TAG Levels Research Articles

Antitoxic Effects of Curcumin against Obesity-Induced Multi-Organs' Biochemical and Histopathological Abnormalities in an Animal Model.

Background Obesity is a significant public health problem that is characterized by an increase in oxidative stress and enhanced inflammatory responses associated with immune cell invasion of adipose tissues. This study assessed several biochemical abnormalities, apoptosis, oxidative stress status, and associated histological changes in the liver, duodenum, and heart brought on by high-fat diet-induced obesity in rats. It also assessed the mechanistic benefits of curcumin in reversing these inflammatory, metabolic, and histological impairments. Methods Rats were assigned into three groups each including ten rats: the control group (CD), the high-fat diet group (HFD), and the high-fat diet + curcumin (HFDC) group. Serum glucose, insulin, and triglycerides (TAGs) were observed. In addition, apoptosis (indicated by hepatic DNA fragmentation) and oxidative stress status (indicated by hepatic MPO, GSH, and SOD) were assessed. Histopathological examinations included the GIT (liver and duodenum) and heart in addition to quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays of the adipose tissue genetic expressions for inflammatory signaling pathways (TLR4, IL-6, and TNF-α). Results The overall findings showed that the HFD group exhibited significantly higher levels of glucose, TAGs, and insulin than the control group (P < 0.01). The histological abnormalities of the studied organs in the HFD group were paralleled by these biochemical abnormalities, which were strongly associated with increased apoptosis, increased oxidative stress, and increased expression of the inflammatory signaling markers. There were significant improvements in the HFDC group in terms of biochemical, inflammatory, and histological investigations. Conclusions This study's findings concluded that obesity is significantly associated with biochemical and microscopic alterations in many organs. Curcumin exerted potent antitoxic, antioxidant, tissue-protective, and antiobesity effects. Curcumin is recommended to be added to various dietary regimens to prevent or delay the organs' dysfunction among obese people.

L-Leucine supplementation reduces growth performance accompanied by changed profiles of plasma amino acids and expression of jejunal amino acid transporters in breast-fed intra-uterine growth-retarded piglets.

Previously, we provided an evidence that l-Leucine supplementation facilitates growth performance in suckling piglets with normal birth weight. However, it remains hitherto obscure weather breast-fed piglets displaying intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) show a similar effect in response to l-Leucine provision. In this study, 7-d-old sow-reared IUGR piglets were orally administrated with l-Leucine (0, 0·7, 1·4 or 2·1 g/kg BW) twice daily for 2 weeks. Increasing leucine levels hampered the growth performance of suckling IUGR piglets. The average daily gain of IUGR piglets was significantly reduced in 1·4 g/kg BW and 2·1 g/kg BW l-Leucine supplementation groups (P < 0·05). Except for ornithine and glutamine, the plasma concentrations of other amino acids were abated as l-Leucine levels increased (P < 0·05). Leucine supplementation led to reduction in the levels of urea, blood ammonia, blood glucose, TAG and total cholesterol, as well as an elevation in the level of LDL-cholesterol in suckling IUGR piglets (P < 0·05). In addition, 1·4 g/kg BW of l-Leucine enhanced the mRNA expression of ATB0,+, whereas decreased the mRNA abundances of CAT1, y + LAT1, ASCT2 and b0,+AT in the jejunum (P < 0·05). Concomitantly, the jejunum of IUGR piglets in l-Leucine group contains more ATB0,+ and less SNAT2 protein than in the control (P < 0·05). Collectively, l-Leucine supplementation impairs growth performance in breast-fed IUGR piglets, which may be associated with depressed nutritional conditions and alterations in the uptake of amino acids and the expression of amino acid transporters in the small intestine.

Determination of factors associated with serum cholesterol response to dairy fat consumption in overweight adults: Secondary analysis from an RCT.

Elevated intakes of saturated fatty acids (SFA) can adversely affect serum cholesterol levels. Dairy fat contains ~60% SFA, prompting healthy eating guidelines to recommend low-fat dairy. Physiological, and environmental factors influence inter-individual variance in response to food consumption. Evidence exploring the dairy matrix has differing effects of dairy fat consumption on serum cholesterol levels when consumed in the form of cheese. The extent of this variability and determinants of response to dairy fat are currently unknown. The objective of this study was to determine factors associated with lipid metabolism response to a dairy fat intervention, with a focus on serum cholesterol. A 6-week randomized parallel intervention trial was carried out in healthy volunteers (≥50 years, BMI ≥25 kg/m2). Participants (n = 104) consumed ~40 g dairy fat daily in addition to their usual diet, in 1 of 3 forms: butter, cheese, or reduced-fat cheese and butter. For this analysis, “response” was based on the percentage (%) change in serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) from pre- to post-intervention. Participants were divided into tertiles for each lipid response. The upper and lower tertiles were used to categorize participants as “responders” and “non-responders.” For TC and LDL-c, response was classified as a decrease, whereas “response” was defined as an increase for HDL-c. Clinical response was also considered, by calculating pre- and post-intervention prevalence of those meeting target levels of cholesterol recommendations. Participants demonstrating the largest % decrease (Tertile 1; “responders”) in TC had significantly higher levels of TC and HDL-c, at baseline, and lower levels of triglycerides (TAGs) compared to those in tertile 3 (i.e., TC non-responders). Those with the largest % decrease in LDL-c (Tertile 1: LDL-c responders) had higher baseline levels of LDL-c and lower levels of TAGs. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the % change in TC and LDL-c was associated with baseline TC, TAG, body weight and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP; P < 0.05). Previous work has demonstrated the dairy food matrix affects lipid response to dairy consumption. This study suggests that phenotypic differences may also influence response to dairy fat in overweight individuals.

Elucidating Hepatic Lipidosis in Stray Cats Through Serum Biochemistry, Liver Histopathology and Liver RNA Expression of PPAR-δ and PPAR-γ

Early detection of feline hepatic lipidosis (FHL) with appropriate treatment can increase prognosis significantly. This study looks into the serum biochemistry and lipid composition of serum and liver samples in a group of stray cats (N=18) collected from pounds in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in blood serum was used to detect for liver damage possibly due to FHL, confirmed through light microscopy, serum biochemistry (triglyceride, cholesterol, creatinine, and urea), liver triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations, and liver RNA expression of lipid droplet regulators peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). Differing severity of FHL in samples were divided and grouped using an adapted scoring method observing fatty change of liver (FCL) with trends between FCL groups investigated. Elevated serum ALT reflective of increasing FCL severity was observed with elevated concentrations of liver TAG and cholesterol levels. Serum TAG and cholesterol decreased with heightened FCL pointing to fatty acid oxidation and lipid restoration in the liver, supported by PPAR-γ expression which also propose macrophage activation for liver recovery alongside PPAR-δ for lipogenesis and inflammatory reactions. Elevated serum creatinine and urea levels with increasing FCL severity propose overall intact hepatic function in the stray cat samples.

Sex differences in the association between sugar-sweetened beverages consumption and metabolic risks among the working-age population in Taiwan.

Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) are linked to increased metabolic risk. However, the sex differences in the relationship between SSB intake and adverse health effects remain unclear. Therefore, the present study examined the association between SSB consumption and metabolic risks among working-age males and females from Taiwanese communities. A community-based study utilised data from a comprehensive health screening project conducted by the Public Health Bureau in Changhua County, Taiwan. Metabolic risks included waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, TAG, LDL cholesterol and fasting glucose level using serum tests. Participants were recruited in Changhua County, Taiwan. Between 2005 and 2014, 92 724 citizens participated in the health screening; our data analysis included 75 278 respondents between 30 and 64. The results showed that the frequency of SSB consumption was associated with abnormal waist circumference and elevated total cholesterol, TAG, LDL and glucose in both men and women. Increased SSB consumption frequency was associated with elevated glucose and hypertension in women. Even a slight increase in SSB intake frequency was related to raising the metabolic risks. Similar patterns were evident when models included BMI; however, the associations were attenuated. In the BMI-stratified subgroup analysis, the relationship between SSB consumption and metabolic risks was more pronounced in participants without obesity. The present study suggests that SSB consumption carries metabolic risk among working-age Taiwanese, particularly women and those without obesity. Health promotion programmes should raise awareness of the health hazards associated with SSB.

Effect of taxifolin on acrylamide-induced oxidative and proinflammatory lung injury in rats: Biochemical and histopathological studies

Purpose: To examine the probable beneficial effects of taxifolin against acrylamide damage in lung tissue.Methods: 18 male albino Wistar rats were divided into healthy (HG), acrylamide (AG) and taxifolin + acrylamide (TAG) groups. Once a day for 30 days, acrylamide was orally administered to the AG group (50 mg/kg), while ACL (50 mg/kg) and TAX (20 mg/kg) were orally administered to TAG group. Protein concentration, malondialdehyde (MDA), and total glutathione (tGSH) levels as well as oxidant and antioxidant molecules concentrations of the rat lung tissues were measured. In addition, degree of mononuclear (MN) cell infiltration and bronchial-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) hyperplasia was evaluated by the degree of hyperplasia (absent, mild, moderate, severe). The histopathological andbiochemical data the groups were compared.Results: When compared in terms of MDA levels, it was found that the AG group had high MDA levels, and the TAG group had low MDA levels. (p &lt; 0.001). TAG group was found to have a higher tGSH level than the AG group (p &lt; 0.001). Compared to the AG group, lower TOS and higher TAS levels were obtained in the TAG group (p &lt; 0.001). In addition, when TOS levels of TAG and HG groups were compared, the TOS levels between the two groups were statistically insignificant (p = 0.213). It has been observed that TAX administration prevents the increase in NF-ƘB level. When the NF-ƘB levels of the AG and TAG groups were compared with each other, there was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.001). In the AG group, severe MN cell hyperplasia and BALT hyperplasia were observed histopathologically. It was determined that these findings were alleviated in the TAG group. A histopathologically significant difference was found between AG and TAG groups (p &lt; 0.05).Conclusion: Taxifolin has beneficial effects against lung injury caused by acrylamide, a healthdamaging environmental factor. Regular use of taxifolin can be recommended, especially in people who are known to have intense contact with acrylamide. There is a need for research studies on this subject.

Lipid and Inflammatory Profiles of Adolescents, Adults and Older Adults – The Health Survey of São Paulo With Focus on Nutrition, Brazil (2015 ISA-Nutrition)

ObjectivesDyslipidemia is involved in the pathophysiology of chronic diseases (CD) through several processes such as inflammation. Considering the dearth of knowledge on inflammatory biomarkers and the increasing prevalence of dyslipidemia in Brazil, this study aimed at the identification of lipid and inflammatory profiles across age groups in Sao Paulo municipality. MethodsData on blood samples of 707 healthy individuals aged ≥ 12 years were collected throughout 2015 in the Health Survey of São Paulo with focus on Nutrition (2015 ISA-Nutrition) to obtain plasma lipid (non-HDL-c, LDL-c, HDL-c, HDL-c/LDL-c ratio, total cholesterol, VLDL-c and TAG and inflammatory markers (CRP, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL1-β, IL6 and IL10). Individuals were categorized into three age groups: adolescents (12–19 years old, N = 166), adults (20–59 years old, N = 249), and older adults (≥60 years old, N = 292). Lipid and inflammatory profiles were analyzed through Principal Component Analysis (PCA) using the software R version 4.0.2. ResultsPCA showed that adolescents, adults and elderly individuals had similar lipid profiles. The 1st and 2nd principal components explained 54.6% and 23.6% of the variance with plasma non-HDL-c and TAG levels being the main contributors, respectively. In addition, PCA of inflammatory markers according to age group showed that relatively small portion of the variance (46.1%) was explained by the first two PCs with TNF-α and IL1-β, and PCR and IL1-β levels being the main contributors for the 1st and 2nd PCs, respectively. Results showed high similarity of lipid and inflammatory biomarkers among different age groups. ConclusionsThe study showed similarity in lipid and inflammatory profiles among age groups, which raises special concern regarding the high risk for development of CDs among adolescents during adulthood. Public policies should address preventive strategies based on modifiable risk factors to prevent the onset of CDs among younger individuals, considering the substantial impacts on quality of life and life expectancy of the population. Funding SourcesSão Paulo Municipal Health Department, Research Support Foundation of the State of São Paulo (FAPESP), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) and Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education (CAPES).

MIF improves immune microenvironment of Lewis lung cancer brain metastases after radiotherapy via reducing M2 macrophages.

e21026 Background: Our previous studies showed that inhibition of MIF/CD74 signaling pathway can promote the transformation of intracranial macrophages from M2 to M1 type after radiotherapy in brain metastases(BMs). It is reported that M2 macrophages are the main components of tumor immunosuppression microenvironment, and the surface marker, ARG-1, can decompose the Arginine which is essential in the growth and development of T cells. Therefore, this paper will focus on the mechanism of MIF regulating tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) by inducing macrophage phenotype transformation. Methods: MIF-Knockdown in Lewis cells were constructed by lentiviral shRNA interference technique. The expression levels of MIF in Lewis and iNOS (M1 type marker), Arg-1 (M2 type marker) in BV2 cells were detected by WB. The RNA expression levels of M1 and M2 tags were detected by qPCR. The expression of iNOS, Arg-1 and Iba-1 in lung cancer BMs model mice was detected by IF. The content of arginine in tumor tissue and clinical patient specimens were detected by Arginine kit. The proportion of TILs in vivo was measured by flow cytometry. BMs tumor growth in mice was observed by Small Animals Imaging Technology. Results: In animal experiments, WB、PCR and IF results showed that MIF knockdown (sh-MIF) combined with whole brain irradiation(IR) can raise the expression of iNOS, while the Arg-1 lessend, suggesting that downregulation of MIF can promote M1 phenotype and reduce M2 phenotype. Flow cytometry results showed that sh-MIF combined with IR increased the proportion of CD8+T/CD4+T cells . After clearance of macrophage, Flow cytometry showed no difference between the sh-MIF group and the control group (NC). Small Animals Imaging results also showed that the inhibition of tumor growth by sh-MIF was less significant than macrophages presence. It is indicated that down-regulation of MIF expression combined with irradiation promote T cell infiltration and inhibit tumor may be mediated by macrophages. Arginine kit results showed that the content of arginine increased after IR or sh-MIF, while it increased overall after macrophage clearance, but the difference between each groups was not significant, suggesting that IR or sh-MIF could increase the content of arginine by reducing M2-type macrophages. Flow cytometry and animals imaging results showed that the CD8+/CD4+TILs ratio was increased and tumor growth was inhibited after the addition of exogenous arginine. In clinical samples, the content of arginine in CSF decreased after radiotherapy, which suggests that arginine supplementation has the potential to improve the effect of radiotherapy. Conclusions: Inhibitory MIF expression can reduce the expression of Arg-1 from M2 type macrophages in BMs, thus raise the content of arginine, promote the infiltration of lymphocytes, improve the immune microenvironment, achieve radiotherapy sensitization finally.

Contribution of markers of adiposopathy and adipose cell size in predicting insulin resistance in women of varying age and adiposity

ABSTRACT Adipose tissue (AT) dysfunctions, such as adipocyte hypertrophy, macrophage infiltration and secretory adiposopathy (low plasma adiponectin/leptin, A/L, ratio), associate with metabolic disorders. However, no study has compared the relative contribution of these markers to cardiometabolic risk in women of varying age and adiposity. Body composition, regional AT distribution, lipid-lipoprotein profile, glucose homeostasis and plasma A and L levels were determined in 67 women (age: 40-62 years; BMI: 17-41 kg/m2). Expression of macrophage infiltration marker CD68 and adipocyte size were measured from subcutaneous abdominal (SCABD) and omental (OME) fat. AT dysfunction markers correlated with most lipid-lipoprotein levels. The A/L ratio was negatively associated with fasting insulinemia and HOMA-IR, while SCABD or OME adipocyte size and SCABD CD68 expression were positively related to these variables. Combination of tertiles of largest adipocyte size and lowest A/L ratio showed the highest HOMA-IR. Multiple regression analyses including these markers and TAG levels revealed that the A/L ratio was the only predictor of fasting insulinemia and HOMA-IR. The contribution of the A/L ratio was superseded by adipose cell size in the model where the latter replaced TAGs. Finally, leptinemia was a better predictor of IR than adipocyte size and the A/L ratio in our participants sample.

5,6-dehydrokawain improves glycaemic control by modulating AMPK target genes in Drosophila with a high-sucrose diet-induced hyperglycaemia

BackgroundType 2 diabetes (T2D) is among the leading causes of mortality and morbidity globally. Patients living with T2D are best managed with anti-diabetic agents concurrently with a lifestyle adjustment. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has been implicated in multiple pathways associated with obesity and diabetes, which makes it a target for drug discovery. 56DHK is naturally found in the rhizomes of Alpinia mutica. The anti-diabetic effects of 56DHK and its molecular mechanism have not been elucidated. AimThis research investigates the anti-diabetic properties of 56DHK and its roles in modulating AMPK signaling in a Drosophila model of diabetes. MethodsAdult flies were fed with a high-sucrose diet and subsequently fed with a normal diet supplemented with varying concentrations of 56DHK (50, 100, and 200 µg/g). In the end, the flies were analysed for haemolymph levels of carbohydrates, triglycerides (TAG), and antioxidants status. Expressions of AMPK, insulin receptor substrate (IRS), Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) were further analysed using qRT-PCR. ResultsDietary exposure to 56DHK decreased glucose, trehalose, TAG, glycogen, and T-AOC levels, most prominently at 100 and 200 µg/g as compared to that of metformin. Also, increased catalase activity at 100 and 200 µg/g as compared to that of metformin. Expression levels of AMPK and IRS were upregulated, while ACC and PEPCK were downregulated after 56DHK treatment. ConclusionFindings from both biochemical and gene expression analysis suggest 56DHK ameliorate hyperglycaemia in a Drosophila model of diabetes. The overall data suggested that 56DHK could serve as a promising lead for the development of an effective anti-diabetic agent.

Effect of Metformin therapy on lipid profile in obese and non-obese women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Introduction and Aim: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine condition affecting the reproductive system in women. It is characterized by obesity, irregular menstruation, anovulation, hirsutism, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. Metformin, an oral anti-diabetic drug is known to stabilize metabolic disturbances caused by PCOS. This study aims to determine the effect of metformin therapy on lipid profile in obese and non-obese women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Materials and Methods: It is a prospective, clinical, interventional study, participated by sixty women aged between 13 to 45 years, suffering with PCOS, who are attending the gynecology outpatient department at SVS medical college and hospital, from a year. The subjects were divided into two groups, Group-1 (Obese women) and Group-2 (non-obese women) and received the anti-diabetic drug, Metformin orally with doses of 500mg/day for a year. Approval of our study was done by Ethical Institutional Board. Demographic parameters age, BMI, and lipid profile including High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), Triglycerides (TAG), &amp; Total Cholesterol (TC) were assessed. SPSS was applied for data analysis and p&lt;0.001 was considered statistically significant. Results: A combined group study of obese and non-obese women subjects showed a BMI decrease in non-obese subjects at 6 months by Metformin therapy. HDL levels increased in non-obese women subjects with a statistical significance. LDL and TAG levels remained unchanged at 6 months by Metformin therapy in both groups. Total cholesterol levels were high in non-obese women and were decreased in the obese women group after Metformin treatment, this metformin therapy could be useful in controlling the metabolic disturbances in non-obese women suffering from PCOS. Conclusion: Metformin has an optimistic physiological effect on the BMI &amp; lipid profile of women suffering from PCOS, hence can help control metabolic disturbances.

Effect of a Ketogenic Diet on Body Weight and Lipid Profile

This review article aimed to study the effects of a ketogenic diet on obesity-related measures, and lipid profiles. Total 22 articles were included in the review. Anthropometric measures included in the review were total body mass (Wt), fat mass (FM), body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC). The lipid profile included in this review was serum cholesterol level, serum HDL, serum LDL, and serum triglycerides (TAG). The shortest intervention in these studies lasted for 4 days, and the longest intervention lasted for 12 months. There was a significant Wt loss in all studies. A significant reduction in BMI, FM, and WC was also observed in many studies. In most studies, variable effects on lipid profile were observed. Serum TC level fell in 10 studies, and serum TAG levels decreased in 13 studies, but this reduction was statistically insignificant in most studies. Serum LDL level fell in 10 studies and increased in 3 studies, and serum HDL levels fell in 7 studies and increased in 6 studies, but these changes were also not statistically significant in most studies. This review article found beneficial effects of ketogenic diet weight loss and lipid profile, but the studies in this review included the dietary intervention of a period≤12 months. Studies for extended periods (at least ≥2 years) should be done to observe the long-term effects of a ketogenic diet.

Plant and marine N3-PUFA regulation of fatty acid trafficking along the adipose tissue-liver axis varies according to nutritional state

Marine sourced N3-PUFA regulate lipid metabolism in adipose tissue and liver; however, less is known about plant sourced N3-PUFA. The goal of this study was to investigate plant and marine N3-PUFA regulation of fatty acid trafficking along the adipose tissue-liver axis according to nutritional state. Mice were fed low-fat diets (7% w/w) containing either lard, flaxseed, or menhaden oils for 8 weeks, and were euthanized in either fed or fasted states. Substrate utilization and physical activity were assessed during the transition from a fed to fasted state. Plasma biomarkers (triacylglycerol [TAG], non-esterified fatty acids [NEFA]), as well as liver and epididymal adipose tissue (eWAT) lipogenic and lipolytic markers, were measured. Neither plant nor marine N3-PUFA influenced substrate utilization or activity during the transition from a fed to fasted state. In the fed state, marine N3-PUFA reduced plasma TAG levels compared to the other diets, with no further reduction seen in fasted mice. Hepatic lipogenic markers (Fasn, Acc, Scd1, and Elovl6) were reduced in the fed state with marine N3-PUFA, but not plant N3-PUFA. In the fasted state, mice fed either N3-PUFA accumulated less liver TAG, had lower plasma NEFA, and suppressed eWAT HSL activity compared to lard. Marine N3-PUFA are more potent regulators of lipogenesis than plant N3-PUFA in the fed state, whereas both N3-PUFA influence eWAT lipolysis and plasma NEFA in the fasted state. This work provides novel insights regarding N3-PUFA regulation of fatty acid trafficking along the adipose tissue-liver axis according to nutritional state.

Relationship of Adiponectin with Metabolic Syndrome Indicators in Pregnancy: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Obesity, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and hypertension are indicators of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Low serum adiponectin levels might be able to predict MetS. Objective/Aim: This study was meant to assess relationship between MetS and adiponectin. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, women in their 24-40 weeks of pregnancy were selected. The study consisted of two groups, one group comprised 100 control, healthy pregnant women, while second group comprised 100 pregnant women with known gestational diabetes. Body mass index (BMI), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure participants were recorded. Blood was tested for HbA1c, HDL, triglycerides, and serum adiponectin levels. Results: BMI of 30% of participants was ≥30 kg/m², and 43% of the participants had HbA1c ≥6.5%. HDL levels were lower than normal in 30% of participants, and serum triglyceride levels were higher than normal in 78% of participants. SBP was higher than normal in 23% of the participants. Adiponectin level was low in &gt;60% of cases. No statistically significant difference was found between the BMI of both groups. SBP and DBP were within normal limits in both groups. HbA1c levels were higher than normal, and HDL levels and adiponectin levels were lower than normal in the diabetic group. No statistically significant difference was found in TAG levels in both groups, and it was higher than normal in both groups. Regression analysis showed that adiponectin levels could predict diabetes and low HDL levels in our study. Conclusion: Hypoadiponectinemia could predict MetS indicators like hyperglycemia and low HDL levels.

The role of different lipid measures for incident hypertension during more than 12-year follow-up: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study.

The associations of different lipid measures and related indices with incident hypertension during a median follow-up of 12·89 years were examined. Fasting levels of total cholesterol (TC), TAG, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, and related indices (TC/HDL-cholesterol and TAG/HDL-cholesterol) were determined in 7335 Iranian adults (men = 3270) free of hypertension, aged 39·0 (sd 13·2) years. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression was applied and lipid parameters were considered either as categorical or continuous variables. During follow-up, 2413 (men = 1126) participants experienced hypertension. Using the first quartile as reference, significant trends were found between quartiles of TAG, HDL-cholesterol, TC/HDL-cholesterol and TAG/HDL-cholesterol in multivariate models; moreover considering these measures as continuous variables, a 1 sd increase in each of these parameters was significantly associated with the risk of incident hypertension; the corresponding hazard ratios and CI were 1·06 (95 % CI 1·02, 1·10), 0·94 (95 % CI 0·89, 0·98), 1·04 (95 % CI 1·01, 1·09) and 1·04 (95 % CI 1·01, 1·07), respectively. The associations between lipid measures and incident hypertension did not change after excluding lipid lowering drug users and those with type 2 diabetes mellitus and these associations were independent of the categories of baseline blood pressure (P for interaction > 0·08). These findings indicate that TAG, TAG/HDL-cholesterol and TC/HDL-cholesterol were independently associated with higher risk, while HDL-cholesterol was associated with lower risk of incident hypertension.

How to Retrieve Music using Mood Tags in a Folksonomy

A folksonomy is a classification system in which volunteers collaboratively create and manage tags to annotate and categorize content. The folksonomy has several problems in retrieving music using tags, including problems related to synonyms, different tagging levels, and neologisms. To solve the problem posed by synonyms, we introduced a mood vector with 12 possible moods, each represented by a numeric value, as an internal tag. This allows moods in music pieces and mood tags to be represented internally by numeric values, which can be used to retrieve music pieces. To determine the mood vector of a music piece, 12 regressors predicting the possibility of each mood based on acoustic features were built using Support Vector Regression. To map a tag to its mood vector, the relationship between moods in a piece of music and mood tags was investigated based on tagging data retrieved from Last.fm, a website that allows users to search for and stream music. To evaluate retrieval performance, music pieces on Last.fm annotated with at least one mood tag were used as a test set. When calculating precision and recall, music pieces annotated with synonyms of a given query tag were treated as relevant. These experiments on a real-world data set illustrate the utility of the internal tagging of music. Our approach offers a practical solution to the problem caused by synonyms.

The effect of walnut consumption on cardiometabolic profiles of individuals with abnormal glucose homoeostasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials.

Findings on the effect of walnut consumption on cardiometabolic profiles in individuals with abnormal glucose homoeostasis are conflicting. We summarised earlier data in this regard. A systematic literature search of relevant reports published in Medline/PubMed, ISI web of Science, EMBASE, SCOPUS and Google Scholar up to October 2020 was conducted. Randomised trials that enrolled individuals with abnormal glucose homoeostasis in which the main intervention was walnut consumption were included. Abnormal glucose homoeostasis was defined as a spectrum of impaired glucose tolerance or pre-diabetic status that is associated with insulin resistance. Twelve studies were included in systematic review and eight in meta-analysis. No significant effect of walnut consumption on anthropometric measures, including weighted mean difference (WMD: -0·13; 95 % CI -0·64, 0·39 kg), BMI (-0·08; 95 % CI -0·47, 0·32 kg/m2) and waist circumference (0·01; 95 % CI -0·50, 0·52 cm) was observed. Although walnut intake did not influence on lipid profiles (including TAG, total- and HDL-cholesterol levels), individuals in the intervention group tended to have lower levels of LDL-cholesterol than those in the control group (-0·10; 95 % CI -0·20, 0·01 mmol/l; P = 0·06). Other cardiometabolic factors including markers of glycaemic control (fasting blood glucose and HbA1C levels), blood pressure and stimulus-adjusted response measure (a parameter of endothelial function) were not significantly affected. However, walnut consumption resulted in a significant increase in flow-mediated dilation (FMD) (0·93 %; 95 % CI 0·16, 1·71 %). Summarising earlier evidence, we found that walnut consumption might influence FMD and LDL-cholesterol levels in individuals with abnormal glucose homoeostasis. It did not affect other cardiometabolic profiles in these individuals.

Representasi Maskulinitas Tokoh Utama dalam Film Persahabatan Bagai Kepompong 2021

The research aims to illustrate and understand the meaning of the representation of masculinity of the main character in the film "Friendship Like a Cocoon" directed by Sentot Sahid. This research is qualitative research using primary and secondary data collection techniques obtained from reference books, scientific journals, and articles. The study used an analysis of Roland Barthes' Semiotics data that had three levels of tagging: denotation, connotation, and myth that focused on seven characteristics of masculinity expressed by Janet Saltzman Chafetz, namely: 1) Male Physical Appearance, 2) Male Functional, 3) Male Sexual, 4) Male Emotions, 5) Male Intellectuals, 6) Male Interpersonal, and 7) Male Personal Character.Keywords: Film, Janet Saltzman Chafetz's Concept of Masculinity, Semiotics Roland Barthes.

Potato consumption is not associated with elevated cardiometabolic risk in adolescent girls.

We examined the association between potato consumption in two different age periods during adolescence and risk of obesity and cardiometabolic dysfunction in White and Black girls. We used data from the biracial prospective National Growth and Health Study. Average potato consumption was derived from multiple 3-d food records in two age periods, 9-11 and 9-17 years, and included white and sweet potatoes from all sources. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate OR for becoming overweight, developing prehypertension, elevated TAG levels or impaired fasting glucose (IFG) at 18-20 years of age according to the category of daily potato intake. We also stratified by cooking method (fried/non-fried) and race. ANCOVA was also used to estimate adjusted mean levels of BMI, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, log-transformed TAG, the TAG:HDL ratio and fasting glucose levels associated with potato intake category. Higher potato consumption was associated with higher fruit and non-starchy vegetable intakes and higher Healthy Eating Index scores in Black girls. There were no statistically significant associations overall between moderate or higher (v. lower) intakes of potatoes and risks of overweight, prehypertension, elevated fasting TAG, high TAG:HDL ratio or IFG. Also, no adverse associations were found between fried or non-fried potato intake and cardiometabolic outcomes. Potato consumption has been the subject of much controversy in recent years. This study adds evidence that potato consumption among healthy girls during the critical period of adolescence was not associated with cardiometabolic risk.

Association between alcohol dietary pattern and prevalence of dyslipidaemia: WASEDA'S Health Study.

The association between a dietary pattern characterised by high alcohol intake and dyslipidaemia has not been fully investigated. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the association between alcohol dietary patterns and the prevalence of dyslipidaemia and its components. This cross-sectional study enrolled 2171 men and women aged ≥40 years who were alumni of a Japanese university. To identify dietary patterns, a principal component analysis was performed based on the energy-adjusted food intake estimated by a brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. Three dietary patterns were identified, the second of which was named the alcohol dietary pattern and was characterised by a high intake of alcoholic beverages, liver, chicken and fish. This alcohol dietary pattern was associated with reduced LDL-cholesterol levels. The fully adjusted OR (95 % CI) of high LDL-cholesterol for the lowest through highest quartile of alcohol dietary pattern score were 1·00 (reference), 0·83 (0·64, 1·08), 0·84 (0·64, 1·10) and 0·68 (0·49, 0·94), respectively. Subgroup analysis showed that the alcohol dietary pattern was inversely associated with the prevalence of dyslipidaemia in women, whereas it was positively associated with high TAG levels in men. In conclusion, the alcohol dietary pattern, characterised by a high intake of alcoholic beverages, liver, chicken and fish, was associated with the prevalence of dyslipidaemia and its components. This finding provides useful information for the prevention and treatment of dyslipidaemia by modifying the diet.