Significant Reduction In Total Cholesterol Research Articles

284 EFFECTS OF TWO DIFFERENT COMBINATIONS OF POLICOSANOLS IN LIPID LOWERING AND ENDOTHELIAL FUNCTION

Abstract Aims Current guidelines recommend the use of lipid lowering agents based on the patient's cardiovascular risk. In the last years, a great interest was driven towards the cathegory of "very low risk" patients, in which a single cardiovascular risk factor is sufficient to make them been considered at "relatively higher" risk. For the last category of patients nutraceutical acquired importance in the last years. The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combination of monacolin K 2.9 mg, (fermented yest rice), coenzyme Q10 30 mg (Formulation A) versus monacolin K 10 mg, and coenzyme Q10 10 mg (Formulation B) on lipidic profile and on the vascular function evaluated as endothelial function and arterial stiffness. Methods The present is a single-center, open-label randomized controlled parallel group study to compare efficacy and safety of two different type of nutraceutical compounds (Formulation A or Formulation B). Patients enrolled were with low cardiovascular risk, in primary prevention, in order to evaluate the evolution of the lipidic profile of these patients and the impact of a nutraceutical-based treatment strategy. Patients eligible for the study were randomized 1:1 to receive either a pill day of Formulation A or B. Results Both treatments with Formulation A or B were tolerated; no patients reported side effects or withdrew from the study. The two groups were balanced with respect clinical and biochemical variables. After 24 weeks of treatment we demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in total cholesterol (p 0.010) and LDL (p 0.002). We observed also an improvement in endothelial function (p 0.292) and a reduction of arterial stiffness (p 0.209) evaluated through the non-invasive methods of EndoPAT and SphygmoCOR. Data obtained suggest monacolin K 2.9 mg, coenzyme Q10 30 mg and rice policosanols 20 mg (Formulation A), was non inferiority to monacolin K 10 mg, coenzyme Q10 10 mg (Formulation B) in endothelial function improvement and serum lipids lowering. Conclusions The new combination of natural nutraceuticals, have a protective cardiovascular effect, not also through reduction of plasma lipids but also in endothelial function and arterial stiffness, despite the reduction of monacolin K.

Clove bud (Syzygium aromaticum L.) polyphenol helps to mitigate metabolic syndrome by establishing intracellular redox homeostasis and glucose metabolism: A randomized, double-blinded, active-controlled comparative study

• Influence of Clovinol verses synthetic Glutathione (s-GSH) in metabolic syndrome. • Clovinol enhanced Nrf2 and plasma GSH levels by 6-fold compared to s-GSH. • Clovinol helps balanced intracellular redox homeostasis. • Clovinol modulated glucose and lipid metabolism. • Clovinol may help balanced immunity. Present randomised double-blinded comparative study investigated the influence of clove buds ( Syzygium aromaticum ) polyphenol extract (Clovinol) in comparison with synthetic glutathione (s-GSH) (250 mg/day for 84 days) on healthy adults (N = 70) characterised with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Outcome measures included plasma concentration of endogenous antioxidants, inflammatory markers, blood sugar and lipid metabolism markers, in addition to haematological and biochemical parameters of safety. Clovinol enhanced the plasma concentration of GSH by 6-fold and offered statistically significant enhancement in Nrf2, antioxidant enzymes and in GSH/GSSG ratio. Treatment with Clovinol also improved FBS, PPG, HbA1c, HOMA-IR and insulin levels indicating modulation of insulin resistance. Moreover, Clovinol caused significant reduction in total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and increased HDL, while s-GSH showed no significant effect on blood glucose and lipid metabolism. Clovinol did not show any significant side effects or toxic deviations in haematological and biochemical parameters, but significantly increased the total leukocyte and reduced neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and inflammatory markers (IL-1β and TNF-α).

The Effect of Walnut Intake on Lipids: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading causes of death worldwide. Dyslipidemia is a cardiometabolic risk factor of CVD, yet it can be modifiable. Walnuts have been suggested as a dietary intervention to improve the lipid profile. Therefore, we reviewed the literature to assess the evidence linking walnut intake to the improvement of blood lipids, including total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) cholesterol, and triglycerides (TG). PubMed and Embase databases were searched from 2010 up to March 2022. We limited our search to randomized controlled trials conducted on humans and published in English during the specified period. Cochrane's risk of bias tool for interventional studies was used. A random-effects model was used for the meta-analysis, and weighted mean differences were obtained (WMD) Thirteen trials from the U.S., Europe, and Asia were included. Walnut intake was associated with significant reductions in TC (WMD: -8.58 mg/dL), LDL-C (WMD: -5.68 mg/dL), and TG (WMD: -10.94 mg/dL). Walnut consumption was not associated with HDL-C. Subgroup analysis showed that overweight/obese and those with comorbidities had more lipid improvement. A longer trial duration did result in further improvements. However, our results may be prone to bias due to extraneous confounding factors. Additionally, levels of heterogeneity were considerable for some outcomes of interest. Results from this meta-analysis provide evidence for the health benefits of walnuts on blood lipids. Walnuts possibly reduce the risk of CVD; thus, they can be successfully added to a dietary pattern to enhance health benefits.

Cardiovascular Disease Risk in a Cohort of Virologically Suppressed People Living with HIV Switching to Doravirine: Preliminary Data from the Real Life.

Aim of this study is to assess the impact of doravirine (DOR)-based regimens on cardiovascular risk in treatment-experienced people living with HIV (PLWHIV). We retrospectively analyzed a cohort of 40 treatment-experienced PLWHIV switching to a DOR-based three-drug regimen, evaluating 10-year risk of manifesting clinical cardiovascular diseases (CD) through the Framingham Risk Score at baseline, 12, and 24 weeks of follow-up. At baseline, median predicted 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease (10Y-CD) was 8.0% (interquartile range 4.0-13.0). After 12 weeks, we observed a significant reduction in 10Y-CD (mean decrease -2.21, p = .012); similarly, we observed a nonsignificant reduction at week 24 (p = .336). Regarding metabolic parameters, after 24 weeks we observed a significant reduction in total cholesterol (median change -8.8 mg/dL, p = .018), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (median -9.5 mg/dL, p = .007), and triglycerides (median -19.8 mg/dL, p < .001). Our results show a favorable metabolic impact of DOR-based regimens along with a promising reduction in 10-year risk of cardiovascular disease.

Characterization of ultrasonically extracted flaxseed polysaccharide gum and assessing its lipid-lowering potential in a rat model.

Flaxseed polysaccharide gum (FPG) was extracted through the ultrasound-assisted process using water as a solvent with a yield ranging from 8.05 ± 0.32% to 12.23 ± 0.45% by changing different extraction variables. The extracted FPG was analyzed for its functional groups and antioxidant potential. The maximum DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging activity (≈100%) of FPG was noted at concentrations beyond ≈10mg·ml-1. The maximum inhibition percentage through ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (72.4% ± 1.9%) was noted at 40 mg·ml-1, which was observed to be less when compared to DPPH at the same concentration. The total antioxidant potential of the FPG solution at a concentration of 10mg·ml-1 was equivalent to 461 mg ascorbic acid, which tends to increase with concentration at a much lower scope. The in vivo trial suggested that the least weight gain was noted in experimental groups G2 and Gh2. A significant reduction in total cholesterol was noticed in G1 (-14.14%) and G2 (-17.72%) and in Gh1 (-22.02%) and Gh2 (-34.68%) after 60 days of the trial compared to the baseline values. The maximum reduction in total triglyceride was observed in Gh2 (-25.06%) and Gh1 (-22.01%) after 60 days of the trial. It was an increasing trend in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) in different experimental groups G2 (10.51%) than G1 (5.35%) and Gh2 (48.96%) and Gh1 (31.11%), respectively, after 60 days of study interval. Reduction of -5.05% and - 9.45% was observed in G1 and G2, while similar results were observed in Gh1 and Gh2. Conclusively, results suggested a possible protective role of FPG against hyperlipidemia.

Effect of long‐term valproic acid therapy on lipid profiles in paediatric patients with epilepsy: a meta‐analysis

Despite the potential role of valproic acid (VPA) in weight gain, the effects of VPA therapy on lipid profiles remain unclear. This study aimed to review the influence of VPA therapy on serum lipid profiles in children with epilepsy. This meta-analysis was conducted on data from PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases. Case-controlled studies, which assessed the effects of VPA therapy on lipid profiles, were included. All outcomes were recorded as continuous variables, and the effect size was measured. VPA therapy was associated with a significant reduction in total cholesterol (mean difference [MD]=-6.34, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -12.30, -0.37, p=0.04) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (MD = -7.75, 95% CI: -13.48, -2.0, p=0.008). No significant effects were observed regarding the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides. In conclusion, this meta-analysis indicates that VPA therapy causes a decrease in the levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Effects of vinegar consumption on cardiometabolic risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Studies that investigated the association between the consumption of vinegar and various cardiometabolic parameters have yielded conflicting results. In this work, we investigated the effects of vinegar consumption on cardiometabolic risk factors using a meta-analysis. Relevant studies were identified using four databases (Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science) up to January 2022. Of the 2806 articles from the initial search, 11 RCTs with 12 treatment arms were included in the meta-analysis. The RCTs focused on both healthy individuals and individuals with cardiometabolic disorders. Consumption of vinegar was associated with significant reductions in fasting blood glucose (WMD: -9.36 mg/dL, 95% CI: -14.82, -3.91) and glycated hemoglobin (WMD: -0.67, 95% CI: -1.36, - 0.01). In terms of lipid profile, there was a significant reduction in total cholesterol (WMD: -18.87 mg/dL, 95% CI: -34.44, -3.29) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: -21.37 mg/dl, 95% CI: -37.54, -5.20), but non-significant reductions in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides were noted, although the latter reduction was of clinical significance (WMD: -21.47 mg/dl, 95% CI: -49.72, 6.77). In addition, no significant changes in fat mass and waist circumference were observed, while significant reductions in body mass index (WMD: -0.39 kg/m 2 , 95% CI: -0.74, -0.04, p = 0.028) and body weight (WMD: -0.73 kg, 95% CI: -1.45, -0.01) were noted with dubious clinical relevance. In conclusion, the consumption of vinegar may have beneficial effects on some glycemic and lipid indices and could be considered as an intervention for weight loss.

O2-8 Effects of a 12-week walking football intervention on cardiovascular disease risk factors in an older adult population: a randomised controlled trial in the UK

Abstract Background Interventions promoting physical activity and improved wellbeing delivered through professional football clubs have previously produced favourable changes in health in adult males (Hunt et al., 2014). Walking football has proven a popular variant suitable for older adults and studies have reported positive changes in health outcomes (Arnold et al., 2015; Reddy et al., 2017; McEwan et al., 2019). However, studies exploring outcomes following walking football interventions when compared to a control group in an older adult population are scarce. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to explore the effects of a 12-week walking football intervention on cardiovascular disease risk factors and quality of life in an older adult population. Methods Following ethical approval, participants (n = 23, one female; 68 ± 8 years old), were recruited through the Drink Wise, Age Well scheme; a local Lottery funded organisation and were invited to take part in a 12-week walking football intervention or control group. Intervention group participants (n = 17), were invited to one 60-minute walking football session per week consisting of a warm-up and small-scale competitive games, whereas control group participants (n = 6), continued with their normal habitual lifestyle. Outcomes measured were weight, resting blood pressure, non-fasting blood lipids, six-minute walk distance, and quality of life. Outcomes were assessed at baseline (week-0), midpoint (week-7) and post-intervention (week-13). Sessional RPE was recorded after each session. Preliminary data were analysed using a repeated-measures ANOVA. Results Adherence to the 12-week intervention was 83%. Mean (± SD) attendance for sessions was 68 ± 26% (range; 0-92%). Mean rating of perceived exertion was 6.3 ± 1 (range; 2-8). Analysis revealed a significant reduction in total cholesterol (p = 0.01) and LDL cholesterol (p = 0.19) in the intervention group. However, despite favourable changes in both groups for each variable, no significant difference between groups occurred between baseline, week-7 and post-intervention. Conclusion The study outlines the potential for individuals enrolled in a walking football scheme to engage in weekly moderate-to-vigorous PA as well as maintaining and improving a myriad of health outcomes. Engagement in other pre-existing health promotion schemes, such as walking football at other local organisations may have influenced outcome measures.

Nutritional Intervention Effectiveness on Slowing Time to Dialysis in Elderly Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease-A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health issue. Evidence of the effectiveness of nutritional intervention on slowing time to dialysis is limited in Arab countries. Therefore, this study aims to contribute to current research by providing new insights on the efficacy of personalized nutritional intervention in pre-dialysis patients in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 265 CKD patients (163 males and 108 females) who were admitted to the nephrology outpatient clinic at Salmaniya Medical Complex in Bahrain. The nutritional intervention group (NIG) receiving dietary advice by an expert renal dietitian consisted of 121 patients, while the non-nutritional intervention control group (non-NIG) that did not receive any nutritional support consisted of 150 patients. Patients were evaluated at baseline and follow-up. Results: The NIG had a significant increase in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) compared to the non-NIG that had a significant decrease (5.16 vs. −2.85 mL/min/1.73 m2 (p = 0.000), respectively). When adjusted for age and gender, the mean difference was greater (8.0 mL/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.000). Additionally, there was a significant reduction in blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine (−2.19 mmol/L and −25.31 µmol/L; p = 0.000, respectively). Moreover, the intervention had a positive impact on weight loss and body mass index (−1.84 kg and−0.69 kg/m2, respectively; p = 0.000) and lipid profile, with a significant reduction in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels (−0.17 mmol/L, p = 0.006 and −0.15 mmol/L, p = 0.026, respectively). Additional significant results from the NIG included reduced uric acid (−28.35 µmol/L, p = 0.006), serum phosphorus (−0.05 mol/L, p = 0.025), fasting blood glucose (−0.70 mmol/L, p = 0.016) and glycated hemoglobin (1.10 mmol/mol, p = 0.419). Conclusions: This study suggests that, in patients of CKD, nutritional intervention counselling plays a significant role in reducing the time needed for dialysis and improves nutritional-related biomarkers compared to patients not receiving this intervention.

SLCO1B1 and ABCB1 variants synergistically influencethe atorvastatin treatment response in South Indian coronary artery disease patients.

Introduction: Atorvastatin exhibits wide interindividual variability in treatment response, limiting the drug efficacy in coronary artery diseasepatients. Aim: To study the effect of genetic variants involved in atorvastatin transport/metabolism and correlate their lipid-lowering efficacy. Materials & methods: Genotyping was performed using 5'-hydrolysis probe method (n=412), and the studyevaluated the treatment response in 86 patients. Results: Significant reduction in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C) were observed in SLCO1B1-rs4149056, rs4363657and ABCB1-rs1045642 genotypes. The combined genotypes of ABCB1 and SLCO1B1showed a strong synergistic effect in reducing the total cholesterol and LDL-C. Diabetes and smoking were observed to influence the LDL-C reduction. Conclusion: The genetic variants of SLCO1B1 and ABCB1 predict the lipid-lowering efficacy of atorvastatin, and this may be useful in genotype-guided statin therapy for coronary artery disease patients.

Novel APOB nonsense variant related to familial hypobetalipoproteinemia and hepatic steatosis: A case report and review

Hereditary familial hypobetalipoproteinemia (FHBL) is a syndrome caused by variants in the APOB gene, that cause a defect in the secretion and mobilization of liver lipids to peripheral tissues, associated with the synthesis of truncated ApoB100 apolipoproteins. This condition causes significant reduction in total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), very low-density proteins (VLDL) and serum triglyceride levels, with unchanged high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. Herein we present the case of a middle-aged woman diagnosed with FHBL and hepatic steatosis, heterozygous for c.4698C>A; (p.Tyr1566Ter) variant in APOB. The variant presented herein showed high expressiveness in the two generations of individuals analyzed and has not yet being described in the medical literature. Early diagnosis and screening for associated metabolic comorbidities such as metabolic fatty liver disease and its subsequent progression to fibrosis are the two main goals in the treatment of this condition, in order to prevent medium to long term potential complications.

The effects of guar gum supplementation on lipid profile in adults: a GRADE-assessed systematic review, meta-regression and dose-response meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled trials.

Recent meta-analytic work indicated that guar gum supplementation might improve lipid profile markers in different populations. However, critical methodological limitations such as the use of some unreliable data and the lack of inclusion of several relevant studies, and the scarcity in assessments of regression and dose-specific effects make it difficult to draw meaningful conclusions from the meta-analysis. Therefore, current evidence regarding the effects of guar gum supplementation on lipid profile remains unclear. The present systematic review, meta-regression and dose-response meta-analysis aimed to examine the effects of guar gum supplementation on lipid profile (total cholesterol (TC), LDL, TAG and HDL) in adults. Relevant studies were obtained by searching the PubMed, SCOPUS, Embase and Web of Science databases (from inception to September 2021). Weighted mean differences (WMD) and 95 % CI were estimated via a random-effects model. Heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis and publication bias were reported using standard methods. Pooled analysis of nineteen randomised controlled trials (RCT) revealed that guar gum supplementation led to significant reductions in TC (WMD: -19·34 mg/dl, 95 % CI -26·18, -12·49, P < 0·001) and LDL (WMD: -16·19 mg/dl, 95 % CI -25·54, -6·83, P = 0·001). However, there was no effect on TAG and HDL among adults in comparison with control group. Our outcomes suggest that guar gum supplementation lowers TC and LDL in adults. Future large RCT on various populations are needed to show further beneficial effects of guar gum supplementation on lipid profile and establish guidelines for clinical practice.

Therapeutic Potential of Artichoke in the Treatment of Fatty Liver: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major chronic liver disease that can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death. Artichoke leaf extract (ALE) is well known in folk medicine for its hepatoprotective effect. Till recent times, no sufficient data from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) exist to support such use. This meta-analysis summarizes evidence from recent RCTs that evaluated ALE in NAFLD patients. Electronic databases were searched for RCTs that used ALE in NAFLD patients. The random-effects model was used to pool effect sizes (standardized change score). Data synthesis from five RCTs (333 patients) showed that ALE resulted in a significant reduction in alanine aminotransferase (standardized mean difference [SMD]: 1.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79-1.73; P < .001) and aspartate aminotransferase levels (SMD: 1.01; 95% CI, 0.52-1.51; P < .001) compared with the control group. ALE also resulted in a significant reduction in total cholesterol (SMD: 0.98; 95% CI, 0.53-1.43; P = .004), low-density lipoprotein (SMD: 0.96; 95% CI, 0.3-1.62; P < .001) and triglycerides (SMD: 0.95; 95% CI, 0.58-1.32; P < .001). The current review provides evidence from RCTs to support the use of ALE as a hepatoprotective agent in NAFLD patients. The study was registered on the PROSPERO database with the Registration No. CRD42020182502 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero).

Role of Phytoestrogen-Rich Bioactive Substances (Linum usitatissimum L., Glycine max L., Trifolium pratense L.) in Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Postmenopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The aim of this report was to determine the impact of flaxseed, soy and red clover, and their bioactive substances on the lipid profile in postmenopausal women in cardiovascular diseases prevention. We used the following databases: MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE and the Cochrane Library. Meta-analysis indicates that the intake of flaxseed by postmenopausal women is associated with a statistically significant reduction in total cholesterol (TC) levels (weighted-mean difference (WMD) = −0.26; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): −0.38 to −0.13; p = 0.0001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (WMD = −0.19; 95% CI: −0.30 to −0.08; p = 0.0006), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (WMD = −0.06; 95% CI: −0.11 to −0.01; p = 0.0150). The effect of soy protein on the lipid profile showed a significant decrease in TC levels: WMD = −0.15; 95% CI: −0.25–0.05; p = 0.0048, LDL-C levels: WMD = −0.15; 95% CI: −0.25–0.05; p = 0.0067, as well as a significant increase in HDL-C levels: WMD = 0.05; 95% CI: 0.02–0.08; p = 0.0034. Changes in the lipid profile showed a significant reduction in TC levels after the use of red clover (WMD = −0.11; 95% CI: −0.18–−0.04; p = 0.0017) and a significant increase in HDL-C levels (WMD = 0.04; 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.07; p = 0.0165). This meta-analysis provides evidence that consuming flaxseed, soy and red clover can have a beneficial effect on lipids in postmenopausal women and suggest a favorable effect in preventing cardiovascular diseases.

Effects of Methanolic Extract of Mistiltoe (Viscum Album) on Alloxan Induced Diabetic Albino Rats

The plant Viscum album is used in folklore medicine to treat various diseases most especially diabetes mellitus. In this study, the antidiabetic potentials of the methanolic extract of Viscum album leave were evaluated using alloxan induced diabetes rats. Diabetes was induced using alloxan and 60mg/kg body weight. The diabetic rats were treated 1500 and 750 mg/kg body weight of viscum album leave extract and glinbenclamide was used as standard drug. During administration of extract, blood glucose level and body weight of the rat were being monitored at three days interval. There was a significant decrease in blood glucose level and body weight at three days interval. There was significant increases in (p&lt;0.05) in alloxan induced group after 21 days oral administration of the extract at 1500 and 750 mg/kg. Body weight shows significant reduction in total cholesterol, triglyceride, low lipid density, lipo protein when compared to diabetic control and high density lipo protein showed significant increase (&lt;p0.05) when compared to the diabetic control. Viscum album can be used in management of diabetes mellitus.

Cardio protective activity of Sargassum wightii on isoproterenol induced myocardial stress in rats

The aim of this investigation is to determine whether the methanolic extracts of Sargassum wightii can protect rats against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction. Four different groups of rats (6 rats in each group) were taken; where group 1 comprised of normal untreated rats, group 2 was injected with Isoproterenol (synthetic catecholamine), group 3 was considered as standard and hence, was injected with Isoproterenol + Simvastatin and group 4 was treated with Isoproterenol + Sargassum wightii’s extract. Cardioprotective effects of Sargassum wightii was observed via the changes in the lipid profile, cardio marker enzymes and through histopathological studies. Rats treated with the extract of S. wightii showed a significant reduction in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, serum triglycerides and increase in HDL- cholesterol level indicating an undamaged myocardial membrane. Likewise, low enzyme activity in Sargassum wightii treated rats clearly indicated the cardioprotective effects of Sargassum wightii. Histopathological studies were also done to observe the changes on the rats at the tissue level and no pathological changes were observed in Sargassum wightii treated rats. Hence, methanolic extract of Sargassum wightii is evidenced to possess cardioprotective activity against myocardial infarction.

The effect of Brassica vegetables on blood glucose levels and lipid profiles in adults. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Previous studies on the effect of Brassica vegetables on blood glucose and lipid profile have reported inconclusive findings. Due to the high prevalence of glucose and lipid metabolism disorders and their importance as predictors of chronic diseases, the present meta-analysis was performed to clarify the effect of Brassica vegetables on blood glucose and lipid profile. A systematic search of the databases of PubMed, Scopus, and Cochran Library was performed up to October 2020. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the effect of Brassica vegetables on blood glucose and lipid profile were included in the study. The search results were limited to English-language publications. Finally, nine RCTs, including 548 participants, were selected for the present study. Pooled analysis indicated a significant reduction in total cholesterol (TC) (SMD=-0.28, 95%CI: 0.48 to 0.08; p= 0.005) following Brassica vegetables consumption. Overall, Brassica vegetables had no significant impact on serum levels of triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, and glycated hemoglobin. Consumption of Brassica vegetables had a statistically significant effect on TC concentration. However, further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of these plants.

EFFECTS OF OVER−DAY AND OVERNIGHT FASTING ON THE HEMATOLOGICAL, BIOCHEMICAL AND OXIDATIVE PROFILE OF HEALTHY DOGS

The influence of the circadian rhythm on canine laboratory parameters is yet to be elucidated. This study aimed to investigate possible fluctuations that occur on laboratory tests of healthy dogs following overnight and over−day fasting. For this purpose, 20 adult clinically healthy dogs were enrolled in the study. Venous blood samples were obtained 7:00 am (ONF, overnight fasting) and at 7:00 pm (ODF, over−day fasting) at the same day, following a 12−hour period of respectively overnight and over−day fasting for hematological, biochemical and oxidative stress assessment. The erythrogram showed significant reduction of red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) measured by the cell counter following ODF. The only change seen on the leukogram was a lower lymphocyte count following ODF. No significant changes were found on platelet count, although ODF was associated with decreased mean platelet volume (MPV) and total plasma protein (TPP). ODF caused a significant reduction of total cholesterol, ALP, phosphate and triglycerides. On oxidative stress parameters, ODF reduced total oxidant capacity (TOC) and increased lipid peroxidation. In conclusion, the time of fasting can partly influence hematological, biochemical and oxidative stress parameters in dogs significantly, which warrants standardization of fasting period prior to laboratory tests in dogs, especially during research.

The effect of tamoxifen on the lipid profile in women: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The effect of tamoxifen administration on serum lipids in females remains unclear. The studies which have explored this topic have produced conflicting results, probably due to discrepancies in the length of the intervention, differences in baseline variables or other factors. To answer this research question, we decided to conduct this systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effects of tamoxifen on the lipid profile in women. A comprehensive search was conducted in Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed/Medline and Embase, from the inception of these databases up to June 2021. We used a random effects meta-analysis to generate the combined results. The overall findings were generated from 18 eligible trials. As compared to placebo, tamoxifen led to a notable reduction of the total cholesterol (TC) (WMD: -23.03mg/dL, 95% CI: -25.94 to -20.12, P˂0.001), and the low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD: -18.68mg/dL, 95% CI: -24.31 to -13.04, P˂0.001). However, tamoxifen did not alter triglycerides (TG) concentrations (WMD: +1.06mg/dL, 95% CI: -11.08 to 13.20, P=0.864) significantly. A pronounced reduction of the high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDLC) was noted in the RCTs with a duration of ≤52weeks (WMD: -2.06mg/dL) and when tamoxifen was administered in participants with a BMI ≥25kg/m2 (WMD: -1.42mg/dL). Notable reductions in TC (WMD: -23.57mg/dL) and LDL-C (WMD: -19.21mg/dL) was detected when the dose of tamoxifen was ≥20mg/day. Moreover, a significant reduction of TC (WMD: -20.23mg/dL) and LDL-C (WMD: -24.13mg/dL) was observed in the RCTs with a duration of ≤52weeks. Tamoxifen can alter the lipid profile in females, particularly by decreasing TC, LDL-C and HDLC. Tamoxifen can further reduce TC and LDL-C if the dose of administration is ≥20mg/day, the treatment duration is ≤52weeks and if it prescribed in subjects with dyslipidemia.

Effect of Plant-Derived n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Blood Lipids and Gut Microbiota: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundSeveral cardioprotective mechanisms attributed to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been widely documented. Significant interest has recently focused on the role of human gut microbiota in metabolic disorders. However, the role of plant-derived n-3 PUFAs on blood lipid profiles is controversial and the effect on gut microbiota is still unclear.ObjectivesWe aimed to perform a double-blind randomized controlled trial to test the effect of plant-derived n-3 PUFAs on the blood lipids and gut microbiota of patients with marginal hyperlipidemia.MethodsAccording to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 75 participants with marginal hyperlipidemia were randomly assigned to the intervention group (supplied with n-3 PUFA-enriched plant oil) or control group (supplied with corn oil), respectively, for a 3-month treatment. Participants and assessors were blinded to the allocation. The primary outcomes of the trial were the changes in serum lipid levels. Secondary outcomes were changes in gut microbiota and metabolites. For the primary outcomes, we conducted both an intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis and a per protocol (PP) analysis. For the secondary outcomes, we only conducted the PP analysis among the participants who provided fecal sample.ResultsFifty-one participants completed the trial. Relative to the control group, the n-3 PUFA supplementation resulted in significant reduction in total cholesterol (TC) levels (−0.43 mmol/L, 95% CI−0.84 to−0.01 mmol/L, P < 0.05). The n-3 PUFA supplementation was also associated with significantly increased relative abundance of Bacteroidetes in phylum level (P < 0.01; false discovery rate (FDR) corrected p = 0.11), and decreased the ratio between Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes (P < 0.05; FDR corrected p = 0.16). At genus level, the intervention of plant derived n-3 PUFAs resulted in a significant decrease in relative abundance of Phascolarctobacterium (P < 0.01; FDR corrected p = 0.18) and Veillonella (P < 0.01; FDR corrected p = 0.18) after the intervention.ConclusionsOur results demonstrated that plant-derived n-3 PUFAs beneficially affected the serum levels of TC and decreased the ratio between Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes during the 12-week intervention period, which might confer advantageous consequences for lipid metabolism and intestinal health.