Serum Total Cholesterol Research Articles

Golden bile powder prevents drunkenness and alcohol-induced liver injury in mice via the gut microbiota and metabolic modulation

BackgroundDrunkenness and alcoholic liver disease (ALD) are critical public health issues associated with significant morbidity and mortality due to chronic overconsumption of alcohol. Traditional remedies, such as bear bile powder, have been historically acclaimed for their hepatoprotective properties. This study assessed the efficacy of a biotransformed bear bile powder known as golden bile powder (GBP) in alleviating alcohol-induced drunkenness and ALD.MethodsA murine model was engineered to simulate alcohol drunkenness and acute hepatic injury through the administration of a 50% ethanol solution. Intervention with GBP and its effects on alcohol-related symptoms were scrutinized, by employing an integrative approach that encompasses serum metabolomics, network medicine, and gut microbiota profiling to elucidate the protective mechanisms of GBP.ResultsGBP administration significantly delayed the onset of drunkenness and decreased the duration of ethanol-induced inebriation in mice. Enhanced liver cell recovery was indicated by increased hepatic aldehyde dehydrogenase levels and superoxide dismutase activity, along with significant decreases in the serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, triglyceride, and total cholesterol levels (P < 0.05). These biochemical alterations suggest diminished hepatic damage and enhanced lipid homeostasis. Microbiota analysis via 16S rDNA sequencing revealed significant changes in gut microbial diversity and composition following alcohol exposure, and these changes were effectively reversed by GBP treatment. Metabolomic analyses demonstrated that GBP normalized the alcohol-induced perturbations in phospholipids, fatty acids, and bile acids. Correlation assessments linked distinct microbial genera to serum bile acid profiles, indicating that the protective efficacy of GBP may be attributable to modulatory effects on metabolism and the gut microbiota composition. Network medicine insights suggest the prominence of two active agents in GBP as critical for addressing drunkenness and ALD.ConclusionGBP is a potent intervention for alcohol-induced pathology and offers hepatoprotective benefits, at least in part, through the modulation of the gut microbiota and related metabolic cascades.

Metabolic syndrome traits exhibit genotype-by-environment interaction in relation to socioeconomic status in the Mexican American family heart study.

Background: Socioeconomic Status (SES) is a potent environmental determinant of health. To our knowledge, no assessment of genotype-environment interaction has been conducted to consider the joint effects of socioeconomic status and genetics on risk for metabolic disease. We analyzed data from the Mexican American Family Studies (MAFS) to evaluate the hypothesis that genotype-by-environment interaction (GxE) is an essential determinant of variation in risk factors for metabolic syndrome (MS). Methods: We employed a maximum likelihood estimation of the decomposition of variance components to detect GxE interaction. After excluding individuals with diabetes and individuals on medication for diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia, we analyzed 12 MS risk factors: fasting glucose (FG), fasting insulin (FI), 2-h glucose (2G), 2-h insulin (2I), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), leptin (LP), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), total serum cholesterol (TSC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Our SES variable used a combined score of Duncan's socioeconomic index and education years. Heterogeneity in the additive genetic variance across the SES continuum and a departure from unity in the genetic correlation coefficient were taken as evidence of GxE interaction. Hypothesis tests were conducted using standard likelihood ratio tests. Results: We found evidence of GxE for fasting glucose, 2-h glucose, 2-h insulin, BMI, and triglycerides. The genetic effects underlying the insulin/glucose metabolism component of MS are upregulated at the lower end of the SES spectrum. We also determined that the household variance for systolic blood pressure decreased with increasing SES. Conclusion: These results show a significant change in the GxE interaction underlying the major components of MS in response to changes in socioeconomic status. Further mRNA sequencing studies will identify genes and canonical gene pathways to support our molecular-level hypotheses.

Study on the correlation between controlling nutritional status score and clinical biochemical indicators in patients with colorectal cancer

PurposeThe controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score is an important tool for predicting the prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC); however, its effectiveness is relatively insufficient. This study aimed to screen for more effective clinical indicators as supplements to the CONUT scoring system and improve the predictive value of CRC prognosis. Patients and methodsBetween 2014 and 2020, the clinical information of all CRC patients in our unit was retrospectively collected, and the CONUT scores were calculated based on the levels of serum albumin (ALB), lymphocytes (LC), and total cholesterol. The included patients were divided into the following three groups: normal nutrition (0–1), mild malnutrition (2–4), and moderate-to-severe malnutrition (5–12). The correlations between the CONUT score and baseline characteristics and clinical indicators were evaluated. ResultsThis study ultimately included 5014 CRC patients. The nutritional status of patients with colon cancer (CC) was worse than that of rectal cancer (RC). The nutritional status was worse in men than in women. The older the patient, the poorer the nutritional status, and the poorer the nutritional status, the longer the hospital stay. In addition, poor nutritional status in patients is indicated by higher values of neutrophils (NE), monocytes (MC), eosinophils (EOS), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), carcinoembryogenic antigen (CEA), and lower values of white blood cells (WBC), basophils (BAS), haemoglobin (HB), total protein (TP), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), aspartate transaminase (AST), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), which was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Indicators that significantly correlated with the CONUT score reflected the immune nutritional status, including WBC (odds ratio [OR] = 0.036, P < 0.001), NE (OR = 30.815, P < 0.001), MC (OR = 41.388, P < 0.001), EOS (OR = 27.577, P < 0.001), BAS (OR = 0.006, P = 0.046), and LDL (OR = 0.319, P < 0.001). ConclusionAdditional variables such as WBC, NE, MC, EOS, BAS, and LDL may be used as supplementary indicators in the CONUT scoring system to more effectively predict the clinical prognosis of CRC patients.

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.

Association of malnutrition status with 30-day mortality in patients with sepsis using objective nutritional indices: a multicenter retrospective study in South Korea.

The Controlling Nutritional Status (CONUT) score and the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) have emerged as important nutritional indices because they provide an objective assessment based on data. We aimed to investigate how these nutritional indices relate to outcomes in patients with sepsis. Data were collected retrospectively at five hospitals for patients aged ≥18 years receiving treatment for sepsis between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2021. Serum albumin and total cholesterol concentrations, and peripheral lymphocytes were used to calculate the CONUT score and PNI. To identify predictors correlated with 30-day mortality, analyses were conducted using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models. The 30-day mortality rate among 9,763 patients was 15.8% (n=1,546). The median CONUT score was 5 (interquartile range [IQR], 3-7) and the median PNI score was 39.6 (IQR, 33.846.4). Higher 30-day mortality rates were associated with individuals with moderate (CONUT score: 5-8; PNI: 35-38) or severe (CONUT: 9-12; PNI: <35) malnutrition compared with those with no malnutrition (CONUT: 0-1; PNI: >38). With CONUT scores, the hazard ratio (HR) associated with moderate malnutrition was 1.52 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.24-1.87; P<0.001); for severe, HR=2.42 (95% CI, 1.95-3.02; P<0.001). With PNI scores, the HR for moderate malnutrition was 1.29 (95% CI, 1.09-1.53; P=0.003); for severe, HR=1.88 (95% CI, 1.67-2.12; P<0.001). The nutritional indices CONUT score and PNI showed significant associations with mortality of sepsis patients within 30 days.

Evaluation of antioxidant properties from purple tubers and their ability to improve glucose and lipid metabolism in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

BackgroundPurple tubers have been used as a rich-nutrition source and are believed to have antioxidant properties. ObjectivesThe research aimed to evaluate the computational modelling and antioxidant activity of purple sweet potato (PSP), purple yam (PY), and taro. The selected tuber was then evaluated by in vivo experiment using streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Material and methodsMolecular docking of α-glucosidase, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), and 3‑hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme-A reductase (HMGCR) protein was examined with various active compounds in PSP, PY, and taro. Antioxidant activity was measured using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl (DPPH). The highest activity of antioxidant was then continued as treatment in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. ResultsProtein-ligand docking demonstrated that the amino acid residues of α-glucosidase, DPP4, and HMGCR with drug control also appeared in purple tubers active compounds. Antioxidant activity of PSP were higher (77.23 %) than PY (32.22 %) and taro (14.72 %). In diabetic rats, the blood glucose level, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGPT), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) was higher than normal group while high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels decreased. The number of hepatic necrosis cells and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) increased compared to normal group, while PSP extract showed a significant decrease in blood glucose, SGOT, SGPT, LDL, TC, and TG and increased HDL. Proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α also decreases following the improvement of hepatic cells structure. ConclusionPurple tubers could be an alternative treatment for hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. Purple tubers, especially PSP, have high antioxidant activity and can be promising as an antidiabetic agent.

Scutellarin inhibits oleic acid induced vascular smooth muscle foam cell formation via activating autophagy and inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Abnormalities in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are pivotal in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular pathologies such as atherosclerosis and hypertension. Scutellarin (Scu), a flavonoid derived from marigold flowers, exhibits a spectrum of biological activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, immunomodulatory and antimicrobial effects. Notably, Scu has demonstrated the capacity to mitigate vascular endothelial damage and prevent atherosclerosis via its antioxidative properties. Nevertheless, the influence of Scu on the formation of VSMC-derived foam cells remains underexplored. In this study, Scu was evidenced to efficaciously attenuate oleic acid (OA)-induced lipid accumulation and the upregulation of adipose differentiation-associated protein Plin2 in a dose- and time-responsive manner. We elucidated that Scu effectively diminishes OA-provoked VSMC foam cell formation. Further, it was established that Scu pretreatment augments the protein expression of LC3B-II and the mRNA levels of Map1lc3b and Becn1, concurrently diminishing the protein levels of the NLRP3 inflammasome compared to the OA group. Activation of autophagy through rapamycin attenuated NLRP3 inflammasome protein expression, intracellular lipid droplet content and Plin2 mRNA levels. Scu also counteracted the OA-induced decrement of LC3B-II levels in the presence of bafilomycin-a1, facilitating the genesis of autophagosomes and autolysosomes. Complementarily, in vivo experiments revealed that Scu administration substantially reduced arterial wall thickness, vessel wall cross-sectional area, wall-to-lumen ratio and serum total cholesterol levels in comparison to the high-fat diet model group. Collectively, our findings suggest that Scu attenuates OA-induced VSMC foam cell formation through the induction of autophagy and the suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Study of Correlation of Serum Adiponectin Concentration with Different Lipid Profile Components

Adiponectin is a hormone, secreted from adipose tissue. It is inversely correlated with body fat mass. This hormone has also anti-inflammatory and ant-iatherogenic properties. This study was purposed to explore the relationship between serum adiponectin concentration and lipid profile. This cross-sectional analytical study was carried out in the Department of Biochemistry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) from March 2016 to February 2017. By non-probability sampling, a total of 156 study subjects were selected from apparently healthy adult individuals attending outpatient department of BSMMU. Serum adiponectin level positively correlated with serum HDL cholesterol (r=0.246, p value 0.002) concentrations and negatively correlated with serum total cholesterol (r=-0.171, p value 0.033) and serum triacylglycerol level (r=-0.3, p value 0.00). So, from this study it can be concluded that adiponectin has an important role in the metabolism of lipid profile components and responsible for controlling the concentration of serum lipid profile components. When adiponectin concentration of blood increases it is responsible for raised serum HDL-C concentration and decreased total cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentration.&#x0D; Bangladesh J Med Biochem 2019; 12(1): 6-10

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.

Cadmium exposure causes transcriptomic dysregulation in adipose tissue and associated shifts in serum metabolites

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal found in natural and industrial environments. Exposure to Cd can lead to various metabolic disturbances, notably disrupting glucose and lipid homeostasis. Despite this recognition, the direct impact of Cd exposure on lipid metabolism within adipose tissue, and the mechanisms underlying these effects, have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we found that Cd accumulates in adipose tissues of mice subjected to Cd exposure. Intriguingly, Cd exposure in itself did not induce significant alterations in the adipose tissue under normal conditions. However, when subjected to cold stimulation, several notable changes were observed in the mice exposed to Cd, including a reduction in the drop of body temperature, a decrease in the size of inguinal white adipose tissue (WAT), and an increase in the expression of thermogenic genes UCP1 and PRDM16. These results indicate that Cd exposure might enhance the responsiveness of adipose tissue to external stimuli and increase the energy expenditure of the tissue. RNA-seq analysis further revealed that Cd exposure altered gene expression profiles, particularly affecting peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-mediated metabolic pathways, promoting metabolic remodeling in adipose tissue and resulting in the depletion of lipids stored in adipose tissue for energy. Non-targeted metabolomic analysis of mouse serum showed that Cd exposure significantly disrupted metabolites and significantly increased serum fatty acid and triglyceride levels. Correspondingly, population-level data confirmed an association between Cd exposure and elevated levels of serum total cholesterol, total triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In summary, we provide substantial evidence of the molecular events induced by Cd that are relevant to the regulation of lipid metabolism in adipose tissue. Our findings suggest that the toxic effects of Cd can impact adipocyte functionality, positioning adipose tissue as a critical target for metabolic diseases resulting from Cd exposure.

Contrasting Evidences Between High Cholesterol Levels and The Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Review

Introduction: The cholesterol hypothesis had been kept alive for decades by reviewers who used statistics that excluded the results from unsuccessful trials and ignored numerous contradictory observations. High dietary cholesterol intake had been associated with development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and mortality, for over several decades, without a direct link between the CVD and high serum cholesterol level. Hence, people avoided healthy cholesterol-rich diets due to the fear of developing CVD. The relationship between elevated plasma cholesterol and CVD and criteria for appropriate methods for screening patients with elevated cholesterol had remained a source of medical debates. Lack of decrease in overall mortality rates in patients without clinical coronary disease in whom aggressive lowering of cholesterol was achieved might have contributed to the lack of consensus on this most important issue.&#x0D; Methodology: With information derived from search engines, such as Elsevier, Springer, PubMed, Science Direct, Medline, Google Scholar and a library search for articles published in peer-reviewed journals.&#x0D; Results: Several research results showed that association between total serum cholesterol, its components and CVD is weak, absent or inverse implying that consuming healthy high cholesterol diets may not be harmful to health.&#x0D; Conclusion: This review provides evidence contrasting the links between elevated plasma cholesterol and CVD, and demonstrated that elevated cholesterol concentrations, rather, improve quality of life and life expectancy. In addition, most prevalent methods for cholesterol quantification in biological samples and foods, utilizing new technologies, such as Ambient Ionization Mass Spectrometry are summarized, along with other components of cholesterol.&#x0D; Keywords: Cholesterol, CVD, Quantification

Pre-analytical stability of selected biochemical analytes in serum of horses and oxen stored at -20°C.

Delays between blood collection and analysis are inevitable, and samples are always stored in the refrigerator. The current study aimed to evaluate the stability of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), total protein (TP), albumin and urea (URA) in horses and oxen after storage at -20°C. Sera from apparently healthy 20 male horses and 20 oxen were obtained and aliquots of serum were divided into 3 portions. The first tube was used for baseline (T0) measurement of analyte values, whereas the other two tubes, T1 and T2, were stored at -20°C for 1 and 2 months, respectively, and analyte measurement was done. Results showed that the stability of TP (g/dL), URA (mg/dL) and TC (mg/dL) in oxen was statistically significant (p<0.05). In horses, the stability of URA (mg/dL), TP (g/dL) and TG (mg/dL) were also statistically significant (p<0.05). Additionally, URA and TC in oxen exceed TEa following measurement at T2 and TG in horses following measurement at T1 and T2. Laboratories should consider the storage temperature and time for specific analytes among animals. Therefore, stability studies at various storage temperatures and times are recommended to fully validate the stability of the analytes.

Dietary amino acid patterns and cardiometabolic risk factors among subjects with obesity; a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe prevalence of obesity is a growing global public health concern. Certain dietary amino acids have been shown to have a potential therapeutic role in improving metabolic syndrome parameters and body composition in individuals with obesity. However, some amino acids have been linked to an increased risk of cardiometabolic disorders. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate the association between dietary amino acid patterns and cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals with obesity.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 335 participants with obesity (57.9% males and 41.5% females) from Tabriz and Tehran, Iran. The participants were between the ages of 20–50, with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or higher, and free from certain medical conditions. The study examined participants’ general characteristics, conducted anthropometric assessments, dietary assessments, and biochemical assessments. The study also used principal component analysis to identify amino acid intake patterns and determined the association between these patterns and cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals with obesity.ResultsUpon adjusting for potential confounders, the study found that individuals in the third tertiles of pattern 1 and 2 were more likely to have lower LDL levels (OR = 0.99 and 95% CI (0.98–0.99)) for both. Additionally, a significant decrease in total cholesterol was observed in the third tertiles of pattern 2 in model II (OR = 0.99, 95% CI (0.98–0.99)). These findings suggest a potential cardioprotective effect of these amino acid patterns in managing cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals with obesity.ConclusionsThis study found that two identified amino acid patterns were associated with lower serum LDL and total cholesterol levels, while a third pattern was associated with higher serum triglycerides. The specific amino acids contributing to these patterns highlight the importance of targeted dietary interventions in managing cardiometabolic risk factors in individuals with obesity.

Effects of Lizhong Tongmai acupuncture on TMAO, CD36 expression, and cholesterol deposition in atherosclerotic mice.

To observe the effects of Lizhong Tongmai acupuncture (acupuncture for regulating middle jiao and promoting meridians) on trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), CD36 expression, and cholesterol deposition in atherosclerotic (AS) mice, exploring potential mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) in treating AS. A total of 31 male SPF-grade C57BL/6J ApoE-/- mice were fed with high-fat diet for 8 weeks to establish AS model. After successful modeling, the remaining 30 mice were randomly divided into a model group, a medication group, and an EA group, with 10 mice in each group. An additional 10 normal mice of the same strain were selected as a blank group. The mice in the blank group and the model group received no intervention. The mice in the medication group were treated with intragastric administration of atorvastatin calcium. The mice in the EA group were treated with EA at "Neiguan" (PC 6), "Tianshu" (ST 25) and "Zusanli" (ST 36). The same-side "Neiguan" (PC 6) and "Zusanli" (ST 36), "Tianshu" (ST 25) and the tail of the mice were connected to the EA apparatus, with disperse-dense wave, a frequency of 2 Hz/15 Hz, and a current intensity of 0.3 mA for 10 min per session. Acupuncture was performed unilaterally per session, alternating between the left and right sides, with a frequency of once every other day. After intervention, HE staining was used to observe the pathological morphology of the aorta. Microplate assays were conducted to measure triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels in serum. Ultra high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry technique (UPLC-MS) was employed to detect TMAO level in plasma. Western blot was performed to assess CD36 protein expression level in the aorta. Microanalysis was used to measure cholesterol ester (CE) level in the aorta and the CE/TC ratio was calculated. Compared with the blank group, the mice in the model group exhibited significant pathological changes of atherosclerosis, serum TG, TC, LDL-C levels were increased (P<0.01), and HDL-C level was decreased (P<0.01); the plasma TMAO level, aortic CE level, and the CE/TC ratio were increased (P<0.01), along with elevated CD36 protein expression level in the aorta (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the mice in the medication group and the EA group showed improvements in aortic pathology, serum TG, TC, LDL-C levels were reduced, HDL-C levels were increased (P<0.05); plasma TMAO levels, aortic CE levels, and the CE/TC ratio were decreased (P<0.01), and CD36 protein expression levels were lowered (P<0.05). The serum TG and TC levels in the EA group were higher than those in the medication group (P<0.05). The Lizhong Tongmai acupuncture can ameliorate aortic pathological changes, regulate blood lipid levels, reduce plasma TMAO level, inhibit CD36 protein expression in the aorta, and decrease cholesterol deposition. These effects may contribute to the therapeutic mechanism of EA in treating AS.

Microbe-derived Antioxidants Enhance Lipid Synthesis by Regulating the Hepatic AMPKα–SREBP1c Pathway in Weanling Piglets

BackgroundWeaning usually causes low feed intake and weight loss in piglets, which mobilizes lipid to energize. The microbe-derived antioxidants (MAs) exhibit great potential in antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and metabolic regulation. ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate the changes of lipid metabolism postweaning and effects of MA on growth performance and hepatic lipid metabolism in weanling piglets. MethodsIn the first experiment, piglets weaned at 21 d of age were slaughtered on weaning day (d0), 4 (d4), and 14 (d14) postweaning (6 piglets per day). In the second experiment, piglets were divided into 2 groups, receiving MA (MA) and saline gavage (CON), respectively. All piglets were weaned at 21 d of age and 6 piglets from each group were slaughtered at 25 d of age. ResultsIn experiment 1, the serum triglyceride, total cholesterol (TC), and LDL cholesterol on d4 and d14 declined significantly compared with d0 (P < 0.05). The serum leptin on d0 was higher than that on d4 and d14 (P < 0.05). The serum ghrelin kept increasing from d0 to d14 (P < 0.05). The hepatic hormone-sensitive lipase and adipose triglyceride lipase first increased from d0 to d4 and then decreased from d4 to d14 (P < 0.05). In experiment 2, the average daily gain and average daily feed intake from 21 to 25 d of age increased in the MA group compared with the CON group (P < 0.05). The serum TC, hepatic TC, and glucose of MA group showed a significant increase than that of the CON group (P < 0.05). The expression of SCD1, ACAT2, and PPARγ were upregulated in the MA group (P < 0.05). Contrary to the decreased expression of phosphorylation of adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase alfa subunit (Thr172), the nuclear sterol regulatory element–binding protein 1c, fatty acid synthase, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma of MA group increased than that of CON group (P < 0.05). ConclusionsWeaning promoted hepatic lipolysis and MA could enhance lipid synthesis by regulating adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase alfa subunit–sterol regulatory element–binding protein 1c pathway, thus improving growth performance of weanling piglets.

ASSOCIATION OF MACULAR STRUCTURE WITH MICROPERIMETRY SENSITIVITY FOLLOWING VITRECTOMY FOR PROLIFERATE DIABETIC RETINOPATHY.

To evaluate macular sensitivity using microperimetry in patients with proliferate diabetic retinopathy following vitrectomy and to investigate the relationship between the sensitivity and foveal microstructures with optical coherence tomography/angiography. Eighty-four eyes of 84 patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, who were indicated for vitrectomy, had no intraocular surgery history 3 months preoperatively, and were able to ensure fundus examination after the vitrectomy, were included. A logMAR best-corrected visual acuity, macular sensitivity of microperimetry, macular retinal thickness, and macular vessel perfusion using optical coherence tomography/angiography were examined at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively. The logMAR best-corrected visual acuity and mean macular sensitivity of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy improved postoperatively (P < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between best-corrected visual acuity and mean sensitivity (P < 0.05). Postoperative mean macular sensitivity was significantly correlated with outer retinal thickness in the 0 to 6 mm macular area (P < 0.05) and also significantly correlated with deep capillary plexus perfusion (P < 0.05). Fixation stability and mean macular sensitivity did not show any correlation with glycated hemoglobin, triglyceride, serum total cholesterol, carbamide, and creatinine and duration of diabetes mellitus (P > 0.05). Postoperative mean macular sensitivity was significantly correlated with outer retinal thickness and deep capillary plexus perfusion for patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. The authors found that the visual performance of patients can be evaluated by the outer retinal thickness and deep capillary plexus perfusion, so optical coherence tomography/angiography examination can be an important prognostic factor for visual performance in patients.Clinical Trial Registration: This trial is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (http://www.chictr.org.cn; Registration No.: ChiCTR2100043399).

Dietary supplementation of water extract of Eucommia ulmoides bark improved caecal microbiota and parameters of health in white-feathered broilers.

Eucommia ulmoides has been used as a food and medicine homologue for a long time in China. We hypothesize that Eucommia ulmoidesachieves its health-promoting effects via altering gut microbiota. Here, we investigated the effects of water extract of Eucommia ulmoides bark on caecal microbiota and growth performance, antioxidant activity, and immunity in white-feathered broilers treated for 42 days. A total of 108 one-day-old Cobb white-feathered broilers were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: control diet, 0.75% Eucommia ulmoides diet (EU Ⅰ) and 1.5% Eucommia ulmoides diet (EU Ⅱ). The results showed that EU Ⅱ treatment improved average body weight (ABW), thigh muscle quality and total length of intestines, and decreased the serum total triglycerides and total cholesterol (TC) (p < 0.05). Eucommia ulmoides supplementation increased serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total antioxidant activities and content of immunoglobulins, and reduced levels of malondialdehyde and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (p < 0.05). Moreover, the supplementation increased the diversity of caecal microbiota and reduced the pathogenic genera Escherichia Shigella and Helicobacter. The genera Ochrobactrum, Odoribater, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Georgenia and Bifidobacterium were positively associated with the ABW, total intestinal length, serum levels of GSH-Px, SOD and immunoglobulins (p < 0.001) and negatively associated with the TC and TNF-α (p < 0.01), suggesting an association of the changes of gut microbiota and improvement of broiler health. Meanwhile, Eucommia ulmoides supplementation enriched the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway of exocrine secretion from the pancreas, circadian entrainmentand inhibited lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis. In conclusion, Eucommia ulmoides water extract can be used as a feed additive to improve poultry industry production.

Relationship of Thyroid Function with Renal Hemodynamics and Cholesterol Metabolism in Proteinuric Kidney Disease: A Pilot Study.

Nephrotic syndrome and hypothyroidism are respectively reported to influence renal hemodynamics and hypercholesterolemia. However, the relationship of proteinuria-associated thyroid function with renal hemodynamics and cholesterol metabolism has yet to be determined in a simultaneous analysis of thyroid, renal, and cholesterol variables. We investigated the hypothesis that the changes in thyroid hormones by proteinuria may contribute to changes in cholesterol metabolism and renal hemodynamics by proteinuria. Twenty-nine patients (17 men and 12 women) with proteinuric kidney disease (mean age 46 years) were enrolled in a pilot study. Data for serum free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), total cholesterol, and filtration fraction (FF; assessed by para-aminohippuric acid clearance) were used in variable-adjusted correlation analyses. The patients had the following data (mean ± standard deviation): urinary protein 5.18 ± 3.28 g/day, FT3 2.18 ± 0.44 pg/mL, FT4 1.03 ± 0.26 ng/dL, FF 0.27 ± 0.07, and total cholesterol 327 ± 127 mg/dL. There was a significant positive correlation of FT3 with FF (β = 0.58, p = 0.01) and a significant inverse correlation of FT4 with total cholesterol (β = -0.40, p = 0.01). A positive correlation of FT3 with FF and an inverse correlation of FT4 with total cholesterol were demonstrated in patients with proteinuric kidney disease. The proteinuria-associated reduction in serum thyroid hormone levels was correlated with hypercholesterolemia and the reduced glomerular FF. Further studies of these relationships are required.

Investigating the association between blood cobalt and gallstones: a cross-sectional study utilizing NHANES data.

With the use of cobalt alloys in medical prosthetics, the risk of cobalt exposure has increased. The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between blood cobalt levels and the occurrence of gallstones utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Data collected between 2017 and 2020 were analyzed, encompassing a total of 5,610 participants. Cobalt concentrations in whole blood specimens were directly measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The presence of gallstones was ascertained through a standardized questionnaire. To assess the association between blood cobalt levels and the presence of gallstones, logistic regression analysis, restricted cubic spline analysis, and subgroup analysis were utilized. The results of logistic regression analysis revealed a heightened risk of developing gallstones in the Quartiles 2 and Quartiles 4 groups based on blood cobalt levels when compared to the Quartiles 1 group (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.15-2.07; OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.03-1.77). The restricted cubic spline analysis exhibited a positive linear correlation between blood cobalt levels and the occurrence of gallstones. Subgroup analyses further demonstrated a statistically significant correlation between the Quartiles 4 category of blood cobalt levels and an elevated risk of gallstones, particularly among individuals aged 60 years or older, females, those with a body mass index (BMI) equal to or exceeding 25, serum total cholesterol levels below 200 mg/dL, as well as individuals diagnosed with hypertension or diabetes. Our study findings indicate a notable association between elevated blood cobalt levels and an increased risk of gallstones. To establish a causal relationship between blood cobalt levels and the elevated risk of developing gallstones, further prospective cohort studies are warranted.

Impact of Heartfulness Meditation on Improving Antioxidant Status and Lipid Profile in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Introduction Oxidative stress plays an indispensable role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). Several studies suggest that meditation can reduce oxidative stress and improve antioxidant status. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of heartfulness meditation on antioxidant status and lipid profile in patients with coronary artery disease. Methods Fifty-nine angiographically diagnosed CAD patients were included in the study. Patients who were enrolled practiced heartfulness meditation for a period of six months. Protein thiol (an antioxidant marker), serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoproteins (HDL-C), low-density lipoproteins (LDL-C), and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL-C) were measured under fasting conditions before and after six months of meditation practice. Results After six months of practice of heartfulness meditation, there was a statistically significant increase in HDL-C (39.10 ± 8.30 vs. 42.85 ± 8.16, p &lt; .01) and an antioxidant marker protein thiol (257.34 ± 39.68 vs. 345.31 ± 57.53, p &lt; .0001). The mean levels of triglycerides (205.81 ± 88.31 vs. 182.53 ± 93.57 mg dl−1), VLDL-C (41.18 ± 17.64 vs. 36.51 ± 18.71 mg dl−1), and total cholesterol (170.02 ± 40.10 vs. 164.46 ± 42.20 mg dl−1) decreased following the intervention, although the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion Heartfulness meditation is an effective means to decrease free radical formation and improve antioxidant status and lipid profile in CAD patients. As a result of this study, regular meditation practice has the potential to be one of the most effective non-pharmacological strategies for CAD prevention.