The Prevalence and Characteristics of Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Vertigo

Objectives/Hypothesis

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a condition that increases the risk of coronary artery disease and cerebral infarction. We determined the prevalence of MetS in vertigo patients and clinically investigated the association between MetS and vertigo.

Study Design

Case-control study

Methods

The subjects were 333 patients, including 107 males and 226 females, who presented with vertigo as a primary symptom. MetS was diagnosed according to the International Diabetes Federation definition, which is based on waist circumference, blood serum levels, and blood pressure.

Results

MetS was detected in 53 (15.9%) of 333 vertigo patients, including 24 males (22.4%) and 29 females (12.8%); i.e., the frequency of MetS was significantly higher among the male patients than the female patients. The overall prevalence of MetS (15.9%) among vertigo patients did not differ from that observed among general adults in previous Japanese surveillance studies; however, MetS was significantly more common among the vertigo patients in males than general adult males. The prevalence of MetS was also examined in five types of vertigo, Concomitant MetS was noted in many males with vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI) and isolated vertigo of unknown etiology.

Conclusion

It was suggested that MetS is involved in the development of vertigo in males. MetS might be a risk factor for vascular vertigo such as VBI in males. The high frequency of MetS among males with vertigo of unknown etiology suggested that the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome is involved in this type of isolated vertigo.     

血清chemerin 水平与代谢综合征患者合并冠心病的相关性研究

目的:旨在探讨血清脂肪因子chemerin水平与代谢综合征患者合并冠心病的相关性。方法:共纳入116名代谢综合征患者,将所有患者分为两组,合并冠心病组(CAD+,n=47)及未合并冠心病组(CAD-,n=69),使用酶联免疫吸附(ELISA)法测量每组血清的血清chemerin水平。结果:CAD+组患者的血清chemerin水平较CAD-组患者显著升高(129.83±29.18 vs 94.01±23.54 ng/mL;P<0.01),多元Logistic回归分析结果显示血清chemerin水平与代谢综合征患者合并冠心病存在独立相关性(优势比1.565,95%可信区间1.104-2.876;P<0.05)。结论:血清chemerin水平是代谢综合征患者合并冠心病的独立危险因子,血清chemerin可能是预测代谢综合征患者发生冠心病风险的重要的生物学标记物。     

Clinical association of metabolic syndrome,C‐reactive protein and testosterone levels with clinically significant prostate cancer

Recently, the influence that metabolic syndrome (MetS), hormonal alterations and inflammation might have on prostate cancer (PCa) risk has been a subject of controversial debate. Herein, we aimed to investigate the association between MetS‐components, C‐reactive protein (CRP) and testosterone levels, and the risk of clinically significant PCa (Sig‐PCa) at the time of prostate biopsy. For that, men scheduled for transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy of the prostate were studied. Clinical, laboratory parameters and criteria for MetS characterization just before the biopsy were collected. A total of 524 patients were analysed, being 195 (37.2%) subsequently diagnosed with PCa and 240 (45.8%) meet the diagnostic criteria for MetS. Among patients with PCa, MetS‐diagnosis was present in 94 (48.2%). Remarkably, a higher risk of Sig‐PCa was associated to MetS, greater number of MetS‐components and higher CRP levels (odds‐ratio: 1.83, 1.30 and 2.00, respectively; P < 0.05). Moreover, higher circulating CRP levels were also associated with a more aggressive Gleason score in PCa patients. Altogether, our data reveal a clear association between the presence of MetS, a greater number of MetS‐components or CRP levels >2.5 mg/L with an increased Sig‐PCa diagnosis and/or with aggressive features, suggesting that MetS and/or CRP levels might influence PCa pathophysiology.     

Association of hormonal dysregulation with metabolic syndrome in older women: data from the InCHIANTI study

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a strong risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Conditions associated with hyperandrogenism are often associated with glucose intolerance and other features of MetS in young women. As the prevalence of MetS increases with age and is probably multifactorial, it is reasonable to hypothesize that age-related changes in androgens and other hormones might contribute to the development of MetS in older persons. However, this hypothesis has never been tested in older women. We hypothesized that high levels of testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), and cortisol and low levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and IGF-I would be associated with MetS in a representative cohort of older Italian women independently of confounders (including inflammatory markers). After exclusion of participants on hormone replacement therapy and those with a history of bilateral oophorectomy, 512 women (>/=65 yr) had complete data on testosterone, cortisol, DHEA-S, SHBG, fasting insulin, total and free IGF-I, IL-6, and C-reactive protein (CRP). MetS was defined according to ATP-III criteria. Insulin resistance was calculated according to HOMA. MetS was found in 145 women (28.3%). Participants with vs. those without MetS had higher age-adjusted levels of bioavailable testosterone (P < 0.001), IL-6 (P < 0.001), CRP (P < 0.001), and HOMA (P < 0.001) and lower levels of SHBG (P < 0.001). After adjustment for potential confounders, participants with decreased SHBG had an increased risk of MetS (P < 0.0001) vs. those with low SHBG. In a further model including all hormones and confounders, log SHBG was the only independent factor associated with MetS (OR: 0.44, 95% CI 0.21-0.91, P = 0.027). In older women, SHBG is negatively associated with MetS independently of confounders, including inflammatory markers and insulin resistance. Further studies are needed to support the notion that raising SHBG is a potential therapeutic target for prevention and treatment of MetS.     

The metabolic syndrome and risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes: experiences with the new diagnostic criteria from the International Diabetes Federation.

Since the publication of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) consensus definition of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in 2005, numerous studies have compared the new IDF MetS category with previous MetS definitions in its association with the prevalence of cardiovascular disease, and in its ability to predict vascular events and incident diabetes. The present review shows that the amount of cardiovascular risk conferred by the respective MetS definitions varies between populations; in most populations it is lower with the IDF MetS than with alternative MetS definitions. For incident diabetes, the number of existing studies appears too limited to draw definite conclusions. Like earlier definitions of the MetS, the IDF MetS is based on distinctive cutoff points for MetS stigmata, neglecting the fact that the risk factors are continuous and not categorical variables.     

The Association of Homocysteine with Metabolic Syndrome in a Community-Dwelling Population: Homocysteine Might Be Concomitant with Metabolic Syndrome

Objective

Elevated plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are both associated with cardiovascular disease, but the association between tHcy and MetS is not well characterized. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between tHcy and MetS.

Methods

To further estimate the time-dependent association of tHcy and MetS, we analyzed the tHcy level and MetS in 1499 subjects from a 4.8-year longitudinal study in Beijing, People’s Republic of China.

Results

In multiple linear regression analysis, baseline tHcy levels associated with age, BMI, SBP, DBP, LDL-C and Cr independently over 4.8-years follow-up; age, BMI, SBP, DBP and Cr were found to be associated with tHcy levels independently at the end of follow-up. Logistic regression analysis showed that there was no association between the baseline tHcy level and MetS over the 4.8-year follow-up (odds ratio (OR), 1.32; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.79–2.19; P = 0.282); rather, there was an association only with hypertension as a MetS component (OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.06–2.21; P = 0.024). tHcy levels were associated with MetS at both cross-sectional baseline (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.02–1.88; P = 0.038) and cross-sectional follow-up (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.02–2.50; P = 0.041). The tHcy levels of MetS subjects were higher than those of non-MetS subjects at both cross-sectional baseline (19.35±7.92 µmol/L vs. 17.45±6.70 µmol/L, respectively; P = 0.001) and cross-sectional follow-up (18.95±7.15 µmol/L vs. 17.11±5.98 µmol/L, respectively; P = 0.02).

Conclusion

The tHcy level was not predictive of the incidence of MetS; however, it may be a risk factor for hypertension as a MetS component. Furthermore, tHcy levels were associated with MetS at cross-sectional baseline and follow-up, which suggests that a higher level of tHcy might be concomitant with MetS.     

Human C-reactive protein gene polymorphism and metabolic syndrome are associated with premature coronary artery disease

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between C-reactive protein (CRP) gene polymorphism and metabolic syndrome (MetS) with premature coronary artery disease (PCAD). 116 patients with PCAD (58 with MetS and 58 without MetS) and 119 controls were included in the study. CRP gene + 1059 G>C polymorphism was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction. Serum hs-CRP was measured using high-sensitivity enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Carriers of C allele of the CRP + 1059 G>C polymorphism had 3.37 fold increased risk to develop MetS in patients with PCAD. In addition CRP gene and hs-CRP levels were independent risk factors for PCAD and MetS. The present study provides new evidence that the presence of CRP + 1059 G>C polymorphism and hs-CRP levels are independent determinants of PCAD and MetS in Egyptians. The results of our study suggest a synergistic effect of CRP C allele with classical risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia and MetS.     

Different associations of apoE gene polymorphism with metabolic syndrome in the Vojvodina Province (Serbia)

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a polygenic multifactorial metabolic disorder with strong socioeconomic influence. MetS has became a worldwide epidemic, that directly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The human apoE gene, coding Apolipoprotein E, has three common polymorphisms in human population: e2, e3 and e4, which are proved to be associated with impaired lipid metabolism. The contribution of apoE polymorphism to MetS disorders has not been investigated previously in Vojvodina Province, region with the highest number of obese people in Serbia. The aim of this study was to evaluate apoE gene polymorphism in relation to MetS disorders. The healthy control group of 30 individuals and 63 MetS patients were examined for apoE variants in relation to biochemical and anthropometric parameters. The genotypes were determined by PCR–RFLP. Regarding all parameters, significantly higher values were detected in MetS group compared to control. The MetS group of patients had significantly higher frequency of e4 allele. In addition, positive relation was revealed between e4 allele presence and all measured parameters. It was found that the e4 allele was related with a significantly increased OR of MetS disorders according to the International Diabetes Federation definition. These results suggested that e4 allele may act as a one of determinants for development of metabolic syndrome.     

Enhanced oxidative stress and platelet activation combined with reduced antioxidant capacity in obese prepubertal and adolescent girls with full or partial metabolic syndrome

In adults, obesity is a main factor implicated in increased oxidative stress (OS), platelet activation (PA) and impaired antioxidant status (AS), all predisposing factors for cardiovascular disease leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, the metabolic syndrome (MetS) is an important cardiovascular risk factor, which progressively develops and may already be present during late childhood or adolescence. However, scarce data exist on oxidative-antioxidant balance and PA in childhood and adolescence in the presence of partial (PMetS) or full MetS. The aim of the study was to evaluate OS, PA, and AS in prepubertal and adolescent obese girls with partial or full MetS. 96 girls with a clinical and metabolic evaluation for obesity and 44 healthy normal-weight sex- and age-matched girls were studied. IDF-adopted criteria were used to define full and partial MetS and the patient population was divided into 4 groups: the first comprised 31 pre-pubertal girls with PMetS (PR-PMetS), the second 37 adolescents with PMetS (AD-PMetS), the third 10 prepubertal girls with full MetS (PR-MetS), and the fourth 18 adolescents with full MetS (AD-MetS). The OS was evaluated by measuring plasma 15-F(2t)-Isoprostane levels (15-F(2t)-IsoP) and protein carbonyls, PA by thromboxane B(2) levels (TXB(2)), and AS by serum vitamin E and plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels. 15-F(2t)-IsoP, protein carbonyls, and TXB(2) levels were significantly gradually amplified, and vitamin E and TAC reduced, and significantly correlated with obesity from childhood to adolescence and from partial to full MetS. This study demonstrates the loss of the normal homeostatic balance between oxidant-antioxidant state in obese children and adolescents with manifestations of partial and full MetS.     

Increased Serum Hepcidin Levels in Subjects with the Metabolic Syndrome: A Population Study

The recent discovery of hepcidin, the key iron regulatory hormone, has changed our view of iron metabolism, which in turn is long known to be linked with insulin resistant states, including type 2 diabetes mellitus and the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). Serum ferritin levels are often elevated in MetS (Dysmetabolic hyperferritinemia - DHF), and are sometimes associated with a true mild-to-moderate hepatic iron overload (dysmetabolic iron overload syndrome - DIOS). However, the pathophysiological link between iron and MetS remains unclear. This study was aimed to investigate, for the first time, the relationship between MetS and hepcidin at population level. We measured serum hepcidin levels by Mass Spectrometry in 1,391 subjects from the Val Borbera population, and evaluated their relationship with classical MetS features. Hepcidin levels increased significantly and linearly with increasing number of MetS features, paralleling the trend of serum ferritin. In multivariate models adjusted for relevant variables including age, C-Reactive Protein, and the HFE C282Y mutation, ferritin was the only significant independent predictor of hepcidin in males, while in females MetS was also independently associated with hepcidin. Overall, these data indicate that the fundamental iron regulatory feedback is preserved in MetS, i.e. that hepcidin tends to progressively increase in response to the increase of iron stores. Due to recently discovered pleiotropic effects of hepcidin, this may worsen insulin resistance and contribute to the cardiovascular complications of MetS.     

SHBG Gene Polymorphism (rs1799941) Associates with Metabolic Syndrome in Children and Adolescents

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex disorder characterized by coexistence of several cardiometabolic (CM) factors, i.e. hyperlipidemia, obesity, high blood pressure and insulin resistance. The presence of MetS is strongly associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The syndrome was originally defined as an adult disorder, but MetS has become increasingly recognized in children and adolescents.MethodsGenetic variants influence biological components common to the CM factors that comprise MetS. We investigated single locus associations between six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), previously shown to modulate lipid or sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels, with MetS in a Turkish pediatric cohort (37 cases, 323 controls).ResultsLogistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between rs1799941, located in SHBG, and MetS (OR = 3.09, p-value = 0.006). The association with MetS remained after sequential adjustment for each CM factor included in the syndrome definition, indicating that the identified association is not being driven by any single trait. A relationship between rs1799941 and SHBG levels, was also discovered, but it was dependent on MetS status. In control subjects, the A allele of rs1799941 associated with a significant increase in SHBG levels (p = 0.012), while in cases there was no association between rs1799941 and SHBG levels (p = 0.963).ConclusionsThe significant association between rs1799941 and MetS in children is not contingent on any single CM trait. Additionally, the presence of MetS may abrogate effect of rs1799941 polymorphism on SHBG levels in children.     

Microparticles from patients with metabolic syndrome induce vascular hypo-reactivity via Fas/Fas-ligand pathway in mice

Microparticles are membrane vesicles with pro-inflammatory properties. Circulating levels of microparticles have previously been found to be elevated in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of in vivo treatment with microparticles, from patients with MetS and from healthy subjects (HS), on ex vivo vascular function in mice. Microparticles isolated from MetS patients or HS, or a vehicle were intravenously injected into mice, following which vascular reactivity in response to vasoconstrictor agonists was assessed by myography with respect to cyclo-oxygenase pathway, oxidative and nitrosative stress. Injection of microparticles from MetS patients into mice induced vascular hypo-reactivity in response to serotonin. Hypo-reactivity was associated with up-regulation of inducible NO-synthase and increased production of NO, and was reversed by the NO-synthase inhibitor (N(G)-nitro-L-arginine). The selective COX-2 inhibitor (NS398) reduced the contractile effect of serotonin in aortas from mice treated with vehicle or HS microparticles; however, this was not observed within mice treated with MetS microparticles, probably due to the ability of MetS microparticles to enhance prostacyclin. MetS microparticle-mediated vascular dysfunction was associated with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhanced expression of the NADPH oxidase subunits. Neutralization of the pro-inflammatory pathway Fas/FasL completely prevented vascular hypo-reactivity and the ability of MetS microparticles to enhance both inducible NO-synthase and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). Our data provide evidence that microparticles from MetS patients induce ex vivo vascular dysfunction by increasing both ROS and NO release and by altering cyclo-oxygenase metabolites and MCP-1 through the Fas/FasL pathway.     

Crosstalk between circulating microRNAs and chronotypical features in subjects with metabolic syndrome

ABSTRACT

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are valuable biomarkers that may provide important insight into the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Moreover, there is an association between chronotypical characteristics and MetS predisposition. Considering that expression of some miRNAs is circadian-rhythm-dependent, the aim of this study was to investigate the circulating miRNA profile in subjects with and without MetS in association with chronotype. The expression of 86 metabolic syndrome-related miRNAs was investigated in the plasma of 21 subjects with MetS and in 82 subjects without MetS using miRCURY LNA miRNA PCR System technology. Chronotype was assessed using the Horne and Östberg Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire. Bioinformatic analyses were performed to explore the target genes and biological pathways regulated by the selected miRNAs. Subjects with MetS were more often evening chronotype compared to non-MetS controls. Additionally, four miRNAs (miR-140-3p, miR-150-5p, miR-375, and miR-29 c-3p) demonstrated interaction with MetS and chronotype. Interestingly, the target genes of these four miRNAs participate in pathways related to the circadian clock. In conclusion, we identified four circulating miRNAs whose circulating levels could interact with MetS and chronotype.     

Serum Levels of Soluble CD26/Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Its Association with Metabolic Syndrome and Therapy with Antidiabetic Agents in Malaysian Subjects

BackgroundA soluble form of CD26/dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (sCD26/DPP-IV) induces DPP-IV enzymatic activity that degrades incretin. We investigated fasting serum levels of sCD26/DPP-IV and active glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in Malaysian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with and without metabolic syndrome (MetS), as well as the associations between sCD26/DPP-IV levels, MetS, and antidiabetic therapy.MethodsWe assessed sCD26/DPP-IV levels, active GLP-1 levels, body mass index (BMI), glucose, insulin, A1c, glucose homeostasis indices, and lipid profiles in 549 Malaysian subjects (including 257 T2DM patients with MetS, 57 T2DM patients without MetS, 71 non-diabetics with MetS, and 164 control subjects without diabetes or metabolic syndrome).ResultsFasting serum levels of sCD26/DPP-IV were significantly higher in T2DM patients with and without MetS than in normal subjects. Likewise, sCD26/DPP-IV levels were significantly higher in patients with T2DM and MetS than in non-diabetic patients with MetS. However, active GLP-1 levels were significantly lower in T2DM patients both with and without MetS than in normal subjects. In T2DM subjects, sCD26/DPP-IV levels were associated with significantly higher A1c levels, but were significantly lower in patients using monotherapy with metformin. In addition, no significant differences in sCD26/DPP-IV levels were found between diabetic subjects with and without MetS. Furthermore, sCD26/DPP-IV levels were negatively correlated with active GLP-1 levels in T2DM patients both with and without MetS. In normal subjects, sCD26/DPP-IV levels were associated with increased BMI, cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-c) levels.ConclusionSerum sCD26/DPP-IV levels increased in T2DM subjects with and without MetS. Active GLP-1 levels decreased in T2DM patients both with and without MetS. In addition, sCD26/DPP-IV levels were associated with Alc levels and negatively correlated with active GLP-1 levels. Moreover, metformin monotherapy was associated with reduced sCD26/DPP-IV levels. In normal subjects, sCD26/DPP-IV levels were associated with increased BMI, cholesterol, and LDL-c.     

Low Serum Magnesium Levels in Elderly Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome

This study aims at determining possible association between serum magnesium (Mg) concentrations and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in elderly subjects. Subjects were 137 men and women aged 60 to 90 years, selected from among participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study after excluding those taking medications for hypertension and dyslipidemia. Serum Mg levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry and MetS was defined according to ATP III criteria. The overall prevalence of MetS was 43.8%. Among MetS components, only plasma glucose showed a negative correlation with serum Mg concentrations (r = −0.194, p = 0.024). Subjects with MetS had significantly lower serum Mg concentrations compared with non-MetS ones (2.09 ± 0.03 vs. 2.18 ± 0.03 mg/dL, p = 0.033) even after adjustments with MetS components except for hyperglycemia (2.04 ± 0.06 vs. 2.20 ± 0.05 mg/dL, p = 0.011). However, after adjustment for hyperglycemia per se or along with the other MetS components, the significant difference between serum Mg levels in subjects with and without MetS disappeared. In conclusion, serum Mg level is diminished in elderly subjects with MetS, and hyperglycemia may play dominant role in this decrease; however, the results do not clarify whether the low serum Mg level is a consequence of hyperglycemia or is a risk factor contributing to its development.     

Activated hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis in patients with metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is correlated with the activity of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA), but the underlying mechanism still remains elusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the HPA axis function in patients with MetS. This case-control study included 159 people. They were divided into 2 groups. The first group included 73 healthy volunteers (control group: 19 males, 54 females, mean±SD: 49.9±7.5 years old, with BMI: 27.9±4.42?kg/m2) and the second group included 86 patients with MetS (case group: 48 males, 38 females, mean±SD: 52.2±7.6 years old, with BMI: 30.5±5.35?kg/m2). An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed for all subjects after a 12-h overnight fast, and blood samples were obtained for determination of ACTH, cortisol, insulin, C-peptide, and glucose levels. Serum cortisol after an overnight dexamethasone suppression test was determined in both groups. Patients with MetS had serum cortisol levels after an overnight dexamethasone suppression test significantly higher than controls. During OGTT plasma ACTH levels were higher at all time points in patients with MetS compared to controls, whereas serum cortisol levels were comparable between the 2 groups. Plasma ACTH during OGTT was also correlated with most of the components of MetS. The HPA axis in patients with MetS seems to be more active as evidenced by the higher cortisol levels after the overnight dexamethasone suppression test and by the higher ACTH levels during OGTT. This functional hypercortisolism might be involved in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome.     

Enhanced concentrations of relevant markers of nitric oxide formation after exercise training in patients with metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) denotes a clustering of risk factors that may affect nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and predispose to cardiovascular diseases, which are delayed by exercise training. However, no previous study has examined how MetS affects markers of NO formation, and whether exercise training increases NO formation in MetS patients. Here, we tested these two hypotheses. We studied 48 sedentary individuals: 20 healthy controls and 28 MetS patients. Eighteen MetS patients were subjected to a 3-month exercise training (E + group), while the remaining 10 MetS patients remained sedentary (E−group). The plasma concentrations of nitrite, cGMP, and ADMA (asymmetrical dimethylarginine; an endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor), and the whole blood nitrite concentrations were determined at baseline and after exercise training using an ozone-based chemiluminescence assay, and commercial enzyme immunoassays. Thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBA-RS) were measured in the plasma to assess oxidative stress using a fluorometric method. We found that, compared with healthy subjects, patients with MetS have lower concentrations of markers of NO formation, including whole blood nitrite, plasma nitrite, and plasma cGMP, and increased oxidative stress (all P < 0.05). Exercise training increased the concentrations of whole blood nitrite and cGMP, and decreased both oxidative stress and the circulating concentrations of ADMA (both P < 0.05). These findings show clinical evidence for lower endogenous NO formation in patients with MetS, and for improvements in NO formation associated with exercise training in MetS patients.     

Effects of different dietary regimes alone or in combination with standardized Aronia melanocarpa extract supplementation on lipid and fatty acids profiles in rats

This study investigated different dietary strategies, high-fat (HFd), or standard diet (Sd) alone or in combination with standardized Aronia melanocarpa extract (SAE), as a polyphenol-rich diet, and their effects on lipids and fatty acids (FA) in rats with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into two groups: healthy and rats with MetS, and then depending on dietary patterns on six groups: healthy rats fed with Sd, healthy rats fed with Sd and SAE, rats with MetS fed with HFd, rats with MetS fed with HFd and SAE, rats with MetS fed with Sd, and rats with MetS fed with Sd and SAE. 4 weeks later, after an overnight fast (12–14 h), blood for determination of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), index of lipid peroxidation (measured as TBARS), and FA was collected. Increased FA and lipid concentration found in MetS rats were reduced when changing dietary habits from HFd to Sd with or without SAE consumption. Consumption of SAE slightly affects the FA profiles, mostly palmitoleic acid in healthy rats and PUFA in MetS?+?HFd rats. Nevertheless, in a high-fat diet, SAE supplementation significantly decreases n-6/n-3 ratio, thereby decreasing systemic inflammation. Further researches are warranted to confirm these effects in humans.

     

Plasma fatty acids profile and estimated elongase and desaturases activities in Tunisian patients with the metabolic syndrome

This study aimed to determine plasma fatty acids pattern and to estimate desaturases activities in Tunisian subjects with metabolic syndrome (MetS). A total of 1975 adults were randomly selected from the Great Tunis region (Tunisia). MetS was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids levels and delta 9 desaturase activity were increased, but polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) levels and delta 5 desaturase activity were decreased in patients with MetS. Using multivariate analysis, MetS was found inversely associated with PUFA; compared to first quartile, multi-adjusted odd ratios (95% confidence interval) of MetS were 0.80 (0.54-1.17), 0.47 (0.27-0.81) and 0.32 (0.15-0.68) for second, third and fourth quartiles of PUFA, respectively. Altered fatty acids pattern in MetS is likely related to both dietary and metabolic changes.     

Salusin-alpha and -beta expression in heart and aorta with and without metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a major health problem throughout the world. The role of salusins has not been investigated in heart and aortic tissues under MetS conditions. We examined the distribution of salusin alpha (sal-α) and salusin beta (sal-β) immunoreactivity in heart and aortic tissues and measured circulating salusin concentrations, glucose, insulin, triglycerides, free fatty acids, uric acid, and total cholesterol in Sprague-Dawley rats with and without MetS. Lipid, glucose, insulin and uric acid levels were determined using an autoanalyzer. Serum and tissue salusin levels were measured using ELISA. The expressions of salusins in the heart and aorta tissues were determined using immunohistochemical methods. Serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), sal-α and sal-β concentrations were significantly lower in the MetS group than in the control group. Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), total cholesterol, glucose, uric acid and insulin concentrations were higher in the MetS group than in the control group. Sal-α and sal-β were synthesized locally in the fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells of the media of the aorta and in the muscle cells of the heart. Local synthesis of sal-α and sal-β was decreased with MetS. Our findings indicate that decreased serum concentrations of salusins and HDL-C and increased uric acid, glucose and triglyceride concentrations may be indicators of MetS and could play a role in the development of cardiovascular disease.