Consumption of polyunsaturated fat improves the saturated fatty acid-mediated impairment of HDL antioxidant potential

Smoking Induces the Circulating Levels of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 and Its Association with Cardiovascular Risk in Young Smokers

Objective

Smoking causes cardiovascular risk, which may alter the stability between the production and degradation of the extracellular matrix. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is a zinc-containing endopeptidase that degrades the extracellular matrix and is involved in tissue remodelling and several physiological processes. As a result, smoking-induced elevated serum MMP-9 levels, particularly at a younger age, raise the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). Thus, this study aimed to determine the possible relationship between smoking-induced circulating MMP-9 and the risk of cardiovascular disease in young smokers.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, the patients were divided into three groups. Each group contains 120 study participants. Group one consisted of 120 healthy individuals with no physical and mental illness, group two consisted of 120 active smokers with a heart disease, and group three consisted of 120 active smokers with a heart disease and diabetes, who attended Sri Ramaswamy Memorial Hospital for cardiology checkup at the age of 20-55 years. The serum MMP-9, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and apolipoprotein-E (APO-E) levels were analyzed using the ELISA method, and the lipid levels were measured enzymatically using AU480 automatic analyzer (Beckman Coulter).

Results

Compared with non-smokers, the study shows that the mean serum MMP-9, hs-CRP, and APO-E levels were significantly higher in smokers (p<0.001). A strong relationship was also found between MMP-9 and hs-CRP, APO-E, smoking load, and smoking intensity.

Conclusions

A significant association was found between cigarette smoking with MMP-9, and relative exposure to circulating inflammation markers plays a potential role in the pathogenesis of CHD.

Determinants of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) functions beyond proteome in Asian Indians: exploring the fatty acid profile of HDL phospholipids

Impaired high-density lipoprotein (HDL) functions are associated with development of coronary artery disease. In this study, we explored the quantitative differences in HDL (i.e. HDL proteome and fatty acid profile of HDL phospholipids) underlying the functional deficits associated with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The relationship between HDL function and composition was assessed in 65 consecutive ACS patients and 40 healthy controls. Cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) of HDL and lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT) activity were significantly lower in patients with ACS compared to controls. In HDL proteome analysis, HDL isolated from ACS individuals was enriched in apolipoprotein C2 (inhibitor of LCAT), apolipoprotein C4 and serum amyloid A proteins and was deficient in apolipoprotein A-I and A-II. The fatty acid profile of HDL phospholipids analyzed using gas chromatography showed significantly lower percentages of stearic acid (17.4 ± 2.4 vs 15.8 ± 2.8, p = 0.004) and omega-3 fatty acids [eicosapentaenoic acid (1.0 (0.6-1.4) vs 0.7 (0.4-1.0), p = 0.009) and docosahexaenoic acid (1.5 ± 0.7 vs 1.3 ± 0.5, p = 0.03)] in ACS patients compared to controls. Lower percentages of these fatty acids in HDL were associated with higher odds of developing ACS. Our results suggest that distinct phospholipid fatty acid profiles found in HDL from ACS patients could be one of the contributing factors to the deranged HDL functions in these patients apart from the protein content and the inflammatory conditions.

Optimum biscuit from Musa sapientum L. and Vigna unguiculata L. composite flour: effect on pancreatic histology, biochemical and hematological parameters of diabetic rats

This study investigated the effect of consumption of an optimum biscuit from composite flour of Musa sapientum L. ('banana cochon') and Vigna unguiculata L. (cowpea) on the pancreatic histology, biochemical and hematological parameters of streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. The optimum biscuit was evaluated for its chemical properties and glycaemic index. The weekly fasting blood glucose level, food intake and weight of the rats were recorded. The effect of 28 days' consumption of different percentages of optimum biscuit with/without Metformin was also evaluated on the pancreatic histology, biochemical and hematological parameters of rats. Results showed that, the optimum biscuit is rich in minerals (potassium, magnesium and calcium), dietary fibre (9.4%) and is a low glycaemic index product (50.91%). Also, the optimum biscuit significantly lowered/maintained the blood glucose level of diabetic rats even though the weekly weights of the rats were reduced while food intake increased. Nonetheless, the hematological parameters of the treated diabetic rats were significantly (P < 0.05) improved when compared to the untreated diabetic rats groups. With the exception of total serum protein, other biochemical parameters such as serum creatinine, urea, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase and bilirubin in the treated diabetic groups were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced or closer to those of non-diabetic rats. The serum cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein levels were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced while the HDL level significantly increased in treated diabetic groups. Histological examination of the pancreas showed that treatment of diabetic groups with optimum biscuit was able to slow down the destruction (protection) of beta-cells. Thus, optimum biscuit could be used to improve the health status during the management and prevention of complications in diabetic patients.

Impact of Dietary Lipids on the Reverse Cholesterol Transport: What We Learned from Animal Studies

Reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) is a physiological mechanism protecting cells from an excessive accumulation of cholesterol. When this process begins in vascular macrophages, it acquires antiatherogenic properties, as has been widely demonstrated in animal models. Dietary lipids, despite representing a fundamental source of energy and exerting multiple biological functions, may induce detrimental effects on cardiovascular health. In the present review we summarize the current knowledge on the mechanisms of action of the most relevant classes of dietary lipids, such as fatty acids, sterols and liposoluble vitamins, with effects on different steps of RCT. We also provide a critical analysis of data obtained from experimental models which can serve as a valuable tool to clarify the effects of dietary lipids on cardiovascular disease.

High-Density Lipoprotein Subfractions: Much Ado about Nothing or Clinically Important?

High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are a heterogenous group of plasma molecules with a large variety in composition. There is a wide specter in lipid content and the number of different proteins that has been associated with HDL is approaching 100. Given this heterogeneity and the fact that the total amount of HDL is inversely related to the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD), there has been increasing interest in the function of specific HDL subgroups and in what way measuring and quantifying these subgroups could be of clinical importance in determining individual CHD risk. If certain subgroups appear to be more protective than others, it may also in the future be possible to pharmacologically increase beneficial and decrease harmful subgroups in order to reduce CHD risk. In this review we give a short historical perspective, summarize some of the recent clinical findings regarding HDL subclassifications and discuss why such classification may or may not be of clinical relevance.

Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides SD23 Prevents Metabolic Dysfunction Associated with High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity in Male Mice

High-fat diet (HFD) consumption induces obesity and increases blood glucose, insulin resistance, and metabolic disorders. Recent studies suggest that probiotics might be a novel approach to counteract these effects in the treatment of obesity. Here, we evaluated the effect of Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides SD23 on obesity-related metabolic dysfunction. In the present study, mice were randomly divided into four dietary groups: standard diet (C), HFD (OB), standard diet with L. mesenteroides SD23 (CP), and HFD with L. mesenteroides SD23 (OBP). Diets were maintained for 14 weeks. Animal weight was monitored and biochemical and histological analyses were performed after intervention. OB showed metabolic dysfunction, and increased the number of larger adipocytes compared to C. OB induced liver tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression, increased cholesterol, leptin, and glucose levels compared to C. OBP reduced body weight, glucose, cholesterol, and leptin levels and improved glucose tolerance compared to OB. OBP also reduced liver steatosis, the number of larger adipocytes in adipose tissue, and reduced the villus height in the small intestine. OBP decreased expression of TNF-α and increased expression of IL-10 in liver. The parameters evaluated in the CP were similar to the C. This study provides novel evidence that dietary intervention with L. mesenteroides SD23 improves metabolic dysfunction related to obesity in HFD-fed mice.

Phenol-Enriched Virgin Olive Oil Promotes Macrophage-Specific Reverse Cholesterol Transport In Vivo

The intake of olive oil (OO) enriched with phenolic compounds (PCs) promotes ex vivo HDL-mediated macrophage cholesterol efflux in humans. We aimed to determine the effects of PC-enriched virgin OO on reverse cholesterol transport (RevCT) from macrophages to feces in vivo. Female C57BL/6 mice were given intragastric doses of refined OO (ROO) and a functional unrefined virgin OO enriched with its own PC (FVOO) for 14 days. Our experiments included two independent groups of mice that received intragastric doses of the phenolic extract (PE) used to prepare the FVOO and the vehicle solution (saline), as control, for 14 days. FVOO intake led to a significant increase in serum HDL cholesterol and its ability to induce macrophage cholesterol efflux in vitro when compared with ROO group. This was concomitant with the enhanced macrophage-derived [3H]cholesterol transport to feces in vivo. PE intake per se also increased HDL cholesterol levels and significantly promoted in vivo macrophage-to-feces RevCT rate when compared with saline group. PE upregulated the expression of the main macrophage transporter involved in macrophage cholesterol efflux, the ATP binding cassettea1. Our data provide direct evidence of the crucial role of OO PCs in the induction of macrophage-specific RevCT in vivo.

Dietary fatty acids and CD36-mediated cholesterol homeostasis: potential mechanisms

Currently, the prevention and treatment of CVD have been a global focus since CVD is the number one cause of mortality and morbidity. In the pathogenesis of CVD, it was generally thought that impaired cholesterol homeostasis might be a risk factor. Cholesterol homeostasis is affected by exogenous factors (i.e. diet) and endogenous factors (i.e. certain receptors, enzymes and transcription factors). In this context, the number of studies investigating the potential mechanisms of dietary fatty acids on cholesterol homeostasis have increased in recent years. As well, the cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) receptor is a multifunctional membrane receptor involved in fatty acid uptake, lipid metabolism, atherothrombosis and inflammation. CD36 is proposed to be a crucial molecule for cholesterol homeostasis in various mechanisms including absorption/reabsorption, synthesis, and transport of cholesterol and bile acids. Moreover, it has been reported that the amount of fatty acids and fatty acid pattern of the diet influence the CD36 level and CD36-mediated cholesterol metabolism principally in the liver, intestine and macrophages. In these processes, CD36-mediated cholesterol and lipoprotein homeostasis might be impaired by dietary SFA and trans-fatty acids, whereas ameliorated by MUFA in the diet. The effects of PUFA on CD36-mediated cholesterol homeostasis are controversial depending on the amount of n-3 PUFA and n-6 PUFA, and the n-3:n-6 PUFA ratio. Thus, since the CD36 receptor is suggested to be a novel nutrient-sensitive biomarker, the role of CD36 and dietary fatty acids in cholesterol metabolism might be considered in medical nutrition therapy in the near future. Therefore, the novel nutritional target of CD36 and interventions that focus on dietary fatty acids and potential mechanisms underlying cholesterol homeostasis are discussed in this review.

Hypolipidaemic Effects of High Resistant Starch Sago and Red Bean Flour- based Analog Rice on Diabetic Rats

INTRODUCTION

Sago analog rice had known as an example of food with high resistant starch. Recent research shows that sago analog rice and red bean flour also had a low glycemic index (GI). However, Identification of hypolipidaemic mechanism based on the nutrigenomic analysis remains unknown.

AIM

This study aims to determine the effects of hypolipidaemic in diabetic rats with analog rice treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-five male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups with different food treatment, such as standard dietary food (STD) group, and four groups of diabetic rats with standard dietary food (STDD), mentik wangi rice diet (MWRD), sago analog rice (SARD) and sago analog rice with 10% red bean flour (SARKBD). Lipid profile was observed every week for a month. Measurement of insulin and blood glucose was performed twice at the beginning and end of treatment. Atherogenic index (AI) was also investigated. Then, the pancreas was collected for histological analysis.

RESULTS

SARD group showed the highest effect of decreasing the total cholesterol (47.74%) which followed by SARKBD (34.62%). The triglyceride level in SARD group was also significantly decreased (31.14%), followed by SARKBD (19.32%). However, the HDL increase in SARD (48.66%), followed by SARKBD (36.00%). The LDL level in SARD and SARKBD group were significantly decreased, respectively 32.89% and 22.19%. SARD atherogenic index levels lower than SARKBD; 1.00 and 2.06.

CONCLUSION

The improvement of insulin resistance by SARD and SARKBD were generated by role of resistant starch through the mechanism of bile acid binding, insulin sensitivity escalation and SCFA effect.

Human hepatic lipase overexpression in mice induces hepatic steatosis and obesity through promoting hepatic lipogenesis and white adipose tissue lipolysis and fatty acid uptake

Human hepatic lipase (hHL) is mainly localized on the hepatocyte cell surface where it hydrolyzes lipids from remnant lipoproteins and high density lipoproteins and promotes their hepatic selective uptake. Furthermore, hepatic lipase (HL) is closely associated with obesity in multiple studies. Therefore, HL may play a key role on lipid homeostasis in liver and white adipose tissue (WAT). In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of hHL expression on hepatic and white adipose triglyceride metabolism in vivo. Experiments were carried out in hHL transgenic and wild-type mice fed a Western-type diet. Triglyceride metabolism studies included β-oxidation and de novo lipogenesis in liver and WAT, hepatic triglyceride secretion, and adipose lipoprotein lipase (LPL)-mediated free fatty acid (FFA) lipolysis and influx. The expression of hHL promoted hepatic triglyceride accumulation and de novo lipogenesis without affecting triglyceride secretion, and this was associated with an upregulation of Srebf1 as well as the main genes controlling the synthesis of fatty acids. Transgenic mice also exhibited more adiposity and an increased LPL-mediated FFA influx into the WAT without affecting glucose tolerance. Our results demonstrate that hHL promoted hepatic steatosis in mice mainly by upregulating de novo lipogenesis. HL also upregulated WAT LPL and promoted triglyceride-rich lipoprotein hydrolysis and adipose FFA uptake. These data support the important role of hHL in regulating hepatic lipid homeostasis and confirm the broad cardiometabolic role of HL.

ApoA-I mimetic administration, but not increased apoA-I-containing HDL, inhibits tumour growth in a mouse model of inherited breast cancer

Low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) have been associated with breast cancer risk, but several epidemiologic studies have reported contradictory results with regard to the relationship between apolipoprotein (apo) A-I and breast cancer. We aimed to determine the effects of human apoA-I overexpression and administration of specific apoA-I mimetic peptide (D-4F) on tumour progression by using mammary tumour virus-polyoma middle T-antigen transgenic (PyMT) mice as a model of inherited breast cancer. Expression of human apoA-I in the mice did not affect tumour onset and growth in PyMT transgenic mice, despite an increase in the HDLc level. In contrast, D-4F treatment significantly increased tumour latency and inhibited the development of tumours. The effects of D-4F on tumour development were independent of 27-hydroxycholesterol. However, D-4F treatment reduced the plasma oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) levels in mice and prevented oxLDL-mediated proliferative response in human breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 cells. In conclusion, our study shows that D-4F, but not apoA-I-containing HDL, hinders tumour growth in mice with inherited breast cancer in association with a higher protection against LDL oxidative modification.

Serum saturated fatty acid decreases plasma adiponectin and increases leptin throughout pregnancy independently of BMI

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate whether serum concentrations of total saturated fatty acids (SFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and their fractions are associated with plasma adiponectin and leptin concentrations throughout pregnancy.

METHODS

A prospective cohort of 201 pregnant women was followed from gestational weeks 5 to 13, 20 to 26, and 30 to 36. Blood samples were collected at the three visits after 12 h of fasting. Fatty acid concentrations were determined using fast gas-liquid chromatography. Plasma adiponectin (μg/mL) and leptin (ng/dL) concentrations were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Statistical analyses included median adipokine concentrations according to the tertiles of fatty acid distribution and multiple linear mixed-effect models adjusted for body mass index, gestational age, total energy intake, alcohol consumption, and smoking.

RESULTS

Women classified in the third SFA concentration tertile had lower median values of adiponectin compared with those in the first tertile ([first trimester: first tertile = 5.36; third tertile = 5.00]; [second trimester: first tertile = 6.39; third tertile = 4.47]; [third trimester: first tertile = 6.46; third tertile = 4.60]). Similar trends were observed for the 14:0, 16:0 and 18:0 fractions. In the multiple longitudinal models, total SFA (β = -41.039; P = 0.008) and 16:0 were negatively associated with plasma adiponectin (16:0, β = -0.511; P = 0.001). Total PUFA ω-6 (β = 28.961; P = 0.002) and 18:2 ω-6 (β = 0.259, P = 0.006) were positively associated with the adiponectin. Total SFA (β = 0.110, P = 0.007), 14:0 (β = 0.072, P = 0.011), and 20:3 ω-6 (β = 0.039; P = 0.035) were positively associated with plasma leptin.

CONCLUSIONS

Total serum SFA and the 16:0 fraction were negatively associated with plasma adiponectin and positively associated with leptin concentrations. Total ω-6 PUFA was positively associated only with plasma adiponectin concentrations throughout pregnancy.