Insertion/deletion polymorphism at angiotensin-converting enzyme gene in PTSD individuals and their reciprocal effects on blood pressure.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate relationships between insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism at angiotensin-converting enzyme gene (ACE) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as their interactions on blood pressure. METHODS: Variants of ACE I/D were identified by polymerase chain reaction method and verified by DNA sequencing. PTSD symptoms were assessed by the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C) based on DSM-IV-TR criteria among high school students at 6 months after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. RESULTS: Female subjects were found to have higher prevalence of PTSD and PCL-C scores than male counterparts in the II homozygotes (p = .038 for PTSD and p = .003 for PCL-C scores) and the ID heterozygotes (p = .000 for PTSD and p = .000 for PCL-C scores), but not in the DD homozygotes. Male subjects with the ID (p = .046) or the DD genotype (p = .039) had lower pulse pressure (PP) than the male II homozygotes, while the female II homozygotes had lower diastolic blood pressure (DBP) than the female DD homozygotes (p = .036). ACE I/D, PTSD, or PCL-C scores, as well as gender and BMI, were found to be the predictors of PP. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that there are interactions of ACE I/D and PTSD, together with gender and BMI, on PP. This finding may be the additional explanation for the heterogeneous relationships between PTSD and blood pressure, and suggest psychiatry care and different medication strategies for patients with comorbidities of PTSD and hypertension and with different genotypes of ACE I/D.

Increased TG/HDL-C in female G allele carriers of rs1061622 at gene of tumour necrosis factor receptor 2 with suicidal ideation.

BACKGROUND: Relationships between tumour necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNF-RII), suicidal ideation and levels of serum lipids have not been reported yet. The present study was to explore lipids profiles in Chinese adolescents with different genotypes of TNF-RII rs1061622 and with or without suicidal ideation. METHODS: Dietary intakes were surveyed by questionnaires. TNF-RII rs1061622 genotypes were examined by polymerase chain reaction restriction-fragment length polymorphism and verified by DNA sequencing. Lipids levels were examined by routine methods. RESULTS: Higher TC/HDL-C levels were observed in the subjects with suicidal ideation than those without suicidal ideation in the male students, but no significant differences were found in the female counterparts. When both TNF-RII rs1061622 and suicidal ideation were considered, although there was no significant difference of suicidal ideation prevalence between the TT homozygotes and the G allele carriers, the G allele carriers had elevated levels of TG and TG/HDL-C compared with the TT homozygotes only in the female subjects with suicidal ideation. The subjects with suicidal ideation had higher TG/HDL-C levels than those without suicidal ideation only in the female G allele carriers. Both suicidal ideation and TNF-RII rs1061622, together with BMI, gender and fat intakes, were found the predictors of TG/HDL-C levels. Different relationship patterns of lipids levels were discovered between male and female subjects with different genotypes and with or without suicidal ideation. CONCLUSIONS: Different changes of lipids profiles between the subjects with or without suicidal ideation may result from not only the genders, but also their interactions with TNF-RII rs1061622.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Augments Plasma Triglycerides in TT Homozygotes of rs495225 at Growth Hormone Secretagogue Receptor Gene.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) were reported to be associated with plasma lipid and glucose levels. However, interplays of PTSD with GHSR on plasma lipid and glucose levels have not been explored yet. This study was to investigate the interplays of PTSD and GHSR rs495225 on plasma glucose and lipid profiles. A total of 709 high school students were recruited at 6 months after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. Variants of GHSR rs495225 were identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses and verified by DNA sequencing. The PTSD Checklist Civilian Version (PCL-C) was used to assess PTSD. There was no significant difference of PTSD prevalence between the TT homozygotes and the C allele carriers. However, the students with PTSD had significantly lower levels of glucose, insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) than the students without PTSD in the C allele carriers of GHSR rs495225 after the adjustment for age, gender and body mass index (BMI), but higher levels of TG and TG/HDL-C in the TT homozygotes. Meanwhile, the TT homozygotes had lower levels of HDL-C than the C allele carriers in the students without PTSD, but higher levels of insulin and HOMA-IR in the subjects with PTSD. After the adjustment of age and gender, and additional adjustment for BMI, the results were not changed except the difference of insulin was only a tendency (p = 0.054) after the additional adjustment for BMI. PTSD may augment TG levels and the related lipid ratio TG/HDL-C in the TT homozygotes of GHSR rs495225 but decrease the levels of glucose, insulin and HOMA-IR in the C allele carriers.

Involvement of the Hydroperoxy Group in the Irreversible Inhibition of Leukocyte-Type 12-Lipoxygenase by Monoterpene Glycosides Contained in the Qing Shan Lu Shui Tea.

We have previously found two novel monoterpene glycosides, liguroside A and liguroside B, with an inhibitory effect on the catalytic activity of the enzyme leukocyte-type 12-lipoxygenase in the Qing Shan Lu Shui tea. Here, two new monoterpene glycosides, liguroside C and liguroside D which inhibit this enzyme, were isolated from the same tea. The spectral and chemical evidence characterized the structures of these compounds as (5E)-7-hydroperoxy-3,7-dimethyl-1,5-octadienyl-3-O-(α-l-rhamnopyranosyl)-(1''→3')-(4'''-O-trans-p-coumaroyl)-ß-d-glucopyranoside and (2E)-6-hydroxy-3,7-dimethyl-2,7-octadienyl-3-O-(α-l-rhamnopyranosyl)-(1''→3')-(4'''-O-trans-p-coumaroyl)-ß-d-glucopyranoside, respectively. These ligurosides, which irreversibly inhibited leukocyte-type 12-lipoxygenase, have a hydroperoxy group in the monoterpene moiety. Additionally, monoterpene glycosides had the same backbone structure but did not have a hydroperoxy group, such as kudingoside A and lipedoside B-III, contained in the tea did not inhibit the enzyme. When a hydroperoxy group in liguroside A was reduced by using triphenylphosphine, the resultant compound, kudingoside B, showed a lower inhibitory effect on the enzyme. These results strongly suggest the involvement of the hydroperoxy group in the irreversible inhibition of the catalytic activity of leukocyte-type 12-lipoxygenase by the monoterpene glycosides contained in the Qing Shan Lu Shui tea.

D allele of insertion/deletion polymorphism at angiotensin-converting enzyme gene is associated with reduced prevalence and severity of depression among Chinese adolescents at early stage after Wenchuan earthquake.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to longitudinally investigate the association of insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism at angiotensin-converting enzyme gene (ACE) with depression in Chinese adolescents experiencing the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. METHODS: Variants of ACE I/D were identified by polymerase chain reaction and verified by DNA sequencing. Depression symptoms were assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) among high school students at 6, 12 and 18 months after the earthquake. RESULTS: The D-allele carriers had lower depression prevalence than II homozygotes at 6, 12 and 18 months after the earthquake only in females, but not in males. Meanwhile, BDI scores were reduced in the female D-allele carriers when compared with those in the female II homozygotes at 6 and12 months after the earthquake. In addition, ACE I/D was found to be the predictors of BDI scores and depression prevalence at 6 and 12 months after the earthquake. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the association of ACE I/D with depression are longitudinally different in Chinese Han adolescents after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. The D allele may be associated with reduced depression prevalence and severity in female adolescents in the early stage of depression rehabilitation during the follow-up.

Longitudinal interplays of estrogen receptor alpha gene rs9340799 with social-environmental factors on post-traumatic stress disorder in Chinese Han adolescents after Wenchuan earthquake.

Indirect evidences suggested associations of estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the relationship between rs9340799 on ESR1 gene and PTSD has not been reported yet. The present study was to explore the longitudinal changes of prevalence and severity of PTSD in adolescents with different genotypes of rs9340799 after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. Social-environmental factors were collected by questionnaires in 465 high school students. Variants of rs9340799 were determined by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses and verified by DNA sequencing. PTSD symptoms were assessed by PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C) at 6, 12, and 18 months after the earthquake. The female AA homozygotes had a trend of higher prevalence of PTSD and significantly higher PCL-C scores than the female G allele carriers at 6 months after the earthquake. The female students had higher prevalence of PTSD and higher PCL-C scores than the male subjects at 6 months in the AA homozygotes, but not in the G allele carriers. Consecutive decreases in PCL-C scores were observed only in the female AA homozygotes. Only in the female, the AA genotype was the risk factor and predictor of PCL-C scores at 6 months. Potential factors of PTSD prevalence and predictors of PCL-C scores were different between the AA homozygotes and G allele carriers at different time during the follow-up. These results suggest gene-environment interactions may occur among rs9340799 and social-environmental factors, and influence the development and natural rehabilitation of PTSD in the course after stressed by the earthquake.

High-Carbohydrate/Low-Fat Diet-Induced Gender-Specific Serum Lipid Profile Changes Are Associated with LEPR Polymorphisms in Chinese Youth.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The study aimed to investigate the interactions of genetic variants in the leptin receptor (LEPR) gene with lipid profile changes following a high-carbohydrate/low-fat (HC/LF) diet in a Chinese Han population. METHODS: Fifty-six healthy young subjects were given washout diets, followed by HC/LF diets consisting of 15% fat and 70% carbohydrate for 6 days. Serum lipid profiles and insulin levels before and after HC/LF diets were analyzed. RESULTS: Statistically elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein A-1 (apoA-I), and insulin levels were only observed in the GG genotype of LEPR Lys109Arg but not in the A carriers after HC/LF diet. When gender was taken into account, significantly increased HDL-C, apoA-I, and insulin levels were found in women with the GG genotype. Moreover, lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and higher insulin levels were only observed in subjects with the GG genotype of LEPR Gln223Arg, while higher HDL-C and apoA-I were only found in the A allele carriers. Additionally, the lower LDL-C and body mass index (BMI), and higher HDL-C and insulin levels were only observed in subjects with the GG genotype of LEPR Lys656Asn. CONCLUSIONS: LEPR polymorphisms contribute to the heterogeneities in BMI, LDL-C, and HDL-C responsiveness that are induced by a HC/LF diet in healthy young Chinese adults.

Predictive factors of depression symptoms among adolescents in the 18-month follow-up after Wenchuan earthquake in China.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear about the change and risk factors of depression among adolescent survivors after earthquake. AIMS: This study aimed to explore the change of depression, and identify the predictive factors of depression among adolescent survivors after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake in China. METHODS: The depression among high school students at 6, 12 and 18 months after the Wenchuan earthquake were investigated. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was used in this study to assess the severity of depression. RESULTS: Subjects included 548 student survivors in an affected high school. The rates of depression among the adolescent survivors at 6-, 12- and 18-month after the earthquake were 27.3%, 42.9% and 33.3%, respectively, for males, and 42.9%, 61.9% and 53.4%, respectively, for females. Depression symptoms, trauma-related self-injury, suicidal ideation and PTSD symptoms at the 6-month follow-up were significant predictive factors for depression at the 18-month time interval following the earthquake. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the need for considering disaster-related psychological sequela and risk factors of depression symptoms in the planning and implementation of mental health services. Long-term mental and psychological supports for victims of natural disasters are imperative.

Associations of Leu72Met Polymorphism of Preproghrelin with Ratios of Plasma Lipids Are Diversified by a High-Carbohydrate Diet in Healthy Chinese Adolescents.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The association of preproghrelin Leu72Met polymorphism with plasma lipids profile was inconsistently reported and needs more studies to be confirmed. Our study was to investigate the changes of plasma lipids ratios after a high-carbohydrate (high-CHO) diet in healthy Chinese adolescents with different genotypes of this polymorphism. METHODS: Fifty-three healthy university students were given a washout diet of 54.1% carbohydrate for 7 days, followed by a high-CHO diet of 70.1% carbohydrate for 6 days. The anthropometric and biological parameters were analyzed at baseline and before and after the high-CHO diet. RESULTS: When compared with those before the high-CHO diet, body mass index (BMI) decreased in the male and female Met72 allele carriers. Decreased low-/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C/HDL-C) was observed in all participants except the female subjects with the Leu72Leu genotype. TG/HDL-C and log (TG/HDL-C) were increased only in the female subjects with the Leu72Leu genotype. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the Met72 allele of preproghrelin Leu72Met polymorphism may be associated with decreased BMI induced by the high-CHO diet in male and female adolescents, while the Leu72 allele with increased TG/HDL-C and log (TG/HDL-C) in the female adolescents only. Furthermore, the decreasing effect of the high-CHO diet on LDL/HDL-C may be eliminated in the female Leu72Leu homozygotes.

Association of Leptin Receptor Gene Polymorphisms with Genetic Susceptibility to Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic stroke is a multifactorial disease that is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Identification of the genetic factors that are underlining this disease is important. Leptin receptor (LEPR) mediates the leptin-regulated human energy homeostasis, and mutations of LEPR can increase cardiovascular risks and may predispose an individual to ischemic stroke. METHODS: We analyzed distribution of 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of LEPR gene (Lys109Arg, Gln223Arg, and Lys656Asn) in 101 patients with ischemic stroke and 105 controls by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism strategy. RESULTS: Our results showed that there were significant differences in the genotype and allele distribution of Lys109Arg and Gln223Arg polymorphisms of the LEPR gene between case and control. The 109GG and 223GG genotype were associated with a significantly increased risk of ischemic stroke (odds ratio [OR], 3.23; P = .001 and OR, 2.87; P = .008, respectively). The 109G and 223G alleles carriers were correlated with an increased incidence of ischemic stroke (OR, 2.72; P = .001; OR, 2.94; P = .004). By haplotype analyses, we found that 109A/223G/656G haplotype was associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke although this was not observed in the control group (OR, 3.86; P = .029). CONCLUSIONS: LEPR 109GG and 223GG genotypes and the 109G and 223G alleles are associated with the risk of ischemic stroke. Our data suggest that LEPR Lys109Arg and Gln223Arg polymorphisms could be used as genetic predictive factor for ischemic stroke.

[Effects of APOC3 polymorphisms on the plasma lipids in healthy adolescents with different body mass index].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possible effects of apolipoprotein C I gene (APOC3) polymorphisms on plasma lipids in healthy adolescents with different body mass index (BMI). METHODS: Seven hundred and twenty three adolescents were divided into four groups according to BMI: group 1 CBMI= (17.80 +/- 0.75) kg/m2,n=180], group 2 [BMI = (19.39 +/- 0.32) kg/m2, n=182), group 3 [BMI= (20.68 +/- 0.43) kg/m2, n=1813 and group 4 [BMI= (23.40 +/- 2.05) kg/m2 ,n=180J. Fasting venous blood samples were collected, plasma lipids were determined and genome DNA was extracted for determining the genotypes of the APOC3 Sst I and -482C>T polymorphisms by PCR-RFLP. RESULTS: With the elevation of BMI, height and plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly (P<0.001 for both), body mass, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist/hip ratio, plasma triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increased significantly (P<0.001 for all). No significant differences in TG levels among Sst I genotypes were observed in group 1, group 2 and group 3; but in group 4, significant differences in TG levels among Sst I genotypes were observed, S2 carriers had higher TG levels than the adolescents with S1S1 genotype. No significant differences in plasma lipids among -482C>T genotypes were observed in all groups. CONCLUSION: The elevation of plasma TG levels by the S2 allele of APOC3 Sst I polymorphism is associated with BMI. It is possible that the reduction of body mass could favorably modulate the elevation of TG levels by S2 allele in healthy adolescents.

Effects of the C161T polymorphism in the gene of peroxisome proliferators activated receptor γ on changes of plasma lipid and apolipoprotein ratios induced by a high carbohydrate diet in a healthy Chinese Han young population.

BACKGROUND: Changes in the ratios of plasma lipids and apolipoproteins may be associated with diets and the C161T polymorphism in the gene of peroxisome proliferators activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma). As a result, this study was to investigate the effects of this polymorphism on changes of the ratios induced by a high-carbohydrate (high-CHO) diet. METHODS: After a washout diet of 54% carbohydrate for 7 days, 56 healthy young adults (22.89 +/- 1.80 years old) were given the high-CHO diet of 70% carbohydrate for 6 days. Height, weight, waist circumference (WC), glucose, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein (apo) AI, and apoB100 at baseline and before and after the high-CHO diet were measured. Body mass index (BMI), TG/HDL-C, log (TG/HDL-C), TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, and apoB100/apoAI were calculated. PPARgamma C161T was detected by a PCR-RFLP method. The relationship between the polymorphism and the ratios were analyzed. RESULTS: The female T carriers had higher BMI and WC than the female CC homozygotes at baseline and before and after the diet, higher glucose, TG/HDL-C and log (TG/HDL-C) before the diet. In males, when compared to the T carriers, the CC homozygotes had higher TG/HDL-C, log (TG/HDL-C) and apoB100/apoAI at baseline and before and after the diet, higher glucose at baseline, higher LDL-C/HDL-C and TC/HDL-C before and after the diet. Compared with those before the high-CHO diet, TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C decreased after the diet regardless of gender and the genotypes. Decreased BMI and WC were observed in the male CC homozygotes but only decreased BMI in the female T carriers. Notably, decreased apoB100/apoAI was observed in the male T carriers, while elevated TG/HDL-C and log (TG/HDL-C) in the female CC homozygotes, and reduced glucose in the female T carriers. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the interplay of gender, the PPARgamma C161T polymorphism and the high-CHO diet can change not only the ratios of plasma lipids and apolipoproteins but also the association of the ratios with plasma glucose, WC, and BMI in healthy Chinese young adults. Once confirmed by larger sample size and multi-center trials, the findings will provide a new scientific basis for personalized dietary intervention for the subjects with different PPARgamma C161T genotypes to reduce risks of CAD, especially in a country with a quarter of the world's population.

[Effects of apolipoprotein A1 gene rs670 and rs5069 polymorphisms on the plasma lipid profiles in healthy adolescents with different body mass index].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possible effects of apolipoprotein A1 gene (APOA1) rs670 and rs5069 polymorphisms on plasma lipid profiles in healthy adolescents with different body mass index (BMI). METHODS: Totally 723 adolescents were divided into four groups according to their BMI: group 1[BMI =(17.80 ± 0.75)kg/m2], group 2[BMI = (19.39 ± 0.32) kg/m²], group 3[BMI = (20.68 ± 0.43) kg/m²], and group 4[BMI=(23.40 ± 2.05) kg/m²]. Height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, blood pressure, heart rate, plasma lipids, and blood glucose were determined, BMI and waist to hip ratio (W/H ratio) were calculated,and genome DNA was extracted for analyzing the genotypes of the APOA1 rs670 and rs5069 polymorphisms by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS: No significant differences in height, weight, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, W/H ratio, blood pressure, heart rate, plasma lipids, and blood glucose between APOA1 rs670 or rs5069 genotypes were observed among group 1, group 2, and group 3. In group 4, A carriers of the rs670 polymorphism had significantly higher systolic blood pressure (P=0.017) and blood glucose levels (P=0.009) than the adolescents with the GG genotype. T carriers of the rs5069 polymorphism had significantly higher height (P=0.013), weight (P=0.011), and hip circumference (P=0.026) than the adolescents with the CC genotype. CONCLUSIONS: In healthy adolescents with higher BMI, APOA1 rs670 polymorphism is associated with systolic blood pressure and blood glucose levels. The elevation of systolic blood pressure and blood glucose levels in A carriers of APOA1 rs670 polymorphism may be favorably modulated by weight loss.

Association between PEMT rs7946 and blood pressure levels in Chinese adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: This study was to explore blood pressure levels in Chinese adolescents with different genotypes of phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PEMT) gene ( PEMT ) rs7946, as well as effects of dietary intake on blood pressure levels with different genders and different genotypes of PEMT rs7946. METHODS: PEMT rs7946 genotypes were identified by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism and verified by DNA sequencing. Blood pressure was measured using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer. Dietary intakes were analyzed based on a 3-day diet diary, and dietary components were calculated using computer software. RESULTS: A total of 721 high school students (314 males and 407 females) at the age of 16.86 ±â€…0.59 years were included. The A allele carriers of PEMT rs7946 had increased levels of SBP, DBP, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and pulse pressure (PP) than the GG homozygotes in the female subjects. There were significant interactions between PEMT rs7946 and gender on SBP and MAP levels, regardless of whether an unadjusted or adjusted model was used. When dietary intake was taken into account, fat intake was positively associated with SBP and PP in the male GG homozygotes, while protein intake was positively associated with PP in the female A allele carriers of PEMT rs7946. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that PEMT rs7946 is significantly associated with blood pressure levels in human being. There might be interactions among PEMT rs7946, gender, and dietary intake on blood pressure levels in the adolescent population.

Suicidal ideation in adolescents with adiponectin receptor 2 rs12342 polymorphism affected by Wenchuan earthquake.

PURPOSE: The present study was to investigate prevalence of suicidal ideation and its associations with biological and environmental factors in adolescents with different genotypes of rs12342 at adiponectin receptor 2 gene (ADIPOR2). METHODS: Suicidal ideation, biological and environmental factors were evaluated by questionnaires in 669 high school students after Wenchuan earthquake in China. ADIPOR2 rs12342 was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and verified by DNA sequencing. RESULTS: Female adolescents had higher prevalence of suicidal ideation than male students in AG heterozygote and GG homozygote, but not AA homozygote. Prevalence of suicidal ideation was different in male, but not female, subjects with different genotypes. Genotype and allele frequencies were significantly different between male students with and without suicidal ideation, but not the female counterparts. Family history of mental disorders, extent of damage to property, carbohydrate intake and protein intake were associated with suicidal ideation in female subjects, while ADIPOR2 rs12342, father's educational level and previous trauma experience were associated with suicidal ideation in male subjects. CONCLUSION: ADIPOR2 rs12342 is associated with and has potential to interact with environmental factors on suicidal ideation in a gender-dependent manner in youth. These findings pave a novel way and perspective for precision inferences of suicidal ideation in subjects with different genetic backgrounds. ADIPOR2 rs12342 needs to be considered when intervening suicidal ideation, especially in adolescents.

Reduced hepatic AdipoR2 by increased glucocorticoid mediates effect of psychosocial stress to elevate serum cholesterol.

Understanding the effects of psychosocial stress on serum cholesterol may offer valuable insights into the relationship between psychological disorders and endocrine diseases. However, these effects and their underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated yet. Here we show that serum corticosterone, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) are elevated in a mouse model of psychosocial stress. Furthermore, alterations occur in AdipoR2-mediated AMPK and PPARα signaling pathways in liver, accompanied by a decrease in LDL-C clearance and an increase in cholesterol synthesis. These changes are further verified in wild-type and AdipoR2 overexpression HepG2 cells incubated with cortisol and AdipoR agonist, and are finally confirmed by treating wild-type and hepatic-specific AdipoR2 overexpression mice with corticosterone. We conclude that increased glucocorticoid mediates the effects of psychosocial stress to elevate serum cholesterol by inhibiting AdipoR2-mediated AMPK and PPARα signaling to decrease LDL-C clearance and increase cholesterol synthesis in liver.

Two new monoterpene glycosides from Qing Shan Lu Shui tea with inhibitory effects on leukocyte-type 12-lipoxygenase activity.

We evaluated the inhibitory effect of 12 Chinese teas on leukocyte-type 12-lipoxygenase (LOX) activity. Tea catechins such as epigallocatechin gallate have been known to exhibit leukocyte-type 12-LOX inhibition. Qing Shan Lu Shui, which contains lower catechin levels than the other tested teas, suppressed leukocyte-type 12-LOX activity. To characterize the bioactive components of Qing Shan Lu Shui, leukocyte-type 12-LOX inhibitory activity-guided fractionation of the aqueous ethanol extract of the tea was performed, resulting in the isolation of two new monoterpene glycosides: liguroside A (1) and B (2). The structures of compounds 1 and 2 were characterized as (2E,5E)-7-hydroperoxy-3,7-dimethyl-2,5-octadienyl-O-(α-L-rhamnopyranosyl)-(1″→3')-(4'″-O-trans-p-coumaroyl)-ß-D-glucopyranoside and (2E,5E)-7-hydroperoxy-3,7-dimethyl-2,5-octa-dienyl- O-(α-L-rhamnopyranosyl)-(1″→3')-(4'″-O-cis-p-coumaroyl)-ß-D-glucopyranoside, respectively, based on spectral and chemical evidence. Ligurosides A (1) and B (2) showed inhibitory effects on leukocyte-type 12-LOX activity, with IC50 values of 1.7 and 0.7 µM, respectively.

[The association study of the LIPC -250g/A polymorphism and high-carbohydrate/low-fat diet induced serum lipid and apolipoprotein concentration changes in healthy youth].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of the - 250G/A polymorphism in the promoter region of hepatic lipase gene (LIPC) on serum lipid profile and its interactions with a high-carbohydrate/low-fat (HC/LF) diet on serum lipid profiles in a young healthy Chinese population. METHODS: After a stabilization diet for seven days, fifty-six young healthy subjects (27 males, 29 females) were given the HC/LF diet for six days. The serum lipid profiles were analyzed of the twelve-hour fasting venous blood samples collected in the mornings of the first, the eighth and the fourteenth days. The concentrations of serum apolipoproteins were measured. The LIPC -250G/A polymorphism were analyzed. RESULTS: At baseline, the female subjects with the GG genotype had significantly higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P= 0. 041) and apolipoprotein A- I (Apo A- I ) (P= 0. 020) than the male subjects with the same genotype. After the stabilization diet, the females had significantly higher HDL-C (GG genotype: P=0. 021, A carriers: P=0. 014) and Apo A-I (GG genotype: P= 0. 035, A carriers: P= 0. 006) than the males in all genotypes. After the HC/LF diet, the female A carriers had significantly higher total cholesterol (TC) (P= 0. 042) than the male A carriers, and the females had significantly higher Apo A- I than the males in all genotypes (GG genotype: P=0. 010, A carriers: P=0. 009). Compared with thosebefore the HC / LF diet , TC ( males with GG genotype : P = 0. 013 , male A carriers: P = 0. 000 ; females with GG genotype: P=0. 025, female A carriers: P=0. 048) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (males with GG genotype: P = 0. 028, male A carriers: P = 0. 000; females with GG genotype: P= 0. 004, female A carriers: P=0. 001) significantly decreased after the diet in all the subjects. Triglycerides (TAG) (GG genotype: P=0. 006, A carriers: P= 0. 001) significantly increased in the females regardless of the genotype. However, only in the male A carriers, HDL-C (P= 0. 011) and Apo A- I (P= 0. 041) significantly increased after the diet. CONCLUSION: The A allele at the LIPC -250G/A polymorphism is associated with the HC/LF diet induced HDL-C and Apo A-I concentration changes in the males.

[Effects of an insertion/deletion polymorphism of angiotensin converting enzyme gene on the changes of serum lipid ratios and blood pressure induced by a high-carbohydrate and low-fat diet].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of an insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism at the intron 16 of the gene of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) on the changes of serum lipid ratios and blood pressure induced by a high-carbohydrate and low-fat (HC/LF) diet in healthy Chinese Han youth. METHODS: Fifty six healthy Chinese Han young volunteers were enrolled. A washout diet was given for seven days followed by the HC/LF diet for six days. Serum lipids and blood pressure were measured on the 1st, 8th, and 14th days. Serum lipid ratios were calculated. The ACE I/D polymorphism was detected by PCR. RESULTS: There were no significant differences of serum lipid ratios and blood pressure at baseline and before and after the HC/LF diet between the II genotype and the D carriers (ID and DD genotypes) in the whole study population, the males or the females separately. When compared with those before the HC/LF diet, all the subjects regardless of the genotype experienced statistical decreases of low density lipoprotein-cholesterol/high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C/HDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC)/HDL-C, but significant decrease of systolic blood pressure (SBP) was only found in the subjects with the II genotype. After taking into account gender, triglyceride (TG)/HDL-C and Log (TG/HDL-C) decreased in the males with theII genotype and increased in the female counterparts. The decreases of TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDIL-C were observed in all the males and the female D carriers. SBP decreased only in the male D carriers. CONCLUSION: The interaction of the HC/LF diet with the I allele of the intron 16 I/D polymorphism at the ACE gene decreases TG/HDL-C and log (TG/HDL-C) in males, but increases TG/HDL-C and log (TG/HDL-C) in females in the Chinese young population. The interplay with the D allele lowers SBP in males, and TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/ HDL-C in females.

The Waist-Hip Ratio is a Mediator Between Serum Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Its Val66Met Polymorphism in Adolescents.

Aim: To explore anthropometric, metabolic and dietary factors associated with and their interplays with the Val66Met polymorphism at brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene (Bdnf) on serum BDNF levels in adolescents. Methods: Serum BDNF levels were quantified using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 644 high school students (278 males/366 females). A polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism assay were utilized for Bdnf Val66Met genotyping followed by verification using DNA sequencing. Serum levels of metabolic characteristics were assayed by routine methods. The intake of macro and micronutrients was collected by a three-day food record. Results: Serum BDNF levels were found to be significantly different in the subjects with different genotypes of Bdnf Val66Met (Val/Val homozygotes, 60.05 ± 28.07 ng/mL vs Val/Met heterozygotes, 56.37 ± 29.34 ng/mL vs Met/Met homozygotes, 51.32 ± 24.54 ng/mL, p = 0.022). Among the 36 tested variables, waist-hip ratio (WHR) (ß = -0.163, p < 0.001), iodine intake (ß = 0.132, p = 0.001), heart rate (ß = 0.108, p = 0.005), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (ß = 0.098, p = 0.011) and dietary fiber intake (ß = 0.082, p = 0.084) were the predictor of serum BDNF levels, while SBP (ß = 0.097, p = 0.013) and WHR (ß = 0.091, p = 0.021) were related with Bdnf Val66Met. Moreover, WHR was observed to play a partial mediating role in the relationship between Bdnf Val66Met and serum BDNF levels (95% CI [-1.161, -0.087]) and contribute 13.05% of its total effect on serum BDNF levels. Conclusion: There are interplays between WHR and Bdnf Val66Met on serum BDNF levels, which may be among the explanations for the previous heterogeneous reports and provide novel insights into the regulation of serum BDNF levels.