Postprandial lipoproteins and the molecular regulation of vascular homeostasis

Discordance between Remnant Cholesterol and Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Predicts Cardiovascular Disease: the Kailuan Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that remnant cholesterol (RC) was associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The study aim to identify the association of RC and the discordance between RC and lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) with CVD.

METHODS

Data was obtained from the Kailuan study. RC was calculated as the non high-density lipoprotein cholesterol minus LDL-C. Discordant RC and LDL-C were defined by percentile difference and clinical cutoff points. Cox proportional hazard models were used to explore the association of RC and the discordance between RC and LDL-C with CVD.

RESULTS

Total of 96,769 participants were inclued, with the median age of 51.61 years, 79.56% of male. There was a significant association between RC levels and the risk of CVD, with an HR of 1.10 (95% CI, 1.08-1.13) in the continuous analysis. The discordantly high RC group had a significant increase in CVD, MI, and stroke risk, with HRs of 1.18 (95%CI, 1.10-1.26), 1.23 (1.06-1.43), and 1.15 (1.07-1.24), respectively. Compared to the group with low LDL-C and low RC, the group with low LDL-C and high RC had significantly higher incidences of CVD (HR, 1.33 [95% CI, 1.26-1.40]), MI (HR, 1.59 [95% CI, 1.41-1.80]), and stroke (HR, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.20-1.35]).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated levels of RC and discordantly high RC with LDL-C both were associated with the risk of CVD, MI, and stroke. These findings demonstrate the clinical significance of identifying residual risk related to RC.

Cumulative remnant cholesterol burden increases the risk of cardiovascular disease among young adults

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that remnant cholesterol (RC) was associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) among middle-aged or older adults. However, lack of evidence on long-term exposures to RC and their role in CVD risk among young adults. We thus aimed to explore the association between cumulative RC burden and CVD in young adults.

METHODS

We enrolled participants younger than 45 years free of CVD history in the Kailuan Study who completed the first three health examinations from 2006 to 2010. Cumulative RC burden included cumulative RC burden score, time-weighted cumulative RC, exposure duration of high RC, and time course of RC accumulation. The outcome was the incidence of CVD. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between cumulative RC burden and CVD risk.

RESULTS

A total of 15,219 participants were included (73.70% male, median age 39.13 years). During a median follow-up duration of 8.71 years (interquartile range: 8.4-9.15 years), 502 individuals developed CVD. After adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, highest risk of CVD was observed in participants with the highest cumulative RC burden score (HR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.29-2.12), the highest quartile time-weighted cumulative RC (HR,1.50; 95% CI, 1.15-1.96), the longest exposure duration of high RC (HR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.21-2.42), and those with cumulative RC burden and positive slope (HR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.35-2.36).

CONCLUSIONS

Cumulative RC burden increased the risk of CVD among young adults, suggesting that maintaining low RC levels throughout young adulthood may minimize CVD risk.

KEY LEARNING POINTS

Triglyceride-rich lipoproteins and cardiovascular diseases

The global prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) continues to rise steadily, making it a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Atherosclerosis (AS) serves as a primary driver of these conditions, commencing silently at an early age and culminating in adverse cardiovascular events that severely impact patients' quality of life or lead to fatality. Dyslipidemia, particularly elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), plays a pivotal role in AS pathogenesis as an independent risk factor. Research indicates that abnormal LDL-C accumulation within arterial walls acts as a crucial trigger for atherosclerotic plaque formation. As the disease progresses, plaque accumulation may rupture or dislodge, resulting in thrombus formation and complete blood supply obstruction, ultimately causing myocardial infarction, cerebral infarction, and other common adverse cardiovascular events. Despite adequate pharmacologic therapy targeting LDL-C reduction, patients with cardiometabolic abnormalities remain at high risk for disease recurrence, highlighting the importance of addressing lipid risk factors beyond LDL-C. Recent attention has focused on the causal relationship between triglycerides, triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs), and their remnants in AS risk. Genetic, epidemiologic, and clinical studies suggest a causal relationship between TRLs and their remnants and the increased risk of AS, and this dyslipidemia may be an independent risk factor for adverse cardiovascular events. Particularly in patients with obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease, disordered TRLs and its remnants levels significantly increase the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease development. Accumulation of over-synthesized TRLs in plasma, impaired function of enzymes involved in TRLs lipolysis, and impaired hepatic clearance of cholesterol-rich TRLs remnants can lead to arterial deposition of TRLs and its remnants, promoting foam cell formation and arterial wall inflammation. Therefore, understanding the pathogenesis of TRLs-induced AS and targeting it therapeutically could slow or impede AS progression, thereby reducing cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality, particularly coronary atherosclerotic heart disease.

Characterizing human postprandial metabolic response using multiway data analysis

INTRODUCTION

Analysis of time-resolved postprandial metabolomics data can improve our understanding of the human metabolism by revealing similarities and differences in postprandial responses of individuals. Traditional data analysis methods often rely on data summaries or univariate approaches focusing on one metabolite at a time.

OBJECTIVES

Our goal is to provide a comprehensive picture in terms of the changes in the human metabolism in response to a meal challenge test, by revealing static and dynamic markers of phenotypes, i.e., subject stratifications, related clusters of metabolites, and their temporal profiles.

METHODS

We analyze Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy measurements of plasma samples collected during a meal challenge test from 299 individuals from the COPSAC2000 cohort using a Nightingale NMR panel at the fasting and postprandial states (15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 240 min). We investigate the postprandial dynamics of the metabolism as reflected in the dynamic behaviour of the measured metabolites. The data is arranged as a three-way array: subjects by metabolites by time. We analyze the fasting state data to reveal static patterns of subject group differences using principal component analysis (PCA), and fasting state-corrected postprandial data using the CANDECOMP/PARAFAC (CP) tensor factorization to reveal dynamic markers of group differences.

RESULTS

Our analysis reveals dynamic markers consisting of certain metabolite groups and their temporal profiles showing differences among males according to their body mass index (BMI) in response to the meal challenge. We also show that certain lipoproteins relate to the group difference differently in the fasting vs. dynamic state. Furthermore, while similar dynamic patterns are observed in males and females, the BMI-related group difference is observed only in males in the dynamic state.

CONCLUSION

The CP model is an effective approach to analyze time-resolved postprandial metabolomics data, and provides a compact but a comprehensive summary of the postprandial data revealing replicable and interpretable dynamic markers crucial to advance our understanding of changes in the metabolism in response to a meal challenge.

A Narrative Review of Diabetic Macroangiopathy: From Molecular Mechanism to Therapeutic Approaches

Diabetic macroangiopathy, a prevalent and severe complication of diabetes mellitus, significantly contributes to the increased morbidity and mortality rates among affected individuals. This complex disorder involves multifaceted molecular mechanisms that lead to the dysfunction and damage of large blood vessels, including atherosclerosis (AS) and peripheral arterial disease. Understanding the intricate pathways underlying the development and progression of diabetic macroangiopathy is crucial for the development of effective therapeutic interventions. This review aims to shed light on the molecular mechanism implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic macroangiopathy. We delve into the intricate interplay of chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and dysregulated angiogenesis, all of which contribute to the vascular complications observed in this disorder. By exploring the molecular mechanism involved in the disease we provide insight into potential therapeutic targets and strategies. Moreover, we discuss the current therapeutic approaches used for treating diabetic macroangiopathy, including glycemic control, lipid-lowering agents, and vascular interventions.

12-week melatonin administration had no effect on diabetes risk markers and fat intake in overweight women night workers

Introduction

Interactions between circadian clocks and key mediators of chronic low-grade inflammation associated with fat consumption may be important in maintaining metabolic homeostasis and may pose a risk for the development of obesity-associated comorbidities, especially type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Objective

The aims of the present study were to evaluate the effects of melatonin administration on diabetes risk markers according to dietary lipid profile (pro-inflammatory versus anti-inflammatory) in excessive weight night workers, and to determine the effect of administration on fat consumption profile.

Methods

A randomized, controlled, double-blind, crossover clinical trial involving 27 nursing professionals working permanent night shifts under a 12×36-hour system. The melatonin group (12 weeks) used synthetic melatonin (3 mg) only on days off and between shifts, while the placebo group (12 weeks) was instructed to take a placebo, also on days off and between shifts. For inflammatory characteristics, participants were divided into pro-inflammatory (saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol) and anti-inflammatory (monounsaturated, polyunsaturated fats and EPA + DHA) groups according to fatty acid determinations. At baseline and at the end of each phase, blood glucose, insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin plasma concentrations were collected, and HOMA-IR was calculated.

Conclusion

Melatonin administration for 12 weeks had no effect on T2DM risk markers according to dietary lipid profile (pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory potential) in excessive weight night workers. Among the limitations of the study include the fact that the low dose may have influenced the results expected in the hypothesis, and individual adaptations to night work were not evaluated. The insights discussed are important for future research investigating the influence of melatonin and fats considered anti- or pro-inflammatory on glucose and insulin homeostasis related to night work.

The chylomicron saga: time to focus on postprandial metabolism

Since statins have had such tremendous therapeutic success over the last three decades, the field of atherosclerosis has become somewhat LDL-centric, dismissing the relevance of triglycerides (TG), particularly chylomicrons, in atherogenesis. Nonetheless, 50% of patients who take statins are at risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and are unable to achieve their goal LDL-C levels. This residual risk is mediated, in part by triglyceride rich lipoproteins (TRL) and their remnants. Following his seminal investigation on the subject, Zilversmit proposed that atherosclerosis is a postprandial event in 1979 (1-4). In essence, the concept suggests that remnant cholesterol-rich chylomicron (CM) and very-low density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles play a role in atherogenesis. Given the foregoing, this narrative review addresses the most recent improvements in our understanding of postprandial dyslipidemia. The primary metabolic pathways of chylomicrons are discussed, emphasizing the critical physiological role of lipoprotein lipase and apoCIII, the importance of these particles' fluxes in the postprandial period, their catabolic rate, the complexities of testing postprandial metabolism, and the role of angiopoietin-like proteins in the partition of CM during the fed cycle. The narrative is rounded out by the dysregulation of postprandial lipid metabolism in insulin resistance states and consequent CVD risk, the clinical evaluation of postprandial dyslipidemia, current research limits, and potential future study directions.

Longitudinal proteomic investigation of COVID-19 vaccination

Although the development of COVID-19 vaccines has been a remarkable success, the heterogeneous individual antibody generation and decline over time are unknown and still hard to predict. In this study, blood samples were collected from 163 participants who next received two doses of an inactivated COVID-19 vaccine (CoronaVac®) at a 28-day interval. Using TMT-based proteomics, we identified 1,715 serum and 7,342 peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) proteins. We proposed two sets of potential biomarkers (seven from serum, five from PBMCs) at baseline using machine learning, and predicted the individual seropositivity 57 days after vaccination (AUC = 0.87). Based on the four PBMC's potential biomarkers, we predicted the antibody persistence until 180 days after vaccination (AUC = 0.79). Our data highlighted characteristic hematological host responses, including altered lymphocyte migration regulation, neutrophil degranulation, and humoral immune response. This study proposed potential blood-derived protein biomarkers before vaccination for predicting heterogeneous antibody generation and decline after COVID-19 vaccination, shedding light on immunization mechanisms and individual booster shot planning.

Modification of Breakfast Fat Composition Can Modulate Cytokine and Other Inflammatory Mediators in Women: A Randomized Crossover Trial

Previous trials have demonstrated that modifying dietary fat composition can influence the production of inflammation-related factors. Additionally, it has been suggested that not only the type of fat, but also the timing of fat intake can impact these factors. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of altering breakfast fat composition on inflammatory parameters. A 3-month crossover randomized trial was designed, involving 60 institutionalized women who alternately consumed a breakfast rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (margarine), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (virgin olive oil), or saturated fatty acids (SFA) (butter), based on randomization. The following inflammatory markers were evaluated: epidermal growth factor (EGF), interferon (IFN)-α, interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, C-reactive protein (CRP), and vascular/endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The results showed that the most significant effects were observed with the high-MUFA breakfast, as there was a statistically significant decrease in plasma IL-6 (p = 0.016) and VEGF values (p = 0.035). Other factors, such as IL-1α and CRP, also decreased substantially, but did not reach the statistically significant level. On the other hand, the high-PUFA breakfast induced a significant decrease in EGF levels (p < 0.001), whereas the high-SFA breakfast had no apparent effect on these factors. In conclusion, modifying breakfast fat, particularly by increasing MUFA or PUFA intake, appears to be sufficient for promoting a lower inflammatory marker synthesis profile and may be beneficial in improving cardiovascular complications.

Acute, but not chronic, aerobic exercise alters the impact of ex vivo LDL and fatty acid stimulation on monocytes and macrophages from healthy, young adults

BACKGROUND

Elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride concentrations are associated with future cardiovascular risk in young adults. Conversely, chronic physical activity is generally accepted to reduce CVD risk. Atherosclerosis is a major underlying cause of CVD, and atherogenesis is mediated by peripheral monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages. The study aimed to determine if an individual's physical activity level impacts the phenotype of monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages when stimulated with LDL and fatty acid ex vivo.

METHODS

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained from healthy, young adults of differing physical activity levels before and after a single bout of moderate intensity exercise (25 min at 60% of VO_2peak). PBMCs were stimulated with LDL and palmitate ex vivo prior to differentiation into macrophages. Monocyte subset percentages and monocyte-derived macrophage expression of phenotypic (CD86, CD206) and functional (CCR2, ERK 1/2) markers were evaluated by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Compared to baseline, ex vivo LDL and palmitate stimulation decreased (p = 0.038) non-classical monocyte percentage from 24.7 ± 3.2 to 21.5 ± 2.6% in all participants. When ex vivo lipid stimulation was preceded by acute exercise, non-classical monocyte percentage was similar to baseline levels (p = 0.670, 25.8 ± 2.15%). Macrophage CD86/CD206 was increased from 1.30 ± 0.14 to 1.68 ± 0.19 when preceded by acute exercise in all participants. No differences were observed between participants of differing physical activity levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that acute exercise modulates monocyte phenotype after LDL and palmitate stimulation in a protective manner, however, chronic physical activity does not alter monocyte/macrophage responses to any experimental condition in this population.

Edgeworthia gardneri (Wall.) Meisn. extract protects against myocardial infarction by inhibiting NF-κB-and MAPK-mediated endothelial inflammation

Background

Experimental and clinical evidence has demonstrated a pivotal role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of ischemic heart disease, and targeting inflammation has been shown to provide clinical benefits for patients with coronary disease. Endothelial cells constitute the majority of non-cardiomyocytes in the heart. Endothelial pro-inflammatory activation is recognized as a critical component in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. The dried flowers of Edgeworthia gardneri (Wall.) Meisn. (EG) have been widely used as Tibetan folk medicine to ameliorate a range of metabolic disorders, such as diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and obesity. However, its role in modulating endothelial inflammation and ischemic heart disease has not been evaluated.

Methods and results

Herein, using a preclinical rat model of coronary artery ligation-induced myocardial infarction (MI), we demonstrated that systemic administration of EG extract (EEEG) attenuated ischemic cardiac injury. EEEG reduced myocardial infarct size, improved cardiac function, and ameliorated adverse cardiac remodeling. Moreover, the cardioprotective effects of EEEG were associated with decreased MI-induced myocardial inflammation. Consistent with the anti-inflammatory role of EEEG in vivo, EEEG attenuated TNF-α-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) activation and monocyte-endothelial cell firm adhesion in vitro. Mechanistically, our data showed that EEEG's mode of action suppresses the activation of NF-κB, ERK, and p38 MAPK signaling pathways in ECs. Importantly, we demonstrated that EEEG inhibits endothelial inflammation in an NF-κB- and p38 MAPK-dependent manner using pharmacological inhibitors.

Conclusion

Collectively, this study identified EG as a potential therapeutic agent in attenuating endothelial inflammation and managing ischemic cardiovascular disease.

TECRL deficiency results in aberrant mitochondrial function in cardiomyocytes

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) caused by ventricular arrhythmias is the leading cause of mortality of cardiovascular disease. Mutation in TECRL, an endoplasmic reticulum protein, was first reported in catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia during which a patient succumbed to SCD. Using loss- and gain-of-function approaches, we investigated the role of TECRL in murine and human cardiomyocytes. Tecrl (knockout, KO) mouse shows significantly aggravated cardiac dysfunction, evidenced by the decrease of ejection fraction and fractional shortening. Mechanistically, TECRL deficiency impairs mitochondrial respiration, which is characterized by reduced adenosine triphosphate production, increased fatty acid synthase (FAS) and reactive oxygen species production, along with decreased MFN2, p-AKT (Ser473), and NRF2 expressions. Overexpression of TECRL induces mitochondrial respiration, in PI3K/AKT dependent manner. TECRL regulates mitochondrial function mainly through PI3K/AKT signaling and the mitochondrial fusion protein MFN2. Apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) and cytochrome C (Cyc) is released from the mitochondria into the cytoplasm after siTECRL infection, as demonstrated by immunofluorescent staining and western blotting. Herein, we propose a previously unrecognized TECRL mechanism in regulating CPVT and may provide possible support for therapeutic target in CPVT.

The endoplasmic reticulum protein TECRL promotes mitochondrial function in cardiomyocytes and its knockout in mice leads to cardiac dysfunction, decreased mitochondria function, and elevated levels of reactive oxygen species.

New insight into dyslipidemia‐induced cellular senescence in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis, characterized by lipid‐rich plaques in the arterial wall, is an age‐related disorder and a leading cause of mortality worldwide. However, the specific mechanisms remain complex. Recently, emerging evidence has demonstrated that senescence of various types of cells, such as endothelial cells (ECs), vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), macrophages, endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), and adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) contributes to atherosclerosis. Cellular senescence and atherosclerosis share various causative stimuli, in which dyslipidemia has attracted much attention. Dyslipidemia, mainly referred to elevated plasma levels of atherogenic lipids or lipoproteins, or functional impairment of anti‐atherogenic lipids or lipoproteins, plays a pivotal role both in cellular senescence and atherosclerosis. In this review, we summarize the current evidence for dyslipidemia‐induced cellular senescence during atherosclerosis, with a focus on low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) and its modifications, hydrolysate of triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins (TRLs), and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), respectively. Furthermore, we describe the underlying mechanisms linking dyslipidemia‐induced cellular senescence and atherosclerosis. Finally, we discuss the senescence‐related therapeutic strategies for atherosclerosis, with special attention given to the anti‐atherosclerotic effects of promising geroprotectors as well as anti‐senescence effects of current lipid‐lowering drugs.

Modified Lipoproteins Induce Arterial Wall Inflammation During Atherogenesis

Circulating apolipoprotein B-containing lipoproteins, notably the low-density lipoproteins, enter the inner layer of the arterial wall, the intima, where a fraction of them is retained and modified by proteases, lipases, and oxidizing agents and enzymes. The modified lipoproteins and various modification products, such as fatty acids, ceramides, lysophospholipids, and oxidized lipids induce inflammatory reactions in the macrophages and the covering endothelial cells, initiating an increased leukocyte diapedesis. Lipolysis of the lipoproteins also induces the formation of cholesterol crystals with strong proinflammatory properties. Modified and aggregated lipoproteins, cholesterol crystals, and lipoproteins isolated from human atherosclerotic lesions, all can activate macrophages and thereby induce the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and enzymes. The extent of lipoprotein retention, modification, and aggregation have been shown to depend largely on differences in the composition of the circulating lipoprotein particles. These properties can be modified by pharmacological means, and thereby provide opportunities for clinical interventions regarding the prevention and treatment of atherosclerotic vascular diseases.

Effective, disease-modifying, clinical approaches to patients with mild-to-moderate hypertriglyceridaemia

Plasma triglyceride concentration is easily, inexpensively, and accurately measured, and when elevated is a highly informative disease marker that identifies individuals who frequently have a host of underlying metabolic, inflammatory, and atherogenic risk factors. Although this concept aligns with much that has been discussed regarding the metabolic syndrome, individuals identified with mild-to-moderate hypertriglyceridaemia on a screening lipid profile are not necessarily recognised as having features of the metabolic syndrome and frequently do not receive definitive, meaningful, disease-modifying therapy. This treatment would include (1) lifestyle modification; (2) LDL-lowering therapies to aggressively treat elevated apolipoprotein B-containing particles; (3) antihypertensive therapies that have optimal therapeutic profiles for those individuals with metabolic syndrome; (4) icosapent ethyl for those individuals at high risk, particularly patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease who have residual hypertriglyceridaemia despite treatment with appropriate LDL-lowering therapies; (5) preferential use of cardiovascular protective diabetes therapies, in individuals with diabetes; and (6) antithrombotic therapies for secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in the context of high vascular disease risk and diabetes. Several emerging therapies, such as novel weight reducing, anti-inflammatory, lipid-modifying therapies, and therapies targeting the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, could also soon enter the clinical arena for patients with mild-to-moderate hypertriglyceridaemia and associated metabolic syndrome.

Regulatory Effects of Quercetin on M1/M2 Macrophage Polarization and Oxidative/Antioxidative Balance

Macrophage polarization plays essential and diverse roles in most diseases, such as atherosclerosis, adipose tissue inflammation, and insulin resistance. Homeostasis dysfunction in M1/M2 macrophage polarization causes pathological conditions and inflammation. Neuroinflammation is characterized by microglial activation and the concomitant production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to numerous neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders. Decreased neuroinflammation can be obtained by using natural compounds, including flavonoids, which are known to ameliorate inflammatory responses. Among flavonoids, quercetin possesses multiple pharmacological applications and regulates several biological activities. In the present study, we found that quercetin effectively inhibited the expression of lipocalin-2 in both macrophages and microglial cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). The production of nitric oxide (NO) and expression levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, were also attenuated by quercetin treatment. Our results also showed that quercetin significantly reduced the expression levels of the M1 markers, such as interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and IL-1β, in the macrophages and microglia. The M1 polarization-associated chemokines, C–C motif chemokine ligand (CCL)-2 and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL)-10, were also effectively reduced by the quercetin treatment. In addition, quercetin markedly reduced the production of various reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the microglia. The microglial phagocytic ability induced by the LPS was also effectively reduced by the quercetin treatment. Importantly, the quercetin increased the expression levels of the M2 marker, IL-10, and the endogenous antioxidants, heme oxygenase (HO)-1, glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit (GCLM), and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1). The enhancement of the M2 markers and endogenous antioxidants by quercetin was activated by the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and Akt signaling pathways. Together, our study reported that the quercetin inhibited the effects of M1 polarization, including neuroinflammatory responses, ROS production, and phagocytosis. Moreover, the quercetin enhanced the M2 macrophage polarization and endogenous antioxidant expression in both macrophages and microglia. Our findings provide valuable information that quercetin may act as a potential drug for the treatment of diseases related to inflammatory disorders in the central nervous system.

Endothelial Cell CD36 Reduces Atherosclerosis and Controls Systemic Metabolism

High-fat Western diets contribute to tissue dysregulation of fatty acid and glucose intake, resulting in obesity and insulin resistance and their sequelae, including atherosclerosis. New therapies are desperately needed to interrupt this epidemic. The significant idea driving this research is that the understudied regulation of fatty acid entry into tissues at the endothelial cell (EC) interface can provide novel therapeutic targets that will greatly modify health outcomes and advance health-related knowledge. Dysfunctional endothelium, defined as activated, pro-inflammatory, and pro-thrombotic, is critical in atherosclerosis initiation, in modulating thrombotic events that could result in myocardial infarction and stroke, and is a hallmark of insulin resistance. Dyslipidemia from high-fat diets overwhelmingly contributes to the development of dysfunctional endothelium. CD36 acts as a receptor for pathological ligands generated by high-fat diets and in fatty acid uptake, and therefore, it may additionally contribute to EC dysfunction. We created EC CD36 knockout (CD36°) mice using cre-lox technology and a cre-promoter that does not eliminate CD36 in hematopoietic cells (Tie2e cre). These mice were studied on different diets, and crossed to the low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) knockout for atherosclerosis assessment. Our data show that EC CD36° and EC CD36°/LDLR° mice have metabolic changes suggestive of an uncompensated role for EC CD36 in fatty acid uptake. The mice lacking expression of EC CD36 had increased glucose clearance compared with controls when fed with multiple diets. EC CD36° male mice showed increased carbohydrate utilization and decreased energy expenditure by indirect calorimetry. Female EC CD36°/LDLR° mice have reduced atherosclerosis. Taken together, these data support a significant role for EC CD36 in systemic metabolism and reveal sex-specific impact on atherosclerosis and energy substrate use.

Low-Dose Piperlongumine Rescues Impaired Function of Endothelial Progenitor Cells and Reduces Cerebral Ischemic Injury in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice

It is of great clinical significance to develop potential novel strategies to prevent cardio-cerebrovascular complications in patients with hyperlipidemia. Vascular Endothelial integrity and function play a key role in the prevention of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) can home to sites of ischemic injury and promote endothelial regeneration and neovascularization. Hypercholesterolemia impairs the function of EPC. The present study attempted to identify the effect of piperlongumine on EPCs’ angiogenic potential and cerebral ischemic injury in high-fat diet-fed (HFD-fed) mice. Here, we showed that treatment with low-does piperlongumine (0.25 mg/kg/day) for 8 weeks significantly improved EPCs function and reduced the cerebral ischemic injury (both infarct volumes and neurobehavioral outcomes) in HFD-fed mice. In addition, low-dose piperlongumine administration increased intracellular NO level and reduced intracellular O₂^- level in EPCs of HFD-fed mice. Moreover, incubation with piperlongumine (1.0 μM, 24 h) reduced thrombospondin-1/2 (TSP-1/2, a potent angiogenesis inhibitor) expression levels in EPCs from HFD-fed mice, increased the therapeutic effect of EPC from HFD-fed mice on cerebral ischemic injury reduction and angiogenesis promotion in HFD-fed mice, and the donor derived EPCs homed to the recipient ischemic brain. In conclusion, low-dose piperlongumine can enhance EPCs’ angiogenic potential and protect against cerebral ischemic injury in HFD-fed mice. It is implied that treatment with low-dose piperlongumine might be a potential option to prevent ischemic diseases (including stroke) in patients with hyperlipidemia, and priming with piperlongumine might be a feasible way to improve the efficacy of EPC-based therapy for ischemic diseases.

Atheroprotective Effects and Molecular Mechanism of Berberine

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Atherosclerosis is the main pathological basis of cardiovascular diseases and it is closely associated with hyperlipidemia, endothelial injury, macrophage-derived foam cells formation, proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), platelet aggregation, and altered gut microbiota. Various symptomatic treatments, that are currently used to inhibit atherosclerosis, need to be administered in long term and their adverse effects cannot be ignored. Berberine (BBR) has beneficial effects on atherosclerosis through regulating multiple aspects of its progression. This review highlights the recent advances in understanding the anti-atherosclerosis mechanism of BBR. BBR alleviated atherosclerosis by attenuation of dyslipidemia, correction of endothelial dysfunction, inhibition of macrophage inflammation and foam cell formation, activation of macrophage autophagy, regulation of the proliferation and migration of VSMCs, attenuation of platelet aggregation, and modulation of gut microbiota. This review would provide a modern scientific perspective to further understanding the molecular mechanism of BBR attenuating atherosclerosis and supply new ideas for atherosclerosis management.

Systems pharmacological study based on UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS, network pharmacology and experimental validation to explore the potential mechanisms of Danggui-Shaoyao-San against atherosclerosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Atherosclerosis (AS) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Danggui-Shaoyao-San (DSS) is not only a representative Chinese formula to treat gynecological disorder, but also found its use in AS-related diseases. However, the active ingredients and the anti-AS effects are vague yet.

AIM OF THE STUDY

An integrated strategy combined ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole-Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS), network pharmacology and experiments was carried out to investigate the potential materials and pharmacological mechanisms of DSS for AS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-HRMS was applied to identify the active compositions of DSS. Then, the putative targets of DSS relevant to AS were predicted from TCMSP and BATMAN, which were further determined through bioinformatic analyses, including protein-protein interactions (PPI), Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Finally, Western blot, qPCR and ELISA were carried out for target validation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

RESULTS

A total of 37 active ingredients of DSS, connecting 47 key targets were identified. The functional enrichment showed that DSS may treat AS through regulating a series of signaling pathways which involving inflammatory responses, immune systems and metabolism. The in vitro experiment revealed that DSS ameliorated AS mainly through anti-inflammatory effects, by reducing the levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1), IL-6, TNF-α, cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) and IL-1β. DSS also inhibited the phosphorylation of IκB-α, NF-κB (p65), p38 and JNK in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced HUVEC injury model. Moreover, as the main bioactive compounds of DSS, paeoniflorin (PF), ferulic acid (FA) and pachymic acid (PA) inhibited IL-6 and TNF-α secretion as well as IκB-α, NF-κB (p65), p38 and JNK activation. All these findings were consistent with the predicted targets and pathways.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, the basic pharmacological effects and relevant mechanisms of DSS in the treatment of AS were revealed. The results suggest that DSS is a potential drug for AS treatment, and PF, FA, PA may be the core compositions contributing to the pharmacological function of this formula.

Oleanolic Acid-Enriched Olive Oil Alleviates the Interleukin-6 Overproduction Induced by Postprandial Triglyceride-Rich Lipoproteins in THP-1 Macrophages

Oleanolic acid (OA), a triterpene that is highly present in olive leaves, has been proposed as a component of functional foods for the prevention of metabolic syndrome, due to its anti-inflammatory activity. We analyzed the effects of OA on inflammatory parameters and signaling proteins in LPS-stimulated THP-1 macrophages. Thus, THP-1 macrophages were incubated with LPS for 48 h after pretreatment with OA at different concentrations. Pretreatment with OA was significantly effective in attenuating IL-6 and TNF-α overproduction induced by LPS in macrophages, and also improved the levels of AMPK-α. We also evaluated the effects of human triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) derived from individuals consuming an OA-enriched functional olive oil. For this purpose, TRLs were isolated from healthy adolescents before, 2 and 5 h postprandially after the intake of a meal containing the functional olive oil or common olive oil, and were incubated with THP-1 macrophages. THP-1 macrophages incubated with TRLs isolated at 2 h after the consumption of the OA-enriched olive oil showed significant lower levels of IL-6 compared to the TRLs derived from olive oil. Our results suggest that OA might have potential to be used as a lipid-based formulation in functional olive oils to prevent inflammatory processes underlying metabolic syndrome in adolescents.

Triglyceride-Rich Lipoprotein Remnants and Cardiovascular Disease

BACKGROUND

Triglycerides, cholesterol, and their metabolism are linked due to shared packaging and transport within circulating lipoprotein particles. While a case for a causal role of cholesterol-carrying low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) in atherosclerosis is well made, the body of scientific evidence for a causal role of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) is rapidly growing, with multiple lines of evidence (old and new) providing robust support.

CONTENT

This review will discuss current perspectives and accumulated evidence that an overabundance of remnant lipoproteins stemming from intravascular remodeling of nascent TRLs-chylomicrons and very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL)-results in a proatherogenic milieu that augments cardiovascular risk. Basic mechanisms of TRL metabolism and clearance will be summarized, assay methods reviewed, and pivotal clinical studies highlighted.

SUMMARY

Remnant lipoproteins are rendered highly atherogenic by their high cholesterol content, altered apolipoprotein composition, and physicochemical properties. The aggregate findings from multiple lines of evidence suggest that TRL remnants play a central role in residual cardiovascular risk.

Differences in the reaction of hyperlipidemia on different endothelial progenitor cells based on sex

The sex of a patient can affect the outcomes of several cardiovascular diseases, and men generally tend to experience earlier episodes of cardiovascular diseases compared with women. The progression of atherosclerosis during hyperlipidemia can be induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidized-low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL). By contrast, bone marrow (BM)-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) have been reported to serve a protective role against atherosclerosis. The aim of the present was to compare the effects of sex under conditions of hyperlipidemia on different populations of EPCs, and to identify the potential underlying mechanisms. EPC numbers and ROS levels in the blood and BM were measured using fluorescence activated cell sorting in male and female LDL receptor knock-out C57BL/6 mice maintained on a high-fat diet for 6 months, and in male and female wild type C57BL/6 mice following ox-LDL injection for 3 days. Female hyperlipidemic mice exhibited lower levels of plasma lipids, atherosclerotic plaque formation, intracellular EPC ROS formation and inflammatory cytokine levels. Furthermore, BM CD34⁺/ fetal liver kinase-1 (Flk-1⁺), CD34⁺/CD133⁺ and stem cell antigen-1⁺/Flk-1⁺, as well as all circulating EPCs, were maintained at higher levels in female hyperlipidemic mice. In addition, similar changes with regards to BM CD34⁺/Flk-1⁺, CD34⁺/CD133⁺, c-Kit⁺/CD31⁺ and circulating CD34⁺/Flk1⁺ and CD34⁺/CD133⁺ EPCs were observed in female mice following ox-LDL treatment. These sustained higher levels of BM and circulating EPCs in female mice with hyperlipidemia may be associated with reduced levels of ox-LDL as a result of reduced intracellular ROS formation in EPCs and decreased inflammatory cytokine production.

A metabolomics study of Qianliexin capsule treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia induced by testosterone propionate in the rat model

A metabolomics investigation of the treatment effect of Qianliexin (QLX) capsules was conducted on rats with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) induced by testosterone propionate. Establishment of the BPH model was confirmed using the prostatic index. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining for TGF-β, EGFR, collagen, IL-1 β, TNF-α was performed and changes in urine volume were measured. Urine and serum samples were collected from three groups, including a control group, a BPH model group and a QLX-treated group and subjected to metabolomics profiling based on ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Pharmacodynamics analysis showed that the QLX group had significantly lower histopathological damage, fibrosis damage, and inflammation and higher urine output compared with the model group. Twenty-two potential biomarkers were identified in urine samples and 23 metabolites were identified in plasma samples. Alterations in metabolic patterns were evident in all sample types. The treatment effects of QLX appear to involve various metabolic pathways including lipid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism and purine generation and significantly reduced the pathological symptoms and related biochemical indicators of BPH and improved the level of potential marker metabolites. This comprehensive study suggested that differential markers provided insights into the metabolic pathways involved in BPH and the treatment effects of QLX.

Apolipoprotein C3 aggravates diabetic nephropathy in type 1 diabetes by activating the renal TLR2/NF-κB pathway

OBJECTIVE

Apolipoprotein C3 (ApoC3) is a regulator of triglyceride metabolism and inflammation, and its plasma levels are positively correlated with the progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN) in patients. However, the role and underlying mechanism of ApoC3 in DN remain unclear.

METHODS

Diabetes was induced in ApoC3 transgenic (Tg) and knockout (KO) mice by injection of streptozotocin. We studied the effect of ApoC3 on type 1 DN after 4 months of diabetes. Plasma glucose and lipid levels, renal function parameters and inflammation- and fibrogenesis-related gene and protein expression levels were studied. In vitro, human mesangial cells (HMCs) were incubated with high levels of glucose or/and triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) with a high or low ApoC3 content isolated from Tg or wild-type (WT) mice, respectively, to explore the mechanisms of ApoC3 on development of DN.

RESULTS

We found that compared to WT mice, Tg mice exhibited hypertriglyceridemia (HTG), aggravated early renal function injury and inflammation, enlarged glomerular and mesangial surface areas, renal lipid deposition and elevated fibrogenesis-related gene expression levels after 4 months of diabetes. ApoC3 overexpression activated the renal Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways and increased the renal gene and protein expression levels of the downstream inflammatory factors TNF-α, VCAM-1 and MCP-1. Unfortunately, we did not find that ApoC3 deficiency had an obvious protective effect against DN. In vitro, we found that TRLs with a high ApoC3 content increased the gene and protein expression levels of inflammation- and fibrogenesis-related factors in HMCs compared to those following administration of the same concentration of TRLs with a low ApoC3 content. These effects of ApoC3 were inhibited by blockade of TLR2 or NF-κB.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that ApoC3 aggravates early-stage DN by activating the renal TLR2/NF-κB pathway which is partially independent of HTG.

Abdominal Massage Alleviates Skeletal Muscle Insulin Resistance by Regulating the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α Signaling Pathway

Abdominal massage (AM), a traditional Chinese medicine-based treatment method, has received considerable attention in the recent years. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of AM on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced insulin resistance (IR) in comparison with resveratrol (RSV) treatment. Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following four groups: standard chow diet (control group), high-fat diet (model group), HFD + abdominal massage (AM group), and HFD + resveratrol (RSV group). A rat model of IR was established by feeding HFD to rats for 8 weeks followed by treatment with AM or RSV for 4 weeks. The underlying HFD-induced IR molecular mechanisms were studied in rat serum and skeletal muscles. RSV and AM significantly improved glucose intolerance, hyperglycemia, obesity, and significantly reduced lipid accumulation [triglyceride (TC), total cholesterol (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)], adipocytokine [free fatty acids (FFA), adiponectin (ADPN)] and serum pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) secretion. In addition, AM activated the AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathway in rat skeletal muscle. In conclusion, our results showed that AM could improve IR by regulating the secretion of adipocytokines, pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as related signaling pathways in the skeletal muscle of rats, which might provide insights into development of new treatment methods for the clinical treatment of IR.

Hsa_circ_0004831 downregulation is partially responsible for atorvastatinalleviated human umbilical vein endothelial cell injuries induced by ox-LDL through targeting the miR-182-5p/CXCL12 axis

BACKGROUND

The dysfunction and injury of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) are key events of atherosclerosis (AS). Atorvastatin (ATV) has been shown to play a protective role on endothelial cells. However, the associated molecular mechanisms remain not fully illustrated.

METHODS

HUVECs were treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) to mimic the pathological conditions of endothelial cell injury in AS. Cell injuries were assessed according to cell viability, cell apoptosis, cycle progression, oxidative stress and inflammatory responses using CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry assay or commercial kits. The expression of hsa_circ_0004831, miR-182-5p, and C-X-C motif chemokine 12 (CXCL12) mRNA was examined using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). The expression of CXCL12 protein was quantitated by western blot. The predicted target relationship between miR-182-5p and hsa_circ_0004831 or CXCL12 was verified by pull-down assay, dual-luciferase reporter assay or RIP assay.

RESULTS

The expression of hsa_circ_0004831 was upregulated by ox-LDL but downregulated by ATV in HUVECs. ATV promoted cell viability and cell cycle progression but inhibited apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammation in ox-LDL-treated HUVECs, while the role of ATV was partially reversed by hsa_circ_0004831 overexpression. MiR-182-5p was targeted by hsa_circ_0004831, and hsa_circ_0004831 overexpression-restored apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammation were blocked by miR-182-5p restoration. Further, CXCL12 was targeted by miR-182-5p, and miR-182-5p inhibition-stimulated apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammation were lessened by CXCL12 knockdown.

CONCLUSION

Hsa_circ_0004831-targeted miR-182-5p/CXCL12 regulatory network is one of the pathways by which ATV protects against ox-LDL-induced endothelial injuries.

Crucial role of fatty acid oxidation in asthmatic bronchial smooth muscle remodelling

BACKGROUND

Bronchial smooth muscle (BSM) remodelling in asthma is related to an increased mitochondrial biogenesis and enhanced BSM cell proliferation in asthma. Since (i) mitochondria produce the highest levels of cellular energy and (ii) fatty acid beta-oxidation is the most powerful way to produce ATP, we hypothesized that, in asthmatic BSM cells, energetic metabolism is shifted towards the beta-oxidation of fatty acids.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to characterize BSM cell metabolism in asthma both in vitro and ex vivo to identify a novel target for reducing BSM cell proliferation.

METHODS

Twenty-one asthmatic and 31 non-asthmatic patients were enrolled. We used metabolomic and proteomic approaches to study BSM cells. Oxidative stress, ATP synthesis, fatty acid endocytosis, metabolite production, metabolic capabilities, mitochondrial networks, cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed on BSM cells. Fatty acid content was assessed in vivo using MALDI-spectrometry imaging.

RESULTS

Asthmatic BSM cells were characterized by an increased rate of mitochondrial respiration with a stimulated ATP production and mitochondrial β-oxidation. Fatty acid consumption was increased in asthmatic BSM both in vitro and ex vivo. Proteome remodelling of asthmatic BSM occurred via 2 canonical mitochondrial pathways. The levels of CPT2 and LDL-receptor, which internalize fatty acids through mitochondrial and cell membranes, respectively, were both increased in asthmatic BSM cells. Blocking CPT2 or LDL-receptor drastically and specifically reduced asthmatic BSM cell proliferation.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates a metabolic switch towards mitochondrial beta-oxidation in asthmatic BSM and identifies fatty acid metabolism as a new key target to reduce BSM remodelling in asthma.

MiR-520b inhibits endothelial activation by targeting NF-κB p65-VCAM1 axis

MiR-520b belongs to the miR-373/520 family, is expressed only in human and nonhuman primates. Previous reports indicated that the expression of miR-520b was repressed in human atherosclerotic plaque tissue compared with healthy vessels. However, the role of miR-520b in coronary artery disease still remains to be uncovered. In this study, we demonstrated that endothelial cells (ECs) in human atherosclerotic plaques expressed miR-520b and aimed to elucidate the impact of miR-520b on EC activation and inflammatory response. To determine the potential targets of miR-520b, we performed RNA-seq analysis by transfecting miR-520b mimics in ECs. The quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) validation suggested that miR-520b over-expression reduced pro-inflammatory gene expression (e.g. ICAM1, VCAM1, SELE) while the inhibition of miR-520b induced their expression. By combining bioinformatics prediction and functional assays, we identified that RELA (Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB) Transcription Factor P65) was a direct target of miR-520b. Moreover, miR-520b mimics attenuated monocyte adhesion and monocyte trans-endothelial migration (the initial steps of atherosclerotic formation) in response to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) stimulation. Re-expression of a non-miR-targetable version of p65 could rescue the reduced monocyte cell attachment, suggesting that this process is NF-κB p65 dependent. MiR-520b reduced the abundance of NF-κB p65 in cytoplasmic fractions without corresponding increase in nuclear fractions, indicating that this regulation is independent of p65 translocation process. MiR-520b mimics attenuated the activity of VCAM-1 promoter, whereas miR-520b inhibitor activated its activity. However, miR-520b inhibitor had no effect on promoter activity containing the mutated NF-κB p65 binding sites, strongly demonstrating that the impact of miR-520b on VCAM1 gene is mediated by NF-κB p65. Thus, we concluded that miR-520b suppressed EC inflammation and the cross-talk between monocytes and ECs by down-regulating NF-κB p65-ICAM1/VCAM1 axis and might serve as a potential therapeutic target for EC dysfunction and atherosclerosis.

Effects of dietary fat quality on metabolic endotoxaemia: a systematic review

In this systematic review, we critically evaluated human clinical trials that assessed the effects of dietary fat quality on metabolic endotoxaemia. The studies were selected from three databases (PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Library), and the keywords were defined according to the Medical Subject Headings indexing terminology. Two authors searched independently, according to the pre-defined selection criteria. Quality and risk assessment of bias for each selected study were also evaluated. The results of the included studies demonstrated associations between higher SFA intake and increased postprandial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentrations. On the other hand, after the consumption of PUFA, bloodstream LPS concentrations were lower. However, in none of the long-term studies, the consumption of dietary fats did not seem to exert effects on LPS concentration. Hence, SFA seem to act as a risk factor for transient increase in endotoxaemia, while PUFA demonstrated exerting a protective effect. Taken together, the evidence suggests that the dietary fatty acid profile may influence bloodstream endotoxin concentrations through modulation of factors such LPS clearance, alkaline phosphatase activity, bile acid metabolism, intestinal permeability and intestinal microbiota composition.

Anthocyanins attenuate vascular and inflammatory responses to a high fat high energy meal challenge in overweight older adults: A cross-over, randomized, double-blind clinical trial

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Postprandial metabolic imbalances are important indicators of later developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study investigated the effects of food anthocyanins on vascular and microvascular function, and CVD associated biomarkers following a high fat high energy (HFHE) meal challenge in overweight older adults.

METHODS

Sixteen subjects (13 female, 3 male, mean age 65.9 SD 6.0 and body mass index 30.6 kg/m² SD 3.9) participated in a crossover, randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial (registered under Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, identifier no. ACTRN12620000437965). Participants consumed a HFHE meal with a 250 mL dose of either intervention (anthocyanins-rich Queen Garnet Plum) or control (apricot) juice. Blood samples and blood pressure measures were collected at baseline, 2 h and 4 h following the HFHE meal. Vascular and microvascular function were evaluated at baseline and 2 h after the HFHE meal.

RESULTS

Participants had a higher 2 h postprandial flow-mediated dilatation (+1.14%) and a higher microvascular post-occlusive reactive hyperaemia (+0.10 perfusion units per mmHg) when allocated to the anthocyanin compared to the control arm (P = 0.019 and P = 0.049, respectively). C-reactive protein was lower 4 h postprandially in the anthocyanins (1.80 mg/L, IQR 0.90) vs control arm (2.30 mg/L, IQR 1.95) (P = 0.026), accompanied by a trend for lower concentrations of interleukin-6 (P = 0.075). No significant postprandial differences were observed between treatments for blood pressure, triacylglycerol, total cholesterol, serum derivatives of reactive oxidative metabolites, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1 beta, or maximum microvascular perfusion following iontophoresis of acetylcholine.

CONCLUSION

Fruit-based anthocyanins attenuated the potential postprandial detrimental effects of a HFHE challenge on parameters of vascular and microvascular function, and inflammatory biomarkers in overweight older adults. Anthocyanins may reduce cardiovascular risk associated with endothelial dysfunction and inflammatory responses to a typical high fat 'Western' meal. Further studies are required to better elucidate the clinical implications of postprandial biomarkers of CVD.

Dietary macronutrients do not differently affect postprandial vascular endothelial function in apparently healthy overweight and slightly obese men

Purpose

Well-designed trials comparing side-by-side effects of macronutrients on postprandial endothelial function are missing. Therefore, we investigated under well-controlled and isocaloric condition effects of fat, carbohydrates, and protein on postprandial endothelial function as assessed by brachial artery flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD), an important non-invasive technique to assess endothelial function.

Methods

Eighteen apparently healthy overweight and slightly obese men (BMI 26.0–35.0 kg/m²) completed this randomized, double-blinded, cross-over trial. The study consisted of three test days each separated by a wash-out period of at least 1 week. After an overnight fast, men received an isocaloric meal providing 3987 kJ (953 kcal) that was either high in dietary fat (En% fat [F]/carbohydrates [C]/protein [P]: 52.3, 39.2, 8.0), carbohydrates (En% F/C/P: 9.6, 81.5, 8.6), or protein (En% F/C/P: 10.6, 51.5, 36.9). Fasting and 2-h postprandial FMD responses were measured.

Results

A postprandial decrease of 1.2% point in FMD was observed after the high-protein meal (P = 0.015). However, postprandial changes did not differ between meals (P = 0.45). An increase in baseline brachial artery diameters was observed after the high-protein meal (P < 0.001) and changes differed between meals (P = 0.020). A meal*time interaction was found for plasma glucose concentrations, with the most pronounced increases after the high-carbohydrate meal at T15, T30, T60, and T90 (P < 0.05). A significant time and meal (P < 0.001), but no time*meal effect (P = 0.06) was found for serum insulin concentrations. Increases in serum triacylglycerol concentrations did not differ between meals (P = 0.014).

Conclusion

Macronutrients did not differently affect postprandial endothelial function in apparently healthy overweight and slightly obese men.

Trial registration

Trial registration number (ClinicalTrials.gov) NCT03139890 in May 2017

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00394-020-02340-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

miRNA/Target Gene Profile of Endothelial Cells Treated with Human Triglyceride-Rich Lipoproteins Obtained after a High-Fat Meal with Extra-Virgin Olive Oil or Sunflower Oil

SCOPE

The effects of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) on the miRNA expression of endothelial cells, which are very involved in atherosclerosis, according to the type of diet are not known.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The differences between the effects of TRLs isolated from blood of subjects after a high-fat meal with extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) and sunflower oil (SO) on the microRNA-Seq profile related to atherosclerosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells are analyzed. 28 upregulated microRNAs with EVOO-derived TRLs, which can regulate 22 genes related to atherosclerosis, are found. 21 upregulated microRNAs with SO-derived TRLs, which can regulate 20 genes related to atherosclerosis, are found. These microRNAs are mainly involved in angiogenesis, with a predominance of an anti-angiogenic effect with EVOO-derived TRLs. Other microRNAs upregulated with SO-derived TRLs are involved in cardiovascular diseases. Pathways for the target genes obtained from the upregulated microRNA with EVOO-derived TRLs are involved in lipid metabolism and inflammatory and defense response, while those with SO-derived TRLs are involved in lipid metabolic process.

CONCLUSION

EVOO-derived TRLs seem to produce a more atheroprotective profile than SO-derived TRLs. This study provides alternative mechanisms on the protective role of EVOO against the atherogenic process through microRNA regulation in endothelial cells.

Immunometabolism orchestrates training of innate immunity in atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is characterized by a persistent, low-grade inflammation of the arterial wall. Monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages play a pivotal role in the various stages of atherosclerosis. In the past few years, metabolic reprogramming has been identified as an important controller of myeloid cell activation status. In addition, metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming are key regulatory mechanisms of trained immunity, which denotes the non-specific innate immune memory that can develop after brief stimulation of monocytes with microbial or non-microbial stimuli. In this review, we build the case that metabolic reprogramming of monocytes and macrophages, and trained immunity in particular, contribute to the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. We discuss the specific metabolic adaptations, including changes in glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, and cholesterol metabolism, that have been reported in atherogenic milieus in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we will focus on the role of these metabolic pathways in the development of trained immunity.

Triglyceride/High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio Is Associated with In-Hospital Mortality in Acute Type B Aortic Dissection

Background

Triglyceride/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-c) ratio varies with vascular and other metabolic diseases. However, its role in acute type B aortic dissection is not well understood. In the current study, we evaluated the relationship between TG/HDL-c ratio and in-hospital mortality in type B aortic dissection.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients between January 2015 and December 2018, by targeting dependent (TG/HDL-c ratio) and independent (in-hospital mortality) variables. TG/HDL-c ratio was determined as a division of TG levels by HDL-c levels.

Results

Of 523 patients in the study, we found a mean age of 55.00 ± 11.74 years, 15.68% of them being female. A fully-adjusted model revealed a positive relationship between TG/HDL-c ratio and in-hospital mortality in acute type B aortic dissection after adjusting confounders (OR = 2.08, 95% CI 1.32 to 3.27). This relationship was also nonlinear, with a point of 2.05. OR values (and confidence intervals) for the right (>2.05) and left (≤2.05) sides of the inflection point were 1.0 (0.580-1.26, P = 0.983) and 3.17 (1.54-6.57, P = 0.001), respectively.

Conclusions

The TG/HDL-c ratio and in-hospital mortality in type B AAD have a nonlinear relationship among Chinese population. This ratio increased in-hospital mortality when it is less than 2.05.

Effect of high-carbohydrate or high-monounsaturated fatty acid diets on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Context

Current dietary guidelines for cardiovascular disease risk management recommend restricting intake of saturated fatty acids (SFAs). However, the optimal macronutrient profile, in the context of a low-SFA diet, remains controversial. The blood-pressure effect of replacing SFAs in diets with monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) compared with carbohydrate has not been quantified to date.

Objective

To synthesize the evidence for the effect of substituting a high-carbohydrate (high-CHO) diet for a high-monounsaturated fatty acid (high-MUFA) diet on blood pressure, a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials in a population without health restrictions was conducted.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials were searched through June 7, 2017. Randomized controlled trials of > 3 weeks duration that assessed the effect of high-MUFA diets in isocaloric substitution for high-CHO diets on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were included.

Data Extraction

Data were pooled using the generic-inverse variance method with random effects models and expressed as mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was assessed by Cochran Q statistic and quantified by the I2 statistic. The quality of the evidence was assessed with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system.

Results

Fourteen trials (n = 980 participants) were included in the analysis. Comparatively, the high-MUFA diets in isocaloric substitution for high-CHO diets did not demonstrate a greater reduction in blood pressure (SBP: MD, -0.08 mmHg [95%CI, -1.01 to 0.84], P = 0.86; DBP: MD = 0.01 mmHg [95%CI, -0.73 to 0.75], P = 0.98). The overall quality of the evidence was assessed as moderate.

Conclusions

In the context of low SFAs, high-MUFA diets in isocaloric substitution for high-CHO diets did not affect blood pressure in individuals with and without hypertension. Large-scale trials achieving higher MUFA targets are required to support these findings.

ClinicalTrials.gov ID

NCT02626325.

Serum triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations and lipoprotein profiles in dogs with naturally occurring pancreatitis and healthy control dogs

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have reported an association between hyperlipidemia and pancreatitis in dogs, but details of this association remain poorly defined.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES

To compare serum triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations and lipoprotein profiles between dogs with naturally occurring pancreatitis and healthy dogs.

ANIMALS

Seventeen dogs with a clinical diagnosis of pancreatitis (Group 1) and 53 healthy control dogs (Group 2).

METHODS

Prospective case-control study.

RESULTS

In Group 1, 3/17 dogs (18%) had hypertriglyceridemia whereas in Group 2, 4/53 dogs (7.5%) had hypertriglyceridemia (odds ratio [OR], 2.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.52-13.14; P = .35). A significant difference was found in serum triglyceride concentrations between Group 1 (median, 67 mg/dL) and Group 2 (median, 54 mg/dL; P = .002). In Group 1, 4/17 dogs (24%) had hypercholesterolemia, whereas 1/53 (1.9%) dogs in Group 2 had hypercholesterolemia (OR, 16; 95% CI, 1.64-155.5; P = .01). No significant difference was found in serum cholesterol concentrations between Group 1 (median, 209 mg/dL) and Group 2 (median, 227 mg/dL; P = .56). Lipoprotein profiles were significantly different between Group 1 and Group 2 dogs (Eigenvalues, 0.6719; R² = 1.0; P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Most dogs with pancreatitis (>70%) had serum triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations within reference intervals. In the small percentage of dogs that had hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, or both, increases were mild. Important differences were identified in lipoprotein profiles between dogs with pancreatitis and healthy control dogs. Dogs with pancreatitis had higher low-density lipoprotein fractions and lower triglyceride-rich lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein fractions than healthy dogs.

Apheresis as emerging treatment option in severe early onset preeclampsia

Based on an early suggestion by Winkler et al. 2003 and a subsequent successful study by Wang et al. 2006 using lipid apheresis (LA) in 9 patients with preeclampsia to prolong pregnancies, the use of apheresis as therapeutic option in severe early onset preeclampsia has received increasing attention. Further studies using different LA systems also prolonged pregnancy and have been published in the last few years. Albeit using different LA systems and relying on different working hypothesis, all studies demonstrated a promising stabilisation against the disease's progression. Overall time from hospitalisation to the need for mandatory delivery was longer for those patients receiving apheresis compared to historical or matched control patients not receiving apheresis. These data will be reviewed and different hypotheses about the beneficial mechanism of action of apheresis will be discussed. Since up to now there is no curative treatment for preeclampsia other than observation and delivery, future work shall be encouraged.

Impact of Red Beetroot Juice on Vascular Endothelial Function and Cardiometabolic Responses to a High-Fat Meal in Middle-Aged/Older Adults with Overweight and Obesity: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial

BACKGROUND

High-fat meal (HFM) consumption may induce transient postprandial atherogenic responses, including impairment of vascular endothelial function, in individuals with overweight/obesity. Red beetroot juice (RBJ) may modulate endothelial function and other measures of cardiometabolic health.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the impact of acute and chronic RBJ consumption, including nitrate-dependent and -independent effects, on postprandial endothelial function and other cardiometabolic responses to a HFM.

METHODS

Fifteen men and postmenopausal women with overweight/obesity were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 4-period, crossover clinical trial. Following an overnight fast, participants underwent baseline assessment of endothelial function (reactive hyperemia index; RHI) and hemodynamics, and biological sample collection. In random order, participants consumed 70 mL (acute visit) of: 1) RBJ, 2) nitrate-free RBJ (NF-RBJ), 3) placebo + nitrate (PBO + NIT), or 4) placebo (PBO), followed by a HFM. RHI was remeasured 4 h post-HFM, and hemodynamic assessment and biological sample collection were performed 1, 2, and 4 h post-HFM consumption. Participants consumed treatments daily for 4 wk (chronic visit), and assessments were repeated before/after the HFM (without consuming treatments).

RESULTS

HFM consumption did not induce significant impairment of postprandial RHI. No significant differences in RHI were detected across treatment groups following acute or chronic exposure, despite increases in circulating nitrate/nitrite (NOx) concentrations in the RBJ and PBO + NIT groups compared with PBO and NF-RBJ (P < 0.0001 for all time points at the acute visit; P < 0.05 for all time points at the chronic visit). Although the HFM led to significant alterations in several secondary outcomes, there were no consistent treatment effects on postprandial cardiometabolic responses.

CONCLUSIONS

HFM consumption did not impair postprandial endothelial function in this population, and RBJ exposure did not alter postprandial endothelial function or other outcomes despite increasing NOx concentrations. This trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02949115.

The Postprandial Appearance of Features of Cardiometabolic Risk: Acute Induction and Prevention by Nutrients and Other Dietary Substances

The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of diets, food, and food components that affect postprandial inflammation, endothelial function, and oxidative stress, which are related to cardiometabolic risk. A high-energy meal, rich in saturated fat and sugars, induces the transient appearance of a series of metabolic, signaling and physiological dysregulations or dysfunctions, including oxidative stress, low-grade inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction, which are directly related to the amplitude of postprandial plasma triglycerides and glucose. Low-grade inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are also known to cluster together with insulin resistance, a third risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and type-II diabetes, thus making a considerable contribution to cardiometabolic risk. Because of the marked relevance of the postprandial model to nutritional pathophysiology, many studies have investigated whether adding various nutrients and other substances to such a challenge meal might mitigate the onset of these adverse effects. Some foods (e.g., nuts, berries, and citrus), nutrients (e.g., l-arginine), and other substances (various polyphenols) have been widely studied. Reports of favorable effects in the postprandial state have concerned plasma markers for systemic or vascular pro-inflammatory conditions, the activation of inflammatory pathways in plasma monocytes, vascular endothelial function (mostly assessed using physiological criteria), and postprandial oxidative stress. Although the literature is fragmented, this topic warrants further study using multiple endpoints and markers to investigate whether the interesting candidates identified might prevent or limit the postprandial appearance of critical features of cardiometabolic risk.

Is maternal lipid profile in early pregnancy associated with pregnancy complications and blood pressure in pregnancy and long term postpartum?

BACKGROUND

An atherogenic lipid profile is a risk factor for the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. This ultimately leads to cardiovascular disease. Women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are at increased risk of sustained hypertension and cardiovascular disease later in life. Currently it is unclear whether dyslipidemia during pregnancy contributes to these risks.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to determine the associations between early pregnancy maternal lipid profile, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and blood pressure during and years after pregnancy.

STUDY DESIGN

We included 5690 women from the Generation R Study, an ongoing population-based prospective birth cohort. Two hundred eighteen women (3.8%) developed gestational hypertension and 139 (2.4%) preeclampsia. A maternal lipid profile consisting of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, remnant cholesterol, and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was determined in early pregnancy (median, 13.4 weeks of gestation). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured in early, mid-, and late pregnancy and 6 and 9 years after pregnancy.

RESULTS

Triglycerides and remnant cholesterol in early pregnancy were positively associated with preeclampsia. Maternal lipid levels in early pregnancy were not associated with gestational hypertension. Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and especially triglycerides and remnant cholesterol were positively associated with blood pressure in pregnancy and 6 and 9 years after pregnancy. Triglycerides and remnant cholesterol are positively associated with sustained hypertension 6 and 9 years after pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

An atherogenic lipid profile in early pregnancy reflecting impaired triglyceride-rich lipoprotein metabolism is independently associated with preeclampsia and blood pressure throughout pregnancy but also with sustained hypertension long term postpartum. Lipid levels in early pregnancy may help to identify women at risk for future hypertension and perhaps also women at risk for future cardiovascular disease.

Essential oil from Fructus Alpinia zerumbet (fruit of Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) Burtt.et Smith) protected against aortic endothelial cell injury and inflammation in vitro and in vivo

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Fructus Alpinia zerumbet (FAZ), a dry and ripe fruit of Alpinia zerumbet (Pers.) Burtt. et Smith, is widely used as a spice to treat cardiovascular diseases in clinic as a miao folk medicine in Guizhou Province of China. Essential oil extracted from FAZ (EOFAZ) is the key bioactive ingredients.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to examine the effects and mechanisms of EOFAZ on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endothelial cell injury, inflammation and apoptosis in vitro and in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For the in vitro study, LPS-treated human aortic endothelial cells were used to perform PCR, western blot analysis and immunofluorescence. For the in vivo study, male mouse were divided into four groups, vehicle control group and LPS group received 0.5% Tween-80 in saline; and two EOFAZ groups receive different dose of EOFAZ (90 mg kg ^-1·day^-1, 180 mg kg ^-1·day^-1) respectively. Each group was fed for 7 days by intragastrical administration at daily base. Then, except vehicle control group received saline, mice in other three groups were administered with LPS (1 mg kg ^-1, dissolved in saline) by intraperitoneal injection. 24 h later, Aorta tissue was collected and frozen immediately in liquid N₂, stored at -80 °C for western blot analysis.

RESULTS

We found that EOFAZ completely prevented LPS-induced HAEC activation and inflammation in vitro and in vivo, as assessed by expression of endothelial adhesion molecules, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. Similarly, EOFAZ significantly blunted LPS-induced endothelial injury, as tested by MTT assay, LDH release and caspase-3 activation. We further demonstrated that TLR4-dependent NF-κB signaling may be involved in the process.

CONCLUSION

EOFAZ protected against LPS-induced endothelial cell injury and inflammation likely via inhibition of TLR4-dependent NF-κB signaling.

STRIP2 silencing inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration via P38-AKT-MMP-2 signaling pathway

STRIP2 (FAM40B) was reported to regulate tumor cell migration. Our study aims to discuss the effect of STRIP2 in mouse aortic smooth muscle cell (MOVAS) proliferation and migration processes, which contributes greatly to atherosclerosis formation. In MOVAS cells, STRIP2 depletion suppressed cell proliferation and migration, which were related to a remarkable decrease in matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2)/MMP-9 expression. Additionally, P38 mitogen-activated protein kinases and Protein kinase B (AKT) are inactivated while extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) are activated upon STRIP2 silencing. SB203580 (P38 inhibitor) further reduced AKT phosphorylation (p-AKT) while dehydrocorydaline chloride (Dc; P38 activator) reversed this effect. Furthermore, Dc significantly recovered MMP-2 expression in STRIP2-knockdown cells. As expected, overexpressing STRIP2 exhibited a contrary effect. Dc and AKT activator SC79 reversed the inhibition of cell proliferation and migration induced by STRIP2 silencing. Interestingly, STRIP2 depletion increased vascular endothelial growth factor level significantly. Taken together, STRIP2 contributed to cell proliferation and migration through P38-AKT-MMP-2 signaling in MOVAS cells, indicating the importance of STRIP2 in atherosclerosis.

Meals with Similar Fat Content from Different Dairy Products Induce Different Postprandial Triglyceride Responses in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Cross-Over Trial

BACKGROUND

Postprandial lipemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Dairy products differ in nutrient content and food matrix, and little is known about how different dairy products affect postprandial triglyceride (TG) concentrations.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the effect of meals with similar amounts of fat from different dairy products on postprandial TG concentrations over 6 h in healthy adults.

METHODS

A randomized controlled cross-over study was performed on 47 subjects (30% men), with median (25th-75th percentile) age of 32 (25-46) y and body mass index of 23.6 (21.0-25.8) kg/m2. Meals included 1 of butter, cheese, whipped cream, or sour cream, corresponding to 45 g of fat (approximately 60 energy%). Serum concentrations of TGs (primary outcome), and total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL cholesterol), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL cholesterol), insulin, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids, and plasma glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (secondary outcomes) were measured before the meal and 2, 4, and 6 h postprandially. Incremental AUC (iAUC) was calculated for the responses, and data were analyzed using a linear mixed model.

RESULTS

Sour cream induced a 61% larger TG-iAUC0-6 h compared to whipped cream (P < 0.001), a 53% larger TG-iAUC0-6 h compared to butter (P < 0.001), and a 23% larger TG-iAUC0-6 h compared to cheese (P = 0.05). No differences in TG-iAUC0-6 h between the other meals were observed. Intake of sour cream induced a larger HDL cholesterol-iAUC0-6 h compared to cheese (P = 0.01). Intake of cheese induced a 124% larger insulin iAUC0-6 h compared to butter (P = 0.006). No other meal effects were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

High-fat meals containing similar amount of fat from different dairy products induce different postprandial effects on serum TGs, HDL cholesterol, and insulin in healthy adults. The potential mechanisms and clinical impact of our findings remain to be further elucidated. The study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02836106.

Metabolic Changes Induced by High-Fat Meal Evoke Different Microvascular Responses in Accordance with Adiposity Status

BACKGROUND

Frequently, ingestion of lipids exceeds our daily requirements and constantly exposes humans to circulating lipid overload which may lead to endothelial dysfunction (ED), the earliest marker of atherosclerosis. Nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) technique can detect ED on microcirculation. Using NVC, we aimed to demonstrate if metabolic alterations evoked by high-fat meals can act differently on microvascular endothelial reactivity in lean and women with obesity.

METHODS

Women, aged between 19 and 40 years, were allocated to control group (CG) and with obesity group (OBG) and were subjected to blood analysis for determination of glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) and NVC evaluation at fasting and 30, 60, 120, and 180-min after high-fat meal ingestion. NVC technique evaluated microvascular reactivity through the following variables: red blood cell velocity (RBCV) at rest and after 1-min ischemia (maximal red blood cell velocity, RBCVmax) and time taken to reach it (TRBCVmax). A P value ≤0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

High-fat meal promoted a two-phase response in both groups: one until 60-min, associated with glucose and insulin levels, and the other after 120-min, associated with TG levels. Significant differences between groups were observed concerning insulin and HDL-c concentrations only at fasting and TC, TG, and LDL-c levels in all-time points. Regarding microvascular reactivity, RBCV, RBCVmax, and TRBCVmax were significantly different in OBG at 30-min compared to baseline. RBCVmax and TRBCVmax were significantly different in CG at 30-min and 60-min comparing to fasting. In all-time points, OBG presented RBCV, RBCVmax , and TRBCVmax significantly different in comparison to CG.

CONCLUSION

High-fat meal worsened ED on microcirculation in women with obesity and induced impairment of endothelial function in lean ones, reinforcing the association between high-fat meal and atherosclerosis.

Monoacylglycerol lipase deficiency affects diet-induced obesity, fat absorption, and feeding behavior in CB1 cannabinoid receptor-deficient mice

Excess energy intake causes obesity, which leads to insulin resistance and various other complications of metabolic syndrome, including diabetes, atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Although recent studies have depicted altered lipid metabolism as an underlying feature, the detailed mechanisms are still unclear. Here we describe a possible role in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity for monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL), an enzyme that is also known to hydrolyze the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol in brain. MGL-deficient [MGL-knockout (KO)] mice fed a HFD gained less body weight than wild-type mice and were protected from insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis. Food intake and energy expenditure were not altered in MGL-KO mice, but blood triglyceride levels after oral olive oil gavage were suppressed, indicating a role for MGL in intestinal fat absorption. Experiments with cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB₁)/MGL double-KO mice revealed that these phenotypes may include mechanisms that are independent of CB₁-receptor-mediated endocannabinoid functions. We also noted that MGL-KO mice had less preference for HFD over normal chow diet. Oral but not intraperitoneal lipid administration strongly suppressed the appetites of MGL-KO and CB₁/MGL double-KO mice, but not of wild-type and CB₁-KO mice. Appetite suppression was reversed by vagotomy, suggesting involvement of MGL in the gut-brain axis regulation of appetite. Our results provide mechanistic insights of MGL's role in diet-induced obesity, lipid metabolic disorder, and regulation of appetite.-Yoshida, K., Kita, Y., Tokuoka, S. M., Hamano, F., Yamazaki, M., Sakimura, K., Kano, M., Shimizu, T. Monoacylglycerol lipase deficiency affects diet-induced obesity, fat absorption, and feeding behavior in CB₁ cannabinoid receptor-deficient mice.

Increased inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress and oxidative stress in endothelial and macrophage cells exacerbate atherosclerosis in ApoCIII transgenic mice

Background

Overexpression of apolipoprotein CIII (ApoCIII) leads to hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) which promotes atherosclerosis development. However, it remains unclear whether ApoCIII affects the atherosclerosis alone by promoting the inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, or in combination with HTG.

Methods

Transgenic (ApoCIIItg) mouse models were used to investigate the atherogenic role of ApoCIII. Since endothelial cells and macrophages play crucial roles in atherosclerosis, we examined whether triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs), the major lipoproteins, in plasma of ApoCIIItg mice affect inflammation and ER stress levels in these cells. To further investigate the role of ApoCIII and triglyceride, we incubated HUVECs cells and peritoneal macrophages with TRLs with or without ApoCIII.

Results

Increased inflammation and ER stress were found in the aorta of ApoCIIItg mice. TRLs increased ER stress and oxidative stress in HUVECs and macrophages in a dose dependent. Moreover, TRLs together with ApoCIII could induce a higher inflammation level than TRLs alone in these cells.

Conclusions

Both TRLs and ApoCIII contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis, and the modulation of TRLs and ApoCIII may represent a novel therapeutic approach against HTG induced atherosclerosis.