Serum Total Cholesterol Research Articles

Effect of selenium nanoparticle on lipid profile in local Awassi male lambs

Background: This research describes the methodology used for the preparation of selenium nanoparticles from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and their administration to lambs for lipid profile checking, administration of selenium nanoparticles as a medication in lambs results in hypolipidemia. Aim: The study aimed to investigate the potential of selenium nanoparticles in improving lipid profiles in lambs. Methods: Healthy lambs (n=10) of similar age and weight were selected for the study. The animals were housed in individual pens with free access to water and a standard diet. The lambs were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (n=5) and the treatment group (n=5). The control group received a standard diet, while the treatment group received the same diet and oral administrated with selenium nanoparticles at 0.1 mg/kg body weight. The administration was carried out daily for a period of 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of each lamb at the beginning of the study (baseline) and at the end of the 2 weeks treatment period. The samples were collected in vacutainer tubes and allowed to clot. Serum was separated by centrifugation at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes and stored at -80°C for estimation of lipid Profile (Total Cholesterol, Triglyceride, High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL). The serum samples were used for the estimation of lipid profile levels using an enzymatic colorimetric method. The absorbance was measured at 540 nm using a spectrophotometer. Results: The results showed a significant decrease in serum total cholesterol, triglyceride and VLDL levels after selenium nanoparticle supplementation compared to the control group (p < 0.05), the results indicated a significant increase in serum HDL levels after selenium nanoparticle supplementation compared to the control group (p < 0.05). This indicates that selenium nanoparticle supplementation has a beneficial effect on reducing total cholesterol levels in lambs. Conclusion: The conclusion section will summarize the findings of the study and highlight the potential of selenium nanoparticles in improving lipid profiles in lambs. The implications of the study for animal nutrition and health will be discussed, along with the need for further research in this area.

Effect of mild cortisol cosecretion on body composition and metabolic parameters in patients with primary hyperaldosteronism.

To investigate the effects of simultaneous cortisol cosecretion (CCS) on body composition in computed tomography(CT)-imaging and metabolic parameters in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) with the objective of facilitating early detection. Retrospective cohort study. Forty-sevenpatients with PA and CCS confirmed by 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST) with a cutoff of ≥1.8 µg/dL were compared with PA patients with excluded CCS(non-CCS, n = 47) matched by age and sex. Segmentation of the fat compartments and muscle area at the third lumbar region was performed on non-contrast-enhanced CT images with dedicated segmentation software. Additionally, liver, spleen, pancreas and muscle attenuation were compared between the two groups. Mean cortisol after DST was 1.2 µg/dL (33.1 nmol/L) in the non-CCS group and 3.2 µg/dL (88.3 nmol/L) in the CCS group with mild autonomous cortisol excess (MACE). No difference in total, visceral and subcutaneous fat volumes was observed between the CCS and non-CCS group (p = .7, .6 and .8, respectively). However, a multivariable regression analysis revealed a significant correlation between total serum cholesterol and results of serum cortisol after 1-mg DST (p = .026). Classification of the patients based on visible lesion on CT and PA-lateralization via adrenal venous samplingalso did not show any significant differences in body composition. MACE in PA patients does not translate into body composition changes on CT-imaging. Therefore, early detection of concurrent CCS in PA is currently only attainable through biochemical tests. Further investigation of the long-term clinical adverse effects of MACE in PA is necessary.

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 < 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 < 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 < 0.05 all). Thus, MK tea may be useful as an adjunct agent to improve the lipid profile in patients with dyslipidemia.

Association of Serum Hydrogen Sulphide Levels and Dyslipidaemia: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Dyslipidaemia is an important risk factor for coronary artery disease. Oxidative damage to plasma lipoproteins ultimately results in the development of atherosclerosis. Since Hydrogen Sulphide (H2 S) is a cytoprotective molecule in oxidative stress, decreased H2 S levels may be a cause of dyslipidaemia. Aim: To determine the relationship between the serum levels of H2 S with serum Triglycerides (TG), Total Cholesterol (TC), and High-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) in cases of dyslipidaemia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2022 and June 2023 in the Departments of Biochemistry and Medicine at KPC Medical College, Jadavpur, Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Serum lipid profile {TC, TGs, HDL-C, and Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) (calculated by Friedewald’s equation)} and serum H2 S were measured in 70 cases of dyslipidaemia {according to National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria} aged between 30 to 80 years and compared with an equal number of healthy volunteers as controls. The means of continuous variables were compared by independent t-tests and Mann-Whitney U tests. The Chi-square test was applied to compare gender distribution. Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation coefficients were calculated for normal and non normal distributions, respectively. Results: The mean age of dyslipidaemic patients (54.54 years±11.19) was significantly (p=0.0017) higher than that of the controls (47.02 years±16.18). Among the 70 cases of dyslipidaemia, 38 participants were male and 32 were female, while among the healthy controls (n=70), 42 participants were male and 28 were female. The serum H2 S levels in cases of dyslipidaemia (37.91±6.28 μmol/L) were significantly lower than in the healthy controls (58.52±12.92, p<0.01 μmol/L). A significant positive correlation was found between serum H2 S levels and HDL-cholesterol (r=0.81, p<0.001), whereas a negative correlation was found between serum H2 S and TG levels (r=-0.55, p<0.001). Conclusion: In the present study, dyslipidaemia was associated with decreased levels of serum H2 S. Serum H2 S was positively correlated with serum HDL and negatively correlated with serum TG levels.

The corrective role of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles for the genes controlling hypothalamus-pituitary-testis-axis in male obesity-associated secondary hypogonadism.

Obesity is one of the most prevalent and perilous health affairs. Male obesity-associated secondary hypogonadism (MOSH) is one of many of its complexities, which is mounting in parallel with the aggravation of obesity. Magnetic nanoparticles seem to be an advanced favorable trend in multiple biomedical fields. In this study, we explore the therapeutic effects of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) coated with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) on an obese male rat model with MOSH syndrome, comparing their impacts with a well-known anti-obesity medication (Orlistat). 42 male albino rats split into 7 equal groups: 1-negative control: nonobese, untreated; 35 rats fed the high fat-high fructose (HFHF) diet for a period of 12 weeks. Obese rats splitted into 6 equal groups; 2-positive control: obese untreated; 3-obese given Orlistat (30 mg/kg); 4-obese given CMC-SPIONs (25 mgFe/kg); 5-obese given CMC-SPIONs (50 mgFe/kg); 6-obese given CMC-SPIONs(25 mgFe/kg) + Orlistat (30 mg/kg), 7-obese given CMC-SPIONs (50 mgFe/kg) + Orlistat (30 mg/kg); all treatments given orally for 4 weeks. During sacrifice, blood serum and sectioned hypothalamic, pituitary, testicular, and adipose tissues were collected for biochemical and biomolecular assessments. The HFHF diet for 12 weeks resulted in a significant upsurge in body weight, body mass index, serum fasting glucose, insulin resistance, TAG, total cholesterol, and LDL-c; HDL-c was dropped. Serum FSH, LH, and testosterone values declined. A significant disorder in expression levels of genes regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular-axis pathway. Hypothalamic GnRH, Kisspeptin-1, Kisspeptin-r1, and Adipo-R1 values declined. GnIH and Leptin-R1 values raised up. Pituitary GnRH-R values declined. Testicular tissue STAR, HSD17B3, and CYP19A1 values declined. Adipose tissue adiponectin declined, while leptin raised up. CMC-SPIONs 25-50 mg could modulate the deranged biochemical parameters and correct the deranged expression levels of all previous genes. Co-treatments revealed highly synergistic effects on all parameters. Overall, CMC-SPIONs have significant efficiency whether alone or with Orlisat in limiting obesity and consequence subfertility. CMC-SPIONs act as an incoming promising contender for obesity and MOSH disorders management, and need more studies on their mechanisms.

Serum high sensitive C-reactive protein level and its correlation with lipid profile among dyspeptic patients with or without Helicobacter pylori infection in East Gojjam zone, Ethiopia.

Dyspepsia is a group of symptoms located in the gastroduodenal area of the upper gastrointestinal tract characterized by epigastric pain, postprandial completeness, or early satiety and occasionally related to heartburn. Helicobacter pylori is the major causative agent of dyspepsia and gastric-related disorders; besides, it alters different metabolic processes in the human body, such as lipid metabolism and inflammatory processes. Even though dyslipidemia and inflammation are independent risk factors for cardiovascular disorders, we are assessing the interaction between serum lipids and highly sensitive C reactive protein levels among dyspeptic patients to predict potential cardiovascular disorders. To assess serum high sensitive C reactive protein levels and its correlation with lipid profile among dyspeptic patients. A hospital-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2022 to March 2023 in East Gojjam, Ethiopia. One hundred Helicobacter pylori-positive and 100 Helicobacter pylori-negative dyspeptic patients were included. Data were checked for completeness and entered into SPSS version 26.0 software and analyzed. The association between variables was determined by Pearson correlation analysis. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean serum high sensitive C reactive protein was 8.09 ± 7.84 mg/L, and serum high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, and triglyceride were (35.35 ± 7.5, 105.07 ± 87.63, 142.31 ± 71.31, 160.07 ± 43.06) mg/dl, respectively, for Helicobacter pylori positive dyspeptic patients. Among these values, high-density lipoprotein is negatively correlated with high sensitive C reactive and total cholesterol is positively correlated with high sensitive C reactive levels among Helicobacter pylori-infected dyspeptic patients with a p-value < 0.05, but in Helicobacter pylori negative dyspeptic patients, there is no significant correlation between lipid profile and high sensitive C reactive levels. Serum high sensitive C reactive levels had a negative correlation with high-density lipoprotein and a positive correlation with total cholesterol among Helicobacter pylori-positive dyspeptic patients. Therefore, the significant interaction between serum lipid levels and inflammation exacerbates the potential risk of cardiovascular disorders among Helicobacter pylori-positive dyspeptic patients.

The Dietary Lipid Requirement for Ovarian Maturation and Health in Female Giant River Prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii Broodstock

The dietary lipid level is closely associated with ovarian maturation of broodstock. However, optimal lipid requirements during broodstock gonad development for aquatic animals remain limited. In order to assess the impact of dietary lipid levels (6%, 8%, 10%, 12%, and 14% lipid, denoted as L6%, L8%, L10%, L12%, and L14%) on the ovarian maturation, antioxidant status, and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of genes involved in the lipid metabolism of Macrobrachium rosenbergii broodstock (initial weight 10.53 ± 1.97 g), this study carried out an 8‐week feeding experiment. The findings showed that while there was no significant difference in the survival rate across the groups (p &gt; 0.05), the weight gain observed in prawns fed the 8% lipid‐level diet was significantly higher than those fed other diets (p &lt; 0.05). The hepatosomatic index and the gonadosomatic index showed a significant increase with the rise in dietary lipid level (p &lt; 0.05). More ovaries from M. rosenbergii broodstock reached stages Ⅲ and Ⅳ after being supplemented with dietary lipid levels between 8% and 14%. Serum glucose content did not show any significant difference among all groups (p &gt; 0.05), but serum triglyceride and total cholesterol content increased followed by a decreasing trend with increasing levels of dietary lipids, both peaking in the prawns fed a 10% lipid‐level diet. Furthermore, the progesterone (PROG) and 17β‐estradiol (E2) content of prawns fed the 10% and 12% lipid‐level diets were significantly higher compared to other groups (p &lt; 0.05). Based on serum E2 and PROG content, the optimal lipid level needed for maximal ovarian maturation was determined to be 11.79% and 10.88%, respectively. Moreover, there were more endogenous vitellogenic oocytes in prawns fed 8% and 10% lipid‐level diets, with a more compact arrangement compared to the less tightly arranged structure of the ovarian tissue in prawns fed other diets. With the increase in dietary lipid levels, there was a significant increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase. The activities of total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase initially increased and then decreased significantly, peaking at prawns fed 8% and 10% lipid‐level diets, respectively (p &lt; 0.05). The malondialdehyde content reached its lowest point in prawns fed a diet containing 10% lipid. In addition, the mRNA expressions of hepatopancreatic diacylglycerol acyltransferase and acetyl‐CoA carboxylase showed the highest values in prawns fed a 10% lipid diet. Conversely, there was a significant decrease in the mRNA expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase‐1a in the hepatopancreatic as dietary lipid levels increased. The highest mRNA expression of fatty acid‐binding proteins was observed in prawns fed an 8% lipid diet. In conclusion, dietary lipid levels ranging from 8% to 11.79% are beneficial for ovarian maturation and health of M. rosenbergii broodstock.

Electroacupuncture Reduces Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Obese Mice by Activating the Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathways and Repairing the Intestinal Barrier.

Electroacupuncture (EA) is used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Nevertheless, the precise mechanisms by which this approach safeguards against obesity-induced intestinal barrier damage has not been fully understood. This study aimed to assess whether EA could ameliorate intestinal barrier damage that had been reversed in a mouse model of obesity induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and whether this repair is correlated with ferroptosis and gut microbiota enhancement. To assess the potential of EA to prevent obesity and restore the intestinal barrier, we divided in C57BL/6J mice into two groups; one was fed with HFD and another one with a normal diet. Samples of stool, blood, fat, and intestinal epithelium were then evaluated, along with body weight. Following EA, we observed a significant reduction in body weight, fat accumulation, and serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels; an increase was seen in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. EA also activated the Nrf2 signaling pathway; upregulated the expression of GPX4, FTH1, and SLC7A11; and downregulated the expression of TFR1. In addition, the administration of EA resulted in a notable modification of the gut microbiota composition, characterized by a decrease in the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio. EA had beneficial effects on weight loss and showed potential ability to repair the intestinal barrier by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway, inhibiting intestinal inflammation and ferroptosis, and regulating the intestinal microbiota to treat IBD caused by HFD-induced obesity.

Frequency of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease among the Non-Obese Population Presenting to the Gastrointestinal Outpatient Clinic

Background: It has been reported that Asian males with BMI ≤ 23 kg/m2 have considerably higher content of fat and visceral adipose tissue as compared to their Western counterparts. Multiple studies have reported variable frequency of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in lean population. However, the data is scarce regarding the prevalence of NAFLD in the lean Asian population. Objective: To determine the frequency of NAFLD among the non-obese population presenting to our clinic Methods: This cross-sectional study included all the lean individuals with BMI&lt; 23 kg/m2 presenting to the gastroenterology outpatient clinic from 1st November 2020 to 31st March 2022. Ultrasound abdomen was performed for the presence or absence of fatty liver which was diagnosed based on hyperechoic liver texture. The analysis of continuous variables was performed using the student t-test while the Chi-square test was applied for the analysis of categorical variables. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Among the 283 individuals presenting to the gastrointestinal clinic with BMI &lt; 23 kg/m2, the majority were females [150 (53%)]. Out of 283 patients, 118(41.7%) had hypertension, 114(40.3%) had hypertriglyceridemia while 86(29.7%) patients had diabetes. On ultrasound abdomen, fatty liver was observed in 92 (32.5%) patients including 59 (64.1%) females and 33 (35.9%) males. The statistical analysis documented a significant association of NAFLD with female gender (p=0.006), hypertension (p&lt;0.001), hypertriglyceridemia (p=0.13), high total lipids (p&lt;0.001), and serum cholesterol levels (p=0.005). However, no statistically significant association of fatty liver was observed with body mass index (p=0.823), age (p=0.169), and diabetes (p= 0.522). Conclusion: The presence of hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, raised total lipids and serum cholesterol levels and female gender were the factors significantly associated with the presence of fatty liver in the lean population. However, to validate our results, multicentered studies on a larger scale are required.

Association between Iron Indices and Dyslipidemia among Patients with Iron Deficiency Anaemia: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA) is a major public health problem in India. Iron plays a role in hepatic lipogenesis, being an integral part of some enzymes and transporters involved in lipid metabolism. Since information on the association between iron metabolism and dyslipidemia in adults is limited, it is important to assess the lipid status in iron-deficient patients. Aim: To study the association of iron indices with the lipid profile among patients with iron deficiency anaemia. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Paramedical and Health Sciences, Parul Institute of Paramedical and Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India, from December 2022 to May 2023. In the present study, 100 IDA patients aged between 25-45 years were included. All the participants underwent different tests including Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG), High Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol (HDL-C), and Low Density LipoproteinCholesterol (LDL-C). Furthermore, the association between IDA patients and lipid levels was analysed. The data were statistically analysed using Pearson’s correlation test and Chi-square test. Results: In the present study, out of a total of 100 patients, 38 were males and 62 were females. The majority of IDA patients had lower levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C. Low levels of TC and LDL were found in 52 (83.87%) of females and 30 (78.94%) of males. A total of 28 (73.68%) of males and 52 (83.87%) of females had lower values for TG levels. In contrast to TC and TG, a substantial correlation between Haemoglobin (Hb) levels and HDL-C and LDL-C was found. However, Hb had a positive association with TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C and a negative correlation with TC. These results also suggest a substantial correlation between Serum Iron (SI) and TC, TG, and HDL-C, but not a significant correlation with LDL-C. Conclusion: When observed for dyslipidemia, IDA patients showed significantly lower levels of TC, TG, and HDL-C with respect to their SI levels.

Positive effects of rutin on egg quality, lipid peroxidation and metabolism in post-peak laying hens.

Excessive fat deposition due to impaired fat metabolism in chickens is a major problem in the poultry industry. Nutritional interventions are effective solutions, but current options are limited. A safe phytochemical, rutin, has shown positive effects in animals, but its effect on lipid metabolism in poultry remains unknown. Hence, this study is to investigate the effects of rutin on egg quality, serum biochemistry, fat deposition, lipid peroxidation and hepatic lipid metabolism in post-peak laying hens. A total of 360 Taihang laying hens (49-week-old) were randomly divided into five groups and fed a basal diet (control group, 0%) and a basal diet supplemented with 300 (0.03%), 600 (0.06%), 900 (0.09%), and 1,200 (0.12%) mg rutin/kg feed, respectively. The results showed that eggshell strength was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the dietary rutin groups, whereas yolk percentage (p < 0.05), total cholesterol (TC) (p < 0.01) and yolk fat ratio (p < 0.01) decreased linearly (p < 0.05) in the dietary rutin groups. Importantly, dietary rutin reduced serum triglyceride (TG) and TC levels, decreased abdominal lipid deposition and liver index (p < 0.05), and which concomitantly decreased hepatic lipid (TG, TC, and free fatty acid) accumulation (p < 0.05). An increase (p < 0.05) in total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase activity and a decrease (p < 0.05) in malondialdehyde levels were also found. At the same time, the activities of hepatic lipase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase and malic enzyme in the liver were decreased (p < 0.05). Dietary rutin also increased (p < 0.05) the expression of fatty acid oxidation-related genes (carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α, farnesoid X receptor). Additionally, it decreased fatty acid synthesis genes (sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c, acetyl-CoA carboxylase α, stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of rutin (0.06-0.12%) to the diet improved the fat metabolism and increased liver antioxidant capacity in post-peak laying hens, and these positive changes improved egg quality to some extent.

Effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. Anthocyanins on Body Weight, Lipid Peroxidation, and Lipid Profile of Cadmium-exposed rats

Abstract Background: Heavy metals like cadmium (Cd) are dangerous to human health because they are highly toxic and persist for a long time in the environment. Objective: This study determined the effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa L anthocyanins (HSA) on body weight, lipid peroxidation, and lipid profile of Cd-exposed rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five Wistar rats weighing 185 ± 5.2 g were divided into five treatment groups: Group A: Control (feed and water only), B: Cd (3 mg/kg b wt), C: HSA (3 mg/kg b wt), D: HSA Pre-Cd (HSA 3 g/kg b wt) for 5 consecutive days before a single dose of Cd (3 mg/kg body weight), and E: HSA Post-Cd (a single dose of Cd [3 mg/kg body weight] on the 1st day then HSA [3 mg/kg body weight] for 5 consecutive days). Results: Cd toxicity, at the dose administered, was manifested through significant (P &gt; 0.05) reduction in body weight, increase in lipid peroxidation, and changes in serum lipid profile (increase in low-density cholesterol and reduction in high-density cholesterol), but administration of H. sabdariffa anthocyanins to rats before and after Cd exposure significantly (P &lt; 0.05) increased body weight of rats, reduced Cd-induced increase in serum total cholesterol levels, and protected tissues against Cd-induced lipid peroxidation. Conclusion: The results suggest that HSA is effective as an ameliorator of Cd-induced changes in body weight, lipid peroxidation, and lipid profile of rats.

The Substitution of Fish Meal or Chicken Meal With Yeast Culture in Diets of Bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus): Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical Indices, Intestinal Digestive Enzyme, Hepatic Antioxidant, and Hepatic and Intestinal Histology

The aim of this study was to reveal the effects of yeast culture replacing fish meal (FM) or chicken meal (CM) on the growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, intestinal digestive enzyme activities, hepatic antioxidant, and hepatic and intestinal histology of bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus). The basal diet contained 100 g/kg FM and 100 g/kg CM, and then yeast culture was used to decrease FM or CM level to 75 and 50 g/kg with yeast culture inclusion of 32 and 64 g/kg, respectively, resulting in five groups of isonitrogenous diets (control, FM75, FM50, CM75, and CM50). A total of 450 bullfrogs (45.5 ± 0.4 g initial weight) were fed the five diets for 50 days. (1) The FM50 group presented significantly lower weight gain, condition factor, hind leg index, and higher feed conversion ratio than the control group, while the other three groups of FM75, CM75, and CM50 showed no significant difference in growth performance when compared to the control group. (2) The serum triglyceride content of FM50 group was significantly lower, while the alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly higher than those of the control group. The serum total cholesterol levels were significantly lower in the CM50 group compared to the control group. (3) In intestinal digestive enzyme activities, the trypsin and α‐amylase activities in the CM75 and CM50 groups, the trypsin activity in the FM75 group, and lipase activity in the CM50 group were all significantly higher than those in the other groups. (4) The replacement of 50% FM with yeast culture (FM50 and CM50 groups) promoted the total antioxidant capacity in the liver, but compared to the control group, the intestinal villi height and muscularis propria thickness in the FM50 group were significantly lower. There was no difference (P &gt; 0.05) in liver histology among all the groups. In conclusion, in a basal diet containing 100 g/kg FM and 100 g/kg CM, 32.0 and 64.0 g/kg yeast cultures could successfully replace 25% of dietary FM and 50% of dietary CM without negative effects on the growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, and hepatic and intestinal health of bullfrogs.

Astragaloside IV Mediates the PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway to Alleviate Injury and Modulate the Composition of Intestinal Flora in ApoE-/- Atherosclerosis Model Rats.

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory vascular disease with a complex pathogenesis. Astragaloside IV (AST IV), the primary active component of Astragalus, possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. This research aims to investigate the outcome of AST IV on AS and its potential molecular mechanism. A high-fat diet (21% fat, 50% carbohydrate, 20% protein, 0.15% cholesterol, and 34% sucrose) was utilized to feed Apolipoprotein E deficient (ApoE-/-) SD rats for 8 weeks, followed by continuous intragastric administration of AST IV for 8 weeks. Biochemical detection was conducted for serum lipid levels and changes in vasoactive substances. After Masson staining, aortic root oil red O staining, and Hematoxylin Eosin (HE) staining, the efficacy of AST IV was verified using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors and endothelial dysfunction-related biomarkers in rat aortic root tissues were appraised. The changes in the composition of intestinal flora in rats after AST IV treatment were appraised using Image J (Multi-point Tool). Western blot was used to evaluate phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) pathway-related protein levels in rat aortic root tissues. AST IV administration alleviated the pathological symptoms of AS rats. AST IV administration reduced serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), endothelin-1 (ET-1) and angiotensin (Ang)-II (Ang-II) levels, and augmented serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and nitric oxide (NO) levels. At the same time, AST IV administration inhibited the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), macrophage inflammatory protein-1 (MCP-1), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in the aortic root tissue of AS rats. In addition, the intestinal flora changed significantly after AST IV administration. The number of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Bacteroides augmented significantly, and Enterobacter, Enterococcus, Fusobacterium, and Clostridium significantly decreased. Mechanistically, AST IV administration inhibited the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR in AS rats. When combined with Dactolisib (BEZ235) (a PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway inhibitor), AST IV could further inhibit phosphorylation and reduce inflammation. AST IV has a potential anti-AS effect, which can improve the pathological changes of the aorta in ApoE-/- rats fed with a high-fat diet, reduce the level of inflammatory factors, and modulate the composition of intestinal flora via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

Effect of Lincomycin and Butyrate Glycerides Supplementation on Performance, Blood Biochemical Constituents, Immune Response and Nutrient Absorption Related Gene Expression in Broilers

Abstract Over 35 days feeding trial, the effects of lincomycin (LM) and butyrate glycerides (BG) supplementation on the growth performance, blood biochemical changes, immune response, and nutrient absorption related gene expression in broiler chickens were evaluated. A total of 480 one- day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were allotted into 6 groups (8 replicates/group with 10 birds/replicate). Experimental groups were arranged as follows; control group (A) fed the basal diet (BD); B, C, and D groups were fed the BD supplemented with 350, 500 and 1000 g BG/ton of feed respectively. While group E was fed the BD with 350 + 500 + 1000 g BG/ton of feed during starter, grower, and finisher periods, respectively, and finally group F which received lincomycin (LM) antibiotic (100 g/ton) in overall periods. Broilers that received BG in group E (birds supplemented with BG at 350 + 500 + 1000 g/ton feed) and LM (F) supplements both gained more body weight and weight growth (P&lt;0.05). Lower feed intake and improved fcr were observed in all the experimental groups that received either BG or lm compared to control birds (P&lt;0.05). Lower serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) (P&lt;0.05) were recorded in the lm or BG supplemented birds compared to the control. Higher immune response represented by enhanced antibody titer against H9N1, and newcastle disease (ND) and lower hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) was obtained in groups D, E and F (P&lt;0.05) compared to the other groups. Higher gene expression of GSH-Px, Glut 2, PepT1 and FAS was obtained in groups D, E and F (P&lt;0.05) compared to the control. Supplemental BG or LM increased the unsaturated fatty acids (oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids) while lowered the palmitic acid contents in breast muscle (P&lt;0.05) compared to control. In conclusion, supplementing broilers’ diets with BG or lincomycin improved their growth performance, immune response and muscle fatty acid profile as well as modulatory role in lipid metabolism. Supplementing starter, grower, and finisher broiler diets with BG at 350 + 500 + 1000 g/ton each may be a useful substitute for lincomycin.

Unacylated ghrelin attenuates acute liver injury and hyperlipidemia via its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities.

Liver injury and hyperlipidemia are major issues that have drawn more and more attention in recent years. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of unacylated ghrelin (UAG) on acute liver injury and hyperlipidemia in mice. UAG was injected intraperitoneally once a day for three days. Three hours after the last administration, acute liver injury was induced by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), and acute hyperlipidemia was induced by intraperitoneal injection of poloxamer 407, respectively. Twenty-four hours later, samples were collected for serum biochemistry analysis, histopathological examination, and Western blotting. In acute liver injury mice, UAG significantly decreased liver index, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and increased superoxide dismutase(SOD) in liver tissue. NF-kappa B (NF-κB) protein expression in the liver was down-regulated. In acute hyperlipidemia mice, UAG significantly decreased serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), ALT, and AST, as well as hepatic TG levels. Meanwhile, hepatic MDA decreased and SOD increased significantly. Moreover, UAG improved the pathological damage in the liver induced by CCl4 and poloxamer 407, respectively. Intraperitoneal injection of UAG exhibited hepatoprotective and lipid-lowering effects on acute liver injury and hyperlipidemia, which is attributed to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities.

IMUNOMETABOLISMO TECIDUAL HEPÁTICO E MUSCULAR ESQUELÉTICO DE RATOS TREINADOS

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

Diagnostic Value of CRP, H-FABP, PCT, Lp-PLA2 and Cytokines in Stable Angina

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a significant cause of worldwide mortality and morbidity. This study aims to evaluate the levels of serum H-FABP (fatty acid-binding protein), hs-CRP (high sensitivity- CPR), Lp-PLA2 (lipoprotein PLA2), PCT (procalcitonin) and cytokines, in addition to routinely used diagnostic tests, Troponin I (Trop I), Myoglobin (MYO) and Creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) in patients with stable angina to determine their sensitivity in diagnosing stable angina and facilitating faster decision-making in the emergency unit. The current study was performed on 86 patients complaining stable angina, at Nasiriyah Heart Center from October 2021 to October 2022. Eighty-six, healthy subjects (age-matched) were taken as a control group. Blood samples were collected in the emergency department. Serum levels of hs CRP, H-FABP, CK-MB, Trop I, MYO, Lp-PLA2 and PCT were determined using electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay. Blood sugar and serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, VLDL and HDL were determined using Cobas C311 photometric assays. Serum IL-6 was determined by using electro-chemiluminescence immunoassay, while, IL-9, IL-1β and TNF-α were assayed by ELISA. The study showed that the level of troponin I didn’t significantly change in patients with stable angina. However, compared with healthy controls, patients showed a significant increase in serum levels of CK-MB, myoglobin, hs-CRP, H-FABP, Lp-PLA2 and PCT. Significantly elevated levels of serum IL-6, IL1β, IL-9 and TNF-α were also recorded in patients with stable angina compared to healthy controls. The results also revealed that patients with stable angina had significantly elevated serum levels of serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL and VLDL with a significant decline of serum HDL compared to healthy controls. We can concluded that, in addition to cTnI, CK-MB and MYO, other biomarkers such as hs-CRP, H-FABP, Lp-PLA2 and PCT are sensitive; and can serve as diagnostic indicators of stable angina pectoris for fast treatment. Furthermore, the detection of inflammatory biomarkers was found to be an additional diagnostic parameter in stable angina.

Premature Menopause and its Association with Dyslipidemia

Introduction: Premature Menopause is defined as premature ovarian failure before the age of 40 years with a consecutive 12 months of amenorrhea. Menopause affects 1% of women under the age of 40 years. It is seen in 10‑28% of primary amenorrhea and 4‑18% of secondary amenorrhea. Estrogen deficiency occurring during premature menopause causes decrease in HDL level and increase in LDL, cholesterol and triglycerides levels thus causing dyslipidemia. Regardless of cause, women who experience estrogen deficiency at an early age before the natural menopause are now considered to be at increased risk for premature morbidity and mortality. The current study is aimed to find out the impact of premature menopause on the blood lipid level in the current population. Materials and Methods: Ninety-six cases of premature menopause women were enrolled retrospectively for the study. Complete Lipid profile – Serum Total Cholesterol, Serum Triglyceride, Serum HDL, were measured in fully automated biochemistry analyzer and Serum VLDL and Serum LDL were estimated by Friedewald's Formula. Results: The current study revealed the lipid profile status of premenopausal women. The prevalence of dyslipidemia was observed in 57 cases (59.4%) and remaining 39 cases (40.6%) were having normal lipid levels. On comparing the serum lipid levels statistical significance were observed in Total cholesterol (P value: 0.00), Triglyceride (P value: 0.00), LDL-C (P value: 0.00), and VLDL-C (P value: 0.00). However, no statistically significant difference was observed in HDL cholesterol (P value: 0.15). Conclusions: Serum Lipid levels is deranged in the women with premature menopause (Age &lt; 40 years) and thus dyslipidemia, particularly noticed with the Total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The path-physiology lying behind dyslipidemia can be correlated to the premature ovarian failure and estrogen deficiency.

Assessment of Lipid Profile Status in Diabetes Mellitus in Iraqi Patients

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) greatly burdens health and economic status worldwide. One of the major sequels of DM is its effect on coronary artery disease (CAD) prevalence. DM-associated dyslipidemia is considered one of the hazardous comorbidities as it directly accelerates atherosclerosis, hypertension, and CAD. Aim of the study: This study aimed to assess the lipid profile status among T2DM patients from Iraq. Subjects and methods: The current study randomly selected 100 diabetic patients of equal sex distribution. All included patients were subjected to anthropometric measurements, blood glucose, and lipid profile assessments. Results: Among the studied patients, 76 patients were found to have dyslipidemia, while 23 did not show any disturbance in their lipid profiles. Diabetic patients with dyslipidemia had significantly higher BMI compared to the non-dyslipidemia group. There were statistically significant higher levels of PPBS, TG, TC, and LDL cholesterol in patients with diabetic dyslipidemia compared to the other group. Moreover, there were statistically significantly lower HDL cholesterol levels in patients with diabetic dyslipidemia compared to the non-dyslipidemia group. Conclusion: DM is directly related to increased serum triacylglycerols, total serum cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and a decrease in HDL cholesterol.