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Background: Obesity has increased in prevalence and thus has become a public health crisis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of weight loss on the resolution of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular risk. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort and descriptive study, involved consulting a database, from March 2018 to March 2019. The subjects were female and male patients, ≥18 years, who had been submitted to bariatric surgery from March 2014 to March 2016. The following data were obtained from their charts: weight, height, age, sex, presence of associated morbidities (type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular risk), glycated hemoglobina and glucose. The data a presented as the mean and standard deviation, median and interquartile range, or count and percentage. The results were considered statistically significant if p-value ≤0.05. Results: The patients had maintained a substantial percentage of excesso wheight loss (%EWL) during the postoperative period, and the Hb1Ac, glucose, CVR, and metabolic alterations were also reduced. Six months after surgery, group 1 (

Background: Emerging evidence suggests that elevated circulating levels of HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) could be linked to an increased mortality risk. However, to the best of our knowledge, the relationship between HDL-C and specific cardiovascular events has never been investigated in patients with hypertension. Methods: To fill this knowledge gap, we analyzed the relationship between HDL-C levels and cardiovascular events in hypertensive patients within the Campania Salute Network in Southern Italy. Results: We studied 11 987 patients with hypertension, who were followed for 25 534 person-years. Our population was divided in 3 groups according to the HDL-C plasma levels: HDL-C80 mg/dL (high HDL-C). At the follow-up analysis, adjusting for potential confounders, we observed a total of 245 cardiovascular events with a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular events in the low HDL-C group and in the high HDL-C arm compared with the medium HDL-C group. The spline analysis revealed a nonlinear U-shaped association between HDL-C levels and cardiovascular outcomes. Interestingly, the increased cardiovascular risk associated with high HDL-C was not confirmed in female patients. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that there is a U-shaped association between HDL-C and the risk of cardiovascular events in male patients with hypertension.

INTRODUCTION Diabetic kidney disease is the main cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) worldwide. Both CKD and diabetes mellitus (DMT2) are important risk factors for mortality. However, it is still unknown if the risk of death is modified by the simultaneous presence of these diseases. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the presence of an interaction between DMT2 and CKD for mortality in a representative population of a Latin American country. METHODS It is an analytical cohort study of patients with CKD, who were followed for 4 years (between 2004 and 2009). We calculated the incidence rate, progression, survival (using Kaplan-Meier curves), interaction (on the additive and multiplicative scales) and impact of the different stages of CKD in patients with and without DMT2 (using a cox proportional hazards model). RESULTS In this population of 5663 individuals, both DMT2 and CKD are risk factors for mortality (P < 0.001). We found a statistically significant difference in mortality between individuals with and without DMT2, who also had CKD stages 3 - 4 - 5 (Log-rank P = 0.0076). Additionally, we found a statistically significant interaction for mortality in both the additive and multiplicative scales between DMT2 and CKD (P = 0.005). DMT2 was found to be a risk factor for mortality (Hazard Ratio 1.61 P < 0.001), but in individuals with DMT2, the only risks significantly associated with mortality, were age, dyslipidemia and nephroprotective drugs. CONCLUSIoN: The interaction between CKD and DMT2 negatively modifies the risk of death of both diseases. This means that when the two diseases are present, the risk of mortality is lower than expected.

Aim Dyslipidemia and altered iron metabolism are typical features of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 7 (PCSK7), a transmembrane-anchored endonuclease, is associated with triglycerides level and processing of transferrin receptor 1. However, the significance of circulating PCSK7 has not been fully addressed, though prosegment PCSK7 is secreted from cells. We investigated the associations of plasma PCSK7 level with several parameters. Methods Plasma PCSK7 concentration was measured in 282 subjects (male/female: 126/156) without medication of the Tanno-Sobetsu Study, a population-based cohort study. Results There was no significant sex difference in PCSK7 level. Current smoking habit, but not alcohol drinking habit, was associated with increased PCSK7 level. PCSK7 concentration was negatively correlated with age and blood urea nitrogen and was positively correlated with body mass index (BMI) and levels of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γGTP), triglycerides and fatty liver index (FLI), which is calculated by BMI, waist circumference and levels of γGTP and triglycerides, as a noninvasive and simple predictor of NAFLD. There were no significant correlations of PCSK7 level with levels of iron and plasma PCSK9, a secreted PCSK family member and a regulator of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. Multivariable regression analyses after adjustment of age, sex and current smoking habit showed that PCSK7 concentration was independently associated with BMI (β=0.130, P=0.035), triglycerides (β=0.141, P=0.027) or FLI (β=0.139, P=0.030). Conclusions Plasma PCSK7 concentration is independently associated with chronic liver disease including obesity and elevated triglycerides level in a general population of individuals who had not regularly taken any medications.

The incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease has increased in the developed countries. Dyslipidemia is a primary major risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and LDL lowering is one of the main objectives. Although treatment goals for dyslipidemias should be personalized in every patient, statins are cost-effective in primary and secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. New treatments with higher power and greater decreases in LDL, PSCK9 inhibitors, have made a new breakthrough in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease treatment. The 2019 guidelines for de management of dyslipidemias: lipid modification to reduce cardiovascular risk (European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society) with the level of evidence and the strength of the recommendations can facilitate the best decisions and benefits to our patients in clinical practice.

Aims Royal jelly, a creamy substance secreted by honeybees, has been reported to have beneficial effects against dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome. However, the effects of royal jelly on atherogenesis remain unknown. Hence, we prospectively evaluated whether royal jelly augments vascular endothelial function, which can reflect early atherogenesis, in healthy volunteers. Methods This was a single-center, double-blind, 1:1 randomized placebo-controlled study conducted from October 2018 to December 2019. A total of 100 healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to receive either royal jelly 690 mg or placebo daily for 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was augmentation in vascular endothelial function as assessed using the change in the reactive hyperemia peripheral arterial tonometry index (RH-PAT) index, and the secondary endpoints were the changes in liver function and lipid profiles between baseline and 4 weeks after enrollment. Results The mean age of the participants was 35.0±9.3 years in the placebo group and 36.1±9.1 years in the royal jelly groups; 45% and 50% of the placebo and the royal jelly groups, respectively, were male. The percentage relative change in the RH-PAT index was significantly higher in the royal jelly group than in the placebo group (21.4%±53.1% vs. 0.05%±40.9%, P=0.037). The percentage relative changes in alanine aminotransferase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase were significantly lower in the royal jelly group than in the placebo group (alanine aminotransferase: -6.06%±22.2% vs. 11.6%±46.5%, P=0.02; γ-glutamyl transpeptidase: -3.45%±17.8% vs. 4.62%±19.4%, P=0.045). Lipid profiles were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions Royal jelly might have antiatherogenic property by improving vascular endothelial function. It also augmented liver functions in healthy volunteers.

Background: Antiretroviral therapy has increasingly improved management of HIV infection, ensuring long-term efficacy and tolerability. Each class of antiretrovirals has, however, different characteristics and different tolerability profiles. The literature data show that protease inhibitors (PIs) are associated with a higher incidence of dyslipidemia. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether patients treated with PIs have both greater dyslipidemia and increased intima media thickness (IMT) and atheromatous plaques compared to patients treated without PIs. Materials and Methods: A total of 110 HIV-experienced patients screened with Doppler ultrasonography of the supra-aortic trunks in December 2019 were enrolled in a retrospective cross-sectional observational study. Patients were divided into two groups: 59 in the PI-based group, treated with PIs, and 51 in the PI-sparing group. In the two groups, we evaluated lipids, cardiovascular risk factors (smoking, BMI, age, hypertension), increased pathological IMT (a value > 1 mm), and possible atheromatous plaque. Results: Serum LDL (p 0.04) and percentage of patients with hypercholesterolemia (p 0.03) were higher in the PI-based than in the PI-sparing group. Doppler data showed a trend in increase of IMT > 1 in the PI-based group, which appeared statistically significant for the section of the left common carotid artery (p 0.03). However, in multivariate logistic regression models, none of the evaluated variables were significantly associated with IMT > 1. Conclusions: Our real-life data show that patients treated with PIs have a trend of developing both greater dyslipidemia and increased pathological IMT and atheromatous plaques These findings may be useful to optimize antiretrovirals for patients with cardiovascular risk factors.

Background and aims. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic endocrine diseases characterized by raised blood glucose level. Current data predict that the DM prevalence will reach up to 11% of the world`s population in 10 years from now. Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is a condition where the circulating thyroid-stimulating hormone is elevated and free thyroxine and free tri-iodothyronine are within normal. This condition is associated with hypercholesterolemia. Dyslipidemia is a lipid imbalance that can result in complications affecting the cardiovascular system in particular. A common cause of dyslipidemia is diabetes. The correlation between subclinical hypothyroidism and type II DM is controversial. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between SCH and type II DM, and if there is an impact of SCH on diabetic dyslipidemia. Methods. A case-control study conducted from January 2018 to January 2023 in Kerbala, Iraq. It included 176 patients with type II DM and 180 subjects as controls. The study was carried on after the approval of the ethical committee at Kerbala College of medicine. Results. SCH was more prevalent (18.18%) in the diabetic versus (2.22%) in the control groups, (pConclusion. The prevalence of SCH was higher in type II DM and in females. The dyslipidemia was more pronounced in diabetics with SCH. The degree of lipid control correlated with the TSH level, duration of diabetes and the degree of glycemic control.

We investigated the utilization of apolipoprotein B (ApoB), an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and developed and validated a translational equation for calculating low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the Korean population visiting local clinics and hospitals. Among a total of 469,520 data sets of the lipid profile panel (total cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterols), 142,932 lipid test sets with data on LDL-C and/or ApoB were used for statistical analysis. Using linear regression analysis, we created ApoB percentile value-derived LDL-C equations in a creating set and validated them with previously reported equations (a total of 11 equations) in comparison to directly measured LDL-C using two independent validating sets. Among all lipid test sets, the simultaneously measured ApoB test only accounted for 2.0%, indicating its underutilization in Korea. The ApoB-derived equations, which were derived in this study and previous studies, showed an overall agreement of ≥94.3% for NCEP ATP III criteria. However, the accuracy of the equations varied among data sets of populations. Future studies are needed to validate translational equations for ApoB and LDL-C in different populations to clarify the clinical implications of these equations.

Identifying and treating lipid abnormalities is crucial for preventing cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients, yet only two-thirds of patients reach recommended cholesterol levels. Elucidating the factors associated with lipid goal attainment represents an unmet clinical need. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a real-world analysis of the lipid profiles of 11.252 patients from the Annals of the Italian Association of Medical Diabetologists (AMD) database from 2005 to 2019. We used a Logic Learning Machine (LLM) to extract and classify the most relevant variables predicting the achievement of a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) value lower than 100 mg/dL (2.60 mmol/L) within two years of the start of lipid-lowering therapy. Our analysis showed that 61.4% of the patients achieved the treatment goal. The LLM model demonstrated good predictive performance, with a precision of 0.78, accuracy of 0.69, recall of 0.70, F1 Score of 0.74, and ROC-AUC of 0.79. The most significant predictors of achieving the treatment goal were LDL-C values at the start of lipid-lowering therapy and their reduction after six months. Other predictors of a greater likelihood of reaching the target included high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, albuminuria, and body mass index at baseline, as well as younger age, male sex, more follow-up visits, no therapy discontinuation, higher Q-score, lower blood glucose and HbA1c levels, and the use of anti-hypertensive medication. At baseline, for each LDL-C range analysed, the LLM model also provided the minimum reduction that needs to be achieved by the next six-month visit to increase the likelihood of reaching the therapeutic goal within two years. These findings could serve as a useful tool to inform therapeutic decisions and to encourage further in-depth analysis and testing.

Ozonated sunflower oil (OSO) is a well-known functional oil with antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-allergic, and skin-moisturizing properties. However, studies on the effects of OSO on high-cholesterol diet (HCD)-induced metabolic disorders have been scarce. In the current study, we aimed to determine the anti-inflammatory effects of OSO on lipid metabolism in adult hypercholesterolemic zebrafish and its embryos. Microinjection of OSO (final 2%, 10 nL) into zebrafish embryos under the presence of carboxymethyllysine (CML, 500 ng) protected acute embryo death up to 61% survival, while sunflower oil (final 2%) showed much less protection at around 42% survival. The microinjection of OSO was more effective than SO to inhibit reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptosis in the CML induced embryo toxicity. Intraperitoneal injection of OSO under the presence of CML protected acute death from CML-induced neurotoxicity with improved hepatic inflammation, less detection of ROS and interleukin (IL)-6, and lowering blood total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG), while the SO-injected group did not protect the CML-toxicity. Long-term supplementation of OSO (final 20%, wt/wt) with HCD for 6 months resulted in higher survivability than the HCD alone group or HCD + SO group (final 20%, wt/wt) with significant lowering of plasma TC and TG levels. The HCD + OSO group showed the least hepatic inflammation, fatty liver change, ROS, and IL-6 production. In conclusion, short-term treatment of OSO by injection exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity against acute neurotoxicity of CML in zebrafish and their embryo. Long-term supplementation of OSO in the diet also revealed the highest survivability and blood lipid-lowering effect through potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

Dyslipidemia is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Our recent findings showed that RCI-1502, a bioproduct derived from the muscle of the European S. pilchardus, has lipid-lowering effects in the liver and heart in high-fat diet (HFD) fed mice. In the present follow-up study, we investigated the therapeutic potential of RCI-1502 on gene expression and DNA methylation in HFD-fed mice and in patients with dyslipidemia. Using LC-MS/MS, we identified 75 proteins in RCI-1502 that are primarily involved in binding and catalytic activity and which regulate pathways implicated in cardiovascular diseases. In HFD-fed mice, RCI-1502 treatment significantly reduced the expression of cardiovascular disease-related genes, including vascular cell adhesion molecule and angiotensin. RCI-1502 also decreased DNA methylation levels, which were elevated in HFD-fed mice, to levels similar to those in control animals. Furthermore, peripheral blood leukocyte DNA from dyslipidemic patients exhibited higher DNA methylation levels than healthy individuals, suggesting a potential association with cardiovascular risk. Serum analysis also revealed that RCI-1502 treatment regulated cholesterol and triglyceride levels in patients with dyslipidemia. Our findings appear to suggest that RCI-1502 is an epigenetic modulator for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, specifically in individuals with dyslipidemia.

La Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) define las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles (ECNT) como enfermedades de larga duración, lenta progresión, que no se resuelven espontáneamente y que rara vez logran una curación total. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as diseases of long duration, slow progression, that do not resolve spontaneously and that rarely achieve a total cure.

Atherogenesis and dyslipidemia increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death in developed countries. While blood lipid levels have been studied as disease predictors, their accuracy in predicting cardiovascular risk is limited due to their high interindividual and interpopulation variability. The lipid ratios, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP = log TG/HDL-C) and the Castelli risk index 2 (CI2 = LDL-C/HDL-C), have been proposed as better predictors of cardiovascular risk, but the genetic variability associated with these ratios has not been investigated. This study aimed to identify genetic associations with these indexes. The study population (n = 426) included males (40%) and females (60%) aged 18–52 years (mean 39 years); the Infinium GSA array was used for genotyping. Regression models were developed using R and PLINK. AIP was associated with variation on APOC3, KCND3, CYBA, CCDC141/TTN, and ARRB1 (p-value < 2.1 × 10−6). The three former were previously associated with blood lipids, while CI2 was associated with variants on DIPK2B, LIPC, and 10q21.3 rs11251177 (p-value 1.1 × 10−7). The latter was previously linked to coronary atherosclerosis and hypertension. KCND3 rs6703437 was associated with both indexes. This study is the first to characterize the potential link between genetic variation and atherogenic indexes, AIP, and CI2, highlighting the relationship between genetic variation and dyslipidemia predictors. These results also contribute to consolidating the genetics of blood lipid and lipid indexes.

Purpose of Review Referral to nutrition care providers in the USA such as registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) for medical nutrition therapy (MNT) remains low. We summarize research on the effectiveness of MNT provided by dietitians versus usual care in the management of adults with dyslipidemia. Improvements in lipids/lipoproteins were examined. If reported, blood pressure (BP), fasting blood glucose (FBG) glycated hemoglobin (A1c), body mass index (BMI), and cost outcomes were also examined. Recent Findings The synthesis of three systematic reviews included thirty randomized controlled trials. Multiple MNT visits (3–6) provided by dietitians, compared with usual care, resulted in significant improvements in total cholesterol (mean range: − 4.64 to − 20.84 mg/dl), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (mean range: − 1.55 to − 11.56 mg/dl), triglycerides (mean range: − 15.9 to − 32.55 mg/dl), SBP (mean range: − 4.7 to − 8.76 mm Hg), BMI (mean: − 0.4 kg/m2), and A1c (− 0.38%). Cost savings from MNT were attributed to a decrease in medication costs and improved quality of life years (QALY). Summary Multiple MNT visits provided by dietitians compared with usual care improved lipids/lipoproteins, BP, A1c, weight status, and QALY with significant cost savings in adults with dyslipidemia and justify a universal nutrition policy for equitable access to MNT.

The prognosis in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has improved due to better treatment and care, but cardiovascular disease (CVD) still remains an important clinical problem, since the risk of CVD in SLE is much higher than among controls. Atherosclerosis is the main cause of CVD in the general population, and in SLE, increased atherosclerosis, especially the prevalence of atherosclerotic plaques, has been demonstrated. Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory condition, where immunity plays an important role. Interestingly, oxidized low-density lipoprotein, defective clearance of dead cells, and inflammation, with a pro-inflammatory T-cell profile are characteristics of both atherosclerosis and SLE. In addition to atherosclerosis as an underlying cause of CVD in SLE, there are also other non-mutually exclusive mechanisms, and the most important of these are antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) leading to the antiphospholipid antibody syndrome with both arterial and venous thrombosis. aPL can cause direct pro-inflammatory and prothrombotic effects on endothelial and other cells and also interfere with the coagulation, for example, by inhibiting annexin A5 from its antithrombotic and protective effects. Antibodies against phosphorylcholine (anti-PC) and other small lipid-related epitopes, sometimes called natural antibodies, are negatively associated with CVD and atherosclerosis in SLE. Taken together, a combination of traditional risk factors such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, and nontraditional ones, especially aPL, inflammation, and low anti-PC are implicated in the increased risk of CVD in SLE. Close monitoring of both traditional risk factors and nontraditional ones, including treatment of disease manifestations, not lest renal disease in SLE, is warranted.

Background The transtheoretical model (TTM) is composed of the multiple stages according to patient's consciousness and is believed to lead people to realize the importance of healthier behaviors. We examined the association of TTM stages with the decline of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Method We used the annual health checkup data and health insurance claims data of the Japan Health Insurance Association in Kyoto prefecture between April 2012 and March 2016. TTM stages of change obtained from questionnaires at the first health checkup and categorized into 6 groups. The primary outcome was defined as a more than 30% decline in eGFR from the first health checkup. We fitted multivariable Cox proportional-hazards model for time-to-event analyses adjusting for age, sex, eGFR, body mass index, blood pressure, blood sugar, dyslipidemia, uric acid, urinary protein, and existence of kidney diseases at first health checkup. Result We analyzed 239,755 employees and the mean follow-up was 2.9 years (standard deviation: 1.2 years). As compared with stage 1 group, the risk of eGFR decline was significantly low in the stage 3 group (hazard ratios (HRs), 0.77 (95% Confident Interval (CI), 0.65-0.91)); in stage 4 group (HRs, 0.80, 95%CI, 0.65-0.98); in stage 5 group (HRs, 0.79, 95%CI, 0.66-0.95)Conclusion: Compared with the precontemplation stage (stage 1), the preparation, action and maintenance stages (stage3, 4 and 5), were associated with a lower risk of eGFR decline.

Background In the recent years, an increased use of marginal donors and grafts and a growing prevalence of peripheral arterial disease in the recipients have been observed. Meanwhile, the open surgical technique for kidney transplantation has not changed. The aim of this study is to analyze all surgical complications occurring in the first year after kidney transplant and to determine potential predictive risk factors. Method Data of the 399 patients who underwent kidney transplant in our University Hospital between January 2006 and December 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. The primary endpoint was the overall rate of vascular, parietal and urological complications at 1 year following kidney transplantation. The secondary outcomes were graft and patient’ survival rates, and the identification of predictive factors of the surgical complications. Results Twenty-four percent of patients developed 134 complications. Vascular complication represented 39% of all complications and resulted in 9 graft losses. Parietal and urological complications represented 46% and 15% of all complications, respectively, No parietal or urological complications were associated with graft loss. Five patients died during the first year, none of these cases was associated with graft loss. The graft survival rate reached 96% at 1 year, including patients still alive. The occurrence of surgical complication was associated with reduced graft survival at 1 year. Using a multivariate analysis, 4 predictive factors were identified: age, deceased donor, operative time and dyslipidemia. Conclusion Surgical complications after kidney transplantation remained frequent and age, deceased kidney donors, and operative time were identified as risk factors. As vascular complications were a major cause of early graft loss, efforts should aim to reduce their occurrence to increase graft survival.

The aim of the present study was to assess the efficiency of yoga practice in addition to the standard medical therapy in patients with chronic heart failure (HF) and dyslipidemia. One hundred and two patients with chronic HF and dyslipidemia were divided into the control group (CG) – 54 patients and the yoga group (YG) – 48 patients. The CG was prescribed standard therapy for chronic HF (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, β-blockers, aldosterone antagonists, digoxin, loop diuretics, statins, antiplatelet agents) and dyslipidemia. The YG additionally followed lifestyle modification in the form of 1 h daily practice of yoga for a period of 3 months. All patients completed the questionnaire reporting on their age, gender, medical history and treatment. The fasting blood samples were analyzed for total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, C-reactive protein, interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor -α on admission to the department and after 3 months of treatment. The pre-specified duration of the enrollment period was two years and during that time we interviewed 168 patients. Forty-two did not meet the inclusion criteria for the study, 24 patients refused to participate. A total of 102 patients were enrolled, of them, 54 were included into the control group and 48 into the yoga group. At baseline, there were no significant (p>0.05) differences between the groups in clinical characteristics of the patients. On admission to hospital the patients of both groups received standard therapy in comparable doses. By the end of the study, a significant (p

Obesity is a prevalent public health concern in several countries, and is closely associated with several pathological disorders, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and increased dyslipidemia. Dyslipidemia is an asymptomatic condition characterized by high levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and low levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL), leading to the increased risk of ischemic heart disease. As lipid disorders are strongly associated with lifestyle and diet, in this work we have evaluated the effect of associating chitosan and exercise on the improvement of the lipid profile of high-fat diet-fed rats. Animals were submitted orally to hypercaloric diets based on liquid butter at 1 mL/100 g to induce a hyperlipidemic state for 8 weeks (as shown by body weight and measures of the Lee obesity index). After 8 weeks, the 40 rats were separated into five groups (n = 8) and adapted to different treatment strategies: physical exercise and/or treatment with chitosan (at a concentration of 2%). The hyperlipidemic group exhibited altered levels of glucose and hepatic enzymes, i.e., aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). The treatment with chitosan over 8 weeks significantly reduced the bodyweight of the animals, reaching values lower than the control group. Exercise reduced the Lee obesity index values of all the treated groups compared to non-treated rats. The concentration of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, and VLDL was significantly reduced at the end of the study to healthy thresholds. The hepatic parenchyma of hyperlipidemic animals was recovered to show normal morphology when treated with chitosan; improved histological features (ca. 20–30% of parenchymal cells) could be achieved with physical exercise. In conclusion, oral administration of chitosan associated with physical exercise had a hypolipidemic effect in a model of dyslipidemia in rodents, showing decreased levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-c, VLDL-c, glucose, and liver enzymes (AST and ALT). Our results are attributed to the synergism between the administration of chitosan and physical exercise that helps to reduce oxidative stress.

Objectives Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and obesity often coexist, and both can increase the risk of dyslipidemia. However, the interaction effects between the characteristics of OSA and obesity on dyslipidemia are not yet known. This study was performed to investigate this issue. Methods Basic characteristics, polysomnography data, and biochemical markers of patients with suspected OSA seen at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University were collected. Serum lipid levels were compared after adjusting for multiple confounders. We used binary logistic regression models to assess the interaction effects of the oxygen desaturation index (ODI) and obesity, and the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) and obesity, on dyslipidemia. Results A total of 343 patients were included in the study. After adjusting for multiple confounders, there were no differences in serum lipid levels between non-obese or obese patients with an AHI ≤ 30 and AHI > 30, and no interaction effect between the AHI and obesity on dyslipidemia. Obese patients, but not non-obese ones, with an ODI > 37.5 had significantly higher total cholesterol (TC) levels, and higher TC/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratios, than patients with an ODI ≤ 37.5. In addition, a significant positive multiplicative interaction effect between obesity and the ODI was found on hyper-TC (odds ratio [OR] = 3.459; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.104, 10.838; p = 0.03). Conclusion A positive interaction effect was detected between obesity and intermittent hypoxia on dyslipidemia. Therefore, further attention should be paid to dyslipidemia in obese patients with intermittent hypoxia.

Aim Improving cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) has been regarded as a novel target for preventing cardiovascular disease. HDL reportedly has antioxidant properties which may contribute to its functions. We investigated changes in CEC with intake of the Japan Diet (JD) recommended by the Japan Atherosclerosis Society and the relationship of these changes to serum antioxidant concentrations. Methods A randomized parallel controlled clinical trial on JD intake was performed in Japanese patients with dyslipidemia. Ninety-eight participants were randomly divided into the JD (n=49) or the partial JD (PJD) (n=49) group. Nutrition education, based on each diet at baseline and at 3 months, was provided and the participants were followed up for 6 months. Results Mean CEC was 1.05 in total and correlated positively with HDL-cholesterol (p＜0.001) at baseline. CEC did not change while oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) was decreased in both groups (p＜0.001). Although serum total carotenoid increased in both groups, serum α-tocopherol decreased in the JD group as compared to the PJD group (p＜0.05). CEC correlated positively with HDL ORAC at baseline (p=0.021) and with serum total carotenoid at 3 and 6 months (p=0.005, 0.035). Changes in CEC correlated positively with changes in HDL ORAC at 3 months and serum total tocopherol at 3 and 6 months (p＜0.001). Conclusion CEC was not changed by JD education in Japanese patients with dyslipidemia who already had normal CEC at baseline. CEC was suggested to be positively associated with serum α- and γ-tocopherol and HDL ORAC.

Primary dyslipidemias are inherited disorders in plasma lipoprotein metabolism that lead to serious cardiovascular and other complications. The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) covers medical expenses, under the Research Program on Rare and Intractable Diseases, for homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), familial chylomicronemia, sitosterolemia, cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis, lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase deficiency, Tangier disease, and abetalipoproteinemia. Apolipoprotein A1 deficiency, heterozygous FH, and type III hyperlipoproteinemia are covered by the MHLW Pediatric Chronic Disease Program. Heterozygous FH and type III hyperlipoproteinemia are also important for their relatively common prevalence and, accordingly, high impact on Japanese public health by significant contribution to the overall prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, a systemic survey of these diseases is mandatory to estimate their actual situation, such as prevalence, clinical manifestations, and prognoses among the Japanese population. The impact of these rare and intractable diseases on cardiovascular and other complications will likely be higher among Japanese people than other ethnicities because the general Japanese population has many cardioprotective aspects. The current study intends to conduct a multicenter registry of these diseases to assess their demographics and clinical features comprehensively. Methods and Analysis: The Prospective Registry Study of Primary Dyslipidemia is a registry-based prospective, observational, multicenter cohort study in Japan, enrolling patients who fulfill the Japanese clinical criteria of the primary dyslipidemias listed above, from 26 participating institutes from August 2015 to March 2023. A total of 1,000 patients will be enrolled in the study and followed for 10 years. Clinical parameters are collected, including physical and laboratory findings, genetic analysis, drugs, lifestyle management, and clinical events, especially cardiovascular events. The primary endpoint of this study is the new onset of cardiovascular disease and acute pancreatitis, and the secondary endpoint is death from any causes. Ethics and Dissemination: This study complies with the Declaration of Helsinki, the Ethical Guidelines for Medical and Health Research Involving Human Subjects, and all other applicable laws and guidelines in Japan. The institutional review boards have approved this study protocol at all participating institutes. The final results are to be published at appropriate international conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have been used to discover genetic polymorphisms that affect cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Structural equation modelling (SEM) has been identified as a robust multivariate analysis tool. However, there is a paucity of research that has conducted SEM in African populations. The purpose of this study was to create a model that may be used to examine the relationships between genetic polymorphisms and their respective cardiovascular risk (CVR) factors. The procedure involved three steps. Firstly, the creation of latent variables and the hypothesis model. Next, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to examine the relationships between the latent variables, SNPs, dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome, with their respective indicators. Then finally, model fitting using JASP statistical software v.0.16.4.0. The indicators for the SNPs and dyslipidemia all indicated significant factor loadings, −0.96 to 0.91 (p =

Dyslipidemia and oxidative stress are directly related to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Annona crassiflora Mart. (ACM) has been traditionally used in folk medicine to alleviate inflammation and pain. This plant is rich in polyphenols, which exhibit high antioxidant capacity. The present study aimed to elucidate the antioxidant properties of ACM in the heart of hyperlipidemic mice. The animals were orally administered either a crude ethanol extract (CEAc) or a polyphenols-rich fraction (PFAc) obtained from ACM fruit peel. There were correlations between blood and fecal biochemical data with cardiac oxidative stress biomarkers. Here, the pre-treatment with CEAc for 12 d led to an increase in glutathione content (GSH) and a reduction in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase. Moreover, PFAc was found to enhance the total antioxidant capacity as well as GSH, SOD and CAT activities, which were reduced by Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemia. Moreover, the administration of PFAc before the treatment resulted in a decrease in protein carbonylation and lipid peroxidation levels, as well as a reduction in the activities of glutathione reductase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. ACM fruit peel showed improvement in the glutathione system, mainly its polyphenols-rich fraction, indicating a potential cardioprotective antioxidant usage of this plant extract.

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a well-established biomarker in the management of dyslipidemia. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the concordance of LDL-C-estimating equations with direct enzymatic measurement in diabetic and prediabetic populations. The data of 31,031 subjects included in the study were divided into prediabetic, diabetic, and control groups according to HbA1c values. LDL-C was measured by direct homogenous enzymatic assay and calculated by Martin–Hopkins, Martin–Hopkins extended, Friedewald, and Sampson equations. The concordance statistics between the direct measurements and estimations obtained by the equations were evaluated. All equations evaluated in the study had lower concordance with direct enzymatic measurement in diabetic and prediabetic groups compared to the non-diabetic group. Even so, the Martin–Hopkins extended approach demonstrated the highest concordance statistic in diabetic and prediabetic patients. Further, Martin–Hopkins extended was found to have the highest correlation with direct measurement compared with other equations. Over the 190 mg/dL LDL-C concentrations, the equation with the highest concordance was again Martin–Hopkins extended. In most scenarios, the Martin–Hopkins extended performed best in prediabetic and diabetic groups. Additionally, direct assay methods can be used at low values of the non-HDL-C/TG ratio (

Background It is imperative that non-compliance with statins be identified and addressed to maximize their clinical benefits. Patient self-reporting methods are convenient to apply in clinical practice but need to be validated. Objective We studied the concordance of a patient self-report method, Morisky eight-item medication adherence scale (MMAS)), with the pill count method in measuring adherence with statins and their correlation with extended lipid profile parameters and serum hydroxyl-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCoA-R) enzyme levels. Methods MMAS and the pill count method were used to measure the adherence with statins in patients on statins for any duration. Patients were subjected to an estimation of extended lipid profile and serum HMGCoA-R levels at the end of three months follow-up. Results Out of a total of 200 patients included in the study, 117 patients had a low adherence (score less than 6 on MMAS) whereas 65 and 18 patients had medium (score 6 or 7) and high adherence (score of 8), respectively. The majority of patients who had low adherence to statins by MMAS were nonadherent by the pill count method yielding a concordance of 96.5%. Medium or high adherence to statins by the MMAS method had a concordance of 89.1% with the pill count method. The levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and HMGCoA-R were negatively correlated with compliance measured by pill count and MMAS in a statistically significant way and with similar correlation coefficients. HMGCoA-R levels demonstrated a plateau phenomenon, with levels being 9-10 ng/ml when compliance with statin therapy was greater than 60% by pill count and greater than 6 on the Morisky scale. Conclusion In conclusion, MMAS and the pill count method showed concordance in measuring adherence to statins. These methods need to be explored further for their interchangeability as surrogates for biomarker levels.

This research was aimed at evaluating the relationship between the estimated polyphenol intake and the atherogenic lipid profile in adult and elder residents in the city of Teresina, located in the Northeastern Region of Brazil. This study was a cross-sectional population-based survey with 501 adults and elders, conducted in Teresina, Brazil. Food intake was obtained by 24-h food recall. The estimated polyphenol intake was calculated by multiplying the food consumption data from the recall by the polyphenol content in the foods described in the Phenol-Explorer database. The mean intake of total polyphenols was 1006.53 mg/day. The phenolic acids was the class with the highest intake, followed by the flavonols. Coffee, beans and apples were the main foods contributing to the total polyphenol intake. In the individuals with elevated serum concentrations of total cholesterol and triglycerides, the intake of total polyphenols was significantly higher. The intake of total polyphenols, phenolic acids and lignans was higher in the subjects with dyslipidemia. This article provides, for the first time, data on the intake of the total polyphenol classes and subclasses in the evaluated population and the relationship with the lipid profile. The individuals with a higher intake of total polyphenols had a worse lipid profile, which may be a consequence of an improved diet in those individuals who present with dyslipidemia.

Metabolic diseases are a worldwide health problem. Insulin resistance (IR) is their distinctive hallmark. For their study, animal models that provide reliable information are necessary, permitting the analysis of the cluster of abnormalities that conform to it, its progression, and time-dependent molecular modifications. We aimed to develop an IR model by exogenous insulin administration. The effective dose of insulin glargine to generate hyperinsulinemia but without hypoglycemia was established. Then, two groups (control and insulin) of male Wistar rats of 100 g weight were formed. The selected dose (4 U/kg) was administered for 15, 30, 45, and 60 days. Zoometry, a glucose tolerance test, insulin response, IR, and the serum lipid profile were assessed. We evaluated insulin signaling, glycogenesis and lipogenesis, redox balance, and inflammation in the liver. Results showed an impairment of glucose tolerance, dyslipidemia, hyperinsulinemia, and peripheral and time-dependent selective IR. At the hepatic level, insulin signaling was impaired, resulting in reduced hepatic glycogen levels and triglyceride accumulation, an increase in the ROS level with MAPK-ERK1/2 response, and mild pro-oxidative microenvironmental sustained by MT, GSH, and GR activity. Hepatic IR coincides with additions in MAPK-p38, NF-κB, and zoometric changes. In conclusion, daily insulin glargine administration generated a progressive IR model. At the hepatic level, the IR was combined with oxidative conditions but without inflammation.

Previous research has suggested that high serum ferritin (SF) levels may be associated with dyslipidemia. This study investigated the association between SF levels and dyslipidemia in American adults, which held relevance for both clinical and public health areas concerned with screening and prevention. Data from the pre-pandemic National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES), conducted between 2017 and 2020, were utilized for this analysis. Multivariate linear regression models were used to explore the correlation between lipid and SF concentrations, and the connection between SF and the four types of dyslipidemia was further assessed by using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Odds ratios (ORs; 95% CI) for dyslipidemia were calculated for quartiles of SF concentrations, with the lowest ferritin quartile as the reference. The final subjects consisted of 2676 participants (1290 males and 1386 females). ORs for dyslipidemia were the highest in the fourth quartile (Q4) of SF both in males (OR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.12–2.28) and females (OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.07–2.17). The crude ORs (95% CI) for the risk of High TC and High LDL-C increased progressively in both genders. However, after adjusting for covariates, the trend of significance was only present in females. Finally, the association between total daily iron intake and the four types of dyslipidemia was examined, revealing that the risk of High TG in the third quartile of the total daily iron intake was 2.16 times greater in females (adjusted OR: 3.16, 95% CI: 1.38–7.23). SF concentrations were remarkably associated with dyslipidemia. In females, daily dietary iron intake was associated with High-TG dyslipidemia.

To assess the determinants of lipid parameters in primary care patients without diagnosed cardiovascular disease (CVD), a cross-sectional study was conducted during 2018–2019 with a total of 200 patients. The following lipid parameters were measured: total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), small, dense LDL (sdLDL-C), and lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)). Predictors of elevated and adequately controlled lipid parameters were assessed with logistic regression analysis. Older age was related to higher risk of TC ≥ 6.2 mmol/L [OR 1.03 (95% CI 1.0–1.05)], sdLDL-C ≥ 1.0 mmol/L [OR 1.05 (95% CI 1.0–1.1)], and decreased risk of Lp(a) ≥ 50 mg/dL [OR 0.97 (95% CI 0.94–0.99)]. Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) had increased probability of TG ≥ 2.25 mmol/L [OR 3.77 (95% CI 1.34–10.6)] and Lp(a) ≥ 50 mg/dL [OR 2.97 (1.34–6.10)] as well as adequate control of TG and Lp(a). Higher material status was related to lower risk of TC ≥ 6.2 mmol/L [OR 0.19 (95% CI 0.04–0.82)] and LDL-C ≥ 3.6 mmol/L [OR 0.33 (95% CI 0.12–0.92)]. High BMI was related to increased [OR 1.14 (95% CI 1.02–1.29)], and female gender [OR 0.33 (95% CI 0.12–0.96)] and hypertension [OR 0.29 (95% CI 0.1–0.87)] to decreased risk of TG ≥ 2.25 mmol/L [OR 1.14 (95% CI 1.02–1.29)]. Taking lipid-lowering drugs (LLD) was associated with LDL-C < 2.6 mmol/L [OR 2.1 (95% CI 1.05–4.19)] and Lp(a) < 30 mg/dL [OR 0.48 (95% CI 0.25–0.93)]. Physical activity was related to LDL-C < 2.6 mmol/L [OR 2.02 (95% CI 1.02–3.98)]. Higher abdominal circumference was associated with decreased risk of TG < 1.7 mmol/L [OR 0.96 (95% CI 0.93–0.99)]. Elevated lipid parameters were related to age, gender, material status, BMI, history of DM, and hypertension. Adequate control was associated with age, education, physical activity, LLD, history of DM, and abdominal circumference.

Gymnema sylvestre is traditionally used as an herbal remedy for diabetes. The effect of Gymnema sylvestre supplementation on beta cell and hepatic activity was explored in an alloxan-induced hyperglycemic adult rat. Animals were made hyperglycemic via a single inj. (i.p) of Alloxan. Gymnema sylvestre was supplemented in diet @250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg b.w. Animals were sacrificed, and blood and tissues (pancreas and liver) were collected for biochemical, expression, and histological analysis. Gymnema sylvestre significantly reduced blood glucose levels with a subsequent increase in plasma insulin levels in a dosage-dependent manner. Total oxidant status (TOS), malondialdehyde, LDL, VLDL, ALT, AST, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and total protein levels were reduced significantly. Significantly raised paraoxonase, arylesterase, albumin, and HDL levels were also observed in Gymnema sylvestre treated hyperglycemic rats. Increased mRNA expression of Ins-1, Ins-2, Gck, Pdx1, Mafa, and Pax6 was observed, while decreased expression of Cat, Sod1, Nrf2, and NF-kB was observed in the pancreas. However, increased mRNA expression of Gck, Irs1, SREBP1c, and Foxk1 and decreased expression of Irs2, ChREBP, Foxo1, and FoxA2 were observed in the liver. The current study indicates the potent effect of Gymnema sylvestre on the transcription modulation of the insulin gene in the alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rat model. Enhanced plasma insulin levels further help to improve hyperglycemia-induced dyslipidemia through transcriptional modulation of hepatocytes.

Several descriptive cohort studies of patients affected by COVID-19 have been published.To describe the characteristics of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection who were admitted to Hospital Universitario la Plana, Castellón, Spain.Retrospective, observational cohort study that included 18-year-old or older patients who were consecutively admitted with SARS-CoV2 confirmed infection. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, clinical symptoms, laboratory results and radiological tests are described.The study included 255 patients with a mean age of 70 years; 54.9 % were males. Most common comorbidities were high blood pressure (58 %), dyslipidemia (42.4 %), diabetes (25.5 %) and obesity (24.3 %). Median number of days from the onset of clinical symptoms prior to hospital admission was seven. Most common manifestations prior to admission were fever (74.5 %), dry cough (61.2 %), malaise (51.8 %) and dyspnea (51.0 %); 19 patients (7.4 %) were admitted to the intensive care unit, where mortality was 50 %; overall mortality was 16.9 %.Our cohort reflects similar characteristics to those of other European series. Mortality was lower than that in similar studies.Se han publicado varios estudios descriptivos de cohortes de pacientes afectados por COVID-19.Describir las características de pacientes con infección por SARS-CoV-2 que ingresaron al Hospital Universitario de La Plana, Castellón, España.Estudio observacional de cohortes retrospectivo, que incluyó pacientes de 18 años o mayores que ingresaron en forma consecutiva con infección confirmada por SARS-CoV2; se describen características demográficas, comorbilidades, síntomas clínicos, resultados de laboratorio y pruebas radiológicas.El estudio incluyó 255 pacientes con edad promedio de 70 años; 54.9 % fue del sexo masculino. Las comorbilidades más frecuentes fueron hipertensión arterial (58 %), dislipemia (42.4 %), diabetes (25.5 %) y obesidad (24.3 %). La mediana de días del inicio de síntomas clínicos antes del ingreso fue de siete. Las manifestaciones más frecuentes previas al ingreso fueron fiebre (74.5 %), tos seca (61.2 %), malestar general (51.8 %) y disnea (51.0 %); 19 pacientes (7.4 %) ingresaron a la unidad de cuidados intensivos, donde la mortalidad fue de 50 %; la mortalidad total fue de 16.9 %.Nuestra cohorte refleja características similares a las de otras series europeas. La mortalidad fue inferior a la de estudios similares.

Background Microvascular dysfunction (MVD) is an important contributor to major clinical disease such as stroke, dementia, depression, retinopathy, and chronic kidney disease. Alcohol consumption may be a determinant of MVD. Objective Main objectives were (1) to study whether alcohol consumption was associated with MVD as assessed in the brain, retina, skin, kidney and in the blood; and (2) to investigate whether associations differed by history of cardiovascular disease or sex. Design We used cross-sectional data from The Maastricht Study (N = 3,120 participants, 50.9% men, mean age 60 years, and 27.5% with type 2 diabetes [the latter oversampled by design]). We used regression analyses to study the association between total alcohol (per unit and in the categories, i.e. none, light, moderate, high) and MVD, where all measures of MVD were combined into a total MVD composite score (expressed in SD). We adjusted all associations for potential confounders; and tested for interaction by sex, and history of cardiovascular disease. Additionally we tested for interaction with glucose metabolism status. Results The association between total alcohol consumption and MVD was non-linear, i.e. J-shaped. Moderate versus light total alcohol consumption was significantly associated with less MVD, after full adjustment (beta [95% confidence interval], -0.10 [-0.19; -0.01]). The shape of the curve differed with sex (Pinteraction = 0.03), history of cardiovascular disease (Pinteraction interaction = 0.02). Conclusions The present cross-sectional, population-based study found evidence that alcohol consumption may have an effect on MVD. Hence, although increasing alcohol consumption cannot be recommended as a policy, this study suggests that prevention of MVD may be possible through dietary interventions.

Background: The introduction of a fixed-dose combination (FDC) is expected to improve treatment compliance. Methods: There were 181 subjects who were randomized to three groups: ezetimibe–rosuvastatin 10/20 mg + telmisartan 80 mg, ezetimibe–rosuvastatin 10/20 mg, and telmisartan 80 mg. The primary outcomes were change in mean sitting systolic blood pressure (MSSBP) and percentage change in low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) compared to baseline at week 8. Results: The least-square mean (SE) in MSSBP changes between the ezetimibe–rosuvastatin 10/20 mg + telmisartan 80 mg group and the ezetimibe–rosuvastatin 10/20 mg group were −25.81 (2.34) mmHg and −7.66 (2.45) mmHg. There was a significant difference between the two groups (−18.15 (2.83) mmHg, 95% CI −23.75 to −12.56, p < 0.0001). Changes in least-square mean (SE) in LDL-C between the ezetimibe–rosuvastatin 10/20 mg + telmisartan 80 mg group and the telmisartan 80 mg group were −63.82 (2.87)% and −2.48 (3.12)%. A significant difference was observed between the two groups (−61.34 (3.33)%, 95% CI −67.91 to −54.78, p < 0.0001). No serious adverse events were observed. Conclusions: Ezetimibe–rosuvastatin plus telmisartan treatment is effective and safe when compared to either ezetimibe–rosuvastatin or telmisartan.

In this thesis, we have addressed two key objectives: 1) to gain more insight in various pathophysiological aspects of cardiometabolic diseases including in the disease proneSouth Asian population, and 2) to study the physiological effects of cold exposure and identify a novel pharmacological approach to directly target BAT.

Background Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the world. In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it accounts for 40% of mortality. CVD is caused by multiple cardiometabolic risk factors (CRFs) including obesity, dysglycemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension and central obesity. However, there are limited studies focusing on the CVD risk burden among young Emirati adults. This study investigates the burden of CRFs in a sample of young Emiratis, and estimates the distribution in relation to sociodemographic and behavioral determinants. Methods Data was used from the baseline data of the UAE Healthy Future Study volunteers. The study participants were aged 18 to 40 years. The study analysis was based on self-reported questionnaires, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements, as well as blood analysis. Results A total of 5167 participants were included in the analysis; 62% were males and the mean age of the sample was 25.7 years. The age-adjusted prevalence was 26.5% for obesity, 11.7% for dysglycemia, 62.7% for dyslipidemia, 22.4% for hypertension and 22.5% for central obesity. The CRFs were distributed differently when compared within social and behavioral groups. For example, obesity, dyslipidemia and central obesity in men were found higher among smokers than non-smokers (p Conclusions CRFs are highly prevalent in the young Emirati adults of the UAE Healthy Future Study. The difference in CRF distribution among social and behavioral groups can be taken into account to target group-specific prevention measures.

(1) Background: Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disease with serious health complications. T2DM is associated with many chronic illnesses, including kidney failure, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), vision loss, and other related diseases. Obesity is one of the major factors associated with insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. Recently, the development of GLP-1 Receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) showed great therapeutic potential for T2DM. Aim: To retrospectively investigate the association of the long-term use of GLP-1RA therapy in T2DM patients with HbA1c levels and dyslipidemia. (2) Methods: Retrospective data collection and analysis of demographic, clinical records, and biochemical parameters were carried out for 72 T2DM taking GLP-1RA treatments for six months. (3) Results: A total of 72 T2DM patients with a mean age = 55 (28 male and 44 female) were divided into two groups. Group 1 received statins (n = 63), and group 2 did not receive statins (n = 9). The GLP-1RA effect on BMI was significantly decreased in group 1 (p < 0.01). A significant effect was observed for HbA1c in both groups for six months of treatment duration (p < 0.05). The AST levels significantly decreased in group 2 from 25.2 to 19.4 U\L (p = 0.011). (4) Conclusions: GLP-1RA treatments were associated with weight reduction and improved glycemic control for T2DM patients. Moreover, it is suggested that it has anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects. However, no direct association was found with the lipid profile in all groups of T2DM.

A major cause of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) results from excessive liver fat accumulation. Vitamin D (VitD) plays multiple important roles in diverse physiologic processes. Here, we describe the role of VitD in the complex pathogenesis of NAFLD and explore the possible therapeutic role of VitD supplementation in NAFLD therapy. To compare the effect of VitD to other interventions such as low-calorie diet, we induced NAFLD in young adult zebrafish (Danio rerio, AB strain) and monitored the effects of VitD supplementation on the disease course. The zebrafish administered with high-dose VitD (1.25 μg) had significantly reduced liver fat compared to those that received low-dose VitD (0.049 μg) or caloric restriction. Gene expression analysis revealed that VitD downregulated several pathways that may play a role in NAFLD etiology, which affected fatty acid metabolism, vitamins and their cofactors, ethanol oxidation, and glycolysis. The pathway analysis revealed that the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway and the isoprenoid biosynthetic process pathway were significantly upregulated whereas the small molecule catabolic process pathway significantly downregulated following the exposure of NAFLD zebrafish model to high VitD dose. Therefore, our findings suggest the association of novel biochemical pathways with NAFLD and highlight the potential of VitD supplementation to reverse the severity of NAFLD, especially in younger people.

Small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) play diverse roles in numerous biological processes. While the widely used RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) method has advanced sncRNA discovery, RNA modifications can interfere with the complementary DNA library construction process, preventing the discovery of highly modified sncRNAs including transfer RNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) and ribosomal RNA-derived small RNAs (rsRNAs) that may have important functions in disease development. To address this technical obstacle, we recently developed a novel PANDORA-Seq (Panoramic RNA Display by Overcoming RNA Modification Aborted Sequencing) method to overcome RNA modification-elicited sequence interferences. To identify novel sncRNAs associated with atherosclerosis development, LDL receptor-deficient (LDLR(−/−)) mice were fed a low-cholesterol diet or high-cholesterol diet (HCD) for 9 weeks. Total RNAs isolated from the intima were subjected to PANDORA-Seq and traditional RNA-Seq. By overcoming RNA modification-elicited limitations, PANDORA-Seq unveiled an rsRNA/tsRNA-enriched sncRNA landscape in the atherosclerotic intima of LDLR(−/−) mice, which was strikingly different from that detected by traditional RNA-Seq. While microRNAs were the dominant sncRNAs detected by traditional RNA-Seq, PANDORA-Seq substantially increased the reads of rsRNAs and tsRNAs. PANDORA-Seq also detected 1,383 differentially expressed sncRNAs induced by HCD feeding, including 1,160 rsRNAs and 195 tsRNAs. One of HCD-induced intimal tsRNAs, tsRNA-Arg-CCG, may contribute to atherosclerosis development by regulating the proatherogenic gene expression in endothelial cells. Overall, PANDORA-Seq revealed a hidden rsRNA and tsRNA population associated with atherosclerosis development. These understudied tsRNAs and rsRNAs, which are much more abundant than microRNAs in the atherosclerotic intima of LDLR(−/−) mice, warrant further investigations.

The evidence from clinical trials concerning the efficacy of dietary polyphenols on cardiometabolic health is divergent. Therefore, this review aimed to determine the pooled effect of dietary polyphenols on cardiometabolic risk markers and compare the difference in efficacy between whole polyphenol-rich foods and purified food polyphenol extracts. We conducted a random-effect model meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effect of polyphenols on blood pressure, lipid profile, flow-mediated dilation (FMD), fasting blood glucose (FBG), waist circumference, and markers of inflammation. Effect size was expressed as weighted mean difference and 95% CI. RCTs published in English between 2000 and 2021 involving adult participants with cardiometabolic risks were searched in electronic databases. Forty-six RCTs involving 2494 participants with a mean age of 53.3 ±10 y were included in this review. Whole polyphenol-rich food but not purified food polyphenol extracts significantly reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP, -3.69 mmHg; 95% CI: -4.24, -3.15 mmHg; P = 0.00001) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP, -1.44 mmHg; 95% CI: -2.56, -0.31 mmHg; P = 0.0002). Concerning waist circumference, purified food polyphenol extracts led to a larger effect (-3.04 cm; 95% CI: -7.06, -0.98 cm; P = 0.14). Significant effects on total cholesterol (-9.03 mg/dL; 95% CI: -16.46, -1.06 mg/dL; P = 0.02) and TGs (-13.43 mg/dL; 95% CI: -23.63, -3.23; P = 0.01) were observed when purified food polyphenol extracts were considered separately. None of the intervention materials significantly affected LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, FBG, IL-6, and CRP. When both whole food and extracts were pooled together, there was a significant reduction in SBP, DBP, FMD, TGs, and total cholesterol. These findings suggest that polyphenols both as whole food and purified extracts can be efficacious in reducing cardiometabolic risks. However, these results must be interpreted with caution because of high heterogeneity and risk of bias among RCTs. This study was registered on PROSPERO as CRD42021241807. ispartof: ADVANCES IN NUTRITION vol:14 issue:2 pages:270-282 ispartof: location:United States status: published

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is a prevalent disease often accompanied by the occurrence of dyslipidemia. Four and a half LIM domains 2 (FHL2) is a scaffolding protein, whose involvement in metabolic disease has recently been demonstrated. The association of human FHL2 with T2D and dyslipidemia in a multiethnic setting is unknown. Therefore, we used the large multiethnic Amsterdam-based Healthy Life in an Urban Setting (HELIUS) cohort to investigate FHL2 genetic loci and their potential role in T2D and dyslipidemia. Baseline data of 10,056 participants from the HELIUS study were available for analysis. The HELIUS study contained individuals of European Dutch, South Asian Surinamese, African Surinamese, Ghanaian, Turkish, and Moroccan descent living in Amsterdam and were randomly sampled from the municipality register. Nineteen FHL2 polymorphisms were genotyped, and associations with lipid panels and T2D status were investigated. We observed that seven FHL2 polymorphisms associated nominally with a pro-diabetogenic lipid profile including triglyceride (TG), high-density and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C and LDL-C), and total cholesterol (TC) concentrations, but not with blood glucose concentrations or T2D status in the complete HELIUS cohort upon correcting for age, gender, BMI, and ancestry. Upon stratifying for ethnicity, we observed that only two of the nominally significant associations passed multiple testing adjustments, namely, the association of rs4640402 with increased TG and rs880427 with decreased HDL-C concentrations in the Ghanaian population. Our results highlight the effect of ethnicity on pro-diabetogenic selected lipid biomarkers within the HELIUS cohort, as well as the need for more large multiethnic cohort studies.

ObjectiveEctopic fat deposition within and around organs is a stronger predictor of cardiometabolic disease status than body mass index. Fat deposition within the lymphatic system is poorly understood. This study examined the association between the prevalence of cardiometabolic disease and ectopic fat deposition within axillary lymph nodes (LNs) visualized on screening mammograms.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 834 women presenting for full-field digital screening mammography. The status of fat-infiltrated LNs was assessed based on the size and morphology of axillary LNs from screening mammograms. The prevalence of cardiometabolic disease was retrieved from the electronic medical records, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, dyslipidemia, high blood glucose, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.ResultsFat-infiltrated axillary LNs were associated with a high prevalence of T2DM among all women (adjusted odds ratio: 3.92, 95% CI: [2.40, 6.60], p-value < 0.001) and in subgroups of women with and without obesity. Utilizing the status of fatty LNs improved the classification of T2DM status in addition to age and BMI (1.4% improvement in the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve).ConclusionFat-infiltrated axillary LNs visualized on screening mammograms were associated with the prevalence of T2DM. If further validated, fat-infiltrated axillary LNs may represent a novel imaging biomarker of T2DM in women undergoing screening mammography.

Background and aim Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex disease of physiological imbalances interrelated to abnormal metabolic conditions, such as abdominal obesity, type II diabetes, dyslipidemia and hypertension. In the present pilot study, we investigated the nutraceutical bitter melon (Momordica charantia L) -intake induced transcriptome and metabolome changes and the converging metabolic signaling networks underpinning its inhibitory effects against MetS-associated risk factors. Experimental procedure Metabolic effects of lyophilized bitter melon juice (BMJ) extract (oral gavage 200 mg/kg/body weight-daily for 40 days) intake were evaluated in diet-induced obese C57BL/6J male mice [fed-high fat diet (HFD), 60 kcal% fat]. Changes in a) serum levels of biochemical parameters, b) gene expression in the hepatic transcriptome (microarray analysis using Affymetrix Mouse Exon 1.0 ST arrays), and c) metabolite abundance levels in lipid-phase plasma [liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-based metabolomics] after BMJ intervention were assessed. Results and conclusion BMJ-mediated changes showed a positive trend towards enhanced glucose homeostasis, vitamin D metabolism and suppression of glycerophospholipid metabolism. In the liver, nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) and circadian rhythm signaling, as well as bile acid biosynthesis and glycogen metabolism targets were modulated by BMJ (p

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of cardiovascular risk factors including central obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hyperglyemia. MetS is found to be a positive predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The present study was planned to test the efficacy of vitamin D3 supplementation as compared with cortisol inhibition on MetS parameters. Wistar rats were allocated into four groups: control, untreated MetS, and MetS treated with either vitamin D3 (10 µg/kg) or carbenoxolone (50 mg/kg). MetS was induced by combination of high-fat diet and oral fructose. After the induction period (8 weeks), MetS was confirmed, and treatment modalities started for a further 4 weeks. Compared with untreated MetS, vitamin D3- and carbenoxolone-treated rats showed significant reduction in blood pressure, body mass index, Lee index, waist circumference, retroperitoneal fat, and improvement of dyslipidemia. Meanwhile, treatment with carbenoxolone significantly lowered the elevated liver enzymes, and vitamin D3 resulted in improved insulin sensitivity, enhanced glucose uptake by muscles, and replenished glycogen content in the liver and muscles near control levels. In conclusion, although treatment with vitamin D3 or carbenoxolone reduced the risk factors associated with MetS, vitamin D3 was effective in ameliorating insulin resistance which is the hallmark of MetS.

s Atherosclerosis is a chronic multifactorial cardiovascular disease. A Western diet has been reported to affect atherosclerosis through regulation of adipose function. In high cholesterol diet-fed ApoE–/– mice, adipocyte HIF-1α deficiency or direct HIF-1α inhibition by the selective pharmacological HIF-1α inhibitor PX-478 alleviates high cholesterol diet-induced atherosclerosis by reducing adipose ceramide generation, which lowers cholesterol levels and reduces inflammatory responses, resulting in improved dyslipidemia and atherogenesis. Smpd3, the gene encoding neutral sphingomyelinase, is identified as a new target gene directly regulated by HIF-1α that is involved in ceramide generation. Epididymal adipose tissue injected with lentivirus-SMPD3 reverses the decrease in ceramides in adipocytes and eliminates the improvements on atherosclerosis in the adipocyte HIF-1α-deficient mice. Therefore, inhibitors of HIF-1α may constitute a novel approach to slow atherosclerotic progression.

To determine how frequently patients who present to an emergency department (ED) with a retinal artery occlusion (RAO) undergo brain imaging and cardiovascular testing and are hospitalized.Retrospective cross-sectional study.Patients who presented to an ED with an RAO in the National Emergency Department Sample (NEDS), a nationally representative United States database.The NEDS was queried to identify patients who presented to an ED with the primary diagnosis of RAO between 2006 and 2014. Patient and hospital characteristics were evaluated, and a multivariable regression was performed to determine predictors of hospitalization. Testing was categorized into 3 groups: (1) brain imaging performed using computed tomography or magnetic resonance; (2) carotid imaging performed using ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance; and (3) cardiac testing performed using electrocardiogram or echocardiogram. The number of tests performed for each category was recorded.Proportions of patients undergoing brain imaging, carotid imaging, or cardiac testing. Rate and predictors of hospitalization.Among 259 343 582 ED visits, 2802 had a primary diagnosis of RAO. Patients were mostly aged ≥65 years (59%) and male (54%). Hypertension (59%), dyslipidemia (36%), and diabetes (20%) were the most common preexisting cardiovascular diseases. Brain imaging, carotid imaging, and cardiac testing were performed in 20.3%, 7.1%, and 23.8% of the patients, respectively; at least 1 test from each of these 3 categories was performed in 4.1% of the patients. Half of the patients were hospitalized. Factors that increased the chances of hospitalization included the following (P0.05): age of45 years; female sex; a history of smoking; presenting to a metropolitan hospital and having giant cell arteritis, carotid artery disease, atrial fibrillation, cardiac valve disease, obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, and chronic ischemic heart disease.Most patients who presented to an ED with an RAO did not receive emergency brain imaging, carotid imaging, or basic cardiac testing. A multidisciplinary approach is needed to raise awareness that RAOs should be treated as a precursor of stroke or a stroke equivalent.