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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]

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]

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]

Calcification of aortic valve leaflets is a growing mortality threat for the 18 million human lives claimed globally each year by heart disease. Extensive research has focused on the cellular and molecular pathophysiology associated with calcification, yet the detailed composition, structure, distribution and etiological history of mineral deposition remains unknown. Here transdisciplinary geology, biology and medicine (GeoBioMed) approaches prove that leaflet calcification is driven by amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), ACP at the threshold of transformation toward hydroxyapatite (HAP) and cholesterol biomineralization. A paragenetic sequence of events is observed that includes: (1) original formation of unaltered leaflet tissues: (2) individual and coalescing 100’s nm- to 1 μm-scale ACP spherules and cholesterol crystals biomineralizing collagen fibers and smooth muscle cell myofilaments; (3) osteopontin coatings that stabilize ACP and collagen containment of nodules preventing exposure to the solution chemistry and water content of pumping blood, which combine to slow transformation to HAP; (4) mm-scale nodule growth via ACP spherule coalescence, diagenetic incorporation of altered collagen and aggregation with other ACP nodules; and (5) leaflet diastole and systole flexure causing nodules to twist, fold their encasing collagen fibers and increase stiffness. These in vivo mechanisms combine to slow leaflet calcification and establish previously unexplored hypotheses for testing novel drug therapies and clinical interventions as viable alternatives to current reliance on surgical/percutaneous valve implants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability of the Torpedo nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) to undergo agonist-induced conformational transitions requires the presence of cholesterol and/or anionic lipids. Here we use recently solved structures along with multiscale molecular dynamics simulations to examine lipid binding to the nAChR in bilayers that have defined effects on nAChR function. We examine how phosphatidic acid and cholesterol, lipids that support conformational transitions, individually compete for binding with phosphatidylcholine, a lipid that does not. We also examine how the two lipids work synergistically to stabilize an agonist-responsive nAChR. We identify rapidly exchanging lipid binding sites, including both phospholipid sites with a high affinity for phosphatidic acid and promiscuous cholesterol binding sites in the grooves between adjacent transmembrane α-helices. A high affinity cholesterol site is confirmed in the inner leaflet framed by a key tryptophan residue on the MX α-helix. Our data provide insight into the dynamic nature of lipid-nAChR interactions and set the stage for a detailed understanding of the mechanisms by which lipids facilitate nAChR function at the neuromuscular junction. Multiscale molecular dynamics simulations reveal rapidly exchanging lipid binding sites on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, including sites with high affinity for phosphatidic acid and promiscuous cholesterol sites in inter-α-helix grooves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last few decades, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk has decreased dramatically among individuals affected by familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) as a result of the early initiation of statin treatment in childhood. Contemporaneously important improvements in care for people with diabetes have also been made, such as the prevention of mortality from acute diabetic complications. However, individuals with type 1 diabetes still have a two to eight times higher risk of death than the general population. In the last 20 years, a few landmark studies on excess mortality in people with type 1 diabetes, in particular young adults, have been published. Although these studies were carried out in different populations, all reached the same conclusion: individuals with type 1 diabetes have a pronounced increased risk of ASCVD. In this review, we address the role of lipid abnormalities in the development of ASCVD in type 1 diabetes and FH. Although type 1 diabetes and FH are different diseases, lessons could be learned from the early initiation of statins in children with FH, which may provide a rationale for more stringent control of dyslipidaemia in children with type 1 diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To investigate the effect of timing of statin administration on lipid-lowering efficacy. Methods: Computer searches of Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases from 1986 to 2023. The impact of administration time on the lipid-lowering efficacy of statin drugs was investigated. Following a series of screenings, a funnel plot was constructed to assess its symmetry, and Egger and Beggar tests were conducted using StataMP-64 to evaluate publication bias. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 to combine MD values. Results: Fifteen papers (1352 participants) met and included the criteria. The results of the meta-analysis showed that the effect of morning and evening administration time on plasma triglycerides (TG) (P > 0.05) and plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P > 0.05) was not statistically significant. There were significant reductions in total cholesterol (TC) (MD: 0.15 mmol/L, 95% CI: 0.06–0.23, P < 0.01) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (MD: 0.10 mmol/L, 95% CI: − 0.00–0.20, P < 0.01) in the night group. According to the analysis results of the half-life of statins, only short half-life statins showed that nocturnal administration reduced LDL-C (MD: 0.21 mmol/L, 95% CI: 0.09–0.33, P < 0.01) and TC (MD: 0.32 mmol/L, 95% CI: 0.18–0.46, P < 0.01) levels and was better than morning administration. Long half-life statins did not show significant differences. In addition, the administration time of short half-life statins also showed that night administration tended to reduce TG (MD: 0.16 mmol/L, 95% CI: 0.02–0.30, P < 0.05) levels. In subgroup analysis according to clinical factors in patients aged < 55 years, there was no significant difference in the timing of administration between the two groups; the efficacy of statins in lowering lipids in patients aged ≥ 55 years was significantly different in the TC group (P < 0.01) and LDL-C group (P < 0.01). The administration time of the TC group (P < 0.05) and LDL-C group (P < 0.05) in the Americas, Europe, and Asian groups was significantly different for statins. In addition, the American group also showed that the administration time of the two groups was significantly different from the TG group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The efficacy of administering short half-life statin drugs at night in reducing plasma levels of TC, LDL-C, and TG surpasses that of morning administration. However, this study did not determine the impact of timing of statin administration in patients taking long half-life statins on the efficacy of the medication. Therefore, it is recommended to consider patient adherence when. The study was registered on PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) as CRD42022372105 (available at https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological malignancy worldwide, characterized by abnormal proliferation of malignant plasma cells within a tumor-permissive bone marrow microenvironment. Metabolic dysfunctions are emerging as key determinants in the pathobiology of MM. In this review, we highlight the metabolic features of MM, showing how alterations in various lipid pathways, mainly involving fatty acids, cholesterol and sphingolipids, affect the growth, survival and drug responsiveness of MM cells, as well as their cross-talk with other cellular components of the tumor microenvironment. These findings will provide a new path to understanding the mechanisms underlying how lipid vulnerabilities may arise and affect the phenotype of malignant plasma cells, highlighting novel druggable pathways with a significant impact on the management of MM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the joint effect of body mass index (BMI) and serum lipids levels on incident dementia. Methods: We prospectively followed up with 1,627 dementia-free community residents aged ≥60 for 5.7 years on average. At baseline, weight, and height were measured, and total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were detected in serum. Demographic characteristics were collected through questionnaires. Dementia was based on consensus diagnosis of neurologists and neuropsychologists using DSM-IV criteria. Additive Cox proportional model was used to assess the exposure-response relationship between BMI and serum lipid levels and dementia risk. Interactions and further classifications of BMI and serum lipid levels were further presented by bivariate surface models and decision-tree models. Results: The joint effects of TC with BMI, TG with BMI, and LDL-C with BMI on the risk of incident dementia shared a similar pattern, different from their independent exposure-response curves. The joint effect of HDL-C with BMI showed an S-surface but without statistical significance. Participants with TC<5.4 mmol/L and BMI<21 kg/m2 (Hazard Ratio(HR) 1.93, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.05-3.53), TC<5.4 mmol/L and BMI≥21 kg/m2 (HR 1.73, 95% CI 1.09-2.72), and TC≥5.4 mmol/L and BMI<21 kg/m2 (HR 4.02, 95% CI 2.10-7.71) were identified to have the increased risk of incident dementia compared to those with TC≥5.4 mmol/L and BMI≥21 kg/ m2. Participants with TG<1.7 mmol/L and BMI<21 kg/m2 had an increased risk of incident dementia compared to those with TG≥1.7 mmol/L and BMI≥21 kg/m2 (HR 1.98, 95%CI 1.17-3.3). Participants with LDL-C≥3.3 mmol/L and BMI<21 kg/m2 were identified to have an increased risk of incident dementia compared to those with LDL-C≥3.3 mmol/L and BMI≥21 kg/m2 (HR 3.33, 95%CI 1.64-6.78). Conclusions: Our study showed that low BMI combined with low or high levels of serum lipids may increase the risk of dementia among older adults. This finding suggests the potential impacts of these two metabolic indexes on the risk of dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Some physiological responses such as circulating glucose as well as muscle performance show a circadian rhythmicity. In the present study we aimed to quantitatively synthesize the data comparing the metabolic adaptations induced by morning and afternoon training. Methods: PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for studies comparing the metabolic adaptations (> 2 weeks) between morning and afternoon training. A meta-analysis was performed using random-effects models with DerSimonian–Laird methods for fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c (HbAc1), homeostatic model assessment (HOMA), insulin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Results: We identified 9 studies with 11 different populations (n = 450 participants). We found that afternoon exercise was more effective at reducing circulating triglycerides [standardized mean difference (SMD) − 0.32; 95% confidence interval (CI) − 0.616 to − 0.025] than morning training. Moreover, afternoon tended to decrease fasting blood glucose (SMD − 0.24; 95% CI − 0.478 to 0.004) to a greater extent than morning training. Conclusion: Metabolic adaptations to exercise may be dependent on the time of day. Morning training does not show superior effects to afternoon exercise in any of the analyzed outcomes. However, afternoon training is more effective at reducing circulating triglyceride levels and perhaps at reducing fasting blood glucose than morning training. The study was preregistered at PROSPERO (CRD42021287860). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Several clinical scenarios regulate the final ejaculated semen, which is pivotal to reproductive success. Sperm motility and plasma membrane fusogenic activity primarily rely on the peculiar sperm lipid composition, influenced by the patient's metabolism, genetics, nutritional, environmental status, and concomitant clinical entities such as varicocele. This study aimed to determine the relationship between serum lipid profile and testicular function (semen quality and testosterone levels). Methods: This retrospective study uses medical charts of 278 infertile men who attended andrological care between 2000 and 2019. Seminal analysis data, lipid profile, and total serum testosterone were collected. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the influence of the lipid parameters on the seminal variables. Statistical analyses were carried out with p ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Seminal creatine kinase activity (p = 0.024) is negatively related to HDL (p = 0.032) and triglycerides (p = 0.037), while total testosterone (p < 0.0001) and seminal volume (p = 0.046) appeared both to be negatively related to triglycerides (p = 0.030 and p = 0.033, respectively). Conclusion: Medical advice commonly advocated to prevent endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease and improve HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels in dyslipidemic patients should also be given to infertile men. Physicians should give patients a thorough assessment, including the blood lipid profile, hormonal status, and routine seminal examinations. We propose a more comprehensive men´s health check-up for the infertile male population, not limited to a simple evaluation of basic sperm parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cell membrane undergoes various changes to modify its composition and mechanical properties to control the functioning of cellular mechanisms, in which cholesterol is highly involved. We have investigated the formation of cholesterol-rich nano-domains in pure 1, 2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) solid-supported lipid bilayer (SLB) at room temperature. The mechanical properties of the lipid bilayer in the presence of 0 to 40 mol% of cholesterol have been explored by using Peak-Force Quantitative Nano-Mechanical Atomic Force Microscopy. Cholesterol-rich domains with different mechanical strengths are distinctly observed at 5% cholesterol in SLB of DOPC-cholesterol. The cholesterol-rich domains with increased height are observed up to 25% cholesterol insertion within the bilayer. Further increase of cholesterol concentration leads to shrinkage of bilayer height and moderate rise of rigidity modulus. We believe that the reduction of bilayer height is due to the decoupling of the two leaflets within the membrane at high cholesterol concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Recent studies indicate that dysbiosis of gut microbiota and low-grade inflammation are important pathogenic determinants of type two diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus GG on glycemic control, lipid profile, inflammatory parameters, and some gene expression levels in individuals with T2DM. Methods: In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 34 women, aged 30–60 years with T2DM consumed daily probiotics or placebo for 8 weeks. The probiotic group consumed 10 × 109 Cfu/day Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ATCC 53,103 (LGG), approved by the TR Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Livestock. Anthropometric measurements, food diary, fasting blood, and fecal samples were taken at baseline and post-treatment. Results: Fasting blood glucose was significantly decreased in probiotic (p = 0.049) and placebo (p = 0.028), but there was no difference between the groups. In the probiotic group, no significant difference was observed in HbA1c, fructosamine, lipid profile, and inflammatory variables compared to baseline. In this group, with LGG supplementation, mucin 2 and 3A (MUC2 and MUC3A) gene expressions increased more than ninefolds (p = 0.046 and p = 0.008, respectively) at post-treatment. Meanwhile, there was no significant change in any of the gene expressions in the placebo group. There was no significant difference in energy, protein, dietary fiber, and cholesterol intakes between placebo and probiotic groups during the study. However, daily fat intake (p = 0.003), body weight (p = 0.014), and body fat (p = 0.015) in the probiotic group were significantly decreased. Conclusion: In this study, the effects of a single probiotic strain were investigated for 8 weeks. At the end of the study, although there was no finding that clearly reflected on the glycemic parameters of T2DM, its beneficial effects on the expression of mucin genes, which are responsible for weight loss and protection of intestinal barrier functions, cannot be denied. Further studies are needed to reveal the importance of these findings. Clinical trial registration: ID: NCT05066152, October 4, 2021 retrospectively registered in ClinicalTrials.gov PRS web site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of the daily consumption of bread enriched with hydroxytyrosol on HbA1c and blood lipid levels, inflammatory markers and weight loss. Methods: Sixty adults with overweight/obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (29 male, 31 female) participated in a 12-week dietary intervention based on the Mediterranean diet and consumed daily 60 g of conventional whole wheat bread (WWB) or whole wheat bread enriched with hydroxytyrosol (HTB). Anthropometric characteristics were measured and venous blood samples were collected at baseline and at the end of the intervention. Results: Both groups experienced significant weight loss, body fat and waist circumference decrease (p < 0.001). Nonetheless, a greater body fat mass decrease was observed in the HTB group compared to the WWB group (14.4 ± 1.6 vs 10.2 ± 1.1%, p = 0.038). Significant reductions were also reported in fasting glucose, HbA1c and blood pressure in both groups (p < 0.05). Regarding glucose and HbA1c, greater decreases were observed in the intervention group (101.4 ± 19.9 vs. 123.2 ± 43.4 mg/dL, p = 0.015 and 6.0 ± 0.6 vs. 6.4 ± 0.9%, p = 0.093, respectively). At HTB group, significant reductions in blood lipid, insulin, TNF-αand adiponectin levels (p < 0.05) and a marginally significant reduction in leptin levels (p = 0.081) were also reported. Conclusion: Enrichment of bread with HT resulted in significant body fat mass reduction and positive effects on fasting glucose, insulin and HbA1c levels. It also contributed to reductions in inflammatory markers and blood lipid levels. Incorporation of HT in staple foods, like bread, may improve their nutritional profile and, in terms of a balanced diet, may contribute to the management of chronic diseases. Trial registration: The study was prospectively registered in clinicaltrials.gov (24th May 2021). ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04899791. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boron-containing conjugates of cholesterol were synthesized by the copper(i)-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar [3+2] cycloaddition reactions of cobalt and iron bis(dicarbollide) azide derivatives with alkynyl cholesterol. The antiproliferative activity (IC50) of the conjugates was evaluated against a series of human cell lines by the MTT assay. All conjugates were shown to be nontoxic (IC50 >200 µmol L−1) and to be applicable for the preparation of boron-containing liposomes as potential drugs for boron-neutron capture therapy (BNCT) of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To determine the association of fasting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) with dyslipidemia in newly diagnosed diabetes (NDD). Method: This collaborative prospective interventional clinical study was carried out by the Biochemistry Department, at the University of Karachi-Pakistan, Baqai Institute of Diabetology and Endocrinology, Karachi-Pakistan and Kansai Electric Power Medical Research Institute, Osaka, Japan. The study duration was from March 2019 to May 2020. Participants were identified on the basis of oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results. Of 34 participants, 17 were NDD and 17 were healthy. Demographics and anthropometric details were noted on a predesigned questionnaire. Blood samples were collected at fasting state for plasma glucose, lipid profile, HbA1c, and hormones (GIP and GLP-1). Results: The healthy participants included nine males and eight females, and the NDD participants included ten males and seven females. Mean age was 50.78±2.44 years and BMI was 28.41±0.76 kg/m2. Among healthy participants, both GIP and GLP-1 showed non-significant weak correlation for biochemical parameters. In NDD participants, GIP showed significantly negative moderate correlation with age and non-HDL and positive moderate correlation with LDL only. However, GLP-1 showed significantly positive moderate correlation with total cholesterol (r = 0.564, p = 0.018), LDL (r = 0.498, p = 0.042), HDL (r = 0.50, p = 0.041) and non-HDL (r = 0.503, p = 0.047) in NDD participants. Conclusion: The effect of GIP and GLP-1 measures on dyslipidemia were substantially different among NDD participants in our population. In the NDD group, GLP-1 is significantly moderately associated with dyslipidemia compared to GIP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: It has been hypothesized that lipid profiles are associated with bone mineral density (BMD), but previous results have been controversial. In this study, serum triglycerides showed a significant inverse association with BMD, and the relationship is thought to correlate with vitamin D status among older adults. Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between lipid profiles and bone mineral density (BMD) in older adults using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Methods: We enrolled men older than 50 years and postmenopausal women who participated in the KNHANES 2008–2011. Subjects with liver cirrhosis, thyroid disease, or renal dysfunction and those receiving treatment for hyperlipidemia or osteoporosis were excluded. Results: A total of 4323 subjects (2286 men and 2037 women) was analyzed. The prevalence of osteoporosis was 8.7% in men older than 50 years and 38.4% in postmenopausal women. Osteopenia and osteoporosis groups were generally older and tended to have a lower body mass index compared to the normal group (p for trend < 0.001). The correlation between each lipid profile and BMD was analyzed in the linear model adjusted for age and body mass index. Total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol showed a negative correlation with BMD in the total population, but there was no significant correlation when analyzed separately for men and women. Triglycerides had a negative association with whole-body BMD in both men and women (p < 0.05). The adjusted odds ratio of logarithmic triglyceride level for osteoporosis was 2.50 (95% confidence interval 1.13–5.51) in women older than 65 years. Conclusion: Serum triglycerides showed a significant inverse association with BMD, and the relationship is thought to correlate with vitamin D status among older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study evaluated the association between coffee consumption and serum lipid profile in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). Methods: This is a cross-sectional study on baseline data from participants of the cohort ELSA-Brasil. Only participants of São Paulo Research Center who underwent a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy examination of lipid profile were included (N = 4736). Coffee intake was categorized into four categories (cups/day, in reference cup size of 50 mL, which is the household measure adopted in Brazil): never/almost never, ≤ 1, 1–3, and > 3. Serum lipid profile [i.e., Total Cholesterol (TC), Total Triglycerides (TG), Very Low-Density Lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-c), Low-Density Lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), High-Density Lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c), Triglyceride-rich Lipoprotein Particles (TRLP) and subfractions particles] was analyzed. To estimate the effect of coffee consumption on serum lipid profile, multivariate Generalized Linear Models were performed. Results: Compared to participants who never or almost never drink coffee, individuals who consumed more than 3 cups/day showed an increase in concentrations of TC (β: 4.13; 95% CI 0.81, 7.45), TG (β: 9.53; 95% CI 1.65, 17.42), VLDL-c (β: 1.90; 95% CI 0.38, 3.42), TRLP (β: 8.42; 95% CI 1.24, 15.60), and Very Small-TRLP and Medium-TRLP subfractions (β: 7.36; 95% CI 0.21, 14.51; β: 2.53; 95% CI 0.89, 4.16, respectively), but not with HDL-c and LDL-c. Among individuals with low (≤ 1 cup/day) and moderate (1–3 cups/day) coffee consumption, no significant associations with lipids was observed. Conclusion: High coffee consumption (more than 3 cups per day) was associated with an increase in serum lipids, namely TC, TG, VLDL-c, and TRL particles, highlighting the importance of a moderate consumption of this beverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: No previous systematic review has examined the physical health benefits of playing golf or caddying. Objective: To establish the influence of golf participation and physical health in golfers and caddies. More specifically, the review intended to explore the domains of cardiovascular, metabolic and musculoskeletal health, in addition to body composition. Design: Systematic review. Data Sources: Electronic literature searches were conducted using PubMed, SPORTDiscus and CINAHL databases in July 2021. Eligibility Criteria: Experimental (randomised controlled trials, quasi-experiment, pre-post) and non-experimental (case–control, cross-sectional, cohort) articles relating to health and golf, written in English and published in peer-reviewed journals. Results: Of the 572 articles initially identified, 109 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility with 23 meeting the inclusion criteria. Sixteen articles were rated 'good 'and seven 'fair'. The influence of golf on physical health was mixed, although various articles displayed improvements in balance, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and the ratio of HDL to total cholesterol within golfers. Caddies observed improvements in bone mineral density (BMD), stiffness index and strength. Most of the findings indicate that playing golf or caddying does not influence body mass index (BMI); however, playing golf can positively change other body composition markers such as lean and fat mass. Conclusion: This review demonstrated that golf participation may be an effective method for improving musculoskeletal and cardiovascular health, although mixed findings were observed. Moreover, limited longitudinal evidence suggests that playing golf can positively impact metabolic health and the influence on body composition may be parameter dependent. Additionally, the initial evidence suggests that caddying may improve musculoskeletal health. However, the studies included were limited by their methodological inconsistencies such as: study design, participant demographics and intervention prescription. PROSPERO Registration: CRD42021267664. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ash-Kardeh is one of the few fermented foods without a dairy base in Iran, which is traditionally prepared from cereals and plants in the presence of microorganisms (mainly lactic acid bacteria). Purpose: This study aimed to assess the effects of Ash-Kardeh consumption on blood glucose, lipid profile, and blood pressure in type 2 diabetic patients. Methods: Forty-six patients with type 2 diabetes were studied in this randomized controlled clinical trial. Subjects were randomly allocated into intervention (n = 23) and control (n = 23) groups. Individuals of both groups received the usual treatment of diabetic patients, while those in the intervention group, in addition to the usual treatment, received 250 g of Ash-Kardeh daily for 6 weeks. Fasting blood glucose, blood pressure, and lipid profiles were measured before and after the intervention. Results: Compared to the control group, Ash-Kardeh consumption led to a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose (P = 0.003), total cholesterol (P = 0.025), triglyceride (P = 0.003), systolic (P < 0.001), and diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.014) in the intervention group. Also, a significant increase in the concentrations of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P = 0.048) was observed after Ash-Kardeh consumption. Conclusion: It seems that Ash-Kardeh consumption could improve high blood glucose, lipid profile, and hypertension in type 2 diabetic patients but does not affect low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. This study was registered on 2019-09-15 in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (www.irct.ir) with the code number IRCT20170202032367N3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background /purpose: Leptin—a protein hormone that plays vital role in the regulation of glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity, involved in regulating the circadian rhythms of gonadotropic, thyrotropic and adrenal axes in the endocrine system. This cross-sectional study was undertaken to correlate serum leptin levels and other demographic and biochemical parameters between prediabetic cases and control subjects of Kashmiri population. Furthermore, association of serum leptin levels with various demographic and biochemical parameters along with insulin resistance in pre-diabetic subjects was elucidated. In our study, pre-diabetic cases (n = 212) and healthy controls (n = 196) were enrolled. Methods: All study subjects underwent anthropometric assessment. Serum samples of all study subjects were analysed for biochemical parameters employing the principle of spectrophotometry and leptin levels using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Insulin levels of prediabetic cases were deduced by chemiluminescent micro particle immunoassay (CMIA) technology and thereby calculating their insulin resistance. Results: The cases had statistically increased leptin levels, lipid profile and obesity as compared to controls (p ≤ 0.05). Our study, showed a positive correlation between elevated leptin levels and increased lipid levels (total cholesterol, triglycerides; TG and very low density lipoproteins-cholesterol; VLDL-C) in prediabetics (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Beyond adiposity, leptin levels may increase the risk of pre-diabetes in Kashmiri population. Since the secretion, estimation and measurements of leptins are modest in contrast to insulin levels; therefore, leptin levels can also be included in the routine measurement as an indicator of metabolic syndrome and/or T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The current study aimed to investigate the effects of legumes inclusion in the hypocaloric dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet on fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and cardiometabolic risk factors in overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes over 16 weeks. Also, the modulatory effects of rs7903146 variant in the transcription factor 7 like 2 (TCF7L2) gene that is associated with the risk of diabetes, were assessed on these cardiometabolic risk factors. Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial. Three-hundred participants, aged 30–65 years, whose TCF7L2 rs7903146 genotype was determined, were studied. The participants were randomly assigned to receive either the hypocaloric DASH diet or a hypocaloric legume-based DASH diet. The primary outcome was the difference in FPG change from baseline until the 16-week follow-up between the two dietary interventions. The secondary outcomes were differences in insulin resistance and lipid profile changes between the dietary intervention diets. Results: A reduction in FPG, insulin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was observed at week 16 in both hypocaloric dietary interventions. Compared to the DASH diet, the legume-based DASH diet decreased the FPG and HOMA-IR. There is no interaction between rs7903146 and intervention diets on glycemic parameters. Conclusion: The DASH diet, enrich in legumes, could improve the glycemic parameters in participants with type 2 diabetes, regardless of having rs7903146 risk or non-risk allele. Registration number of Clinical Trial: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) (code: IRCT20090203001640N17). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Different strategies were proposed to stratify cardiovascular risk and assess the appropriate use of statins in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Aim: (1) To apply two strategies on the management of lipids in patients with CKD, analyzing what proportion of patients received lipid-lowering treatment and how many patients without statin therapy would be candidates for receiving them; (2) to identify how many patients achieve the lipid goals. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed. Patients aged between 18 to 70 years and CKD with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 (without hemodialysis) were included. The indications for statin therapy according to 2019 ESC/EAS and 2013 KDIGO guidelines were analyzed as well as the achievement of LDL-C goals. Results: A total of 300 patients were included. According to ESC/EAS guidelines, 62.3 and 37.7% of the population was classified at high or very high cardiovascular risk. In total, 52% of patients received statins. Applying the 2013 KDIGO and the 2019 ESC/EAS guidelines, 92.4 and 95.8% of the population without lipid-lowering treatment were eligible for statin therapy, respectively. Globally, only 9.1 and 10.6% of the patients with high or very high risk achieved the suggested lipid goals. Conclusion: A large proportion of patients with CKD showed considerable cardiovascular risk and were eligible for statin therapy according to the two strategies evaluated. However, observed statin use was deficient and current lipid goals were not achieved in most cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There is little evidence on the relationship between achieved low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and costs in patients on lipid-lowering therapy (LLT). We described healthcare resource use and costs (direct and indirect) by achieved LDL-C in patients receiving LLT after a recent myocardial infarction (MI) in Spain. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study of anonymized electronic medical records from seven regions in Spain (BIG-PAC® database; n = 1.9 million). Eligible patients were adults (≥ 18 years) hospitalized for an MI between January 2015 and December 2017, treated with a statin and/or ezetimibe, and having recorded LDL-C values at baseline and during follow-up. Healthcare resource use and direct and indirect costs (in 2018, €) were described by achieved LDL-C levels during a follow-up of 18 months. Results: Of 6025 patients (mean age, 69.7 years; 77% male), only 11% achieved LDL-C goals as defined in the 2016 ESC/EAS guidelines (< 70 mg/dL), and just 1% reached the lower target (< 55 mg/dL) in the current 2019 guidelines. Achieving lower LDL-C levels translated to lower healthcare resource use and costs. Mean total (direct and indirect) costs ranged from €5044 for patients with LDL-C < 55 mg/dL to €7567 for patients with LDL-C ≥ 130 mg/dL. Conclusion: Very few patients achieved recommended LDL-C goals despite using LLT. Achieving lower LDL-C levels after an MI might be associated with lower healthcare resource use and costs. Use of more intensive LLT, leading to greater reductions in LDL-C, could therefore be beneficial both from a clinical and an economic perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worsened lipid profiles were observed in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients during direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) treatment, among which combination drugs confounded the effect of individual ingredient on lipid. Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) also worsened lipid profiles in HIV patients. Structural similarity between sofosbuvir (SOF) and TAF prompted us to investigate rapid increase in total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in CHC patients treated with SOF-based DAAs. A retrospective study was performed to analyze 487 CHC patients receiving DAAs with SVR12. Relative risks on elevating TC and LDL-C were analyzed by logistic regression to determine SOF-based over non-SOF-based regimens. TC or LDL-C levels at baseline, week-4 and SVR12 were compared by Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test. Week 4 or SVR12 to baseline ratios of serum TC or LDL-C between regimens were compared by Mann–Whitney's test. 487 patients were treated with Harvoni (SOF-based, 206 patients), Epclusa (SOF-based, 124 patients), Maviret (non-SOF-based, 122 patients), or Zepatier (non-SOF-based, 35 patients). At week 4 during drug treatment, Harvoni, Epclusa, and Maviret induced statistically significant elevation of TC and LDL-C, but Zepatier did not. SOF-based regimens had 2.72-fold higher relative risk (RR) causing 10% elevation of TC (95% CI 1.84–4.02, p < 0.001) and 2.04-fold higher RR causing 10% elevation of LDL-C (95% CI 1.39–3.01, p < 0.001) than non-SOF-based DAAs. SOF-based DAAs were associated with significantly larger amplitude of increases in TC and LDL-C than non-SOF-based DAAs during the initial 4 weeks of treatment, but the increases were not sustained to SVR12. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This cross-sectional research was undertaken to determine the serum levels of asprosin, a novel white adipose tissue-derived glucogenic adipokine, in epileptic patients on valproic acid treatment. Methods: Sixty-six patients diagnosed with idiopathic tonic–clonic generalized epilepsy were divided into three groups: those treated with valproic acid (n = 22), those treated with lamotrigine (n = 22), and twenty-two newly diagnosed or untreated patients. A control group was twenty-two, healthy volunteers with a similar distribution of gender and age. Body mass index (BMI) and fasting serum levels of asprosin, glucose, glycohemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin, and lipid profile were measured for both patients and control groups. Additionally, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was also calculated for the investigated groups. Results: The mean BMI values and fasting serum levels of glucose, HbA1c, insulin, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglyceride were much higher in subjects treated with valproic acid than those in the other study groups. Furthermore, a higher number of participants in the valproic acid group fulfilled the insulin resistance criterion (defined as HOMA-IR > 2.5) compared with those in other study groups. The mean fasting serum asprosin concentration was also significantly higher in the valproic acid group than in other study groups. This was while the values of the study parameters were comparable in the healthy, un-treated, and lamotrigine groups. Conclusions: Our finding suggested that elevated asprosin level might be one of the pathological mechanisms involved in the development of obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic disturbances related to valproic acid treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper as an essential trace element is hypothesized to be involved in stroke risk. However, the evidence for associations between copper and stroke risk factors such as lipid levels has been mixed. This study aimed to examine the relationships between serum copper and lipid levels among 3425 participants aged 20 years and older from the 2011–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Data on administered questionnaires, serum copper concentrations, and lipid levels (total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol) were used. Associations between serum copper and lipid levels were evaluated using both multivariable linear regression and logistic regression models. In the linear regression models, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels increased with increasing copper concentrations among women. Each 1 unit (μg/dL) increase in serum copper concentrations was associated with roughly 0.11 mg/dL higher total cholesterol (95%CI: 0.04–0.18; P < 0.05) and roughly 0.09 mg/dL higher LDL cholesterol (95%CI: 0.01–0.17; P < 0.05) among women, respectively. Serum copper was positively associated with high LDL cholesterol among women, and the multivariate-adjusted OR (95% CI) for the third quartile of serum copper concentrations was 4.25 (1.15–15.77) compared with the lowest quartile. Moreover, compared with the lowest quartile, the multivariate-adjusted OR (95% CI) for the third quartile of serum copper concentrations was 1.82 (1.16–2.85) for risk of having high total cholesterol among men. No significant association between serum copper and triglycerides levels was observed. These findings suggest that copper may impact stroke health via effects on lipid levels but need to be confirmed with prospective data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the protective effects of modified Linggui Zhugan Decoction (加味苓桂术甘汤, MLZD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, on obese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rats. Methods: Fifty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 5 groups by a random number table, including normal, obese T2DM (ob-T2DM), MLZD low-dose [MLDZ-L, 4.625 g/(kg·d)], MLZD middle-dose [MLD-M, 9.25 g/(kg·d) ] and MLZD high-dose [MLD-H, 18.5 g/(kg·d)] groups, 10 rats in each group. After 4-week intervention, blood samples and liver, pancreas, muscle tissues were collected to assess the insulin resistance (IR), blood lipid, adipokines and inflammation cytokines. The alteration of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (PKB or Akt)/the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-ribosome protein subunit 6 kinase 1 (S6K1)/AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1 α) pathways were also studied. Results: MLZD dose-dependently reduced fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, homeostasis model of assessment for IR index and increased insulin sensitive index compared with ob-T2DM rats (P<0.05). Similarly, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and free fatty acids were also decreased compared with ob-T2DM rats after 4-week treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Improvements in adipokines and inflammatory cytokines were observed with a raised level of adiponectin and a reduced level of leptin, resistin, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 (P<0.05 or P<0.01). MLZD regulated the PI3K-Akt/mTOR-S6K1/AMPK-PGC-1 α pathways and restored the tissue structure of liver and pancreas (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusions: MLZD ameliorated glycolipid metabolism and inflammation, which may be attributed to the regulation of PI3K-Akt/mTOR-S6K1/AMPK-PGC-1 α pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of education and mobile health management on improvement of blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Subjects and methods: A total of 209 patients (91 women, 118 men) with type 2 diabetes mellitus using both basal insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents participated in the study from August to December 2015. They were followed up at week 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16, respectively. During follow-up, patients received education from professional diabetes educator nurses. Meanwhile, patients needed to upload their fasting plasma glucose levels three times or more and their postprandial plasma glucose level on a panel computer. The program duration was 16 weeks. Results: Compared with baseline, fasting plasma glucose (9.7 mmol/l vs. 6.8 mmol/l, P < 0.001) and postprandial plasma glucose (10.4 mmol/l vs. 9.5 mmol/l, P < 0.001) levels had decreased significantly at week 16. The number of patients with hemoglobin A1c < 7% increased significantly from 33 at baseline to 115 at week 16 (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Our study indicated that education and the mobile health management can effectively improve blood glucose levels of patients with postprandial plasma glucose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular risk is common among resettled refugees from Southeast Asia, but the association with refugee status is unclear. This study investigated the lipid levels of Burmese refugees as compared to the general population of Burma. This observational study included adult refugees from Burma undergoing domestic medical examination at a clinic in Minnesota (n = 127). The cholesterol levels of the refugee cohort were compared to a survey of Burmese residents sampled by the World Health Organization (WHO). The primary variable of interest, mean LDL, was 118.9 mg/dL in the refugee cohort. Adjusting for sex and age-group, this was 18.5 mg/dL higher than the WHO cohort (95% CI 10.0–27.1 mg/dL, p < 0.001). This study confirmed previous studies showing elevated lipid levels among Asian refugees. This work added to prior studies by including a refugee cohort that was newly-resettled and comparing it to the general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipids and lipoproteins are a diverse group of substances and their interactions with the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is similarly diverse. Some lipoproteins such as high density lipoprotein (HDL), apolipoprotein (apo) A-I, apoJ, some free fatty acids, and triglycerides cross the BBB whereas others such as apoE do not. Some forms of cholesterol can cross the BBB and others do not. Lipids can have effects on BBB preservation and function: HDL may protect the BBB during multiple sclerosis, cholesterol can disrupt the BBB, and triglycerides inhibit the transport of leptin across the BBB and the activation of the hypothalamic leptin receptor. ApoE is associated with many effects on the BBB, with the specific isoform apoE4 having detrimental effects. In summary, the diverse ways in which lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins interact with the BBB is important in both health and disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Lifestyle changes present a fundamental role in cardiovascular prevention. Nutraceuticals also supplementing diet could help in controlling the cardiometabolic risk. Aim: (1) to evaluate acute effects of a combination of nutraceuticals (cNUT) on vascular function, BP, metabolism in dyslipidaemic patients before and after smoking; (2) to evaluate 12 weeks effects of the cNUT on lipid profile, insulin resistance and vascular function in patients with hypercholesterolemia not on statins. Methods: After 14 d run-in period, 33 patients assumed a cNUT [patented formula containing: berberine (531.25 mg), red yeast rice powder (220 mg, 3.3 mg monacolin K) and leaf extract of Morus alba (200 mg) (LopiGLIK®, Akademy Pharma)]. To evaluate acute effects, cNUT or cNUT + smoking (in smoking subjects) on the morning of the first day of the study and then 26 patients prolonged 12 weeks effects. Results: In non smokers, cNUT improved FMD (p = 0.041 for treatment). In smokers, FMD decreased after smoking, this was counteracted by intake of cNUT. In smokers, DBP increased after smoking a cigarette (p = 0.042 for treatment), counteracted by the cNUT intake. In non smokers, thermogenesis was increased after cNUT administration (p < 0.0001 for treatment). After 12 weeks of cNUT, FMD significantly increased (p < 0.05) and SBP (p = 0.04), total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (p = 0.03) decreased. Conclusions: Our study suggests benefits of cNUT on cardiovascular prevention in hypercolesterolemic patients, non statin treated, that goes beyond the cholesterol and insulin resistance reduction protecting the subject from negative effects induced by smoking too. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In the Netherlands, the total number of yearly measured lipid profiles exceeds 500,000. While lipid values are strongly affected by age and sex, until recently, no up-to-date age- and sex-specific lipid reference values were available. We describe the translation of big-cohort lipid data into accessible reference values, which can be easily incorporated in daily clinical practice. Methods: Lipid values (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides) from all healthy adults and children in the LifeLines cohort were used to generate age- and sex-specific percentiles. A combination of RStudio, Cascading Style Sheets and HyperText Markup Language was used to interactively display the percentiles in a responsive web layout. Results: After exclusion of subjects reporting cardiovascular disease or lipid-lowering therapy at baseline, 141,611 subjects were included. On the website, input fields were created for age, sex and all main plasma lipids. Upon input of these values, corresponding percentiles are calculated, and output is displayed in a table and an interactive graph for each lipid. The website has been made available in both Dutch and English and can be accessed at www.lipidtools.com. Conclusion: We constructed the first searchable, national lipid reference value tool with graphical display in the Netherlands to use in screening for dyslipidaemias and to reduce the underuse of lipid-lowering therapy in Dutch primary prevention. This study illustrates that data collected in big-cohort studies can be made easily accessible with modern digital techniques and preludes the digital health revolution yet to come. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor known to be associated with diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. This study determined the frequency of lipid abnormalities among type 2 diabetes patients. Methodology: A cross-sectional study using a convenient sampling method was conducted among 125 diabetes patients admitted or attending Ho Teaching Hospital in Ho between February 2019 and March 2019. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics and health status of participants. Blood samples were taken from participants after 9–12 h of overnight fasting, and their serum lipid profiles were estimated. Results: The frequency of high total cholesterol (TC), low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), high triglycerides (TG), high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high coronary risk ratio (CR) were 42%, 16%, 3%, 33%, and 78% respectively. The majority of the study participants had low risk atherogenicity, but the frequency of intermediate and high risk atherogenicity was 36% and 22% respectively. Also, most of the study participants were obese. Participants with secondary educational level had the highest frequency of dyslipidemia, while those with no educational background had the least. Conclusion: Dyslipidemia was very pronounced in the participants with elevated TC, TG, LDL-C, and low HDL-C supporting previous assertion that people with type 2 diabetes mellitus are prone to the development of lipid abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Recent guidelines recommend further reduction of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in high-risk populations. The use of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type-9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) enables many patients to achieve profound reduction in LDL-C. However, in patients with low cholesterol, the commonly used Friedewald equation tends to underestimate LDL-C, which may result in undertreatment. We aimed to compare Friedewald LDL-C estimation with the more novel Martin/Hopkins method in PCSK9i-treated patients achieving low LDL-C. Methods: We investigated high-risk patients treated by PCSK9i in whom Friedewald LDL-C levels were < 70 mg/dL and triglycerides ≤ 300 mg/dL. LDL-C was additionally assessed by the Martin/Hopkins method. The compatibility between estimations was evaluated using methods of concordance and reclassification between LDL-C categories (< 25, 25–40, 40–55, 55–70 mg/dL) and according to triglyceride strata. Results: Mean age was 65 ± 10 years. The correlation coefficient between LDL-C estimations was r = 0.898. Martin/Hopkins reclassified 269 of the 608 patients (44%) to a higher LDL-C category, with 14% of the patients reaching LDL-C > 70 mg/dL. Of the 390 patients achieving Friedewald LDL-C < 55 mg/dL, 113 (29%) were estimated to have LDL-C ≥ 55 mg/dL by the Martin/Hopkins equation. The magnitude of discordance between LDL-C estimates was more pronounced in hypertriglyceridemic patients in whom LDL-C reclassification from < 55 to ≥ 55 mg/dL was observed in 48%. Conclusions: In real-world practice of high-risk patients achieving low LDL-C under PCSK9i, Martin/Hopkins algorithm displayed significant proportion of LDL-C upward discordance compared to the Friedewald equation, particularly observed in patients with elevated triglycerides, identifying patients that may need treatment intensification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Overweight and obesity are associated with many health problems, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). Evidence from previous studies has shown that extracts from olive leaves rich in olive phenolics are able to positively affect CVD risk factors, such as high blood pressure and dyslipidemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 8-week olive leaf extract (OLE) administration on blood lipid profiles in overweight/obese subjects with mildly elevated cholesterol levels. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 77 healthy adult overweight/obese subjects (aged 56 ± 10 years and BMI 29.0 ± 2.7 kg/m2) with total cholesterol levels of 5.0–8.0 mmol/L (5.9 ± 0.7 mmol/L) were randomly assigned to receive 500 mg of OLE (n = 39) or placebo (n = 38) for 8 weeks. In total, 74 subjects completed the entire study protocol. At baseline, after 4 weeks, and after 8 weeks of supplementation, blood lipid profiles, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), blood pressure, glucose, and insulin levels were assessed. In addition, liver function parameters were measured at baseline and after 8 weeks. Results: OLE supplementation did not significantly affect blood lipid levels after 4 weeks or after 8 weeks compared to placebo (all p > 0.05). For oxLDL, blood pressure, glucose, and insulin levels and liver function parameters, also no statistically significant differences were found between the two intervention groups (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: Blood lipid profiles were not significantly affected by 8 weeks OLE supplementation in overweight/obese subjects with mildly elevated cholesterol levels. Trial registered: The trial has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02990637). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphosphonates are the first-choice treatment of osteoporosis and Paget's disease of bone. Among the bisphosphonates, the non-amino-bisphosphonates, such as clodronic acid, are intracellular converted into toxic analogues of ATP and induce cellular apoptosis whereas the amino-bisphosphonates, such as zoledronic acid, inhibit the farnesyl-diphosphate-synthase, an enzyme of the mevalonate pathway. This pathway regulates cholesterol and glucose homeostasis and is a target for statins. In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated the effects of an intravenous infusion of zoledronic acid (5 mg) or clodronic acid (1500 mg) on blood lipid (i.e. total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and triglycerides) and glucose levels in patients with osteoporosis and Paget's disease of bone. All patients were evaluated before, 1 and 6 months after bisphosphonate treatment. Pagetic and osteoporotic patients treated with zoledronic acid showed a significant reduction in glucose and atherogenic lipids during follow-up whereas these phenomena were not observed after clodronic treatment. The effect on circulating lipid levels was similar in naïve and re-treated Pagetic patients. Zoledronic acid treatment was associated with a reduction in blood glucose and atherogenic lipids in patients with metabolic bone disorders. The extent of change was similar to that obtained with the regular assumption of a low-intensity statin. Further studies are warranted to better evaluate the clinical implications of these observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dislipidemia is a risk factor for cognitive impairment. We studied the association between interindividual variability of plasma lipids and white matter (WM) microstructure, using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in 273 healthy adults. Special focus was placed on 7 regions of interest (ROI) which are structural components of cognitive neurocircuitry. We also investigated the effect of plasma lipids on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) neurofilament light chain (NfL), an axonal degeneration marker. Low density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride (TG) levels showed a negative association with axial diffusivity (AxD) in multiple regions. High density lipoproteins (HDL) showed a positive correlation. The association was independent of Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype, blood pressure or use of statins. LDL moderated the relation between NfL and AxD in the body of the corpus callosum (p = 0.041), right cingulum gyrus (p = 0.041), right fornix/stria terminalis (p = 0.025) and right superior longitudinal fasciculus (p = 0.020) and TG in the right inferior longitudinal fasciculus (p = 0.004) and left fornix/stria terminalis (p = 0.001). We conclude that plasma lipids are associated to WM microstructural changes and axonal degeneration and might represent a risk factor in the transition from healthy aging to disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The naked mole-rat (NMR; Heterocephalus glaber) exhibits cancer resistance and an exceptionally long lifespan of approximately 30 years, but the mechanism(s) underlying increased longevity in NMRs remains unclear. In the present study, we report unique mechanisms underlying cholesterol metabolism in NMR cells, which may be responsible for their anti-senescent properties. NMR fibroblasts expressed β-catenin abundantly; this high expression was linked to increased accumulation of cholesterol-enriched lipid droplets. Ablation of β-catenin or inhibition of cholesterol synthesis abolished lipid droplet formation and induced senescence-like phenotypes accompanied by increased oxidative stress. β-catenin ablation downregulated apolipoprotein F and the LXR/RXR pathway, which are involved in cholesterol transport and biogenesis. Apolipoprotein F ablation also suppressed lipid droplet accumulation and promoted cellular senescence, indicating that apolipoprotein F mediates β-catenin signaling in NMR cells. Thus, we suggest that β-catenin in NMRs functions to offset senescence by regulating cholesterol metabolism, which may contribute to increased longevity in NMRs. Woei-Yaw Chee et al. explore the molecular mechanisms of β-catenin involvement in cholesterol metabolism suppressing cellular senescence in naked mole-rat cells. The results of this study suggest that β-catenin in NMRs functions to offset senescence by regulating cholesterol metabolism, which may contribute to increased longevity in naked mole rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1-(3-Butyn-1-ylthio)-1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane was synthesized by the alkylation of 1-mercapto-1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane trimethylammonium salt with butyn-3-yl methanesulfonate. The deboronation reaction of this compound gave the corresponding derivative based on nido-carborane, namely, 7-(3-butyn-1-ylthio)-7,8-dicarba-undecaborate anion. 1,4-Disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles based on closo- and nido-carboranes were synthesized by the CuI-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar [3+2] cycloaddition reaction of the acetylene derivatives of closo- and nido-carboranes with azidocholesterol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whether the lipid profile in diabetic patients is associated with diabetic neuropathy (DN) development remains ambiguous, as does the predictive value of serum lipid levels in the risk of DN. Here, we performed the first meta-analysis designed to investigate the relationship between DN and the serum levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL). Candidate studies were comprehensively identified by searching PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases up to May 2020. Observational methodological meta-analysis was conducted to assess the relationships of TG, TC, HDL, and LDL levels with DN. Changes in blood lipids were used to estimate the effect size. The results were pooled using a random-effects or fixed-effects model. Potential sources of heterogeneity were explored by subgroup analysis. Various outcomes were included, and statistical analyses were performed using STATA (Version 12.0). Mean differences (MDs) and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) was applied to assess the methodological quality. I2 statistics were calculated to evaluate statistical heterogeneity. Funnel plots were utilized to test for publication bias. A sensitivity analysis was performed by omitting each study one by one. Thirty-nine clinical trials containing 32,668 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The results demonstrated that DN patients showed higher TG and lower HDL levels (MD = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.20–0.48 for TG; MD = -0.05, 95% CI: -0.08–-0.02, I2 = 81.3% for HDL) than controls. Subgroup analysis showed that patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) neuropathy had elevated TG levels in their serum (MD = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.16–0.35,I2 = 64.4% for T1DM). However, only patients with T1DM neuropathy had reduced serum HDL levels, and there was no significant difference in serum HDL levels between patients with T2DM neuropathy and controls (MD = -0.07, 95% CI: -0.10–-0.03, I2 = 12.4% for T1DM; MD = -0.02, 95% CI: -0.07–0.03, I2 = 80.2% for T2DM). TC and LDL levels were not significantly different between DN patients and controls (MD = -0.03, 95% CI: -0.14–0.09, I2 = 82.9% for TC; MD = -0.00, 95% CI: -0.08–0.08, I2 = 78.9% for LDL). In addition, compared with mild or painless DN patients, those with moderate or severe pain DN pain had significantly reduced serum TC and LDL levels (MD = -0.31, 95% CI: -0.49–-0.13, I2 = 0% for TC; MD = -0.19, 95% CI: -0.32–-0.08, I2 = 0% for LDL). TG levels and HDL levels did not vary considerably between patients with mild or painless DN and those with moderate or severe DN pain patients (MD = 0.12, 95% CI: -0.28–0.51, I2 = 83.2% for TG; MD = -0.07, 95% CI:-0.14–0.01, I2 = 58.8% for HDL). Furthermore, people with higher TG and LDL levels had higher risk of DN (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.20–1.54, I2 = 86.1% for TG and OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.02–1.19, I2 = 17.8% for LDL). Conversely, high serum HDL levels reduced the risk of DN (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.75–0.96, I2 = 72.6%), while TC levels made no significant difference with the risk of DN (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00–1.04, I2 = 84.7%). This meta-analysis indicated that serum lipid profile changes are among the biological characteristics of DN. Lipid levels should be explored as routine laboratory markers for predicting the risk of DN, as they will help clinicians choose appropriate therapies, and thus optimize the use of available resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim and objective: The concentration of lipoproteins and apolipoprotein are extremely low in the synovial fluid of any healthy person as compared to the concentrations in plasma. However, in the synovial fluid of any diseased patient the amount of cholesterol and lipids is sharply increased. The current review defines the role of various apolipoproteins and lipoproteins and their constituent subfractions in the synovial fluid embarking its principal role in rheumatoid arthritis. It also explains the need to define synovial fluid lipids, lipoprotein particle subfractions and their constituent apolipoproteins in synovial fluid. Materials and methods: Various research and review articles highlighting the role of apolipoproteins and lipoproteins were procured from medical websites mainly Pubmed, Medline, Science Direct, etc., and studied for the writing of the review paper. Conclusion: Mainly apolipoproteins A-1, B and E are prominently increased in chronic inflammatory joint disorders. Several theories have been proposed to understand the source of increase of lipids and apolipoproteins in synovial fluid of the diseased patients compared to healthy individuals, yet the precise mechanism is still not lucid. Lipoproteins are believed to play both functional role and pathological role in the synovial fluid. The activated T-lymphocytes in patients of RA lead to activation of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor and interleukins which embark to be the principal mechanism for induction of the disease. It can be thus concluded that the apolipoproteins prevent the activation of monocytes by blocking their contact of activation and thus play critical role in management of RA by inhibiting the production of proinflammatory cytokines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exposure to arsenic orchestrates a myriad of noxious health effects, including cancer. Different parts of Irvingia gabonensis are used as herbal remedies in traditional medicine. In this study, the comparative effects of the ethanol leaf (ELEIG) and stem bark extracts (ESEIG) of Irvingia gabonensis on sodium arsenite (SA)-induced lipid profile disturbances in Wistar rats were investigated. Methods: Fifty five Wistar rats weighing between 100 g and 179 g were distributed into eleven groups (n=5). Group 1 (control) received feed and water ad libitum. Group 2 received SA at a dose of 4.1 mg/kg body weight (kgbw) for 14 days. Groups 3–11 were treated with the extracts with or without SA. Treatment was done by oral intubation for 14 days. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TAG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-c), total lipids (TL) and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) were used to determine the lipid profile effects of the extracts. Results: Exposure to SA caused significant (p ˂ 0.05) increases in all assayed parameters, relative to control. Post-treatment and simultaneous treatment with ELEIG and ESEIG mitigated the effects of SA. In addition, ELEIG alone at various doses produced results comparable with control values. However, ESEIG alone caused significant (p ˂ 0.05) increases in all assayed parameters, relative to control. Conclusion: These results show that ELEIG and ESEIG ameliorate SA-induced lipid profile disturbances in Wistar rats. However, long-term administration of ESEIG alone may be discouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pore-forming toxins are proteins expressed by bacteria to primarily cause infections in the host cell. Cholesterol-dependent cytolysins (CDCs) are a class of proteins whose pore-forming ability requires the presence of cholesterol in the membrane. Upon binding to the target cell, cholesterol-recognizing residues in the membrane binding D4 subdomain assist in stabilizing both the pre-pore and pore states which occur during protein oligomerization on the cell membrane. Super resolution-stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy experiments (Sarangi et al. in Langmuir, 32:9649–9657, 2016) on supported lipid bilayers have shown that listeriolysin (LLO), a CDC expressed by Listeria monocytogenes, a food-borne pathogen, induces both spatial and dynamic heterogeneity in bilayer membranes. Here, we use all-atom molecular dynamics simulations to explore molecular details of the induced membrane reorganization by considering two distinct states of the oligomerized LLO protein in a 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC): cholesterol membrane. In the membrane bound (MB) state, four D4 subunits are placed at the bilayer interface in a pre-pore configuration and the membrane-inserted (MI) state consists of a tetrameric arc-like pore configuration. By analyzing lipid-order parameters, mobilities, and diffusion coefficients, we examine the induced spatial heterogeneity that occurs in both the MB and MI states. This heterogeneity is primarily driven by the local density enhancement of cholesterol in the vicinity of the MB, D4 subunits leading to distinct differences in lipid and cholesterol mobility across the two leaflets as well as enhanced lipid mobilities in regions where cholesterol is depleted. The leaflet-induced heterogeneity is greater for the MB state when compared with the MI state and the dynamic variations are more pronounced in the extracellular leaflet when compared with the cytosolic leaflet. Our study provides molecular-level insights into the inhomogeneity and perturbation induced in bilayer membranes upon LLO binding and pore formation and is expected to represent trends across PFTs in the broad CDC subclass of proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bird feather lipids are usually attributed to the oily secretion product of the uropygial (preen) gland. We have observed, however, that feathers exhibit a strong reaction with osmium tetroxide (OsO4), even after treatment with detergents. This leads us to postulate the existence of endogenous feather lipids distinct from preen gland lipids. In order to substantiate our hypothesis, we investigated down feathers from a 1-day-old chicken as their uropgygial gland is not functionally active. The results confirmed the osmiophilic reaction, which was concentrated in the center of barbs and strongly reduced after lipid extraction. In these lipid extracts, we identified using thin layer chromatography, cholesterol, various ceramides, glycolipids, phospholipids, and fatty acids, which closely resembled the lipid composition of the water barrier in the chicken-cornified epidermal envelope. This composition is clearly distinct from chicken uropygeal gland secretion (UGS) known to consist of fatty alcohols as part of aliphatic monoester waxes and of free, predominantly saturated, fatty acids. A filter assay showed a strong reactivity between OsO4 and the fatty acids C18:1 and C18:2 and with feather lipid extracts, but not with UGS. These observations were confirmed by gas chromatography detecting unsaturated fatty acids including C18:1 and C18:2 as well as cholesterol exclusively in chicken feathers. Our results indicate that (1) endogenous lipids are detectable in chicken feathers and distinct from UGS and (2) in analogy to the morphogenesis of the cornified envelope of chicken feather lipids that may have derived from cellular feather-precursors, apparently enduring the specific cell death during developmental feather cornification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Existing evidence on the possible effects of synbiotics on lipid profile is inconclusive. The aim of the present systematic review was to clarify the effects of synbiotics consumption on lipid profile. Methods: A systematic literature search of online databases PubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of science, Cochrane's library and Google Scholar was conducted up to January 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effects of synbiotics on lipid profile in adults were included. The overall effect was presented as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) in a random-effects meta-analysis model. Results: A total of 23 RCTs with 1338 participants were included. Synbiotic consumption resulted in a significant decrease in plasma concentrations of total cholesterol (WMD = − 10.17 mg/dL; 95% CI − 15.74 to − 4.60; p < 0.001), triglyceride (WMD = − 14.30 mg/dL; 95% CI − 25.32 to − 3.28; p = 0.01), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD = − 8.32 mg/dL; 95% CI − 13.21 to − 3.43; p < 0.001), and an increase in plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD = 1.3 mg/dL; 95% CI 0.03 to 2.56; p = 0.04) levels compared to control (placebo supplements/control foods/conventional products). The effects are more pronounced when synbiotics supplements are consumed for > 8 weeks. Conclusion: Synbiotic supplements may be beneficial to improve lipid profile, especially when they are consumed for > 8 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Mushrooms are reported to have a variety of health-promoting activities. However, little information is available on the effects of intake of polysaccharides from Pleurotus eryngii on obesity. In this study, we investigated the effects of P. eryngii polysaccharides on obesity and gut microbiota in mice fed a high-fat diet. Methods: Soluble polysaccharides were extracted from P. eryngii using hot water. C57BL/6J mice were fed a standard diet (ST), a high-fat diet (HF), or HF with 1% or 5% P. eryngii polysaccharide fraction (LP or HP) for 16 weeks. Adipose tissues were weighed and blood parameters were measured. Expression of genes involved in fatty acid and cholesterol metabolism was assessed by real-time quantitative PCR. The gut microbiota composition was analysed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results: Body weight gain and mesenteric fat tissue were lower in the HP group than in the HF group. In the HP group, serum total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels decreased, and lipid and total bile acids in faeces increased. Mice in the HP group showed increased expression of the LDLR gene in the liver and GPR43 in fat. The relative abundance of Firmicutes was significantly higher in the HF and HP groups than in the ST group. The abundance of some short-chain fatty acid-producing gut bacteria was altered by P. eryngii polysaccharides. Conclusions: These results provide the first evidence that P. eryngii polysaccharides have anti-obesity and LDL cholesterol-lowering effects in obese mice through increased excretion of bile acids and lipids and altered microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study was to see the effects of a balanced Korean diet (BKD) on metabolic risk factors in overweight or obese Korean adults, comparing with those of a typical American diet (TAD) and a diet recommended by the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (2010DGA). Methods: The study was designed as a randomized crossover controlled trial, in which 61 overweight or obese volunteers were divided into six groups and each consumed the BKD, 2010DGA, and TAD in a random order for 4 weeks separated by 2-week washout intervals. Anthropometric indices, blood pressure, blood lipid content, fasting blood glucose, and blood insulin level were measured at the beginning and end of each diet period. Results: A total of 54 participants completed the trial. The BKD caused more significant reductions of body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.001), body fat percent (p < 0.001), blood total cholesterol (p < 0.001), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (p = 0.007) compared with the 2010DGA or TAD (all p values for differences between diets < 0.05). All three diets significantly lowered blood triglyceride levels (p < 0.05). The BKD decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (p = 0.001) and increased fasting blood glucose (p = 0.018), whereas TAD and 2010DGA increased HDL cholesterol and did not affect blood glucose levels. Furthermore, the BKD significantly decreased the proportion of individuals with elevated total cholesterol (p < 0.001) and LDL cholesterol (p < 0.01), whereas the 2010DGA significantly reduced the number of obese individuals (p < 0.05), and the TAD decreased the number of participants with elevated triglyceride levels (p < 0.05), but increased that of those with elevated LDL cholesterol (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The Korean diet based on dietary guidelines improved metabolic risk factors such as BMI, body fat percent, and blood lipid profiles in overweight or obese Korean adults. These results provide evidence to recommend the Korean diet for preventing various metabolic diseases. Clinical trial registration: The trial was registered at the Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS) in Korea, the primary registry of the World Health Organization (WHO) international clinical trial registry platform, under number KCT0002437. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Consumption of the algae spirulina (Arthrospira platensis or maxima) and wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol concentrations in animals and humans, possibly due to the inhibition of intestinal cholesterol absorption. This mechanism, however, has never been investigated in humans. Therefore, we examined in non-hypercholesterolemic men and women the effects of spirulina and wakame consumption on serum markers for intestinal cholesterol absorption. Methods: Thirty-five healthy men and women without hypercholesterolemia consumed in a random order daily 4.8 g spirulina, wakame or placebo for 17 days, separated by 14-day washouts. After 17 days, serum cholesterol-standardized campesterol, sitosterol and cholestanol, and lathosterol concentrations were measured as markers for intestinal cholesterol absorption and cholesterol synthesis, respectively. Concentrations of serum total cholesterol, LDL and HDL cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and plasma glucose, and blood pressure were measured as well. Results: Compared with placebo, spirulina or wakame did not affect serum cholesterol-standardized campesterol (CI − 0.23 to 0.10 μmol/mmol, P = 0.435 and CI − 0.14 to 0.19 μmol/mmol, P = 0.729, respectively), sitosterol (P = 0.314 and P = 0.112), cholestanol (P = 0.610 and P = 0.809), or lathosterol (P = 0.388 and P = 0.102) concentrations. In addition, serum lipid and plasma glucose concentrations, and blood pressure were not changed. Conclusions: Daily consumption of 4.8 g spirulina or wakame for 17 days did not affect plasma markers for intestinal cholesterol absorption or cholesterol synthesis in non-hypercholesterolemic men and women. Serum lipid and glucose concentrations, and blood pressure were also not altered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]