Reduction In Total Cholesterol Research Articles

The Efficacy and Safety of GF101 and Its Antioxidant Effect on In Vitro Fertilization Outcomes: A Double-Blind, Non-Inferiority, Randomized, Controlled Trial with Coenzyme Q10.

(1) Background: Oxidative stress adversely affects fertility by impairing oocyte fertilization potential, primarily due to meiotic segregation errors and cohesion loss. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) are prominent antioxidants known to mitigate oxidative damage. (2) Methods: This study recruited 86 patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) at a single center for a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, active-comparator-controlled trial. Participants were allocated into two groups: one receiving CoQ10 as an antioxidant (the CoQ10 group) and the other receiving GF Bacillus antioxidative enzyme SOD (the GF101 group). The primary endpoints were changes in serum oxidative markers (SOD and catalase) and IVF outcomes, including clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, and live birth rates. Follicular fluid (FF) SOD and catalase concentrations on the day of retrieval, the metaphase II (MII) oocyte rate, the fertilization rate, and lipid profiles were measured. (3) Results: Initially, 86 patients were enrolled, with 65 completing the protocol (30 in the GF101 group and 34 in the CoQ10 group). There were no significant differences between the GF101 and CoQ10 groups in serum SOD (p = 0.626) and catalase levels (p = 0.061) over 12 weeks. However, within the GF101 group, a significant increase in serum catalase from baseline to 12 weeks was observed (p = 0.004). The non-inferiority analysis for IVF outcomes indicated risk differences in the clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, and miscarriage rate of -6.27% (95% CI: -30.77% to 18.22%), -1.18% (95% CI: -25.28% to 22.93%), and -13.49% (95% CI: -41.14% to 14.15%), respectively, demonstrating non-inferiority for the GF101 group. Furthermore, the GF101 group experienced significant reductions in total cholesterol (p = 0.006) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels (p = 0.009) in intra-group comparisons, with both groups exhibiting comparable safe profiles. (4) Conclusions: GF101 may be non-inferior to CoQ10 in treating infertility in women and potentially offers additional benefits for women with dyslipidemia.

The modulation effect of green tea and pumpkin oils on hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress, and hematological abnormalities in an experimental multiple sclerosis rat model

BackgroundMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory condition that can impair the body’s physiological functions. Although many diseases have been successfully treated with herbal treatments for a long time, the majority of the herbs utilized have unclear mechanisms. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the modulation effects of green tea oil (GTO) and pumpkin oil (PO) on hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress, and hematological abnormalities in an experimental multiple sclerosis rat model.MethodsForty albino male Wistar rats (weighing 120–140 g) were divided into four groups of six each: group 1, the control group; group 2, the myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-injected group; and groups 3 and 4, the MOG-injected groups treated with GTO and PO at 5 mg/kg b.w., respectively. At the end of the experiments, animals were anesthetized with diethyl ether inhalation, and blood samples were collected from the jugular vein. A Beckman Coulter was then used to determine the differential complete blood counts. The obtained serum was rapidly collected and stored at 20 °C to assess the lipid profile and oxidative stress and antioxidant biomarkers.ResultsOur findings showed that GTO and PO treatment produced a significant reduction in total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C) levels. Furthermore, GTO and PO treatment alleviated the elevated cardiovascular risk indices 1 and 2. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) concentration significantly decreased and glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels significantly increased in rats injected with MOG and treated with GTO and PO. Furthermore, after GTO and PO treatment, the reduced red blood cells (RBCs) count, hemoglobin content (Hb%), lymphocyte percentage, and hematocrit (HCT) of MOG-injected rats increased, while the elevated white blood cells (WBCs), platelet, and neutrophil percentage substantially declined.ConclusionCollectively, our research revealed that GTO and PO may be capable of modulating hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress, and hematological abnormalities in the MS rat model.

Antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant effects of biogenic copper oxide nanoparticles in diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus is often associated with metabolic disorders like hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress and obesity. Health problems related to these disorders are on a rise globally. Although nanotechnology based approaches have been explored for diabetes treatment, specific information on alleviation of the associated health problem is scanty. Here we report the beneficial effects of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuOnpls) for the control of hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress caused due to diabetes. Wistar rats were fasted overnight and type 2 diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of freshly prepared nicotinamide followed by streptozotocin. Induction of diabetes was confirmed by estimation of blood glucose levels of the animals. Estimation of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) from the serum was carried out for ascertaining hyperlipidemia. Biogenic CuOnpls (spherical, 88.25 nm diameter) capped with bud extract of Syzygium aromaticum and α-tocopherol were administered in the animals per-oral route. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) levels were determined to evaluate antioxidant activity of CuOnpls. The nanoparticles were characterized for surface chemical groups by FTIR and HRLC-MS. The nanoparticles revealed novel surface groups responsible for site-specific delivery and beneficial effects. Diabetic rats showed enhanced serum BG, TC, TG and LDL levels and reduction in levels of HDL-c, SOD, CAT and GSH. Administration of CuOnpls caused significant reversal of the effects of diabetes on lipid profile and oxidative stress enzymes. The results pointed to the beneficial effects of CuOnpls for management of post-diabetes complications.

Changes in bile acid subtypes and improvements in lipid metabolism and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk: the Preventing Overweight Using Novel Dietary Strategies (POUNDS Lost) trial

BackgroundDistinct circulating bile acid (BA) subtypes may play roles in regulating lipid homeostasis and atherosclerosis. ObjectivesWe investigated whether changes in circulating BA subtypes induced by weight-loss dietary interventions were associated with improved lipid profiles and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk estimates. MethodsThis study included adults with overweight or obesity (n = 536) who participated in a randomized weight-loss dietary intervention trial. Circulating primary and secondary unconjugated BAs and their taurine-/glycine-conjugates were measured at baseline and 6 mo after the weight-loss diet intervention. The ASCVD risk estimates were calculated using the validated equations. ResultsAt baseline, higher concentrations of specific BA subtypes were related to higher concentrations of atherogenic very low-density lipoprotein lipid subtypes and ASCVD risk estimates. Weight-loss diet-induced decreases in primary BAs were related to larger reductions in triglycerides and total cholesterol [every 1 standard deviation (SD) decrease of glycocholate, glycochenodeoxycholate, or taurochenodeoxycholate was related to β (standard error) –3.3 (1.3), –3.4 (1.3), or –3.8 (1.3) mg/dL, respectively; PFDR < 0.05 for all]. Greater decreases in specific secondary BA subtypes were also associated with improved lipid metabolism at 6 mo; there was β –4.0 (1.1) mg/dL per 1-SD decrease of glycoursodeoxycholate (PFDR =0.003) for changes in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. We found significant interactions (P-interaction < 0.05) between dietary fat intake and changes in BA subtypes on changes in ASCVD risk estimates; decreases in primary and secondary BAs (such as conjugated cholate or deoxycholate) were significantly associated with improved ASCVD risk after consuming a high-fat diet, but not after consuming a low-fat diet. ConclusionsDecreases in distinct BA subtypes were associated with improved lipid profiles and ASCVD risk estimates, highlighting the importance of changes in circulating BA subtypes as significant factors linked to improved lipid metabolism and ASCVD risk estimates in response to weight-loss dietary interventions. Habitual dietary fat intake may modify the associations of changes in BAs with ASCVD risk.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00072995

Exploring Therapeutic Potential of Pleurotus ostreatus and Agaricus bisporus Mushrooms against Hyperlipidemia and Oxidative Stress Using Animal Model.

The mushrooms oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus) and white button (Agaricus bisporus) contain bioactive compounds that have potential beneficial effects on hypercholesterolemia and cardiovascular diseases. In this study, hypolipidemic and antioxidative potential of these mushrooms' extract were explored using hypercholesterolemic (HC) rats as animal model. For the study, 56 adult rats were divided into seven groups, i.e., G1 (negative control), G2 (positive control group), G3 (HC rats with statin drug orally), G4 and G5 (HC rats @ 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight (BW) dose of oyster mushroom extracts), and G6 and G7 (HC rats @ 100 and 200 mg/kg BW dose of white button mushroom extracts). The hypercholesterolemia was induced experimentally in fasted rats through a high-fat diet along with injection of triton WR-1339. After 48 h, the treatment groups were given extract for 28 days along with standard diet. At the trial termination, we analyzed the blood sugar levels, antioxidant parameters, lipid profile, and renal function, as well as conducting liver function tests of the rats. The results indicated that positive control group rats exhibited increased levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density level (LDL), and very-low-density level (vLDL) by 19%, 37%, 52%, and 32%, respectively, and 53% decrease in HDL, whereas treatment groups that received 200 mg oyster and white button mushroom extracts reported 15%, 34%, 22% reduction in TC, TG, vLDL, respectively, and 22% improvement in HDL level. The enzyme profiles of different groups showed non-significant differences, although both mushroom extracts provision reduced glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) levels. Overall, the results indicated that mushroom extracts were helpful in maintaining oxidative stress and have the potential to improve dyslipidemia in the tested rat animal model.

Effect of dietary interventions on nutritional status in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis - A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background & AimPatients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA) have an increased risk of developing altered body composition, such as low muscle mass, and an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD).Thus, investigating how to improve body composition and CVD risk factors is a relevant topic to improve management of RA and SpA. The aim of this study was to identify dietary interventions that can improve body composition, as well as reduce CVD risk factors in RA and SpA. MethodsWe searched the databases Medline, Embase and Cochrane. Duplicates were removed using Endnote and records were screened through Rayyan. The primary outcomes were muscle mass (kg) and fat mass (kg). Secondary outcomes were body weight (kg), body mass index (BMI: kg/m2), waist circumference (cm) and lipid profile (total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, mmol/L). ResultsA total of 4965 articles were identified, and 17 articles were included in this review, of which 15 were suitable for meta-analysis. We found a reduction in TC and LDL-C, (Mean difference, [95%CI]: -0.36, [-0.63, -0.10], I2 =43%, and -0.20, [-0.35, -0.05], I2=0% respectively). Otherwise, no other significant effect was seen in either primary or secondary outcomes. The evidence was graded as moderate for TC and low for LDL-C. ConclusionDietary interventions might reduce the levels of blood lipids, and consequently, the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, body composition did not change significantly after a 2-4 month dietary intervention. Both short intervention period and lack of reliable methods to assess body composition are possible explanations for this finding. Further studies of longer duration are needed.

Effect of Ethanol Extract from Kersen Leaves (Muntingia calabura L.) on Changes in Blood Factors Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides, LDL and HDL in Hyperlipidemia Mice

Hyperlipidemia is a risk factor of cardiovascular disorder in diabetes mellitus. Lack of insulin in diabetes mellitus can increase lipolysis which leads to an increased free fatty acid that also increases total cholesterol level and LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein). This study aims to determine the effect of Muntingia calabura leaf extract on the level of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), LDL, and High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) of alloxan-induced male white mice. Thirty male mice were separated into five groups: negative control (NC) without alloxan and extract, diabetes control (DC) with only alloxan, treatment 1 (T1) with alloxan and 100mg/kgBW of M. calabura leaf extract, treatment 2 (T2) with alloxan and 300 mg/kgBW of M. calabura leaves extract, and positive control (PC) with alloxan and 600 µg/kgBW of glibenclamide. One-Way Anova demonstrated that the administration of glibenclamide and M. calabura effectively reduce TC, TG, LDL and increase HDL compared to the diabetes control group (P&lt;0.05) and the most effective dose M. calabura to decrease TC, TG, LDL, and to increase HDL were 300 mg/kgBW. Extraction using 96% ethanol of M. calabura leaf affects the reduction of TC, TG, LDL, and the increase of HDL in the blood and it can be developed as alternative of antihyperlipidemia drugs.

Hypoglycemic and Hepatoprotective Activities of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) Extract in Streptozocin Induced Diabetic Rats

The present study was designed to evaluate the role of Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) for management of diabetes instead of manufactured drugs, which led to many complications. Medicinal plants would be higher useful for this purpose because they are considered to be effective and non-toxic and safer than manufactured drugs. Aqueous extract of Coriander (C. sativum) was used to measurements their antidiabetic and hepatoprotective effects in streptozocin (STZ) induced diabetic male albino rats. Coriander (C. sativum) was given to the STZ induced diabetic rats at the concentration of 200 mg/kg body weight in different groups of three diabetic rats each orally once a day for 15 days. Body weight showed significant increase after 15 days of treatment with Coriander (C. sativum) extract compared with the normal control rats group (N). Blood glucose level on 15th day of treatment became significantly lower. The extract induced significant reduction in serum glucose, total lipids, total cholesterol, triglycerides level and transaminases (AST, ALT and γ-GT) activities. Liver glycogen content was significantly increased in treated animals compared to control group (N). The present data revealed insignificant changes in the serum total protein, albumin and globulin level during the experimental period. The lipid peroxidation determined was found to be decreased in plasma, liver and kidney of streptozocin induced diabetic rats treated with Coriander (C. sativum) extract (STZ/T) and rats group given Coriander (C. sativum) extract and then induced streptozocin (T/STZ), compared to control streptozocin induced diabetic rats group (STZ©). Glutathione reductase (GSH-R), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-P) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were increased in liver and kidney of rat groups. These findings demonstrates that Coriander (C. sativum) extract have antioxidant effect for reducing lipid peroxidation in plasma and tissues and improve the liver function and antioxidant enzymes in treated rat groups compared to diabetic control rat group (STZ©). These observations revealed that the use of Coriander (C. sativum) extract can be recommended as natural antidiabetic, antioxidant and hypolipidemic activity agent. Findings of the present study suggest that the aqueous extract of Coriander (C. sativum) at the dose of 200 mg/kg body weight brings about significant beneficial effects in various biochemical parameters during diabetic and these effects are quite comparable with standard drug used to treat diabetes mellitus.

The effect of rosuvastatin alone or in combination with fenofibrate or omega-3 fatty acids on lipoprotein(a) levels in patients with mixed hyperlipidemia.

Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a strong, genetically determined, pathogenetic factor of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The aim of this post-hoc analysis was to compare the effect of hypolipidemic treatment on Lp(a) levels of patients with mixed hyperlipidemia. We previously randomized patients with mixed hyperlipidemia (low-density lipoprotein [LDL-C] > 160 mg/dl and triglycerides > 200 mg/dl) to rosuvastatin monotherapy 40 mg/day (R group, n = 30) or rosuvastatin 10 mg/day combined with fenofibrate 200 mg/day (RF group, n = 30) or omega-3 fatty acids 2 g/day (RΩ group, n = 30). In the present post-hoc analysis, we included only the patients whose Lp(a) levels were assessed (16, 16 and 15 in the R, RF and RΩ groups, respectively). Lipid profile and Lp(a) were measured at baseline and after 3 months of treatment. Significant reductions in total cholesterol, LDL-C, non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (non-HDL-C) and triglyceride levels were observed in all groups. A significant increase in Lp(a) levels was noted in the R (p = 0.017) and RF (p = 0.029) groups, while no significant difference was seen in the RΩ group (p = NS). Regarding Lp(a) elevations, no differences were found between groups. In the R group, a strong negative correlation between the changes in Lp(a) and LDL-C (r = -0.500, p = 0.049) was observed, while a significant negative correlation between the changes in Lp(a) and triglycerides (r = -0.531, p = 0.034) was noted in the RF group. Rosuvastatin and/or fenofibrate treatment increases Lp(a) levels in patients with mixed hyperlipidemia. Novel therapies should target Lp(a) level reduction to decrease the residual ASCVD risk in patients with mixed hyperlipidemia.

Safety and Efficacy of PCSK9 Inhibitors in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome Who Underwent Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts: A Comparative Retrospective Analysis

Background. The in-hospital reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels following acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is recommended in the current clinical guidelines. However, the efficacy of proprotein convertase subtilisin–kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors in those patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) has never been demonstrated. Methods. From January 2022 to July 2023, we retrospectively analyzed 74 ACS patients characterized by higher LDL-C levels than guideline targets and who underwent coronary bypass surgery. In the first period (January 2022–January 2023), the patients increased their statin dosage and/or added Ezetimibe (Group STEZE, 43 patients). At a later time (February 2023–July 2023), the patients received not only statins and Ezetimibe but also Evolocumab 140 mg every 2 weeks starting as early as possible (Group STEVO, 31 patients). After one and three months post-discharge, the patients underwent clinical and laboratory controls with an evaluation of the efficacy lipid measurements and every adverse event. Results. The two groups did not differ in terms of preoperative risk factors and Euroscore II (STEVO: 2.14 ± 0.75 vs. STEZE: 2.05 ± 0.6, p = 0.29). Also, there was no difference between the groups in terms of ACS (ST-, Instable angina, or NSTE) and time of symptoms onset regarding total cholesterol, LDL-C, and HDL-C trends from the preprocedural period to 3-month follow-up, but there was a more significant reduction in LDL-C and total cholesterol in the STEVO group (p = 0.01 and p = 0.04, respectively) and no difference in HDL-C rise (p = 0.12). No deaths were reported. In three STEZE group patients, angina recurrence posed the need for percutaneous re-revascularization. No STEVO patients developed significant adverse events. The statistical difference in these serious events, 7% in STEZE vs. 0% in STEVO, was not significant (p = 0.26). Conclusions. Evolocumab initiated “as soon as possible” in ACS patients submitted to CABG with high-intensity statin therapy and Ezetimibe was well tolerated and resulted in a substantial and significant reduction in LDL-C levels at discharge, 1 month, and 3 months. This result is associated with a reduction but without a statistical difference between groups.

Semaglutide 2.4mg clinical outcomes in patients with obesity or overweight in a real-world setting: A 6-month retrospective study in the United States (SCOPE).

Management guidelines for obesity suggest maintaining a minimum of 5% body weight reduction to help prevent or lower the risk of developing conditions such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes. However, achieving long-term weight control is difficult with lifestyle modification alone, making it essential to combine pharmacotherapy with diet and exercise in individual cases. Semaglutide 2.4mg has demonstrated significant reductions in body weight and cardiometabolic risk factors in clinical trials, but information on outcomes in a real-world setting is limited. To assess changes in body weight and other clinical outcomes at 6-month follow-up among adults on semaglutide 2.4mg in a real-world setting in the United States (US). Observational and retrospective cohort study of patients initiating treatment between 15 June 2021, and 31 March 2022, using a large US claims-linked electronic health record database. Mean (±SD) body mass index (BMI) of the 343 patients included in the analysis was 37.9±5.5kg/m2. After 6months, mean body weight change was -10.5±6.8kg (95% CI: -11.2; -9.8, p<0.001) and mean percentage body weight change was -10.0%±6.6% (95% CI: -10.7; -9.3, p<0.001). Most (79.0%) patients had ≥5% body weight reduction, 48.1% had ≥10% body weight reduction, and 19.0% had ≥15% body weight reduction. Among patients with available data, the mean change in HbA1c (n=30) was -0.6%±1.2% (95% CI: -1.0; -0.1, p=0.016) and nearly two-thirds of patients with prediabetes or diabetes at baseline reverted to normoglycemia. Mean reductions of -4.4±12.3mmHg (95% CI: -5.7; -3.0, p<0.001) and -1.7±8.4mmHg (95% CI: -2.6; -0.7, p<0.001) were observed in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, respectively (n=307). Statistically significant reductions in mean total cholesterol (-12.2±38.8mg/dl [95% CI: -24.3 to -0.06, p<0.049]) and triglycerides (-18.3±43.6mg/dl [95% CI: -4.7; -31.9, p<0.009]) were also observed (n=42). This study demonstrated the effectiveness of semaglutide 2.4mg in reducing body weight and improving cardiometabolic parameters in adults with overweight or obesity in a real-world clinical practice setting, showing a significant mean body weight reduction and improvements in biomarkers like blood pressure and HbA1c over a 6-month period. These findings, aligning with previous clinical trials at comparable time points, highlight the clinical relevance of semaglutide as an effective therapeutic option for obesity.

Novel Synthesis of Phytosterol Ferulate Using Acidic Ionic Liquids as a Catalyst and Its Hypolipidemic Activity.

Phytosterol ferulate (PF) is quantitively low in rice, corn, wheat, oats, barley, and millet, but it is potentially effective in reducing plasma lipids. In this study, PF was synthesized for the first time using acidic ionic liquids as a catalyst. The product was purified, characterized using Fourier transform infrared, mass spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance, and ultimately confirmed as the desired PF compound. The conversion of phytosterol surpassed an impressive 99% within just 2 h, with a selectivity for PF exceeding 83%. Plasma lipid-lowering activity of PF was further investigated by using C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet as a model. Supplementation of 0.5% PF into diet resulted in significant reductions in plasma total cholesterol, triacylglycerols, and nonhigh-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 13.7, 16.9, and 46.3%, respectively. This was accompanied by 55.8 and 36.3% reductions in hepatic cholesterol and total lipids, respectively, and a 22.9% increase in fecal cholesterol excretion. Interestingly, PF demonstrated a higher lipid-lowering activity than that of its substrates, a physical mixture of phytosterols and ferulic acid. In conclusion, an efficient synthesis of PF was achieved for the first time, and PF had the great potential to be developed as a lipid-lowering dietary supplement.

Re‐examination of statistical relationships between dietary fats and other risk factors, and cardiovascular disease, based on two crucial datasets

AbstractCardiovascular disease (CVD) is the major cause of death in many regions around the world, and several of its risk factors might be linked to diets. To improve public health and the understanding of this topic, we look at the recent Minnesota Coronary Experiment (MCE) analysis that used t‐test and Cox model to evaluate CVD risks. However, these parametric methods might suffer from three problems: small sample size, right‐censored bias, and lack of long‐term evidence. To overcome the first of these challenges, we utilize a nonparametric permutation test to examine the relationship between dietary fats and serum total cholesterol. To address the second problem, we use a resampling‐based rank test to examine whether the serum total cholesterol level affects CVD deaths. For the third issue, we use some extra‐Framingham Heart Study (FHS) data with an A/B test to look for meta‐relationship between diets, risk factors, and CVD risks. We show that, firstly, the link between low saturated fat diets and reduction in serum total cholesterol is strong. Secondly, reducing serum total cholesterol does not robustly have an impact on CVD hazards in the diet group. Lastly, the A/B test result suggests a more complicated relationship regarding abnormal diastolic blood pressure ranges caused by diets and how these might affect the associative link between the cholesterol level and heart disease risks. This study not only helps us to deeply analyze the MCE data but also, in combination with the long‐term FHS data, reveals possible complex relationships behind diets, risk factors, and heart disease.

Evaluation of the effect of a dietary supplementation with a red yeast rice and fish oil-containing nutraceutical on lipid pattern, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, and endothelial function in moderately hypercholesterolaemic subjects: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial.

Red yeast rice and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are dietary supplements with well-known lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and vascular health improving effects. However, they have rarely been tested in combination. The aim of our study was to test the short-term effect of a combined nutraceutical including red yeast rice and PUFAs on plasma lipids, jigh-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and endothelial function in healthy subjects. We carried out a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial with parallel groups testing the effect of 8 weeks of supplementation with softgels containing red yeast rice (2.8 mg monacolins) and PUFAs (588 mg of fish oil, standardized in PUFAs: 350 EPA, 45 mg DHA) versus placebo. A full lipid panel, hsCRP, and endothelial reactivity were measured at the baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment. The tested combined nutraceutical was very well tolerated, and after 8 weeks of supplementation it was associated with a 17.3 ±3.4% reduction of lipid-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), a 12.1 ±2.2% reduction of total cholesterol (TC), a 22.3 ±4.3% reduction of apoB, and a -14.9 ±1.8% reduction of hsCRP, as well as a significant improvement of pulse volume change by 5.0 ±0.9%. The tested combined dietary supplement containing red yeast rice and PUFAs was very well tolerated and significantly improved LDL-C, TC, apoB, hsCRP and endothelial function in healthy subjects with suboptimal LDL-cholesterolaemia.

Health outcomes associated with phytosterols: An umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials.

Phytosterols (PS), as a kind of plant active ingredients, have many benefits to human health. However, there is currently no comprehensive overview of the clinical evidence and an assessment of the evidence quality. We conducted an umbrella review, which incorporated verification spanning a number of meta-analyses and systematic reviews to clarify the link that existed between PS consuming and health outcomes. The databases PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library were searched for appropriate research and ultimately included 23 articles involving 79 results. Methodological quality and the validity of evidence received designation in the included meta-analyses leveraging the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR-2) and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). The consumption of PS makes a contribution to the alleviation of metabolic conditions such as hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Its most essential function is to decrease cholesterol absorption, leading to dramatically reductions in total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol. Furthermore, utilizing PS products can have a favorable impact on managing apolipoprotein levels along with decreasing the probability of obtaining atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This umbrella review summarized a range of beneficial functions of PS to humans, highlighting the promising potential for the development of PS into functional foods.

In vivo toxicity, anti-hyperlipidaemic, antioxidant and anti-atherogenic activities of ‘LIPO A’ A traditional herbal product in rodents

Hyperlipidemia accounts for about 17 million deaths worldwide each year. High cost and side effects have limited the use of conventional anti-lipidaemic agents in some cases, majority of whom resort to traditional medicine. The current research focused on validating the safety and efficacy of a herbal product, ‘LIPO A’ used in the management of hyperlipidaemia. Induction of hyperlipidaemia was achieved by oral administration of 3 mL of cholesterol in coconut oil for 4 weeks in male Sprague Dawley rats with water available as 40 % sucrose. Subsequently, the animals were treated with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of the product ‘LIPO A’ for 4 additional weeks with atorvastatin as reference drug (at 2 mg/kg body weight). Blood samples were taken for serum biochemistry and atherogenic ratios were then calculated. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay, total antioxidant capacity, physicochemical and phytochemical analysis were also carried out using standard methods. Treatment resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in total cholesterol with maximum reduction of 46.01 % at 400 mg/kg compared to atorvastatin with 49.30 %. There were significant changes in the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c/HDL-c) and Total Cholesterol (TC/HDL-c) ratios which measures the atherogenic and coronary risk indices respectively. Acute and subacute toxicity studies did not reveal any signs of toxicity. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) fingerprint revealed six well resolved peaks with two prominent compounds with retention times 24.88 and 23.95 min, which could serve as quality control markers for the product. The herbal product showed considerable antihyperlipidemic and antioxidant actions in rodent models and lend credence to its use in traditional medicine for hyperlipidaemia.

Supplementation of lemon juice through drinking water on performance, egg quality, serum biochemical indices and combat heat stress in laying pullets

BACKGROUND: Numerous feed additives, such as probiotics, prebiotics, organic acids, and enzymes, have the potential to optimize weight gain, feed efficiency and maintain the acid-base balance which eventually contributes to improve production performance. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the possible advantages of lemon juice (LJ) on laying performance, egg quality, serum biochemical properties, and layers' ability to recover from heat stress. METHODOLOGY: Ninety-six Hy-Line Brown layers all 29 weeks were randomly assigned to four treatments, each with six replications, and were given a six-hour daily drinking experiment. The birds were provided with 0% (control), 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% LJ respectively for 6 weeks. The temperature, humidity, hen day egg production (HDEP) and egg weight (EW) were recorded. Egg quality indices were measured bi-weekly. An analysis of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), blood glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), packed cell volume (PCV), heterophil (H), lymphocyte (L) count, and heterophil-lymphocyte (H/L) ratio was performed on the blood sample collected at the end of the experiment. KEY FINDINGS: The studied parameters among the various treated groups showed that the egg weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), egg quality parameters, HDL, TG, AST, heterophil count, lymphocyte count and H/L ratio did not differ significantly (P &gt; 0.05). HDEP, egg mass output (EMO) and FI differed significantly (P &lt; 0.01) compared to the control group. The significant reduction in TC, LDL, glucose, ALT, increase in feed intake, HDEP and PCV showed that LJ had a positive effect in reducing the adverse effects of heat stress in laying pullets. CONCLUSION: Taken together, it may be concluded that LJ can be used to improve the laying performance and reduce the heat stress in layers.

The efficacy of Makiang tea drinking on serum lipid profile in the treatment of dyslipidaemia: A randomized controlled trial

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Makiang (MK) tea consumption on the serum lipid profile and oxidative stress biomarkers in participants with dyslipidemia. A randomized, single-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled study was conducted at the Outpatient Department of Phayao Hospital, Thailand. This clinical trial enrolled 64 subjects (males and females), aged between 30 and 65 years with hyperlipidemia who were randomized using simple random sampling, receiving a 12-week MK tea (3 g/250 ml hot water) taken daily or a placebo. Body mass index, lipid profile, and serum oxidative stress markers were evaluated at the baseline and the end of the study. Within-group comparisons revealed that drinking only one cup of MK tea daily caused a significant reduction (p &lt; 0.05 all) of total cholesterol (TC), total triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Meanwhile, between-group differences showed that serum TC, TG, and LDL-C levels significantly decreased (p &lt; 0.05 all), whereas the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were unchanged. This phenomenon was accompanied by decreased serum malondialdehyde and increased endogenous enzymatic defence systems (p &lt; 0.05 all). Thus, MK tea may be useful as an adjunct agent to improve the lipid profile in patients with dyslipidemia.

Fatty acid profiles and cholesterol of muscovy duck meats supplemented with cellulase, carnitine and fish oil

This present study was carried out to investigate the inclusion effect of carnitine, cellulase, and fish oil on fatty acids composition and cholesterol level of Muscovy duck eggs. A total of 120 Muscovy ducks in laying period were utilized and assigned into 4 dietary treatments, 5 replicates consisting of 6 ducks each, receiving treatments for 90 days. Experimental groups composed of T0 = basal ration, T1 = T0 supplemented with 0,1% cellulase, T2 = T1 supplemented with L-carnitine 40 ppm, and T3 = T2 supplemented with 4% tuna fish oil. This study revealed that the effects of fish oil and L-carnitine supplementation in rations containing cellulase enzyme significantly lower cholesterol level (P<0.01) of Muscovy duck eggs from 867.42 mg/dl to 712.33 mg/dl, Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) from 28.33 to 22.12 mg/dl, saturated fatty acids from 30.88% to 25.02%. Meanwhile it increased the total concentration of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) from 71.67 to 77.88 mg/dl, unsaturated fatty acid from 69.12% to 74.98%, linolenic acids from 5.71% to 8.40%, and linoleic acids from 28.74% to 37.30%. A diet rich in cellulase enzyme, carnitine, and fish oil notably increased HDL level, along with the reduction of LDL and total cholesterol.

Moderate-Intensity Rosuvastatin/Ezetimibe Combination versus Quadruple-Dose Rosuvastatin Monotherapy: A Meta-Analysis and Systemic Review.

There are few studies in the literature on the dosage of statin that equivalently reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) compared to an ezetimibe combination and whether such regimens have differences in safety. We compared the lipid-modifying efficacy and safety of 5 mg rosuvastatin/10 mg ezetimibe to those of 20 mg rosuvastatin. A literature search was conducted using the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Web of Sciences, and SCOPUS databases up to December 2021. Human studies investigating the two aforementioned regimens with a randomized controlled design were selected. Outcome variables included the percentage reduction in LDL-C and other lipid parameters and rates of composite adverse events (AEs), including muscle-related symptoms. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed after heterogeneity testing between studies. Seven studies were included in this meta-analysis. The percentage LDL-C reduction did not differ between the combination and monotherapy groups [standardized mean difference (SMD) 0.08; 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.09 to 0.26; p=0.35]. The risk of composite AEs (odds ratio 0.50; 95% CI 0.15 to 1.72; p=0.27) of the combination was not different compared to the monotherapy group. The percentage of total cholesterol reduction was greater in the combination group (SMD 0.22; p=0.02), whereas that of triglyceride reduction and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol elevation did not differ between the two groups. This meta-analysis showed that 5 mg rosuvastatin/10 mg ezetimibe had largely comparable lipid-modifying efficacy and tolerability as 20 mg rosuvastatin.