Clinical serum lipidomic profiling revealed potential lipid biomarkers for early diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a serious complication of diabetes featuring abnormal lipid metabolism. However, the specific lipid molecules associated with onset and progression remain unclear. We used a broad-targeted lipidomics approach to assess the lipid changes that occur before the proliferative retinopathy stage and to identify novel lipid biomarkers to distinguish between patients without DR (NDR) and with non-proliferative DR (NPDR). Targeted lipomics analysis was carried out on serum samples from patients with type I diabetes, including 20 NDRs and 20 NPDRs. The results showed that compared with the NDR group, 102 lipids in the NPDR group showed specific expressions. Four lipid metabolites including TAG58:2-FA18:1 were obtained using the Least Absolute Shrink And Selection Operator (LASSO) and Support Vector Machine Recursive Feature Elimination (SVM-RFE) methods. The four-lipid combination diagnostic models showed good predictive ability in both the discovery and validation sets, and were able to distinguish between NDR patients and NPDR patients. The identified lipid markers significantly improved diagnostic accuracy within the NPDR group. Our findings help to better understand the complexity and individual differences of DR lipid metabolism.

Emerging Predictors by Non-HDL-C/HDL-C Ratio and Novel Biomarkers for Coronary Slow Flow Phenomenon.

The coronary slow-flow (CSF) phenomenon is a condition characterized by delayed coronary opacification during diagnostic angiography without the presence of epicardial coronary artery disease. This mini-review explores various emerging predictors and biomarkers associated with CSF, aiming to address the potential diagnostic tools. A comprehensive analysis of recent studies has investigated different biomarkers, including growth differentiation factor 15, galectin 3, microRNA (miRNA)-22, miRNA-155, interleukin 34, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, long non-coding RNA, plasma choline, adropin, and lipid markers non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)/HDL-C ratio to enhance understanding and predict CSF. Additionally, we have summarizes the major findings and significant limitations observed in various studies on CSF biomarkers. The implications of these findings suggest significant advancements in personalized treatment strategies and improved prognostic outcomes for patients exhibiting CSF.

Comparison of the Effect of Non-HDL-C/HDL-C Ratio on Coronary Slow Flow with Other Non-Traditional Lipid Markers.

Background: Coronary slow flow (CSF) is a microvascular disease characterized by delayed opacification of the epicardial coronary arteries during angiography. The main pathogenesis of CSF is endothelial dysfunction caused by diffuse atherosclerosis. Dyslipidemia is one of the primary factors raising the risk of atherosclerosis. Compared to conventional lipid profiles, non-traditional lipid profiles more accurately reflect dyslipidemic status. In this work, we compared the non-high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C)/HDL-C ratio (NHHR) with other conventional and non-conventional lipid profiles in order to determine its impact on CSF. Methods: A total of 9112 subjects who underwent coronary angiography were screened retrospectively, of whom 130 subjects with CSF and 130 subjects with normal CF were included. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of CSF. Additionally, in order to predict CSF, the diagnostic accuracies of NHHR and other non-traditional lipid profiles were examined. Results: There were significantly higher non-traditional lipid profiles in the CSF group (all p < 0.001). Compared to other non-traditional lipid profiles, NHHR had a stronger association with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction frame count (r = 0.3593, p < 0.0001). In addition to NHHR, non-HDL-C, Castelli's risk index-II, atherogenic index of plasma, plasma glucose, dyslipidemia, smoking, and body mass index were identified as independent predictors of CSF. The ability of NHHR to detect CSF was superior to other non-traditional lipid profiles (area under the curve: 0.785; confidence interval: 0.730-0.840; p < 0.001). Conclusions: NHHR was found to be a potent and reliable predictor of CSF. This indicates that NHHR can be used as a reliable biomarker for risk stratification of CSF.

Fatty Acid Profiling as a Tool for Fostering the Traceability of the Halophyte Plant Salicornia ramosissima and Contributing to Its Nutritional Valorization.

Salicornia ramosissima, commonly known as glasswort or sea asparagus, is a halophyte plant cultivated for human consumption that is often referred to as a sea vegetable rich in health-promoting n-3 fatty acids (FAs). Yet, the effect of abiotic conditions, such as salinity and temperature, on the FA profile of S. ramosissima remains largely unknown. These factors can potentially shape its nutritional composition and yield unique fatty acid signatures that can reveal its geographical origin. In this context, samples of S. ramosissima were collected from four different locations along the coastline of mainland Portugal and their FAs were profiled through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The lipid extracts displayed a high content of essential FAs, such as 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3. In addition to an epoxide fatty acid exclusively identified in samples from the Mondego estuary, the relative abundance of FAs varied between origin sites, revealing that FA profiles can be used as site-specific lipid fingerprints. This study highlights the role of abiotic conditions on the nutritional profile of S. ramosissima and establishes FA profiling as a potential avenue to trace the geographic origin of this halophyte plant. Overall, the present approach can make origin certification possible, safeguard quality, and enhance consumers' trust in novel foods.

Gestational testosterone excess early to mid-pregnancy disrupts maternal lipid homeostasis and activates biosynthesis of phosphoinositides and phosphatidylethanolamines in sheep.

Gestational hyperandrogenism is a risk factor for adverse maternal and offspring outcomes with effects likely mediated in part via disruptions in maternal lipid homeostasis. Using a translationally relevant sheep model of gestational testosterone (T) excess that manifests maternal hyperinsulinemia, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and adverse offspring cardiometabolic outcomes, we tested if gestational T excess disrupts maternal lipidome. Dimensionality reduction models following shotgun lipidomics of gestational day 127.1 ± 5.3 (term 147 days) plasma revealed clear differences between control and T-treated sheep. Lipid signatures of gestational T-treated sheep included higher phosphoinositides (PI 36:2, 39:4) and lower acylcarnitines (CAR 16:0, 18:0, 18:1), phosphatidylcholines (PC 38:4, 40:5) and fatty acids (linoleic, arachidonic, Oleic). Gestational T excess activated phosphatidylethanolamines (PE) and PI biosynthesis. The reduction in key fatty acids may underlie IUGR and activated PI for the maternal hyperinsulinemia evidenced in this model. Maternal circulatory lipids contributing to adverse cardiometabolic outcomes are modifiable by dietary interventions.

Assessing the Efficacy of Omega-3 Fatty Acids + Statins vs. Statins Only on Cardiovascular Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 40,991 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Clinical guidelines recommend statin use in patients with a vast array of cardiovascular disturbances. However, there is insufficient evidence regarding the concomitant use of omega-3 fatty acids in addition to statins. This meta-analysis aims to uncover the complete effects of this combination therapy on cardiovascular outcomes, lipid biomarkers, inflammatory markers, and plaque markers. METHODS: A detailed literature search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane, and MEDLINE databases, and all the relevant studies found up to September 2023 were included. The primary outcomes assessed in this meta-analysis was 1) Composite of fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction, 2) Composite of fatal and non-fatal stroke, 3) Coronary revascularization, 4) Death due to cardiovascular causes, 5) MACE (Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events), 6) Unstable angina, 7) Hospitalization due to unstable angina, 8) and lipid volume index. Secondary outcomes included lipid markers, hsCRP, EPA levels, and EPA/AA ratio. RESULTS: 14 RCTs were included, featuring a total of 40,991 patients. Patients receiving the omega-3 + statin regimen were associated with a statistically significant decrease in the incidence of MI, MACE, unstable angina, hospitalization due to unstable angina, Total cholesterol levels, triglycerides, hsCRP, and lipid volume index in comparison to their counterparts receiving placebo + statin (P < 0.05). In contrast, our analysis found no statistically significant difference in the incidence of fatal and non-fatal stroke, coronary revascularization, and cardiovascular mortality. CONCLUSION: Our research reinforces that all patients, regardless of their cardiovascular health, may benefit from adding omega-3 fatty acids to their statin therapy.

Unraveling the mechanisms of trans-cinnamic acid in ameliorating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing significantly due to high amounts of fat and fructose in the diet. Phytochemicals present in herbal plants and nutrients present in food play vital roles in the management of NAFLD. One of these is trans-cinnamic acid (TCA). We are evaluate the role of TCA in NAFLD induced by a high-fat, high-fructose diet. METHODOLOGY: Rats fed a high-fat, high-fructose (HFHF) diet for ten weeks exhibited distinct signs of NAFLD. Rats were given TCA (10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg, and 40 mg/kg) and pioglitazone (10 mg/kg) for four weeks along with a HFHF diet. At the end, body weight, food intake, liver, lipid measurements, TNF-α, antioxidants, and histopathology were evaluated. RESULTS: TCA significantly decreased serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase and glutamic pyruvic transaminase in rats. Serum cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipid levels were substantially decreased in TCA-treated rats compared to diseased controls. Superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and malondialdehyde were significantly decreased in rats treated with a high dose of TCA (40 mg/kg) compared to HFFD-fed rats. HFFD-fed rats exhibited fatty liver alterations, whereas rats treated with TCA exhibited significantly fewer morphologic changes associated with fatty liver disease. TCA at a high dose exhibited decreased TNF-α levels, thereby decreasing hepatic inflammation. CONCLUSION: TCA proved its role in the treatment of NAFLD by substantially reducing liver enzymes, pro-inflammatory markers (TNF-α), and lipid markers. Inclusion of TCA as a therapeutic regimen alongside diet-based treatment undoubtedly has therapeutic potential in NAFLD and related diseases.

Dysregulation of Lipid Metabolism in Aging Meibomian Glands and Its Molecular Markers.

The main function of exocrine Meibomian glands (MGs) is to produce a lipid-rich secretion called meibum which plays a critical role in maintaining the ocular surface homeostasis of humans and most mammals. The chemical composition of meibum, and its quantity produced by MGs, largely determine whether it can fulfill its role successfully. Aging was frequently associated with the onset of various MG-related pathologies. The goal of this study was to determine how aging affects the chemical composition and quantity of meibum in mice, and identify possible molecular markers of aging. Unbiased, untargeted and targeted lipidomic evaluation of mouse MG lipids was conducted using liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry, and the results were analyzed using Principal Component, Orthogonal Projections to Latent Structures Discriminant, and Partial Least Square Discriminant Analyses. We found that aging leads to dysregulation of lipid metabolism in MGs, changing the ratios of major classes of MG lipids (such as wax esters, triacylglycerols, and phospholipids) in a progressive manner. Several lipid species that belong to these groups of MG lipids are proposed as clear markers of aging in a mouse model.

Maternal inflammatory, lipid and metabolic markers and associations with birth and breastfeeding outcomes.

Background: Conditions in utero influence intrauterine and postnatal infant growth and a few studies indicate that maternal inflammation and insulin resistance might affect birth and breastfeeding outcomes. Furthermore, hormones in human milk (HM) may influence infant appetite-regulation and thereby milk intake, but the associations are less understood. Objective: (1) To investigate associations between maternal inflammatory, lipid and metabolic markers and birth and breastfeeding outcomes, and (2) to assess predictors of maternal inflammatory, lipid and metabolic markers in pregnancy. Methods: Seventy-one mother-infant dyads participating in the Mothers, Infants and Lactation Quality (MILQ) study were included in the present study. Fasting blood samples were collected around 28th gestational week, and HM samples at three time points from 1.0 to 8.5 months, where milk intake was assessed using 24-h test weighing. Maternal plasma inflammatory, lipid and metabolic markers included high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor-necrosis factor-α (TNFα), interferon-γ (IFNγ), Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, high-, low-, and very-low-density lipoprotein (HDL, LDL, VLDL), total-cholesterol, triglycerides, leptin, adiponectin, insulin, C-peptide, the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and glucose concentration at t = 120 min following an oral glucose tolerance test. Of these, TNFα, IFNγ, IL-6, IL-8, leptin, adiponectin and insulin were also measured in HM samples. Results: HDL in pregnancy was inversely associated with gestational age (GA) at birth and GA-adjusted birthweight z-score, whereas triglycerides and glucose (t = 120) were positively associated with GA-adjusted birthweight z-score. Higher hs-CRP, VLDL and triglycerides were associated with a higher placental weight. Furthermore, higher HDL, insulin, leptin and HOMA-IR were associated with longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). Higher pre-pregnancy BMI was the main predictor of higher levels of hs-CRP, log-TNFα, leptin, insulin, C-peptide, and HOMA-IR. Conclusion: Maternal lipid and metabolic markers influenced birthweight z-score and placental weight as well as duration of EBF. Furthermore, pre-pregnancy BMI and maternal age predicted levels of several inflammatory and metabolic markers during pregnancy. Our findings indicate that maternal lipid and metabolic profiles in pregnancy may influence fetal growth and breastfeeding, possibly explained by overweight and/or higher placental weight. Clinical trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier NCT03254329.

Effects of ambient particulate exposure on blood lipid levels in hypertension inpatients.

Background: With modernization development, multiple studies of atmospheric particulate matter exposure conducted in China have confirmed adverse cardiovascular health effects. However, there are few studies on the effect of particulate matter on blood lipid levels in patients with cardiovascular disease, especially in southern China. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between short- and long-term exposure to ambient particulate matter and the levels of blood lipid markers in hypertension inpatients in Ganzhou, China. Methods: Data on admission lipid index testing for hypertension inpatients which were divided into those with and without arteriosclerosis disease were extracted from the hospital's big data center from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020, and air pollution and meteorology data were acquired from the China urban air quality real time release platform from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2020 and climatic data center from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020, with data integrated according to patient admission dates. A semi-parametric generalized additive model (GAM) was established to calculate the association between ambient particulate matter and blood lipid markers in hypertension inpatients with different exposure time in 1 year. Results: Long-term exposure to particulate matter was associated with increased Lp(a) in three kinds of people, and with increased TC and decreased HDL-C in total hypertension and hypertension with arteriosclerosis. But particulate matter was associated with increased HDL-C for hypertension inpatients without arteriosclerosis, at the time of exposure in the present study. It is speculated that hypertension inpatients without arteriosclerosis has better statement than hypertension inpatients with arteriosclerosis on human lipid metabolism. Conclusion: Long-term exposure to ambient particulate matter is associated with adverse lipid profile changes in hypertension inpatients, especially those with arteriosclerosis. Ambient particulate matter may increase the risk of arteriosclerotic events in hypertensive patients.

Effects of metabolic syndrome and obesity on suicidality in individuals with bipolar disorder.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome and overweight/obesity is increased in bipolar disorder (BD) compared to the general population and is related to suicidality. The aim of this study was to examine the association between both the rate of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts and metabolic variables in individuals with BD. METHODS: Anthropometric measures, socio-demographic data, suicide history and serum lipid levels were measured in 215 individuals with BD. Individuals were divided into normal weight, overweight and obese according to their body mass index (BMI), and metabolic syndrome was assessed using "The International Diabetes Federation"-criteria. RESULTS: Of the 215 individuals studied, 80.9% reported suicidal ideation, 35.3% reported at least one suicide attempt and 30.7% were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Both metabolic syndrome and BMI were not related to suicide attempts. However, individuals with normal weight had more suicidal ideation than overweight individuals, while obese individuals did not differ from either group. Furthermore, there was no association between suicide attempts or suicidal ideation and serum lipid levels. LIMITATIONS: The cross-sectional design of the study, a non-standardized questionnaire for suicidality, and not controlling the medication intake are limiting factors. CONCLUSION: Contrary to expectations, a difference was found in the BMI categories and suicidal ideation, but not suicide attempts. Serum lipid levels were found to be unsuitable as possible biomarkers for suicidality in individuals with BD. Special attention should be paid to suicidal ideation and BMI rather than metabolic syndrome or lipid values when treating suicidal individuals with BD.

Phospholipid Profiles for Phenotypic Characterization of Adipose-Derived Multipotent Mesenchymal Stromal Cells.

Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have emerged as therapeutic tools for a wide range of pathological conditions. Yet, the still existing deficits regarding MSC phenotype characterization and the resulting heterogeneity of MSC used in different preclinical and clinical studies hamper the translational success. In search for novel MSC characterization approaches to complement the traditional trilineage differentiation and immunophenotyping assays reliably across species and culture conditions, this study explored the applicability of lipid phenotyping for MSC characterization and discrimination. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), human fibroblasts, and human and equine adipose-derived MSC were used to compare different mesodermal cell types and MSC from different species. For MSC, cells cultured in different conditions, including medium supplementation with either fetal bovine serum or platelet lysate as well as culture on collagen-coated dishes, were additionally investigated. After cell harvest, lipids were extracted by chloroform/methanol according to Bligh and Dyer. The lipid profiles were analysed by an untargeted approach using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS) with a reversed phase column and an ion trap mass spectrometer. In all samples, phospholipids and sphingomyelins were found, while other lipids were not detected with the current approach. The phospholipids included different species of phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylinositol (PI) and phosphatidylserine (PS) in all cell types, whereas phosphatidylglycerol (PG) species were only present in MSC. MSC from both species showed a higher phospholipid species diversity than PBMC and fibroblasts. Few differences were found between MSC from different culture conditions, except that human MSC cultured with platelet lysate exhibited a unique phenotype in that they exclusively featured PE O-40:4, PG 38:6 and PG 40:6. In search for specific and inclusive candidate MSC lipid markers, we identified PE O-36:3 and PG 40:7 as potentially suitable markers across culture conditions, at which PE O-36:3 might even be used across species. On that basis, phospholipid phenotyping is a highly promising approach for MSC characterization, which might condone some heterogeneity within the MSC while still achieving a clear discrimination even from fibroblasts. Particularly the presence or absence of PG might emerge as a decisive criterion for future MSC characterization.

Appraisal of Triglyceride-Related Markers as Early Predictors of Metabolic Outcomes in the PREVIEW Lifestyle Intervention: A Controlled Post-hoc Trial.

Background: Individuals with pre-diabetes are commonly overweight and benefit from dietary and physical activity strategies aimed at decreasing body weight and hyperglycemia. Early insulin resistance can be estimated via the triglyceride glucose index {TyG = Ln [TG (mg/dl) × fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (mg/dl)/2]} and the hypertriglyceridemic-high waist phenotype (TyG-waist), based on TyG x waist circumference (WC) measurements. Both indices may be useful for implementing personalized metabolic management. In this secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial (RCT), we aimed to determine whether the differences in baseline TyG values and TyG-waist phenotype predicted individual responses to type-2 diabetes (T2D) prevention programs. Methods: The present post-hoc analyses were conducted within the Prevention of Diabetes through Lifestyle intervention and population studies in Europe and around the world (PREVIEW) study completers (n = 899), a multi-center RCT conducted in eight countries (NCT01777893). The study aimed to reduce the incidence of T2D in a population with pre-diabetes during a 3-year randomized intervention with two sequential phases. The first phase was a 2-month weight loss intervention to achieve ≥8% weight loss. The second phase was a 34-month weight loss maintenance intervention with two diets providing different amounts of protein and different glycemic indices, and two physical activity programs with different exercise intensities in a 2 x 2 factorial design. On investigation days, we assessed anthropometrics, glucose/lipid metabolism markers, and diet and exercise questionnaires under standardized procedures. Results: Diabetes-related markers improved during all four lifestyle interventions. Higher baseline TyG index (p < 0.001) was associated with greater reductions in body weight, fasting glucose, and triglyceride (TG), while a high TyG-waist phenotype predicted better TG responses, particularly in those randomized to physical activity (PA) of moderate intensity. Conclusions: Two novel indices of insulin resistance (TyG and TyG-waist) may allow for a more personalized approach to avoiding progression to T2D. Clinical Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01777893 reference, identifier: NCT01777893.

Sperm Lipid Markers of Male Fertility in Mammals.

Sperm plasma membrane lipids are essential for the function and integrity of mammalian spermatozoa. Various lipid types are involved in each key step within the fertilization process in their own yet coordinated way. The balance between lipid metabolism is tightly regulated to ensure physiological cellular processes, especially referring to crucial steps such as sperm motility, capacitation, acrosome reaction or fusion. At the same time, it has been shown that male reproductive function depends on the homeostasis of sperm lipids. Here, we review the effects of phospholipid, neutral lipid and glycolipid homeostasis on sperm fertilization function and male fertility in mammals.

Predictive value of blood measurement of Complement System proteins and metabolic components for early detection of obstetric complications linked to poor placental function.

Preeclampsia-eclampsia syndrome (PES) is associated with severe obstetric complications and there are no efficient methods available for an early detection. We studied blood concentration of some immunological and metabolic markers in association with obstetric outcome in healthy pregnant women and patients with obstetric risk factors, by ELISA and biochemical tests. Patients with complications showed higher levels of CRP and C4 positively correlated with Triglycerides and Cholesterol concentrations. Our results provide evidence that Immunological and metabolic alterations contribute to obstetric complications and that biomarkers linked to these alterations could be useful for an early detection of these problems.

Modeling the risk factors for dyslipidemia and blood lipid indices: Ravansar cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Lipid disorder is one of the most important risk factors for chronic diseases. Identifying the factors affecting the development of lipid disorders helps reduce chronic diseases, especially Chronic Heart Disease (CHD). The aim of this study was to model the risk factors for dyslipidemia and blood lipid indices. METHODS: This study was conducted based on the data collected in the initial phase of Ravansar cohort study (2014-16). At the beginning, all the 453 available variables were examined in 33 stages of sensitivity analysis by perceptron Artificial Neural Network (ANN) data mining model. In each stage, the variables that were more important in the diagnosis of dyslipidemia were identified. The relationship among the variables was investigated using stepwise regression. The data obtained were analyzed in SPSS software version 25, at 0.05 level of significance. RESULTS: Forty percent of the subjects were diagnosed with lipid disorder. ANN identified 12 predictor variables for dyslipidemia related to nutrition and physical status. Alkaline phosphatase, Fat Free Mass (FFM) index, and Hemoglobin (HGB) had a significant relationship with all the seven blood lipid markers. The Waist Hip Ratio was the most effective variable that showed a stronger correlation with cholesterol and Low-Density Lipid (LDL). The FFM index had the greatest effect on triglyceride, High-Density Lipid (HDL), cholesterol/HDL, triglyceride/HDL, and LDL/HDL. The greatest coefficients of determination pertained to the triglyceride/HDL (0.203) and cholesterol/HDL (0.188) model with nine variables and the LDL/HDL (0.180) model with eight variables. CONCLUSION: According to the results, alkaline phosphatase, FFM index, and HGB were three common predictor variables for all the blood lipid markers. Specialists should focus on controlling these factors in order to gain greater control over blood lipid markers.

Allostatic Load Indices With Cholesterol and Triglycerides Predict Disease and Mortality Risk in Zoo-Housed Western Lowland Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla).

Allostatic load, or the physiological dysregulation accumulated due to senescence and stress, is an established predictor of human morbidity and mortality and has been proposed as a tool for monitoring health and welfare in captive wildlife. It is estimated by combining biomarkers from multiple somatic systems into allostatic load indices (ALIs), providing a score representing overall physiological dysregulation. Such ALIs have been shown to predict disease and mortality risk in western lowland gorillas. In these prior analyses, we were unable to include lipid markers, a potential limitation as they are key biomarkers in human models. Recently, we were able to assay serum cholesterol and triglycerides and add them to our previous ALI. We then re-examined associations with health outcomes using binomial generalized linear models. We constructed ALIs using 2 pooling strategies and 2 methods. By itself, a 1-unit increase in allostatic load was associated with higher odds of all-cause morbidity and mortality, but results were mixed for cardiac disease. However, the best fit models for all-cause morbidity and cardiac disease included only age and sex. Allostatic load was retained alongside age in the best fit models for mortality, with a 1-unit increase associated with 23% to 45% higher odds of death. Compared with previous results, ALIs containing cholesterol and triglycerides better predict disease risk in zoo-housed western lowland gorillas, as evidenced by larger effect sizes for some models and better goodness of fit for all ALIs. Based on these results, we address methodology for future allostatic load research on wildlife.

Lipoprotein (a) and 10-year Cardiovascular Disease Incidence in Apparently Healthy Individuals: A Sex-based Sensitivity Analysis from ATTICA Cohort Study.

The association between lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) and 10-year first fatal/nonfatal cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in apparently healthy men and women was evaluated. The ATTICA prospective study was conducted during 2001-2012 and included n = 1514 men and n = 1528 women (age >18 years) from the greater Athens area, Greece. Follow-up CVD assessment (2011-2012) was achieved in n = 2020 participants (n = 317 cases); baseline Lp(a) was measured in n = 1890 participants. The recommended threshold of 50 mg/dL was used to define abnormal Lp(a) status. Ten-year CVD-event rate was 14% and 24% in participants with Lp(a) <50 and Lp(a) ≥50 mg/dL, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that participants with Lp(a) ≥50 mg/dL versus Lp(a) <50 mg/dL had about 2 times higher CVD risk (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11, 4.28). The sex-based analysis revealed that the independent Lp(a) effect was retained only in men (HR = 2.00, 95% CI 1.19, 2.56); in women, significance was lost after adjusting for lipid markers. Sensitivity analyses revealed that Lp(a) increased CVD risk only in case of abnormal high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein A1, and triglycerides as well as low adherence to Mediterranean diet. Certain patient characteristics may be relevant when considering Lp(a) as a therapeutic or risk-prediction target.

Prenatal Docosahexaenoic Acid Supplementation Does Not Affect Nonfasting Serum Lipid and Glucose Concentrations of Offspring at 4 Years of Age in a Follow-Up of a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has regulatory effects on lipid and glucose metabolism. Differences in DHA availability during specific developmental windows may program metabolic changes. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effects of maternal DHA supplementation during pregnancy on the nonfasting serum lipid and glucose concentrations of offspring at 4 y of age. METHODS: We used data from the Prenatal Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation, Growth, and Development trial, a double-blind randomized controlled trial conducted in Mexico. Pregnant women were supplemented daily with 400 mg DHA or placebo from 18-22 wk of gestation to delivery. The primary outcomes of the trial were offspring growth and neurological development. Nonfasting blood samples were obtained from the offspring at 4 y of age. We analyzed serum total, HDL, non-HDL, and LDL cholesterol; the total-to-HDL cholesterol ratio; apolipoprotein B (apoB); triglycerides; glucose; and insulin as secondary outcomes and compared their concentrations between treatment groups. RESULTS: Data from 524 offspring were available. The women were compliant with the intervention based on pill counts and changes in cord blood and breast milk DHA concentrations. None of the between-group differences (DHA compared with placebo), adjusted for maternal height and time since last food intake, were significant (P range 0.27-0.83). Means (95% CIs) were as follows: total cholesterol (TC), 1.73 mg/dL (-2.63, 6.09 mg/dL); HDL cholesterol, 0.66 mg/dL (-1.07, 2.39 mg/dL); non-HDL cholesterol, 1.77 mg/dL (-1.83, 5.37 mg/dL); LDL cholesterol, 1.62 mg/dL (-2.21, 5.45 mg/dL); TC:HDL ratio, 0.01 (-0.09, 0.11); apoB, -0.15 mg/dL (-2.78, 2.48 mg/dL); triglycerides, 0.21 mg/dL (-10.93, 10.52 mg/dL); glucose, -0.67 mg/dL (-2.46, 1.11 mg/dL); and insulin, 0.62 µU/mL (-0.88, 2.11 µU/mL). CONCLUSION: Prenatal DHA supplementation does not affect nonfasting serum lipid and glucose concentrations of offspring at 4 y of age. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00646360.

Air pollution and blood lipid markers levels: Estimating short and long-term effects on elderly hypertension inpatients complicated with or without type 2 diabetes.

With the development of society and the economy, many Chinese cities are shrouded in pollution haze for much of the year. Scientific studies have identified various adverse effects of air pollutants on human beings. However, the relationships between air pollution and blood lipid levels are still unclear. The objective of this study is to explore the short and long-term effects of air pollution on eight blood lipid markers among elderly hypertension inpatients complicated with or without type 2 diabetes (T2D). Blood lipid markers which met the pre-established inclusion criteria were exported from the medical record system. Air pollution data were acquired from the official environmental protection website. Associations between the air quality index and the blood lipid indexes were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and further Bonferroni correction. In an exposure time of 7 days or longer, blood lipid markers were somewhat affected by poor air quality. However, the results could not predict whether atherosclerosis would be promoted or inhibited by poorer air condition. Changes of blood lipid markers of hypertension inpatients with or without T2D were not completely the same, but no blood lipid markers had an opposite trend between the two populations. The air quality index was associated with changes to blood lipid markers to some extent in a population of hypertension inpatients with or without T2D. Further studies are needed to investigate the potential mechanism by which air pollutants induce blood lipids changes.