Cardiac and plasma lipid profiles in response to acute hypoxia in neonatal and young adult rats

Background  

The physiological and biochemical responses to acute hypoxia have not been fully characterized in neonates. Fatty acids and lipids play an important role in most aspects of cardiac function.     

Bifidobacteria supplementation: Effects on plasma lipid profiles in dyslipidemic children

ObjectivePreclinical investigations support the use of probiotics in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, but clinical evidence is often contrasting. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a probiotic formulation containing three Bifidobacterium strains on lipid profiles in children affected by primary dyslipidemia.MethodsThirty-eight children with dyslipidemia, ages 10.8 ± 2.1 y, were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study. After a 4-wk diet run-in period, the children received probiotics (B. animalis subspecies lactis MB 2409, B. bifidum MB 109B, and B. longum subspecies longum BL04) or placebo for 3 mo. After 1 mo, wash-out treatments were switched. A strict dietary evaluation concerning satured fatty acids and cholesterol content, STEP I diet accordingly, was performed by a dietitian who examined the weekly dietary diary at each visit.ResultsBaseline lipid profile was (mean ± SD): total cholesterol (TC) 222.8 ± 23.2 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) 55.8 ± 12.2 mg/dL, triglycerides (TG) 99.0 ± 61.7 mg/dL, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) 147.2 ± 21.9 mg/dL. After 3 mo of probiotic treatment, the lipid profile was: TC 211.9 ± 27.3 mg/dL, HDL-C 60.7 ± 14.2 mg/dL, TG 79.5 ± 34.5 mg/dL, and LDL-C 135.3 ± 24.2 mg/dL. Compared with placebo, probiotics reduced TC by 3.4% (P = 0.02) and LDL-C by 3.8% (P = 0.001). No significant dietary change occurred through the study and no relevant adverse effects were observed.ConclusionsTreatment with a Bifidobacterium probiotic formulation was well tolerated and useful in combination with to diet therapy. Children with dyslipidemia benefited from this approach, although the results need to be confirmed by larger controlled studies.     

Soybean protein hydrolysate improves plasma and liver lipid profiles in rats fed high-cholesterol diet

OBJECTIVE: This investigation attempted to clarify the hypolipidemic effects of non-dialyzed soybean protein hydrolysate (NSPH), which is hydrolyzed by pepsin from soybean acid-precipitated protein (APP), in rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet. METHODS: Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups as the control group (19.7% casein), the APP group (14.7% casein + 5% APP), the NSPH group (14.7% casein + 5% NSPH), and the ISO group (19.7% casein + 0.0013% soy isoflavone). RESULTS: After 12-week experimental period, the APP and NSPH groups had a significant lower plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol concentrations compared with the control group. Additionally, the atherosclerosis index in APP and NSPH group had also markedly decreased. Liver cholesterol and triglyceride contents of the APP and NSPH group were significantly lower than those of the control group. There were no different in plasma LDL-C, liver cholesterol and triglycerides between the ISO group and control group. Fecal excretion of neutral steroids and nitrogen compounds was significantly higher in the APP and NSPH groups than that in the control group. An in vitro study also showed that NSPH, compared with casein, obviously decreased cholesterol micellar solubility. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that NSPH may decrease lipid accumulation in the liver and have a hypolipidemic effect by enhancing excretion and inhibiting absorption of lipids.     

Essential fatty acid and lipid profiles in plasma and erythrocytes in patients with multiple sclerosis

This study was conducted to investigate the possible differences in erythrocyte lipid composition, which might account for the previously reported increase in erythrocyte membrane zinc levels in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Compared with healthy control subjects, plasma lipids in patients with MS contained less sphingomyelin but more phosphatidylserine and the cholesterol-phospholipid ratio was 42% higher in the plasma from MS patients (p less than 0.01). In erythrocytes from MS patients, phosphatidylinositol was lower and erythrocyte cholesterol per milligram protein was significantly lower than concentrations in healthy control subjects (p less than 0.01). Among the long-chain fatty acids, the omega-3 fatty acids were lower in plasma from MS patients and linoleic acid was lower in erythrocyte ghosts from MS patients (p less than 0.01). We conclude that altered levels of cholesterol in plasma and erythrocytes from MS patients may contribute to increased erythrocyte-membrane Zn in MS patients. It cannot be stated with certainty whether the altered fatty acid profiles in MS patients were a function of the disease or of altered fatty acid intake.     

Serum lipid profiles in patients with acute myocardial infarction in Hakka population in southern China

Background

Little is known about serum lipid levels comparison of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Hakka patients in southern China. To estimate the prevalence lipid profiles in Hakka patients with AMI in southern China.

Method

We analyzed 1382 patients with a first AMI in Hakka patients in southern China between Jan. 2015 and Dec. 2015.

Results

Our findings demonstrated that low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) were higher in nonelderly than in elderly for males. There were significant differences in TC, LDL, HDL, and TG among various age groups for both males and female patients (P?<?.05). TC, LDL, HDL, and TG were higher in females than males for the elderly, and the LDL levels of females were higher in 70–79,80–89 year age groups than males. The HDL level of female patients was higher than males in those 50–59, 60–69, and 70–79 year age groups. Compared with males, females had higher level of TG in the 60–69, 70–79, and 80–89 year age groups and had higher level of TC in the 50–59, 70–79, and 80–89 year age groups, respectively. Isolated high TG (normal LDL?+?normal HDL+ high TG) was most common type of combined dyslipidemia for female elderly (22.2%), female nonelderly (23.2%) and male elderly (24.1%) patients.

Conclusion

Our results confirmed that serum lipid levels varied in age and gender in Hakka patients with acute myocardial infarction. Dyslipidemia is more prevalent in the non-elderly than in the elderly for males. Levels of TC, LDL, HDL, and TG were higher in females than males for the elderly Hakka population in southern China.

     

Soymilk intake is associated with plasma and liver lipid profiles in rats fed a high-cholesterol diet

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effects of soymilk on lipid metabolism in Sprague-Dawley rats fed a cholesterol-enriched (0.3%) diet. METHODS: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 230.0 +/- 9.8 g were randomly assigned to one of three groups: control, S1 (containing 15% soymilk powder in the diet), and S2 (22.5%). After 8 wk, lipid profiles of the plasma, liver, and feces were determined. RESULTS: Body weight gain, daily food intake, and feeding efficiency showed no differences across groups (P > 0.05). The experimental groups had significantly lower plasma levels of cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol than the control group (P < 0.05) at weeks 4 and 8. However, total fecal excretion of neutral steroid did not significantly differ across groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Soymilk affects the metabolism of plasma cholesterol in Sprague-Dawley rats.     

Serum lipid and lipoprotein profiles in childhood

Serum lipids and lipoproteins as well as other factors have been shown to be predictive of future symptomatic coronary heart disease in adult populations. Many epidemiologic data are available on serum lipids in adults in different populations; similar data in children indicate a large geographic variability between different populations and even among individuals of the same population, suggesting that both genetic and environmental factors are determinants of serum lipid concentrations. Serum cholesterol at birth and during childhood is carried predominantly by low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) whereas very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) remains very low during the same period. Longitudinal studies show that serum cholesterol level decreases slightly with age in boys but not in girls; the decreasing trend is most evident between 10 and 14 years of age. LDL cholesterol follows the same trend. A continuous slight increase in serum total and VLDL triglyceride has been shown with age. HDL cholesterol seems to maintain a constant level with only slight variation with age. Moreover, LDL cholesterol has great consistency with future levels. Measurements made in children confirm that high levels of cholesterol may be present at early ages, suggesting the need for follow-up studies in young populations in order to evaluate whether hypercholesterolemia in childhood is predictive of future coronary events.     

Intake of soy products is associated with better plasma lipid profiles in the Hong Kong Chinese population

We describe the pattern of soy intake and its association with blood lipid concentrations in the Hong Kong Chinese population. Subjects were contacted by random telephone survey and invited to a hospital for a physical examination and blood tests. A total of 500 men and 510 women with an age range of 24-74 y completed the dietary intake study. The dietary assessment was based on a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire that included 10 commonly consumed soy items. Many (88%) of the study population had consumed some soy products during the previous week. About 80% of the soy protein or isoflavones were obtained from different forms of tofu, and an additional 9% was obtained from soy milk. The mean weekly isoflavone intake was 102 +/- 107 mg in men and 77 +/- 90 mg in women. In men, soy intake and total plasma cholesterol were negatively correlated (r = -0.09, P: = 0.04), as were soy intake and LDL cholesterol (r = -0.11, P: = 0.02). The respective values in women <50 y old were r = -0.11, P: = 0.04 and r = -0.11, P: = 0.05. Soy protein remained significantly associated with these two lipid concentrations after adjustment for other social and dietary confounders. Higher soy intake seemed to be related to a better plasma lipid profile in men and in younger women, but more epidemiological studies and controlled clinical trials in this setting would help to confirm the optimal amount required for the prevention and treatment of hyperlipidemia.     

Relationship between plasma leptin levels and lipid profiles among school children in Taiwan--the Taipei Children Heart Study

Leptin, an adipose tissue-derived of gene product, is important in energy metabolism. However, the role of leptin in the metabolism of lipids is still not clear in humans. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of plasma leptin concentrations and lipid profiles among school children in Taiwan. After multistage sampling of 85 junior high schools in Taipei, we randomly selected 1264 children (617 boys and 647 girls) aged 12–16 years for this study. We measured the anthropometric variables, lifestyle factors and biochemical parameters among these children. Anthropometric measurements included body height (BH) and weight (BW) and we calculated body mass index (BMI) as the ratio of the BW to the square of the BH, expressed in kg/m². Plasma leptin levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. We also measured lipid profiles including serum total cholesterol (CHOL), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein-A1 (Apo-A1), apolipoprotein-B (Apo-B), and lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels, and calculated low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels and CHOL to HDL-C ratio (TCHR). Girls had higher leptin, CHOL, TG, HDL-C, (LDL-C), Apo-A1, Apo-B, and Lp(a) levels and lower BMI than boys did. Plasma leptin concentrations were significantly positively correlated with TG, LDL-C, and Apo-B, but negatively with HDL-C and Apo-A1 in both the genders. Children with higher plasma leptin levels (>75th percentiles) have significantly higher TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, TCHR, and Apo-B than those with relatively lower leptin levels. In multivariate regression analyses, the association between plasma leptin level and lipid profiles (such as CHOL, TG, and Apo-B) were still significant (p < 0.05) even after adjusting for BMI among boys. However, this association became attenuated and insignificant among girls. Finally, in the model that included the standard covariates, plasma leptin was the most predictive of CHOL, TG and Apo-B levels among those school children in Taiwan. Our results suggest that plasma leptin and BMI were independently associated with the lipids and lipoprotein profiles among Taiwanese Children. In both genders, children in the top 25% of the leptin distribution have more adverse lipid and lipoprotein profiles.     

Consumption of a functional oil rich in phytosterols and medium-chain triglyceride oil improves plasma lipid profiles in men

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) have been proposed as weight-lowering agents, although there is some concern regarding their hyperlipidemic effect. This study evaluates the effects of a combination of MCT oil, phytosterols and flaxseed oil [functional oil (FctO)] on plasma lipid concentrations and LDL particle size. Twenty-four healthy overweight men (body mass index 28.2 +/- 0.4 kg/m(2)) consumed controlled diets designed to maintain weight for two periods of 29 d each. Diets contained 40% of energy as fat, 75% of which was added fat, either FctO or olive oil (OL). Body composition and blood samples were analyzed at the baseline and the endpoint of each period. Total cholesterol concentration decreased 12.5% (-0.68 mmol/L; P < 0.05) when subjects consumed FctO and 4.7% when they consumed OL. Similarly, FctO consumption lowered LDL cholesterol concentrations by 13.9%, whereas OL consumption did not. There was no difference in absolute change in LDL-cholesterol between FctO and OL consumption. Peak LDL particle size was greater in those who consumed FctO than in those who consumed OL (P < 0.05), with no effect of diet on proportion of large, medium or small particles. We conclude that those who consume a diet containing FctO have a better lipid profile than those who consume a diet rich in OL, which also leads to a larger lipoprotein particle size. Functional oil consumption can therefore help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.     

Effects of soybean isoflavone extract on the plasma lipid profiles and antioxidant enzyme activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The present study evaluated the effects of various dosages of soybean isoflavone extract on lipid profiles, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant activities in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The one normal control group was fed an AIN-76-based experimental diet and four diabetic groups were fed the same diet, supplemented with four different levels of soybean isoflavone extract for seven weeks. The daily dosages of pure isoflavone for four diabetic groups were set to be 0 mg (diabetic control), 0.5 mg (ISO-I), 3.0 mg (ISO-II) and 30.0 mg (ISO-III) per kilogram of body weight, respectively. The plasma total cholesterol levels and the TBA-reactive substances contents in the liver and kidney were significantly lowered in ISO-II and ISO-III groups compared to those in the diabetic control group. The levels of plasma HDL-cholesterol, plasma vitamin A and hepatic superoxide dismutase were significantly increased in those two groups compared with the diabetic control group. The present study demonstrated the possibility that the diets supplemented with 3.0 mg and 30.0 mg of soybean isoflavone extract may have beneficial effects on the plasma lipids, tissue lipid peroxidation and partly on antioxidant system in diabetic animals and there were no significant differences between the ISO-II and ISO-III groups. The results suggest that the effective daily dosage level of isoflavone for improving lipid metabolism in diabetic rats may be above 3.0 mg per kilogram body weight.     

Changes in the fatty acid profiles of plasma lipid fractions induced by dietary nucleotides in infants born at term

This study was designed to determine the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) composition of plasma lipid fractions in newborn infants fed human milk (HM), milk formula (MF) or nucleotide-supplemented milk formula (NMF) during the first month of life. Linoleic acid was increased in infants fed formulas in all plasma lipid fractions with respect to those fed HM. Plasma phospholipids in MF-fed infants had lower percentages of PUFA of both omega 6 and omega 3 series, namely arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids, than those fed HM or NMF; the unsaturation index was decreased in infants fed MF as compared to those fed HM or NMF. Arachidonic acid showed a similar behaviour in plasma cholesteryl esters as in phospholipids. No changes for long chain PUFA among the groups studied were observed for plasma triglycerides and free fatty acids. These results support previous findings that dietary nucleotides are involved in the regulation of desaturation and elongation of linoleic and linolenic acid to their longer superior homologous fatty acids. We suggest that dietary nucleotides may reverse the partial inhibition of delta 5-desaturase caused by an excess of linoleic acid in the diet during early postnatal life.     

Impaired glucose tolerance is not associated with lipid intolerance

Post-prandial (pp) hypertriglyceridaemia (HTG) has an important role in the development of atherosclerosis in Type 2 diabetes. Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and increased level of fasting triglycerides (TG). The aim of this study was to analyse pp HTG and the composition of TG-rich lipoproteins in carefully selected subjects with IGT in comparison to controls with normal glucose tolerance (NGT). Fifteen men with IGT and 27 men with NGT, aged 44 to 70 yr, were examined. All study participants were non-smokers and had fasting TG <4.6 mmol/l. The subjects underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (75 g glucose) and a lipid-glucose tolerance test (LGTT; 92 g fat, 126 g carbohydrate), that allowed the assessment of lipid and glucose tolerance in one test. HbA1C, plasma glucose and lipids were measured by routine methods. Lipoprotein subfraction analysis of VLDL (VLDL1: Sf60-400 and VLDL2: Sf20-60) was conducted in a fasting state, as well as 4 hr after the LGTT using a density gradient ultracentrifugation with a subsequent compositional analysis. No significant difference was found either for fasting or pp TG, or for area under curve (AUC) -TG (12.21 +/- 4.27 mmol/l x 6 hr vs 13.95 +/- 6.74 mmol/l x 6 hr; p>0.05) between the IGT and NGT. A highly significant correlation was found between the fasting TG and the AUC-TG (r=0.925; p<0.01). To avoid bias by differences in fasting plasma TG known to affect lipid tolerance we investigated 11 matched pairs for fasting TG. Also, the matched-pairs evaluation pp TG course did not differ significantly from the IGT and NGT. No significant difference for fasting or pp levels of VLDL1 and VLDL2, or for the TG content of chylomicron, VLDL1 and VLDL2 and for the percentage of TG in VLDL1 and VLDL2 was found between the IGT and NGT group. In conclusion, IGT subjects with a similar level of fasting TG do not exhibit lipid intolerance. Our data suggest that glucose intolerance should precede lipid intolerance.     

6~12月龄婴幼儿超声骨密度与血脂水平的相关性研究

目的 分析6~12月婴幼儿超声骨密度水平与血脂水平的相关性,为婴幼儿骨质疏松的预防和保健提供指导。方法 选取2015年7月—2016年7月在佛山市三水区妇幼保健院门诊健康体检的6~12个月164名婴幼儿进行超声骨密度检测以及血脂4项检测。根据超声骨密度结果分成正常骨密度组(n=30),轻度不足组(n=50),中度不足组(n=50),重度不足组(n=34),对各组的身高、体重及血脂水平进行比较,并分析其与骨密度的相关性。结果 四组婴幼儿的身高、低密度脂蛋白、总胆固醇以及甘油三脂(TG)水平差异有统计学意义,骨密度异常组的TG显著低于正常组(P<0.05);相关分析显示骨密度与男性、年龄、身高、体重、低密度脂蛋白、总胆固醇及TG水平显著正相关。多重线性回归分析显示,在校正了年龄、性别、身高、体重及总胆固醇后,TG和骨密度依然显著正相关(β=0.549,P=0.002)。结论 婴幼儿期的骨密度水平与血脂水平以及身高发育关系密切,合理控制饱和脂肪酸的摄入对促进婴幼儿生长发育、预防骨质疏松具有重要意义。     

Serum zinc and serum lipid profiles in 778 adults

There has been increasing use of high-dosage zinc supplementation in the population, in particular as a potential treatment for age-related macular degeneration. We examined the relationship between fasting serum zinc and serum lipid levels in 778 adults, aged 22 to 80 years, who were control subjects in a multicenter, clinic-based case-control study. The samples were taken during 1987 to 1990, a time when vitamin/mineral supplementation was becoming increasingly common. We found that higher serum zinc levels, most notably those above the highest quintile, were associated with higher levels of total serum cholesterol, low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides. No significant trend was noted for high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol. Previous studies demonstrated that high-dosage zinc supplements raise serum zinc levels. The possibility that use of such supplements can adversely affect serum lipid profiles suggests that chronic ingestion of such supplements should not be done without adequate medical supervision.     

Hepatic lipid profiles in miniature pigs after alcohol feeding

Changes in lipid profiles have not been reported for the known increases in total lipid content in livers of alcoholics. We have reported a lowering of the β-oxidative capacity of alcoholic livers, and therefore would expect a lower turnover of fatty acids in these livers, and thus a change in lipid profile. The percentage composition of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in the liver of alcohol-fed miniature pigs versus the controls, as well as the function of distance from the main hepatic vein, have both been determined in this study involving the feeding of ethanol for one year. Livers of alcohol-fed miniature pigs contained more total lipids than those of controls. Results also indicated significantly higher percentages of free fatty acids and triglycerides in the alcohol-fed miniature pigs, and also an increase in percentage total neutral lipids. The effect of distance from the main blood source (and therefore oxygenation) gave a fatty acid profile that showed an increase in the ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids with increasing distance from the right hepatic vein. This change in ratio was independent of alcohol feeding.     

Effects of perilla oil on plasma concentrations of cardioprotective (n-3) fatty acids and lipid profiles in mice

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of perilla oil as well as several vegetable oils, including flaxseed oil, canola oil, and rice bran oil on plasma levels of cardioprotective (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids in mice by feeding each vegetable oil for a period of eight weeks. Concentrations of docosapentaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), fish-based (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids, showed an increase in the plasma of mice fed perilla and flaxseed oils compared to those of mice in the control group (P < 0.05), whereas rice bran and canola oils did not alter plasma DPA and EPA concentrations. Arachidonic acid concentration was increased by feeding rice bran oil (P < 0.05), but not canola, flaxseed, or perilla oil. In addition, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid concentrations were altered by feeding dietary rice bran, canola, perilla, and flaxseed oils. Findings of this study showed that perilla oil, similar to flaxseed oil, is cardioprotective and could be used as an alternative to fish oil or even flaxseed oil in animal models.     

Plant sterols and endurance training combine to favorably alter plasma lipid profiles in previously sedentary hypercholesterolemic adults after 8 wk

BACKGROUND: Plant sterol supplementation was shown to reduce total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations, whereas endurance training was shown to increase HDL-cholesterol concentrations and decrease triacylglycerol concentrations. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to examine the effect of plant sterols, endurance training, and the combination of plant sterols and endurance training on plasma lipid and lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations, sterol concentrations, and cholesterol precursor concentrations in previously sedentary hypercholesterolemic adults. DESIGN: In an 8-wk, placebo-controlled, parallel-arm clinical trial, 84 subjects were randomly assigned to receive 1 of 4 interventions: 1) combination of sterols and exercise, 2) exercise, 3) sterols, or 4) control treatment. RESULTS: Sterol supplementation significantly (P < 0.01) decreased total cholesterol concentrations by 8.2% from baseline. In addition, sterols significantly (P < 0.01) lowered absolute LDL-cholesterol concentrations after treatment but had no effect on the percentage change from the beginning to the end of the trial. Exercise significantly (P < 0.01) increased HDL-cholesterol concentrations by 7.5% and decreased triacylglycerol concentrations by 13.3% from baseline. Moreover, sterol supplementation significantly (P < 0.05) increased lathosterol, campesterol, and beta-sitosterol concentrations after treatment. Exercise significantly (P < 0.01) decreased percentage of body fat by 3.9% from the beginning to the end of the trial. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison with plant sterols or exercise alone, the combination of plant sterols and exercise yields the most beneficial alterations in lipid profiles. Implementation of such a combination therapy could improve lipid profiles in those at risk of coronary artery disease.