Serum Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Research Articles

Pectin from Citrus unshiu Marc. Alleviates Glucose and Lipid Metabolism by Regulating the Gut Microbiota and Metabolites.

The effects of pectin from Citrus unshiu Marc. on glycolipid metabolism, the morphologies of the pancreas and epididymal fat, the gut microbiota, and the metabolites of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in db/db mice were investigated in this study. The results indicated that pectin reduced the levels of fasting blood glucose, glycated serum protein, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol while increasing the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Meanwhile, pectin could improve the morphology of islet cells and inhibit the hypertrophy of adipocytes. Additionally, pectin not only regulated the intestinal flora dysbiosis in db/db mice, as shown by the increasing proportion of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes and the relative abundance of Ligilactobacillus, Lactobacillus, and Limosilactobacillus, but also remedied the metabolic disorder of SCFAs in db/db mice. These results suggest that pectin could promote glucose and lipid metabolism by regulating the intestinal flora with changes in SCFA profile. This study proves that pectin might serve as a new prebiotic agent to prevent the disorder of glycolipid metabolism.

Assessment of Lavandula angustifolia L. essential oil as a natural feed additive on broiler chicken’s growth, blood physiological markers, immunological status, intestinal histomorphology, and immunoexpression of CD3 and CD20

Lavender essential oil (LVEO) (Lavandula angustifolia L) was investigated for its impacts on broiler chicken growth, intestinal histomorphology, blood biomarkers, and immunological status. Four hundred 3-days-old male chicks (ROSS 308 broilers) (91.47 ± 0.15 g) were randomised to receive four test groups and nourished on basal diets having four levels of LVEO: 0, 200, 400, and 600 mg Kg−1 over 35 days. Dietary addition of LVEO linearly increased the body weight and weight gain during the grower period, while its addition did not affect the overall growth performance. Dietary LVEO increased the villous height, and the higher villous height was detected in the LVEO600 group. Dietary LVEO increased cluster of differentiation (CD3 and CD20) immunoexpression within the spleens of birds given LVEO400 and LVEO600 diets. Serum triiodothyronine and thyroxine hormone levels were the highest in the LVEO400 and LVEO600 groups. LVEO supplementation raised serum growth hormone levels in a dosage-dependent manner. The serum concentrations of glucose and leptin hormone did not vary significantly between the LVEO-supplemented and LVEO0 groups. All levels of supplemental LVEO diminished serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, while raising the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration. Total protein values were augmented in all LVEO groups, with the highest concentrations of albumin and globulin in the LVEO600 group, followed by the LVEO400 group. Supplemental LVEO increased serum concentration of complement 3, interleukin-10, and lysozyme activity in a level-dependent manner. Modifications in the birds’ physiological activities, blood biochemical, intestinal morphological characteristics, and immunological status support the conclusion that dietary LVEO supplementation had numerous positive effects. However, it didn’t influence the birds’ growth.

Impact of team-based health information technology to improve low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goal attainment after acute coronary syndrome hospital discharge: a single-center experience

Abstract Objectives The reduction in circulating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is the primary aim of lipid-lowering therapies as a method of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk reduction. Although guidelines recommended strictly control of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) below 70 mg/dL by high-intensity statin therapy in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), the LDL-C target goal is not often attained. Health information technology (HIT) with information integration, decision making algorithm, is being applied on chronic illness care. Purpose We aimed to perform a qualitative review of the impact of HIT interventions on lipid management and LDL-C goal attainment in patients after ACS hospital discharge. Method Consecutive ACS patients with dyslipidemia (LDL-C >100 mg/dL) at discharge between January 2018 and December 2021 in a tertiary medical center were retrospectively reviewed. The LDL-C <70 mg/dL is defined as target. The team-based approach quality improvement program that consisted of patient education and high-intensity statin initiation before discharge, outpatient clinics with periodic laboratory follow-up, titration of lipid-lowering agents, and system-level interventions that involve database monitoring and outreach by centralized care teams, was introduced in October 2018. Electronical medical records including the medications, laboratory data at discharge and within 1 year were compared, before and after initiation of HIT system. Result A total 2248 ACS patients were included. The LDL-C <70 mg/dL attainment rate (36.52%, 53.57%, 59.22%, 62.18% in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021) and medium serum LDL-C level (80.5 mg/dL, 68 mg/dL, 65 mg/dL, 64 mg/dL in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021) significantly improved within 6 months after initiation of the team-based integrated intervention with assisted by HIT (2018 as the reference, all p<0.001). The LDL-C goal attainment rate at 12-month kept increasing gradually (53.80%, 61.82%, 64.21%, in 2019, 2020, 2021, p= 0.019). Most of the population initiated with moderate-intensity statin in 2018 (76.24%, 20.92%, 10.95%, 6.41% in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021), then switched to a high-intensity statin after initiation of the program (0.57%, 63.67%, 72.41%, 84.44% in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021) (2018 as the reference, all p<0.001), while the adverse event rates including hepatotoxicity and rhabdomyolysis remained similarly low. Conclusion Our results confirmed that multifaceted intervention with HIT assisted multidisciplinary approach could substantially improve LDL-C goal attainment in post-ACS patients. There was a direct relationship between high-intensity statins and LDL-C goal attainment, without significant increase of adverse events.LDL-C goal attainment rate and levelLower lipid treatment and adverse event

Common variable immunodeficiency-an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.

Atherosclerosis, a disease of chronic inflammation of the arterial wall, is the main cause of most cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), a group of diseases characterized by frequent infections due to defective antibody production and lack of human immunoglobulins, plays a role in immune activation and inflammation. Thus, it can be hypothesized that CVID increases the risk for atherosclerotic CVDs. On the other hand, it is also possible that CVID patients are protected from atherosclerotic CVDs based on their life-long immunoglobulin therapy. Here, we examined whether patients with CVID have an increased risk for atherosclerotic CVDs or whether they are protected from these diseases. Using an electronic patient database registry search of a population of 83 CVID patients and their age- and sex-matched, tenfold larger control population we demonstrate that CVID patients have a statistically significantly higher risk for coronary heart disease (OR 2.4, p = 0.015) and peripheral vascular disease (OR 12.5, p < 0.001). Regarding cerebrovascular disease, there was a trend towards CVID patients having more strokes or ischemic attacks, but the difference was not statistically significant (OR 2.0, p = 0.133). The combined OR for CVID patients for atherosclerotic CVDs was 2.6 (p = 0.001). CVID population had more hypertension, but smoking was more seldom. There were no statistically significant differences in the incidence of diabetes or levels of serum total, HDL or LDL cholesterol, or glycosylated hemoglobin A1c between CVID patients and their controls. CVID patients had infections more frequently and the OR for autoimmune diseases was 3.8 (p < 0.001). Finally, a multivariate logistic analysis showed that CVID is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic CVDs (p = 0.002). The present study demonstrates for the first time that CVID is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic CVDs. Further studies are required to fully understand the exact mechanisms behind this.

Abstract 15093: Serum Apolipoprotein-A2 Levels Are a Stronger Predictor of the Residual Cardiovascular Event Risk After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Introduction and Aim: Apolipoprotein-A2 (apoA2) is the second major apolipoprotein that constitutes high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) particles, following apolipoprotein-A1 (apoA1). HDL-C can be divided into two main subfractions: those containing both apoA1 and apoA2, and those containing only apoA1. It is believed that HDL-C particles with apoA2 exhibit superior functionality in lipid metabolism compared to those without apoA2. However, the clinical impact of apoA2 on future cardiovascular events in patients who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains unclear. The aim of our study is to test the hypothesis that apoA2 would be a stronger predictor of residual cardiovascular risk compared to other apolipoproteins in the statin era. Methods: We examined 638 patients who underwent PCI with a second-generation drug-eluting stent for acute or chronic coronary syndrome and had their apolipoproteins measured between 2016 and 2021 (median follow-up period of 17.7 months). The patients were divided into two groups based on the median serum apoA2 values. We assessed the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), including cardiovascular death, non-fatal acute coronary syndrome, ischemic stroke, exacerbation of heart failure, or target vessel revascularization. Results: A total of 563 patients (88%) received statin treatment, and the median serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was 93 mg/dL. A total of 138 patients (21.6%) experienced MACEs, and Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the lower apoA2 group had a significantly higher incidence of MACEs compared to the higher apoA2 group (23.6% vs. 19.7%, p=0.036). However, the other apolipoproteins, including apolipoprotein-A1, B, C2, C3, or E, showed no significant difference in MACEs. Multivariate Cox hazard analysis indicated that apoA2 was an independent predictor of MACEs (hazard ratio 1.51; 95% confidence interval 1.06-2.14, p = 0.022). Furthermore, apoA2 levels exhibited the strongest inverse association with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels (ρ= -0.48, p&lt;0.0001). Conclusions: Serum apoA2 level may be the strongest predictor of residual cardiovascular event risk after PCI among apolipoproteins.

Herbal medicine formula Huazhuo Tiaozhi granule ameliorates dyslipidaemia via regulating histone lactylation and miR-155-5p biogenesis

BackgroundHuazhuo Tiaozhi granule (HTG) is a herbal medicine formula widely used in clinical practice for hypolipidaemic effects. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying dyslipidaemia treatment have not been well elucidated.ResultsA significant reduction in the levels of total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was observed in the serum of patients with dyslipidaemia after HTG treatment, without disruption in the levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Cr). The dyslipidaemia rat model was induced by a high-fat diet and treated with Xuezhikang (0.14 g/kg/d) or HTG (9.33 g crude herb/kg/day) by gavage for 8 weeks. Body weight and liver index were markedly decreased in dyslipidaemic rats after treatment with Xuezhikang or HTG. HTG administration markedly ameliorated hyperlipidaemia by decreasing the levels of TC and LDL-C in serum and hepatic lipid accumulation. In vitro, lipid accumulation in LO2 and HepG2 cells was alleviated by serum treatment with HTG. High lactylation was observed in 198 proteins, including lactylation of histone H2B (K6), H4 (K80). Deep sequencing of microRNAs showed that miR-155-5p was significantly downregulated.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that HTG is an effective and safe formula for treating dyslipidaemia, which promotes lactylation in hepatocytes, and the retardation of miR-155-5p biogenesis.Graphical abstract

Salvia miltiorrhiza Extract Prevents the Occurrence of Early Atherosclerosis in Apoe -/- Mice via TLR4/ NF-kB Pathway.

Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM) contains four major aqueous active ingredients, which have been isolated, purified and identified as danshensu (DSS), salvianolic acid A (Sal-A), salvianolic acid B (Sal-B) and protocatechuic aldehyde (PAL), A mixture of these four ingredients is called SABP. Although aqueous extract from Salvia miltiorrhiza has been traditionally used to treat cardiovascular diseases, the efficacy and function of the optimal ratio of SABP in preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases remain unknown. This study aims to explore the antiinflammatory mechanisms underlying the attenuation of atherosclerosis development by aqueous extract from Salvia miltiorrhiza. Male ApoE-/- mice (6 weeks) were randomly allocated into three groups: the model group (Model), the SABP group (SABP), and the rosuvastatin calcium group (RC). Male C57BL/6 mice (6 weeks) were used as a control group. All mice were fed with an ordinary diet. After 8 weeks of treatment, the lipid profiles in serum and the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) in heart tissue were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer. Alterations of the thoracic aorta and the heart were assessed using Hematoxylin and eosin staining. The protein expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), TGF beta-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the heart tissue were determined though immunohistochemistry and western blotting analysis. The serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) levels were increased, and the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level was decreased in ApoE-/- mice. SABP significantly decreased serum lipid levels and improved histopathology in the thoracic aorta. In addition. SABP treatment inhibited the expression of TLR4, TAK1, NF-κB, IL-6 and TNF-α in the heart in ApoE-/- mice. The LDH and CK in the heart did not differ significantly among different groups, and the heart did not have obvious pathological changes. These findings indicated that SABP may exert an anti-atherosclerotic effect by lowering blood lipids and inhibiting inflammatory response via TLR4/ NF-κB signaling pathway.

Low cholesterol levels are associated with increasing risk of plasma cell neoplasm: A UK biobank cohort study.

Plasma cell neoplasms are a group of hematologic neoplasms that often develop in the elderly population. The relationship between cholesterol levels and hematologic malignancy has been identified in population studies. However, it is still unclear if there is a relationship between cholesterol levels and plasma cell neoplasm in European ancestry. Prospective cohorts included 502,507 individuals from the UK Biobank who were followed up to 2019 and assessed total cholesterol(TC) levels, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, apolipoprotein A (ApoA) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) as risk factors for plasma cell neoplasms with Cox proportional hazard regression and restricted cubic spline model. We also used two-sample Mendelian randomization to determine if the cholesterol level has a causal effect on developing plasma cell neoplasms. We observed 1819 plasma cell neoplasm cases during 14.2 years of follow-up in the UK Biobank. We found higher blood serum cholesterol levels at baseline were associated with a lower risk of plasma cell neoplasm in our study. All lipid profiles we analyzed in this study were inversely associated with plasma cell neoplasm risk (all ptrend <0.005) but triglycerides did not have such association. However, there was no suggestive association of genetically predicted serum LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol levels with multiple myeloma. Low serum total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, ApoA, and ApoB levels were all associated with increasing the risk of plasma cell neoplasm.

Effects of acute aerobic exercise on arterial stiffness in transgender men.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in transgender men (TM) results in side effects such as elevated triglycerides and increased arterial stiffness. Exercise may be useful to ameliorate such effects, but no studies have examined the effects of acute aerobic exercise in TM. This study aimed to investigate the effects of acute aerobic exercise on arterial stiffness in TM. Thirty-six participants were included, comprising 12TM (duration of TRT: 57.4 ± 30.3 months), 12 males and 12 females. All participants performed acute aerobic exercise on a treadmill at 50% heart rate reserve for 30min. Arterial stiffness as measured by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) was measured before exercise (Pre), 30min after exercise (Post30), and 60min after exercise (Post60). Serum sex hormone levels, and serum lipid profile were determined only before exercise. Serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels before exercise were significantly higher in TM than in males or females (males: p < 0.01; females: p < 0.05). At all points, baPWV in TM was significantly higher than in females (p < 0.05) and significantly lower than in males (p < 0.05). However, when comparing changes in baPWV over time in each group, significant decreases in Post30 and Post60 were seen in males compared to Pre (both p < 0.05), but no significant change after aerobic exercise was seen in TM or females. These results suggest that acute aerobic exercise yield different effects in TM than in males, but is unlikely to reduce arterial stiffness in TM receiving TRT.

Low Short-Chain-Fatty-Acid-Producing Activity of the Gut Microbiota Is Associated with Hypercholesterolemia and Liver Fibrosis in Patients with Metabolic-Associated (Non-Alcoholic) Fatty Liver Disease

The aim of this study was to investigate the short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) activity of the gut microbiota of patients with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). The level and spectrum of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were determined via gas–liquid chromatography. Liver fibrosis was assessed using the FIB-4 index and elastography. Among 42 non-cirrhotic MAFLD patients, 24 had high fecal SCFA levels (group H) and 18 had low fecal SCFA levels (group L). Patients in group H had lower serum uric acid, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol levels but a higher BMI than those in group L. All patients in group L and only 37.9% of those in group H were found to have hypercholesterolemia. In patients with hypercholesterolemia, the level of SCFAs was lower than that in patients without hypercholesterolemia. Patients in group H had less liver fibrosis than patients in group L. A total of 50.0% of the patients in group H and 92.3% of those in group L had significant liver fibrosis (≥F2). Patients with significant liver fibrosis had lower levels of fecal SCFAs—particularly acetate and butyrate. The fecal SCFA levels were positively correlated with gamma-glutamyl transferase, total bilirubin levels, BMI, and platelet count and were negatively correlated with FIB-4, liver stiffness, serum total, and LDL cholesterol levels.

Effects of wholegrain compared to refined grain Intake on cardiometabolic risk markers, gut microbiota and gastrointestinal symptoms in children: A randomized crossover trial

BackgroundWholegrain intake is associated with lower risk of cardiometabolic diseases in adults, potentially via changes in the gut microbiota. Although cardiometabolic prevention should start early, we lack evidence on the effects in children. ObjectivesThis study investigated the effects of wholegrain oats and rye intake on serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and plasma insulin (coprimary outcomes), other cardiometabolic markers, body composition, gut microbiota composition and metabolites, and gastrointestinal symptoms in children with high body mass index (BMI). MethodsIn a randomized crossover trial, 55 healthy Danish 8- to 13-y-olds received wholegrain oats and rye (“WG”) or refined grain (“RG”) products ad libitum for 8 wk in random order. At 0, 8, and 16 wk, we measured anthropometry, body composition by dual-energy absorptiometry, and blood pressure. Fasting blood and fecal samples were collected for analysis of blood lipids, glucose homeostasis markers, gut microbiota, and short-chain fatty acids. Gut symptoms and stool characteristics were determined by questionnaires. Diet was assessed by 4-d dietary records and compliance by plasma alkylresorcinols (ARs). ResultsFifty-two children (95%) with a BMI z-score of 1.5 ± 0.6 (mean ± standard deviation) completed the study. They consumed 108 ± 38 and 3 ± 2 g/d wholegrain in the WG and RG period, which was verified by a profound difference in ARs (P < 0.001). Compared with RG, WG reduced LDL cholesterol by 0.14 (95% confidence interval: −0.24, −0.04) mmol/L (P = 0.009) and reduced total:high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.001) and triacylglycerol (P = 0.048) without altering body composition or other cardiometabolic markers. WG also modulated the abundance of specific bacterial taxa, increased plasma acetate, propionate, and butyrate and fecal butyrate and reduced fatigue with no other effects on gut symptoms. ConclusionHigh intake of wholegrain oats and rye reduced LDL cholesterol and triacylglycerol, modulated bacterial taxa, and increased beneficial metabolites in children. This supports recommendations of exchanging refined grain with wholegrain oats and rye among children.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04430465.

Serum Lipoprotein(a) Is Not Associated with Graves' Ophthalmopathy.

Aim: To investigate the relationship of serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and other serum lipids with presence of Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO). Methods: A total of 99 consecutive patients diagnosed with Graves' disease (GD), aged 18-65 years, who had not received prior treatment for GO, thyroid surgery, or radioactive iodine therapy, were recruited between June 2020 and July 2022. In addition, 56 healthy controls (HCs) were included as the control group. All patients underwent an ophthalmological examination, and were classified based on the presence of GO into the GO group (n = 45) and no GO group (n = 54). Fasting blood samples were collected from all participants to analyze serum lipid parameters, including Lp(a), total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides. Results: The median serum levels of Lp(a) were 5.7 [4.3-9.2] in the GO group, 6.7 [3.7-9.9] in the no GO group, and 4.7 [3-7.6] in the HC group. The intergroup comparisons of serum Lp(a) levels showed no significant result. The serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides were also similar between the groups (P > 0.05 for all). However, when analyzing only euthyroid GD patients and the control group, the serum LDL cholesterol levels were found to be significantly higher in the euthyroid GO group [median: 132 interquartile range (IQR) (110-148) mg/dL] than in the HCs [median: 96 IQR (94-118) mg/dL] (P = 0.002). Conclusion: The findings of our study did not support the association between serum Lp(a) levels and GO.

Beneficial effects of oleanolic acid on hepatopancreas oxidative stress and intestinal microbiota structure of red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkia)

This study aimed to evaluate the beneficial effects of oleanolic acid (OA) in the culture of red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkia) by investigating the impact of dietary OA on growth performance, hepatopancreas antioxidant activity, innate immunity, and intestinal microbiota structure. An eight-week feeding trial was conducted using different dietary OA concentrations: 0, 250, 500, 750, and 1000 mg·kg–1. The results revealed that the groups with 500–1000 mg·kg–1 OA exhibited increased final body weight, weight gain rate, and specific growth rate, as well as decreased feed conversion ratio compared to those in the control group (P < 0.05). Serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) activities showed a linear decrease with increasing dietary OA concentration. OA demonstrated hypolipidemic effects by reducing serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, while increasing serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (P < 0.05). OA500 to OA1000 groups exhibited significantly higher trypsin activity compared to that of the control, while lipase activity linearly decreased with increasing dietary OA concentration. The antioxidant capacity, as indicated by glutathione level in the hepatopancreas, showed significant differences between the OA treatment group and the control group. However, dietary OA did not significantly alter the structure of the intestinal microbiota. These findings suggest that dietary OA supplementation effectively improves the growth performance and enhanced the innate immunity of crayfish. Furthermore, OA significantly promotes the antioxidant capacity, thereby protecting the hepatopancreas from oxidative damage. The optimal dose range of dietary OA for application in crustacean culture is recommended to be between 500 and 1000 mg·kg−1.

The Decrease in Serum Total Cholesterol and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Concentrations With the Initiation of Hemodialysis Despite a Concomitant Increase in Serum Albumin Concentrations.

Background and objective Hemodialysis patients often have lower serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol concentrations compared to the general population. It is unclear if this is due to a persistent decline in the values due to kidney disease or if the hemodialysis itself is contributing to the lower values. It is often assumed that malnutrition and anorexia are the main causes of the low lipid concentration in hemodialysis patients. In this study, we aimed to determine the association between hemodialysis initiation and serum lipid and albumin concentrations. Methodology The medical records of all patients initiating hemodialysis over an 11-year period at a single center were retrospectively reviewed. The data of 145 patients who had all the required lab values available were ultimately included in the study. Serum lipid levels at the initiation of hemodialysis were compared to values obtained mostly 6-18 months later. In order to determine if poor nutritional status is the reason for the decline in serum lipid levels, the serum albumin concentration at the initiation of hemodialysis was compared to that obtained during follow-up labs. Results We observed that serum cholesterol concentration declined from an average of 147 mg/dL to 137 mg/dL, while LDL decreased from an average of 78 mg/dL to 68 mg/dL, andserum albumin concentration increased from 3.4 g/dL to 3.8 g/dL after an average follow-up period of 10.8 months. Conclusions Based on our findings, the declinein serum LDL and total cholesterol concentrations with the initiation of hemodialysis may not be attributed to poor nutritional intake.

Decreased Serum Stromal Cell-Derived Factor-1 in Patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia and Its Strong Correlation with Lipoprotein Subfractions.

Stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) is a chemokine that exerts multifaceted roles in atherosclerosis. However, its association with hyperlipidemia is contradictory. To date, serum SDF-1 and its correlations with lipid fractions and subfractions in heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) have not been investigated. Eighty-one untreated patients with HeFH and 32 healthy control subjects were enrolled in the study. Serum SDF-1, oxidized LDL (oxLDL) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were determined by ELISA. Lipoprotein subfractions were detected by Lipoprint. We diagnosed FH using the Dutch Lipid Clinic Network criteria. Significantly lower serum SDF-1 was found in HeFH patients compared to healthy controls. Significant negative correlations were detected between serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B100 (ApoB100) and SDF-1. Furthermore, serum SDF-1 negatively correlated with VLDL and IDL, as well as large LDL and large and intermediate HDL subfractions, while there was a positive correlation between mean LDL-size, small HDL and SDF-1. SDF-1 negatively correlated with oxLDL and MPO. A backward stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that the best predictors of serum SDF-1 were VLDL and oxLDL. The strong correlation of SDF-1 with lipid fractions and subfractions highlights the potential common pathways of SDF-1 and lipoprotein metabolism, which supports the role of SDF-1 in atherogenesis.

Dietary L-theanine supplementation improves antioxidant capacity and lipid metabolism in finishing pigs

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary L-theanine (LTH) supplementation on finishing pigs' antioxidant capacity and lipid metabolism. Results showed that dietary LTH supplementation increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes and decreased the content of malondialdehyde in serum, longissimus dorsi muscle (LD muscle), and liver of finishing pigs (P < 0.05). Dietary LTH supplementation decreased serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol content and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol content (P < 0.05). Moreover, LTH-containing diet decreased the contents of triglyceride and total cholesterol in serum, LD muscle, and liver (P < 0.05). In liver and LD muscle, LTH activated Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway, increased mRNA expression levels of genes related to lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation and reduced the expression levels of genes related to adipogenesis (P < 0.05). According to our study, nutritional supplementation with LTH enhanced finishing pigs' antioxidant capacity and lipid metabolism.

FRI097 A Case Of Evolocumab-induced Transaminitis Revealing A Gastrointestinal Melanoma

Abstract Disclosure: C. Nava Suarez: None. J.V. Mayrin: None. J. Prater: None. W. Jiang: None. Introduction: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/Kexin type 9 (PCSK-9) inhibitors, like evolocumab, are anti-lipid drugs with potent lipid-lowering effect, potential cardiovascular benefits, and good tolerability. They are monoclonal antibodies directed against the PCSK-9 hepatic receptor decreasing serum LDL-cholesterol. Although PCSK-9 inhibitors are usually safe, transaminitis has been reported in the literature a few times. Little is known about the mechanism of action of this injury and many clinicians are not familiar with this complication. Currently, there are no guidelines for dose adjustment in patients with advanced liver disease, and conflicting data on their effect on patients with established liver disease is emerging. We report a case of acute and intermittent transaminitis with the use of evolocumab that lead to the discovery of malignant melanoma in the patient’s gallbladder and jejunum. Case: A 74-year-old male with a past medical history of dyslipidemia, type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, and cutaneous melanoma 9 years priorly presented for a routine follow-up. He had been on evolocumab for a year after developing statin-induced myalgias. His physical exam was unremarkable. Routine blood work revealed new onset transaminitis almost 5 times above the upper limit of normal with AST 174 IU/L and ALT 230 IU/L (40 IU/L and 44 IU/L respectively). The rest of his liver panel was unremarkable. A liver ultrasound showed a 5 cm hyperechoic polypoid lesion within the gallbladder. No signs of choledocholithiasis were seen, potentially explaining the lack of bilirubin elevation; hepatic steatosis without cirrhosis was also seen. Given its higher sensitivity, MRCP confirmed the gallbladder mass. Liver enzymes were trended for more than 80 days, and intermittent elevation of serum transaminases coincided with the administration of evolocumab with normalization of the transaminases in between episodes. An open cholecystectomy confirmed the diagnosis of malignant melanoma of the gallbladder with an incidental jejunal metastasis. Oncologic treatment was initiated. Serum transaminases normalized following discontinuation of evolocumab and remain normal. Conclusion: As this case illustrates, serial monitoring of transaminases can reveal the presence of liver injury after initiation of PCSK-9 inhibitors, and further investigation with specialized liver imaging should be considered to exclude other differential diagnoses. Currently, there is little known about the hepatotoxic effect of these drugs and researchers are currently looking for possible causes. Theoretical mechanisms of injury include autoimmune cross-reactivity like with other monoclonal antibodies or progression of chronic liver disease. Clinicians should be aware of this potential side effect even though it is not a common one, given that many patients who start treatment may have underlying liver disease. Presentation: Friday, June 16, 2023

Dietary phytosterols supplementation improves the growth performance and decreases the abdominal fat of broiler chickens by regulating intestinal epithelial structure and microbiota

Phytosterols, plant-derived fatty compounds, were reported to be bioactive for animals and promote the growth of broilers. Whether dietary phytosterols could improve the growth performance of broilers by regulating intestinal morphology and microbiota is still unclear and limited. Thus, our experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary phytosterols on the growth performance, intestinal morphology, and microbiota of broilers. A total of 200 male Arbor Acres broiler chickens (1 day old) were randomly assigned to 2 treatment groups with 5 replicates of 20 birds each, (1) basic corn-soybean diet; (2) basic corn-soybean diet supplemented with 25 mg/kg phytosterols. Dietary supplementation of phytosterols at 25 mg/kg increased the average daily gain and reduced the feed conversion rate of broilers (P < 0.05), but did not affect average daily feed intake (P > 0.05). It reduced the abdominal fat yield and serum triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in broilers (P < 0.05). Phytosterols treatment increased villus height to crypt depth ratio and up-regulated the mRNA expression of tight junction-related genes in both jejunal (i.e., ZO-2, ZO-3, and claudin-3) and ileal (i.e., claudin-1 and claudin-2) tissues (P < 0.05). Additionally, dietary phytosterols significantly down-regulated the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine (IL-1β and IL-6) in the jejunal tissues (P < 0.05), and up-regulated that of anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-4 and IL-10) in the ileal tissues (P < 0.05). Moreover, broilers fed with dietary phytosterols had a higher concentration of lactic acid in the caecal digesta (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with phytosterols decreased the alpha diversity of the bacterial community (P < 0.05) and increased the relative abundance of probiotics (i.e., Lactobacillus) in the intestinal digesta of broilers (P < 0.05). PICRUSt2 analyses revealed that phytosterols enhanced the bacterial metabolic pathways of amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism and fatty acid metabolism. Dietary supplementation of phytosterols could improve the growth performance and reduce the abdominal fat yield of broilers by altering their intestinal epithelial structure, lipid metabolism and bacterial community.

Association between Dietary Patterns and Serum Low Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Japanese Women and Men: The Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort (J-MICC) Study.

The association between dietary patterns and serum low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol would be changing in recent dietary habits in Japan. We investigated the relationship between dietary patterns and serum LDL cholesterol in a large general population. From the baseline survey of Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort Study between 2005 and 2013, 27,237 participants (13,994 were women) aged 35-69 years were cross-sectionally analyzed. Using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire, five major sex-specific dietary patterns were identified using factor analysis. We assessed serum LDL cholesterol by quintiles of dietary pattern factor score. We identified dietary patterns; "vegetable rich pattern" , "meat and fried food rich pattern" and "high bread and low rice pattern" in women and men; "fish and shellfish rich pattern" and "high confectioneries and low alcohol pattern" in men; "healthy Japanese diet pattern" and "high alcohol and low rice pattern" in women. Serum LDL cholesterol in men was associated with "high bread and low rice pattern" score (Q5 was 4.2 mg/dL higher than Q1, p for trend ＜0.001) and "high confectioneries and low alcohol pattern" scores (Q5 was 9.5 mg/dL higher than Q1, p for trend ＜0.001). In women, serum LDL cholesterol was associated with "high bread and low rice pattern" score (Q5 was 7.1 mg/dL higher than Q1, p for trend ＜0.001). Some recent dietary patterns in Japan were associated with serum LDL cholesterol. Serum LDL cholesterol was associated with high bread and low rice pattern in both sex, and high confectioneries and low alcohol pattern in men.

A-374 Analytical Performance Assessment and Comparison of Point of Care Testing (POCT) Devices for Blood Lipids Measurements

Abstract Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death in the U.S. and worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), worldwide, 85% of CVD deaths are due to heart disease and strokes, and over 75% occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Early detection and treatment are key to preventing the consequences of CVD. Point-of-care testing (POCT) devices offer alternatives to screening large populations for CVD risk. Although POCT are increasingly used for screening, only few information is available about their accuracy and reliability. Methods Eight POCT devices for blood lipids that previously successfully participated in the CDC CVD Biomarker Standardization Programs were used in this preliminary study. The analytical performance for all eight devices was assessed using split sample comparisons to the CDC reference measurement procedures for measurements performed in whole blood (WB) and serum. Specifically, the accuracy of total cholesterol (TC) was determined in WB and serum. The accuracy of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c) was determined in serum. The precision of TC, HDL-c, LDL-c, and triglycerides (TG) was determined in WB and serum. Results The reference values of the specimens from 20 donors ranged between 154–279 mg/dL, 36.9–109 mg/dL, and 71.1–182 mg/dL for TC, HDL-c, and LDL-c in serum, and between 145–210 mg/dL for TC in WB. Preliminary assessments found that the mean bias for each instrument ranged from -7.86%–13.82% and from -11.90%–3.24% for TC in WB and serum, respectively. For serum HDL-c samples, the mean bias ranged from −6.81%–15.43%. The mean bias for serum LDL-c samples ranged from −22.40% to 3.08%. For three devices, approximately 30% of the WB measurements and approximately 50% of the serum measurements were reported as outside of the measurement range. The mean imprecision for each instrument ranged from 2.2%–13.75% and from 1.88%–11.76% for TC in WB and serum, respectively. For HDL-c, the mean imprecision ranged from 5.36%–23.21% and from 2.30% to 26.69% in WB and serum, respectively. The mean imprecision ranged from 4.82%–20.34% and from 3.06%–20.54% for LDL-c in WB and serum, respectively. For TG, the mean imprecision ranged from 5.78%–23.91% and from 1.71%–11.02% in WB and serum, respectively. Conclusion These preliminary findings about the analytical performance of POCT devices indicate notable differences in accuracy and precision for lipids measured in WB and serum, with serum measurements being more likely within performance requirements than WB measurements. Some devices appear to be more likely to report values outside the measurement range even though reference values are within the measurement range of the device. Further studies to verify these preliminary findings with more individual donor samples are underway.