Unfavorable Lipid Profile Research Articles

Differences in visceral adipose tissue and biochemical cardiometabolic risk markers in elite rugby union athletes of Caucasian and Polynesian descent

Polynesian individuals are leaner with greater musculature than Caucasians of an equivalent size, and this genetically different morphology provides a physique that is often compatible with success in a number of sports, including rugby union. Evidence indicates that Polynesians have greater stores of absolute and relative abdominal fat mass and this is known to confer cardiometabolic risk. The aims of this study were to (1) explore the relationship between ethnicity, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and cardiometabolic disease risk markers in elite Caucasian and Polynesian rugby union athletes, and (2) assess the impact of a pre-season training programme on these markers. Twenty-two professional rugby union athletes of Caucasian (n = 11) and Polynesian (n = 11) descent underwent physique assessment via surface anthropometry, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and magnetic resonance imaging before and after an 11-week pre-season. A fasted blood test was undertaken at both time points. Compared to Caucasians, at baseline Polynesians displayed significantly higher VAT (771 ± 609 cm3 vs 424 ± 235 cm3; p = 0.043), triglycerides (1.0 ± 0.9 mmol/L vs 0.6 ± 0.2 mmol/L; p = 0.050), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (3.1 ± 0.9 mmol/L vs 2.3 ± 0.7 mmol/L; p = 0.019). Similar changes were observed in both groups over the pre-season period in VAT and blood biochemical markers. Polynesian rugby union athletes were more likely than Caucasians to exhibit risk factors associated with cardiometabolic disease, such as elevated VAT and unfavourable lipid profiles. Further longitudinal research is required to identify and explain the short- and long-term risk of cardiometabolic disease in athletes of Polynesian descent.

Consumption of low nutritive value foods and cardiometabolic risk factors among French-speaking adults from Quebec, Canada: the PREDISE study

BackgroundThere is very limited knowledge on the magnitude to which foods with low nutritive value constitute the diet of adults from the province of Quebec. The extent to which these foods impact cardiometabolic risk is also poorly documented. The objective was to assess the contribution of low nutritive value foods to total energy intake (E) and to examine associations with cardiometabolic risk factors among French-speaking adults from 5 administrative regions of the Province of Quebec.MethodsAs part of the cross-sectional PREDISE Study, 1147 adults (50.2% women; mean [SD] age, 43.2 [4.6] years) participated in a web-based investigation. Dietary intake data were obtained using a validated web-based self-administered 24-h recall, the R24W, completed on three occasions. Foods with low nutritive value were defined as foods exceeding predetermined thresholds for the following nutrients: saturated fat, sugar or sodium as well as beverages and ingredients not recommended in Canada’s Food Guide 2019. A total of 1019 participants underwent on-site clinical assessment of cardiometabolic risk factors.ResultsParticipants consumed on average 29.0%E (95%CI, 28.2–29.7) as low nutritive value foods, to which pastries (18%), alcohol (15%), sweets (13%), chips/popcorn (6%) and sugar-sweetened beverages (6%) contributed the most. Low nutritive value foods contributed more to total E in men than in women (30.7%E vs. 27.5%E, respectively; P < 0.0001). In fully-adjusted linear regression models, increments of 250 kcal/d from low nutritive value foods were associated with higher body mass index (+ 1.7 kg/m2; 95%CI 1.2 to 2.2), higher waist circumference (+ 0.6 cm; 95%CI, 0.1 to 1.1), cholesterol: HDL cholesterol ratio (+ 0.12 mmol/L; 95%CI, 0.01 to 0.24 and triglycerides (+ 7.8%; 95%CI, 3.0 to 12.8).ConclusionsLow nutritive value foods contribute near 30% of total daily energy intake of French-speaking adults of the Province of Quebec and are associated with increased waist circumference and an unfavourable lipid profile. Addressing consumption of low nutritive value foods at the population level is a potential strategy to attenuate the burden of chronic diseases.

Skipping Breakfast and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Death: A Systematic Review of Prospective Cohort Studies in Primary Prevention Settings

Several studies have associated skipping (not having) breakfast with cardiometabolic risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, unfavorable lipid profiles, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. We examined the available evidence regarding the effect of skipping breakfast on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, as well as all-cause mortality. Medline, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from inception until May 2019 to identify prospective cohort studies that examined the association between skipping breakfast and the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and all-cause death. Electronic searches were supplemented by manual screening of the references of retrieved studies. Out of 456 citations identified, four studies (from Japan and the US) were included. The included studies involved a total of 199,634 adults (aged ≥40 years; 48.5% female) without known cardiovascular disease (CVD) at baseline followed over a median duration of 17.4 years. The pooled data suggested that people who regularly skipped breakfast were about 21% more likely (hazard ratio (HR) 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08–1.35; I2 = 17.3%, p = 0.304) to experience incident CVD or die from it than people who regularly consumed breakfast. Also, the risk of all-cause death was 32% higher (HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.17–1.48; I2 = 7.6%, p = 0.339) in people who regularly skipped breakfast than in people who regularly consumed breakfast. However, the definition of skipping breakfast was heterogenous and adjustment for confounders varied significantly. Therefore, residual confounding could not be ruled out and caution is required in the interpretation of the findings. Hence, large prospective studies with a consistent definition of skipping breakfast, and conducted across different populations, are needed to provide more robust evidence of the health effects of skipping breakfast.

Can improvement in hormonal and energy balance reverse cardiovascular risk factors in athletes with amenorrhea?

Female athletes display a high prevalence of hypothalamic amenorrhea as a result of energy imbalance. In these athletes with amenorrhea, decreased luteinizing hormone/follicule-stimulating hormone secretion leads to deficiency in endogenous estrogen. The severe estrogen deficiency in these athletes may increase cardiovascular risk similar to that in postmenopausal women. This review discusses the potential cardiovascular risk factors in athletes with amenorrhea as a result of hypoestrogenism, which include endothelial dysfunction and unfavorable lipid profiles. We also consider the potential to reverse the cardiovascular risk by restoring energy or hormonal imbalance along the reproductive axis in athletes with amenorrhea.

Race–ethnic differences in the associations of maternal lipid trait genetic risk scores with longitudinal fetal growth

Fetal growth, an important predictor of cardiometabolic diseases in adults, is influenced by maternal and fetal genetic and environmental factors. We investigated the association between maternal lipid genetic risk score (GRS) and fetal growth among 4 US racial-ethnic populations (Whites, Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians). We extracted genotype data for 2008 pregnant women recruited in the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Fetal Growth Studies-Singleton cohort with up to 6 standardized ultrasound examinations. GRS was calculated using 240 single-nucleotide polymorphisms previously associated with higher total cholesterol (GRSTChol), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (GRSLDLc), and triglycerides (GRSTG) and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (GRSHDLc). At 40 weeks' gestation, a unit increase in GRSTG was associated with 11.4g higher fetal weight (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.8-20.0g) among normal-weight Whites, 26.3g (95% CI 6.0-46.6g) among obese Blacks, and 30.8g (95% CI 6.3-55.3g) among obese Hispanics. Higher GRSHDLc was associated with increased fetal weight across 36 to 40weeks among normal-weight Whites and across 13 to 20weeks among normal-weight Asians, but with decreased fetal weight across 26 to 40weeks among normal-weight Hispanics. Higher GRSTChol was suggestively associated with increased fetal weight in males and decreased in females. Associations remained consistent after adjustment for serum lipids. Associations between fetal weight and maternal lipid GRS appear to vary by maternal race-ethnic group, obesity status, and offspring sex. Genetic susceptibility to unfavorable lipid profiles contributes to fetal growth differences even among normal-weight women suggesting a potential future application in predicting aberrant fetal growth.

The Adipokine Profile and the Cardiometabolic Risk in Non-Obese Young Adults

Background:Young, non-obese adults are considered at low risk for cardiometabolic diseases, although markers of an unhealthy metabolic state are not uncommon findings in this population. Adipose tissue dysfunction, evaluated by the adipokine profile, significantly influences lipid and glucose metabolism and low-grade systemic inflammation.Aims:To determine the relation between adipose tissue dysfunction and the already confirmed cardiometabolic risk indicators, including the atherogenic index of plasma, lipid accumulation product, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, and the low-grade inflammation markers, namely, interleukin 6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein.Study Design:Cross-sectional study.Methods:We recruited 93 non-obese, healthy young adults. Anthropometric, lipid profile, inflammatory markers, and adipokines were measured. An abnormal adipokine profile (high leptin-to-adiponectin ratio) was considered as a marker of a dysfunctional adipose tissue. The correlation between the leptin-to-adiponectin ratio and the anthropometric measurements, atherogenic index of plasma, lipid accumulation product, homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, interleukin 6, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was determined.Results:We found a direct correlation between the abnormal adipokine profile and the cardiometabolic risk indicators mentioned above, except for the low-grade inflammatory markers. In the regression model derived from our data, the leptin-to-adiponectin ratio was best correlated with the unfavorable plasma lipid profile, as estimated by the atherogenic index of plasma (r=0.097, confidence interval=0.015-0.180, p=0.021). A significantly higher leptin-to-adiponectin ratio was found in the insulin-resistant group (p=0.012) and in the highest lipid accumulation product quartile (p=0.032).Conclusion:In a non-obese young population, the high rate of leptin-adiponectin may be a good predictor of cardiovascular and metabolic risk assessment.

Experimental hypogonadism: insulin resistance, biochemical changes and effect of testosterone substitution.

Background We sought to clarify the role of testosterone substitution in terms of insulin resistance and metabolic profile dysregulation in hypogonadism. Methods Twenty-nine male Wistar rats aged 11-12 weeks were divided in three groups: control (C, n = 10), sham operation; orchiectomy (ORX, n = 9); and orchiectomy + testosterone substitution (ORX+T, n = 10). Blood samples were obtained at day 1 (operation), after 10 days (intramuscular T injection 100 μg/100 g b.w.), 25 days (second T injection) and 40 days (sacrifice). Results Hormonal replacement significantly attenuated the negative effect of orchiectomy on insulin resistance as indicated by the successive changes in both insulin levels (1.44 ± 2.94 vs. 4.10 ± 2.47 vs. 1.78 ± 0.68 ng/mL, for D1, D10 and D40, respectively; p = 0.028 and p = 0.022, respectively) and HOMA-IR index (1.36 ± 2.75 vs. 3.68 ± 1.87 vs. 1.74 ± 0.69 ng/mL, for D1, D10 and D40, respectively; p = 0.024 and p = 0.026, respectively) in the ORX+T group. Irisin levels peaked at the 10th postoperative day and were decreased at the end of the experiment (0.27 ± 0.11 vs. 0.85 ± 0.54 vs. 0.02 ± 0.07 ng/mL for D1, D10 and D40, respectively; p = 0.028 in both cases), whereas resistin levels did not differ. Experimental hypogonadism results in an unfavorable lipid profile and insulin resistance, which is not observed when the ORX animals are substituted for T.

Body composition and nutritional and metabolic parameters in postmenopausal women sufficient, insufficient and deficient in vitamin D.

We investigated changes in body composition and nutritional and metabolic parameters in a group of postmenopausal women who were classified as sufficient, insufficient and deficient in vitamin D. A total of 106 postmenopausal women were included in this cross-sectional study and classified according to their serum levels of 25-OH-vitamin D as sufficient (≥ 30 ng/mL; group S), insufficient (20.1 and 29.9 ng/mL; group I) or deficient (≤ 20 ng/mL; group D) in vitamin D. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA); dietary recall questionnaires were completed; and blood samples were analysed to compare the metabolic and nutritional status of the study groups. Eleven (10.4%) of the women were classified in group S, 50 (47.2%) in group I and 45 (42.4%) in group D, with a mean serum level for 25-OH-D of 21.1 ± 7.0 ng/mL in all participants. Body composition did not differ among the groups. Serum levels of 25-OH-D were negatively correlated with serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency were highly prevalent in our group of postmenopausal women, showing an association with an unfavourable lipid profile.

Is it worth to continue to analyse the factors of cardiovascular risk among the sailors? Review of literature.

Cardiovascular diseases are still the most common cause of death from natural causes among seafarers. The aim of the study was to determine which of the cardiovascular risk factors listed in the current recommendations of the European Society of Cardiology occur among seafarers. The paper is a review of literature from PubMed Database. Based on conducted analysis of over 31 papers high prevalence of classic and other cardiovascular risk factors among seafarers was proven. The most common risk factors among off-shore workers are overweight and obesity (over 64%); moreover, these factors occur more often among seafarers than in the general popula- tion. Also hypertension, smoking, type 2 diabetes and unfavourable lipid profile were present more often in this occupational group. In the analysed studies attention was also paid to factors often overlooked in risk assess- ment such as mental and inflammatory illnesses, unfavourable working conditions and psychological burden. Seafarers have a higher cardiovascular risk because, among other things, the prevalence of "old and new" risk factors among them is higher than in general population.

Association between Irisin, hs-CRP, and Metabolic Status in Children and Adolescents with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Proinflammatory cytokines and the novel myokine irisin, a cleavage product of FNDC5, have been found to play a role in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Irisin has been shown to increase browning of adipose tissue, thermogenesis, energy expenditure, and insulin sensitivity, yet its association with inflammatory markers is still limited. Circulating irisin has been found to be increased in obesity, while in adult subjects with T2DM decreased levels have been found. However, data establishing the association of circulating irisin in children and adolescents with T2DM has not been described in the literature. The objective of this study was to determine irisin plasma concentration and its association with metabolic and adiposity markers and with hs-CRP, a surrogate marker of inflammation used in clinical practice, in a pediatric population with T2DM. A cross-sample of 40 Mexican children and adolescents aged 7-17 were recruited, 20 diagnosed with T2DM and 20 healthy controls. Plasma irisin levels were found to be lower in the T2DM group compared with controls, which could be attributed to a reduced PGC-1α activity in muscle tissue with a consequent decrease in FNDC5 and irisin expression. Irisin concentration was found to be positively correlated with HDL-c, LDL-c, and total cholesterol, while negatively correlated with BMI, waist circumference, and triglycerides. However, after multiple regression analysis, only HDL-c correlation remained significant. hs-CRP was higher in the T2DM group and positively associated with adiposity markers, unfavorable lipid profile, insulin levels, and HOMA-IR, but no association with irisin was found. Given the favorable metabolic effects attributed to irisin, the low plasma levels found in children and adolescents with T2DM could exacerbate the inflammatory and metabolic imbalances and the intrinsic cardiovascular risk of this disease. We propose an “irisin-proinflammatory/anti-inflammatory axis” to explain the role of irisin as a metabolic regulator in obesity and T2DM.

Faecal bacterial and short-chain fatty acids signature in hypercholesterolemia

Gut microbiota has been suggested to affect lipid metabolism. The objective of this study was to characterize the faecal microbiota signature and both short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and bile acids (BA) profile of hypercholesterolemic subjects. Microbiota composition, SCFAs, BA and blood lipid profile from male volunteers with hypercholesterolemia (HC) and normocholesterolemia (NC) were determined by 16S rDNA sequencing, HPLC, GC and NMR, respectively. HC subjects were characterized by having lower relative abundance of Anaeroplasma (0.002% vs 0.219%, p-value = 0.026) and Haemophilus (0.041% vs 0.078%, p-value = 0.049), and higher of Odoribacter (0.51% vs 0.16%; p-value = 0.044). Correlation analysis revealed that Anaeroplasma and Haemophilus were associated to an unfavourable lipid profile: they correlated negatively to cholesterol and triglycerides related biomarkers and the ratio total to high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and positively to HDL size. Odoribacter displayed an opposite behaviour. Faecal SCFAs profile revealed higher abundance of isobutyric (2.76% vs 0.82%, p-value = 0.049) and isovaleric acid (1.32% vs 0.06%, p-value = 0.016) in HC. Isobutyric acid correlated positively with Odoribacter and lipid parameters indicative of an unfavourable profile. BA profile did not show differences between groups. It was concluded that HC subjects showed a particular faecal bacterial signature and SCFAs profile associated with their lipid profile.

Body fat percentage is better than indicators of weight status to identify children and adolescents with unfavorable lipid profile

ObjectiveTo assess whether the indicators of weight status body mass index and waist‐to‐height ratio are similar to body fat percentage to identify obese children and adolescents with unfavorable lipid profile. MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study involving 840 children and adolescents (6–18 years). The same individuals were classified as non‐obese (<P95) or obese (≥P95) according to body fat percentage and indicators of weight status, body mass index, and waist‐to‐height ratio. Body fat percentage was obtained by multi‐frequency bioelectrical impedance. Linear association between obesity and increased lipid fractions was tested by ANCOVA. Normal distribution curves of non‐HDL cholesterol were designed for obese and non‐obese. To provide the proportion of obese individuals with elevated non‐HDL‐c across all indicators, Z‐score was calculated. ResultsObese boys presented higher non‐HDL cholesterol when compared with those non‐obese, classified by body mass index (107±28 vs. 94±25mg/dL, p=0.001), waist‐to‐height ratio (115±29 vs. 94±25mg/dL, p<0.001) and body fat percentage (119±33 vs. 94±24mg/dL, p<0.001). Differently, obese girls presented with higher non‐HDL cholesterol when compared with those non‐obese only according to the body fat percentage classification (118±24 vs. 96±26mg/dL, p=0.001). A large shift to the right in the distribution curve of non‐HDL cholesterol among obese girls compared with non‐obese was observed only when body fat percentage was used to discriminate between obese and non‐obese. ConclusionBody fat percentage was better than the indicators of weight status to identify children and adolescents with unfavorable lipid profile, mainly among girls.

Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Oxidative Stress Indices in Obese Women in Southern Nigeria

Oxidative stress has been implicated in obesity-associated dyslipidemia and microvascular complications. In this study, the lipid profile and oxidative stress indices were evaluated in obese women. Ninety women (22–55 years) comprising 40 obese, 20 overweight and 30 controls were studied. Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), malondialdehyde (MDA), lipid hydroperoxides, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reduced form of glutathione (GSH), and nitric oxide (NO) were estimated colorimetrically, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), oxidative stress index (OSI), and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) were determined by calculation. Anthropometric indices and blood pressure (BP) were also obtained. Our results showed that obese women had lower antioxidants and higher BP, lipid peroxidation, and OSI with unfavorable lipid profile (higher TC, TG, LDL, VLDL, and AIP; lower HDL) compared to overweight and controls (p < 0.05). Overweight women had higher BP, lipid peroxidation, and decreased antioxidants compared to controls (p < 0.05). Positive correlations were observed between MDA and TC (r = 0.336, p = 0.034) and LDL (r = 0.322, p = 0.043), and negative correlation between HDL and AIP (r = –0.636, p < 0.001) in obese women. In conclusion, obesity is associated with increased LDL-C, lipid peroxidation, and reduced antioxidants which may lead to oxidative stress and increased risk for atherosclerosis in obese women studied.

Accelerated atherosclerosis, hyperlipoproteinemia and insulin resistance in long-term survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma during childhood and adolescence.

Long-term survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma during childhood or adolescence (HL survivors) are at high risk of developing treatment-related late cardiovascular sequelae. In our study we evaluated the presence of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, hyperlipoproteinemia, hyperinsulinemia, obesity), endothelial and inflammatory markers (E-selectin, PAI-1, hs-CRP) and atherosclerotic changes in the common carotid arteries. Assessment was performed in 80 young adult Hodgkin lymphoma long-term survivors at more than 10 years after the potentially cardiovascular toxic anticancer treatment (median age at evaluation 34.7 years; range 24.1-40.9 years). The HL survivors were compared with 83 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers. The HL survivors showed unfavorable lipid profiles compared to those of healthy controls: triglycerides (p=0.01), total cholesterol (p=0.0004), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (p=0.005). In HL survivors, we found a higher prevalence of hypertension (p=0.004) and insulin resistance - HOMA-IR (p=0.0002). Ultrasonographic examination of both common carotid arteries revealed a higher prevalence of atherosclerotic plaques (p=0.0009) and higher carotid intima-media thickness (p<0.0001) in HL survivors. Markers of oxidative stress (advanced oxidation protein products, oxidized low-density lipoprotein), inflammation (hs-CRP) and endothelial dysfunction (E-selectin, PAI-1) were also higher in HL survivors (p<0.0001, p=0.0002, p=0.0031, p=0.0087, p=0.004, respectively). Adult survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma during childhood and adolescence need closer follow-up with screening of metabolic syndrome components, unfavorable lifestyle factors and early management of these risk factors.

IMPACTO DEL EJERCICIO FÍSICO EN EL MANEJO DE LA DISLIPIDEMIA DIABÉTICA

La actividad física genera una mejor aptitud cardiorrespiratoria o fitness cardiorrespiratorio (FCR). Un mayor FCR se asocia a numerosos beneficios: menor riesgo de mortalidad cardiovascular y por todas las causas, menor riesgo de hipertensión arterial (HTA) y de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2), menor riesgo de diversos cánceres y un menor riesgo de perfil lipídico desfavorable. En este último punto, la dificultad de realizar estudios clínicos aleatorizados de magnitud suficiente hace que la evidencia sea moderada. No obstante, puede afirmarse que los efectos del ejercicio sobre el perfil lipídico en pacientes DM2 son positivos, con un beneficio más manifiesto de los ejercicios aeróbicos y combinados, y sobre todo cuando el volumen y la intensidad del ejercicio son mayores.

PO429 Evaluating Insulin Availability, Price and Affordability In Bengaluru Region (Karnataka), India

There is limited information on differences in plasma lipid levels among the major ethnic groups in Europe.We investigated ethnic differences in plasma lipid levels in a large multiethnic cohort and explored the contribution of obesity and other determinants to ethnic differences in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) levels.We compared lipid profiles among 21,617 participants (aged 18 to 70 years) of Moroccan, Ghanaian, South Asian Surinamese, African Surinamese, Turkish and Dutch ethnic origin, living in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Fasting total cholesterol, HDL-C, and TG were measured while fasting. LDL-C was calculated using the Friedewald formula and corrected for lipid-lowering therapy.Mean LDL-C ranged from 2.84 ± 0.22 mmol/L in Moroccans to 3.13 ± 0.06 mmol/L in South Asian Surinamese participants. Mean HDL-C ranged from 1.30 ± 0.15 mmol/L in Turkish to 1.62 ± 0.10 mmol/L in Ghanaian participants. Mean TG ranged from 0.64 ± 1.18 mmol/L in Ghanaian to 1.00 ± 1.18 mmol/L in South Asian Surinamese and 1.00 ± 1.27 mmol/L in Turkish origin participants. The differences in LDL-C, HDL-C, and TG levels remained present after adjustment for age and sex. Differences between ethnic groups were significantly attenuated after adjustment for other determinants, including body mass index, diabetes and use of lipid-lowering drugs but remained significant.Large ethnic differences exist in lipid components, especially HDL-C and TG levels with a higher HDL-C and lower TG levels among African (Ghanaian and Surinamese) origin participants and the most unfavorable lipid profiles among individuals of South Asian Surinamese and Turkish origin.

Associations between Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle Assessed with the MEDLIFE Index among the Working Population.

The adherence to the Mediterranean diet is beneficial for cardiovascular diseases prevention. The study aim is to use Mediterranean lifestyle (MEDLIFE) questionnaire for estimation of Mediterranean lifestyle habits among the working population and to establish MEDLIFE score correlation with the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. In the study has participated 366 workers from Croatia, which fulfilled MEDLIFE and validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) questionnaire. The multivariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association between MEDLIFE index, workers’ obesity and cardiovascular diseases risk. The lowest adherence to Mediterranean lifestyle was associated to younger, low education, body fat above acceptable ranges and unfavorable lipid profile. Significant association to Mediterranean lifestyle was more among women (p = 0.002), middle aged (p = 0.02), highly physically active (p = 0.009) and those who play collective sports >2 h/w (p = 0.001), having body fat within acceptable range (p = 0.003), total cholesterol less (p = 0.03) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL-C) (p = 0.04) more than recommended. Inverse significant association was for high educational level (p = 0.02). The Mediterranean lifestyle adherence is associated to lower risk factors for cardiovascular diseases among studied working population. MEDLIFE index revealed that physical activity and conviviality are better ingrained among younger population but not the Mediterranean diet.

Association of serum adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein and apolipoprotein B /apolipoprotein A1 ratio with intima media thickness of common carotid artery in dyslipidemic patients.

Diseases caused by atherosclerosis play the most important role in mortality and morbidity worldwide. Serum adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (A-FABP) seems to be a new promising marker to determine the risk of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate relationships between serum A-FABP levels in studied individuals and to assess the possibility of modeling the intima media thickness of the common carotid artery (C-IMT) using A-FABP levels and other observed characteristics. Seventy two Caucasian individuals were enrolled and divided into 3 groups: dyslipidemic patients with or without metabolic syndrome (MetS+, n=17; MetS-, n= 34) and controls (n=21). There was confirmed the well-established risk profile of individuals with MetS (unfavorable lipid and lipoprotein profile, as well as increased parameters of insulin resistence and C-IMT). A-FABP concentrations in this group were significantly higher in comparison with both MetS- and controls. Using multiple linear regression models of C-IMT values for all individual data, healthy controls and dyslipidemic patients without metabolic syndrome (MetS-) A-FABP levels were not revealed as an important predictor of C-IMT in our model. In contrast, age, gender, waist circumference, nonHDL cholesterol levels and ApoB/ApoA1 ratio were important repressors of C- IMT in study individuals. This finding may be attributed to the overwhelming effect of other more robust risk factors for atherosclerosis in these individuals.

Association of plasma apolipoprotein CIII, high sensitivity C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor-\u03b1 contributes to the clinical features of coronary heart disease in Li and Han ethnic groups in China

BackgroundApolipoprotein CIII (apoCIII) is an independent risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). In this study, we investigated the associations among plasma apoCIII, hs-CRP and TNF-α levels and their roles in the clinical features of CHD in the Li and Han ethnic groups in China.MethodsA cohort of 474 participants was recruited (238 atherosclerotic patients and 236 healthy controls) from the Li and Han ethnic groups. Blood samples were obtained to evaluate apoCIII, TNF-α, hs-CRP and lipid profiles. Chi-squared, t-tests, and Kruskal–Wallis or Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney tests, Pearson or Spearman correlation tests and multiple unconditional logistic regression were employed to analyze lipid profiles and variations in plasma apoCIII, TNF-α, hs-CRP in subgroups of CHD and their contributions to CHD using SPSS version 20.0 software.ResultsCompared to healthy participants, unfavorable lipid profiles were identified in CHD patients with enhanced systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, fasting blood sugar (FBS), TG, TC, LDL-C, apoB, Lp(a) (P < 0.05, TC and Lp(a); P < 0.01, FBS, TG, LDL-C, apoB); and lower HDL-C and apoAI (P < 0.05). Plasma apoCIII, TNF-α and hs-CRP levels were higher in CHD individuals (16.77 ± 5.98 mg/dL vs. 10.91 ± 4.97 mg/dL; 17.23 ± 6.34 pg/mL vs. 9.49 ± 3.88 pg/mL; 9.55 ± 7.32 mg/L vs. 2.14 ± 1.56 mg/L; P < 0.01 vs. healthy participants). Identical patterns were obtained in the Li and Han groups (16.46 ± 6.08 mg/dL vs. 11.72 ± 5.16 mg/dL; 15.71 ± 5.52 pg/mL vs. 9.74 ± 4.31 pg/mL; 8.21 ± 7.09 mg/L vs. 2.15 ± 1.51 mg/L in Li people; 17.05 ± 5.90 mg/dL vs. 10.07 ± 4.63 mg/dL; 18.59 ± 6.73 pg/mL vs. 9.23 ± 3.38 pg/mL; 10.75 ± 7.44 mg/L vs. 2.12 ± 1.63 mg/L in Han people; P < 0.01). Paired comparisons of subgroups with stable angina, unstable angina, and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) revealed significant variation in plasma levels of apoCIII, TNF-α and hs-CRP (P < 0.01), but not among subgroups with mild, moderate and severe stenosis (P > 0.05). Plasma apoCIII, TNF-α and hs-CRP contributed to the development of CHD (OR = 2.554, 7.252, 6.035, P < 0.01) with paired correlations in CHD patients (apoCIII vs. TNF-α, r = 0.425; apoCIII vs. hs-CRP, r = 0.319; TNF-α vs. hs-CRP, r = 0.400, P < 0.01).ConclusionsAssociation among plasma apoCIII, hs-CRP and TNF-α interacts with unfavorable lipid profiles to contribute to the clinical features of CHD with stable angina, unstable angina, and AMI in the Li and Han ethnic groups in China.

Ethnic differences in plasma lipid levels in a large multiethnic cohort: The HELIUS study

There is limited information on differences in plasma lipid levels among the major ethnic groups in Europe. We investigated ethnic differences in plasma lipid levels in a large multiethnic cohort and explored the contribution of obesity and other determinants to ethnic differences in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride (TG) levels. We compared lipid profiles among 21,617 participants (aged 18 to 70years) of Moroccan, Ghanaian, South Asian Surinamese, African Surinamese, Turkish and Dutch ethnic origin, living in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Fasting total cholesterol, HDL-C, and TG were measured while fasting. LDL-C was calculated using the Friedewald formula and corrected for lipid-lowering therapy. Mean LDL-C ranged from 2.84±0.22mmol/L in Moroccans to 3.13±0.06mmol/L in South Asian Surinamese participants. Mean HDL-C ranged from 1.30±0.15mmol/L in Turkish to 1.62±0.10mmol/L in Ghanaian participants. Mean TG ranged from 0.64±1.18mmol/L in Ghanaian to 1.00±1.18 mmol/L in South Asian Surinamese and 1.00±1.27 mmol/L in Turkish origin participants. The differences in LDL-C, HDL-C, and TG levels remained present after adjustment for age and sex. Differences between ethnic groups were significantly attenuated after adjustment for other determinants, including body mass index, diabetes and use of lipid-lowering drugs but remained significant. Large ethnic differences exist in lipid components, especially HDL-C and TG levels with a higher HDL-C and lower TG levels among African (Ghanaian and Surinamese) origin participants and the most unfavorable lipid profiles among individuals of South Asian Surinamese and Turkish origin.