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Background: The prevalence of obesity among Mexican women is high and it could be related to micronutrient status. We evaluated in a cross-sectional study the associations of zinc and vitamins A, C and E concentrations with BMI, central adiposity, body fat and leptin concentration. Methods: Women aged 37 ± 7.5 years (n = 580) from 6 rural communities in Mexico were evaluated. Anthropometric measurements included weight, height, waist and hip circumference. A fasting blood sample was taken for the analysis of glucose, lipid profile, leptin, zinc, and vitamins A, C and E. Body composition was determined by DEXA (Hologic Mod Explorer). Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 36% (BMI>25 Kg/m2) and 44% (BMI>30 Kg/m2), respectively. Prevalence of zinc and vitamins C and E deficiencies were similar in obese, overweight and normal weight women. No vitamin A deficiency was found. Vitamin C was negatively associated with BMI, waist-to-height ratio, and leptin concentrations (p<0.05). Vitamin A was positively associated with leptin (p<0.05). When stratifying by BMI, % body fat and waist circumference, high leptin concentrations were associated with lower zinc and lower vitamin C concentrations in women with obesity (p<0.05) and higher vitamin A concentrations in women without obesity (p<0.01). Vitamin E status was not associated with any markers of obesity. Conclusion: Zinc and vitamins A and C are associated with obesity, adiposity and leptin concentration in women from rural Mexico, and may play an important role in fat deposition. The causality of these associations needs to be confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The beneficial effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), especially in dyslipidemic subjects with a high risk of cardiovascular disease, are widely described in the literature. A lot of effects of n-3 PUFAs and their oxidized metabolites are triggered by regulating the expression of genes. Currently, it is uncertain if the administration of n-3 PUFAs results in different expression changes of genes related to antioxidative mechanisms in normo- and dyslipidemic subjects, which may partly explain their cardioprotective effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of n-3 PUFA supplementation on expression changes of genes involved in oxidative processes. Methods: Ten normo- and ten dyslipidemic men were supplemented for twelve weeks with fish oil capsules, providing 1.14 g docosahexaenoic acid and 1.56 g eicosapentaenoic acid. Gene expression levels were determined by whole genome microarray analysis and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: Using microarrays, we discovered an increased expression of antioxidative enzymes and a decreased expression of pro-oxidative and tissue enzymes, such as cytochrome P450 enzymes and matrix metalloproteinases, in both normo- and dyslipidemic men. An up-regulation of catalase and heme oxigenase 2 in both normo- and dyslipidemic subjects and an up-regulation of cytochrome P450 enzyme 1A2 only in dyslipidemic subjects could be observed by qRT-PCR analysis. Conclusions: Supplementation of normo- and dyslipidemic subjects with n-3 PUFAs changed the expression of genes related to oxidative processes, which may suggest antioxidative and potential cardioprotective effects of n-3 PUFAs. Further studies combining genetic and metabolic endpoints are needed to verify the regulative effects of n-3 PUFAs in antioxidative gene expression to better understand their beneficial effects in health and disease prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The expression of PDK4 is elevated by diabetes, fasting and other conditions associated with the switch from the utilization of glucose to fatty acids as an energy source. It is previously shown that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α), a master regulator of energy metabolism, coactivates in cell lines pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase-4 (PDK4) gene expression via the estrogen-related receptor α(ERRα). We investigated the effects of long-term high-fat diet and physical activity on the expression of PDK4, PGC-1α and ERRα and the amount and function of mitochondria in skeletal muscle. Methods: Insulin resistance was induced by a high-fat (HF) diet for 19 weeks in C57BL/6 J mice, which were eithersedentary or with access to running wheels. The skeletal muscle expression levels of PDK4, PGC-1α and ERRα were measured and the quality and quantity of mitochondrial function was assessed. Results: The HF mice were more insulin-resistant than the low-fat (LF) -fed mice. Upregulation of PDK4 and ERRα mRNA and protein levels were seen after the HF diet, and when combined with running even more profound effects on the mRNA expression levels were observed. Chronic HF feeding and voluntary running did not have significant effects on PGC-1α mRNA or protein levels. No remarkable difference was found in the amount or function of mitochondria. Conclusions: Our results support the view that insulin resistance is not mediated by the decreased qualitative or quantitative properties of mitochondria. Instead, the role of PDK4 should be contemplated as a possible contributor to high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of the study was to verify that the concomitant presence of grapefruit flavonoid extract with inulin in a Western-type diet may provide synergistic effects to the hindgut metabolism, as well as blood lipid and mineral profiles. Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were distributed into 4 groups and fed for 28 days with diets rich in fat, cholesterol and protein. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was applied to assess the effects of inulin (v. sucrose, 5% of the diet), the addition of dietary grapefruit flavonoid extract (diets without or with 0.3% of an extract from hard parts of grapefruit) and the interaction between these two dietary factors. Results: When compared to the control sucrose-containing diet, the diet enriched with inulin led to typical changes within the caecum, the main part of hindgut fermentation in rats, such as acidification of the digesta, support of bifidobacteria growth and increase of propionate and butyrate production. The dietary grapefruit flavonoid extract without inulin increased the bulk and pH value of caecal digesta, whereas short-chain fatty acid concentration and the bifidobacteria population were lowered compared to the extract-free diets. Simultaneous dietary addition of both tested components decreased slightly the pH value and increased somewhat the bifidobacteria number and the propionate concentration, however to the level observed with the control sucrosecontaining diet. With regard to blood lipids, dietary grapefruit flavonoid extract decreased the triglyceride concentration regardless of the dietary carbohydrate type. Conclusion: Inulin does not provide any additional benefit to the blood lipid profile caused by the dietary application of grapefruit flavonoid extract and it does not counteract clearly detrimental effects of the extract in the hindgut. Adding grapefruit extract to the diet must be performed with caution due to possible adverse hindgut responses with overdoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rats fed a high-fat and high-sucrose (HF) diet develop hepatic steatosis and hyperlipidemia. There are several reports that a change in nutritional status affects hepatic levels of drug-metabolizing enzymes. Synthetic inulin is a dietary component that completely evades glucide digestion. Supplementing a HF diet with inulin ameliorates hypertriglycemia and hepatic steatosis, but not hypercholesterolemia. This study aimed at distinguishing the effects of synthetic inulin and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor (statin), which inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis. Methods: We examined effects of co-treatment with synthetic inulin (5%) and fluvastatin (0, 4, and 8 mg/kg, per os) on body weight, epidydimal white adipose tissue weight, serum and hepatic lipid profiles, and hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP) mRNA and protein profiles in rats fed a standard diet or a HF diet for 3 weeks. Results: Treatment with the synthetic inulin (5%) or fluvastatin at 4 mg/kg (lethal dose in rats fed the HF diet, 8 mg/kg) ameliorated the elevation in hepatic triacylglycerol and total cholesterol levels in rats fed the HF diet. Whereas co-treatment with the inulin (5%) and fluvastatin (4 mg/kg) had a tendency to more strongly suppress the elevation in serum levels of very low density lipoprotein triacylglycerol than either treatment alone, no additive or synergistic effect was found in decrease in hepatic lipid levels. Hepatic levels of CYP1A1/2 and CYP2E1 mRNA and protein and methoxyresorufin O-demethylase and ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activities were reduced in rats fed the HF diet. The synthetic inulin alleviated the reduction in hepatic levels of CYP1A1/2 and CYP2E1 mRNA and protein more strongly than fluvastatin, and no synergistic effects were observed on cotreatment. Furthermore, hepatic levels of aryl hydrocarbon receptor mRNA were decreased in rats fed the HF diet and recovered to near normal values with the intake of dietary inulin, which correlated with change in CYP1A1/2. Conclusions: Dietary inulin alone was effective to prevent the development of hepatic steatosis, ameliorate nutritional effects, and alleviate the hepatic change in the expression of CYP1A1/2 and CYP2E1, while co-treatment with statin did not have additive or synergistic effects and statin may cause adverse effects in rats fed the HF diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on a study which focuses on the role of dietary fibers in cardiovascular disease and body weight management. It states that flaxseeds are a good source of dietary fibers and contains a large proportion of water-soluble viscous fibers in it. It examines effect of flaxseed dietary fibers on blood lipids and fecal excretion of fat and energy. It concludes that flax drink and flax bread results in decreased plasma total and LDL-cholesterol and increased fat excretion.

The article presents the findings of a study conducted on characterizing the role of Kupffer cells (KCs) in relation to the onset of hepatic insulin resistance induced by a high-fat (HF) diet rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). It discusses the methodology used for the study. It concludes that in the presence of a high MUFA content the population of alternatively activated resident liver macrophages may mediate beneficial effects on liver insulin.

The article focuses on a study which determines that Visceral obesity and insulin resistance are associated with postprandial accumulation of atherogenic chylomicron remnants. It states that the dietary fish oil and exercise are cardioprotective interventions and can modify the metabolism of TAG-rich lipoproteins. It mentions that the combination of fish oil and exercise resulted in a significant reduction in the fasting apo B48 concentration.

The present study reports the results of a combined computational and site mutagenesis study designed to provide new insights into the orthosteric binding site of the human M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor. For this purpose a three-dimensional structure of the receptor at atomic resolution was built by homology modeling, using the crystallographic structure of bovine rhodopsin as a template. Then, the antagonist N-methylscopolamine was docked in the model and subsequently embedded in a lipid bilayer for its refinement using molecular dynamics simulations. Two different lipid bilayer compositions were studied: one component palmitoyl-oleyl phosphatidylcholine (POPC) and two-component palmitoyl-oleyl phosphatidylcholine/palmitoyloleyl phosphatidylserine (POPC-POPS). Analysis of the results suggested that residues F222 and T235 may contribute to the ligand-receptor recognition. Accordingly, alanine mutants at positions 222 and 235 were constructed, expressed, and their binding properties determined. The results confirmed the role of these residues in modulating the binding affinity of the ligand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. All-trans-retinoic acid (atRA) is effective for many proliferative diseases.We investigated the protective effects of atRA against atherosclerosis. Methods. Rabbits were randomly allocated to receive basal diet or an HFD for 4 weeks. HFD group then received rosuvastatin (3 mg/day), atRA (5 mg/kg/day), or the same volume of vehicle, respectively, for next 8 weeks. Results. HFD group showed increases in plasma lipids and aortic plaque formation. P-selectin expression and fibrinogen binding on platelets or deposition on the intima of the aorta also increased significantly as did the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and fibrinogen in plasma. After 8 weeks of treatment with atRA, there was a significant decrease in plasma lipids and improvement in aortic lesions. AtRA also inhibited the expression of P-selectin and fibrinogen binding on platelets and deposition on the intima of the aorta. Conclusion. AtRA can ameliorate HFD-induced AS in rabbits by inhibiting platelet activation and inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aim was to develop a new model of atherosclerosis by FeCl3-induced injury to right common carotid arteries (CCAs) of rabbits. Right CCAs were induced in male New Zealand White rabbits (n = 15) by combination of a cholesterol-rich diet and FeCl3-induced injury to arterial walls. The right and left CCAs were evaluated by histology and in vivo intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) examinations of 24 hours (n = 3), 8 weeks (n = 6), and 12 weeks (n = 6) after injury. Each right CCA of the rabbits showed extensive white-yellow plaques. At eight and 12 weeks after injury, IVUS, OCT, and histological findings demonstrated that the right CCAs had evident eccentric plaques. Six plaques (50%) with evident positive remodeling were observed. Marked progression was clearly observed in the same plaque at 12 weeks after injury when it underwent repeat OCT and IVUS. We demonstrated, for the first time, a novelmodel of atherosclerosis induced by FeCl3. The model is simple, fast, inexpensive, and reproducible and has a high success rate. The eccentric plaques and remodeling of plaques were common in this model. We successfully carried out IVUS and OCT examinations twice in the same lesion within a relatively long period of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) are clinically cardiovascular events associated with dyslipidemia in common. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes in the APOA1/C3/A5 gene cluster are associated with diabetes and familial combined hyperlipidaemia (FCH). Little is known about whether the polymorphisms in these genes affect lipid homeostasis in patients with ACSs. The present paper aimed to examine these associations with 4 SNPs in the APOA1 -75G > A, the APOC3 -455T > C, and APOA5 -1131T > C, c.553G > T variant to ACSs in Chinese Han. Methods. Chinese Han of 229 patients with ACSs and 254 unrelated controls were analyzed. Four SNPs in APOA1/C3/A5 cluster were genotyped and lipid was determined. Results. Our data show that minor allelic frequencies of APOC3 -455T > C, APOA5 -1131T > C, and c.553G > T polymorphisms in patients with ACSs were significantly higher than control group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the 3 polymorphic sites were strongly of linkage disequilibrium, and minor alleles of 3 SNP sites had higher TG level than wild alleles (P < 0.05), APOC3 -455C and APOA5 c.553T allele carriers also had lower level of HDL-C. Conclusions. The minor alleles of APOC3 -455T > C, APOA5 -1131T > C, and c.553G > T polymorphisms are closely associated with ACSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aminoamide local anesthetics induce vasoconstriction in vivo and in vitro. The goals of this in vitro study were to investigate the potency of local anesthetic-induced vasoconstriction and to identify the physicochemical property (octanol/buffer partition coefficient, pKa, molecular weight, or potency) of local anesthetics that determines their potency in inducing isolated rat aortic ring contraction. Cumulative concentration-response curves to local anesthetics (levobupivacaine, ropivacaine, lidocaine, and mepivacaine) were obtained from isolated rat aorta. Regression analyses were performed to determine the relationship between the reported physicochemical properties of local anesthetics and the local anesthetic concentration that produced 50% (ED50) of the local anesthetic-induced maximum vasoconstriction.We determined the order of potency (ED50) of vasoconstriction among local anesthetics to be levobupivacaine > ropivacaine > lidocaine > mepivacaine. The relative importance of the independent variables that affect the vasoconstriction potency is octanol/buffer partition coefficient > potency > pKa > molecular weight. The ED50 in endothelium-denuded aorta negatively correlated with the octanol/buffer partition coefficient of local anesthetics (r² = 0.9563; P < 0.001). The potency of the vasoconstriction in the endothelium-denuded aorta induced by local anesthetics is determined primarily by lipid solubility and, in part, by other physicochemical properties including potency and pKa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary What is known and objective: Worldwide studies have shown that significant proportions of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) do not meet targets for glycaemic control, blood pressure (BP) and lipids, putting them at higher risk of developing complications. However, little is known about medicines management in Australian primary care populations with T2DM. The aim of this study was to (i) describe the management of a large group of patients in primary care, (ii) identify areas for improvement in management and (iii) determine any relationship between adherence and glycaemic, BP and lipid control. Methods: This was a retrospective, epidemiological study of primary care patients with T2DM diabetes, with HbA1c of >7%, recruited in 90 Australian community pharmacies. Data collected included demographic details, diabetes history, current medication regimen, height, weight, BP, physical activity and smoking status. Results and discussion: Of the 430 patients, 98% used antidiabetics, 80% antihypertensives, 73% lipid lowering drugs and 38% aspirin. BP and all lipid targets were met by only 21% and 14% of the treated patients and 21% and 12% of the untreated patients respectively. Medication adherence was related to better glycaemic control ( P = 0·04). What is new and conclusions: An evidence-base prescribing practice gap was seen in this Australian primary care population of T2DM patients. Patients were undertreated with antihypertensive and lipid lowering medication, and several subgroups with co-morbidities were not receiving the recommended pharmacotherapy. Interventions are required to redress the current evidence-base prescribing practice gap in disease management in primary care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polysaccharide-rich Lycium barbarum and Rehmannia glutinosa have been considered to have immune-modulating activity. This study investigated the effects of water extracted Lycium barbarum and Rehmannia glutinosa (HE) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury in rats. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into: normal diet + peritoneal injection of olive oil (control), normal diet + CCl4 injection (CCl4), 1 × HE (0.05% HE for each) + CCl4 (1 × HE), and 3 × HE (0.15% HE for each) + CCl4 (3 × HE) groups. Rats were injected with 40% CCl4 at a dose of 0.75 ml/kg body weight once a week for seven weeks, one week after herbal extract treatment. After eight week herbal extract treatment, pathohistological examination showed that both 1× and 3 × HE treatments diminished necrotic hepatocytes, chemoattraction of inflammatory cells, and liver fibrosis. Both 1× and 3 × HE treatments decreased plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, and reduced hepatic levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines - tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β - compared to CCl4 treatment alone. The 1 × HE treatment increased hepatic anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 levels. Both the 1× and 3 × HE treatments suppressed liver fibrosis biomarkers - transforming growth factor-β1 and hydroxyproline. Therefore, treatment with water extracted Lycium barbarum and Rehmannia glutinosa (0.05% and 0.15% for each) for eight weeks protects against necrotic damage, indicated by decreases in plasma ALT and AST activities, and suppresses liver fibrosis by down-regulation of liver inflammation in rats with CCl4-induced liver injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to quantify the effects of a single session of aerobic exercise on lipids and lipoproteins in women who were sedentary and obese. Women ( n = 12) who were premenopausal, sedentary, and obese (body mass index, 30-40 kg·m-2; waist circumference > 88 cm) completed exercise and control trials in a randomly assigned order. Exercise consisted of a single session of treadmill walking at 70% maximum oxygen uptake until 500 kcal were expended, and the control protocol consisted of 60 min of seated rest. Fasting blood samples were collected immediately prior to, 24 h, and 48 h following the exercise and control sessions and analyzed for triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), HDL2-C, and HDL3-C concentrations, and mean LDL, HDL2, and HDL3 particle size and cholesterol distributions. A 2 × 3 (trial × time) ANOVA with repeated measures revealed no significant ( p > 0.05) changes in the lipid and lipoprotein variables 24 and 48 h following exercise. In contrast to previously published data in lean men and women, a single session of treadmill exercise at 70% maximum oxygen uptake that expended 500 kcal was insufficient to modify lipids and lipoproteins in women who were sedentary, normolipidemic, and obese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Women with history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) are at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether this population of women also are at increased risk for early subclinical atherosclerosis. Methods: Twenty women with previous history of GDM and 20 unaffected women were recruited in the study. Two groups were matched based on their age, BMI and parity. The maximum duration from affected pregnancy was set at 5 years. The carotid intimal-medial thickness (CIMT), multiple cardiovascular risk factors along with fasting blood levels of glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, vitamin B12 and folic acid were measured in two groups. Results: The mean fasting blood glucose (p=0.03) and insulin (p=0.03) levels were significantly higher in women with pGDM compared to the control group. Women with pGDM were presented with significantly higher levels of CIMT than control group (0.510 mm vs. 0.478 mm, p=0.037). CIMT positively correlated with fasting insulin (r=0.376, p=0.02). Conclusion: Women with pGDM are at increased risk for premature atherosclerosis. This might be due to the persistence of disturbance in glucose homeostasis after delivery in this group of women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes is the most common metabolic disease that its prevalence increases with age. The prevalence of diabetes amongst elderly population of Iran is estimated 14%, yet precious little is known about status of their care. This study was designed to evaluate this issue. Methods: This cross-sectional study sought to evaluate the diabetes care status of elderly diabetics who referred to a Diabetes Clinic of Tehran/Iran between 2007 and 2009. Data on the demographic, blood pressure, lipid profile, blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and treatment regimen used to control hyperglycemia and diabetes' complications were extracted from their medical records. Descriptive statistical methods were used. Results: In total, 200 cases enrolled to the study that 130 were female. Oral hypoglycemic agents, medications for hypertension, dyslipidaemia or neuropathy were used by 72.5%, 81.5%, 72%, and 73% of patients, respectively. There was uncontrolled status in blood pressure, blood glucose, and lipid profile in over 50% of participants. Conclusion: The status of diabetes care in our country is far from satisfactory. Given the rising prevalence of diabetes and also aging population, it is prudent that status of diabetes care in the elderly should be promoted because of the complexity of the process of diabetes care in this age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies have suggested that oxidative stress is a common pathway of different leading mechanisms to diabetes complications. Oxidative stress play a crucial role in atherogenesis and cause oxidation of low density lipoprotein. Evidence has been shown that oxidized LDL in diabetic patients is higher than nondiabetic individuals. Regarding to known role of oxidative stress in developing of micro and macrovascular complications of diabetes and recent evidences about importance of IL-6 in initiating of inflammatory processes in atherosclerotic plaques formation and reports that shown the effects of Ox-LDL upon IL-6 release, in this study evaluation of serum levels of IL-6 and correlation of these two agents in diabetic patients in comparison with healthy persons was performed. Methods: This stratified cross-sectional study was conducted in diabetic clinic of Imam khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences during 2009-2010, recruiting 40 type2 diabetic (T2DM) patients as cases and 40 healthy subjects as controls. FBS, lipid profile, HbA1c, oxidized- LDL and IL-6 levels were measured for both patients and controls after 12 hours fasting state. Results: The mean of Ox-LDL/LDL ratio in T2DM group (0.65±0.14) were significantly higher than control group (0.5±0.15) (p<0.001). The mean level of IL-6 in T2DM group were 2.6±1.8 pg/ml that was higher than control group (1.9± 0.8pg/ml) (p=0.05). BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressures revealed significant correlation with IL- 6 level in diabetic group. There was no correlation between diabetes duration and IL-6 level. Conclusion: We concluded that diabetes, as an independent factor, is responsible for increased IL-6 in T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Serum concentration of cystatin C, a marker of glomerular filtration, has been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to elucidate the association of serum C with metabolic syndrome as a constellation of cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: The study population consisted of 56 subjects with metabolic syndrome and 22 subjects free of metabolic syndrome (control group). Cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, blood urea, triglycerides, glucose, HbA1c, serum cystatin C and serum creatinine were measured in both groups. GFR was calculated in both groups using Cockroft-Gault equation. Results: Metabolic syndrome group presented significantly higher cystatin C levels than the control group (1.38 ± 0.57 vs. 0.954 ± 0 .40; P=0.006). The sensitivity and specificity of cystatin C were 78.57% and 77.67%, respectively. Subjects with metabolic syndrome exhibited significantly higher blood glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol and HbA1c levels. Conclusion: Our results suggest that cystatin C may be a marker for metabolic syndrome and may identify a certain degree of renal dysfunction even when serum creatinine does not exceed normal level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is present in up to 85% of adipose patients and may proceed to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). With insulin resistance and obesity being the main risk factors for NASH, the effect of isolated sleeve gastrectomy (ISG) on these parameters was examined. Methods. 236 patients underwent ISG with intraoperative liver biopsy from December 2002 to September 2009. Besides demographic data, pre-operative weight/BMI, HbA1c, AST, ALT, triglycerides, HDL and LDL levels were determined. Results. A significant correlation of NASH with higher HbA1c, AST and ALT and lower levels for HDL was observed (P<.05, <.0001, <.0001, <.01, resp.). Overall BMI decreased from 45.0 ± 6.8 to 29.7 ± 6.5 and 31.6 ± 4.4 kg/m² at 1 and 3 years. An impaired weight loss was demonstrated for patients with NASH and patients with elevated HbA1c (plateau 28.08 kg/m² versus 29.79 kg/m² and 32.30 kg/m² versus 28.79 kg/m², resp.). Regarding NASH, a significant improvement of AST, ALT, triglyceride and HDL levels was shown (P<.0001 for all). A resolution of elevated HbA1c was observed in 21 of 23 patients. Summary. NASH patients showed a significant loss of body weight and amelioration of NASH status. ISG can be successfully performed in these patients and should be recommended for this subgroup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The main goal of this study was to evaluate the possible effects of whole-body electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure on the lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL and HDL) in 16 adult male white New Zealand rabbits. Methods: In two separate experiments, sham exposed group (control group) male rabbits were exposed to sham stimulated (without electromagnetic stimulation) for 5 days, 2 hours per day and the rabbits of treatment group were treated with triangular form 10 Hz of electromagnetic field for 5 days, 2 hours per day. Results: At the end of the study, after 12 hours fasting period, blood samples were isolated and levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), VLDL and HDL were measured by Auto analyzer. We found significant decrease in the plasma triglyceride, total cholesterol, VLDL and significant increase in HDL levels in rabbits that were exposed to 10 Hz extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF). P-values in all cases were equal to 0.001. Conclusion: Our results indicated the effects of whole body EMF exposure on levels of plasma lipids. We conclude that 10 Hz pulsed electromagnetic field favorably alters metabolism of lipoproteins, TG and TC which are associated with the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Most ovarian cancer patients initially show a response to primary treatments, but the development of refractory disease is a major problem. Currently, there are no blood-based prognostic biomarkers, and the prognosis of a patient is determined by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage and residual disease after cytoreductive surgery. In this study, we developed and validated a novel test based on the ratio of two circulatory lipids that enables the prognostic stratification of ovarian cancer patients at the time of diagnosis, prior to any oncological treatments. The translational relevance of this test is to find those patients with poor prognosis early on, and to identify patients that are at high risk of recurrence despite complete cytoreduction. Thus, the test enables the early direction of novel targeted therapies to those ovarian cancer patients at greatest risk of recurrence and death. Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) generally responds well to oncological treatments, but the eventual development of a refractory disease is a major clinical problem. Presently, there are no prognostic blood-based biomarkers for the stratification of EOC patients at the time of diagnosis. We set out to assess and validate the prognostic utility of a novel two-lipid signature, as the lipidome is known to be markedly aberrant in EOC patients. The study consisted of 499 women with histologically confirmed EOC that were prospectively recruited at the university hospitals in Turku (Finland) and Charité (Berlin, Germany). Lipidomic screening by tandem liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was performed for all baseline serum samples of these patients, and additionally for 20 patients of the Turku cohort at various timepoints. A two-lipid signature, based on the ratio of the ceramide Cer(d18:1/18:0) and phosphatidylcholine PC(O-38:4), showed consistent prognostic performance in all investigated study cohorts. In the Turku cohort, the unadjusted hazard ratios (HRs) per standard deviation (SD) (95% confidence interval) were 1.79 (1.40, 2.29) for overall and 1.40 (1.14, 1.71) for progression-free survival. In a Charité cohort incorporating only stage III completely resected patients, the corresponding HRs were 1.59 (1.08, 2.35) and 1.53 (1.02, 2.30). In linear-mixed models predicting progression of the disease, the two-lipid signature showed higher performance (beta per SD increase 1.99 (1.38, 2.97)) than cancer antigen 125 (CA-125, 1.78 (1.13, 2.87)). The two-lipid signature was able to identify EOC patients with an especially poor prognosis at the time of diagnosis, and also showed promise for the detection of disease relapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Compared with older adults, young adults exhibit poor treatment and control of hypertension. However, little is known about the factors affecting the treatment and control of hypertension in young adults. Purpose: This study was aimed to identify the factors affecting the treatment and control of hypertension in early adulthood by gender in South Korea. Methods: This secondary data analysis study used a data set from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The inclusion criteria were as follows: (a) 19–44 years old and (b) having an indicator of hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg, or taking antihypertensive drugs). Seven hundred eighty participants were included in this study. The odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were derived using composite-sample multiple logistic regression. Results: In men, age, marital status, family history of hypertension, treatment of hyperlipidemia, abdominal obesity, high-sodium diet, cholesterol, and aerobic exercise were found to be associated with hypertension treatment and control. In women, age, employment status, cardiovascular risk factors, body mass index, high-sodium diet, and drinking were found to be associated with hypertension treatment and control. Conclusions: The factors affecting the treatment and control of hypertension differed between the two genders. Therefore, healthcare providers should consider the differences in the factors between the two genders in early adulthood. To improve the treatment and control of hypertension, the guidelines for treatment interventions and management should be gender-specific from early adulthood. Nurses should actively suggest health-related behavioral modifications such as performing aerobic exercise for young adult men and reducing alcohol consumption for women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginseng is a widely used ingredient in several traditional Chinese medicine formulation, mainly as a prophylactic and restorative agent. Ginseng's Chinese traditional formulations have shown protective effects against atherosclerosis, suggesting that ginseng may be useful for the treatment of metabolic disorders. To evaluate whether the supplementation with Panax ginseng (PG) has an effect on blood lipid profile in humans. A meta-analysis and a systematic review were conducted to evaluate the effects of PG on blood lipid profile. A total of 18 studies met the inclusion criteria, from which 10 studies were performed in volunteers with at least one component of metabolic syndrome, 3 in postmenopausal women, 2 in healthy volunteers and 3 with other types of inclusion criteria. The doses employed ranged from 0.2 to 20 g/day (median 3 g/day, 95% CI 1.7, 5.8), while the treatment time ranged from 2 to 12 weeks (median 8 weeks, 95% CI 6, 9). Few studies reported the composition of the PG extract employed. The main ginsenosides reported were Rb1 and Rg1 (content ranging from Rb1 0.023-6.44 mg/g and Rg1 0.028-3.21 mg/g). Significant modification in blood profile was described in 7 studies, in which 5 studies observed a reduction in total cholesterol, 4 in LDL-cholesterol, and 2 in triacylglycerides. The meta-analysis of 10 studies in volunteers with parameters related with metabolic syndrome describes that PG may induce a mean difference compared to a placebo of −2.30 (95% CI -3.79,-0.80) and −1.47 (95% CI -1.90,-1.05) mg/dL per g/day of PG in the levels of total and LDL-cholesterol, with no significant effects in HDL-cholesterol and triacylglycerides. PG extract may induce an improvement in blood lipid profile mainly by a reduction in total and LDL-cholesterol levels. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corn Soy Blend (CSB) porridge is commonly prepared with oil for treatment of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM). A recent review recommended that 30 g of oil be used with 100 g of CSB to increase energy density and micronutrient absorption. This study assessed the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of program changes aimed at achieving that target oil:CSB ratio in prepared porridge. Caregivers of children in MAM supplementary feeding programs were assigned to three groups: a control group received monthly rations of 1 L oil, 8 kg CSB in bulk, and social and behavior change communication (SBCC); intervention groups received 2.6 L oil, 8 kg CSB provided either in bulk (Group 1) or four 2-kg packages with printed messages (Group 2), and enhanced SBCC emphasizing the target oil:CSB ratio. Compared to the control, both intervention groups had higher mean added oil per 100 g CSB (18 g, p < 0.01, and 13 g, p= 0.04, higher in groups 1 and 2, respectively), and greater odds of meeting or exceeding the target ratio (28.4, p< 0.01, and 12.7, p= 0.02, in groups 1 and 2, respectively). Cost per caregiver reaching the target ratio was most favorable in Group 1 ($391 in Group 1, $527 in Group 2, and $1,666 in the control). Enhanced SBCC combined with increased oil ration resulted in increased use of oil in CSB porridge in a supplementary feeding program. Modified packaging did not improve effectiveness. However, both interventions were more cost-effective than standard programming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This descriptive study included 103 children aged 12-60 months, 39 older children and 291 adults, and was performed to assess the sensory acceptability of a lipid-based food supplement. Lipid-based pastes were found to be highly acceptable, although concern exists regarding the recommended portion sizes, especially for young children with poor appetite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented which is concerned with research which was conducted to investigate high sensitivity C-reactive protein levels among older Egyptian people.