Higher Dietary Vitamin D Intake Influences the Lipid Profile and hs-CRP Concentrations: Cross-Sectional Assessment Based on The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Background. An unanswered question in the field of nutrition is whether there is an association between vitamin D intake and the lipid profile in adults. We conducted this cross-sectional study in order to investigate the impact of vitamin D intake on the lipid profile of adults in the context of the 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Methods. Serum lipids and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentrations and the Vitamin D intake in 2588 people aged 19 to 70 years was collected using laboratory analysis and 24-h recall, respectively. The one-way ANOVA test was used to compare quantitative variables and the chi-squared test was used to compare qualitative ones. Multivariate logistic regression for three models was performed to assess the odds ratio (OR) of high total cholesterol (TC) (>200 mg/dL), triglycerides (TG) (>150 mg/dL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (>115 mg/dL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (<40 mg/dL) and hs-CRP (>1 mg/l) based on the tertiles of dietary vitamin D (D2 + D3) intake. Results. After adjusting for age, sex, race, body mass index, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D2, alcohol intake, energy intake, protein intake, carbohydrate intake, fiber intake and fat intake, individuals in the tertile with the highest versus lowest vitamin D intake (>1 mcg/day vs. <0.10 mcg/day) had lower odds of displaying elevated TC, LDL-C and hs-CRP concentrations (OR 0.57; CI: 0.37 to 0.88; P-trend: 0.045, OR 0.59; CI: 0.34 to 1.01; P-trend: 0.025 and OR 0.67; CI: 0.45 to 0.99; P-trend: 0.048, respectively). Based on the results of the logistic regression, no correlation between vitamin D intake and changes in TG or HDL-C values was noted. Conclusions. Our cross-sectional study indicates that higher dietary vitamin D (D2 + D3) intake is associated with lower TC, LDL-C and hs-CRP levels. No relationship between dietary vitamin D intake and TG or HDL-C values was detected. Further large-scale randomized trials are needed to evaluate the actual association between dietary vitamin D intake and the lipid profile.

The effects of phytochemicals on serum triglycerides in subjects with hypertriglyceridemia: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of phytochemicals on lipid parameters in patients with hypertriglyceridemia (HTG). A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed/Medline, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar from inception up to October 2021 to recognize randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of phytochemicals on lipid profiles in patients with HTG. Forty-eight RCTs including 53 arms and comprising 3,478 HTG patients met the eligibility criteria. Phytochemicals significantly reduced the serum levels of triglycerides in 32 out 53 arms, total cholesterol in 22 out of 51, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in 21 out of 48, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in 1 out of 5, apolipoprotein B in 2 out of 4, and lipoprotein(a) levels in 2 out of 4 arms. Furthermore, phytochemicals supplementation increased the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in 15 out of 48 arms. In brief, phytochemicals supplementation might have beneficial effects on HTG. In most of the studies, phytochemicals had a favorable effect on at least one of the lipid parameters.

Systematic review of the effect of caffeine therapy effect on cardiometabolic markers in rat models of the metabolic syndrome

This systematic review aimed to study caffeine's effect on the cardiometabolic markers of the metabolic syndrome and to evaluate caffeine's application as a potential therapeutic agent in rat models. The systematic review was structured and synthesized according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and the Population, Intervention, comparator, outcome (PICO) framework. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect to identify studies that used caffeine as an intervention in the rat model of the metabolic syndrome or any of its components compared with no treatment or controls. Studies that did not mention the disease manifestations from the experimental model used, without rat subjects, and which induced renovascular hypertension were excluded. The risk of bias in the included studies was assessed using the Systematic Review Center for Laboratory Animal Experimentation risk-of-bias tool. The main outcomes assessed were caffeine's effect on obesity, dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, hepatic dysfunction, insulin resistance, and hypertension. Out of 228 studies retrieved from the search, 18 met our inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Caffeine was found to favorably reduce obesity and insulin resistance in the rat model of the metabolic syndrome. The effects of caffeine on dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, hepatic dysfunction, and hypertension remain inconclusive. The main limitations of this study are the heterogeneity of the included studies in terms of the disease model used, experimental duration, methods to assess outcomes, including studies that were only published in English, measurement units used, and graphical data without and numerical mention in the results section. As a result, quantitative synthesis was unfeasible, and a qualitative descriptive synthesis was conducted; this might have led to the under characterization of caffeine's effect on metabolic syndrome and its potential as an adjuvant therapy in metabolic syndrome. Caffeine has favorable effects on the metabolic syndrome, chiefly reducing obesity and insulin resistance. Future research is encouraged to delve into caffeine's effect on dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, hepatic dysfunction, and hypertension, which is necessary if caffeine is to be used as a potential clinical adjuvant therapy to treat the metabolic syndrome.

The effect of lutein and Zeaxanthine on dyslipidemia: A meta-analysis study

AIMS

The relationship between circulating Lutein and zeaxanthin (L/Z) concentrations, and plasma lipoproteins has been indicated by observational studies. However, the beneficial impact of L/Z administration on dyslipidemia are unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of oral intake of L/Z on circulating total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), as well as high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels.

METHODS

We electronically assessed all eligible interventional studies through different electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ISI -Web of Science, and Cochrane library until Jun 2021. After identifying the quality of each included randomized controlled trials, they were evaluated by assessing the risk-difference between treatment and control groups by pooling available data on net change of serum LDL-C, HDL-C, and Cholesterol.

RESULTS

L/Z supplementation has null effect on circulating levels of TC (WMD: -3.82 95% CI: -13.83, 6.18; I-square: 85.2%), and LDL-C (WMD: -4.54; 95% CI: -11.5, 2.48; I-square: 83.9%). In contrast, L/Z treatment could significantly increase HDL-C levels in older adults (WMD: 4.06; 95% CI: 0.64, 7.48; I-square: 50.7%).

CONCLUSION

L/Z administration could be an effective treatment for improving circulating HDL-C concentration in elderly adults.

Monocyte/HDL Cholesterol Ratios as a New Inflammatory Marker in Patients with Schizophrenia

PURPOSE

Monocyte/HDL cholesterol ratio (MHR) is a novel inflammatory marker that is used as a prognostic factor for cardiovascular diseases and has been studied in many diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of inflammatory factors in schizophrenia patients by examining MHR levels and to compare schizophrenia patients and healthy controls in terms of cardiovascular disease risk.

METHOD

A total of 135 participants between the ages of 18-65, 85 diagnosed with schizophrenia, and 50 healthy individuals in the control group were included in this cross-sectional study. Venous blood samples were taken from the participants and CBC parameters and lipid profiles were analyzed. The sociodemographic and clinical data form and positive and negative symptoms scale (PANSS) were administered to all participants.

RESULTS

Although monocyte levels were significantly higher in the patient group, HDL-C levels were lower at significant levels. MHR was found to be higher in the patient group compared to the control group at significant levels. When compared to the control group, total cholesterol, triglyceride, WBC, neutrophil, basophil, and platelet levels were higher in the patient group at significant levels, and RBC, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels were significantly lower.

CONCLUSION

The elevated MHR in patients with schizophrenia may contribute to our understanding that inflammation plays important roles in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Additionally, knowing the levels of MHR and considering the recommendations, such as diet and exercise, in the treatment approaches made us think that it might be beneficial in protecting schizophrenia patients against cardiovascular diseases and early death.

Methods on LDL particle isolation, characterization, and component fractionation for the development of novel specific oxidized LDL status markers for atherosclerotic disease risk assessment

The present study uses simple, innovative methods to isolate, characterize and fractionate LDL in its main components for the study of specific oxidations on them that characterize oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) status, as it causatively relates to atherosclerosis-associated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment. These methods are: (a) A simple, relatively time-short, low cost protocol for LDL isolation, to avoid shortcomings of the currently employed ultracentrifugation and affinity chromatography methodologies. (b) LDL purity verification by apoB100 SDS-PAGE analysis and by LDL particle size determination; the latter and its serum concentration are determined in the present study by a simple method more clinically feasible as marker of CVD risk assessment than nuclear magnetic resonance. (c) A protocol for LDL fractionation, for the first time, into its main protein/lipid components (apoB100, phospholipids, triglycerides, free cholesterol, and cholesteryl esters), as well as into LDL carotenoid/tocopherol content. (d) Protocols for the measurement, for the first time, of indicative specific LDL component oxidative modifications (cholesteryl ester-OOH, triglyceride-OOH, free cholesterol-OOH, phospholipid-OOH, apoB100-MDA, and apoB100-DiTyr) out of the many (known/unknown/under development) that collectively define oxLDL status, which contrasts with the current non-specific oxLDL status evaluation methods. The indicative oxLDL status markers, selected in the present study on the basis of expressing early oxidative stress-induced oxidative effects on LDL, are studied for the first time on patients with end stage kidney disease on maintenance hemodialysis, selected as an indicative model for atherosclerosis associated diseases. Isolating LDL and fractionating its protein and main lipid components, as well as its antioxidant arsenal comprised of carotenoids and tocopherols, paves the way for future studies to investigate all possible oxidative modifications responsible for turning LDL to oxLDL in association to their possible escaping from LDL's internal antioxidant defense. This can lead to studies to identify those oxidative modifications of oxLDL (after their artificial generation on LDL), which are recognized by macrophages and convert them to foam cells, known to be responsible for the formation of atherosclerotic plaques that lead to the various CVDs.

A Comparative Study of Serum Lipid Levels in Pregnant Normotensive and Pre-eclamptic Women in Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital Lafia, Nigeria

Background

Pre-eclampsia is associated with significant maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. Increased oxidative stress due to endothelial dysfunction in pre-eclampsia has been linked with lipid abnormality. This study compared the fasting serum lipid levels in pre-eclamptic and normotensive pregnant women.

Methodology

A case-control study in which venous blood samples (5mls) were collected from 50 consenting pregnant healthy normotensive women and 50 women with pre-eclampsia accessing care at the hospital. Study participants were matched for maternal age, parity, and gestational age after 8-12 hours of fasting. The fasting serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL-C), high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TGs) of the participants were evaluated using standard enzymatic methods.

Result

Of the 50 pre-eclamptic and 50 pregnant normotensive women who participated in the study, the mean maternal age was 24.92±4.38 and 24.90±4.27 years respectively (p=0.98).There were statistically significant higher mean levels of TC, triglycerides, and VLDL-C among women with pre-eclampsia compared to normotensive pregnant women (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.007 respectively). The mean HDL-C level was significantly reduced among women with pre-eclampsia compared to controls (p<0.001). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the mean serum level of LDL-C in both groups (p=0.068). The serum lipid profile did not significantly change with the severity of pre-eclampsia.

Conclusion

Women with pre-eclampsia have increased serum levels of TC, triglycerides, and VLDL-C and decreased levels of HDL-C compared to normotensive pregnant women. However, the lipid profile of women with severe pre-eclampsia did not differ significantly from those with mild pre-eclampsia.

Does Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation Have Favorable Effects on the Lipid Profile in Postmenopausal Women? A Systematic Review and Dose-response Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

PURPOSE

Menopause is associated with disturbances in the metabolism of lipids. Moreover, during the postmenopausal period, female subjects are more prone to develop dyslipidemia. Omega-3 fatty acids, which exert cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering actions, are commonly recommended in postmenopausal women. However, their effect on serum lipids in this population remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted to clarify this research question.

METHODS

We systematically searched the Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases from their inception until January 3, 2022. The DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model was used to combine effect sizes.

FINDINGS

Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation resulted in a decrease in triglyceride concentrations (weighted mean difference [WMD], -17.8 mg/dL; 95% CI, -26 to -9.6; P < 0.001), particularly in the RCTs that lasted ≤16 weeks (WMD, -18.6 mg/dL), when the baseline triglyceride concentrations were ≥150 mg/dL (WMD, -22.8 mg/dL), in individuals with a body mass index ≥30 kg/m² (WMD, -19.3 mg/dL), and when the dose of omega-3 fatty acids was ≥1 g/d (WMD, -21.10 mg/dL). LDL-C (WMD, 4.1 mg/dL; 95% CI, 1.80 to 6.36; P < 0.001) and HDL-C (WMD, 2.1 mg/dL; 95% CI, 0.97 to 3.2; P < 0.001) values increased. Total cholesterol levels (WMD, -0.15 mg/dL; 95% CI, -4 to 3.74; P = 0.94) remained unchanged after administration of omega-3 fatty acids.

IMPLICATIONS

In postmenopausal women, supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids resulted in a significant reduction in triglyceride concentrations and a modest elevation in HDL-C and LDL-C levels, whereas this intervention did not affect total cholesterol values.

Impact of red yeast rice supplementation on lipid profile: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Dyslipidemia/hyperlipidemia are among the risk factors for chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases. Red Yeast Rice (RYR) herbal supplement may be helpful in improving serum fat levels due to some mechanisms. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of RYR consumption on total serum cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) levels in adults.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Four comprehensive databases (SCOPUS, PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science) were employed until 23 December 2021 RCTs, with 24 treatment arms included after screening 3623 articles.

RESULTS

Pooled data showed significant effectiveness in lowering TC (WMD: -33.16 mg/dl, 95% CI: -37.69, -28.63, P < 0.001), LDL-C (WMD: -28.94 mg/dl, 95% CI: -32.90, -24.99, P < 0.001), and TG (WMD: -23.36 mg/dl, 95% CI: -31.30, -15.43, P < 0.001) concentration and increasing HDL-C concentration (WMD: 2.49 mg/dl, 95% CI: 1.48, 3.49, P < 0.001) following RYR supplementation. Furthermore, the effect of this herbal drug in doses less than 1200 mg and with an intervention duration of less than 12 weeks was more in individuals with dyslipidemia.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this comprehensive article and meta-analysis showed that RYR significantly decreases TC, TG, and LDL-C as well as increases HDL-C.

Human apoA-I[Lys107del] mutation affects lipid surface behavior of apoA-I and its ability to form large nascent HDL

Population studies have found that a natural human apoA-I variant, apoA-I[K107del], is strongly associated with low HDL-C but normal plasma apoA-I levels. We aimed to reveal properties of this variant that contribute to its unusual phenotype associated with atherosclerosis. Our oil-drop tensiometry studies revealed that compared to WT, recombinant apoA-I[K107del] adsorbed to surfaces of POPC-coated triolein drops at faster rates, remodeled the surfaces to a greater extent, and was ejected from the surfaces at higher surface pressures on compression of the lipid drops. These properties may drive increased binding of apoA-I[K107del] to and its better retention on large triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, thereby increasing the variant's content on these lipoproteins. While K107del did not affect apoA-I capacity to promote ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux from J774 cells, it impaired the biogenesis of large nascent HDL particles resulting in the formation of predominantly smaller nascent HDL. Size-exclusion chromatography of spontaneously reconstituted 1,2-dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine-apoA-I complexes showed that apoA-I[K107del] had a hampered ability to form larger complexes but formed efficiently smaller-sized complexes. CD analysis revealed a reduced ability of apoA-I[K107del] to increase α-helical structure on binding to 1,2-dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine or in the presence of trifluoroethanol. This property may hinder the formation of large apoA-I[K107del]-containing discoidal and spherical HDL but not smaller HDL. Both factors, the increased content of apoA-I[K107del] on triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and the impaired ability of the variant to stabilize large HDL particles resulting in reduced lipid:protein ratios in HDL, may contribute to normal plasma apoA-I levels along with low HDL-C and increased risk for CVD.

BMI modifies HDL-C effects on coronary artery bypass grafting outcomes

BACKGROUND

Despite the recognized implications of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in cardiovascular diseases, the role of body mass index (BMI) in HDL-C association with cardiovascular outcomes remains unclear. This study investigated the possible modifying implications of BMI on the correlation between HDL-C and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) outcomes.

METHODS

The present cohort included isolated CABG patients (median follow-up: 76.58 [75.79-77.38] months). The participants were classified into three groups: 18.5 ≤ BMI < 25 (normal), 25 ≤ BMI < 30 (overweight), and 30 ≤ BMI < 35 (obese) kg/m². Cox proportional hazard models (CPHs) and restricted cubic splines (RCSs) were applied to evaluate the relationship between HDL-C and all-cause mortality as well as major adverse cardio-cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) in different BMI categories.

RESULTS

This study enrolled a total of 15,639 patients. Considering the final Cox analysis among the normal and overweight groups, HDL-C ≥ 60 was a significant protective factor compared to 40 < HDL-C < 60 for all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 0.47, P: 0.027; and aHR: 0.64, P: 0.007, respectively). However, the protective effect of HDL-C ≥ 60 was no longer observed among patients with 30 ≤ BMI < 35 (aHR: 1.16, P = 0.668). RCS trend analyses recapitulated these findings; among 30 ≤ BMI < 35, no uniform inverse linear association was observed; after approximately HDL-C≈55, its increase was no longer associated with reduced mortality risk. RCS analyses on MACCE revealed a plateau effect followed by a modest rise in overweight and obese patients from HDL-C = 40 onward (nonlinear association).

CONCLUSIONS

Very high HDL-C (≥ 60 mg/dL) was not related to better outcomes among obese CABG patients. Furthermore, HDL-C was related to the post-CABG outcomes in a nonlinear manner, and the magnitude of its effects also differed across BMI subgroups.

Relationship between the development of hyperlipidemia in hypothyroidism patients

As shown in the previous studies, hypothyroidism (HT) is identified to be closely associated with the elevated plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG), and with the decreased plasma levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). On the other hand, the thyroid hormone (TH), which has been considered as a vital hormone produced and released by the thyroid gland, are well-established to regulate the metabolism of plasma TC; whereas other evidence proposed that the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) also regulated the plasma cholesterol metabolism independently of the TH, which further promotes the progression of hyperlipidemia. Nevertheless, the potential mechanism is still not illustrated. It is worth noting that several studies has found that the progression of HT-induced hyperlipidemia might be associated with the down-regulated plasma levels of TH and the up-regulated plasma levels of TSH, revealing that HT could promote hyperlipidemia and its related cardio-metabolic disorders. Otherwise, multiple novel identified plasma proteins, such as proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), angiopoietin-like protein (ANGPTLs), and fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), have also been demonstrated to embrace a vital function in modulating the progression of hyperlipidemia induced by HT. In the present comprehensive review, the recent findings which elucidated the association of HT and the progression of hyperlipidemia were summarized. Furthermore, other results which illustrated the underlying mechanisms by which HT facilitates the progression of hyperlipidemia and its cardio-metabolic disorders are also listed in the current review.

QEEG indices are associated with inflammatory and metabolic risk factors in Parkinson's disease dementia: An observational study

BACKGROUND

Quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) is a reliable and non-invasive diagnostic tool to quantify cortical synaptic injury or loss in the clinical assessment of neurodegenerative diseases, and may be able to differentiate various types of dementia. We investigated if QEEG indices can differentiate Parkinson's Disease (PD) with nondementia (PD-ND) from PD with dementia (PDD), and to determine if QEEG indices correlate with inflammation and lipid metabolism markers in PD.

METHODS

This clinical study collected data between July 1, 2018 and July 1, 2021 in Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University in China and data was analysed. A total of 125 individuals comprising of 31 PDD, 47 patients with PD-ND and 47 healthy controls were included. We calculated the absolute spectral power (ASP) of frequency bands and the slow-to-fast frequency ratios of specific brain regions. Plasma levels of hypersensitive C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured and correlations with QEEG indices were examined.

FINDINGS

A significantly higher ASP of delta frequency especially in the frontal region was observed in patients with PDD compared to PD-ND (P=0.004) and controls (P=0.000). Decreased HDL-C (OR=0.186, P=0.030), and increased Hs-CRP (OR =2.856, P=0.015) were associated with PDD. Frontal-delta ASP was negatively correlated with plasma HDL-C (r=-0.353, P=0.000) and SOD (r=-0.322, P=0.001), and positively correlated with Hs-CRP (r=0.342, P=0.000).

INTERPRETATION

We highlight novel correlations between QEEG indices and inflammation and lipid metabolism markers in PD-ND and PDD. QEEG indices, HDL-C and Hs-CRP are potentially useful for the evaluation of PDD. Our current findings suggest that peripheral inflammation might contribute to the pathogenesis of cognitive impairment and EEG slowing in PDD. The mechanism underlying frontal-delta ASP and its correlation with neuro-inflammatory and metabolic markers in PDD should be further investigated.

FUNDING

The National Natural Science Foundation of China (NO: 81873777, 82071414); the Scientific Research Foundation of Guangzhou (NO: 202206010005); the Science and Technology Program of Guangdong of China (NO: 2020A0505100037); the High-level Hospital Construction Research Project of Maoming People's Hospital (NO: xz2020009); the Science and Technology Program of Maoming City (NO: 2021S0026). Dr EK Tan is supported by the National Medical Research Council, Singapore.

Vitamin D Supplementation in the Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Overweight and Obese Children

Background: Childhood obesity is associated with cardiovascular-disease (CVD) risk factors, an unfavorable lipid profile and reduced levels of 25(OH)D. The aim of our study is to evaluate whether vitamin D supplementation may play a role in the assessment of the CVD risk factors in overweight/obese children and adolescents. Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study involving children (9−15 years of age) with a known diagnosis of overweight or obesity (BMI > 25) and decreased levels of 25(OH)D (<25 ng/mL), who underwent oral vitamin D supplementation (100,000 UI, one vial/month) for six months. The anthropometric parameters, 25(OH)D, serum lipids and ALT levels were measured at the beginning (T0) and after 6 months (T1). Results: Of the 58 patients recruited, 45 had an increase in the serum 25(OH)D levels after supplementation. Vitamin D supplementation was associated with a decrease in the serum levels of the total cholesterol (p = 0.009), LDL-C (p = 0.005) and ALT (p = 0.005), and an increase in HDL-C (p = 0.03). These results were confirmed when the correction for the body mass index (BMI) was applied. Conclusions: The favorable effect of vitamin D supplementation on the total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and ALT could transform these values into modifiable risk factors starting in early childhood, with beneficial effects on long-term health.

DYSF promotes monocyte activation in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease as a DNA methylation-driven gene

Dysferlin (DYSF) has drawn much attention due to its involvement in dysferlinopathy and was reported to affect monocyte functions in recent studies. However, the role of DYSF in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD) and the regulation mechanism of DYSF expression have not been fully studied. In this study, Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) literatures were searched to find the DNA methylation-driven genes (including DYSF) of ASCVD. The hub genes related to DYSF were also identified through weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA). Regulation of DYSF expression through its promoter methylation status was verified using peripheral blood leucocytes (PBLs) from ASCVD patients and normal controls, and experiments on THP1 cells and Apoe^-/- mice. Similarly, the expressions of DYSF related hub genes, mainly contained SELL, STAT3 and TMX1, were also validated. DYSF functions were then evaluated by phagocytosis, transwell and adhesion assays in DYSF knock-down and overexpressed THP1 cells. The results showed that DYSF promoter hypermethylation up-regulated its expression in clinical samples, THP1 cells and Apoe^-/- mice, confirming DYSF as a DNA methylation-driven gene. The combination of DYSF expression and methylation status in PBLs had a considerable prediction value for ASCVD. Besides, DYSF could enhance the phagocytosis, migration and adhesion ability of THP1 cells. Among DYSF related hub genes, SELL was proven to be the downstream target of DYSF by wet experiments. In conclusion, DYSF promoter hypermethylation upregulated its expression and promoted monocytes activation, which further participated in the pathogenesis of ASCVD.

Association between the nickel exposure and lipid profiles in general population from NHANES

This study is to investigate the association between nickel exposure and serum lipid profiles. We analyzed the population from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) 2017-2018. Urinary nickel exposure was measured using inductively coupled-plasma mass spectrometry. Serum lipid profiles, including triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), were measured using the standard biochemistry assays. The association between urinary nickel and lipid profiles was examined using multivariable linear regression models and restricted cubic spine plots. There was a significant negative relationship between nickel level and TC (β, - 9.67; 95% CI, - 13.58 to - 5.76), HDL-C (β, - 1.57; 95% CI, - 2.98 to - 0.16), and LDL-C (β, - 5.88; 95% CI, - 11.04 to - 0.71) after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Furthermore, restricted cubic spines showed that only HDL-C was nonlinearly associated with nickel (p for nonlinearity 0.004). However, nickel exposure was not related to the level of triglyceride. The exposure to nickel was linearly associated with serum total cholesterol and LDL-C while nonlinearly associated with HDL-C in general population.

Effect of Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) on Lipid Levels: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Several studies have evaluated the lipid-lowering properties of yerba mate, although the results were conflicting. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the effect of yerba mate consumption on lipid levels. A literature search was performed to detect observational and experimental studies that evaluated the association between yerba mate consumption and lipid levels. A quantitative analysis was performed with the subgroup of experimental studies. A meta-regression was performed considering the difference in baseline lipid values between the intervention and control groups as a covariate. Thirteen studies were considered eligible for this systematic review and seven studies (378 patients) were selected for quantitative analysis. In the qualitative analysis, the results were conflicting, both in the observational and in the experimental studies. In quantitative analysis, we found no differences in total cholesterol [mean difference 6.4 (CI 95% -2.2 to 15.0)], LDL-C [mean difference 5.5 (CI 95% - 1.5 to 12.6)], HDL-C [mean difference 0.4 (CI 95% -2.8 to 3.7)] and triglycerides [mean difference 5.7 (CI 95% 0.0 to 11.4)] levels when comparing the yerba mate and control groups. According to meta-regression, differences between baseline levels could influence the findings on total cholesterol and LDL-C but not on HDL-C or triglycerides. In conclusion, this research showed that yerba mate consumption was not associated with a significant change in lipid levels. Since the results are based on small inconclusive studies, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

SNPs in apolipoproteins contribute to sex-dependent differences in blood lipids before and after a high-fat dietary challenge in healthy U.S. adults

Background

The effect of genetic polymorphisms on fasting blood lipid levels have been widely studied but the effects of these within the context of a high-fat meal challenge remain less characterized. The current study aimed to investigate the association of SNPs in lipoprotein-related genes with blood lipid profiles in healthy adults in the U.S.

Methods

Subjects (n = 393) between 18–66 years of age with BMIs ranging from 18.5–45 kg/m² were enrolled the cross-sectional Nutritional Phenotyping Study. Among them, 349 subjects (men: 48%; women: 52%) gave consent for genotyping. SNPs in APOA5, APOB, APOC3, APOE, and LDLR were assessed. The association between lipid markers and genotypes was tested separately for each SNP with analysis of variance (ANOVA), adjusted for sex, age, and BMI. We also examined two-factor interactions between SNPs and sex, age, or BMI.

Results

Women carrying the C allele of rs3135506 in APOA5 or men carrying the C allele of rs429358 in APOE had reduced HDL-cholesterol levels during fasting and postprandially. The C allele in APOE was also correlated to increased LDL-C levels. The TT genotype of rs2854116 in APOC3 was associated with elevated total cholesterol. Additive effect of the risk alleles of APOA5 and APOE or APOC3 and APOE was detected. Nevertheless, the tested SNPs had little impact on the postprandial triglyceride responses to the high-fat challenge meal. We found no significant effects of SNPs in APOB (rs1042034) or LDLR (rs2228671) on triglycerides, cholesterol, or free fatty acid levels.

Conclusions

In healthy adults, fasting and postprandial cholesterol levels are strongly correlated with the tested APOA5, APOE, and APOC3 genotypes. Sex contributes to the genetic impact of the tested SNPs on lipid profiles.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02367287. Registered February 20, 2015, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02367287.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40795-022-00592-x.

Association of Gut Microbiota with Atherogenic Dyslipidemia, and Its Impact on Serum Lipid Levels after Bariatric Surgery

Gut microbiota has been suggested to modulate circulating lipids. However, the relationship between the gut microbiota and atherogenic dyslipidemia (AD), defined as the presence of both low HDL-C and hypertriglyceridemia, is not fully understood. Moreover, because obesity is among the main causes of secondary AD, it is important to analyze the effect of gut microbiota composition on lipid profiles after a weight loss intervention. We compared the microbial diversity and taxonomic composition in patients with AD (n = 41) and controls (n = 38) and sought correlations of genera abundance with serum lipid levels in 20 patients after weight loss induced by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery. Gut microbiota composition was profiled using next-generation sequencing of 16S rRNA. Gut microbiota diversity was significantly lower in atherogenic dyslipidemia. Moreover, relative abundance of two genera with LDA score >3.5 (Megasphaera and LPS-producing Escherichia-Shigella), was significantly higher in AD subjects, while the abundance of four short chain fatty acids (SCFA) producing-genera (Christensenellaceae R-7, Ruminococcaceae UCG-014; Akkermansia and [Eubacterium] eligens group) was significantly higher in controls. Notably, [Eubacterium] eligens group abundance was also significantly associated with higher HDL-C levels in RYGB patients one year after surgery. Although dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid/saturated fatty acid (PUFA/SFA) ratio and PUFA intake were higher in controls than in AD subjects, of the four genera differentiated in cases and controls, only Akkermansia abundance showed a positive and significant correlation with PUFA/SFA ratio. Our results suggest that SCFA-producing bacteria promote a healthy lipid homeostasis, while the presence of LPS-producing bacteria such Escherichia-Shigella may contribute to the development of atherogenic dyslipidemia.

The Effect of Anastrozole on the Lipid Profile: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

PURPOSE

We aimed to investigate the impact of anastrozole administration on the traditional components of the lipid profile (ie, total cholesterol [TC], LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglycerides [TGs]) by means of a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases for relevant randomized controlled trials published in the English language until January 18, 2022. The weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% CIs were calculated using a random-effects model (DerSimonian and Laird methods).

FINDINGS

Anastrozole administration significantly lowered TC concentrations when the treatment duration was ≤3 months (WMD = -2.73 mg/dL; 95% CI, -5.09 to -0.38 mg/dL; P = 0.02) and when the baseline TC concentration was ≥200 mg/dL (WMD = -3.64 mg/dL; 95% CI, -6.30 to -0.98 mg/dL; P = 0.007). HDL-C levels decreased after anastrozole administration when the treatment duration was >3 months (WMD = -1.67 mg/dL; 95% CI, -3.24 to -0.10 mg/dL; P = 0.03). Anastrozole administration had no impact on TG or LDL-C values.

IMPLICATIONS

Anastrozole administration in humans can decrease TC and HDL-C levels but has no effect on LDL-C or TG concentrations.

Urinary metals as influencing factors of coronary heart disease among a population in Guangzhou, China

The cardiovascular system is highly sensitive to toxic metal exposure and trace element dysregulation. However, previous findings relating to metal exposure and coronary heart disease (CHD) have partially been conflicting and difficult to exhibit the combined effect of metal mixtures. This case-control study investigated urinary concentrations of ten metal/metalloids among clinically-diagnosed CHD patients and healthy adults during May to December 2021 in Guangzhou, China. We found that cadmium (Cd) status in urine from CHD patients was remarkably higher than its reference, while chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu) and selenium (Se) concentrations were lower (p < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that urinary arsenic (As) and Se were highly correlated (r_s=0.830, p < 0.001), indicating their similar sources. Principal component analysis (PCA) exhibited denser distribution of Cd-Sn in cases than in controls. Logistic regression analysis exhibited significant associations between urinary Cd (adjusted OR: 1.965, 95% CI: 1.222-3.162), Se (0.787, 95% CI: 0.695-0.893), Ni (0.493, 95% CI: 0.265-0.916) and CHD risk. Quantile g-computation showed negative joint effect of metal mixtures on CHD (adjusted OR: 0.383, 95% CI: 0.159-0.932) (p < 0.05), suggesting the need for supplementing essential trace elements. The negative partial effect was primarily attributed to Se and Ni, while positive partial effect was mainly due to tin (Sn) and Cd. Nevertheless, we also found a quantile increase of Cd-Sn level was negatively correlated with 8.26% (95% CI: 3.44-13.08%) decrease of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.001), and 71.2% of the joint effect attributed to Cd. Based on random forest, Se, Cd and Ni were found to be the dominant influencing factors of CHD. The role of Ni in CHD is yet to be uncovered, while excessive Cd exposure and low Se status among CHD patients need to be mitigated.

Long-term intra- and inter-individual biological variation of serum lipid of HIV-infected and uninfected men participating in the Los Angeles Multi-Center AIDS Cohort Study (MACS)

BACKGROUND

To assess the long-term biological coefficient of variation within individuals (CV_I) and between individuals (CV_G), effect of aging and cholesterol lowering drugs on blood levels of lipids in HIV-1-infected and -uninfected men.

METHODS

Bloods were analyzed every six months over 17 years for total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in 140 HIV-uninfected (38-66 years old) and 90 HIV-treated infected (48-64 years old) white Caucasian men to examine CV_I, CV_G, and the effect of cholesterol lowering drugs (CLDs) on lipid levels, and estimated changes per year of biomarkers.

RESULTS

With exception of HDL-C, the long term CV_I compared with CV_G were higher for serum levels of TC, TGs, and LDL-C in both HIV-1 infected and uninfected men not taking CLDs. Excluding results of TGs in HIV positive men, the CV_I compared with CV_G were lower for serum levels of TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C in both groups not taking CLDs. There were significant (p < 0.05) differences in the median serum values of lipid biomarkers among 77 HIV negative men taking and 63 not taking CLDs. Also, with exception of HDL, there were significant (p < 0.05) differences in the median values of TC, TGs and LDL-C among 28 HIV positive men taking or not taking CLDs.

CONCLUSION

Long term CV_I and CV_G of biomarkers will be useful for monitoring antiviral therapy side effects on lipid profiles in HIV-infected men. CV_I of HIV-infected men for TC, TGs, HDL, LDL were higher significantly than CV_I of HIV-uninfected men. Interestingly the long term CV_I were higher than CV_G for the men, who were on CLDs compared to men not on CLDs. The long-term pattern of CV_I and CV_G of lipid markers in both HIV-infected and uninfected men on CLDs differed from their short-term pattern.

Low HDL-C is a non-fasting marker of insulin resistance in children

OBJECTIVES

Childhood obesity and associated comorbidities, including insulin resistance, are increasing in the United States. Our objectives were to (1) determine the prevalence of insulin resistance in children seen in dyslipidemia clinic and (2) evaluate which aspects of the lipid profile correlate with insulin resistance.

METHODS

Children and adolescents seen in a specialized pediatric dyslipidemia clinic without secondary diagnoses known to alter the lipid panel were included. Simultaneous fasting lipid panel, insulin, and glucose levels were available in 572 children (50.5% male).

RESULTS

Mean patient age was 15.0 ± 3.6 years with the majority being over 10 years of age (92.5%). Mean BMI was 29.8 ± 8.1 kg/m² and BMI standard deviation score was 1.80 ± 0.9. Mean HOMA-IR was 6.2 ± 5.7 with a range of 0.4-49.3, and interquartile range of 2.7-7.6. Triglyceride level had a positive correlation with HOMA-IR (p<0.001). HDL-C negatively correlated with HOMA-IR even controlling for triglyceride level by multivariate analysis (p=0.001) and HDL-C <30 mg/dL predicted IR with 41.5% PPV.

CONCLUSIONS

In children and adolescents with dyslipidemia, insulin resistance is common and significantly correlates with reduced HDL-C levels. Non-fasting samples are easier to obtain in children and low HDL-C, which is minimally affected on non-fasting samples, could be an easily obtained indicator of IR. Increasing detection of insulin resistance in children with dyslipidemia may provide greater opportunities for lifestyle interventions and possible pharmacotherapy to modify cardiovascular risk.

Lipid Parameters and Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 in Healthy Lebanese Adults

Background: High levels of non-HDL cholesterol (non-HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)), and Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) as well as low levels of HDL-C are strongly associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Our study aims to estimate the prevalence of dyslipidemia and high Lp(a) in the Lebanese population and to study the relationship of these variables with gender, age, body mass index (BMI), and PCSK9. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of healthy volunteers aged 18 to 65. Blood samples were drawn from volunteers for total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C, TG, PCSK9, and Lp(a) measurements. Non-HDL-C was calculated by subtracting HDL-C from TC. Results: In total, 303 volunteer subjects with an average age of 38.9 years were included in the study. Respectively, 44%, 29.8%, and 44% of men had high non-HDL-C and TG with low HDL-C versus 23.5%, 8%, and 37% in women. Non-HDL-C and TG were significantly higher in men than in women, while the reverse was observed for HDL-C (p < 0.0001 for the three comparisons). Non-HDL-C and TG were significantly correlated with age and BMI (p< 0.0001 for all correlations), while HDL-C was inversely correlated with BMI (p < 0.0001) but not with age. Abnormal Lp(a) levels (≥75 nmol/L) were found in 19.1% of the population, predominantly in women (24.1% versus 13.4% in men, p = 0.004). The median PCSK9 and its interquartile was 300 (254−382) ng/L with no gender difference (p = 0.18). None of the following factors: gender, age, BMI, non-HDL-C, HDL-C, or TG, were independently associated with Lp(a), while PCSK9 was significantly correlated with age, non-HDL-C, and TG in both men and women and inversely correlated with HDL-C in men. Dyslipidemia is very common in the Lebanese population and is associated with age, high BMI, and male sex. Lp(a) is higher in women without any correlation with the lipid profile, whereas PCSK9 is associated with non-HDL-C and TG. Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential role of Lp(a) and PCSK9 in predicting CVD in healthy populations.

Metabolic syndrome components and leukocyte telomere length in patients with major depressive disorder

OBJECTIVES

The relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) components and leukocyte telomere length (LTL) attrition in major depressive disorder (MDD) remains unclear.

METHODS

We recruited 70 MDD patients (mean age: 44.6 years, 60.0% female) and 51 age- and sex-matched controls (mean age: 41.2 years, 68.6% female) to examine the associations of MetS components and LTL. Five MetS components-waist circumference, systolic/diastolic blood pressure, serum levels of fasting glucose, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides-were assessed. LTL was measured through quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

MDD had higher prevalence of MetS (34.3 vs. 17.6%, p=.042), low HDL-C (25.7 vs. 7.8%, p=.009) and shorter LTL (-0.038 ± 0.169 vs. 0.033 ± 0.213, p=.042). Regression analysis revealed that MDD (p=.046) and age (p=.003) associated with LTL, while a significant interaction effect of group (MDD vs. controls) × HDL-C (p=.037) was observed. Post-hoc analysis showed MDD with low HDL-C had greater LTL attrition than controls without low HDL-C (p=.020). In MDD, HDL-C dysregulation negatively correlated with LTL (p=.010); but no significance after Bonferroni correction.

CONCLUSIONS

HDL-C may be involved in accelerated ageing process regarding metabolic disturbance in MDD only. The relationship merits prospective investigations with larger sample size for clarification.