Serum HDL Concentrations Research Articles

Effect of high-fibre diets supplemented with banana leaf on growth performance, meat quality, and serum cholesterol of quail.

Bananas are one of the most extensively cultivated fruits globally, yielding substantial amounts of greenery, including their leaves. Banana leaves (BL) have notable protein content, bioactive compounds, and a significant fiber component. This study aimed to investigate the impact of incorporating dried and nutrient-determined BL along with a multienzyme complex into the diet of quails. The experiment lasted 35days, a total of 280 one-day-old quail chicks (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were allocated into four groups with seven replicates. Experimental diets were formulated with the addition of dried BL at levels of 0% (C), 3% (BL3), 6% (BL6), and 9% (BL9), with the inclusion of 1,000mg/kg multienzyme complex to the basal diet. The total fiber content of diets was determined at 2.77%, 4.28%, 5.77%, and 7.28%, respectively. The inclusion of BL in the diet did not significantly affect growth performance. However, the addition of 3% and 6% BL to the diet resulted in a significant reduction in meat oxidation. A 6% BL inclusion led to the lowest serum low-density lipoprotein and the highest high-density lipoprotein concentrations (p < 0.05). Meat yellowness (b*) increased with all three levels of BL in the diet compared to the basal diet (p < 0.05), while L* and a* values remained unaffected. A 6% BL addition to quail diets may lead to improved meat quality and higher serum HDL concentration without detrimental effects on growth performance.

Assessment of Prolonged Administration of SynriamTM on Haematological Parameters and Lipid Profiles of Rats

A potential antimalarial prospect should have high efficacy with low toxicity. SynriamTM antimalarial drug has been proven to be safe and effective for the treatment of malaria in human with dearth information on rats. This study investigated its potential toxicity from prolonged administration on lipid profiles and haematological indices in rats. Thirty-five Wistar rats were randomized into five groups (A – E) of seven rats each. Animals in group A (control) received 0.5 mL distilled water, while groups B, C, D, and E respectively received 4.0, 8.0, 16.0 and 32.0 mg/kg bwt of the drug once daily for 28 days. The concentrations of serum TC, LDL and atherogenic index showed significant (p&lt;0.05) decrease, while serum TRIG, HDL, and VLDL concentrations had no effect (p&gt;0.05). The drug also had no effect (p&gt;0.05) on the levels of the red blood cell count, PCV, Hb, MCV, MCH, and MCHC. Similarly, it had no effect (p&gt;0.05) on the levels of the WBC, lymphocytes and neutrocytes, while the platelet counts had slight (p&lt;0.05) decrease. Hence, SynriamTM is relatively safe at doses of 4.0-32.0 mg/kg bwt in rats when taken once daily with minimal effects on the lipid profiles and haematological indices.

Serum lipids concentration on prognosis of high-grade glioma.

To investigate the effect of serum lipids concentration on the prognosis of high-grade glioma patients undergoing postoperative radiotherapy. Retrospective analysis of the patients with high-grade glioma who received postoperative Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy between 13 May 2013 and 12 September 2018 was performed. The patients were grouped according to the average values of serum total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL concentration in peripheral blood (before surgery, 6months after therapy). Cox proportional hazards model was performed to determine whether the total cholesterol concentration, LDL concentration, and HDL concentration in peripheral blood before therapy and their changes after therapy were factors influencing the prognosis. The results of COX regression analysis showed that the independent prognostic factors of high-grade glioma patients were pathological grade, the extent of resection, serum cholesterol concentration pre-surgery, and the change of LDL concentration from pre-surgery to post-therapy. The prognosis of patients with high serum total cholesterol concentration before therapy was worse than those of patients with low total cholesterol concentration. The 5-year survival rate and the median survival time of patients with high serum total cholesterol concentration before therapy were 4.9% and 23.6months, but the low cholesterol concentration group were 19.6% and 24.5months, respectively. Besides, the average serum LDL concentration in high-grade glioma patients gradually increased after therapy. The 5-year survival rate of patients and the median survival time with elevated LDL concentration after therapy is 11.8% and 20.4months, but the reduced LDL concentration group was 16.7% and 28.4months, respectively. The total cholesterol and LDL concentration increased significantly after therapy in Grade IV patients while Grade III patients did not. The cholesterol concentration before therapy and LDL concentration change from pre-surgery to post-therapy are the factors that affect the prognosis of high-grade glioma patients who have undergone postoperative radiotherapy. In the final analysis, the high serum cholesterol pre-surgery and the increased in serum LDL concentration from pre-surgery to post-therapy were associated with worse survival of patients.

Inverse Association of the Adequacy and Balance Scores in the Modified Healthy Eating Index with Type 2 Diabetes in Women.

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) has markedly increased among Asians as their diets and lifestyles become more westernized. We, therefore, investigated the hypothesis that the Korean healthy eating index (KHEI) scores are associated with gender-specific T2DM risk in adults. The hypothesis was tested using the data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey-VI (2013-2017) with a complex sample survey design. Along with the KHEI scores, the modified KHEI (MKHEI) scores for the Korean- (KSD) and Western-style diets (WSD) were used as independent parameters, calculated using a validated semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire (SQFFQ). We estimated the association between the KHEI or MKHEI and the T2DM risk using logistic regression after adjusting for T2DM-related covariates. The adults with T2DM were more frequently older men who were less educated, married, on a lower income, and living in rural areas compared to those without T2DM. Not only the fasting serum glucose concentrations but also the waist circumferences and serum triglyceride concentrations were much higher in adults with T2DM than in those without T2DM in both genders. Serum HDL concentrations in the non-T2DM subjects exhibited a greater inverse relationship to serum glucose than in the T2DM group in both genders. Twenty-four-hour recall data revealed that women, but not men, had higher calcium, vitamin C, saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, retinol, and vitamin B2 intakes than the T2DM group. Furthermore, overall, the KHEI score and the adequacy and balance scores among its components were significantly higher in the non-T2DM group than in the T2DM group, but only in women. The KHEI scores were inversely associated with T2DM only in women. The mixed grain intake score was higher in the non-T2DM than the T2DM group only in men. However, there were no differences between the groups in the MKHEI scores for KSD and WSD. In conclusion, high KHEI scores in the adequacy and balance components might prevent and/or delay T2DM risk, but only in women.

Japon Bıldırcını Rasyonlarına Farklı Seviyelerde Nane (Mentha piperita L.) Yağı İlavesinin Performans, Karkas Özellikleri ve Serum Parametrelerine Etkisi

This study was carried out to determine the effects of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) essential oil addition to growing Japanese quail diets on growth performance, carcass and some serum parameters. In the study, a total of 300 mixed-sex Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) chicks at daily age were fed for 35 days with control and diets that were supplemented with peppermint oil at the levels of 0.15, 0.30, 0.45 and 0.60 %. The study was carried out in 5 treatment groups, with 6 replications, in a total of 30 subgroups. At the end of the experiment, the diet peppermint oil levels did not significantly affect the body weight, body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. The effects of experimental diets containing different levels of peppermint oil on serum glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein, HDL, LDL, AST and ALT concentrations were statistically insignificant. There was no statistically significant difference between the treatment groups in terms of carcass weight, carcass yield, liver and heart weights, and small intestine length. According to the results of the present study, it was concluded that the addition of different levels of peppermint oil to growing quail diets did not cause any change in performance, carcass, visceral weights and serum parameters.

Effects of a dietary intervention with Mediterranean vs lacto-ovo vegetarian diets on HDL function: Results from the CARDIVEG study

Background and aimHDL-cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) has been shown to be a better cardiovascular (CVD) risk marker than serum HDL concentration. Several foods and nutrients have been shown to improve HDL functions, however no effective dietetic nor pharmacological strategy is available to increase CEC. This study aims to evaluate the possible effect of Mediterranean diet (MD) and lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet (VD) on HDL function in a group of clinically healthy subjects at low-to-moderate CVD risk. Methods and resultsThirty apparently healthy subjects with a low-to-moderate cardiovascular risk profile (21 F; mean age: 51.3 ± 9.7 years) were randomly assigned to a 3-month MD or VD diet and then crossed.Participants on VD showed a reduction in total HDL CEC by 8.99% (p < 0.001) as well as a reduction in ABCA1 mediated-CEC by 18.62% (p < 0.001) compared to participants on MD. Regarding CEC mediated by aqueous diffusion, no significant changes were observed after treatment with either diet. Finally, a significant positive association between CEC mediated by the ABCA1 transporter and adiponectin was found (r = 0.462; p = 0.010). ConclusionThe results of this study suggest that HDL activity in promoting cholesterol efflux and thereby reducing the concentration of pro-atherogenic lipoproteins was more effective in participants undergoing MD than VD. Based on these findings, the MD could be considered a better therapeutic strategy for cardiovascular prevention than VD.Clinical Trial registration URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02641834.

Inverse association of a traditional Korean diet composed of a multigrain rice-containing meal with fruits and nuts with metabolic syndrome risk: The KoGES

Hansik, a traditional Korean diet, may have a beneficial impact on metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk as dietary westernization increases its prevalence. We examined the hypothesis that adherence to the hansik diet may be inversely associated with the risk of MetS and its components and sought to understand the gender differences in 58,701 men and women aged over 40. Hansik was defined using 14 components from which the Korean dietary pattern index (Kdiet-index) was generated by summing their scores. Low-hansik intake was defined as the Kdiet-index with <8. MetS was categorized based on the 2005 revised NCEP-ATP III criteria modified for Asians. The Kdiet-index score was negatively associated with the dietary inflammation index and showed that the high intake of a meal with multigrain rice, fruits, and their products, and nuts, and low intake of fried foods were inversely associated with MetS by 0.707, 0.864, 0.769, and 0.918 times, respectively, after adjusting for covariates. More women and participants with more educated and lower income belonged to the high-hansik group, and participants with high self-rated health scores consumed more hansik. All participants on a high-hansik diet were associated with a 0.87 time lower risk of MetS. Specifically, the association between hansik intake and MetS risk was not significant among men following stratification by gender. Body composition, including the body mass index, waist circumference, and fat mass, was inversely associated with hansik intake, while the skeletal muscle mass index was positively associated with the hansik intake in each gender and all participants. In all the participants in the high-hansik group, no significant changes were seen in the serum glucose and HDL concentration. However, a high-hansik intake showed lower blood pressure and serum LDL and triglyceride concentrations only in men and a higher glomerular filtration rate in both genders. Hansik intake might improve MetS risk, with its primary beneficial effects on body composition, dyslipidemia, and blood pressure gender-dependently.

Plasma HDL pattern, cholesterol efflux and cholesterol loading capacity of serum in carriers of a novel missense variant (Gly176Trp) of endothelial lipase

Loss of function variants of LIPG gene encoding endothelial lipase (EL) are associated with primary hyperalphalipoproteinemia (HALP), a lipid disorder characterized by elevated plasma levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Aim of the study was the phenotypic and genotypic characterization of a family with primary HALP. HDL subclasses distribution was determined by polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis. Serum content of preβ-HDL was assessed by (2D)-electrophoresis. Cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) of serum mediated by ABCA1, ABCG1 or SR-BI was assessed using cells expressing these proteins. Cholesterol loading capacity (CLC) of serum was assayed using cultured human macrophages. Next generation sequencing was used for DNA analysis. Plasma EL mass was determined by ELISA. Three family members had elevated plasma HDL-C, apoA-I and total phospholipids, as well as a reduced content of preβ-HDL. These subjects were heterozygous carriers of a novel variant of LIPG gene [c.526 G>T, p.(Gly176Trp)] found to be deleterious in silico. Plasma EL mass in carriers was lower than in controls. CEC of sera mediated by ABCA1 and ABCG1 transporters was substantially reduced in the carriers. This effect was maintained after correction for serum HDL concentration. The sera of carriers were found to have a higher CLC in cultured human macrophages than control sera. The novel p.(Gly176Trp) variant of endothelial lipase is associated with changes in HDL composition and subclass distribution as well as with functional changes affecting cholesterol efflux capacity of serum which suggest a defect in the early steps of revere cholesterol transport.

Biochemical changes associated with the administration of aqueous pulp extract of Irvingia gabonensis fruit on adult male Wistar rats

Biochemical changes associated with the administration of aqueous pulp extract of Irvingia gabonensis fruit on adult male Wistar rats

The Association Between rs1748195 and rs11207997 Variants of the ANGPTL3 Gene and Susceptibility to Cardiovascular Disease in the MASHAD Cohort Study.

There is a strong genetic predisposition to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Loss-of-function variants of the angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3) gene have been reported to be associated with several lipid-related CVD risk factors that include serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG) level, and total cholesterol (TC). We aimed to determine the association of two genetic variants, rs1748195 and rs11207997, of the ANGPTL3 locus and CVD risk in the Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorders (MASHAD) cohort study. The participants were 1002 individuals in the MASHAD cohort, with or without CVD, during the 6 years of follow-up. The subjects were categorized into two groups according to serum HDL concentration. DNA was extracted by the routine salting-out method, and genotyping of rs1748195 and rs11207997 variants of the ANGPTL3 gene was performed using the ARMS PCR method. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis was used to assess the two gene variants' association with incident CVD and baseline lipid profile. There was a significant relationship between rs1748195 GG genotype and CVD risk in the individuals with a normal serum HDL-C. There was a significant association between the CT genotype of the rs11207997 polymorphism and CVD risk in individuals with a low serum HDL-C. Furthermore, carriers of the GG genotype of the rs1748195 and CT genotype of rs11207997 variant of ANGPTL3 had a higher risk of developing CVD disease. We have shown that the 1748195(GG) and 11207997(CT) gene variants of the ANGPTL3 locus are associated with an increased risk of CVD in an Iranian population sample.

Clinical outcomes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Polish-case control study.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, affecting up to 30% of population. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can lead to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Age, obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia are important risk factors for developing hepatic steatosis. Concomitant diseases, especially cardiovascular, are discussed as important causes of death in NAFLD patients. The objective of this study was to conduct a retrospective comparison of the frequency of concomitant diseases in NAFLD patients and controls, especially metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease (CVD). A total of 1,058 (558 NAFLD patients and 500 controls). Diagnosis of NAFLD was established with ultrasound examination in the absence of other causes of fatty liver. The control group included patients with no history of liver disease, normal liver image in ultrasound examination and normal liver laboratory tests. Overweight and/or obesity were diagnosed in 80.8% of patients in the study group and 40.8% in the controls (p < 0.001). Metabolic syndrome was present in 48.7% patients in the study group compared with 14.4% controls, (p < 0.001). In the study group, we found higher prevalence of hypertension (56.1% vs 37%; p < 0.001), type 2 diabetes mellitus (24.4% vs 8.6%; p < 0.001), decreased concentration of serum HDL (35.1% vs 19.5%; p < 0.001), elevated serum triglycerides (36.5% vs 15.4%; p < 0.001). Cardiovascular disease was found in 13.6% of individuals in the study group and in 15% controls (NS, p = 0.32). The most frequent concomitant gastrointestinal disease present in the study group was gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) (31.9% vs 22.8%; p < 0.001) followed by colonic diverticulosis (23.7% vs 15.8%; p < 0.005). Metabolic syndrome with its components is more common in NAFLD patients compared to matched controls. Additionally, NAFLD patients are more often affected by GERD and colonic diverticulosis but not by CVD.

Protein and fat intake interacts with the haplotype of PTPN11_rs11066325, RPH3A_rs886477, and OAS3_rs2072134 to modulate serum HDL concentrations in middle-aged people

Low serum HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and it is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. We hypothesized that genetic variants that decrease serum HDL-C concentrations may interact with nutrient intakes in ways that increase or decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease. Candidate genetic variants that can lower serum HDL-C concentrations were explored by genome-wide association studies (GWAS), after adjusting for covariates, in the Ansan/Ansung cohort (n=8842) from KoGES. The best genetic variants were selected and used to form a haplotype. According to the haplotype frequencies of SNPs, they were divided into major allele, heterozygote allele, and minor allele. The association of haplotype with serum HDL-C levels was determined using logistic regression after adjusting for confounding factors. Interaction of the haplotype with nutrient intake was also determined. PTPN11_rs11066325, RPH3A_rs886477 and OAS3_rs2072134 were selected to modulate serum HDL-C levels from GWAS(P=1.09E-09, 7.04E-10, and 1.27E-09, respectively). The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for a decrease in serum HDL-C concentration in the minor-allele group of the haplotype were elevated by 1.534 fold, compared to the major-allele group of the haplotype. Furthermore, the adjusted ORs for serum LDL cholesterol and levels increased by 1.645 in the minor-alleles compared to the major-alleles of the haplotype without a significant change of serum cholesterol levels. Interestingly, the adjusted ORs for serum triglyceride were lower in the minor-alleles than in the major-alleles. The haplotype had a significant interaction with the intake of protein, fat, saturated fatty acids (SAF) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA; P<0.05). In particular, the minor alleles of the haplotype decreased serum HDL-C levels compared to the major-alleles in the high intake of protein, fat, SFA, and PUFA, not in the low intake. People carrying the minor-allele of haplotypes should avoid diets that are high in protein and fat, especially rich in SFA and PUFA.

PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF RABBITS FED ON DIETS SUPPLEMENTED WITH SUNFLOWER OIL

The current investigation was conducted to study the effects of dietary supplementation of different sunflower oil levels on productive performance and physiological status of New Zealand White Rabbits. A total of 56 weaned New Zealand White rabbits, 5 weeks of age, was assigned randomly into four similar experimental groups, 14 rabbits in each (7 males and 7 females). Rabbits in the first group were served as control (G1), while those in the second, third and 4thgroups were fed diets containing 1% (G2), 2% (G3) and 3% (G4) sunflower oil, respectively, and the experimental period lasted for 8 weeks. Results indicate that all growth performance parameters in G1 and G2, including final LBW and average daily gain were significantly (P<0.05) higher, while average feed intake was significantly (P<0.05) lower than in G3 and G4, being with the best results in G1 and the poorest results in G4. These results reflected significantly (P<0.05) higher feed conversion ratio and productive index (PI) in G1 and G2 than in G3 and G4, being the highest in G1, but did not differ significantly from that in G2. Concentration of blood serum total proteins and globulins in G4, and glucose concentration in G3 and G4 were significantly (P<0.05) decreased as compared to G1. Concentration of blood serum total cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides in G3 and G4 significantly (P<0.05) increased, while LDL concentration decreased as compared to G1. However, concentration of blood serum albumin and urea as well as serum activity of AST and ALT were not influenced by experimental diets. On the other hand, biochemical parameters in G2 did not differ significantly from that in control one. Sunflower oil at different levels had no significant effects on carcass and dressing percentage (with or without head) of growing rabbits. The same trend was observed for the relative weight of heart, stomach, small intestine, caecum, proximal colon and distal colon. The histological examination revealed normal liver and kidney function in all studied groups. Although rabbits fed the control diet showed the highest net revenue/rabbit, those in G2 fed diet containing 2% sunflower oil had the highest net revenue/group as a result of the highest viability rate in G2 (14/14) as compared to (12/14) in each of G1, G3 and G4. Dietary supplementation of sunflower oil at a level of 1% showed the highest economic efficiency without adversely effects on growth performance, carcass traits, physiological status, and liver and kidney function of growing rabbits.

LAYING PERFORMANCE, FAT DIGESTIBILITY AND LIVER CONDITION OF LAYING HENS SUPPLEMENTED WITH VITAMIN B12 OR BIOTIN AND/ OR BILE ACIDS IN DIET

For 8 weeks feeding trial, two hundred and seventy, 53 weeks old laying hens were used to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of vitamin B12 or biotin and/or bile acids on performance, egg quality, fat digestibility and liver composition and histopathology. Birds were randomly divided into 6 groups (three replicates) and fed the experimental diets; group1 (G1) fed on the basal diet without additives as control while G2 and G3 supplemented with 0.02 ppm vitamin B12 and 0.3 mg biotin/kg diet respectively, groups 4-6 fed as the previous detailed design of G1- G3 with the addition of 400 g of dried bile acid (DBA) /tone feed. Biotin supplementation significantly (P˂0.05) increased body weight losses of laying hens, both vitamins significantly (P˂0.05) decreased daily feed intake (FI) and improved FCR. DBA addition alone or with biotin reduced these weight losses along with significant (P˂0.05) increase in daily FI. Vitamin B12 supplementation alone or with DBA increased average egg production (P˂0.05) while was reduced with biotin supplementation. Fat digestibility was non-significantly improved (P≥0.05) with both vitamins supplementation without or with DBA. Biotin significantly (P˂0.05) reduced the average yolk relative weight, which was increased when mixed with DBA, while significantly increased average egg albumin relative weight. Vitamin B12 or biotin addition without or with DBA non-significantly increased blood serum GOT and GPT activities, non-significantly reduced (P≥0.05) fat content of liver tissue (on dry matter or fresh basis) and serum lipid profile parameters except serum HDL concentration, was increased, with no histopathological changes in hepatic tissue. It could be summarized that vitamin B12 supplementation without or with DBA is recommended in layer diet as it gave the best performance, reduced serum lipid profile and improved fat digestibility and the hepatic health.Key words: layers; egg quality; liver; vitamin B12; biotin; bile acids

Diet quality as assessed by the Healthy Food Intake Index and relationship with serum lipoprotein particles and serum fatty acids in pregnant women at increased risk for gestational diabetes.

The importance of overall diet in modifying circulating lipoprotein particles and fatty acids during pregnancy is unclear. We examined the relationships of diet quality as assessed by the validated Healthy Food Intake Index (HFII) with serum HDL, LDL and VLDL particle concentrations and sizes and proportions of serum fatty acids in pregnant women at high risk for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Overall, 161 women with a BMI of ≥30 kg/m2 and/or a history of GDM were drawn from the Finnish Gestational Diabetes Prevention Study, which is a dietary and exercise intervention trial to prevent GDM. At baseline, the HFII score was inversely related to concentrations of HDL particles (P=0·010) and MUFA (P=0·010) and positively related to concentrations of n-3 (P<0·001) and n-6 (P=0·003) PUFA. The significance for MUFA disappeared after adjustments. An increase in the HFII score from the first to second trimester of pregnancy correlated with reduced VLDL particle size (r -0·16, 95 % CI -0·31, -0·01), decreased MUFA concentrations (r -0·17, 95 % CI -0·31, -0·01) and elevated n-6 PUFA concentrations (r 0·16, 95 % CI 0·01, 0·31). In the maximum-adjusted model, the results remained significant except for VLDL particle size. These findings suggest that higher diet quality as defined by the HFII is related to a more favourable serum fatty acid profile, whereas the relationship with serum lipoprotein profile is limited in pregnant women at increased GDM risk.

THE CORRELATION BETWEEN INFLAMMATORY AND METABOLIC PARAMETERS WITH THYROID FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH HASHIMOTO'S THYROIDITIS: THE POTENTIAL ROLE OF INTERLEUKIN 23 (IL-23) AND VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR (VEGF) - 1.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common autoimmune disorder as cause of secondary hypothyroidism. The disease is associated with several metabolic disturbances and inflammatory disorders. The aim of the current report was to evaluate several inflammatory and metabolic predictors of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. In the current study, forty patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis participated in the current study. They were aged between 20 to 50 years old. Anthropometric and nutritional measurements were assessed and biochemical factors including serum VEGF, IL-23, Nesfatin-1 and serum lipids were measured. Waist circumference was higher among patients with lower serum TSH concentrations. Serum HDL and T4 concentrations were lower and serum IL-23 was higher among patients with higher TSH concentrations. BMI, WC and serum HDL were negative predictors of serum TSH while IL-23 was positively associated with TSH concentrations. Serum lipids including TC, TG and LDL were also negatively associated with T3 and T4 concentrations. According to our findings, VEGF and serum IL-23 were potent predictors of Hashimoto's thyroiditis. However, further studies are warranted to better clarify these associations and underlying pathologic mechanisms.

Bentonite supplementation can improve performance and fermentation parameters of chronic lead-exposed lambs.

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of supplemental bentonite on performance, blood, and fermentation characteristics in Zandi lambs. In experiment 1, 20 Zandi male lambs (initial BW, 17.5±1.6kg and 110±5days old) were randomly assigned into four groups of five animals in each. The experimental treatments were (1) control (no Pb and bentonite), (2) 15mg/kg DM Pb as Pb acetate and no bentonite, (3) 15mg/kg DM Pb as Pb acetate and 1.5% bentonite, and (4) 15mg/kg DM Pb as Pb acetate and 3% bentonite. The dietary treatments had no significant effect on dry matter intake of experimental lambs. Feed required per unit of weight gain was more (P<0.05) in lead-exposed lambs in group 2 compared to the control and bentonite supplemented groups. Serum glucose, urea nitrogen, cholesterol, HDL, and LDL concentrations was similar among the treatments. In experiment 2, an in vitro gas production technique was used to evaluate the effects of bentonite supplementation on the gas production parameters of lead-polluted diets. The rate and amount of gas production was higher for bentonite supplemented groups (P<0.01). Asymptotic gas production (b), metabolizable energy, and concentration of short chain fatty acids were lower (P<0.05) for lead-polluted non-supplemented diet (group 2) as compared to the bentonite supplemented and control groups. It was concluded that bentonite supplementation favorably modified ruminal fermentation pattern and improved feed conversion ratio in growing lead-exposed lambs.

Serum lipid profile of broilers fed diets with inclusion of mango waste meal

We evaluated the effect of including 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0% mango waste meal (MWM) variety UBA in corn and soybean meal-based diet son the serum lipid profile of broilers. The experimental design was completely randomized, with five treatments and six replicates with 20 birds per experimental unit. Concentrations of creatinine, albumin, total protein, total cholesterol, triacylglycerols (TAG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), were evaluated at the ages of 14, 28 and 42 days, with 30 birds evaluated per age. At 14 days, there was no difference serum creatinine, total cholesterol, HDL, triacylglycerols, total proteins or VLDL-C concentrations as compared with control. Albumin concentration was the highest at the MWM inclusion levels of 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0%. At 28 days, triacylglycerols, VLDL-C and LDL-C were the lowestat 7.5% inclusion whereas at 42 days, these same variables were the lowest with addition of 10.0% meal. At 14, 28 and 42 days of age, the VLDL-C, LDL-C and total TAG contents were found to decrease at mango waste meal inclusion levels of 5.0 and 7.5% in the diets, which maybe considered an indicator of improvements in the metabolic conditions of broilers.

Cheese consumption prevents fat accumulation in the liver and improves serum lipid parameters in rats fed a high-fat diet

Cheese consumption has been reported to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome; however, the mechanisms by which cheese prevents these disorders are not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of cheese consumption on lipid accumulation in the liver as well as to evaluate various serum lipid parameters. Two groups (n = 7) of male Fischer-344 rats were fed the following high-fat diets for 9 weeks: AIN76-modified 20% fat diet containing casein and butter oil (control diet) or the 20% fat diet containing a freeze-dried cheese powder (cheese diet). Blood samples, liver tissue, and fecal specimens were collected and analyzed. Cheese consumption for 9 weeks reduced the accumulation of triglyceride and cholesterol in the liver (P = 0.016 and P < 0.001, respectively), as well as the serum non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) cholesterol concentration (P = 0.013). In contrast, cheese consumption increased the serum HDL concentration with statistical tendency (P = 0.086). We also observed an increase in the serum adiponectin concentration at week 9 in rats fed the cheese diet (P = 0.029). Furthermore, cheese consumption also increased fat excretion in the feces (P < 0.001). Taken together, our results suggest that cheese mediates various beneficial effects for preventing the development of metabolic syndrome by suppressing the accumulation of fat in the liver.

Vitamin D and Evening Primrose Oil Administration Improve Glycemia and Lipid Profiles in Women with Gestational Diabetes.

Limited data are available assessing the effects of vitamin D and evening primrose oil (EPO) administration on markers of insulin resistance and lipid concentrations in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study was designed to evaluate the effects of vitamin D and EPO administration on insulin resistance and lipid concentrations among women with GDM. In this prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 60 participants with GDM were divided into 2 groups of either 1000 IU vitamin D3 and 1000 mg EPO or placebo for 6 weeks. At the beginning and end of the study, fasting blood samples were obtained from the participants to measure related variables. After 6 weeks of intervention, changes in fasting plasma glucose (-3.6 ± 7.5 vs. +1.5 ± 11.4 mg/dL, P = 0.04), serum insulin concentrations (-2.0 ± 5.3 vs. +4.6 ± 10.7 µIU/mL, P = 0.004), homeostasis model of assessment (HOMA) insulin resistance (-0.5 ± 1.1 vs. +1.1 ± 2.5, P = 0.003), HOMA-B cell function (-7.7 ± 23.3 vs. +17.4 ± 42.9, P = 0.007) and the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (+0.01 ± 0.02 vs. -0.01 ± 0.02, P = 0.007) in the vitamin D plus EPO group were significantly different from the placebo group. In addition, compared with the placebo, vitamin D and EPO supplementation resulted in significant reductions in serum TAG (-20.0 ± 54.3 vs. +34.3 ± 38.2 mg/dL, P < 0.001), VLDL (-4.0 ± 10.9 vs. +6.9 ± 7.6 mg/dL, P < 0.001), TC (-22.1 ± 32.6 vs. +5.3 ± 20.1 mg/dL, P < 0.001), LDL concentrations (-18.0 ± 25.5 vs. +1.8 ± 15.7 mg/dL, P = 0.001) and TC/HDL (-0.3 ± 0.4 vs. +0.3 ± 0.5 mg/dL, P < 0.001). We did not observe any significant effect of vitamin D and EPO supplementation on serum HDL concentrations. http://www.irct.ir : IRCT201509115623N52.