar rats were assigned to four groups (n = 5) including control, sham, PCOS, and PCOS+PDMSCs groups. Then, PCOS was induced in the rats through administering letrozole for 21 days. PDMSCs (1 × 106 cells) were injected through the tail vein. Fourteen days after the cell infusion, evaluation was performed on the number of healthy follicles, corpus luteum, and cystic follicles as well as the levels of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, and insulin resistance. Moreover, the serum levels of cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were measured. Liver function was also determined by the evaluation of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels.ResultsThe number of corpus luteum and primordial, primary, secondary, and antral follicles was significantly elevated in the PCOS+PDMSCs group compared to the PCOS group. However, the number of cystic follicles significantly decreased in the PCOS+PDMSCs group. The LH and testosterone levels also decreased significantly, while FSH levels increased significantly in the PCOS+PDMSCs group. The levels of fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, and insulin resistance notably decreased in the PCOS+PDMSCs group. Moreover, the lipid profile improved in the PCOS+PDMSCs group along with a significant decrease of cholesterol, LDL, and TG and an increase in HDL. The PCOS+PDMSCs group exhibited marked decreases in the AST and ALT levels as well.ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that PDMSCs are a potential treatment option for PCOS because they can effectively restore folliculogenesis and correct hormonal imbalances, lipid profiles and liver dysfunction in a rat model of PCOS. However, further research is needed to establish the safety and effectiveness of PDMSCs for treating PCOS.

The association between the single-nucleotide polymorphism of site rs1333040 in region 9p21 and the risk of coronary heart disease in Chinese population

Background Rs1333040 is the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) related with coronary heart disease (CHD). The aim of the present study is to examine the association between rs1333040 polymorphism genotypes and CHD and to further explore the molecular mechanism in Chinese population. Methods A case-control study was used in this study, including 500 CHD patients and 500 control subjects. CHD patients and controls were distinguished by coronary angiography. Genotypes of rs1333040 were determined on the Agena MassARRAY system. Statistical analysis was conducted by SPSS (Ver 16.0) and plink (Ver. 1.07, Shaun Purcell). Results Fisher’s exact test by plink indicated a significant difference in the allele distribution between cases and controls, the allele T may be associated with a higher risk of CHD (p = 0.012, odds ratio (OR) = 1.258). The serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p = 0.029) and Gensini score (p = 0.008) distributed differently in patients with various alleles. In the recessive model, the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and apolipoprotein A (ApoA) were higher in the TC + CC genotype than in the TT genotype. The TC + TT genotype was found to be risk factors against CHD in a dominant model (OR = 1.278, p = 0.014). The TC + TT genotype along with multiple risk factors significantly positively correlated with the risk of CHD. Conclusions The present study investigates the association between the rs1333040 polymorphism genotypes and CHD. The T allele of rs1333040 is the susceptibility site of CHD. The interaction between SNP and various risk factors plays an important role in the development of CHD.

The effects of laser acupuncture on metabolic syndrome in obese postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled study

To study the laser acupuncture (LA) effects on postmenopausal obese women’s metabolic syndrome. Randomized controlled trial. Benha university hospital. Thirty postmenopausal women were randomized into two equal groups. Group A received a diet regimen and Group B received LA treatment for 30 min three times a week for two months beside the diet regimen. Included weight (W), body mass index (BMI), waist (WC), hip (HC), waist-hip ratio (WHR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), serum level of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL), fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting blood insulin (FBI), homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) before and after the end of treatment. The study’s findings showed that both groups experienced a highly statistically significant decrease in the post-testing mean value of W, BMI, WC, HC, WHR, SBP, DBP, TC, TG, LDL, FBG, FBI, and HOMA-IR, while both groups experienced a significant increase in the post-treatment mean value of HDL (p 0.0001). The posttreatment SBP, DBP, TC, TG, LDL, FBS, FBI and insulin resistance were significantly lower while HDL was significantly higher in women who received combined LA and diet regimen compared to those who received dietary regimen only. LA beside the nutritional intervention is a physical therapy technique that may be used safely, easily, and effectively to minimize metabolic syndrome features during menopause.

Direct Molecular Action of Taurine on Hepatic Gene Expression Associated with the Amelioration of Hypercholesterolemia in Rats.

Taurine can ameliorate hypercholesterolemia by facilitating cholesterol efflux and increasing cytochrome P450 7A1 (CYP7A1) without clear underlying molecular mechanisms. This study aims to elucidate the molecular action of taurine in diet-induced hypercholesterolemia. Male Wistar rats were fed a high cholesterol diet containing 5% taurine for 14 days. Three-dimensional primary hepatocytes from rats were exposed to 10 mM taurine for 24 h. Transcriptome analyses of both the liver and hepatocytes were performed using DNA microarray. Taurine significantly decreased serum cholesterol levels and increased hepatic CYP7A1 mRNA levels and transcription rates in rats. Taurine altered the expression of seventy-seven genes in the liver, involving lipid, drug, amino acid metabolism, and gluconeogenesis pathways. The small heterodimer partner (SHP), a transcription factor regulated by taurine, was suppressed. "Network analysis" revealed a negative correlation between the SHP and induction of CYP7A1 and cytochrome P450 8B1 (CYP8B1). However, CYP7A1 and CYP8B1 levels were not altered by taurine in 3D-primary hepatocytes. Venn diagram analyses of the transcriptomes in both hepatocytes and the liver indicated a consistent upregulation of organic anion transporting polypeptide 2 (OATP2) and betaine homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT). Taurine ameliorated hypercholesterolemia in rats fed a high cholesterol diet by directly enhancing the hepatic expression of BHMT and OATP2, which modulated the SHP and induced CYP7A1 and CYP8B1, thereby promoting cholesterol catabolism and lowering blood cholesterol levels.

FXR Antagonist FLG249 Lowers Hepatic Triacylglycerol and Serum Cholesterol Level in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice.

Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a nuclear receptor that regulates the synthesis and enterohepatic circulation of bile acids (BAs). It also regulates lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, making FXR ligands potential therapeutic agents for systemic and/or hepatic metabolic disorders. We previously synthesized a series of FXR antagonists and showed that oral administration of FLG249 reduced the expression of several FXR target genes in the mouse ileum. Here, we investigated the effects of FLG249 on lipid metabolism in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). When FLG249 was administered for 4 weeks to HFD-induced obese mice, it altered the expression of genes related to BA metabolism, ceramide synthesis and fatty acid β-oxidation, improving lipid metabolism in the liver and ileum without decreasing body weight. These findings suggest that FLG249 has the potential to be a low toxicity pharmaceutical compound and likely acts as a nonsteroidal FXR antagonist to improve lipid metabolism disorders.

Chronic aluminium chloride exposure induces redox imbalance, metabolic distress, DNA damage, and histopathologic alterations in Wistar rat liver.

Aluminium, a ubiquitous environmental toxicant, is distinguished for eliciting a broad range of physiological, biochemical, and behavioural alterations in laboratory animals and humans. The present work was conducted to study the functional and structural changes induced by aluminium in rat liver. Twenty five adult male Wistar rats (150-200 g) were randomly divided into five groups; control group and four Al-treated groups viz: Al 1 (25mg AlCl3/kg b.wt), Al 2 (35mg AlCl3/kg b.wt), Al 3 (45mg AlCl3/kg b.wt), and Al 4 (55mg AlCl3/kg b.wt). Rats in the aluminium-treated groups were administered AlCl3 for 30 days through oral gavage. Aluminium significantly increased the serum levels of liver function markers (ALT, AST, and ALP), phospholipids, and cholesterol. The activities of hepatocyte membrane (ALP, GGT, and LAP) and carbohydrate metabolic (G6P, F16BP, HK, LDH, MDH, ME, and G6PDH) enzymes were significantly altered by AlCl3 administration. Prolonged Al exposure induced oxidative stress in the liver, as evident by significant hepatocellular DNA damage, increased lipid peroxidation, and decreased non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants. The toxic effects observed in this study were AlCl3 dose-dependent. Histopathological examination of liver sections revealed enlargement of sinusoidal spaces, derangement of the hepatic chord, loss of discrete hepatic cell boundaries, congestion of hepatic sinusoids, and degeneration of hepatocytes in Al-intoxicated rats. In conclusion, aluminium causes severe hepatotoxicity by inhibiting the hepatocyte membrane enzymes and disrupting the liver's energy metabolism and antioxidant defence.

Biochemical Side Effect of Antiepileptic Drugs on Liver Enzymes, Lipid Profile and Haematological Profile in Epileptic Pediatric Patients

Antiepileptic drugs are large group of medications with variable mechanisms of action. There are various effects have been reported with long-term antiepileptic therapy. To assess the effects of the antiepileptic drugs on blood indices, liver function and lipid enzymes in epileptic pediatric age group. A comparative case-control study was performed in which 50 epilepsy cases were matched with 50 controls for age and sex. The mean age of the cases was 9.1(± 3.7) years, 86% from Benghazi. The 68% were primarily generalized seizure, 64% tonic clonic convulsion. The age at diagnosis between 2 months - 13 years. The 74% used Na-valproate as a single or a combined therapy and Carbamazepine was prescribed as a single medication in 18%. No statistical significant differences in the means of CBC indices and liver function profiles (AST and ALT) in the treatment groups compared to the control. Alkaline phosphatise was highly significant difference in the mean between the two groups (P=0.007). Mean of serum Cholesterol level showed higher in the cases than controls with highly statistical significant difference (P<0.001). HDL mean level is higher for cases on carbamazepine and Na-valproate group compared to controls with statistical significant difference (P=0.011). Cases on carbamazepine and Na-valproate group as well showed higher mean LDL level compared to the controls with statistically significant (P=0.006). No any statistical significant difference in means of CBC indices between epileptic patient treated with AED and control. Carbamazepine group expressed higher mean HDL level as compared to Na-valproate group, this difference is highly significant. Key words: Antiepileptic drugs, liver enzymes, lipid profiles.

Serum cholesterol levels and Parkinson’s disease: a detailed investigation in Turkish population

ABSTRACT Objectives Parkinson’s disease (PD) involves the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons and the accumulation of α-synuclein. Elevated cholesterol levels may exacerbate α-synuclein aggregation, potentially contributing to PD. This study investigates the link between lipid profiles and PD severity, as well as cognitive functions in patients, aiming to inform pathogenesis and management strategies. Methods Data from 250 PD patients and 100 healthy controls were analyzed. Serum cholesterol levels were compared with disease severity using Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and modified Hoehn & Yahr Rating Scale (mH&Y). Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) assessed cognitive functions. Results Of the participants, 45.4% were female, 54.6% male, with a mean age of 69.09 ± 11.13 years. Mean UPDRS score was 52.34 ± 26.32, mH&Y was 2.28 ± 0.91. Patients had significantly higher HDL levels (47.92 ± 11.63) than controls (45.40 ± 13.89) (p = 0.024). HDL levels were significantly higher in patients with cognitive impairment than in patients with cognitive normal (p = 0.004). On the contrary, triglyceride levels were significantly lower in those with cognitive impairment compared to those with cognitively normal (p = 0.005). Multivariate logistic regression showed being male associated with 3.796 times higher risk of illness, and HDL is associated with 1.030 times increased illness risk. Conclusion High HDL levels and male gender particularly increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, HDL and triglyceride levels affect the cognition of PD patients. Further studies on the impact of cholesterol metabolism on the pathogenesis of PD could contribute to identifying effective treatment targets.

High-Protein Mulberry Leaves Improve Glucose and Lipid Metabolism via Activation of the PI3K/Akt/PPARα/CPT-1 Pathway.

High-Protein Mulberry is a novel strain of mulberry. High-Protein Mulberry leaves (HPM) were the subject of this study, which aimed to investigate its efficacy and underlying mechanisms in modulating glucose and lipid metabolism. A six-week intervention using db/db mice was carried out to assess the effects of HPM on serum lipid levels, liver function, and insulin (INS) levels. qRT-PCR and Western Blotting were employed to measure key RNA and protein expressions in the PI3K/Akt and PPARα/CPT-1 pathways. UHPLC-MS and the Kjeldahl method were utilized to analyze the component content and total protein. Additionally, network pharmacology was employed to predict regulatory mechanism differences between HPM and Traditional Mulberry leaves. The results of the study revealed significant improvements in fasting blood glucose, glucose tolerance, and insulin resistance in mice treated with HPM. HPM notably reduced serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and INS, while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. The treatment also effectively mitigated liver fatty lesions, inflammatory infiltration, and islet atrophy. HPM activation of the PI3K/Akt/PPARα/CPT-1 pathway suggested its pivotal role in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. With its rich composition and pharmacodynamic material basis, HPM displayed a greater number of targets associated with glucose and lipid metabolism pathways, underscoring the need for further research into its potential therapeutic applications.

Advances in research on the main nutritional quality of daylily, an important flower vegetable of Liliaceae.

Daylily (Hemerocallis citrina) is a perennial herb of the genus Hemerocallis of Liliaceae. It is also an economically important crop and is widely cultivated. Daylily has nutritional, medicinal and ornamental values. The research literature shows that daylily is a high-quality food raw material rich in soluble sugars, ascorbic acid, flavonoids, dietary fiber, carotenoids, mineral elements, polyphenols and other nutrients, which are effective in clearing heat and diuresis, resolving bruises and stopping bleeding, strengthening the stomach and brain, and reducing serum cholesterol levels. This article reviews the main nutrients of daylily and summarizes the drying process of daylily. In addition, due to the existence of active ingredients, daylily also has a variety of biological activities that are beneficial to human health. This article also highlights the nutritional quality of daylily, the research progress of dried vegetable rehydration technology and dried daylily. In the end, the undeveloped molecular mechanism and functional research status of daylily worldwide are introduced in order to provide reference for the nutritional quality research and dried processing industry of daylily.

Phytochemical Investigation and GC-MS analysis of Tribulus terrestris L. cultivated in Iraq

Tribulus terrestris L.,Gokshur in Sanskt, is an annual herbaceous, little prostrate, silky from the Zygophyllaceae family. It is found in extensive, arid, and scorching regions of India. is used in traditional folk medicines as an aphrodisiac, astringent, lithotriptic, diuretic, and urinary disinfectant. however, uneven, pinnae, elliptical leaves. Sprinkled, round, compressed, five-cornered, transverse partitioned carpel fruits with many seeds ripen in July. Pieces of the cylindrical-fibrous root are 7-18 cm and 0.3-0.7 cm wide. According to reported studies, the investigations indicated the presence of the saponins ;gitogenin, tigogenin, neogitogenin, hecogenin, and flavonoid tribuloside was kaempferol-3-glucoside. Furthermore, Tribulus terrestris plays a vital role in hepatotoxicity and is greatly reduced by Tribulus extracts. Similarly, T.terrestris plays a remarkable role in reducing the elevated level of serum glucose, triglycerides, VLDL, and cholesterol. This study aims to conduct a preliminary analysis of the phytochemicals of Tribulus leaves cultivated in Iraq and to determine the active constituent of the ethanolic extract of the leaves using Gc-Mass. Qualitative detection of herbal leaves in Iraqi soil, investigated by GC-MASS revealed important constituents. The funding shows a new compound; dihydrocoumarin and other major constituents neophytadiene and alpha-tocopherol.

Adherence to a Cholesterol-Lowering Diet and the Risk of Pancreatic Cancer: A Case-Control Study.

Pancreatic cancer risk has been associated with increased serum cholesterol level, which is in turn partially influenced by diet. This study aimed at evaluating the association between pancreatic cancer risk and the adherence to a plant-based cholesterol-lowering diet. Data were derived from an Italian case-control study including 258 pancreatic cancer patients and 551 controls. The cholesterol-lowering diet score was based on seven components: high intakes of (i) non-cellulosic polysaccharides (a proxy of viscous fibers), (ii) monounsaturated fatty acids, (iii) legumes, and (iv) seeds/corn oils (a proxy of phytosterols); and low intakes of (v) saturated fatty acids, (vi) dietary cholesterol, and (vii) food with a high glycemic index. The score was calculated adding one point for each fulfilled component, thus ranging from zero (no adherence) to seven (complete adherence). The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated through the logistic regression model. Scores 5-7 were associated with reduced cancer risk (OR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.18-0.52) compared to scores 0-2. Adherence to a plant-based cholesterol-lowering diet was associated with a reduced risk of pancreatic cancer.

Hepatoprotective effect of astaxanthin against cholestasis liver fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation in adult Wistar rats.

In this study, we evaluated the hepatoprotective effects of astaxanthin, a natural carotenoid, against the cholestatic liver fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation (BDL). Toward this end, male rats were subjected to BDL and treated with astaxanthin for 35 days. Afterwards, their serum and liver biochemical factors were assessed. Also, histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to determine the fibrosis and the expression levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß1) in the liver tissue. Based on the results, BDL caused a significant increase in liver enzyme levels, blood lipids, and bilirubin, while decreasing the activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) enzymes. Also, in the BDL rats, hepatocyte necrosis, infiltration of inflammatory lymphocytes, and hyperplasia of bile ducts were detected, along with a significant increase in α-SMA and TGF-ß1 expression. Astaxanthin, however, significantly prevented the BDL's detrimental effects. In all, 10 mg/kg of this drug maintained the bilirubin and cholesterol serum levels of BDL rats at normal levels. It also reduced the liver enzymes' activity and serum lipids, while increasing the SOD, CAT, and GSH activity in BDL rats. The expression of α-SMA and TGF-ß1 in the BDL rats treated with 10 mg/kg of astaxanthin was moderate (in 34%-66% of cells) and no considerable cholestatic fibrosis was observed in this group. However, administrating the 20 mg/kg of astaxanthin was not effective in this regard. These findings showed that astaxanthin could considerably protect the liver from cholestatic damage by improving the biochemical features and regulating the expression of related proteins.

Serum HDL-C subfractions as predictors of cardiovascular calcification in hemodialysis patients: novel insights and clinical implications.

This study aims to explore the relationship between cardiovascular calcification (CVC) and serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and its subfractions in hemodialysis (HD) patients. HD patients and healthy participants were recruited based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Various blood indicators were measured, and demographic information was recorded. HDL-C particle levels were quantified using lipophilic fluorescent dye staining and capillary electrophoresis (microfluidic platform). Coronary artery calcium scores and valve calcification were used to classify HD patients into calcification and non-calcification groups. Compared to healthy participants, HD patients showed a significant increase in HDL-C, high-density lipoprotein 2 cholesterol (HDL2-C), and high-density lipoprotein 3 cholesterol (HDL3-C) levels (p < 0.001). Further division of HD patients into calcification and non-calcification groups revealed higher serum HDL3-C concentrations (p = 0.002) and a higher HDL3-C/HDL-C ratio (p = 0.04) in the calcification group. Additionally, elevated HDL3-C levels were found to be an independent risk factor for CVC in HD patients (p = 0.040). The ROC curve analysis showed an AUC value of 0.706 for HDL3-C (p = 0.002). Our study indicates that elevated serum HDL3-C levels in HD patients are an independent risk factor for CVC and can serve as a potential predictor for CVC events. However, more studies need to verify its potential as a predictive indicator..

Characterization of NiCas12b for In Vivo Genome Editing.

The RNA-guided clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas12bsystem represents the third family of CRISPR-Cas systems that are harnessed for genome editing. However, only a few nucleases have demonstrated activity in human cells, and their in vivo therapeutic potential remains uncertain. In this study, a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-activation assay is conducted to screen a panel of 15 Cas12b orthologs, and four of them exhibited editing activity in mammalian cells. Particularly noteworthy is the NiCas12b derived from Nitrospira sp., which recognizes a "TTN" protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) and facilitates efficient genome editing in various cell lines. Importantly, NiCas12b also exhibits a high degree of specificity, rendering it suitable for therapeutic applications. As proof of concept, the adeno-associated virus (AAV) is employed to introduce NiCas12b to target the cholesterol regulatory gene proprotein convertase subtilisin/ kexin type 9 (Pcsk9) in the mouse liver. After 4 weeks of injections, an impressive is observed over 16.0% insertion/deletion (indel) efficiency, resulting in a significant reduction in serum cholesterol levels. NiCas12b provides a novel option for both basic research and clinical applications.