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Background: Intraoperative conversion to open surgery is an adverse event during minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP), associated with poor postoperative outcomes. The aim of this study was to develop a model capable of predicting conversion in patients undergoing MIDP. Methods: A total of 352 patients who underwent MIPD were included in this retrospective analysis and randomly assigned to training and validation cohorts. Potential risk factors related to open conversion were identified through a literature review, and data on these factors in our cohort was collected accordingly. In the training cohort, multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to adjust the impact of confounding factors to identify independent risk factors for model building. The constructed model was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristics curve, decision curve analysis (DCA), and calibration curves. Results: Following an extensive literature review, a total of ten preoperative risk factors were identified, including sex, BMI, albumin, smoker, size of lesion, tumor close to major vessels, type of pancreatic resection, surgical approach, MIDP experience, and suspicion of malignancy. Multivariate analysis revealed that sex, tumor close to major vessels, suspicion of malignancy, type of pancreatic resection (subtotal pancreatectomy or left pancreatectomy), and MIDP experience persisted as significant predictors for conversion to open surgery during MIDP. The constructed model offered superior discrimination ability compared to the existing model (area under the curve, training cohort: 0.921 vs. 0.757, P < 0.001; validation cohort: 0.834 vs. 0.716, P = 0.018). The DCA and the calibration curves revealed the clinical usefulness of the nomogram and a good consistency between the predicted and observed values. Conclusion: The evidence-based prediction model developed in this study outperformed the previous model in predicting conversions of MIDP. This model could contribute to decision-making processes surrounding the selection of surgical approaches and facilitate patient counseling on the conversion risk of MIDP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the physiological effects of incorporating animal protein into a plant protein-based diet for red seabream, Pagrus major. Four diets with different levels of protein ingredients were formulated and fed to the fish (initial body weight: 11.3 ± 0.1 g) over a 4-week trial: a fishmeal (FM)-based diet (FM diet); an FM-free high-plant/low-animal protein diet (HPLA diet); an FM-free medium-plant/medium-animal protein diet (MPMA diet); and an FM-free plant protein-based diet (P diet). Fish fed the P diet showed an inferior growth performance, abnormal hindgut morphology, increased cholesterol biosynthesis, suppressed bile acid synthesis, and stimulated glycine and glutathione metabolism. These unfavorable effects on cholesterol metabolism were also confirmed by comprehensive transcriptome analysis. In addition, fish fed the P diet showed an upregulated expression of the haptoglobin precursor, an indicator of red blood cell damage. All of these negative physiological effects were either partially or totally improved by supplementation of the diet with animal proteins. Expression levels of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1, a negative indicator of growth, were higher in fish fed the HPLA and P diets compared to fish in the FM group, whereas those of fish fed the MPMA diet were comparable to those of fish in the FM group. These results suggest that an optimal combination of plant- and animal-protein sources could improve the physiological condition of red seabream. Optimization of the dietary levels of plant and animal protein ingredients would contribute to the development of a low fishmeal diet that is well suited to improving the physiological condition of aquaculture target species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) risk factors include high cholesterol. Children with total cholesterol (TC) levels ≥ 170 mg/dL are usually considered hypercholesterolemic. This study aimed at investigating the awareness of TC levels in a large Italian paediatric population and at looking for a possible correlation between their TC and TC in their parents' blood. Methods and results: A survey was carried out in 46,309 subjects (mean age 9.7 ± 2.3 years; age range 6–14 years) to check the awareness of their own TC levels by using a personal and family medical history questionnaire. In 95.67% of the sample TC value was unknown. In 2.69% TC was < 170 mg/dL, whereas 1.64% were hypercholesterolemic (TC ≥ 170 mg/dL). A statistically significant correlation was found between children with normal TC values and physiological TC values in both parents (p < 0.0001). Again, a significant association between children with high TC and their parents with high TC was detected when parents were analysed separately (i.e. children with TC ≥ 170 mg/dl vs maternal TC ≥ 200 mg/dL: OR 2.01 (95% CI 1.61–2.49, p < 0.001); children with TC ≥ 200 mg/dl vs maternal TC ≥ 240 mg/dL: OR 3.14 (95% CI 2.14–4.6, p < 0.001); children with TC ≥ 170 mg/dl vs paternal TC ≥ 200 mg/dL: OR 2.39 (95% CI 1.91–2.98, p < 0.001); children with TC ≥ 200 mg/dl vs paternal TC ≥ 240 mg/dL: OR 3.85 (95% CI 2.70–5,.50, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Just a minority of the investigated young patients knew their TC. This is worrisome. Children with normal TC values are more likely to be born from healthy parents with physiological TC. In addition, high TC in the enrolled subjects is significantly associated with high TC in their parents. Overall, these findings seem to highlight the importance of health education and genetics in TC pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Egg yolk lipids are important components in egg yolk. Compared with proteins, minerals, vitamins and pigments in egg yolk, there is a lack of systematic research on extraction methods and characteristics of yolk lipid. Therefore, in this study, the extraction of egg yolk lipids by supercritical CO2 fluid extraction (SFE), subcritical propane extraction (SPE) and ethanol solvent extraction (SE) was studied, and the differences in composition and physicochemical properties of the three yolk lipids were analyzed. The egg yolk lipids extracted by SFE had the advantages of high unsaturated fatty acid content, low saponification value, acid value, peroxide value, and high content of neutral lipids such as triglyceride and cholesterol, but the polar phospholipids were completely retained in the yolk powder. The efficiency of lipid extraction of SPE was the highest among all the three methods, but the extraction capacity to the polar phospholipid was in the middle of the three methods. The efficiency of lipid extraction of SE was low, but the extraction capacity to the polar phospholipid was the highest. Suitable extraction methods could be selected based on the specific application requirements of egg yolk lipids and low-fat egg yolk powders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) plays an important role in tumorigenesis in several endocrine-related cancers. Few studies have shown the effect of non-HDL-c in malignant tumors. The present study aimed to identify the association between non-HDL-c and high-grade pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PNENs). Methods: A total of 197 PNEN patients who underwent surgery were analyzed retrospectively. Clinical and histopathological features, such as patients' age and sex, tumor location and size, tumor grade, the level of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and fasting plasma-glucose levels were obtained. Non-HDL-c was calculated as total cholesterol - HDL-c. The relationships between those features and high-grade PNENs were identified using logistic regression analysis. Results: Among the 197 patients with PNENs, a lower HDL-c level was more common seen in patients with poorly differentiated PNENs than in those with well-differentiated PNENs (P < 0.05). The non-HDL-c/HDL-c ratio was greater in patients with poorly differentiated PNENs than in those with well-differentiated PNENs (P < 0.01). Similarly, a greater proportion of patients with a non-HDL-c/HDL-c ratio larger than 5 was found in patients with poorly differentiated PNENs than in those with well-differentiation PNENs (P < 0.01). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that the non-HDL-c/HDL-c ratio was positively associated with poorly differentiated PNENs (odds ratio (OR) = 1.45, 95% conference interval (CI):1.13–1.87). Similarly, the risk of poorly differentiated PNENs increased significantly in patients with a non-HDL-c/HDL-c greater than 5 (OR = 14.13, 95%CI: 2.98–66.89). The risk of high-grade PNENs increased in patients with a high non-HDL-c/HDL-c ratio (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.04–1.55), and the risk also increased markedly when the ratio was greater than 5 (OR = 5.00, 95%CI: 1.28–19.49). Conclusions: A high ratio of non-HDL-c/HDL-c was associated with high-grade PNENs or poorly differentiated PNENs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Altered lipid metabolism frequently occurs in patients with solid cancers and dyslipidemia has been associated with poorer outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer. This study sought to investigate whether cholesterol levels are associated with clinical outcomes and can serve as survival predictors. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study with Danish patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer who had surgery with curative intent for UICC stages I to III between 2015 and 2020. Using propensity score adjustment, we matched patients in a 1:1 ratio to examine the impact of total cholesterol (TC) > 4 mmol/L vs. ≤ 4 mmol/L within 365 days prior to surgery on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Results: A total of 3443 patients were included in the study. Median follow-up time was 3.8 years. Following propensity score matching, 1572 patients were included in the main analysis. There was no statistically significant difference in OS or DFS between patients with TC > 4 mmol/L compared with TC ≤ 4 mmol/L (HR: 0.82, 95% CI, 0.65–1.03, HR: 0.87, 95% CI, 0.68–1.12, respectively.). A subgroup analysis investigating TC > 4 mmol/L as well as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) > 3 mmol/L found a significant correlation with OS (HR: 0.74, 95% CI, 0.54–0.99). Conclusion: TC levels alone were not associated with OS or DFS in patients with colorectal cancer. Interestingly, higher TC and LDL levels were linked to better overall survival, suggesting the need for further exploration of cholesterol's role in colorectal cancer. Trial registration: Not applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Maternal overweight or obesity has been associated with metabolic syndrome through 1 year postpartum, but it remains unknown whether a culturally-modified, motivationally-targeted, and individually-tailored Lifestyle Intervention could improve postpartum cardiometabolic health among Hispanic women with overweight or obesity. Methods: Proyecto Mamá was a randomized controlled trial conducted in Western Massachusetts from 2014 to 2020 in which Hispanic women with overweight/obesity were randomized to a Lifestyle Intervention (LI) involving diet and exercise or to a comparison Health and Wellness Intervention (HW). Biomarkers of cardiovascular risk (i.e., lipids, C-reactive protein) and insulin resistance (fasting insulin, glucose, HbA1c, homeostasis model assessment [HOMA-IR], leptin, adiponectin) were measured at baseline (early pregnancy), mid-pregnancy, and 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postpartum. Generalized linear mixed effect models were used to evaluate differences in the change in biomarkers over the course of postpartum follow-up time. Results: In intent-to-treat analyses among eligible women (LI; n=51, HW; n=58) there were no significant differences in changes in biomarkers of CVD risk or insulin resistance over the postpartum year; for example, the intervention effect for total cholesterol was 6.98 (SE: 6.36, p=0.27) and for HbA1c was −0.01 (SE: 0.4, p=0.85). In pooled analyses, regardless of intervention arm, women who participated in any vigorous activity had less of an increase in HbA1c (intervention effect = −0.17, SE: 0.05, p=0.002) compared to those with no vigorous activity, and similarly beneficial associations with other cardiovascular risk biomarkers (p<0.05). Discussion: Women who participated in vigorous activity, regardless of their assigned intervention arm, had more favorable changes in biomarkers of insulin resistance. Significance: Women with overweight/obesity during pregnancy are at an increased risk of adverse cardiometabolic profiles and future development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Hispanic women are disproportionately affected by cardiometabolic disorders but have largely been excluded from lifestyle intervention studies. Although providing a lifestyle intervention to Hispanic women with overweight/obesity resulted in no significant differences in postpartum cardiometabolic biomarkers, women who articipated in vigorous activity, regardless of their assigned intervention arm, had favorable changes in insulin resistance biomarkers. These findings suggest that the intensity of physical activity may be important for improving postpartum cardiometabolic biomarkers among high-risk, Hispanic women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In the present work, an attempt has been made to mimic Ezetimibe with the design of flexible linear acetamides bearing amino, oxy, and thio groups in beta position as cholesterol absorption inhibitors. Methods: Compounds (I–VII) were prepared and analyzed for cholesterol lowering activity in vivo by determining total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride (TG). Results and Discussion: Among the acetamides prepared, compound (III) (total cholesterol: 137.5; triglycerides: 93.8; HDL: 55.2; LDL: 81; VLDL: 17.8), and compound (VI) (total cholesterol: 134.1; triglycerides: 92.3; HDL: 51.8; LDL: 76.5; VLDL: 17.3) showed excellent in vivo cholesterol lowering activity when compared to all other compounds and even better activity than the standard drug atorvastatin (total cholesterol: 141.7; triglycerides: 95.3; HDL: 57.5; LDL: 83.2; VLDL: 19.5). As a reflection of the cholesterol lowering activities, Wistar albino rats treated with (III) and (VI) showed a maximum decrease in their body weights, 260.4 and 256.3 g respectively, when compared to all other prepared compounds as well as the standard drug (270.7 g). All the synthesized compounds along with the Ezetimibe were docked with the target enzyme Niemann-Pick C1-like1 (NPC1L1) protein (PDB ID: 3QNT), performed by AutoDock 4.0 tool. Conclusions: The molecular docking analysis demonstrated that (III) –4.92 kcal/mol and (VI) –5.36 kcal/mol achieved the highest binding affinity scores with good hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions, all contributed to the stabilization of the compounds at the protein's target site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The petrous apex is medial most part of temporal bone, which is surrounded by vital structures. Cholesterol granuloma is the most common benign lesion of the petrous apex. Symptoms are related to mass effect and/or direct involvement of closely adjacent vital structures. The lesions can be manged either by open surgery via craniotomy or through the newer endoscopic approach. Case report and review of the literature concerning cholesterol granulomas of the petrous apex and their management. The lesion was approached endoscopically trans nasal and trans sphenoid and cholesterol granuloma was excised and marsupialised. Post operative patient recovery was uneventful. Endonasal Endoscopic approach has significantly lower complication rate when compared to open approaches. Petrous apex lesions are rare and need a multidisciplinary team approach for optimal management. By endoscopic approach one can remove lesion or marsupialize the sac with natural drainage into sinus and result in better prognosis and minimal chance of recurrence. Endonasal procedure has also lower complication rates and shorter median follow-up than open approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A relationship between cholesterol levels and Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 (NPC1L1) polymorphisms in diverse populations was found in previous studies. However, relevant research on this association in the Korean population is relatively scarce. Therefore, the current study sought to examine the correlation between the NPC1L1 rs217434 A > G polymorphism and clinical as well as biochemical variables pertaining to dyslipidemia in the Korean population. This cross-sectional single-center study included 1404 Korean subjects aged 20–86 years, grouped based on dyslipidemia presence (normal and dyslipidemia) and genotype (AA or AG). After adjusting for sex and age, it was discovered that the dyslipidemia group's BMI, diastolic blood pressure, glucose-related indicators, lipid profile, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and parameters of oxidative stress were considerably different from the normal group's values. When grouped according to genotype, individuals in the AG group exhibited greater total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, hs-CRP, and 8-epi-prostaglandin F2α in comparison to those in the AA group. Moreover, individuals with dyslipidemia and the AG genotype exhibited unfavorable outcomes for lipid profiles, markers related to glucose and inflammation, and markers of oxidative stress. This study provided evidence for a relationship between the NPC1L1 rs217434 A > G genotype and dyslipidemia in the Korean population, which highlights the potential of the NPC1L1 rs217434 A > G genotype as an early predictor of dyslipidemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osteoarthritis is a widely prevalent cause of pain and disability among older adults. It is an incurable condition, and most treatments are aimed at alleviating symptoms. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the impact of statins on osteoarthritis by using a two-sample Mendelian randomization approach, using genetic variants associated with statin use as instrumental variables. Method: Information on single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with statin medication was obtained from the FinnGen study, and data on osteoarthritis were sourced from the UK Biobank. The inverse variance weighted method was used as the primary analytical approach for the Mendelian randomization analysis. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate horizontal pleiotropy and heterogeneity. To examine the genetic relationship between statins and osteoarthritis, linkage disequilibrium score regression-based estimates were used. Results: Mendelian randomization analysis indicated a positive effect of statin use on the treatment of osteoarthritis (odds ratio 0.951, 95% confidence interval 0.914–0.99, p < 0.05). This conclusion was supported by various Mendelian randomization methods. Sensitivity analyses revealed no significant directional pleiotropy or influential single nucleotide polymorphisms that could compromise the overall causal inference. Linkage disequilibrium score regression-based estimates suggested a modest genetic correlation between statin use and osteoarthritis (Rg = 0.098, Se = 0.034, p < 0.05), thus reinforcing the robustness of the Mendelian randomization analysis. Conclusion: Statins reduce the risk of osteoarthritis, aligning with the results of observational studies. Further research is essential to validate these results and explore the underlying mechanisms in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-parasitic nematodes ingest and convert host phytosterols via dealkylation to cholesterol for both structural and hormonal requirements. The insect 24-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR24) was shown in vitro as a committed enzyme in the dealkylation via chemical blocking. However, an increased brood size and ovulation rate, instead compromised development, were observed in the engineered nematode Caenorhabditis elegans where the DHCR24 gene was knocked down, indicating the relationship between DHCR24 and dealkylation and their function in nematodes remains illusive. In this study, a defect in C. elegans DHCR24 causes impaired growth of the nematode with sitosterol (a major component of phytosterols) as a sole sterol source. Plant sterols with rationally designed structure (null substrates for dealkylation) can't be converted to cholesterol in wild-type worms, and their development was completely halted. This study underpins the essential function of DHCR24 in nematodes and would be beneficial for the development of novel nematocidal strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macrocyclic liquid crystals combine the unique property of liquid crystals and excellent supramolecular assembly ability of macrocyclic compounds. It is a significant challenge to make rational use of the advantages of macrocyclic compounds to prepare new macrocyclic mesogens. Pillararenes, a type of macrocycles with rigid pillar-shaped frameworks and easy-to-functionalize property, are excellent building blocks to fabricate liquid crystal materials. However, the site-selective modification property of pillararene has been rarely exploited to tailor liquid crystal behaviors. Previously reported pillararene-based liquid crystal systems are almost prepared by per-functionalized pillararenes. Herein, we report the regulation of chiral liquid crystal behaviors by different derivatization of pillararene. Lyotropic and thermotropic liquid crystals with different chirality were obtained by self-assembly of pillararene with different numbers of cholesterol groups. The bridge between thermotropic liquid crystal and lyotropic liquid crystal based on pillararene is built. In addition, the chirality of the mesogens can be amplified through supramolecular self-assembly driven by noncovalent interactions. Based on the different liquid crystal behaviors, the optical signal of the pillararene-based chiral liquid crystals was used to fabricate an information encryption system. This work provides a simple strategy to regulate liquid crystal behaviors via pillararene-based mesogens and realizes information encryption through the combination of different types of liquid crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a major cause of cardiovascular diseases that may lead to mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of tetrandrine in high cholesterol diet (HCD)-induced atherosclerosis, in rats, via modulation of miR-34a, as well as, Wnt5a/Ror2/ABCA1/NF-κB pathway and to compare its efficacy with atorvastatin. Induction of AS, in male rats, was done via IP administration of vitamin D3 (70 U/Kg for 3 days) together with HCD. At the end of the 9th week, rats were treated with atorvastatin at a dose of 20 mg/kg, and tetrandrine at different doses of (18.75, and 31.25 mg/kg) for 22 days. Serum inflammatory cytokines and lipid profile, liver oxidative stress parameters, and aortic tissue Wnt5a, Ror2, ABCA1, NF-κB, miR-34a levels were assessed in all experimental groups. Histopathological and Immunohistochemical assessments of aortic tissue sections were done. Results showed that tetrandrine treatment reverted the inflammatory and oxidative stress state together with reducing the serum lipids via modulating miR-34a, and Wnt5a/Ror2/ABCA1/NF-κB pathway. Moreover, it reverted the histopathological abnormalities observed in AS rats. Tetrandrine beneficial effects, in both doses, were comparable to that of atorvastatin, in most of the discussed parameters. These findings praise tetrandrine as a promising agent for management of atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fecal sterols are traditionally ascribed as important biomarkers for animal excrement, and have been widely used to identify the source of organic matter and to reconstruct paleoecological changes in Antarctic terrestrial, aquatic, and marine ecosystems. However, the in situ microbial hydrogenation of cholesterol to coprostanol could have significance as a proxy to infer paleoenvironmental studies in Antarctica, particularly in anoxic sediment. Here, we report that abundant coprostanol, which was traditionally deemed as a biomarker for human sewage contamination, was found in three anoxic sediment profiles (AC2, BI, and CH1), which were strongly influenced by animal excrement at North Victoria Land, western Ross Sea, Antarctica. Our results suggest that the high concentrations of coprostanol in these three sediment profiles were not due to animal excrement, since coprostanol is not present in penguin guano and is a minor component in seal excrement. Coprostanol/cholesterol and coprostanol/(coprostanol + cholestanol) ratios suggest that coprostanol in the sediment cores of AC2 and BI was primarily derived from bacterial hydrogenation of cholesterol introduced by penguin guano. Coprostanol in CH1 sediments is related to human sewage due to intensive research activities from 1968 to 2006 in this region. However, the low abundance of coprostanol and the ratios of coprostanol/cholesterol and coprostanol/(coprostanol + cholestanol) in a relatively oxidizing sediment core (IIL1) infer that coprostanol was likely contributed by seal settlement. Together with high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, the conversion of cholesterol to coprostanol by anaerobic bacteria (e.g., Eubacterium coprostanoligenes) could occur in anoxic aquatic systems. Our results suggest that the presence of coprostanol in Antarctic lacustrine sediment with anoxic conditions does not necessarily indicate seal activity and human waste as the microbial hydrogenation of cholesterol to coprostanol should also be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Currently, most studies on the health benefits of traditional Chinese exercises on type 2 diabetes mellitus have explored the effects of a single type of traditional Chinese exercise on type 2 diabetes. Although a previous study evaluated the combined clinical effects of traditional Chinese exercises on type 2 diabetes, the studies included in that review were deficient in their study design. In addition, previous studies have not explored the ideal exercise dose that should be taken by patients with type 2 diabetes when performing traditional Chinese exercises. Objective: To understand whether the findings of previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses are still applicable and to try to address the deficiencies in the previous review, this review conducted a meta-analysis of existing randomized controlled trials to investigate the impact of traditional Chinese exercises on glycemic control with type 2 diabetes. Methods: The literature was searched in seven Chinese and English databases. Randomized controlled trials published in English and Chinese, from database inception to March 2023, were included in this review. Two reviewers independently reviewed the search results, extracted the data, and assessed the risk of bias. A meta-analysis of the included studies was conducted using Rev Man 5.4 and Stata 15.1 software. Heterogeneity was investigated using a sensitivity analysis, a subgroup analysis, and a meta-regression analysis. Pre-determined subgroups included the duration of the intervention, frequency of exercise, and duration of the single exercise session. Results: A total of 31 randomized controlled trials (2077 subjects) were selected in this review. The meta-analysis revealed that traditional Chinese exercises were more effective than control groups in lowering glycated hemoglobin (Z = 6.06; mean difference [MD] = − 0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] − 0.85, − 0.44; P < 0.00001), fasting blood glucose (Z = 7.81; MD = − 0.82, 95% CI − 1.03, − 0.62; P < 0.00001), 2-h plasma glucose (Z = 5.61; MD = − 1.03, 95% CI − 1.39, − 0.67; P < 0.00001), total cholesterol (Z = 4.23; MD = − 0.37, 95% CI − 0.54, − 0.20; P < 0.0001), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (Z = 5.94; MD = 0.12, 95% CI 0.08, 0.16; P < 0.00001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (Z = 6.20; MD = − 0.34, 95% CI − 0.44, − 0.23; P < 0.00001), and triglyceride levels (Z = 3.74; MD = − 0.44, 95% CI − 0.67, − 0.21; P = 0.0002) among patients with type 2 diabetes. Conclusions: Traditional Chinese exercises can significantly improve blood glucose and lipid levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. When performing traditional Chinese exercise interventions for type 2 diabetes, it is recommended that exercise programs are designed for 30–50 min/session, 4–5 sessions/week for at least 3 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Dyslipidemia is a major health issue worldwide. There is growing interest in understanding the potential role of kimchi consumption on serum lipid profiles. However, there are limited epidemiological studies available on this topic. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the association between kimchi intake and serum lipid profiles. Methods: We conducted an epidemiological study on participants (aged 40–69 years old) selected from the Health Examinees (HEXA) cohort study (n = 61,761). Four types of kimchi, including Baechu kimchi (cabbage kimchi), Kkakdugi (radish kimchi), Nabak kimchi/Dongchimi (a type of water kimchi made with fermented vegetables), and other kimchi, were assessed by a 106-food item semi-quantitative validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Each kimchi intake is the average value calculated from the FFQ of the baseline and follow-up surveys. Fasting blood data were obtained at baseline and follow-up visits. Linear regression was used to examine the relationship between the intake of kimchi and the change in serum lipid profiles. Results: The mean years between the baseline survey and a follow-up survey was 4.97 years. In this study, compared to the lowest category (< 1 serving/day), Baechu kimchi intake (2− < 3 servings/day) had more negative correlations with the change in values of total cholesterol (β: −1.600, 95% confidence interval [CI, −2.744, −0.456]), triglycerides (β: −3.372, 95% CI [−5.414, −1.330]), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (β: −1.155, 95% CI [−2.214, −0.095]) in women. In men, Baechu kimchi intake (2− < 3 servings/day) had a more positive correlation associated with the changes in values of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (β: 0.049, 95% CI [0.031, 0.907]) compared to the lowest intake category (< 1 serving/day). Conclusions: Among Korean adults, consumption of kimchi, particularly Baechu kimchi, was found to be associated with improvements in serum lipid profiles. Further studies are required to conduct additional interventions to confirm the association between kimchi and serum lipid profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Limited studies have been conducted on insulin index/load, with inconsistent results regarding the glycemic index/load in relation to cardiometabolic risk factors among people with diabetes. The present study aimed to reveal the association of dietary glycemic index and load and dietary insulin index and load with cardiometabolic risk factors among people with diabetes. Method: This cross-sectional study was performed on 88 adults with diabetes who enrolled in the Cohort Study of Employees of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The scores of dietary glycemic index (DGI), dietary glycemic load (DGL), dietary insulin index (DII), and dietary insulin load (DIL) were measured using a 116-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Multivariate linear regressions were used to associate each dietary score with fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglyceride, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Results: DGI was significantly associated with serum FBG (β; 0.24, 95% CI; 0.02, 0.46) and triglyceride (β; 0.53, 95% CI; 0.002, 1.06) levels but not TC, HDL, LDL, or blood pressure after adjusting for age, sex, education, marital status, smoking, body mass index, energy intake, physical activity, having other diseases, and family history of diabetes. Neither DGL, DII, nor DIL was significantly associated with each of the cardiometabolic risk factors after controlling for the confounders. Conclusion: A diet with a higher glycemic index accompanied by a higher serum FBG and triglyceride level. Further studies are needed to determine the association of DGL, DII, and DIL with cardiometabolic risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increase of cholesterol concentration within the artery obstructs arterial blood flow once it deposits alongside the arterial wall. This results in atherosclerosis. Carcinogenesis causes a quicker clearance of vascular cholesterol to meet the demands of tumour cell development. Both illnesses have an increased concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the blood. To search the comparative characteristics of cholesterol and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and carcinogenesis, a comprehensive online survey using MEDLINE, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar was conducted for relevant journals with key search term cholesterol and cytokines in atherosclerotic and cancerous patients. According to reports, hypercholesterolaemia related dyslipidemia causes atherosclerosis in blood arteries and hypercholesterolaemia in cell nucleus is a reason for developing carcinogenesis. It is also noted that pro-inflammatory cytokines are involved in both of the aforementioned pathogenesis. Changes in anti-inflammatory cytokines are only the characteristic features of each kind. Thus, Cholesterol and pro-inflammatory cytokines are intensely interlinked in the genesis of atherosclerotic and carcinogenic consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Membranes of living cells, or biological membranes, are unique molecular systems in which the functioning of all molecules is interdependent and coordinated, and disruption of this coordination can be fatal for the cell. One example of such coordination and mutual regulation is the functioning of membrane proteins, whose activity depends on their interaction with membrane lipids. This review summarizes the facts about the importance of the cholesterol component of cell membranes for the normal functioning of membrane proteins and the whole cell. This lipid component provides fine regulation of a variety of cellular functions and provides clues to understanding changes in the activity of a number of proteins under various physiologic and pathologic conditions. This review provides examples of cholesterol-dependent membrane proteins and cellular processes and discusses their role in several pathologies. Understanding the mechanisms of cholesterol–protein interactions represents a significant resource for the development of drugs that affect the cholesterol–protein interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sterol biosynthesis has evolved early in the history of eukaryotes. In most animals, as well as in primitive fungi, the main sterol is cholesterol. During the process of evolution, fungi acquired the ability to synthesize ergosterol. The pathway of its biosynthesis is more complex than the one of cholesterol biosynthesis. However, the evolutionary choice of most fungi was ergosterol, and the reason for this choice is still debated. In the majority of the works on this issue, the choice of most fungi is associated with the transition to life on land, and, consequently, the danger of cell dehydration. In our review we oppose this point of view. Probably, compared to cholesterol, ergosterol has more pronounced antioxidant properties. Indeed, the presence of three double bonds in the structure of the ergostеrol molecule, as compared to one in cholesterol, increases the probability of interaction with reactive oxygen species. Perhaps, the transition to life on land required additional antioxidant protection. Due to the aforementioned structural differences, the molecule of cholesterol is apparently more flexible than that of ergosterol. Experimental data indicate that this feature provides greater membrane flexibility as compared to fungal membranes, as well as a greater ability to compensate for disturbances in the packing of membrane phospholipids. Presumably, for animal cells these qualities turned out to be relatively more important than antioxidant ones, which predetermined their evolutionary choice of sterol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigations were conducted into the effects of different salt varieties and honey addition on the physicochemical characteristics, cholesterol oxidation products, microbiological profiles, and sensory attributes of beef jerky. Beef jerkies (BJ) were made from six batches of sun-dried slices of Semimembranosus muscles, and infusion mixture containing either 1.50% NaCl, BJ-1; 0.75% NaCl + 0.75% Honey, BJ-2; 0.75% KCl + 0.75% Honey, BJ-3; or 0.75% C6H5K3O7 + 0.75% Honey, BJ-4, and stored at 28 ± 2 oC for 70 d. The partial replacement of NaCl with KCl, C6H5K3O7 and honey resulted in about 39–76% decrease in Na content in BJ. The BJ-1 had higher (P < 0.05) 25-hydroxy cholesterol, and 7-ketocholesterol concentration, malondialdehyde, and carbonyl than other beef jerkies. The BJ-2 had higher flavor, texture and overall acceptability scores than BJ-1 (P < 0.05). The BJ-1 and BJ-2, respectively, had a reduced total plate count after 28 and 42 days of storage compared to other jerkies. The pH of BJ-1 remained stable for up to 28 days, whilst other beef jerkies showed pH stability for up to 42 days before increasing. The partial replacement of NaCl with KCl, C6H5K3O7, and honey demonstrated significant potential to produce sodium-reduced beef jerky with improved oxidative stability and equivalent sensory quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This cross-sectional study was planned to evaluate the relationship between serum nesfatin-1 levels, glucose regulation and anthropometric measurements of individuals who had undergone sleeve gastrectomy. Methods: A total of 40 participants aged between 19 and 64 years with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2 who underwent sleeve gastrectomy participated in the study. Before and 1 month after the surgery, serum nesfatin-1, fasting insulin levels, anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters were assessed. Results: Serum nesfatin-1 levels significantly decreased 4 weeks after the surgery (108.3 ± 58.35 pg/mL versus 74.6 ± 40.12 pg/mL: p = 0.003). Serum insulin levels (µIU/ml) showed a similar decrease (p < 0.001). Change in serum nesfatin-1 levels significantly correlated with change in BMI and body fat mass (p = 0.009, p = 0.007, respectively). Furthermore, serum nesfatin-1 levels significantly correlated with total cholesterol levels (p = 0.037). However, despite the significant decreases in both nesfatin-1 levels and glucose regulation markers, no correlation was found between them. The significant decrease observed in post-operative serum nesfatin-1 levels was found to be correlated with anthropometric measurements. Conclusions: This finding highlights the anorexigenic effects of nesfatin-1, and therefore, nesfatin-1 may be an effective factor in obesity treatment and diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of hyperlipidemia and statin (hydroxyl-methylglutaryl-coenzyme-A reductase inhibitors) use on fatty infiltration (FI) of the rotator cuff muscle after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). The presence or absence of statin use and type of statins used (type 1 naturally derived statins and type 2 synthetic statins) were examined. Methods: This was a retrospective review of 620 cases (620 shoulders) who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TG) levels, and statin use were reviewed with the medical records. FI of the cuff muscles and repair integrity were assessed by MRI. A generalized linear model was used to analyze the progression of fatty infiltration. Repair integrity was determined according to the Sugaya classification, with types 4 and 5 as retears. Results: The mean age was 66.9 years (272, females). The overall retear rate was 16.1%. There was no significant difference in retears between statin use and non-use with a trend toward higher retear rates in the type 2 statins. FI progressed postoperatively, and multivariate regression showed that type 2 statin use was a significant risk factor (p = 0.006). Other significant risk factor were large-to-massive tear (p = 0.02) and retear (p <.0001). Conclusions: The progression of FI after ARCR was observed. The new generation of strong statins (type 2 statins) was a significant risk factor for the progression of postoperative fatty infiltration, while neither serum lipid level (TC, LDL, and TG) was significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cholesterol is one of the major components of plasma membrane, where its distribution is nonhomogeneous and it participates in lipid raft formation. In skeletal muscle cholesterol and lipid rafts seem to be important for excitation-contraction coupling and for neuromuscular transmission, involving cholesterol-rich synaptic vesicles. In the present study, nerve and muscle stimulation-evoked contractions were recorded to assess the role of cholesterol in contractile function of mouse diaphragm. Exposure to cholesterol oxidase (0.2 U/ml) and cholesterol-depleting agent methyl-β-cyclodextrin (1 mM) did not affect markedly contractile responses to both direct and indirect stimulation at low and high frequency. However, methyl-β-cyclodextrin at high concentration (10 mM) strongly decreased the force of both single and tetanus contractions induced by phrenic nerve stimulation. This decline in contractile function was more profoundly expressed when methyl-β-cyclodextrin application was combined with phrenic nerve activation. At the same time, 10 mM methyl-β-cyclodextrin had no effect on contractions upon direct muscle stimulation at low and high frequency. Thus, strong cholesterol depletion suppresses contractile function mainly due to disturbance of the neuromuscular communication, whereas muscle fiber contractility remains resistant to decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium and calcium are elements that have been associated with cardiometabolic risk factors related to metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, there are gaps in the knowledge regarding the impact of the calcium to magnesium (Ca/Mg) ratio in plasma. Thus, we aim to evaluate the associations between magnesium and calcium levels in plasma, and the Ca/Mg ratio in plasma with MetS components and other cardiometabolic risk factors. This cross-sectional study was carried out with 112 adults and older people, distributed into groups with (n = 60) and without MetS (n = 52). We evaluated sociodemographic, anthropometric, and biochemical data. Magnesium and calcium levels in plasma were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry technique (ICP-MS). There was a high frequency of MetS, with no significant differences in magnesium and calcium levels and Ca/Mg ratio in plasma observed between groups. There were no associations between magnesium and MetS components or other cardiometabolic risk factors (all p > 0.05). Calcium levels were associated with total cholesterol (β = − 0.020; p = 0.000) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) (β = − 0.046; p = 0.005). The total cholesterol (β = − 0.025; p = 0.000) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) (β = 0.017; p = 0.020) were preditors of the Ca/Mg ratio. These results indicate important associations of calcium and the Ca/Mg ratio in plasma with cardiometabolic risk factors related to MetS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Evidence suggests that alterations in the gut microbiome could play a role in cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of synbiotics on serum paraoxonase 1(PON1), soluble CD163/soluble TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (sCD163/sTWEAK), and lipid profile, which are involved in heart failure in patients with chronic heart failure. In this triple-blind randomized clinical trial, 90 eligible patients were included in the study. They were randomly assigned to receive one capsule (500 mg) of synbiotics or a placebo daily for ten weeks. Serum PON1, sCD163/sTWEAK, and lipid profiles were measured at the beginning and end of the study. The data were analyzed by SPSS 24, and the p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Among 90 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 80 completed the study. The primary outcomes showed a small effect on sTWEAK, with an adjusted standard mean difference (SMD) of 0.2. However, no significant changes were observed in sCD163/sTWEAK (SMD: 0.16). Secondary outcomes indicated no changes in PON1, total cholesterol (TC), or LDL-C levels. However, there was an increase in HDL-C levels (adjusted SMD: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.02–0.91) and a decrease in TG and TC/HDL levels (adjusted SMD: − 0.5 and − 0.3, respectively) in the synbiotic group. A favorable effect of synbiotics on sTWEAK, HDL, TG, and TC/HDL of patients with heart failure was observed, but no statistically significant effect was found on sCD163/sTWEAK, PON1, LDL, and TC factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The controversy surrounding whether serum total cholesterol is a risk factor for the graded progression of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) has prompted this study to develop an authentic prediction model using a machine learning (ML) algorithm. The objective was to investigate whether serum total cholesterol plays a significant role in the progression of KOA. This cross-sectional study utilized data from the public database DRYAD. LASSO regression was employed to identify risk factors associated with the graded progression of KOA. Additionally, six ML algorithms were utilized in conjunction with clinical features and relevant variables to construct a prediction model. The significance and ranking of variables were carefully analyzed. The variables incorporated in the model include JBS3, Diabetes, Hypertension, HDL, TC, BMI, SES, and AGE. Serum total cholesterol emerged as a significant risk factor for the graded progression of KOA in all six ML algorithms used for importance ranking. XGBoost algorithm was based on the combined best performance of the training and validation sets. The ML algorithm enables predictive modeling of risk factors for the progression of the KOA K–L classification and confirms that serum total cholesterol is an important risk factor for the progression of KOA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Data on sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors impact on lipids in patients with diabetes are available and only a handful of studies have explored this effect in individuals with both diabetes and renal impairment; lipid parameters were not the primary focus of those earlier studies. However, there is a significant research gap specifically addressing the influence of SGLT2 inhibitors on cholesterol fractions in patients exclusively with chronic kidney disease. This aim constitutes the central objective in this particular study. Methods: In this 3-month randomized controlled study, 30 patients with stage 3 chronic kidney disease and dyslipidemia were randomly assigned to receive either dapagliflozin 10 mg or placebo. Lipid profiles, renal function, and urinary albumin levels were assessed at baseline and after 3 months. Results: Compared to baseline, patients receiving dapagliflozin for 3 months showed significant improvements in serum creatinine (p <.001) and eGFR (p =.001). Total cholesterol and LDL-C levels decreased significantly (p =.010 and.006, respectively). While albumin-creatinine ratio also decreased, this change was not statistically significant. Additionally, HDL-C and TG not significantly increased. The control group without intervention experienced deterioration in serum creatinine and eGFR (p =.008, and.011, respectively), but no statistically significant lipid changes were observed. Furthermore, post-intervention total cholesterol moderately correlated with BMI (p =.032, R =.554), yet no predictors significantly influenced lipid levels in the multiple linear regression analysis. Conclusions: Dapagliflozin has a favorable effect on cholesterol fractions in stage 3 CKD patients without diabetes mellitus and this effect was different from that observed in patients with diabetes alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We examined the associations of soy product intake with all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and cancer mortality and mediations through CVD risk factors based on the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study (GBCS), and conducted updated meta-analyses. Methods: A total of 29,825 participants aged 50 + years were included. Causes of death were identified through record linkage. Soy product intake was assessed by food frequency questionnaire. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to analyze the associations between soy product intake and mortality, yielding hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Mediation analyses with CVD risk factors as mediators, and updated meta-analyses were conducted. Results: During 454,689 person-years of follow-up, 6899 deaths occurred, including 2694 CVD and 2236 cancer. Participants who consumed soy product of 1–6 portions/week, versus no consumption, had significantly lower risks of all-cause and CVD mortality (adjusted HR (95% CI) 0.91 (0.86, 0.97) and 0.87 (0.79, 0.96), respectively). In participants who consumed soy product of ≥ 7 portions/week, the association of higher intake with lower CVD mortality was modestly mediated by total cholesterol (4.2%, 95% CI 1.0–16.6%). Updated meta-analyses showed that the highest level of soy product intake, versus the lowest, was associated with lower risks of all-cause and CVD mortality (pooled HR (95% CI) 0.92 (0.88, 0.96) and 0.92 (0.87, 0.98), respectively). Conclusion: Moderate and high soy product intake were associated with lower risks of all-cause and CVD mortality. Our findings provide support for current dietary guidelines recommending moderate soy product intake, and contribute additional evidence regarding the potential protective effects of high soy product intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbivorous zooplankton potentially encounter temporal dietary heterogeneity in sterol, an essential group of lipids, over short or long time scales. There are a few studies showing that dietary sterol fluctuation will impact the short-term growth and reproduction of zooplankton, but life histories in response to dietary sterol fluctuation have not been studied. In this study, both short-term physical performances and life tables of the brackish rotifer Brachionus plicatilis were compared at a series of constant dietary cholesterol levels and under a diurnal switching-quality regime (SQ) between low-cholesterol (LQ) and high-cholesterol (HQ) diets. The ingestion rate, short-term reproduction rate and lifetime fecundity were correlated significantly with dietary cholesterol concentration in the Michaelis‒Menten function pattern. The short-term reproduction rate and lifetime fecundity were higher in the SQ treatment than in the nonlinear averaging prediction. Generally, rotifers under the SQ condition exhibited life history traits comparable to those groups under the medium and high cholesterol conditions, as did the cholesterol accumulation in mother rotifers. The maternal allocation of cholesterol per offspring, nevertheless, varied among different food regimes, and the SQ offspring had a higher sterol content than the HQ offspring. It is suggested that diurnal switching dietary cholesterol quality will not decrease the physiological performance of rotifers, unlike predictions based on the nonlinear averaging hypothesis, and the population can maintain their development under diurnal fluctuating dietary sterol conditions. Furthermore, the variable per offspring sterol investment may bear adaptive significance for rotifers under the fluctuating food environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted for the main purpose of evaluating the effect of resveratrol and curcumin on changes in fatty acid composition in liver and kidney tissues of rats exposed to DMBA. Resveratrol groups: 40 mg/kg resveratrol was administered for only 3 days per week throughout the experiment. Curcumin groups: 40 mg/kg curcumin was administered for only 3 days per week throughout the experiment. DMBA groups: A single dose of 20 mg/kg DMBA was administered once throughout the duration of the experiment. Fatty acid composition, fat-soluble vitamins, cholesterol and phytosterol analyses analyses were performed in tissues. Antioxidant tests were also performed. It was found that the amounts of C16:0, C17:0, C17:1 and C22:5 n3 decreased significantly in the liver tissue of rats administered DMBA, but the amounts of C20:3 n6 ve C22:6 n3 increased significantly. It was found that C16:0 and C18:2 n6c levels increased significantly in kidney tissue, but C17:1 level decreased significantly. As a result of the administration of Curcumin, Resveratrol, DMBA + Curcumin and DMBA + Resveratrol in both liver and kidney tissue, it was determined that some fatty acid values decreased significantly and some fatty acid values increased significantly. Compared to the DMBA group, it was determined that all groups studied had significant changes in the amount of some fat-soluble vitamins, cholesterol, sitosterols in tissues. In conclusion the administration of DMBA, resveratrol and curcumin both single and in combination, it was found that there may be significant changes in the fatty acid composition, fat-soluble vitamins, cholesterol and phytosterols in tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Older patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are highly susceptible to adverse drug reactions due to age-related physiological changes and the presence of multiple comorbidities, polypharmacy, and potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). Objective: This study aimed to develop a predictive model to identify the use of PIMs in older patients with CVD. Methods: Data from 2012 to 2021 from the Changhua Christian Hospital Clinical Research Database (CCHRD) and the Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital Research Database (KMUHRD) were analyzed. Participants over the age of 65 years with CVD diagnoses were included. The CCHRD data were randomly divided into a training set (80% of the database) and an internal validation set (20% of the database), while the KMUHRD data served as an external validation set. The training set was used to construct the prediction models, and both validation sets were used to validate the proposed models. Results: A total of 48,569 patients were included. Comprehensive data analysis revealed significant associations between the use of PIMs and clinical factors such as total cholesterol, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), creatinine, and uric acid levels, as well as the presence of diabetes, hypertension, and cerebrovascular accidents. The predictive models demonstrated moderate power, indicating the importance of these factors in assessing the risk of PIMs. Conclusions: This study developed predictive models that improve understanding of the use of PIMs in older patients with CVD. These models may assist clinicians in making informed decisions regarding medication safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein aggregation plays a crucial role in the development of several neurodegenerative diseases. It is important to understand the aggregation process for the detection of the onset of these diseases. Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is one of the most prevalent neurodegenerative diseases caused by the aggregation of Aβ-40 and Aβ-42 peptides. The smaller oligomers lead to the formation of protein plaque at the neural membranes leading to memory loss and other disorders. Interestingly, aggregation takes place at the neural membranes, therefore the membrane composition seems to play an important role in the aggregation process. Despite a large number of literatures on the effect of lipid composition on protein aggregation, there are very few concise reviews that highlight the role of membrane composition in protein aggregation. In this review, we have discussed the implication of membrane composition on the aggregation of amyloid beta peptide with a special emphasis on cholesterol. We have further discussed the role of the degree of unsaturation of fatty acids and the participation of apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) in the onset of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypercholesterolemia is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. However, it is mostly associated with vascular dysfunction and atherosclerotic lesions, while evidence of direct effects of hypercholesterolemia on cardiomyocytes and heart function is still incomplete and controversial. In this study, we assessed the direct effects of hypercholesterolemia on heart function and the electro-contractile properties of isolated cardiomyocytes. After 5 weeks, male Swiss mice fed with AIN-93 diet added with 1.25% cholesterol (CHO), developed an increase in total serum cholesterol levels and cardiomyocytes cholesterol content. These changes led to altered electrocardiographic records, with a shortening of the QT interval. Isolated cardiomyocytes displayed a shortening of the action potential duration with increased rate of depolarization, which was explained by increased IK, reduced ICa.L and altered INa voltage-dependent inactivation. Also, reduced diastolic [Ca2+]i was found with preserved adrenergic response and cellular contraction function. However, contraction of isolated hearts is impaired in isolated CHO hearts, before and after ischemia/reperfusion, although CHO heart was less susceptible to arrhythmic contractions. Overall, our results demonstrate that early hypercholesterolemia-driven increase in cellular cholesterol content is associated with direct modulation of the heart and cardiomyocytes' excitability, Ca2+ handling, and contraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: Vascular dementia (VaD) is the second most prevalent type of dementia after Alzheimer's disease.Hypercholesterolemia may increase the risk of dementia, but the association between cholesterol and cognitive function is very complex. From the perspective of peripheral and brain cholesterol, we review the relationship between hypercholesterolemia and increased risk of VaD and how the use of lipid-lowering therapies affects cognition. Recent Findings: Epidemiologic studies show since 1980, non-HDL-C levels of individuals has increased rapidly in Asian countries.The study has suggested that vascular risk factors increase the risk of VaD, such as disordered lipid metabolism. Dyslipidemia has been found to interact with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion to promote inflammation resulting in cognitive dysfunction in the brain.Hypercholesterolemia may be a risk factor for VaD. Inflammation could potentially serve as a link between hypercholesterolemia and VaD. Additionally, the potential impact of lipid-lowering therapy on cognitive function is also worth considering. Summary: Finding strategies to prevent and treat VaD is critical given the aging of the population to lessen the load on society. Currently, controlling underlying vascular risk factors is considered one of the most effective methods of preventing VaD. Understanding the relationship between abnormal cholesterol levels and VaD, as well as discovering potential serum biomarkers, is important for the early prevention and treatment of VaD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The platelet/high-density lipoprotein ratio (PHR) has been identified as a significant indicator of inflammation and a hypercoagulable state, demonstrating a strong link with the severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, its correlation with hyperuricemia has not yet been documented. This study utilized a cross-sectional design, analyzing data collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2007 and 2016 in the United States. The platelet/high-density lipoprotein ratio (PHR) was determined by dividing the number of platelets (PLT) by the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). We employed multivariable logistic regression analyses, generalized additive models, and subgroup analyses to investigate the correlation between PHR and hyperuricemia. The study revealed a hyperuricemia prevalence of 18.56%. Analysis indicated a significant positive correlation between PHR and the risk of hyperuricemia (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.08, 1.14). This correlation remained consistent across different subgroups including age, ethnicity, gender, and body mass index (BMI). Smooth curve fitting demonstrated a saturation effect between PHR and the risk of hyperuricemia. PHR is positively correlated with hyperuricemia and may serve as a novel biomarker for predicting the onset of this condition. Additionally, targeted interventions to improve PHR might help reduce the incidence of hyperuricemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is a major cause of abnormalities and disorders in the central nervous system (CNS) and/or the peripheral nervous system (PNS). However, the complete pathogenesis of neural differentiation disorders caused by HCMV infection remains to be fully elucidated. Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) are mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with a high proliferation and neurogenic differentiation capacity. Since SHEDs originate from the neural crest of the early embryonic ectoderm, SHEDs were hypothesized to serve as a promising cell line for investigating the pathogenesis of neural differentiation disorders in the PNS caused by congenital HCMV infection. In this work, SHEDs were demonstrated to be fully permissive to HCMV infection and the virus was able to complete its life cycle in SHEDs. Under neurogenic inductive conditions, HCMV infection of SHEDs caused an abnormal neural morphology. The expression of stem/neural cell markers was also disturbed by HCMV infection. The impairment of neural differentiation was mainly due to a reduction of intracellular cholesterol levels caused by HCMV infection. Sterol regulatory element binding protein-2 (SREBP2) is a critical transcription regulator that guides cholesterol synthesis. HCMV infection was shown to hinder the migration of SREBP2 into nucleus and resulted in perinuclear aggregations of SREBP2 during neural differentiation. Our findings provide new insights into the prevention and treatment of nervous system diseases caused by congenital HCMV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the current study, longitudinal BP and lipid measurements were examined in a NEPTUNE cohort of children with newly diagnosed nephrotic syndrome (cNEPTUNE). We hypothesized that hypertensive BP and dyslipidemia would persist in children with nephrotic syndrome, regardless of steroid treatment response. Methods: A multi-center longitudinal observational analysis of data obtained from children < 19 years of age with new onset nephrotic syndrome enrolled in the Nephrotic Syndrome Study Network (cNEPTUNE) was conducted. BP and lipid data were examined over time stratified by disease activity and steroid exposure. Generalized estimating equation regressions were used to find determinants of hypertensive BP and dyslipidemia. Results: Among 122 children, the prevalence of hypertensive BP at any visit ranged from 17.4% to 57.4%, while dyslipidemia prevalence ranged from 40.0% to 96.2% over a median of 30 months of follow-up. Hypertensive BP was found in 46.2% (116/251) of study visits during active disease compared with 31.0% (84/271) of visits while in remission. Dyslipidemia was present in 88.2% (120/136) of study visits during active disease and in 66.0% (101/153) while in remission. Neither dyslipidemia nor hypertensive BP were significantly different with/without medication exposure (steroids and/or CNI). In regression analysis, male sex and urine protein:creatinine ratio (UPC) were significant determinants of hypertensive BP over time, while eGFR was found to be a determinant of dyslipidemia over time. Conclusions: Results demonstrate persistent hypertensive BPs and unfavorable lipid profiles in the cNEPTUNE cohort regardless of remission status or concurrent steroid or calcineurin inhibitor treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Ethnic and gender differences in plasma lipid composition have been widely reported among the general population, but there are scarce data on athletes. Aim: To assess ethnic and gender differences in lipid profile across a large cohort of Olympic athletes practicing different sport disciplines Methods: We enrolled 1165 Olympic athletes divided into power, endurance, and mixed disciplines according to European Society of Cardiology classification. Sixty-two (5.3%) were Afro-Caribbean. Body composition and fat mass percentage were measured. Blood samples were collected and lipid profile was investigated. Results: Compared to Caucasians, Afro-Caribbeans had better lipid profile characterized by lower LDL (90 ± 25 mg/dL vs. 97.1 ± 26.2 mg/dL, p = 0.032) lower LDL/HDL ratio (1.39 ± 0.5 vs. 1.58 ± 0.6, p = 0.012), lower non-HDL-cholesterol (102.5 ± 27.4 mg/dL vs. 111.5 ± 28.5 mg/dL, p = 0.015) and lower TC/HDL (2.59 ± 0.6 vs. 2.82 ± 0.7, p = 0.010). Female Afro-Caribbeans showed lower TG/HDL ratio (p = 0.045) and TC/HDL ratio (p = 0.028), due to higher HDL (p = 0.005) compared to male Afro-Caribbeans. In Caucasian athletes, females showed even more evident differences with lower TC, LDL, and higher HDL with subsequent lower ratios compared to men. Moreover, endurance Caucasian athletes had lower LDL (p = 0.003) and TG (p = 0.017) plasmatic levels and higher HDL levels compared to non-endurance Caucasian athletes (p< 0.0001) Conclusions: Ethnicity and gender have a significant influence on plasmatic lipid balance in elite athletes and Afro-Caribbeans have favorable lipid profiles compared to Caucasians. Moreover, endurance sports, particularly in Caucasian athletes, are associated with better lipid profile compared to other type of sports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Aims: This study aimed to clarify the real-world status of lipid management in outpatients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) following the 2022 revision of the Japan Atherosclerosis Society Guidelines for Prevention of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases. It also aimed to evaluate characteristics associated with the failure to achieve management targets. Materials and Methods: In this post-hoc analysis of a multicenter, cross-sectional study, we included Japanese outpatients with T2DM undergoing primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) who provided fasting blood samples. The frequency and determinants of achieving low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) targets were assessed. Results: Among 223 participants with a mean age of 67 and mean HbA1c of 7.1%, 61 had no history of peripheral arterial disease, microvascular complications, or smoking. Out of the 223 participants, 64.1% (95% CI: 57.6–70.1%) achieved the LDL-C target. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, being female (odds ratio [OR] 3.139, P = 0.0011), having diabetic nephropathy (OR 2.868, P = 0.0021), smoking (OR 2.292, P = 0.0281), and non-use of statins (OR 4.857, P < 0.0001) were independently associated with non-achievement. For non-HDL-C, 65.6% (95% CI: 58.1%–70.6%) of patients met the target. Having diabetic neuropathy (OR 2.428, P = 0.0054), smoking (OR 2.008, P = 0.0478), and non-use of statins (OR 2.277, P = 0.0112) were identified as factors associated with non-achievement. Conclusions: Low achievement rate of revised lipid management targets for ASCVD primary prevention in T2DM was unveiled. Assessing comorbidities, encouraging smoking cessation, and prioritizing statin use are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) poses a substantial risk of cardiovascular diseases. The recent approval of evinacumab signifies a breakthrough in FH management. This review synthesizes evidence from diverse clinical trials, examining evinacumab's efficacy, safety, and broader impact on hypercholesterolemia. Body: As highlighted by multiple trials, Evinacumab demonstrates robust efficacy in reducing LDL-C levels, particularly in refractory cases. Its sustained impact, evidenced by enduring reductions in LDL-C levels throughout extended treatment periods, positions it as a potential long-term solution. While the safety profile appears favorable, instances of deaths underline the importance of holistic clinical management and ongoing surveillance. The clinical implications are profound, suggesting evinacumab's potential inclusion in guidelines for managing severe lipid disorders. Conclusion: Future research directions emphasize inclusivity, diversity, and real-world applications to establish sustained efficacy and safety across diverse populations. Integrating evinacumab into clinical guidelines requires evidence-based recommendations, necessitating collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and guideline developers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common co-morbidity in patients who receive esophagectomy and has unfavorable effects on glucose and lipid metabolism in patients. This study examines how weight and glycolipid metabolism change in patients with T2DM following esophagectomy. Methods: This retrospective, one-center, observational analysis with a propensity score matching analysis (PSM) included 114 patients who underwent esophageal surgery in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, the 900th Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force from 2017 to 2020, which were separated into T2DM group and Non-T2DM group. Weight, body mass index (BMI), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were measured and analyzed before and after the operation. Results: Two groups showed similar reductions in weight and BMI after surgery. In the T2DM group, weight decreased from 63.10(10.31) before surgery to 55.10(11.60) kg at 6 months (P < 0.001) with BMI decreasing from 22.67 (2.90) to 19.77 (3.48); While in the Non-T2DM group, weight decreased from 61.42 (8.46) to 53.19 (9.26) kg at 6 months after surgery with BMI decline from 22.49 (2.77) before operation to 19.45 (3.08) at 6 months after surgery. Fasting plasma glucose levels showed a significant decrease (P = 0.035) in the T2DM group at a six-month point of 7.00 (2.21) mmol/L compared to preoperative levels of 7.67 (2.32) mmol/L. HDL levels increased significantly in the Non-T2DM group at six months postoperatively at 1.52 (0.05) with P < 0.001 compared to preoperative levels of 1.22(0.04) mmol/L. TG, LDL, and TC levels decreased significantly in both groups from the preoperative to the 6-month point. Conclusions: Esophagectomy induces weight loss in T2DM and Non-T2DM groups, improves long-term glucose metabolism in the T2DM group, and enhances lipid metabolism in both groups. Further research is needed to understand their mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The first-pass effect (FPE), defined as complete revascularization after a single thrombectomy pass in large vessel occlusion, is a predictor of good prognosis in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) receiving mechanical thrombectomy (MT). We aimed to evaluate obesity-related indicators if possible be predictors of FPE. Methods: We consecutively enrolled patients with AIS who were treated with MT between January 2019 and December 2021 at our institution. Baseline characteristics, procedure-related data, and laboratory test results were retrospectively analyzed. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the independent predictors of FPE. Results: A total of 151 patients were included in this study, of whom 47 (31.1%) had FPE. After adjusting for confounding factors, the independent predictors of achieving FPE were low levels of body mass index (BMI) (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.748 to 0.971), non-intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (OR 4.038, 95% CI 1.46 to 11.14), and non-internal carotid artery occlusion (OR 13.14, 95% CI 2.394 to 72.11). Patients with lower total cholesterol (TC) (< 3.11 mmol/L) were more likely to develop FPE than those with higher TC (≥ 4.63 mmol/L) (OR 4.280; 95% CI 1.24 to 14.74) Conclusion: Lower BMI, non-intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis, non-internal carotid artery occlusion, and lower TC levels were independently associated with increased rates of FPE in patients with AIS who received MT therapy. FPE was correlated with better clinical outcomes after MT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) is crucial for the fine tuning of intracellular calcium levels in eukaryotic cells. In this study, we show the presence of CARC sequences in all human and rat PMCA isoforms and we performed further analysis by molecular dynamics simulations. This analysis focuses on PMCA1, containing three CARC motifs, and PMCA4, with four CARC domains. In PMCA1, two CARC motifs reside within transmembrane domains, while the third is situated at the intracellular interface. The simulations depict more stable RMSD values and lower RMSF fluctuations in the presence of cholesterol, emphasizing its potential stabilizing effect. In PMCA4, a distinct dynamic was found. Notably, the total energy differences between simulations with cholesterol and phospholipids are pronounced in PMCA4 compared to PMCA1. RMSD values for PMCA4 indicate a more energetically favorable conformation in the presence of cholesterol, suggesting a robust interaction between CARCs and this lipid in the membranes. Furthermore, RMSF analysis for CARCs in both PMCA isoforms exhibit lower values in the presence of cholesterol compared to POPC alone. The analysis of H-bond occupancy and total energy values strongly suggests the potential interaction of CARCs with cholesterol. Given the crucial role of PMCAs in physiological calcium regulation and their involvement in diverse pathological processes, this study underscores the significance of CARC motifs and their interaction with cholesterol in elucidating PMCA function. These insights into the energetic preferences associated with CARC-cholesterol interactions offer valuable implications for understanding PMCA function in maintaining calcium homeostasis and addressing potential associated pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cholesterol is an essential component of mammalian cell membranes and a precursor for crucial signaling molecules. The brain contains the highest level of cholesterol in the body, and abnormal cholesterol metabolism links to many neurodegenerative disorders. The results indicate that faulty cholesterol metabolism is a common feature among people living with neurodegenerative conditions. The researchers suggest that restoring cholesterol levels may become a beneficial new strategy in treating certain neurodegenerative conditions. Several neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease, and Parkinson's disease (PD), have been connected to abnormalities in brain cholesterol metabolism. Consequently, using a lipid research tool is vital to study further and understand the effect of lipids in neurodegenerative disorders such as NPC, AD, PD, and Huntington's disease (HD). U18666A, also known as 3-(2-(diethylamino) ethoxy) androst-5-en-17-one, is a pharmaceutical drug that suppresses cholesterol trafficking and is a well-known class-2 amphiphile. U18666A has performed many functions, allowing for essential discoveries in lipid studies and shedding light on the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, U18666A prevented the downregulation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors that are induced by LDL and led to the buildup of cholesterol in lysosomes. Numerous studies show that U18666A impacts the function of cholesterol trafficking to control the metabolism and transport of amyloid precursor proteins (APPs). Treating cortical neurons with U18666A may provide a new in vitro model system for studying the underlying molecular process of NPC, AD, HD, and PD. In this article, we review the mechanism and function of U18666A as a vital tool for studying cholesterol mechanisms in neurological diseases related to abnormal cholesterol metabolism, such as AD, NPC, HD, and PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human system's secret organ, the gut microbiome, has received considerable attention. Emerging research has yielded substantial scientific evidence indicating that changes in gut microbial composition and microbial metabolites may contribute to the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The burden of cardiovascular disease on healthcare systems is exacerbated by atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which continues to be the leading cause of mortality globally. Reverse cholesterol transport is a powerful protective mechanism that effectively prevents excessive accumulation of cholesterol for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. It has been revealed how the gut microbiota modulates reverse cholesterol transport in patients with atherosclerotic risk. In this review, we highlight the complex interactions between microbes, their metabolites, and their potential impacts in reverse cholesterol transport. We also explore the feasibility of modulating gut microbes and metabolites to facilitate reverse cholesterol transport as a novel therapy for atherosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ayran is a salted drinkable fermented milk food which consumed in many countries around the world. In this study, some chemical parameters were determined to evaluate the healthy properties of ayran prepared using various commercial probiotic cultures. Four treatments of ayran were made from cow's milk and using classic yogurt culture (L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus) [T1], ABT-5 culture (L. acidophilus, Bifidobacterium and S. thermophilus) [T2], exopolysaccharide producing culture (EPS-producing, L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus) [T3], and EPS-producing culture + Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB12 (mixture culture) [T4]. Treatment 1 had the highest acidity, acetaldehyde, and diacetyl values. Using probiotic [T2] or mixture cultures [T4] reduced saturated fatty acids by 1.97% and increased monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids of ayran by 4.94 and 5.72%, respectively. Also, the levels of oleic acid (omega-9), linoleic acid (omega-6), and α-linolenic acid (omega-3) increased in ayran produced using probiotic or mixture cultures. Sample T4 was highly richer in the value of antioxidant activity (27.62%) and folic acid (0.1566 mg/100 g) whereas possessed the lowest cholesterol amount (8.983 mg/100 g). Mixture culture (EPS-producing culture + Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB12) is a good starter to improve the healthy and nutritional characteristics of bio-ayran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cholesterol Granuloma is a rare lesion which occurs at locations like ear, peritoneum, lungs, breast etc. and formed due to interaction of Cholesterol and living tissue. But Cholesterol Granuloma occurring in the orbit is a very rare entity and so we authors present a case of Cholesterol Granuloma of the orbit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]