The Association between Serum Lipid Levels and Tinnitus Prevalence and Severity in Korean Elderly: A Nationwide Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the association between serum lipid level and tinnitus risk in Korean older adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study used data from the 2016-2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Overall, 6021 subjects aged ≥60 years were included. Hypertriglyceridemia was defined as a serum triglyceride level of ≥200 mg/dL. The high-risk threshold of the total cholesterol (TC)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio was defined as above 5.0. The presence of tinnitus was assessed via health interviews. Tinnitus severity was classified as "not annoying," "irritating," and "severely annoying and causing sleep problems." Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between serum lipid level and tinnitus risk. RESULTS: The odds ratio (OR) of tinnitus was 1.27-times higher in the group with hypertriglyceridemia than in the group without hypertriglyceridemia after adjusting for age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, anemia, current smoking, obesity, noise exposure, stress cognition, and depressive mood or anxiety [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04-1.56, p=0.022]. The OR of tinnitus was 1.21-times higher in the group with a high TC/HDL-C ratio than in the group without a high TC/HDL-C ratio after adjusting for the same variables as above (95% CI 1.02-1.44, p=0.025). CONCLUSION: This study revealed that hypertriglyceridemia and high TC/HDL-C ratio were significantly associated with an increased OR of tinnitus in Korean older adults.

Increased skeletal muscle mass index was involved in glycemic efficacy following diabetes treatment, and changes in fat mass index correlated with the changes in the lipid ratio in type 2 diabetes.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the association between changes in body composition, glycated hemoglobin, and lipid ratio during the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: This retrospective analysis used data from outpatients with T2DM who had confirmed body composition and measured laboratories at administration and after treatment. The baseline characteristics and prescribed treatment were collected. The total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) ratio, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL)/HDL ratio, and triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index were also calculated. RESULTS: A total of 207 patients (mean patient age, 62.0 ± 13.7 years; 68.1 % males) were enrolled. Fat mass index (FMI) changes correlated with the changes in the lipid ratio, whereas skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) changes inversely correlated with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) changes. Multiple regression analysis showed that changes in LDL/HDL and TyG correlated with FMI changes (t = 2.388, p = 0.017, t = 2.022, p = 0.044). Conversely, HbA1c changes correlated with SMI changes (t = -2.552, p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: In patients with T2DM, increased SMI was involved in glycemic efficacy, and FMI changes were associated with LDL/HDL and TyG.

Remnant cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio is a new powerful tool for identifying non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND: Remnant cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (RC/HDL-C) ratio has been shown to be a good predictor of metabolic disease risk, but no studies have further investigated the role of RC/HDL-C ratio in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients. METHODS: The participants were 14,251 adults who underwent a physical examination, all of whom underwent abdominal ultrasonography to determine whether they had NAFLD. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the association between the RC/HDL-C ratio and the risk of NAFLD. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that after fully adjusting the confounding factors, the higher RC/HDL-C ratio was independently positively correlated with the risk of NAFLD. Interaction tests suggested that the effect of RC/HDL-C ratio on NAFLD was significantly affected by sex. Additionally, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of RC/HDL-C ratio for identifying NAFLD was 0.82, which was significantly higher than that of other conventional lipid parameters. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates for the first time that the higher RC/HDL-C ratio in the general population may be closely related to the increased risk of NAFLD.

Simple cardiovascular risk stratification by replacing total serum cholesterol with anthropometric measures: The MORGAM prospective cohort project.

To assess whether anthropometric measures (body mass index [BMI], waist-hip ratio [WHR], and estimated fat mass [EFM]) are independently associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), and to assess their added prognostic value compared with serum total-cholesterol. The study population comprised 109,509 individuals (53% men) from the MORGAM-Project, aged 19-97 years, without established cardiovascular disease, and not on antihypertensive treatment. While BMI was reported in all, WHR and EFM were reported in âˆ¼52,000 participants. Prognostic importance of anthropometric measurements and total-cholesterol was evaluated using adjusted Cox proportional-hazards regression, logistic regression, area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUCROC), and net reclassification improvement (NRI). The primary endpoint was MACE, a composite of stroke, myocardial infarction, or death from coronary heart disease. Age interacted significantly with anthropometric measures and total-cholesterol on MACE (P ≤ 0.003), and therefore age-stratified analyses (<50 versus ≥ 50 years) were performed. BMI, WHR, EFM, and total-cholesterol were independently associated with MACE (P ≤ 0.003) and resulted in significantly positive NRI when added to age, sex, smoking status, and systolic blood pressure. Only total-cholesterol increased discrimination ability (AUCROC difference; P < 0.001). In subjects < 50 years, the prediction model with total-cholesterol was superior to the model including BMI, but not superior to models containing WHR or EFM, while in those ≥ 50 years, the model with total-cholesterol was superior to all models containing anthropometric variables, whether assessed individually or combined. We found a potential role for replacing total-cholesterol with anthropometric measures for MACE-prediction among individuals < 50 years when laboratory measurements are unavailable, but not among those ≥ 50 years.

The association between low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio cholesterol ratio and thickened carotid intima-media thickness: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: It is indicated that Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (LDL-C/HDL-C ratio) has greater predictive value for thickened carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) comparing with classic lipid parameters. However, there have been few reports about their association in general Chinese population. METHOD: We included a total of 1220 CIMT participants and 2440 matched controls, who had ultrasonography of carotid artery during 2009 and 2016. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for thickened CIMT risk associated with LDL-C/HDL-C ratio. RESULT: In the univariate logistic regression model, there was significant association between LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and thickened CIMT (Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.60-2.36; ptrend < 0.05). After adjusting for potential covariates, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio remained significantly associated with thickened CIMT (Q4 vs. Q1, OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 1.41-2.34, ptrend < 0.001; ≥3.05 v.s. <3.05, OR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.37-2.02). In subgroup analyses, the association between LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and thickened CIMT remained significant in the subgroups stratified by sex, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), hypertension, and fatty liver disease but only remained significant in the subgroups of ≥45 years (OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.46-2.76; Ptrend<0.05), BMI ≥24 (kg/m2) (OR = 2.22; 95% CI = 1.63-3.03; Ptrend < 0.05) and BMI ≥25 (kg/m2) (OR = 2.50, 95% CI: 1.76-3.54; Ptrend < 0.05), dyslipidemia (OR = 3.28, 95% CI: 1.83-5,85; Ptrend < 0.001), and without periodontitis (OR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.54-2.81 ; Ptrend < 0.05) comparing Q4 to Q1. Similar results were observed in the subgroup analyses for LDL-C/HDL-C ratio ≥3.05 v.s. <3.05 except for the age stratification. CONCLUSION: High LDL-C/HDL-C ratio could significantly increase the risk of thickened CIMT independent of gender, IFG, hypertension, and fatty liver disease in general Chinese population.

The effect of total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio on mortality risk in the general population.

Background: The relationship between the total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TC/HDL-C) ratio and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality has not been elucidated. Herein, we intend to probe the effect of the TC/HDL-C ratio on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in the general population. Methods: From the 1999-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES), a total of 32,405 health participants aged ≥18 years were included. The TC/HDL-C levels were divided into five groups: Q1: <2.86, Q2: 2.86-3.46, Q3: 3.46-4.12, Q4: 4.12-5.07, Q5: >5.07. Multivariate Cox regression models were used to explore the relationship between the TC/HDL-C ratio and cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Two-piecewise linear regression models and restricted cubic spline regression were used to explore nonlinear and irregularly shaped relationships. Kaplan-Meier survival curve and subgroup analyses were conducted. Results: The population comprised 15,675 men and 16,730 women with a mean age of 43 years. During a median follow-up of 98 months (8.1 years), 2,859 mortality cases were recorded. The TC/HDL-C ratio and all-cause mortality showed a nonlinear association after adjusting for confounding variables in the restricted cubic spline analysis. Hazard ratios (HRs) of all-cause mortality were particularly positively related to the level of TC/HDL-C ratio in the higher range >5.07 and in the lower range <2.86 (HR 1.26; 95% CI 1.10, 1.45; HR 1.18; 95% CI 1.00, 1.38, respectively), although the HRs of cardiovascular disease mortality showed no difference among the five groups. In the two-piecewise linear regression model, a TC/HDL-C ratio range of ≥4.22 was positively correlated with cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.13; 95% CI 1.02, 1.25). In the subgroup analysis, a nonlinear association between TC/HDL-C and all-cause mortality was found in those aged <65 years, men, and the no lipid drug treatment population. Conclusion: A nonlinear association between the TC/HDL-C ratio and all-cause mortality was found, indicating that a too-low or too-high TC/HDL-C ratio might increase all-cause mortality. However, for cardiovascular mortality, it does not seem so. The cutoff value was 4.22. The individuals had higher cardiovascular mortality with a TC/HDL-C ratio >4.22.

Inherited Variants in SCARB1 Cause Severe Early-Onset Coronary Artery Disease.

[Figure: see text].

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol : high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio is associated with incident diabetes in Chinese adults: A retrospective cohort study.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: Dyslipidemia plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Evidence has increasingly shown that the ratio of low- to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C/HDL-C) is a novel marker for increased risk of insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases. However, the correlation between the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and diabetes risk is rarely reported. This is the first study to investigate the association between the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and new-onset diabetes in a large community-based cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, a total of 116,661 adults without baseline diabetes were enrolled. Participants were stratified into four groups based on LDL-C/HDL-C ratio quartiles. The outcome of interest was new-onset diabetes. RESULTS: During a median follow-up period of 2.98 years, 2,681 (2.3%) new diabetes cases were recorded. The total cumulative incidence of diabetes progressively increased alongside LDL-C/HDL-C ratio quartiles (0.31, 0.43, 0.68 and 0.88%, respectively, P-value for trend <0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, using the lowest quartile of the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio as the reference, the risk of diabetes increased with LDL-C/HDL-C ratio quartiles (P-value for trend <0.001); in particular, from the second to fourth quartile, hazard ratios were 1.18 (95% confidence interval 0.87-1.59), 1.42 (95% confidence interval 1.07-1.90) and 1.92 (95% confidence interval 1.43-2.59), respectively. The results were also robust to challenges in multiple sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Among the Chinese population, elevated LDL-C/HDL-C ratio might be an independent risk factor for new-onset diabetes.

LDL-cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol ratio discordance with lipid parameters and carotid intima-media thickness: a cohort study in China.

BACKGROUND: The discordance of the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C/HDL-C) ratio with alterative lipid parameters may explain the inconsistent association of CIMT with the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the associations between LDL-C/HDL-C ratio discordance with alternative lipid parameters and elevated carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) risk in a large cohort in Beijing, China. METHODS: In total, 13,612 adults who didn't have elevated CIMT at baseline and who participated in at least one follow-up of annual examination between 2009 and 2016 were included in this cohort study. A multivariable Cox regression model was utilized to evaluate the associations of discordance of the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio with TC, TGs, LDL-C and HDL-C with elevated CIMT risk. RESULTS: During 37,999 person-years of follow-up, 2004 individuals (1274 men and 730 women) developed elevated CIMT. Among individuals with normal TC and TGs, 16.6 and 15.2% individuals had a discordantly high LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, respectively, and the risk of elevated CIMT increased by 1.54 (95% CI 1.33, 1.77) and 1.53 (95% CI 1.33, 1.76), respectively, comparing to individuals with a concordantly low LDL-C/HDL-C ratio. A high LDL-C/HDL-C ratio could significantly increase elevated CIMT risk regardless of discordance/concordance with LDL-C and HDL-C (P < 0.001). A low LDL-C/HDL-C ratio with discordantly normal HDL-C and high LDL-C (13.2% of individuals) had a 32% (HR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.11, 1.57) higher risk of elevated CIMT than concordantly low LDL-C and normal HDL-C. Sensitivity analysis by excluding CIMT developed in the first 2 years follow-up further confirmed the above results. CONCLUSIONS: A high LDL-C/HDL-C ratio could significantly increase elevated CIMT risk regardless of discordance/concordance with TC, TGs, LDL-C and HDL-C Even a low LDL-C/HDL-C ratio with discordantly high LDL-C and normal HDL-C could also significantly increase CIMT risk. Individuals should maintain both the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and LDL-C at normal levels to prevent elevated CIMT.

Natural substance rutin versus standard drug atorvastatin in a treatment of metabolic syndrome-like condition.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic risk factors. The clear causes of its development are not known yet and there is no comprehensive treatment of this disease. There is a trend to use natural substances in the treatment of various diseases, but their effects need to be well explored. We decided to test effect of rutin compared to the effect of the standard drug atorvastatin. METHODS: As a model of metabolic syndrome we used males of hypertriacylglycerolemic rats in combination with high-fat-high-fructose diet. Rutin (100 mg/kg) and atorvastatin (50 mg/kg) were administered orally daily for 5 weeks. RESULTS: We determined biochemical parameters from blood: HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, triacylglycerols. Relaxation and contraction response of aorta was measured to determine vessel dysfunctions and possible predisposition to cardiovascular disease. The negative influence on cognitive functions could be associated with the development of metabolic cognitive syndrome. Therefore we aimed to monitor spatial memory by Morris water maze test. Both rutin and atorvastatin had a tendency to decrease levels of serum triacylglycerols, but only atorvastatin significantly reduced levels od LDL-cholesterol and increased HDL-cholesterol levels. Both compounds significantly reduced the phenylephrine-induced contractile response of the aorta and improved the relaxation response. Further, treated animals learned better compared to untreated rats in the Morris water maze. CONCLUSION: Based on our results we can assume that atorvastatin and rutin had positive effect on spatial memory and vessel reactivity. Atorvastatin optimized lipid profile of blood serum.

Lipid accumulation product is a predictor of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in childhood obesity.

BACKGROUND: Lipid accumulation product (LAP) is associated with the presence and severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adults. PURPOSE: Here we evaluated the ability of LAP to predict NAFLD in obese children. METHODS: Eighty obese children (38 girls; age 6-18 years) were included. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical values were obtained from the patients' medical records. LAP was calculated as [waist circumference (WC) (cm) - 58]×triglycerides (mmol/L) in girls; [WC (cm) - 65]×triglycerides (mmol/ L) in boys. The minLAP and adjLAP were described (3% and 50% of WC values, respectively) and the total/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol index (TC/HDL-C) was calculated. NAFLD was observed on ultrasound, and patients were divided into 3 groups by steatosis grade (normal, grade 0; mild, grade 1; moderate-severe, grade 2-3). The area under the curve (AUC) and appropriate index cutoff points were calculated by receiver operator characteristic analysis. RESULTS: LAP was positively correlated with puberty stage (rho=0.409; P<0.001), fasting insulin (rho= 0.507; P<0.001), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (rho=0.470; P<0.001), uric acid (rho=0.522; P<0.001), and TC/HDL-C (rho=0.494; P<0.001) and negatively correlated with HDL-C (rho=-3.833; P<0.001). LAP values could be used to diagnose hepatosteatosis (AUC=0.698; P=0.002). The LAP, adjLAP, and minLAP cutoff values were 42.7 (P=0.002), 40.05 (P=0.003), and 53.47 (P= 0.08), respectively. For LAP, the differences between the normal and mild groups (P=0.035) and the normal and moderate-severe groups were statistically significant (P=0.037), whereas the difference between the mild and moderate-severe groups was not (P>0.005). There was a statistically significant difference between the normal and mild groups for adjLAP (P=0.043) but not between the other groups (P>0.005). There was no significant intergroup difference in minLAP (P>0.005). CONCLUSION: LAP is a powerful and easy tool to predict NAFLD in childhood. If LAP is ≥42.7, NAFLD should be suspected. This is the first study to assess LAP diagnostic accuracy for childhood obesity.

Association between non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio and carotid atherosclerosis in postmenopausal middle-aged women.

Background: A novel lipid relation, the non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C/HDL-C) ratio gathers information on all atherogenic and antiatherogenic particles on a single date. The relationship between this lipid marker and the presence of carotid atherosclerotic plaque (CAP) in postmenopausal women is unknown. Methods: Postmenopausal women in primary prevention up to 70 years of age were recruited. Association between the non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio and presence of CAP, assessed by ultrasonography, was analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed. Results: A total of 440 females with a mean age of 58.1 ± 5.3 years were recruited. The mean non-HDL-C/HDL ratio was 3.1 ± 1.2 and 28.2% of woman had CAP. A positive relationship was seen between quintiles of the non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio and prevalence of CAP (p < 0.001). Regardless of other risk factors, women with higher non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratios had a greater chance of having CAP (odds ratio 1.30, 95% confidence interval: 1.07-1.58, p = 0.009). In the ROC curve analysis, the area under the curve of the non-HDL-C/HDL ratio for detecting CAP was 0.703 (95% confidence interval: 0.640-0.765) and the optimal cut-off point was 3.0 (Youden index 0.395). Conclusion: The present study suggests that the non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratio might be a strong marker for predicting the risk of CAP in postmenopausal women.

Masked uncontrolled hypertension: Prevalence and predictors.

BACKGROUND: There are limited data on 'masked uncontrolled hypertension' (MUCH) in patients with treated and apparently well-controlled BP is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To define the prevalence and predictors of MUCH among hypertensive patients with controlled office blood pressure. METHODS: One hundred ninety-nine hypertensive patients presented to the specialized hypertension clinics at two University Hospitals. All patients had controlled office blood pressure (less than 140/90 mmHg). Patients were assessed regarding history, clinical examination, and laboratory data. All patients underwent ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) for 24 h, within a week after the index office visit. MUCH was diagnosed if average 24-h ABPM was elevated (systolic BP ≥ 130 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥ 80 mmHg) despite controlled clinic BP. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients (33.2%) had MUCH according to 24-h ABPM criteria (mean age 53.5 ±â€¯9.3 years, 60.6% men). MUCH was mostly caused by the poor control of nocturnal BP; with the percentage of patients in whom MUCH was solely attributable to an elevated nocturnal BP almost double that due to daytime BP elevation (57.3% vs. 27.1%, P < 0.001). The most common predictors of MUCH were smoking, DM and positive family history of DM. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of masked suboptimal BP control is high. Office BP monitoring alone is thus inadequate to ascertain optimal BP control because many patients have an elevated nocturnal BP. ABPM is needed to confirm proper BP control, especially in patients with high cardiovascular risk profile. Smoking, DM and positive family history of DM were the most common predictors of MUCH.

LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and risk of all-cause mortality in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: The low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C/HDL-C) ratio has been recognized as a strong risk predictor of cardiovascular diseases. However, the association between the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and the prognosis of acute intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is unclear. Thus, we prospectively investigated whether a low LDL-C/HDL-C ratio could predict all-cause mortality and whether LDL-C/HDL-C ratio is superior to traditional lipid profiles in predicting mortality among Chinese patients with acute ICH. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of 356 patients with acute ICH was conducted, and the mean follow-up time point was 80.4 days. Participants were divided into four categories based on LDL-C/HDL-C ratio quartiles. Three-month outcomes were evaluated by in-person or telephone interviews with patients or their family members. The end point was three-month mortality from all causes. RESULTS: Forty-seven deaths from all causes were documented. The multivariate analysis found that LDL-C/HDL-C ratio [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.49, p = 0.008] and LDL-C (HR = 0.27, p = 0.044) were significantly associated with all-cause mortality. The Kaplan-Meier curves show that patients in the lowest quartiles had the highest cumulative incidence rates (log-rank p = 0.027). After adjusting for covariates, a low LDL-C/HDL-C ratio was associated with a 3.55-fold increase in the risk of all-cause mortality (HR, 3.55 [95% confidence interval, 1.04-12.14]; P-trend = 0.011) when the highest and lowest quartiles were compared. The C-statistic of the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio was significantly larger than other traditional lipid profiles (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A low LDL-C/HDL-C ratio was independently associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality at three months in patients with ICH. Moreover, the LDL-C/HDL-C ratio appeared to be a best lipid predictor of all-cause mortality than traditional lipid profiles.

Botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and potential application of Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb.et Zucc.: a review.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. et Zucc. (Polygonum cuspidatum), also known as Reynoutria japonica Houtt and Huzhang in China, is a traditional and popular Chinese medicinal herb. Polygonum cuspidatum with a wide spectrum of pharmacological effects has been used for treatment of inflammation, favus, jaundice, scald, and hyperlipemia, etc. AIM OF THE REVIEW: The present paper reviews the traditional applications as well as advances in botany, phytochemistry, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and toxicology of this plant. Finally, the tendency and perspective for future investigation of this plant are discussed, too. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review of literature about Polygonum cuspidatum is carried out using resources including classic books about Chinese herbal medicine, and scientific databases including Pubmed, SciFinder, Scopus, the Web of Science and others. RESULTS: Polygonum cuspidatum is widely distributed in the world and has been used as a traditional medicine for a long history in China. Over 67 compounds including quinones, stilbenes, flavonoids, counmarins and ligans have been isolated and identified from this plant. The root of this plant is used as the effective agent in pre-clinical and clinical practice for regulating lipids, anti-endotoxic shock, anti-infection and anti-inflammation, anti-cancer and other diseases in China and Japan. CONCLUSION: As an important traditional Chinese medicine, Polygonum cuspidatum has been used for treatment of hyperlipemia, inflammation, infection and cancer, etc. Because there is no enough systemic data about the chemical constituents and their pharmacological effects or toxicities, it is important to investigate the pharmacological effects and molecular mechanisms of this plant based on modern realization of diseases' pathophysiology. Drug target-guided and bioactivity-guided isolation and purification of the chemical constituents from this plant and subsequent evaluation of their pharmacologic effects will promote the development of new drug and make sure which chemical constituent or multiple ingredients contributes its pharmacological effects. Additionally, chemicals and their pharmacological effects of the other parts such as the aerial part of this plant should be exploited in order to avoid resource waste and find new chemical constituents.

Faecal levels of Bifidobacterium and Clostridium coccoides but not plasma lipopolysaccharide are inversely related to insulin and HOMA index in women.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The abundance of specific microbes might be associated with plasma lipopolysaccharide and insulin levels. The aims were to quantify the abundance of specific microbes and plasma LPS in females and assess their association with anthropometric, body composition and biochemical measurements. METHODS: Seventeen lean (BMI 19-24.99 kg/m(2)) and fifteen obese females (BMI > 30 kg/m(2)) participated. Anthropometry, body composition, food intake and biochemical analyses were assessed. Bacterial groups in faeces were analysed by qPCR method. RESULTS: Lactobacillus plantarum prevalence was higher (p = 0.005) and its counts tended to be higher in lean vs. obese group (p = 0.06). Bifidobacterium genus, Bifidobacterium longum, Clostridium coccoides and Clostridium leptum counts were higher in lean women (p < 0.05); prevalence and counts of Akkermansia muciniphila tended to be higher in lean group (p = 0.09, p = 0.06, respectively). Plasma LPS levels were similar between the study groups (p > 0.05). No association was found between LPS and bacterial levels or insulin. Bifidobacteria and C. coccoides counts were inversely associated with insulin and HOMA index. CONCLUSIONS: Abundance of specific microbes is distinct between obese and lean women, but is not associated with LPS level. Bifidobacterial and C. coccoides levels are associated with insulin sensitivity. These bacterial groups may be capable of modulating insulin action.

Dietary Cholesterol and Plasma Lipoprotein Profiles: Randomized-Controlled Trials.

Early work suggested that dietary cholesterol increases plasma total cholesterol concentrations in humans. Given the relationship between elevated plasma cholesterol concentrations and cardiovascular disease risk dietary guidelines have consistently recommended limiting food sources of cholesterol. Current intakes are approaching recommended levels. Recently there have been calls to reassess the importance of continuing to recommend limiting dietary cholesterol. Over the past 10 years there have been a limited number of studies addressing this issue. Striking among these studies is the high degree of variability in background diet, subject characteristics and study design. Within the context of current levels of dietary cholesterol intake, the effect on plasma lipids concentrations, with primary interest in LDL-C cholesterol concentrations, is modest and appears to be limited to population subgroups. In these cases, restrictions in dietary cholesterol intake are likely warranted. The biological determinants of inter-individual variability remain a relatively understudied area.

Low density lipoprotein-cholesterol/high density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio predicts plaque vulnerability in patients with stable angina.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The relationship between lipid profile and coronary plaque tissue characteristics in patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP) is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between tissue characteristics and lipid profile and predictors of unstable plaques (UPs) in patients with SAP by virtual histology intravascular ultrasonography (VH-IVUS). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: VH-IVUS was performed for target lesions in patients with SAP (61.7±9.2 years, 174 males, n=266) at the time of coronary angiography. UPs are characterized by thin-cap fibroatheroma, ruptured plaque, or remaining thrombus with VH-IVUS. RESULTS: The present study showed that 34 SAP patients had UPs (61.6±9.2 years, 24 males, 12.8%). The percentage of plaque area in the minimum luminal area in high low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C)/high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio patients was significantly higher than in low LDL-C/HDL-C ratio patients (72.7±9.5% vs. 69.9±9.3%, p=0.035). An LDL-C/HDL-C ratio >2.0 was an independent predictor for UPs in SAP patients (odds ratio 5.252, 95% confidence interval 1.132-24.372, p=0.034). CONCLUSION: An elevated LDL-C/HDL-C ratio is a positive predictor for coronary plaque vulnerability in patients with SAP.