Total Amount Of Cholesterol Research Articles

Diets including l-carnitine and varying oil sources regulate liver and testes fatty acids profile and interfere with sperm production in silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen)

This study aimed to evaluate seminal and sperm production, growth, health, and lipid metabolism of male silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) fed diets containing l-carnitine and varying lipid sources. Herein, males and females (167.33 ± 9.24 g) were both fed across 223 d with eight (08) isoproteic (282 g of digestible protein kg of ration −1) and isoenergetic (13.34 MJ of digestible energy kg of ration −1) diets, containing 0.00, 0.15, 0.45, and 0.75 g l-carnitine kg −1 of feed, soybean, and marine fish oils. Feeding males with diets containing l-carnitine and different oils resulted in an interactive effect (p < 0.05) that improved sperm production. Furthermore, males fed soybean oil and 0.45 g l-carnitine kg −1 had the highest seminal pH and sperm velocities. Fish fed fish oil and 0.75 g l-carnitine kg−1 had the highest gonadosomatic indexes, sperm production, and superoxide dismutase activities recorded in the testes. The testes of these fish also showed increases in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), n-3 fatty acids, and higher n-3: n-6 ratios. The individual effect of oils produced viscera with more (p < 0.05) fat, in addition to having higher (p < 0.05) blood levels of albumin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, alongside the lowest level of aspartate aminotransferase in fish fed marine fish oil. The individual effect of l-carnitine also produced muscles with less (p < 0.05) fat, in addition to the highest (p < 0.05) amount of total cholesterol with the lowest amount of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol in the blood of fish fed with 0.75 g l-carnitine kg−1. l-carnitine and oils in the diets promoted hepatic and testicular protection whilst regulating lipid metabolism and fatty acid profile in the liver and testes of silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) males. These benefits led to greater sperm production when fish oil and 0.75 g kg −1 were used, and faster spermatozoa with soybean oil and 0.45 g kg −1.

Effects of Clostridium butyricum and inulin supplementation on intestinal microbial composition in high-fat diet fed mice.

Obesity has become a serious epidemic problem in the world, and probiotics and prebiotics have been used to treat obesity. The effectiveness of diet therapy such as Clostridium butyricum (CB) and inulin supplementation in obesity and whether they can cooperate to produce better effects are still unclear. And during this process, intestinal flora play an important role, while the bacteria involved and the metabolic mechanism need to be explored. In this study, we successfully established a mouse obesity model with a high-fat diet (HFD) and divided it into three experimental groups: 7% CB (CB7), 7% CB + 1% inulin (C7G1), and 10% CB + 1% inulin (C10G). Dietary supplementation with CB and inulin could improve the glucose tolerance and intestinal microbial composition of obese mice, among which the simultaneous supplementation with 7% CB and 1% inulin (C7G1) has the most significant effect on obese mice fed with a HFD. It could significantly reduce the amount of total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein, improve abnormal glucose tolerance, and reduce abnormal blood glucose in obese mice. The intestinal flora of obese mice changed significantly, among which Lachnospiraceae_unclassified, Porphyromonaceae_unclassified, Olsenella, Bacteria_unclassified and Clostridiales_unclassified decreased due to the HFD, while Megamonas and Clostridium XIVa increased. After the supplementation with CB and inulin, the enrichment of three kinds of beneficial bacteria, Parabacteroides, Bacteroides, and Ruminococcaceae unclassified increased. The high-fat diet could upregulate the expression of FGF21, and the Clostridium butyricum and inulin supplemented diet could decrease the upregulation.

Higher Total Cholesterol Concentration May Be Associated with Better Cognitive Performance among Elderly Females.

Background: The brain contains the highest level of cholesterol in the body, and the total amount of serum cholesterol in the blood has a huge impact on brain aging and cognitive performance. However, the association of total serum cholesterol with cognitive function remains uncertain. This study determines whether there is an association between the total amount of cholesterol in the blood and cognitive performance in elderly females without a history of stroke. Methods: This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted on elderly (over 60 years old) females and males without a history of stroke from 2011 to 2014 in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The primary exposure was total blood cholesterol, and the main outcome was cognitive performance; this association was assessed with logistic regression analysis and restricted cubic splines. Results: 1309 female and 1272 male participants were included. In females, higher total cholesterol was significantly associated with higher cognitive scores, particularly in the digit symbol substitution test (OR 0.51, 95% CI (0.36–0.72)) and the animal fluency test (OR 0.64, 95% CI (0.45–0.91)). This association remained significant in models adjusted for age, race, smoking status, education level, and chronic conditions (OR 0.40, 95% CI (0.25–0.63)). This association was not significant in males, however. Conclusions: A higher concentration of total cholesterol measured in later life may be a protective factor for cognitive performance among females over 60 years old without a history of stroke. Further, this association was more pronounced among women with higher levels of education than women with lower or no education.

Tribulus terrestris L. extract ameliorates atherosclerosis by inhibition of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation in ApoE−/− mice and A7r5 cells via suppression of Akt/MEK/ERK signaling

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAtherosclerosis (AS) is one of major threatens of death worldwide, and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation is an important characteristic in the progression of AS. Tribulus terrestris L. is a well-known Chinese Materia Medica for treating skin pruritus, vertigo and cardiovascular diseases in traditional Chinese medicine. However, its anti-AS activity and inhibition effect on VSMC proliferation are not fully elucidated. AimsWe hypothesize that the furostanol saponins enriched extract (FSEE) of T. terrestris L. presents anti-AS effect by inhibition of VSMC proliferation. The molecular action mechanism underlying the anti-VSMC proliferation effect of FSEE is also investigated. Materials and methodsApolipoprotein-E deficient (ApoE−/−) mice and rat thoracic smooth muscle cell A7r5 were employed as the in vivo and in vitro models respectively to evaluate the anti- AS and VSMC proliferation effects of FSEE. In ApoE−/− mice, the amounts of total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein and high density lipoprotein in serum were measured by commercially available kits. The size of atherosclerotic plaque was observed by hematoxylin & eosin staining. The protein expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and osteopontin (OPN) in the plaque were examined by immunohistochemistry. In A7r5 cells, the cell viability and proliferation were tested by MTT and Real Time Cell Analysis assays. The cell migration was evaluated by wound healing assay. Propidium iodide staining followed by flow cytometry was used to analyze the cell cycle progression. The expression of intracellular total and phosphorylated proteins including protein kinase B (Akt) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), such as mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), were detected by western blotting analysis. ResultsFSEE significantly reduced the area of atherosclerotic plaque in high-fat diet-fed ApoE−/− mice. And FSEE increased the protein expression level of α-SMA and decreased the level of OPN in atherosclerotic plaque, which revealed the inhibition of VSMC phenotype switching and proliferation. In A7r5 cells, FSEE suppressed fetal bovine serum (FBS) or oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-triggered VSMC proliferation and migration in a concentration dependent manner. FSEE protected against the elevation of cell numbers in S phase induced by FBS or oxLDL and the reduction of cell numbers in G0/G1 phase induced by oxLDL. Moreover, the phosphorylation of Akt and MAPKs including MEK, ERK and JNK could be facilitated by FBS or oxLDL, while co-treatment of FSEE attenuated the phosphorylation of Akt induced by oxLDL as well as the phosphorylation of MEK and ERK induced by FBS. In addition, (25R)-terrestrinin B (JL-6), which was the main ingredient of FSEE, and its potential active pharmaceutical ingredients tigogenin (Tigo) and hecogenin (Heco) also significantly attenuated FBS or oxLDL-induced VSMC proliferation in A7r5 cells. ConclusionFSEE presents potent anti- AS and VSMC proliferation activities and the underlying mechanism is likely to the suppression of Akt/MEK/ERK signaling. The active components of FSEE are JL-6 and its potential active pharmaceutical ingredients Tigo and Heco. So, FSEE and its active compounds may be potential therapeutic drug candidates for AS.

Comparison of nutritional value of different ruminant milks in human nutrition

The present study was conducted on milk samples from 30 Italian Mediterranean buffaloes, and as many goats, sheep and cattle. Milk samples were subjected to chemical‑nutritional analysis and compared with commercially available milk samples. In the experiments, the management conditions could have influenced this parameter, determining the observed values. The higher fat content in sheep's milk differed significantly from that in the milk of the other animals analyzed. A higher lactose content was found in the milk of buffaloes and sheep, than in cows and goats. The highest cholesterol content was observed in cow and buffalo milk. These differences were statistically significant. To avoid excessive cholesterol intake, it is necessary to pay attention to both the quantity and quality of fats contained in food, bearing in mind that the introduction of large quantities of dairy products in the diet can cause a significant intake in cholesterol levels. Furthermore, when selecting the type of milk to be consumed, it is necessary to consider that the amount of total cholesterol is dependent on both the animal of origin and on the integrity of the lipid fraction. To complete the study, a chemical‑nutritional analysis of milk samples normally marketed, both of vegetable and animal origin, was also included. Observing the results, some differences appear evident in the chemical‑nutritional composition of goat and cow milk compared to the raw milk analyzed. In particular, goat's milk has a higher percentage of lipids. However, the differences observed herein were not significant and could be explained by the manufacturing process the samples were subjected to from the stable to the packaging industry. From the results obtained in the present study in the compositional analyses performed, and as also obtained from previous studies, it was found that sheep and goat milk, in particular, may be a valid substitute for cow's milk.

Heat-Killed Enterococcus faecalis Prevents Adipogenesis and High Fat Diet-Induced Obesity by Inhibition of Lipid Accumulation through Inhibiting C/EBP-α and PPAR-γ in the Insulin Signaling Pathway.

Increasing consumption of food with high caloric density and a sedentary lifestyle have influenced the increasing obesity prevalence worldwide. The recent pandemic has contributed to this problem. Obesity refers to a state in which lipid accumulates excessively in adipocytes and adipose tissues. Dried heat-killed Enterococcus faecalis (EF-2001) prevents allergic mechanisms, inflammation, and tumor progression. In the present study, we investigated the effects of EF-2001 on high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats. The degree of obesity in experimental rats was reduced after 6 weeks of oral administration of 3 mg/kg or 30 mg/kg dosages of EF-2001, indicating regulating effects in rats with HFD-induced obesity. We found that EF-2001 decreased the amounts of total cholesterol, triglyceride, and non-high density lipoprotein (HDL) in HFD-induced obese rats. The effects of EF-2001 on 3T3-L1 adipocytes stained with Oil red O stain are shown in reductions of lipid accumulation, respectively. In addition, we examined the relationships between EF-2001 treatment and mechanisms for the insulin signaling of adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 cells. EF-2001 induced down-regulation in phosphorylation of Erk, JNK, and Akt through the inhibition of insulin receptor phosphorylation. EF-2001 inhibits the expressions of C/EBP-α and PPAR-γ, a lipid metabolism-related transcription factor through confocal microscope observation and Western blot on 3T3-L1 adipocytes and HFD-induced obese rats. Based on our results, intake of EF-2001 significantly prevented HFD-induced obesity in rats through inhibition of C/EBP-α and PPAR-γ in the insulin signaling pathway on lipid accumulation.

Potential anti-aging effects of fermented wheat germ in aging mice

Fermented wheat germ (FWG) is a valuable food ingredient and is naturally rich in antioxidant components; fermentation can improve the antioxidant capacity of wheat germ. The complex anti-aging effect of WG is not fully understood. This study was carried out to explore the functional properties of FWG: BALB/c mice with d-galactose (D-gal; 300 mg/kg/d) induced aging were treated with FWG (20 mg/kg/d) for 6 wk. The control mice were compared to mice with D-gal induced aging and aging mice administered FWG. FWG increased organ indices and enhanced learning and memory. The amount of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose in the serum of aging mice also decreased after supplementation with FWG. FWG intake enhanced antioxidant activity in aging mice. FWG significantly increased the levels of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity; it decreased the level of malondialdehyde in different tissues, including the liver, brain, intestine and serum. High-throughput sequencing results showed that the ratio of Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes index and the number of beneficial bacteria in the FWG group increased, and the growth of pathogens was suppressed in the intestines. These results suggested that FWG holds a great potential as a functional food by reducing oxidative damage, maintaining the stability of intestinal bacteria, and delaying aging.

Quality of poultry meat and eggs

The article reviews the quality issues of poultry products, in particular meat, liver and eggs. The smallest amount of total cholesterol was found in the liver of females (21.4 mmol/l), as well as in the liver of chickens of the brown cross (26.4 mmol/l) in comparison with the white cross. We noted the greatest amount of vitamin E in chickens of white and brown crosses (33.9 and 40.5 mg%). Broiler chickens’ liver was poor in this vitamin (2.43-4.05 mg%). The smallest amount of total cholesterol was found in white poultry meat of the studied crosses (3.6-6.3 mmol/l). Brown eggshell eggs contained less cholesterol and more vitamin E compared to white eggshell eggs. The smallest amount of fat was found in the pectoral muscles of both males and females of the Ross 308 cross. The thigh muscles of the Ross 308 cross chicks contained less fat, but were poor in protein compared to the Iza Flex cross. The nutritional value of broiler meat from the Iza Flex cross is higher compared to the Ross 308 cross. Thus, from a nutritional point of view, it is better to include white poultry meat in the diet, since it contains the least amount of fat and cholesterol compared to dark meat, as well as eggs with brown shells, because they have a reduced total cholesterol content and contain 1.4 times more vitamin E compared to eggs with white shells.

Nature and Effects of Cholesterol; Its Origin, Metabolism and Characterization

Cholesterol ((3β)-cholest-5-en-3-ol) is basically a fatty component present in blood, plasma and tissues. It belongs to the class of lipids namely steroids and is formed from squalene via lanosterol. It is present as a combination of cholesterol and cholesteryl esters in almost all types of foodstuffs. There is the direct relation between the risk of cardiovascular sicknesses and the total cholesterol amount in human blood. The bad- and good-cholesterol are types of lipoproteins. Good-cholesterol basically eliminates cholesterol from bloodstream while bad-cholesterol releases cholesterol into the blood and various part of body. Cholesterol amount can be reduced by physical activity or by use of proper diet. Cholesterol can be characterized by the SIM-selected ion monitoring, HPLC, UHPLC, GLC, GC-MS, LC-MS.

Association Between Genetic Variants in FADS1-FADS2 and ELOVL2 and Obesity, Lipid Traits, and Fatty Acids in Tunisian Population.

The aim of this study was to determine whether genetic variants in FADS1/FADS2 and ELOVL2 are associated with overweight–obesity and body mass index (BMI) and to assess the association between these genetic variants and lipid profile and fatty acid levels. A total of 259 overweight–obese patients were compared to 369 healthy controls. FADS1, FADS2, and ELOVL2 genes were associated with BMI and overweight–obesity (P ≤ .001). In an additive model, the C allele in each of these variants was associated with a lower BMI: −1.18, −0.90, and −1.23 units, respectively. Higher amounts of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total saturated fatty acids (lauric [12:0], myristic [C14:0], palmitic [C16:0], stearic [C18:0], arachidic [20:0], lignoceric [24:0]), monounsaturated fatty acids (myristoleic [C14:1], erucic [C22:1 n-9]), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (α-linolenic [ALA, 18:3 n-3], docosahexaenoic [DHA, C22:6 n-3], eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA, C20:5n-3], arachidonic acid [AA, 20:4n-6], and conjugated linolenic acids [CLA1 and CLA2]) were shown in patients. A significant increase in D6D activities presented by 20:4n-6/18:2n-6 and 18:3n-6/18:2n-6, Δ9 desaturase (D9D) activity, estimated by the ratio 18:1n-9/18:0 and elongase activities (AE), and estimated by the ratio of docosatetraenoic/AA and DPA/EPA in patients. The C minor allele of FADS1 had significantly lower DHA. A significant decrease in stearic acid, EPA, and AE activity (docosatetraenoic/AA) was revealed in patients with the minor allele carriers of FADS2. The C minor allele of ELOVL2 had significantly lower ALA, EPA, DPA, and D6D activity (C20:4 n-6/C18:2n-6). These data suggest that variations in FADS1, FADS2, and ELOVL2 affect the risk of overweight–obesity and the level of circulating fatty acids and could point to a key molecular pathway of metabolic syndrome and its related comorbidities.

Characteristics of the interrelation of laboratory diagnostic characteristics of the metabolic syndrome

Objective — to study the dependence of changes in the blood metabolism of proteins, lipids and calcium (Ca) on the level of glucose in metabolic syndrome (MS).Materials and methods. The evalution was performed on 183 blood samples of people with clinical signs of MS. The blood sampels were taken from patients for laboratory research. The analysis was carried out by random sampling without taking into account the distribution by gender and age. Biochemical tests were carried out by the photometric method. The results of such blood parameters were selected: glucose, total protein, C-reactive protein (C-RP), total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), Ca, alanine transferase (ALT) and aspartate transferase (AST). The results were processed statistically using Excel and SPSS software packages (version 19.0).Results and discussion. The glucose levels were elevated in 50.3 % (n = 92) of the surveyed. Violation of protein metabolism was evident in a decrease in the total protein levels, found in 21.9 % (n = 40) cases, as well as an increase in the C-RP level (32.9 %, n = 60). When assessing lipid metabolism, it was established that an increase in the amount of total cholesterol was observed only in 25.7 % of cases (n = 47). At the same time, the concentration of fractions (TG, HDL) underwent more significant changes: TG increased in a third of patients (34.1 %, n = 63), but the concentration of HDL cholesterol decreased in 36.1 % of subjects (n = 66). Ca reacted to such metabolic changes by a quantitative increase (50.5 %, n = 93). The altered ALT and AST values were considered characteristics of the liver and were above the normal limit in 36.5 % (n = 67) and 39.9 % (n = 73) cases respectively.Conclusions. The tendency of hyperglycemia to be associated with hypoproteinemia, especially at glucose concentrations of 5.6 to 10 mmol/l (r = 0.44, p < 0.05), has been established. Hyperglycemia was found to be closely associated with hypertriglyceridemia (r = 0.42, p < 0.05) and hypercalcemia (r = 0.63, p < 0.05). The obtained data can be an important step in the further search for biomarkers as a prognostic and therapeutic tool for MS.

Effect of Rifaximin and a Multi-Strain Probiotic on the Intestinal Microbiome and Cardiovascular Risk Indicators in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

Aim. To assess the effect of rifaximin and a multi-strain probiotic on the intestinal microbiome and the indicators of cardiovascular risk in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).Materials and methods.A study conducted during the 2016–2019 period included 120 people over 50 years old divided into 3 groups. Group 1 comprised patients with coronary heart disease receiving standard treatment. Group 2 comprised patients with coronary heart disease receiving additionally a probiotic (Bifidobacterium bifidum no less than 1x109 CFU; Bifidobacterium longum no less than 1x109 CFU; Bifidobacterium infantis no less than 1x109 CFU; Lactobacillus rhamnosus no less than 1x109 CFU) within 28 days. Group 3 comprised CHD patients receiving rifaximin for 7 days followed by addition of the multi-strain probiotic under test for 21 days. Group 4 consisted of healthy individuals, comparable in age and sex with the examined CHD patients. In group 4, blood and stool tests were performed once to provide a comparison with group 1. TMAO concentration was determined using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. To study the composition of fecal microflora, 16S sequencing was used followed by a graphical representation of the results. The results were analysed using the IBM SPSS 22.0 statistical data processing software.Results.An additional administration of the probiotic (Bifidobacterium bifidum no less than 1x109 CFU; Bifidobacterium longum no less than 1x109 CFU; Bifidobacterium infantis no less than 1x109 CFU; Lactobacillus rhamnosus no less than 1x109 CFU) is found to have no effect on the lipid profile and the platelet aggregation rate. Rifaximin therapy reduced the amount of total cholesterol, low density lipoproteins (LDL), very low density (VLDL) lipoproteins and triglycerides (p &lt;0.05), although not affecting the level of high density lipoproteins (HDL). TMAO showed a statistically insignificant (p&gt;0.05) downward trend in all groups. The composition of the fecal microbiota, at the end of administration of the probiotic, showed an increase in the proportion of bacteria of the Streptococcaceae, Lactobacillaceae, Enterobacteriaceae families and a decrease in the Ruminococcaceae family (p&gt;0.05). After rifaximin therapy, a decrease in the proportion of bacteria of the Clostridiaceae (p &lt;0.05) and Peptostreptococcaceae (p &lt;0.05) families, a decrease in Enterobacteriaceae (p &gt; 0.05) family and a decrease in the Clostridium and Escherichia/Shigella (p &gt; 0.05) genera was observed. The use of the probiotic after a course of treatment with rifaximin did not have a significant effect on the composition of the microflora. In general, the high variability of fecal microbiota between different patients (significantly superior to intergroup differences) does not allow us to draw unambiguous conclusions.Conclusions. The use of a multi-strain probiotic as an additional therapy in patients with coronary heart disease within 28 days did not have a significant effect on lipid metabolism, TMAO level and the composition of fecal microflora. The consecutive use of rifaximin and the probiotic had a beneficial effect on such factors as lipid metabolism (decrease in the level of total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, triglycerides), but did not affect the concentration of TMAO and the composition of the intestinal microflora in patients with coronary heart disease.

Safety and efficacy of testosterone for women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trial data

The benefits and risks of testosterone treatment for women with diminished sexual wellbeing remain controversial. We did a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess potential benefits and risks of testosterone for women. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science for blinded, randomised controlled trials of testosterone treatment of at least 12 weeks' duration completed between Jan 1, 1990, and Dec 10, 2018. We also searched drug registration applications to the European Medicine Agency and the US Food and Drug Administration to identify any unpublished data. Primary outcomes were the effects of testosterone on sexual function, cardiometabolic variables, cognitive measures, and musculoskeletal health. This study is registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), number CRD42018104073. Our search strategy retrieved 46 reports of 36 randomised controlled trials comprising 8480 participants. Our meta-analysis showed that, compared with placebo or a comparator (eg, oestrogen, with or without progestogen), testosterone significantly increased sexual function, including satisfactory sexual event frequency (mean difference 0·85, 95% CI 0·52 to 1·18), sexual desire (standardised mean difference 0·36, 95% CI 0·22 to 0·50), pleasure (mean difference 6·86, 95% CI 5·19 to 8·52), arousal (standardised mean difference 0·28, 95% CI 0·21 to 0·35), orgasm (standardised mean difference 0·25, 95% CI 0·18 to 0·32), responsiveness (standardised mean difference 0·28, 95% CI 0·21 to 0·35), and self-image (mean difference 5·64, 95% CI 4·03 to 7·26), and reduced sexual concerns (mean difference 8·99, 95% CI 6·90 to 11·08) and distress (standardised mean difference -0·27, 95% CI -0·36 to -0·17) in postmenopausal women. A significant rise in the amount of LDL-cholesterol, and reductions in the amounts of total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides, were seen with testosterone administered orally, but not when administered non-orally (eg, by transdermal patch or cream). An overall increase in weight was recorded with testosterone treatment. No effects of testosterone were reported for body composition, musculoskeletal variables, or cognitive measures, although the number of women who contributed data for these outcomes was small. Testosterone was associated with a significantly greater likelihood of reporting acne and hair growth, but no serious adverse events were recorded. Testosterone is effective for postmenopausal women with low sexual desire causing distress, with administration via non-oral routes (eg, transdermal application) preferred because of a neutral lipid profile. The effects of testosterone on individual wellbeing and musculoskeletal and cognitive health, as well as long-term safety, warrant further investigation. Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.

Cyclocarya paliurus Triterpenoids Improve Diabetes-Induced Hepatic Inflammation via the Rho-Kinase-Dependent Pathway.

This study aimed to assess the effects of triterpene extract of Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinskaja (CPT) on diabetes-induced hepatic inflammation and to unveil the underlying mechanisms. Diabetes in db/db mice was alleviated after CPT administration, as assessed by the oral glucose tolerance test. In addition, treatment with CPT dramatically reduced serum insulin, aspartate amino-transaminase, alanine aminotransferase, triglyceride, and total cholesterol amounts. Besides, serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were also reduced after CPT administration. Western blot analysis revealed that CPT treatment significantly reversed the protein expression levels of Rho, ROCK1, ROCK2, p-P65, p-IκBα, p-IKKα, and p-IKKβ in liver samples obtained from db/db mice. Upon palmitic acid stimulation, the protective effects of CPT on the liver were further assessed in HepG2 and LO2 cells, and no appreciable cytotoxic effects were found. Therefore, these findings indicate that CPT alleviates liver inflammation via Rho-kinase signaling. Chemical compounds evaluated in this report: Metformin (PubChem CID: 4091); Fasudil (PubChem CID: 3547); Palmitic acid (PubChem CID: 985).

The Impact of Mevastatin on HCV Replication and Autophagy of Non-Transformed HCV Replicon Hepatocytes Is Influenced by the Extracellular Lipid Uptake.

Statins efficiently inhibit cholesterol synthesis by blocking 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl (HMG)-CoA reductase in the mevalonate pathway. However, the effect of statins on intracellular cholesterol is partially counterbalanced by a consequent increased uptake of extracellular lipid sources. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection induces intracellular accumulation of cholesterol by promoting both new synthesis and uptake of circulating lipoproteins, which is required for HCV replication and release. Hepatocytes respond to the increase in intracellular cholesterol levels by inducing lipophagy, a selective type of autophagy mediating the degradation of lipid deposits within lysosomes. In a cellular system of HCV replication based on HuH7 hepatoma cells, statin treatment was shown to be sufficient to decrease intracellular cholesterol, which is accompanied by reduced HCV replication and decreased lipophagy, and has no apparent impact on endocytosis-mediated cholesterol uptake. To understand whether these results were influenced by an altered response of cholesterol influx in hepatoma cells, we analyzed the effect of statins in non-transformed murine hepatocytes (MMHD3) harboring subgenomic HCV replicons. Notably, we found that total amount of cholesterol is increased in MMHD3 cells upon mevastatin treatment, which is associated with increased HCV replication and lipophagy. Conversely, mevastatin is able to reduce cholesterol amounts only when cells are grown in the presence of delipidated serum to prevent extracellular lipid uptake. Under this condition, HCV replication is reduced and autophagy flux is severely impaired. Altogether, these results indicate that both de novo synthesis and extracellular uptake have to be targeted in non-transformed hepatocytes in order to decrease intracellular cholesterol levels and consequently limit HCV replication.

Evaluation of Physicochemical Properties and Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils from Seeds of Prosopis juliflora, P. glandulosa and P. cineraria

The present study reports the physicochemical evaluation and biological activity of seeds oils of Prosopis juliflora, P. glandulosa and P. cineraria. The yield of extracted seed oils was in the range between 4.99 to 9.59 % by weight. The acid, iodine, saponification and peroxide values of seeds oils were between 2.5±0.14-4.75±0.21, 105±1.41-123±2.83, 137.5±2.12-170.5±2.12 and 6.48±0.04-8.95±0.07 respectively. The seeds essential oil of P. glandulosa contained significantly higher amount of total cholesterol (1680±7.07 mg/ 100 g). The seeds oils contained 53.7 to 68.46 % of MUFA followed by 26.97-39.95 % and 3.7-6.95 % of SFA and PUFA respectively. In total nine fatty acids were determined in essential oil samples; oleic acid (C 18:1) was the dominant among the seed oil fatty acids ranged between 39.49 % to 63.41 %. The bioactivity against bacterial and fungal strains showed that all assayed concentrations of essential oils samples significantly inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Streptococcus aureus, Aspergillus niger and Fusarium oxysporium.

Positive association between cholesterol in human seminal plasma and sperm counts: results from a cross-sectional cohort study and immunohistochemical investigations.

Cholesterol is essential for cell membrane stability, permeability, and fluidity. Cholesterol is present in seminal plasma, but whether a relationship between the level of cholesterol in seminal plasma and semen quality exists remains to be elucidated. To explore the association between cholesterol levels in seminal plasma and serum cholesterols, semen quality, and serum reproductive hormones. Secondly, to explore whether the associations are biologically plausible. An association study between cholesterol levels in seminal plasma and semen quality in 403 men, median age 19years, from the general population. Additionally, an immunohistochemical evaluation of proteins involved in cholesterol metabolism and transport in tissues from the male reproductive tract (testis, epididymis, prostate, and seminal vesicle). Tissue specimens were investigated by immunohistochemistry for markers of cholesterol metabolism and transport (ABCA1, ABCG1, CYP11A1, CYP51A1, HMGCR, LAL, LCAT, LDLR, and SOAT1). Trend analyses showed that total amount of total cholesterol in seminal plasma was positively associated with sperm concentration, total sperm count, sperm motility, and morphology (all p<0.008, adjusted). Cholesterol concentrations in seminal plasma were neither associated with serum cholesterol and lipid levels nor serum reproductive hormone (FSH, LH, testosterone, estradiol, sex-hormone-binding globulin, inhibin b) levels. All investigated markers of cholesterol metabolism and transport were expressed in the investigated tissue specimens to varying degrees. Seminal plasma level of cholesterol was positively associated with semen parameters. The presence of proteins and enzymes involved in cholesterol metabolism in Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, and maturing germ cells in the seminiferous tubules supports the view that cholesterol may be important for spermatogenesis. Cholesterol level in seminal plasma may be an indicator of semen quality. Investigations are needed to corroborate or refute our findings and to clarify the exact role of cholesterols for semen quality.

Lipid profile and quality indices of ostrich meat and giblets

In this study, the lipid profile of 5 different edible tissues (leg, thigh, heart, gizzard, and liver) of ostrich was analyzed. Ostrich edible tissues presented a low fat content (<5g/100g wet basis). Gizzard and heart revealed the highest amounts of total cholesterol (1.77 and 1.47mg/g wet basis, respectively), differing significantly from all other tissues (which averaged 0.95mg/g wet basis). The main tocochromanol in all tissues was α-tocopherol (10.3μg/g wet basis in heart and an average of 3.4μg/g wet basis for all the remaining tissues). All the samples presented a fatty acid profile, dominated by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (>38%), namely, linoleic and arachidonic acids. The leg presented simultaneously the highest PUFA/saturated fatty acids (SFA), the lowest n-6/n-3 ratios, and the most favorable lipid quality indices among all tissues in comparison.

Curcumin Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Hepatic Lipid Metabolism Disorder by Modification of m6 A RNA Methylation in Piglets.

N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) regulates gene expression and affects cellular metabolism. In this study, we checked whether the regulation of lipid metabolism by curcumin is associated with m6 A RNA methylation. We investigated the effects of dietary curcumin supplementation on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced liver injury and lipid metabolism disorder, and on m6 A RNA methylation in weaned piglets. A total of 24 Duroc × Large White × Landrace piglets were randomly assigned to control, LPS, and CurL (LPS challenge and 200 mg/kg dietary curcumin) groups (n = 8/group). The results showed that curcumin reduced the increase in relative liver weight as well as the concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase induced by LPS injection in the plasma and liver of weaning piglets (p < 0.05). The amounts of total cholesterol and triacylglycerols were decreased by curcumin compared to that by the LPS injection (p < 0.05). Additionally, curcumin reduced the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax mRNA, whereas it increased the p53 mRNA level in the liver (p < 0.05). Curcumin inhibited the enhancement of SREBP-1c and SCD-1 mRNA levels induced by LPS in the liver. Notably, dietary curcumin affected the expression of METTL3, METTL14, ALKBH5, FTO, and YTHDF2 mRNA, and increased the abundance of m6 A in the liver of piglets. In conclusion, the protective effect of curcumin in LPS-induced liver injury and hepatic lipid metabolism disruption might be due to the increase in m6 A RNA methylation. Our study provides mechanistic insights into the effect of curcumin in protecting against hepatic injury during inflammation and metabolic diseases.

Exogenous administration of chronic corticosterone affects hepatic cholesterol metabolism in broiler chickens showing long or short tonic immobility

Tonic immobility (TI) is an innate characteristic of animals related to fear or stress response. Animals can be classified into long TI (LTI) and short TI (STI) phenotypes based on TI test duration. In this study, effect of TI phenotype, chronic corticosterone administration (CORT), and their interaction on cholesterol metabolism in liver was evaluated in broilers. LTI broilers showed higher level of cholesterol in liver compared to STI chickens (p<0.05), and CORT significantly increased hepatic cholesterol content (p<0.01). Real-time PCR results showed that both TI and CORT potentially altered ABCA1 and CYP7A1 gene expressions (0.05<p<0.1), while there was no significant interaction of CORT and TI on both gene expressions. CORT treatment significantly increased the level of SREBP2 (p=0.00), LDLR (p<0.05), GR (p<0.05) and 11β-HSD2 (p<0.05) protein abundance in liver. However, TI phenotype only affected hepatic HMGCR protein expression, and LTI broilers showed higher level of HMGCR protein expression in liver than STI (p<0.05). These results indicate that chronic CORT administration causes hepatic cholesterol accumulation in broiler chickens mainly by enhancing cholesterol synthesis and uptake into liver. LTI chickens had higher amount of total cholesterol in liver, which might be associated with an increase of hepatic HMGCR protein expression. However, there is no interaction between TI and CORT on cholesterol metabolism in liver of broilers.