Significant Decrease In Plasma Cholesterol Research Articles

Role of Hydroalcoholic Extracts of Aegle marmelos (AM) Leaves and Tamarindus indica (TI) Seeds on High Fat High Sugar Diet Induced Hyperlipidemia in Rodent Models

Hyperlipidemia is an increase in plasma levels of lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides) and various lipoproteins. Though many drugs have been used for controlling hyperlipidemia, yet most of them have unpleasant side effects, which has stimulated the search for natural remedies. Hypolipidemic activity of hydroalcoholic extracts of Aegle marmelos (AM) leaves and Tamarindus indica (TI) seed alone and in combination on High Fat High Sugar (Fructose) Diet (HFHSD) induced hyperlipidemia in male rats was evaluated in this study. Out of 54 male Sprague Dawley rats, six received standard diet (Group I, normal control) throughout the study. The remaining 48 rats were fed orally with HFHSD for 30 days to induce hyperlipidemia (plasma cholesterol level >200 mg/dL). For the next thirty days, rats which had received HFHSD were divided into 8 groups with six animals in each. Group II- HFHSD control received standard diet, Group III- positive control (Niacin, 100 mg/kg/day), Group IV - AM25 (25 mg/kg/day), Group V - AM50 (50 mg/kg/day), Group VI - TI25 (25 mg/kg/day), Group VII - TI50 (50mg/kg/day), Groups VIII - AM25+TI25 (25 + 25 mg/kg/day) and Group IX - AM50+TI50 (50 + 50 mg/kg/day). Treatment of HFHSD fed rats with each extract alone and in combination resulted in a significant decrease in plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and VLDL and increase in HDL levels. Treatment with AM50+TI50 significantly lowered plasma cholesterol (p<0.001), triglycerides (p<0.001) and increased HDL cholesterol levels (p<0.05), in comparison to positive control. Both the extracts alone and in combination exerted hypolipidemic effect in rats.

The Effect of Chronic Laxative Use on Lipid Profile and HbA1c: A Hospital-Based Retrospective Study.

Laxatives are over-the-counter medications used as a treatment for constipation. The lipid-lowering effect of the long-term use of laxatives has been proposed. To investigate the possible impact of the chronic use of laxatives on serum lipid profile, body mass index (BMI), and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). An observational retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze data related to patients who received laxatives for six or 12 months or more in the KAUH database system. BMI, weight, cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and HbA1c data were collected retrospectively from hospital records for three time points: baseline, six months, and 12 months of laxative treatment from the starting date for each patient. A total of 106 patients' records fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 46 (43%) males with a mean age of 66 and 60 (57%) females with a mean age of 63. A significant decrease in plasma cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels was observed in those who used laxatives for 12 months. Furthermore, an overall BMI and ALT reduction was seen in the combined. On the other hand, HbA1c levels appeared to improve in the combined group but not statistically significant. The change in the cholesterol level could be observed in patients receiving statin treatment and those without, with no statistical significance between the two groups. Chronic laxative use for 12 months or more is associated with a decreased total and LDL-C level with no significant effect on high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. Additionally, there was a significant reduction in BMI and ALT. This effect is more prominent with combined therapy. Further multicentric studies on larger sample sizes are recommended to confirm our findings.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in a pediatric patient with heterozygous familial hypobetalipoproteinemia due to a novel APOB variant: a case report and systematic literature review.

Familial hypobetalipoproteinemia (FHBL) is an autosomal semi-dominant disorder usually caused by variants in the APOB gene that frequently interferes with protein length. Clinical manifestations include malabsorption, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, low levels of lipid-soluble vitamins, and neurological, endocrine, and hematological dysfunction. Genomic DNA was isolated from the blood samples of the pediatric patient with hypocholesterolemia and his parents and brother. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed, and an expanded dyslipidemia panel was employed for genetic analysis. In addition, a systematic review of the literature on FHBL heterozygous patients was performed. Genetic investigation revealed the presence of a heterozygous variant in the APOB (NM_000384.3) gene c.6624dup[=], which changes the open reading frame and leads to early termination of translation into the p.Leu2209IlefsTer5 protein (NP_000375.3). The identified variant was not previously reported. Familial segregation analysis confirmed the variant in the mother of the subject, who also has a low level of low-density lipoprotein and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. We have introduced therapy that includes limiting fats in the diet and adding lipid-soluble vitamins E, A, K, and D and calcium carbonate. We reported 35 individuals with APOB gene variations linked to FHBL in the systematic review. We have identified a novel pathogenic variant in the APOB gene causing FHBL in pediatric patients with hypocholesterolemia and fatty liver disease. This case illustrates the importance of genetic testing for dyslipidemias in patients with significant decreases in plasma cholesterol as we can avoid damaging neurological and ophthalmological effects by sufficient vitamin supplementation and regular follow-ups.

In Ovo Injection of GABA Can Help Body Weight Gain at Hatch, Increase Chick Weight to Egg Weight Ratio, and Improve Broiler Heat Resistance.

Simple SummaryHeat stress is a vital issue that causes severe losses to the poultry industry. A partly developed thermoregulatory mechanism during the embryonic phase is emphasized to manipulate embryos for achieving thermotolerance during rearing. The present study was conducted firstly to standardize the dosage for an in ovo manipulation, and the selective dose was used to evaluate its effects on early-age heat-stressed (HS) broilers. HS induces cholesterol while an antioxidant acts as a first line of defense under stress. However, 5% GABA supplementation had a higher hatchling weight and chick weight to egg weight ratio (CWEWR). We selected a 10% GABA dosage for HS studies due to its higher antioxidants and lower cholesterol values in hatchlings. In ovo, 10% GABA supplementation significantly increased total antioxidant capacity and reduced malondialdehyde levels, hepatic mRNA levels of HSP70, FAS, and L-FABP in broilers when subjected to HS (38 ± 1 °C; 3 h) at ten days of age. This indicates that an in ovo GABA injection improves CWEWR and antioxidant status at hatch, and creates thermotolerance by increasing antioxidant production and downregulating the expression of HSP70 and fatty acid metabolism genes in HS chicks.The aim of this study was to explore the outcomes of an in ovo GABA injection in broilers challenged with HS. In Experiment 1, 210 Arbor Acres eggs were allocated to five treatments: no-injection, and in ovo injection of 0.6 mL of 0%, 5%, 10%, or 20% of GABA. Hatchling weight and CWEWR were significantly increased in the 5% GABA group. In ovo, injection of 10% GABA solution caused a significant decrease in plasma cholesterol and increased plasma total antioxidant capacity of hatchlings. Experiment 2 was conducted with 126 fertile Arbor Acres eggs distributed into one of two groups. At 17.5 days of incubation, one received no injection, and the other was fed 0.6 mL of 10% GABA. On day 10, one subgroup (4 replicates * 3 birds) from each treatment was submitted to HS (38 ± 1 °C for 3 h) while the other was kept at a thermoneutral temperature (29 ± 1 °C). An in ovo injection of GABA significantly increased total antioxidant capacity, but reduced malondialdehyde levels, hepatic mRNA levels of HSP70, FAS, and L-FABP with HS. In conclusion, an in ovo GABA injection improves CWEWR and antioxidant status at hatch, and enhances antioxidant status while downregulating the expression of HSP70 and fatty acid metabolism-related genes in young chicks under HS.

Ezetimibe Enhances Macrophage-to-Feces Reverse Cholesterol Transport in Golden Syrian Hamsters Fed a High-Cholesterol Diet

The aim of this work was to evaluate reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) in hamster, animal model expressing CETP under a high cholesterol diet (HF) supplemented with Ezetimibe using primary labelled macrophages. We studied three groups of hamsters (n=8/group) for 4 weeks: 1) chow diet group: Chow, 2) High cholesterol diet group: HF and 3) HF group supplemented with 0.01% of ezetimibe: HF+0.01%Ezet. Following intraperitoneal injection of 3H-cholesterol-labelled hamster primary macrophages, we measured the in vivo macrophage-to-feces RCT. .HF group exhibited an increase of triglycerides (TG), cholesterol, glucose in plasma and higher TG and cholesterol content in liver (p<0.01) compared to Chow group. Ezetimibe induced a significant decrease in plasma cholesterol with a lower LDL and VLDL cholesterol (p<0.001) and in liver cholesterol (p<0.001) and TG (p<0.01) content compared to HF. In vivo RCT essay showed an increase of tracer level in plasma and liver (p<0.05) but not in feces in HF compared to Chow group. The amount of labelled total sterol and cholesterol in liver and feces was significantly reduced (p<0.05) and increased (p=0.05) respectively with Ezetimibe treatment. No significant increase was obtained for labelled feces bile acids in HF+0.01%Ezet compared to HF. Ezetimibe decreased SCD1 gene expression and increased SR-B1 (p<0.05) in liver but did not affect NPC1L1 nor ABCG5 and ABCG8 expression in jejunum. In conclusion, ezetimibe exhibited an atheroprotective effect by enhancing RCT in hamster and decreasing LDL cholesterol. Ours findings showed also a hepatoprotective effect of ezetimibe by decreasing hepatic fat content. Significance Statement This work was assessed to determine the effect of ezetimibe treatment on high cholesterol diet induced disturbances and especially the effect on reverse cholesterol transport in animal model with CETP activity and using labelled primary hamster macrophages. We were able to demonstrate that ezetimibe exhibited an atheroprotective effect by enhancing RCT and by decreasing LDL cholesterol in hamster. We showed also a hepatoprotective effect of ezetimibe by decreasing hepatic fat content.

Microencapsulated Pomegranate Modifies the Composition and Function of High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL) in New Zealand Rabbits.

Previous studies demonstrated that pomegranate, which is a source of several bioactive molecules, induces modifications of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) lipid composition and functionality. However, it remains unclear whether the beneficial effects of pomegranate are related to improvement in the lipid components of HDL. Therefore, in this placebo-controlled study, we characterized the size and lipid composition of HDL subclasses and assessed the functionality of these lipoproteins after 30 days of supplementation with a pomegranate microencapsulated (MiPo) in New Zealand white rabbits. We observed a significant decrease in plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, and non−HDL sphingomyelin, as well as increases in HDL cholesterol and HDL phospholipids after supplementation with MiPo. Concomitantly, the triglycerides of the five HDL subclasses isolated by electrophoresis significantly decreased, whereas phospholipids, cholesterol, and sphingomyelin of HDL subclasses, as well as the HDL size distribution remained unchanged. Of particular interest, the triglycerides content of HDL, estimated by the triglycerides-to-phospholipids ratio, decreased significantly after MiPo supplementation. The modification on the lipid content after the supplementation was associated with an increased resistance of HDL to oxidation as determined by the conjugated dienes formation catalyzed by Cu2+. Accordingly, paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity determined with phenylacetate as substrate increased after MiPo. The effect of HDL on endothelial function was analyzed by the response to increasing doses of acetylcholine of aorta rings co-incubated with the lipoproteins in an isolated organ bath. The HDL from rabbits that received placebo partially inhibited the endothelium-dependent vasodilation. In contrast, the negative effect of HDL on endothelial function was reverted by MiPo supplementation. These results show that the beneficial effects of pomegranate are mediated at least in part by improving the functionality of HDL, probably via the reduction of the content of triglycerides in these lipoproteins.

Evaluation of the Anti-Hypercholesterolemic and Antioxidant Activity of Mentha pulegium (L.) Aqueous Extract in Normal and Streptozotocin- Induced Diabetic Rats

Objective:Mentha pulegium L., an aromatic plant belonging to Lamiaceae family, is widely used by local population against diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disorders. The present study aimed to evaluate the in vivo antihypercholesterolemic effect of aerial parts aqueous extract (A.P.A.E) of Mentha pulegium (M. pulegium) in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat. Additionally, the in vitro antioxidant activity of M. pulegium A.P.A.E has been estimated.Methods:The effect of M. pulegium (L.) A.P.A.E (20 mg of lyophilized A.P.A.E per kg body weight) on plasma lipid profile was investigated in normal and streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats (n=6) treated for 15 days with M. pulegium (L.) A.P.A.E oral administration. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH (1-1-diphenyl 2-picryl hydrazyl) radical scavenging activity. Estimation of total polyphenol contents in A.P.A.E of M. pulegium was determined with the Folin- Ciocalteu reagent by the method using gallic acid as a standard phenolic compound. Also, flavonoids were estimated according to the method based on the formation of a complex flavonoidaluminium.Results:The results show that 15 days of M. pulegium A.P.A.E oral administration alleviated hyperlipidemia in diabetic rats by lowering significantly (p&lt;0.01) the plasma cholesterol levels without affecting the triglycerides (TG) levels significantly. However, no significant decrease in plasma cholesterol and plasma triglycerides has been shown in diabetic control rats. In addition, A.P.A.E oral administration has exerted some increasing activity on plasma HDL-c level (54.84 %), whereas the HDL-c level, in diabetic control rats, has significantly decreased (p&lt;0.05). On the other hand, M. pulegium A.P.A.E showed a high amount of flavonoid (83.07 ± 0.58 mg EQ / g of extract) and phenolic compounds (239.08 ± 35.40 mg EAG/g of extract). Also, according to the DPPH radical scavenging activity, this aqueous extract has demonstrated a significant antioxidant activity.Conclusion:We conclude that 15 days of M. pulegium A.P.A.E oral administration exhibited a significant antihypercholesterolemic effect and has also demonstrated a not negligent increase in HDL-c levels without affecting the triglycerides levels. Furthermore, A.P.A.E exhibited a potent antioxidant activity. Therefore, phytochemical compounds and antioxidant activity of M. pulegium A.P.A.E may be seemingly implicated in the antihypercholesterolemic effect demonstrated in this study.

Effect of feed supplementation with Satureja khuzistanica essential oil on performance and physiological parameters of broilers fed on wheat- or maize-based diets

ABSTRACT1. The aim of this study was to evaluate various levels of Satureja khuzistanica essential oil (SKEO) on performance and physiological parameters of broilers fed on wheat- or maize-based diets.2. Treatments consisted of two cereals (maize- or wheat-based diets) and three levels of SKEO)0, 250 and 500 mg/kg).3. Feed intake (FI) and body weight gain (BWG) decreased in broilers fed on the wheat-based diets compared to the control diet. Dietary supplementation of 500 mg/kg SKEO increased FI and BWG. Dietary SKEO supplementation was effective in improving FI and BWG only in wheat-based diets and was effective in improving feed conversion ratio (FCR) in both diets.4. Dietary supplementation of 500 mg/kg SKEO caused a significant decrease in plasma cholesterol and triglycerides. Also, plasma low-density lipoprotein concentration was decreased in broilers fed on 250 and 500 mg/kg of SKEO. Plasma cholesterol levels in birds fed on the wheat-based diets were lower than in those fed on maize-based diets.5. Dietary supplementation of 500 mg/kg SKEO increased caecal population of Lactobacillus and reduced total bacterial and Escherichia coli count. Caecal population of Lactobacillus decreased in broilers fed on the wheat-based diets.6. Digesta viscosity was increased in broilers fed on the wheat-based diets and decreased in broilers fed on 500 mg/kg SKEO compared to the control diet. Dietary SKEO supplementation was effective in reducing digesta viscosity values only in wheat-based diets.7. Villus height of the duodenum and jejunum decreased in broilers fed on the wheat-based diets. Dietary supplementation of 500 mg/kg SKEO increased villus height and villus height-to-crypt depth ratios and decreased crypt depth of the duodenum compared to the control diet.8. It can be concluded that dietary SKEO supplementation was effective in improving FI, BWG and FCR values in wheat-based diets.

Hepatoprotective agent tethered isoniazid for the treatment of drug-induced hepatotoxicity: Synthesis, biochemical and histopathological evaluation

The aim of the study was to investigate the protective effect of isoniazid–curcumin conjugate (INH–CRM) in INH-induced hepatic injury by biochemical analysis and histology examination of liver in Wistar rats. The biochemical analysis included determination of the levels of plasma cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), albumin content, and lipid peroxidation (MDA). INH–CRM administration resulted in a significant decrease in plasma cholesterol, TG, and MDA levels in the liver tissue homogenate with an elevation in albumin level indicating its hepatoprotective activity. Histology of the liver further confirmed the reduction in hepatic injury. The hepatoprotective with INH–CRM can be attributed to the antioxidant activity of curcumin. The conjugate probably stabilizes the curcumin molecule, preventing its presystemic metabolism thereby enhancing its bioavailability and therefore, its hepatoprotective activity. Thus, the novel INH–CRM has the potential to alleviate INH-induced liver toxicity in antitubercular treatment.

Lipid lowering and antioxidant potential of Asparagus racemosus in hyperlipidemic rats

Background: Atherosclerosis is associated with hyperlipidemia which is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease. Therefore, treatment of hyperlipidemia is one of the major approaches to decrease the atherogenic process. Many studies revealed that Asparagus racemosus (AR) possesses hypolipidemic and antioxidant potential, but results were not consistent. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to investigate lipid lowering and antioxidant potential of AR root powder in hyperlipidemic rats. Methods: Hyperlipidemia was induced in normal rats by including 0.75 gm% cholesterol and 1.5 gm% bile salt in normal diet and these rats were used for the experiments. Dried root powder of Asparagus racemosus was administered as feed supplement at 5 gm% and 10 gm% dose levels to the hyperlipidemic rats. Plasma lipid profile, malondialdehyde, ascorbic acid, catalase and superoxide dismutase were estimated using standard methods. Statistical analysis was done by one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: Feed supplementation with 5 gm% and 10 gm% Asparagus racemosus resulted in a significant decrease in plasma cholesterol, LDL and significant increase in HDL. But there were no significant decrease in triglycerides and VLDL. The feed supplementation increased activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and ascorbic acid content increased significantly in both the experimental groups (5 and 10 gm% supplemented groups). But there was no significant change in the concentration of malondialdehyde in these groups. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that addition of Asparagus racemosus root powder at 5 gm% and 10 gm% level as feed supplement reduces the plasma lipid levels and also acts as an antioxidant.

A novel potent synthetic steroidal liver X receptor agonist lowers plasma cholesterol and triglycerides and reduces atherosclerosis in LDLR–/– mice

Potent synthetic nonsteroidal liver X receptor (LXR) agonists like T0901317 induce triglyceridaemia and fatty liver, effects not observed with some natural and synthetic steroidal, relatively weak agonists of LXR. To determine if potency is responsible for the lack of side effects with some steroidal agonists, we investigated the in vivo effects of a novel steroidal LXR agonist, ATI-111, that is more potent than T0901317. Eight week old male LDLR(-/-) mice fed an atherogenic diet were orally treated with vehicle or ATI-111 at 3 and 5 mg·kg(-1) ·day(-1) for 8 weeks, and effects on plasma and liver lipid levels, expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism and on atherogenesis were analysed. ATI-111 increased the expression of genes involved in lipid transport, such as ABCA1, ABCG1 and ABCG5/G8, in intestine and macrophages; decreased ABCG1, apoE; and slightly increased ABCA1 and ABCG5/G8 expression in liver. ATI-111 markedly increased sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1c mRNA in some tissues, whereas acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase and fatty acid synthase expression was unaffected or only slightly increased in intestine and liver. ATI-111 inhibited the conversion of SREBP-1c precursor form to its active form. Compared with vehicle-treated mice, the levels of hepatic lipids and liver-secreted nascent lipoproteins were not altered, while a significant decrease in plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels was observed in ATI-111-treated mice. ATI-111 significantly inhibited atherogenesis in three separate vascular sites. ATI-111 is a promising candidate for further development as a treatment of certain vascular diseases as it lacks the significant side effects associated with nonsteroidal LXR agonists, the induction of fatty liver and hypertriglyceridaemia.

Safety aspects of 36 months of administration of long-acting intramuscular testosterone undecanoate for treatment of female-to-male transgender individuals

Testosterone treatment is essential for the induction and maintenance of virilization of female-to-male (FTM) transsexuals. Aim To test the safety of a novel testosterone preparation for this purpose. Parenteral long-acting testosterone undecanoate (TU) was administered to 17 FTM transsexuals over 36 months. Observations were made while subjects received treatment. Serum testosterone rose from 0.50+/-0.25 to 6.2+/-1.3 ng/ml at 6 months and remained stable thereafter. The testosterone profiles were largely identical with those in hypogonadal receiving TU. There were no side effects. Over the 36 months of the study, there was a small but significant decrease in plasma cholesterol (from 218+/-47 to 188+/-42 mg/dl) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (from 139+/-48 to 139+/-48 mg/dl), while plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and triglycerides did not change significantly. Liver enzymes did not change during treatment. There was an increase of both levels in hemoglobin (from 13.6+/-1.2 to 16.0+/-1.5 g/dl) and hematocrit (from 41+/-4 to 46+/-4) upon administration but they remained almost without exception within the physiological range. No special measures were needed. Breast and gonads/internal genitalia did not show pathological changes over the observation period. This study reports that TU is suited for induction of virilization in FTM transsexuals without significant side effects over a longer term.

Effects of Statins on Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Gene Expression in Fructose Induced Metabolic Syndrome in Rats

Background and Purpose: Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) was found to have a role in both glucose homeostasis and cardiovascular disease. The present study was designed to compare the effects of fluvastatin and metformin on IGF-1 mRNA expression within the liver and on other individual components of the metabolic syndrome induced in rats by high fructose feeding. Experimental Approach: Rats fed 60% fructose in diet for 6 weeks were treated daily with fluvastatin (3.75mg/kg/day) or metformin (200mg/kg/day) during the last 2 weeks and compared with untreated fructose fed group. Fasting levels of plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, insulin, nitric oxide products, IGF-1 and IGF-1 mRNA within the liver as well as systolic blood pressure and body weight were determined. Results: Compared to control rats, the fructose fed group developed hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia and endothelial dysfunction as well as decreased levels of plasma IGF-1 and its mRNA within the liver. Fructose fed rats treated with fluvastatin or metformin for 2 weeks showed significant decrease in plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, insulin and glucose levels compared to untreated fructose fed group. Also, both drugs increased significantly plasma levels of nitric oxide products and IGF-1 together with significant increase in IGF-1 mRNA within the liver. However, only metformin treated rats showed significant decrease in systolic blood pressure compared to fructose fed group. Conclusions: This study showed that in a rat model of insulin resistance, fluvastatin improves the metabolic profile and increases plasma level of IGF-1 and its gene expression as effective as metformin.

Lipoprotein inflammatory properties and serum amyloid A levels but not cholesterol levels predict lesion area in cholesterol-fed rabbits

Rabbits on a 1% cholesterol diet received injections of vehicle with or without D-4F or L-4F. After 1 month, the percent of aorta with atherosclerotic lesions was 24 +/- 15% (vehicle), 10 +/- 6% (D-4F) (P < 0.01 vs. vehicle), and 13 +/- 9% (L-4F) (P < 0.05 vs. vehicle). Inflammatory indexes for HDL and LDL were determined by measuring monocyte chemotactic activity after adding rabbit lipoproteins to human endothelial cells. HDL-inflammatory index (HII) and LDL-inflammatory index (LII), respectively, were 1.39 +/- 0.24; 1.35 +/- 0.29 (vehicle), 0.67 +/- 0.26; 0.63 +/- 0.38 (D-4F) (P < 0.001 vs. vehicle), and 0.67 +/- 0.2; 0.68 +/- 0.32 (L-4F) (P < 0.01 vs. vehicle). Serum amyloid A (SAA) levels were 95 +/- 39, 8 +/- 22, and 7 +/- 19 mug/ml, respectively, for vehicle, D-4F, and L-4F (P < 0.001 vs. vehicle). There was no correlation between lesion area and total plasma or HDL-cholesterol levels. In contrast, there was a positive correlation with HII, LII, and SAA (P = 0.002, P = 0.0026, P = 0.0079, respectively). HII correlated closely with SAA levels (r = 0.6616; r(2) = 0.4377, P < 0.0001). Thus, HII, LII, and SAA are better predictors of lesion area than are total plasma or HDL-cholesterol levels in cholesterol-fed rabbits.

ORIGINAL RESEARCH—ENDOCRINOLOGY: Long-Acting Intramuscular Testosterone Undecanoate for Treatment of Female-to-Male Transgender Individuals

ABSTRACT Aim Testosterone treatment is essential for the induction and maintenance of virilization of female-to-male transsexuals. This study tested the suitability of a novel testosterone preparation for this purpose. Methods Parenteral long-acting testosterone undecanoate (TU) was administered to 12 female-to-male transsexuals. Observations were made while subjects received treatment. Main Outcome Measures Virilization of female-to-male transsexuals and side effects of testosterone administration. Results The testosterone levels were largely identical to those in hypogonadal men receiving testosterone treatment with TU. There were no side effects. There was a small but significant decrease in plasma cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein, but plasma high-density lipoprotein did not change significantly. Both levels of hemoglobin and hematocrit rose upon administration but remained within the physiological range. Conclusions TU is suited for induction of virilization in female-to-male transsexuals without significant side effects.

Long-term feeding effects of Catha edulis leaves on blood constituents in animals

In this study, the long-term (6 months) biochemical effects of varying levels of Catha edulis leaves on the plasma concentration of glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, total protein, albumin, uric acid, urea and creatinine were examined. Our results demonstrated a significant decrease in plasma cholesterol throughout the treatment period by all levels of C. edulis leaves tested. This significant decrease in plasma cholesterol was halved at the end of the treatment period and corresponded with a significant increase in plasma HDL-cholesterol and a significant decrease in plasma glucose and triglycerides concentrations. Moreover, C. edulis treatment increased plasma uric acid significantly, in a time-dependent manner with the higher concentrations (20% and 30%) of C. edulis leaves. Only plasma albumin was decreased significantly at the end of the treatment period, with no significant effect on plasma total protein. This also coincided with a significant, dose-dependent decrease in plasma urea at month 6, with no significant effect on plasma creatinine concentration.

Hypolipidemic effect of enzymatically extracted sunflower seed protein fraction

An attempt was made to enzymatically extract the protein fraction (PF) from sunflower seeds and investigate its dietary effect on the growth, plasma and tissue lipid profiles, plasma protein content, erythrocyte membrane lipid profile and organ weights of rats. Extraction of dehulled sunflower seeds in an aqueous medium in the presence of the enzyme pectinase at 50 ± 1 °C and pH 4.5 yielded a protein fraction with low residual chlorogenic acid and fibre contents. Rats fed the sunflower seed protein fraction showed a similar body weight gain and food efficiency ratio as rats fed casein. However, the different dietary proteins had different effects on plasma total cholesterol and triglyceride contents. The rats fed the sunflower seed protein fraction showed a significant decrease in plasma cholesterol (p < 0.02) and triglyceride (p < 0.02) concentrations compared to the casein-fed rats. The PF-fed rats also exhibited a significant difference in erythrocyte membrane phospholipids and phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylethanolamine ratio. Rats fed the different dietary proteins did not show much variation in plasma protein content, liver and brain lipids and organ weights. These results demonstrate the hypolipidemic action of the sunflower seed protein fraction and that it can be considered a suitable edible protein like casein. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry

Nutritional quality of sunflower seed protein fraction extracted with isopropanol.

This study investigated the nutritional effect of sunflower seed protein fraction (SSPF) extracted with isopropanol on growth, plasma and tissue lipid profile, protein content and erythrocyte membrane lipid profile of rats. Dehulled sunflower seeds were extracted with isopropanol at 50 +/- 1 degree C resulting in a protein fraction (71.5%) with low residual chlorogenic acid (0.07%) and fiber (3.3%) contents. Rats fed the sunflower seed protein fraction had a similar body weight gain and food efficiency ratios in comparison to those fed casein. Rats fed SSPF in contrast had a significantly higher growth and food efficiency ratio than the rats fed sunflower meal (SM), extracted with hexane. However, dietary proteins exerted a separate effect on plasma total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, low density lipoprotein to high density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C/HDL-C) ratio and triglyceride content. Sunflower seed protein fraction resulted in a significant decrease in plasma cholesterol (p < 0.05) and LDL-cholesterol (p < 0.02) levels compared to the casein fed rats. Membrane phospholipid profile also showed a marked variation with the type of dietary protein. Rats fed SSPF and SM did not show much variation in plasma lipids, plasma proteins, liver and brain lipids and membrane phospholipid concentrations. Protein content, liver and brain lipid profile of the groups fed SSPF and casein were comparable, suggesting that the nutritional value of SSPF is better than SM and equivalent to that of casein.

Effect of coffee oil and its unsaponifiable fraction on plasma cholesterol level in female rats

The present study was conducted to identify the cholesterol-raising factor in coffee oil besides the other two well-known diterpenes, cafestol and kahweol. Female rats fed coffee oil for 4 weeks showed significantly higher level of plasma cholesterol (P< 0.01) and triacylglycerols (P < 0.01). Feeding unsaponifiable lipids of coffee oil caused significant decrease in plasma cholesterol; however, increase in triacylglycerol was observed. Rats given beta-sitosterol showed increase in plasma triacylglecerol and decrease in cholesterol levels, an effect similar to that observed with unsaponifiable lipids. beta-sitosterol is the major constituent of unsaponifiable lipids of the coffee oil. These results show that cafestol and kahweol diterpene alcohols are not the only cholesterol-raising factors in coffee oil.

Effect of thyroid hormone on plasma apolipoproteins and apoA- and apoB-containing lipoprotein particles.

Apolipoprotein and apoB- and apoA-containing lipoprotein particle concentrations were determined in 10 athyreotic patients 4 weeks after withdrawal of Synthroid replacement therapy [T4, 0.96 +/- 0.66 microgram mL-1; thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), 62.7 +/- 22.8 muIU mL-1] and again 4 weeks after reinstitution of treatment. Thyroid hormone replacement was associated with significant decreases in plasma cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), apolipoprotein B and apolipoprotein C-III (P < 0.01). Both the cholesterol ester-rich LP-B particles and triglyceride-rich LP-Bc particles declined significantly in response to thyroid hormone (LP-B withdrawal 81.6 +/- 24.0 vs. replacement 65.1 +/- 22.0; LP-Bc withdrawal 14.3 +/- 6.0 vs. replacement 10.9 +/- 4.8 mg%, P < 0.01). ApoC-III also decreased in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (apoC-III-HS), and in very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) + low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (apoC-III-HP), but this reduction was proportionate so that the apo-C-III-HS/apoC-III-HP ratio, an indirect estimate of the efficiency of lipoprotein lipase (LPL), was unchanged. Apolipoprotein A-I concentrations also decreased significantly (withdrawal 140.7 +/- 27.0 vs. replacement 127.1 +/- 30.0 mg%, P < 0.01) in parallel with the changes in LP-A-I and LP-A-I:A-II particles (LP-A-I withdrawal 35.8 +/- 7.7 vs. replacement 31.5 +/- 6.3; LP-A-I:AII withdrawal 104.9 +/- 20.0 vs. replacement 95.5 +/- 26.0; P < 0.05). These findings indicate that thyroid hormone influences the transport not only of both TG-rich and cholesterol-rich apoB-containing lipoprotein particles but also of those that contain apoAI.