Search

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]

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]

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]

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 /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: 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]

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]

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: It is unclear whether habitual intake of soy or isoflavones induces long-term changes in the concentrations of blood lipids and glycaemia. We examined the associations of soy food and isoflavone consumption with changes in blood lipids and HbA1c concentrations over 5 years among Japanese adults. Methods: This cohort study included 7252 subjects with no known history of major chronic disease at baseline. Soy intake was measured using a food frequency questionnaire; while the concentrations of serum lipids and HbA1c were measured using standard laboratory methods. We used multivariable linear mixed-effects models to examine the associations of changes in lipids and HbA1c concentrations with intakes of soy food and isoflavones. Results: Among the participants, mean age was 61 years, 67% were females and median intakes of soy and isoflavones were 95.3 g/day and 47.4 mg/day, respectively. Soy food and isoflavone intakes were not associated with 5-year changes in blood lipids or HbA1c concentrations. However, stratified analyses showed inverse associations between fermented soy intake and serum lipids among obese/overweight subjects. In particular, intake of 20 g/day of natto was associated with a reduction of 1.4 (95% CI 0.3, 2.5) mg/dL in TC, 1.5 (95% CI 0.4, 2.6) mg/dL in non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, 1.0 (95% CI − 0.0, 2.0) mg/dL in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and 4.0 (95% CI 0.6, 7.5) mg/dL in triglycerides. Conclusions: Overall, habitual consumption of soy or isoflavones was not associated with changes in serum lipids or HbA1c concentrations. The negative associations between intake of natto and changes in serum lipids among overweight/obese subjects deserve further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Little is known about the effects of leptin and leptin receptor polymorphisms on lipid changes during pregnancy. The aims of this study were to evaluate the associations between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of leptin and leptin receptor genes and the lipid concentrations during pregnancy; and to test whether dietary intake is a mediator in these associations. Methods: A prospective cohort of 154 pregnant women was followed up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil during the following gestational periods: 5–13th, 20–26th and 30–36th weeks. HDL-C, total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) were measured by the enzymatic colorimetric method, and LDL-C was calculated. DNA was extracted by the phenol–chloroform method, and leptin (G2548A, rs7799039) and leptin receptor SNPs (Q223R; rs1137101 and K109R; rs1137100) were genotyped using real-time PCR. Statistical analyses included linear mixed-effect models. Results: Women with the AA genotype of G2548A polymorphism reported a higher fat and total energy intake and had a higher increase in TG concentration during pregnancy than women with AG or GG genotype. The association between G2548A SNP and TG concentrations was not attenuated by adjusting for total lipid (g) and energy (kcal) intake. We did not observe significant associations between the Q223R and K109R SNPs and the lipid concentrations. Conclusions: Women homozygous for the A allele of the leptin SNP (G2548A) had a higher increase in TG concentrations per gestational week compared with women with the AG or GG genotype. This is an exploratory and hypothesis-generating study, and the results need confirmation in studies with larger sample sizes.' [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: With the acceleration of the process of aging population, to enjoy a higher health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is the goal of the elderly population and public health. Studies on relationship between HRQoL and lipid profile through a large sample of representative elderly population are scare. Objective: This study was conducted to firstly explore the relationships of lipid profile with HRQoL in Chinese centenarian population. Participants: A complete sample of 1002 participants aged over 100 years from Hainan province were recruited in the current study. Main measure: Questionnaire investigation, physical examination and blood specimen collection were carried out by family survey. The EuroQol-5 Dimensions(EQ-5D, and EQ-VAS were used to assess HRQoL. Results: In multivariate linear regression analyses, a significant association was found between EQ-5D and lipid profile, including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and similar association was also existed between EQ-VAS and TC, LDL-C HDL-C, after adjustment. The score of EQ-5D and EQ-VAS in male centenarian was higher than that of the female centenarian. Conclusion: Lipid profile was positively associated with the HRQoL in Chinese centenarians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent studies have shown that hyperlipidemia is closely related to the progression of kidney disease and glomerulosclerosis has similar pathophysiological mechanisms with atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is essentially a chronic inflammatory process and various kidney diseases are characterized by a micro-inflammatory state. Hyperlipidemia levels are not parallel to the degree of glomerulosclerosis, inflammatory factors together with lipids may contribute to the pathogenesis of glomerulosclerosis. Therefore, it is key to clarify lipid-mediated renal injury through studying the mechanism by which inflammation affects cholesterol homeostasis at the cellular level. Intracellular lipid homeostasis involves both lipid uptake and excretion, therefore in this study, we aimed to explore whether interleukin-1β (IL-1β) promotes the uptake of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) to increase in intracellular lipid levels, and to clarify the effect of IL-1β on the expression of lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor 1 (LOX-1) and ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), which may regulate cholesterol homeostasis in human mesangial cells (HMCs). Methods: The effect of IL-1β on uptake of Ox-LDL labeled with fluorescent Dil (Dil-Ox-LDL) by HMCs was observed using laser confocal microscopy. The effect of IL-1β on LOX-1 and ABCA1 expression in HMCs was detected by polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Results: Laser confocal microscopy revealed that HMCs took up Dil-Ox-LDL. Treatment of HMCs with 5 ng/ml IL-1β for 24 h significantly increased uptake of Dil-Ox-LDL. IL-1β also promoted LOX-1 mRNA and protein expression in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, ABCA1 mRNA and protein expression were reduced by IL-1β in lipid-loaded HMCs in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions: IL-1β promotes the uptake of Ox-LDL and expression of LOX-1 in HMCs, whereas it inhibits expression of ABCA1 under lipid load. The imbalance in intracellular cholesterol resulted by IL-1β can in turn transform HMCs into foam cells and aggravate glomerulosclerosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The comparative effects of different whole grains and brans on blood lipid are still not totally elucidated. We aimed to estimate and rank the effects of different whole grains and brans on the control of blood lipid. Methods: We performed a strategic literature search of PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library for relevant trials. Both pairwise meta-analyses and network meta-analyses were conducted to compare and rank the intervention strategies of whole grains and brans for the control of total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG). Results: Fifty-five eligible trials with a total of 3900 participants were included. Cumulative ranking analyses showed that oat bran was the most effective intervention strategy for TC and LDL-C improvements, with significant decreases of − 0.35 mmol/L (95% CI − 0.47, − 0.23 mmol/L) and − 0.32 mmol/L (95% CI − 0.44, − 0.19 mmol/L) in TC and LDL-C compared with control, respectively. In comparison with control, oat was associated with significant reductions in TC by − 0.26 mmol/L (95% CI − 0.36, − 0.15 mmol/L) and LDL-C by − 0.17 mmol/L (95% CI − 0.28, − 0.07 mmol/L), which was ranked as the second best treatment. Barley, brown rice, wheat and wheat bran were shown to be ineffective in improving blood lipid compared with control. Conclusions: This network meta-analysis suggests that oat bran and oat are ranked higher than any other treatments for the regulations of TC and LDL-C, indicating that increasing oat sources of whole grain may be recommended for lipid control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Fatalities due to heart and cerebrovascular diseases caused by uncontrolled hyperlipidaemia increase every year; on the other hand, lipid-lowering drugs are known to cause side effects. The gut microbiota has been thoroughly investigated by researchers and consumers, because they have unique functional properties and littler side effects. However, the effects of the gut microbiota remain controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the effects of products designed to modulate the gut microbiota on various hyperlipidaemias. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library (Central), and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials (published before June 2017, and those only in English) to compare treatment (products designed to modulate the gut microbiota) versus placebo. Our main endpoints were total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in serum. We assessed pooled data using a fixed effects model. Results: Of 1337 identified studies, 21 were eligible and included in our analysis (n = 1436 participants). The combined estimate of effect size for the impact of products designed to modulate the gut microbiota on serum TC (WMD − 11.07 mg/dL, 95% CI − 13.72 to − 8.43, p < 0.001), LDL-C (WMD − 10.96 mg/dL, 95% CI − 13.37 to − 8.56, p < 0.001), and HDL-C (WMD 0.72 mg/dL, 95% CI 0.06–1.38, p = 0.032) were statistically significant, while no significant effect was found on TG concentrations (WMD − 0.56 mg/dL, 95% CI − 5.59 to 4.47, p = 0.828). Subgroup analysis showed parallel trials, probiotics, and long-term intervention had better effects on lowering blood lipid levels. Conclusion: Products designed to modulate the gut microbiota results in changes of the plasma lipid concentrations and these changes may protect against cardiovascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Despite the lack of evidence, a growing number of people are using herbal medicine to attenuate the burden of diabetes. There is an urgent need to investigate the clinical potential of herbs. Preliminary observations suggest that American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius [AG]) may reduce postprandial glycemia. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of AG as an add-on therapy in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) controlled by conventional treatment. Methods: 24 individuals living with T2DM completed the study (F:M = 11:13; age = 64 ± 7 year; BMI = 27.8 ± 4.6 kg/m2; HbA1c = 7.1 ± 1.2%). Utilizing a double-blind, cross-over design, the participants were randomized to receive either 1 g/meal (3 g/day) of AG extract or placebo for 8 weeks while maintaining their original treatment. Following a ≥ 4-week washout period, the participants were crossed over to the opposite 8-week treatment arm. The primary objective was HbA1c, and secondary endpoints included fasting blood glucose and insulin, blood pressure, plasma lipids, serum nitrates/nitrites (NOx), and plasominogen-activating factor-1 (PAI-1). Safety parameters included liver and kidney function. Results: Compared to placebo, AG significantly reduced HbA1c (− 0.29%; p = 0.041) and fasting blood glucose (− 0.71 mmol/L; p = 0.008). Furthermore, AG lowered systolic blood pressure (− 5.6 ± 2.7 mmHg; p < 0.001), increased NOx (+ 1.85 ± 2.13 µmol/L; p < 0.03), and produced a mean percent end-difference of − 12.3 ± 3.9% in LDL-C and − 13.9 ± 5.8% in LDL-C/HDL. The safety profiles were unaffected. Conclusions: AG extract added to conventional treatment provided an effective and safe adjunct in the management of T2DM. Larger studies using physiologically standardized ginseng preparations are warranted to substantiate the present findings and to demonstrate therapeutic effectiveness of AG. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02923453. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The popularity of waterpipe smoking is dramatically increasing in Lebanon, reaching 36.9%, the highest among countries in the region. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have assessed the impact of waterpipe smoking on lipid levels in the Lebanese population. Therefore, the objective of the study was to evaluate the correlation between waterpipe smoking and LDL-C and total cholesterol levels in exclusive Lebanese waterpipe smokers compared to non-smokers. This cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2016 and February 2017, enrolling 308 patients (156 non-smokers and 147 waterpipe smokers) from four laboratories. Current and previous WS (beta = 66.64 and beta = 71.49) were significantly associated with higher LDL scores. Current WS was significantly associated with and total cholesterol levels (beta = 34.12). Cumulative WS (number of waterpipes per week × duration in years) was significantly associated with higher LDL-C and total cholesterol levels respectively (p < 0.001 for all 3 variables). The university level of education (beta = 8.89) and current alcohol drinking (beta = 8.81) were significantly associated with higher LDL scores. Our study demonstrated an association between previous or current waterpipe smoking and lipid level. Future research are needed to detect the direct cause of the relation between waterpipe smoking and CVD. Concerned authorities should set up awareness campaigns to increase alertness on dangers of WS and dependence, and encourage these young adults to embrace health-promoting behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction The immediate benefits of breastfeeding are well-established but the long-term health benefits are less well-known. West Virginia (WV) has a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and lower breastfeeding rates compared to national averages. There is a paucity of research examining the relationship between breastfeeding and subsequent childhood CVD risk factors, an issue of particular relevance in WV. Methods This study used longitudinally linked data from three cross-sectional datasets in WV (N = 11,980). The information on breastfeeding was obtained retrospectively via parental recall when the child was in the fifth grade. The outcome variables included blood pressure measures [systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP)] and lipid profile [total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), non-HDL, and triglycerides (TG)]. Multiple regression analyses were performed, adjusting for childhood body mass index (BMI) and additional covariates. Results Only 43% of mothers self-reported ever breastfeeding. The unadjusted analysis showed that children who were ever vs. never breastfed had significantly lower SBP (b = − 1.39 mmHg; 95% CI − 1.97, − 0.81), DBP (b = − 0.79 mmHg; 95% CI − 1.26, − 0.33), log-TG (b = − 0.08; 95% CI − 0.1, − 0.05), and higher HDL (b = 0.95 mg/dL; 95% CI 0.33, 1.56). After adjustment for the child's BMI, socio-demographic and lifestyle factors, log-TG remained significantly associated with breastfeeding (b = − 0.04; 95% CI − 0.06, − 0.01; p = 0.01). Conclusion The observed protective effect of any breastfeeding on childhood TG level was small but significant. This finding provides some support for a protective effect of breastfeeding on later CVD risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and CKD is considered a coronary artery disease risk equivalent. So far, statins have been the mainstay of primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in the general population. However, their benefit on outcomes is limited and controversial in CKD patients and new therapeutic approaches to reduce cardiovascular risk are needed. Monoclonal antibodies targeting proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and lipoprotein(a) in high-risk populations and cardiovascular events in secondary prevention. We now review the limitations of the current approach to lipid management in CKD and information on CKD patients from clinical trials of anti-PCSK9 monoclonal antibodies alirocumab and evolocumab. In CKD sub-group analysis, ODYSSEY COMBO I and ODYSSEY COMBO II studies demonstrated significant superiority of alirocumab on LDL-cholesterol lowering in comparison to placebo and ezetimibe, respectively, when added to statins, and case reports have shown efficacy in nephrotic syndrome. A detailed analysis of CKD subgroups in general population trials of anti-PCSK9 strategies addressing events is needed, given the limited efficacy of statins in CKD both in terms of lipid lowering and events, the high rate of statin non-compliance in these patients, and the high lipoprotein(a) levels. This information should guide the design of trials addressing the safety profile and efficacy on cardiovascular outcomes of PCSK9-targeted therapies in CKD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raman spectroscopy has been employed in the quantitative analysis of biochemical components in human serum. This study aimed to develop a spectral model to estimate the concentration of glucose and lipid fractions in human serum, thus evaluating the feasibility of Raman spectroscopy technique for diagnostic purposes. A total of 44 samples of blood serum were collected from volunteers submitted to routine blood biochemical assay analysis. The biochemical concentrations of glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, and high-density and low-density lipoproteins (HDL and LDL) were obtained by colorimetric method. Serum samples (200 μL) were submitted to Raman spectroscopy (830 nm, 250 mW, 50-s accumulation). The spectra of sera present peaks related to the main constituents, particularly proteins and lipids. A quantitative model based on partial least squares (PLS) regression has been developed to estimate the concentration of these compounds, taking the biochemical concentrations assayed by the colorimetric method as sample's actual concentrations. The PLS model based on leave-one-out cross-validation approach estimated the concentration of triglycerides and cholesterol with r = 0.98 and 0.96, and root mean square error of 35.4 and 15.9 mg/dL, respectively. For the other biochemicals, the r was ranging from 0.75 to 0.86. These results evidenced the possibility of performing biochemical assay in blood serum samples by Raman spectroscopy and PLS regression and may be employed as a means of diagnosis in routine clinical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although dyslipidemia increases the risk for ischemic stroke, previous studies reported conflicting data regarding the association between lipid levels and stroke severity and outcome. To evaluate the predictive value of major lipids in patients with acute ischemic stroke. We prospectively studied 790 consecutive patients who were admitted with acute ischemic stroke (41.0 % males, age 79.4 ± 6.8 years). The severity of stroke was assessed at admission with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Moderate/severe stroke was defined as NIHSS ≥5. The outcome was assessed with dependency rates at discharge (modified Rankin scale between 2 and 5) and with in-hospital mortality. Independent predictors of moderate/severe stroke were age (relative risk (RR) 1.05, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.02-1.08, p < 0.001), atrial fibrillation (RR 1.71, 95 % CI 1.19-2.47, p < 0.005), heart rate (RR 1.02, 95 % CI 1.01-1.04, p < 0.001), log-triglyceride (TG) levels (RR 0.24, 95 % CI 0.08-0.68, p < 0.01) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (RR 0.97, 95 % CI 0.95-0.98, p < 0.001). Major lipids did not predict dependency at discharge. Independent predictors of in-hospital mortality were atrial fibrillation (RR 2.35, 95 % CI 1.09-5.04, p < 0.05), diastolic blood pressure (RR 1.05, 95 % CI 1.02-1.08, p < 0.001), log-TG levels (RR 0.09, 95 % CI 0.01-0.87, p < 0.05) and NIHSS at admission (RR 1.19, 95 % CI 1.14-1.24, p < 0.001). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were not associated with stroke severity or outcome. Lower TG and HDL-C levels are associated with more severe stroke. Lower TG levels also appear to predict in-hospital mortality in patients with acute ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) and postnatal nutrition are risk factors for adult metabolic syndrome. However, the influences of long-term high-fat diet (HFD) intake on ectopic fat deposition in non-adipose tissues in IUGR pigs remain unclear. The present study was to determine whether HFD consumption would enhance ectopic fat deposition in IUGR pigs. Methods: At day 28, IUGR and control pigs were fed ad libitum to either a regular diet or a HFD. Lipid store, enzymatic activities and mRNA expression of lipid metabolism-related factors in liver and semitendinosus muscle (SM) were quantified at postnatal day 178. Results: Feeding a HFD to IUGR pigs but not to control pigs significantly increased daily weight gain, carcass fat mass, plasma leptin level and lipid content and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity and mRNA abundances of LPL and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) in liver and SM, but decreased daily feed intake and mRNA expression of hormone-sensitive lipase (LIPE) and carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1 (CPT-1) in liver and SM ( P < 0.05). Compared with control pigs, IUGR pigs had a lower body weight but higher plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC) and insulin ( P < 0.05). HFD-fed pigs exhibited greater body weight, plasma concentrations of triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), regardless of birth weight ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results suggested that IUGR increased the vulnerability of HFD-fed pigs to ectopic fat deposition via enhanced fatty acid flux toward ectopic sites and reduced lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Hormonal changes after menopause can cause dyslipidemia by the cessation of endogenous estrogen. We analyzed the lipid profile of the Korean healthy menopausal women according to the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).Methods: Data obtained from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) 2010-2012 were analyzed. The study included 428 healthy postmenopausal women with HRT (HRT group) and 1804 healthy postmenopausal women without HRT (NHRT group).Results: After adjustment for confounding factors, total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were lower in the HRT group than in the NHRT group (TC: 200.1 ± 2.0 vs. 204.9 ± 1.1, P = 0.04; LDL: 120.3 ± 1.0 vs. 124.5 ± 1.0 mg/ml, P = 0.033). Triglycerides (TG) were lower in the HRT group than in the NHRT group [106.8, (95 % CI 99.8-114.3) vs. 115.1 (95 % CI 111.8-118.5), P = 0.04]. Non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was lower in the HRT group than in the NHRT group (145.4 ± 1.9 vs. 151.2 ± 1.0 mg/ml, P = 0.008). Patients with HRT were lower in the LDL cholesterol level (OR 0.601, 95 % CI 0.397-0.917, P = 0.018), the total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein ratio (OR 0.787, 95 % CI 0.617-0.997, P = 0.016), and the non-HDL level (OR 0.68, 95 % CI 0.509-0.907, P = 0.009).Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the use of HRT may have a positive effect on dyslipidemia in postmenopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/objectives: Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFA) are better absorbed when they are combined with high-fat meals. However, the role of different dietary fats in modulating the incorporation of n-3PUFA in blood lipids in humans has not been previously explored. Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6PUFA) are known to compete with n-3PUFA in the metabolic pathways and for the incorporation into phospholipids, whereas saturated fats (SFA) may enhance n-3PUFA incorporation into tissues.Subjects/methods: In a randomized parallel-design trial, we aimed to investigate the long-term effects of n-3PUFA supplementation in subjects consuming a diet enriched with either SFA or n-6PUFA on fatty acid incorporation into plasma and erythrocytes and on blood lipid profiles (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides).Results: Dietary supplementation with n-3PUFA co-administered with SFA for 6 weeks resulted in a significant rise in total cholesterol (0.46±0.60 mmol/L; P=0.020) and LDL-C (0.48±0.48 mmol/L; P=0.011) in comparison with combination with n-6PUFA. The diet enriched with SFA also induced a greater increase in eicosapentaenoic acid (2.07±0.79 vs 1.15±0.53; P=0.004), a smaller decrease in docosapentaenoic acid (-0.12±0.23 vs -0.30±0.20; P=0.034) and a similar increase in docosahexaenoic acid (3.85±1.14 vs 3.10±1.07; P=0.128) percentage in plasma compared with the diet enriched with n-6PUFA. A similar effect was seen in erythrocytes. N-3PUFA supplementation resulted in similar changes in HDL-C and triglyceride levels.Conclusions: The results suggest that dietary substitution of SFA with n-6PUFA, despite maintaining low levels of circulating cholesterol, hinders n-3PUFA incorporation into plasma and tissue lipids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This randomised controlled trial assessed the acute and long-term effects of daily supplementation of kanuka honey, formulated with cinnamon, chromium and magnesium on glucose metabolism, weight and lipid parameters in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Twelve individuals with type 2 diabetes received 53.5 g of a formulated honey and a control (non-formulated) kanuka honey in a random order for 40 days, using cross-over design. Fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c, lipids and anthropometric measures were measured at baseline and end of treatment. A meal tolerance test was performed at baseline to assess acute metabolic response. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in acute glucose metabolism between treatment groups, as measured by the Matsuda index and AUC for glucose and insulin. After the 40-day intervention with honey, fasting glucose did not differ significantly between the two treatments (95 % CI −2.6 to 0.07). There was no statistically significant change in HbA1c or fasting insulin. There was a statistically significant reduction in total cholesterol by −0.29 mmol/L (95 % CI −0.57 to −0.23), LDL cholesterol by −0.29 mmol/L (95 % CI −0.57 to −0.23) and weight by −2.2 kg (95 % CI −4.2 to −0.1). There was a trend towards increased HDL and reduced systolic blood pressure in the intervention treatment. Conclusion: The addition of cinnamon, chromium and magnesium supplementation to kanuka honey was not associated with a significant improvement in glucose metabolism or glycaemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Use of the formulated honey was associated with a reduction in weight and improvements in lipid parameters, and should be investigated further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: We tested if serum lipid and lipoprotein cholesterol levels are associated with longitudinal measures of bone mineral density (BMD) in 1289 African ancestry men. After 6 years of mean follow-up, men with clinically optimal levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or triglycerides at baseline experienced the greatest BMD loss, independent of potential confounding factors (all p < 0.05). Introduction: Studies of lipid and lipoprotein cholesterol associations with bone mineral density (BMD) and bone loss have been inconclusive, and longitudinal data are sparse. Therefore, the aim of this study was to test if fasting serum lipid and lipoprotein cholesterol levels are associated with areal and volumetric BMD and BMD change. Methods: We determined the association of serum triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol concentrations with cross-sectional and longitudinal (mean follow-up, 6.1 years) measures of BMD in a cohort of 1289 in African ancestry men (mean age, 56.4 years). Fasting serum triglycerides, HDL, and LDL were measured at baseline concurrent with BMD assessments. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to quantify integral hip BMD, and peripheral quantitative computed tomography at the radius and tibia was used to quantify volumetric BMD. Men were categorized as optimal, borderline, or high risk for triglyceride, HDL, and LDL concentrations based on Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines. Results: Lower serum triglyceride or LDL and higher HDL concentrations were associated with lower trabecular BMD at baseline (all p < 0.05). Similarly, men classified as having optimal levels of LDL, HDL, or triglycerides at baseline experienced the greatest integral BMD loss at the hip and trabecular BMD loss at the tibia (all p < 0.05), independent of potential confounding factors. Conclusions: We found that clinically optimal serum lipid and lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations were associated with accelerated bone loss among Afro-Caribbean men. Further studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms involved and potential clinical significance of these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Previous studies suggested that magnesium (Mg) might protect against atherosclerosis, but data were scarce in an Asian population. We examined the association of Mg levels in serum and urine with carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and serum lipids in Chinese adults. Methods: This community-based cross-sectional study recruited 2,837 participants aged 40-75 years in Guangzhou, China. General information, lifestyle factors, serum and urinary concentrations of Mg and cardiometabolic factors were determined. The cIMTs of the common carotid artery (CCA) and the carotid bifurcation (BIF) were measured ultrasonographically. Results: The mean (SD) concentration of serum Mg was 0.85 (0.07) mmol/L and median (IQR) for urinary Mg excretion was 2.29 (1.56-3.51) mmol/L. After adjustment for potential covariates, both serum and the urinary concentrations of Mg were inversely associated with CCA-IMT, but not with BIF-IMT. The regression coefficients (standard errors) were −100 (29) µm (total), −86 (34) µm (women) and −117 (52) µm (men) CCA-IMT per 1 mmol/L of serum Mg, and −41 (8) µm (total), −41 (10) µm (women) and −44 (15) µm (men) CCA-IMT per 1 unit of urinary Mg/creatinine (log mmol/mmol) (all p < 0.05), respectively. Higher serum Mg levels were associated with higher total cholesterol, HDLc, LDLc and triglyceride, but lower non-HDLc/HDLc in total population (all p < 0.05). Similar relationships of urinary Mg with lipoproteins were also found in total population (all p < 0.05). Conclusion: Higher levels of serum and urinary Mg are associated with lower CCA-IMTs, and the role of Mg in lipid metabolism needs further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) exposure on levels of serum lipids in workers of an electric power plant. A cross-sectional study was carried out in an electric power plant in Zhejiang province, China, from August to September 2011. All participants were divided into two groups with high occupational EMF exposure and low occupational EMF exposure. The occupational EMF exposure included radiofrequency EMF and extremely low-frequency EMF. Occupational EMF exposure was associated with an increased level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c; β = 0.17 mmol/L, P = 0.022). High EMF exposure group with longer employment duration, longer daily EMF exposure duration, and more mobile phone or electric fee per month had significantly higher levels of total cholesterol, LDL-c, or triglyceride than the corresponding reference group. However, significantly decreased level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was only observed in high EMF exposure group with more mobile phone fee per month. Similar results were also found in 544 participants with available data of serum lipids in 2010. The findings showed that chronic EMF exposure was associated with the change of serum lipid levels. EMF exposure might modulate the process of lipid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is widely employed as a food ingredient as well as traditional remedy to treat fever, burns, and scurvy. The present study focused on the modulator efficacy of the quercetin rich onion juice on lipid profile and antioxidant status in mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects. Twenty-four healthy subjects with mild hypercholesterolemia (≧ 200 mg/dL) were recruited and divided into two groups, and they consumed 100 mL of onion juice or placebo every day for 8 weeks. Fasting blood samples were collected at initial, 2nd, 6th, 8th, 10th week for estimating various biochemical assays, as well as anthropometric indices. After 8 weeks of intervention, onion juice greatly decreased (p < 0.05) waist circumference, total cholesterol and LDL-c. In addition, it elevates (p < 0.05) total antioxidation capacity and prolong lag-time of LDL oxidation were also noted. To conclude, drinking onion juice could markedly suppress cholesterol level and elevate total antioxidation capacity. Hence, onion juice was probably recommended for combating various cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mediterranean diet consumption is associated to low prevalence of major degenerative diseases. Low Mediterranean-diet-adherence (MDA) score has been related to high insulin and homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance levels at birth. The relationship between maternal MDA and offspring lipoprotein profile at birth has been scarcely reported. Methods: Cross-sectional study aimed to study the relationship between pregnancy diet quality and serum lipid, arylesterase and homocysteine values at birth. Cord blood of the offspring of 35 women whose diets were classified as 'adequate' or 'inadequate' according to their 13-point MDA-score (≥7 or <7, respectively) were studied. Results: MDA-scores did not significantly change through pregnancy. Low-MDA-score diets presented a higher atherogenic index, contained less fiber and folates, and had a lower (polyunsaturated + monounsaturated)/saturated fatty acids (PUFA + MUFA/SFA) ratio, more cholesterol, and higher SFA/carbohydrates (SFA/CHO) and ω-6/ω-3 PUFA ratios than their respective high-MDA-score counterparts. Mothers at the low MDA-score delivered neonates with high LDL-c ( P = 0.049), Apo B ( P = 0.040), homocysteine ( P = 0.026) and Apo A1/Apo B ratio ( P = 0.024). Conclusions: Neonates whose mothers consumed low MDA diets presented impaired lipoprotein and increased homocysteine levels at birth. A follow-up study on early cardiovascular disease prevention is needed to understand the importance of present findings later in life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies analyzing lipid profile in small cohorts of patients with rheumatic and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) treated with TNFα blockers showed conflicting results. We aim to evaluate the effect of anti-TNFα monoclonal antibodies, infliximab and adalimumab, on lipid profile in IBD patients followed up to 3 years.Methods: Clinical charts of 128 consecutive IBD patients, who received at least three doses of infliximab or two doses of adalimumab, and with a clinical follow-up of at least 1 year, were retrospectively reviewed. Lipid profiles (total, HDL and LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides) before beginning the treatment and after 1 and 3 years of follow-up were collected. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed considering total cholesterol difference at basal time, 1 and 3 years as a dependent variable.Results: There was not a statistically significant difference between pre- and post-treatment lipid profiles. However, the subgroup with normal-range total cholesterol level before anti-TNFα treatment (n = 82) showed a significant increase in total cholesterol after 1 and 3 years, and a significant increase in LDL cholesterol after 3 years. The subgroup with basal normal-range triglycerides showed a significant increase after 1 and 3 years of follow-up. Atherogenic index resulted significantly increased after 3 years of anti-TNFα treatment. Multivariate analysis showed no influence of age, gender, type of IBD, body mass index, or the presence of two or more cardiovascular risk factors.Conclusions: No significant changes in lipid profile of IBD patients on anti-TNFα therapy were observed after 1 and 3 years of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous studies suggest that chemical constituents present in Pinus eldarica Medw (P. eldarica) nut possess antioxidant properties that may positively influence lipid profile. The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of P. eldarica nut on the experimental atherosclerosis development in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Methods: Forty male 6 months old white New Zealand rabbits (1.8-2 kg) were randomly assigned into five equal groups. One group was kept as control (normal) group, fed on standard rabbit diet and other 4 groups were fed on high cholesterol diet (HCD). Out of four HCD groups one group was kept as control (HCD) and other three groups were treated with different doses (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day) of P. eldarica nut for 8 weeks. Percentage of aortic wall area changes as indication of atherosclerosis development and fasting blood cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglyceride levels were determined in all groups. Results: The results indicate that fasting blood cholesterol and aortic atherosclerotic involvements in 200 mg/kg/ day and 100 mg/kg/day P. eldarica nut extract treated groups significantly decreased as compared to the high cholesterol-diet control group. Conclusion: P. eldarica nut lowers blood cholesterol level and aortic atherosclerotic involvement in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Blood-based sample collection is a challenge, and dried blood spots (DBS) represent an attractive alternative. However, for DBSs to be an alternative to venous blood it is important that these samples are able to deliver comparable associations with clinical outcomes. To explore this we looked to see if lipid profile data could be used to predict the concentration of triglyceride, HDL, LDL and total cholesterol in DBSs using markers identified in plasma. Objectives: To determine if DBSs can be used as an alternative to venous blood in both research and clinical settings, and to determine if machine learning could predict 'clinical lipid' concentration from lipid profile data. Methods: Lipid profiles were generated from plasma (n = 777) and DBS (n = 835) samples. Random forest was applied to identify and validate panels of lipid markers in plasma, which were translated into the DBS cohort to provide robust measures of the four 'clinical lipids'. Results: In plasma samples panels of lipid markers were identified that could predict the concentration of the 'clinical lipids' with correlations between estimated and measured triglyceride, HDL, LDL and total cholesterol of 0.920, 0.743, 0.580 and 0.424 respectively. When translated into DBS samples, correlations of 0.836, 0.591, 0.561 and 0.569 were achieved for triglyceride, HDL, LDL and total cholesterol. Conclusion: DBSs represent an alternative to venous blood, however further work is required to improve the combined lipidomics and machine learning approach to develop it for use in health monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]