Serum Total Cholesterol Concentrations Research Articles

Eggs - a scoping review for Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), type 2 diabetes (T2D), and cancer are a significant public health burden in the Nordic and Baltic countries. High intake of eggs, mainly due to its high cholesterol content, has been suggested to have adverse health effects. The purpose of this scoping review is to describe the evidence related to the impact of egg intake on health. A literature search identified 38 systematic reviews and meta-analyses on egg consumption in relation to health outcomes published between 2011 and 30 April 2022. Overall, current evidence from systematic reviews of randomized clinical trials indicates that higher egg intake may increase serum total cholesterol concentration and the ratio of low-density lipoprotein to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, but with substantial heterogeneity in the response. However, recent evidence from observational studies does not provide strong support for a detrimental role of moderate egg consumption (up to one egg/day) on the risk of CVD, especially in the European studies. The overall evidence from observational studies indicates that egg consumption is not associated with increased risk of mortality or T2D in European study populations. There is also little support for a role of egg consumption in cancer development, although a weak association with higher risk of certain cancers has been found in some studies, mainly case-control studies. Again, no associations with cancer risk have been observed in European studies. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of egg consumption in relation to other health-related outcomes are scarce. There are also limited data available on the associations between the consumption of more than one egg/day and risk of diseases. Based on the available evidence, one egg/day is unlikely to adversely affect overall disease risk.

Development of dyslipidemias in a cohort of Mexican adult patients with HIV/AIDS under highly active antiretroviral therapy

Dyslipidemias are comorbidities in seropositive patients under highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), which increase their risk of complications and reduce their life expectancy. Objective: evaluate the frequency and development of dyslipidemias in seropositive patients with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Material and method: retrospective cohort study, in recently diagnosed HIV+ patients: 366 men and 59 women. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGC), HDL cholesterol (HDL-c) and LDL cholesterol (LDL-c) were evaluated before starting and at month 6, 24, 36 and 48 with HAART. Results: in both sexes at the beginning of the HAART, 67.1% of low HDL-C levels were obtained. Dyslipidaemia due to TGC and TC increased significantly in all participants after 48 months of HAART (36.9% vs. 52.7% and 7.1% vs. 22.4%, respectively, p<0.05). however, the HDL-C decreased in patients with nucleoside and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor drugs. Discussion: HIV+ patients with HAART have a higher risk of developing dyslipidaemia, an increase in concentrations occurred after 6 months of treatment, a trend that continued positive until 48 months with HAART. Conclusions: dyslipidemias due to TG and TC, as well as low HDL-C are the most frequent in HIV+ patients, which change depending on the time and the type of drug indicated in the HAART.

IMUNOMETABOLISMO TECIDUAL HEPÁTICO E MUSCULAR ESQUELÉTICO DE RATOS TREINADOS

ABSTRACT Introduction: Physical exercise can be an alternative for preventing and treating the harmful effects of obesity, mainly inflammatory effects on skeletal muscle and liver tissues. However, no consensus exists regarding this purpose's best physical training model. Objective: Evaluate morphological, metabolic, and inflammatory alterations in rats’ skeletal and hepatic muscle tissues caused by aerobic and resistance training. Methods: 24 Wistar rats were divided into sedentary (S), aerobic (AE), and resistance training (R) groups. Blood glucose, total cholesterol, and serum triglycerides were measured periodically. After euthanasia, body mass was measured to calculate the total mass gain during the experiment. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) was measured. Adipose tissue was extracted to calculate its percentage relative to body mass and the liver, soleus, and gastrocnemius muscles for morphological analyses and concentrations of glycogen, lipids, and Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNF-α). The Kruskall-Wallis test and Dunn's post-test were performed for statistical analysis, adopting p<0.05. Results: Both training models reduced the percentage of adipose tissue, body mass gain, and hepatic TNF-α concentration (p<0.05). AE increased serum HDL, gastrocnemius fiber diameter and reduced the fractal dimension in the soleus (p<0.05). R reduced blood glucose and serum and liver lipids, increased liver and soleus glycogen concentrations, increased gastrocnemius fiber diameter, and decreased TNF-α (p<0.05). Conclusion: Both training models reduced body mass, relative visceral adipose tissue, serum total cholesterol concentration, and liver inflammation. However, resistance training was more effective in promoting metabolic effects in the liver and skeletal muscle and reducing muscle inflammation in rats. Level of Evidence V; Expert Opinion.

Effects of ethyl acetate extracts of Marsilea crenata Presl. leaves on risks of atherosclerosis in dyslipidemic rats

Background: Dyslipidemia is widely known as a significant contributor to the incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Over the years, traditional therapeutic strategies, including the use of herbs, have been recognized. Marsilea crenata Presl. (MC), or a plant known for its phytoestrogen content, has shown biological activities similar to oestrogen. These activities comprise the reduction of serum cholesterol levels, thereby having potential roles in managing dyslipidaemia and its associated cardiovascular risks.Objective: This study aims to examine the effects of ethyl acetate extracts of MC leaves on the serum lipid profile of experimental rats with dyslipidaemia induced by high-fat diet (HFD). Methods: This study applied a pretest-post-test study design with control group, involving 30 rats which are divided into 5 treatment groups, namely N (normal), HFD, STA (Simvastatin), MC1, MC2, and MC3. Group N was only treated with standard feed, and the others received HFD on days 1-14. On the 15th – 28th day, the HFD group was treated with standard feed, and the STA group received simvastatin 0.36 mg/200 g BW/day. The groups of MC1, MC2, and MC3 were treated with oral MC extracts at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kgBW, respectively. Their body weight was measured at the beginning of the study, as well as after 2 and 4 weeks. Subsequently, the experimental rats were fasted overnight on the 14th and 28th day. Their blood was collected on the 15th day (pre-test) and 29th day (post-test) to measure serum concentration of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) concentration was also calculated by using the Friedewald formula. Results: MC3 extracts significantly reduced the TC (-40.95 ± 1.77), TG (-46.12 ± 3.79), and LDL-c levels (-0.017 ± 0.010), and it also increased levels of HDL-c (11.28 ± 2.34) mg/dL in the HFD-induced rats.Conclusion: Ethyl acetate extracts of MC leaves could reduce risk factors for atherosclerosis by returning lipid profile of the dyslipidemic rats to normal conditions with an increased dose.

Depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate: Lipid profile changes and associated cardiovascular risks among acceptors in Sagamu, South West Nigeria.

Depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is a highly effective long acting reversible contraceptive. Alterations in lipid profile have been associated with use of DMPA, however there is considerable debate about how profound these effects are. Hence the aim of this study is to determine the effect of DMPA on lipid profile and the associated cardiovascular risks. This was a prospective longitudinal study conducted at the family planning clinic of Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital Sagamu, Ogun State. Sixty eight new acceptors of DMPA who had their blood samples collected for lipid profile assays at initiation of DMPA, and then at 3 months and 6 months. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24. After 3 months of DMPA use, there was statistically significant increase in serum Total Cholesterol (TC) concentration (P=0.022), serum Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) concentration (P=0.033), non significant increase in serum Triglyceride (TG) concentration (P=0.150) and non-significant decrease in serum Higher Density Lipoprotein (HDL) concentration (P=0.076). However, after 6 months of DMPA use, there was statistically significant increase in serum TC concentration (P=0.002), serum LDL concentration (P=0.003), serum TG concentration (P=0.001) and significant decrease in serum HDL concentration (P=0.001). DMPA use is associated with increased serum TC, TG, LDL, and reduction in HDL after 6 months of use. These changes in lipid profile may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Effects of Graded Levels of Typha angustifolia Rhizomes on Intestinal Microflora, Immune System, and Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens

Introduction: The ability of growth-promoting antibiotics to accumulate in livestock products such as meat, eggs, and milk, and the antibiotic resistance conferred on bacteria has prompted researchers to turn to phyto-additives. The present study was designed to evaluate the potential of Typha angustifolia rhizome powder as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in broiler chicken. Materials and methods: For this purpose, 512 one-day-old chickens of the Cobb500 strain were randomly distributed in a completely randomized design of 8 treatments of 16 chicks replicated four times. Experimental rations consisted of incorporating into a control ration 1 g of Doxycycline® (0+), and 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 g of Typha angustifolia /kg of feed, respectively. Results: The main results revealed that feed intake was not significantly affected by the different treatments. Over the study period, supplementing chicken with 6 g of T. angustifolia/kg increased live weight and weight gain by about 6.72% and 6.82%, respectively, compared to the negative control. Similarly, this phyto-additive, at the incorporation rate of 6 g/kg, decreased the chicken feed conversion ratio by 12.83% compared to the control without additives. The 6 g of Typha angustifolia/kg of feed induced a significant increase in the weight, length, and density of the intestine as compared to the negative control ration. This phyto-additive, whatever the rate, significantly increased the number of lactic acid bacteria, and the digestibility of crude protein and dietary fiber compared to the negative control. Apart from the serum concentration of total cholesterol and high-density cholesterol, which increased significantly with 1 g of Typha angustifolia compared to the negative control, all the haemato-biochemical parameters were not significantly affected by this phyto-additive, whatever the incorporation rate. Conclusion: In the condition of the present study, it was concluded that 6 g of Typha angustifolia/kg of feed can be used as a substitute for antibiotics growth promoters in animal feed.

Bisphenol A analogues and metabolic syndrome in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Bisphenols (BPs) have become a chemical group of special interest due to their ability to interfere with the endocrine system and their ubiquitous presence in the environment. As some of them possess mild estrogenic and anti-androgenic effects, they might be associated with the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Acting on multiple tissues, BPs exposure may lead to metabolic derangements characteristic for metabolic syndrome (MetS). Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the potential relationship between exposure to some BPA analogues and features of the MetS in women with PCOS. Serum BPE, BPC, BPG, BPM, BPP, BPZ, BPFL, and BPBP concentrations did not differ significantly between the PCOS (n = 135) and the control subjects (n = 104). However, women whose serum BPM and BPP concentrations were in the highest tertile were more likely to be diagnosed with PCOS (adjusted OR; [95%CI] 0.43; [0.20; 0.89], P < 0.001 and 0.56; [0.27; 0.96], P = 0.049, consequently). Serum concentrations of BPs were not associated with the MetS diagnosis in the PCOS group. There was a negative correlation between the concentrations of serum BPBP and total serum cholesterol (r = – 0.153; P = 0.019), BPE and serum testosterone (r = – 0.160; P = 0.014) as well as BPC and HDL-cholesterol (r = – 0.138; P = 0.036). There was a positive correlation between the concentrations of BPP and serum triglycerides (r = 0.138; P = 0.036). Our results point to the potential association between exposure to BPM, BPP, and the diagnosis of PCOS, along with the impact of BPBP, BPE, BPC, and BPP on the metabolic features of the MetS.

RNA-seq transcriptome analysis provides new insights into the negative effects of tannic acid on the intestinal function of Brandt’s voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii)

Tannic acid (TA), a significant plant secondary metabolite, is contained in the daily food of Brandt’s voles. Its adverse effect on gut function has been shown in earlier research, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain uncertain. In this study, male Brandt’s vole (13 weeks old) were divided into two groups and given 0 (control) or 1,200 (TA-treated) mg•kg−1 TA for 18 days. Then RNA sequencing was used to conduct a thorough transcriptome analysis on the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of Brandt’s voles. Results showed that TA significantly increased serum total cholesterol concentration (P < 0.05) and decreased the nutrient digestibility (P < 0.05) of Brandt’s voles. Furthermore, there were 174 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the duodenum, 96 DEGs in the jejunum, and 88 DEGs in the ileum between the control and TA-treated groups. Enrichment analysis revealed that many genes associated with bile secretion, fat digestion and absorption, innate immune response, and tight junction such as ABCG2, ABCG8, PEAK1, and IFR2, etc. were altered after TA treatment, which were verified by quantitative real-time PCR. These findings suggested that TA can change the expression of intestinal genes, thereby, altering nutrition metabolism and immunological function, eventually hindering the growth of Brandt’s voles. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for explaining how TA affects the gut function of Brandt’s voles at the molecular level.

Effects of sumac supplementation on lipid profile: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

This systematic review aimed to gather data on the effects of sumac supplementation on lipid profile. A systematic literature search was carried out using electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) up to March 2023 to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of sumac intake on lipid profile as an outcome. All participants enrolled in our study were adult individuals who consumed sumac, in various forms, as an intervention. The included articles were assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. Heterogeneity tests of the selected trials were performed using the I2 statistic. Random effects models were assessed based on the heterogeneity tests, and pooled data were determined as the weighted mean difference with a 95% confidence interval. In total, seven RCTs with a total sample size of 570 subjects were included. This study found a significant decrease in total cholesterol (TC) (weighted mean difference [WMD]: -10.01 mg/dL; 95% CI: -18.67, -1.34), triglyceride (TG) (WMD: -8.52 mg/dL; 95% CI: -14.79, -2.25), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-C levels (WMD: -9.25 mg/dL; 95% CI: -14.56, -3.93); Moreover, a significant increase was observed in high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-C concentration (WMD: 2.97 mg/dL; 95% CI: 0.75, 5.19). The reduction in TG and TC was greater in studies with a duration of ≥12 compared to <12 weeks. The increase in HDL-C was greater in participants with an intervention duration of ≥12 compared to <12 weeks. Moreover, subgroup analysis based on the dose of sumac suggested a significant reduction in TC and LDL, specifically for doses below 3 g. Consumption of sumac significantly decreased serum TC, LDL-C, and TG concentrations. This study suggested significantly positive effects on HDL-C by intake of sumac. Longer interventions (>12 weeks) have a more favorable impact on TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C, while sumac doses below 3 g/day show greater effects on TC and LDL-C. These findings underscore the potential of sumac supplementation as a valuable approach to lipid profile management.

Effects of Different Types of Dietary Fibers on Lipid Metabolism and Bile Acids in Weaned Piglets.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary fiber on the serum biochemistry, bile acid profile, and gut microbiota in piglets. Twenty-four pigs (initial body weight: 10.53 ± 1.23 kg) were randomly divided into three treatments with eight replicate pens of one pig per pen for 21 d. The dietary treatments consisted of the following: (1) a fiber-free diet (NS); (2) a fiber-free diet + 3% fructooligosaccharides (SI); (3) a fiber-free diet + 3% dietary fiber mixture (fructooligosaccharides, long-chain inulin, and microcrystalline cellulose at the ratio 1:1:1; MIX). The results showed that compared with the NS group, the 3% SI diet reduced the serum total cholesterol (TC) concentration of the piglets (p < 0.05). The metabolomics results showed that the 3% SI diet increased the level of taurohyocholic acid (THCA) and α-muricholic acid, and the 3% MIX diet increased the level of THCA and cholic acid (p < 0.05). The use of 3% SI or MIX decreased the glycodeoxycholic acid (GDCA) level in the bile of the piglets (p < 0.05). The correlation analysis shows that the GDCA was positively related to the TC. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing results showed that UCG-002 and Holdemanella were enriched in the SI group, while Bacteroides was enriched in the MIX group. The microbial function prediction indicated that SI supplementation tended to elevate the relative abundance of gut bacteria capable of expressing bile acid-metabolizing enzymes. To sum up, the regulatory effect of dietary fiber on lipid metabolism is related to bile acids in piglets. Compared with MIX, SI is more likely to regulate bile acids through the gut microbiota.

The Decrease in Serum Total Cholesterol and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Concentrations With the Initiation of Hemodialysis Despite a Concomitant Increase in Serum Albumin Concentrations.

Background and objective Hemodialysis patients often have lower serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol concentrations compared to the general population. It is unclear if this is due to a persistent decline in the values due to kidney disease or if the hemodialysis itself is contributing to the lower values. It is often assumed that malnutrition and anorexia are the main causes of the low lipid concentration in hemodialysis patients. In this study, we aimed to determine the association between hemodialysis initiation and serum lipid and albumin concentrations. Methodology The medical records of all patients initiating hemodialysis over an 11-year period at a single center were retrospectively reviewed. The data of 145 patients who had all the required lab values available were ultimately included in the study. Serum lipid levels at the initiation of hemodialysis were compared to values obtained mostly 6-18 months later. In order to determine if poor nutritional status is the reason for the decline in serum lipid levels, the serum albumin concentration at the initiation of hemodialysis was compared to that obtained during follow-up labs. Results We observed that serum cholesterol concentration declined from an average of 147 mg/dL to 137 mg/dL, while LDL decreased from an average of 78 mg/dL to 68 mg/dL, andserum albumin concentration increased from 3.4 g/dL to 3.8 g/dL after an average follow-up period of 10.8 months. Conclusions Based on our findings, the declinein serum LDL and total cholesterol concentrations with the initiation of hemodialysis may not be attributed to poor nutritional intake.

Type IIx muscle fibers are related to poor body composition, glycemic and lipidemic blood profiles in young females: the protective role of type I and IIa muscle fibers.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between muscle fiber composition, body composition, resting glycemic-lipidemic blood profiles, in apparently healthy, young, active females. Thirty-four young healthy female volunteers were allocated into two groups, depending on their Vastus Lateralis type IIx muscle fibers percent cross-sectional area (%CSA; H: high type IIx %CSA; L: low type IIx %CSA). Body composition was determined via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Venous blood samples were collected for the determination of resting serum glucose, Insulin, Apo-A1, HOMA-IR, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), High-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), and Low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) concentrations. Nutritional intake was also evaluated. Individuals of the H group have significantly higher body mass, body fat percentage-mass, and resting blood indices of glycemic and lipidemic profiles, compared to those of L group (p < 0.001). Increased type IIx and low type I, IIa muscle fibers %CSAs were linked with poorer body composition, glycemic and lipidemic blood profiles (r: - 0.722 to 0.740, p < 0.001). Linear regression analyses revealed that the impact of muscle fibers %CSA (B coefficients ranged between - 0.700 and 0.835) on the above parameters, was at least, of the same or even of greater magnitude as that of body composition and daily nutritional intake (B: - 0.700 to 0.666). Increased type IIx and low Type I, IIa %CSAs are associated with poorer body composition and glycemic-lipidemic profiles in young healthy females. The contribution of the muscle fiber %CSA on health status seems to be comparable to that of nutrition and body composition.

Effects of single-dose and co-supplementation of vitamin D and omega-3 on metabolic profile in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: An RCT.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous medical condition with a cluster of metabolic and endocrine disorders including dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and hyperandrogenism. The present study aimed to determine the effects of single-dose and co-supplementation of vitamin D (vit D) and omega-3 (O3) on anthropometric and several biochemical factors in women with PCOS. In this double-blind, randomized clinical trial, 80 PCOS women referred to Shahid Motahhari Clinic, Shiraz, Iran, from April to October 2017 were studied in 4 groups (n = 20/each) for 8 wk. The placebo group received the placebo capsule (paraffin oil); 1 weekly and 2/daily; the vit D group received vit D (50,000 IU/weekly) + 2 placebo capsules daily, O3 group, 2, O3 capsules daily + 1 placebo capsule weekly, and vit D + O3 (50000 IU/weekly vit D + 2, O3 capsules daily). Before and after 8 wk of intervention, height, weight, body mass index, waist circumference, triglycerides, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, homeostasis model of insulin resistance index, and sex hormone binding globulin were compared between groups. The significant reduction was detected in serum triglyceride (p = 0.002), TC (p = 0.04), fasting blood sugar (p = 0.02), insulin (p = 0.001), and homeostasis model of insulin resistance index (p = 0.001) concentrations in all vit D, O3, and vit D + O3 supplemented groups compared to the placebo group. Furthermore, in comparison with the placebo group, a significant increase was observed in serum sex hormone binding globulin levels after vit D, O3, and vit D + O3 treatments. Nevertheless, no significant changes were observed in serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and anthropometric indices in all treated participants. The current study indicated that single dose and co-supplementation of vit D and O3 for 8 wk was associated with beneficial effects on serum triglyceride, TC, insulin, and sex hormone binding globulin concentrations among women suffering from PCOS.

Effect of selected doses of ethanol extract of Seidlitzia rosmarinus leaves on serum total cholesterol (TC) concentration in male rats

This study was carried out on the chemical extract of leaves of the plant of Al-Shinan and was aimed at the most important chemical components of plant leaves, and quantitative determination major phytochemicals then tested on laboratory animals to know the most effective dose in reducing the concentration of total cholesterol in the serum blood of experimental animals. The Chemical tests showed that the leaves contain alkaloids, clicosides, phenols, flavinoids, soap and tannins. On the other hand, the total value of the yield of the ethanolic extract was 18.92%. and the results also showed the extract contained 1.112% phenol, 0.393% flavonoids and 1.5225% soap. In order to extract the most effective dose of the extract of this study, thirty mature male rats were selected and divided into five equal groups. The first was considered as a control group and only the distilled water was administered and the other groups were given 100,200,300 and 400 mg of crude ethanol / kg body weight. For four weeks. After two and four weeks of treatment, the results of the total cholesterol concentration measurements of the animals' forbidden blood samples for more than eight hours showed that the 200 mg / kg B.W. dose caused the highest reduction in total cholesterol concentration.

ANTI-ATHEROGENIC ACTIVITY OF ETHYL ACETATE AND ETHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF CAESALPINIA BONDUCELLA LINN.F. ON HIGH-FAT DIET-INDUCED ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN RATS

Objective: The aim is to investigate the anti-atherogenic effect of ethyl acetate (EACB) and ethanolic extracts of Caesalpinia bonducella (ETCB) kernels against high-fat diet (HFD) induced atherosclerosis (AS) in male Wistar rats. Methods: Rats were divided into seven groups of six each. Group I served as normal control, group II received HFD (20.5% of wheat flour, 52.6% of roasted bengal gram, 5% of skimmed milk powder, 4% of refined oil, 4% of casein, 4% starch with salt mixture, 9% of coconut oil, 0.5% of choline mixture and vitamin and 0.4% of cholesterol), group III received HFD+Standard drug atorvastatin (1.2 mg/kg b.w.) and the remaining four groups IV, V, VI, and VII received HFD along with EACB (100 and 200 mg/kg b.wt) and HFD along with ETCB (100 and 200 mg/kg b.wt) respectively for 90 days. Anti-atherogenic activity was assessed by quantifying the concentration of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very LDL cholesterol, and phospholipids (PL). Tissue levels of TC, TG, and PL were also determined. Lipid peroxidation and enzymatic anti-oxidants were determined in the liver, heart, and aorta tissue. The histopathological analysis of the liver and aorta tissue supported the dose-dependent anti-atherogenic effects of EACB and ETCB. Results: EACB and ETCB significantly (p≤0.05) protected the above-mentioned parameters to fall from the normal levels. Conclusion: These observations suggest that the EACB and ETCB have a dose-dependent anti-atherogenic effect against HFD-induced AS.

Catestatin in diagnosing cardiovascular and metabolic disorders in patients with comorbid hypertension

Background. Hypertension is the major pandemic in human history, which determines the structure of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. There is an obvious relationship between hypertension and various diseases that largely determine its development and increase the risk of cardiovascular complications. Neuropeptides appear to have a major impact on the progression of these complications. Catestatin (CST) is one of them, which deserves special scientific and practical concern, as it has a wide range of biological effects in the body. The aim of the study: to determine the place of CST in the early diagnosis of cardiovascular and metabolic complications in patients with comorbid hypertension among the Ukrainian population. Materials and methods. One hundred and eleven patients with hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity (men/women — 50/61) and 20 controls were examined. All patients with hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and obesity were aged 54.37 ± 1.18 years. Following a thorough examination and supervision, they were divi­ded into 2 groups depending on the median CST level of 2.45 ng/ml. The first group included 55 (49.5 %) patients who had a CST level below 2.45 ng/ml, the second one consisted of 56 patients (50.5 %) who had a CST level above 2.45 ng/ml. In all patients, we measured body weight, height, calculated body mass index, evaluated glycated hemoglobin levels, lipid metabolism (serum concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol); systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The content of CST, cardiotrophin 1, leptin, cystatin C, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide, 25(OH)D, β2-microglobulin, and insulin levels in the blood serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results. A reliable difference between the groups was found by β2-microglobulin (p = 0.008). Univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis revealed a negative correlation between CST and cardiotrophin 1, N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, and 25(OH)D. A positive correlation was found between CST and the level of glycated hemoglobin, body mass index, and triglycerides. A statistically significant correlation was found between CST and creatinine (R = –0.21, p = 0.029), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (R = 0.207, p = 0.029), and β2-microglobulin (R = 0.279, p = 0.0029) in the patients with hypertension. Conclusions. It has been proven that a decrease in serum catestatin concentration can be a risk factor for the development of more severe comorbidities in patients with hypertension. The detected relationships of catestatin with creatinine, urea, and β2-microglobulin suggest that CST is a predictor of chronic kidney disease in patients with comorbidities. The revealed correlation of CST with high-density lipoprotein, obesity, and body mass index suggests its importance in the prevention of atherosclerotic and metabolic complications in patients with hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and obesity.

Association between blood lipid levels and risk of gastric cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The association between blood lipid levels and the risk of gastric cancer (GC) is well known. Therefore, to clarify this association, all relevant prospective cohort studies were included in this meta-analysis. Our study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022354899) prior to its commencement. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with the PRISMA recommendations. Chinese databases (CNKI, CBM, Wanfang, and VIP) and English databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library) were systematically searched up to October 2022. This study included all relevant cohort studies that reported hazard ratios (HRs) or relative risks (RRs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) to examine the association between various lipid profiles (e.g., total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and the risk of developing gastric cancer (GC). Fixed effects or random effects models were used based on the level of heterogeneity among the studies, and these models were employed to obtain pooled hazard ratios. Additionally, sensitivity analysis and publication bias analysis were conducted to ensure the robustness and reliability of the findings. After conducting a systematic search, a total of 10 studies were selected out of 10,525 papers involving a total of 5,564,520 individuals. Among these individuals, there were 41,408 GC cases. The analysis revealed that the highest versus lowest serum total cholesterol (TC) concentration was associated with a pooled hazard ratio of 0.89 (95% CI = 0.87-0.92, I2 = 15%). For triglycerides (TGs), the hazard ratio was 1.00 (95% CI = 0.96-1.04, I2 = 37%), while for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), the hazard ratio was 0.90 (95% CI = 0.86-0.93, I2 = 0%). The hazard ratio for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was 0.96 (95% CI = 0.91-1.00, I2 = 0%). Based on the results of this meta-analysis, it was found that serum TC and HDL-C levels were inversely correlated with the risk of GC. No association was observed between serum TG levels and the risk of GC. Similarly, no association was found between serum LDL-C levels and the risk of GC.

Yiqi Qingre Xiaozheng formula protects against diabetic nephropathy by restoring autophagy in mice

To evaluate the protective effect of Yiqi Qingre Xiaozheng formula (YQQRXZF) via the regulation of autophagy in diabetic nephropathy (DN) mice induced by injection of streptozotocin (STZ) after high fat diet (HFD). The composition of YQQRXZF was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization/mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI/MSn). The DN model was induced by intraperitoneally injection of 50 mg/kg STZ within 5 days, followed by HFD feeding for 8 weeks in C57BL/6J mice. Mice were randomly separated into DN group, YQQRXZF group, irbesartan group, and control group. Blood glucose was calculated, and body weight was measured every 2 weeks. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) before and after treatment, and the serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum creatinine (Scr) were measured. In addition, hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, Masson’s trichrome staining, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to observe pathological changes in renal tissue. Autophagy levels were determined by immunofluorescence staining. In this study, 21 dominant chemical constituents were identified in YQQRXZF. The treatment group reduced uACR in a more significant way than the DN group (P = .018). The treatment group reduced TC, TG, and LDL concentrations after YQQRXFF treatment (P = .021, P = .014 and P = .026, respectively). H&E, PAS, and Masson staining showed that pathological damage to mice kidneys improved, the volume of renal glomeruli was reduced, and glomerular sclerosis and fibrosis were reduced. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that expressions of LC3-Ⅱprotein increased in the treatment group (P = .013). In contrast, the protein expressions of P62 were reduced after treatment (P = .025). YQQRXZF effectively attenuates kidney injury, probably by regulating autophagy.

Hypoglycemic effect of polysaccharides of Dendrobium officinale compound on type 2 diabetic mice

This study investigated the hypoglycemic effect of polysaccharides of Dendrobium officinale compound (DOCP) on streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetic mice. Compared with the model group, the fasting blood glucose value of DOCP (800 mg/kg) at day 35 of the study significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, DOCP (800 mg/kg) significantly increased the serum insulin content and reduced the insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic mice. Furthermore, DOCP reduced the serum total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL-C concentrations, increased the antioxidant capability, and improved liver and pancreas damage in type 2 diabetic mice. DOCP increased the diversity of intestinal flora composition, and the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteriaceae. DOCP (800 mg/kg) induced up-regulation expression of genes such as Glut2, Gck, Pklr, Insr, Pdx-1 and Ins1, but elicited down-regulation of Caspase-3. These results indicate that DOCP achieves antidiabetic and hypolipidemic effects in type 2 diabetic mice.

Antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects of Cymbopogon citratus leaves in dexamethasone-induced diabetic rats

Background: In sub-Saharan Africa, especially in Cameroon, different parts of Cymbopogon citrarus (C. citratus) are prescribed as remedies for diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia. This study was designed to investigate the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of C. citratus (HACC) leaves in dexamethasone-induced-diabetic (Dex-db) rats. Materials and Methods: The HACC was obtained by decoction for 15 min by mixing 250 g of dry powder of the leaves of C. citratus by completing the total volume to 1L with a hydroalcoholic solution (water-ethanol, 30:70). After cooling to room temperature and filtration using Whatman No. 4 filter paper, the extract was concentrated using a rotary evaporator at 45 °C. Moderate diabetes was induced by daily subcutaneous injection of dexamethasone (5 mg/kg) once daily for 7 days. On the 8th day, the animals which have a blood glucose level greater than 120 mg/dL were selected and randomized into 5 groups of 5 animals each who received the different treatments for two weeks as follows: two negative control groups, negative normal control (NNC) and negative dexamethasone control (NDC) received only vehicle (distilled water); one positive control group received glibenclamide (5 mg/kg) and two groups received HACC at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg respectively. On the other hand, compared to the NDC group, we observed a significant (P&lt;0.001) dose-response after 14 days of treatment a decrease in serum concentrations of TC, LDLc, and AI, and an increase in HDLc. A highly significant decrease (P&lt;0.001) was also observed in serum TG concentration but with a more pronounced action at the lowest dose of HACC (50 mg/kg). Results: After two weeks of administration of the HACC, we observed during the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) a highly significant rate of reduction in glycemia (%) at the two doses tested (50 and 100 mg/kg) compared to the NNC group (P&lt;0.001) 2 hours after glucose load, no significant difference was observed (P&gt;0.05). With regard to the serum lipid profile (total cholesterol (TC), HDL cholesterol (HDLc), triglycerides (TG), LDL cholesterol (LDLc) and atherogenicity index (AI)), after 14 days of administration of the various treatments, with the exception of the TC which decreased significantly (P&lt;0.001), no significant difference (P&gt;0.05) was observed on the other parameters in the animals having received the HACC only at the dose of 100 mg/kg compared to the NNC group. Conclusion: This finding suggests that the leaves of C. citratus have a highly significant antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic activity in diabetic rats by preventing the postprandial glycemia peak and by readjusting the lipid profile, in particular by lowering serum LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and the atherogenicity index.