Serum Lipoprotein Levels Research Articles

Assessment of Associations Between Serum Lipoprotein (a) Levels and Atherosclerotic Vascular Diseases in Hungarian Patients With Familial Hypercholesterolemia Using Data Mining and Machine Learning.

Background and aims: Premature mortality due to atherosclerotic vascular disease is very high in Hungary in comparison with international prevalence rates, though the estimated prevalence of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is in line with the data of other European countries. Previous studies have shown that high lipoprotein(a)- Lp(a) levels are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic vascular diseases in patients with FH. We aimed to assess the associations of serum Lp(a) levels and such vascular diseases in FH using data mining methods and machine learning techniques in the Northern Great Plain region of Hungary. Methods: Medical records of 590,500 patients were included in our study. Based on the data from previously diagnosed FH patients using the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network scores (≥7 was evaluated as probable or definite FH), we trained machine learning models to identify FH patients. Results: We identified 459 patients with FH and 221 of them had data available on Lp(a). Patients with FH had significantly higher Lp(a) levels compared to non-FH subjects [236 (92.5; 698.5) vs. 167 (80.2; 431.5) mg/L, p < .01]. Also 35.3% of FH patients had Lp(a) levels >500 mg/L. Atherosclerotic complications were significantly more frequent in FH patients compared to patients without FH (46.6 vs. 13.9%). However, contrary to several other previous studies, we could not find significant associations between serum Lp(a) levels and atherosclerotic vascular diseases in the studied Hungarian FH patient group. Conclusion: The extremely high burden of vascular disease is mainly explained by the unhealthy lifestyle of our patients (i.e., high prevalence of smoking, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity resulting in obesity and hypertension). The lack of associations between serum Lp(a) levels and atherosclerotic vascular diseases in Hungarian FH patients may be due to the high prevalence of these risk factors, that mask the deleterious effect of Lp(a).

Association between Hypertriglyceridemia and Disease Severity in Visceral Leishmaniasis.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a tropical disease endemic to Brazil. The clinical manifestations of the infection range from asymptomatic to severe. In VL, changes in lipid metabolism, such as hypocholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia, occur that are believed to be related to its progression and severity. This study investigated the associations between serum levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoproteins (high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and very low-density lipoprotein) with clinical and hematological parameters that predict severity in a case series of 83 VL patients. Severely ill patients had higher mean serum triglyceride levels than non-severely ill patients. There was a significant positive correlation between disease severity score and serum triglyceride levels, very low-density lipoprotein, international normalized ratio for prothrombin time test, total bilirubin, and age. An inverse correlation was detected between the disease severity score and mean platelet and neutrophil counts. Hypertriglyceridemia can be a prognostic indicator of severity in patients diagnosed with VL.

HDL-Associated Lipoproteins: Potential Prognostic Biomarkers for Gram-Negative Sepsis.

PurposeTo determine the levels of serum HDL-associated apolipoproteins (apoM and apoC) and HDL-binding receptor (scavenger receptor BI, SR-BI) in patients with gram-negative bacteria sepsis (G-sepsis) and to evaluate the value of lipoproteins in the diagnosis, severity and prognosis of G-sepsis.Patients and MethodsA total of 128 patients with sepsis, 40 patients with system inflammatory reaction syndrome (SIRS) and 40 healthy subjects were enrolled in the Second People’s Hospital of Hunan Province from September 2019 to September 2020. The levels and the correlation of lipoproteins were detected and dynamically monitored by enzyme-linked adsorption method, ROC curve for the diagnostic, severity and prognostic value of lipoproteins in G-sepsis.ResultsThe levels of serum HDL-associated lipoproteins in patients with G-sepsis were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the ROC curve showed that HDL-C, SR-BI, apoM and apoC had cut-off values of 0.915 mmol/L, 122.100 pg/mL, 102.400 ug/mL and 17.55 mg/mL, respectively, for the diagnosis of G-sepsis, with the sensitivity was 85.56%, 97.78%, 93.33% and 73.03%, and the specificity was 95.0%, 82.50%, 61.54% and 82.50%, respectively. There was a correlation between HDL-associated apolipoproteins. Changes in serum HDL-associated lipoproteins were more obvious in shock group than classic inflammation indicators, such as PCT, IL-6 and CRP. They showed a trend change on day 3, with the levels of SR-BI and apoC changing 2–3 times, and the sensitivity of HDL-C, SR-BI, apoM and apoC for the diagnosis of G-septic shock were 32.43%, 72.97%, 65.75%, and 43.24%, and specificity of 94.34%, 81.13%, 83.07%, and 86.79%, respectively. The AUC, sensitivity and specificity of apoM combined with SR-BI were improved.ConclusionHDL-associated lipoproteins were correlated with bacterial-infected types, and serum levels of HDL-associated lipoproteins can be used as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis and progress of G-sepsis. ApoM combined with SR-BI could improve the sensitivity and specificity of prognosis assessment.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical and clinical studies on the efficacy of ginger for the treatment of fatty liver disease.

Fatty liver disease (FLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. The pathogenesis of this disease is closely related to obesity and insulin resistance. Ginger has hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects and acts as an insulin sensitizer. This study aims to evaluate the effect of ginger supplementation on the fatty liver. A comprehensive search of Medline/PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science/ISI, and Cochrane databases was conducted without time or language restrictions. Eighteen eligible studies were identified, including 17 in-vivo experiments in quantitative analysis and 3 clinical trials in qualitative analysis. The present study provides comprehensive evidence of the efficacy of ginger to improve the liver levels of cholesterol (-5.60 mg/g), triglycerides (TG, -4.28 mg/g), malondialdehyde (-3.16 nmol/mg), catalase (CAT) (3.35 nmol/mg), superoxide dismutase (SOD, 3.01 U/mg), serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT, -2.85 U/L), aspartate aminotransferase (AST, -0.98 U/L), TG (-4.98 mg/dL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL, -3.94 mg/dL), total cholesterol (TC, -3.45 mg/dL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL, 1.27 mg/dL), and fasting blood sugar (FBS, -2.54 mg/dL). Ginger administration may reduce many clinical aspects of FLD by several mechanisms, including insulin-sensitive effects, stimulating the expression of antioxidant enzymes, reducing the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), having antidyslipidemic activities, and reducing hepatic fat content. However, future clinical trials are essential to investigate the clinical application of ginger in this area.

Association of lipoprotein(a) with lipid profile and response to statin treatment in hyperlipidaemic patients.

To determine serum levels of lipoprotein(a) in the local population, its relationship with other parameters of lipid profile and statins' response to lipoprotein(a). The cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at the Pak-Emirates Military Hospital and Army Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from March 2018 to March 2019, and comprised of healthy controls in group I, persons with hyperlipidaemia without medications in group II, and diagnosed cases of hyperlipidaemic on statin therapy in group III. The samples were studied using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assasy for lipoprotein(a) estimation, and an automated chemistry analyser for lipid profile estimation. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. Of the 90 subjects with a mean age of 43±5 years, 30(33.3%) were in each of the three groups. Mean body mass index, total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein were significantly different among the groups. Lipoprotein(a) level was not correlated with statins (p>0.05), but had a positive correlation with low-density lipoprotein. Lipoprotein(a) was found to be raised even in the absence of dyslipidaemia, and it was controversially raised with statin therapy. Lipoprotein(a) can very well be regarded as an independent risk factor for all the known complications of hyperlipidaemia.

Cardiometabolic factors and risk of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature is to evaluate the association between cardiometabolic risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia/dyslipidemia, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, lipoprotein(a), and triglycerides) and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Pertinent publications were identified through a systematic search in PubMed and EMBASE databases, without language restrictions. The pooled odds ratios (OR) and standardized mean differences (SMD), with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated using random effects (DerSimonian Laird) models, as appropriate. A set of subgroup analyses and meta-regression analysis models were performed. Twenty-one studies (including 1560 patients with NAION and 2292 controls), examining the association between NAION and cardiometabolic risk factors, were eligible for the systematic review and meta-analysis. Hypertension (pooled OR = 1.50; 95% CI: 1.16-1.94), diabetes mellitus (pooled OR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.33-2.21), and hypercholesterolemia/dyslipidemia (pooled OR = 2.00; 95% CI: 1.53-2.62) were associated with NAION. Among the components of dyslipidemia, higher serum triglycerides were associated with NAION, with a medium effect size (SMD = + 0.58, 95% CI: + 0.12 to + 1.04), whereas synthesis of four studies reporting on HDL and LDL cholesterol did not reveal any significant associations. A significant association between NAION and higher serum lipoprotein(a) levels (pooled OR = 2.88; 95%CI: 1.01-8.21) was also noted. This systematic review and meta-analysis found that NAION was associated with cardiometabolic factors, suggesting that vascular dysfunction may be implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease. Our findings may alert health care providers to try modifying these risk factors for NAION prevention.

The relation between coronary angiographic findings and lipoprotein (a) in patients with chronic stable angina with and without xanthelasma

IntroductionAtherosclerosis develops in many patients in the absence of classical risk factors. The serum level of lipoprotein [Lp (a)] is of utmost importance in such cases. Many patients with elevated serum level of Lp (a) have xanthelasma with elevated total cholesterol and low-density Lp cholesterol levels.AimTo find the relation between the level of Lp (a) and the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with chronic stable angina with and without xanthelasma.Patients and methodsThe study was carried out on 86 patients in the National Heart Institute. The patients were divided into two groups: group A (43 patients), with xanthelasma, and group B (43 patients), without xanthelasma. The patients were subjected to full clinical examination, echocardiographic examination and laboratory investigations, including the level of Lp (a) and coronary angiography.ResultsThe age in patients with xanthelasma was significantly more than in those without xanthelasma but sex difference was not significant. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia were significantly more common in patients with xanthelasma. Creatinine level, total cholesterol level, and low-density lipoprotein level were significantly higher in patients with xanthelasma. Lp (a) level is also significantly increased in patients with xanthelasma. The severity of CAD was significantly increased in patients with xanthelasma, and the level of Lp (a) was an independent predictor for left main disease.ConclusionThere is a significant relation between xanthelasma palpebrarum (as a cutaneous marker of atherosclerosis) and Lp (a), and both of them are independent and causal risk factors for atherosclerotic CAD.

Influence of Nano-Methionine supplementation in drinking water on growth performance, lipid metabolism, and related gene expression in broiler chicken.

The study aimed to determine how Nano-Methionine (Nano-Meth) affected growth, lipid metabolism, and relative gene expression for acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid synthase (FAS), growth hormone receptor (GHR), insulin-like growth factor receptor-1 (IGFR-1), myostatin (MSTN), and cholecystokinin (CCK) genes in broiler chickens. A total of 100 1-day-old broilers were randomly assigned into 2 groups: 1) the control group received drinking water without any supplements, and 2) the Nano-Meth group received 10 ml/l of 5% Nano-Meth starting from 1 day old until 35 days old (the end of the experiment). Nano-Meth improved final body weight, weight gains, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio. Compared to the control group, Nano-Meth significantly lowered the serum levels of triglyceride, cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein in chickens. Nano-Meth significantly increased the serum levels of total protein, albumin, high-density lipoprotein, and glucose more than the control group. Nano-Meth lowered the mRNA gene expression of ACC, FAS, MSTN, and CCK but increased that of GHR and IGFR-1. We concluded that supplementation with Nano-Meth enhances growth performance and decreases lipid accumulation in broiler chickens.

The Effect of Nutrition Education Using MyPlate on Lipid Profiles, Glycemic Indices, and Inflammatory Markers in Diabetic Patients.

As a result of a nutrition transition, chronic diseases, including diabetes, have increased in Iran. Nutrition education is a cost-effective method for modifying diet and controlling diabetes. This study aimed to examine the effect of nutrition education using MyPlate recommendations on glycemic and lipid profiles and inflammatory markers in Iranian adults diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. A 12-week randomized clinical trial was conducted on 44 adults aged 30–50 years from Ahvaz, Iran. The participants were divided into education and control groups. The education participants were taught the MyPlate recommendations. Serum levels of fasting blood sugar (FBS), hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), lipid profiles, and inflammatory markers, including high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α, and adiponectin, were measured at the baseline and the end of the study. The results showed that serum levels of FBS (p = 0.014) and HbA1c (p < 0.001) decreased significantly in the education group at the end of the study. The serum level of low-density lipoprotein in the education group declined significantly at the end of the study (p = 0.043). Furthermore, the serum level of hs-CRP (p = 0.005) declined significantly while the level of adiponectin (p = 0.035) increased in the education group at the end of the study. The evidence of this study showed that nutrition education using MyPlate recommendations is an effective method for controlling diabetes complications. A longitudinal analysis with a larger sample size is recommended to confirm the evidence of this study.Trial RegistrationIranian Registry of Clinical Trials Identifier: IRCT2015031921443N2

Cord Blood Lipid Profile at Delivery and Association with Birth Weight among Term Babies

Background: Abnormal birth weight is a leading risk factor for neonatal morbidity and mortality, abnormal lipid profile levels may be involved. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between cord blood lipid profile levels and neonatal birth weight of babies. Materials and Methods: Two hundred apparently healthy pregnant women attending antenatal clinics a Specialist Hospital in Benin City were recruited into the study. Five (5 mL) milliliters of cord blood was collected from the umbilical vein into plain bottle. The serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were determined using spectrophotometric techniques. The low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was calculated using Friedewald's equation, while anthropometric measurements were done using standard techniques. Data were analyzed using Student's t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: The birth weight (2.34 ± 0.3 versus 3.47 ± 0.4; P &lt; 0.01), head circumference (32.3 ± 1.3 versus 34.4 ± 2.8; P &lt; 0.04), recumbent length (50.2 ± 0.5 versus 54.6 ± 0.2; P &lt; 0.04), and Ponderal Index (2.14 ± 0.5 versus 24.5 ± 0.2; P &lt; 0.02) were significantly lower in babies with small for gestational age (SGA) than appropriate gestational age. The total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol were significantly lower (P &lt; 0.001) in SGA than appropriate for gestational age (AGA) babies. Total cholesterol (r = 0.21; P &lt; 0.004) and triglycerides (r = 0.31; P &lt; 0.001) correlated positively with the weight of babies. Conclusion: AGA babies had significantly higher lipid profile levels compared to SGA babies.

Association between LPA rs6415084 and rs6919346 variants and serum lipoprotein(a) levels amongst apparently healthy individuals

Introduction: Lipoprotein(a) (Lp[a]) synthesised by the liver consists of low-density lipoprotein which contains apoB-100 linked to apolipoprotein(a) (apo[a]) by disulphide bridge. LPA gene codes for highly polymorphic apo(a). The serum Lp(a) levels are highly varied amongst individuals and ethnicities, which could be attributed to the genetic polymorphisms present in LPA gene. Hence, this study aimed to analyse the association between LPA genetic variants, rs6415084 and rs6919346, with serum Lp(a) levels in apparently healthy subjects. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 56 apparently healthy subjects were recruited after obtaining informed consent. Serum Lp(a) levels were measured by immunoturbidimetric assay, and the genotyping of the variants was determined by the real-time polymerase chain reaction. Spearman's correlation test was used to find the association between single-nucleotide polymorphism and serum Lp(a). P < 0.05 is considered statistically significant. Results: The median level of serum Lp(a) amongst the study subjects was found to be 26.75 mg/dL, which is higher in males (35.50 mg/dL) when compared to females (21.85 mg/dL). The analysis of LPA gene variant rs6415084 showed 58.9% of the subjects with computed tomography (CT) genotype, 17.85% with CC and 5.3% with TT genotype. In the case of the rs6919346 variant, 80% of the subjects had CC genotype, 8.9% with CT and 5.3% with TT genotype. Conclusion: Overall, a weak significant association was observed between heterozygous alleles of LPA gene variant rs6415084 with increased serum Lp(a) level.

The Prevalence of Metabolic and Endocrine Disorders Among HIV-infected Patients in a Population From the South of Iran

Background: Since the beginning of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) pandemic, the number of people infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has shown a steady increase. Previous evidence exists regarding the evaluation of endocrine dysfunction in HIV-infected individuals. The present study sought to investigate the prevalence of metabolic and endocrine disorders in HIV-positive patients. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 72 HIV-positive patients supported by the Behavioral Diseases Center of Bandar Abbas, Iran were recruited from April, 2016 to September, 2017. Patients who did not consent to participate were excluded from the study. Several parameters were measured, including serum free T3, free T4, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), free testosterone, cortisol, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour plasma glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, and low- and high-density lipoprotein levels. Finally, data were analyzed using chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests. Results: High serum lipoprotein levels, diabetes, and prediabetes were observed in 28/72 (38.9%), 13/72 (18.1%), and 17/72 (23.6%) patients, respectively. The prevalence of overt hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism, as well as overt hyperthyroidism and subclinical hyperthyroidism was 32.8% (22/67), 9% (6/67), 1.5% (1/67), and 7.5% (5/67), respectively. Primary and secondary gonadal dysfunction were found in 1/47 (2.1%) and 9/47 (19.1%) patients, respectively. Primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency were detected in 8/53 (15.1%) and 1/53 (1.9%) patients, respectively. Diabetes was significantly more frequent among older patients and those with a history of addiction. Conclusions: The results of this study indicated a relatively high frequency of metabolic and endocrine disorders, especially dyslipidemia and hypothyroidism in HIV-positive patients.

Effect of Virgin Coconut Oil from Green Coconut on High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Levels in Blood Serum of White Mice

This study aims to determine the effect of High-Density Lipoprotein (VCO) dose on mice's blood serum High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) levels. This study is an experimental study using 24 mice divided into four groups. Control (-), Control (+) were fed egg yolks 0.025 mL/g body weight, Dose 0.02 and Dose 0.025 were experimental groups, given egg yolks 0.025 mL/g mice body weight and VCO at a dose of 0.020 mL, and 0.025 mL/g body weight of mice. HDL levels were determined on days 7, 14, and 21 by enzymatic method using 20 D* spectrophotometry. The statistical test found that the length of time giving VCO significantly affected blood serum HDL levels in mice with Fcount &gt; Ftable (Fcount = 7.128 and Ftable = 5.14). In contrast, variations in VCO dose did not significantly affect blood serum HDL levels. mice with Fcount &lt; Ftable (Fcount = 3.33 and Ftable = 4.76). The highest HDL level was at a dose of 0.020 mL/g body weight of mice with a treatment period of 14 days, namely 164,033 mg/dL of blood.

Dietary supplementation with biosynthesised nano-selenium affects growth, carcass characteristics, meat quality and blood parameters of broiler chickens

Context Selenium is an essential micronutrient that plays an important role in livestock nutrition. Aims The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of green synthesised nano-selenium (GNS) on growth, carcass characteristics, meat quality and blood indices of broiler chickens when compared with sodium selenite (SS) as inorganic selenium. Methods A total of 360 1-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly divided into four experimental treatments, with six replicates of 15 birds per each. The treatments were as follows: (1) basal diet supplemented with 0.15 mg/kg of SS (control group), and (2–4) basal diet supplemented with 0.075, 0.15 and 0.3 mg/kg of GNS, respectively. Key results The results showed that there was no influence of GNS supplementation on the growth of broiler chickens (P &gt; 0.05). The relative weights of the carcass, breast, leg, pancreas, gizzard, and abdominal fat at 21 and 42 days were not affected by treatment. However, at 42 days, the lowest relative weight of the liver was for birds fed diets containing 0.3 mg/kg GNS. Compared with SS, the meat of birds fed GNS dietary supplements at 0.3 mg/kg had greater water-holding capacity, redness, yellowness and chroma values, and lower meat thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and drip loss values (P &lt; 0.05). Compared with SS, broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with GNS at 0.3 mg/kg had greater amounts of total protein in serum. In this study, no major differences were observed in serum glucose, cholesterol, lipoprotein, thyroid hormone, and liver function levels and biomarkers of kidney function. Conclusions Taken together, the findings from this study indicate that GNS improved the quality of meat relative to SS, but had no effect on growth efficiency, carcass characteristics or broiler blood indices. Implications These results provide a basis for the application of eco-friendly GNS as an alternative of inorganic selenium in a mineral premix in chicken broiler diets.

Facile synthesis of bromelain copper nanoparticles to improve the primordial therapeutic potential of copper against acute myocardial infarction in diabetic rats.

Our current investigation comprises the synthesis and pharmacological impact of bromelain copper nanoparticles (BrCuNP) against diabetes mellitus (DM) and associated ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) - induced myocardial infarction. Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme obtained from Ananas comosus L. Merr., which has blood platelet aggregation inhibiting and arterial thrombolytic potential. Moreover, copper is well-known to facilitate glucose metabolism and strengthen cardiac muscle and antioxidant activity; although, chronic or long-term exposure to high doses of copper may lead to copperiedus. To restrict these potential hazards, we synthesized herbal nano-formulation which convincingly indicated the improved primordial therapeutic potential of copper by reformulating the treatment carrier with bromelain, resulting in facile synthesis of BrCuNP. DM was induced by administration of double cycle repetitive dose of low dose streptozotocin (20 mg/kg, i.p.) in high-fat diet- fed animals. DM and associated myocardial I/R injury were estimated by increased serum levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase myocardial band, cardiac troponin, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 6, and reduced serum level of high-density lipoprotein and nitrite/nitrate concentration. However, treatment with BrCuNP ameliorates various serum biomarkers by approving cardioprotective potential against DM- and I/R-associated injury. Furthermore, upturn of histopathological changes were observed in cardiac tissue of BrCuNP-treated rats in comparison to disease models.

Beta vulgaris L. (Beetroot) Methanolic Extract Prevents Hepatic Steatosis and Liver Damage in T2DM Rats by Hypoglycemic, Insulin-Sensitizing, Antioxidant Effects, and Upregulation of PPARα.

Simple SummaryBeetroot is one of the most consumable plants across the world. Previous studies have shown many health benefits of beetroot, with evidence of having potent hypoglycemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. The data obtained from this study further confirmed this effect in streptozotocin-diabetic animals. They showed the ability of methanolic beetroot extract to prevent the associated hepatic oxidative stress, inflammation, steatosis, and dyslipidaemia. However, the protection mechanisms involve, at least, upregulation of endogenous antioxidants, anti-apoptotic Bcl2, and PPARα.The present study examined if methanolic beetroot extract (BE) could prevent dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis and damage in a type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rat model and studied some mechanisms of action. T2DM was induced in adult male Wistar rats by a low single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) (35 mg/kg, i.p) and a high-fat diet (HFD) feeding for 5 weeks. Control or T2DM rats then continued on standard or HFDs for another 12 weeks and were treated with the vehicle or BE (250 or 500 mg/kg). BE, at both doses, significantly improved liver structure and reduced hepatic lipid accumulation in the livers of T2DM rats. They also reduced body weight gain, serum glucose, insulin levels, serum and hepatic levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids, and serum levels of low-density lipoproteins in T2DM rats. In concomitant, they significantly reduced serum levels of aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, hepatic levels of malondialdehyde, tumor-necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and mRNA of Bax, cleaved caspase-3, and SREBP1/2. However, both doses of BE significantly increased hepatic levels of total glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and mRNA levels of Bcl2 and PPARα in the livers of both the control and T2DM rats. All of these effects were dose-dependent and more profound with doses of 500 mg/kg. In conclusion, chronic feeding of BE to STZ/HFD-induced T2DM in rats prevents hepatic steatosis and liver damage by its hypoglycemic and insulin-sensitizing effects and its ability to upregulate antioxidants and PPARα.

The association between FTO rs9939609 polymorphism and serum lipid profile in adult women

BackgroundFTO gene is considered to play an important role in many metabolic diseases. Evidence from studies indicated the possible association between the FTO rs9939609 polymorphisms with serum lipid profile. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association of FTO rs9939609 polymorphism with lipid profile in Iranian women.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was carried out on 380 adult women. Information about age, height, weight, BMI, physical activity, and dietary intake were collected. The serum levels of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL), High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol were measured. The FTO gene was genotyped for rs9939609 polymorphism. The participants were divided into two groups of TT and AT/AA considering dominant model of FTO rs9939609 polymorphism.ResultsGeneral characteristics of the participants with different FTO genotypes were not significantly different. The lower levels of HDL were observed in AT/AA genotypes compared to the TT wild type genotype of FTO rs9939609 polymorphism (P = 0.004). Adjustments of age, BMI, and physical activity did not change the results.ConclusionsHowever, the significant association between FTO genotype and the HDL level was disappeared after further adjustments for dietary intake. Further studies are warranted to identify the underlying mechanisms of the possible association between FTO gene and serum lipid profile.

STUDY ON LIPOPROTEIN (A) AND APO-LIPOPROTEIN RATIO ASSOCIATED WITH LOW GRADE INFLAMMATION IN CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE

Coronary artery disease is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in India. Lipoprotein (a) is a heterologous type of plasma lipoprotein particle with a neutral lipid core and a protein component composed of Apolipoprotein B subunits that are covalently bound to a unique protein known as Apolipoprotein (a). Lipoprotein (a) acts as a pro-inflammatory mediator and may increase the formation of plaque lesions in atherosclerosis. Elevated serum Lipoprotein (a) levels are associated with an increased risk of coronary artery disease. This study aims to assess the level of lipoprotein (a) and Apo-lipoprotein ratio along with highly sensitive C-reactive protein in Coronary artery disease and Coronary artery disease subjects with diabetes patients. This cross-sectional study was conducted in SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre on Patients appearing the Department of Cardiology and Medicine. The study was conducted on 300 Patients in age group of ≤55years. After an overnight fasting, blood samples were taken for lipid profile and analyzed for Lipoprotein (a), Apo-lipoprotein B, Apo-lipoprotein A1, highly sensitive Creactive protein and Glycated hemoglobin. For Statistical analysis, Analysis of variance and Pearson's correlation was used. Mean levels of Lipoprotein (a), Apo-lipoprotein B, and hs-CRP showed a significant increase in Coronary artery disease and Coronary artery disease subjects with diabetes compared to the control (p

MRI assessment of the abdominal adipose tissue and the state of the abdominal aorta in patients with coronary artery disease: association with metabolic disorders

Aim. To evaluate potential associations between quantitative features of visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue (AT) and anthropometric characteristics of obesity, metabolic disorders, and the state of the abdominal aorta in patients with chronic coronary artery disease (CAD).Materials and methods. The study included 55 patients (average age 61.2 ± 7.2 years) with chronic CAD. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed on a 1.5 T MRI scanner using T2-weighted spin-echo modes. The area and volume of abdominal subcutaneous (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) were calculated at the L4–L5 level; the total volumes of abdominal SAT and VAT were determined. Parameters of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as adipokine profile were studied in the blood serum.Results. In the course of a multiple linear regression analysis, we detected the independent determinants, which described 95% of the total VAT volume variability and were represented by waist circumference (WC) and serum levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and adiponectin. The model was characterized by the significance level p &lt; 0.000001, the residuals of the model were normal. We calculated the coefficients in the model: 1.39 for WC, –0.26 for HDL cholesterol, and –0.19 for adiponectin. We detected a positive correlation between the abdominal aorta (AA) diameter and SAT area at the L4–L5 level (rs = 0.48; p = 0.0014), which does not depend on gender, and reverse correlations between the aorta diameter and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level (rs = –0.40; p = 0.0359) and postprandial glycemia (rs = –0.40; p = 0.0273). The patients with a dilated aorta (group 2), when compared with the patients with a normal aorta diameter (group 1), did not differ in the AT accumulation, but demonstrated decreased levels of HbA1c and postprandial glycemia, which resulted in a smaller number of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Conclusion. We identified independent determinants of an increase in the total volume of abdominal visceral AT, such as an increase in WC and a decrease in serum adiponectin and HDL cholesterol levels. Results of the study indicate the presence of a link between the AA remodeling, accumulation of subcutaneous AT, and impaired glucose metabolism.

A web-based self-management program to improve lifestyle and blood pressure control in patients with primary hypertension: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background Hypertension contributes to the main risk factor of the high incidence of cardiovascular diseases and mortality. Successful control of blood pressure requires behavioral changes; therefore, it is of considerable importance to develop a web-based self-management program that assist patients to tailor their lifestyle and empower them manage their disease. Objective Our primary aims were to evaluate the effects of a web-based self-management program for improving blood pressure and blood lipids control in patients with primary hypertension. Our secondary aims were to evaluate the effects of the web-based self-management program on enhancing patients' lifestyle, medication adherence and self-efficacy. Methods This randomized controlled trial used permuted block randomization design and randomly divided the 222 patients into the intervention group (n=111) and control group (n=111). Patients in the intervention group received the web-based self-management program, and the control group received standard care. Lifestyle and medication adherence were assessed by using the Hypertension Self-Care Activity Level Effects Scale (H-SCALE). Self-efficacy was measured through using the Chinese version of the Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease 6-Item Scale (SES6C). The data of blood pressure and serum lipids were collected through web-based self-report and chart review. We used the generalized estimating equations to evaluate the effects of the intervention. Results There were no statistically significant differences of the baseline demographic characteristics and antihypertensive dosages from both groups. The intervention group received the web-based self-management program and showed a decrease in systolic blood pressures (−19.82 mmHg vs 7.99 mmHg, p&amp;lt;0.001) and diastolic blood pressures at 6 months (−9.17 mmHg vs 0.48 mmHg, p&amp;lt;0.001) compared to the control group. Regarding the H-SCALE scores measured at 6 months, the intervention group achieved a higher Medication Adherence Subscale scores (p&amp;lt;0.001), Diet Subscale scores (p&amp;lt;0.001), and Weight Management Subscale scores (p&amp;lt;0.001) than those of the control group. The intervention group achieved a higher SES6C scores than that of the control group (p&amp;lt;0.001) at 6 months. Finally, the intervention group had significantly lower serum levels of triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins than the control group at 6 months (−11.38 mg/dL vs 16.31 mg/dL, −9.93 mg/dL vs 3.12 mg/dL, respectively, p&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusion The greatest benefit of this program was allowing participants to consult dietary issues with us immediately. Since lifestyles vary among different individuals, we considered the individuality of each participant when providing feedback and involving them in the devising of interventions to increase their confidence in hypertension self-care and ultimately achieve the optimal control of blood pressure and blood lipid levels. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.