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Introduction. Moringa oleifera L. is a medicinal plant reported to have thera- peutic potency. Objective. The aim of this work was to study the effect of M. oleifera extract, at a dose of 800 mg/kg, on induced hypercholesterolemia in mice. Material and methods. Male mice (n=30) were used and randomly divided into five equal groups (n=5). Triton X-100 (100mg/kg body weight, i.p.) was administered to induce hypercholesterolemia. Then, oral treatment of Atorvastatin or methanolic extract of M. oleifera leaves (MEMOL) was given daily to treated groups for 7 days. Lipid profile was determined at the end of the treatment. Results. Results showed that mice group treated with MEMOL showed reduced total cholesterol (TC) (136.5 mg/dL), and low density lipoproteins cholesterol (LDL-C) (60.65 mg/dL) levels, when compared to hypercholesterolemic group (242.13 and 168.9 mg/dL for TC and LDL-C, respectively). High density lipoproteins cholesterol (HDL-C) value of treated mice by MEMOL and atorvastatine was comparable and higher than that of other groups. Significant increase in HDL-C level was observed in mice treated with MEMOL. Atherogenic index was signi-fycantly lower (P

Natural toxins have been traditionally used to trigger several diseases among which bee venom (HBV) is of great importance. The present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of honeybee venom (HBV) on alloxan and glucose fluid-induced Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Therefore, a total of 20 adult laboratory male mice (Mus musculus) were selected, acclimated, and divided into four equal groups (n=5). Initially, 15 mice were fasted for 12 hrs and injected with alloxan at a single dose of 150 mg/kg of body weight. The animals were exposed to drinking glucose fluid in the morning for 4 days. Then, the blood glucose was measured. The studied animals having blood glucose of £200 mg/dl were considered non-diabetic and re-subjected to injecting alloxan (150 mg/kg body weight) and drinking glucose fluid for another 4 days. Four groups of mice population included, Group 1: non-diabetic and untreated with HBV, Group 2: diabetic and received no HBV as the potential therapeutic agent, Group 3: diabetic and received a low level of HBV at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg, Group 4: diabetic and received a high level of HBV at a dose of 1 mg/kg. At the end of the 35-day testing period, blood samples were tested to determine the levels of insulin, glucose, and lipid profiles [cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)] using Sandwich ELISA kits. The results indicated a significant increase in blood glucose in the diabetic group compared to that of the control one, while both concentrations of HBV significantly reduced the level of blood glucose compared to that of the diabetic group. Furthermore, the level of insulin was significantly decreased in the diabetic group compared to that of the controls, while HBV significantly increased the level of insulin compared to that of the diabetic group. Moreover, the diabetic mice demonstrated a significant increase in the concentration of cholesterol and TG compared to that of control mice which were significantly reversed in response to HBV treatment. The level of HDL was significantly decreased in the diabetic group compared to that of the control group which was modulated by treatment, while no significant differences were seen between all the studied groups regarding the level of LDL. Histological examination of diabetic mice revealed a significant alteration in acinar cells and destruction of b-cells of pancreatic sections with marked lacerations in the liver extended to all structures of the organ. The present study concluded that HBV could be a potential therapeutic agent to prevent and manage diabetes and its complication.

Introduction. Patients with metabolic syndrome (MS) frequently present alterations of paraclinical tests. The effectiveness of dietary intervention has been intensively studied in the last decade. The objective of the study. This research studied the correlation of uric acid with the evolution of paraclinical parameters (HOMA index, cholesterol, triglycerides and C-reactive protein) in patients with MS, following the evolution of specific imbalances in MS, after an anti-inflammatory diet, associated or not with sport. Materials and methods. The monitoring of the parameters was performed over a period of 12 months, on a number of 110 patients, aged> 18 years, with HOMA index> 2, divided into three groups: control group, diet therapy group, and diet therapy and sports group, respectively. Results. Following the statistical processing, the correlation of the paraclinical parameters indicates the following: uric acid and cholesterol – Pearson coefficient r=0.192, p

Michel Eugène Chevreul entered at 17 the laboratory of Vauquelin, at the Museum. He began his investigations on animal fats in 1811. They appear as yet the most complete and the best executed experiments found in all chemistry. For the first time, he combined fractional solution, crystallization, distillation, melting point determination, and ultimate analysis. All started with the isolation of an acid and solid substance, “margaric acid”, the first of a long list of fatty acids isolated from various fats. Studying saponification, he determined that “anhydrous glycerine” was combining with water. After studying human gallstones, he discovered “cholesterine” (cholesterol). From whale spermaceti, he described “cetin” (mainly cetyl palmitate), containing no glycerol. He isolated from sheep fat a new acid he named “stearic acid”. This component was proposed in a joint patent by Chevreul and Gay-Lussac (1825) for the fabrication of very efficient candles. He discovered several volatile fatty acids in cow and goat butter (from C4 to C10). His master work (Recherches chimiques sur les corps gras d’origine animale, 1823b) contains his experimental procedures and his theoretical conclusions on the nature of fats, it may be considered as the first treatise on lipochemistry.

This work was designed to study the effect of a polyphenol-rich extract from the pericarpe of sweet almond (Prunus amygdalus L.) on the plasma lipid profile in Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemic mice and on the prevention of lipoprotein oxidation. It is noted that the phenolic extract significantly reduces total plasma cholesterol by 58% (P < 0.001) and triglycerides by 62% (P < 0.001). In addition, this extract significantly reduces the elevated LDL-cholesterol level by 61% (P <0.05) and increases HDL-cholesterol by 71% (P < 0.05). The extract also significantly lowered the value of the atherogenicity index by -72% (P <0.01) and that of the LDL/HDL ratio by 55% (P < 0.05). On the other hand, this extract has a dose-dependent 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl anti-radical effect with an IC50 = 18.8 ± 0.55 µg/ml and significantly inhibits the oxidation of the lipoprotein-rich plasma (IC50 = 13.8 ± 0.57 µg /ml). Our results show that the extract is rich in polar polyphenols (total polyphenols: 342.63 ±3.44 mg/g, tannins: 144.67 ± 6.83 mg/g, flavonoids: 20.66 ± 0.92 mg/g), which could improve lipid metabolism and prevent the oxidation of lipoproteins and thus have a beneficial effect in the prevention of atherosclerosis and the related cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of cholesterol and its essentiality is examined. Cholesterol is transported within the human organism by lipoproteins (Chylomicrons, VLDL, LDL and HDL). The LDL considered “bad cholesterol” transport cholesterol from the liver to the other tissues for their needs; however the HDL, “good cholesterol” transport back cholesterol to the liver to be recycled. Therefore, cholesterol is rather good for its various functions in the organism. It is a major component in cell membranes, and it is used for the synthesis of steroid hormones vitamin D and bile. Its deficiency may lead to cellular damage, and a reduction in the synthesis of hormones such as testosterone and also vitamin D. Hypercholesterolemia should be considered an indicator of a health problem within the cells, that the organism is trying to fix by mobilizing cholesterol.

Résumé Les plantes médicinales et la phytothérapie sont étroitement liées à l’histoire de l’humanité, elles jouent un rôle important dans la recherche et le développement de nouveaux médicaments, et représentent une branche alternative dans la prévention et le traitement de certaines pathologies. Le pourpier Portulaca oleracea L. (Po), est une plante succulente largement répandue et utilisée à travers le monde pour ses propriétés médicinales et gustatives. Plusieurs travaux menés chez les animaux et l’homme lui attribuent des effets préventifs et curatifs sur plusieurs facteurs de risque cardio-vasculaire. Une synthèse bibliographique a été menée sur différents moteurs de recherche scientifique, tels que Pubmed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science et Google Scholar, afin de souligner les travaux de recherche marquant l’effet de Po sur le diabète, l’hyperlipidémie, le stress oxydant et l’inflammation. La présente revue suggère que Po peut avoir des effets bénéfiques significatifs chez le modèle animal ainsi que chez l’homme en améliorant les paramètres glycémiques, lipidiques, antioxydants et anti-inflammatoires. [Abstract. Medicinal plants and phytotherapy are closely linked to the history of humanity, they play an important role in research, and development of new drugs, and represent an alternative branch in prevention and treatment of certain diseases. Purslane, Portulaca oleracea L. (Po), is a succulent plant, widely distributed and used worldwide for its medicinal and gustatory properties. Several studies in animals and men attributed preventive and curative effects in cardiovascular risk factors. A bibliographic synthesis was conducted on Pubmed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science and Google Scholar, to highlight studies that describe the effect of Po on diabetes, hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The present review suggests that Po have significant beneficial effects, in animal and human models, by improving glycemic, lipidemic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory parameters.]

Free fatty acid profiles and cholesterol and lipid indexes of raw ewe's milk from two Algerian breeds (Ouled-Djellal and Rumbi), collected in the steppe area. Description of the subject. This article aims to characterize the fat content of raw ewe's milk, collected locally in the Algerian central steppe, an area highly appreciated for its production of smen (traditional butter). Objectives. The objective of this study was to investigate the free fatty acid profile and the cholesterol and lipid indexes of raw ewe's milk from two Algerian local breeds (Ouled-Djellal and Rumbi). Method. Milk was collected from 20 ewes of each breed three times during the middle stage of lactation. The milk fat was extracted using the Rose-Gottlieb method. Fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography. Results. Palmitic (24.4% ± 3.3), oleic (24.2% ± 4.6), stearic (10.8% ± 3.5), myristic (10.4% ± 1.9) and capric (8.3% ± 3.5) acids dominated and accounted for 78.1% of the total fatty acids. Saturated fatty acids predominated compared to unsaturated fatty acids (69.6% ± 5.3 vs 30.8% ± 5.1), and monounsaturated fatty acids outweighed the polyunsaturated (26.3% ± 4.7 vs 4.5% ± 1.1). The Ouled-Djellal milk had a higher short-chain fatty acid content than the Rumbi milk (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the Rumbi milk was richer in medium chain fatty acids. The two types of milk differed significantly regarding their palmitic and palmitoleic acid content (p < 0.05). Within the long chain of fatty acids, only the stearic acid (10.88% ± 2.83 vs 12.34% ± 2.75; p < 0.01) and the arachidic acid (0.26% ± 0.18 vs 0.35% ± 0.09; p < 0.05) were influenced by the breed. Conclusions. Results showed that milk from the Rumbi ewe was richer in fatty acids than the milk from the Ouled-Djellal and that Rumbi ewe's milk may be of value in dairy technology due to the socio-economic impact that it can generate.

The human intestine harbours a complex and diverse bacterial community called the gut microbiota. This microbiota, stable during the lifetime, is specific of each individual despite the existence of a phylogenetic core shared by the majority of adults. The influence of the gut microbiota on host’s physiology has been largely studied using germfree animals and studies using these animal models have revealed that the effects of lipids on host physiology are microbiota-dependent. Studies in mice have also shown that a high-fat diet rapidly and reproducibly alters the gut microbiome. In humans, dietary fat interventions did not lead to strong and consistent modifications of the microbiota composition. Nevertheless, an association between total fat intake and the reduction of the microbiota richness has been repeatedly found. Interestingly, different types of fat exert different or even opposite effects on the microbiota. Concurrently, the gut microbiota is able to convert the lipids entering the colon, including fatty acids or cholesterol, leading to the production of metabolites with potential health effects.

The consumption of coconut milk has long been regarded as detrimental to cardiovascular health due to its high saturated fatty acid content. Contradictorily, emerging evidences have highlighted that the fatty acids in coconut lipids, which comprise mostly of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA), may be beneficial to the regulation of serum cholesterol. To identify the potential health effect of coconut milk on lipid metabolism, this current study employed an intragastric gavage method on C57BL/6 mice to investigate the physiological and molecular alteration in the mice subject after 8 weeks of gavage intervention. The supplementation of coconut milk did not affect the levels of serum triglyceride, but it induced the total serum cholesterol after 2 weeks of treatment. The serum cholesterol level subsequently plateaued, but an increase in bile acid excretion was observed, most likely through the modulation of bile regulating genes, i.e. farnesoid X receptor (Fxr) and Cyp7a1. Despite that, the total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio of coconut milk group was comparable to that of the light cream group. In short, coconut milk supplementation promoted cholesterol excretion through the fecal bile route but did not significantly improve the serum cholesterol profile of C57BL/6 mice.

Genetic, neuropathological and biochemical studies suggest strong links between cholesterol, the apolipoprotein E (APOE) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), both in humans and in animal models of the disease. From the literature and our work, we can predict that transient increase of the levels of cholesterol at the membrane of neurons would profoundly affect the processing of the transmembrane Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) by triggering its clathrin dependent endocytosis and the resulting production of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides. Here, we will review these data together with structural and molecular dynamic studies that characterized the role of cholesterol on APP conformation and positioning at the membrane. Specifically decreasing brain cholesterol or replacing it with plant sterols crossing the blood brain barrier appear like promising strategies to either delay or counteract the development of sporadic AD.

Le cholestérol et les traitements par statines font l'objet d'une controverse intense. L'athérosclérose est une maladie largement étudiée mais aussi complexe et toujours largement incomprise. Le cholestérol est un facteur de risque cardiovasculaire majeur dans le cas des hypercholestérolémies familiales et réduire son taux est crucial dans ces situations. En revanche réduire la cholestérolémie chez les sujets normocholestérolémiques permet de retarder les événements cardiovasculaires seulement de quelques semaines en moyenne. Les gains modestes en termes d'espérance de vie médiane ou de nombre de sujets à traiter obtenus avec un traitement par statines devraient donc susciter des études complémentaires afin d'identifier et de traiter les patients qui ont le plus de chance de tirer bénéfice des statines et, à l'inverse, d'identifier les patients qui ne bénéficieraient pas de cette thérapeutique et/ou des fortes doses de statines. L'approche actuelle de type "one size fits all" issue des essais randomisés et des recommandations n'est probablement pas l'approche future de la médecine personnalisée dite de précision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L'infection palustre est une parasitose qui s'accompagne assez fréquemment de perturbations hématologiques et biochimiques. Quoique non spécifiques, ces signes biologiques peuvent être évocateurs du paludisme chez des patients ayant séjourné en zone d'endémie et présentant des signes cliniques de la maladie. Nous avons essayé à travers cette étude d'apprécier la fréquence de ces perturbations chez une série de cas avec paludisme d'importation. Nous avons analysé la NFS, le bilan lipidique, la CRP et la LDH chez une série de 30 cas de paludisme. La thrombopénie était présente chez 90% des cas (n=27) et l'anémie chez 23% des cas (n=7). La CRP était augmentée chez tous les cas. L'hypocholestérolémie était chez 80% des cas (n=24), l'hypoHDLémie chez 93,3% des cas (n=28), l'hypertriglycéridémie chez 36,6% (n=11) et la LDH était élevée chez 53,3% des cas (n=16). Ainsi, devant une suspicion d'infection palustre avec un examen direct négatif, la présence associée de ces perturbations biologiques augmenterait la probabilité diagnostique en faveur du paludisme.

The alveolar epithelium plays the role of the first physical barrier to prevent the internalization of harmful molecules or germs contained in inhaled air. This function is notably assured by the maintenance of the mechanical integrity at the cellular scale of the alveolar epithelial cell plasma membrane. A major component and organizer of the plasma membrane, well known to play a key role in mechanical properties of the cell and its plasma membrane, is the cholesterol. But, nowadays there are few data on the mechanical properties of alveolar epithelial cells in normal and in cholesterol-depletion conditions. Thus, in this work, the viscoelastic properties of adherent living alveolar epithelial cells are assessed by a relaxation mechanical assay performed with Atomic Force Microscopy. Concretely, during one minute of indentation in cell, the cantilever piezo height is fixed while the relaxing force is recorded. The first part of the force-distance AFM curve is fitted by a Hertz-based model and the second part of the force-time AFM curve corresponding to relaxation phase is analyzed by a generalized Maxwell-Wiechert model at second order. AFM measurements were performed on A549 cells cultured for 24 h following 3 different culture conditions: (1) baseline condition, (2) Methyl-b-Cyclodextrin condition (MbCD); this drug, known to deplete cholesterol in the cell membrane and to disrupt lipid raft, allows to test the role of cortical membrane stiffness in mechanical properties of adherent epithelial cells, and (3) cytochalasin-D condition; this drug depolymerizes the actin cytoskeleton of the cells. The results show that (i) as expected, actin-filament depolymerization with cytochalasin-D decreases cell stiffness up to 50%, and (ii) after 1 hour ofMbCD incubation, the A549 cell stiffness increases up to 80% as observed in other cell types. This study highlights the key role of cholesterol in the mechanical integrity of alveolar epithelial cells and offers a novel analysis model to extract cellular viscoelastic properties from AFM data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaria infection is a parasitic disease often associated with hematological and biological disturbances. Although not specific, these biological signs may be suggestive of malaria in patients who stayed in endemic areas and showing clinical signs of the disease. Our study aimed to assess the frequency of these disturbances in a series of cases with imported malaria. We analyzed NFS, the lipid profile, CRP and LDH in a series of 30 cases of malaria. Thrombopenia was found in 90% of cases (n = 27) and anemia in 23% of cases (n = 7). CRP increased in all cases. Hypocholesterolemia was found in 80% of cases (n = 24), hypoHDLemia in 93.3% of cases (n = 28), hypertriglyceridemia in 36.6% (n = 11) and LDH increased in 53.3% of cases (n = 16). Thus, where there is suspicion of malaria infection with negative direct examination, the presence of both these biological disturbances would increase the diagnostic probability of malaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palm oil is a solid vegetable oil, rich in saturated fatty acids (50 %), mainly in palmitic acid. However its contains also 50 % of unsaturated fatty acids, and is rich in tocotriénols and carotenoids partly altered by refining and heating. Its effects on fasting and post-prandial plasma lipids and on other parameters linked to the cardiovascular risk are reviewed in this work. These effects are more favourable than Partially Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils on LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol, less favourable on LDL cholesterol than polyunsaturated oils, similar to monounsaturated oils. Epidemiological studies are rare and of poor quality. These data are discussed with highlights on the actual point of view on the role of saturated fatty acids in cardiovascular risk. An increasing and excessive intake of palm oil in our diet, through manufactured products, could be deleterious. However the real consumption of palm oil is not well known. Finally its technological and physico-chemical properties give it a true interest for some uses. So it is necessary to consider each use with the subsidiary principle in order to avoid the going back of trans fatty acids.

Aberrations in cerebral cholesterol homeostasis can lead to severe neurological diseases. Recent findings strengthen the link between brain cholesterol metabolism and factors involved in synaptic plasticity, a process essential for learning and memory functions, as well as regeneration, which are affected in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Cholesterol homeostasis within the brain is independent of that in the rest of the body and needs to be strictly regulated for optimal brain functioning. In contrast with what was initially assumed brain cholesterol homeostasis can be modulated by extra-cerebral factors. We have found that enhancement of the cholesterol-turnover in the brain by administration of the synthetic activator of liver x receptos (LXRs), T0901317, leads to restoration of memory functions in an AD mouse-model.Memory in C57Bl6NCrl mice was not further improved by the same treatment. Moreover, it was found that in contrast with cholesterol, the structurally very similar dietary derived plant sterols can enter the brain. Plant sterols may be natural activators of LXRs. Evidence is provided suggesting that brassicasterol may be a novel additional biomarker in cerebrospinal fluid of AD patients. Insight into the regulation of cerebral cholesterol homeostasis will provide possibilities to modulate the key steps involved and may lead to the development of therapies for the prevention as well as treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as AD.

A fundamental feature of atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammation of the arterial intima characterised by the accumulation of low-density lipoproteins and cells undergoing apoptosis. Such material can be subject to modifications if not efficiently cleared. For example, the LDL can become oxidised or the apoptotic cells necrotic, both of which are highly immunogenic and inflammatory. These modified, endogenous structures can generate an auto-immune or “sterile inflammation” response and are the targets of both innate and adaptive immunity. Therefore, one can refer to atherosclerosis, in part, as an auto-immune disease

Facing to the important health issue linked to the hypercholesterolemia, which is concerning more than 17% of the French population today, dietary recommendations have to precede or to accompany every medicinal treatment. However, everybody knows that it is often difficult to respect these dietary recommendations which are perceived as a list of forbidden foods. Moreover, they have to be associated to supplementary efforts in order to improve more generally the quality of life (no smoking, physical activity...). In this context, the phytostanols are an original and efficient solution to fight against excessive cholesterol. When incorporated into foods like spread, they can be integrated very easily in a balanced diet. Moreover, the phytostanol present a supplementary benefit when they are consumed in association with a medicinal treatment.

Le lait maternel apporte au nourrisson l’équivalent de 5 à 10 fois la quantité de cholestérol de celle d’un adulte. En comparaison, les laits infantiles historiquement fabriqués à base de graisses laitières apportaient également du cholestérol au nourrisson mais en quantité moindre en raison d’une dilution avec les graisses végétales utilisées pour ajuster les apports. Ce contraste lait maternel/laits infantiles s’est encore creusé depuis une vingtaine d’années en raison d’un usage maintenant quasi-systématique des matières grasses végétales dans les formules commercialisées en Europe. Des études épidémiologiques suffisamment nombreuses comparant l’allaitement à l’alimentation aux formules soulignent un risque de maladie cardiovasculaire à l’âge adulte supérieur chez les enfants initialement alimentés aux formules. Des études animales, bien qu’incomplètes, suggèrent qu’il existe une programmation précoce du métabolisme du cholestérol liée à la nature des apports initiaux en ce stérol. Cette programmation est susceptible de retentir à long terme sur la cholestérolémie et le risque cardiovasculaire. Le point sur les données disponibles est livré dans cette revue, ainsi que les moyens possibles à mettre en œuvre pour répondre à la question de l’importance des apports en cholestérol en période néonatale.

Si l’hypercholestérolémie est un facteur de risque avéré des maladies cardiovasculaires, le rôle du cholestérol alimentaire dans la survenue de ces maladies reste discuté. À l’origine, les travaux d’Anitshkow chez le lapin ont montré qu’une alimentation riche en cholestérol se traduit par le développement de plaques d’athérome. Les études d’intervention chez l’homme ont examiné l’effet du cholestérol alimentaire et/ou des œufs sur les lipides plasmatiques, aboutissant à des résultats contradictoires. Elles ont également fait émerger la notion complexe d’hypo- et d’hyper-répondeur au cholestérol. L’épidémiologie observationnelle ne permet pas non plus de conclure à un effet délétère du cholestérol alimentaire chez l’homme. Néanmoins, chez les sujets diabétiques, une association positive entre la consommation et l’incidence des événements cardiovasculaires est retrouvée assez constamment, sans que l’on puisse l’expliquer de manière convaincante. Il n’existe pas d’essai clinique examinant l’impact des aliments riches en cholestérol sur la survenue des événements cardiovasculaires. Toutefois, les résultats des études MRFIT et PREDIMED ne vont pas dans le sens d’un effet délétère du cholestérol alimentaire. À l’inverse, les travaux réalisés sur le transporteur intestinal du cholestérol NPC1L1 sont en faveur de l’intérêt d’inhiber l’absorption du cholestérol pour réduire l’incidence des maladies cardiovasculaires. L’ensemble des données disponibles n’est pas en faveur d’un rôle clé du cholestérol alimentaire dans la survenue des maladies cardiovasculaires. Elles ne permettent donc pas d’en faire une cible prioritaire du régime à proposer pour prévenir les maladies cardiovasculaires.

The retina is responsible for coding the light stimulus into a nervous signal that is transferred to the brain via the optic nerve. The retina is formed by the association of the neurosensory retina and the retinal pigment epithelium that is supported by Bruch’s membrane. Both the physical and metabolic associations between these partners are crucial for the functioning of the retina, by means of nutrient intake and removal of the cell and metabolic debris from the retina. Dysequilibrium are involved in the aging processes and pathologies such as age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of visual loss after the age of 50 years in Western countries. The retina is composed of several populations of cells including glia that is involved in cholesterol biosynthesis. Cholesterol is the main sterol in the retina. It is present as free form in cells and as esters in Bruch’s membrane. Accumulation of cholesteryl esters has been associated with aging of the retina and impairment of the retinal function. Under dietary influence and in situ synthesized, the metabolism of cholesterol is regulated by cell interactions, including neurons and glia via cholesterol-24S-hydroxylase. Several pathophysiological associations with cholesterol and its metabolism can be suggested, especially in relation to glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.

L’étiquetage et les allégations possibles pour les produits alimentaires ont fait l’objet de nombreuses évolutions en Europe depuis moins d’une dizaine d’années. Concernant la question du cholestérol, on peut noter tout d’abord que les attentes consommateurs ont naturellement évolué, en lien avec les différents messages de santé publique et les modifications du discours ambiant. Le contexte réglementaire s’est également considérablement contraint, en ouvrant cependant la possibilité à de nouveaux produits pour communiquer sur le cholestérol, sous réserve de respecter les conditions d’emploi de ces mentions et de composition des produits.

The nature and level of dietary protein is liable to influence cholesterol and essential fatty acid (EFA) metabolism. Dietary vegetable protein, particularly the undigested fraction, decreases intestinal cholesterol absorption, increases the faecal excretion of steroids, and enhances the catabolism of cholesterol-carrying lipoproteins by increasing the activity or number of LDL receptors. However, the hypocholesterolemic effect of protein may be due to the presence of non-protein components and hence the purity degree of the selected protein, and the concomitant addition or not of cholesterol. Dietary proteins with different amino acid composition may modulate the secretion of hormones (e.g. glucagon and insulin), which in turn may modify the activity of enzymes responsible for cholesterol metabolism (e.g. HMG-CoA reductase, 7alpha-hydroxylase, lecithin: cholesterol acyl transferase) and polyunsaturated fatty acid synthesis (e.g. Delta5 and Delta6-desaturases). PUFA affect membrane fluidity and the synthesis of eicosanoids: prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Protein deficiency affects severely the PUFA amounts, particularly arachidonic and EPA acids which are precursors of prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes, and the possible consequences of their diminution may be an underlying cause of some of the common clinical symptoms in protein malnutrition, such as hair loss, dry scaly dermatitis and increased water permeability. Protein deficiency may thus increase the EFA requirement and precipitate marginal EFA deficiency. The dietary protein level may also influence the efficiency of antioxidant system and/or the release of reactive oxygen species. Tissue lipid peroxidation could be markedly enhanced by feeding low-protein diets, probably due to a depressed efficiency of antioxidative enzyme activities.

Indépendamment des phytostérols et des autres composants de la graine (protéines, isoflavones), l’huile de soja présente plusieurs autres atouts qui lui confèrent des effets préventifs vis-à-vis du risque cardiovasculaire et des maladies coronariennes. Elle contient 61% d’acides gras polyinsaturés et seulement 15% de saturés, et ne comporte pas d’acide gras trans : sa consommation peut donc permettre une réduction du cholestérol total et du cholestérol LDL. C’est également une huile riche en vitamine E, et particulièrement en gamma tocophérol dont l’activité antioxydante connaît aujourd’hui un regain d’intérêt. Enfin, sa teneur élevée en acide alpha-linolénique est compatible avec des propriétés antithrombotique et antiarrythmique, mais la faible biodisponibilité de cet acide gras dans l’huile de soja en limite peut-être les effets.

BACKGROUND: there are indications that oxidized low density lipoprotein cholesterol (Ox-LDLC) may play an important role in cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. In most developing countries, the interplay between the different lipid fractions and cigarette smoking has not been studied. This study assessed the effect ofcigarette smoking on the alterationsin plasma lipid fractions and their associations with the gonadal hormone, testostrone (T). METHODS: one hundred and sixty male participants, consisting of eighty smokers and eighty apparently healthy non-smokers were recruited. Anthropometric indices and biochemical parameters were determined using standard procedures. RESULTS: significant increases were obtained in plasma total cholesterol (TC),triglyceride (TG), oxidized low density lipoprotein(Ox-LDLC)and Ox-LDLC/TT ratio (p=0.001) in smokers compared with the non-smokers. Plasma high density cholesterol(HDLC) (p=0.001) was significantly reduced in smokers compared with the non-smokers. The plasma mean T result was not significantly different from the non-smokers, but inversely correlated with Ox-LDLC and significantly correlated with the lipids and lipoproteins. Significantly high plasma TC, TG and LDLC (p=0.001) and low HDLC (p=0.001)were also obtained in smokers when cofounding factors such as duration and number of cigarette smoked per day were applied. CONCLUSION: this study showed an inverse correlation between Ox-LDLC and testosterone as well as strong association between the number of tobacco and cigarettes usage per day.These changes in part, could be major causes of premature CVD and decreased fertility in young adults.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the medical progress in treatment. Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a serious global health problem. A genome-wide linkage study identified a major susceptibility locus on chromosomal region 8q12-q13 in Moroccan TB patients. The CYP7A1 gene is located in this region and codes for cholesterol 7a-hydroxylase, an enzyme involved in cholesterol catabolism. METHODS: We selected three SNPs (rs3808607, rs8192875 and rs8192879) and studied their genotype and allele frequencies distribution in patients with pulmonary (PTB) or pleural TB (pTB), and compared them to Healthy Controls (HC). Genotyping of rs8192875 and rs8192879 SNPs was carried out using the Taq Man SNP genotyping Assay while rs3808607 was investigated by PCR-RFLP. RESULTS: We reported here for the first time a statistically significant increase in the AA homozygote genotype frequency of rs3808607 in PTB patients compared to HC (p = 0.02, OR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.93 (1.07;3.49). The increased risk of developing TB was maintained when we combined the groups of patients (PTB-pTB) (p = 0.01, OR= 1.91, 95% CI = (1.07 - 3.42). In contrast, no genetic association was observed between the rs8192875 or rs8192879 polymorphisms and TB. CONCLUSION: Our investigations suggest that rs3808607 may play a role in susceptibility to TB in a Moroccan population.

Using qualitative and quantitative survey data aiming at identifying the compliance with a prescribed anti-cholesterol diet, this paper set the hypothesis of a “nutritional relativism”. The main objective is not to show that individuals, in France, disdain the nutritional recommendations in a univocal way but to unveil how cultural, social and interactional mechanisms combine and reduce their impacts. In this respect, this paper stresses on the competition that food medicalization contributes to increase between the different dimensions of the act of eating.

Résumé But de l’étude L’objectif de notre investigation est l’étude de la physiopathologie de l’artère carotide en cas de stress nutritionnel chez le rat wistar mâle athérorésistant. Matériels et méthodes Nous avons administré quotidiennement par gavage à des rats expérimentaux un régime hyperlipidique constitué d’huile d’arachide, de cholestérol à 3 % et du cholâtes de sodium à 1 %. Tout au long de cette expérimentation nous avons réalisé le suivi de quelques paramètres biochimiques ainsi que la morpho-histopathologie de l’artère cérébrale carotide. Les résultats obtenus sont comparés à ceux de rats témoins et ce dans les mêmes conditions expérimentales. Résultats Nous avons constaté que ce régime hyperlipidique a provoqué chez les rats expérimentaux une perturbation du bilan biochimique et des altérations tissulaires et cellulaires de la paroi carotidienne. En effet, l’examen biochimique montre une augmentation significative des paramètres étudiés, l’examen morphologique révèle un épaississement de la paroi carotidienne et l’examen histopathologique de cette artère met en évidence l’installation d’un remodelage vasculaire allant de l’épaississement de l’intima-média jusqu’à l’installation probable d’une athérosclérose accompagnée d’une éventuelle hyalinisation et d’une nette fibrose. Conclusion Au terme de cette étude, on note que notre régime hyperlipidique a pu provoquer un désordre métabolique qui peut être à l’origine des multiples lésions tissulaires et cellulaires observées au niveau de l’artère cérébrale « carotide » des rats athérorésistants. Objective of the study The aim of our investigation was the study of the pathophysiology of the carotid artery in cases of nutritional stress in male atheroresistant Wistar rats. Materials and methods Were administered daily by gavage to experimental rats a high fat diet consisting of peanut oil, cholesterol (3%) and sodium cholate (1%). Throughout this experiment, we conducted monitoring of some biochemical parameters and the morpho-histopathology of the carotid cerebral artery. The results obtained are compared to those of control rats in the same experimental conditions. Results We found that this fat diet resulted in experimental rats disruption of biochemical tests and tissular and cellular alterations in carotid wall. Indeed, the biochemical examination shows a significant increase of the parameters studied. Morphological examination revealed thickening of the carotid wall and histopathological examination of this artery, highlights the installation of a vascular remodeling from thickening of the intima-media to the installation of a probable atherosclerosis accompanied by a possible hyalinization and a net fibrosis. Conclusion At the end of this study, although notes that our fat diet could cause a metabolic disorder that can cause multiple tissue and cell damage observed in cerebral artery “carotid” of atheroresistant rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Résumé: Objectifs: Les spondylarthrites (SpA) sont associées à un risque cardiovasculaire accru. Nous avons étudié les facteurs de risque cardiovasculaire chez les patients atteints de SpA. Méthodes: Les facteurs de risque suivants ont été évalués chez les patients atteints de SpA et chez les témoins sains : tabagisme, antécédents familiaux de cardiopathie ischémique précoce, obésité, lipides sériques, apolipoprotéines (apo), urate et épaisseur intima-média de la carotide (EIM). Résultats: Cent cinquante patients (73 atteints de spondylarthrite ankylosante [SA], 71 de rhumatisme psoriasique [RPs] et 6 d’autres types de SpA) ont été inclus. En général, les patients SpA étaient significativement plus souvent fumeurs, alors que l’obésité abdominale était plus élevée chez les patients RPs. Les patients atteints de SA avaient des niveaux significativement plus bas de triglycérides, d’HDL, d’apoB, d’apoE et de Lp (a), et un indice athérogène plus élevé (cholestérol total [CT]/lipoprotéines de haute densité [HDL]). Les patients atteints de RPs avaient des niveaux significativement plus bas d’HDL, d’apoAI et d’apoE, un index athérogène plus élevé et une uricémie supérieure. En analyse multivariée, l’indice athérogène était positivement associé à la SpA dans tous les groupes de patients, indépendamment du tabagisme et des autres paramètres lipidiques. L’EIM carotidienne chez les patients atteints de SpA (0,71mm) était plus élevé que chez les témoins (0,63mm, p =0,017), mais la différence n’était plus significative après ajustement avec le paramètre de tabagisme. Le traitement des patients sans traitement préalable induisait une baisse légère mais significative des niveaux d’apoB après six mois (p =0,045), mais plus après 12 mois. Conclusion: Le risque cardiovasculaire est plus élevé chez les patients atteints de SpA en raison de la prévalence élevée du tabagisme et un plus grand indice athérogène. Les patients RPs ont plus de graisse abdominale et des niveaux d’acide urique élevés. Les traitements immunosuppresseurs de la SpA ont des effets mineurs et temporaires sur le profil lipidique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipids are major components of the cell and, like proteins, exhibit much diversity and are highly regulated. And yet, our knowledge of lipids remains limited primarily because their study is difficult. We will use novel Systems Biology approaches, and in particular high content screening techniques, to investigate the mechanisms that regulate the cellular lipid content and function. Our project is to carry out a small compound screen using lipid imaging techniques to identify conditions that interfere with cellular levels and distribution of cholesterol, lysobisphosphatic acid and phosphoinositol-3-phosphate. This forward chemical genetic screen approach should reveal new molecular tools to investigate the molecular mechanism involved in the regulation of these lipids. The aim is to apply chemical proteomic techniques to identify the molecular target(s) of compounds able to affect the intracellular cholesterol regulation and to assess if these are novel druggable targets. This will be the ideal complementary study to the RNAi screen, currently run in our group, as the effect of the inhibition caused by a small molecule can be rapidly reversed when this is removed. Such a small molecule can be administered to a cell or an animal for a very short time to study the function of the target protein and to look at biological mechanisms in a short time-frame. This project is highly interdisciplinary, and will benefit from the help of the screening core facility, currently developed with the support of the NCCR.