Serum Triacylglycerol Concentrations Research Articles

Colostrum-supplemented transition milk positively affects serum biochemical parameters, humoral immunity indicators and the growth performance of calves

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of colostrum-supplemented transition milk on the growth rate of newborn calves. Thirty-six day-old female Holstein calves with a birth weight of 43.4 ± 5.5 kg were randomly assigned to a treatment group and a control group. On day 1, all calves received one portion (3 kg) of colostrum within 2 h after birth. Between the second feeding and the age of 5 days, control calves received only transition milk that had been collected from dams shortly before feeding, and the treatment group received 1.5 kg of colostrum collected from dams on day 1 and 1.5 kg of transition milk from subsequent milkings. Monthly body weight and average daily gain were used to measure growth performance. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein at multiple time points to evaluate the biochemical and immune status of calves. Colostrum-supplemented transition milk increased the concentrations of serum immunoglobulins, triacylglycerols, cholesterol and total protein. The activity of lactate-dehydrogenase and ceruloplasmin decreased, whereas lysozyme activity increased with time in the control group. It can be concluded that additional five days of colostrum feeding positively influences non-specific humoral immunity indicators and serum biochemical parameters in dairy calves.

The Effects of Low-Energy Moderate-Carbohydrate (MCD) and Mixed (MixD) Diets on Serum Lipid Profiles and Body Composition in Middle-Aged Men: A Randomized Controlled Parallel-Group Clinical Trial

Carbohydrate-restricted diets have become very popular due to their numerous health benefits. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of 4 weeks of a well-planned, low-energy moderate-carbohydrate diet (MCD) and a low-energy mixed diet (MixD) on the lipoprotein profile, glucose and C-reactive protein concentrations, body mass, and body composition in middle-aged males. Sixty middle-aged males were randomly assigned to the following groups: hypocaloric MCD (32% carbohydrates, 28% proteins, and 40% fat), hypocaloric MixD (50% carbohydrates, 20% proteins, and 30% fat), and a conventional (control) diet (CD; 48% carbohydrates, 15% proteins, and 37% fat). The participants who were classified into the MCD and MixD groups consumed 20% fewer calories daily than the total daily energy expenditure (TDEE). Baseline and postintervention fasting triacylglycerol (TG), LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (tCh), glucose (Gl), and C-reactive protein were evaluated. Body mass (BM) and body composition changes, including body fat (BF), % body fat (PBF), and muscle mass (MM), were monitored. Compared with MixD and CD, MCD significantly changed the fasting serum concentrations of TG (p < 0.05), HDL-C (p < 0.05), LDL-C (p < 0.05), tCh (p < 0.05), and glucose (p < 0.01). Additionally, body fat content (kg and %) was significantly reduced (p < 0.05) after MCD compared with MixD and CD. After the MixD intervention, BM and MM decreased (p < 0.05) compared with baseline values. Compared with baseline, after the MixD, BM, MM, tCh, LDL-C, and TG changed significantly. The 4 week low-energy MCD intervention changed lipoproteins, glucose, and body fat to a greater extent than the low-energy MixD. A hypocaloric MCD may be suggested for middle-aged male subjects who want to lose weight by reducing body fat content without compromising muscle mass.

Effects of Dietary Blueberry (Vaccinium ashei Reade) Leaves on Mildly Postprandial Hypertriglyceridemia.

Prevention of postprandial hypertriglyceridemia is an important consideration for reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. While blueberry fruits have been reported to ameliorate lipid metabolism in humans, there are only few research reports on the effects of blueberry leaves (BL). Here, we investigated the efficacy of BL on postprandial hyperlipidemia in subjects with high fasting triacylglycerol (TG) concentrations. Randomized, double-blind, cross-over design study was conducted. The subjects consumed a BL containing beverage or a placebo beverage before a fat-enriched test meal. Blood samples were collected prior to and 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 hours after consuming the test beverage. The postprandial serum TG and remnant-like particle cholesterol (RLP-C) concentrations were significantly lower in the BL beverage compared with those in the placebo beverage. Additionally, BL was more effective in subjects with high fasting ghrelin with gastric emptying function. In current study, fasting ghrelin correlated with the increase in postprandial serum TG, suggesting that BL ameliorates hypertriglyceridemia through delayed gastric emptying. In conclusion, this pilot study suggests that BL may be useful as an early dietary therapy for treating postprandial hyperlipidemia.

Metabolic Effects of Resistant Starch Type 2: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Published evidence exploring the effects of dietary resistant starch (RS) on human cardiometabolic health is inconsistent. This review aimed to investigate the effect of dietary RS type 2 (RS2) supplementation on body weight, satiety ratings, fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin resistance and lipid levels in healthy individuals and those with overweight/obesity, the metabolic syndrome (MetS), prediabetes or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Five electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English between 1982 and 2018, with trials eligible for inclusion if they reported RCTs involving humans where at least one group consumed ≥ 8 g of RS2 per day and measured body weight, satiety, glucose and/or lipid metabolic outcomes. Twenty-two RCTs involving 670 participants were included. Meta-analyses indicated that RS2 supplementation significantly reduced serum triacylglycerol concentrations (mean difference (MD) = −0.10 mmol/L; 95% CI −0.19, −0.01, P = 0.03) in healthy individuals (n = 269) and reduced body weight (MD = −1.29 kg; 95% CI −2.40, −0.17, P = 0.02) in people with T2DM (n = 90). However, these outcomes were heavily influenced by positive results from a small number of individual studies which contradicted the conclusions of the majority of trials. RS2 had no effects on any other metabolic outcomes. All studies ranged from 1–12 weeks in duration and contained small sample sizes (10–60 participants), and most had an unclear risk of bias. Short-term RS2 supplementation in humans is of limited cardiometabolic benefit.

Glucomannans Alleviated the Progression of Diabetic Kidney Disease by Improving Kidney Metabolic Disturbance.

This study is aimed to investigate the kidney protective effects of glucomannans from Dendrobium officinale stem, konjac, and Aloe vera leaves on type 2 diabetic rats and explore its potential mechanisms. Pathological and metabolomics analysis methods are adopted in this study. Compared with the model group, lower levels of fasting blood glucose, serum insulin, and glycated serum protein are observed in glucomannan-treated groups. Concentrations of serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, triacylglycerols, and nonesterified fatty acid are significantly decreased by glucomannan treatment. Furthermore, glucomannan treatment significantly decreased the levels of uric acid, creatinine, urea in serum, and glycosuria, ketone body, and protein in the urine. Histopathological analysis showed that glucomannan treatment normalized the architecture of glomerulus. Metabolomic analysis indicated glucomannan treatment could improve urea cycle, metabolism of lipid, glucose, and amino acids on diabetes. In particular, the konjac glucomannan treatment is more effective in lipid and glucose regulation. Glucomannan from D. officinale is more effective in balancing the urea cycle and amino acid metabolism. The disturbance of lipid, glucose, and amino acid metabolism is closely associated with the advancement of diabetic kidney disease, and glucomannan treatment could be efficient in the management of diabetic kidney disease.

A Single Dose of Goji Berries Does Not Affect Postprandial Energy Expenditure and Substrate Oxidation in Healthy, Overweight Men.

Background and Aim Increasing energy expenditure is an effective strategy for the prevention of obesity. In this respect, Lycium barbarum (goji berry) is of interest, as it has been shown to increase postprandial oxygen consumption. Although this suggests that energy expenditure was also increased, energy expenditure and substrate oxidation can only be assessed accurately when both oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production are measured. We therefore investigated the effects of a single dose of Lycium barbarum fruit on postprandial energy expenditure and substrate oxidation in a randomized, double-blind crossover trial. In addition, markers of lipid and glucose metabolism were measured. Methods Seventeen healthy, overweight men received in a random order a meal containing 25 grams of dried Lycium barbarum fruit or a control meal matched for caloric content and macronutrient composition. Energy expenditure and the respiratory quotient were determined using indirect calorimetry before and up to 4 hours after meal intake. Blood was sampled before and after meal intake at regular intervals for analyses of plasma glucose, serum triacylglycerol, and free fatty acid concentrations. Results Energy expenditure significantly increased after the Lycium barbarum and control meal, but no differences were found between the meals (p=0.217). Postprandial changes in respiratory quotient (p=0.719) and concentrations of glucose (p=0.663), triacylglycerol (p=0.391), and free fatty acids (p=0.287) were also not affected by Lycium barbarum intake. Conclusions A single dose of Lycium barbarum does not affect postprandial energy expenditure, substrate oxidation, and markers for lipid and glucose metabolism in healthy, overweight men.

Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, Lipid-Related Transcript Expression and the Economics of Broiler Chickens Fed Different Levels of Rutin.

Simple SummaryPoultry makes a substantial contribution to food security and nutrition. A growing human population and rising incomes have resulted in an increased demand for white meat. Poultry is the fastest growing animal production sector. Rutin, a natural growth and health promoter, was used at three levels for broiler feed (0.25, 0.5 or 1 g rutin/kg). Supplementing broiler diets with rutin, especially at 1 g/kg, has a variety of growth-promoting effects. It enhances antioxidant capacity and suppresses lipogenesis, thereby reducing fat deposition and serum lipid levels. The results demonstrate that the observed benefits can be achieved without compromising economic profits.The effects of rutin on growth performance, hematological and biochemical profiles, antioxidant capacity, economics and the relative expression of selected antioxidants and lipid-related genes were studied in broiler chickens over 42 days. A total of 200 one-day-old female Ross-308 broiler chickens were distributed into four groups, with five replicates of 10 individuals per replicate. They were fed with 0 (control), 0.25, 0.5 or 1 g rutin/kg supplementation in their basal diet. Dietary rutin supplementation, especially the 1 g/kg diet, increased body weight gain, the protein efficiency ratio (p < 0.001) and both white blood cell and lymphocyte counts (p < 0.001). However, it had no effect on total protein, albumin, globulin, or alanine transaminase. A high concentration of rutin (0.5 and 1 g/kg) also significantly reduced serum total cholesterol, triacylglycerol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations (p < 0.001), as well as malondialdehyde concentrations (p = 0.001). A high concentration diet also increased the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Of the lipid-related genes examined, acetyl CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthase were significantly down-regulated in the livers of rutin-fed individuals, whereas carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha were significantly up-regulated. Therefore, rutin supplementation at 1 g/kg has the potential to improve the productive performance and health status of broiler chickens.

Effect of sitagliptin on energy metabolism and brown adipose tissue in overweight individuals with prediabetes: a randomised placebo-controlled trial

Aims/hypothesisThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sitagliptin on glucose tolerance, plasma lipids, energy expenditure and metabolism of brown adipose tissue (BAT), white adipose tissue (WAT) and skeletal muscle in overweight individuals with prediabetes (impaired glucose tolerance and/or impaired fasting glucose).MethodsWe performed a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial in 30 overweight, Europid men (age 45.9 ± 6.2 years; BMI 28.8 ± 2.3 kg/m2) with prediabetes in the Leiden University Medical Center and the Alrijne Hospital between March 2015 and September 2016. Participants were initially randomly allocated to receive sitagliptin (100 mg/day) (n = 15) or placebo (n = 15) for 12 weeks, using a randomisation list that was set up by an unblinded pharmacist. All people involved in the study as well as participants were blinded to group assignment. Two participants withdrew from the study prior to completion (both in the sitagliptin group) and were subsequently replaced with two new participants that were allocated to the same treatment. Before and after treatment, fasting venous blood samples and skeletal muscle biopsies were obtained, OGTT was performed and body composition, resting energy expenditure and [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) uptake by metabolic tissues were assessed. The primary study endpoint was the effect of sitagliptin on BAT volume and activity.ResultsOne participant from the sitagliptin group was excluded from analysis, due to a distribution error, leaving 29 participants for further analysis. Sitagliptin, but not placebo, lowered glucose excursion (−40%; p < 0.003) during OGTT, accompanied by an improved insulinogenic index (+38%; p < 0.003) and oral disposition index (+44%; p < 0.003). In addition, sitagliptin lowered serum concentrations of triacylglycerol (−29%) and very large (−46%), large (−35%) and medium-sized (−24%) VLDL particles (all p < 0.05). Body weight, body composition and energy expenditure did not change. In skeletal muscle, sitagliptin increased mRNA expression of PGC1β (also known as PPARGC1B) (+117%; p < 0.05), a main controller of mitochondrial oxidative energy metabolism. Although the primary endpoint of change in BAT volume and activity was not met, sitagliptin increased [18F] FDG uptake in subcutaneous WAT (sWAT; +53%; p < 0.05). Reported side effects were mild and transient and not necessarily related to the treatment.Conclusions/interpretationTwelve weeks of sitagliptin in overweight, Europid men with prediabetes improves glucose tolerance and lipid metabolism, as related to increased [18F] FDG uptake by sWAT, rather than BAT, and upregulation of the mitochondrial gene PGC1β in skeletal muscle. Studies on the effect of sitagliptin on preventing or delaying the progression of prediabetes into type 2 diabetes are warranted.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT02294084.FundingThis study was funded by Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp, Dutch Heart Foundation, Dutch Diabetes Research Foundation, Ministry of Economic Affairs and the University of Granada.

Effect of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on lipid profile: A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials.

Several studies have shown the effect of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) on lipid profile. However, findings remain controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to systematically summarize the available clinical trials that examined the effects ALA supplementation on the lipid profile of adults. A systematic search through PubMed and Scopus was done for studies published in English up to April 2017. Effect sizes were combined with fixed- or random-effects analysis, where appropriate. Between-study heterogeneity was evaluated by Cochran's Q test and I2. Eleven clinical trials with 452 adults (51.5% women, 48.5% men) were included in this meta-analysis. Combining effect sizes of 10 studies on serum triacylglycerol (TG) concentrations revealed a significant effect of ALA supplementation on serum TG compared with the placebo group (weighted mean difference [WMD], -29.185 mg/dL; 95% confidence interval [CI], -51.454 to -6.916; P = 0.010). We also found significant changes in serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (WMD, -10.683 mg/dL; 95% CI, -19.816 to -1.550; P = 0.022, WMD, -12.906 mg/dL; 95% CI, -22.133 to -3.679; P = 0.006, respectively). Significant changes were not observed in serum high-density lipoprotein (WMD, -0.092 mg/dL; 95% CI, -3.014 to 2.831; P = 0.025). Supplementation dosage and body mass index were potential sources of heterogeneity, in which those with body mass index >30 kg/m2 who received >600 mg/d ALA showed better improvements in lipid profile. Our findings showed that supplementation with ALA significantly decreased the serum concentrations of TG, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein but did not affect serum levels of high-density lipoprotein in adults.

Interesterified Palm Olein (IEPalm) and Interesterified Stearic Acid-Rich Fat Blend (IEStear) Have No Adverse Effects on Insulin Resistance: A Randomized Control Trial.

Chemically-interesterified (CIE) fats are trans-fat free and are increasingly being used as an alternative to hydrogenated oils for food manufacturing industries to optimize their products’ characteristics and nutrient compositions. The metabolic effects of CIE fats on insulin activity, lipids, and adiposity in humans are not well established. We investigated the effects of CIE fats rich in palmitic (C16:0, IEPalm) and stearic (C18:0, IEStear) acids on insulin resistance, serum lipids, apolipoprotein concentrations, and adiposity, using C16:0-rich natural palm olein (NatPO) as the control. We designed a parallel, double-blind clinical trial. Three test fats were used to prepare daily snacks for consumption with a standard background diet over a period of 8 weeks by three groups of a total of 85 healthy, overweight adult volunteers. We measured the outcome variables at weeks 0, 6, and at the endpoint of 8. After 8 weeks, there was no significant difference in surrogate biomarkers of insulin resistance in any of the IE fat diets (IEPalm and IEStear) compared to the NatPO diet. The change in serum triacylglycerol concentrations was significantly lower with the IEStear diet, and the changes in serum leptin and body fat percentages were significantly lower in the NatPO-diet compared to the IEPalm diet. We conclude that diets containing C16:0 and C18:0-rich CIE fats do not affect markers of insulin resistance compared to a natural C16:0-rich fat (NatPO) diet. Higher amounts of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and longer chain SFAs situated at the sn-1,3 position of the triacylglycerol (TAG) backbones resulted in less weight gain and lower changes in body fat percentage and leptin concentration to those observed in NatPO and IEStear.

The Relationship between Dietary, Serum and Hair Levels of Minerals (Fe, Zn, Cu) and Glucose Metabolism Indices in Obese Type 2 Diabetic Patients

The aim of this study was to assess the levels of Zn, Fe and Cu in the serum and hair, and dietary intake of type 2 diabetic patients and their association with glucose and lipid indices. The study was conducted on 62 people aged 40–78 years (31 diabetic patients and 31 healthy subjects, who were the control group). The content of trace elements in the hair and serum was analysed with the AAS method. The serum insulin, HbA1c, glucose, total cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations were measured by means of RIA, HPLC and colorimetric methods, respectively. The diabetic patients were found to have significantly higher dietary iron intake, higher hair Fe and lower serum Zn concentrations than the non-diabetic subjects, while the hair Zn and Cu contents were comparable in both groups. The serum Zn and Cu levels of the diabetic subjects were negatively correlated with the serum glucose, the serum Zn and Cu/Zn ratio was inversely correlated with the serum total cholesterol and the serum insulin level was positively associated with the hair Cu/Zn ratio. The results of this study indicate that the trace element status (Zn, Fe, Cu), as reflected in the blood serum and hair, may be disturbed due to metabolic derangement occurring in diabetes.

Influence of maternal consumption of different types of fatty acids during pregnancy and lactation on lipid and glucose metabolism of the 21-day-old male offspring in rats

We evaluated the impacts of maternal consumption of different types of fatty acids during pregnancy and lactation on the lipid and glucose metabolism of 21-day-old offspring. Rats received either control (C), saturated (SFAs), trans (TFAs) or n − 3 polyunsaturated (PUFAs) normolipidic diets throughout pregnancy and lactation. 21-day old male pups constituted the groups: C21, S21, T21 and PUFA21. At 21st day, serum parameters, hepatic triacylglycerol (TAG) deposition, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and liver protein expressions were investigated. We found a decrease in serum concentrations of TAG, total cholesterol and FFA as well as in hepatic TAG content and baseline glycaemia, accompanied by an increase in catalase expression in PUFA21 group. In T21 group, OGTT showed slight disturbance in glucose homeostasis. Summarily, while early exposure to TFAs-based diets seems to harm pups’ glucose homeostasis, maternal consumption of n − 3 PUFAs can improve lipid metabolism, TAG hepatic accumulation and catalase protein expression in 21-day-old offspring.

Associations of vitamin D status and metabolic dyslipidemia and hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype in apparently healthy adults

BackgroundRecent studies have shown that Vitamin D deficiency is very common globally. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with lipid metabolism. A relationship between vitamin D levels and waist circumference (WC) has been observed. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D status and metabolic dyslipidemia and the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 265 healthy Tehran adults. Hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype (HTGWP) was described as serum triacylglycerol concentrations >150 mg/dL and concurrent WC > 88 cm (women) and >102 cm (men). Dyslipidemia was defined as: 1) TG level of >150 mg/dL 2) HDL > 40 mg/dL for men or >50 mg/dL for women, as has been previously described. ResultsCurrent study’s results demonstrated that HTGWP was significantly associated with weight, age, WC, hip, fat percent, TG, lipid profile, ALT and BMI. We found 77% reduction in the chances of developing metabolic dyslipidemia in suficient satus of vitamin D in compare to deficiency, although the significancy was mariginal, OR: 0.33, 95% CI of 0.09 to 1.21, P = 0.09. However, our results revealed that vitamin D deficiency, compared with normal status, can increase the risk of phenotype 1 (high TG/high WC); OR: 3.86 and 95% CI from 0.86 to 0.99, p for trend = 0.05. ConclusionsSignificant associations were found between vitamin D status and HTGWP. In addition, there was a relationship between vitamin D and lipid profiles. There is a direct correlation between TG and waist circumference in insulin resistance in healthy Tehran adults.

Common lipid features of lethal ventricular tarchyarrhythmias (LVTAs) induced by myocardial infarction and myocardial ion channel diseases

Lethal ventricular tachyarrhythmia (LVTA) is the most prevalent electrophysiological underpinning of sudden cardiac death (SCD), a condition that occurs in response to multiple pathophysiological abnormalities. The aim of this study was to identify common lipid features of LVTA that were induced by distinct pathophysiological conditions, thereby facilitating the discovery of novel SCD therapeutic targets. Two rat LVTA-SCD models were established to mimic myocardial infarction (MI) and myocardial ion channel diseases. Myocardial and serum specimens were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS)-based lipidomics. The lipid profiles of the myocardial and serum specimens were similar between the models. Eleven myocardial lipid classes were altered, including downregulations of: cardiolipin, ceramide, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylethanolamine, triacylglycerol, diacylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, lysophosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine, and upregulations of: lysophosphatidylcholine and phosphatidic acid. Serum concentrations of triacylglycerol, lysophosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol were also altered. Alterations of lipids in paired myocardia and sera were closely correlated. Cardiolipin 70:5, cardiolipin 74:9 and ceramide d34:2 were tested as potential biomarkers of LVTA. The results indicate that there are common LVTA lipid profiles induced by MI and myocardial ion channel diseases, potentially offering novel LVTA-SCD therapeutic targets.

Association of lipid accumulation product with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: a hospital based study

Background: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is an emerging problem which affects a large number of pregnant women in India. Women with GDM have been shown to have abnormal lipid profiles with higher serum triacylglycerol concentrations but lower LDL levels. Early detection reduces adverse maternal and foetal outcome. The Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP) is an index of fat distribution and assessment which can be easily measured in an outpatient setup. Methods: This study was a hospital based case control study. Cases were 30 pregnant women, newly diagnosed with GDM in their 2nd trimester while controls were 30 apparently healthy pregnant women without risk factors for GDM. Lipid accumulation product (LAP) was computed by multiplying a sex-specific estimate of waist circumference and the fasting triglyceride concentration, LAP = (WC [cm] - 58) x TGL [mmol/L]. Result: The mean age of patients with GDM was higher when compared to controls. (28.17 ± 3.34 vs 24.40 ± 3.07, p < 0.0001) The lipid profile showed a significantly higher value of serum triglycerides among cases while the differences in HDL were not statistically significant. Lipid accumulation product (LAP) in GDM patients was found to be significantly elevated when compared to controls. (133.43 ± 64.02 vs 62.89 ± 30.68, p < 0.0001) Conclusion: Calculation of LAP can be done to identify the degree of risk for developing GDM. So LAP can possibly serve as in future as a screening tool for the diagnosis of GDM in an outpatient setting in resource poor settings. DOI: 10.21276/AWCH.1461

Cholesterol lowering efficacy of plant stanol ester in a new type of product matrix, a chewable dietary supplement

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol lowering efficacy of a new type of chewable plant stanol ester food supplement was evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, controlled four-week intervention. The participants (LDL cholesterol>3mmol/L) consumed four supplements daily with meals either with (n=50) or without (n=53) plant stanol esters. Plant stanol ester supplement (2g/d plant stanols) lowered LDL cholesterol by 7.6%, serum cholesterol by 4.9%, and non-high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol by 6.6% compared with controls (P<0.003). HDL cholesterol or serum triacylglycerol concentrations were unchanged. The taste of the supplement was considered good/very good by 68% of the responders, and convenience to consume it was considered easy/very easy by 78% of the responders. No side effects were reported.In conclusion, this new type of small-volume chewable plant stanol ester supplement lowered LDL cholesterol concentration in hypercholesterolemic subjects providing a convenient dietary tool to regulate circulating cholesterol levels.

Alterations of specific lipid groups in serum of obese humans: a review.

Obesity is a major contributor to the dysfunction of liver, cardiac, pulmonary, endocrine and reproductive system, as well as a component of metabolic syndrome. Although development of obesity-related disorders is associated with lipid abnormalities, most previous studies dealing with the problem in question were limited to routinely determined parameters, such as serum concentrations of triacylglycerols, total cholesterol, low-density and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Many authors postulated to extend the scope of analysed lipid compounds and to study obesity-related alterations in other, previously non-examined groups of lipids. Comprehensive quantitative, structural and functional analysis of specific lipid groups may result in identification of new obesity-related alterations. The review summarizes available evidence of obesity-related alterations in various groups of lipids and their impact on health status of obese subjects. Further, the role of diet and endogenous lipid synthesis in the development of serum lipid alterations is discussed, along with potential application of various lipid compounds as risk markers for obesity-related comorbidities.

Effects of diet containing monosodium glutamate on organ weights, acute blood steroidal sex hormone levels, lipid profile and erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes activities of rats

ObjectiveTo study the effects of diet containing monosodium glutamate on visceral organ weights, acute blood steroidal sex hormone levels, serum lipid profile (SLP) and erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes activities of Wistar rats. MethodsThe Wistar rats were grouped into two groups of six rats each. The ones in Group 1 (control group) were placed on water and pelletized standard guinea feed ad libitum, whereas Group 2 was regarded as test group [Wistar rats (WR)-monosodium glutamate (MSG) group] and the Wistar rats received water, compounded diet of MSG and pelletized standard guinea feed ad libitum. After 33 days of feeding study, rat body weight was obtained. Rats were sacrificed and the incisions were made into the thoracic cavity and blood samples were drawn by cardiac puncture as a terminal event. Plasma was assayed for estradiol and testosterone concentrations, SLP and erythrocyte peroxidase and catalase activities. Visceral organ weights were also measured. ResultsWR-MSG exhibited marginal alterations in blood estradiol and testosterone concentrations. Elevation of serum triacylglycerol concentration in WR-MSG was corresponded to 77.7%. Increases in serum concentrations of very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in WR-MSG were corresponded to 70.6% and 41.0% respectively. Erythrocyte peroxidase and catalase activities showed marginal alterations. Alterations in visceral organs-to-body weights ratios were not profound. ConclusionsBlood testosterone and estradiol concentrations were not significantly (P > 0.05) altered, which may not be connected with the low dose of MSG in the diet. Marginal alterations of SLP did not indicate atherogenicity in WR-MSG. The visceral organs were not atrophic or hypertrophic because of the comparatively low dose of MSG consumed by WR-MSG and the duration of the feeding experiment.

Dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids and oleate enhances exercise training effects in patients with metabolic syndrome.

We studied the effects of exercise training alone or combined with dietary supplementation of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (Ω-3PUFA) and oleate on metabolic syndrome (MSyn) components and other markers of cardiometabolic health. Thirty-six patients with MSyn underwent 24 weeks of high-intensity interval training. In a double-blind randomized design, half of the group ingested 500 mL/day of semi-skim milk (8 g of fat; placebo milk) whereas the other half ingested 500 mL/day of skim milk enriched with 275 mg of Ω-3PUFA and 7.5 g of oleate (Ω-3 + OLE). Ω-3 + OLE treatment elevated 30% plasma Ω-3PUFA but not significantly (P = 0.286). Improvements in VO2peak (12.8%), mean blood pressure (-7.1%), waist circumference (-1.8%), body fat mass (-2.9%), and trunk fat mass (-3.3%) were similar between groups. However, insulin sensitivity (measured by intravenous glucose tolerance test), serum concentration of C-reactive protein, and high-density lipoprotein improved only in the Ω-3 + OLE group by 31.5%, 32.1%, and 10.3%, respectively (all P < 0.05). Fasting serum triacylglycerol, glucose, and plasma fibrinogen concentrations did not improve in either group after 24 weeks of intervention. Diet supplementation with Ω-3PUFA and oleate enhanced cardiometabolic benefits of intense aerobic exercise training in patients with MSyn.

Impact of plant-based diet on lipid risk factors for atherosclerosis.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of a vegan diet on the serum lipid profile with particular regard to the parameters characterizing the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) fractions in subjects without subclinical atherosclerosis, measured by carotid Doppler ultrasonography. Forty-two 23 to 38 year old subjects (21 omnivores and 21 vegans) participated in the study. Compared to the omnivores, the vegan subjects were characterized by lower parameters of lipid profile: total cholesterol (p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (p < 0.001), non-HDL-cholesterol (p < 0.001), apolipoprotein B (apoB) (p < 0.001) and phospholipids (p < 0.01). Concentration of HDL-cholesterol was apparently similar between groups. Furthermore, the parameters which characterize HDL particles (con-centration of apolipoproteins AI [apoAI] and AII, HDL-phospholipids, LpAI fraction and pre-b1-HDL fraction) were not significantly different between omnivore and vegan subjects. The apoB/apoAI ratio in vegans was lower than in omnivores (p < 0.01). There was no difference between serum concentration of triacylglycerols between omnivores and vegans. The activity of paraoxonase-1 and 8-iso-prostaglandin F2a concentration were also not different between the study groups. We suggest that a vegan diet may have a beneficial effect on serum lipid profile and cardiovascular protection, but it is not associated with changes in HDL composition.