Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol/High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness: A Cohort Study in China

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C/HDL-C) ratio may carry additional information and has been suggested as a better predictor for atherosclerosis progression and cardiovascular disease (CVD) than LDL-C and HDL-C alone. Therefore, we aim to explore the association between LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and high carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) risk in a large Cohort in Beijing, China. This cohort study included 13,612 adults without high CIMT at first entry and who attended the baseline examination and at least one follow-up annual examination between 2009 and 2016. We used multivariable Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios (HR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and risk of high CIMT. During 37,912 person-years of follow-up, 1996 (1268 men and 728 women) developed high CIMT. Compared with the first quartile of LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, the risk of high CIMT was significantly increased for the fourth quartile of LDL-C/HDL-C ratio (HR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.29–1.78). We observed a significant association between LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and high CIMT risk comparing LDL-C/HDL-C ratio >2.78 with LDL-C/HDL-C ratio ≤2.78 and significant dose–response relationship between LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and risk of high CIMT. The restricted cubic spline showed a significant nonlinear association between LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and the risk of high CIMT (p_{non-linearity} = 0.009). We identify a significant association between LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and the risk of high CIMT in the Chinese Cohort study. Future studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of reducing LDL-C/HDL-C ratio treatment on the development of high CIMT.     

Interaction between dietary proteins and lipids in the regulation of serum and liver lipids in the rabbit. Effect of fish protein

Purified diets varying in dietary protein, namely casein (CA), soy protein (SP), fish protein (FP), and lipid origin (corn oil (CN), coconut oil (CO)) were fed to rabbits to evaluate the effects of protein and fat source, as well as protein-lipid interactions, on serum total, lipoprotein and hepatic lipid levels. Dietary proteins and lipids exerted a separate effect on serum total cholesterol (C), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C/HDL-C) ratio. Hence, CA increased serum cholesterol compared to SP, while coconut oil enhanced serum and VLDL-C, and decreased LDL-C/HDL-C compared to corn oil. Dietary proteins interacted with dietary lipids to modulate HDL-C levels. Thus, FP maintained a high level of HDL-C regardless of lipid origin, compared to CA and SP whose HDL-C levels were decreased by corn oil, compared to coconut oil. A dietary protein-lipid interaction was also observed in the regulation of liver cholesterol levels. Coconut oil, compared to corn oil, decreased liver cholesterol in rabbits fed FP, whereas hepatic cholesterol concentration was unaltered by dietary lipid source in CA- and SP-fed rabbits. These results demonstrate that dietary proteins act synergistically with dietary lipids to regulate cholesterol metabolism in the rabbit. This work was presented in part at the 74th Annual FASEB meeting held in Washington, D.C., April 1–5, 1990.     

Variable frequencies of apolipoprotein e genotypes and its effect on serum lipids in the guangxi zhuang and han children

Guangxi Zhuang, the largest ethnic minority in China, is located in the southern part of the country, and well-known to the world as the longevity village. Studies of apolipoprotein E (APOE) polymorphism in adults suggest the lower frequencies of E4 allele and E4/E4 genotype may account, in part, for the favorable lipid profiles of Guangxi Zhuang. However, the effect of APOE polymorphism on serum lipids in the Guangxi Zhuang children is yet unknown to date. In the present study, genomic DNA was extracted from 278 Guangxi Zhuang and 200 Guangxi Han children. APOE genotypes were determined by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. The fasting serum lipoprotein a [Lp(a)], total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1) and apoB were measured. Our results demonstrated that no significant differences in serum lipids were observed between the Guangxi Zhuang and Han children. The E4/E4 and E4/E3 genotypic frequencies were significantly lower in the Guangxi Zhuang children compared with the Guangxi Han children, whereas for E2/E2, E3/E2 and E4/E2 genotypic frequencies the opposite was presented. Though no significant differences in serum lipid concentrations were found for variant alleles both in the Guangxi Zhuang and Han children, the trend was observed in the association of higher levels of Lp(a), TC, TG and LDL-C with E4 allele in the Guangxi Zhuang children. In conclusion, a significant heterogeneity in APOE genetic variation indeed exists between the Guangxi Zhuang and Han ethnic group. The E4 allele may serve as a genetic marker for susceptibility to higher lipid profiles in the Guangxi Zhuang children. Lifestyle should be modified, according to APOE polymorphism even in the young children.     

Association of dietary patterns,anthropometric measurements,and metabolic parameters with C-reactive protein and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in middle-aged and older adults with metabolic syndrome in Taiwan: a cross-sectional study

Background

Metabolic syndrome is commonly associated with inflammation. The underlying factors of inflammation in metabolic syndrome are not fully understood. The objective of the study was to determine the association of dietary patterns, anthropometric measurements, and metabolic parameters with inflammatory markers in middle-aged and older adults with metabolic syndrome in Taiwan.

Methods

A total of 26,016 subjects aged ≥35 y with metabolic syndrome were recruited from Mei Jau institution between 2004 and 2013 for a cross sectional study. Metabolic syndrome was defined by the International Diabetes Federation. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate the association of dietary patterns, anthropometric measurements, and metabolic parameters with C-reactive protein (CRP) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in men and women with metabolic syndrome. Crude and adjusted models were analyzed by gender.

Results

The western dietary pattern, obesity, high body fat, high waist or hip circumference, and high waist-to-hip ratio were significantly associated with increased odds ratios of high CRP and NLR in both genders. High systolic or diastolic blood pressure (BP), low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), high low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), high total cholesterol (TC), high serum triglycerides (TG), and high fasting blood glucose (FBG) were significantly correlated with increased odds ratios of high CRP in both genders. Low HDL-C, high LDL-C, high serum TG, and high FBG were significantly associated with increased odds ratios of high NLR in both genders. However, high systolic (OR?=?1.124, 95% CI 1.047–1.206, P?<?0.01) or diastolic BP (OR?=?1.176, 95% CI 1.087–1.273, P?<?0.001) and high TC (OR?=?1.138, 95% CI 1.062–1.220, P?<?0.001) were significantly correlated with increased odds ratios of high NLR only in men.

Conclusions

The western dietary pattern, obese-related anthropometric parameters, and most components of metabolic syndrome are positively associated with CRP levels and NLR in men and women with metabolic syndrome.

     

The ratio of triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol is associated with the risk of chronic kidney disease in Korean men

Dyslipidemia is nephrotoxic and can result in the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The ratio of triglycerides (TG) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (TG/HDL-C ratio) is well-correlated with insulin resistance and cardiovascular events. The aim of this study is to examine the association between the TG/HDL-C ratio and CKD in Korean adults. This study was retrospectively designed based on the National Health Insurance Service-National Health Screening cohort. Seventy three thousand and fifty-two participants aged between 40 and 79 years old at baseline (2009–2010) were included in the final analyses. The study population was classified into three tertile groups (T₁, T₂, and T₃) according to the TG/HDL-C ratio by sex. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CKD were calculated using Cox proportional hazard regression models. The median follow-up duration was 5.9 years. Higher tertile groups of the TG/HDL-C ratio had lower estimated glomerular filtration rates in both sexes. The cumulative incidence of CKD of T₁, T₂, and T₃ was 11.89%, 12.90%, and 12.91%, respectively, in men and 10.17%, 10.61%, and 14.87%, respectively, in women (all p values < 0.001). Compared with T₁ of the TG/HDL-C ratio, the HRs (95% CIs) of T₂ and T₃ for CKD were 1.212 (1.118–1.315) and 1.183 (1.087–1.287), respectively, in men and 0.895 (0.806–0.994) and 1.038 (0.937–1.150), respectively, in women after being fully adjusted. Higher TG/HDL-C ratios were positively associated with CKD development in men, while middle levels of TG/HDL ratios reduced the CKD incidence in women.     

壳聚糖固定化月桂酸及其吸附LDL性能研究

以月桂酸为原料,将其固定到活化壳聚糖上,制备一种低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)选择性吸附剂。考察了吸附时间、吸附剂用量对血浆LDL-C吸附效果的影响。体外间歇吸附结果表明,LDL-C的吸附率达到58.5%,对血浆总胆固醇(TC)吸附率达到35.1%,而对高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)的吸附率为11.4%,具有良好的选择吸附低密度脂蛋白胆固醇性能。     

A Cross-sectional Study on the Relationship Between Homocysteine and Lipid Profiles Among Chinese Population from Hunan

Previous studies have explored the relationship between homocystein (Hcy) and lipid profiles. However, the results from these studies have been inconsistent. The current study investigated the correlation between Hcy and lipid profiles in Chinese community-based population. The participants were composed of 4012 Chinese people aged 30–92 years old, who were recruited from rural and urban communities in the Hunan Province. Non-parametric test and logistic regression were used to examine the distribution of Hcy and lipid profiles (triglyceride [TG], total cholesterol [TC], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]) and the relationship between them. The median age of subjects was 54.50 years old, and 40.98% were male. Median Hcy was 13.20 μmol/L, and 35.39% had hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy). Median TG was 1.51 mmol/L, TC was 4.77 mmol/L, LDL-C was 2.62 mmol/L, and HDL-C was 1.27 mmol/L. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, HHcy was associated with high levels of TG (OR_male = 2.240, p < 0.001; OR_female = 2.539, p < 0.001), TC (OR_male = 2.237, p < 0.001; OR_female = 2.202, p < 0.001), and LDL-C (OR_male = 1.413, p = 0.010; OR_female = 1.617, p < 0.001) in the different sexes population and low level of HDL-C in females (OR = 1.326, p = 0.023) after adjusting for confounders. HHcy was independently associated with an increasing risk of low HDL-C among females. The regression analysis showed that HHcy was also associated with hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, and high level of LDL-C in males and females from Chinese community-based population, which provides a basis for the treatment and prevention of abnormal lipid metabolism.     

Rosuvastatin Enhances the Catabolism of LDL apoB‐100 in Subjects with Combined Hyperlipidemia in a Dose Dependent Manner

Dose‐associated effects of rosuvastatin on the metabolism of apolipoprotein (apo) B‐100 in triacylglycerol rich lipoprotein (TRL, d < 1.019 g/ml) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) and of apoA‐I in high density lipoprotein (HDL) were assessed in subjects with combined hyperlipidemia. Our primary hypothesis was that maximal dose rosuvastatin would decrease the apoB‐100 production rate (PR), as well as increase apoB‐100 fractional catabolic rate (FCR). Eight subjects received placebo, rosuvastatin 5 mg/day, and rosuvastatin 40 mg/day for 8 weeks each in sequential order. The kinetics of apoB‐100 in TRL and LDL and apoA‐I in HDL were determined at the end of each phase using stable isotope methodology, gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry, and multicompartmental modeling. Rosuvastatin at 5 and 40 mg/day decreased LDL cholesterol by 44 and 54 % (both P < 0.0001), triacylglycerol by 14 % (ns) and 35 % (P < 0.01), apoB by 30 and 36 % (both P < 0.0001), respectively, and had no significant effects on HDL cholesterol or apoA‐I levels. Significant decreases in plasma markers of cholesterol synthesis and increases in cholesterol absorption markers were observed. Rosuvastatin 5 and 40 mg/day increased TRL apoB‐100 FCR by 36 and 46 % (both ns) and LDL apoB‐100 by 63 and 102 % (both P < 0.05), respectively. HDL apoA‐I PR increased with low dose rosuvastatin (12 %, P < 0.05) but not with maximal dose rosuvastatin. Neither rosuvastatin dose altered apoB‐100 PR or HDL apoA‐I FCR. Our data indicate that maximal dose rosuvastatin treatment in subjects with combined hyperlipidemia resulted in significant increases in the catabolism of LDL apoB‐100, with no significant effects on apoB‐100 production or HDL apoA‐I kinetics.     

Efficacy and safety of turmeric and curcumin in lowering blood lipid levels in patients with cardiovascular risk factors: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

Dyslipidemia is an important and common cardiovascular risk factor in the general population. The lipid-lowering effects of turmeric and curcumin are unconfirmed. We performed a meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of turmeric and curcumin in lowering blood lipids in patients at risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed, Embase, Ovid, Medline and Cochrane Library databases to identify randomized controlled trials (published as of November 2016) that assessed the effect of turmeric and curcumin on blood lipid levels including total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG). Pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to assess the effect.

Results

The analysis included 7 eligible studies (649 patients). Turmeric and curcumin significantly reduced serum LDL-C (SMD = ?0.340, 95% confidence interval [CI]: ?0.530 to ?0.150, P < 0.0001) and TG (SMD = ?0.214, 95% CI: ?0.369 to ?0.059, P = 0.007) levels as compared to those in the control group. These may be effective in lowering serum TC levels in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS, SMD = ?0.934, 95% CI: ?1.289 to ?0.579, P < 0.0001), and turmeric extract could possibly have a greater effect on reducing serum TC levels (SMD = ?0.584, 95% CI: ?0.980 to ?0.188, P = 0.004); however, the efficacy is yet to be confirmed. Serum HDL-C levels were not obviously improved. Turmeric and curcumin appeared safe, and no serious adverse events were reported in any of the included studies.

Conclusions

Turmeric and curcumin may protect patients at risk of CVD through improving serum lipid levels. Curcumin may be used as a well-tolerated dietary adjunct to conventional drugs. Further research is required to resolve uncertainties related to dosage form, dose and medication frequency of curcumin.

     

Changes in Plasma LDL and HDL Composition in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

Changes of lipoprotein composition have been mainly reported in conditions of sepsis. This study characterized compositional changes in LDL and HDL during the acute phase response following cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Twenty-one patients undergoing cardiac surgery were included in this study. Blood samples were drawn before operation and on day 2 post-surgery. In parallel to plasma lipids and antioxidant status, lipoproteins were analyzed for lipid, apolipoprotein (apo), hydroperoxide and alpha-tocopherol content. Beyond decreases in lipid concentrations and antioxidant defenses, cardiac surgery induced substantial modifications in plasma lipoproteins. ApoB decrease in LDL fraction (−46%; P < 0.0001) reflected a marked reduction in the circulating particle number. LDL cholesteryl ester content relative to apoB concentration remained unchanged post-surgery while triglyceride (+113%; P < 0.001), free cholesterol (+22%; P < 0.05) and phospholipid (+23%; P < 0.025) were raised relative to apoB indicating increased particle size. In HDL, an abrupt rise of apoSAA (P < 0.05) was observed together with a decrease of apoA1 (−22%; P < 0.005). Cholesteryl ester content in HDL fraction decreased in parallel to apoA1 concentration while triglycerides, free cholesterol and phospholipids increased relative to apoA1. In contrast to unchanged alpha-tocopherol content, hydroperoxide content was increased in LDL and HDL. By comparison to sepsis, cardiac surgery induces a comparable reduction in circulating LDL but a more limited decrease in HDL particles. Furthermore, in contrast, cardiac surgery induces an increase in polar and non-polar lipids, as well as of particle size in both LDL and HDL. M. Hacquebard is recipient of a fellowship from the Danone Institute, Belgium.     

Differences in lipid parameters among statins treated patients with coronary arteriosclerosis – a pilot study

LDL, total cholesterol (TC), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) are poor predictors of the cardiovascular risk among patients undergoing hypolipidaemic therapy with statins. Thus, in this pilot study we have attempted to determine, on the basis of routinely used assessments of lipid profiles, sensitive and inexpensive parameter which would associate with the severity of coronary artery disease in patients undergoing hypolipidaemic treatment who achieved LDL goal. Apolipoprotein (apo) B100, apoA1, LDL, triglycerides, HDL, lipoprotein (a) and TC levels were assessed in 140 patients referred for coronary angiography. The various ratios based on lipid parameters were calculated and compared to patients taking statins. Coronary arteriosclerosis was determined by the degree of single stenosis and quantitatively by applying the Gensini score. Uing multivariate analysis we have found that in the group with hypolipidaemic therapy and/or with treatment LDL target (70–100 mg/dL) the TC/apoB100 ratio was associated with coronary artery stenosis. Additionally, univariate analysis showed that the TC/apoB100 ratio (among treated subjects) was significantly lower in patients with haemodynamically significant stenosis of coronary arteries than in matched patients without coronary artery lesions.     

Molecular Biological and Clinical Understanding of the Statin Residual Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Alpha Agonists and Ezetimibe for Its Treatment

Several randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) have demonstrated that low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering by using statins, including high-doses of strong statins, reduced the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, among the eight RCTs which investigated the effect of statins vs. placebos on the development of CVD, 56–79% of patients had the residual CVD risk after the trials. In three RCTs which investigated the effect of a high dose vs. a usual dose of statins on the development of CVD, 78–87% of patients in the high-dose statin arms still had the CVD residual risk after the trials. An analysis of the characteristics of patients in the RCTs suggests that elevated triglyceride (TG) and reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), the existence of obesity/insulin resistance, and diabetes may be important metabolic factors which determine the statin residual CVD risk. To understand the association between lipid abnormalities and the development of atherosclerosis, we show the profile of lipoproteins and their normal metabolism, and the molecular and biological mechanisms for the development of atherosclerosis by high TG and/or low HDL-C in insulin resistance. The molecular biological mechanisms for the statin residual CVD risk include an increase of atherogenic lipoproteins such as small dense LDL and remnants, vascular injury and remodeling by inflammatory cytokines, and disturbed reverse cholesterol transport. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) agonists improve atherogenic lipoproteins, reverse the cholesterol transport system, and also have vascular protective effects, such as an anti-inflammatory effect and the reduction of the oxidative state. Ezetimibe, an inhibitor of intestinal cholesterol absorption, also improves TG and HDL-C, and reduces intestinal cholesterol absorption and serum plant sterols, which are increased by statins and are atherogenic, possibly contributing to reduce the statin residual CVD risk.     

Lipid profile in Venezuelan preschoolers by socioeconomic status

Epidemiological studies have shown that unfavorable serum lipids levels in childhood are predictors of development of atherosclerosis lesions in adulthood. We assessed the lipid profile of 297 Venezuelan preschool children (4-7 years old) from two socioeconomic levels in order to compare them by this characteristic. Their social level was determined according to modified Graffar method, and two groups were obtained: high socioeconomic status (HSES, n=103) and low socioeconomic status (LSES, n=194). Nutritional anthropometric evaluation was performed by weight to height, and NCHS/OMS cut-off point was used. Lipid profile was determined by colorimetric biochemical methods and atherogenic risks factors were calculated. Underweight for HSES was 5.8% and for LSES: 14.9%, while normal status was 78.6% and 70.1%, and overweight was 15.5% and 14.9%, respectively. Mean values for triglycerides were 0.66 +/- 0.27and 0.76 +/- 0.31 mmol/L, total cholesterol (TC): 3.61 +/- 0.65 and 2.98 +/- 0.71 mmol/L, HDL-C: 1.04 +/- 0.18 and 0.62 +/- 0.16 mmol/L, LDL-C: 2.27 +/- 0.61 and 2.01 +/- 0.71 mmol/L, TC/HDL-C: 3.5 +/- 0.78 and 5.0 +/- 1.5; LDL-C/HDL-C: 2.0 +/- 0.71 and 3.4 +/- 1.4 with significant differences between HSES and LSES as shown respectively. A significant association was found (p < 0.01) between lipid values and socioeconomic status, being the LSES preschoolers those with the higher atherogenic risk. Its pattern was of lower HDL-C levels, and higher TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio. Comparisons of lipid profile by nutritional status or gender did not show significant differences. Findings indicate that children from low socioeconomic status are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis than children from high socioeconomic status.     

High Doses of Rosuvastatin are Superior to Low Doses of Rosuvastatin Plus Fenofibrate or n-3 Fatty Acids in Mixed Dyslipidemia

The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of high-dose rosuvastatin, low-dose rosuvastatin plus fenofibrate and low-dose rosuvastatin plus omega-3 fatty acids with regard to the lipid profile in patients with mixed hyperlipidemia. The primary endpoint was changes in non-high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (non-HDL-C) levels. Study participants were randomly allocated to receive rosuvastatin 40 mg (n = 30, R group), rosuvastatin 10 mg plus fenofibrate 200 mg (n = 30, RF group) or rosuvastatin 10 mg plus n-3 fatty acids 2 g (n = 30, RN group). Non-HDL-C levels were reduced in all groups: in R group by 54%, in RF group by 42% and in RN group by 42%. Significant reductions in total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL)-C and triglyceride levels were observed in all groups. The reductions in total and LDL-C were greatest in the R group while a more pronounced reduction of triglycerides in the RF group compared with that in the R and the RN group was observed. HDL-C levels were significantly increased only in the RF group. In conclusion, high doses of rosuvastatin and small doses of rosuvastatin plus either fenofibrate or n-3 fatty acids exhibit favorable effects on both LDL-C and non-HDL-C levels. However, rosuvastatin monotherapy more potently reduces these parameters. The combination of rosuvastatin plus fenofibrate leads to a greater decrease in triglyceride levels and a greater increase in HDL-C levels compared with the other two treatments. While awaiting the results of ongoing trials high doses of rosuvastatin may represent the treatment of choice in individuals with mixed dyslipidemia.     

Association of total cholesterol/apoB100 with lipid and protein oxidation products in stable angina patients treated with statins

Oxidative modification of lipids contained in lipoproteins may contribute to initiation of local inflammation in the vascular endothelium and ultimately to the atherosclerotic plaque formation. Therefore, in patients with high cardiovascular risk in primary as well as in secondary prevention, it is recommended that the serum low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol be reduced. However, the management of patients with LDL level at goal is still a matter of debate. Various parameters have been proposed for predicting increased cardiovascular risk. It was found that among known indicators of lipid metabolism deregulation the ratio of total cholesterol/apoB100 associates with the severity of coronary arteriosclerosis in population of individuals with LDL levels < 100 mg/dL. There are several possible hypotheses for this phenomenon (impaired reduction of apoB100 expression by statins or increased triglyceride content of apoB100 containing lipoproteins compatible with oxidized LDL phenotype in subjects with high cardiovascular burden). In this paper, we discuss the increased susceptibility of plasma lipoproteins to oxidation. To verify this hypothesis, we undertook to determine, in the susceptible population described previously, whether there is a relation of total cholesterol (TC) ratio to apoB100 with known oxidative stress exponents such as protein and lipid oxidation products (LPP). TC/apoB100 was found to have a significant association with the level of LPPs in most examined subgroups (except subjects on statins with LDL > 100 mg/dL). See commentary by Grabowski http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ejlt.201200295     

Birthweight and Lipids in Adult Life: Population-Based Cross Sectional Study

The purpose of this study was to examine the association of birthweight with lipid profile in the general adult population. Participants in the second-wave of a nationally representative cross sectional AusDiab-study were asked to complete a birthweight questionnaire. Fasting total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, HDL-C, and triacylglycerol levels were modeled against birthweight. Four thousand five hundred and two people reported their birthweights, mean (SD) of 3.4(0.7) kg. Females with low birthweight-LBW had higher levels of TC, LDL-C, and triacylglycerols, but no difference in HDL-C, than those with normal-birthweight-NBW;≥2.5 kg. People with LBW showed a trend toward increased risk for high TC (≥5.5 mmol/L) compared to NBW. Among females with LBW, the risk for high LDL-C (≥3.5 mmol/L) was increased compared to those of NBW. The risk for low HDL-C (<0.9 mmol/L) was increased among males with LBW compared to those with NBW. Examination of the relationship on the continuum showed no differences except for high triacylglycerol levels among females with the lowest birthweight quintile compared to the higher birthweight quintile. However, the risk for various abnormalities by birthweight quintiles was similar to that when we used the traditional definition of LBW vs. NBW. Females and males with low birthweight differ in their risk for lipids abnormalities. Females had higher risk for high LDL-C, whereas males had high risk for low HDL-C (<0.9 mmol/L). In addition, females with low birthweight had the highest triacylglycerol levels. High LDL-C, low HDL-C, and high triacylglycerols are well-recognized risk factors for cardiovascular disease.     

Low fat-monounsaturated rich diets containing high-oleic peanuts improve serum lipoprotein profiles

Postmenopausal hypercholesterolemic women are at risk for cardiovascular disease and are encouraged to follow low-fat (LF) (≤30% energy) diets. However, these diets may have undesirable effects on high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) and triglycerides, whereas diets high in monounsaturated fats do not. Twenty postmenopausal hypercholesterolemic women previously consuming high-fat diets (34% energy) were placed on a low fat-monounsaturated rich diet (LFMR: 26%, 14% energy, respectively) for 6 mon. Sixteen women already eating LF diets (24% energy) were also followed to monitor variations in serum lipids due to seasonal variations. Twenty-five women successfully completed the study (LFMR=12, LF=13). Serum cholesterol decreased 10% (264 to 238 mg/dL, P≤0.01) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) decreased 12% (182 to 161 mg/dL, P≤0.01) in the LFMR group, but did not change in the LF group. The reduction in serum cholesterol in the LFMR group was greater than estimated by predictive formulas. Serum triglycerides and apo A-I did not change in the LFMR group. A modest decrease in HDL-C, HDL₃-C, and apolipoprotein B (apo B) occurred in both groups, but only the LFMR group showed a trend toward beneficial changes in LDL-C/HDL-C and apo A-I/apo B ratios. Overall, the LFMR diet was well tolerated and resulted in an improved serum lipid and apolipoprotein profile. A portion of this material was presented earlier at the annual meeting of the American Oil Chemists’ Society and in abstract from (O’Byrne, D.J., Shireman, R.B., and Knauft, D., 1993. The effects of a low-fat/high-oleic acid diet on lipoproteins in postmenopausal hypercholesterolemic women. INFORM 4(4), 553, #SS7).     

Use of cyclodextrin to deliver lipids and to modulate apolipoprotein B-100 production in HepG2 cells

2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (cyclodextrin), cyclodextrin-solubilized oleate, and cyclodextrin-solubilized cholesterol were used to modulate proteolysis and secretion of newly-synthesized apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB) in HepG2 cells. Following cyclodextrin and lipid treatments, cells were pulse-labeled with [³H] leucine, and quantitative immunoprecipitation was used to measure apoB synthesis, apoB secreted into the medium, and the cellular content of undegraded apoB that was not secreted. Three-hour treatment with cyclodextrin-solubilized oleate (0.2 mM) increased secreted apoB from 4% (control cells) to 32% and cellular undegraded apoB from 15% (control cells) to 64% of apoB synthesized, which is consistent with earlier studies using bovine serum albumin to complex exogenous oleate. Prolonged daily (4 d or more) administration of 0.5% (3.5 mM) cyclodextrin with medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum increased the secretion of nascent apoB from 5–10% (control) to 17–28% and cellular undegraded apoB from 15–20% (control) to 25–31% of apoB synthesized, respectively. Subsequent administration of cyclodextrin-solubilized cholesterol (10–40 μg) for only 3 h reversed the cyclodextrin-mediated increase in apoB secretion. The application of 0.5% cyclodextrin to HepG2 cells can rapidly (within minutes) stimulate cholesterol efflux, and transiently (over a 1–2 d period) increase cholesterol synthesis. In the current studies, the cyclodextrin-mediated increase in cholesterol synthesis was not concurrent with the increase in apoB secretion. However, prolonged (15 d) administration of cyclodextrin was shown to increase the cellular free cholesterol concentration by 25–41%, reduce the cellular triglyceride concentration by 59% and increase apoB secretion 3- to 4-fold, without affecting the cellular cholesteryl ester concentration. In comparison, 14-d treatment with cyclodextrin-solubilized cholesterol (20 μg/mL) followed by 1-d equilibration without cholesterol was shown to increase the cellular free cholesterol and cholesteryl ester concentrations by 76% and 10-fold, respectively, although apoB secretion was not affected. It is hypothesized that chronic daily administration of 0.5% cyclodextrin increased the cellular cholesterol concentration and flux in discrete putative regulatory compartment which “shielded” nascent apoB from rapid proteolysis and facilitated apoB secretion. In conclusion, cyclodextrin was used independently and in combination with cholesterol or oleate to modulate apoB proteolysis and secretion. We speculate that subcellular changes in cholesterol concentration and flux may modulate apoB production in HepG2 cells.     

Serum insulin, leptin and growth hormone levels are associated with body mass index and obesity index in adolescents

Leptin, insulin and growth hormone levels seem to regulate body composition, fat distribution and fat mass. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship among insulin, leptin and growth hormone levels in a group of adolescents. Ninety five adolescents (31 boys and 64 girls) between 13 and 18 y. of age were studied. A medical and nutritional history was made which included body mass index (BMI) and subcutaneous skinfolds measurements. Basal levels of glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, VLDL-C, leptin, insulin and growth hormone were determined. The leptin and insulin levels were positively associated with body mass index (BMI) and obesity index (OBI). Insulin, leptin and obesity markers were negatively associated with growth hormone level. Fifty two percent of the adolescents with BMI = 21.09 kg/m2 were considered metabolically obese because they had elevated levels of insulin (18.68 +/- 1.52 vs. 10.08 +/- 0.38 microU/ml), HOMA IR (3.34 +/- 0.24 vs. 1.76 +/- 0.07), leptin (16.30 +/- 1.24 vs. 8.11 +/- 1.32 ng./dl) and triglycerides (78.56 +/- 4.38 vs. 64.39 +/- 5.48 mg/dl) and lower levels of HDL-C (39.09 +/- 1.27 vs. 43.30 +/- 2.38 mg/dl), compared with normal group. The same alterations were observed in the obese group, in which significative decrease in growth hormone level was added. We conclude that hyperinsulinemia, hyperleptinemia and low growth hormone levels, may be established as risk factors related to obesity markers, lipid alterations and insulin resistance that can lead to an early development of Type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease.     

Lean adolescents with increased risk for metabolic syndrome

The aim of the present study was to determine in adolescents the relationship between insulin levels and body mass index (BMI), body fat distribution, diet, life style and lipid profile. We studied 167 adolescents (68 boys and 99 girls) whose ages ranged from 14 to 17 years. A detailed medical (including pubertal stage) and nutritional record was obtained from each subject. Biochemical measurements included fasting serum insulin, glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (Tg), HDL-C, LDL-C and VLDL-C. HOMA insulin resistance (IR) and HOMA beta-cell function (beta-cell) were calculated. Insulin levels were over 84 pmol/L (cut off normal value in our lab) in 56% of the boys and 43% of the girls. Thirty-seven percent of lean adolescents whose BMI was 21.5 +/- 1.9 kg/m2 presented higher fasting insulin levels. HOMA IR, Tg, systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) values when compared to a lean normoinsulinemic group. Insulin levels were correlated (p < 0.01) with body mass index. Both boys and girls in the highest BMI quartile (BMI > 24 kg/m2) had significantly higher serum insulin, HOMA beta-cell, and Tg levels, and the lowest HDL-C levels. A high-energy intake rich in saturated fat and low physical activity were found in this lean but metabolically altered adolescents. We conclude that even with a BMI as low as 21 kg/m2 an inappropriate diet and low physical activity might be responsible for the high insulin levels and dislipidemias in adolescents.