Common FABP4 Genetic Variants and Plasma Levels of Fatty Acid Binding Protein 4 in Older Adults

We examined common variants in the fatty acid binding protein 4 gene (FABP4) and plasma levels of FABP4 in adults aged 65 and older from the Cardiovascular Health Study. We genotyped rs16909187, rs1054135, rs16909192, rs10808846, rs7018409, rs2290201, and rs6992708 and measured circulating FABP4 levels among 3190 European Americans and 660 African Americans. Among European Americans, the minor alleles of six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were associated with lower FABP4 levels (all p ≤ 0.01). Among African Americans, the SNP with the lowest minor allele frequency was associated with lower FABP4 levels (p = 0.015). The C-A haplotype of rs16909192 and rs2290201 was associated with lower FABP4 levels in both European Americans (frequency = 16 %; p = 0.001) and African Americans (frequency = 8 %; p = 0.04). The haplotype combined a SNP in the first intron with one in the 3′untranslated region. However, the alleles associated with lower FABP4 levels were associated with higher fasting glucose in meta-analyses from the MAGIC consortium. These results demonstrate associations of common SNP and haplotypes in the FABP4 gene with lower plasma FABP4 but higher fasting glucose levels.     

APOA1/A5 Variants and Haplotypes as a Risk Factor for Obesity and Better Lipid Profiles in a Brazilian Elderly Cohort

Genetic variations in the APOA1/C3/A4/A5 gene cluster have been studied and proposed to be the leading key for susceptibility to cardiovascular diseases and age-associated disorders. We aimed to investigate the associations of rs12721026 (APOA1) and rs1729408 (APOA5) polymorphisms and their haplotypes with some age-related diseases, as well as with lipids and proteins serum levels in a cohort from a Brazilian Elderly Longitudinal Study (EPIDOSO). Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Statistical analyses were carried out using logistic regression analysis, Student’s t-test, and linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis. Polymorphic allele frequencies were 0.095 and 0.449 for rs12721026 and rs1729408, respectively. The C-allele of rs1729408 was associated with higher high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (P = 0.022) and glycated hemoglobin levels (P = 0.020). We also showed that rs12721026 and rs1729408 were in LD. The GC haplotype, which is composed of the G-allele of rs12721026 and the C-allele of rs1729408, was significantly associated with obesity (P = 0.028), with higher glycated hemoglobin (P = 0.006), and fasting glucose (P = 0.0003) compared to the TT haplotype, which includes the wild-type alleles of both polymorphisms. Moreover, we found an association between the TC haplotype and higher HDL levels (P = 0.0039). This is the first time that haplotypes involving these polymorphisms were evaluated. Our results showed that these polymorphisms were involved in the development of obesity and in alterations of lipids and proteins serum levels in a Brazilian population. The present findings might also clarify the role of these polymorphisms and their haplotypes in lipids and proteins metabolism.     

Lipid-Modulating Treatments for Mixed Dyslipidemia Increase HDL-Associated Phospholipase A2 Activity with Differential Effects on HDL Subfractions

The effect of lipid-modulating treatments on modification of high density lipoprotein (HDL) subfractions remains unknown. In this study, mixed dyslipidemia patients (n = 100) inadequately controlled with a standard statin dose were randomized to switch to 40 mg of rosuvastatin or add-on extended release nicotinic acid/laropiprant (ER-NA/LRPT) or add-on fenofibrate. The cholesterol concentrations of HDL (HDL-C) subfractions and HDL-associated lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A₂ (HDL-Lp-PLA₂) activity were assessed at baseline and 3 months later. We observed that large HDL-C increased by 50 and 6 % in the add-on-ER-NA/LRPT and rosuvastatin groups, respectively, while it decreased by 20 % in the add-on-fenofibrate group (p < 0.01 vs baseline for all groups and p < 0.01 for all comparisons among groups). On the other hand, small HDL-C decreased by 17 % in the add-on-ER-NA/LRPT group (p < 0.01 vs baseline), while it increased by 25 % in the add-on-fenofibrate group (p < 0.01 vs baseline) without any change in the rosuvastatin group (p < 0.01 for all comparisons among groups). HDL-Lp-PLA₂ activity increased by 55, 33 and 18 % in add-on-ER-NA/LRPT, add-on-fenofibrate and rosuvastatin groups, respectively (p < 0.01 for all comparisons vs baseline and for all comparisons among groups). In conclusion, add-on-ER-NA/LRPT was associated with an increase in large HDL-C and a decrease in small HDL-C, while opposite effects were noticed in the add-on-fenofibrate group. Add-on-ER-NA/LRPT was associated with the most pronounced increase in HDL-Lp-PLA₂ activity.     

Sex Differences in Blood HDL-c,the Total Cholesterol/HDL-c Ratio,and Palmitoleic Acid are Not Associated with Variants in Common Candidate Genes

Blood lipids are associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Moreover, circulating lipid and fatty acid levels vary between men and women, and evidence demonstrates these traits may be influenced by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP). Sex-genotype interactions related to blood lipids and fatty acids have been poorly investigated and may help elucidate sex differences in CVD risk. The goal of this study was to investigate if the influence of SNPs previously associated with blood lipids and fatty acids varies in a sex-specific manner. Lipids and fatty acids were measured in serum and red blood cells (RBC), respectively, in 94 adults (18–30 years) from the GONE FISHIN’ cohort and 118 age-matched individuals from the GOLDN cohort. HDL-c levels were higher and the total cholesterol/HDL-c (TC/HDL-c) ratio was lower in women versus men (p < 0.01). RBC palmitoleic acid and the stearoyl-CoA desaturase index were both higher in women (p < 0.01). Fatty acid desaturase (FADS) pathway activity (estimated using the ratio of eicosapentaenoic acid/alpha-linolenic acid) was higher in men (p < 0.01). The AA genotype for rs1800775 in CETP had a lower TC/HDL-c ratio in men, but not women (p _int = 0.03). Independent of sex, major alleles for rs174537 in FADS1 (GG) and rs3211956 in CD36 (TT) had higher arachidonic acid, lower dihomo-γ-linoleic acid, and a higher FADS1 activity compared to minor alleles. The current study showed that blood lipid and fatty acid levels vary between healthy young men and women, but that the observed sex differences are not associated with common variants in candidate lipid metabolism genes.     

SLCO1B1 c.388A>G Polymorphism Is Associated with HDL-C Levels in Response to Atorvastatin in Chilean Individuals

The use of statins as the preferred lipid-lowering therapy has clearly demonstrated its efficacy in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, reducing also the risk of coronary events and cardiovascular disease mortality. In this study, we assessed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the SLCO1B1 gene and their effect on atorvastatin response. We included 129 Chilean hypercholesterolemic patients undergoing 10 mg/day of atorvastatin therapy during 4 weeks. Lipid profile was determined before and after drug administration. Genotyping of SLCO1B1 rs4149056 (c.521T>C) SNP was performed with allele-specific polymerase chain reaction, whilst polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used for genotyping the SLCO1B1 rs2306283 (c.388A>G) variant. After statin therapy, concentrations of TC, LDL-C and TG had a decrease from baseline (p < 0.05). Also, HDL-C levels increased (p < 0.05). Minor allele frequencies for the rs2306283 and rs4149056 variants were 0.547 and 0.136, respectively. LDL-C response to atorvastatin was not associated with the SLCO1B1 rs4149056 nor the rs2306283 polymorphisms (p > 0.05). However, the latter SNP was associated with HDL-C variability after atorvastatin medication (p = 0.02). This study indicates that LDL-C reduction following atorvastatin therapy is not influenced by the SNPs evaluated. In addition, the polymorphism rs2306283 at the SLCO1B1 gene determines greater HDL-C concentrations in response to atorvastatin medication in Chilean hypercholesterolemic subjects.     

Enhancement of Antioxidants in Olive Oil by Foliar Fertilization of Olive Trees

Oxidative stability (OS) of virgin olive oil is affected by different antioxidants whose levels may be influenced by nutrients availability. Changes in OS of virgin olive oil and antioxidants levels were evaluated according to foliar application of six nutrient-based treatments: T1 (rich in nitrogen), T2 (rich in boron, magnesium, sulfur and manganese), T3 (rich in phosphorus and potassium), T4 (rich in phosphorus and calcium), T5 (application of T1 and T2) and T6 (application of T1, T2, T3 and T4). The foliar applications were carried out during two successive growing seasons and oils were extracted and analyzed at the end of the experiment (after 2 years). T3 and T6 treatments improved oil stability by increasing the content of antioxidants, while T2 and T4 affected negatively the antioxidant profile of oils. Measured correlations between OS and compositional variables showed that total phenols had the highest value (R = 0.937, p < 0.001), followed by α-tocopherol (R = 0.775, p < 0.001) and oleic/linoleic ratio (R = 0.625, p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the changing levels of antioxidant compounds, due to fertilization, may be used to obtain oils with the highest quality.     

Association between Phosphatase Related Gene Variants and Coronary Artery Disease: Case-Control Study and Meta-Analysis

Recent studies showed that the serum alkaline phosphatase is an independent predictor of the coronary artery disease (CAD). In this work, we aimed to summarize the association between three phosphatase related single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs12526453, rs11066301 and rs3828329) and the risk of CAD in Han Chinese. Our results showed that the rs3828329 of the ACP1 gene was closely related to the risk of CAD in Han Chinese (OR = 1.45, p = 0.0006). This significant association of rs3828329 with CAD was only found in the females (Additive model: OR = 1.80, p = 0.001; dominant model: OR = 1.69, p = 0.03; recessive model: OR = 1.96, p = 0.0008). Moreover, rs3828329 was likely to exert its effect in females aged 65 years and older (OR = 2.27, p = 0.001). Further meta-analyses showed that the rs12526453 of PHACTR11 gene (OR = 1.14, p < 0.0001, random-effect method) and the rs11066301 of PTPN11 gene (OR = 1.15, p < 0.0001, fixed-effects method) were associated with CAD risk in multiple populations. Our results showed that the polymorphisms rs12526453 and rs11066301 are significantly associated with the CAD risk in multiple populations. The rs3828329 of ACP1 gene is also a risk factor of CAD in Han Chinese females aged 65 years and older.     

Effects of a Westernized Diet on the Reflexes and Physical Maturation of Male Rat Offspring During the Perinatal Period

This study evaluates the effects of a westernized diet during the perinatal period on the maternal performance and growth and development of rat offspring. Female Wistar rats were fed with either a control (C) diet, with casein as the protein source or a westernized (W) diet, during pregnancy and lactation. The pups were divided, eight per group, into the same diet groups as their dams. During lactation, the body weight (day 1, W = 6.85 ± 0.62 g, C = 5.81 ± 0.49, p < 0.05; day 21, W = 55.42 ± 3.78, C = 47.75 ± 3.45, p < 0.001) and somatic growth (body length day 1, W = 53.24 ± 2.16, C = 50.641 ± 1.79, p < 0.05; day 21, W = 124.8, C = 119.903 ± 3.71, p < 0.001) in the male offspring showed significant differences among the groups. The physical appearance and reflex maturation showed differences between day 1 and day 3. With the westernized diet, during the perinatal period, no alterations in maternal weight gain, gestation or performance were observed; however, changes in the coefficients of feed efficiency and energy during lactation were noted. Besides, blood glucose was found to be elevated at the end of lactation (C = 3.67 ± 0.35 mmol/l, W = 5.2 0 ± 0.49 mmol/l). At 21 days, the male pups from the dams on the westernized diet were 15 % heavier, and the maturation of the neural reflexes and physical characteristics were found to occur earlier. Therefore, the consumption of a westernized diet during the perinatal period was independent of maternal energy intake, and influenced the growth and development of offspring.     

Association between Single Nucleotide Polymorphism rs1044925 and the Risk of Coronary Artery Disease and Ischemic Stroke

The present study was performed to clarify the association between the acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase-1 (ACAT-1) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1044925 and the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and ischemic stroke (IS) in the Guangxi Han population. Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism was performed to determine the genotypes of the ACAT-1 SNP rs1044925 in 1730 unrelated subjects (CAD, 587; IS, 555; and healthy controls; 588). The genotypic and allelic frequencies of rs1044925 were significantly different between the CAD patients and controls (p = 0.015) and borderline different between the IS patients and controls (p = 0.05). The AC/CC genotypes and C allele were associated with a decreased risk of CAD and IS (CAD: p = 0.014 for AC/CC vs. AA, p = 0.022 for C vs. A; IS: p = 0.014 for AC/CC vs. AA; p = 0.017 for C vs. A). The AC/CC genotypes in the healthy controls, but not in CAD or IS patients, were associated with an increased serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration. The present study shows that the C allele carriers of ACAT-1 rs1044925 were associated with an increased serum HDL-C level in the healthy controls and decreased risk in CAD and IS patients.     

Two Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the Purinergic Receptor P2X7 Gene Are Associated with Disease Severity in Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that leads to progressive physical disability. Recent evidence has suggested that P2X7 receptor (P2X7R)-mediated purinergic signalling pathways play a role in MS-associated neuroinflammation, possibly contributing to disease pathogenesis. To evaluate possible associations between P2X7R polymorphisms and MS disease severity, we performed an association study of five non-synonymous SNPs coding variants of the P2X7R gene: rs1718119 Ala348Thr, rs2230911 Thr357Ser, rs2230912 Gln460Arg, rs3751143 Glu496Ala, and rs28360457 Arg307Gln, modulating P2X7R expression in 128 MS patients (relapsing remitting MS, RRMS: n = 94; secondary progressive, SPMS: n = 34). All patients were genotyped, and multiple sclerosis severity score (MSSS) was evaluated in every case; 189 healthy subjects were enrolled as well as controls. Results showed that P2X7R rs1718119(A) 348Thr and rs22390912(G) 464Arg, two SNPs of minor allele frequency (MAF) known to confer gain of function to the P2X7R protein, were associated with significantly higher MSSS in RRMS patients alone (SMRR (p < 0.001, p = 0.01, respectively)). Interestingly, two whole haplotypes resulted in having significant association with MSSS in these same patients. Thus: (1) the P2X7R-4 “ACGAG” haplotype, characterized by the co-presence of the rs1718119-rs2230912 AG MAF alleles, was associated with higher MSSS (Beta: 1.11 p = 0.04), and (2) the P2X7R-1 “GCAAG” complementary haplotype, which contains the rs1718119 and rs2230912 GA wild-type alleles, was more frequently carried by patients with lower MSSS and less severe disease (Beta: −1.54 p < 0.001). Although being preliminary and needing confirmation in an ampler cohort, these results suggest that 348Thr and 464Arg variants have a role as modulators of disease severity in RRMS patients.     

Effects of Olive Trees Age on the Minor Components of Oueslati Virgin Olive Oils Produced from Olives Harvested at Different Ripening Degrees

Phenolics, volatiles, squalene, tocopherols, and fatty acids of virgin olive oils (VOO) from adult and young olive trees of the Oueslati variety, typically cultivated in the Center of Tunisia, were analyzed at three different harvesting periods. Significant differences in contents of saturated fatty acids (p < 0.05), squalene (p < 0.05), alpha-tocopherol and total tocopherol (p < 0.02) and oxidized form of decarboxymethyl oleuropein aglycon (p < 0.05) were seen between VOO from adult and young trees during maturation. Moreover, the volatile profiles of VOO from adult and young trees showed significant differences in the amounts of hexanal, 1-penten-3-ol (p < 0.05), (Z)-3-hexenal and (Z)-2-penten-1-ol (p < 0.01). Principal component analysis showed that olives from adult trees should be harvested at the cherry stage of maturation to obtain a satisfactory level of oil quality, while olives from young trees should be harvested at the black maturation stage.     

Effect of timing for core preparation,luting cement type and root level on adhesion of fiber posts to intraradicular dentin

This study assessed the effect of timing of core preparation and luting cement on adhesion of fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) posts on different levels of intraradicular dentin when cemented with either conventional dual-polymerized or self-adhesive resin cement. Single-rooted human teeth (N = 80) were endodontically treated and randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 40) according to resin cement: (a) Conventional dual resin cement (Variolink II, V) or (b) Self-adhesive resin cement (RelyX U200, R). They were further divided into two subgroups according to timing of core preparation (n = 20): (a) immediate (i) or (b) delayed (d). FRC posts (Cytec Blanco) were cemented and the roots were sliced into discs at the coronal, middle, and apical levels. Push-out tests were then performed in a Universal Testing Machine (1 mm/min). Data (MPa) were analyzed using three-way ANOVA and Tukey’s tests considering the factors ‘core preparation time’, ‘luting cement’, and ‘root level’ (α = 0.05). Type of luting cement (p < 0.001), time of core preparation (p < 0.001), and root level (p < 0.001) significantly affected the bond strength results. R cement was more significantly affected by core preparation time (Ri: 2.91 ± 1.1; Rd: 4.83 ± 1.68) compared to V cement (Vi: 2.92 ± 1.63; Vd: 2.65 ± 1.6) (p < 0.05). Coronal region demonstrated significantly higher bond strength values than those of middle and apical third in all groups (coronal: 4 ± 1.9; middle: 3.1 ± 1.4; apical: 2.4 ± 1.1) (p < 0.05). Adhesive failure between cement and dentin was the most frequent (64%) followed by adhesive failure between cement and post (18%). Delayed core preparation can improve bond strength of FRC posts to intraradicular dentin when cemented with self-adhesive cement compared to conventional dual-polymerized resin cement.     

Effect of material and fabrication technique on marginal fit and fracture resistance of adhesively luted inlays made of CAD/CAM ceramics and hybrid materials

This study evaluated the fracture resistance and marginal fit of CAD/CAM ceramic and composite inlays. Molars (N = 80) were prepared to receive Mesio-occlusal-distal (MOD) inlays and randomly divided into four groups to be restored depending on the materials: (a) HLD: heat-pressed lithium disilicate ceramic (IPS e.max Press), (b) CLD: CAD/CAM-fabricated lithium disilicate ceramic (IPS e.max CAD), (c) NC: CAD/CAM nano-ceramic resin (Lava Ultimate), (d) RC: Indirect resin composite (Filtek P60). Each group was randomly divided into two subgroups regarding the resin cement: (a) High-viscosity resin cement (Syntac, Variolink II), (b) Self-adhesive low-viscosity cement (RelyX Ultimate). After marginal gap and cement thickness measurements, specimens were loaded to fracture in a Universal Testing Machine (1 mm/min). Intact molars acted as the control group (n = 10). Data were analyzed using one-way and two-way ANOVA, Tukey’s tests (α = 0.05). Before cementation, CLD group showed significantly lower mean marginal gap (65 ± 22.4 μm) and after cementation, cement thickness was again the lowest with CLD (82.6 ± 24.6 μm) and the highest with HLD (108.4 ± 21.3 μm) (p < 0.001). The mean marginal gaps of inlays at the gingival margin were significantly higher than at the occlusal and the axial margins (p < 0.05). While material type significantly affected the mean fracture resistance (p < 0.001), the cement type had no effect on the results (p = 0.083). NC group (2486 ± 40 N) showed significantly higher mean fracture load compared to those of other three groups (1997.5 ± 60–2007 ± 30) (p < 0.05). The mean fracture resistance of control group with the intact teeth was significantly higher than those of all groups (p < 0.05) except for NC (p > 0.05).     

Glucose Uptake and Triacylglycerol Synthesis Are Increased in Barth Syndrome Lymphoblasts

Barth syndrome (BTHS) is an X-linked genetic disease resulting in loss of cardiolipin (Ptd₂Gro). Patients may be predisposed to hypoglycemia and exhibit increases in whole-body glucose disposal rates and a higher fat mass percentage. We examined the reasons for this in BTHS lymphoblasts. BTHS lymphoblasts exhibited a 60% increase (p < 0.004) in 2-[1,2-³H(N)]deoxy-d-glucose uptake, a 40% increase (p < 0.01) in glucose transporter-3 protein expression, an increase in phosphorylated-adenosine monophosphate kinase (AMPK) and a 58% increase (p < 0.001) in the phosphorylated-AMPK/AMPK ratio compared to controls. In addition, BTHS lymphoblasts exhibited a 90% (p < 0.001) increase in d-[U-¹⁴C]glucose incorporated into 1,2,3-triacyl-sn-glycerol (TAG) and a 29% increase (p < 0.025) in 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycerol acyltransferase-2 activity compared to controls. Thus, BTHS lymphoblasts exhibit increased glucose transport and increased glucose utilization for TAG synthesis. These results may, in part, explain why BTHS patients exhibit an increase in whole-body glucose disposal rates, may be predisposed to hypoglycemia and exhibit a higher fat mass percentage.     

Adhesion to zirconia as a function of primers/silane coupling agents,luting cement types,aging and test methods

This study evaluated the adhesion of resin cements to zirconia with different primers/silane coupling agents using two test methods with and without aging. Zirconia discs (Cercon) (N = 900, n = 15 per group) were ground finished to 2000 grit silicone carbide and randomly divided into seven groups: (a) C: No treatment (Control), (b) SG: Signum, (c) CL: Clearfil Ceramic Primer, (d) AP: Alloy Primer, (e) Monobond Plus, (f) ES-R: ESPE-Sil after Rocatec and (g) ES-C: ESPE-Sil after CoJet. Methacrylate (Variolink II-VL) and MDP based (Panavia F2.0-PN) dual-polymerized and self-adhesive resin cements (RelyX Unicem-RX) were adhered and polymerized accordingly. The specimens were further randomly divided into two groups to be tested after (a) 24-h dry storage at 37 °C and (b) thermocycling (×5000, 5–55 °C). Macroshear (MSB) and macrotensile bond tests (MTB) were conducted in an universal testing machine (crosshead speed: 1 mm/min) and failure types were analyzed after debonding. Data were analyzed using Univariate analysis and Tukey’s tests (α = 0.05). Two-parameter Weibull modulus, scale (m) and shape (0) were calculated. While primer/silane (p < 0.001), cement type (p < 0.001) and aging (p < 0.001) significantly affected the bond results, test method did not show significant difference (p = 0.237). In MSB test, Weilbul moduli were more favorable for MP-VL (4.2) and AP-PN (6) combinations and after aging for MP-VL (4.2) and AP-PN (5.66). In MTB test, after aging, Weilbul moduli were more favorable for AP-PN (5.41). Bond strength results mostly decreased with SG (24–92%) after aging. Cohesive failures in the cement were more frequent with PN (252) compared to VL (83).     

l-Carnitine and Long-Chain Acylcarnitines are Positively Correlated with Ambulatory Blood Pressure in Humans: The SABPA Study

The prevalence of hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa is increasing rapidly, and treatment remains challenging. Although the use of l-carnitine in treatment has received much attention, studies reporting on physiological l-carnitine levels in hypertensives are limited. Our aim was to determine physiological levels of l-carnitine and acylcarnitines in African and Caucasian men, and to investigate associations between ambulatory blood pressure (BP) and carnitine levels. Participants included 101 African and 101 Caucasian teachers. Ambulatory BP measurements were conducted, and l-carnitine and acylcarnitine levels determined. African men showed significantly higher systolic BP (p < 0.001), diastolic BP (p < 0.001) and l-carnitine levels (p = 0.01). In both ethnic groups, partial regression analyses revealed a positive association between BP and l-carnitine, although in Caucasians it was with systolic (r = 0.20, p = 0.045), and in Africans with diastolic BP (r = 0.23, p = 0.023). After adjusting for confounders, an independent positive association between systolic (R ² = 0.37, β = 0.12, p = 0.041) and diastolic BP (R ² = 0.39, β = 0.14, p = 0.018) and l-carnitine and long-chain acylcarnitines (R ² = 0.38, β = 0.17, p = 0.005 and R ² = 0.39, β = 0.15, p = 0.011) were found, independent of ethnicity. Physiological l-carnitine levels were not only higher in Africans than in Caucasians but also above the expected reference range. Despite promising results on l-carnitine (and its short-chain derivatives) in hypertension treatment regimens, our findings paradoxically show that elevated BP is significantly associated with higher physiological l-carnitine and long-chain acylcarnitine levels.     

Small High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Subclasses are Increased with Decreased Activity of HDL-Associated Phospholipase A2 in Subjects with Prediabetes

Alterations in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subclass distribution, as well as in the activities of HDL-associated enzymes, have been associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. HDL subclass distribution and the activities of HDL-associated enzymes remain unknown in prediabetic patients, a condition also associated with increased CVD risk. The aim of the present study was to assess any differences in HDL subclass distribution (using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) and in activities of HDL-associated enzymes between prediabetic (impaired fasting glucose, IFG, n = 80) and non-prediabetic subjects (n = 105). Subjects with prediabetes had significantly increased waist circumference, blood pressure and triacylglycerol (TAG) levels compared with subjects with fasting glucose levels <100 mg/dL (all p < 0.05). The proportion of small HDL3 over HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly increased in prediabetic subjects compared with their controls (p < 0.05). The activity of the anti-atherogenic HDL-associated lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A₂ (HDL-LpPLA₂) was significantly lower in subjects with prediabetes (p < 0.05), whereas the activity of paraoxonase 1 (using both paraoxon and phenyl acetate as substrates) did not significantly differ between subjects with or without prediabetes. In a stepwise linear regression analysis, the proportion of small HDL3 over HDL-C concentration was independently associated with the presence of prediabetes and with total cholesterol and TAG concentration (positively), as well as with HDL-C levels (negatively). We also observed a trend of increased small dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in prediabetic subjects compared with their controls. Subjects with IFG exhibit increased proportion of small HDL3 particles combined with decreased activity of the anti-atherogenic HDL-LpPLA₂.     

The effect of Nd:YAG laser irradiation on root surface: shear-bond strength and SEM–EDX study

To investigate the effects of Nd:YAG laser and 17% EDTA treatment on root-dentin mineral content using scanning electron microscope–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX) and on shear-bond strength of epoxy-resin-based sealer (AH Plus) to root dentin. Twelve extracted premolars were decoronated and roots were sectioned, so that 24 two-root halves were obtained. Element levels of each half were examined by SEM/EDX, and AH Plus build-ups were created. After shear-testing, the test surfaces were reground and subjected to a 5.25% NaOCl. Two subgroups were created according to the surface treatment (n = 12): G1, with 17% EDTA for 5 min; G2, with the Nd:YAG laser. The element level analysis and shear-bond strength test were repeated for each half; the data were recorded (MPa) and analyzed (paired samples t-test). The EDTA treatment increased the O, C, Ca/P ratio (p < 0.001), decreased Ca, P content (p = 0.000), but did not change Na, Mg content (p > 0.05). The Nd:YAG laser increased O, Ca/P ratio (p < 0.001), and decreased the Ca, P content (p = 0.000). The C, Mg, Na content did not change with the Nd:YAG laser (p > 0.05). Both 17% EDTA and Nd:YAG laser had an effect on the mineral content of roots. The 17% EDTA treatment decreased the shear-bond strength of AH Plus to root dentin (p = 0.000); however, the Nd:YAG laser did not affect the bond strength (p = 0.238). Thus, an Nd:YAG laser can be used for disinfection of the root canal when AH Plus is used as a sealer.     

Moderate Compared to Low Dietary Intake of trans-Fatty Acids Impairs Strength of Old and Aerobic Capacity of Young SAMP8 Mice in Both Sexes

The senescence accelerated SAMP8 mouse is a model for sarcopenia and provides an opportunity to study the effects of lifelong dietary composition on the loss of physical function with age. We studied the effects of trans-fatty acids (2 % of total energy, TFA diet) on the loss of strength and aerobic exercise capacity (VO₂peak) with age. SAMP8 mice were studied at two ages (young, 25 weeks; old, 60 weeks) and on two diets (control vs TFA). Body composition, grip strength, VO₂peak, blood metabolites, and biochemical parameters were assessed. Body weight, fat mass, and body fat percentage all increased with age (p < 0.05) but were not significantly impacted by diet. There was a significant age-related decline in total grip strength as well as that normalized to fat-free mass (FFM) (p < 0.05) with a further decrease at old age in these metrics of strength on the TFA diet vs control diet (p < 0.05). Total VO₂peak exhibited no change with age or diet, but when normalized to FFM, VO₂peak exhibited age and TFA-related declines (p < 0.05). Intramuscular triacylglycerol (p < 0.05) and collagen content (p < 0.05) significantly increased with age, while blood triacylglycerol was increased by the TFA diet (p < 0.05). These data further characterize the SAMP8 mouse as a model for sarcopenia and indicate that dietary fatty acid composition can impact the degree of this age-related loss of physical function.