Serum HDL-cholesterol Concentrations Research Articles

Abstract 18611: Increased Absorption and Decreased Synthesis of Cholesterol in Cardiac Sarcoidosis

Introduction: Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disease characterised by the formation of granulomas in many tissues. Some reports suggest that the disease is associated with altered lipoprotein cholesterol profiles, but there is no deeper knowledge of cholesterol metabolism in these patients. Hypothesis: We tested the hypothesis that cholesterol metabolism is abnormal in cardiac sarcoidosis (CS). Methods: The study population consisted of 39 patients with histologically verified CS (31 women and 8 men, mean age 53 years) and 124 healthy controls of similar age and gender. 31 of the CS patients were on immunosuppressive treatment. Serum lipids were determined and cholesterol metabolism was evaluated by measuring serum markers of cholesterol absorption (cholestanol, campesterol and sitosterol) and synthesis (desmosterol and lathosterol) as ratios to cholesterol with gas-liquid chromatography. Results: CS was inactive in all patients based on clinical evaluation, cardiac ultrasound, and stable levels of serum TnT and proBNP. Serum total, LDL and HDL cholesterol concentrations (mean±SE) were 5.6±0.2, 3.3±0.1 and 1.5±0.1 mmol/l, respectively, and serum triglyceride averaged 1.7±0.7 mmol/l. These values did not differ from those of controls. Cholesterol absorption markers were higher in CS patients than in controls (eg. serum campesterol level 245±17 vs 190±17 10 2 μmol/mmol of cholesterol, p<0.05). Cholesterol synthesis markers were lower in CS patients than in controls (eg. serum lathosterol level102±8 vs 195±17 10 2 μmol/mmol of cholesterol, p<0.001). Concentrations of serum lipids and non-cholesterol sterols did not associate with the use of immunosuppressive drugs. Markers of cholesterol absorption and synthesis did not correlate with serum TnT levels, but there was a significant positive correlation between proBNP and cholesterol absorption markers (r=0.351, p<0.05). Conclusions: We conclude that, in CS, cholesterol absorption is increased and its synthesis is decreased. The underlying mechanisms remain obscure and deserve further study. This is the first time that abnormal cholesterol metabolism has been described in CS.

Consuming a Buttermilk Drink Containing Lutein-Enriched Egg Yolk Daily for 1 Year Increased Plasma Lutein but Did Not Affect Serum Lipid or Lipoprotein Concentrations in Adults with Early Signs of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Dietary lutein intake is postulated to interfere with the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Because egg yolk–derived lutein has a high bioavailability, long-term consumption of lutein-enriched eggs might be effective in preventing AMD development, but alternatively might increase cardiovascular disease risk. Here, we report the effect of 1-y daily consumption of a buttermilk drink containing 1.5 lutein-rich egg yolks on serum lipid and lipoprotein and plasma lutein concentrations. Additionally, subgroups that could potentially benefit the most from the intervention were identified. Men and women who had early signs of AMD in at least 1 eye, but were otherwise healthy, participated in a 1-y randomized, placebo-controlled parallel intervention trial. At the start of the study, 101 participants were included: 52 in the experimental (Egg) group and 49 in the control (Con) group. Final analyses were performed with 45 participants in the Egg group and 43 participants in the Con group. As expected, the increase in plasma lutein concentrations in the Egg group was 83% higher than that in the Con group (P < 0.001). Changes in serum total, HDL, and LDL cholesterol, as well as the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol, were not different between the 2 groups. Interestingly, participants classified as cholesterol absorbers had higher serum HDL cholesterol concentrations than participants classified as cholesterol synthesizers or participants with average campesterol-to-lathosterol ratios (P < 0.05) at baseline. In addition, cholesterol absorbers had a 229% higher increase in plasma lutein concentrations than participants who were classified as having an average campesterol-to-lathosterol ratio upon consumption of the lutein-enriched egg yolk drink (P < 0.05). Moreover, the change in serum HDL cholesterol upon consumption was significantly different between these 3 groups (P < 0.05). We suggest that cholesterol absorbers particularly might benefit from the lutein-enriched buttermilk drink. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00902408.

Factors associated with prospective leptin concentrations throughout pregnancy in pregestational normal weight, overweight and obese women.

Leptin concentrations increase throughout pregnancy but little is known about factors that influence this physiological change and whether they differ according to pregestational body mass index (BMI). To assess whether longitudinal trends of leptin in pregnancy are influenced by biochemical, anthropometric and lifestyle factors in women with normal weight (NW), overweight (OW) or obese (OB) pregestational BMI. Prospective cohort of 232 pregnant women followed at 5-13th, 20-26th and 30-36th gestational weeks. The effect of selected variables on longitudinal behaviour of plasma leptin concentrations, stratifying for NW (18·5-24·9 kg/m(2) ), OW (25-29·9 kg/m(2) ) and OB (≥30·0 kg/m(2) ) pregestational BMI was assessed through longitudinal linear mixed-effects models. The multiple regression model for women with NW revealed associations of maternal body weight (β = 0·714, CI = 0·491 to 0·937), serum HDL-cholesterol (β = 0·239, CI =0·089 to 0·388) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (β = -0·138, CI = -0·272 to -0·004) with plasma leptin concentrations. Maternal body weight (β = -0·871, CI = 0·475 to 1·267) and serum HDL-cholesterol concentrations (β = 0·315, CI = -0·022 to 0·651) were also associated with leptin in OW women. In OB women, serum HDL-cholesterol (β = 0·722, CI = 0·219 to 1·226), maternal body weight (β = 0·666, CI = 0·187 to 1·145), triglycerides concentrations (β = -0·130, CI = -0·241 to -0·020) and dietary carbohydrate (β = 0·075, CI = 0·023 to 0·126) were significantly associated with plasma leptin. Maternal body weight and serum concentrations of HDL-cholesterol were associated with leptin changes independent of pregestational BMI. Serum CRP concentrations were associated with leptin only in NW women and serum triglycerides concentrations and dietary carbohydrate only in OB. These results indicate that factors that influence leptin concentrations differ according to pregestational BMI.

Freeze-Dried Strawberries Lower Serum Cholesterol and Lipid Peroxidation in Adults with Abdominal Adiposity and Elevated Serum Lipids

Dietary flavonoid intake, especially berry flavonoids, has been associated with reduced risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in large prospective cohorts. Few clinical studies have examined the effects of dietary berries on CVD risk factors. We examined the hypothesis that freeze-dried strawberries (FDS) improve lipid and lipoprotein profiles and lower biomarkers of inflammation and lipid oxidation in adults with abdominal adiposity and elevated serum lipids. In a randomized dose-response controlled trial, 60 volunteers [5 men and 55 women; aged 49 ± 10 y; BMI: 36 ± 5 kg/m2(means ± SDs)] were assigned to consume 1 of the following 4 beverages for 12 wk: 1) low-dose FDS (LD-FDS; 25 g/d); 2) low-dose control (LD-C); 3) high-dose FDS (HD-FDS; 50 g/d); and 4) high-dose control (HD-C). Control beverages were matched for calories and total fiber. Blood draws, anthropometrics, blood pressure, and dietary data were collected at screening (0 wk) and after 12-wk intervention. Dose-response analyses revealed significantly greater decreases in serum total and LDL cholesterol and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)–derived small LDL particle concentration in HD-FDS [33 ± 6 mg/dL, 28 ± 7 mg/dL, and 301 ± 78 nmol/L, respectively (means ± SEMs)] vs. LD-FDS (−3 ± 11 mg/dL, −3 ± 9 mg/dL, and −28 ± 124 nmol/L, respectively) over 12 wk (0–12 wk; all P < 0.05). Compared with controls, only the decreases in total and LDL cholesterol in HD-FDS remained significant vs. HD-C (0.7 ± 12 and 1.4 ± 9 mg/dL, respectively) over 12 wk (0–12 wk; all P < 0.05). Both doses of strawberries showed a similar decrease in serum malondialdehyde at 12 wk (LD-FDS: 1.3 ± 0.2 μ mol/L; HD-FDS: 1.2 ± 0.1 μ mol/L) vs. controls (LD-C: 2.1 ± 0.2 μ mol/L; HD-C: 2.3 ± 0.2 μ mol/L) (P < 0.05). In general, strawberry intervention did not affect any measures of adiposity, blood pressure, glycemia, and serum concentrations of HDL cholesterol and triglycerides, C-reactive protein, and adhesion molecules. Thus, HD-FDS exerted greater effects in lowering serum total and LDL cholesterol and NMR-derived small LDL particles vs. LD-FDS in the 12-wk study. These findings warrant additional investigation in larger trials. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov >as NCT01883401.

Lipid Profile Pattern of Pre-Eclamptic and Eclamptic Patients Attending University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital

Background: Pre-eclampsia and Eclampsia are the most common complications of pregnancy. They are said to be the most common cause of fetal and maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. These complications are the consequences of the effects of pregnancy on metabolic processes involving lipid and lipoproteins among others Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the pattern of lipid profile alterations in pregnant women with preeclampsia and eclampsia. Method: This is a cross-sectional study in which 100 subjects were recruited; 40 pre-eclamptic, 20eclamptic and 40 normotensive (Control group) pregnant women. Fasting serum lipid profile (Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL - cholesterol and triglyceride of were determined. Result: Mean serum TG concentrations in pre-eclampsia (2.4 ± 0.9 vs 1.9 ± 0.6) and in eclampsia (2.8 ± 1.2 vs 1.9 ± 0.6) were significantly high when compared to normal control (p < 0.05). Mean Serum TC concentration (4.9 ± 1.3 vs 6.0 ± 2.1) and HDL-Cholesterol concentration (1.8±0.4 vs 3.0 ± 2.2) were significantly low in women with eclampsia when compared with control group (p<0.05). Conclusion: The result of the study showed that, although increased plasma lipid (hyperlipidaemia) is associated with normal pregnancy, this is exaggerated in both preeclampsia and eclampsia. The increase is also associated with severity of the disease.

Effect of Artemether Treatment on Plasma Lipid Profile in Malaria

This study was undertaken to assess the effect of artemether treatment on plasma lipid profile in malaria infection. While the importance of lipid to plasmodial infective processes and metabolism is being increasingly appreciated, little is known about the attendant effect of chemotherapy on plasma lipid profile. Thirty patients with uncomplicated malaria were chosen from two secondary health-care facilities in Yobe State, Nigeria with informed consents and ethical clearance. Based on predetermined inclusion criteria patients were given 3.2 mg/kg of artemether with 1.6 mg/kg on subsequent days for a total of five days. This was done after the collection of urine and blood samples for urinalysis, malaria parasite density count and serum lipid analysis. A follow-up was planned seven (7) days from first dose during when clinical assessment and repeat malaria parasite density count and serum lipid analysis were done. Data were analyzed with statistical package for social scientist and Microsoft Excel spread sheet while level of significance at p ≤ 0.05 was calculated using paired t-test. Serum HDL cholesterol concentration recorded a significant decline of 0.13 mmol/L from a pre-treatment mean concentration of 1.17 mmol/L (p provide a more compelling result.

Enhanced increase of omega-3 index in healthy individuals with response to 4-week n-3 fatty acid supplementation from krill oil versus fish oil

BackgroundDue to structural differences, bioavailability of krill oil, a phospholipid based oil, could be higher than fish oil, a triglyceride-based oil, conferring properties that render it more effective than fish oil in increasing omega-3 index and thereby, reducing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.ObjectiveThe objective was to assess the effects of krill oil compared with fish oil or a placebo control on plasma and red blood cell (RBC) fatty acid profile in healthy volunteers.Participants and methodsTwenty four healthy volunteers were recruited for a double blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. The study consisted of three treatment phases including krill or fish oil each providing 600 mg of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) or placebo control, corn oil in capsule form. Each treatment lasted 4 wk and was separated by 8 wk washout phases.ResultsKrill oil consumption increased plasma (p = 0.0043) and RBC (p = 0.0011) n-3 PUFA concentrations, including EPA and DHA, and reduced n-6:n-3 PUFA ratios (plasma: p = 0.0043, RBC: p = 0.0143) compared with fish oil consumption. Sum of EPA and DHA concentrations in RBC, the omega-3 index, was increased following krill oil supplementation compared with fish oil (p = 0.0143) and control (p < 0.0001). Serum triglycerides and HDL cholesterol concentrations did not change with any of the treatments. However, total and LDL cholesterol concentrations were increased following krill (TC: p = 0.0067, LDL: p = 0.0143) and fish oil supplementation (TC: p = 0.0028, LDL: p = 0.0143) compared with control.ConclusionsConsumption of krill oil was well tolerated with no adverse events. Results indicate that krill oil could be more effective than fish oil in increasing n-3 PUFA, reducing n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio, and improving the omega-3 index.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01323036

The relationship between early atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction in type 1 diabetic patients as evidenced by measurement of carotid intima-media thickness and soluble CD146 levels: a cross sectional study

BackgroundDetection of early vascular changes prior to clinical manifestations of atherosclerosis, such as increased arterial carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and impaired endothelial function is of paramount importance for early identification of subjects at increased risk of accelerated atherosclerosis. The present study was designed to evaluate the relationship between early atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction in type 1 diabetic patients based on measurements of CIMT and soluble CD146 (sCD146) levels.MethodsThirty-seven patients with type 1 diabetes, 14 males (37.8%) and 23 females (62.2%), of mean (SD) age 26.2 (4.1) years admitted to the outpatient diabetes clinic at Okmeydani Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, between January 2008 and December 2012, and 37 healthy controls, 16 males (43.2%) and 21 females (56.8%), of mean (SD) age 25.8 (3.1) years, selected from relatives of patients, were included. Anthropometric measures; fasting plasma glucose; and serum HbA1c, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride and creatinine concentrations were compared, as were CIMT and serum sCD146.ResultsMean (SD) sCD146 levels were significantly higher in patients than in controls (314.6 (141.9) ng/ml vs. 207.8 (34.5) ng/ml, p = 0.001), but mean (SD) CIMT did not differ (0.5 (0.1) mm vs. 0.4 (0.1) mm). ROC curves for sCD146 significantly differed in differentiating type 1 diabetics from healthy controls (p = 0.0047) with a significantly higher percentage of patients than controls having sCD146 levels >260 ng/ml (21/37 (56.8%) vs. 2/37 (5.4%), p = 0.00011).ConclusionOur findings emphasize that sCD146 levels may be a more sensitive marker than CIMT for earlier identification of type 1 diabetic patients at high risk for atherosclerosis.

Lipidemic Responses of Male Broiler Chickens to Enzyme-supplemented Wheat-soybean Meal-based Diets with Various Levels of Metabolizable Energy

Effects of 2 various levels of AME (according to the manual recommendation and 100 kcal kg(-1) less than it), 2 levels of endo-beta-D-mannanase enzyme (0, 1 g kg(-1)) and 2 levels of xylanase enzyme (0 and 1 g kg(-1)) on serum lipid parameters as a 2(3) factorial arrangement were tested in 120 male broiler chicks fed wheat-soybean meal-based diet. These birds were randomly assigned to 8 experimental groups with 3 pen per group and 5 birds per pen. The serum HDL-cholesterol (HDL), LDL-cholesterol (LDL), Total-cholesterol (TC) and Triglycerides (TG) concentrations were measured at 31 and 41 day of age. The concentrations of serum TG, TC and LDL of 41-day-old birds demonstrated to be lower than those of 31-d-old (p < 0.001). Some hypolipidemic responses were observed in the broiler chicks fed on (1) Diet supplemented with only beta-mannanase, (2) Normal-AME diets supplemented with p-mannanase, (3) Normal-AME diets supplemented with Xylanse and (4) Normal-AME diets supplemented with both beta-mannanase and Xylanase (p < 0.01). In the other hand, some hyperlipidemic responses were detected in the broiler chicks fed on low-AME diets supplemented with xylanse or beta-mannanase enzymes, alone or in combination (p < 0.01). Regardless of AME, adding both xylanse and beta-mannanase to the wheat-soybean meal-based diets have both hyperlipidemic and hypolipidemic effects together (p < 0.01).

A Lipoprotein Lipase Gene Polymorphism Interacts with Consumption of Alcohol and Unsaturated Fat to Modulate Serum HDL-Cholesterol Concentrations1–3

There are limited data from prospective studies regarding interactions between lipoprotein lipase gene (LPL) and lifestyle factors in association with HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations, a biomarker of coronary heart disease risk. Our prospective cohort study investigated the interactive effects of a common LPL polymorphism and lifestyle factors, including obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and dietary intake, on follow-up measurements of HDL-C and triglyceride (TG) concentrations. A total of 5314 Korean men and women aged 40–69 y participated in the study. Serum HDL-C and TG concentrations were measured in all participants at baseline and 6-y follow-up examinations. On the basis of genome-wide association data for HDL-C and TG concentrations, we selected the most significant polymorphism (rs10503669), which was in high linkage disequilibrium with the serine 447 stop (S447×) mutation (D′ = 0.99) of LPL. We found that carrying the T allele reflecting the LPL ×447 allele was positively associated with follow-up measurement of HDL-C concentrations (P < 0.001). In the linear regression model adjusted for baseline HDL-C concentration and potential risk factors, we observed interactive effects of the polymorphism and consumption of alcohol (P-interaction < 0.01) and unsaturated fat (P-interaction < 0.05) on follow-up measurement of HDL-C concentrations. We also observed interactive effects of the polymorphism and body mass index (P-interaction < 0.01) on follow-up measurement of TG concentrations after adjusting for the baseline level and potential risk factors. Our findings suggest that carriers of the LPL ×447 allele benefit from moderate alcohol consumption and a diet high in unsaturated fat to minimize reduction of blood HDL-C concentrations and that obese persons who do not carry the LPL ×447 allele need to control body weight to prevent hypertriglyceridemia.

HDL cholesterol in cardiovascular diseases: The good, the bad, and the ugly?

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in developed and developing countries. HDL-raising therapeutic modalities (such as cholesterol ester transferase protein (CETP) inhibitors) are being developed to combat these diseases. However, recent setback of two CETP inhibitors (Torcetrapib and Dalcetrapib) has highlighted the importance of measuring qualitative functionality of HDL particles, rather than focusing quantitatively on HDL cholesterol serum concentrations. It has been known that, HDL from patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) (i.e., HDL(CAD)) limits the anti-inflammatory and endothelial repair properties of normal HDL, due to the activation of lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1), thereby causing failure in endothelial nitric oxide (NO) production. A more recent study (Immunity 2013; 38: 754-768) also demonstrates that HDL from patients with chronic kidney dysfunction (CKD) (i.e., HDL(CKD)), unlike its healthy counterpart (i.e., HDL(Healthy)), promotes superoxide production, reduces NO bioavailability and raises blood pressure via toll-like receptor-2 (TLR-2) activation. This study provides novel insights into understanding why HDL-raising agents failed to demonstrate beneficial effects on cardiovascular mortality in large clinical trials and why CKD accelerates the development of atherosclerosis in CAD patients. Further research is warranted to elucidate whether HDL(CKD) and HDL(CAD) participate in other cellular processes in atherosclerosis, such as foam cell formation, the proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells, and most importantly, plaque destabilization.

Lipid peroxidation and total cholesterol in HAART-naïve patients infected with circulating recombinant forms of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 in Cameroon.

BackgroundHIV infection has commonly been found to affect lipid profile and antioxidant defense.ObjectivesTo determine the effects of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and viral subtype on patient’s cholesterol and oxidative stress markers, and determine whether in the absence of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), these biochemical parameters could be useful in patient’s management and monitoring disease progression in Cameroon. For this purpose, we measured total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol (LDLC), HDL cholesterol (HDLC), total antioxidant ability (TAA), lipid peroxidation indices (LPI), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in HIV negative persons and HIV positive HAART-naïve patients infected with HIV-1 group M subtypes.MethodsWe measured serum TC, LDLC, HDLC, plasma MDA, and TAA concentrations, and calculated LPI indices in 151 HIV-positive HAART-naïve patients and 134 seronegative controls. We also performed gene sequence analysis on samples from 30 patients to determine the effect of viral genotypes on these biochemical parameters. We also determined the correlation between CD4 cell count and the above biochemical parameters.ResultsWe obtained the following controls/patients values for TC (1.96±0.54/1. 12±0. 48 g/l), LDLC (0. 67±0. 46/0. 43±0. 36 g/l), HDLC (105. 51±28. 10/46. 54±23. 36 mg/dl) TAA (0. 63±0. 17/0. 16±0. 16 mM), MDA (0. 20±0. 07/0. 41±0. 10 µM) and LPI (0. 34±0. 14/26. 02±74. 40). In each case, the difference between the controls and patients was statistically significant (p<0.05). There was a positive and statistically significant Pearson correlation between CD4 cell count and HDLC (r = +0.272; p<0.01), TAA (r = +0.199; p<0.05) and a negative and statistically significant Pearson correlation between CD4 cell count and LPI (r = −0.166; p<0.05). Pearson correlation between CD4 cell count and TC, CD4cell count and LDLC was positive but not statistically significant while it was negative but not statistically significant with MDA. The different subtypes obtained after sequencing were CRF02_AG (43.3%), CRF01_AE (20%), A1 (23.3%), H (6.7%), and G (6.7%). None of the HIV-1 subtypes significantly influenced the levels of the biochemical parameters, but by grouping them as pure subtypes and circulating recombinant forms (CRFs), the CRF significantly influenced TC levels. TC was significantly lower in patients infected with CRF (0.87±0.27 g/l) compared to patients infected with pure HIV-1 subtypes (1.32±0.68 g/l) (p<0.017). MDA levels were also significantly higher in patients infected with HIV-1CRF01_AE (0.50±0.10 µM), compared to patients infected with CRF02_AG (0. 38±0. 08 µM) (p<0.018).ConclusionThese results show that HIV infection in Cameroon is associated with significant decrease in TAA, LDLC, HDLC and TC, and increased MDA concentration and LPI indices which seem to be linked to the severity of HIV infection as assessed by CD4 cell count. The data suggests increased oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in HIV-infected patients in Cameroon, and an influence of CRFs on TC and MDA levels.

Effect of cocoa and theobromine consumption on serum HDL-cholesterol concentrations: a randomized controlled trial

Evidence from clinical studies has suggested that cocoa may increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol concentrations. However, it is unclear whether this effect is attributable to flavonoids or theobromine, both of which are major cocoa components. We investigated whether pure theobromine increases serum HDL cholesterol and whether there is an interaction effect between theobromine and cocoa. The study had a 2-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, full factorial parallel design. After a 2-wk run-in period, 152 healthy men and women (aged 40-70 y) were randomly allocated to consume one 200-mL drink/d for 4 wk that contained 1) cocoa, which naturally provided 150 mg theobromine and 325 mg flavonoids [cocoa intervention (CC)], 2) 850 mg pure theobromine [theobromine intervention (TB)], 3) cocoa and added theobromine, which provided 1000 mg theobromine and 325 mg flavonoids [theobromine and cocoa intervention (TB+CC)], or 4) neither cocoa nor theobromine (placebo). Blood lipids and apolipoproteins were measured at the start and end of interventions. In a 2-factor analysis, there was a significant main effect of the TB (P < 0.0001) but not CC (P = 0.1288) on HDL cholesterol but no significant interaction (P = 0.3735). The TB increased HDL-cholesterol concentrations by 0.16 mmol/L (P < 0.0001). Furthermore, there was a significant main effect of the TB on increasing apolipoprotein A-I (P < 0.0001) and decreasing apolipoprotein B and LDL-cholesterol concentrations (P < 0.02). Theobromine independently increased serum HDL-cholesterol concentrations by 0.16 mmol/L. The lack of significant cocoa and interaction effects suggested that theobromine may be the main ingredient responsible for the HDL cholesterol-raising effect. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01481389.

Chromium Therapy for Insulin Resistance Associated with HIV-Disease.

With the advent of highly active anti-retroviral therapy, HIV disease has become a chronic condition, but with a number of metabolic complications including insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and hypertension and an increased incidence of atherosclerosis. The aim of the current study was to test the safety and efficacy of chromium picolinate for HIV- associated insulin resistance. The study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with subjects receiving 500μg of chromium picolinate or placebo twice daily for two months. HIV- infected subjects were selected based on a fasting concentration of plasma glucose greater than 5.5mmol/L or a plasma glucose concentration of greater than 7.7mmol/L (but less than 11mmol/L) 2h after oral ingestion of 75g of glucose. Insulin sensitivity was assessed with a hyper-insulinemic-euglycemic clamp and glucose tolerance was assessed with the oral glucose tolerance test. Subjects were monitored closely for alterations in viral load, CD4+ cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit, kidney and liver function, and fasting lipid profiles. Forty-three subjects were enrolled and 39 completed the protocol (20 in the chromium-supplemented and 19 in the placebo arm). Following chromium-supplementation, there were no significant changes in either insulin sensitivity or glucose tolerance. There was a significant improvement in serum HDL cholesterol concentration in the group supplemented with chromium. Chromium picolinate supplementation at this level was well-tolerated, but overall was not an effective therapy for insulin resistance in these HIV-infected subjects.

Lipid status in racehorses following physical activity of various intensity and duration

The aim of this research was to determine the effects of physical activity on the lipid status in racehorses in a gallop race and a fortykilometre endurance ride. Two groups of healthy 3-5-year-old full-blooded racehorses were assessed. The first one ran a 2 400-m gallop race, which is considered a short-lasting, intense physical activity; lipid status was assessed prior to, and 48 and 72 h after the race. The second group ran a fortykilometre endurance ride, which is a long-lasting moderate physical activity; the lipid status was assessed immediately before, soon after and 48, 72, 96, 120 and 144 h after finishing the race. In intense physical activity the parameters of lipid status (total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, free cholesterol and triglycerides) remained stable at all times assessed in comparison with basal concentrations (p>0.05). Following the long-lasting moderate physical activity a slight, although statistically insignificant (p>0.05), increase in the concentrations of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, free cholesterol and LDL cholesterol was noticed immediately after the endurance ride in comparison to the values before the ride. By contrast, the concentration of LDL cholesterol increased immediately after the gallop race, which was followed by its significant decrease (p<0.05) 96, 120 and 144 h after the ride in comparison to the values both before and immediately after the ride. Unlike in the gallop race, immediately after the 40-km endurance ride there was a plummet in triglyceride concentration (p<0.01), but was followed by its statistically significant increase (p<0.05 and p<0.01) at all sampling times in comparison to the value on finishing the ride. In horses which ran the gallop race there was a high positive correlation between the concentrations of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides before, 72 and 96 h after the race (r = 0.9278, p<0.001). In those which ran the endurance ride a high positive correlation between the concentrations of total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol was noticed on finishing the ride (r=0.7395 p<0.01), as well as at all sampling times which followed. In addition, there was a positive correlation between the concentrations of HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol 72 h (r=0.6843, p<0.01) after the ride. Aerobic exercise decreases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, partly because it is accompanied by the moderate increase in serum concentration of HDL cholesterol, decrease in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, which all result in the improvement in lipid profile in horses which completed the endurance ride. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 173034]

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with low HDL cholesterol and coronary angioplasty in patients with type 2 diabetes

BackgroundThere is evidence that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. In this study we examined factors associated with the presence of NAFLD and the prevalence of macroangiopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes.Material/MethodsSubjects were 101 consecutive patients with type 2 diabetes: 72 with NAFLD and 29 free of NAFLD. NAFLD was diagnosed by ultrasonography. Serum lipids were measured enzymatically and glycated hemoglobin HbA1c was measured by HPLC.ResultsThe mean age of patients was 53.1±10.4 in the NAFLD group and 44.9±10.9 years in patients without NAFLD (p<0.001). The mean duration of diabetes was 10±6.3 years in patients with NAFLD and 15.1±7.8 years in those without NAFLD (p<0.001). Mean values of glycated hemoglobin A1c were similar in both groups. Patients with NAFLD were characterized by a significantly higher prevalence of coronary angioplasty (20.8% vs. 0%, p=0.008). Overweight and obesity were observed in a higher percentage of patients with NAFLD (p<0.001). Patients with NAFLD were characterized by significantly higher values of alanine transaminase (p=0.033), and lower serum concentrations of HDL-cholesterol (p<0.001) and creatinine (p=0.034). Logistic regression analysis (p<0.001) revealed that NAFLD was positively associated with waist circumference above normal (women >80 cm, men >94 cm) (p=0.0083) and alanine transaminase activity (p=0.0164), and negatively with creatinine concentration (p=0.0226). In a second logistic regression model (p<0.001), waist circumference (p<0.007) and total cholesterol (p<0.008) were positive predictors, while HDL-C (p<0.003) was a negative predictor of NAFLD.ConclusionsThe results of the study suggest that NAFLD is associated with visceral obesity and low HDL-cholesterol in patients with type 2 diabetes.

남성 근로자들의 근무유형에 따른 건강상태 비교 연구

The purpose of this study was to compare the anthropometry, serum lipid levels, dietary behavior and health-related behaviors of shipbuilding workers. The education level was significantly higher in office workers than laborers, while age, monthly income and working years were not significantly different between both groups. The serum triglyceride, glucose concentration and AI were significantly higher in office workers than in laborers, but the serum LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol concentrations were significantly higher in laborers than in office workers. The frequency of breakfast and coffee intake was significantly higher in office workers than in laborers. In the office workers, age was positively correlated with systolic blood pressure but was negatively correlated with hemoglobin and hematocrit concentration In the laborers, working year was negatively correlated with hemoglobin, total cholesterol and serum LDL-cholesterol concentrations. Exercise was negatively correlated with total cholesterol concentration, triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol concentration and AI in the office workers. The results of this study showed that office workers are more prone to related chronic degenerative diseases. Therefore, nutritional education for the provention of chronic degenerative diseases of shipbuilding workers needs to be more focused on improving the health status of office workers.

ELISA System for Human Endothelial Lipase

Endothelial lipase (EL) regulates the metabolism of HDL cholesterol (HDL-C). However, the role of EL in regulating plasma HDL-C concentrations and EL's potential involvement in atherosclerosis in humans has not been fully investigated due to the lack of reliable assays for EL mass. We developed an ELISA system for serum EL mass. Human recombinant EL proteins, purified from cultured media of human EL-transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells, were used as antigen and calibrator. Two specific monoclonal antibodies were generated in mice against recombinant EL protein for a sandwich ELISA. We measured EL mass in human serum using EL recombinant protein as a calibration standard. The EL antibodies did not cross-react with lipoprotein lipase and hepatic triglyceride lipase. The detection limit of the ELISA was 20 pg/mL, which is approximately 10 times lower than that of previous ELISA systems. Recovery of spiked EL in serum was 90%-105%. Assay linearity was intact with a >4-fold dilution of serum. Intra- and interassay CVs were <5%. The serum EL mass in 645 human subjects was [mean (SE)] 344.4 (7.7) pg/mL (range 55.2-1387.7 pg/mL). Interestingly, serum EL mass was increased in patients with diagnosed cardiovascular disease and inversely correlated with serum HDL-C concentrations. There was no difference in EL mass between pre- and postheparin plasma samples. This ELISA should be useful for clarifying the impact of EL on HDL metabolism and EL's potential role in atherosclerosis.

케일녹즙이 고콜레스테롤혈증 성인남자의 혈청 지질수준 및 인지질 지방산 조성에 미치는 영향

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of kale (Brassica oleracea acephala) juice supplementation on serum lipid levels and phospholipid (PL) fatty acid compositions in hypercholesterolemic men. Thirty-two men with hypercholesterolemia (>200 mg/dl) were recruited among the faculty and staff at Y University after annual health examinations. The subjects consumed 150 ml of kale juice per day for a 12-week intervention period. Dietary and anthropometric assessments were performed before and after supplementation, respectively, to ensure that the subjects maintained their usual diet and lifestyle throughout the intervention. Serum concentrations of HDL-cholesterol and the ratio of HDL-cholesterol to LDL-cholesterol were significantly increased (p<0.001) after intervention. Serum LDL-cholesterol concentration and atherogenic index were significantly reduced (p<0.001). Levels of 12:0, 14:0, 18:1ω9, 18:3ω6, and sum of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) in serum pholspholipid (PL) were significantly increased, while 22:4ω6 level was significantly reduced (p<0.05). It can be speculated that kale juice, containing large amounts of antioxidant nutrients, contributes to changes of serum-PL-fatty acid compositions and the improvements of serum lipid profiles. This study demonstrates the supplementation of regular meals with kale juice may favorably affect serum lipid profiles and serum-PL fatty acid compositions and, hence, could lower the risks of coronary artery disease in men with hypercholesterolemia.

배추출물과 구기자, 의이인, 택사, 황기 추출물 배합이 고지방식이로 유발된 비만 백서의 체중, 지질대사, 염증 및 면역기능에 미치는 영향 (II)

Objective : This study was conducted to observe the anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as the metabolic benefits, of pear extract and herbal drug mixture (Lycii Fructus, Coicis Semen, Alimatis Rhizoma, and Astragali Radix) on rats fed with a high fat diet. Methods : The animals used were male rats and the control group was fed a high fat diet only. The experimental groups were divided into four. Exp I group was fed a high fat diet with a mixture of pear extract and 3% Lycii Fructus; Exp II group was fed a high fat diet with a mixture of pear extract and 3% Coicis Semen; Exp III group was fed a high fat diet with a mixture of pear extract and 3% Alimatis Rhizoma; and Exp IV group was fed a high fat diet with a mixture of pear extract and 3% Astragali Radix for 4 weeks. Results : The body weight gain increased in all groups, but attenuated gradually in the experimental groups compared to the control group. The food intakes were significantly lower in Exp I and Exp III groups than the control group. The concentrations of serum total cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglyceride (TG) were significantly higher in Exp II than in the control group, and lower in Exp III group than in the control group. Also the concentration of serum free fatty acid was significantly lower in the Exp III group than in the control group. In inflammatory activities, the Exp II group was significantly lower than the control group. Conclusion : The results indicated that Exp III group (administered a mixture of pear extract and Alimatis Rhizoma) most efficiently reduced fat accumulation and body weight, while the Exp II group (administered the mixture of pear extract and Coicis Semen) had the highest elevated lipid metabolism and immune activity.