Serum Lipoprotein Concentrations Research Articles

HMGCR and ApoE mutations may cause different responses to lipid lowering statin therapy.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) and its complications are the major causes of death in the world. Although statins have been used to lower lipid levels in CAD patients, this goal can not be attained in 1/3 of the patients. The objective of this study was to investigate whether common variations in HMG-CoA Reductase(HMGCR) and Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genes involved in lipid and statin metabolism modify the effect of statins on serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in CAD patients.A hundred CAD patients were enrolled into the study. At the beginning of the study biochemical measurements were performed to determine the baseline levels performed. Patients were treated with 40 mg atorvastatin for 2 months and biochemical measurements were repeated. According to the post-treatment, LDL-c levels, patients were divided into 2 groups as non-responders and responders, respectively. The information regarding the risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption etc. were also obtained. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood. The presence of rs17244841 ve rs17238540 mutations in HMGCR and ε2, ε3 and ε4 variants of ApoE were determined by using RT-PCR. Results were evaluated statistically. HMGCR mutatations were mostly found in responders and ε4 variant of ApoE was mostly found in non-responders. It was also found that presence of HMGCR mutations causes a significant reduction in total cholesterol and LDL-c levels. Also presence of ε2 variant of ApoE causes a statistically significant increase in trigliseride levels. Our findings should be investigated with other researchers to clarify the mechanism.

Antihyperlidemic Effects of Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) Pericarp Ethanolic Extract In High-Carbohydrate Wistar Rats

Garcinia mangostana L.has been used as an antioxidant to inhibit oxidation of low density lipoproteins and as an antiobesity agent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a Mangosteen (G. mangostana L.) Pericarp Ethanolic Extract (MPEE) on lipid profile in rats fed with high-fat diet.The experimental study was conducted in male Wistar rats for 4 weeks and 9 weeks, with rats divided into 5 treatment groups which were normal (standard diet), control (high-fat diet), dose 1 (high-fat diet, MPEE 200 mg/kg b.w.), dose 2 (high-fat diet, MPEE 500 mg/kg b.w.), and orlistat (high-fat diet, orlistat 21.6 mg/kg b.w.) groups. The serum concentration of cholesterol High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides of all the animals in each group were determined after the 4 weeks and 9 weeks of treatment. Intrygliceride level, MPEE at the dose of 500 mg/kgbw was more active than the dose of 200mg/kg. The rats treated with MPEE significantly decreased the LDL level in the 9 weeks at the dose of 200 mg/kg bw and 500 mg/kg bw. However, the HDL level amongthe all groups showed no significant difference.Mangosteen Pericarp Ethanolic Extract (MPEE) has potential as anti-obesity drugs by lowering the tryglyceride and LDL level in high-fat Wistar rats.

Usefulness of Lipoprotein(a) for Predicting Clinical Outcomes After Endovascular Therapy for Aortoiliac Atherosclerotic Lesions

Purpose: To evaluate the usefulness of serum lipoprotein(a) as a biomarker of clinical outcomes after endovascular therapy (EVT) for atherosclerotic aortoiliac lesions. Methods: Serum lipoprotein(a) concentrations were measured at admission in 189 consecutive patients (median age 72 years; 160 men) with peripheral artery disease who underwent EVT for aortoiliac occlusive disease. The patients were dichotomized into 2 groups based on serum lipoprotein(a) levels ≤40 mg/dL (LOW; n=135) or >40 mg/dL (HIGH; n=54). After EVT, the incidences of major adverse limb events (MALE) were analyzed. Predictors of MALE were sought with a Cox proportional hazards analysis; results are presented as the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval. Results: At the median follow-up of 33 months (interquartile range 11, 54), MALE occurred in 44 (23.3%) patients. The MALE-free survival estimate was significantly lower in patients in the HIGH group (55.6% vs 85.2%, p<0.001). Independent predictors of MALE after EVT were hemodialysis (HR 2.23, 95% CI 1.04 to 4.78, p=0.039) and high lipoprotein(a) levels (HR 2.80, 95% CI 1.44 to 5.45, p=0.003). Conclusion: High lipoprotein(a) levels were associated with a higher incidence of MALE after EVT for patients with aortoiliac lesions.

Serum lipoprotein(a) concentrations amongst the native ethnic communities in Malaysia

Serum lipoprotein(a) concentrations amongst the native ethnic communities in Malaysia

Elevated serum lipoprotein(A) concentrations in different sub-groups of clinical familial hypercholesterolaemia and their unaffected family members

Elevated serum lipoprotein(A) concentrations in different sub-groups of clinical familial hypercholesterolaemia and their unaffected family members

Birth by cesarean section in relation to adult offspring overweight and biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk.

Birth by Cesarean section (C-section) may increase the risk for non-communicable diseases. We aimed to examine the relation of birth by C-section with offspring overweight and markers of cardiometabolic risk in a prospective observational cohort with 20 years of follow-up. The Danish Fetal Origins Cohort enrolled 965 pregnant women in 1988-1989. In 2008, a follow-up study of the offspring was completed. The offspring were invited to participate in a clinical examination with measurements of anthropometry and a fasting blood sample (n=443). In addition, 252 offspring completed a self-administered questionnaire with questions on height and weight, leaving us with a study sample of 695 offspring. Offspring overweight at 20 years was defined as body mass index (BMI)⩾25 kg m-2. We also analyzed blood pressure and fasting blood samples for cardiometabolic risk factors including insulin, leptin and adiponectin, and lipid concentrations. In the cohort, 7% were born by C-section, and at age 20 years, 18% of the offspring had a BMI ⩾25 kg m-2. Birth by C-section was associated with increased odds of overweight or obesity at 20 years (Odds ratio=2.17 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10, 4.27)) after adjustment for potential confounders. Birth by C-section was also associated with higher serum concentrations of total cholesterol (8.5%, 95% CI: 1.1-16.5), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (12.6%, 95% CI: 1.0, 25.5), leptin (73.1%, 95% CI: 5.9, 183.1) and Apolipoprotein B (0.08 g l-1, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.15). In contrast, birth by C-section was not related to blood pressure or serum concentrations of insulin, adiponectin, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein or Apolipoprotein A. Birth by C-section was associated with higher frequency of dysmetabolic traits in offspring independently of shared risk factors. Further research aimed at replicating these findings and elucidating the underlying biological mechanisms of this relation is needed.

Effects of Palm Oil Consumption on Lipid Profile among Rural Ivorian Youth

As palm oil has been qualified as atherogen, we have studied the impact of its consumption on changes of lipid and lipoprotein profiles of young Ivorian healthy subjects living in rural areas. It is a descriptive cross-sectional analytical study of about 120 Ivorian subjects aged 18 to 30 years, including 65 regular consumers of palm oil and 55 subjects consuming that oil periodically as control subjects. Serum concentrations of triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL cholesterols and lipoprotein (a) were measured by enzyme conventional methods. The TC serum varied not significantly in both subjects’ groups as the triglycerides and HDL-C did. In addition, 58.46% of palm oil consumers had hypoLDLemia. The serum concentration of lipoprotein (a) was not significantly elevated (p&gt; 0.05) with consumers compared to controls: 33.85% versus 29.09%, p = 0.55. The percentage of subjects with normal serum concentrations is higher in all the studied parameters, with both that is the consumers and the controls, except LDL cholesterol, of which the percentage of subjects with a lower value is the highest (58.46% for consumers and 52.73% for controls). This study has shown that the consumption of palm oil did not alter the lipid and lipoprotein profile of the consumer, on the contrary, this consumption revealed a decrease in cholesterol levels with these subjects.

Variations in Serum Free Thyroxine Concentration Within the Reference Range Predicts the Incidence of Metabolic Syndrome in Non-Obese Adults: A Cohort Study.

The association of changes in thyroid hormone values over time with the incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) has not yet been evaluated. For the first time, this study assessed the effect of thyroid hormone variations in the subclinical and euthyroid range on the incidence of MetS and its components over a 10-year follow-up in an adult population. Data were analyzed from the prospective population-based Tehran Thyroid Study. Of 5786 randomly selected subjects aged ≥20 years, after excluding subjects with MetS (n = 1403), those with serum thyrotropin (TSH) >10 or <0.1 mIU/L (n = 104), those taking thyroid drugs (n = 85) or corticosteroids (n = 97), those with a body mass index (BMI) <18.5 kg/m2, those with a glomerular filtration rate <30, and those with a history of cancer (12), data for 2393 subjects were analyzed. Body weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure were measured, and serum concentrations of lipids and lipoproteins, fasting blood glucose, insulin, free thyroxine (fT4), and TSH were assayed at baseline and during three follow-up studies at three-year intervals. MetS was determined using definition of the Joint Interim Statement, adjusted for the Iranian population. An increase in fT4 values overtime was associated with lower odds of abdominal obesity (odds ratio [OR] = 0.49 [confidence interval (CI) 0.35-0.69]) and hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 0.57 [CI 0.41-0.78]), and with higher odds of hypertension (OR = 1.35 [CI 1.05-1.74]), adjusted for age, sex, smoking, BMI, and Homeostasis Model Assessment Index for Insulin Resistance. fT4 was associated with lower odds of MetS in the crude model, and after adjustment for age, sex, and smoking (OR = 0.59 [CI 0.39-0.9]). This association lost its significance after further adjusting for BMI. In a subgroup analysis of obese (i.e. BMI ≥30 kg/m2) and non-obese (i.e., BMI <30 kg/m2) subjects, fT4 was a significant predictor of MetS only in non-obese subjects after adjusting for age, sex, and smoking (β = 0.49 [CI 0.29-0.83], p = 0.007) and also after further adjustment for Homeostasis Model Assessment Index for Insulin Resistance (β = 0.57 [CI 0.34-0.96], p = 0.03). Serum TSH variations over time were not associated with any of the MetS components or with odds of MetS. A decrease in serum fT4 values is associated with an increased risk for MetS, especially in non-obese adults.

HDL cholesterol efflux capacity in rheumatoid arthritis patients: contributing factors and relationship with subclinical atherosclerosis

BackgroundLipid profiles appear to be altered in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients because of disease activity and inflammation. Cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC), which is the ability of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to accept cholesterol from macrophages, has been linked not only to cardiovascular events in the general population but also to being impaired in patients with RA. The aim of this study was to establish whether CEC is related to subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in patients with RA.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study that encompassed 401 individuals, including 178 patients with RA and 223 sex-matched control subjects. CEC, using an in vitro assay, lipoprotein serum concentrations, and standard lipid profile, was assessed in patients and control subjects. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and carotid plaques were assessed in patients with RA. A multivariable analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship of CEC with RA-related data, lipid profile, and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis.ResultsMean (SD) CEC was not significantly different between patients with RA (18.9 ± 9.0%) and control subjects (16.9 ± 10.4%) (p = 0.11). Patients with RA with low (β coefficient −5.2 [−10.0 to 0.3]%, p = 0.039) and moderate disease activity (β coefficient −4.6 [−8.5 to 0.7]%, p = 0.020) were associated with lower levels of CEC than patients in remission. Although no association with CIMT was found, higher CEC was independently associated with a lower risk for the presence of carotid plaque in patients with RA (odds ratio 0.94 [95% CI 0.89–0.98], p = 0.015).ConclusionsCEC is independently associated with carotid plaque in patients with RA.

Effects of Rapamycin on Clinical Manifestations and Blood Lipid Parameters in Different Preeclampsia-like Mouse Models.

Background:The pathogenesis of some types of preeclampsia is related to fatty acid oxidation disorders. Rapamycin can regulate fatty acid metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the effects of rapamycin on the clinical manifestations and blood lipid parameters in different preeclampsia-like mouse models.Methods:Two preeclampsia-like mouse models and a control group were established: L-NA (injected with Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester), LPS (injected with lipopolysaccharide), and the control group with normal saline (NS). The mouse models were established at preimplantation (PI), early- and late-pregnancy (EP, LP) according to the time of pregnancy. The administration of rapamycin (RA; L-NA+RA, LPS+RA, and NS+RA) or vehicle as controls (C; L-NA+C, LPS+C, NS+C) were followed on the 2nd day after the mouse models’ establishment. Each subgroup consisted of eight pregnant mice. The mean arterial pressure (MAP), 24-h urinary protein, blood lipid, fetus, and placental weight were measured. The histopathological changes and lipid deposition of the liver and placenta were observed. Student's t-test was used for comparing two groups. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used for blood pressure analysis. Qualitative data were compared by Chi-square test.Results:The MAP and 24-h urinary protein in the PI, EP, and LP subgroups of the L-NA+C and LPS+C groups were significantly higher compared with the respective variables in the NS+C group (P < 0.05). The preeclampsia-like mouse models were established successfully. There was no significant difference in the MAP between the PI, EP, and LP subgroups of the L-NA+RA and L-NA+C groups and the LPS+RA and LPS+C groups. The 24-h urine protein levels in the PI and EP subgroups of the L-NA+RA group were significantly lower compared with the respective levels in the L-NA+C groups (1037 ± 63 vs. 2127 ± 593 μg; 976 ± 42 vs. 1238 ± 72 μg; both P < 0.05), also this effect appeared similar in the PI and EP subgroups of the LPS+RA and LPS+C groups (1022 ± 246 vs. 2141 ± 432 μg; 951 ± 41 vs. 1308 ± 30 μg; both P < 0.05). The levels of serum-free fatty acid (FFA) in the PI and EP subgroups of the L-NA+RA groups were significantly lower compared with the respective levels in the L-NA+C group (2.49 ± 0.44 vs. 3.30 ± 0.18 mEq/L; 2.23 ± 0.29 vs. 2.84 ± 0.14 mEq/L; both P < 0.05). The levels of triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol in the PI subgroup of the L-NA+RA group were significantly lower compared with the respective levels in the L-NA+C (1.51 ± 0.16 vs. 2.41 ± 0.37 mmol/L; 2.11 ± 0.17 vs. 2.47 ± 0.26 mmol/L; both P < 0.05), whereas high-density lipoprotein serum concentration was significantly higher (1.22 ± 0.19 vs. 0.87 ± 0.15 mmol/L; P < 0.05) and low-density lipoprotein serum concentration did not exhibit a significant difference. There were no significant differences in the FFA of the PI, EP, and LP subgroups between the LPS+RA and the LPS+C groups. The levels of TG in the PI subgroup of the LPS+RA group were significantly lower compared with the respective levels in the LPS+C group (0.97 ± 0.05 vs. 1.22 ± 0.08 mmol/L; P < 0.05).Conclusion:Rapamycin can improve clinical manifestations and blood lipid profile in part of the preeclampsia-like mouse models.

One-year daily consumption of buttermilk drink containing lutein-enriched egg-yolks does not affect endothelial function in fasting and postprandial state

Previous results have shown that one-year daily consumption of a lutein-enriched egg yolk containing dairy drink did not significantly affect fasting serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations in adults with early signs of macular degeneration. The current study further substantiates these findings with parameters reflecting endothelial function. Additionally, we extend our observations from the fasting to the postprandial situation. Subjects participated in a 1-y randomized placebo-controlled dietary intervention trial. 52 subjects were included in the active (Egg) group and 49 in the control (Con) group. Changes in postprandial biochemistry (triacylglycerol (TAG), glucose and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA)) following a mixed meal and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) analyses were evaluated at the start and after one year intervention. Postprandial glycemic and lipemic responses before the intervention as well as the differences in postprandial responses after one-year intervention were comparable between the Egg and the Con group. Fasting FMD was comparable between the groups before the intervention started and at the end of intervention. Additionally, the change in FMD following a mixed meal was comparable between the groups. To conclude, one-year consumption of a lutein-enriched egg yolk incorporated in a dairy drink has no effect on postprandial lipid and glucose metabolism or endothelial function.

Plasma trans-Fatty Acid Concentrations Continue to Be Associated with Serum Lipid and Lipoprotein Concentrations among US Adults after Reductions in trans-Fatty Acid Intake

Background: High intakes of trans-fatty acids (TFAs), especially industrially produced TFAs, can lead to unfavorable lipid and lipoprotein concentrations and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. It is unknown how this relation might change in a population after significant reductions in TFA intake.Objective: This study, which used a new analytical method for measuring plasma TFA concentrations, clarified the association between plasma TFA and serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations before and after the US FDA enacted TFA food-labeling regulations in 2006.Methods: Data were selected from the NHANES of 1999-2000 and 2009-2010. Findings on 1383 and 2155 adults, respectively, aged ≥20 y, were evaluated. Multivariable linear regressions were used to examine the associations between plasma TFA concentration and lipid and lipoprotein concentrations. The outcome measures were serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides and the ratio of TC to HDL cholesterol.Results: The median plasma TFA concentration decreased from 80.6 μmol/L in 1999-2000 to 37.0 μmol/L in 2009-2010. Plasma TFA concentration continued to be associated with serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations after significant reductions in TFA intake in the population. For example, by comparing the lowest with the highest quintiles of TFA concentration in 1999-2000, adjusted mean (95% CI) LDL-cholesterol concentrations increased from 118 mg/dL (112, 123 mg/dL) to 135 mg/dL (130, 141 mg/dL) (P-trend < 0.001). The corresponding values for 2009-2010 were 102 mg/dL (97.4, 107 mg/dL) and 129 mg/dL (125, 133 mg/dL) for LDL cholesterol (P-trend < 0.001). Differences between the highest and lowest quintiles were consistent across age groups, sexes, races/ethnicities, and other covariates.Conclusions: Despite a 54% reduction in plasma TFA concentrations in US adults from 1999-2000 to 2009-2010, concentrations remained significantly associated with serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations. There does not appear to be a threshold under which the association between plasma TFA concentration and lipid profiles might become undetectable.

Influence of lipoproteins at dry-off on metabolism of dairy cows during transition period and on postpartum reproductive outcomes

High-yielding dairy cows are metabolically challenged during transition, when intense mobilization and hepatic oxidation of lipids is achieved, thus leading to fatty infiltration, ketosis and generalized inflammation. The condition is associated to periparturient diseases and poor fertility. The aim of this study was to assess whether serum lipoprotein concentrations in the dry period could influence the occurrence of postpartum diseases and reproductive performance in dairy cows. The study was carried out on 30 multiparous Holstein Friesian cows. Blood samples were collected at dry-off (−60 days), 30 days after dry-off and within 12 h after parturition for biochemical and serum lipoprotein assays. From 10 to 60 days after parturition milk was collected twice weekly after feeding, for milk whey progesterone assay. The Optimal Cutpoint package identified a threshold of 89% for serum High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) concentration at the beginning of the dry period with 95% of confidence interval. Cows with serum HDL greater than 89% (High group, n = 10) showed better reproductive performance when compared to those with low values (Low group, n = 18). The odds ratio for reproductive disorders in High group was 0.6875, however, differences were not significant probably due to both the reduced number of animals per group and overall low incidence of postpartum reproductive disease. First postpartum luteal activity occurred around day 23, while the second one between days 40 and 48. The average calving to first AI interval was 64.00 ± 3.95 days and 94.50 ± 12.32 days in High and Low group, respectively (P < 0.05). The calving-conception interval was 129.86 ± 24.42 days and 199.18 ± 24.73 days in High and Low groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Low group displayed an increase in liver markers, that is total bilirubin, with 0.46 ± 0.09 mg/dL and 0.23 ± 0.08 mg/dL, in Low and High group respectively (P < 0.05), and NEFA/cholesterol ratio, with 0.30 ± 0.06 and 0.14 ± 0.03, in Low and High groups, respectively (P < 0.05), at parturition. Concentrations of HDL >89% at dry-off could be suggestive of improved liver adaptation to the transition, and probably of enhanced fertility in High group.

Danzhi Qing'e (DZQE) activates AMPK pathway and regulates lipid metabolism in a rat model of perimenopausal hyperlipidaemia.

What is the central question of this study? Does Danzhi Qing'e (DZQE) regulate lipid metabolism and improve ovarian function in a rat model of perimenopausal hyperlipidaemia, and could this effect be mediated through the AMPK pathway? What is the main finding and its importance? We revealed that DZQE is a pharmacotherapy that could activate the AMPK pathway to improve ovarian function and lipid metabolism during perimenopause complicated with hyperlipidaemia syndrome in an animal model. Thus, this study provides a novel therapeutic option for treating perimenopausal syndrome and highlights the therapeutic potential of DZQE in perimenopausal rats. Menopause is an important event in a woman's life. During perimenopause, accompanied by development of osteoporosis and dyslipidaemia, ovarian function gradually declines. Dyslipidaemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disorders, cerebrovascular disease and breast cancer in postmenopausal women. All of these contribute to impairment of liver function, particularly fatty liver disease, because liver dysfunction is associated with ovarian dysfunction and hyperlipidaemia. The aim of this study was to define a therapeutic approach to improve ovarian function and attenuate lipid accumulation in order to prevent perimenopause-induced ovarian dysfunction and hyperlipidaemia. Four-week-old female Wistar rats were injected i.p. with 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (4-VCD) and fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) to serve as a model of perimenopause complicated with hyperlipidaemia. The 4-VCD induces perimenopause, while the HFD causes hyperlipidaemia. Five days after administration of 4-VCD, the 4-VCD + HFD-treated rats were assessed daily for oestrous cycle stage by vaginal cytology. Rats were then assigned into groups, in which 2.5, 5.0 or 10.0gkg-1 Danzhi Qing'e (DZQE) or estradiol valerate was administered intragastrically for 8weeks. Expression levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), oestrogen and testosterone measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay served as biomarkers for perimenopause and ovarian dysfunction. The expression levels of AMPK and acetyl-CoA carboxylase in the liver were determined with Western blotting, and aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were analysed using an automated biochemical analyser to examine liver function. The DZQE improved ovarian function by upregulating oestrogen and testosterone concentrations in serum and downregulating FSH and LH serum concentrations. Moreover, DZQE reduced serum concentrations of triglyceride, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein in a dose-dependent manner to regulate lipid levels during perimenopause. Furthermore, DZQE increased AMPK at both the transcriptional and translational levels and decreased the expression of SREBP-1c gene as well as its downstream target gene, fatty acid synthase. Danzhi Qing'e improved dyslipidaemia during menopause and also had an effect on liver function. Danzhi Qing'e is an effective Chinese herbal compound, which improves ovarian function and lipid metabolism in perimenopause complicated with hyperlipidaemia at least in part through the AMPK pathway.

Is High Serum LDL/HDL Cholesterol Ratio an Emerging Risk Factor for Sudden Cardiac Death? Findings from the KIHD Study.

Aim: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), which are components of total cholesterol, have each been suggested to be linked to the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD). However, the relationship between LDL-c/HDL-c ratio and the risk of SCD has not been previously investigated. We aimed to assess the associations of LDL-c, HDL-c, and the ratio of LDL-c/HDL-c with the risk of SCD.Methods: Serum lipoprotein concentrations were assessed at baseline in the Finnish Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease prospective cohort study of 2,616 men aged 42–61 years at recruitment. Hazard ratios (HRs) (95% confidence intervals [CI]) were assessed.Results: During a median follow-up of 23.0 years, a total of 228 SCDs occurred. There was no significant evidence of an association of LDL-c or HDL-c with the risk of SCD. In analyses adjusted for age, examination year, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, years of education, diabetes, previous myocardial infarction, family history of coronary heart disease, and serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein, there was approximately a two-fold increase in the risk of SCD (HR 1.94, 95% CI 1.21–3.11; p = 0.006), comparing the top (> 4.22) versus bottom (≤ 2.30) quintile of serum LDL-c/HDL-c ratio.Conclusion: In this middle-aged male population, LDL-c or HDL-c was not associated with the risk of SCD. However, a high serum LDL-c/HDL-c ratio was found to be independently associated with an increased risk of SCD. Further research is warranted to understand the mechanistic pathways underlying this association.

Coconut oil on biochemical and morphological parameters in rats submitted to normolipidic and hyperlipidic diets

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of replacing soybean oil with extra virgin coconut oil in normolipidic and hyperlipidic diets, on the lipid metabolism of Wistar rats. In the first stage of the experiment (30 days), 36 rats were divided into 2 groups and fed with a control or a hyperlipidic diet. Six animals from each group were then killed, and the remaining rats were redistributed into 4 new groups: 2 groups remained on the control and hyperlipidic diets, and in the diets of the other 2 groups, the soybean oil was replaced with coconut oil (30 days). At the end of the assay, the biological models were decapitated for blood collection and removal of organs and peritoneal fat. Although the diet intake differed among groups during both stages of the experiment, no differences were noted with regard to weight gain and peritoneal fat. Replacing soybean oil with coconut oil in the rat diet lowered triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein serum concentrations in both groups. Liver parameters, namely, total cholesterol and triacylglycerols, increased with the substitution of soybean oil by coconut oil in the normolipidic diet and decreased in the hyperlipidic diet. Thus, replacing soybean oil by coconut oil may improve serum and liver lipid levels in Wistar rats.

Obesity-related changes in clinical parameters and conditions in a longitudinal population-based epidemiological study

The purpose of the present study was to examine the association of body mass index (BMI) or obesity with various clinical parameters and conditions in a longitudinal population-based epidemiological study in Japan. Study subjects comprised 6027 community-dwelling individuals who were recruited to the Inabe Health and Longevity Study, a longitudinal genetic epidemiological study of atherosclerotic, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases. Obesity was defined as BMI ≥25kg/m2. Longitudinal analysis with the generalised linear mixed-effect model after adjustment for age showed that for men, BMI was significantly (P<0.0008) related to systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure and serum concentrations of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol. For women, BMI was also significantly related to serum concentrations of triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol. Longitudinal analysis with the generalised estimating equation with adjustment for age showed that in men, BMI was significantly (P<0.0012) associated with the prevalence of hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertriglyceridemia, hypo-HDL-cholesterolemia, decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate, and hyperuricemia. In women, BMI was also significantly associated with the prevalence of hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertriglyceridemia, and hyperuricemia. Obesity has detrimental effects on various clinical parameters and conditions, resulting in increased risk of hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperuricemia, and chronic kidney disease.

Changes in serum lipid profile in the acute and convalescent Plasmodium vivax malaria: A cohort study

Although serum lipids are known to be altered in Plasmodium falciparum-induced malaria, little is known about such changes due to Plasmodium vivax infection. This cohort study assessed serum concentrations of triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in 164 patients in the acute phase of malaria caused by P. vivax and characterized these changes in the convalescent phase after treatment with chloroquine and primaquine. Compared to reference values, serum total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL levels were lower and triglyceride levels were higher in the acute phase. Moreover, the parasite density was negatively correlated with LDL (r=−0,189; p=0.027) and HDL (r=−0,256; p=0.001) serum levels. Eighty patients returned for clinical and laboratory revaluation 7–12days after treatment initiation. All patients showed parasite clearance and the absence of symptoms during the convalescent phase. Analysis of the serum lipids of these 80 patients showed significant increases in the serum levels of total cholesterol (p<0.0001), LDL (p<0.0001), and HDL (p<0.0001) as well as a significant reduction in triglycerides (p=0.004), indicating a trend towards a return to normal levels. This transient change in lipid profile between the acute and convalescent stages may be useful for the clinical monitoring of patients treated for vivax malaria.

High level of serum apolipoprotein A-I is a favorable prognostic factor for overall survival in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BackgroundNoninvasive prognostic tools for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) are urgently needed. Serum lipids and lipoproteins are used for the prognosis of certain diseases; however, the prognostic value of serum apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I) in ESCC has not been described.MethodsPre-treatment serum lipids and lipoprotein concentrations (including ApoA-I, Apo-B, HDL-C, LDL-C, TC and TG) were analyzed retrospectively and compared between 210 patients with ESCC and 219 healthy controls. The prognostic significance of serum lipids and lipoproteins was determined by univariate and multivariate Cox hazard models in ESCC.ResultsClinical characteristics (age, sex, pT status, pN status, pM status, pTNM status, histological differentiation or alcohol index) had no influence on baseline ApoA-I level. Serum ApoA-I, HDL-C, LDL-C, and TC levels were significantly lower and Apo-B was significantly higher in ESCC patients than in normal controls. On univariate analysis, ApoA-I, alcohol index, pT status, pN status and pTNM status were associated with significantly poor survival, and ApoA-I (p = 0.039), alcohol index (p = 0.037) and pTNM status (p = 0.000) were identified as prognostic factors associated with shorter survival in the multivariate analysis.ConclusionsOverall survival was shorter in ESCC patients with decreased pre-treatment ApoA-I levels. Our findings suggest that serum ApoA-I level should be evaluated as a predictor of survival in patients with ESCC.

Twice weekly intake of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) positively influences lipoprotein concentration and particle size in overweight men and women

The US Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend twice weekly fish intake. Farmed Atlantic salmon is a good source of omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids which have positive lipid modifying effects; however, it is unknown whether these responses are dose-dependent. Our primary research objective was to determine the effect of dose-dependent intake of farmed Atlantic salmon on lipoprotein particle (P) size and concentration. We hypothesized that low-density lipoprotein (LDL)–P and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)–P size and concentration would increase with salmon intake in a dose-dependent manner. Overweight, adult participants (n = 19) were enrolled in a cross-over designed clinical trial evaluating intake of farmed Atlantic salmon. In random order, participants were assigned to 90, 180, or 270 g of salmon twice weekly for 4-week dietary treatments. Following a 4- to 8-week washout, participants crossed over to another dose of fish intake until all treatments were completed. Plasma lipid concentrations were determined and serum lipoprotein concentrations and particle size were determined by nuclear magnetic resonance. Intake of salmon reduced plasma and serum triglyceride (TG) concentrations and increased plasma HDL-C concentrations. The concentrations of large very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)–P and chylomicron (CM)–P were reduced. Large LDL-P concentrations were increased in a dose-dependent manner. The mean size of VLDL-P was reduced and that of LDL was increased. Total TG was reduced as was the TG content of VLDL-P and CM-P. Twice weekly intake of farmed Atlantic salmon portions influences lipoprotein particle size and concentration in a manner associated with cardiovascular disease risk reduction.