Lipidomic and Antioxidant Response to Grape Seed, Corn and Coconut Oils in Healthy Wistar Rats

Specialty oils differ in fatty acid, phytosterol and antioxidant content, impacting their benefits for cardiovascular health. The lipid (fatty acid, phytosterol) and antioxidant (total phenolics, radical scavenging capacity) profiles of grapeseed (GSO), corn (CO) and coconut (CNO) oils and their physiological (triacylglycerides, total and HDL-cholesterol and antioxidant capacity (FRAP) in serum and fatty acid and phytosterol hepatic deposition) and genomic (HL, LCAT, ApoA-1 and SR-BP1 mRNA hepatic levels) responses after their sub-chronic intake (10% diet for 28 days) was examined in healthy albino rats. Fatty acid, phytosterol and antioxidant profiles differed between oils (p ≤ 0.01). Serum and hepatic triacylglycerides and total cholesterol increased (p ≤ 0.01); serum HDL-Cholesterol decreased (p < 0.05); but serum FRAP did not differ (p > 0.05) in CNO-fed rats as compared to CO or GSO groups. Hepatic phytosterol deposition was higher (+2.2 mg/g; p ≤ 0.001) in CO- than GSO-fed rats, but their fatty acid deposition was similar. All but ApoA-1 mRNA level increased in GSO-fed rats as compared to other groups (p ≤ 0.01). Hepatic fatty acid handling, but not antioxidant response, nor hepatic phytosterol deposition, could be related to a more efficient reverse-cholesterol transport in GSO-fed rats as compared to CO or CNO.

Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Hepatic Tissue of T2DM Rhesus Macaque

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disorder that severely affects human health, but the pathogenesis of the disease remains unknown. The high-fat/high-sucrose diets combined with streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced nonhuman primate animal model of diabetes are a valuable research source of T2DM. Here, we present a study of a STZ rhesus macaque model of T2DM that utilizes quantitative iTRAQ-based proteomic method. We compared the protein profiles in the liver of STZ-treated macaques as well as age-matched healthy controls. We identified 171 proteins differentially expressed in the STZ-treated groups, about 70 of which were documented as diabetes-related gene in previous studies. Pathway analyses indicated that the biological functions of differentially expressed proteins were related to glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, fatty acid metabolism, complements, and coagulation cascades. Expression change in tryptophan metabolism pathway was also found in this study which may be associations with diabetes. This study is the first to explore genome-wide protein expression in hepatic tissue of diabetes macaque model using HPLC-Q-TOF/MS technology. In addition to providing potential T2DM biomarkers, this quantitative proteomic study may also shed insights regarding the molecular pathogenesis of T2DM.

Serum lipidomics analysis of ovariectomized rats under Curcuma comosa treatment

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Curcuma comosa Roxb. (C. comosa) or Wan Chak Motluk, Zingiberaceae family, has been used in Thai traditional medicine for the treatment of gynecological problems and inflammation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of C. comosa by determining the changes in the lipid profiles in the ovariectomized rats, as a model of estrogen-deficiency-induced hyperlipidemia, after treatment with different components of C. comosa using an untargeted lipidomics approach.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Lipids were extracted from the serum of adult female rats subjected to a sham operation (SHAM; control), ovariectomy (OVX), or OVX with 12-week daily doses of estrogen (17β-estradiol; E₂), (3R)-1,7-diphenyl-(4E,6E)-4,6-heptadien-3-ol (DPHD; a phytoestrogen from C. comosa), powdered C. comosa rhizomes or its crude ethanol extract. They were then analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, characterized, and subjected to the orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis statistical model to identify tentative biomarkers.

RESULTS

Levels of five classes of lipids (ceramide, ceramide-1-phosphate, sphingomyelin, 1-O-alkenyl-lysophosphatidylethanolamine and lysophosphatidylethanolamine) were elevated in the OVX rats compared to those in the SHAM rats, while the monoacylglycerols and triacylglycerols were decreased. The E₂ treatment only reversed the levels of ceramides, whereas treatments with DPHD, C. comosa extract or powder returned the levels of all upregulated lipids back to those in the SHAM control rats.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest the potential beneficial effects of C. comosa on preventing the increased ceramide levels in OVX rats, a possible cause of metabolic disturbance under estrogen deficiency. Overall, the results demonstrated the power of untargeted lipidomics in discovering disease-relevant biomarkers, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of treatment by C. comosa components (DPHD, extract or powder) as utilized in Thai traditional medicine, and also providing scientific support for its folklore use.

Anti hyperlipidemic and hepatoprotective effects of native date fruit variety "Aseel" (Phoenix dactylifera)

Diet rich in saturated fats and sugars have been associated with obesity, insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia and fatty liver disease. Especially high serum lipid levels are directly connected to the progression of cardiovascular disorders, which are the leading cause of death all over the world. Date palm fruit (Phoenix dactylifera) is known for numerous health benefits however little information is available about in vivo clinical and preclinical benefits, hence antihyperlipidemic and hepatoprotective potential of native date variety Aseel has been assessed in hyperlipidemia induced albino rats. Forty adult male albino rats were divided into five groups with 8 animals in each group. One group was kept as normal control while remaining four groups were fed high fat high sugar diet for 8 weeks; from this one group was reserved as disease control while two groups as treated which received 300 and 600mg/kg of date fruit suspension. The fourth group served as positive control and received standard drug atorvastatin in the dose of 2.1mg/kg. After 14 days serum lipid profile, hepatic profile and fasting blood sugar were determined for all groups. Fasting blood sugar, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and VLDL along with cholesterol- HDL and LDL-HDL ratio were significantly decreased at 300 mg/kg without any increase in liver enzymes as observed in positive control group. Animals received 600 mg/kg also revealed significant decline in fasting blood sugar, triglyceride, VLDL and alkaline phosphatase. Hence present results demonstrate ameliorative role of date fruit in hyperlipidemia and fatty liver however more studies are required to gain insight into the possible mechanism of action and confirmation of these effects on human subjects.

Diverse etiology of hyperlipidemia among hospitalized children in Western region of Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVES

To determine the various etiologies of primary and secondary hyperlipidemia among children visiting the pediatric endocrine clinic. Methods: This is a retrospective, cross-sectional, cohort study conducted at King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH), Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from January 2010 to 2015 that included 253 children aged from birth to 12 years old. Data were obtained by reviewing medical reports of patients who presented with hyperlipidemia to the clinic, and their laboratory investigation results using KAUH electronic "Phoenix" system.  Results: Of the 253 children who were reviewed, those who have shown to have abnormal lipid metabolism with nephrotic syndrome were 35.6%, diabetes mellitus 17.8%, primary/idiopathic hyperlipidemia 19.4%, hypothyroidism 7.1%, obesity 4.3%, metabolic syndrome 2.8%, chronic liver disease 2% and chronic renal failure 1.2%. The body mass index relative to gender and age in this group of children showed that 23.2% were underweight, 38.4% were normal weight, 8.9% were overweight, and 29.5% were obese.  Conclusion: The highest prevalence of hyperlipidemia was in nephrotic syndrome, followed by primary/idiopathic hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus.

Profiling analysis of amino acids from hyperlipidaemic rats treated with Gynostemma pentaphyllum and atorvastatin

Context Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) Makino has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of hyperlipidaemic with a long history.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (GP) and atorvastatin on amino acids from the plasma and liver tissue of hyperlipidaemic rats. Materials and methods The rats were fed a high-fat diet continuously for 11 weeks for the construction of hyperlipidaemic model. The hyperlipidaemic rats were treated with Gynostemma pentaphyllum (120 mg/kg) and atorvastatin (1.8 mg/kg) for 4 weeks, and the rats were intragastric administration one time every day. Chromatographic separation was performed on a Shim-pack XR-ODSIII C18 analytical column (75 mm × 2.0 mm i.d., 1.6 μm, Shmadazu Corp., Tokyo, Japan). The biomarkers of amino acids were identified by principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). Results After feeding with a high-fat diet, the TC and LDL-C values of the hyperlipidaemic mode rats increased dramatically (p < 0.01). The established method allowed a target analysis of 12 kinds of amino acids. PCA studies showed that the plasma amino acids had not returned to normal after GP treatment, but those had recovered slightly after atorvastatin treatment. GP has almost no impact on the metabolism of amino acids, while atorvastatin can modify the metabolism of amino acids via self-regulatory mechanisms. Discussion and conclusion UPLC/DAD combined with SCX-SPE can be successfully used for profiling analysis of amino acids. By the comparison of biomarkers following treatment with GP and atorvastatin, the influence of the two drugs on biomarkers is revealed.

Structural characterization and hypolipidemic effect of Cyclocarya paliurus polysaccharide in rat

Polysaccharide is one of the important active ingredients of Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinskaja leaves. The aims of this work were to analyze the structure of the polysaccharide of Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinskaja leaves (CPP), and to investigate the antihyperlipidemic effect of CPP on high-fat emulsion (HFE)-induced hyperlipidaemic rats. CPP, comprised of two polysaccharides with average molecular weight (Mw) of 1.35×10(5)Da and 9.34×10(3)Da, was consisted of rhamnose, arabinose, xylose, mannose, glucose and galactose in the molar ratio of 1.00:2.23:0.64:0.49:0.63:4.16. Oral administration of CPP could significantly decrease levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), increase high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) in hyperlipidemic rats. CPP exerts therapeutic effects on hyperlipidaemic rats, by up-regulating expressions of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), via down-regulating fatty acid synthase (FAS) and hydroxy methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA). This study demonstrates that CPP may be beneficial for the treatment of hyperlipidemia.

ω-3 Fatty Acid Ethyl Esters Diminish Postprandial Lipemia in Familial Hypercholesterolemia

CONTEXT

Impaired postprandial chylomicron metabolism induces hypertriglyceridemia and may increase the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Omega-3 fatty acid ethyl ester (ω-3 FAEE) supplementation decreases plasma triglycerides. However, its effect on postprandial chylomicron metabolism in familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) has not yet been investigated.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to examine the effect of ω-3 FAEE supplementation on postprandial responses in plasma triglycerides, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) apolipoprotein B (apoB)-100, and apoB-48 in FH patients receiving standard cholesterol-lowering treatment.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS

We carried out an 8-week open-label, randomized, crossover intervention trial to test the effect of oral supplementation with 4 g/d ω-3 FAEE (46% eicosapentaenoic acid and 38% docosahexaenoic acid) on postprandial triglyceride, VLDL-apoB-100, and apoB-48 responses in FH patients after ingestion of an oral fat load.

OUTCOMES MEASURES

Plasma total and incremental triglyceride, VLDL-apoB-100, and apoB-48 0- to 10-hour area under the curve (AUC).

RESULTS

ω-3 FAEE supplementation significantly (P < .05 in all) reduced concentrations of fasting plasma triglyceride (-20%), apoB (-8%), VLDL-apoB-100 (-26%), and apoB-48 (-36%); as well as systolic blood pressure (-6%) and diastolic blood pressure (-6%). Postprandial triglyceride and VLDL-apoB-100 total AUCs (-19% and -26%, respectively; P < .01) and incremental AUCs (-18% and -35%, respectively; P < .05), as well as postprandial apoB-48 total AUC (-30%; P < .02) were significantly reduced by ω-3 FAEE supplementation.

CONCLUSION

Supplementation with ω-3 FAEEs improves postprandial lipemia in FH patients receiving standard care; this may have implications for further reducing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in this high-risk patient group.

Resveratrol Protects Rabbits Against Cholesterol Diet-Induced Hyperlipidaemia

The excessive consumption of high cholesterol diet has been associated with an increased incidence oflipidaemia. Lipidaemia is enhanced by formation of oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation and hyperglycaemia. The aim ofthese experiments was to investigate the protective effect of resveratrol co-administered with cholesterol diet inducedhyperlipidaemia in rabbits. Thirty rabbits divided into six groups of five animal (group= 5) each: group 1 = normal control,group 2 = cholesterol diet/high fat diet group only (HFD), group 3 = resveratrol 200 mg/kg (R200), group 4 = resveratrol400 mg/kg (R400), group 5 = HFD + R200 and group 6 = HFD + R400. The normal group was fed with standard animalfeeds only; while the HFD groups were fed with standard animal feeds + cholesterol diet (10% Groundnut oil, 20%Groundnut mill and 2% cholesterol). Resveratrol-treated rabbits received resveratrol suspended in 10 g/Lcarboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and the control group received the vehicle only, CMC. The preparations were administeredfor 8 weeks of experimental protocol. At the end of the study period, the animals were sacrificed. Blood and plasma sampleswere collected. Serum evaluation of lipid profile such as total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (Tg), low density lipoproteincholesterol (LDP-c) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) were also assessed. The results obtained showsignificant (P < 0.05) decrease in total cholesterol (TC), Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDP-c), total triacylglyceroland an increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) in resveratrol treated groups compared to HFD group only.In conclusion, the findings indicated that Resveratrol may contain polar products able to lower plasma lipid concentrationsand might be beneficial in treatment of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.

Hypopituitarism presenting as a mixed hyperlipidaemia

A case report is presented of a 37-year-old man who, largely by chance, was found to have a marked mixed hyperlipidaemia. As a teenager he had been treated for apparent idiopathic growth hormone deficiency, but had also never developed secondary sexual characteristics. Pituitary hormone measurement was now consistent with hypopituitarism and magnetic resonance imaging showed hypoplasia of his pituitary stalk as the likely cause. His hyperlipidaemia improved after appropriate hormone replacement. He thus appears to have had a mixed hyperlipidaemia secondary to hypopituitarism, which was secondary to a pituitary stalk abnormality, which in turn may have been associated to the trauma surrounding his normal breech delivery.

High cholesterol diet leads to oxidant load and peroxidation in the rabbit kidney tissue

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate possible effects of high cholesterol diet on oxidant/antioxidant status in rabbit kidney tissues.

BACKGROUND

Although a number of experimental animal models have suggested that hyperlipidemia is associated with progressive kidney failure data remain sparse on the role of dietary cholesterol intake on kidney disease.

METHODS

Twelve male New Zealand albino rabbits were randomly divided into two groups (control and cholesterol). Both groups were fed on a standard laboratory diet. Animals in the cholesterol group additionally received cholesterol (1 g/kg/day), orally. The study period was 12 weeks. Activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), xanthine oxidase (XO), paraoxonase (PON), adenosine deaminase (ADA) enzymes and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) were measured in kidney tissue samples. Histological examination of the kidney tissue samples was also done.

RESULTS

SOD, GSH-Px and XO enzyme activities were found to be decreased and NOS and PON activities increased significantly in cholesterol group compared to controls. As an indication of oxidation, MDA levels were found to be increased in cholesterol group. Histological examination revealed some derangements in the kidney tissue.

CONCLUSION

High cholesterol diet creates oxidant load and causes peroxidation, which in turn, leads derangements in the rabbit kidney tissue (Tab. 2, Fig. 2, Ref. 69).

Antihyperlipidemic effect of Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim) Harms leaves in high-fat-diet fed mice

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome is a major risk factor for a variety of obesity-related diseases. Recently, the effects of functional foods have been investigated on lipid metabolism as a means to reduce lipid content in the blood, liver and adipose tissues associated with carnitine O-palmitoyltransferase (CPT) activity. Acanthopanax senticosus (Rupr. et Maxim) Harms (AS) is a medicinal herb possessing a wide spectra of functions including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fatigue actions. Despite much research being focused on the cortical roots of AS, little information is available regarding its leaves, which are also expected to promote human health, for example by improving abnormal lipid metabolism. Here, we explored whether AS leaves affect lipid metabolism in mice fed a high-fat diet.

RESULTS

The administration of AS to BALB/c mice fed a high-fat diet significantly decreased plasma triglycerides (TG). CPT activity in the liver of these mice was significantly enhanced by AS treatment.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that AS leaves have the potential to alleviate increase in plasma TG levels due to high-fat diet intake in mice, possibly by increasing mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation, especially via CPT activation. Consequently, daily intake of AS leaves could promote beneficial health effects including the prevention of metabolic syndrome. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

[Causes and Abnormal Lipid Laboratory Values of Secondary Hyperlipidemia: Endocrine Disease]

Secondary hyperlipidemia is common and occurs frequently in patients with endocrine disease such as hy- pothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, and acromegaly, metabolic disease such as diabetes mellitus, renal dis- ease such as nephrotic syndrome and chronic renal failure, liver disease such as obstructive liver disease, and as a side-effect of glucocorticoids and estrogens. The underlying cause of high serum lipid levels will often be missed if it is not actively sought. We describe. the causes and abnormal lipid laboratory values of sec- ondary hyperlipidemia in endocrine disease patients such as those with hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, and acromegaly. Hypothyroidism is associated with elevated serum total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and normal or elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TG), respectively. The lipid abnormalities are due to the reductions in hepatic LDL receptor function and hepatic TG lipase (HTGL) activity. Cushing's syndrome is associated with elevated serum TC, LDL-C, and TG and elevated or normal HDL-C. The lipid abnormalities are due to the glucocorticoid- induced increase in very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and elevation in lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity. Acromegaly is associated with normal serum TC, reduced LDL-C and HDL-C, and elevated TG. The lipid abnormalities are due to the growth hormone-induced reductions in LPL and HTGL activity and increase in hepatic LDL receptors. When we examine hyperlipidemic patients, it is important to diagnose the true name of the disease, usually in consideration of the possibility of the cause of secondary hyperlipidemia. [Review].

[Diagnosis of Secondary Hyperlipidemia due to Diabetes]

Among secondary hyperlipidemia, dyslipidemia due to diabetes is common and important. Hyperlipidemia due to diabetes is divided into hypertriglyceridemia due to diabetic ketoacidosis (diabetic lipemia) and dyslipidemia due to relative insulin deficiency/insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes (diabetic dyslipidemia). Elevation of chylomicron due to the inactivation of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) induced by insulin deficiency is characteristic of diabetic lipemia, which is promptly ameliorated by insulin therapy. The characteristic lipo- protein profile for diabetic dyslipidemia involves elevations of VLDL, IDL, and small dense LDL and a reduc- tion of HDL. Relative insulin deficiency or insulin resistance induces the activation of hormone-sensitive lipase, reduced degradation of apoB100, increased microsomal triglyceride (TG) transfer protein, and inactivation of LPL and activation of hepatic TG lipase, which induce diabetic dyslipidemia. Diabetic dyslipidemia is a markedly ath- erogenic state, which should be carefully managed. [Review].

Changes in Plasma Lipid Levels and Antioxidant Activities in Rats after Supplementation of Obtusifolin

Obtusifolin, an anthraquinone from Cassia obtusifolia seeds, has been reported to reduce blood lipid levels in diabetic rats induced by streptozocin. However, it remains unclear whether obtusifolin possesses a lipid-lowering effect on hyperlipidemia caused by a high-fat diet. Moreover, hyperlipidemia is known to impair the endothelial function by causing oxidative stress. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the antidyslipidemic and antioxidant effects of obtusifolin in hyperlipidemic rats induced by a high-fat diet. Rats with oral fat emulsion were used as our hyperlipidemic model. We measured the body weight of the rats, serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, as well as nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase. Our results showed that oral obtusifolin application significantly reversed the changes induced by hyperlipidemia in body weight, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Furthermore, obtusifolin treatment increased serum superoxide dismutase and nitric oxide, but reduced malondialdehyde. Collectively, our findings suggest that obtusifolin may improve hyperlipidemia by enhancing antioxidant activity. This study indicates a potential therapeutic importance of obtusifolin for ameliorating lipid dysfunction induced by a high-fat diet.

Lipids in liver transplant recipients

Hyperlipidemia is very common after liver transplantation and can be observed in up to 71% of patients. The etiology of lipid disorders in these patients is multifactorial, with different lipid profiles observed depending on the immunosuppressive agents administered and the presence of additional risk factors, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus and nutrition. Due to recent improvements in survival of liver transplant recipients, the prevention of cardiovascular events has become more important, especially as approximately 64% of liver transplant recipients present with an increased risk of cardiovascular events. Management of dyslipidemia and of other modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes and smoking, has therefore become essential in these patients. Treatment of hyperlipidemia after liver transplantation consists of life style modification, modifying the dose or type of immunosuppressive agents and use of lipid lowering agents. At the start of administration of lipid lowering medications, it is important to monitor drug-drug interactions, especially between lipid lowering agents and immunosuppressive drugs. Furthermore, as combinations of various lipid lowering drugs can lead to severe side effects, such as myopathies and rhabdomyolysis, these combinations should therefore be avoided. To our knowledge, there are no current guidelines targeting the management of lipid metabolism disorders in liver transplant recipients. This paper therefore recommends an approach of managing lipid abnormalities occurring after liver transplantation.

Hypolipidaemic and anti-oxidative potential of encapsulated herb (Terminalia arjuna) added vanilla chocolate milk in high cholesterol fed rats

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerosis is associated with coronary artery disease and occurs in developing as well as developed countries. In the present investigation, hypolipidaemic and anti-oxidative properties of encapsulated herb (Terminalia arjuna, 1.8%) added vanilla chocolate dairy drink was evaluated in high cholesterol fed Wistar rats for 60 days.

RESULTS

At the end of the experimental period, a significant decrease in the body weight gain by rats receiving the encapsulated herb extract was noted as compared to high cholesterol fed rats. Administration of microencapsulated herb showed a statistically significant decrease in organ weights (epididymal fat and liver). Moreover, a significant decrease in serum lipids such as triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and atherogenic index was observed with encapsulated Terminalia arjuna extract in high cholesterol fed group. Increases in reduced glutathione and decreases in TBARS levels were also reported in both liver and red blood cell lysates with encapsulated herb supplementation.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrated that the bioactive components (phytosterols, flavanoids, saponins and tannins etc.) which are present in the encapsulated T. arjuna not only withstand the processing conditions but also are effectively released in the intestine and show their effects, such as hypolipidaemic and antioxidant activities, for better treating cardiovascular disease.

Effects of Ginger on Serum Lipids and Lipoproteins in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

♦

BACKGROUND

In peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease is lipid abnormalities. This study was designed to investigate the effects of ginger supplementation on serum lipids and lipoproteins in PD patients. ♦

METHODS

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 36 PD patients were randomly assigned to either the ginger or the placebo group. The patients in the ginger group received 1,000 mg ginger daily for 10 weeks, while the placebo group received corresponding placebos. At baseline and at the end of week 10, 7 mL of blood were obtained from each patient after a 12- to 14-hour fast, and serum concentrations of triglyceride, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and lipoprotein (a) [Lp (a)] were measured. ♦

RESULTS

Serum triglyceride concentration decreased significantly up to 15% in the ginger group at the end of week 10 compared with baseline (p < 0.01), and the reduction was significant in comparison with the placebo group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in mean changes of serum total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and Lp (a). ♦

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that daily administration of 1,000 mg ginger reduces serum triglyceride concentration, which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, in PD patients.

JTT-130, a novel intestine-specific inhibitor of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, ameliorates lipid metabolism and attenuates atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic animal models

JTT-130 was developed as an intestine-specific MTP inhibitor designed to rapidly catabolize after absorption to avoid causing hepatotoxicity due to hepatic MTP inhibition. In previous reports, we have demonstrated that JTT-130 suppresses dietary lipid absorption in the small intestine without inducing hepatic steatosis. Thus, in this report, JTT-130 was administered to hyperlipidemic animals fed a Western diet to investigate the effect of intestinal MTP inhibition on lipid metabolism and progression of atherosclerosis. JTT-130 potently lowered plasma non-high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and elevated plasma high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), indicating improvement in atherogenic index in hamsters. HDL fractions obtained after two weeks treatment with JTT-130 significantly increased the efflux of cholesterol from macrophages, as an index parameter of HDL function. Furthermore, long-term treatment with JTT-130 also improved the plasma lipid profile without inducing hepatic steatosis in rabbits, resulting in the suppression of atherosclerosis formation in aortas. From these results, JTT-130 ameliorates lipid metabolism accompanied with the enhancement of the anti-atherosclerotic function of HDL, and attenuates the progression of atherosclerosis in hyperlipidemic animals. These findings indicate that intestinal MTP inhibition may be atherogenic in vivo and that JTT-130 may be a useful compound for the treatment of dyslipidemia and a potential anti-atherogenic drug.

Isolated Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Dissection as a Cause of Ischemic Stroke: Clinical Features and Prognosis

Background: The purpose of this study was to clarify the incidence, clinical and radiological features and outcomes of isolated posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) dissection in isolated PICA territory infarctions. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive inpatients with ischemic stroke secondary to isolated PICA dissection from our stroke database between January 2004 and December 2013 and reviewed the literature with regard to those patients. Results: Of 167 consecutive patients with an isolated PICA territory infarction, a total of 10 patients (6.0%, 3 women, 48.1 ± 7.1 years) were diagnosed as having an isolated PICA dissection. Patients with PICA dissection were younger (p < 0.001), more commonly experienced headache at onset (p = 0.008), less commonly had hyperlipidemia (p = 0.044) and showed a lower modified Rankin Scale score at discharge (p = 0.002) when compared with patients without arterial dissection. In 6 of these 10 patients, PICA dissections had not been suspected on initial magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and were confirmed by follow-up MRA or digital subtraction angiography. In the follow-up period (median 1.5 years, interquartile range 0.5-6.3 years), there were no recurrent ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke events. Conclusions: Isolated PICA dissection as an etiological mechanism in isolated PICA territory infarctions may be more common than was previously recognized to be. The diagnosis of PICA dissection is often difficult and requires close and repeated morphological evaluation. We should carefully identify PICA dissections as a possible cause of PICA territory infarctions.

A 4-week study of four 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol diesters on lipid metabolism in C57BL/6J mice

3-Monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) esters have been detected in many foods, which have become a new safety issue worldwide. In the study, we investigated the effect of four 3-MCPD diesters (palmitate diester: CDP; stearate diester: CDS; oleate diester: CDO; linoleate diester: CDL) on lipid metabolism in C57BL/6J mice. The results showed that CDP, CDS, CDO and CDL significantly increased the serum TC, LDL-C levels and liver TG, TC levels at dose of 16.5μmol/kg/day. These results indicated that 3-MCPD diesters could potentially cause hyperlipidemia in C57BL/6J mice. Moreover, oil red O staining confirmed fat accumulation in liver induced by 3-MCPD diesters. Our work will provide more information for safety evaluation of 3-MCPD diesters. However, whether free 3-MCPD or free fatty acids or combined action compensates for the hyperlipidemia effects should be elucidated in the future.