β-Amyrin acetate and β-amyrin palmitate as antidyslipidemic agents from Wrightia tomentosa leaves

The ethanolic extract and fractions of Wrightia tomentosa Roem. & Schult (Apocynaceae) leaves were tested in vivo for their antidyslipidemic activity in high fat diet (HFD) induced dyslipidemic hamsters. Activity guided isolation resulted in identification of antidyslipidemic compounds β-AA and β-AP. Compounds β-AA and β-AP decrease the levels of LDL by 36% and 44%, and increase the HDL-C/TC ratio by 49% and 28%, respectively, at a dose of 10mg/kg. In addition, the isolated compounds β-AA and β-AP showed significant HMG-CoA-reductase inhibition, which was further established by docking studies.     

Antidyslipidemic activity of polyprenol from Coccinia grandis in high-fat diet-fed hamster model

Ethanol extract of Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt showed significant triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol-lowering effects in dyslipidemic hamster model. Ethanolic extract was fractionated into chloroform, n-butanol and water-soluble fractions and were evaluated. Activity was proved to be concentrated in chloroform-soluble fraction. Chloroform-soluble fraction containing active component was subjected to repeated column chromatography, furnished a polyprenol characterized as C₆₀-polyprenol (1) isolated for the first time from this plant. It significantly decreased serum TG by 42%, total cholesterol (TC) 25% and glycerol (Gly) 12%, accompanied HDL-C/TC ratio 26% in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed dyslipidemic hamsters at the dose of 50 mg/kg body weight. Results are comparable to standard drug fenofibrate at the dose of 108 mg/kg. Based on these investigations, it was concluded that the compound polyprenol (1) isolated from leaves of C. grandis possess marked antidyslipidemic activity.     

Effects of R219K polymorphism of ATP-binding cassette transporter 1 gene on serum lipids ratios induced by a high-carbohydrate and low-fat diet in healthy youth

Background

Diets are the important players in regulating plasma lipid profiles. And the R219K polymorphism at the gene of ATP-binding cassette transporter 1(ABCA1) was reported to be associated with the profiles. However, no efforts have been made to investigate the changes of lipid profiles after a high-carbohydrate and low-fat diet in different subjects with different genotypes of this polymorphism. This study was to evaluate the effects of ABCA1 R219K polymorphism on serum lipid and apolipoprotein (apo) ratios induced by a high-carbohydrate/low-fat (high-CHO) diet. After a washout diet of 54.1% carbohydrate for 7 days, 56 healthy young subjects (22.89 ± 1.80 years old) were given a high-CHO diet of 70.1% carbohydrate for 6 days. Height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, glucose (Glu), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apoA-1 and apoB-100 were measured on the 1^st, 8^th and 14^th days of this study. Body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratios (WHR), log(TG/HDL-C), TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C and apoA-1/apoB-100 were calculated. ABCA1 R219K was analyzed by a PCR-RFLP method.

Results

The results indicate that the male subjects of all the genotypes had higher WHR than their female counterparts on the 1^st, 8^th and 14^th days of this study. The male K carriers had higher log(TG/HDL-C) and TC/HDL-C than the female carriers on the 1^st and 14^th days, and higher LDL-C/HDL-C on the 14^th day. When compared with that on the 8^th day, TC/HDL-C was decreased regardless of the genotypes and genders on the 14^th day. Log(TG/HDL-C) was increased in the males with the RR genotype and the female K carriers. Lowered BMI, Glu and LDL-C/HDL-C were found in the male K carriers, but only lowered BMI in the female K carriers and only lowered LDL-C/HDL-C in the females with the RR genotype.

Conclusions

These results suggest that ABCA1 R219K polymorphism is associated differently in males and females with elevated log(TG/HDL-C) and decreased LDL-C/HDL-C induced by the high-CHO diet.     

The antilipemic effectiveness of pentaerythritol tetranicotinate on hyperlipidemic patients with or without diabetes mellitus--a double-blind, randomized and two-period change-over experiment

Pentaerythritol tetranicotinate (Perycit), at an oral dosage of 750 mg daily, was given to 12 patients with idiopathic hyperlipidemia and to 12 patients with hyperlipidemia superimposed with diabetes mellitus (DM). With 2 months off-drug period as the baseline, each patient then received 3 months of placebo and 3 months of Perycit. The sequence of treatment was randomized and balanced in frequency. Blood glycosylated hemoglobin (Hb A1) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were used as indices of diabetic control. Serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and TC/HDL-C ratio were measured and calculated in order to compare the antilipemic effectiveness of Perycit with that of placebo. The non-parametric Wilcoxon test was used for the statistical analysis. The results showed that in the idiopathic group, Perycit significantly lowered the serum level of TG and the ratio of TC/HDL-C, and elevated the serum level of HDL-C. In the diabetic group, although there was a similar improvement in diabetic control in both periods of placebo and Perycit treatments, there was no change in the serum levels of TG and HDL-C. There was a slight increase of the serum levels of TC in the periods of Perycit treatment, whereas a small increase of HDL-C resulted in a mild decrease of the TC/HDL-C ratio. There was mild and transient facial flushing during the Perycit treatment in 6 out of 12 diabetic patients. Otherwise, there was no side effects in either group. Pooling the two groups' data together, Perycit increased the serum levels of HDL-C and decreased the TC/HDL-C ratio. It is concluded that Perycit has antilipemic effects in patients with idiopathic hyperlipidemia, and may be helpful in reducing the atherogenic risks in these patients. In patients with hyperlipidemia superimposed with DM, although the serum lipids composition was not significantly changed after Perycit, the atherogenic risks might also be reduced as demonstrated by the decrease of the TC/HDL-C ratio.     

Relations between particle size of HDL and LDL lipoproteins and cholesterol esterification rate

Particle size of low density (LDL) and high density (HDL) lipoproteins and cholesterol esterification rate in HDL plasma (FER(HDL)) are important independent predictors of coronary artery diseases (CAD). In this study we assessed the interrelations between these indicators and routinely examined plasma lipid parameters and plasma glucose concentrations. In 141 men, healthy volunteers, we examined plasma total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), HDL and LDL cholesterol (HDL-C, LDL-C) and HDL unesterified cholesterol (HDL-UC). Particle size distribution in HDL and LDL was assessed by gradient gel electrophoresis and FER(HDL) was estimated by radioassay. An effect of particle size and FER(HDL) on atherogenic indexes as the Log(TG/HDL-C) and TC/HDL-C was evaluated. Subjects in the study had plasma concentrations (mean +/- S.D.) of TC 5.2+/-0.9 mmol/l, HDL-C 1.2+/-0.3 mmol/l, TG 2.1+/-1.7 mmol/l, glucose 5+/-0.8 mmol/l. Relative concentration of HDL(2b) was 17.6+/-11.5 % and 14.6+/-11.8 % of HDL(3b,c). The mean diameter of LDL particles was 25.8+/-1.5 nm. The increase in FER(HDL) significantly correlated with the decrease in HDL(2b) and LDL particle size (r = -0.537 and -0.583, respectively, P<0.01) and the increase in HDL(3b,c) (0.473, P<0.01). Strong interrelations among TG and HDL-C or HDL-UC and FER(HDL) and particle size were found, but TC or LDL-C did not have such an effect. Atherogenic indexes Log(TG/HDL-C) and TC/HDL-C correlated with FER(HDL) (0.827 and 0.750, respectively, P<0.0001) and with HDL and LDL particle size.     

五指山小型猪高脂血症模型的心脏自主神经功能变化

目的观察五指山小型猪高脂血症模型的心脏自主神经功能的动态变化,探讨血脂异常对自主神经功能的影响和与昼夜的关系。方法利用高脂饮食诱发五指山小型猪高脂血症,造模后,每2周一次测定小型猪TG、TC、HDL-C和LDL-C和监测动态心电图,并进行24 h和昼夜心率变异性（HRV）分析,以评估小型猪的心脏自主神经功能。结果高脂饮食2周后五指山小型猪血清TC、HDL-C、LDL-C水平均显著升高（P〈0.01）,TG水平亦在高脂饮食后6周显著升高（P〈0.05）,其中,TC、LDL-C在高脂饮食0～4周时呈快速上升,在4～6周达到高峰,8～10周基本稳定并维持在一定水平;HDL-C在高脂饮食0～2周迅速上升并达到高峰,2～10周基本稳定。HRV参数分析结果,时域指标（RRI、SDNN、RMSDD、SDANN、PNN50、SDANN index、STV、LTV）和频域指标（VLF、LF、HF和TP）均渐进性显著降低（P〈0.05,P〈0.01）,LF/HF升高（P〈0.05）,夜间HRV参数变化程度均高于白天;相关分析显示HRV各参数与TC、LDL-C、TC/HDL-C、LDL-C/HDL-C具有显著的相关性（P〈0.05,P〈0.01）,经多元线性逐步回归分析发现,SDNN与TC、LDL-C、TC/HDL-C、LDL-C/HDL-C比值的相关性依次为0.673、0.672、0.665、0.681。结论高脂饮食诱发五指山小型猪高脂血症的血脂异常可引起自主神经功能的下降和紊乱,自主神经功能的紊乱程度与高血脂状态的持续时间有关;血脂异常所致心血管疾病的危险程度夜间高于白天;HRV降低与TC、LDL-C、TC/HDL-C和LDL-C/HDL-C比值升高呈一定的依赖性,SDNN降低可作为预测高脂血症引发心血管病风险的独立相关指标。     

大头金蝇幼虫油脂对小鼠的降血脂作用

用健康昆明种小鼠建立高脂血症模型,同时用不同剂量的大头金蝇Chrysomyia megacepha la (Fabricius)幼虫油脂灌胃5周,摘除眼球取血,用试剂盒检测血脂值,光学显微镜观察小鼠肝脏病理变化。结果表明：大头金蝇幼虫油脂处理组小鼠血清胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯（TG）、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)水平显著降低,低剂量、中剂量和高剂量油脂处理组小鼠TG的浓度较高脂模型组小鼠分别下降20.70%、48.98%和56.06%;高脂模型组小鼠血清TC高达4.59 mmol/L,低剂量、中剂量和高剂量油脂处理组小鼠TC浓度较高脂模型组小鼠分别下降16.99%、23.52%和25.49%;高密度脂蛋白胆固醇（HDL-C）升高明显,低剂量、中剂量和高剂量油脂处理组小鼠HDL-C较高脂模型组小鼠升高11.74%、18.04%和18.95%,并呈现一定的剂量-效应关系;连续饲喂大头金蝇幼虫油脂对小鼠肝细胞有一定保护作用。提示大头金蝇幼虫油脂具有治疗小鼠高脂血症的作用。     

Association between Lipid Ratios and Insulin Resistance in a Chinese Population

Aim

To explore the association of lipid ratios and triglyceride (TG) with insulin resistance (IR) in a Chinese population. We also provide the clinical utility of lipid ratios to identify men and women with IR.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 614 men and 1055 women without diabetes. Insulin resistance was defined by homeostatic model assessment of IR > 2.69. Lipid ratios included the TG/ high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), the total cholesterol (TC)/HDL-C and the low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)/HDL –C. Logistic regression models and accurate estimates of the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curves were obtained.

Results

In normal-weight men, none of lipid ratios nor TG was associated with IR. In overweight/obese men, normal-weight women and overweight/obese women, the TG/HDL-C, the TC/HDL-C and TG were significantly associated with IR, and the associations were independent of waist circumference. All of the AUROCs for the TG/HDL-C and TG were > 0.7. The AUROCs for TC/HDL-C ratio were 0.69–0.77. The optimal cut-offs for TG/HDL-C were 1.51 in men and 0.84 in women. The optimal cut-offs for TG were 1.78 mmol/L in men and 1.49 mmol/L in women, respectively. In men, the optimal cut-off for LDL-C/HDL-C is 3.80. In women, the optimal cut-off for LDL-C/HDL-C is 3.82.

Conclusion

The TG/HDL-C, the TC/HDL-C and TG are associated with IR in overweight/obese men, normal-weight and overweight/obese women. The LDL-C/HDL-C is only associated with IR in normal-weight women. The TG/HDL-C and TG might be used as surrogate markers for assessing IR.     

A therapeutic trial of bezafibrate on patients with hyperlipidemia with or without diabetes mellitus

Bezalip (bezafibrate), at an oral dosage of 200 mg three times a day, has been used on 12 patients with idiopathic hyperlipidemia, and on 12 patients with hyperlipidemia superimposed with diabetes mellitus. Each patient received bezafibrate for 3 months and placebo for 3 months. Blood glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were used as indices of diabetic control. Serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and TC/HDL-C ratio were measured and calculated in order to compare the antilipemic effects of bezafibrate with that of placebo. Non-parametric Wilcoxon test was used for statistical analysis. In both the idiopathic group and diabetic group, bezafibrate significantly lowered the serum levels of TG and TC/HDL-C, as well as elevated the level of HDL-C. The serum TC levels were not significantly altered in either of the groups. These effects could not be ascribed to an improved diabetic control, since the percent changes of HbA1 were not different between the bezafibrate periods and the placebo periods. There were no significant facial flushing, nor other side effects during the treatment with bezafibrate. It is concluded that bezafibrate has antilipemic effects, and may be helpful in reducing the atherogenic risks.     

Genetic loci for blood lipid levels identified by linkage and association analyses in Caribbean Hispanics

To identify genetic loci influencing blood lipid levels in Caribbean Hispanics, we first conducted a genome-wide linkage scan in 1,211 subjects from 100 Dominican families on five lipid quantitative traits: total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio. We then investigated the association between blood lipid levels and 21,361 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) under the 1-logarithm of odds (LOD) unit down regions of linkage peaks in an independent community-based subcohort (N = 814, 42% Dominican) from the Northern Manhattan Study (NOMAS). We found significant linkage evidence for LDL-C/HDL-C on 7p12 (multipoint LOD = 3.91) and for TC on 16q23 (LOD = 3.35). In addition, we identified suggestive linkage evidence of LOD > 2.0 on 15q23 for TG, 16q23 for LDL-C, 19q12 for TC and LDL-C, and 20p12 for LDL-C. In the association analysis of the linkage peaks, we found that seven SNPs near FLJ45974 were associated with LDL-C/HDL-C with a nominal P < 3.5 × 10(-5), in addition to associations (P < 0.0001) for other lipid traits with SNPs in or near CDH13, SUMF2, TLE3, FAH, ARNT2, TSHZ3, ZNF343, RPL7AL2, and TMC3. Further studies are warranted to perform in-depth investigations of functional genetic variants in these regions.     

INFLUENCE OF DIETARY INTAKE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY ON ANNUAL RHYTHM OF HUMAN BLOOD CHOLESTEROL CONCENTRATIONS

Seasonal variation in the plasma total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) have been repeatedly reported, with contradictory results regarding the pattern of seasonal variation of these parameters. Furthermore, it is still not well established whether the variation is due to changes in the nutrition or changes in physical activity depending on the season. The aim of this study was therefore to determine plasma TC and HDL-C in different groups of healthy participants: 19 vegetarians with a constant diet independent of the season, 14 athletes with almost constant physical activity over the year, and 114 controls in the age groups 20–26 years (mean age 24+1.5 years) and 40–48 years (mean age 44.3+2.1 years). Over 2 years, blood samples were collected every 2–3 months and were analyzed for plasma TC and HDL-C. At all visits, body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were calculated, and nutrition and physical activity profiles were obtained. The seasonal model was calculated using object-oriented software for the analysis of longitudinal data in S (OSWALD); multiple regression analysis was used to determine the influence of age, gender, diet, and physical activity on seasonal changes of the lipid parameters. In all groups, we found an annual rhythm of the plasma TC and HDL-C concentrations, which can be mathematically described by a sine curve with a maximum in winter and a minimum in summer. This rhythm was independent of the age, gender, BMI, diet, or physical activity. The observed seasonal differences between the maximum and the minimum were about 5%–10% for TC and about 5%–8% for HDL-C concentration. These differences were greater than the determined circadian (TC 3.5%, HDL-C 4%) and day-to-day changes for TC and HDL-C (coefficient of variation <5% for both). In conclusion, annual rhythm of TC and HDL-C is not primarily induced by seasonal differences in dietary intake or physical activity. Therefore, the annual rhythm in cholesterol levels is most likely determined by endogenous factors or factors directly related to seasonal changes in the environment. (Chronobiology International, 18(3), 541–557, 2001)     

Prevalence of Dyslipidaemia and Associated Risk Factors in a Rural Population in South-Western Uganda: A Community Based Survey

BackgroundThe burden of dyslipidaemia is rising in many low income countries. However, there are few data on the prevalence of, or risk factors for, dyslipidaemia in Africa.MethodsIn 2011, we used the WHO Stepwise approach to collect cardiovascular risk data within a general population cohort in rural south-western Uganda. Dyslipidaemia was defined by high total cholesterol (TC) ≥ 5.2mmol/L or low high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) <1 mmol/L in men, and <1.3 mmol/L in women. Logistic regression was used to explore correlates of dyslipidaemia.ResultsLow HDL-C prevalence was 71.3% and high TC was 6.0%. In multivariate analysis, factors independently associated with low HDL-C among both men and women were: decreasing age, tribe (prevalence highest among Rwandese tribe), lower education, alcohol consumption (comparing current drinkers to never drinkers: men adjusted (a)OR=0.44, 95%CI=0.35-0.55; women aOR=0.51, 95%CI=0.41-0.64), consuming <5 servings of fruit/vegetable per day, daily vigorous physical activity (comparing those with none vs those with 5 days a week: men aOR=0.83 95%CI=0.67-1.02; women aOR=0.76, 95%CI=0.55-0.99), blood pressure (comparing those with hypertension to those with normal blood pressure: men aOR=0.57, 95%CI=0.43-0.75; women aOR=0.69, 95%CI=0.52-0.93) and HIV infection (HIV infected without ART vs. HIV negative: men aOR=2.45, 95%CI=1.53-3.94; women aOR=1.88, 95%CI=1.19-2.97). The odds of low HDL-C was also higher among men with high BMI or HbA1c ≤6%, and women who were single or with abdominal obesity. Among both men and women, high TC was independently associated with increasing age, non-Rwandese tribe, high waist circumference (men aOR=5.70, 95%CI=1.97-16.49; women aOR=1.58, 95%CI=1.10-2.28), hypertension (men aOR=3.49, 95%CI=1.74-7.00; women aOR=1.47, 95%CI=0.96-2.23) and HbA1c >6% (men aOR=3.00, 95%CI=1.37-6.59; women aOR=2.74, 95%CI=1.77-4.27). The odds of high TC was also higher among married men, and women with higher education or high BMI.ConclusionLow HDL-C prevalence in this relatively young rural population is high whereas high TC prevalence is low. The consequences of dyslipidaemia in African populations remain unclear and prospective follow-up is required.     

Influence of dietary intake and physical activity on annual rhythm of human blood cholesterol concentrations

Seasonal variation in the plasma total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) have been repeatedly reported, with contradictory results regarding the pattern of seasonal variation of these parameters. Furthermore, it is still not well established whether the variation is due to changes in the nutrition or changes in physical activity depending on the season. The aim of this study was therefore to determine plasma TC and HDL-C in different groups of healthy participants: 19 vegetarians with a constant diet independent of the season, 14 athletes with almost constant physical activity over the year, and 114 controls in the age groups 20-26 years (mean age 24 + 1.5 years) and 40-48 years (mean age 44.3 + 2.1 years). Over 2 years, blood samples were collected every 2-3 months and were analyzed for plasma TC and HDL-C. At all visits, body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were calculated, and nutrition and physical activity profiles were obtained. The seasonal model was calculated using object-oriented software for the analysis of longitudinal data in S (OSWALD); multiple regression analysis was used to determine the influence of age, gender, diet, and physical activity on seasonal changes of the lipid parameters. In all groups, we found an annual rhythm of the plasma TC and HDL-C concentrations, which can be mathematically described by a sine curve with a maximum in winter and a minimum in summer. This rhythm was independent of the age, gender, BMI, diet, or physical activity. The observed seasonal differences between the maximum and the minimum were about 5%-10% for TC and about 5%-8% for HDL-C concentration. These differences were greater than the determined circadian (TC 3.5%, HDL-C 4%) and day-to-day changes for TC and HDL-C (coefficient of variation <5% for both). In conclusion, annual rhythm of TC and HDL-C is not primarily induced by seasonal differences in dietary intake or physical activity. Therefore, the annual rhythm in cholesterol levels is most likely determined by endogenous factors or factors directly related to seasonal changes in the environment.     

Influence of diet and physical exercise on plasma lipid concentrations in an homogeneous sample of young Spanish Air Force pilots

This study evaluates the influence of diet and physical exercise on plasma lipid concentrations — total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and the TC:HDL-C ratio, in a homogeneous (age, sex and anxiety levels) group of young pilots divided into the following groups: A. uncontrolled diet and exercise programme; B. controlled diet and uncontrolled exercise programme; C. controlled diet and exercise programme (n=90). The dietary intake was a typical Mediterranean diet, which was supervised by the Flight Surgeon. The exercise was based on a physical training programme for pilots, directed by the Physical Training Officer. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory test was performed to evaluate the anxiety levels. This test was supervised by a psychologist. The results showed a marked difference in all the lipid parameters studied between groups with an ad libitum diet versus groups with a controlled diet, this difference being demonstrated by TC and TG concentrations lower in the group with a controlled diet, than in the group with an ad libitum diet. A difference in HDL-C concentrations and TC :HDL-C ratio was found between groups with regular physical training (high HDL-C concentration and low TC:HDL-C ratio) versus groups with unlimited exercise (low HDL-C concentrations and high TC: HDL-C ratio). No differences in the state and trait of anxiety were found among any of the groups. Nevertheless, all the pilots showed a considerable increase in their anxiety state over their own anxiety trait.     

TaqIB polymorphism in the CETP gene modulates the impact of HC/LF diet on the HDL profile in healthy Chinese young adults

The aim of this study was to investigate the interactions of genetic variants in the genes of cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) with high carbohydrate and low fat (HC/LF) diet on lipid profiles in a young and healthy Chinese Han population. Fifty-six healthy subjects (22.89±1.80 years) were given washout diets of 31% fat and 54% carbohydrate for 7 days, followed by HC/LF diets of 15% fat and 70% carbohydrate for 6 days, with no total energy restriction. Serum lipid profiles at baseline, after washout and following HC/LF diets, as well as CETP and LDLR polymorphisms were analyzed. Carriers of B2 allele of CETP TaqIB polymorphism had significantly higher levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apo A-I in the whole study population after the diet intervention. Notably, males with CETP TaqIB B1B1 experienced significantly increased HDL-C and apo A-I after HC/LF diet. Regarding the LDLR Pvu II polymorphism, both P1P1 subjects and P2 carriers experienced decreased total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels after HC/LF diet with no statistically significant differences between the genotypes. Our results demonstrate that the elevated HDL-C levels after HC/LF diet in healthy Chinese Han youth are associated with CETP TaqI B2 allele while males with B1B1 genotype are more susceptible to the influence of HC/LF diet on their HDL-C levels. The decreased TC and LDL-C levels after HC/LF diet are not associated with LDLR Pvu II polymorphism.     

Antihyperglycemic and antidyslipidemic agent from Aegle marmelos

The plant Aegle marmelos belongs to the family of Rutaceae. From the leaves of A. marmelos an alkaloidal-amide, Aegeline 2, was isolated and found to have antihyperglycemic activity as evidenced by lowering the blood glucose levels by 12.9% and 16.9% at 5 and 24h, respectively, in sucrose challenged streptozotocin induced diabetic rats (STZ-S) model at the dose of 100mg/kg body weight. Aegeline 2 has also significantly decreased the plasma triglyceride (Tg) levels by 55% (P<0.001), total cholesterol (TC) by 24% (P<0.05), and free fatty acids (FFA) by 24%, accompanied with increase in HDL-C by 28% and HDL-C/TC ratio by 66% in dyslipidemic hamster model at the dose of 50mg/kg body weight. The reasonable mapping of compound 2 to validated pharmacophoric hypothesis and 3D QSAR model with an estimated activity (283nM) suggest that the compound 2 might be a beta(3)-AR agonist.     

Serum Lipid Concentrations,Prevalence of Dyslipidemia,and Percentage Eligible for Pharmacological Treatment of Korean Children and Adolescents; Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey IV (2007–2009)

Objectives

Dyslipidemia is one of the important modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Thus, to know the prevalence of dyslipidemia is the 1^st step to make guidelines of screening and management plan. Although, American Academy of Pediatrics updated the guidelines for lipid in childhood, Asian study is rare.

Methods

The authors aimed to make a reference of each serum lipid level of Korean children and adolescents (2,363 subjects aged 10 to 18 years) from the data of Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey IV (2007–2009).

Results

The mean serum concentrations for total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were 158 mg/dL, 90 mg/dL, 90 mg/dL, and 49 mg/dL, respectively. The 95th percentile values for TC, LDL-C, and TG were 203 mg/dL, 129 mg/dL, and 185 mg/dL, respectively. The 5th percentile value for HDL-C was 36 mg/dL. The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, high LDL-C, high TG, and low HDL-C was 6.5%, 4.7%, 10.1%, and 7.1%, respectively. Considering the risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, smoking, and diabetes, approximately 0.41% of the subjects were potentially eligible for pharmacological treatment.

Conclusions

This information may be useful in not only Korean but also Asian planning programs for the prevention of cardiovascular disease through lipid control from childhood.     

Thiazide-induced hypercholesterolemia: sex differences

Thiazide diuretics are used commonly to treat hypertension. Unfortunately, they also are known to elevate serum cholesterol levels. Because serum lipid fraction levels differ between the sexes, possible sex-related differences in thiazide-induced changes in serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were examined. Four groups of male and female hamsters were treated for a minimum of 3 months with hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) at zero, 1, 2 or 4 mg/kg/day. At zero dose, there was no difference in TG levels between the sexes; however, females had significantly higher TG concentrations than did males at 1, 2 and 4 mg HCTZ (all p less than 0.05). Females demonstrate a significant dose response with HCL-C levels increasing with increasing doses of HCTZ, (r = 0.983; p less than 0.02); in contrast males had a similar increase in HDL-C at all dose levels (all p less than 0.05) thus there was no demonstrable dose response (r = 0.539). Total cholesterol concentrations were significantly higher in the females than in males (p less than 0.05) at all 3 dose levels as well as at zero dose. Further, the females demonstrated a direct dose response in TC levels (r = 0.986; p less than 0.02) while the males showed no such dose response (r = 0.824; p less than 0.01). Based on these findings we conclude that: 1) HCTZ increases TG, TC and HDL-C levels in both male and female hamsters; 2) TC levels are higher in females than in males regardless of HCTZ dose; 3) only females show a dose-dependent increase in HCL-C and TC in response to HCTZ. These sex-related changes in lipid fractions occurring with HCTZ treatment, if they occur in humans, may contribute to sex-related differences in rates and severity of atherosclerosis in HCTZ-treated populations.     

兰州地区健康体检者血脂水平分析

目的:通过检测兰州地区健康体检者空腹血脂水平了解本地区人群血脂水平现状及血脂异常情况,建立本地区血脂参考值。方法:采用全自动生化分析仪检测兰州市2328名健康体检者,血清胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)。比较不同年龄、性别血脂水平差异。结果:本地区2328名被检者,女性TC平均(4.54±0.94)mmol/L,TG中位数1.24mmol/L、HDL-C平均(1.34±0.26)mmol/L、LDL-C平均(2.61±0.76)mmol/L;男性TC平均(4.52±0.84)mmol/L、TG中位数1.56mmol/L mmol/L、HDL-C平均(1.20±0.23)mmol/L LDL-C平均(2.76±0.72)mmol/L,血脂水平随年龄增加逐渐升高(P<0.05)。血脂参考范围为女性TC:2.70~6.38 mmol/L、TG:0.52~3.66 mmol/L、HDL-C:0.83~1.85 mmol/L、LDL-C:1.12~4.10 mmol/L男性:TG:2.87~6.17 mmol/L、0.65~4.00 mmol/L、0.75~1.65 mmol/L、1.35~4.17 mmol/L。男性高TC、高TG、低HDL-C和高LDL-C患病率为18.2%、42.8%、19.6%和28%,女性高TC、高TG、低HDL和高LDL的患病率分别为22.1%、25.5%、2.7%和23.5%。结论:兰州地区血脂水平随年龄、性别、地区不同存在较大差异,临床上不能采用统一标准衡量,而应根据本地区建立的参考值诊断高脂血症。积极控制血脂水平、降低高脂血症患病率预防心脑血管疾病发生。     

Fat energy use and plasma lipid changes associated with exercise intensity and temperature

The effect of 60 min of exercise at two intensities (50 and 60% VO2max) and temperatures (0 and 22 degrees C) on changes (delta) in plasma lipids [triglycerides (TG), glycerol (GLY), total cholesterol (TC), and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C)] was examined. Subjects were 10 men aged 27 +/- 7 years (VO2max = 3.81 +/- 0.45 1 min, % fat = 12.2% +/- 7.1%). VO2 and respiratory exchange ratio results indicated that total energy and fat energy use were similar at the two temperatures. Changes in plasma volume (%delta PV) were different (P less than 0.05) at the two temperatures (22 degrees C: -2.3% vs 0 degrees C: 1.1%). Combining the data at each temperature revealed that the increases in concentrations were greater (P less than 0.05) at 22 degrees C (delta TG = 0.22, delta GLY = 0.20, delta TC = 0.14, delta HDL-C = 0.05 mmol l-1) vs 0 degrees C (delta TG = 0.10, delta GLY = 0.12, delta TC = 0.05, delta HDL-C = 0.02 mmol l-1). Combining the data for each intensity revealed that the increases in concentration were greater (P less than 0.05) at 60% VO2max for delta TG and delta HDL-C. The 60% VO2max/22 degrees C bout produced greater changes (P less than 0.05) than all other bouts for delta TC and delta HDL-C (0.21 and 0.08 mmol l-1, respectively). Only delta TG and delta GLY were greater at 22 degrees C when adjusted for %delta PV. These metabolic and plasma lipid results indicate that cold exposure does not act synergistically with exercise to further stimulate fat metabolism.