Significant Reduction In Total Cholesterol Research Articles

Effects of curcumin on body weight, glycemic control and serum lipids in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of curcumin on body weight, glycemic control and serum lipids in women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The current randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed on 60 subjects with PCOS, aged 18-40 years old. Subjects were randomly allocated to take 500mg/day curcumin (n=30) or placebo (n= 30) for 12 weeks. Glycemic control and serum lipids were measured at baseline and after the 12-week intervention. Using RT-PCR method, gene expression related to insulin and lipid metabolism was evaluated. Curcumin significantly decreased weight (-0.8±0.9 vs.-0.2±0.8kg, P=0.03) and BMI (-0.3±0.4 vs.-0.1±0.3kg/m2, P=0.03). Curcumin, compared with the placebo, significantly reduced fasting glucose (β-2.63mg/dL; 95% CI,-4.21,-1.05; P=0.002), serum insulin (β-1.16 μIU/mL; 95% CI,-2.12,-0.19; P=0.02), insulin resistance (β-0.26; 95% CI,-0.48,-0.03; P=0.02), and significantly increased insulin sensitivity (β 0.006; 95% CI, 0.001, 0.01; P=0.02). In addition, taking curcumin was associated with a significant reduction in total cholesterol (β-15.86mg/dL; 95% CI,-24.48,-7.24; P=0.001), LDL-cholesterol (β-16.09mg/dL; 95% CI,-25.11,-7.06; P=0.001) and total-/HDL-cholesterol ratio (β-0.62; 95% CI,-0.93,-0.30; P<0.001), and a significant increase in HDL-cholesterol levels (β 2.14mg/dL; 95% CI, 0.36, 3.92; P=0.01) compared with the placebo. Additionally, curcumin administration up-regulated gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) (P=0.03) and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) (P<0.001) compared with the placebo. Overall, curcumin administration for 12 weeks to women with PCOS had beneficial effects on body weight, glycemic control, serum lipids except triglycerides and VLDL-cholesterol levels, and gene expression of PPAR-γ and LDLR. Registered under Clinical Trials.gov Identifier no. http://www.irct.ir: IRCT20170513033941N50.

Effect of Aerobic Exercise Training Programme on Blood Cholesterol Profile in Prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases among Young Adults

This study investigated the effects of aerobic exercise training programme on blood cholesterol profile as cardiovascular disease risk factor among adolescents. The study employed the true experimental of pretest post test design with one experimental and control group. The population consisted of 745 students of Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti. The participants for the study were 32 students comprising 22 participants for the experimental and 10 for the control groups with equal number of male and female in each case. The instruments used for sample and data collection for the study were; stadiometer, vacutainer needles, plastic vacuum tubes, vacutainer holder, tourniquet, disinfection swabs, microspore tape, adhesive dressing, rubber gloves, lithium heparin bottles and spectrophotometer. The training programme consisted of graded activities lasting for 25-40 minutes, administered three times a week for 12 weeks. The blood samples collected were subjected to chemical analysis generated for the study. The data were subjected to descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation and range and inferential statistics of Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). Multiple Classification Analysis (MCA) was employed to determine how much effect the treatment had on the cholesterol profile of the students. Statistical analysis showed significant reduction of total cholesterol, low density lipoproteincholesterol, and increase high density lipoprotein cholesterol. Aerobic exercise training programme had positive effects on total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels of the adolescents. It is therefore recommended that behavioural counseling will goal on way re-orientating the adolescents towards aerobic exercise training programme which will help in preventing cardio vascular diseases in adult population.

Orange juice combined to a healthy-eating pattern improved endothelial function and reduced global risk of CHD in metabolic syndrome patients

AbstractCurrent evidence has shown that orange juice flavonoids have antihypertensive, lipid lowering, insulin sensitizing, antioxidant and antinflammatory properties, which are correlated with antiatherogenic activity. The objective of this study was to verify whether regular administration of 100% pure orange juice (OJ), as a source of antioxidant and bioactive compounds, associated with a healthy dietary pattern improves endothelial and vascular function and reduces Global Risk of Coronary Heart Disease (Global Risk of CHD). Obese volunteers (n = 68) with metabolic syndrome were randomly assigned to the control (n = 34) or OJ (n = 34) groups, and all of them were counseled and followed up to maintain a healthy-eating pattern for 12 weeks. In addition, OJ group participants drank 500 ml of 100% orange juice daily in two servings of 250 mL each between meals. After the intervention, a significant reduction of 2% in anthropometric measurements (body weight and fat) was observed in both groups, with no change in lean mass. In the OJ group, a significant reduction of total cholesterol (-9.4%) was detected, whereas the controls reduced only HDL-C (-9%). In both groups there was a significant reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (-8% and -9%, respectively) and an increase in antioxidant capacity (1%). Only the OJ group reduced vascular markers ICAM (-14%) and VCAM (-15%) and inflammatory markers TNF-alpha (-20%) and hsPCR (-22%) (p &lt; 0.05). Both groups reduced IL-6 (-45%), improved brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (BA-FMD), and reduced carotid artery intima-media thickness (CA-IMT) by 10% (p &lt; 0.05). Daily consumption of orange juice, along with a healthy-eating pattern, was able to reduce cardiovascular risk factors related to systemic inflammation and endothelial function in individuals with metabolic syndrome. A significant reduction in the prevalence of the high-risk of CHD was observed in 47% of subjects who consumed a healthy diet, while 70% of patients who had a healthy eating pattern along with orange juice reverted to low CHD risk, showing the additional benefit of regular intake of 100% orange juice. This was probably due to the action of antioxidant compounds present in high concentrations in orange juice, such as vitamin C and citrus flavonoids

Statins improve periodontal disease–induced inflammatory changes and associated lipid peroxidation in patients with dyslipidemia: Two birds by one stone

Aim: To show the potential role of statins on the inflammatory and lipid peroxidation biomarkers in patients with periodontal disease (PD). Materials and Methods: This case-controlled cross-sectional study involved 74 patients with PD and/or dyslipidemia divided into: Group (A): 34 patients with PD not on statin therapy (non-statin users), Group (B): 40 patients with PD on statin therapy (statin users), and Group (C): 30 healthy controls. Total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured. Also blood pressure profile and the indices of PD were evaluated in each group. Statistical analysis was conducted by using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: Patients with PD showed high cardiometabolic disturbances compared with control subjects. Inflammatory and lipid peroxidation biomarkers were higher in patients with PD compared with control subjects; IL-6, CRP, TNF-α, and MDA sera level were high in patients with PD compared with control subjects (P = 0.001). Statin therapy, either simvastatin or atorvastatin, led to significant reduction in TC, TG, VLDL, LDL, blood pressure profile, and cardiac risk indices with elevation in HDL compared with non-statin user (P < 0.01). Also, statin therapy in patients with PD led to significant reduction in IL-6, CRP, TNF-α, and MDA sera levels compared with non-statin user (P < 0.05). Simvastatin and atorvastatin produced improved periodontal indices compared with non-statin user (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Both simvastatin and atorvastatin are effective therapies in patients with PD through amelioration of PD-induced inflammatory disorders and periodontal indices.

Особливості лікування хворих з артеріальною гіпертензією із супутнім ожирінням: невідоме про відоме

Introduction. Arterial Hypertension is the most common disease of the circulatory system. Today we can talk about it as a non-infectious epidemic. Obesity is a risk factor and a frequent comorbid condition in hypertension. The aim. Given the role of dopamine metabolism as one of the pathogenetic triggers of hypertension and obesity, to study the effect of a dopamine receptor agonist bromocriptine in this category of patients. Materials and methods. We examined 111 hypertensive patients with concomitant obesity and 18 hypertensive patients without obesity with dopamine (DA) metabolism disorders. 24 patients with concomitant obesity received the dopamine receptor agonist bromocriptine and the calcium antagonist amlodipine to correct their DA metabolism disorders. The level of DA was determined according to the daily excretion of DA in the urine by fluorometric method. Determination of angiotensin II (ATII) was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The concentration of lipids was determined using the enzymatic colorimetric method, blood pressure was assessed using Daily Monitoring of Blood Pressure (ABPM), the condition of the endothelium was determined using D.S Celermajer’s endothelium-dependent vasodilation assessment. Results. Concomitant obesity leads to a deeper impairment in the dopaminergic system, RAAS, lipid spectrum and endothelial status. Bromocriptine and amlodipine treatment resulted in a significant increase in urinary DA excretion by 1.77 times (77.4%) and a trend towards blood ATII increase, which confirms the assumption of similar mechanism of action of dopamine agonists and angiotensin II receptor antagonist; positivization of lipid spectrum parameters: significant reduction of total cholesterol by 5.7%, TG by 14.01%, LDL by 5.5%. Regarding other lipid metabolism, such as HDL, there was a trend towards increase by 4.6%, combined with a significant improvement in endothelium-dependent vasodilation by 54.8%, lower blood pressure and a positive modulating effect of the combination of these drugs on the daily blood pressure profile against the background of a significant decrease in body weight by 8.8%.

Effect of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Supplementation on Plasma Levels of Malondialdehyde (MDA), Total Cholesterol and LDL Cholesterol in the Elderly

Background: Several various physiological functions in elderly people are diminished due to cell or tissue damage. One of the probable causes are oxidative stress yielded by free radicals.Oxidative stress (ROS) induce lipid peroxidation in endothelial cell membrane, which generates atherosclerotic plaque. In a state of oxidative stress, MDA level will increased. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of SOD supplementation on MDA, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol plasma levels in the elderly.Methods: This study was open label, a randomized control trial. Subjects were elderly people aged &gt; 60 years (median 75, 60-82 ys, male 10 (24,4%)) institutionalized at Social Rehabilitation Unit Pucang Gading Semarang, Indonesia. The treatment group consisted of 16 people, received SOD (GlisodinR) 1 capsule (250 IU) 1 hour before meals, plus exercise scheduled for 8 weeks. The control group consisted of 15 people, received placebo, and exercise. Plasma MDA levels were examined using TBARS method, while total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were examined using CHOD-PAP method.Results: This study show a reduction of plasma MDA levels in the treatment group compare to control group ( p = 0.062 ). A significant reduction of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels in the treatment group were found (before 190.00 and 131.47 g/dl, after 182.27 and 121.93 g/dl, p = 0.005 and 0.001).Conclusion: The SOD supplementation significantly reduce Total Cholesterol and LDL level, but not MDA level in the elderly.

Lipid Profile of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Wistar Albino Rats Treated with Aqueous Extracts of Nauclea latifolia

In recent times there has been a steady increase in researches aimed at searching for plant agents that can be used in the management of diabetes mellitus and its complications with minimal side effects compared with the anti-diabetic drugs in the pharmaceutical market. This work is on the effect of aqueous extracts ofNauclea latifolia plant on serum lipid profile in streptozotocin- induced diabetic rats. Thirty mature male Wistar albino rats were divided into six treatment groups of five rats each. Group A was normal control and group B was streptozotocin-induced diabetic control. Groups C, D and E were streptozotocin- induced diabetic rats treated daily with 500mg / kg. body weight of aqueous extracts of stem-bark, leaves and root-bark of Nauclea latifolia respectively. Group F was streptozotocin- induced diabetic rats treated daily with 5mg / kg. body weight of glibenclamide and the treatment was for 28 days. The serum total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and triacylglycerol of the rats were determined using assay kits from Agape Diagnostic, Switzerland while very low density lipoprotein cholesterol was determined by calculation according to the method of Burstein and Samaile (1960). The low density lipoprotein cholesterol was estimated using the method of Friedwald, Levy and Fredrickson (1972) which entails differential subtraction of the sum of the cholesterol fractions from the total cholesterol. The parameters were analyzed using One- way Analysis of Variance with the level of significance determined by least significant difference. The streptozotocin-induced diabetic control rats had their serum levels of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol and triacylglycerol significantly elevated compared with the normal control. Nauclea latifolia aqueous extracts brought about significant reduction of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels in the diabetic treated rats. The outcome of this work indicates that Nauclea latifolia aqueous extracts have ameliorating effect on diabetic complications due to high serum lipid profile levels.

Lipid Profile of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Wistar Albino Rats Treated with Aqueous Extracts of Nauclea latifolia

In recent times there has been a steady increase in researches aimed at searching for plant agents that can be used in the management of diabetes mellitus and its complications with minimal side effects compared with the anti-diabetic drugs in the pharmaceutical market. This work is on the effect of aqueous extracts ofNauclea latifolia plant on serum lipid profile in streptozotocin- induced diabetic rats. Thirty mature male Wistar albino rats were divided into six treatment groups of five rats each. Group A was normal control and group B was streptozotocin-induced diabetic control. Groups C, D and E were streptozotocin- induced diabetic rats treated daily with 500mg / kg. body weight of aqueous extracts of stem-bark, leaves and root-bark of Nauclea latifolia respectively. Group F was streptozotocin- induced diabetic rats treated daily with 5mg / kg. body weight of glibenclamide and the treatment was for 28 days. The serum total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol and triacylglycerol of the rats were determined using assay kits from Agape Diagnostic, Switzerland while very low density lipoprotein cholesterol was determined by calculation according to the method of Burstein and Samaile (1960). The low density lipoprotein cholesterol was estimated using the method of Friedwald, Levy and Fredrickson (1972) which entails differential subtraction of the sum of the cholesterol fractions from the total cholesterol. The parameters were analyzed using One- way Analysis of Variance with the level of significance determined by least significant difference. The streptozotocin-induced diabetic control rats had their serum levels of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol and triacylglycerol significantly elevated compared with the normal control. Nauclea latifolia aqueous extracts brought about significant reduction of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels in the diabetic treated rats. The outcome of this work indicates that Nauclea latifolia aqueous extracts have ameliorating effect on diabetic complications due to high serum lipid profile levels.

The effects of wheat germ supplementation on metabolic profile in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

The aim of the present trial was to examine the effects of wheat germ (WG) consumption on metabolic control and oxidative stress status of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Eighty participants with T2DM were randomly allocated to receive 20-g WG (n = 40) or placebo (n = 40) in a randomized double-blind clinical trial for 12 weeks. Serum lipid profiles, glycaemic indices, total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdhyde (MDA) were assessed. A total of 75 subjects completed the trial. Compared with the placebo, WG consumption led to significant reduction in total cholesterol (TC) concentrations (p = .04). There was a trend regarding TC to high density lipoprotein ratio (p = .08) following 12 weeks WG consumption, although they were not statistically significant after correcting for multiple testing. In addition, within-group comparison revealed a significant rise in total antioxidant capacity concentration (p = .001) in WG group. We observed no significant effects of WG intake on glycaemic status, blood pressure, MDA, triglyceride, and low density lipoprotein levels. WG consumption for 12 weeks could decrease serum TC levels and had no significant effects on other metabolic variables and MDA in patients with T2DM. Though observed health benefit effects were small, it might lead to a major impact on wider public health.

In Vivo AAV-CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Gene Editing Ameliorates Atherosclerosis in Familial Hypercholesterolemia.

Mutations in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (LDLR) are one of the main causes of familial hypercholesterolemia, which induces atherosclerosis and has a high lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 system is an effective tool for gene editing to correct gene mutations and thus to ameliorate disease. The goal of this work was to determine whether in vivo somatic cell gene editing through the CRISPR/Cas9 system delivered by adeno-associated virus (AAV) could treat familial hypercholesterolemia caused by the Ldlr mutant in a mouse model. We generated a nonsense point mutation mouse line, LdlrE208X, based on a relevant familial hypercholesterolemia-related gene mutation. The AAV-CRISPR/Cas9 was designed to correct the point mutation in the Ldlr gene in hepatocytes and was delivered subcutaneously into LdlrE208X mice. We found that homogeneous LdlrE208X mice (n=6) exhibited severe atherosclerotic phenotypes after a high-fat diet regimen and that the Ldlr mutation was corrected in a subset of hepatocytes after AAV-CRISPR/Cas9 treatment, with LDLR protein expression partially restored (n=6). Compared with the control groups (n=6 each group), the AAV-CRISPR/Cas9 with targeted single guide RNA group (n=6) had significant reductions in total cholesterol, total triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol in the serum, whereas the aorta had smaller atherosclerotic plaques and a lower degree of macrophage infiltration. Our work shows that in vivo AAV-CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Ldlr gene correction can partially rescue LDLR expression and effectively ameliorate atherosclerosis phenotypes in Ldlr mutants, providing a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of patients with familial hypercholesterolemia.

Effectiveness of Probiotics, Metformin and Their Combination Therapy in Ameliorating Dyslipidemia Associated With PCOS

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous metabolic disorder affecting women of the child-bearing age. Alteration in lipid profile is one of the troublesome features faced by PCOS patients that need to be treated.&#x0D; Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of Probiotics, Metformin and their Combination therapy on lipid profile in women suffering from PCOS.&#x0D; Study Design: Single-Centered Randomized Controlled Trial.&#x0D; Setting: Gynecological clinic of Karachi at Tertiary care Hospital from December 2018 to May 2019.&#x0D; Patients and Methods: Total 78 PCOS patients of age between 18 to 40 years were involved in this trial rendering to Rotterdam criteria. After taking written and informed consent they were randomly allocated to three groups and were received: Metformin 500 mg B.D (n = 26), Probiotic Capsule 180 mg B.D (n = 26) and Combination of Metformin 500 mg B.D / Probiotic Capsule 180 mg B.D for 12-weeks. Lipid profile was measured at baseline and after 12-weeks of intervention along with the body weight. In the end, pre versus post therapy and comparison of different group’s results were analyzed.&#x0D; Results: Metformin and Met/Pro Combination groups resulted in a significant reduction in Total Cholesterol (TC) as compared to Probiotic group. Fall in Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were noteworthy after Probiotics and Met/Pro treatment. Serum TG concentrations were significantly reduced in all the groups. High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were slightly elevated after Probiotics treatment, which was not statistically significant but Metformin and Met/Pro group increases it to the significant value. No substantial change was found in the Very Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol VLDL-C levels in any of the three groups.&#x0D; Conclusion: Overall, Probiotics treatment in PCOS women for 12 weeks exhibited noteworthy changes in TG, and LDL-C levels. Metformin markedly improve Cholesterol, TG and HDL-C. However, Met/Pro improved all the lipid changes to the significant value except for VLDL-C.

The effects of green coffee bean extract supplementation on lipid profile in humans: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background and aimThis systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of green coffee bean extract (GCBE) supplementation on lipid profile in adults. Methods and resultsThe PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of sciences, and Google Scholar were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials available in English and published before February 2019. The meta-analysis was conducted using fixed effects models, and between-study heterogeneity was assessed by Cochran's Q test and I2. A total of 17 effect sizes were included in the meta-analysis. Combined effect sizes on serum total cholesterol concentrations revealed significant effects of GCBE supplementation on serum total cholesterol [weighted mean difference (WMD): −4.51 mg/dL, 95% confidence interval (CI): −6.89, −2.12, p < 0.001], low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (WMD: −4.38 mg/dL, 95% CI: −6.44, −2.31, p < 0.001), and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (WMD: 2.63 mg/dL, 95% CI: 2.20, 3.07, p < 0.001) compared to controls. Nevertheless, no significant changes were observed in serum triglycerides levels (WMD: −4.34 mg/dL, 95% CI: −9.00, 0.32, p = 0.068). ConclusionThe evidence from available studies suggests that the GCBE supplementation leads to significant reductions in total cholesterol, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels, and has modest, but, non-significant effects on triglycerides levels.

The impact of probiotic yogurt consumption on lipid profiles in subjects with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background and aimsPotential beneficial effect of probiotic yogurt on the lipid profile has raised much interest. However, the results are inconsistent in this regard. The aim of the study is to determine the effects of probiotic yogurt on serum lipid profile in individuals with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia. Methods and resultsOnline databases including PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Science Direct, Google Scholar and Igaku Chuo Zasshi were searched until March 19th 2019. The effect sizes were expressed as the weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Seven eligible trials with 274 participants were included in this systematic review. Pooling of 9 effect sizes from these seven articles revealed a significant reduction in total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels following probiotic yogurt consumption (mean difference: −8.73 mg/dl, 95% CI: −15.98, −1.48, p-value = 0.018 and mean difference: −10.611 mg/dl, 95% CI: −16.529, −4.693, p-value = 0.000, respectively) without significant heterogeneity among the studies (I2 = 40.6%, p-value = 0.1 and I2 = 24.2%, p-value = 0.229, respectively). The results showed no significant changes in high density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Also, none of the variables showed a significant change for sensitivity analysis. ConclusionAvailable evidence suggests that probiotic yogurt can significantly reduce total cholesterol and LDL-c in subjects with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia without a significant effect on HDL-c and triglyceride levels.

1034 Efficacy and Safety of Saroglitazar in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Patients at 1 Year: An Investigator Initiated Study

INTRODUCTION: Currently there is no drug or therapy approved for NAFLD. Although there are many drugs which have been explored for their usage in NAFLD/NASH. Saroglitazar is one of such novel dual peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-α/γ agonist drug approved for diabetic dyslipidemia in India and is being investigated for treatment of NAFLD. In this current observational study we have tried to explore the efficacy of Saroglitazar in NAFLD patients with dyslipidemia. METHODS: This is a single centre, single arm, open label study of Saroglitazar conducted in northern India. Obese/overweight patients having Fatty Liver (on USG), elevated transaminases and dyslipidemia with or without type 2 diabetes were enrolled. All the patients were given Saroglitazar 4 mg once daily for at least 1 year. Patients with concomitant liver disease due to other etiologies (alcohol, viral etc.) were excluded. The laboratory parameters and LSM reports at baseline and 1 year were compared using t test. RESULTS: A total of 64 patients with mean age of 41.95 ± 8.56 years were enrolled in the study. The ratio of male to female was 84.38 (N:54): 15.62 (N:10). Out of 64 patients 17 Diabetic, 30 Non- diabetic and 17 were Prediabetic. The baseline and follow up of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Total Cholesterol, triglycerides (TG) and liver stiffness measurement values were given in Table 1. There was a consistent and significant reduction in Total Cholesterol, TG, ALT, AST and LSM. There were no reported adverse events pertaining to Hypoglycemia. CONCLUSION: Saroglitazar was found to be safe and effective in management of NAFLD patients in this interim analysis of 12 months follow up. It is a potential option and need further exploration for management of dyslipidemia and NAFLD in non diabetic patients.

Berberine and Dyslipidemia: Different Applications and Biopharmaceutical Formulations Without Statin-Like Molecules-A Meta-Analysis.

The aim of this study was to analyze the efficacy of berberine taken alone or in other formulations (with silymarin or other mixtures) on dyslipidemia through a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis. A systematic investigation was conducted on 19 studies that were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Both controlled trials (n = 12) and cross-sectional trials (n = 7) were included. The following formulations were examined: berberine used alone (n = 5), berberine combined with silymarin (n = 8), and other mixture containing berberine (n = 6). A meta-analysis was performed using a fixed-effects model and meta-regression. Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides were considered. Moreover, possible associations of each parameter with age and the dose and duration of the treatment were analyzed. The data obtained showed a significant reduction in TC and LDL cholesterol for each formulation. A reduction in triglycerides was also observed for both TC and LDL but with a smaller impact. As regards HDL, a slight increase was observed, but it was not statistically significant. The formulation of berberine in association with silymarin was found to have the greatest impact on TC, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. The greater efficacy of the formulation consisting of berberine associated with silymarin can probably be accounted for by the fact that the latter increases the bioavailability of berberine. However, it is necessary to carry out further clinical studies to better define the efficacy of the treatment and which patients show the best response.

Anti-hypercholesterolemic effect of Zingiber montanum extract.

Background: High cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia) has been recognized to cause various disease, most notably the cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, most anti-hypercholesterolemic drugs deliver several side effects for patients, by which medicinal plants have begun to attract attention for treating hypercholesterolemia. Among others, Zingiber montanum (J.König) Link ex A.Dietr. has traditionally been taken for treating health problems caused by high cholesterol levels. Hence, this work aimed at investigating anti-hypercholesterolemic effects offered by the plant. Methods: This study was conducted on 30 male Wistar rats. During experiments, the subjects were divided into 6 groups (n=5), i.e. no treatment (Group 1, control); high-fat diet (Group 2, control); high-fat diet with simvastatin (Group 3); high-fat diet with plant extracts (Group 4-6 with 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg BW, respectively). After 4 weeks of treatments, blood samples were collected from each group. Then, plasma concentrations of triglycerides, total cholesterol, high density lipoproteins (HDL), and low density lipoproteins (LDL) were measured. Results: There were significant differences in total cholesterol (p=0.000), LDL (p=0.000) and triglycerides (p=0.001) for Groups 4-6 (high-fat diet treated with different plant extract doses) in comparison with Group 2 (high-fat diet, control). Meanwhile, there were no significant differences in HDL levels (p=0.830) between Group 2 (high-fat diet, control) and other groups. The results also showed significant differences in total cholesterol and LDL for subjects treated with plant extracts (Group 4, 100 mg/kg BW, p=0.000; Group 5, 200 mg/kg BW, p=0.000; Group 6, 400 mg/kg BW, p=0.000) compared to Group 2 (high-fat diet, control). Then, treatments with 400 mg/kg BW (Group 6) discovered significant reductions in total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides (p=0.030). Conclusion: Therefore, Z. montanum has been discovered to deliver anti-hypercholesterolemic effects to experimental subjects, making it potential to act as a natural source of anti-hypercholesterolemic agents.

Anti-hypercholesterolemic effect of Zingiber montanum extract

Background: High cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia) has been recognized to cause various disease, most notably the cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately, most anti-hypercholesterolemic drugs deliver several side effects for patients, by which medicinal plants have begun to attract attention for treating hypercholesterolemia. Among others, Zingiber montanum (J.König) Link ex A.Dietr. has traditionally been taken for treating health problems caused by high cholesterol levels. Hence, this work aimed at investigating anti-hypercholesterolemic effects offered by the plant. Methods: This study was conducted on 30 male Wistar rats. During experiments, the subjects were divided into 6 groups (n=5), i.e. no treatment (Group 1, control); high-fat diet (Group 2, control); high-fat diet with simvastatin (Group 3); high-fat diet with plant extracts (Group 4-6 with 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg BW, respectively). After 4 weeks of treatments, blood samples were collected from each group. Then, plasma concentrations of triglycerides, total cholesterol, high density lipoproteins (HDL), and low density lipoproteins (LDL) were measured. Results: There were significant differences in total cholesterol (p=0.000), LDL (p=0.000) and triglycerides (p=0.001) for Groups 4-6 (high-fat diet treated with different plant extract doses) in comparison with Group 2 (high-fat diet, control). Meanwhile, there were no significant differences in HDL levels (p=0.830) between Group 2 (high-fat diet, control) and other groups. The results also showed significant differences in total cholesterol and LDL for subjects treated with plant extracts (Group 4, 100 mg/kg BW, p=0.000; Group 5, 200 mg/kg BW, p=0.000; Group 6, 400 mg/kg BW, p=0.000) compared to Group 2 (high-fat diet, control). Then, treatments with 400 mg/kg BW (Group 6) discovered significant reductions in total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides (p=0.030). Conclusion: Therefore, Z. montanum has been discovered to deliver anti-hypercholesterolemic effects to experimental subjects, making it potential to act as a natural source of anti-hypercholesterolemic agents.

The effects of spirulina on glycemic control and serum lipoproteins in patients with metabolic syndrome and related disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of spirulina on glycemic control and serum lipoproteins in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and related disorders. Two independent authors systematically searched online database including EMBASE, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from inception until April 30, 2019. The Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool was applied to assess the methodological quality of included trials. The heterogeneity among the included studies was assessed using Cochrane's Q test and I-square (I2 ) statistic. Pooling effect sizes from studies showed a significant reduction in fasting plasma glucose (FPG; weighted mean difference [WMD]: -10.31; 95% confidence interval, CI [-16.21, -4.42]) and insulin concentrations (WMD: -0.53; 95% CI [-0.62, -0.44]) following the administration of spirulina. Pooled analysis showed also a significant reduction in total cholesterol (WMD: -20.50; 95% CI [-38.25, -2.74]), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; WMD: -19.02; 95% CI [-36.27, -1.78]), and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) concentrations (WMD: -6.72; 95% CI [-9.19, -4.26]) and a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (WMD: 1.42; 95% CI [0.16, 2.68]) following spirulina therapy. This meta-analysis demonstrated the beneficial effects of spirulina supplementation on improving FPG, insulin, total cholesterol, LDL-C, VLDL-C, and HDL-C levels in patients with MetS and related disorders.

The Effects of a New Generation of Nutraceutical Compounds on Lipid Profile and Glycaemia in Subjects with Pre-hypertension.

Treatment strategies for patients with pre-hypertension and low-moderate cardiovascular (CV) risk may include nutraceutical compounds (NCs). To investigate the efficacy and safety of a new-generation of NC in lowering BP values and improving metabolic profile, in a group of hyper-cholesterolemic subjects with pre-hypertension. 131 subjects with pre-hypertension (systolic BP 130-139mmHg and/or diastolic BP 85-89mmHg) without organ damage and history of CV diseases were enrolled. 66 subjects were treated with a once-daily oral formulation of a NC (red yeast rice, Berberine, Coenzyme Q10, folic acid and chrome) added to diet for 3months, while 65 patients followed a diet only. Differences in serum total cholesterol (TC), low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC and HDLC), triglycerides (TG), glycemia, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated. At the end of treatment, significant reductions of TC, LDLC, TG glucose levels were observed in both treatment groups, while HDLC values increased in the active treatment group only. A greater reduction of TC, LDLC and glycemia was observed in the treatment group. TG levels were not different within the two groups. BP and BMI levels remained unchanged, as well AST, ALT; CPK slightly increased in both groups, but it remained in the normal range. In patients with pre-hypertension, NC supplementation was safe, well tolerated and effective in improving lipid pattern and glucose levels and in preventing the progression to overt hypertension.

EFFECTIVENESS AND SAFETY OF A NEW GENERATION OF NUTRACEUTICAL COMPOUNDS ON LIPID PROFILE AND SERUM GLYCAEMIA IN SUBJECTS WITH HIGH-NORMAL BLOOD PRESSURE LEVELS

Objective: In the 2018 ESH/ESC hypertension guidelines is recommend that patients with high–normal blood pressure (BP) values and low–moderate cardiovascular (CV) risk should be offered lifestyle advice, because this reduces their risk of progressing to established hypertension and may further reduce their CV risk. Treatment strategies include non-pharmacologic interventions and in this respect a relevant role has been shown for nutraceutical compounds (NCs). Design and method: 131 subjects (mean age 55.7 ± 9.6 years, 53% males) with high-normal BP levels (i.e. with systolic BP of 130–139 mmHg and/or with diastolic BP of 85–89 values) without hypertension-mediated organ damage and history of cardio-vascular (CV) diseases were enrolled. 66 subjects were treated with a once-daily oral formulation of a NCs containing red yeast rice (equivalent of 3 mg of Monacolin K), 500 mg of Berberine, 30 mg of Coenzyme Q10, 200 mcg of folic acid and 40 mg of chrome that added to their diet for 3 months and were compared with the 65 patients following a diet program. Differences in serum total cholesterol (TC), low- and high-density-lipo- protein cholesterol (LDLC and HDLC), triglycerides (TG), glucose values, CPK, AST, ALT and BMI were compared by analysis of variance. Results: A significant reduction of TC, LDLC and glucose levels was observed in both treatment groups, while HDLC values significantly increased in the active treatment group (+4.8 %, p < 0.0001). However, a greater reduction of TC (-13.6%) LDLC (-17.7%), and serum glucose (-7.7%) was observed in the treatment group that to the control (p < 0.001 for all). BP, BMI and TG levels remained unchanged (p = N.S.). Gender difference was not found in either group (p = N.S.). No adverse event was observed during the study and safety parameters (i.e AST, ALT and CPK values) was not-different between groups; 2 subjects in the active and 2 in the control group withdrew from the study. Conclusions: In patients with high-normal BP levels, NC supplementation was safe, well tolerated and effective in improving lipid pattern and glucose profile.