Lifestyle and Lipoprotein(a) Levels: Does a Specific Counseling Make Sense?

Lipoprotein(Lp)(a) is a variant of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), bound to apolipoprotein B100, whose levels are associated with a significant increase in the risk of atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular events, but also to aortic stenosis and atrial fibrillation. Since plasma levels of Lp(a) are commonly considered resistant to lifestyle changes, we critically reviewed the available evidence on the effect of weight loss, dietary supplements, and physical activity on this risk factor. In our review, we observed that relevant body weight loss, a relatively high intake of saturated fatty acids, the consumption of red wine, and intense physical exercise seems to be associated with significantly lower plasma Lp(a) levels. On the contrary, foods rich in trans-unsaturated fatty acids are associated with increased Lp(a) levels. With regard to dietary supplements, coenzyme Q10, L-Carnitine, and flaxseed exert a mild but significant lowering effect on plasma Lp(a).

Effect of dietary supplementation with a new nutraceutical formulation on cardiometabolic risk factors: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical study.

Introduction: The scientific community and consumers are increasingly interested in the potential cholesterol-lowering effect of various nutraceuticals and their combinations. The aim of our study was to test the short-term effect of a new lipid-lowering nutraceutical formulation in mildly hypercholesterolemic patients. Material and methods: We consecutively enrolled 80 mildly hypercholesterolemic patients with low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) between 130 and 190 mg/dl with a low-estimated cardiovascular disease risk. After a 8 week-stabilization diet, the enrolled subjects were randomized to take 1 pill/evening of Zeta Colest (including: 400 mg of Berberis aristata dry extract with 340 mg of berberine, 98 mg of red yeast rice extract with 2.9 mg of total monacolins, 87.5 mg of milk thistle dry extract with 70 mg of silymarin, 50 mg of guggul dry extract with 1.3 mg of guggulsterones) or placebo for 8 weeks. Patients were followed up for metabolic and haemodynamic parameters. Results: After 8 week-supplementation with the tested combined nutraceuticals, we observed a significant reduction in total cholesterol (-15.2 ±1.4%), LDL-C (-18.1 ±1.9%), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-17.7 ±1.8%), apoB (-16.9 ±1.9%) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (-3.7 ±0.7%), versus both baseline (p < 0.05) and the control group (p < 0.05). No other metabolic or liver parameters significantly changed during the observation period. Endothelial reactivity also mildly but significantly improved by 2.96 ±0.23% with the tested product. Conclusions: In the short term, the tested combined nutraceutical improved lipid metabolism, systemic inflammation and vascular function in mildly hypercholesterolemic overweight subjects.

Sex X Time Interactions in Lp(a) and LDL-C Response to Evolocumab.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether there were significant sex x time interactions in lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) response to treatment with the Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9 inhibitor (PCSK9i) Evolocumab, in a real-life clinical setting. For this purpose, we pooled data from 176 outpatients (Men: 93; Women: 83) clinically evaluated at baseline and every six months after starting Evolocumab. Individuals who had been on PCSK9i for less than 30 months and nonadherent patients were excluded from the analysis. Over time, absolute values of Lp(a) plasma concentrations significantly decreased in the entire cohort (p-value < 0.001) and by sex (p-value < 0.001 in men and p-value = 0.002 in and women). However, there were no sex-related significant differences. Absolute plasma concentrations of LDL-C significantly decreased over time in the entire cohort and by sex (p-value < 0.001 always), with greater improvements in men compared to women. The sex x time interaction was statistically significant in LDL-C (all p-values < 0.05), while absolute changes in Lp(a) were not influenced by either sex or time (all p-value > 0.05). Our data partially reinforce the presence of differences in response to treatment to PCSK9i between men and women and are essential to gain a better understanding of the relationship between LDL-C and Lp(a) lowering in response to PCSK9i. Further research will clarify whether these sex-related significant differences translate into a meaningful difference in the long-term risk of ASCVD.

Estimating the Prevalence and Characteristics of Patients Potentially Eligible for Lipoprotein(a)-Lowering Therapies in a Real-World Setting.

High lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) plasma levels are significantly associated with an increased risk of developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD). The aim of this analysis was to estimate the prevalence and characteristics of patients potentially eligible for Lp(a)-lowering therapies in a real-world setting (i.e., patients with ASCVD and Lp(a) levels > 70 mg/dL). For this reason, we pooled data from a large cohort of Italian outpatients (N = 5961; men: 2879, women: 3982) with dyslipidemia. A binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine the significant predictors of ASCVD in the cohort, which were age (Odds Ratio (OR): 1.158, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.114 to 1.203, p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol at entry (OR: 1.989, 95% CI: 1.080 to 1.198, p = 0.020) and Lp(a) (OR: 1.090, 95% CI: 1.074 to 1.107, p < 0.001). In our cohort, almost half of patients with ASCVD (44.7%) may be eligible to be treated with Lp(a)-lowering agents. Interestingly, patients who do not meet the treatment criteria despite high Lp(a) (50-70 mg/dL), respectively, account for 4.7% and 7.3% of those in primary and secondary ASCVD prevention. In conclusion, in our large cohort of outpatients with dyslipidemia, the prevalence of individuals with ASCVD and very high Lp(a) plasma levels is quite high, even with a conservative estimation.

The Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Plant Sterols on Total and LDL-Cholesterol in Plasma Is Affected by Adherence to Mediterranean Diet: Insights from the DESCO Randomized Clinical Study.

Plant sterols are well-known natural lipid-lowering agents. The DESCO (Diet and plant sterols in the control of cholesterolemia) study was a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-way crossover clinical trial designed to investigate the effect of a once-a-day ready-to-drink dietary supplement containing 2.5 g of phytosterols on the lipid profile, also in relation to the quality of the diet, in a cohort of 50 Italian individuals with polygenic hypercholesterolemia and low global cardiovascular risk. Eligible individuals were enrolled in a run-in period of 2 weeks. Then, participants who qualified for continuation in the study were randomly allocated (1:1) to a 3-week treatment with either phytosterols or placebo. After a 2-week washout period, enrolled individuals were crossed over to receive the alternative treatment. Dietary supplementation with phytosterols was associated with significant improvement in plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC; -11.8 ± 4.0 mg/dL, p = 0.016), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; -7.8 ± 7.7 mg/dL, p = 0.021), and apolipoprotein B-100 (Apo B-100, -3.7 ± 4.1 mg/dL, p = 0.048) compared to baseline. The changes in TC and LDL-C were also significant compared to placebo, and greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet was significantly associated with greater reductions in LDL-C. Dietary supplementation with phytosterols was well tolerated and adherence to treatment was high. According to the findings of DESCO, the once-a-day ready-to-drink dietary supplement we tested is able to quickly and significantly decrease plasma levels of TC, LDL-C, and Apo B-100, with a greater effect in individuals more adhering to the Mediterranean dietary pattern.

Assessment of Apolipoprotein(a) Isoform Size Using Phenotypic and Genotypic Methods.

Apolipoprotein(a) (apo(a)) is the protein component that defines lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) particles and is encoded by the LPA gene. The apo(a) is extremely heterogeneous in size due to the copy number variations in the kringle-IV type 2 (KIV2) domains. In this review, we aim to discuss the role of genetics in establishing Lp(a) as a risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD) by examining a series of molecular biology techniques aimed at identifying the best strategy for a possible application in clinical research and practice, according to the current gold standard.

Metabolic and vascular effect of a new standardized bergamot phytocomplex: a three-arm, placebocontrolled, double-blind clinical trial.

Introduction: In addition to healthy lifestyle and balanced diet, nutraceutical supplementation may be useful to maintain overall metabolic wellness. The aim of the present study was to assess the metabolic and vascular effects of a new, highly standardized bergamot phytocomplex supplement in healthy volunteers with the features of metabolic syndrome. Material and methods: We carried out a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, three-arm, parallel-group clinical trial in 90 adult subjects (30 per group) treated for 12 weeks with two different dosages of a highly standardized bergamot phytocomplex (Endoberg by AKHYNEX and Kalita by Giellepi) or placebo. Lipid plasma levels, glycemia, plasma hs-CRP, HOMA-IR, body fat, endothelial reactivity and fatty liver index were assessed at baseline, after 6 weeks and at the end of treatment in all subjects. Results: At the end of treatment, both tested bergamot extract doses were able to significantly improve atherogenic dyslipidemia and insulin sensitivity (p < 0.05) compared to placebo. In the high-dose treated group, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) improved versus placebo (p < 0.05) just after 6 weeks of treatment. After 12 weeks of treatment, TC decreased by 13.2 ±2.1%, LDL-C by 17.7 ±3.2%, non-HDL-C by 17.5 ±3.1%, TG by 16.6 ±3.3%, TG/HDL-C by 22.5 ±4.4%, homeostasis insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) by 12.2 ±2.1%, γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) by 22.2 ±4.6%, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) by 17.9 ±3.4% versus baseline (p < 0.05) and vs. placebo (p < 0.05). Percentage body fat and endothelial reactivity improved versus baseline, but not versus placebo, in the high-dose treatment only (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The tested bergamot phytocomplex was able to significantly improve glucose and lipid metabolism, as well as inflammation, and might represent a novel multi-target approach to control metabolic syndrome.

Purine Metabolism Dysfunctions: Experimental Methods of Detection and Diagnostic Potential.

Purines, such as adenine and guanine, perform several important functions in the cell. They are found in nucleic acids; are structural components of some coenzymes, including NADH and coenzyme A; and have a crucial role in the modulation of energy metabolism and signal transduction. Moreover, purines have been shown to play an important role in the physiology of platelets, muscles, and neurotransmission. All cells require a balanced number of purines for growth, proliferation, and survival. Under physiological conditions, enzymes involved in purines metabolism maintain a balanced ratio between their synthesis and degradation in the cell. In humans, the final product of purine catabolism is uric acid, while most other mammals possess the enzyme uricase that converts uric acid to allantoin, which can be easily eliminated with urine. During the last decades, hyperuricemia has been associated with a number of human extra-articular diseases (in particular, the cardiovascular ones) and their clinical severity. In this review, we go through the methods of investigation of purine metabolism dysfunctions, looking at the functionality of xanthine oxidoreductase and the formation of catabolites in urine and saliva. Finally, we discuss how these molecules can be used as markers of oxidative stress.

Evaluation of the effect of a dietary supplementation with a red yeast rice and fish oil-containing nutraceutical on lipid pattern, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, and endothelial function in moderately hypercholesterolaemic subjects: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial.

Introduction: Red yeast rice and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are dietary supplements with well-known lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and vascular health improving effects. However, they have rarely been tested in combination. The aim of our study was to test the short-term effect of a combined nutraceutical including red yeast rice and PUFAs on plasma lipids, jigh-sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and endothelial function in healthy subjects. Material and methods: We carried out a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial with parallel groups testing the effect of 8 weeks of supplementation with softgels containing red yeast rice (2.8 mg monacolins) and PUFAs (588 mg of fish oil, standardized in PUFAs: 350 EPA, 45 mg DHA) versus placebo. A full lipid panel, hsCRP, and endothelial reactivity were measured at the baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment. Results: The tested combined nutraceutical was very well tolerated, and after 8 weeks of supplementation it was associated with a 17.3 ±3.4% reduction of lipid-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), a 12.1 ±2.2% reduction of total cholesterol (TC), a 22.3 ±4.3% reduction of apoB, and a -14.9 ±1.8% reduction of hsCRP, as well as a significant improvement of pulse volume change by 5.0 ±0.9%. Conclusions: The tested combined dietary supplement containing red yeast rice and PUFAs was very well tolerated and significantly improved LDL-C, TC, apoB, hsCRP and endothelial function in healthy subjects with suboptimal LDL-cholesterolaemia.

Management of High-Risk Hypercholesterolemic Patients and PCSK9 Inhibitors Reimbursement Policies: Data from a Cohort of Italian Hypercholesterolemic Outpatients.

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors are effective and safe lipid-lowering treatments (LLT). The primary endpoint of the study was to assess the prevalence of patients eligible for treatment with PCSK9 inhibitors in a real-life clinical setting in Italy before and after the recent enlargement of reimbursement criteria. For this study, we consecutively considered the clinical record forms of 6231 outpatients consecutively admitted at the Lipid Clinic of the University Hospital of Bologna (Italy). Patients were stratified according to whether they were allowed or not allowed to access to treatment with PCSK9 inhibitors based on national prescription criteria and reimbursement rules issued by the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA). According to the indications of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), 986 patients were candidates to treatment with PCSK9 inhibitors. However, following the prescription criteria issued by AIFA, only 180 patients were allowed to access to PCSK9 inhibitors before reimbursement criteria enlargement while 322 (+14.4%) with the current ones. Based on our observations, low-cost tailored therapeutic interventions for individual patients can significantly reduce the number of patients potentially needing treatment with PCSK9 inhibitors among those who are not allowed to access to the treatment. The application of enlarged reimbursement criteria for PCSK9 inhibitors could mildly improve possibility to adequately manage high-risk hypercholesterolemic subjects in the setting of an outpatient lipid clinic.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Eufortyn® Colesterolo Plus on Serum Lipids, Endothelial Reactivity, Indexes of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Systemic Inflammation in Healthy Subjects with Polygenic Hypercholesterolemia: The ANEMONE Study.

We aimed to evaluate if dietary supplementation with a nutraceutical compound (Eufortyn® Colesterolo Plus) containing standardized bergamot polyphenolic fraction phytosome (Vazguard®), artichoke extract (Pycrinil®), artichoke dry extract. (Cynara scolymus L.), Q10 phytosome(Ubiqosome®) and zinc, could positively affect serum lipids concentration, systemic inflammation and indexes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in 60 healthy subjects with polygenic hypercholesterolemia. Participants were adhering to a low-fat, low-sodium Mediterranean diet for a month before being randomly allocated to 8-week treatment with 1 pill each day of either Eufortyn® Colesterolo Plus or placebo. Dietary supplementation with Eufortyn® Colesterolo Plus was associated with significant improvement in total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and endothelial reactivity (ER) in comparison with baseline, and with significant reductions in waist circumference, TC, LDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, lipid accumulation product and fatty liver index compared to placebo. The study shows that dietary supplementation with standardized bergamot polyphenolic fraction phytosome, artichoke extracts, Q10 phytosome and zinc safely exerts significant improvements in serum lipids, systemic inflammation, indexes of NAFLD and endothelial reactivity in healthy subjects with moderate hypercholesterolemia.

Calcineurin-Inhibitor Induced Pain Syndrome in a Heart Transplant Patient.

Calcineurin-inhibitor induced pain syndrome (CIPS) also called the "symmetrical bone syndrome" is a condition describing reversible lower extremity pain in patients after organ transplantation who are receiving calcineurin inhibitors, especially tacrolimus. We present a case of CIPS after orthotopic heart transplant complicated with concurrent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. We emphasize the presentation; diagnostic evaluation, and findings. We then discuss the proposed pathophysiologic mechanisms of CIPS and conclude with discussion of management strategies. Additionally, we present a table to guide clinicians in assessing posttransplant bone pain syndromes. To our knowledge, this is the first article to describe a case of CIPS with concurrent SARS-CoV-2 infection.

COVID-19-Related Quarantine Effect on Dietary Habits in a Northern Italian Rural Population: Data from the Brisighella Heart Study.

North of Italy was severely hit by the COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 19) pandemic. This induced the government to adopt severely restrictive measures to reduce the contagion risk, forcing most of the population to stop working and from leisure activities, and to remain at home for several weeks. Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of COVID-related quarantine on smoking and dietary habits of a well-characterized northern Italian rural population. For this purpose, while lockdown restrictions were in place (February-April 2020), 359 subjects from the Brisighella Heart Study cohort underwent a phone interview about their lifestyle habit changes during COVID-19-related quarantine. Quarantine did not significantly modify smoking habit nor body mass index. Subjects significantly increased daily carbohydrates consumption, all fresh vegetables, healthy vegetable oils, milk and yogurt, alcoholic drinks, sugars and sweets, and coffee. The weekly consumption of low-fat meat, cured meat other than ham, cheeses, eggs, nuts and mixed seed oils significantly increased, while the weekly intake of fish, mussels, and legumes significantly decreased during lockdown. The Dietary Quality Index was reduced from 42.4 ± 4.1 to 37.8 ± 4.7 (p < 0.03). In accordance with our findings, COVID-19-related quarantine might worsen the quality of diet, also leading to an increased intake of almost all food categories.

Impact of a short-term synbiotic supplementation on metabolic syndrome and systemic inflammation in elderly patients: a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial.

PURPOSE: The connection between gut microbiota imbalance, inflammation and its role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MetS) clustering factors has been increasingly recognized. However, data on the efficacy of probiotics supplementation on MetS components are few and almost lacking in the elderly. To address this issue, we conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, clinical study on a large sample of MetS elderly patients. METHODS: After 14 days of diet and physical activity standardization, 60 elderly patients were randomized to treatment with a synbiotic formula of Lactobacillus plantarum PBS067, Lactobacillus acidophilus PBS066 and Lactobacillus reuteri PBS072 with active prebiotics or placebo. Patients were evaluated anamnestically and by the execution of a physical examination and laboratory and haemodynamic analyses at the baseline and after 60 days of treatment. At enrollment and at the end of the trial, all enrolled patients complete the EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D) questionnaire. RESULTS: Through the 2-month period of treatment, patients who received active treatment experienced a statistically significant improvement in waist circumference and in fasting plasma insulin, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, non-HDL-C, triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and tumor necrosis factor alpha serum levels, compared both to the baseline and the control group. Visceral adiposity index improvement in the synbiotic treatment group was significantly greater than in placebo group. Compared to baseline, treatment with synbiotics also significantly reduced mean arterial pressure and fasting plasma glucose. All treatment groups demonstrated a significant decrease in TG. TG reduction in the synbiotic group was significantly greater than in the control group. The EQ-5D VAS questionnaire significantly improved only in probiotics-treated subjects. CONCLUSION: Treatment with a synbiotic formula of L. plantarum PBS067, L. acidophilus PBS066 and L. reuteri PBS072 with active prebiotics decreased MetS syndrome prevalence, several cardiovascular risk factors and markers of insulin resistance in elderly patients.

Effects of phytosomal curcumin on anthropometric parameters, insulin resistance, cortisolemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease indices: a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Curcumin has shown to exert a positive impact on human glucose metabolism, even if its bioavailability is usually very low. The present study aimed to explore the effect of phosphatidylserine- and piperine-containing curcumin phytosomes on a large number of metabolic parameters related to insulin resistance, in the context of a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial involving 80 overweight subjects with suboptimal fasting plasma glucose. METHODS: Subjects were randomized to be treated with indistinguishable tablets (2 per day, to be taken after dinner) containing 800 mg phytosomal curcumin (Curserin®: 200 mg curcumin, 120 mg phosphatidylserine, 480 mg phosphatidylcholine and 8 mg piperine from Piper nigrum L. dry extract) for 8 weeks. RESULTS: After 56-day treatment, the curcumin-treated group experienced a significant improvement in fasting plasma insulin (FPI), HOMA index, waist circumference, blood pressure, triglycerides (TG), HDL-C, liver transaminases, gamma-GT, index of liver steatosis and serum cortisol compared to the baseline. FPI, TG, liver transaminases, fatty liver index and serum cortisol level also significantly improved compared with the placebo-treated group. Compared to the baseline, at the end of the study placebo group experienced an improvement only in FPG and TG. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the present trial shows that supplementation with a phytosomal preparation of curcumin containing phosphatidylserine and piperine could improve glycemic factors, hepatic function and serum cortisol levels in subjects with overweight and impaired fasting glucose.

Effect of quantitative and qualitative diet prescription on children behavior after diagnosis of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.

BACKGROUND: Diet and healthy modifications in lifestyle represent the first therapeutic approach for early intervention in hypercholesterolemia. We aimed to evaluate the impact of a qualitative dietetic program rather than a quantitative one on metabolic parameters and anxiety level of children affected by heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia [heFH] and their mothers. METHODS: In a sample of 42 heFH normal weight children (11.4 ±â€¯2.9 years old), we investigated the factors which were associated with children perceived quality of life and with their mothers' anxiety levels after qualitative dietary changes rather than after quantitative ones. RESULTS: The administered diets had similar metabolic effects. However, higher Child Behavior Checklist (Behavior Problems subscale) [CBCL] scores were significantly associated with the permanence in quantitative diet, as well as children's higher age, higher Children's Depression Inventory 2 [CDI2] and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children [STAI-CH] score, and with mothers' anxiety at the baseline. CONCLUSION: In heFH children, an intervention in the diet to improve food choice seems to be associated with a more healthy children behavior rather than a quantitative diet.

Three-arm, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial evaluating the metabolic effect of a combined nutraceutical containing a bergamot standardized flavonoid extract in dyslipidemic overweight subjects.

Our double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, dose-escalation, clinical trial aimed to test the effect of a combined nutraceutical containing bergamot extract (120-mg flavonoids), phytosterols, vitamin C, and chlorogenic acid from dry artichoke extract on 90 overweight dyslipidemic subjects. Participants were randomly allocated to treatment with two pills of either active treatment or placebo, or a combination of both (a pill per treatment). After 8 weeks, all active-treated groups experienced a significant improvement in triglycerides (TG) versus placebo and in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) versus baseline and placebo treatments. In the high-dose-treated group, also total cholesterol (TC), nonhigh-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), γ-glutamil transpeptidasi, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) significantly decreased. At 24-week follow-up, TG levels maintained lower than baseline in all groups. All patients allocated to either low-dose or high-dose active treatment experienced a significant decrease in TG, LDL-C, and homeostatin model assessment of insulin resistance. In subjects taking high-dose active treatment, adiponectin significantly increased, whereas TC, non-HDL-C, insulin (fasting plasma insulin), leptin, leptin/adiponectin ratio, hs-CRP, and TNF-α were significantly reduced. The tested nutraceutical showed to improve lipid and glucose metabolism, adipokines pattern, and systemic inflammation in dyslipidemic overweight subjects.

Interaction between low-density lipoprotein-cholesterolaemia, serum uric level and incident hypertension: data from the Brisighella Heart Study.

OBJECTIVE: Previous evidence suggest that high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and serum uric acid (SUA) levels are risk factors for endothelial dysfunction and vascular ageing. The aim of our study was to evaluate the short-term interaction between SUA, LDL-C and incident hypertension in a sample of overall healthy individuals. METHODS: In January 2018, we selected from the general database of the Brisighella Heart Study four groups of age and sex-matched nonhypertensive individuals with different levels of LDL-C and SUA level and examined during the 2008 population survey. Incident hypertension has been defined as the increase of SBP values over 140 mmHg and/or of DBP over 90 mmHg and or the beginning of an antihypertensive treatment. RESULTS: In a model adjusted for age, sex, baseline blood pressure, family history of hypertension, smoking status, BMI and physical activity intensity, hazard rations for hypertension development compared with individuals with baseline normal LDL-C and SUA levels are 1.14 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.87-1.55] for individuals with isolated high LDL-C level, 1.55 (95% CI 0.96-2.48) for individuals with isolated high SUA level and 1.57 (95% CI 1.20-2.15) for individuals with both high SUA and LDL-C levels. CONCLUSION: In an overall healthy population sample, the contemporary presence of suboptimal LDL-C and SUA values is associated with an increased risk to develop hypertension.

Short-Term Effects of Dry Extracts of Artichokeand Berberis in Hypercholesterolemic Patients Without Cardiovascular Disease.

Hypercholesterolemia represents one of the main reversible cardiovascular risk factors. In this pilot clinical trial, we have tested the short-term efficacy and safety of a new combined cholesterol-lowering nutraceutical containing artichoke dry extract and berberine at enhanced bioavailability in subjects with moderate polygenic hypercholesterolemia in primary prevention for cardiovascular disease. After 2 months of treatment, the tested nutraceutical induced a significant reduction in plasma total cholesterol (-19%), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-16%), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-19%) and triglyceride levels (-15%), in association with a standardized control diet. No side effect has been observed during the trial. In conclusion, on the short-term, the tested nutraceutical has been shown to be well tolerated and effective, even if not containing any statin-like compound.

A meta-analysis of Italian and Estonian individuals shows an effect of common variants in HMGCR on blood apoB levels.

Aim: The aim of the study was to explore the effects of variants at HMGCR-KIF6loci on a range of cardio-metabolic phenotypes. Methods: We analyzed the range of variants within Genetics in Brisighella Health Study and KIF6 genes using an additive genetic model on 18 cardiometabolic phenotypes in a sample of 1645 individuals from the Genetics in Brisighella Health Study and replicated in 10,662 individuals from the Estonian Genome Center University of Tartu. Results: We defined directly the effects of rs3846662:C>A at HMGCR on apoB levels. The analysis also confirmed effects of on low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and total cholesterol levels. Variants in KIF6 gene did not reveal any associations with cardiometabolic phenotypes. Conclusion: This study highlights effect of HMGCR locus on assay-determined apoB levels, an infrequent measure of blood lipids in large studies.