Association between statin use and dry eye disease in patients with hyperlipidemia: A population-based retrospective cohort study.

Higher serum cholesterol levels have been associated with an increased risk of dry eye disease (DED). The relationship between statin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor) use and DED in patients with hyperlipidemia remains unclear. To investigate the association between statin use and the risk of DED in patients with hyperlipidemia, we conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study utilizing data from Taiwan's Longitudinal Generation Tracking Database. Patients were categorized into statin users and nonusers, with a 5-year follow-up period. The study identified patients with newly diagnosed hyperlipidemia, excluding those with prior DED diagnoses. Matching and adjustments for covariates resulted in 41,931 individuals in each group. Patients receiving statin therapy were compared with those unexposed. Cumulative exposure doses were also evaluated to assess dose-response relationships. The primary outcome was the incidence of DED diagnosed during the follow-up period. Cox proportional hazards regression models estimated the risk of DED, and conditional logistic regression analyzed the dose-response effect of statin exposure. Among 41,931 matched pairs, statin users exhibited a slightly increased risk of developing DED compared with nonusers (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02-1.11; p < 0.01). However, no dose-response relationship was observed between statin exposure and DED risk. Statin use among patients with hyperlipidemia is associated with a marginally higher risk of DED. These findings underscore the importance of regular eye examinations in this patient population to facilitate early detection and management of DED.

Association of HMGCR rs17671591 and rs3761740 with lipidemia and statin response in Uyghurs and Han Chinese.

Background: Dyslipidemia plays a very important role in the occurrence and development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Genetic factors, including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), are one of the main risks of dyslipidemia. 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR) is not only the rate-limiting enzyme step of endogenous cholesterol production, but also the therapeutic target of statins. Methods: We investigated 405 Han Chinese and 373 Uyghur people who took statins for a period of time, recorded their blood lipid levels and baseline data before and after oral statin administration, and extracted DNA from each subject for SNP typing of HMGCR rs17671591 and rs3761740. The effects of HMGCR rs17671591 and rs3761740 on lipid levels and the effect of statins on lipid lowering in Han Chinese and Uyghur ethnic groups were studied. Results: In this study, for rs17671591, the CC vs. TT+CT model was significantly correlated with the level of LDL-C before oral statin in the Uyghur population, but there were no correlations between rs17671591 and the level of blood lipid before oral statin in the Han population. The CC vs. TT+CT and CT vs. CC+TT models were significantly correlated with the level of LDL-C after oral statin in the Uyghur population. There was no significant correlation between rs3761740 with blood lipids before and after oral statin in the Han population. For rs3761740, before oral statin, the CC vs. AA+CA model was significantly correlated with the level of LDL-C, and the CA vs. CC+AA model was significantly correlated with the level of total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in the Uyghur population. After oral statin, the CC vs. AA+CA and CA vs. CC+AA models were significantly correlated with the level of TC, LDL-C, and apolipoprotein (APOB), and the C vs. A model was significantly correlated with the level of TC, triglyceride (TG), LDL-C, and APOB in the Uyghur population. Particularly, the CT vs. CC+TT model of rs17671591 was significantly correlated with the changes of LDL-C after oral statin in the Uyghur population. In this study, we also explored the association of rs17671591 and rs3761740 with the rate of dyslipidemia as a reference. Conclusion: We found that HMGCR rs3761740 was correlated with the levels of TC, LDL-C, and non-HDL-C before and after oral statin in Uyghurs, but not with blood lipid levels in the Han population. In the Uyghur population, HMGCR rs17671591 was associated with the level of LDL-C before and after oral statin, and also affected the changes of LDL-C after oral statin.

Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in patients with vitiligo: an analysis of current evidence.

OBJECTIVE: The relationship between vitiligo and cardiovascular diseases remains controversial. This study aimed to systematically review the evidence comparing cardiovascular disease risk factors between patients with vitiligo and controls and to perform a meta-analysis of the results. DATA SOURCES: A comprehensive database search was performed for all studies in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register databases from inception to November, 2023. The main keywords used were vitiligo, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, metabolic syndrome, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, C-reactive protein, and homocysteine. STUDY SELECTION: Only observational studies and no randomized controlled trials were included. Of the 1269 studies initially selected, the full texts of 108 were assessed for eligibility, and 74 were ultimately included in the analysis. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Three reviewers independently extracted the following data: study design, number and characteristics of participants, inclusion indicators, and disease duration. A meta-analysis of the single-group rates was performed for the diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and obesity groups. Random-effects or fixed-effects models were used to calculate the sample-size weighted averages for the indicators included in the studies. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: The primary outcomes were co-morbidity analysis and co-morbidity rates of vitiligo with metabolic syndrome, obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus. Secondary outcomes were factors associated with vitiligo and cardiovascular disease. RESULTS: This meta-analysis concluded that comorbidities in patients with vitiligo included metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension, with comorbidity rates of 28.3%, 6.0%, 38.5%, 43.0%, and 15.8%, respectively. Simultaneously, we showed that the vitiligo group differed significantly from the control group in the following aspects: fasting blood glucose, insulin, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, homocysteine, C-reactive protein, smoking, and alcohol consumption. However, no significant differences were observed between the vitiligo and control groups in terms of waist circumference, body mass index, or phospholipid levels. LIMITATIONS: The vast majority of the studies were from Eastern countries; therefore, extrapolation of these results to Western populations is questionable. The significant heterogeneity may be due to different protocols, doses, durations, center settings, population registries, etc., which severely compromise the validity of the results. CONCLUSION: This study summarized not only the factors associated with, but also those not associated with, cardiovascular disease in patients with vitiligo. This study provides a foundation for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease in patients with vitiligo.

The relationship between vitiligo and cardiovascular diseases remains controversial.This meta-analysis concluded that comorbidities in patients with vitiligo include metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension, with comorbidity rates of 28.3%, 6.0%, 38.5%, 43.0%, and 15.8%.Our study identified cardiovascular disease risk factors in patients with vitiligo, including smoking, alcohol consumption, high serum SBP, DBP, FBG, CRP, TC, TG, LDL, insulin, and Hcy, and low serum HDL levels.

Statin therapy and upper tract urothelial carcinoma risk in hyperlipidemic patients with chronic kidney disease and end-stage kidney disease, a population-based 17-year follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: The upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) risk associated with statin therapy in hyperlipidemic patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) remains obscure. AIM: This retrospective cohort study investigated the UTUC risk for hyperlipidemic patients with CKD or ESKD associated with statin therapy. METHODS: From the national insurance claims data of Taiwan, we identified hyperlipidemic patients and established three pairs of statin users and non-users sub-cohorts matched by propensity scores: 401,490 pairs with normal kidney function, 37,734 pairs with CKD, and 6271 pairs with ESKD. Incidence rates and hazard ratio (HR) of UTUC were estimated, by the end of 2016, between statin and non-statin cohorts, and between hydrophilic statins users and lipophilic statins users. Time-dependent model estimated adjusted HR, and sub-distribution HR (sHR) accounting for the competing risk of deaths. RESULTS: The statin-users with ESKD were at increased UTUC risk (sHR 1.98; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.28-3.06), significant for younger patients (40-64 years). The incidence was twofold greater in women than in men (31.8 versus 15.9 per 10,000 person-years). Receiving lipophilic statins was associated with increased UTUC risk in CKD and ESKD patients, while receiving hydrophilic statins was associated with increased UTUC risk in ESKD patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ESKD receiving statin were at an increased UTUC risk, significant for younger group (<65 y/o). The positive associations between UTUC and statin persisted in both genders with ESKD, and in therapy with either lipophilic statins or hydrophilic statins. Statin users with ESKD deserve attention for UTUC prevention.

The Impact of Pinus koraiensis Leaf Extract Consumption on Postprandial ApoB100 and Lipid Metabolism: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial in Healthy Participants Subjected to an Oral High-Fat Challenge.

Pinus koraiensis (PK) leaf extract, derived from Korean pine byproducts, holds promise for alleviating postprandial hyperlipidemia. In this study, we investigated the potential of PK leaf extract for modulating postprandial hyperlipidemia in adults with normal or borderline fasting triglyceride levels. In a randomized, double-blind, parallel design, 70 subjects were randomly assigned to either the placebo or PK group for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks of consuming PK leaf extract, the results indicated a trend toward decreased serum apolipoprotein B-100 (ApoB100) levels 2 h after a high-fat challenge. Furthermore, significant improvements were observed in the incremental area under the curve (iAUC) at 0-4 h and 2-4 h compared to baseline, particularly among individuals with a higher body weight (>61.35 kg) and daily caloric intake (>1276.5 kcal). Based on these findings, PK leaf extract may have beneficial effects on postprandial lipoprotein metabolism, especially among individuals with a relatively high body weight and caloric intake.

AMPK-Mediated Hypolipidemic Effects of a Salvia miltiorrhiza and Paeonia lactiflora Mixed Extract on High-Fat Diet-Induced Liver Triglyceride Accumulation: An In Vivo and In Vitro Study.

BACKGROUND: This study investigates the hypolipidemic effects of a mixed extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza and Paeonia lactiflora (USCP119) in HFD-fed hamsters and in vitro cellular models. METHODS: Over an 8-week period, HFD-fed hamsters were assigned to one of six groups: normal diet, HFD control, HFD with 50 mg/kg USCP119, HFD with 100 mg/kg USCP119, HFD with 50 mg/kg USCP119 twice daily (BID), and HFD with omega-3 fatty acids. Key outcomes assessed included body weight, serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), liver weight, hepatic TG levels, and epididymal fat. In cellular models, the impact of USCP119 on lipid accumulation and adipogenic markers was evaluated. RESULTS: USCP119 treatment at 50 mg/kg BID resulted in the lowest weight gain (15.5%) and the most significant reductions in serum TG and hepatic TG levels compared to the HFD control. The 100 mg/kg dose also led to substantial reductions in serum TG and TC levels and notable decreases in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. USCP119 at 50 mg/kg once daily reduced TG and TC levels but was less effective than the higher doses. In cellular models, USCP119 was non-toxic up to 400 µg/mL and effectively reduced lipid accumulation, modulated adipogenic markers, and enhanced AMPK signaling, improving lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: All USCP119 treatments demonstrated effectiveness in managing hyperlipidemia and related metabolic disorders, with variations in impact depending on the dosage. The ability of USCP119 to reduce fat accumulation, improve lipid profiles, and enhance insulin sensitivity highlights its potential as a valuable dietary supplement for addressing high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia and metabolic disturbances.

Quantifying the 'distance to LDC-goal' in patients at very high cardiovascular risk with hyperlipidaemia in Germany: a retrospective claims database analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study quantified the 'distance to LDL-C goal' in patients at very high cardiovascular risk with uncontrolled hyperlipidaemia. 'Distance to LDL-C goal' was defined as the percentage by which low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels needed to be reduced to achieve the LDL-C goals specified in the 2016 or 2019 European Society of Cardiology/European Atherosclerosis Society guidelines. DESIGN AND METHODS: This retrospective analysis using data from the IQVIA Disease Analyzer database included patients who were predominantly treated by a primary care physician, diabetologist or cardiologist between 2014 and 2018, with a diagnosis of hyperlipidaemia and an initial LDL-C measurement (index event) and one or more cardiovascular risk factors. The primary outcome was to assess the proportion of patients with uncontrolled hyperlipidaemia and to classify the 'distance to LDL-C goal' in these patients. RESULTS: Data from 32,963 patients were analysed (n = 27,159, n = 3873 and n = 1931 patients in the primary care physician, diabetology and cardiology cohorts, respectively). Most patients had uncontrolled LDL-C levels (⩾70 mg/dL; ⩾1.8 mmol/L) at index (91.0%, 86.4% and 94.0% of patients in the primary care physician, diabetology and cardiology cohorts, respectively). Analysis of the 'distance to LDL-C goal' indicated that approximately one-third of patients in each cohort required an LDL-C level reduction of up to 50% relative to index to achieve their LDL-C goal (35.8%, 43.7% and 28.4% of patients in the primary care physician, diabetology and cardiology cohorts, respectively). LDL-C control was not achieved at 36 months post-index in most patients with uncontrolled LDL-C levels (86.8%, 81.7% and 90.2% of patients in the primary care physician, diabetology and cardiology cohorts, respectively). CONCLUSION: LDL-C levels were uncontrolled in most patients with hyperlipidaemia. Analysis of the 'distance to LDL-C goal' showed that most patients required a substantial LDL-C level reduction to achieve their LDL-C goal.

Astragaloside I Promotes Lipophagy and Mitochondrial Biogenesis to Improve Hyperlipidemia by Regulating Akt/mTOR/TFEB Pathway.

The simultaneous enhancement of lipophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis has emerged as a promising strategy for lipid lowering. The transcription factor EB (TFEB) exhibits a dual role, whereby it facilitates the degradation of lipid droplets (LDs) through the process of lipophagy while simultaneously stimulating mitochondrial biogenesis to support the utilization of lipophagy products. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of astragaloside I (AS I) on hyperlipidemia and elucidate its underlying mechanism. AS I improved serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels and reduced hepatic steatosis and lipid accumulation in db/db mice. AS I enhanced the fluorescence colocalization of LDs and autophagosomes and promoted the proteins and genes related to the autolysosome. Moreover, AS I increased the expression of mitochondrial biogenesis-related proteins and genes, indicating that AS I promoted lipophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis. Mechanistically, AS I inhibits the protein level of p-TFEB (ser211) expression and promotes TFEB nuclear translocation. The activation of TFEB by AS I was impeded upon the introduction of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) agonist MHY1485. The inhibition of p-mTOR by AS I and the activation of TFEB were no longer observed after administration of the Akt agonist SC-79, which indicated that AS I activated TFEB to promote lipophagy-dependent on the Akt/mTOR pathway and may be a potentially effective pharmaceutical and food additive for the treatment of hyperlipidemia.

Gene inactivation of lysyl oxidase in smooth muscle cells reduces atherosclerosis burden and plaque calcification in hyperlipidemic mice.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Lysyl oxidase (LOX) catalyzes the crosslinking of collagen and elastin to maintain tensile strength and structural integrity of the vasculature. Excessive LOX activity increases vascular stiffness and the severity of occlusive diseases. Herein, we investigated the mechanisms by which LOX controls atherogenesis and osteogenic differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC) in hyperlipidemic mice. METHODS: Gene inactivation of Lox in SMC was achieved in conditional knockout mice after tamoxifen injections. Atherosclerosis burden and vascular calcification were assessed in hyperlipidemic conditional [Loxf/fMyh11-CreERT2ApoE-/-] and sibling control mice [Loxwt/wtMyh11-CreERT2ApoE-/-]. Mechanistic studies were performed with primary aortic SMC from Lox mutant and wild type mice. RESULTS: Inactivation of Lox in SMCs decreased > 70 % its RNA expression and protein level in the aortic wall and significantly reduced LOX activity without compromising vascular structure and function. Moreover, LOX deficiency protected mice against atherosclerotic burden (13 ± 2 versus 23 ± 1 %, p < 0.01) and plaque calcification (5 ± 0.4 versus 11.8 ± 3 %, p < 0.05) compared to sibling controls. Interestingly, gene inactivation of Lox in SMCs preserved the contractile phenotype of vascular SMC under hyperlipidemic conditions as demonstrated by single-cell RNA sequencing and immunofluorescence. Mechanistically, the absence of LOX in SMC prevented excessive collagen crosslinking and the subsequent activation of the pro-osteogenic FAK/ß-catenin signaling axis. CONCLUSIONS: Lox inactivation in SMC protects mice against atherosclerosis and plaque calcification by reducing SMC modulation and FAK/ß-catenin signaling.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors of osteoporosis among older Asian men with type-2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or hyperlipidaemia.

This study investigated osteoporosis risk factors among older Asian men with type-2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or hyperlipidaemia in primary care. Advanced age, dementia, depression, and polypharmacy were associated with higher risks for osteoporosis. Screening strategies targeting these factors are crucial for improving bone health as part of comprehensive preventive care. PURPOSE: Asian patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), hypertension, or hyperlipidaemia (DHL) are predominantly managed in primary care. They are also at risk of osteoporosis, but men are often under-screened and under-treated for this preventable bone disorder. This study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics and risk factors of osteoporosis among older men with DHL in primary care for early intervention. METHODS: This retrospective study included men aged 65 years and older managed in public primary care clinics for their DHL between 1st July 2017 and 30th June 2018. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and imaging data were extracted from their electronic medical records based on their International Classification of Diseases-10 (ICD-10) diagnosis codes. Descriptive statistical analyses, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05, were conducted, followed by generalized estimating equation (GEE) modelling. RESULTS: Medical records of 17,644 men (83.1% Chinese, 16.9% minority ethnic groups, median age 71 years) were analysed. 2.3% of them had diagnosis of osteoporosis, 0.15% had fragility fracture, and 26.0% of those diagnosed with osteoporosis were treated with bisphosphonates. Their mean HbA1c was 6.9%; mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 133 and 69 mmHg. The GEE model showed that age (OR = 1.07, 95%CI = 1.05-1.09, p < 0.001), dementia (OR = 2.24, 95%CI = 1.33-3.77, p = 0.002), depression (OR = 2.38, 95%CI = 1.03-5.50, p = 0.043), and polypharmacy (OR = 6.85, 95%CI = 3.07-15.26, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with higher risks for osteoporosis. CONCLUSION: Age, dementia, depression, and polypharmacy are associated with osteoporosis risks in men with DHL. Strategies to incorporate osteoporosis screening among older men with these risk factors are needed to improve their bone health.

Effects of T2DM on cancer progression: pivotal precipitating factors and underlying mechanisms.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder affecting people worldwide. It is characterized by several key features, including hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and dysbiosis. Epidemiologic studies have shown that T2DM is closely associated with the development and progression of cancer. T2DM-related hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia contribute to cancer progression through complex signaling pathways. These factors increase drug resistance, apoptosis resistance, and the migration, invasion, and proliferation of cancer cells. Here, we will focus on the role of hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia associated with T2DM in cancer development. Additionally, we will elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms underlying their effects on cancer progression. We aim to identify potential therapeutic targets for T2DM-related malignancies and explore relevant directions for future investigation.

Innovative Applications of Pectin in Lipid Management: Mechanisms, Modifications, Synergies, Nanocarrier Systems, and Safety Considerations.

Pectin, a natural polysaccharide predominantly sourced from the cell walls of terrestrial plants, is widely regarded for its gelling, thickening, and stabilizing properties, which have extensive applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and biotechnological industries. This review discusses the mechanistic pathways by which pectin mediates its lipid-lowering properties, such as pectin's antioxidant activity, the modulation of gut microbiota, its anti-inflammatory properties, its capacity to bind bile acids and cholesterol, and its impact on the expression of genes associated with lipid metabolism. To enhance its hypolipidemic properties, chemical, physical, and enzymatic modification techniques are explored. Additionally, the synergistic effects of pectin in combination with other bioactive compounds such as phytosterols and polyphenols, as well as its potential in nanocarrier-mediated delivery systems for lipid-lowering agents, are highlighted. The review also conducts a critical analysis of the safety and regulatory considerations associated with pectin use, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive toxicological evaluations and adherence to regulatory standards. This paper underscores the growing potential of pectin not only as a dietary fiber but also as a multifaceted agent for ameliorating hyperlipidemia, catalyzing a shift toward more targeted and efficacious lipid-lowering strategies.

Associations of plasma phospholipid cis-vaccenic acid with insulin resistance markers in non-diabetic men with hyperlipidemia.

BACKGROUND: The role of fatty acids (FA) in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia is a subject of intensive research. Several recent works have suggested cis-vaccenic acid (cVA) in plasma lipid compartments, especially in plasma phospholipids (PL) or erythrocyte membranes, could be associated with markers of insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular health. Nevertheless, not all the results of research work testify to these beneficial effects of cVA. Therefore, we decided to investigate the relations of proportion of cVA in plasma PL to markers of insulin resistance in hyperlipidemic men. SUBJECTS: In 231 men (median age 50) with newly diagnosed hyperlipidemia, we analyzed basic clinical parameters together with FA composition of plasma PL and stratified them according to the content of cVA into upper quartile (Q4) and lower quartile (Q1) groups. We examined also small control group of 50 healthy men. RESULTS: The individuals in Q4 differed from Q1 by lower plasma insulin (p < 0.05), HOMA-IR values (p < 0.01), and apolipoprotein B concentrations (p < 0.001), but by the higher total level of nonesterified FA (p < 0.01). Both groups had similar age, anthropometrical, and other lipid parameters. In plasma PL, the Q4 group had lower content of the sum of n-6 polyunsaturated FA, due to decrease of γ-linolenic and dihomo-γ-linolenic acids, whereas the content of monounsaturated FA (mainly oleic and palmitoleic) was in Q4 higher. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support hypothesis that plasma PL cVA could be associated with insulin sensitivity in men with hyperlipidemia.

Prevalence and associated factors of non-adherence to antihyperlipidemic medication: a nationwide cross sectional survey in Pakistan.

Hyperlipidemia significantly contributes to the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. However, about half of the patients do not adhere to their antihyperlipidemic medications, leading to healthcare costs and premature mortality. This study's objective was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of non-adherence to antihyperlipidemic medications. The study covered hypertensive patients (21,451) aged 21-75 years, presenting to the primary and secondary healthcare facilities across Pakistan (covering 21 divisions) from January 2022 to April 2023. The outcome intended was non-adherence to antihyperlipidemic medication, which was assessed by SEAMS and pill-counting methods (non-adherence < 80%). The study found overall non-adherence to antihyperlipidemic medication of 60.6% across Pakistan, with the highest non-adherence rates found in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (71.9%) and the lowest in Islamabad (47.7%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that female, no health card (Sehat Sahulat Program government insurance), < 5 years of illness, < 5 daily medications, and dose frequency of twice daily revealed a positively significant association with non-adherence. While monthly income 51,000-100,000, graduation level of education, Muhajir, and hyperlipidemia with one comorbid condition had a significant negative association with the non-adherence. Antihyperlipidemic non-adherence is a multifaceted, multifactorial, profound problem requiring a multipronged approach.

Association between family economic situation and serum PFAS concentration in American adults with hypertension and hyperlipemia.

Although there is an association between income status and concentration of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), the association remains uncertain in patients with hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and comorbidities. Data from the 2013-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. A total of 2665 adults were included, and the data included participants' serum PFAS (perfluorooctanoic acid [PFOA], perfluorononaic acid, perfluorodecanoic acid, perfluoroundecanoic acid, perfluorohexane sulfonic acid, and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) levels and selected covariates. Multivariate linear regression models were used to examine the association between the ratio of family income to poverty (PIR) and individual serum PFAS concentrations in the hypertensive and/or hyperlipidemia groups after adjusting for covariates. The potential effects of sex and age on the results were explored using stratified analysis. A mediating effect model was used to explore the mediating effects of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference on the association results. After adjusting for potential confounders, for hyperlipidemia and comorbidities (hypertension and hyperlipidemia), serum levels of multiple common PFAS increased by 0.09% (95%Confidence interval [CI] 0.02-0.15%) to 0.13% (95%CI 0.08-0.19%) and 0.10% (95%CI 0.02-0.17%) to 0.12% (95%CI 0.06-0.18%), respectively, with each 1% increase in PIR. The covariate model and stratified analyses results suggested the potential effects of different covariates such as age and sex, leading to changes in the statistical significance of the association results. BMI significantly mediated the effect of PIR on PFOA in hyperlipidemia (13%, P < 0.001). Household income in adults with hyperlipidemia and comorbidities positively correlated with serum PFAS concentration in the United States. Obesity played an indispensable mediating role in the association between economic income and PFAS concentration.

Evaluation of Anti-Hyperlipidemic Activity of the Seeds Extracts of Ficus carica: In Vitro and In Silico Approaches.

Obesity and hyperlipidemia have become major disorders predominantly causing prevailing cardiovascular diseases and ultimately death. The prolonged use of anti-obesity drugs and statins for reducing obesity and blood lipid levels is leading toward adverse effects of kidneys and muscles, specifically rhabdomyolysis. The objective of this study is to evaluate potential of seeds of Ficus carica against hyperlipidemia. Various extracts and isolated compounds from fig seeds were analyzed and evaluated for their anti-hyperlipidemic potential. Methanol extract and its ethyl acetate fraction showed maximum pancreatic lipase inhibition of 61.93% and 86.45% in comparison to reference drug Orlistat. Four compounds isolated by HPLC-PDA technique were determined as Gallic acid, Catechin, Epicatechin, and Quercetin also showed strong potential to inhibit enzyme pancreatic lipase comparable to Orlistat. These isolated compounds were further analyzed for molecular docking and MM-GBSA studies. Three ligands, namely Quercetin, Epicatechin, and Catechin were found more effective against pancreatic lipase as these possessed docking scores (-9.881, -9.741, -9.410) higher to that of the reference ligand Orlistat (-5.273). The binding free energies of these compounds were -55.03, -56.54, and 60.35 kcal/mol, respectively. The results have shown that Quercetin has the highest binding affinity correlating with the highest inhibition of pancreatic lipase enzyme 1LPB. Hence, it is suggested that seeds of F. carica have promising anti-hyperlipidemic potential and foremost in reducing obesity.

Pro-atherogenic medical conditions are associated with widespread regional brain metabolite abnormalities in those with alcohol use disorder.

AIMS: Widespread brain metabolite abnormalities in those with alcohol use disorder (AUD) were reported in numerous studies, but the effects of the pro-atherogenic conditions of hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hepatitis C seropositivity, and hyperlipidemia on metabolite levels were not considered. These conditions were associated with brain metabolite abnormalities in those without AUD. We predicted treatment-seeking individuals with AUD and pro-atherogenic conditions (Atherogenic+) demonstrate lower regional metabolite markers of neuronal viability [N-acetylaspartate (NAA)] and cell membrane turnover/synthesis [choline-containing compounds (Cho)], compared with those with AUD without pro-atherogenic conditions (Atherogenic-) and healthy controls (CON). METHODS: Atherogenic+ (n = 59) and Atherogenic- (n = 51) and CON (n = 49) completed a 1.5 T proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging study. Groups were compared on NAA, Cho, total creatine, and myoinositol in cortical gray matter (GM), white matter (WM), and select subcortical regions. RESULTS: Atherogenic+ had lower frontal GM and temporal WM NAA than CON. Atherogenic+ showed lower parietal GM, frontal, parietal and occipital WM and lenticular nuclei NAA level than Atherogenic- and CON. Atherogenic- showed lower frontal GM and WM NAA than CON. Atherogenic+ had lower Cho level than CON in the frontal GM, parietal WM, and thalamus. Atherogenic+ showed lower frontal WM and cerebellar vermis Cho than Atherogenic- and CON. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest proatherogenic conditions in those with AUD were associated with increased compromise of neuronal integrity and cell membrane turnover/synthesis. The greater metabolite abnormalities observed in Atherogenic+ may relate to increased oxidative stress-related compromise of neuronal and glial cell structure and/or impaired arterial vasoreactivity/lumen viability.

Comprehensive review of plant-derived anti-hyperlipidemia peptides: Production, anti-hyperlipidemia mechanism, and structure-activity relationship study.

Hyperlipidemia, an elevated level of cholesterol and/or triglycerides, has become a major public health problem worldwide. Although drugs intervention is effective in treating hyperlipidemia, most of them have adverse side effects. Peptides from natural plants with high anti-hyperlipidemic activity and a strong safety profile have emerged as promising candidates to prevent and ameliorate hyperlipidemia. This review summarizes the recent advances in plant-derived anti-hyperlipidemic peptides in terms of their sources, production, purification, identification, and activity evaluation. The focus is extended to their potential anti-hyperlipidemic mechanisms and structure-function relationships. Bioactive peptides derived from various plant sources, especially peptides containing hydrophobic and/or acidic amino acids, have shown remarkable effects in hyperlipidemic treatment. Their anti-hyperlipidemic effects are mediated by various mechanisms, including regulation of cholesterol metabolism and triglyceride metabolism, inhibition of inflammation-related metabolic syndrome, and modulation of the gut microbiota. Further evaluation of the stability, bioavailability, and clinical efficacy of these peptides is recommended.

Monascus-fermented quinoa alleviates hyperlipidemia in mice by regulating the amino acid metabolism pathway.

Monascus has the ability to produce secondary metabolites, such as monacolin K (MK), known for its physiological functions, including lipid-lowering effects. Widely utilized in industries such as health food and medicine, MK is a significant compound derived from Monascus. Quinoa, recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations as "the only plant food that can meet human basic nutritional needs by itself", possesses dual advantages of high nutritional value and medicinal food homology. This study employed animal experiments to investigate the hypolipidemic activity of Monascus-fermented quinoa (MFQ) and explored the molecular mechanism underlying the lipid-lowering effect of MFQ on hyperlipidemic mice through transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. The results demonstrated that high-dose MFQ intervention (1600 mg kg-1 d-1) effectively decreased weight gain in hyperlipidemic mice without significant changes in cardiac index, renal index, or spleen index. Moreover, hepatic steatosis in mice was significantly improved. Serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were markedly reduced, demonstrating that the lipid-lowering effect of MFQ was comparable to the drug control lovastatin. Conversely, both low-dose MFQ (400 mg kg-1 d-1) and unfermented quinoa exhibited no significant lipid-lowering effect. Integrated analysis of the transcriptome and metabolome suggested that MFQ may regulate amino acid levels in hyperlipidemic mice by influencing metabolic pathways such as phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan metabolism. This regulation alleviates hyperlipidemia induced by a high-fat diet, resulting in a significant reduction in blood lipid levels in mice.