Phytonutrients of Bitter Apricot Seeds Modulate Human Lipid Profile and LDL Subfractions in Adults with Elevated Cholesterol Levels

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of short-term consumption of bitter apricot seeds phytonutrients on cardiovascular risk factors with a special focus on LDL cholesterol subfractions using the Lipoprint system. A group of 34 adult volunteers (21 female/13 male) consumed 60 mg kg−1 of body weight of bitter apricot seeds daily for 42 days. Subjects were divided into two groups: one with normal cholesterol levels (NTC) and one with elevated total cholesterol levels (ETC). Blood serum levels of total cholesterol (T-C), low-density cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) did not change significantly (p > 0.05) in NTC group. However, there were significant decreasing of T-C (p ˂ 0.05) and LDL-C (p < 0.01) in ETC group. The LDL1, LDL2, and atherogenic LDL3−7 subfractions progressively decreased after 42 days of apricot seeds consumption in ETC group (p < 0.05). Apricot seeds consumption was associated with a significant increase in the mean LDL particle size especially in ETC group (p ˂ 0.01). The results of the present study support the hypothesis that daily consumption of bitter apricot seeds for 42 days positively modified the lipoprotein profile in the group with elevated total cholesterol.

Lipid Levels and 3-Month Prognosis After Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Women

Background: The relationship between serum lipids levels and prognosis after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is still unclear. We aim to examine the association between lipid levels and 3-month ICH prognosis in women.Method: We went through a registry of spontaneous ICH cases and selected female patients to study according to our criteria. We collected demographic, clinical, and laboratory information and evaluated serum triglyceride (TG) levels, total cholesterol (TC) levels, low-density cholesterol (LDLC) levels, high-density cholesterol (HDLC) levels, non-high-density cholesterol (non-HDLC) levels, and 3-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Multivariate logistic regression was performed, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to explore the relationship between serum lipid levels and 3-month ICH clinical outcomes.Results: Two hundred six female patients were included in this study, and 96 (46.6%) of them had poor functional outcomes. In the univariate analysis, low TG (p = 0.006), TC (p = 0.025), LDLC (p = 0.001), non-HDLC (p &lt; 0.001) levels, and high HDL (p = 0.036) levels were associated with poor 3-month clinical outcomes in women. In the multivariate logistic regression, low levels of TG (OR = 0.711, 95% CI = 0.542–0.933, p = 0.014), TC (OR = 0.523, 95% CI = 0.304–0.903, p = 0.020), LDLC (OR = 0.538, 95% CI = 0.307–0.942, p = 0.030), non-HDLC (OR = 0.327, 95% CI = 0.177–0.603, p &lt; 0.001), and a high level of HDLC (OR = 2.075, 95% CI = 1.064–4.047, p = 0.032) with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.610, 0.590, 0.630, 0.645, and 0.415, respectively, remained as independent indicators of poor prognosis at 3 months after adjusting for confounding factors.Conclusion: Low levels of TG, TC, LDLC, non-HDLC, and high levels of HDLC were independently associated with poor prognosis of spontaneous ICH in women.

The Effects of Avocado Waste and Its Functional Compounds in Animal Models on Dyslipidemia Parameters

Ischemic heart disease and stroke are two main causes of death that have prevailed for more than 15 years. Dyslipidemia and its parameters like hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, increase in low-density cholesterol, and a reduction of high-density cholesterol have been related with heart disease and risk of stroke. Approaches to improve the health and specifically reduce the risk of heart disease, such as medications and dietary interventions have been effective, but there are other potential sources of biological compounds that could have an effect due to their antioxidant properties. Avocado is a commonly consumed fruit especially its pulp, while the peel, seed, and leaf are usually discarded as waste. Some researchers have reported antioxidant, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, lipid-lowering, and hypoglycemic effects in these wastes. In this review article, we have summarized the current evidence on the effect of biological compounds from avocado waste on dyslipidemia parameters in preclinical models. Also, we have included the compound extracted and the extraction method from the selected articles.

Does physical activity lower the risk for metabolic syndrome: a longitudinal study of physically active older women

Background The associations between physical activity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) have been mainly found in cross-sectional studies. The aim of this longitudinal study was to examine the relationship between meeting step-based guidelines and changes in the risk of metabolic syndrome. Methods This study included data from older women (baseline age 62.9 ± 4.3 years) from a 7-year longitudinal study in Central Europe. At baseline and follow-up, physical activity was measured by an accelerometer, and the risk for MetS was assessed according to the NCEP-ATP III criteria. In 59 women, multivariate repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare differences in changes in the risk of MetS in groups based on meeting step-based guidelines (10,000 steps/day and 9000 steps/day for women aged <65 and ≥ 65 years, respectively). Results Over 7 years, steps/day increased from 10,944 ± 3560 to 11,652 ± 4865, and the risk of MetS decreased from 41 to 12% in our sample. Women who longitudinally met step-based guidelines had a significantly higher mean concentration of high-density cholesterol (HDL-C) (64.5 and 80.3 mg/dL at baseline and follow-up, respectively) and a lower concentration of triglycerides (TGs) (158.3 and 123.8 mg/dL at baseline and follow-up, respectively) at follow-up compared to baseline. Moreover, women who increased their daily steps over 7 years to the recommended steps/day value significantly decreased the concentration of TGs (158.3 mg/dL and 123.8 mg/dL at baseline and follow-up, respectively). Conclusions Our study might suggest that the long-term meeting of step-based guidelines or an increase in daily steps/day to achieve the recommended value could be related to a lower risk of MetS, specifically in concentrations of HDL-C and TG. These findings may help in designing interventions aiming to decrease the risk of MetS in older women.

The relationship between seeds consumption, lipid profile and body mass index among patients with cardiovascular diseases

Background. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and largely preventable through improving diet quality and other lifestyle factors. In recent years, dietary recommendations have shifted towards diets high in plant-based foods and low in animal-based foods for the prevention of chronic diseases. Objective. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between seeds consumption, lipid profile and body mass index (BMI) in a group of 889 (313 female and 576 male) randomly selected patients hospitalized in the Nitra Cardio Center, Slovakia. Material and Methods. The data necessary for the evaluation the relationship between seeds consumption, lipid profiles and BMI were obtained by a questionnaire method in closed-ended format. Data collection was carried out simultaneously with the anthropometric and biochemical examinations of the respondents ensured by the Nitra Cardio Center. The following parameters were assessed in the blood: total cholesterol (T-C), low-density cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and glucose (GLU). Comparisons between groups were made utilizing one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's post hoc test. Results. Respondents indicated pumpkin seeds as the most commonly consumed seeds (45.19% of women and 53.06% of men) and their preference did not cause changes in lipid profile. Women who consume seeds 1-2 times/month had significantly lower levels of T-C and LDL-C compared to women non-consuming seeds (P < 0.05). In men, we did not observed any changes in lipid profile. The lowest BMI in women was associated with flaxseed preference and in men with sunflower preference. Increasing frequency of seeds consumption of women and men did not cause changes in BMI. Conclusions. Based on beneficial effects of seeds on cardiovascular risk factors, it seems that seeds consumption can be considered as a useful therapeutic approach for reducing lipid profile and body mass index.

Does Physical Activity Lower the Risk for Metabolic Syndrome: A Longitudinal Study of Physically Active Elderly Women

Background: There are few studies assessing the health of older women with respect to their physical activity. This study sought to determine whether changes in the physical activity of 59 women aged 60+ measured seven years apart and the risk of the participants developing the metabolic syndrome (MetS) were related to each other. Methods: The physical activity of the participants was measured using the accelerometers in 2009 and 2016. Their risk for the MetS was assessed as per the NCEP-ATP III criteria. Results: The number of steps the participants took daily increased between 2009 and 2016 from 10.944±3,560 to 11.652±4865. Women who maintained a high level of physical activity between the measurements, or increased it, had a significantly higher mean concentration of high-density cholesterol in 2016 (80.3 vs. 64.5 mg/dL and 79.2 vs. 66.9mg/dL, respectively). In the latter, a lower concentration of triglycerides (TG) (123.8 vs. 158.3mg/dL) was also observed. In 2016, only 7 women met 3 or more criteria for MetS compared with 24 in 2009; at the same time, the mean number of the MetS criteria met by a participant fell from 2.2±1.4 to 1.4±1.0.Conclusions: The number of MetS criteria that the participants met in 2016 was lower than in 2007, probably due to the high number of steps taken daily. Therefore, their risk of developing cardiovascular diseases was lower too.

Gut microbiota of obese and diabetic Thai subjects and interplay with dietary habits and blood profiles

Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have become major public health issues globally. Recent research indicates that intestinal microbiota play roles in metabolic disorders. Though there are numerous studies focusing on gut microbiota of health and obesity states, those are primarily focused on Western countries. Comparatively, only a few investigations exist on gut microbiota of people from Asian countries. In this study, the fecal microbiota of 30 adult volunteers living in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand were examined using next-generation sequencing (NGS) in association with blood profiles and dietary habits. Subjects were categorized by body mass index (BMI) and health status as follows; lean (L) = 8, overweight (OV) = 8, obese (OB) = 7 and diagnosed T2DM = 7. Members of T2DM group showed differences in dietary consumption and fasting glucose level compared to BMI groups. A low level of high-density cholesterol (HDL) was observed in the OB group. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) revealed that microbial communities of T2DM subjects were clearly distinct from those of OB. An analogous pattern was additionally illustrated by multiple factor analysis (MFA) based on dietary habits, blood profiles, and fecal gut microbiota in BMI and T2DM groups. In all four groups, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were the predominant phyla. Abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, a butyrate-producing bacterium, was significantly higher in OB than that in other groups. This study is the first to examine the gut microbiota of adult Thais in association with dietary intake and blood profiles and will provide the platform for future investigations.

PLASMA ATHEROGENIC INDEX IS AN INDEPENDENT INDICATOR AND PROGNOSTIC VALUE IN RAYNAUD’S PHENOMENON?

Objective: Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) is characterized by cold induced temporary ischaemia of the fingers or toes and an inflammatory autoimmune disease of connective tissues. Plasma atherogenic index (PAI) is a valuable marker for the cardiovascular disease and cardiac risk. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role and clinical use of PAI in RP patients. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective-cohort study, we examined the clinical value count blood cells in 55 patients with RP and 14 clinical controls admitted Konya Training and Research Hospital Department of Cardiovascular Surgery between January 2016-March 2019 were investigated retrospectively screened. PAI was measured as a logarithmic value of triglyceride to high-density cholesterol ratio. PAI levels <0.11 is accepted as low risk, 0,11-0,21 intermediate risk, and 0.21 >increased risk. PAI was measured as a logarithmic value of triglyceride to high-density cholesterol ratio. The lipid and other biochemical parameters of patient and control groups were examined and measured. Results: The study consisted of 29 females (42.03%) and 40 males (57.97%). There was a significant difference between differences between PAI level groups. There was no significant difference in PAI results between genders (p>0.355).We also found disagreement in biochemical parameters and PAI between controls and patients. Conclusion: When we evaluated PAI in the patients with RP and controls, it was determined that there was no significant difference in either parameter. However, PAI levels have showed that significant elevated between groups so It can be a simple, economic and non invasive marker to identify for future studies. Keywords: Raynaud’s phenomenon, Plasma atherogenic index, Blood lipid components

Changes in Bone Turnover, Inflammatory, Oxidative Stress, and Metabolic Markers in Women Consuming Iron plus Vitamin D Supplements: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background We aimed to investigate whether combination of vitamin D and iron supplementation, comparing vitamin D alone, could modify bone turnover, inflammatory, oxidative stress, and metabolic markers. Methods Women with hemoglobin (Hb)≤12.7 g/dL and 25OHD≤29 ng/mL vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency aged 18-45 years (n=100) were recruited into a trial to receive either 1000 IU/d vitamin D3 plus 27 mg/d iron (D-Fe) or vitamin D3 plus placebo supplements (D-P) for 12 weeks. Results In D-Fe group, significant decreases in red blood cells (RBC) (P=0.001), hematocrit (Hct) (P=0.004) and increases in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)(P=0.001), 25OHD (P<0.001), osteocalcin (P<0.001), high-density cholesterol (HDL) (P=0.041), and fasting blood sugar (FBS) (P<0.001) were observed. D-P group showed significant decreases of RBC (P<0.001), Hb (P<0.001), Hct (P<0.001), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (P=0.004), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) (P<0.001), MCHC (P=0.005), serum ferritin (P<0.001), and low-density cholesterol (LDL) (P=0.016) and increases of 25OHD (P<0.001), osteocalcin (P<0.001), C-terminal telopeptide (CTX) (P=0.025), triglyceride (TG) (P=0.004), FBS (P<0.001), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) (P=0.001) at week 12. After the intervention, the D-P group had between-group increases in mean change in the osteocalcin (P=0.007) and IL-6 (P=0.033), and decreases in the RBC (P<0.001), Hb (P<0.001), Hct (P<0.001), MCV (P=0.001), compared to the D-Fe group. There were significant between-group changes in MCH (P<0.001), MCHC (P<0.001), ferritin (P<0.001), and serum iron (P=0.018). Conclusions Iron-vitamin D co-supplementation does not yield added benefits for improvement of bone turnover, inflammatory, oxidative stress, and metabolic markers; whereas, vitamin D alone may have some detrimental effects on inflammatory and metabolic markers.