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Light-to-moderate alcohol drinking is associated with a low incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) via an elevation of high-density lipoproteins-cholesterol (HDL-C), particularly with the short-term supplementation of alcohol. However, there is no information on the change in the HDL qualities and functionalities between non-drinkers and mild drinkers in the long-term consumption of alcohol. This study analyzed the lipid and lipoprotein profiles of middle-aged Korean female non-drinkers, mild-drinkers, and binge-drinkers, who consumed alcohol for at least 10 years. Unexpectedly, the serum levels of HDL-C and apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) were decreased significantly depending on the alcohol amount; the binge-drinker group showed 18% and 13% lower HDL-C (p = 0.011) and apoA-I levels (p = 0.024), respectively, than the non-drinker group. Triglyceride (TG) and oxidized species, malondialdehyde (MDA), and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) levels were significantly elevated in the drinker groups. Interestingly, the binge-drinker group showed 1.4-fold higher (p = 0.020) cholesterol contents in HDL2 and 1.7-fold higher (p < 0.001) TG contents in HDL3 than those of the non-drinker group. The mild-drinker group also showed higher TG contents in HDL3 (p = 0.032) than the non-drinker group, while cholesterol contents were similar in the HDL3 of all groups. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that the non-drinker group showed a more distinct and clear particle shape of the LDL and HDL image with a larger particle size than the drinker group. Electrophoresis of LDL showed that the drinker group had faster electromobility with a higher smear band intensity and aggregation in the loading position than the non-drinker group. The HDL level of binge drinkers showed the lowest paraoxonase activity, the highest glycated extent, and the most smear band intensity of HDL and apoA-I, indicating that HDL quality and functionality were impaired by alcohol consumption. In conclusion, long-term alcohol consumption in middle-aged women, even in small amounts, caused a significant decrease in the serum HDL-C and apoA-I with atherogenic changes in LDL and HDL, such as an increase in TG and MDA content with a loss of paraoxonase activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Measuring lipoprotein particle concentrations may help to improve cardiovascular risk stratification. Both the lipofit (Numares) and lipoprofile (LabCorp) NMR methods are widely used for the quantification of lipoprotein particle concentrations. Objective: The aim of the present work was to perform a method comparison between the lipofit and lipoprofile NMR methods. In addition, there was the objective to compare lipofit and lipoprofile measurements of standard lipids with clinical chemistry-based results. Methods: Total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides were measured with ß-quantification in serum samples from 150 individuals. NMR measurements of standard lipids and lipoprotein particle concentrations were performed by Numares and LabCorp. Results: For both NMR methods, differences of mean concentrations compared to ß-quantification-derived measurements were ≤5.5% for all standard lipids. There was a strong correlation between ß-quantification- and NMR-derived measurements of total and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (all r > 0.93). For both, the lipofit (r = 0.81) and lipoprofile (r = 0.84) methods, correlation coefficients were lower for HDL cholesterol. There was a reasonable correlation between LDL and HDL lipoprotein particle concentrations measured with both NMR methods (both r > 0.9). However, mean concentrations of major and subclass lipoprotein particle concentrations were not as strong. Conclusions: The present analysis suggests that reliable measurement of standard lipids is possible with these two NMR methods. Harmonization efforts would be needed for better comparability of particle concentration data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundTo demonstrate the real-word situation of burdens that are attributed to the risk factor of high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) at the global, regional, national levels, among different age groups and between genders.MethodsWe analyzed data from the Global Burden of Disease study 2019 related to global deaths, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), summary exposure value (SEV), average annual percentage change (AAPC), and observed to expected ratios (O/E ratios) attributable to high LDL-C from 1990 to 2019.ResultsGlobally, in 2019, the total numbers of deaths and DALYs attributed to high LDL cholesterol were 1.47 and 1.41 times higher than that in 1990. The age-standardized deaths and DALYs rate was 1.45 and 1.70 times in males compared to females, while the age-standardized SEVs rate was 1.10 times in females compared to males. The deaths, DALYs, and SEV rates increased with age. In 2019, the highest age-standardized rates of both deaths and DALYs occurred in Eastern Europe while the lowest occurred in high-income Asia Pacific. High-income North America experienced a dramatic reduction of risk related to high LDL-C. Correlation analysis identified that the age-standardized SEV rate was positively correlated with Socio-demographic Index (SDI; r = 0.7753, P < 0.001). The average annual percentage change (AAPC) of age-standardized SEV rate decreased in the high SDI and high-middle SDI regions but increased in the middle SDI, low-middle SDI, and low SDI regions. High LDL-C mainly contributed to ischemic heart diseases.ConclusionHigh LDL-C contributed considerably to health burden worldwide. Males suffered worse health outcomes attributed to high LDL-C when compared to females. The burden attributed to high LDL-C increased with age. Lower SDI regions and countries experienced more health problem challenges attributed to high LDL-C as the result of social development and this should be reflected in policymaking.

Aim. To study the lipid-lowering and pleiotropic vasoprotective effects of atorvastatin depending on the achievement of the target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level in patients after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) within 48-week follow-up period.Material and methods. A total of 125 patients with STEMI, randomized to receive atorvastatin 40 or 80 mg per day for 48 weeks, were examined. On days 7-9, after 24, 48 weeks, we performed biochemical blood tests, echocardiography, as well as assessed the carotid arteries and endothelial function. The subjects were divided into the following groups: high-efficiency therapy (HET) — 41 patients who reached target LDL-C at control visits; moderate-efficiency therapy (MET) — 35 patients who achieved target LDL-C at one visit; low-efficiency therapy effective (LET) — 49 people who did not reach the target LDL-C. Differences were considered significant at p

Maternal physiological hypercholesterolemia (MPH) occurs during pregnancy to assure fetal development. Some pregnant women develop maternal supraphysiological hypercholesterolemia (MSPH) characterized by increased levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). We aim to determine if proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) levels (a protein that regulate the availability of LDL receptor in the cells surface), as well as the composition and function of LDL, are modulated in MSPH women. This study included 122 pregnant women. Maternal total cholesterol (TC), LDL, triglycerides and PCSK9 increased from first (T1) to third trimester (T3) in MPH women. At T3, maternal TC, LDL, PCSK9 and placental abundances of PCSK9 were significantly higher in MPSH compared to MPH. Circulating PCSK9 levels were correlated with LDL at T3. In MSPH women, the levels of lipid peroxidation and oxidized LDL were significantly higher compared to MPH. LDL isolated from MSPH women presented significantly higher triglycerides and ApoB but lower levels of ApoAI compared to MPH. The formation of conjugated dienes was earlier in LDL from MSPH and in endothelial cells incubated with these LDLs; the levels of reactive oxygen species were significantly higher compared to LDL from MPH. We conclude that increased maternal PCSK9 would contribute to the maternal elevated levels of pro-atherogenic LDL in MSPH, which could eventually be related to maternal vascular dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. Coronary stenting is the evidence-based treatment approach of stable angina. The objective was to determine the incidence of restenosis or atherosclerosis progression which led to the need for coronary angiography according to a single center registry data. Materials and methods. The procedure and clinical data of 3732 (2897 males) consecutive stable coronary artery disease patients undergoing coronary stenting, over five years between March 2010 and September 2014, were subject of this study. Over the next 4 years, 1487 (1173 males) patients were re-evaluated due to angina reoccurrence. 699 patients demonstrated the indications for coronary angiography. Results. The restenosis of the previously stented segment was detected in 84 (12%) cases, the progression of coronary atherosclerosis in 306 (44%), the combination of restenosis and atherosclerosis progression in 63 (9%), and the absence of these complications in 245 (35%) cases. The progression of coronary atherosclerosis was the leading indication for the repeat angiography and revascularization (44 and 58%, respectively); p0.05. The basal level of hsCRP2 mg/l had a prognostic significance for the development of combined event (the restenosis and atherosclerosis progression): AUC 0.65 (0.500.75), OR 3.0 (1.17.9), p0.05. Conclusion. The progression of coronary atherosclerosis was the leading indication for the repeat angiography and repeat revascularization during 2 years after coronary stenting. The hsCRP level 2 mg/l at baseline had a prognostic significance for the development of restenosis in previously stented segment and coronary atherosclerosis progression.

Native nanostructured lipoproteins such as low- and high-density lipoproteins (LDL and HDL) are powerful tools for the targeted delivery of drugs and imaging agents. While the cellular recognition of well-known HDL-based carriers occurs via interactions with an HDL receptor, the selective delivery and uptake of LDL particles by target cells are more complex. The most well-known mode of LDL-based delivery is via the interaction between apolipoprotein B (Apo-B) – the main protein of LDL – and the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). LDLR is expressed in the liver, adipocytes, and macrophages, and thus selectively delivers LDL carriers to these cells and tissues. Moreover, the elevated expression of LDLR in tumor cells indicates a role for LDL in the targeted delivery of chemotherapy drugs. In addition, chronic inflammation associated with hypercholesterolemia (i.e., high levels of endogenous LDL) can be abated by LDL carriers, which outcompete the deleterious oxidized LDL for uptake by macrophages. In this case, synthetic LDL nanocarriers act as ‘eat-me’ signals and exploit mechanisms of native LDL uptake for targeted drug delivery and imaging. Lastly, recent studies have shown that the delivery of LDL-based nanocarriers to macrophages via fluid-phase pinocytosis is a promising tool for atherosclerosis imaging. Hence, the present review summarizes the use of natural and synthetic LDL-based carriers for drug delivery and imaging and discusses various mechanisms of targeting.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (chol) subfractions are risk biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). A reference analysis, ultracentrifugation (UC), is laborious and may be replaced with a rapid prediction using proton NMR spectra of human blood plasma. However, the quality and uniqueness of these prediction models of biologically related subfractions remains unknown. This study, using two independent cohorts (n = 277), investigates the inter-correlations between LDL cholesterol in the main fraction and five subfractions, as well as the independence of their NMR-based prediction models. The results reveal that the prediction models utilize both shared and unique spectral information from the NMR spectra to determine concentrations of LDL subfractions. Analysis of variance contributions for prediction and causality assessments demonstrate that the NMR spectra contain unique predictive information for the LDL1chol, LDL2chol, and LDL5chol subfractions. In contrast, the spectral signatures for LDL3chol and LDL4chol are either insufficient or confounded. Our findings indicate that these five CVD biomarkers represent two independent clusters, reflecting their biosynthetic pathways, and confirm the presence of causal relationships between certain LDL chol subfractions. This highlights the importance of employing caution when interpreting the concentrations of specific LDL subfractions as standalone biomarkers for CVD risk., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no competing interest., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Intraocular pressure is the main risk factor for glaucoma; however, additional risk factors may also matter. This systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted to summarize the evidence regarding the association of cholesterol parameters (total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) levels) and glaucoma. Methods: Four electronic databases were searched for all publications containing 'glaucoma' and one of various forms of 'cholesterol' or 'lipoprotein'. Two independent reviewers screened abstracts and potentially full texts of identified articles for eligibility. Risk of bias was assessed with the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. A random‐effects meta‐analysis was used to investigate the differences in total cholesterol, LDL and HDL levels between patients with and without glaucoma. Results: Overall, 29 observational studies were included in the systematic review and 26 reported quantitative information to investigate differences in cholesterol parameters between patients with glaucoma (N = 7196) and patients without glaucoma (N = 350 441). Patients with glaucoma had significantly higher total cholesterol levels than patients without glaucoma (Mean Difference (MD) 7.9 mg/dl, 95% CI 3.3 to 12.5, p = 0.001) and lower mean HDL levels (MD −2.0 mg/dl, 95% CI: −3.1 to −0.9, p = 0.001). Patients with glaucoma had higher mean LDL levels than patients without glaucoma, albeit not statistically significant (MD 6.1 mg/dl, 95% CI: −4.3 to 16.4, p = 0.251). Conclusion: This systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies found an association of glaucoma and high total cholesterol and low HDL levels, respectively. Although this supports the hypothesis that lipid levels pose an additional risk for glaucoma development, heterogeneity was substantial and causality cannot be presumed from identified observational studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) can be estimated using the Friedewald and Martin-Hopkins formulas. We developed LDL-C prediction models using multiple machine learning methods and investigated the validity of the new models along with the former formulas. Methods Laboratory data (n = 59,415) on measured LDL-C, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), and total cholesterol were partitioned into training and test data sets. Linear regression, gradient-boosted trees, and artificial neural network (ANN) models were formed based on the training data. Paired-group comparisons were performed using a t -test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. We considered P values <.001 with an effect size >.2 to be statistically significant. Results For TG ≥177 mg/dL, the Friedewald formula underestimated and the Martin-Hopkins formula overestimated the LDL-C (P  <.001), which was more significant for LDL-C <70 mg/dL. The linear regression, gradient-boosted trees, and ANN models outperformed the aforementioned formulas for TG ≥177 mg/dL and LDL-C <70 mg/dL based on a comparison with a homogeneous assay (P  >.001 vs. P  <.001) and classification accuracy. Conclusion Linear regression, gradient-boosted trees, and ANN models offer more accurate alternatives to the aforementioned formulas, especially for TG 177 to 399 mg/dL and LDL-C <70 mg/dL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To find the genetic mutation in exon-9 of the ABCA1 gene and relationship of serum low-density lipoprotein levels and serum triglycerides in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with and without dyslipidemia. Study Design: Cross-sectional comparative. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Army Medical College Rawalpindi, from Jan to Dec 2017. Methodology: Ninety subjects were selected and divided into three groups, thirty in each. The division was based on newly diagnosed patients of type 2 diabetes with dyslipidemia, newly diagnosed patients of type 2 diabetes and healthy individuals. Genomic DNA was extracted from the blood samples of all subjects. Exon-9 of the ABCA1 gene was amplified through polymerase chain reaction and sequenced on automated DNA sequencer. The biochemical data was analyzed by SPSS-20 and presented in percentage and mean  SD. Results: The pattern of sequences of ABCA1 gene was found normal in patients of the group I and II through DNA sequencing. The levels of triglycerides were found elevated and mean value was 2.45 ± 0.57 for patients with diabetic dyslipidemia as compared to diabetic and control groups. The levels of low-density lipoproteins were observed as normal with mean value of 1.50 ± 0.22. Conclusion: The ABCA1 gene did not carry any genetic mutation in exon-9 in studied subjects. The raised level of triglyceride lipoproteins was a typical sign of dyslipidemia with a normal profile of low-density lipoproteins.

High cholesterol level in serum (especially low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) is the risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. Thus, timely diagnosis and treatment of hypercholesterolemia in children is crucial. The basic treatment for children with hypercholesterolemia is diet therapy. This article analysed current recommendations on nutrition for children with hypercholesterolemia. Cholesterol dietary intake should be limited (< 200–300 mg/day), as well as saturated and hydrogenated fats (up to 8–10%). On the other hand, consumption of mono- (> 10%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (up to 7–10% of the total dietary calories) should be increased. The need of complex carbohydrates consumption is stated, with the obligatory inclusion of soluble dietary fibres (pectin, inulin, mucus, gum) from fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains with maintaining normal dietary calories.

Background: In artificial insemination, chicken egg yolk is added to bovine semen to protect it during the cryopreservation process, although it contains substances that can affect the microbiological quality and metabolism of sperm. Objective: To evaluate post-thaw quality of bovine cryopreserved semen added with centrifuged and non-centrifuged egg yolk, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and trehalose (T). Methods: Ten ejaculates from five bulls were cryopreserved under the treatments T1: pure egg yolk (PEY) at 20% v/v, T2: centrifuged egg yolk (CEY) at 20% v/v, T3: LDL at 8% v/v, T4: T at 100 mM, and T5: T at 100 mM plus LDL at 8% v/v (TLDL). Spermatic motility and kinetics, functional membrane integrity (FMI), structural membrane integrity (SMI), sperm vitality (SV) and abnormal morphology (AM) were assessed using the Sperm Class Analyzer (SCA®) system, hypoosmotic test (HOST), SYBR/PI probes, and eosin–nigrosin staining, respectively. A completely randomized design was used. Normal distribution of the variables was validated through the Kolmogórov– Smirnov test. A generalized linear model was used to determine sources of variation. Means were compared using the Tukey test. Results: Inclusion of CEY or LDL had a similar effect on sperm protection, and were superior for motility, kinetics and membrane integrity compared to the other treatments (p0.05). Conclusions: Egg yolk can be replaced by centrifuged egg yolk or low-density lipoproteins in the freezing extender used for bovine semen used in artificial insemination.

Abstract Background Mounting evidence suggested a complex correlation between host lipid metabolism and Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection. However, the inherent association between T. gondii infection and host lipid state remains elusive either in mice or in human hosts. Methods Through a study in a sample of 1045 healthy participants from eastern China, we determined the association of T. gondii infection and host lipid levels using serological methods. We then examined the host lipid levels in C57BL/6 J mice at both acute and chronic T. gondii infection stages (for a period up to 36 weeks post infection). Results In our case-control study, T. gondii seropositive individuals had higher low-density lipoproteins (LDL) (P = 0.0043) and total cholesterol (TC) (P = 0.0134) levels compared to seronegative individuals. Furthermore, individuals with LDL (OR = 3.25; 95% CI:1.60–6.61) and TC (OR = 2.10; 95% CI:1.22–3.63) levels above the upper limit of normal range had higher odds ratio to be T. gondii IgG positive. Consistently, in vivo data revealed that a significantly increased LDL level was first observed at early acute stage but plateaued to later time (chronic infection with T. gondii). Conclusions In both healthy population and T. gondii-infected mice, seropositive individuals had higher LDL level. Individuals with positive T. gondii IgG had more odds of being with LDL and TC abnormality. Latent T. gondii infection is common worldwide, potential medical interventions to host lipid metabolism may be a breakthrough point to the prevention and control of this parasite infection.

Familial hypercholesterolemia is autosomal dominant hereditary disorder developing in in humans since birth and it is characterized by low-density lipoproteins concentration increase in blood. Lack of timely diagnostics and therapy for familial hypercholesterolemia is associated with early development of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular pathology and mortality in first 30–40 days of life. Despite the fact that the optimal period for revealing of disease is childhood, diagnostics of the disease has extremely low quality among children. The article presents screening methods and criteria of familial hypercholesterolemia diagnostics among children.

مقدمه: نارسایی ‌مزمن‌کلیوی به نقص غیر قابل‌ برگشت عملکرد کلیه اطلاق می‌شود که سیر پیش‌رونده‌ دارد و در نهایت، بیشتر این موارد، به دیالیز منجر می‌شوند. مطالعات نشان داده‌اند که این بیماران، به مرور ممکن ‌است با اختلالات پروفایل چربی مواجه شوند. به همین منظور، مطالعه‌ی ‌حاضر با هدف ارزیابی علل‌ مؤثر بر تغییرات پروفایل‌ چربی این بیماران طی یک سال انجام شد. روش‌ها: در مطالعه‌ی ‌مقطعی‌ حاضر، 251 نفر از بیماران دیالیز ‌صفاقی که پرونده‌های آن‌ها در طی سال‌های 98-1397 در بایگانی بیمارستان ‌الزهرای (س) اصفهان موجود بود، به صورت تصادفی ساده انتخاب شدند. اطلاعات دموگرافیک و پروفایل‌چربی این بیماران شامل کلسترول ‌تام (Total cholesterol یا TCH)، لیپوپروتئین با تراکم پایین (Low density lipoprotein یا LDL)، لیپوپروتیئن با تراکم ‌بالا (High density lipoprotein یا HDL)، تری‌گلیسیرید (Triglyceride یا TG) و قند خون در سه‌ مقطع زمانی در ابتدای‌ شروع‌ دیالیز، 6 ماه و یک سال پس از شروع‌ دیالیز ثبت شدند و مورد تجزیه ‌و ‌تحلیل قرار ‌گرفتند. یافته‌ها: تغییرات پروفایل‌ چربی و تری‌گلیسیرید این بیماران در طی یک سال دیالیز، قابل‌ ملاحظه و معنی‌دار بود (050/0 > P). در بررسی عوامل مؤثر بر آن‌ها، مشخص ‌شد که جنسیت، ارتباط‌ مستقیم و معنی‌داری بر تمامی متغیرهای لیپیدمی ارزیابی ‌شده، داشته ‌است (001/0 > P). علاوه بر آن، افزایش سطح هموگلوبین، همراهی و ارتباط‌مستقیم و معنی‌داری بر افزایش LDL، TCH و TG داشت (001/0 > P). قند خون نیز ارتباط معنی‌داری با افزایش TCH (040/0 = P) و TG (014/0 = P) داشت. در نهایت، محلول ‌دیالیز دکستروز 5/2 درصد بر افزایش TCH (035/0 = P) و دکستروز 25/4 درصد بر افزایش LDL (040/0 = P) تأثیر مستقیم و معنی‌داری داشت. نتیجه‌گیری: بر طبق نتایج مطالعه‌ی ‌حاضر، پروفایل‌ چربی بیماران تحت‌ دیالیز‌ صفاقی، نوسانات ‌معنی‌داری داشت که از جمله مهم‌ترین عوامل مرتبط با آن نوع محلول ‌دیالیز، قند خون و سطح هموگلوبین بود.

Statins are the cornerstone of therapy for hypercholesterolemia and coronary artery disease. A large number of studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapy in preventing the progression of atherosclerosis and the development of cardiovascular diseases. The original rosuvastatin is one of the most effective statin medication in its class used to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. The existing fears of patients and doctors about the high doses of rosuvastatin, as well as other drugs in this group, prevent the achievement of the target LDL cholesterol values, and, as a result, contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis. This article demonstrates the efficacy and safety of taking high doses of rosuvastatin in patients of different age groups with various cardiovascular events.

Hypothyroidism, also known as underactive thyroid, is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Deficiency or lack of thyroid hormone causes patients to have a slower metabolism, which may lead to secondary medical issues such as weight gain, fatigue, depression, and increased cardiovascular risk. This systematic review aims to explore the effect of levothyroxine therapy on the lipid profile of hypothyroid patients. Through a comprehensive search, 3096 articles were retrieved using keywords such as Hypothyroidism, Levothyroxine, Lipid, Dyslipidemia, and Cholesterol from PubMed, PubMed Central, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect databases. The Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) strategy was also leveraged to extensively search the PubMed database. Research articles that were published from the year 2020 until May 2024, including randomized control trials, observational studies, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, literature reviews, and case reports, were included in the research. Research papers published before 2020, written in languages other than English, and animal studies were excluded. The 2020 Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria were used in the design of the systematic review. Levothyroxine therapy is the treatment of choice in patients suffering from hypothyroidism, and based on our review, the treatment has a positive impact, leading to a significant decrease in total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins, and triglyceride values in hypothyroid patients. The research highlights the importance of starting timely levothyroxine therapy in hypothyroid patients to maintain normal lipid levels and reduce the associated cardiovascular risk., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Nishat et al.)

Purpose of Review: The aim of this review is to summarize the available clinical efficacy and safety data related to the most studied and used lipid-lowering nutraceuticals. Recent Findings: A growing number of meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials supports the effectiveness and tolerability of some lipid-lowering nutraceuticals such as red yeast rice, plant sterols and stanols, soluble fibers, berberine, artichoke extracts, bergamot polyphenol fraction, garlic, green tea, and spiruline. No significant safety concern has been raised for the use of such products. Association of more lipid-lowering nutraceuticals and of some nutraceuticals with lipid-lowering drugs has been tested as well. Summary: Current evidence suggests that some clinically tested lipid-lowering nutraceuticals could be safely used to improve plasma lipid levels in subjects affected by mild-to-moderate dyslipidaemia with low cardiovascular risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New more effective lipid-lowering therapies have made it important to accurately determine Low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) at both high and low levels. LDL-C was measured by the β-quantification reference method (BQ) (N = 40,346) and compared to Friedewald (F-LDL-C), Martin (M-LDL-C), extended Martin (eM-LDL-C) and Sampson (S-LDL-C) equations by regression analysis, error-grid analysis, and concordance with the BQ method for classification into different LDL-C treatment intervals. For triglycerides (TG) < 175 mg/dL, the four LDL-C equations yielded similarly accurate results, but for TG between 175 and 800 mg/dL, the S-LDL-C equation when compared to the BQ method had a lower mean absolute difference (mg/dL) (MAD = 10.66) than F-LDL-C (MAD = 13.09), M-LDL-C (MAD = 13.16) or eM-LDL-C (MAD = 12.70) equations. By error-grid analysis, the S-LDL-C equation for TG > 400 mg/dL not only had the least analytical errors but also the lowest frequency of clinically relevant errors at the low (190 mg/dL) LDL-C cut-points (S-LDL-C: 13.5%, F-LDL-C: 23.0%, M-LDL-C: 20.5%) and eM-LDL-C: 20.0%) equations. The S-LDL-C equation also had the best overall concordance to the BQ reference method for classifying patients into different LDL-C treatment intervals. The S-LDL-C equation is both more analytically accurate than alternative equations and results in less clinically relevant errors at high and low LDL-C levels.

Abstract Introduction Blood‐based indicators are potentially economical and a safe method for screening a population for dementia, although their predictive values have not been unequivocally confirmed. The present study proposes a dementia prediction formula based on serum indicators and patient characteristics. Methods From January 2016 to December 2018, the data of elderly patients older than 60 years admitted to the Department of Neurology and Geriatrics in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. A multivariate logistic regression model was applied to verify the patients’ characteristics and serum indicators associated with the risk of dementia. After receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the ROC curve (AUC) analyses, we propose a dementia prediction formula and cutoff values for the predictive ability of early dementia. Results Four thousand seven hundred twenty two elderly patients were enrolled, and the incidence of dementia was 12.0% (565). When patients had ≥8 comorbidities, their risk of developing dementia was 20 times higher than those without comorbidities. After multivariate regression analysis, age (OR: 1.086, p 0.112 derived from our formula was an excellent predictor for people at a high risk of developing dementia, and may be a potentially useful diagnostic tool for identifying patients at risk for dementia in routine clinical practice.

This document presents the consensus recommendations of the Hellenic Stroke Organization and the Hellenic Atherosclerosis Society for lipid modification in patients with ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack. This clinical guide summarizes the current literature on lipid management and can be of assistance to the physicians treating stroke patients in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Blood‐based indicators are potentially economical and a safe method for screening a population for dementia, although their predictive values have not been unequivocally confirmed. The present study proposes a dementia prediction formula based on serum indicators and patient characteristics. Methods: From January 2016 to December 2018, the data of elderly patients older than 60 years admitted to the Department of Neurology and Geriatrics in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. A multivariate logistic regression model was applied to verify the patients' characteristics and serum indicators associated with the risk of dementia. After receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the ROC curve (AUC) analyses, we propose a dementia prediction formula and cutoff values for the predictive ability of early dementia. Results: Four thousand seven hundred twenty two elderly patients were enrolled, and the incidence of dementia was 12.0% (565). When patients had ≥8 comorbidities, their risk of developing dementia was 20 times higher than those without comorbidities. After multivariate regression analysis, age (OR: 1.086, p <.001) and homocysteine (HCY) concentrations (OR: 1.017, p =.003) were proven to be linked to the risk of developing dementia, while total cholesterol (TC) (OR: 0.674, p =.005) was a protective factor for dementia. We developed a formula of age + low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) + TC + HCY + number of comorbidities as a good predictor of dementia (AUC: 0.79), with a probability (cutoff) value of 0.112 (sensitivity 87.4%, specificity 55.8%, and accuracy 60.5%). Conclusions: High‐serum HCY and low TC were risk factors for developing dementia. A cutoff value > 0.112 derived from our formula was an excellent predictor for people at a high risk of developing dementia, and may be a potentially useful diagnostic tool for identifying patients at risk for dementia in routine clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In artificial insemination, chicken egg yolk is added to bovine semen to protect it during the cryopreservation process, although it contains substances that can affect the microbiological quality and metabolism of sperm. Objective: To evaluate post-thaw quality of bovine cryopreserved semen added with centrifuged and non-centrifuged egg yolk, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and trehalose (T). Methods: Ten ejaculates from five bulls were cryopreserved under the treatments T1: pure egg yolk (PEY) at 20% v/v, T2: centrifuged egg yolk (CEY) at 20% v/v, T3: LDL at 8% v/v, T4: T at 100 mM, and T5: T at 100 mM plus LDL at 8% v/v (TLDL). Spermatic motility and kinetics, functional membrane integrity (FMI), structural membrane integrity (SMI), sperm vitality (SV) and abnormal morphology (AM) were assessed using the Sperm Class Analyzer (SCA®) system, hypoosmotic test (HOST), SYBR/PI probes, and eosin-nigrosin staining, respectively. A completely randomized design was used. Normal distribution of the variables was validated through the Kolmogórov-Smirnov test. A generalized linear model was used to determine sources of variation. Means were compared using the Tukey test. Results: Inclusion of CEY or LDL had a similar effect on sperm protection, and were superior for motility, kinetics and membrane integrity compared to the other treatments (p<0.05). CEY was superior for progressive motility (p<0.05). The cryoprotective action of LDL was similar to TLDL for motility and kinetics, SMI, SV, and AM (p<0.05). Inclusion of PEY and T resulted in the lowest semen quality (p<0.05). The use of T resulted in a reduction in FMI and SMI (p<0.05). No differences in AM between treatments were found (p>0.05). Conclusions: Egg yolk can be replaced by centrifuged egg yolk or low-density lipoproteins in the freezing extender used for bovine semen used in artificial insemination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the leading cause of death from non-communicable diseases, and its prevalence in 2017 ranged from 8.5 to 9.8%. Depending on the stage of CKD, stage 1 was diagnosed in 3.5%, stage 2 in 3.2% and stage 3 in 7.6%, while stages 4 and 5 took place in 0.4 and 0.1% of the world’s population respectively. Obesity also contributes to the increase in the prevalence and severity of CKD, and their combination occurs in 3.1% of patients. Kidney damage and their structural and functional changes in patients with obesity are associated with high metabolic activity of adipose tissue, due to the synthesis of adipocytokines, including resistin. The purpose of the work: to study changes of resistin level in the blood in patients with early stages of chronic kidney disease, its relation to the level of endothelin, markers of lipid metabolism and inflammation. Materials and methods: 70 patients with stage 1 and 88 patients with stage 2 of CKD with different stages of obesity were examined. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated by the formula CKD-EPI based on creatinine, cystatin C and their combination (CKD-EPIcysC / cr). The levels of cystatin C, resistin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and endothelin-1 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Determination of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the blood serum was performed by colorimetric method. Statistical analysis of the results was performed with the help of Statistica 6.0 statistical software package using Student’s t-test and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Results: an increase of the resistin level in the blood by 1.3 times in the patients with stage 1 CKD and by 1.6 times in the patients with stage 2 CKD and obesity was determined (p1.2 < 0.05), and there was a weak correlation between its concentration in the blood and body mass index. A significant average negative correlation between resistin and GFR was detected. Increased serum resistin level correlates with increased TNF-α. In patients of both groups, the level of resistin and LDL increases simultaneously, and the correlation between them increases as CKD progresses. Similar changes are observed with respect to increasing concentrations of resistin and endothelin-1. Thus, an increase of resistin level in the blood in patients with the early stages of CKD initiates a number of pathological changes, such as systemic inflammation, hyperlipidemia and endothelial dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is connected with the increased risk of stroke, mortality rate and costs for health care around the world. Earlier the predictive role of a dyslipidemia was not estimated in available literature.Material and methods. This retrospective study included 13,244 patients who consistently referred to Scientific Research Institute – Regional Clinical Hospital no. 1, Krasnodar, with acute coronary syndrome from November 20, 2015 to November 20, 2017. Primary final points were defined both as mortality from all reasons and from the cardiovascular events. Secondary final points were defined as repeated myocardial infarction. Follow up period was 12 months.Results. In the studied group ACS + AF we included 201 patients. This group of patients was divided into 3 subgroups: patients with originally developed AF episode accompanied with acute coronary syndrome, included 52 patients (Group 1), patients with constant AF form, included 96 patients (Group 2) and patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation registered before ACS episode, included 53 patients (Group 3). In Group 1 the level of the general cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) was authentically higher. Among the survived and discharged patients after ACS episode there were 45 patients in Group 1, in Group 2 and 3 there were 81 and 47 patients, respectively. In 12 months the general mortality rate was comparable, however, the frequency of lethal and non-lethal myocardial infarction development was authentically higher in Group 1.Conclusions. Higher initial levels of the general cholesterol and LDL are connected with development repeated MI that does not affect the general mortality rate. However, these data are obtained in a small selection of patients and demand a further investigation.

Abstract Background and aims Non-high-density (HDL)-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-particle number, apolipoprotein B, lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), and small-dense (sdLDL) and large-buoyant (lbLDL) LDL-subfractions are emerging apo B-containing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk factors. Current guidelines emphasize lifestyle, including weight loss, for ASCVD risk management. Whether weight change affects these emerging risk factors beyond that predicted by traditional triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol measurements remains to be determined. Method Regression analyses of fasting ∆apo B-containing lipoproteins vs. ∆BMI were examined in a large anonymized clinical laboratory database of 33,165 subjects who did not report use of lipid-lowering medications. Regression slopes (±SE) were estimated as: *∆mmol/L per ∆kg/m2, †∆g/L per ∆kg/m2, ‡∆% per ∆kg/m2, and §∆μmol/L per ∆kg/m2. Results When adjusted for age, ∆BMI was significantly related to ∆nonHDL-cholesterol (males: 0.0238 ± 0.0041, P = 7.9 × 10− 9; females: 0.0330 ± 0.0037, P

The research was carried out based on the Stavropol State Medical University. This work aimed to study the fundamental possibility of creating an immunosorbent for LDL apheresis based on nonporous highly dispersed silicon dioxide and monospecific polyclonal antibodies. In the course of the study, a matrix was selected for the synthesis of an immunosorbent based on aerosil modified with dextran. Affinity-purified rabbit polyclonal antibodies to human apolipoprotein B (ApoB) were immobilized onto the matrix. The obtained sample of the immunosorbent under in-vitro conditions showed good sorption properties to LDL, which makes it promising for further work on the creation of a sorbent for LDL-apheresis. It is concluded that the fundamental possibility of creating an immunosorbent based on non-porous highly dispersed silicon dioxide and monospecific polyclonal antibodies has been shown, which makes it possible to effectively bind and remove LDL from the blood plasma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is highly prevalent in obese patients and is the leading cause of death. High levels of plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) are associated with higher coronary artery disease (CAD) risk. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass on the achievement of the currently proposed cardiovascular prevention goals after 1 year. Patients and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis from a prospectively built database of patients who underwent a primary Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) from 2004 to 2018. Patients with intermediate, high, or very high risk for CVD according to the 2018 AHA/ACC or the 2019 ESC/EAS guidelines were selected. An analysis of clinical and biochemical variables in 1 year was performed. Logistic multivariate regressions were made to assess the impact of preoperative and weight loss parameters in the achievement of LDL-C goals. Results: From 1039 patients, 70 met the selection criteria and were included in the analysis of the 2018 AHA/ACC guidelines, and 75 in the 2019 ESC/EAS guidelines. Mean decrease in LDL-C levels was 21.1 ± 40.2 mg/dL 1 year after surgery, and 29/34 patients were off medications. The percentage of patients achieving LDL-C goals according to the 2018 AHA/ACC guidelines was 27.1%, whereas according to the 2019 ESC/EAS guidelines, the percentages was 9.3%. The %TWL was associated with achieving LDL-C goals according to the 2018 AHA/ACC at 1 year. Conclusions: RYGB induces a significant weight loss and an improvement in LDL-C levels 1 year after surgery. The number of patients that reached the goals varies according to the guidelines used and ranged from 9.3 to 27.1%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is involved in cholesterol homeostasis. After binding to the complex low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)‐receptor, PCSK9 induces its intracellular degradation, thus reducing serum LDL clearance. In addition to the well‐known activity on the hepatic LDL receptor‐mediated pathway, PCSK9 has been, however, associated with vascular inflammation in atherogenesis. Indeed, PCSK9 is expressed by various cell types that are involved in atherosclerosis (e.g. endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and macrophages) and is detected inside human atherosclerotic plaques. We here analyse the biology of PCSK9 and its possible involvement in molecular processes involved in atherosclerosis, beyond the regulation of circulating LDL cholesterol levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal physiological hypercholesterolemia (MPH) occurs during pregnancy to assure fetal development. Some pregnant women develop maternal supraphysiological hypercholesterolemia (MSPH) characterized by increased levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL). We aim to determine if proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) levels (a protein that regulate the availability of LDL receptor in the cells surface), as well as the composition and function of LDL, are modulated in MSPH women. This study included 122 pregnant women. Maternal total cholesterol (TC), LDL, triglycerides and PCSK9 increased from first (T1) to third trimester (T3) in MPH women. At T3, maternal TC, LDL, PCSK9 and placental abundances of PCSK9 were significantly higher in MPSH compared to MPH. Circulating PCSK9 levels were correlated with LDL at T3. In MSPH women, the levels of lipid peroxidation and oxidized LDL were significantly higher compared to MPH. LDL isolated from MSPH women presented significantly higher triglycerides and ApoB but lower levels of ApoAI compared to MPH. The formation of conjugated dienes was earlier in LDL from MSPH and in endothelial cells incubated with these LDLs; the levels of reactive oxygen species were significantly higher compared to LDL from MPH. We conclude that increased maternal PCSK9 would contribute to the maternal elevated levels of pro-atherogenic LDL in MSPH, which could eventually be related to maternal vascular dysfunction.

Background: The mechanisms by which hypertension accelerates coronary artery disease are poorly understood. Patients with hypertension often have confounding humoral changes, and to date, no experimental models have allowed analysis of the isolated effect of pressure on atherosclerosis in a setting that recapitulates the dimensions and biomechanics of human coronary arteries.Objectives: This study sought to analyze the effect of pressure on coronary atherosclerosis and explore the underlying mechanisms.Methods: Using inflatable suprarenal aortic cuffs, we increased mean arterial pressure by >30 mm Hg in the cephalad body part of wild-type and hypercholesterolemic proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9)D374Y Yucatan minipigs for >1 year. Caudal pressures remained normal.Results: Under hypercholesterolemic conditions in PCSK9D374Y transgenic minipigs, cephalad hypertension accelerated coronary atherosclerosis to almost 5-fold with consistent development of fibroatheromas that were sufficiently large to cause stenosis on computed tomography angiography. This was caused by local pressure forces, because vascular beds shielded from hypertension, but exposed to the same humoral factors, showed no changes in lesion formation. The same experiment was conducted under normocholesterolemic conditions in wild-type minipigs to examine the underlying mechanisms. Hypertension produced clear changes in the arterial proteome with increased abundance of mechanical strength proteins and reduced levels of infiltrating plasma macromolecules. This was paralleled by increased smooth muscle cells and increased intimal accumulation of low-density lipoproteins in the coronary arteries.Conclusions: Increased pressure per se facilitates coronary atherosclerosis. Our data indicate that restructuring of the artery to match increased tensile forces in hypertension alters the passage of macromolecules and leads to increased intimal accumulation of low-density lipoproteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main sponge cake ingredients are flour, sucrose, eggs and leavening agents. Exogenous lipids (e.g., monoacylglycerols) are often used to increase air–liquid interface stability in the batter. There is a consumer trend to avoid foods containing such additives. We here reasoned that egg yolk may be an alternative source of surface-active lipids and set out to study the role of egg yolk lipids during sponge cake making. This was done by relocating or removing them prior to batter preparation using ethanol treatments and examining how this affects cake (batter) properties and structure setting during baking. Most egg yolk lipids occur within spherical low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) which were disintegrated by the ethanol treatments. Results showed that egg yolk lipids impact air–liquid interface stability and less so cake structure setting. To prepare high-quality sponge cakes by multistage mixing preferably intact LDLs or, alternatively, their components are needed to incorporate sufficient air during mixing and to stabilize it after mixing. It was also shown that the batter contains intact LDLs in the continuous phase and disintegrated LDLs at air–liquid interfaces. Sponge cake contains intact LDLs in the cake matrix, disintegrated LDLs at air–crumb interfaces and disintegrated LDLs incorporated into the protein network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease characterized by the increased infiltration and retention of LDL particles in arterial walls. There are several mechanisms underlying atherogenesis, with the pro-atherogenic modifications of LDL playing a significant role. One such modification of native LDL is desialylation, which is characterized by the removal of terminal sialic acid from ApoB-100 glycans that induces critical changes in the overall functionality of the LDL particle., Aims: The aim of this study was to model the desialylation of native LDL in mice, resembling a phenomenon previously observed in atherosclerotic patients., Objective: LDL desialylation was induced in C57BL/6J mice via the injection of exogenous neuraminidase. The degree of LDL desialylation and its duration were assessed. The impact of LDL desialylation on blood lipid levels was evaluated. Furthermore, the morphological alterations in the aorta during LDL desialylation in the bloodstream were examined., Method: The control group of C57BL/6J mice received saline injections, while the experimental group underwent a single injection of IgG-conjugated Vibrio cholerae neuraminidase. The LDL sialic acid levels were assessed 1-7 days post-injection using the Warren method and normalized to total protein content measured via the Lowry method. A similar protocol was followed for the subchronic administration of the IgG-neuraminidase conjugate over a 6-week period. The blood lipid profiles were analyzed using commercial kits. The atherosclerotic plaque burden in the mouse aorta was quantified using Oil Red O and hematoxylin-eosin staining., Result: A single administration of 20 mU IgG-neuraminidase conjugate resulted in decreased LDL sialic acid levels for 5 days, gradually recovering by days 6-7. Subchronic administration maintained reduced LDL sialic acid levels for up to 2 months. Notably, sustained LDL desialylation was associated with elevated LDL cholesterol levels., Conclusion: A sustained desialylation of LDL in C57BL/6J mice was achieved through subchronic administration of IgG-conjugated neuraminidase. This study provides an approach for sustained LDL desialylation in mice. Further studies using apolipoprotein E knockout mice and LDL desialylation will reveal the role of this process in the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

The Task Force for the management of dyslipidaemias of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS)

Background: Intracranial aneurysm wall degradation can be associated with lipid infiltration. However, the relationship between lipid infiltration and aneurysm rupture has not been explored quantitatively. To investigate the correlation between lipid infiltration and aneurysm rupture, we utilized patient-specific simulation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) transport to analyze lipid infiltration in the cerebral aneurysm wall.Methods: Sixty-two aneurysms were analyzed. Patient blood pressure, plasma LDL concentration, and three-dimensional angiographic images were obtained to simulate LDL transport in aneurysms. Morphological, hemodynamic, and lipid accumulation parameters were compared between ruptures and unruptured groups. Multivariate logistic regression was also performed to determine parameters that are independently associated with rupture.Results: Size ratio, wall shear stress, low shear area, relative residence time, area-averaged LDL infiltration rate, and maximum LDL infiltration rate were significant parameters in univariate analysis (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that only average LDL infiltration remained as a significant variable (P < 0.05). The prediction model derived showed good performance for rupture prediction (AUC, 0.885; 95% CI, 0.794–0.976).Conclusions: Ruptured aneurysms showed significantly higher LDL infiltration compared to unruptured ones. Our results suggested that lipid infiltration may promote aneurysm rupture. Lipid infiltration characteristics should be considered when assessing aneurysm rupture risk.

Objective: to compare the level of modified low-density lipoproteins (mLDL) in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) and without DM2; to identify the factors affecting mLDL сontent.Materials and methods. The study involved 64 patients; they were divided into 2 groups. The main group included 32 patients with DM2 (15 men and 17 women, median age – 65 years), the control group 2 included 32 patients without DM2 (15 men and 17 women, median age – 60.5 years). All patients (100 %) had arterial hypertension. Both groups were generally comparable in the main clinical and laboratory characteristics. Mann–Whitney test, Spearman correlation coefficient were used for statistical data processing.Results. In patients with DM2 mLDL level was significantly higher (р

The aim of this study was to determine the informative value and clinical significance of the ratio of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to apolipoprotein-B (LDL-C/apoB) in the overall evaluation of blood lipid profile atherogenicity. Material and methods. A total of 157 apparently healthy men with normolipidemia were included in the study. The plasma levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apoA-I, apoB and apoE were measured on the Powerwave 200 automated spectrophotometer (USA) with commercially available kits (Chronolab Systems, Spain). Several clinical ratios and indices of lipid metabolism were calculated. Results. The use of apoB content in low-density lipoproteins (LDL) instead of total apoB level in plasma is preferable in calculating the LDL-C/apoB ratio. Low values of the LDL-C/LDL-apoB ratio, indicating a predominance of small dense LDL particles in plasma, were associated with higher triglycerides levels and lower apoE levels. This finding indicates that apoE, being a metabolically active apolipoprotein and regulating residence of triglycerides-rich lipoproteins in plasma, can affect size of the LDL particles. Conclusion. Thus, presence of small, dense LDL particles in plasma of men with normolipidemia can be a consequence of disturbances in catabolism and metabolic turnover of lipoproteins.

Background: Due to the high prevalence of diabetes and dyslipidemia, which are risk factors for diseases such as metabolic syndrome in today's modern society, especially in the working population, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of shift work on fasting blood glucose and lipid profiles in workers in Isfahan City, Iran, during the years 2014-2015. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 6983 employees referred to labor centers for periodic examinations were entered according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The patients were divided into three groups based on the type of work shift as day, fixed night, and rotate shift workers, and two groups based of type of work as official and non-official workers. The level of blood glucose and lipid profiles [cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)] were evaluated and compared between the groups. Findings: There were no significant differences between three groups according to the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBS), triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein (P > 0.050); but there was a significant difference between the three groups based on the cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (P < 0.001, for both); so that the cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels were higher in day shift worker than others. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels was higher in day shift worker than fixed night and rotate shift workers in high sample sizes of workers in Isfahan City.

Background: Research shows a strong relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Most commonly, diabetic participants experience increased morbidity and mortality due to CVD complications. This study aims to determine the proportion of CVD prevalence and to evaluate the risk factors for developing CVD among T2DM participants and to evaluate the CVD risk factor for the next 10 years using Joint British Societies recommendations on the the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease (JBS3) scale. Materials and Methods: In this hospital-based observational study, data including serum creatinine, blood urea, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very LDL, echocardiography, and ECHO readings were collected from a random sample of 106 participants, both diabetic and nondiabetic. The risk of developing CVD in participants with DM in the next 10 years was evaluated using the JBS3 risk calculator through analysis of collected data. Results: Among 106 participants, there were 72 participants with DM, and the majority of these participants had comorbidities, including hypertension and other CVDs. According to the data collected from DM participants, it was observed that 77.77% had elevated serum creatinine value, 27.77% had elevated blood urea level, 61.11% had abnormal HDL value, 65.27% had elevated LDL value, and 26.38% had elevated VLDL value. Total triglycerides level was also observed to be high in 54.16% of the DM participants. Moreover, the results indicated that CVD was present in 77.78% of type 2 diabetic patients, which was comparatively higher than in nondiabetic participants of whom 32.35% had CVD. Conclusion: Based on the data collected and results obtained from the JBS3 risk calculator, it was found that the participants with DM were at higher risk of developing CVD.

The link between type 2 diabetes mellitus and atherosclerotic lesions in the cerebral arteries is one of the leading risk factors for acute and chronic cerebrovascular disease (CVD). Materials and methods: 126 patients with cerebrovascular disease (CVD) were examined to assess the proatherogenic blood changes: Group 1 consisted of 75 patients with CVD and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), aged 65 [55; 71] years, including 36 men; Group 2 consisted of 51 patients without T2DM, aged 66 [59; 72] years, including 23 men. The control group consisted of 32 people without CVD and T2DM, aged 63 [50; 67] years, including 17 men. All patients underwent a clinical examination, a range of biochemical blood tests, neuroimaging and vascular imaging studies. The results of the lipid panel (in particular, small dense LDL (sdLDL) and carbohydrate metabolism (glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c)) were the primary focus when the laboratory blood results were examined. Results: patients in the comorbidities group (CVD + T2DM) were more likely to have a history of CVD (52% versus 33.3% of all cases, p = 0.035) and haemodynamically significant carotid artery stenosis (38.6% versus 21.6%, p = 0.044). The concentration of hyperatherogenic sdLDL particles was also significantly higher in this group—49.1 [46.3; 53.7] mg/dL versus 33.4 [26.7; 45.6] mg/dL in patients with CVD but without T2DM, and 25.0 [19.9; 29.4] in the control group. At the same time, sdLDL values in Group 1 patients correlated with LDL, triglycerides, fasting glycaemia and HbA1c levels. Conclusion. Atherosclerotic plaques in the brachiocephalic arteries in CVD are accompanied by proatherogenic changes of the blood lipid spectrum. The sdLDL level is highest and correlates with the severity of carbohydrate metabolism disorders in patients with chronic CVD and T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death worldwide. Elevated concentrations of serum total cholesterol (TC) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) are major lipid biomarkers that contribute to the risk of CVD. Phytosterols well known for their cholesterol‐lowering ability, are non‐nutritive compounds that are naturally found in plant‐based foods and can be classified into plant sterols and plant stanols. Numerous clinical trials demonstrated that 2 g phytosterols per day have LDL‐C lowering efficacy ranges of 8–10%. Some observational studies also showed an inverse association between phytosterols and LDL‐C reduction. Beyond the cholesterol‐lowering beneficial effects of phytosterols, the association of phytosterols with CVD risk events such as coronary artery disease and premature atherosclerosis in sitosterolemia patients have also been reported. Furthermore, there is an increasing demand to determine the association of circulating phytosterols with vascular health biomarkers such as arterial stiffness biomarkers. Therefore, this review aims to examine the ability of phytosterols for CVD risk prevention by reviewing the current data that looks at the association between dietary phytosterols intake and serum lipid biomarkers, and the impact of circulating phytosterols level on vascular health biomarkers. The clinical studies in which the impact of phytosterols on vascular function is investigated show minor but beneficial phytosterols effects over vascular health. The aforementioned vascular health biomarkers are pulse wave velocity, augmentation index, and arterial blood pressure. The current review will serve to begin to address the research gap that exists between the association of dietary phytosterols with CVD risk biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To find the genetic mutation in exon-9 of the ABCA1 gene and relationship of serum low-density lipoprotein levels and serum triglycerides in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with and without dyslipidemia. Study Design: Cross-sectional comparative. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Army Medical College Rawalpindi, from Jan to Dec 2017. Methodology: Ninety subjects were selected and divided into three groups, thirty in each. The division was based on newly diagnosed patients of type 2 diabetes with dyslipidemia, newly diagnosed patients of type 2 diabetes and healthy individuals. Genomic DNA was extracted from the blood samples of all subjects. Exon-9 of the ABCA1 gene was amplified through polymerase chain reaction and sequenced on automated DNA sequencer. The biochemical data was analyzed by SPSS-20 and presented in percentage and mean ± SD. Results: The pattern of sequences of ABCA1 gene was found normal in patients of the group I and II through DNA sequencing. The levels of triglycerides were found elevated and mean value was 2.45 ± 0.57 for patients with diabetic dyslipidemia as compared to diabetic and control groups. The levels of low-density lipoproteins were observed as normal with mean value of 1.50 ± 0.22. Conclusion: The ABCA1 gene did not carry any genetic mutation in exon-9 in studied subjects. The raised level of triglyceride lipoproteins was a typical sign of dyslipidemia with a normal profile of low-density lipoproteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipoproteins (LPs) are circulating heterogeneous nanoparticles produced by the liver and intestines. LPs play a major role in the transport of dietary and endogenous lipids to target cells through cell membrane receptors or cell surface-bound lipoprotein lipase. The stability, biocompatibility, and selective transport of LPs make them promising delivery vehicles for various therapeutic and imaging agents. This review discusses isolation, manufacturing, and drug loading techniques used for LP-based drug delivery, as well as recent applications for diagnosis and treatment of cancer, atherosclerosis, and other life-threatening diseases. Unlabelled Image • Lipoproteins are circulating endogenous nanoparticles targeted to specific tissues. • Lipoproteins can be isolated from biological fluids or synthetically manufactured. • Therapeutic and imaging molecules can be loaded in lipoproteins. • Lipoprotein-based drug delivery is promising for e.g. cancer and atherosclerosis. • Challenges include cost-efficient, scalable, and standardized manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]