Serum Total Cholesterol Levels Research Articles

Role of Arthrospira Platensis in Preventing and Treating High-Fat Diet-Induced Hypercholesterolemia in Adult Rats.

Hyperlipidaemia is a recognised risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In this study, the antihyperlipidaemic properties of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis, strain S2 from Serbia) were tested in adult Wistar rats before and after induction of hypercholesterolaemia by a high-fat diet (HFD) to compare the preventive with the curative effect. Total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels were measured in the blood samples. The chemical composition (lipids, proteins and cholesterol) and the content of bile acids in the faeces of the animals were also analysed. Feeding rats with an atherogenic diet for 10 weeks led to the successful development of hyperlipidaemia, as serum TC and LDL-C levels as well as lipids, cholesterol and bile acids in the animals' faeces were significantly increased. Pre- and post-treatment with spirulina led to a reduction in serum LDL, TC and ALT levels. Administration of spirulina resulted in both a significant increase in primary bile acids excretion and a decrease in bile acids metabolism, with pre-treatment being more effective than post-treatment in some cases. These results suggest that increased excretion of bile acids as well as an effect on the gut microbiota may be the mechanism responsible for the anti-hyperlipidaemic activity of the tested spirulina strain.

Establishment of a novel obesity mouse model: the induction of intestinal microbiota dysbiosis

To establish and evaluate an intestinal microbiota dysbiosis-induced obesity mouse model. 50 C57BL/6 J male healthy mice were randomly divided into an obesity model group and the control group. The body weight, body length, and Lee’s index of the two groups of mice at week 1 and week 10 were compared. Serum glucose (GLU), total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) were measured by enzyme-labeled colorimetric methods. Illumina HiSeq 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing technology was used to characterize intestinal microbiota in feces. The success rate of model establishment in obese mice was 52%. The body weight, body length, Lee’s index, and abdominal fat (wet weight) in the obese model group were all higher than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.01). Serum GLU and TC levels in the obesity model group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05), and there was no difference in TG levels between the two groups (P > 0.05). The control group contained more abundant intestinal microbiota phyla and genera than did the obesity model group; the differences between the two groups were significant (FDR ≤ 0.05, P ≤ 0.05). Intestinal microbiota dysbiosis can be used to generate an obesity model in mice.

Non-nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates and nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates for the treatment of atherosclerosis and vascular calcification: A meta-analysis.

The role of non-nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (non-N-BPs) and nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BPs) in the treatment of atherosclerosis (AS) and vascular calcification (VC) is uncertain. This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of non-N-BPs and N-BPs in the treatment of AS and VC. The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang databases were searched from their inception to July 5th, 2023. Eligible studies comparing bisphosphonates (BPs) versus no BPs in the treatment of AS and VC were included. The data were analyzed using Review Manager Version 5.3. Seventeen studies were included in this meta-analysis. Twelve were randomized control trials (RCTs), and 5 were nonrandomized studies. Overall, 813 patients were included in the BPs group, and 821 patients were included in the no BPs group. Compared with no BP treatment, non-N-BP or N-BP treatment did not affect serum calcium (P > .05), phosphorus (P > .05) or parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels (P > .05). Regarding the effect on serum lipids, non-N-BPs decreased the serum total cholesterol (TC) level (P < .05) and increased the serum triglyceride (TG) level (P < .01) but did not affect the serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level (P > .05). N-BPs did not affect serum TC (P > .05), TG (P > .05) or LDL-C levels (P > .05). Regarding the effect on AS, non-N-BPs did not have a beneficial effect (P > .05). N-BPs had a beneficial effect on AS, including reducing the intima-media thickness (IMT) (P < .05) and plaque area (P < .01). For the effect on VC, non-N-BPs had a beneficial effect (P < .01), but N-BPs did not have a beneficial effect (P > .05). Non-N-BPs and N-BPs did not affect serum calcium, phosphorus or PTH levels. Non-N-BPs decreased serum TC levels and increased serum TG levels. N-BPs did not affect serum lipid levels. Non-N-BPs had a beneficial effect on VC, and N-BPs had a beneficial effect on AS.

Luteolin Ameliorates Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease via Regulation of Hepatic Lipid Uptake, Autophagy, and Apoptosis in WD/CCl4-induced Mice

Background and Purpose Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a worldwide health problem with high prevalence and morbidity associated with obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and dyslipidemia. Luteolin is a natural flavonoid with various activities. We aimed to investigate whether luteolin can alleviate NAFLD and its possible mechanism. Materials and Methods A mouse model with NAFLD was induced by Western diet (WD) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) injection. Twenty-four mice were distributed into three groups randomly: Normal diet group (CON, n = 8), NAFLD group (NAF, n = 8), and luteolin group (LUT, n = 8). NAFLD model was induced by feeding mice in NAF and LUT groups with WD and injecting CCl4. CON group were fed with a normal diet in the same period. The LUT group was administered orally with luteolin (20 mg/kg) every day, starting from the 1st day of the 5th week for 8 weeks, while the CON group was treated with a vehicle. Throughout the experiment, body weight, lipid profile, glucose tolerance test, and the hepatic expressions of CD36/FABP1/LC3B/Bcl-2 were measured beside the histopathological examination. Results Luteolin treatment effectively prevents the body from weight gain in mice with NAFLD (NAF vs. LUT: 36.0 g vs. 32.4 g, p &lt; 0.05). Serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels are both significantly increased in the NAF group ( p &lt; 0.01) and reduced to some extent in the LUT group ( p &lt; 0.05). Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) test results show that luteolin could improve the impaired glucose tolerance and downregulate the elevated fasting blood glucose in mice with NAFLD ( p &lt; 0.05). Histopathological results demonstrate luteolin reduces hepatic steatosis and hepatic fibrosis in NAFLD mice. The possible mechanisms may include that luteolin decreases hepatic CD36 and FABP1 expression, and increases levels of autophagy marker LC3B and antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. Conclusion Luteolin could reduce hepatic steatosis and fibrosis, hyperglycemia, body weight, and serum lipid levels in NAFLD mice, which exhibits huge potential in the treatment of metabolic disorders related to NAFLD.

Untargeted metabonomics and TLR4/ NF-κB signaling pathway analysis reveals potential mechanism of action of Dendrobium huoshanense polysaccharide in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is marked by hepatic steatosis accompanied by an inflammatory response. At present, there are no approved therapeutic agents for NAFLD. Dendrobium Huoshanense polysaccharide (DHP), an active ingredient extracted from the stems of Dendrobium Huoshanense, and exerts a protective effect against liver injury. However, the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of action DHP against NAFLD remain unclear. DHP was extracted, characterized, and administered to mice in which NAFLD had been induced with a high-fat and high-fructose drinking (HFHF) diet. Our results showed that DHP used in this research exhibits the characteristic polysaccharide peak with a molecular weight of 179.935kDa and is composed primarily of Man and Glc in a molar ratio of 68.97:31.03. DHP treatment greatly ameliorated NAFLD by significantly reducing lipid accumulation and the levels of liver function markers in HFHF-induced NAFLD mice, as evidenced by decreased serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total cholesterol (TC) and total triglyceride (TG). Furthermore, DHP administration reduced hepatic steatosis, as shown by H&E and Oil red O staining. DHP also inhibited the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway expression, thereby reducing levels of hepatic proinflammatory cytokines. Besides, untargeted metabolomics further indicated that 49 metabolites were affected by DHP. These metabolites are strongly associated the metabolism of glycine, serine, threonine, nicotinate and nicotinamide, and arachidonic acid. In conclusion, DHP has a therapeutic effect against NAFLD, whose underlying mechanism may involve the modulation of TLR4/NF-κB, reduction of inflammation, and regulation of the metabolism of glycine, serine, threonine, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, and arachidonic acid metabolism.

Monoglucosyl rutin, a flavonoid glycoside, improves low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels in healthy adults: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) continues to be a significant contributor to global mortality, impacting over 523 million individuals worldwide. Dyslipidemia stands as one of the foremost risk factors for ASCVD. Thus, prioritizing the reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels is essential in mitigating cardiovascular complications. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the lipid-lowering activity of a dietary supplement containing monoglucosyl rutin (MR) in individuals with low to mild hypercholesterolemia. Methods: This was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group study conducted from April 20 to December 24, 2022. The study population included 56 healthy Japanese adult participants with LDL-C levels between 120–139 mg/dL who were randomly allocated to either the MR or placebo groups (n = 28/group) using a computerized random number generator. 200 mg of MR or placebo divided into 3 tablets was given daily; participants were instructed to take 1 tablet with water after each meal for 12 weeks. The main focus was on measuring the serum LDL-C level as the primary outcome, with additional attention given to secondary outcomes such as serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol, and nonHDL-C levels. The study also evaluated the percentage of participants achieving serum LDL-C levels below 120 mg/dL after the 12-week intervention. Assessments were conducted after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of intervention. Results: There were 54 (27 in each group) participants in the per-protocol set (PPS) and 53 (placebo group, 26; MR group, 27) participants in the modified PPS (mPPS). A statistically significant group difference in serum LDL-C levels was observed (P &lt; 0.05), with a 5.0% decrease from preintervention to after 12 weeks. The reduction in LDL-C levels coincided with (statistically significant?) decreases in total cholesterol levels, nonHDL-C levels, and the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio. During the study period, there was no adverse event or concern about the safety of MR. Conclusions: MR has potential as a preventive or therapeutic tool for improving improve long-term health and reducing cardiovascular morbidity. Keywords: monoglucosyl rutin, flavonoid glycoside, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hyperlipidemia, lipid profile Trial registration number: UMIN000047790

Impacts of serum biomarkers regarding glucose, lipid and protein on progression and survival of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A Chinese cohort study

Objective: To explore the impacts of nutritional biomarkers regarding glucose, protein and lipid on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) progression and survival in a cohort of Chinese ALS patients. Methods: A total of 191 ALS patients were included in our analysis. Pearson correlation was employed to analyze the relationships between baseline serological and clinical variables. Uni- and multivariate analysis were performed to analyze the influence of nutritional biomarkers on the progression and survival of ALS. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Hyperglycemia (around 1/6) and hyperlipidemia (1/5-1/3) were common among ALS patients while protein deficiency was not predominant. Serum total cholesterol (TC) (p=0.026) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p=0.044) was negatively related to baseline ALS functional rating scale-revised (ALSFRS-R) score, while serum PA was positively associated with baseline ALSFRS-R score (p=0.018). Serum levels of TC (p=0.041), apoB (p&lt;0.001), lipoprotein a [Lp (a)] (p=0.002) and free fatty acids (FFA) (p=0.049) were negatively associated with baseline forced vital capacity percentage (FVC%). None of studied biomarkers showed significant relationship with ALS progression or survival time, except for serum level of Lp(a) had a weakly positive correlation to ALS progression rate after backward selection (p=0.048). Conclusion: Serum biomarkers of glucose, lipid or protein might only have a weak relationship with autonomous function and respiratory function status, but have no significant impact on the progression or overall survival of ALS. More studies were needed to provide guidance of nutritional management and diet recommendation for ALS patients.

Potential effects of Sargassum kjellmanianum as a dietary supplement on the growth performance, immunity response, antioxidant status, and ammonia resistance of yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)

This study aimed to investigate the potential effects of seaweed Sargassum kjellmanianum (SK) as a dietary supplement on the growth performance, blood biochemistry, immunology, antioxidants, and ammonia stress resistance of yellow catfish, Pelteobagrus fulvidraco. Four diets containing 0 % SK (control), 2.5 % SK, 5 % SK, and 10 % SK were fed to fish for 8 weeks. After the feeding trial, the fish were exposed to ammonia for 72 h and their mortality was recorded. Compared with the control group, the growth performance was significantly increased in the 2.5 % and 5 % SK groups (P < 0.05). Serum albumin levels were significantly increased (P < 0.05), meanwhile serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly decreased in fish fed with 2.5 % and 5 % SK (P < 0.05). Interestingly, the serum AST and ALT activities were significantly increased in the 10 % SK group (P < 0.05). Additionally, serum lysozyme, acid phosphatase, and complement 4 levels were all significantly increased in all SK groups than those of the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, serum malondialdehyde levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels were significantly increased in the 2.5 % and 5 % SK groups with relative to the control group (P < 0.05). Notably, the cumulative mortality rate was significantly higher (46.67 %) in the control fish than those fed the SK diets (35–38.33 %) (P < 0.05). Taken together, the results indicated that adding SK to the diet of yellow catfish can enhance growth performance, stimulate immune responses, improve antioxidant status, and increase resistance to ammonia stress. It is recommended to use concentrations between 2.5 % and 5.0 % in present study.

Oat protein modulates cholesterol metabolism and improves cardiac systolic function in high fat, high sucrose fed rats.

Oats are recognized to provide many health benefits that are mainly associated with its dietary fibre, β-glucan. However, the protein derived from oats is largely understudied with respect to its ability to maintain health and attenuate risk factors of chronic diseases. The goal of the current study was to investigate the metabolic effects of oat protein consumption in lieu of casein as the protein source in high fat, high sucrose (HF/HS) fed Wistar rats. Four-week-old rats were divided into three groups and were fed three different experimental diets: a control diet with casein as the protein source, an HF/HS diet with casein, or an HF/HS diet with oat protein for 16 weeks. Heart structure and function were determined by echocardiography. Blood pressure measurements, an oral glucose tolerance test, and markers of cholesterol metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, and liver and kidney damage were also performed. Our study results show that incorporation of oat protein in the diet was effective in preserving systolic heart function in HF/HS fed rats. Oat protein significantly reduced serum total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Furthermore, oat protein normalized liver HMG-CoAR activity, which, to our knowledge, is the first time this has been reported in the literature. Therefore, our research suggests that oat protein can provide hypocholesterolemic and cardioprotective benefits in a diet-induced model of metabolic syndrome.

Leukemia inhibitory factor receptor inhibition reduces stenosis grade and total serum cholesterol levels in a mouse model for atherosclerosis

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Dutch Heart Foundation Atherosclerosis is characterized by the accumulation of lipids and immune cells in the arterial wall and it is the main underlying pathology causing cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Cytokines are involved in all stages of atherosclerosis and most cytokines contribute to disease progression. For instance, IL-6 cytokine family members, such as IL-6, oncostatin-M and cardiotrophin-1, are closely related to CVDs. However, the role of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), a member of the IL-6 cytokine family, and its receptor (LIFR) in atherosclerosis remains unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the contribution of LIFR signaling to atherosclerosis development by systemically inhibiting LIFR in an atherosclerotic mouse model. First, the expression of LIF and LIFR was examined using single-cell RNA sequencing data of human carotid artery plaques. Mast cells highly and exclusively express LIF, whereas LIFR was specifically expressed by activated endothelial cells. To validate LIFR signaling in vivo, female western-type diet fed Ldlr-/- mice were treated with LIFR inhibitor EC359 (5 mg/kg s.c., n=15) or control solvent (n=15) three times per week for eight weeks. During the experiment, weights of the mice did not differ between groups, whereas total serum cholesterol levels were significantly reduced in EC359 treated mice (p=0.03). In particular, EC359 treatment reduced VLDL levels. Additionally, EC359 treatment significantly reduced Sr1, Abca1 and Lrp1 expression in the liver, suggesting an altered lipid metabolism in EC359 treated mice. Furthermore, LIFR inhibition affected innate immunity, both systemically and locally in the plaque. Neutrophil numbers were significantly increased in the circulation (ctrl 18.7±1.7%; EC359 28.0±2.0%; p=0.002) and aortic plaques (ctrl 3.9±0.8%; EC359 9.9±1.9%; p=0.003) of mice treated with EC359 compared to control mice. Moreover, LIFR inhibition affected circulating monocytes resulting in less inflammatory monocytes. The adaptive immune cells, such as T and B cells, remained largely unaffected. Collectively, the reduction of serum total cholesterol and increase in neutrophil numbers in EC359 treated mice resulted in a trend towards reduced atherosclerotic stenosis grade compared to control mice (39.8±1.4% versus 34.9±1.9%; p=0.054), but it did not affect plaque collagen and monocyte/macrophage content in the aortic root. Conclusively, LIFR signaling inhibition reduces atherosclerotic stenosis grade, lowers plasma total cholesterol levels and affects innate immunity.

Mediterranean diet effects on vascular health and serum levels of adipokines and ceramides.

A randomized clinical trial to evaluate the effect of a Mediterranean-style diet on vascular health indices such as endothelial function indices, serum lipid and ceramide plasma and some adipokine serum levels. We recruited all consecutive patients at high risk of cardiovascular diseases admitted to the Internal Medicine and Stroke Care ward at the University Hospital of Palermo between September 2017 and December 2020. The enrolled subjects, after the evaluation of the degree of adherence to a dietary regimen of the Mediterranean-style diet, were randomised to a Mediterranean Diet (group A) assessing the adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet at each follow up visit (every three months) for the entire duration of the study (twelve months) and to a Low-fat diet (group B) with a dietary "counselling" starting every three months for the entire duration of the study (twelve months).The aims of the study were to evaluate: the effects of adherence to Mediterranean Diet on some surrogate markers of vascular damage, such as endothelial function measured by means of the reactive hyperaemia index (RHI) and augmentation index (AIX), at the 6-(T1) and 12-month (T2) follow-ups; the effects of adherence to Mediterranean Diet on the lipidaemic profile and on serum levels of ceramides at T1 and T2 follow-ups; the effects of adherence to Mediterranean Diet on serum levels of visfatin, adiponectin and resistin at the 6- and 12-month follow-ups. A total of 101 patients were randomised to a Mediterranean Diet style and 52 control subjects were randomised to a low-fat diet with a dietary "counselling". At the six-month follow-up (T1), subjects in the Mediterranean Diet group showed significantly lower mean serum total cholesterol levels, and significantly higher increase in reactive hyperaemia index (RHI) values compared to the low-fat diet group. Patients in the Mediterranean Diet group also showed lower serum levels of resistin and visfatin at the six-month follow-up compared to the control group, as well as higher values ​​of adiponectin, lower values of C24:0, higher values of C22:0 and higher values of the C24:0/C16:0 ratio. At the twelve-month follow-up (T2), subjects in the Mediterranean Diet group showed lower serum total cholesterol levels and lower serum LDL cholesterol levels than those in the control group. At the twelve-month follow-up, we also observed a further significant increase in the mean RHI in the Mediterranean Diet group, lower serum levels of resistin and visfatin, lower values of C24:0 and of C:18:0,and higher values of the C24:0/C16:0 ratio. The findings of our current study offer a further possible explanation with regard to the beneficial effects of a higher degree of adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet on multiple cardiovascular risk factors and the underlying mechanisms of atherosclerosis. Moreover, these findings provide an additional plausible interpretation of the results from observational and cohort studies linking high adherence to a Mediterranean-style diet with lower total mortality and a decrease in cardiovascular events and cardiovascular mortality. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04873167. https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04873167.

#2682 Evaluation of clinical, pathological findings and treatment outcomes of patients diagnosed with lupus nephritis: a single center experience

Abstract Background and Aim Renal involvement of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is known as lupus nephritis (LN). The prognosis of lupus patients with LN is worse than those without kidney involvement. Renal survival can be improved in patients with lupus nephritis with appropriate and timely treatment. The aim of our study is to compare the clinical and pathological findings of patients diagnosed with LN in our clinic by renal biopsy, the results of the treatment applied in our center, and renal survival with the literature. Method The local ethical committee approved the study design (date: 04/10/2021; reference number: 121/07) and all procedures were conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Forty-four patients diagnosed with lupus nephritis between January 2012 and January 2021 in the Nephrology Department of Ankara Dıskapı Yıldırım Beyazıt Education and Research Hospital were enrolled in this study. Patient data were analyzed retrospectively. Exclusion criteria were as follows: 1) Patients under 18 years of age, 2) patients with follow-up of period less than 6 months and who did not attend regular follow-ups, 3) patients with connective tissue diseases other than SLE. Results The mean age of the study population was 36.0 ± 10.8, and the majority were female. All patients had proteinuria at diagnosis. Class IV LN was the most common (36.4%). Majority of the patients were in the proliferative LN group (65.9%). A significant difference was found between patients diagnosed with proliferative LN (n = 29) and non-proliferative LN (n = 15) in terms of high serum creatinine levels, low serum complement, presence of anti-dsDNA antibodies and active urinary sediment with proliferative LN (p = 0.021, p = 0.024, p = 0.008, p = 0.008). Treatment responses at 6 and 12 months are shown in Table 1. A significant difference was found between the patients who were in complete remission (n = 16) at 12 months and those who were not in remission (n = 27) in terms of low systolic blood pressure and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at the time of diagnosis (p = 0.008, p = 0.016). It was observed that most of the patients who were not in complete remission at 12 months were in the proliferative LN group (p = 0.024). There was no significant difference in the partial and complete remission rates at 6 and 12 months between the group receiving steroids + cyclophosphamide (n = 14) and the group receiving steroid + mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) (n = 15) in the initial treatment of proliferative LN (p&amp;gt;0.05). In the group taking MMF treatment (n = 15) had a shorter time to reach complete remission than the group taking cyclophosphamide treatment, and it was statistically significant (Table 2) (p = 0.048). It was found that end-stage renal disease (ESRD) developed in 9% of the patients and 2 patients died during followed up period. Recurrence was detected in 8 patients, and it was observed that more than half of the patients with relapse could not achieve complete remission at 12 months. Patients with relapse had higher systolic blood pressure and serum total cholesterol level at the time of diagnosis compared to patients without recurrence (p = 0.013, p = 0.045). In addition, patients with relapse were found to have a higher level of proteinuria at the time of diagnosis (p = 0.036). Conclusion Lupus nephritis remains an important source of morbidity and mortality for SLE patients. SLE patients should be regularly examined for renal involvement. About 10-20% of patients diagnosed with lupus nephritis develop ESRD. Early diagnosis of LN and initiating appropriate treatment when diagnosed without delay is important for renal and patient survival. Although there were some different results, most of the statistically significant data in our study were found to be compatible with the existing literature. However, these data need to be confirmed by studies with high patient participation.

Evaluation of Secondary Dyslipidemia in Obese Children

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the frequency of dyslipidemia secondary to childhood obesity, a recently emerging clinical entity, and to compare serum lipid profiles in obese and non-obese children. Material and Methods: After screening children with an obese appearance, a group of 119 obese children aged between 2 to 16 years with a body mass index above the 95th percentile and a control group of 124 children in a similar age range were compared in terms of serum lipid profile. Results: An abnormal lipid profile was determined in 62.6% of obese children, and serum levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides were higher in this group. It was found that Childhood obesity was associated with higher levels of total cholesterol (44.5%), triglycerides (48.7%), LDL (38.7%), and lower levels of HDL (23.5%). Conclusion: Obese children have a higher risk of secondary dyslipidemia and associated comorbidities. In order to prevent childhood obesity and its dangerous consequences, effective measures must be implemented in terms of screening, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Associations of multiple hydroxy-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with serum levels of lipids in the workers from coking and non-ferrous smelting industries

Epidemiological evidence indicates that exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is associated with certain metabolic diseases. However, the relationship between PAHs and serum lipid profiles in exposed subjects remain unknown. Herein, the associations of multiple (8) urinary hydroxylated PAHs (OH-PAHs) in workers of coking (n = 655) and non-ferrous smelting (n = 614) industries with serum lipid levels (marking lipid metabolism) were examined. Multivariable linear regression, Bayesian kernel machine regression, and quantile g-computation were used. Most urinary OH-PAHs were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in coking workers than in non-ferrous smelting workers. In workers of both industries, OH-PAH exposure was associated with elevated levels of serum total cholesterol, total triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein, as well as reduced high-density lipoprotein levels. Specifically, urinary 4-hydroxyphenanthrene was significantly positively associated with serum total cholesterol, total triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein levels in non-ferrous smelting workers; however, the completely opposite association of 4-hydroxyphenanthrene with these lipid levels was observed in coking workers. The results of this pioneering examination suggest that exposure to OH-PAHs may contribute to dyslipidemia in coking and non-ferrous smelting workers, and distinct patterns of change were observed. Further prospective studies involving larger sample sizes are needed to further validate the findings.

TRPC absence induces pro-inflammatory macrophage polarization to promote obesity and exacerbate colorectal cancer.

During the past half-century, although numerous interventions for obesity have arisen, the condition's prevalence has relentlessly escalated annually. Obesity represents a substantial public health challenge, especially due to its robust correlation with co-morbidities, such as colorectal cancer (CRC), which often thrives in an inflammatory tumor milieu. Of note, individuals with obesity commonly present with calcium and vitamin D insufficiencies. Transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels, a subclass within the broader TRP family, function as critical calcium transporters in calcium-mediated signaling pathways. However, the exact role of TRPC channels in both obesity and CRC pathogenesis remains poorly understood. This study set out to elucidate the part played by TRPC channels in obesity and CRC development using a mouse model lacking all seven TRPC proteins (TRPC HeptaKO mice). Relative to wild-type counterparts, TRPC HeptaKO mice manifested severe obesity, evidenced by significantly heightened body weights, augmented weights of epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) and inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT), increased hepatic lipid deposition, and raised serum levels of total cholesterol (T-CHO) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Moreover, TRPC deficiency was accompanied by an decrease in thermogenic molecules like PGC1-α and UCP1, alongside a upsurge in inflammatory factors within adipose tissue. Mechanistically, it was revealed that pro-inflammatory factors originating from inflammatory macrophages in adipose tissue triggered lipid accumulation and exacerbated obesity-related phenotypes. Intriguingly, considering the well-established connection between obesity and disrupted gut microbiota balance, substantial changes in the gut microbiota composition were detected in TRPC HeptaKO mice, contributing to CRC development. This study provides valuable insights into the role and underlying mechanisms of TRPC deficiency in obesity and its related complication, CRC. Our findings offer a theoretical foundation for the prevention of adverse effects associated with TRPC inhibitors, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies for obesity and CRC prevention.

In-vivo evaluation of the adverse effects of ochratoxin A on broiler chicken health and adsorption efficacy of indigenous and commercial clay of Balochistan, Pakistan

Mycotoxins in animal feed pose health risks and economic losses, but using various adsorbent types could potentially protect animals from mycotoxicosis. The study aimed to assess the effect of OTA on the health of broiler chickens and to envisage the ameliorative potential of clay adsorbents. The objectives of this in vivo study were to investigate the effects of OTA on productivity, biochemical parameters, fecal residues, and the preventive effects of indigenous and commercial clay of Balochistan as adsorbents to alleviate the adverse effects of exposure. Male broiler chickens (n = 160) were treated with 400 μg/kg OTA and 0.5 g/kg clay adsorbent for 42 days, with feed and water available in an ad libitum manner. The amount of OTA in diet and fecal residues was assessed through HPLC. The administration of OTA in the diet, resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) while increasing the feed conversion ratio (FCR) as compared to the control group. Furthermore, no significant (p > 0.05) differences were found between the weight gain of broiler chickens fed without OTA (positive control) and that of chickens fed adsorbent. The group given a diet containing OTA without adsorbents as compared to the control and adsorbent-supplemented group has shown a significant (p < 0.05) increase in the relative weight of the liver, kidney, gizzard, and proventriculus while decreasing the relative weight of the spleen and bursa of Fabricius. Alterations in the levels of serum total protein (TP), cholesterol (CHL), serum urea (SU), enzymatic activity (aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT)), and creatinine were observed in the OTA-intoxicated and adsorbent-supplemented groups as compared to the control group. Adsorbent supplementation resulted in a significantly (p < 0.05) higher OTA content in the faeces. It can be concluded from the results of this study, that OTA intoxication negatively affects the health of broiler chickens, and the clay of Balochistan has shown effective adsorption potential against OTA.

Histology and transcriptomic analysis reveal effects of dietary fish oil and soybean oil on lipid absorption and immune inflammation in the foregut of adult female spotted scat (Scatophagus argus)

The foregut is the main site of lipid absorption in fish, but the effect of different lipid sources on the foregut lipid absorption and metabolism in adult female spotted scat is still unclear. In this experiment, adult female spotted scat (length = 19.48 ± 1.13 cm, weight = 242.83 ± 50.90 g) were fed two iso-nitrogenous (45 % crude protein) and iso-lipidic (12.5 % crude lipid) diets configured with either 8 % fish oil (FO) or 8 % soybean oil (SO) for 60 days. Histological observations, serum measurements and transcriptome sequencing were used to investigate the effects of the oil sources on the foregut. Histological observation showed that the foregut folds of the SO group were shorter and narrower than those of the FO group, and nuclear vacuolation and villous atrophy were observed in the intestinal cells of fish in the SO group, indicating an inflammatory reaction. Both serum triglyceride and total cholesterol levels were significantly higher in the FO group than in the SO group. Transcriptome analysis revealed 1355 differentially expressed genes between the FO and SO groups. Genes related to lipid metabolism (adipor2 and creb3l3) and cholesterol absorption and efflux (npc1l1 and sphk2) were up-regulated, whereas genes related to fatty acid synthesis and transport (fad1 and mfsd2ab) were down-regulated in the FO group. Circadian rhythm related genes ciart and nfil3, which are also involved in lipid metabolism, were up- and down-regulated, respectively in the FO group. The immune-related genes steap4, ddit4 and cldn6 which can inhibit inflammation, were up-regulated in the FO group, whereas pro-inflammation gene rnf225 was up-regulated in the SO group. In conclusion, compared with SO, FO may enhance the lipid absorption and reduce the inflammatory response in the foregut of the spotted scat. The results of this study provide a reference for the selection of dietary oil sources for adult female spotted scat.

Hepatic Expression of Genes Related to Fatty Acid Biosynthesis during Tropical Summer in Broilers: Effect of Organic Selenium Supplementation

Background: The physiological responses during adaptation to summer in poultry could be related to modulation of energy metabolism. Enhanced deposition of fat in spite of reduced feed intake seems to have an advantage under hot conditions. Thus, the present study was conducted to investigate the seasonal status of de novo synthesis of fatty acids in broiler chicken (Gallus gallus) and its response to organic selenium supplementation. Methods: The study was conducted in two phases, one during autumn and the other during summer, with a total of 300 birds as autumn control, summer control, group-I (0.3 ppm SeMet), group-II (0.6 ppm SeMet) and group-III (0.9 ppm SeMet) groups. Blood samples and hepatic tissues were collected at 21 and 42 d for further analysis. Result: An elevation in serum lipid profile, glucose, cortisol and T4 levels was observed during the summer while the T3 concentration decreased compared to the autumn. The hepatic expression of Acetyl Co. A carboxylase α (ACCα) and Fatty acid synthase (FASN) was increased at 21 d, while it was decreased at 42 d during summer in broilers. Serum total cholesterol levels and LDL levels decreased with SeMet at 0.6 and 0.9 ppm levels. The expression of hepatic ACCá and FASN genes was decreased with selenium supplementation at higher levels. Increased serum total cholesterol levels were associated with lower de novo fatty acid synthesis at 42d during summer in broilers.

Loss of the DNA-binding domain of the farnesoid X receptor gene causes severe liver and kidney injuries

Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) regulates bile acid synthesis, lipid metabolism, and glucose homeostasis in metabolic organs. FXR-knockout (FXR-KO) mice lacking the last exon of the FXR gene develop normally and display no prenatal and early postnatal lethality, whereas human patients with mutations in the DNA-binding domain of the FXR gene develop severe hepatic dysfunction. In this study, we generated novel FXR-KO mice lacking the DNA-binding domain of the FXR gene using CRISPR–Cas9 technology and evaluated their phenotypes. Similar to the aforementioned FXR-KO mice, our novel mice showed elevated serum levels of total bile acids and total cholesterol. However, they were obviously short-lived, showing severe liver and renal pathologies at an early age. These results indicate that FXR, including its unknown isoforms, has more significant functions in multiple organs than previously reported. Thus, the novel FXR-KO mice could lead to a new aspect that requires reworking of previous knowledge of FXR in the liver and renal function.

The Influence of a High-Cholesterol Diet and Forced Training on Lipid Metabolism and Intestinal Microbiota in Male Wistar Rats.

Adequate experimental animal models play an important role in an objective assessment of the effectiveness of medicines and functional foods enriched with biologically active substances. The aim of our study was a comparative assessment of the effect of consumption of 1 or 2% cholesterol with and without regular (two times a week), moderate running exercise on the main biomarkers of lipid and cholesterol metabolism, as well as the intestinal microbiota of male Wistar rats. In experimental rats, a response of 39 indicators (body weight, food consumption, serum biomarkers, liver composition, and changes in intestinal microbiota) was revealed. Total serum cholesterol level increased 1.8 times in animals consuming cholesterol with a simultaneous increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (2 times) and decrease in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (1.3 times) levels compared to the control animals. These animals had 1.3 times increased liver weight, almost 5 times increased triglycerides level, and more than 6 times increased cholesterol content. There was a tendency towards a decrease in triglycerides levels against the background of running exercise. The consumption of cholesterol led to a predominance of the Bacteroides family, due to a decrease in F. prausnitzii (1.2 times) and bifidobacteria (1.3 times), as well as an increase in Escherichia family (1.2 times). The running exercise did not lead to the complete normalization of microbiota.