Serum Lipid Profile Levels Research Articles

Evaluation of antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic activity of ethanolic extract of Clerodendrum infortunatum Linn. in experimental animals

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most common non-communicable disease of the modern world. The study of plants having antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic activities may give a new approach in the treatment of DM. The study was intended to evaluate the antihyperglycemic and hypolipidemic activity of ethanolic extract of Clerodendrum infortunatum Linn. (EECL) in alloxan-induced diabetic albino rats. Methods: Diabetes was induced in albino rats by administration of alloxan monohydrate (160 mg/kg, intraperitoneal). Rats were divided into six groups of six animals each. First group served as non-diabetic control, second group as diabetic control, third group as standard and was treated with 0.1 mg/kg/day of glibenclamide. Group 4, 5, and 6 received 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight of EECL. Blood samples were analyzed for blood glucose on day 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 and lipid profile on day 28. Results: The EECL showed a significant reduction (p<0.001) in blood glucose level and serum lipid profile levels with 400 mg/kg body weight in alloxan induced diabetic rats as compared with control. Conclusion: It is concluded that EECL is effective in controlling blood glucose levels and in improving lipid profile in diabetic rats.

Serum lipid profile spectrum and delayed cerebral ischemia following subarachnoid hemorrhage: Is there a relation?

Background:Serum lipid abnormalities are known to be important risk factors for vascular disorders. However, their role in delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI), the major cause of morbidity after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) remains unclear. This study was an attempt to evaluate the spectrum of lipid profile changes in SAH compared to matched controls, and their relation with the occurrence of DCI.Methods:Admission serum lipid profile levels were measured in patients of SAH and prospectively studied in relation to various factors and clinical development of DCI.Results:Serum triglyceride (TG) levels were significantly lower among SAH patients compared to matched controls (mean [±standard deviation (SD)] mg/dL: 117.3 [±50.4] vs. 172.8 [±89.1], P = 0.002), probably because of energy consumption due to hypermetabolic response. Patients who developed DCI had significantly higher TG levels compared to those who did not develop DCI (mean [±SD] mg/dL: 142.1 [±56] vs. 111.9 [±54], P = 0.05). DCI was noted in 62% of patients with TG >150 mg/dL, compared to 22% among the rest (P = 0.01). Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and lipoprotein (a) neither showed a significant difference between SAH and controls and nor any significant association with DCI. Multivariate analysis using binary logistic regression adjusting for the effects of age, sex, systemic disease, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade, Fisher grade, and clipping/coiling, revealed higher TG levels to have significant independent association with DCI (P = 0.01).Conclusions:Higher serum TG levels appear to be significantly associated with DCI while other lipid parameters did not show any significant association. This may be due to their association with remnant cholesterol or free fatty acid-induced lipid peroxidation.

Could Low Hdl-Cholesterol Levels Be an Unvalued Predictor of Cancer Risk?: A Retrospective Case Study

Background: The relationship between serum lipid profile levels and cancer risk remained uncertain. Recently, it had been reported a significant inverse association between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and the risk of incident cancer that was independent of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), age or sex. Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the behavior of HDL in cancer patients and in healthy population. Methods: We created a retrospectively search strategy in the laboratory information system (LIS). We filtered and searched those patients with CEA within 5 - 20 ng/ml and any value of HDL and corroborated the presence of cancer (Group 1 (G1)) or not (Group 2 (G2)). Moreover, we searched a control group (patients in outpatient oncology clinic) to observe the values of HDL. Comparisons and statistical logistic regression models were applied to link the levels of this biomarkers and cancer risk. Results: We examined 852 valid patients, median age 62 (50 - 73) years. Within the search strategy group, G2 showed highest levels of HDL (54 (43 - 67) mg/dl) and lowest CEA levels (6.7 (5.7 - 8.4) ng/ml) comparing with G1: HDL (47 (37 - 60) mg/dl) and the CEA (7.9 (6.2 - 10.9) ng/ml); p < 0.001. The values in control group were: the lowest HDL levels (41 (29 - 54) mg/dl) and CEA (25.2 (6.1 - 124.5) ng/ml); p < 0.001, between oncologic patients and the search strategy group. On logistic regression multivariate analysis, we obtained: r²: 0.092; p < 0.001; HDL [OR: 0.983 (0.974 - 0.993), (p = 0.001)] and CEA [OR: 1.115 (1.060 - 1.174), (p < 0.001)] and they were confirmed as independent predictors of cancer. Conclusion: Our findings confirmed the inverse association of HDL levels between healthy * Both authors contributed equally. # Corresponding author.

Synergistic curative effect of chicory extract and cisplatin against thioacetamide-induced hepatocellular carcinoma

Aim: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the dominant form of primary liver cancer and is histologically and etiologically distinct from other forms of primary liver cancer. The objective of this study was to elucidate the synergistic effect and the role of chicory extract [inulin (IN)] as a chemo-sensitizer for cisplatin (CIS) treatment of HCC. Methods: Five groups of rats were treated for 4 months. These groups consisted of the control group, a group receiving thioacetamide (TAA) (200 mg/kg b.w) in drinking water, a group injected intraperitoneally with a single dose of CIS (7.5 mg/kg b.w) in addition to TAA for 4 months, a group receiving oral doses of IN (10 mg/kg b.w) in addition to TAA for 4 months, and a group injected intraperitoneally with a single dose of CIS (7.5 mg/kg b.w) and IN (10 mg/kg b.w) plus TAA for 4 months. Results: The current data exhibited increment of serum and liver enzyme (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase) activity, serum lipid profile levels (total lipids, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, and very low-density lipoprotein), and a significant increase in β-fetoprotein and bilirubin, accompanied with reduced total serum protein and albumin levels in a HCC rat model. Histopathologically, numerous alterations were detected in hepatic tissues of HCC rats, such as lymphocytic cell infiltration, damage of hepatocytes, dilated congested central vein with degenerated endothelial cells, and congested blood sinusoids in addition to Masson's trichrome staining blue collagen fibers in hepatocytes and central vein indicating hepatic fibrosis. Treatment of HCC rats with CIS or IN improved such deleterious effects, where IN is more effective than CIS, and the best effect can be observed in rats that received both CIS and IN. Conclusion: It could be concluded that IN in chicory extract acts as a chemo-sensitizer to CIS for treatment in an HCC rat model.

Evaluation of Role of Serum Lipoprotein and Lipid Profile in Essential Hypertension Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Introduction: Hypertension is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. It doubles the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Elevated serum lipoprotein (a) are associated with an increasing risk of cardiovascular disease in hypertensive patients. Aims and Objectives: To determine levels of serum lipoprotein (a) and lipid profile in hypertensive patients and to correlate the serum lipoprotein (a) levels with lipid parameters. Material and Methods: Lipid profile and serum lipoprotein (a) were estimated in 68 hypertensive patients and compared with 63 age and sex matched healthy controls. Serum lipoprotein (a) was estimated by immunoturbidometric assay and lipid profile by standard biochemical methods. Result: Serum lipoprotein (a) was found to be significantly increased (p<0.001) in hypertensive patients (36.52 ± 9.34 mg/dl) as compared to healthy individuals (17.96 ± 8.42 mg/dl). Total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides were significantly increased (p<0.001) and HDL was significantly decreased (p<0.001) in cases compared to controls. The correlation study between serum lipoprotein (a) and lipid profile in hypertensive cases showed, that only LDLc had a significant positive correlation with lipoprotein (a). Conclusion: Elevated lipoprotein (a) in hypertensive patients can be a independent risk factor for development of cardiovascular disease.

Lipid profile but not highly sensitive C-reactive protein helps distinguish prehypertensives from normal subjects.

Background:Early identification of the prehypertensive state can greatly improve the disease risk management. Although increased levels of highly sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and dyslipidemia is reported among patients with hypertension, the correlation of these parameters among prehypertensives in not known. Hence, the present study was designed to compare the levels of serum hsCRP and lipid profile among prehypertensives and normal subjects and correlate it with blood pressure (BP) levels.Materials and Methods:Anthropometric measurements and BP were recorded in 40 prehypertensive and 40 normal subjects. Subjects were assigned to a group based on their BP as per Joint National Committee 7 criteria. Serum hsCRP and lipid profile were measured and correlated with BP levels.Results:Serum hsCRP showed no significant difference between the two groups. There was no significant correlation of BP with hsCRP in both the groups. Total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were significantly increased in prehypertensives as compared to normal subjects. There was no significant association between BP and lipid parameters in prehypertensives.Conclusions:Significant increase of TC and LDL but not hsCRP was evident among prehypertensives as compared to normal subjects.

Serum Adiponectin Levels and Their Association with Antiretroviral Therapy and Lipid Profile in HIV-Infected Individuals in South India

Objective: Adiponectin is a plasma protein with anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic effects. Low levels of circulating adiponectin have been reported in HIV-infected patients. However, there are no studies in India on adiponectin levels in HIV-infected antiretroviral-treated and treatment-naive subjects. Therefore, we estimated adiponectin levels in HIV-positive individuals and investigated their associations with antiretroviral therapy (ART) and lipid profile. Materials and methods: Consenting HIV-infected and non-infected men and women were recruited from Namakkal district, Tamilnadu, India. A semi structured questionnaire was administered in the local language (Tamil) to all patients which included socio-demographics, and details on ART. Fasting blood samples were collected and anthropometric measurements obtained. Serum adiponectin levels and lipid profile levels were determined. Results: Adiponectin levels were measured in 139 individuals of whom sixty four individuals were on ART, 36 were ART naive, and 39 were HIV-negative subjects. HIV-infected patients had significantly lower adiponectin levels than the HIV-uninfected (p=0.000). HIV-positive patients had a 17.92-fold decrease in adiponectin values when compared to HIV-negative controls. Also, patients on ART had a 21-fold decrease in adiponectin levels when compared to ARTnaive patients. Moreover, patient’s currently or previously receiving stavudine treatment had a 3.8-fold decrease in adiponectin levels when compared to those who had never received stavudine. Regarding lipid profile, high density lipoprotein (HDL) - cholesterol was positively associated with adiponectin (p=0.004) while very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) - cholesterol (p=0.017) and triglycerides (p=0.017) showed a negative association in patients on ART. Adiponectin concentration in patients on ART with dyslipidemia was significantly decreased as compared to those without dyslipidemia (p=0.030). Conclusion: Serum adiponectin levels were lower in this HIV-infected South Indian population as compared to HIVnegative controls. Stavudine seemed to influence adiponectin levels. The significant association between ART-induced hypoadiponectinemia and adverse changes in lipid profile suggests a higher risk of atherosclerosis in this population.

The Impact of Diet Counselling on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: An Indian Case Study

Objective: The main objective of this paper is to investigate the impact of diet counselling on patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Despite a number of approaches to T2DM management being already available, healthcare professionals in India still struggle to achieve health targets without the adjunct therapy of diet coaching or counselling. Research design and methods: The study assessed the impact of counselling using a pre and post-test experimental design on separate case and control groups. The design of the study included the assessment of 150 adult subjects with T2DM and the effect of periodic intensive diet and exercise counselling on anthropometric measurements, plasma glucose, HbA1c, serum lipid profile and blood pressure levels. The subjects were grouped into three cohorts; those who were willing to attend only one session on diet and exercise counselling (Group 1), those who were willing to attend only dietary counselling with periodic follow-up (Group II), and those who were willing to attend both dietary and exercise counselling with periodic follow-up (Group Ill). Results: The results of the investigation showed that Group Ill participants were generally likely to follow dietary principles more carefully, and were more involved with their interactions with the counsellor. Results also indicated that subjects who received periodic, intensive diet counselling did not show symptoms of progression to diabetic complications, and also did not progress to insulin therapy for the management of their disease.. A six-month counselling program clearly indicated that this intervention had a positive effect on the management of non-insulin dependant T2DM.

Combined Potentiating Action of Phytochemical(s) from Cinnamomum tamala and Aloe vera for their Anti-diabetic and Insulinomimetic Effect Using In Vivo Rat and In Vitro NIH/3T3 Cell Culture System

The present investigation was undertaken to analyze the ethanolic extracts of leaves of Cinnamomum tamala and Aloe vera for their anti-diabetic and insulinomimitic effect by determining the levels of blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin, and serum lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL), and low density lipoprotein (LDL)) after daily administration of each alone and in combined at 250 mg/kg in alloxan (ALX)-induced diabetic rats. Treatment of diabetic rats with the extracts restored the elevated biochemical parameters significantly. The anti-diabetic effect further potentiated the insulin signaling pathway by co-administration of both extracts. The molecular mechanisms of modulating gene expression and cellular signaling through the insulin receptor were also evaluated on specific targets of the insulin signaling pathway, including insulin receptor substrate (IRS), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K), AKT, and the glucose transporter (GLUT4) on NIH/3T3 cell line by western blotting, ELISA, semiquantitative RT-PCR, and real-time PCR. The active principle of both extracts revealed insulin mimicking effect as indicated by increased expression of pIRS1 and pAKT in time-dependent manner. There was no significant difference in PI3-K content between unchallenged and challenged groups. Enhanced expression of GLUT-4 transcript further suggested that the Cinnamomum and Aloe phytochemicals could serve as a good adjuvant in the present armamentarium of anti-diabetic drugs by either mimicking or improving insulin action. This study reveals that ethanolic extracts of C. tamala and A. vera have potent therapeutic efficacy and prospect for the development of phytomedicine for diabetes mellitus.

Influence of SLC22A1 rs622342 genetic polymorphism on metformin response in South Indian type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Metformin is an oral antidiabetic drug, commonly used for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. It is transported into the hepatocytes by polyspecific organic cation transporter 1, which is encoded by the gene SLC22A1. It has been hypothesized that genetic variations of SLC22A1 gene will influence inter-individual variation in glucose lowering efficacy of metformin. Previous studies have demonstrated this in other populations with conflicting results, but it remains to be elucidated in Indian population. Henceforth, the objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of SLC22A1 rs622342 gene polymorphism on the clinical efficacy of metformin in South Indian T2DM patients. A total of 122 newly detected, treatment naive T2DM patients of either sex were included in this study. The patients were started on metformin monotherapy and followed up for 12 weeks. Genotype was determined using qRT-PCR. Before and after treatment with metformin, body mass index (BMI), serum lipid profile, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting and postprandial glucose level, and blood pressure (BP) were measured. The study cohort mean age was 49.57 ± 9.88 years. Of the 122 T2DM patients, 93 were classified as responders and 29 as non-responders based on fall in HbA1c levels. Interestingly, carriers of one variant allele 'C' (AC) of rs622342 polymorphism were less among the responders than those who did not (44.8 vs. 22.6 %). The response was even lesser (13.8 vs. 4.3 %) in carriers of two copies of "C" allele (CC). On the contrary, patients with two copies of allele 'A' (AA) had 5.6 times greater chance of responding to metformin treatment. A similar trend was observed when the proportion was analyzed under different genetic models (OR 3.85, 95 % CI 1.61-9.19 for dominant; OR 3.56, 95 % CI 0.83-15.26 for recessive; OR 0.35, 95 % CI 0.14-0.86 for over-dominant; and OR 4.10, 95 % CI 1.78-9.43 for additive). Further, metformin showed significant beneficial effects on BMI, HbA1c, FPG, PPG, lipid parameters and BP. These data suggest that the allele and genotypes of SLC22A1 rs622342 gene polymorphism were associated with the therapeutic efficacy of metformin in South Indian patients with T2DM.

Atorvastatin combined with poly-unsaturated fatty acid confers better improvement of dyslipidemia and endothelium function.

BackgroundAtorvastatin and poly-unsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) are beneficial for lipid-modification, whether atorvastatin plus PUFA could confer better improvement on dyslipidemia and endothelium function is unknown.MethodsDyslipidemia model of 40 rabbits were produced with atherogenic diet, and thereafter saline, atorvastatin, PUFA, or atorvastatin plus PUFA were prescribed for 1 week. Ten rabbits given normal diet served as the sham group. Parameters of interest including lipid profiles, endothelium function (nitric oxide, NO) and activation (solution vascular-cellular adhesion molecule, (sVCAM) and intracellular adhesion molecule, (sICAM)), markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein, CRP) and oxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA) were compared among groups.ResultsThere was no significant difference of parameters among groups at the initial. With 1 week of atherogenic diet administration, serum levels of lipid profiles, sVCAM and sICAM, CRP and MDA were significantly increased, accompanying with profound NO reduction, as compared to the sham group. After 1 week of medical intervention, as compared to the control group (saline administration), dyslipidemia and endothelium function were modestly improved with either atorvastatin or PUFA therapy. Nevertheless, these efficacies were further and significantly enhanced with combined therapy when compared to the control group (p < 0.005), suggesting that there was synergistic effects of atorvastatin and PUFA co-therapy in rabbits with dyslipidemia.ConclusionAtorvastatin plus PUFA therapy could immediately contribute to better improvement of lipid-modification and endothelium function in rabbits with dyslipidemia.

Serum High Sensitivity CRP (HsCRP) in Psoriasis

Introduction: Psoriasis is a common and recurrent proliferative inflammatory skin disease that has been associated with abnormal plasma lipid metabolism and with high frequency of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Dyslipidemia in psoriatic patients make them more prone for CAD. Highly sensitive C reactive protein (HsCRP) is a recent and sensitive marker of the inflammation particularly in atherosclerotic changes. So the levels of hsCRP and lipid profile were evaluated in psoriatic patients. Material and Methods: The study included 35 psoriatic patients and 35 healthy age and sex matched controls. Both the groups were evaluated for serum lipid profile and HsCRP levels. Results: The study showed that there was a significant rise in the levels of hsCRP in patients of psoriasis as compared to the controls (p&lt;0.001) These psoriatic patients were also significantly dyslipidemic as compared to the controls. Conclusion: The study showed that psoriatic patients are more prone for atherosclerotic changes and CAD. Raised hsCRP can be considered as an added risk factor in Psoriatic patients with regard to coronary artery diseases. Special attention thus should be given if diagnosed earlier for lifestyle modification and exercise in these patients to minimize the atherosclerotic changes. Role of antioxidant supplementation needs further studies in patients of psoriasis.

Study of Comparative Effect of Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis on Lipid Profile of Patients of Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) like coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease and heart failure. Strong association is present between renal disease progression & dyslipidemia. The present study was undertaken to study the comparative effect of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis on lipid profile in these patients. 100 diagnosed CKD patients i.e. cases (50 undergoing hemodialysis HD and 50 undergoing peritoneal dialysis PD) were enrolled for the study after institutional ethical committee’s clearance was obtained. In this study, we measured serum levels of lipid profile comprising of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) and atherogenic ratios (LDL-C/HDL-C, TC/HDL-C). In our study, we found that the mean values of TC, LDL-C and atherogenic ratios (LDL-C/HDL-C, TC/HDL-C) were significantly higher and HDL-C was significantly lower in cases of peritoneal dialysis group as compared to cases of hemodialysis group. Out of both dialysis modalities, peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients develop a somewhat different and probably more atherogenic lipoprotein profile than do hemodialysis (HD) patients. So, among patients with cardiovascular disease, the risk for death was higher in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients than in hemodialysis (HD) patients.

Dietary high-fat lard intake induces thyroid dysfunction and abnormal morphology in rats.

Excess dietary fat intake can induce lipotoxicity in non-adipose tissues. The aim of this study was to observe the effects of dietary high-fat lard intake on thyroid in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a high-fat lard diet for 24 weeks, and then the rats were fed a normal control diet (acute dietary modification) or the high-fat lard diet for another 6 weeks. The serum lipid profile, total thyroxine (TT4), free thyroxine (FT4) and thyrotropin (TSH) levels were determined at the 12, 18, 24 and 30 weeks. High-frequency ultrasound scanning of the thyroid glands was performed at the 24 or 30 weeks. After the rats were sacrificed, the thyroid glands were collected for histological and immunohistochemical analyses. The high-fat lard diet significantly increased triglyceride levels in both the serum and thyroid, and decreased serum TT4 and FT4 levels in parallel with elevated serum TSH levels. Ultrasonic imaging revealed enlarged thyroid glands with lowered echotexture and relatively heterogeneous features in the high-fat lard fed rats. The thyroid glands from the high-fat lard fed rats exhibited enlarged follicle cavities and flattened follicular epithelial cells under light microscopy, and dilated endoplasmic reticulum cisternae, twisted nuclei, fewer microvilli and secretory vesicles under transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, the thyroid glands from the high-fat lard fed rats showed markedly low levels of thyroid hormone synthesis-related proteins TTF-1 and NIS. Acute dietary modification by withdrawal of the high-fat lard diet for 6 weeks failed to ameliorate the high-fat lard diet-induced thyroid changes. Dietary high-fat lard intake induces significant thyroid dysfunction and abnormal morphology in rats, which can not be corrected by short-term dietary modification.

Increased Hs-CRP/adiponectin ratio is associated with increase carotid intima-media thickness.

BackgroundHigh sensitivity C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) and adiponectin (APN) are two critical cytokines and exert inverse effects on atherosclerosis initiation and progression. The purpose of our study was to investigate the value of Hs-CRP and ANP ratio (Hs-CRP/APN ratio) on evaluating atherosclerosis progression.MethodOne hundred sixty consecutive participants underwent carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) measured by ultrasound were enrolled and drawn fasting blood samples for plasma levels Hs-CRP and APN, serum levels of lipid profiles and fasting blood glucose evaluation. Other anthropometrics and clinical status were collected by questionnaire. All participants were divided into 4 groups according to the baseline Hs-CRP/APN ratio and underwent CIMT measurement every 6 months. CIMT increment and composite cardiovascular endpoints were compared after 24 months’ follow-up.ResultsAt baseline, body mass index (BMI), smoking, diabetic mellitus, usage of statins, Hs-CRP and APN independently correlated with Hs-CRP/APN ratio as analyzed by spearman rank correlation. Smoking, serum level of LDL-C, plasma level of Hs-CRP and Hs-CRP/APN ratio were positively correlated with CIMT while usage of statins and plasma level of APN were negatively correlated with CIMT as analyzed by multiple linear regression analysis. After 24 months’ follow-up, the progression of CIMT was the most prominent in the fourth quartile of baseline Hs-CRP/APN ratio. In addition, the incidence of composite cardiovascular endpoint was also higher in the fourth quartile as compared to the other 3 lower quartiles.ConclusionHs-CRP/APN ratio was a useful predictor to discriminate subjects who were at increased risk of atherosclerosis progression.

Augmented plasma adiponectin after prolonged fasting during ramadan in men.

Intermittent fasting during Ramadan entails major changes in metabolism and energy expenditure. This study sought to determine effect of the Ramadan fasting on serum levels of adiponectin and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) as two inter-related peptides involved in cells sensitivity to insulin and glucose metabolism. Total of seventy healthy men, with age range equal or greater than 30, with at least three type2 diabetes mellitus (DM) risk factors were selected. Serum lipid profile, anthropometric indices and plasma glucose levels were determined using conventional methods. Also, serum adiponectin and TNF- α concentra-tions were assessed using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay. Data were analyzed by paired t-test. Ramadan fasting resulted in a significant increase of serum adiponectin (P< 0.000), fasting glucose (P< 0.000) and triglycride (P< 0.001). Body mass index was lowered during the fasting (P< 0.000). Finally, no remarkable decrease was found in serum TNF-α levels (P= 0.100). Ramadan fasting resulted in augmented adipo-nectin levels which may help in improving metabolic stress induced by insulin resistance in men with predisposing factors of type2 DM.

Antiretroviral treatment associated hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia among HIV infected patients at Burayu Health Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional comparative study.

BackgroundThe effects of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on glucose and lipid metabolism among sub-Saharan Africans, for whom access to antiretroviral therapy is expanding, remain largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess antiretroviral treatment associated hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia among HIV infected patients at Burayu health center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional comparative study was conducted among HIV infected adults at Burayu Health Center, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from September, 2011 to May, 2012. Equal number of HAART naïve and HAART initiated patients (n = 126 each) were included in the study. Demographic data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire. Total cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and glucose were determined. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 software.ResultOf 252 study participants, 72.2% were females; mean age was 35.3 years; mean Body Mass Index (BMI) was 21.4(kg/m2); mean time living with the virus was 20.6 months and 15.5% were TB-HIV co-infected. The prevalence of hyperglycemia, increased LDL-C hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and decreased HDL-C were 7.9%, 23%, 42.1%, 46.8% and 50.8% in HAART and 5.6%, 7.1%, 11.1%, 31% and 73% in non-HAART groups, respectively. First line antiretrovirals were drugs containing 2 nucleoside backbones (from Zidovudine/Stavudine/Lamivudine/Tenofovir) with either Nevirapine or Efavirenz. There was statistically significant increase in serum lipid profile levels among HAART initiated patients than HAART naïve individuals (p =0.01 for TG and <0.001 for others).ConclusionFirst-line HAART is associated with potentially atherogenic lipid profile levels in patients with HIV infection compared to untreated patients. This indicates glucose and lipid profile levels need to be monitored regularly in HIV infected patients taking antiretroviral treatment.

Effect of systemic ghrelin administration on experimental myocardial infarction induced by isoproterenol in rats

Objective: Is to investigate the possible effects of ghrelin administration on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction (MI) in albino rats of local strain. Methods: 30 adult male albino rats were divided into 3 groups, each consisted of 10 rats. Group I: received saline as a control group. Group II: ISO injected subcutaneously to rats (100 mg/kg) at an interval of 24 h for 2 days. Group III: rats were pretreated with ghrelin (150 μg/kg, s.c.) for 15 days and at the 14th and 15th days received ISO as in group II. Levels of serum cardiac enzymes (CK, CK-MB fraction and LDH), lipid profiles and plasma TNF-α and IL-6 were evaluated. Specimens from heart were obtained to measure the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, lipid peroxidation products (MDA,GSH)and endogenous antioxidants enzymes activities (CAT,SOD,PON1). Results: ISO- treated rats showed significant increase in the activities of serum cardiac enzymes, plasma and cardiac tissues TNF-α and IL-6, as well as in heart tissues level of MDA and GSH and in serum cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL .On the other hand there are significant decrease in tissues SOD and PON1 enzyme activities and serum HDL-cholesterol when these results were compared to control rats. Pretreatment with ghrelin significantly attenuated these changes as compared to ISO treated rats (group I). Conclusions: This finding demonstrated that ghrelin may be considered as promising new therapies for MI.

Abdominal Obesity Associated with Elevated Serum Butyrylcholinesterase Activity, Insulin Resistance and Reduced High Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol Levels.

Abdominal obesity (AO) has a strong correlation with cardiovascular disease and has been linked to Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes. We investigated the association between AO and elevated serum butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity, insulin resistance and the serum lipid profile, including triglyceride (TG), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in AO and non-AO women subjects. A total of 500 AO subjects (age 49.1±10.5years), and 142 non-AO women subjects (age 49.9±11.9years) were enrolled for the general biochemistry tests, serum BChE, fasting insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Body mass index, waist circumference, Blood pressure (BP), plasma glucose (Glu), triglyceride (TG), BChE, insulin, HOMA-IR were significantly higher and HDL-C levels were significantly lower in AO subjects (p<0.05). Waist circumference was significantly correlated with BP, Glu, TG, BChE, insulin and HOMA-IR in AO subjects. Multiple logistic regression demonstrated that AO was associated with elevated BChE, HOMA-IR, hypertension and reduced HDL-C after adjusting for these variables. AO is associated with elevated BChE, insulin resistance, HT and reduced HDL-C. These may predict the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and may be associated with cognitive disorder in the future, both are mediated through insulin resistance.

Serum Apolipoprotein A-I, Apolipoprotein B and Apo B/Apo A-I ratio as cardiovascular risk indicators in patients of Chronic Renal Failure

To study the levels of serum lipid profile, serum Apolipoprotein A-I and Apolipoprotein B in patients of Chronic Renal failure and to find out the Apo B/Apo A-I ratio as cardiovascular risk indicator in patients of Chronic Renal Failure. Material and Methods: 45 patients of Chronic Renal failure & 45 healthy controls were studied. Blood samples were analyzed for serum Apolipoprotein A-I and B by Turbidimetric Immunoassay method on automated chemistry analyzer. Unpaired t-test was used to assess the significant difference in the means of the studied variables in the different groups. Results: The mean level of serum apolipoprotein A-I was found to be lower (101.5 ± 13.6 and 130.7 ± 14.2, p <0.0001) and serum apolipoprotein B was higher (126.7 ± 16.6 and 102.9 ± 16.4, p <0.0001) in patients of Chronic Renal Failure when compared with the control group. The mean Apo B/Apo A-I ratio was higher in 82% patients of Chronic Renal Failure compared with the control group (1.27 ± 0.26 and 0.80 ± 0.17, p <0.0001), with normal total cholesterol level in 67% patients and normal LDL level in 64% patients with CRF a nd moderately correlates with S. creatinine levels. Conclusion: Apo B/ Apo A-I ratio is high in patients of Chronic Renal failure and could be an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis and could contribute towards increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in patients of Chronic Renal failure.