Aging and plasma triglyceride metabolism

The companion dog as a model for inflammaging: a cross-sectional pilot study

Inflammaging, the chronic, progressive proinflammatory state associated with aging, has been associated with multiple negative health outcomes in humans. The pathophysiology of inflammaging is complex; however, it is often characterized by high serum concentrations of inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and C-reactive protein (CRP). Few studies have evaluated the effects of age on inflammatory cytokines in companion dogs, and most of these studies included dogs of a single breed. In this cross-sectional study, we measured multiple circulating inflammatory markers and hematological parameters in banked serum samples from 47 healthy companion dogs of various breeds enrolled in the Dog Aging Project. Using univariate linear models, we investigated the association of each of these markers with age, sex, body weight, and body condition score (BCS), a measure of obesity in the dog. Serum IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α concentrations were all positively associated with age. Lymphocyte count was negatively associated with age. Platelet count had a negative association with body weight. IL-2, albumin, cholesterol, triglyceride, bilirubin, S100A12, and NMH concentrations were not associated with age, weight, BCS, or sex after adjustment for multiple comparisons. Our findings replicate previous findings in humans, including increases in IL-6 and TNF-α with age, giving more evidence to the strength of the companion dog as a model for human aging.

The NDR family of kinases: essential regulators of aging

Aging is defined as a progressive decline of cognitive and physiological functions over lifetime. Since the definition of the nine hallmarks of aging in 2013 by López-Otin, numerous studies have attempted to identify the main regulators and contributors in the aging process. One interesting group of proteins whose participation has been implicated in several aging hallmarks are the nuclear DBF2-related (NDR) family of serine-threonine AGC kinases. They are one of the core components of the Hippo signaling pathway and include NDR1, NDR2, LATS1 and LATS2 in mammals, along with its highly conserved metazoan orthologs; Trc in Drosophila melanogaster, SAX-1 in Caenorhabditis elegans, CBK1, DBF20 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and orb6 in Saccharomyces pombe. These kinases have been independently linked to the regulation of widely diverse cellular processes disrupted during aging such as the cell cycle progression, transcription, intercellular communication, nutrient homeostasis, autophagy, apoptosis, and stem cell differentiation. However, a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art knowledge regarding the post-translational modifications of and by NDR kinases in aging has not been conducted. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the NDR family of kinases, focusing on their relevance to various aging hallmarks, and emphasize the growing body of evidence that suggests NDR kinases are essential regulators of aging across species.

NMR metabolomic modeling of age and lifespan: A multicohort analysis

Metabolomic age models have been proposed for the study of biological aging, however, they have not been widely validated. We aimed to assess the performance of newly developed and existing nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) metabolomic age models for prediction of chronological age (CA), mortality, and age-related disease. Ninety-eight metabolic variables were measured in blood from nine UK and Finnish cohort studies (N ≈31,000 individuals, age range 24-86 years). We used nonlinear and penalized regression to model CA and time to all-cause mortality. We examined associations of four new and two previously published metabolomic age models, with aging risk factors and phenotypes. Within the UK Biobank (N ≈102,000), we tested prediction of CA, incident disease (cardiovascular disease (CVD), type-2 diabetes mellitus, cancer, dementia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and all-cause mortality. Seven-fold cross-validated Pearson's r between metabolomic age models and CA ranged between 0.47 and 0.65 in the training cohort set (mean absolute error: 8-9 years). Metabolomic age models, adjusted for CA, were associated with C-reactive protein, and inversely associated with glomerular filtration rate. Positively associated risk factors included obesity, diabetes, smoking, and physical inactivity. In UK Biobank, correlations of metabolomic age with CA were modest (r = 0.29-0.33), yet all metabolomic model scores predicted mortality (hazard ratios of 1.01 to 1.06/metabolomic age year) and CVD, after adjustment for CA. While metabolomic age models were only moderately associated with CA in an independent population, they provided additional prediction of morbidity and mortality over CA itself, suggesting their wider applicability.

Ferroptosis and aerobic training in ageing: A review

 Ferroptosis is a form of programmed cell death that plays a significant role in causing several diseases such as heart attack and heart failure, through alterations in fat, amino acid, and iron metabolism. Comprehending the regulatory mechanisms of ferroptosis signaling is critical because it has a considerable effect on the elderly's mortality. Conversely, age-related changes in substrate metabolism and metabolite levels are recognized to give rise to obesity. Furthermore, research has proposed that aging and obesity-related changes in substrate metabolism may aggravate ferroptosis. The suppression of ferroptosis holds potential as a successful therapeutic approach for managing different diseases, including sarcopenia, cardiovascular diseases, and central nervous system diseases. However, the pathologic and biological mechanisms behind the function of ferroptosis are not fully comprehended yet. Physical activity could affect lipid, amino acid, and iron metabolism to modulate ferroptosis. The aim of this study is to showcase the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms leading to ferroptosis and discuss the role of aging and physical activity in this phenomenon.

Familial Hypercholesterolemia in the Elderly: An Analysis of Clinical Profile and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Burden from the Hellas-FH Registry

BACKGROUND

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) carries a high risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). As the population ages, the age-related influence on clinical characteristics and outcomes becomes increasingly pertinent. This cross-sectional analysis from the HELLAS-FH registry aims to explore potential differences in clinical characteristics, treatment, ASCVD, and goal achievement between those younger and older than 65 years with FH.

RESULTS

A total of 2273 adults with heterozygous FH (51.4% males) were studied. Elderly FH patients (n = 349) had a higher prevalence of ASCVD risk factors, such as hypertension (52.1% vs. 20.9%, p < 0.05) and type 2 diabetes (16.9% vs. 6.0%, p < 0.05), compared to younger patients (n = 1924). They also had a higher prevalence of established ASCVD (38.4% vs. 23.1%, p < 0.001), particularly CAD (33.0% vs. 20.2%, p < 0.001), even after adjusting for major ASCVD risk factors. Elderly patients were more frequently and intensively receiving lipid-lowering treatment than younger ones. Although post-treatment LDL-C levels were lower in elderly than younger patients (125 vs. 146 mg/dL, p < 0.05), both groups had similar attainment of the LDL-C target (3.7% vs. 3.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly FH patients have a higher prevalence of ASCVD, particularly CAD. Despite more aggressive treatment, the achievement of LDL-C targets remains very poor. These results emphasize the importance of early FH diagnosis and treatment in reducing ASCVD.

Postprandial triglycerides across the aging spectrum: A secondary analysis utilizing an abbreviated fat tolerance test

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Elevated postprandial triglycerides are an independent cardiovascular disease risk factor and observed in older adults. However, differences in postprandial triglycerides across the spectrum of adulthood remain unclear.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed a secondary analysis of six studies where adults (aged 18-84 years; N = 155) completed an abbreviated fat tolerance test (9 kcal/kg; 70% fat). Differences in postprandial triglycerides were compared in those ≥50 and <50 years and by decade of life, adjusting for sex and BMI. Compared to those <50 years, participants ≥50 years had higher fasting, 4 h, and Δ triglycerides from baseline (p's < 0.05). When examining triglyceride parameters by decade, no differences were observed for fasting triglycerides, but 50 s, 60 s, and 70s-80 s displayed greater 4 h and Δ triglycerides versus 20 s (p's ≤ 0.001). The frequency of adverse postprandial triglyceride responses (i.e., ≥220 mg/dL) was higher in participants ≥50 versus <50 years (p < 0.01), and in 60 s compared to all other decades (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Older age was generally associated with higher postprandial triglycerides, with no divergence across the spectrum of older adulthood. In our sample, postprandial triglyceride differences in older and younger adults were driven by those >50 years relative to young adults in their 20 s.

REGISTRATION

N/A (secondary analysis).

U-shaped association between serum triglyceride levels and mortality among septic patients: An analysis based on the MIMIC-IV database

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is characterized by upregulated lipolysis in adipose tissue and a high blood triglyceride (TG) level. It is still debated whether serum TG level is related to mortality in septic patients. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between serum TG level and mortality in septic patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

METHODS

Data from adult septic patients (≥18 years) admitted to the ICU for the first time were obtained from the Multiparameter Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database. The patients' serum TG levels that were measured within the first week after ICU admission were extracted for statistical analysis. The endpoints were 28-day, ICU and in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 2,782 septic patients were included. Univariate analysis indicated that the relationship between serum TG levels and the risk of mortality was significantly nonlinear. Both the Lowess smoothing technique and restricted cubic spline analyses revealed a U-shaped association between serum TG levels and mortality among septic patients. The lowest mortality rate was associated with a serum TG level of 300-500 mg/dL. Using 300∼500 mg/dL as the reference range, we found that both hypo-TG (<300 mg/dL) and hyper-TG (≥500 mg/dL) were associated with increased mortality. The result was further adjusted by Cox regression with and without the inclusion of some differential covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a U-shaped association between serum TG and mortality in septic ICU patients. The optimal concentration of serum TG levels in septic ICU patients is 300-500 mg/dL.

Association between serum Klotho concentration and hyperlipidemia in adults: a cross-sectional study from NHANES 2007-2016

Objective

The Klotho protein is a well-documented anti-aging protein known for its diverse biological functions. Hyperlipidemia is an established independent risk factor for various chronic diseases. However, there is limited understanding of the connection between Klotho and hyperlipidemia. The aim was to assess the association between serum Klotho levels and hyperlipidemia among adults.

Methods

The study included 11,618 individuals from the NHANES database from 2006 to 2017. Hyperlipidemia was diagnosed following the National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines. Serum Klotho concentration was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit, and the association between Klotho and hyperlipidemia was assessed by a multivariable logistic regression model. Fitted smoothing curves and threshold-effect analysis were employed to describe nonlinear relationships.

Results

In our multiple logistic regression models, serum Klotho concentration was significantly associated with hyperlipidemia after adjusting for comprehensive confounders (per SD increment odds ratio (OR): 0.91; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.86-0.97). Compared to individuals in the lowest Klotho quartile, those in the highest quartile exhibited a substantially decreased prevalence of hyperlipidemia (OR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.58-0.90). Using a two-segment logistic regression model, we identified a U-shaped relationship between serum Klotho concentration and hyperlipidemia, with an inflection point at 1,365.5 pg/mL. Subgroup analysis did not reveal any potential moderating effects.

Conclusion

This study revealed an inverse relationship between Klotho levels and hyperlipidemia. Further investigation is warranted to explore the underlying mechanism between serum Klotho and hyperlipidemia.

NMR metabolomic modelling of age and lifespan: a multi-cohort analysis

Metabolomic age models have been proposed for the study of biological aging, however they have not been widely validated. We aimed to assess the performance of newly developed and existing nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) metabolomic age models for prediction of chronological age (CA), mortality, and age-related disease. 98 metabolic variables were measured in blood from nine UK and Finnish cohort studies (N ≈ 31,000 individuals, age range 24-86 years). We used non-linear and penalised regression to model CA and time to all-cause mortality. We examined associations of four new and two previously published metabolomic age models, with ageing risk factors and phenotypes. Within the UK Biobank (N≈ 102,000), we tested prediction of CA, incident disease (cardiovascular disease (CVD), type-2 diabetes mellitus, cancer, dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and all-cause mortality. Cross-validated Pearson's r between metabolomic age models and CA ranged between 0.47-0.65 in the training set (mean absolute error: 8-9 years). Metabolomic age models, adjusted for CA, were associated with C-reactive protein, and inversely associated with glomerular filtration rate. Positively associated risk factors included obesity, diabetes, smoking, and physical inactivity. In UK Biobank, correlations of metabolomic age with chronological age were modest (r = 0.29-0.33), yet all metabolomic model scores predicted mortality (hazard ratios of 1.01 to 1.06 / metabolomic age year) and CVD, after adjustment for CA. While metabolomic age models were only moderately associated with CA in an independent population, they provided additional prediction of morbidity and mortality over CA itself, suggesting their wider applicability.

Variability of longitudinal triglyceride phenotype in patients heterozygous for pathogenic APOA5 variants

BACKGROUND

Biallelic pathogenic variants in APOA5 are an infrequent cause of familial chylomicronemia syndrome characterized by severe, refractory hypertriglyceridemia (HTG), and fasting plasma triglyceride (TG) >10 mmol/L (>875 mg/dL). The TG phenotype of heterozygous individuals with one copy of a pathogenic APOA5 variant is less familiar. We evaluated the longitudinal TG phenotype of individuals with a single pathogenic APOA5 variant allele.

METHODS

Medically stable outpatients from Ontario, Canada were selected for study based on having: 1) a rare pathogenic APOA5 variant in a single allele; and 2) at least three serial fasting TG measurements obtained over >1.5 years of follow-up.

RESULTS

Seven patients were followed for a mean of 5.3 ± 3.7 years. Fasting TG levels varied widely both within and between patients. Three patients displayed at least one normal TG measurement (<2.0 mmol/L or <175 mg/dL). All patients displayed mild-to-moderate HTG (2 to 9.9 mmol/L or 175 to 875 mg/dL) at multiple time points. Five patients displayed at least one severe HTG measurement. 10%, 54%, and 36% of all TG measurements were in normal, mild-to-moderate, and severe HTG ranges, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Heterozygosity for pathogenic variants in APOA5 is associated with highly variable TG phenotypes both within and between patients. Heterozygosity confers susceptibility to elevated TG levels, with secondary factors likely modulating the phenotypic severity.

Feeding of fish oil and medium-chain triglycerides to canines impacts circulating structural and energetic lipids, endocannabinoids, and non-lipid metabolite profiles

Introduction

The effect of medium-chain fatty acid-containing triglycerides (MCT), long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid-containing triglycerides from fish oil (FO), and their combination (FO+MCT) on the serum metabolome of dogs (Canis familiaris) was evaluated.

Methods

Dogs (N = 64) were randomized to either a control food, one with 7% MCT, one with FO (0.18% eicosapentaenoate and 1.3% docosahexaenoate), or one with FO+MCT for 28 days following a 14-day washout period on the control food. Serum metabolites were analyzed via chromatography followed by mass spectrometry.

Results

Additive effects of serum metabolites were observed for a number of metabolite classes, including fatty acids, phospholipids, acylated amines including endocannabinoids, alpha-oxidized fatty acids, and methyl donors. Some effects of the addition of FO+MCT were different when the oils were combined compared with when each oil was fed separately, namely for acylcarnitines, omega-oxidized dicarboxylic acids, and amino acids. Several potentially beneficial effects on health were observed, including decreased circulating triglycerides and total cholesterol with the addition of FO (with or without MCT) and decreases in N-acyl taurines with the addition of MCT, FO, or FO+MCT.

Discussion

Overall, the results of this study provide a phenotypic characterization of the serum lipidomic response to dietary supplementation of long-chain n3-polyunsaturated and medium-chain saturated fats in canines.

Lipid Levels During Adult Lifetime in Men and Women With and Without a Subsequent Incident Myocardial Infarction: A Longitudinal Analysis of Data From the Tromsø Study 1974 to 2016

Background The atherosclerotic effect of an adverse lipid profile is assumed to accumulate throughout life, leading to increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI). Still, little is known about age at onset and duration of unfavorable lipid levels before MI. Methods and Results Longitudinal data on serum lipid levels for 26 130 individuals (50.5% women, aged 20-89 years) were obtained from 7 population-based health surveys in Tromsø, Norway. Diagnoses of MI were obtained from national registers. A linear mixed model was applied to compare age- and sex-specific mean values of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride concentration by MI status (MI versus non-MI). Already from young adulthood, 20 to 35 years before the incident MI, individuals with a subsequent incident MI had on average more adverse lipid levels than individuals of the same age and sex without MI. Analogous to a dose-response relationship, there was a clear trend toward more severe adverse lipid levels the lower the age at incident MI (P<0.001, test for trend through ordered categories <55, 55-74, ≥75 years). This trend was particularly pronounced for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in percentage of total cholesterol (both sexes) and for the relative relationship between triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total cholesterol level (women). The difference in mean lipid level by MI status was just as large in women as in men, but the age pattern differed (P≤0.05, tests of 3-way interaction). Conclusions Compared with general population mean levels, adverse lipid levels were seen 20 to 35 years before the incident MI in both men and women.

Rani ZZ, Sulaiman SA, Chow YP, Abdullah N, Ahmad N, Ismail N, Abdul Jalal N, Kamaruddin MA, Saperi AA, Jamal R. Hypercholesterolemia in the Malaysian Cohort Participants: Genetic and Non-Genetic Risk Factors

Hypercholesterolemia was prevalent in 44.9% of The Malaysian Cohort participants, of which 51% were Malay. This study aimed to identify the variants involved in hypercholesterolemia among Malays and to determine the association between genetic and non-genetic risk factors. This nested case–control study included 25 Malay participants with the highest low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, >4.9 mmol/L) and total cholesterol (TC, >7.5 mmol/L) and 25 participants with the lowest LDL-C/TC. Genomic DNA was extracted, and whole-exome sequencing was performed using the Ion ProtonTM system. All variants were annotated, filtered, and cross-referenced against publicly available databases. Forty-five selected variants were genotyped in 677 TMC Malay participants using the MassARRAY® System. The association between genetic and non-genetic risk factors was determined using logistic regression analysis. Age, fasting blood glucose, tobacco use, and family history of hyperlipidemia were significantly associated with hypercholesterolemia. Participants with the novel OSBPL7 (oxysterol-binding protein-like 7) c.651_652del variant had 17 times higher odds for hypercholesterolemia. Type 2 diabetes patients on medication and those with PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) rs151193009 had low odds for hypercholesterolemia. Genetic predisposition can interact with non-genetic factors to increase hypercholesterolemia risk in Malaysian Malays.

Fatty Acid Transfer from Blood to Milk Is Disrupted in Mothers with Low Milk Production, Obesity, and Inflammation

BACKGROUND

Obesity is associated with chronic inflammation and is a risk factor for insufficient milk production. Inflammation-mediated suppression of LPL could inhibit mammary uptake of long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs; >16 carbons).

OBJECTIVES

In an ancillary case-control analysis, we investigated whether women with low milk production despite regular breast emptying have elevated inflammation and disrupted transfer of LCFAs from plasma into milk.

METHODS

Data and specimens from a low milk supply study and an exclusively breastfeeding control group were analyzed, with milk production measured by 24-h test-weighing at 2-10 wk postpartum. Low milk supply groups were defined as very low (VL; <300 mL/d; n = 23) or moderate (MOD; ≥300 mL/d; n = 20) milk production, and compared with controls (≥699 mL/d; n = 18). Serum and milk fatty acids (weight% of total) were measured by GC, serum and milk TNF-α by ELISA, and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) by clinical analyzer. Group differences were assessed by linear regression models, chi-square exact tests, and Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric tests.

RESULTS

VL cases, as compared with MOD cases and controls, had higher prevalence of elevated serum hsCRP (>5 mg/L; 57%, 15%, and 22%, respectively; P = 0.004), detectable milk TNF-α (67%, 32%, and 33%, respectively; P = 0.04), and obesity (78%, 40%, and 22%, respectively; P = 0.003). VL cases had lower mean ± SD LCFAs in milk (60% ± 3%) than MOD cases (65% ± 4%) and controls (66% ± 5%) (P < 0.001). Milk and serum LCFAs were strongly correlated in controls (r = 0.82, P < 0.001), but not in the MOD (r = 0.25, P = 0.30) or VL (r = 0.20, P = 0.41) groups (Pint < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Mothers with very low milk production have significantly higher obesity and inflammatory biomarkers, lower LCFAs in milk, and disrupted association between plasma and milk LCFAs. These data support the hypothesis that inflammation disrupts normal mammary gland fatty acid uptake. Further research should address impacts of inflammation and obesity on mammary fatty acid uptake for milk production.

The Interaction Between Age and Risk Factors for Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the interaction between age groups and risk factors for diabetes and prediabetes in Shanghai communities and to identify the effect of age on other risk factors for diabetes and prediabetes.

METHODS

This study recruited 3540 participants with undiagnosed diabetes or prediabetes in 14 communities in Shanghai from February to August 2019. All participants underwent a comprehensive examination, including filling out a detailed questionnaire, physical examination, 75 g oral glucose tolerance test, and blood sample collection. In addition, logistic regression was used to analyze the interaction between age and risk factors for prediabetes and diabetes.

RESULTS

The statistical analysis included 2776 people. In this study, the prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes were 15.1% and 52.3%, respectively. The prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes is higher in the elderly than in the middle-aged group. Among the risk factors for diabetes, overweight was associated with higher age (P-interaction 0.028). In addition, among the risk factors for prediabetes, a high level of education was associated with higher age (P-interaction 0.039) and elevated serum cholesterol level was associated with lower age (P-interaction 0.019).

CONCLUSION

This study confirmed an interaction between age and other influencing factors, which may be important in explaining differences in risk factors for diabetes and prediabetes in the middle-aged and elderly populations. Community health facilities can provide health guidance to people of different age groups to prevent and control prediabetes and diabetes.

Research gaps and opportunities in precision nutrition: an NIH workshop report

Precision nutrition is an emerging concept that aims to develop nutrition recommendations tailored to different people's circumstances and biological characteristics. Responses to dietary change and the resulting health outcomes from consuming different diets may vary significantly between people based on interactions between their genetic backgrounds, physiology, microbiome, underlying health status, behaviors, social influences, and environmental exposures. On 11-12 January 2021, the National Institutes of Health convened a workshop entitled "Precision Nutrition: Research Gaps and Opportunities" to bring together experts to discuss the issues involved in better understanding and addressing precision nutrition. The workshop proceeded in 3 parts: part I covered many aspects of genetics and physiology that mediate the links between nutrient intake and health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer disease, and cancer; part II reviewed potential contributors to interindividual variability in dietary exposures and responses such as baseline nutritional status, circadian rhythm/sleep, environmental exposures, sensory properties of food, stress, inflammation, and the social determinants of health; part III presented the need for systems approaches, with new methods and technologies that can facilitate the study and implementation of precision nutrition, and workforce development needed to create a new generation of researchers. The workshop concluded that much research will be needed before more precise nutrition recommendations can be achieved. This includes better understanding and accounting for variables such as age, sex, ethnicity, medical history, genetics, and social and environmental factors. The advent of new methods and technologies and the availability of considerably more data bring tremendous opportunity. However, the field must proceed with appropriate levels of caution and make sure the factors listed above are all considered, and systems approaches and methods are incorporated. It will be important to develop and train an expanded workforce with the goal of reducing health disparities and improving precision nutritional advice for all Americans.

The effect of Taohong Siwu decoction combined with antihypertensive medicine in the treatment of hypertension: Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Taohong Siwu Decoction (THSWD) is a classic prescription of traditional Chinese medicine. Recent research has shown that the practical components of THSWD have specific curative effects on various cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, suggesting THSWD could effectively lower blood pressure (BP) with fewer side effects. However, little information is available regarding the effectiveness of THSWD combined with antihypertensive medicine on hypertension.

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis aimed to study the efficacy and safety of THSWD in treating hypertension.

METHODS

According to the search strategy, 8 databases were searched, including China Knowledge Network (CNKI), Wanfang Database, VIP Database, Pubmed, China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), web of science, EMBASE and Cochrane Library, for the randomized controlled trial of THSWD on hypertension. 9 RCTs were included and 827 patients were involved. This meta-analysis used RevMan 5.4 to evaluate the articles.

RESULTS

This review included 9 RCTs. All studies were THSWD with the antihypertensive drug compared with single antihypertensive western medicine. The total effective rate of THSWD combined with corresponding western medicine was significantly improved (Relative risk = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.16-1.37, P < .00001), which could effectively reduce the systolic BP (MD = -15.28 mm Hg; 95% CI: -20.17 to -10.40, P < .00001=, diastolic BP (MD = -9.70 mm Hg; 95% CI: -12.66 to -6.73, P < .00001), Triglycerides (MD = -1.48, 95%CI: -2.09 to -0.87, P < .00001), total cholesterol (MD = -1.43, 95% CI: -1.63 to -1.24, P < .00001) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (MD = -0.93, 95% CI: -1.07 to -0.80, P < .00001). Compared with the single routine western medicine group, THSWD combined with the corresponding western medicine increased serum high-density lipoprotein (MD = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.35 to 0.46, P < .00001).

CONCLUSION

THSWD combined with antihypertensive drugs in treating hypertension was curative in lowering BP, improving blood lipid levels and reducing the incidence of adverse reactions compared to antihypertensive medications treatment. However, more high-quality studies are needed due to the biased results and the small number of studies for further verification of the effectiveness of THSWD, and providing a new treatment for clinical reference.

Early life exercise training and inhibition of apoLpp mRNA expression to improve age-related arrhythmias and prolong the average lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) places a heavy burden on older patients and the global healthcare system. A large body of evidence suggests that exercise training is essential in preventing and treating cardiovascular disease, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we used the Drosophila melanogaster animal model to study the effects of early-life exercise training (Exercise) on the aging heart and lifespan. We found in flies that age-induced arrhythmias are conserved across different genetic backgrounds. The fat body is the primary source of circulating lipoproteins in flies. Inhibition of fat body apoLpp (Drosophila apoB homolog) demonstrated that low expression of apoLpp reduced the development of arrhythmias in aged flies but did not affect average lifespan. At the same time, exercise can also reduce the expression of apoLpp mRNA in aged flies and have a protective effect on the heart, which is similar to the inhibition of apoLpp mRNA. Although treatment of UAS-apoLpp^RNAi and exercise alone had no significant effect on lifespan, the combination of UAS-apoLpp^RNAi and exercise extended the average lifespan of flies. Therefore, we conclude that UAS-apoLpp^RNAi and exercise are sufficient to resist age-induced arrhythmias, which may be related to the decreased expression of apoLpp mRNA, and that UAS-apoLpp^RNAi and exercise have a combined effect on prolonging the average lifespan.

A Self-Selected 16:8 Time-Restricted Eating Protocol Improves Fat Oxidation Rates, Markers of Cardiometabolic Health, and 10-km Cycling Performance in Middle-Age Male Cyclists

ABSTRACT

Witt, CR, Grozier, CD, Killen, LG, Renfroe, LG, O'Neal, EK, and Waldman, HS. A self-selected 16:8 time-restricted eating protocol improves fat oxidation rates, markers of cardiometabolic health, and 10-km cycling performance in middle-age male cyclists. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2022-The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of 4 weeks, 16:8 time restricted eating (TRE) on markers of metabolic health and 10-km time trial (TT) performance in middle-age male cyclists. Subjects (n = 12; age, 40-60 years; V̇o2peak, 41.8 ± 5.6 ml·kg-1·min-1) consisting of individuals following a habitual Western diet completed a familiarization and 2 experimental trials [PRE] and [POST]. Following habitual Western diet without TRE, anthropometric measures were assessed, followed by completion of a graded exercise test and 10-km TT. Subjects then adhered to a 4-week TRE protocol where all calories had to be consumed within a self-selected 8-hour window and then returned for repeat testing. Although self-reported caloric intake did not statistically change PRE to POST, body mass (PRE, 83.2 ± 13.4 vs. POST, 80.7 ± 12.6 kg), fat mass (∼2.5 kg), and blood pressure (systolic, 8 mm Hg; diastolic, 4 mm Hg) were all significantly lower POST (all p < 0.05), with no changes in fat-free mass. Furthermore, fat oxidation significantly increased (PRE, 0.36 ± 0.03 vs. POST, 0.42 ± 0.03 g·min-1; p = 0.04) following the TRE intervention and 10-km TT performance improved by ∼2 minutes POST (PRE, 29.7 ± 7.3 vs. POST, 27.4 ± 5.5 minutes; p = 0.02). Overall, our data demonstrated that middle-age male cyclists adhering to a 4-week TRE protocol can improve their body composition profile and 10-km TT performance without detriments to fat-free mass.

Sex-specific changes in triglyceride profiles in liver cirrhosis and hepatitis C virus infection

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with serum lipid abnormalities, which partly normalize following direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. Here, associations of serum triglycerides (TGs) with viral genotype and markers of liver disease severity were evaluated in patients with chronic HCV. 

Methods

The study included the serum of 177 patients with chronic HCV. TGs were quantified by flow injection analysis Fourier transform mass spectrometry. Laboratory values and noninvasive scores for liver fibrosis assessment were determined. The nonparametric Kruskal‒Wallis test, one-way ANOVA, multiple linear regression and Student’s t test were used as appropriate. P values were adjusted for multiple comparisons.

Results

HCV-infected women had lower serum TGs than men, and thus, a sex-specific analysis was performed. None of the 46 TG species analyzed differed in the serum of female patients with and without liver cirrhosis. In contrast, in the serum of male patients with liver cirrhosis, TGs with 53, 56 and 58 carbon atoms and three to eight double bonds were diminished. These polyunsaturated TGs were also low in males with a high fibrosis-4 score. TGs with 7 or 8 double bonds negatively correlated with the model of end-stage liver disease score in males. In addition, TGs with 49, 51 and 53 carbon atoms were reduced in male patients infected with genotype 3a in comparison to genotype 1a. TGs with 56 carbon atoms were lower in genotype 3a-infected males than in genotype 1b-infected males. TGs did not differ in females by genotype. Genotype 3-related changes disappeared at the end of therapy with DAAs. Overall, the levels of serum TGs did not change during DAA therapy in either sex. Consequently, the serum TGs of males with liver cirrhosis were lower than those of males without cirrhosis at the end of therapy. Such a difference was not apparent in females.

Conclusions

The decline in TGs observed only in male patients with liver cirrhosis and male patients infected with genotype 3 illustrates sex-specific changes in lipid metabolism in chronic HCV.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12944-022-01715-w.

The Regulation of Triacylglycerol Metabolism and Lipoprotein Lipase Activity

Triacylglycerol (TG) metabolism is tightly regulated to maintain a pool of TG within circulating lipoproteins that can be hydrolyzed in a tissue-specific manner by lipoprotein lipase (LPL) to enable the delivery of fatty acids to adipose or oxidative tissues as needed. Elevated serum TG concentrations, which result from a deficiency of LPL activity or, more commonly, an imbalance in the regulation of tissue-specific LPL activities, have been associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease through multiple studies. Among the most critical LPL regulators are the angiopoietin-like (ANGPTL) proteins ANGPTL3, ANGPTL4, and ANGPTL8, and a number of different apolipoproteins including apolipoprotein A5 (ApoA5), apolipoprotein C2 (ApoC2), and apolipoprotein C3 (ApoC3). These ANGPTLs and apolipoproteins work together to orchestrate LPL activity and therefore play pivotal roles in TG partitioning, hydrolysis, and utilization. This review summarizes the mechanisms of action, epidemiological findings, and genetic data most relevant to these ANGPTLs and apolipoproteins. The interplay between these important regulators of TG metabolism in both fasted and fed states is highlighted with a holistic view toward understanding key concepts and interactions. Strategies for developing safe and effective therapeutics to reduce circulating TG by selectively targeting these ANGPTLs and apolipoproteins are also discussed.

Differences in plasma lipoprotein profiles between patients with chronic peripheral neuropathic pain and healthy controls: an exploratory pilot study

Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text.

Lipoprotein profiles were significantly different between patients with chronic peripheral neuropathic pain and healthy controls, indicative of ongoing systemic low-grade inflammation among the patients.

Introduction:

Little is still known about the underlying mechanisms that drive and maintain neuropathic pain (NeuP). Recently, lipids have been implicated as endogenous proalgesic ligands affecting onset and maintenance of pain; however, in the case of NeuP, the relationship is largely unexplored.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to investigate the lipoprotein profile in patients with chronic peripheral NeuP compared with healthy controls.

Methods:

The concentrations of 112 lipoprotein fractions in plasma from patients with NeuP (n = 16) and healthy controls (n = 13) were analyzed using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. A multiplex immunoassay based on an electrochemiluminescent detection method was used to measure the concentration of 71 cytokines in plasma from patients with NeuP (n = 10) and healthy controls (n = 11). Multivariate data analysis was used to identify patterns of protein intercorrelations and proteins significant for group discrimination.

Results:

We found 23 lipoproteins that were significantly upregulated in patients with NeuP compared with healthy controls. When the influence of cytokines was included in a regression model, 30 proteins (8 cytokines and 22 lipoprotein fractions) were significantly upregulated or downregulated in patients with NeuP. Both conditions presented lipoprotein profiles consistent with inflammation. Body mass index did not affect lipoprotein profiles in either group. No relationship between age and lipoprotein pattern was found in NeuP, but a significant relationship was found in healthy controls.

Conclusion:

Patients with NeuP presented a lipoprotein profile consistent with systemic low-grade inflammation, like that seen in autoimmune, cardiometabolic, and neuroprogressive diseases. These preliminary results emphasize the importance of chronic low-grade inflammation in NeuP.

Exercise as an Aging Mimetic: A New Perspective on the Mechanisms Behind Exercise as Preventive Medicine Against Age-Related Chronic Disease

Age-related chronic diseases are among the most common causes of mortality and account for a majority of global disease burden. Preventative lifestyle behaviors, such as regular exercise, play a critical role in attenuating chronic disease burden. However, the exact mechanism behind exercise as a form of preventative medicine remains poorly defined. Interestingly, many of the physiological responses to exercise are comparable to aging. This paper explores an overarching hypothesis that exercise protects against aging/age-related chronic disease because the physiological stress of exercise mimics aging. Acute exercise transiently disrupts cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and brain function and triggers a substantial inflammatory response in a manner that mimics aging/age-related chronic disease. Data indicate that select acute exercise responses may be similar in magnitude to changes seen with +10–50 years of aging. The initial insult of the age-mimicking effects of exercise induces beneficial adaptations that serve to attenuate disruption to successive “aging” stimuli (i.e., exercise). Ultimately, these exercise-induced adaptations reduce the subsequent physiological stress incurred from aging and protect against age-related chronic disease. To further examine this hypothesis, future work should more intricately describe the physiological signature of different types/intensities of acute exercise in order to better predict the subsequent adaptation and chronic disease prevention with exercise training in healthy and at-risk populations.

Oxysterols are potential physiological regulators of ageing

Delaying and even reversing ageing is a major public health challenge with a tremendous potential to postpone a plethora of diseases including cancer, metabolic syndromes and neurodegenerative disorders. A better understanding of ageing as well as the development of innovative anti-ageing strategies are therefore an increasingly important field of research. Several biological processes including inflammation, proteostasis, epigenetic, oxidative stress, stem cell exhaustion, senescence and stress adaptive response have been reported for their key role in ageing. In this review, we describe the relationships that have been established between cholesterol homeostasis, in particular at the level of oxysterols, and ageing. Initially considered as harmful pro-inflammatory and cytotoxic metabolites, oxysterols are currently emerging as an expanding family of fine regulators of various biological processes involved in ageing. Indeed, depending of their chemical structure and their concentration, oxysterols exhibit deleterious or beneficial effects on inflammation, oxidative stress and cell survival. In addition, stem cell differentiation, epigenetics, cellular senescence and proteostasis are also modulated by oxysterols. Altogether, these data support the fact that ageing is influenced by an oxysterol profile. Further studies are thus required to explore more deeply the impact of the "oxysterome" on ageing and therefore this cholesterol metabolic pathway constitutes a promising target for future anti-ageing interventions.

Race and sex differences in HDL peroxide content among American adults with and without type 2 diabetes

Background

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) plays a critical role in protection against atherosclerosic and cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). In addition to contributing to clearing excess vascular cholesterol, HDL particles exhibit antioxidative functions, helping to attenuate adverse effects of oxidized low-density lipoproteins. However, these beneficial properties can be undermined by oxidative stress, inflammation, and unhealthy lifestyles and diet, as well as influenced by race and sex. Thus, when assessing cardiovascular risk, it is important to consider multifactorial aspects of HDL, including antioxidant activity rather than just total amount and type of HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) particles. Because prior research showed HDL peroxide content (HDLperox) can be inversely associated with normal anti-oxidant HDL activity, elevated HDLperox may serve as a bioindicator of HDL dysfunction.

Methods

In this study, data from a large national cohort of Americans was utilized to determine the impact of sex, race, and diabetes status on HDLperox in middle-aged and older adults. A previously developed cell-free fluorometric method was utilized to quantify HDLperox in serum depleted of apo-B containing lipoproteins.

Results

In keeping with predictions, white men and diabetics exhibited HDLperox in the atypical upper range, suggestive of less functional HDL. White men had higher HDLperox levels than African American males (13.46 ± 6.10 vs. 10.88 ± 5.81, p < .001). There was also a significant main effect of type 2 diabetes (F(1,1901) = 14.9, p < .0001). Overall, African Americans evinced lower HDLperox levels, despite more obesity (10.3 ± 4.7 vs.11.81 ± 5.66 for Whites) suggesting that other aspects of lipid metabolism and psychosocial factors account for the higher prevalence of ASCVD in African Americans.

Conclusion

This research helps to provide a more comprehensive understanding of HDL function in a racially and metabolically diverse adult population. HDLperox content was significantly different in adults with type 2 diabetes, and distinctive in nondiabetic White males, and suggests other processes account for the higher prevalence of ASCVD among African Americans.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12944-021-01608-4.

Integrated Lipidomic and Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Lipid Metabolism in Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica)

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) as the main traditional crop in China, is rich in many kinds of high quality fatty acids (FAs). In this study, Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-time-of-flight-tandem mass spectrometer (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was used to determine the lipids of JG35 and JG39. A total of 2,633 lipid molecules and 31 lipid subclasses were identified, mainly including thirteen kinds of glycerophospholipids (GP), eleven kinds of glycerolipids (GL), four kinds of sphingolipids (SP), two kinds of fatty acyls (FA) and one kind of sterol (ST). Among them JG35 had higher contents of diacylglycerols (DG) and ceramides (Cer), while triacylglycerols, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, phosphatidic acid, sterol, fatty acyls and pardiolipin (TG, PE, PA, ST, FA and CL) were higher in JG39. Meantime, the correlation analysis of lipidomics and transcriptomics was used to map the main differential lipid metabolism pathways of foxtail millet. The results shown that a differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of FATA/B for the synthesis of FA was highly expressed in JG35, and the related genes for the synthesis DG (ACCase, KAS, HAD, KCS, LACS and GAPT), TG (DGAT and PDAT) and CL (CLS) were highly expressed in JG39. The results of this study will provide a theoretical basis for the future study of lipidomics, improvement of lipid quality directionally and breeding of idiosyncratic quality varieties in foxtail millet.

Regulation of lipoprotein metabolism by ANGPTL3, ANGPTL4, and ANGPTL8

Triglyceride-rich lipoproteins deliver fatty acids to tissues for oxidation and for storage. Release of fatty acids from circulating lipoprotein triglycerides is carried out by lipoprotein lipase (LPL), thus LPL serves as a critical gatekeeper of fatty acid uptake into tissues. LPL activity is regulated by a number of extracellular proteins including three members of the angiopoietin-like family of proteins. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of how, where, and when ANGPTL3, ANGPTL4, and ANGPTL8 regulate lipoprotein lipase activity, with a particular emphasis on how these proteins interact with each other to coordinate triglyceride metabolism and fat partitioning.

Discovery of potential biomarkers for human atherosclerotic abdominal aortic aneurysm through untargeted metabolomics and transcriptomics

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and atherosclerosis (AS) have considerable similarities in clinical risk factors and molecular pathogenesis. The aim of our study was to investigate the differences between AAA and AS from the perspective of metabolomics, and to explore the potential mechanisms of differential metabolites via integration analysis with transcriptomics. Plasma samples from 32 AAA and 32 AS patients were applied to characterize the metabolite profiles using untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). A total of 18 remarkably different metabolites were identified, and a combination of seven metabolites could potentially serve as a biomarker to distinguish AAA and AS, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.93. Subsequently, we analyzed both the metabolomics and transcriptomics data and found that seven metabolites, especially 2'-deoxy-D-ribose (2dDR), were significantly correlated with differentially expressed genes. In conclusion, our study presents a comprehensive landscape of plasma metabolites in AAA and AS patients, and provides a research direction for pathogenetic mechanisms in atherosclerotic AAA.

Advances in Understanding of the Role of Lipid Metabolism in Aging

During aging, body adiposity increases with changes in the metabolism of lipids and their metabolite levels. Considering lipid metabolism, excess adiposity with increased lipotoxicity leads to various age-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer's disease. However, the multifaceted nature and complexities of lipid metabolism make it difficult to delineate its exact mechanism and role during aging. With advances in genetic engineering techniques, recent studies have demonstrated that changes in lipid metabolism are associated with aging and age-related diseases. Lipid accumulation and impaired fatty acid utilization in organs are associated with pathophysiological phenotypes of aging. Changes in adipokine levels contribute to aging by modulating changes in systemic metabolism and inflammation. Advances in lipidomic techniques have identified changes in lipid profiles that are associated with aging. Although it remains unclear how lipid metabolism is regulated during aging, or how lipid metabolites impact aging, evidence suggests a dynamic role for lipid metabolism and its metabolites as active participants of signaling pathways and regulators of gene expression. This review describes recent advances in our understanding of lipid metabolism in aging, including established findings and recent approaches.

Lipotoxic Impairment of Mitochondrial Function in β-Cells: A Review

Lipotoxicity is a major contributor to type 2 diabetes mainly promoting mitochondrial dysfunction. Lipotoxic stress is mediated by elevated levels of free fatty acids through various mechanisms and pathways. Impaired peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling, enhanced oxidative stress levels, and uncoupling of the respiratory chain result in ATP deficiency, while β-cell viability can be severely impaired by lipotoxic modulation of PI3K/Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathways. However, fatty acids are physiologically required for an unimpaired β-cell function. Thus, preparation, concentration, and treatment duration determine whether the outcome is beneficial or detrimental when fatty acids are employed in experimental setups. Further, ageing is a crucial contributor to β-cell decay. Cellular senescence is connected to loss of function in β-cells and can further be promoted by lipotoxicity. The potential benefit of nutrients has been broadly investigated, and particularly polyphenols were shown to be protective against both lipotoxicity and cellular senescence, maintaining the physiology of β-cells. Positive effects on blood glucose regulation, mitigation of oxidative stress by radical scavenging properties or regulation of antioxidative enzymes, and modulation of apoptotic factors were reported. This review summarizes the significance of lipotoxicity and cellular senescence for mitochondrial dysfunction in the pancreatic β-cell and outlines potential beneficial effects of plant-based nutrients by the example of polyphenols.

Reference intervals for routine biochemical markers and body mass index: A study based on healthcare center database in northeastern Iran

Age- and sex-specific reference intervals (RIs) for some biochemical tests may be useful for their interpretation, due to the variations in lifestyle and genetic, or ethnic factors. The aim of this study was to obtain RIs for some routine biochemical markers including a serum lipid profile, fasting blood glucose (FBG), aspartate and alanine aminotransferase (AST and ALT), uric acid, and body mass index (BMI) in subjects who attended primary healthcare centers. The large database of primary healthcare centers uses RIs to report results for children, adolescents, and young and old adults. RIs were obtained by using the indirect method, recommended by the CLSI Ep28-A3 guidelines. RIs for FBG, BMI, and serum lipid profile, including triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in people aged 18 to 120 years, were obtained without age/sex segmentation. RIs for serum AST, ALT, and uric acid were obtained without age segmentation, though these RIs were higher in males than females. The RIs for AST, ALT, and uric acid were higher in men, while the RIs for the other variables were similar in both sexes. This is the first study reporting the use of indirect RIs for BMI.