Lipids最新文献

Low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increase the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality in older individuals. Developing cost-effective screening tools for identifying this condition in large populations is essential. To evaluate the discriminatory capacity of anthropometric indicators of obesity in screening for low HDL-C among older adults. A cross-sectional population-based epidemiological study was conducted with 223 older individuals (57% women) living in a community. The following anthropometric indicators were evaluated: body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), abdominal circumference (AC), body adiposity index (BAI), triceps skinfold (TSF), waist-hip ratio (WHR), waist-height ratio (WHtR), and conicity index (CIn). Low HDL-C was defined as values below 40 mg/dL. The prevalence of low HDL-C was 25.10% (men: 35.41%; women: 21.77%). Among older men, BAI showed the highest sensitivity (87.10%; accuracy: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.53–0.74), while WC had the highest specificity (83.05%; accuracy: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.60–0.80). Among older women, WHR demonstrated the highest sensitivity (100%; accuracy: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.62–0.79), and WHtR showed the highest specificity (67.68%; accuracy: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.62–0.79). BAI and WHR were the most effective indicators for screening older men and women with low HDL-C, respectively. Additionally, WC and WHtR were the most effective indicators for identifying older men and women without low HDL-C, respectively.

Studies have suggested that low-dose statin monotherapy may be insufficient for target LDL-C levels. In this randomized, double-blind, multicenter phase 3 trial, we evaluated the efficacy of combined ezetimibe and low-dose atorvastatin in 222 Korean patients with primary hypercholesterolemia. Participants received either 10-mg ezetimibe/5-mg atorvastatin (EZE10/ATV5), 10-mg ezetimibe (EZE10), 5-mg atorvastatin (ATV5), or 10-mg atorvastatin (ATV10). At 8 weeks, EZE10/ATV5 achieved the greatest LDL-C reduction (−44.8%) compared with EZE10 (−12.7%, p < 0.0001), ATV5 (−27.3%, p < 0.0001), and ATV10 (−32.0%, p = 0.0012). The combination therapy showed the highest LDL-C goal achievement rate (41.1% vs. EZE10 8.9%, p < 0.0001; ATV5 10.9%, p < 0.0001; ATV10 27.3%, p = 0.0342), particularly in moderate to high-risk patients. Additionally, EZE10/ATV5 had the lowest adverse events among all groups (6.9% vs. 15.0%, 12.3%, and 27.6%, p = 0.017), with most events being mild. These findings suggest that the combination of ezetimibe and low-dose atorvastatin provides superior lipid-lowering efficacy with an improved safety profile, offering an effective treatment for primary hypercholesterolemia in Korean patients.

Previous in vitro studies have indicated that oxidized phytosterol (OPS) exhibits some toxicity; however, the harmful effects of OPS on fatty acid metabolism are not completely understood yet. Therefore, this study examined the effects of exogenous phytosterol (PS) and OPS on growth parameters and lipid metabolism in rats. Rats were provided with AIN-76 basal diet, basal diet +0.5% PS, or basal diet +0.5% OPS. We found that the level of cholesterol and triacylglycerols in the liver was significantly lower in OPS-fed rats than in basal diet-fed rats. The ratio of Δ6 desaturation index (20:3(n-6) + 20:4(n-6))/18:2(n-6) in the plasma was significantly higher in the OPS-fed rats than in the PS-fed rats. Additionally, the proportion of arachidonic acid (20:4) in the liver was significantly higher in the OPS-fed group compared with the control group. The mRNA expression levels of Δ6 and Δ5 desaturases were significantly higher in OPS-fed rats than in basal diet-fed rats, but remained unchanged in PS-fed rats. Moreover, the protein level of Δ6 desaturase was significantly higher in both PS- and OPS-fed rats compared with basal diet-fed rats, while the protein level of Δ5 desaturase tended to be higher only in OPS-fed rats than in basal diet-fed rats. Thus, exogenous OPS, but not PS, altered fatty acid composition through the upregulation of mRNA and protein levels of fatty acid desaturation enzymes in the liver. This indicates that exogenous OPS, unlike PS, may modulate the production of eicosanoids from arachidonic acid, potentially promoting allergic reactions, inflammation, and atherosclerosis.

The lipid profiles of highlanders and lowlanders differ. However, studies of the lipid profiles of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) living at high altitudes are limited. This study aimed to compare lipid profiles and lipoprotein particles in individuals with T2DM permanently residing in the Tibetan Plateau and those residing in the lowlands. This cross-sectional study included 117 individuals with T2DM from the lowlands (n = 78) and highlands (n = 39). Demographic information, clinical features, blood biochemical indices, and standard lipid concentrations were recorded and evaluated. Low-density lipoprotein particles (LDL-Ps) and LDL subfractions were compared between the groups. Additionally, the risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) was assessed. The standard lipid profile and nuclear magnetic resonance-measured lipid panel showed no significant differences in terms of triglyceride, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. However, highlanders exhibited a higher mean level of LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) than lowlanders. The LDL-P mean level was significantly higher in highlanders than in lowlanders. Small-density LDL (sdLDL) showed no distinct difference between the two groups. Furthermore, the 10-year risks of ASCVD were slightly higher in highlanders than in lowlanders, although the difference was not statistically significant. Individuals with T2DM living at highland altitudes have higher LDL-C and LDL-P levels than those living in lowlands. No difference was observed in the sdLDL levels between the two populations. These discrepancies may carry profound implications for the clinical management of T2DM and the prevention of cardiovascular diseases in high-altitude areas.

In fishery industries, large amounts of byproducts are discarded during processing; therefore, their use as a source of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is beneficial. In this study, we evaluated the potential anti-allergic effect of lysophosphatidylcholine (Lyso-PtdCho) derived from squid skin phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) by measuring the production of leukotriene (LT) B₄ and C₄, which are chemical mediators produced by mast cells in immediate allergic reactions. Squid Lyso-PtdCho, with docosahexaenoic acid exclusively esterified at the sn-2 position, significantly inhibited LT production, whereas the original PtdCho obtained from squid skin showed no inhibitory activity. Lyso-PtdCho prepared from starfish viscera PtdCho, which exclusively binds eicosapentaenoic acid at the sn-2 position, also inhibited LT production, although the effect was moderate compared with that of the squid Lyso-PtdCho. It has been suggested that Lyso-PtdCho containing n-3 PUFA may alleviate allergic symptoms and contribute to the effective utilization of fishery wastes and processing byproducts.

Poor sleep is linked to an increased risk of metabolic, cardiovascular, psychiatric, and neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting its emergence as a public health concern. Previous studies demonstrated the harmful effects of trans fatty acids (TFAs) on human health. However, the association between TFAs and sleep outcomes is still not well-established. The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between plasma elaidic acid, a major TFA, and sleep complaints. The participants from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2009–2010) were included. The plasma concentration of elaidic acid (18:1n-9t) was determined using the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) method. The sleep outcome was defined based on the following questionnaire: “Ever told the doctor had trouble sleeping?” and “Ever told by a doctor have a sleep disorder?”. Participants were classified as having sleep complaints if they ever told a doctor or been told by a doctor about trouble sleeping. The association between plasma elaidic acid and sleep complaints was investigated by multivariable logistic regressions, restricted cubic spline (RCS), and subgroup analysis. A total of 2068 participants were included, 561 of whom suffered from sleep complaints. The restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression analysis revealed a nonlinear (inverted L-shaped) relationship between plasma elaidic acid level and sleep complaints (p = 0.044), with an inflection point of 9.598 μmol/L. In the group with a low plasma elaidic acid level (≤9.598 μmol/L), there was a positive association between plasma elaidic acid level and the prevalence of sleep complaints (OR 1.28; 95% CI: 1.06–1.54, p = 0.01). When the plasma elaidic acid level was more than 9.598 μmol/L, the correlation was not statistically significant. Results were robust when analyses were stratified by sex, age, race, marital status, education level, family income, and BMI (all p for interaction >0.05). The results revealed a positive association between plasma elaidic acid and sleep complaints in US adults when plasma elaidic acid level ≤9.598 μmol. Given that the plasma TFA content has considerably declined in recent years, the detrimental impact of elaidic acid on sleep quality deserves more attention.

Diet plays an important role in the composition of gut microbiota. Emerging research suggests that bone homeostasis can also be influenced by the gut microbiota. The aim of this study was to assess possible alterations in gut microbiota in an experimental obesity model induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and the possible effects on parameters of bone metabolism and remodeling. Male Wistar rats were fed a HFD (60% lipids) or standard (control) diet for 14 weeks. Biochemical and hormonal parameters, bone histomorphometry, bone protein levels, and gut microbiota composition were analyzed. HFD animals exhibited a greater gut microbiota α-diversity represented by the Shannon Index and an increased relative abundance of the Proteobacteria phylum. Histomorphometry detected lower bone formation in the HFD group, accompanied by increased levels of serum and bone leptin and FGF-23 (fibroblast growth factor-23). The Shannon Index was correlated directly with bone FGF-23 (R 0.96, p = 0.04) and inversely with the osteoblastic surface (R −0.95, p = 0.04). The present study disclosed a significant increase in gut microbiota α-diversity and relative abundance of Proteobacteria phylum in obese animals fed a high-fat diet in parallel with increased levels of bone and serum leptin and FGF-23 and lower bone formation. The associations of Shannon Index with bone levels of FGF-23 and reduced osteoblastic surface suggest a link between HFD-induced higher gut microbiota diversity and low bone formation.

The long-chain n-3 fatty acids (FA) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have human health benefits, and many experiments have investigated the ability of plant n-3 sources to enrich n-3 FA in broiler meat. A meta-regression was conducted to evaluate the relationship between dietary 18-carbon n-3 FA content and the deposition of EPA, docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), and DHA in broiler breast and liver tissue. Bivariate regression of total diet 18-carbon n-3 and tissue FA profile was modeled with the random effect of experiment and the partial R² was calculated. Increasing 18C n-3 FA in the diet quadratically increased the log₁₀ concentration of all n-3 FA in breast tissue. The strongest relationship was found for breast alpha-linolenic (partial R² = 0.55), followed by EPA, DPA, and DHA (partial R² = 0.20, 0.14, and 0.05). Liver enrichment of EPA, DPA, and DHA (all partial R² > 0.43) and EPA + DHA (partial R² = 0.55) was quadratically related to dietary 18C n-3 FA, while liver EPA + DPA + DHA (partial R² = 0.43) was linearly related to dietary 18C n-3 FA. In both breast and liver, the plateau in tissue enrichment was more apparent for DHA than EPA, with DPA being intermediate. A linear plateau model fit the data with a break point for enriching EPA and DHA in breast muscle at 22.4 and 17.9 g/kg of 18C n-3 FA in the diet, respectively. Enrichment of long-chain n-3 FA in broiler chickens was saturable, with little justification for feeding beyond approximately 20 g/kg 18C n-3 FA.

Lactobacillus plantarum fermented barley extract (LFBE) has a potent anti-obesity effect on high-fat-diet fed (HFD) obese rats. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Herein, we investigated the anti-obesity effect and mechanism of LFBE in 3 T3-L1 preadipocytes and HFD-induced obese rats. LFBE significantly inhibited lipid accumulation by decreasing the expression of adipogenesis-related transcription factors, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR-γ) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP-α) in differentiated 3 T3-L1 cells. The expression levels of adiponectin, acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC), and fatty acid synthase (FAS) were also suppressed in differentiated three T3-L1 cells. Administration of LFBE significantly reduced insulin resistance, blood lipid profiles, and improved metabolic hormones in HFD-induced obese rats. Furthermore, the serum pro-inflammatory cytokines including CRP, IL-6, TNFα, and INFγ in HFD-induced obese rats were significantly decreased after LFBE administration. LFBE treatment also attenuated oxidative stress in HFD-induced obese rats by decreasing MDA production and restoring SOD and catalase enzymatic activity. Administration of LFBE could modulate gut microbiota imbalance by increasing the abundance of Lactobacillus and Ruminococcaceae UCG-014 and decreasing Prevotella-9 at the genus level and restoring intestinal barrier dysfunction in HFD-induced obesity rats. Taken together, our study indicated that LFBE is a promising candidate for treating obesity through multiple mechanisms.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases and is associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Both docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) play essential roles in lipid metabolism and the inhibition of amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation. We aimed to explore the possible association between cerebral Aβ deposition and the development of NAFLD and to investigate the effect of DHA combined with MCTs on delaying NAFLD progression and Aβ accumulation. To this end, 40 three-month-old APP/PS1 male mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups. The mice were fed a control diet, a DHA (2.91 g/kg) diet, an MCTs (100 g/kg) diet, or a DHA + MCTs diet for 8 months. Ten C57BL/6J mice were fed a control diet and used as the wild-type (WT) group. The results indicated that APP/PS1 mice exhibited NAFLD and cerebral Aβ accumulation. DHA combined with MCTs decreased blood and liver lipids, relieved hepatic steatosis and fat accumulation, and decreased the level of Aβ in the brain and serum. Moreover, DHA combined with MCTs significantly upregulated the levels of Aβ clearance-related proteins in the liver, modulated the expression of key hepatic lipid metabolism enzymes and upstream hepatic lipid metabolism factors. In conclusion, compared with wild-type mice, APP/PS1 mice may be more sensitive to changes in lipid metabolism due to the accumulation of Aβ. DHA combined with MCTs alleviated NAFLD and decreased brain and serum Aβ levels in APP/PS1 mice compared with the control group. The possible mechanism may involve affecting hepatic fat and cholesterol metabolism and increasing hepatic Aβ clearance by modulating liver lipid metabolism enzymes.