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Proctor SD, Wang M, Vine DF, Raggi P. Predictive utility of remnant cholesterol in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Curr Opin Cardiol 2024; 39:300-307. [PMID: 38456429 DOI: 10.1097/hco.0000000000001140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Remnant cholesterol (RC) is the cholesterol carried in lipoproteins derived from the catabolism of chylomicrons and very low-density lipoproteins. Evidence supporting the causal relationship of RC with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASVD) is accumulating rapidly. The number of impactful contributions to this field are increasing and provide a pathophysiological insight into the current residual cardiovascular risk beyond low-density cholesterol (LDL)-cholesterol (LDL-C). They also raise the question of whether RC should be used in prediction models and become the target of new therapeutic interventions. The intent of this review is to highlight the recent advances on the role of RC in atherogenesis and the validation of RC as a predictor of ASVD. RECENT FINDINGS Numerous prospective and retrospective cohorts helped validate a significant causal relationship of RC with various forms of ASVD, independent of LDL-C. A recent large Mendelian randomization study reinforced the existence of this relationship and showed that the risk of atherosclerotic events was driven nearly entirely by a direct effect of RC. SUMMARY Both available and accumulating evidence suggest that a lifelong reduction in RC could translate into a substantial reduction in ASVD risk. The data support a revision of current guidelines to incorporate RC as an independent risk factor for ASVD. We propose that early screening of RC should be implemented and that RC lowering should become the target of future drug developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer D Proctor
- Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases Laboratory, Division of Nutrition, University of Alberta
| | - Maggie Wang
- Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases Laboratory, Division of Nutrition, University of Alberta
| | - Donna F Vine
- Metabolic and Cardiovascular Diseases Laboratory, Division of Nutrition, University of Alberta
| | - Paolo Raggi
- Division of Cardiology and Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Raggi P, Becciu ML, Navarese EP. Remnant cholesterol as a new lipid-lowering target to reduce cardiovascular events. Curr Opin Lipidol 2024; 35:110-116. [PMID: 38276967 DOI: 10.1097/mol.0000000000000921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Remnant cholesterol has become increasingly recognized as a direct contributor to the development of atherosclerosis and as an additional marker of cardiovascular risk. This review aims to summarize the pathophysiological mechanisms, and the current evidence base from epidemiological investigations and genetic studies that support a causal link between remnant cholesterol and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Current and novel therapeutic approaches to target remnant cholesterol are discussed. RECENT FINDINGS A recent Mendelian randomization study of over 12 000 000 single-nucleotide polymorphisms associated with high levels of remnant cholesterol, demonstrated a genetic association between remnant cholesterol and adverse cardiovascular events among 958 434 participants. SUMMARY In this light, the emerging role of remnant cholesterol as an independent lipid risk marker warrants a reevaluation of lipid management guidelines and underscores the potential for novel therapeutic targets in cardiovascular disease prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Raggi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Maria Laura Becciu
- Clinical Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Sassari
- SIRIO MEDICINE Research Network, Sassari, Italy
| | - Eliano P Navarese
- Clinical Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria di Sassari
- SIRIO MEDICINE Research Network, Sassari, Italy
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Filtz A, Parihar S, Greenberg GS, Park CM, Scotti A, Lorenzatti D, Badimon JJ, Soffer DE, Toth PP, Lavie CJ, Bittner V, Virani SS, Slipczuk L. New approaches to triglyceride reduction: Is there any hope left? Am J Prev Cardiol 2024; 18:100648. [PMID: 38584606 PMCID: PMC10998004 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpc.2024.100648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Triglycerides play a crucial role in the efficient storage of energy in the body. Mild and moderate hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is a heterogeneous disorder with significant association with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), including myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and peripheral artery disease and represents an important component of the residual ASCVD risk in statin treated patients despite optimal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction. Individuals with severe HTG (>1,000 mg/dL) rarely develop atherosclerosis but have an incremental incidence of acute pancreatitis with significant morbidity and mortality. HTG can occur from a combination of genetic (both mono and polygenic) and environmental factors including poor diet, low physical activity, obesity, medications, and diseases like insulin resistance and other endocrine pathologies. HTG represents a potential target for ASCVD risk and pancreatitis risk reduction, however data on ASCVD reduction by treating HTG is still lacking and HTG-associated acute pancreatitis occurs too rarely to effectively demonstrate treatment benefit. In this review, we address the key aspects of HTG pathophysiology and examine the mechanisms and background of current and emerging therapies in the management of HTG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Filtz
- Cardiology Division, Montefiore-Einstein Center for Heart and Vascular Care, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Siddhant Parihar
- Cardiology Division, Montefiore-Einstein Center for Heart and Vascular Care, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Garred S Greenberg
- Cardiology Division, Montefiore-Einstein Center for Heart and Vascular Care, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Christine M Park
- Cardiology Division, Montefiore-Einstein Center for Heart and Vascular Care, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Andrea Scotti
- Cardiology Division, Montefiore-Einstein Center for Heart and Vascular Care, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Daniel Lorenzatti
- Cardiology Division, Montefiore-Einstein Center for Heart and Vascular Care, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Juan J Badimon
- Cardiology Department, Hospital General Jaen, Jaen, Spain
- Atherothrombosis Research Unit, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Daniel E Soffer
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Peter P Toth
- CGH Medical Center, Sterling, Illinois
- Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Carl J Lavie
- John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute, Ochsner Clinical School-the UQ School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Vera Bittner
- Division of Cardiovascular Disease, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Salim S Virani
- Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
- Section of Cardiology, Texas Heart Institute & Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Leandro Slipczuk
- Cardiology Division, Montefiore-Einstein Center for Heart and Vascular Care, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
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Jang SY, Kang M, Song E, Jang A, Choi KM, Baik SH, Yoo HJ. Remnant cholesterol is an independent risk factor for the incidence of chronic kidney disease in newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes: A nationwide population-based study. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2024; 210:111639. [PMID: 38548106 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2024.111639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate the impact of remnant cholesterol (remnant-C) on chronic kidney disease (CKD) incidence in newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes. METHODS This retrospective cohort study used Korean National Health Insurance Service data on 212,836 patients with newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes between 2009 and 2014. We conducted cox regression analysis to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for developing CKD according to remnant-C tertile. RESULTS During a median follow-up duration of 5.23 years, 6,850 CKD cases developed. In the fully adjusted model, HRs and 95 % CIs for incident CKD increased in the highest tertile of baseline remnant-C compared to the lowest (HR [95 % CI]; 1.234 [1.159-1.314]). This association was more prominent in patients with hypertension or low-income status (P for interaction < 0.05). Increased HRs in the highest tertile of remnant-C was sustained in type 2 diabetes patients within target range of conventional lipid profile such as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) < 100 mg/dL and < 70 mg/dL (1.165 [1.041-1.304] and 1.308 [1.063-1.609]), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (1.243 [1.155-1.338]) and triglyceride (1.168 [1.076-1.268]), respectively. CONCLUSIONS In newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients, higher remnant-C is independently associated with CKD incidence, even when conventional lipid values are well-controlled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Yeon Jang
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Minwoong Kang
- Department of Biomedical Research Center, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eyun Song
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ahreum Jang
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Mook Choi
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sei Hyun Baik
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Jin Yoo
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Fu C, Liu D, Liu Q, Wang X, Ma X, Pan H, Feng S, Sun Z, Qiao W, Yang M, Gao S, Ding H, Huang X, Hou J. Revisiting an old relationship: the causal associations of the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio with cardiometabolic diseases and relative risk factors-a mendelian randomization analysis. Cardiovasc Diabetol 2024; 23:51. [PMID: 38310324 PMCID: PMC10838437 DOI: 10.1186/s12933-024-02140-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been confirmed that the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio is closely associated with the incidence of cardiometabolic diseases (CMD). However, due to uncontrolled confounding factors in observational studies, the causal relationship of this association remains unclear. METHODS In this study, we extracted the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio and data on CMD and its associated risk factors from the largest European Genome-Wide Association Study. The purpose was to conduct Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis. The causal relationship between the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio and CMD was evaluated using both univariable and multivariable MR analyses. Furthermore, bidirectional MR analysis was performed to estimate the causal relationship between the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio and risk factors for CMD. The final verification confirmed whether the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio exhibits a mediating effect in CMD and related risk factors. RESULTS In terms of CMD, a noteworthy correlation was observed between the increase in the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio and various CMD, including ischemic heart disease, major adverse cardiovascular events, aortic aneurysm, cerebral ischemic disease and so on (all PFDR<0.05). Meanwhile, the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio was significantly associated with CMD risk factors, such as hemoglobin A1c, fasting insulin levels, waist-to-hip ratio, sedentary behavior, and various others, demonstrating a notable causal relationship (all PFDR<0.05). Additionally, the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio played a mediating role in CMD and relative risk factors. CONCLUSIONS This MR study provides evidence supporting the significant causal relationship between the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio and CMD and its risk factors. Moreover, it demonstrates the mediating effect of the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio in CMD and its risk factors. These findings suggest that the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio may serve as a potential indicator for identifying the risk of developing CMD in participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Fu
- Department of Cardiology, The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Dongbo Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xuedong Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xiaoxue Ma
- Department of Cardiology, The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Hong Pan
- Department of Cardiology, The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Shi Feng
- Department of Cardiology, The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Zhao Sun
- Department of Cardiology, The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Weishen Qiao
- Department of Cardiology, The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Mengyue Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Shuang Gao
- Department of Cardiology, The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Hongyu Ding
- Department of Cardiology, The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China
| | - Xingtao Huang
- Department of Cardiology, The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.
| | - Jingbo Hou
- Department of Cardiology, The Key Laboratory of Myocardial Ischemia, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Chinese Ministry of Education, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.
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Irfan A, Haider SH, Nasir A, Larik MO, Naz T. Assessing the Efficacy of Omega-3 Fatty Acids + Statins vs. Statins Only on Cardiovascular Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 40,991 Patients. Curr Probl Cardiol 2024; 49:102245. [PMID: 38040215 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpcardiol.2023.102245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical guidelines recommend statin use in patients with a vast array of cardiovascular disturbances. However, there is insufficient evidence regarding the concomitant use of omega-3 fatty acids in addition to statins. This meta-analysis aims to uncover the complete effects of this combination therapy on cardiovascular outcomes, lipid biomarkers, inflammatory markers, and plaque markers. METHODS A detailed literature search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane, and MEDLINE databases, and all the relevant studies found up to September 2023 were included. The primary outcomes assessed in this meta-analysis was 1) Composite of fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction, 2) Composite of fatal and non-fatal stroke, 3) Coronary revascularization, 4) Death due to cardiovascular causes, 5) MACE (Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events), 6) Unstable angina, 7) Hospitalization due to unstable angina, 8) and lipid volume index. Secondary outcomes included lipid markers, hsCRP, EPA levels, and EPA/AA ratio. RESULTS 14 RCTs were included, featuring a total of 40,991 patients. Patients receiving the omega-3 + statin regimen were associated with a statistically significant decrease in the incidence of MI, MACE, unstable angina, hospitalization due to unstable angina, Total cholesterol levels, triglycerides, hsCRP, and lipid volume index in comparison to their counterparts receiving placebo + statin (P < 0.05). In contrast, our analysis found no statistically significant difference in the incidence of fatal and non-fatal stroke, coronary revascularization, and cardiovascular mortality. CONCLUSION Our research reinforces that all patients, regardless of their cardiovascular health, may benefit from adding omega-3 fatty acids to their statin therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areeka Irfan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - Syed Hamza Haider
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Aiman Nasir
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Omar Larik
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Turba Naz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dow Medical College, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
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Zhao M, Xiao M, Tan Q, Ji J, Lu F. Cumulative residual cholesterol predicts the risk of cardiovascular disease in the general population aged 45 years and older. Lipids Health Dis 2024; 23:19. [PMID: 38243226 PMCID: PMC10797780 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-023-02000-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous studies have affirmed a robust correlation between residual cholesterol (RC) and the occurrence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the current body of literature fails to adequately address the link between alterations in RC and the occurrence of CVD. Existing studies have focused mainly on individual RC values. Hence, the primary objective of this study is to elucidate the association between the cumulative RC (Cum-RC) and the morbidity of CVD. METHODS The changes in RC were categorized into a high-level fast-growth group (Class 1) and a low-level slow-growth group (Class 2) by K-means cluster analysis. To investigate the relationship between combined exposure to multiple lipids and CVD risk, a weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression analysis was employed. This analysis involved the calculation of weights for total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which were used to effectively elucidate the RC. RESULTS Among the cohort of 5,372 research participants, a considerable proportion of 45.94% consisted of males, with a median age of 58. In the three years of follow-up, 669 participants (12.45%) had CVD. Logistic regression analysis revealed that Class 2 individuals had a significantly reduced risk of developing CVD compared to Class 1. The probability of having CVD increased by 13% for every 1-unit increase in the Cum-RC according to the analysis of continuous variables. The restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis showed that Cum-RC and CVD risk were linearly related (P for nonlinearity = 0.679). The WQS regression results showed a nonsignificant trend toward an association between the WQS index and CVD incidence but an overall positive trend, with the greatest contribution from TC (weight = 0.652), followed by LDL (weight = 0.348). CONCLUSION Cum-RC was positively and strongly related to CVD risk, suggesting that in addition to focusing on traditional lipid markers, early intervention in patients with increased RC may further reduce the incidence of CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengjie Zhao
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Clinical Research and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100091, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Mengli Xiao
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Qin Tan
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Jinjin Ji
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China
| | - Fang Lu
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Beijing, 100091, China.
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Clinical Research and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100091, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology, Beijing, 100091, China.
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Kojima M, Degawa M. Causes of Sex Differences in Serum Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels in Meishan Pigs. Biol Pharm Bull 2024; 47:606-610. [PMID: 38462492 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b23-00895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
To clarify the causes of sex differences (male < female) in the serum total cholesterol (TCHO) and triglyceride (TG) levels in Meishan pigs, we examined the sex differences in mRNA levels of key hepatic enzymes involved in the biosynthesis/metabolism of cholesterol and TG using real-time RT-PCR. There were no sex differences in mRNA levels of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase and CYP51A1 for cholesterol biosynthesis, or of the rate-limiting enzyme CYP7A1 for bile acid synthesis from cholesterol. By contrast, sex differences (male < female) were observed in mRNA levels of glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase 1 (GPAT1), a rate-limiting enzyme for TG biosynthesis. However, the sex differences in mRNA levels of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) and acyl-CoA dehydrogenase long chain (ACADL), key enzymes for the oxidation of the fatty acids that are structural components of TG, were the opposite (male > female). Castration of male pigs led to an increase in the mRNA level of GPAT1 and decreases in those of CPT1A and ACADL. Furthermore, testosterone propionate (TP)-treatment of castrated males and intact females restored and changed, respectively, these mRNA levels to those of intact males. Notably, castration and TP-treatment increased and decreased, respectively, serum and hepatic TG levels. These findings suggest that sex differences in the serum and hepatic TG levels in Meishan pigs are closely correlated with differences in testosterone-associated mRNA expression levels of the key enzymes (GPAT1, CPT1A, and ACADL) involved in the TG biosynthesis process, although no causes of sex differences in serum and hepatic TCHO levels could be found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misaki Kojima
- Meat Animal Biosystem Group, Division of Meat Animal and Poultry Research, Institute of Livestock and Grassland Science, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO)
| | - Masakuni Degawa
- Laboratory of Molecular Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka
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