Amelioration of histological changes and associated metabolic abnormalities by a combination of Morinda lucida and metformin in diabetic rats

This work investigates the ability of Morinda lucida and co-administration of Morinda lucida/metformin in the control of biochemical and histological changes in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Alloxan diabetic rats were treated with 200 mg/Kg body weight of Morinda lucida leaves extract, 1 mg/Kg BW of metformin or a combination of the two treatments for 28 days. Results of the studies revealed that Morinda lucida leaves extract significantly improved lipid profile and kidney function in diabetic rats. These positive outcomes were enhanced by combined treated with Morinda lucida leaves extract and metformin. Furthermore, the calculated atherogenic index of treated animals were close to those of normal rats as opposed to diabetic rats. Similarly, histological studies showed that Morinda lucida leaves extract and metformin administered together or singly, ameliorated damages in pancreas and kidneys from alloxan diabetic rats. It can therefore be inferred that combined treatment with Morinda lucida leaves extract and merformin could improve the potency of Morinda lucida leaves used in the management of diabetic complications

Lipid Indexes and Quality Evaluation of Omega-3 Rich Oil from the Waste of Japanese Spanish Mackerel Extracted by Supercritical CO2

Japanese Spanish mackerel (JSM) (Scomberomorus niphonius) is a marine fish species containing health-beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). In the present study, the quality of JSM by-products oils extracted by supercritical CO2 (SC-CO2) and organic solvent extraction was compared in terms of physico-chemical properties of the oils. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is one of the important polyunsaturated fatty acids present in SC-CO2-extracted skin and muscle oil 5.81 ± 0.69% and 4.93 ± 0.06%, respectively. The amount of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in SC-CO2-extracted skin and muscle oil was 12.56 ± 0.38% and 15.01 ± 0.28%, respectively. EPA and DHA are considered as important PUFAs for the development of brain function and the prevention of coronary heart diseases. Extracted oils showed considerable antioxidant activity. In the obtained oils, atherogenic index (AI) values varied from 0.72 to 0.93 and thrombogenic index (TI) ranged from 0.75 to 0.92, which is considered an acceptable level. Fatty acid composition, bio potentiality, thermogravimetric, and vitamin D analysis showed that oils extracted from JSM by-products can be a good source of oil for application in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Therefore, the present research revealed the potentiality of green valorisation of S. niphonius by-products as a possible sustainable approach for targeting the era of zero waste.

Association of lipid profile parameters, atherogenic index of plasma, anthropometric parameters with the severity of the COVID-19 course in Novosibirsk women

Background: Our study aimed to assess the relationship between the parameters of the lipid profile, atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), anthropometry influence with the severity of the new coronavirus infection COVID-19 in women. Material and methods. The study design was a cross-sectional study. The research included 138 women aged 29–82 years who had undergone a new coronavirus infection COVID-19 at least two months ago. Participants were divided into three groups by severity of infection: mild (n = 61), moderate (n = 70) and severe (n = 7). Body mass index, waistline and hip circumference, waistline circumference to hip circumference index, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, AIP were calculated. Statistical processing of the obtained results was carried out using the SPSS software package (version 20.0) using the Mann-Whitney test, univariate logistic regression analysis, Pearson chi-squared test. Results. The levels of HDL-cholesterol were significantly lower in group 3 compared with the level of HDL-cholesterol in women in group 2 (p2-3 = 0.046). BMI was higher in the moderately severe group compared to the mild one (26.32 [23.305; 30.4] versus 28.78 [24.72; 34.77], p1-2 = 0.026). Hip circumference was higher in patients with severe COVID-19 than in patients with mild course (104 [98; 112] versus 114 [109.5; 126], p1-3 = 0.039), AIP was higher in women with severe course compared to women with moderate and mild course (p1-3 = 0.043, p2-3 = 0.04). The results of the logistic regression analysis showed that the moderate course of COVID-19 is associated with BMI (OR = 1.09, 95 % CI 1.019–1.166, p1-2 = 0.012), and the severe course with WC (OR = 1.041, 95 % CI 1.001–1.084, p1-3 = 0.046), AIP value ≥ 0.11 (OR = 13.824, 95 % CI 1.505–126.964, p1-3 = 0.02; OR = 11,579, 95 % CI 1,266–105,219, p2-3 = 0.03) and HDL level < 40 mg/dl (OR = 14,750, 95 % CI 2,317–93,906, p1-3 = 0.004; OR = 8,000, 95 % CI 1,313– 48,538, p1-3 = 0.024). Conclusion. Patients from the group with moderate and severe course of the new coronavirus infection have higher body mass index, hip circumference, AIP, lower HDL values. The chance of a moderate course of COVID-19 is associated with an increased BMI value, and a severe course with WC, AIP ≥ 0.11 and HDL level < 40 mg/dl.

Changes in Metabolic Regulation and the Microbiota Composition after Supplementation with Different Fatty Acids in db/db Mice

Introduction. The effects of fatty acids on health vary and depend on the type, amount, and route of consumption. EPA and DHA have a defined role in health, unlike coconut oil. Objective. The aim was to investigate the changes in metabolic regulation and the composition of the culture-dependent microbiota after supplementation with different fatty acids in db/db mice. Material and Methods. We were using 32 8-week-old db/db mice, supplemented for eight weeks with EPA/DHA derived from microalgae as well as coconut oil. The lipid, hormonal profiles, and composition of the culture-dependent microbiota and the phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequencing were determined for identification of the intestinal microbiota. Results. Enriched diet with EPA/DHA reduced TNF-α, C-peptide, insulin resistance, resistin, and the plasma atherogenic index, but increased TC, LDL-c, VLDL-c, and TG without changes in HDL-c. Coconut oil raised the HDL-c, GIP, and TNF-α, with TG, insulin resistance, adiponectin, and C-peptide reduced. Conclusion. The most abundant microbial populations were Firmicutes and the least Proteobacteria. EPA/DHA derived from microalgae contributes to improving the systemic inflammatory status, but depressed the diversity of the small intestine microbiota. Coconut oil only decreased the C-peptide, raising TNF-α, with an unfavorable hormonal and lipid profile.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CEREBROSPINAL FLUID PRESSURE AND ATHEROGENIC INDEX OF PLASMA IN IDIOPATIC INTRACRANIAL HYPERTENSION PATIENTS

Background: Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a disease thought to be associated with obesity and rapid weight gain. There is no objective parameter with practical use in its follow-up and treatment other than optical coherence tomography. Objective: The aim of our study is to investigate the relationship between atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure. Methods: Serum vitamin B12, vitamin D, homocysteine, folic acid, triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, CSF pressure, CSF microprotein levels were recorded from the file data of patients diagnosed with IIH. AIP was calculated by dividing the TG level logarithmically by HDL-C. Height (kg) and weight (kg) data of the patients were used to calculate the body mass index (BMI). Results: File data of 64 patients were examined. 8 patients with secondary intracranial hypertension were excluded from the study. 80.36% of the patients were overweight, 16.07% were obese, 3.57% were with normal weight. There was no significant correlation between vitamin B12, vitamin D, homocysteine, HDL-C and CSF microprotein levels and CSF pressure level in patients with a diagnosis of IIH. There was a negative correlation between folic acid level and CSF pressure level, and a positive correlation between BMI, TG, AIP and CSF pressure level. Conclusion: Using folic acid supplements and drugs that reduce TG levels can contribute positively to the course of the disease.

Does serum Vitamin D affect lipid profile?

Introduction and Aim: Vitamin D, besides its classical physiological functions, exerts effects on brain, prostate, breast, colon, pancreas, and immune cells due to the ubiquitous presence of its receptors. Hypovitaminosis D predisposes individuals to various micro and macro vascular complications of metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus. Despite speculations regarding implications of its deficiency on the cardio metabolic health of general/ susceptible population, its role remains underexplored in the Indian population. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study carried out in Biochemistry Department of the institution, recruited 219 patients (after obtaining written consent) of both genders above18 years who underwent Vitamin D testing. Blood samples obtained were assayed for HbA1c, C Reactive protein, thiol and lipid. Kruskal Wallis test and Spearman correlation were employed for statistical analysis. Results: Significantly low HDL and high atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) were observed in males with vitamin D deficiency. Significant inverse correlation of vitamin D with CRP and total cholesterol (among vitamin D deficient males) was observed. A significant inverse correlation between serum HDL and AIP and a significant direct correlation between triglyceride and AIP were observed irrespective of their vitamin D status. Heat map showed marginally elevated lipid parameters among vitamin D insufficient males. Conclusion: Vitamin D may emerge as a surrogate marker in risk stratification of patients with diabetes and dyslipidaemia. More insights are required to assess the gender specific susceptibility to dyslipidaemia and atherosclerosis in relation to vitamin D levels.

Randomized Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Morphological Changes in the Adventitial Vasa Vasorum Density and Biological Markers of Endothelial Dysfunction in Subjects with Moderate Obesity Undergoing a Very Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet

Weight loss after bariatric surgery decreases the earlier expansion of the adventitial vasa vasorum (VV), a biomarker of early atheromatous disease. However, no data are available regarding weight loss achieved by very low calorie ketogenic diets (VLCKD) on VV and lipid-based atherogenic indices. A randomized clinical trial was performed to examine changes in adventitial VV density in 20 patients with moderate obesity who underwent a 6-month very low calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD, 600–800 kcal/day), and 10 participants with hypocaloric diet based on the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet, estimated reduction of 500 kcal on the usual intake). Contrast-enhanced carotid ultrasound was used to assess the VV. Body composition analysis was also used. The atherogenic index of plasma (log (triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio)) and the triglyceride-glucose index were calculated. Serum concentrations of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (sICAM-1), and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (sVCAM-1) were measured. The impact of weight on quality of life-lite (IWQOL-Lite) questionnaire was administered. Participants of intervention groups displayed a similar VV values. Significant improvements of BMI (−5.3 [−6.9 to −3.6] kg/m2, p < 0.001), total body fat (−7.0 [−10.7 to −3.3] %, p = 0.003), and IWQOL-Lite score (−41.4 [−75.2 to −7.6], p = 0.027) were observed in VLCKD group in comparison with MedDiet group. Although after a 6-months follow-up period VV density (mean, right and left sides) did not change significantly in any group, participants in the VLCKD exhibited a significantly decrease both in their atherogenic index of plasma and serum concentration of sICAM-1. A 6-month intervention with VLCKD do not impact in the density of the adventitial VV in subjects with moderate obesity, but induces significant changes in markers of endothelial dysfunction and CV risk.

Predictors of Epicardial Fat Volume Decrease after Dapagliflozin Treatment in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Background and Objectives: Dapagliflozin treatment proved to reduce the epicardial fat volume (EFV) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Despite the reduction in EFV being associated with improved diastolic function in patients with T2D, EVF is not routinely evaluated in T2D because it is costly and involves radiation exposure. This study aims to identify biomarkers that predict EFV reduction after dapagliflozin treatment in patients with T2D. Materials and Methods: In a prospective, observational, consecutive-case enrollment scenario, 52 patients with T2D were initiated on dapagliflozin 10 mg q.d. as part of the standard of care. At enrollment and after six months of dapagliflozin treatment, patients were evaluated using cardiac ultrasonography, native computer tomography, transient liver elastography, and metabolic lab tests. In addition, the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), atherogenic coefficient (AC), triglyceride glucose index (TyG), cardiac risk ratio (CRR), and visceral abdominal index (VAI) were calculated. Results: Higher AIP (r = 0.28; p = 0.04), CRR (r = 0.28; p = 0.04), and TyG (r = 0.32; p = 0.01) are associated with more important reductions in the EFV. A lower conicity index (β = −0.29; p = 0.03), visceral fat volume at the 4th vertebrae (L4VFV) (β = −0.32; p = 0.02), left atrium volume (β = −3.08; p = 0.003), and right ventricle diameter (β = −2.13; p = 0.04) are associated with higher reductions in the EFV after six months of dapagliflozin treatment. A valid performance for predicting clinically relevant decreases in EFV after dapagliflozin treatment was observed for AIP (AUROC = 0.903; Youden = 0.732; p < 0.001), CRR (AUROC = 0.772; Youden = 0.595; p = 0.004), TyG (AUROC = 0.957; Youden = 0.904; p < 0.001), and VAI (AUROC = 0.898; Youden = 0.712; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Higher initial EFV values are associated with more important reductions in EFV in patients with T2D treated for six months with dapagliflozin. TyG values have the best prediction performances for EFV reduction, having the highest sum of sensitivity and specificity at the 0.904 threshold level. AIP, CRR, VAI, conicity index, L4VF, left atrium volume, and right ventricle volume are valid biomarkers for a decrease in EFV after dapagliflozin treatment in diabetes patients.

Well-Balanced Lunch Reduces Risk of Lifestyle-Related Diseases in Middle-Aged Japanese Working Men

Based on the results of a previous WHO-CARDIAC study, this study was designed to test the effect of the daily consumption of a diet rich in potassium with optimal salt content, rich in fish meat and soy isoflavones, corresponding to the ingredients of a traditional Japanese diet. The test meals were a Balanced Lunch (BL) with chicken as the main dish and a Fortified Lunch (FL) with fish and soy as the main dish, which appeared the same. A double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted in 64 relatively obese men (47.2 ± 5.5 years old) who consumed the lunch at their work site for 4 weeks. All participants underwent fasting blood sampling, 24-h urine collection, as well as measurements of height, weight, and blood pressure before and after the intervention. Body mass index, blood pressure, and HbA1c were significantly improved and a 3-g reduction of salt intake was proven by 24-h urine collection in both groups. Moreover, HDL cholesterol and the Atherogenic Index (AI) were significantly improved in the FL group. In conclusion, the risks of lifestyle-related diseases in working men were reduced by one meal per day intervention of optimally-salted traditional Japanese diets containing soy and fish nutrients with high vegetable ingredients.