Exercise and Hyperlipidemia

Effect of Metacognitive Strategy-guided Health Management Model in Patients with Hypertension and Hyperlipidemia

The present study assessed the effects of a metacognitive strategy-guided health management model on vascular endothelial function and quality of life in patients with hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Patient self-management ability, such as medication adherence, rational diet, and moderate exercise, before and after management was assessed by questionnaire (36-Item Short Form Health Survey, SF-36). Total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and blood pressure (BP) were compared. Vascular endothelial function was evaluated: Serum levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1) were measured by radioimmunoassay, and serum levels of nitric oxide (NO) were measured by a nitrate reduction method. Quality of life after management was assessed by the SF-36. The observation group (implementation of metacognitive strategy-guided health management) had higher self-management ability scores, lower lipid indicators, lower systolic and diastolic BP, decreased ET-1 and higher NO levels, and greater quality of life scores than the control group (no health management; all P < .05). Metacognitive strategy-guided health management model can improve vascular endothelial function and enhances quality of life in patients with hypertension and hyperlipidemia.

Probiotics for the treatment of hyperlipidemia: Focus on gut-liver axis and lipid metabolism

Hyperlipidemia, a metabolic disorder marked by dysregulated lipid metabolism, is a key contributor to the onset and progression of various chronic diseases. Maintaining normal lipid metabolism is critical for health, as disruptions lead to dyslipidemia. The gut and liver play central roles in lipid homeostasis, with their bidirectional communication, known as the gut-liver axis, modulated by bile acids (BAs), gut microbiota, and their metabolites. BAs are essential for regulating their own synthesis, lipid metabolism, and anti-inflammatory responses, primarily through the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5). Available evidence suggests that high-fat diet-induced the gut microbiota dysbiosis can induce "leaky gut," allowing toxic microbial metabolites to enter the liver via portal circulation, triggering liver inflammation and lipid metabolism disturbances, ultimately leading to hyperlipidemia. Extensive studies have highlighted the roles of probiotics and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in restoring gut-liver axis balance and modulating lipid metabolism through regulating the levels of lipopolysaccharides, short-chain fatty acids, and BAs. However, the therapeutic potential of probiotics and TCM for hyperlipidemia remains unclear. Here, firstly, we explore the intricate interplay among gut microbiota and metabolites, lipid metabolism, gut-liver axis, and hyperlipidemia. Secondly, we summarize the mechanisms by which probiotics and TCM can alleviate hyperlipidemia by altering the composition of gut microbiota and regulating lipid metabolism via the gut-liver axis. Finally, we emphasize that more clinical trials of probiotics and TCM are necessary to examine their effects on lipid metabolism and hyperlipidemia.

Hyperlipidemia risk factors among middle-aged population in the United States

Hyperlipidemia, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, disproportionately affects racial and ethnic minority populations. This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence and risk factors for hyperlipidemia among middle-aged adults in the United States using data from the fifth wave of the Adolescent to Adult Health Study (Add Health). The study analyzed merged sociodemographic and biomarker data (N = 4,196) using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. The mean age was 37.14 years (SD = ±1.99), with a slightly higher proportion of males (50.38%). The overall prevalence of hyperlipidemia was 16.26%, with higher rates observed in males (20.1%) compared to females. Notably, Asian individuals had significantly higher odds of hyperlipidemia (OR = 2.70, 95% CI: 1.28-5.65), whereas Black/African Americans had a significantly lower risk (OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.34-0.94) compared to Whites. Chronic health conditions, including hypertension (OR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.72-3.52) and diabetes (OR = 4.95, 95% CI: 3.08-7.97), were strong predictors of hyperlipidemia. Additionally, individuals with higher income levels had increased odds of hyperlipidemia (OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.01-1.19). Contrary to prior research, obesity was not significantly associated with hyperlipidemia risk. Physical activity was marginally protective, though the effect lost significance in the adjusted model. These findings highlight the importance of targeted cardiovascular health interventions, particularly for Asian populations and those with chronic conditions, to reduce disparities in hyperlipidemia and improve public health outcomes.

Associations between exposure to brominated flame retardants and hyperlipidemia risk in U.S. Adults

BACKGROUND

Environmental exposure to toxic brominated flame retardants (BFRs) has been confirmed to have detrimental effects on human health. The impact of serum BFRs on hyperlipidemia risk has not been sufficiently examined. Our objective is to identify both the individual and combined effects of serum BFRs on hyperlipidemia and to further investigate the most influential chemicals.

METHODS

We included 7,009 individuals with complete details on 9 types of serum BFRs, hyperlipidemia, and other covariates from the NHANES in 2007-2016. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to evaluate the individual impact of BFRs exposure on hyperlipidemia risk. We assessed the cumulative effect of BFRs on hyperlipidemia risk through weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, quantile g-computation (QGC), and Bayesian kernel machine regression models.

RESULTS

PBDE 28, PBDE 47, PBDE 85, PBDE 99, PBDE 100, PBDE 154, PBDE 209, and PBB153 were found to be positively associated with hyperlipidemia risk. The results of WQS and QGC revealed consistent positive correlation. PBDE209 emerged as the most significant chemicals exerting influence. The restricted cubic splines regression further identified significant dose-response relationship.

CONCLUSION

Exposure to individual and combined serum BFRs has been associated with an increased risk of hyperlipidemia. The causal relationship still requires confirmation through large-scale cohort studies.

Predicting work ability impairment in post COVID-19 patients: a machine learning model based on clinical parameters

The Post COVID-19 condition (PCC) is a complex disease affecting health and everyday functioning. This is well reflected by a patient's inability to work (ITW). In this study, we aimed to investigate factors associated with ITW (1) and to design a machine learning-based model for predicting ITW (2) twelve months after baseline. We selected patients from the post COVID care study (PCC-study) with data on their ability to work. To identify factors associated with ITW, we compared PCC patients with and without ITW. For constructing a predictive model, we selected nine clinical parameters: hospitalization during the acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, WHO severity of acute infection, presence of somatic comorbidities, presence of psychiatric comorbidities, age, height, weight, Karnofsky index, and symptoms. The model was trained to predict ITW twelve months after baseline using TensorFlow Decision Forests. Its performance was investigated using cross-validation and an independent testing dataset. In total, 259 PCC patients were included in this analysis. We observed that ITW was associated with dyslipidemia, worse patient reported outcomes (FSS, WHOQOL-BREF, PHQ-9), a higher rate of preexisting psychiatric conditions, and a more extensive medical work-up. The predictive model exhibited a mean AUC of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.78; 0.88) in the 10-fold cross-validation. In the testing dataset, the AUC was 0.76 (95% CI: 0.58; 0.93). In conclusion, we identified several factors associated with ITW. The predictive model performed very well. It could guide management decisions and help setting mid- to long-term treatment goals by aiding the identification of patients at risk of extended ITW.

The associations between dietary flavonoid intake and hyperlipidemia: data from the national health and nutrition examination survey 2007-2010 and 2017-2018

Background

Hyperlipidemia is a worldwide health problem and a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases; therefore, it imposes a heavy burden on society and healthcare. It has been reported that flavonoids can increase energy expenditure and fat oxidation, be anti-inflammatory, and reduce lipid factor levels, which may reduce the risk of hyperlipidemia. However, the relationship between the prevalence of hyperlipidemia and dietary flavonoid intake in the population remains unclear.

Methods

This study included 8,940 adults from the 2007-2010 and 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES). The relationship between dietary flavonoid intake and the prevalence of hyperlipidemia was analyzed using weighted logistic regression and weighted restricted cubic spline.

Results

We found an inverse relationship between subtotal catechins intake and hyperlipidemia prevalence in the third quartile [0.74 (0.56, 0.98), p = 0.04] compared with the first quartile. The prevalence of hyperlipidemia and total flavan-3-ol intake in the third quartile were inversely correlated [0.76 (0.59, 0.98), p = 0.03]. Total anthocyanin intake was inversely related to the prevalence of hyperlipidemia in the third quartile [0.77 (0.62, 0.95), p = 0.02] and the fourth quartile [0.77 (0.60, 0.98), p = 0.04]. The prevalence of hyperlipidemia was negatively correlated with total flavonols intake in the fourth quartile [0.75 (0.60, 0.94), p = 0.02]. Using restricted cubic splines analysis, we found that subtotal catechins intake and total flavan-3-ol intake had a nonlinear relationship with the prevalence of hyperlipidemia.

Conclusion

Our study may provide preliminary research evidence for personalizing improved dietary habits to reduce the prevalence of hyperlipidemia.

Autoclaving-treated germinated brown rice relieves hyperlipidemia by modulating gut microbiota in humans

Introduction

Germinated brown rice is a functional food with a promising potential for alleviating metabolic diseases. This study aimed to explore the hypolipidemic effects of autoclaving-treated germinated brown rice (AGBR) and the underlying mechanisms involving gut microbiota.

Methods

Dietary intervention with AGBR or polished rice (PR) was implemented in patients with hyperlipidemia for 3 months, and blood lipids were analyzed. Nutritional characteristics of AGBR and PR were measured and compared. Additionally, 16S rDNA sequencing was performed to reveal the differences in gut microbiota between the AGBR and PR groups.

Results

AGBR relieves hyperlipidemia in patients, as evidenced by reduced levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein-B, and elevated levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein-A1. In terms of nutrition, AGBR had significantly higher concentrations of free amino acids (10/16 species), γ-aminobutyric acid, resistant starch, soluble dietary fiber, and flavonoids (11/13 species) than PR. In addition, higher microbial abundance, diversity, and uniformity were observed in the AGBR group than in the PR group. At the phylum level, AGBR reduced Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Desulfobacterota, and Synergistota, and elevated Bacteroidota and Verrucomicrobiota. At the genus level, AGBR elevated Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, Dialister, Prevotella, and Bifidobacterium, and reduced Escherichia-Shigella, Blautia, Romboutsia, and Turicibacter.

Discussion

AGBR contributes to the remission of hyperlipidemia by modulating the gut microbiota.

Identification of potential pathogenic hepatic super-enhancers regulatory network in high-fat diet induced hyperlipidemia

Hyperlipidemia (HLP) is a prevalent metabolic disorder and a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. According to recent discoveries, super-enhancers (SEs) play a role in the increased expression of genes that encode important regulators of both cellular identity and the progression of diseases. However, the underlying function of SEs in the development of HLP is still unknown. We performed an integrative analysis of data on H3K27ac ChIP-seq and RNA sequencing obtained from liver tissues of mice under a low-fat diet (LFD) and high-fat diet (HFD) from GEO database. The rank ordering of super enhancers algorithm was employed for the computation and identification of SEs. A total of 1,877 and 1,847 SEs were identified in the LFD and HFD groups, respectively. The SE inhibitor JQ1 was able to potently reverse lipid deposition and the increased intracellular triglyceride and total cholesterol induced by oleic acid, indicating that SEs are involved in regulating lipid accumulation. Two hundred seventy-eight were considered as HFD-specific SEs (HSEs). GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis of the upregulated HSEs-associated genes revealed that they were mainly involved in lipid metabolic pathway. Four hub genes, namely Cd36, Pex11a, Ech1, and Cidec, were identified in the HSEs-associated protein-protein interaction network, and validated with two other datasets. Finally, we constructed a HSEs-specific regulatory network with Cidec and Cd36 as the core through the prediction and verification of transcription factors. Our study constructed a HSEs-associated regulatory network in the pathogenesis of HLP, providing new ideas for the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic targets of HLP.

Effects and potential mechanisms of exercise and physical activity on eye health and ocular diseases

In the field of eye health, the profound impact of exercise and physical activity on various ocular diseases has become a focal point of attention. This review summarizes and elucidates the positive effects of exercise and physical activities on common ocular diseases, including dry eye disease (DED), cataracts, myopia, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy (DR), and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It also catalogues and offers exercise recommendations based on the varying impacts that different types and intensities of physical activities may have on specific eye conditions. Beyond correlations, this review also compiles potential mechanisms through which exercise and physical activity beneficially affect eye health. From mitigating ocular oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, reducing intraocular pressure, enhancing mitochondrial function, to promoting ocular blood circulation and the release of protective factors, the complex biological effects triggered by exercise and physical activities reveal their substantial potential in preventing and even assisting in the treatment of ocular diseases. This review aims not only to foster awareness and appreciation for how exercise and physical activity can improve eye health but also to serve as a catalyst for further exploration into the specific mechanisms and key targets through which exercise impacts ocular health. Such inquiries are crucial for advancing innovative strategies for the treatment of eye diseases, thereby holding significant implications for the development of new therapeutic approaches.

Gut Microbiome and Metabolomics Study of Selenium-Enriched Kiwifruit Regulating Hyperlipidemia in Mice Induced by a High-Fat Diet

Our previous study showed that as a substitute for statins, selenium-enriched kiwifruit (Se-Kiwi) might reduce blood lipids and protect the liver in Kunming mice, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Metabolic regulation of mammalian intestinal microflora plays an important role in obesity and related diseases induced by a high-fat diet (HFD). Here, samples of serum, liver, colon, and fresh feces from the Se-Kiwi-treated hyperlipidemia C57BL/6J mouse model were collected. Based on metabolome (UHPLC-Q-TOF MS) and gut microbiome (16S rDNA) analyses as well as the integrative analysis of physiological and biochemical indices and pathological data of mice, we aimed to systematically illustrate the gut microbiome and metabolomics mechanism of Se-Kiwi in HFD-induced hyperlipidemic mice. As a result, Se-Kiwi can significantly increase the abundance of potentially beneficial gut bacteria such as Parabacteroides, Bacteroides, and Allobaculum in the colon and improve hyperlipidemia by regulating the digestion and absorption of vitamins, pyrimidine metabolism, purine metabolism, and other metabolic pathways, which have been confirmed by the following fecal microbiota transplantation experiment. This process was significantly regulated by the Ada, Gda, Pank1, Ppara, Pparg, and Cd36 genes. These findings may provide a theoretical basis for the research and development of selenium-enriched functional foods in the treatment of hyperlipidemia.

Advances in Treatment of Dyslipidemia

Dyslipidemias have emerged as prevalent disorders among patients, posing significant risks for the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases. These conditions are characterized by elevated levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). This review delves into the current treatment approach, focusing on equalizing these parameters while enhancing the overall quality of life for patients. Through an extensive analysis of clinical trials, we identify disorders that necessitate alternative treatment strategies, notably familial hypercholesterolemia. The primary objective of this review is to consolidate existing information concerning drugs with the potential to revolutionize dyslipidemia management significantly. Among these promising pharmaceuticals, we highlight alirocumab, bempedoic acid, antisense oligonucleotides, angiopoietin-like protein inhibitors, apolipoprotein C-III (APOC3) inhibitors, lomitapide, and cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitors. Our review demonstrates the pivotal roles played by each of these drugs in targeting specific parameters of lipid metabolism. We outline the future landscape of dyslipidemia treatment, envisaging a more tailored and effective therapeutic approach to address this widespread medical concern.

Exercise and cardiovascular health: A state-of-the-art review

Cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD) is the leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, and low levels of physical activity (PA) is a leading independent predictor of poor CV health and associated with an increased prevalence of risk factors that predispose to CVD development. In this review, we evaluate the benefits of exercise on CV health. We discuss the CV adaptations to exercise, focusing on the physiological changes in the heart and vasculature. We review the impact and benefits of exercise on specific CV prevention, including type II diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease, and heart failure, in addition to CVD-related and all-cause mortality. Lastly, we evaluate the current PA guidelines and various modes of exercise, assessing the current literature for the effective regimens of PA that improve CVD outcomes.

Relationship between hyperlipidemia and the risk of death in aneurysm: a cohort study on patients of different ages, genders, and aneurysm locations

Aims: The study aimed to assess the association of hyperlipidemia and the risk of death in the aneurysm population, focusing on age, gender, and aneurysm location differences. Methods: All patients' data on this retrospective cohort study were obtained from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-III) database, and the baseline characteristics and laboratory parameters of all patients were collected. The COX regression model was established to explore the association of hyperlipidemia and the risk of death for patients with aneurysms. More importantly, subgroup analyses based on the age, gender, and aneurysm location differences were performed. Results: A total of 1,645 eligible patients were enrolled in this study. These patients were divided into the survival group (n = 1,098) and the death group (n = 547), with a total mortality rate of approximately 33.25%. The result displayed that hyperlipidemia was associated with a decreased death risk in aneurysm patients. In addition, we also found that hyperlipidemia was associated with a lower death risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm and thoracic aortic arch aneurysm among aneurysm patients aged ≥60 years; hyperlipidemia was only a protective factor for the death risk of male patients diagnosed with abdominal aortic aneurysm. For female patients diagnosed with abdominal aortic aneurysm and thoracic aortic arch aneurysm, hyperlipidemia was associated with a decreased death risk. Conclusion: The relationship of hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, and the risk of death for patients diagnosed with aneurysms was significantly associated with age, gender, and aneurysm location.

Association between plasma trimethylamine-N-oxide and cognitive impairment in patients with transient ischemic attack

BACKGROUND

There is increasing evidence for the association of trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) with cognitive impairment after minor stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). However, how TMAO affects cognitive function in TIA patients has seldom been studied.

METHODS

A total of 310 TIA participants were retrospectively collected from our stroke register between January 2020 and July 2021. Plasma TMAO was measured by liquid chromatography‒mass spectrometry at baseline. Cognitive performance was assessed by neuropsychological evaluation at 3 months after TIA onset.

RESULTS

A total of 310 patients were included (mean age, 74 years; male, 160 [51.6%]; mean ABCD2 score, 2.6). TMAO was positively associated with cognitive impairment after TIA (aOR, 1.423; 95% CI, 1.125-2.561). The highest quartile of TMAO was related to an almost 2-fold increased risk of cognitive decline compared to the lowest quartile. Furthermore, executive and memory function were more susceptible to impairment after TIA in groups with higher levels of TMAO. Mediation analysis revealed that the overall mediated effect was-0.347 (p < 0.001), and the intermediary effect of CRP was-0.108.

CONCLUSION

Plasma TMAO at baseline was independently associated with cognitive impairment at the 3-month follow-up after TIA. In addition, the inflammatory marker CRP may serve as an important mediator in this relationship. Our study may provide some insights into anti-inflammatory therapy to improve the cognitive trajectory of TIA patients with high TMAO levels.

Network Pharmacological Analysis of a New Herbal Combination Targeting Hyperlipidemia and Efficacy Validation In Vitro

The network pharmacology (NP) approach is a valuable novel methodology for understanding the complex pharmacological mechanisms of medicinal herbs. In addition, various in silico analysis techniques combined with the NP can improve the understanding of various issues used in natural product research. This study assessed the therapeutic effects of Arum ternata (AT), Poria cocos (PC), and Zingiber officinale (ZO) on hyperlipidemia after network pharmacologic analysis. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of forty-one key targets was analyzed to discover core functional clusters of the herbal compounds. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and gene ontology (GO) term enrichment analysis identified significant categories of hypolipidemic mechanisms. The STITCH database indicated a high connection with several statin drugs, deduced by the similarity in targets. AT, PC, and ZO regulated the genes related to the energy metabolism and lipogenesis in HepG2 cells loaded with free fatty acids (FFAs). Furthermore, the mixture of three herbs had a combinational effect. The herbal combination exerted superior efficacy compared to a single herb, particularly in regulating acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT-1). In conclusion, the network pharmacologic approach was used to assess potential targets of the herbal combination for treatment. Experimental data from FFA-induced HepG2 cells suggested that the combination of AT, PC, and ZO might attenuate hyperlipidemia and its associated hepatic steatosis.

Effects of the different Tai Chi exercise cycles on patients with essential hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

The main treatment for essential hypertension at this stage is pharmacotherapy. Long-term pharmacotherapy is costly with some side effects. Tai Chi, a bright star in traditional Chinese arts, relaxes both mind and body and has been shown to relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. This study aimed to systematically review the therapeutic effectiveness of the Tai Chi exercise cycle on blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors of patients with essential hypertension.

Methods

Searching CNKI, VIP, CBM, PubMed, EBSCO, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to collect randomized controlled trials about Tai Chi exercise in the treatment of patients with essential hypertension according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The search time ranged from the date of database construction to December 2022. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was used to evaluate the included trials. The meta-analysis was performed with RevMan5.3 and Stata12.0 software.

Results

According to the meta-analysis, compared with the controls, Tai Chi exercise with a cycle of more than 12 weeks may be better for the reduction of systolic blood pressure (SBP) [MD = -11.72, 95% CI (-15.52, -7.91)] and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) [MD = -4.68, 95% CI (-7.23, -2.12)], as well as increasing the content of nitric oxide (NO) [MD = 0.99, 95% CI (0.69, 1.28)]. The blood lipid metabolism ability may also be improved after more than 12 weeks of Tai Chi exercise, total cholesterol (TC) [SMD = -0.68, 95% CI (-0.89, -0.46), triglyceride (TG) [SMD = -0.84, 95% CI (-1.25, -0.43)], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) [SMD = -1.58, 95% CI (-2.29, -0.86)]. However, the improvement of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) [SMD = 0.54, 95% CI (0.28, 0.79)] was better with a less than 12 weeks exercise cycle. A subgroup analysis for exercise frequency and time showed that the exercise frequency should preferably be more than or equal to 5 times per week for patients with hypertension, and for patients with hypertension plus hyperlipidemia, the exercise frequency less than 5 times per week with exercise time less than 60 min each day may be more beneficial.

Conclusion

The meta-analysis indicated that a more than 12 weeks Tai Chi exercise cycle with less than 60 min each time and more than 5 times per week may be more beneficial in blood pressure reduction, NO level increasing and blood lipid metabolism improving in the comparison with the other exercise cycles. For patients with hypertension plus hyperlipidemia, exercise frequency of less than 5 times per week may be better.

Systematic Review Registration

[http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero], identifier [CRD42022352035].

The Effects of 24 Weeks of Non-Face-to-Face Home Exercise on Body Composition, Physical Fitness, Cardiovascular Function, and Blood Profiles in Pre-Metabolic Syndrome Korean Adults: A Pilot Study

Background: This study assessed Korean residents’ health improvements by reducing chronic disease morbidity through customized health management. After identifying each participant’s strength and health through physical examinations and blood pressure tests, the effects of 24 weeks of online, non-face-to-face home workouts on body composition, physical fitness, cardiovascular function, and blood profiles in Korean adults with pre-metabolic syndrome were determined. Methods: Adults living in Chungcheongbuk-do, aged 19−65, and at the pre-metabolic syndrome stage were recruited at the Jeungpyeong-gun Public Health Center, Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea. For 24 weeks, from February 2022 to July 2022, they exercised for 60−70 min, three times a week, on average, at a maximum heart rate of 60−70%. The “Mobile Healthcare” application was used to record exercise time, number of exercises, number of sets, and Rating of Perceived Exertion at the end of each exercise. Body composition, physical fitness, cardiovascular function, and blood profiles were measured before and after participation. Results: There were no significant differences in weight, body mass index, body fat, waist-to-hip ratio, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, resting heart rate levels, or glucose levels after participation in the workout (p > 0.05). However, muscle strength/handgrip strength, sitting-rising test results, single-leg balance, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and total cholesterol showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Although the 24 weeks of non-face-to-face home workouts did not positively affect body composition or cardiovascular function, it improved physical fitness and dyslipidemia.

Modulation of gut microbiota and fecal metabolites by corn silk among high-fat diet-induced hypercholesterolemia mice

Corn silk (CS) is known to reduce cholesterol levels, but its underlying mechanisms remain elusive concerning the gut microbiota and metabolites. The aim of our work was to explore how altered gut microbiota composition and metabolite profile are influenced by CS intervention in mice using integrated 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing and an untargeted metabolomics methodology. The C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal control diet, a high-fat diet (HFD), and HFD supplemented with the aqueous extract of CS (80 mg/mL) for 8 weeks. HFD-induced chronic inflammation damage is alleviated by CS extract intervention and also resulted in a reduction in body weight, daily energy intake as well as serum and hepatic total cholesterol (TC) levels. In addition, CS extract altered gut microbial composition and regulated specific genera viz. Allobaculum, Turicibacter, Romboutsia, Streptococcus, Sporobacter, Christensenella, ClostridiumXVIII, and Rikenella. Using Spearman’s correlation analysis, we determined that Turicibacter and Rikenella were negatively correlated with hypercholesterolemia-related parameters. Fecal metabolomics analysis revealed that CS extract influences multiple metabolic pathways like histidine metabolism-related metabolites (urocanic acid, methylimidazole acetaldehyde, and methiodimethylimidazoleacetic acid), sphingolipid metabolism-related metabolites (sphinganine, 3-dehydrosphinganine, sphingosine), and some bile acids biosynthesis-related metabolites including chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA), lithocholic acid (LCA), ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), and glycoursodeoxycholic acid (GUDCA). As a whole, the present study indicates that the modifications in the gut microbiota and subsequent host bile acid metabolism may be a potential mechanism for the antihypercholesterolemic effects of CS extract.

A Prediction Equation to Estimate Vascular Endothelial Function in Different Body Mass Index Populations

OBJECTIVE

Vascular endothelial dysfunction is considered an early predictor of endothelial injury and the initiating factor of atherosclerosis (AS). Brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) can detect endothelial injury early and provide important prognostic information beyond traditional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. This study aimed to find the influencing factors of FMD and develop a simple prediction model in populations with different body mass indices (BMIs).

METHODS

In total, 420 volunteers with different BMIs were recruited in our study. Subjects were randomly assigned to the derivation and validation cohorts (the ratio of the two was 1:2) with simple random sampling. The former was used for influencing factors searching and model construction of FMD and the latter was used for verification and performance evaluation.

RESULTS

The population was divided into two groups, i.e., 140 people in the derivation group and 280 people in the verification group. Analyzing in the training data, we found that females had higher FMD than males (p < 0.05), and FMD decreased with age (p < 0.05). In people with diabetes, hypertension or obesity, FMD was lower than that in normal individuals (p < 0.05). Through correlation analysis and linear regression, we found the main influencing factors of FMD: BMI, age, waist-to-hip radio (WHR), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). And we developed a simple FMD prediction model: FMD = -0.096BMI-0.069age-4.551WHR-0.015AST-0.242LDL+17.938, where R2 = 0.599, and adjusted R2 = 0.583. There was no statistically significant difference between the actual FMD and the predicted FMD in the verification group (p > 0.05). The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.77. In a Bland-Altman plot, the actual FMD and the predicted FMD also showed good agreement. This prediction model had good hints in CV risk stratification (area under curve [AUC]: 0.780, 95 % confidence intervals [95% CI]: 0.708-0.852, p < 0.001), with a sensitivity and specificity of 73.8 and 72.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Males, older, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, etc. were risk factors for FMD, which was closely related to CV disease (CVD). We developed a simple equation to predict FMD, which showed good agreement between the training and validation groups. And it would greatly simplify clinical work and may help physicians follow up the condition and monitor therapeutic effect. But further validation and modification bears great significance.

Comparing the effectiveness of Chinese patent medicines containing red yeast rice on hyperlipidaemia: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of Chinese patent medicines containing red yeast rice for the treatment of hyperlipidaemia.

METHODS

Relevant literature published until 13 August 2021, was retrieved from six electronic databases. Randomized clinical trials of Chinese patent medicines containing red yeast rice in patients with hyperlipidaemia were included in the review. Network meta-analysis was performed using Stata 13.1 software. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) curve probability values were used to rank the treatments.

RESULTS

This study included 47 trials involving 4824 subjects. In terms of reduced total cholesterol levels, Xuezhikang (SUCRA: 84.5%) had the highest probability of being the most effective formulation, with Simvastatin (66.4%) and Zhibitai (65.4%) ranked second and third, respectively. Xuezhikang also had the highest probability of reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels to the greatest extent (SUCRA: 82.6%) with Simvastatin (SUCRA: 74.9%) and Zhibituo (SUCRA: 52.8%) being the second and third choices, respectively. For reduced triglyceride levels, Zhibituo (SUCRA: 80.2%) exhibited the highest probability of being the most effective, with Xuezhikang (SUCRA: 63.4%) and Simvastatin (SUCRA: 57.6%) in second and third places, respectively. Finally, in terms of improving high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, Zhibituo (SUCRA: 90.1%) had the highest probability of being the most effective, with Simvastatin (SUCRA: 82.1%) and Xuezhikang (SUCRA: 51.1%) ranked second and third, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Xuezhikang was found to have the highest probability of being the most effective formulation for reducing total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, while Zhibituo had the highest probability of being the most effective for controlling triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The studies included in the review exhibited certain limitations and, therefore, more rigorously designed studies should be performed.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

INPLASY registration number: INPLASY202130017.

Tetrahydropalmatine Alleviates Hyperlipidemia by Regulating Lipid Peroxidation, Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress, and Inflammasome Activation by Inhibiting the TLR4-NF-κB Pathway

Hyperlipidemia (HLP) is a lipid metabolism disorder that can induce a series of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease, and stroke, which seriously threaten human health. Tetrahydropalmatine (THP) is a component of the plant Rhizoma corydalis and has been shown to exert hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in HLP. However, whether THP regulates lipid peroxidation in hyperlipidemia, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and inflammasome activation and even the underlying protective mechanism against HLP remain unclear. An animal model of HLP was established by feeding a high-fat diet to golden hamsters. Our results showed that THP reduced the body weight and adipose index; decreased the serum content of ALT, AST, TC, TG, and LDL-C; decreased the free fatty acid hepatic lipid content (liver index, TC, TG, and free fatty acid); inhibited oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation; extenuated hepatic steatosis; and inhibited ER stress and inflammasome activation in high-fat diet-fed golden hamsters. In addition, for the first time, the potential mechanism by which THP protects against HLP through the TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway was demonstrated. In conclusion, these data indicate that THP attenuates HLP through a variety of effects, including antioxidative stress, anti-ER stress, and anti-inflammatory effects. In addition, THP also inhibited the TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway in golden hamsters.

Effects of artichoke leaf extract supplementation or artichoke juice consumption on lipid profile: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Accumulating evidence regarding the effect of artichoke on lipid profile is equivocal. We updated a previous meta-analysis on the effect of artichoke extract supplementation on lipid profile and performed dose-response analysis. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library from inception to June 2021 using relevant keywords. Papers from identified articles were collected. Two researchers rated the certainty in the estimates using the GRADE approach. Combining 15 effect sizes from 14 studies based on the random-effects analysis, we found that artichoke significantly reduced TG (weighed mean difference [WMD]: -17.01 mg/dl, 95% CI: -23.88, -10.13, p = .011), TC (WMD: -17.01 mg/dl, 95% CI: -23.88, -10.13, p < .001), and LDL-C (WMD: -17.48 mg/dl, 95%CI: -25.44, -9.53, p < .001). No significant effect of artichoke on HDL-C level was detected (WMD: 0.78 mg/dl, 95%CI: -0.93, 2.49, p = .371). Combining the two effect sizes revealed that artichoke juice supplementation significantly reduced TG (WMD: -3.34 mg/dl, 95%CI: -5.51, -1.17, p = .003), TC (WMD: -18.04 mg/dl, 95%CI: -20.30, -15.78, p < .001), LDL-C (WMD: -1.75 mg/dl, 95%CI: -3.02, -0.48, p = .007), and HDL-C levels (WMD: -4.21 mg/dl, 95%CI: -5.49, -2.93, p < .001). In conclusion, we found that artichoke supplementation may favor CVD prevention by acting in improving the lipid profile.

Exploring the Relationship between Walking and Emotional Health in China

Walking has a positive impact on people's emotional health. However, in the case of serious air pollution, it is controversial whether walking exercise can still improve individuals' emotional health. Using data from the 2014 wave of the China Labor-Force Dynamics Survey, this study explored the relationship between walking and emotional health with different levels of environmental pollution. The results indicated that respondents who took regular walks had better emotional health than those who did not walk regularly. For those whose main mode of physical exercise was walking, the average number of walks per week was significantly and positively correlated with their emotional health; however, the average duration of the walk had no significant impact on their emotional health. Moreover, for those whose main mode of physical exercise was walking and who lived in neighborhoods with a polluted environment, regular walking still had a positive impact on their emotional health. This suggests that even if environmental pollution is serious, walking still plays an important role in regulating individuals' mental health. We propose that in order to promote the emotional health of residents, it is necessary to create more public spaces for outdoor activities and simultaneously increase efforts to control environmental pollution.