Chimeric lipoproteins for leptospirosis vaccine: immunogenicity and protective potential.

Leptospirosis, a neglected zoonotic disease, is caused by pathogenic spirochetes belonging to the genus Leptospira and has one of the highest morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. Vaccination stands out as one of the most effective preventive measures for susceptible populations. Within the outer membrane of Leptospira spp., we find the LIC12287, LIC11711, and LIC13259 lipoproteins. These are of interest due to their surface location and potential immunogenicity. Thorough examination revealed the conservation of these proteins among pathogenic Leptospira spp.; we mapped the distribution of T- and B-cell epitopes along their sequences and assessed the 3D structures of each protein. This information aided in selecting immunodominant regions for the development of a chimeric protein. Through gene synthesis, we successfully constructed a chimeric protein, which was subsequently expressed, purified, and characterized. Hamsters were immunized with the chimeric lipoprotein, formulated with adjuvants aluminum hydroxide, EMULSIGEN®-D, Sigma Adjuvant System®, and Montanide™ ISA206VG. Another group was vaccinated with an inactivated Escherichia coli bacterin expressing the chimeric protein. Following vaccination, hamsters were challenged with a virulent L. interrogans strain. Our evaluation of the humoral immune response revealed the production of IgG antibodies, detectable 28 days after the second dose, in contrast to pre-immune samples and control groups. This demonstrates the potential of the chimeric protein to elicit a robust humoral immune response; however, no protection against challenge was achieved. While this study provides valuable insights into the subject, further research is warranted to identify protective antigens that could be utilized in the development of a leptospirosis vaccine. KEY POINTS: • Several T- and B-cell epitopes were identified in all the three proteins. • Four different adjuvants were used in vaccine formulations. • Immunization stimulated significant levels of IgG2/3 in vaccinated animals.

Effects of phytosterol supplementation on lipoprotein subfractions and LDL particle quality.

Phytosterols are natural components of plant-based foods used as supplements because of their known cholesterol-lowering effect. However, their effects on lipoprotein subfractions and the quality of the LDL particle have not been studied in greater detail. We aimed to evaluate the effects of phytosterols supplements on lipids, lipoproteins subfractions, and on the quality of LDL. A prospective, pilot-type, open label, cross-over study, randomized 23 males in primary prevention of hypercholesterolemia to receive diet or diet plus phytosterol (2.6 g in 2 doses, with meals) for 12 weeks, when treatments were switched for another 12 weeks. Lipoprotein subfractions were analyzed by electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel (Lipoprint System®). The Sampson equation estimated the small and dense (sd) and large and buoyant (lb) LDL subfractions from the lipid profile. Quality of LDL particle was analyzed by Z-scan and UV-vis spectroscopy. Primary outcome was the comparison of diet vs. diet plus phytosterols. Secondary outcomes assessed differences between baseline, diet and diet plus phytosterol. Non-parametric statistics were performed with p < 0.05. There was a trend to reduction on HDL-7 (p = 0.05) in diet plus phytosterol arm, with no effects on the quality of LDL particles. Heatmap showed strong correlations (ρ > 0.7) between particle size by different methods with both interventions. Diet plus phytosterol reduced TC, increased HDL-c, and reduced IDL-B, whereas diet increased HDL7, and reduced IDL-B vs. baseline (p < 0.05, for all). Phytosterol supplementation demonstrated small beneficial effects on HDL-7 subfraction, compared with diet alone, without effects on the quality of LDL particles.This trial is registered in Clinical Trials (NCT06127732) and can be accessed at https://clinicaltrials.gov .

Modulatory actions of Echinococcus granulosus antigen B on macrophage inflammatory activation.

Cestodes use own lipid-binding proteins to capture and transport hydrophobic ligands, including lipids that they cannot synthesise as fatty acids and cholesterol. In E. granulosus s.l., one of these lipoproteins is antigen B (EgAgB), codified by a multigenic and polymorphic family that gives rise to five gene products (EgAgB8/1-5 subunits) assembled as a 230 kDa macromolecule. EgAgB has a diagnostic value for cystic echinococcosis, but its putative role in the immunobiology of this infection is still poorly understood. Accumulating research suggests that EgAgB has immunomodulatory properties, but previous studies employed denatured antigen preparations that might exert different effects than the native form, thereby limiting data interpretation. This work analysed the modulatory actions on macrophages of native EgAgB (nEgAgB) and the recombinant form of EgAg8/1, which is the most abundant subunit in the larva and was expressed in insect S2 cells (rEgAgB8/1). Both EgAgB preparations were purified to homogeneity by immunoaffinity chromatography using a novel nanobody anti-EgAgB8/1. nEgAgB and rEgAgB8/1 exhibited differences in size and lipid composition. The rEgAgB8/1 generates mildly larger lipoproteins with a less diverse lipid composition than nEgAgB. Assays using human and murine macrophages showed that both nEgAgB and rEgAgB8/1 interfered with in vitro LPS-driven macrophage activation, decreasing cytokine (IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-12p40, IFN-ß) secretion and ·NO generation. Furthermore, nEgAgB and rEgAgB8/1 modulated in vivo LPS-induced cytokine production (IL-6, IL-10) and activation of large (measured as MHC-II level) and small (measured as CD86 and CD40 levels) macrophages in the peritoneum, although rEgAgB8/1 effects were less robust. Overall, this work reinforced the notion that EgAgB is an immunomodulatory component of E. granulosus s.l. Although nEgAgB lipid's effects cannot be ruled out, our data suggest that the EgAgB8/1 subunit contributes to EgAgB´s ability to regulate the inflammatory activation of macrophages.

Family sitosterolemia: report of two cases in Colombia. / Sitosterolemia familiar: reporte de dos casos en Colombia.

Sitosterolemia is an autosomal recessive and very rare disease. Its main characteristic is that there is a greater absorption and a decrease in the excretion of sterols, which leads to them being deposited in tissues. It is given by mutations in the ABCG5 or ABCG8 genes found on chromosome 2p21. In this clinical note, we describe the first two patients with familial sitosterolemia described in Colombia, brothers, one of them with xanthomas in extremities as the only symptom, and the other, completely asymptomatic. Genetic studies were performed as a diagnostic test in both patients, where a pathogenic homozygous variant could be identified in the ABCG8 gene in the first case (symptomatic), and a heterozygous variant in the ABCG8 gene in the second case (asymptomatic); the first patient has responded to treatment with ezetimibe. In conclusion, xanthomas should be studied in depth in pediatric age as they may be the only visible sign of such complex and hereditary diseases as familial sitosterolemia, which can be controlled and prevent cardiovascular complications of the disease.

Yerba Mate as a Protectant against Lipoproteins Oxidation.

Oxidative modification of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) are important factors determining cardiovascular risk. This study investigated the antioxidant mechanisms and potential protective effect of a hydroethanolic extract of yerba mate (Ilex paraguaiensis; EHEM) on the in vitro oxidation of LDL and HDL. EHEM was found to possess ferric reducing power, DPPH free radical scavenging capacity, metal chelating activity, and NO radical scavenging activity. In addition, EHEM reduced the lipoperoxidation induced by α,α'-Azodiisobutyramidine dihydrochloride (AAPH) in HDL and LDL at all tested concentrations. In this study, we demonstrate the antioxidant properties of yerba mate and its phytochemical compounds. These properties may effectively prevent the in vitro oxidation of LDL and HDL molecules, a phenomenon linked to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

Effect of adjuvant probiotic therapy (Lactobacillus reuteri) in the treatment of periodontitis associated with diabetes mellitus: clinical, controlled, and randomized study.

OBJECTIVES: Subgingival instrumentation (SI) with probiotics may be a proposal for the treatment of periodontitis (P), for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The Lactobacillus reuteri probiotic as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of P associated with T2DM was evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty diabetic participants diagnosed with P (stage III and IV, grade B) were randomized into SI + Placebo (n = 20): subgingival instrumentation plus placebo lozenges and SI + Probi (n = 20): subgingival instrumentation plus probiotics. Probing depth (PD), gingival recession (GR), clinical attachment level (CAL), plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BoP), and PISA index were performed at baseline and 30, 90, and 180 days. Cytokine concentration in the gingival crevicular fluid, subgingival biofilm sample, and LDL and HDL subfractions were evaluated. RESULTS: In the deep pockets, PD in SI + Probi showed increased values (p = 0.02) compared to SI + Placebo at 90 days. For CAL, SI + Probi showed increased values compared to SI + Placebo, with a significant difference at 30 days (p = 0.03), 90 days (p = 0.02), and 180 days (p = 0.04). At #PD ≥ 7 mm, SI + Probi had a more frequent number of sites (p = 0.03) compared to SI + Placebo only at baseline. For the PISA, SI + Probi showed a significant difference (p = 0.04) compared to SI + Placebo at 90 days. For cytokines, SI + Probi showed higher quantification than SI + Placebo for IL-10 (p < 0.001) at 90 days, IL-12 (p = 0.010) at 90 days, IL-1ß (p = 0.035) at 90 days, and IL-8 (p = 0.003) at baseline. SI + Placebo showed higher quantification of IL-1ß (p = 0.041) compared to SI + Probi only at 30 days. There was a reduction in all microbial complexes. SI + Probi improved LDL size (246.7 nm vs 260.4 nm; p < 0.001), while large HDL subfractions were reduced aft 180 days of treatment (24.0% vs 20.3%; p = 0.022) when compared with SI + Placebo; this response was dependent of probiotics (1.0 mg/dL vs - 6.2 mg/dL; p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Subgingival instrumentation improved the clinical periodontal parameters in patients with T2DM. The use of L. reuteri probiotics had no additional effects compared with the placebo; however, there was a positive effect on the lipoprotein subfraction. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Scientific rationale for study: subgingival instrumentation with probiotics may be a proposal for the treatment of periodontitis (P), especially for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: the use of L. reuteri probiotics had no additional effects compared with the placebo; however, there was a positive effect on the lipoprotein subfraction.  Practical implications: L. reuteri as an adjunct to subgingival instrumentation may have significant therapeutic implications in dyslipidemia.

Triglyceride/HDL cholesterol ratio and lipoprotein insulin resistance Score: Associations with subclinical atherosclerosis and incident cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND: The triglyceride/HDL cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio and the Lipoprotein Insulin Resistance (LP-IR) score are lipid markers of insulin resistance. Their associations with carotid intima media thickness (cIMT; subclinical atherosclerosis) and incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) have not been thoroughly investigated. METHODS: In a cross-sectional cohort (89 subjects without type 2 diabetes (T2D) and 81 subjects with T2D we determined cIMT (ultrasound), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and the TG/HDL-C ratio. The LP-IR score, based on 6 lipoprotein characteristics determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, was measured in 123 participants. A prospective study was carried out among 6232 participants (Prevention of REnal and Vascular ENd-stage Disease study). RESULTS: Cross-sectionally, the adjusted associations of HOMA-IR, the TG/HDL-C ratio and the LP-IR score with cIMT were approximately similar (standardized ß = 0.34 (95 % CI 0.19-0.48), 0.24 (95 % CI 0.09-039) and 0.41 (95 % CI 0.23--0.59), respectively). Prospectively, 507 new cases of CVD were observed after a median follow-up of 8.2 (interquartile range 7.5-8.8) years. HOMA-IR, the TG/HDL-C ratio and LP-IR were each associated with incident CVD independent of potential confounders (HR 1.12, 95 % CI 1.02-1.24;1.22, 95 % CI 1.11-1.35 and 1.15. 95 % CI 1.01-1.31, respectively). The association of the TG/HDL-C ratio with incident CVD was somewhat stronger than that of HOMA-IR. CONCLUSION: Lipoprotein-based markers of insulin resistance are at least as strongly associated with subclinical atherosclerosis and clinical atherosclerosis development as HOMA-IR, obviating the need to measure insulin to determine the impact of insulin resistance. For practical purposes, the easily obtainable TG/HDL-C ratio may suffice.

The Influence of Dietary Counseling Over 20 Years on Tracking of Non-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol from Infancy to Young Adulthood.

This 26-year study found that non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) levels tracked from infancy to young adulthood suggesting early-life non-HDL-C could predict future levels. However, infancy-onset dietary counseling reduced the odds of maintaining at-risk non-HDL-C, highlighting the potential importance of early interventions in preventing cardiovascular risk associated with high pediatric non-HDL-C.

Total Outflow of High-Density Lipoprotein-Cholesteryl Esters from Plasma Is Decreased in a Model of 3/4 Renal Mass Reduction.

(1) Background: Previous studies have enriched high-density lipoproteins (HDL) using cholesteryl esters in rabbits with a three-quarter reduction in functional renal mass, suggesting that the kidneys participate in the cholesterol homeostasis of these lipoproteins. However, the possible role of the kidneys in lipoprotein metabolism is still controversial. To understand the role of the kidneys in regulating the HDL lipid content, we determined the turnover of HDL-cholesteryl esters in rabbits with a three-quarter renal mass reduction. (2) Methods: HDL subclass characterization was conducted, and the kinetics of plasma HDL-cholesteryl esters, labeled with tritium, were studied in rabbits with a 75% reduction in functional renal mass (Ntx). (3) Results: The reduced renal mass triggered the enrichment of cholesterol, specifically cholesteryl esters, in HDL subclasses. The exchange of cholesteryl esters between HDL and apo B-containing lipoproteins (VLDL/LDL) was not significantly modified in Ntx rabbits. Moreover, the cholesteryl esters of HDL and VLDL/LDL fluxes from the plasmatic compartment tended to decrease, but they only reached statistical significance when both fluxes were added to the Nxt group. Accordingly, the fractional catabolic rate (FCR) of the HDL-cholesteryl esters was lower in Ntx rabbits, concomitantly with its accumulation in HDL subclasses, probably because of the reduced mass of renal cells requiring this lipid from lipoproteins.

Use of Atherogenic Indices as Assessment Methods of Clinical Atherosclerotic Diseases. / Uso de Índices Aterogênicos como Métodos de Avaliação das Doenças Ateroscleróticas Clínicas.

BACKGROUND: Central illustration : Use of Atherogenic Indices as Assessment Methods of Clinical Atherosclerotic Diseases. BACKGROUND: The search for clinically useful methods to assess atherosclerotic diseases (ASCVD) with good accuracy, low cost, non-invasiveness, and easy handling has been stimulated for years. Thus, the atherogenic indices evaluated in this study may fit this growing demand. OBJECTIVES: To assess the potential of atherogenic indices to evaluate patients with clinical atherosclerosis. METHODS: Single-center cross-sectional study, through which the Castelli I and II indices, the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), the lipoprotein combine index, and the variation in the peripheral perfusion index between 90 and 120 seconds after an endothelium-dependent (ΔPI90-120) vasodilator stimulus were evaluated in the prediction of atherosclerosis. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 298 individuals with an average age of 63.0±16.1 years, of which 57.4% were women. Paired comparisons of the ROC curve analysis of the indices that reached the area under the curve (AUC) > 0.6 show that ΔPI90-120 and AIP were superior to other indices, and no differences were observed between them (difference between AUC = 0.056; 95%CI -0.003-0.115). Furthermore, both the ΔPI90-120 [odds ratio (OR) 9.58; 95%CI 4.71-19.46)] and AIP (OR 5.35; 95%CI 2.30-12.45) were independent predictors of clinical atherosclerosis. CONCLUSIONS: The AIP and ΔPI90-120 represented better accuracy in discriminating clinical ASCVD. Moreover, they were independent predictors of clinical ASCVD, evidencing a promising possibility for developing preventive and control strategies for cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, they are markers for multicenter studies from the point of view of practicality, low cost, and external validity.

An update on Mycobacterium tuberculosis lipoproteins.

Almost 3% of the proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis), the main causative agent of human tuberculosis, are lipoproteins. These lipoproteins are characteristic of the mycobacterial cell envelope and participate in many mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of M. tuberculosis. In this review, the authors provide an updated analysis of M. tuberculosis lipoproteins and categorize them according to their demonstrated or predicted functions, including transport of compounds to and from the cytoplasm, biosynthesis of the mycobacterial cell envelope, defense and resistance mechanisms, enzymatic activities and signaling pathways. In addition, this updated analysis revealed that at least 40% of M. tuberculosis lipoproteins are glycosylated.

Dietary lipids management: are there any benefits from the prevention and treatment of 4T1 murine breast carcinoma?

This study investigated the effect of vegetable and fish oils with different n-3 / n-6 PUFAS ratios on the lipoprotein profile and on the development of murine breast cancer 4T1. Female Balb/c mice (6-7 weeks) received diets containing 4.0% fat during seven weeks. On the fourth week, animals were inoculated into the posterior left flank with 2.5 × 106 4T1 cells. Body weight and food intake were registered and the profile serum lipoproteins was determined. Tumor volume, histopathological and immunohistochemical studies, myeloperoxidase and N-acetylglucosaminidase activities, TNF-α, hemoglobin and VEGF levels were analysed. The highest n-3 / n-6 ratio was found in fish oil (15.8:1), followed by linseed (2.4:1), canola (1:2.1) and soybean (1:9.4) oils. Body weight, food and caloric intake, lipoprotein profile, tumor weight, tumor evolution and histopathological analysis were not different. Canola oil increased cell proliferation when compared to soybean oil, and fish oil changed the inflammatory response and increased VEGF in tumors compared to other groups. The type of fatty acid and the high ratio of n-3 / n-6 PUFAs in the diet influenced cell proliferation and inflammation in the tumor differentially, highlighting the increase of neutrophils and VEGF levels in animals fed on fish oil.

Bioremediation of Automotive Residual Oil-Contaminated Soils by Biostimulation with Enzymes, Surfactant, and Vermicompost.

Contamination of soils by automotive residual oil represents a global environmental problem. Bioremediation is the technology most suitable to remove this contaminant from the medium. Therefore, this work aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of bioremediation of automotive residual oil-contaminated soils by biostimulation with enzymes, surfactant, and vermicompost. The bioremediation efficiency was examined using a factorial design of 24 to determine the effect of the time, pH and temperature conditions, biostimulation with enzyme-vermicompost, and biostimulation with enzyme-surfactant. Enzymes obtained from Ricinus communis L. seeds, commercial vermicompost, and Triton X-100 were used. Results showed that the highest removal efficiency (99.9%) was achieved at 49 days, with a pH of 4.5, temperature of 37 °C, and using biostimulation with enzyme-vermicompost (3% w/v-5% w/w). The addition of surfactant was not significant in increasing the removal efficiency. Therefore, the results provide adequate conditions to bioremediate automotive residual oil-contaminated soils by biostimulation using enzymes supported with vermicompost.

Is there a difference between aortic and brachial vein blood lipoprotein and total cholesterol levels?

OBJECTIVE: Atherosclerosis is a disease of the arteries that is not practically observed in veins. There are a lot of proposed mechanisms underlying this phenomenon. We aimed to compare the lipoprotein and total cholesterol levels in aortic and venous blood samples. METHODS: A total of 125 patients ≥18 years of age were included in the study. After overnight fasting, we drew blood from the proximal ascending aorta and brachial vein. Serum lipid profiles were compared between these samples. RESULTS: Out of 125 patients, 45 (36%) were females, and 80 (64%) were males. The mean age of the patients was 62 years (24-85 years). Notably, 39 (31%) patients were using statin treatment. Coronary angiography showed that 103 (82%) patients had coronary artery disease. Mean arterial total cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein), high-density lipoprotein, and triglyceride levels were significantly lower than mean venous total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, and triglyceride levels (187.3±45.3 mg/dL vs. 204.5±52.6 mg/dL, p<0.001; 116.7±41.5 mg/dL vs. 128±45 mg/dL, p<0.001; 40.8±12.9 mg/dL vs. 45.3±13.3 mg/dL, p<0.001; and 142.8±81.5 vs. 161.5±100.3 mg/dL, p<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Aortic lipoprotein and total cholesterol levels are significantly lower than venous lipoprotein and total cholesterol levels in patients presenting to the hospital for coronary angiography.

Gastric Aspirate Phosphatidylcholine Species in Preterm Neonates Receiving Aerosolized Surfactant.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize phosphatidylcholine (PC) molecular species in serial gastric aspirates as biomarkers for lung maturity, delivery of aerosolized surfactant (AS), and need for intubation. METHODS: In a phase II clinical trial of aerosolized surfactant in preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome receiving noninvasive ventilation, infants received a maximum of 2 doses of nebulized beractant. Gastric aspirates were collected before and after each dose and were analyzed for PCs using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Of 149 infants enrolled, gastric aspirates were obtained before (n = 91) and after (n = 94) dose 1, and before (n = 56) and after (n = 57) dose 2 of nebulized beractant. The mean ± SD values of birthweight, gestational age, and age at collection of baseline gastric aspirate were 1.7 ± 0.6 kg, 31.7 ± 2.8 weeks, and 5.5 ± 1.7 hours, respectively. The most abundant PC in beractant and gastric aspirates was PC(16:0/16:0). Advancing gestational age and number of antenatal corticosteroid doses predicted increased gastric aspirate PC(16:0/16:0), whereas maternal diabetes predicted a decrease. Several PCs increased significantly (P < .05) after nebulized beractant, consistent with effective aerosol delivery. Infants who received intubation within 72 hours of birth were more likely to have lower PC(16:0/16:0) levels in baseline gastric aspirates compared with those who did not (P = .024). CONCLUSIONS: PC molecular species in gastric aspirates of preterm neonates are potentially novel and precise biomarkers to assess lung maturity, aerosol delivery, and need for endotracheal intubation.

Who Needs a Second Dose of Exogenous Surfactant?

OBJECTIVE: To identify prenatal and postnatal risk factors associated with surfactant redosing. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, single-regional center study including all infants born from 24 + 0 to 31 + 6 weeks of gestation in the Marche Region, Italy, and admitted to a single level III regional NICU from January 1, 2004, to February 28, 2021. Clinical factors associated with surfactant redosing were identified through logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of 1615 consecutive admissions, 662 infants were treated with exogenous surfactant: 462 (70%) received a single dose and 200 (30%) received more than 1 dose (25.5% two doses and 4.5% three doses). Risk of redosing was higher for infants born to mothers with hypertension in pregnancy (OR 3.95, P < .001), for small for gestational age (SGA) infants (OR 3.93, P < .001) and when the first surfactant dose was 100 mg/kg instead of 200 mg/kg (OR 4.56/4.61, P < .001). Infants with greater GA, delayed first surfactant administration, and milder respiratory distress syndrome had reduced risk of redosing. Infants who required multiple surfactant doses had a higher rate of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and mortality, as well as longer duration of respiratory support than patients that received 1 dose. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension in pregnancy and SGA status were found to be statistically and clinically significant predictors of surfactant redosing. Understanding the pathophysiology of these conditions requires further investigation.

Increased plasma lipids in triple-negative breast cancer and impairment in HDL functionality in advanced stages of tumors.

The association between plasma lipids and breast cancer (BC) has been extensively explored although results are still conflicting especially regarding the relationship with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc) levels. HDL mediates cholesterol and oxysterol removal from cells limiting sterols necessary for tumor growth, inflammation, and metastasis and this may not be reflected by measuring HDLc. We addressed recently diagnosed, treatment-naïve BC women (n = 163), classified according to molecular types of tumors and clinical stages of the disease, in comparison to control women (CTR; n = 150) regarding plasma lipids and lipoproteins, HDL functionality and composition in lipids, oxysterols, and apo A-I. HDL was isolated by plasma discontinuous density gradient ultracentrifugation. Lipids (total cholesterol, TC; triglycerides, TG; and phospholipids, PL) were determined by enzymatic assays, apo A-I by immunoturbidimetry, and oxysterols (27, 25, and 24-hydroxycholesterol), by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. HDL-mediated cell cholesterol removal was determined in macrophages previously overloaded with cholesterol and 14C-cholesterol. Lipid profile was similar between CTR and BC groups after adjustment per age. In the BC group, lower concentrations of TC (84%), TG (93%), PL (89%), and 27-hydroxicholesterol (61%) were observed in HDL, although the lipoprotein ability in removing cell cholesterol was similar to HDL from CRT. Triple-negative (TN) BC cases presented higher levels of TC, TG, apoB, and non-HDLc when compared to other molecular types. Impaired HDL functionality was observed in more advanced BC cases (stages III and IV), as cholesterol efflux was around 28% lower as compared to stages I and II. The altered lipid profile in TN cases may contribute to channeling lipids to tumor development in a hystotype with a more aggressive clinical history. Moreover, findings reinforce the dissociation between plasma levels of HDLc and HDL functionality in determining BC outcomes.

Community food environment and childhood obesity in a medium-sized Brazilian city: An approach to school and neighborhood environments.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to analyze the relationship of community food environments with childhood obesity in a medium-sized Brazilian city. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with 366 schoolchildren aged 8 and 9 years. Children's body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), high cholesterol density lipoprotein (HDL-c), low cholesterol density lipoprotein (LDL-c) and triglycerides (TG) were measured. The parent's nutritional status was assessed by calculating the BMI. All food stores within a 200- and 400-m radius buffers of schools and households were evaluated. The food stores were classified as healthy, unhealthy, and mixed according to the predominance of foods commercialized. Binary logistic regression models were proposed for each category. RESULTS: Over seventy percent (70.2%) of the food stores were categorized as "unhealthy". The prevalence of obesity was 15.6%. In the 200-m buffer around schools, there was an inverse and direct association between obesity and the presence of healthy food stores and unhealthy food stores, respectively. Around the households, there was an inverse association between the presence of healthy food stores and obesity in both buffers. CONCLUSION: The community food environment may be protective or potentiating childhood obesity, depending on the access and types of food sold.

Prognostic Value of Non-HDL Cholesterol in COVID-19 Pneumonia. / Valor Prognóstico do Colesterol não HDL na Pneumonia por COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: In addition to coronary artery disease, non-high-density lipoprotein(non-HDL-C) provides short and long-term predictive information for many chronic inflammatory diseases such as stroke, hemodialysis, post-renal transplant, non-alcoholic hepatosteatosis, and human immunodeficiency virus. OBJECTIVES: This study examined the predictive value of non-HDL-C measured before SARS-CoV-2 for mortality in COVID-19 infection. METHODS: This study retrospectively included 1435 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and treated in the thoracic diseases ward in a single center between January 2020 and June 2022. All patients included in the study had clinical and radiological features and signs of COVID-19 pneumonia. The COVID-19 diagnosis of all patients was confirmed by a polymerase chain reaction studied from an oropharyngeal swab. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The study patients, including 1435 subjects, were divided into 712 patients in the non-surviving group and 723 in the surviving group. While there was no difference between the groups regarding gender, there was a statistically significant age difference. The non-surviving group was older. Age, lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), C reactive protein(CRP), triglycerides, D-dimer, and non-HDL-C were independent risk factors for mortality in regression analyses. In correlation analysis, age, CRP, and LDH were positively correlated with non-HDL-C. In the ROC analysis, sensitivity for non-HDL-C was 61.6%, and specificity was 89.2%. CONCLUSION: We believe that the non-HDL-C level studied before COVID-19 infection can be used as a prognostic biomarker for the disease.

FUNDAMENTO: Além da doença arterial coronariana, a lipoproteína de não alta densidade (não-HDL-C) fornece informações preditivas de curto e longo prazo para muitas doenças inflamatórias crônicas, como acidente vascular cerebral, hemodiálise, pós-transplante renal, hepatoesteatose não alcoólica e vírus da imunodeficiência humana. OBJETIVOS: Este estudo examinou o valor preditivo do não-HDL-C medido antes do SARS-CoV-2 para mortalidade na infecção por COVID-19. MÉTODOS: Este estudo incluiu retrospectivamente 1.435 pacientes diagnosticados com COVID-19 e tratados na enfermaria de doenças torácicas em um único centro entre janeiro de 2020 e junho de 2022. Todos os pacientes incluídos no estudo apresentavam características clínicas e radiológicas e sinais de pneumonia por COVID-19. O diagnóstico de COVID-19 de todos os pacientes foi confirmado por uma reação em cadeia da polimerase estudada a partir de um swab orofaríngeo. A significância estatística foi estabelecida em p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Os pacientes do estudo, incluindo 1.435 indivíduos, foram divididos em 712 pacientes no grupo de não sobreviventes e 723 no grupo de sobreviventes. Embora não tenha havido diferença entre os grupos em relação ao sexo, houve uma diferença de idade estatisticamente significativa. O grupo que não sobreviveu era mais velho. Idade, lactato desidrogenase (LDH), proteína C reativa (PCR), triglicerídeos, D-dímero e não-HDL-C foram fatores de risco independentes para mortalidade em análises de regressão. Na análise de correlação, idade, PCR e LDH foram positivamente correlacionados com não-HDL-C. Na análise ROC, a sensibilidade para não-HDL-C foi de 61,6% e a especificidade foi de 89,2%. CONCLUSÃO: Acreditamos que o nível de não HDL-C estudado antes da infecção por COVID-19 pode ser usado como um biomarcador prognóstico para a doença.

Association of lipid metabolism with pneumonia risk in under-five children in China.

OBJECTIVE: The relationship between lipid metabolism and pneumonia in under-five children remains unclear. The aim of the study was to explore the association of several lipids, lipoproteins and apolipoproteins with the risk of childhood pneumonia, and to initially reveal the mechanisms involved. METHODS: There were 1000 children with confirmed severe pneumonia and 1000 healthy controls (18-59 months old) in the study. Serum levels of several lipids, lipoproteins and apolipoproteins were measured. The occurrence of hypoxaemia and serum level of C-reactive protein were recorded. Multivariate logistic regression and spearman correlation analysis were adopted to assess the correlation between these variables to achieve the research objective. RESULTS: First, higher triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein B levels were associated with the elevated risk of severe pneumonia (OR: 1.407, 95%CI: 1.336∼1.480; OR: 1.947, 95%CI: 1.741∼2.175; OR: 1.153, 95%CI: 1.116∼1.189; OR: 1.310, 95%CI: 1.222∼1.404; OR: 1.075, 95%CI: 1.003∼1.151). Higher HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein A1 levels were associated with a decreased risk of the disease (OR: 0.903, 95%CI: 0.873∼0.933; OR: 0.921, 95%CI: 0.891∼0.952). Second, higher triglycerides level was associated with an increased risk of hypoxemia in these children (OR: 1.142, 95%CI: 1.072∼1.215). Third, serum HDL cholesterol level was linearly associated with C-reactive protein level in these children (ρ = -0.343, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Abnormal levels of several lipids, lipoproteins and apolipoproteins were related to severe childhood pneumonia. The findings that triglycerides and HDL cholesterol were respectively implicated in hypoxaemia and inflammation might partly explain the mechanisms linking lipid metabolism to severe pneumonia.