The role of oxidative stress in alterations of hematological parameters and inflammatory markers induced by early hypercholesterolemia

Hypoxia-induced NOS1 as a therapeutic target in hypercholesterolemia-related colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

It is well established that hypercholesterolemia increases the risk of atherosclerosis, especially because it reduces the availability of nitric oxide (NO). However, the relationship between hypercholesterolemia and NO in regulating colorectal cancer development and progression remains unknown.

METHODS

We conducted bioinformatics analysis, qRT-PCR, ChIP-qPCR assays, luciferase report assays, clonogenic survival assays, and multiple mouse models to investigate the function and mechanism of hypercholesterolemia in regulating NO signaling. Additionally, NOS inhibitors were used to evaluate the potential of therapeutic strategy in anti-tumor response.

RESULTS

Here, we show that oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) cholesterol and its receptor LOX-1 are essential for hypercholesterolemia-induced colorectal tumorigenesis. Mechanically, the oxLDL promotes the oxidant stress-dependent induction of hypoxia signaling to transcriptionally up-regulate NO synthase (NOS) especially NOS1 expression in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. More importantly, our results suggested that selective inhibition of NOS1 with its specific inhibitor Nω-Propyl-L-arginine is a suitable therapeutic strategy for hypercholesterolemia-related CRC with both efficacy and toxicity reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings established that hypercholesterolemia induces the oxidant stress-dependent induction of hypoxia signaling to transcriptionally up-regulate NOS1 expression in CRC cells, and the clinically applicable NOS1 inhibitor Nω-Propyl-L-arginine represents an effective therapeutic strategy for hypercholesterolemia-related CRC.

Insulin Resistance-Induced Platelet Hyperactivity and a Potential Biomarker Role of Platelet Parameters: A Narrative Review

Background

Insulin has an inhibitory effect on platelets; however, this is compromised in circumstances of Insulin Resistance (IR), leading to platelet hyperactivity. Platelet parameters such as mean platelet volume, platelet count, and platelet distribution width are simple and accessible potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis and prognosis of IR. Therefore, the aim of this review is to provide insight on the current status of knowledge regarding IR-induced platelet hyperactivation and the potential biomarker role of platelet parameters.

Methods

This narrative review included articles published in the English language. Searches were carried out at the electronic databases PubMed and Google Scholar. The search strategy was done by combining key words and related database-specific subject terms (Mesh terms) with the appropriate Boolean operators.

Conclusion

Increasing insulin sensitivity in insulin resistant patients would possibly cause substantial reduction in platelet activation, which in turn reduce complications related with platelet hyperactivation. The standard methods to measure IR are not frequently employed in clinical practice due to their expensiveness and complexity. Thus, early detection of IR using a simple and more widely available biomarkers such as mean platelet volume, platelet count and platelet distribution width would be beneficial. Particularly in developing countries where resource scarcity is a major constraint of the health sector, utilizing such easy and affordable biomarkers may have a crucial role.

Hematological abnormalities and associated factors among metabolic syndrome patients at the University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of interconnected metabolic diseases. Hematological abnormalities are common but neglected complications of MetS. Thus, this study aimed to determine the magnitude of hematological abnormalities and their associated factors among MetS patients at the University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

METHOD

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital from March to May 2022. A total of 384 MetS patients were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected using pre-tested structured questionnaires and checklists. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were taken, and blood sample was collected for complete blood count determination. Stool and blood film examinations were performed to detect intestinal and malaria parasites, respectively. Data were entered into EpiData 3.1 and analyzed by Stata 14.0 software. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to identify factors associated with hematological abnormalities. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The magnitude of anemia, leukopenia, leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, and thrombocytosis was found to be 13.3%, 0.5%, 2.9%, 1.6%, and 2.3%, respectively. Being male (AOR = 2.65, 95% CI: 1.14, 6.20), rural residency (AOR = 5.79, 95% CI: 1.72, 19.51), taking antihypertensive medications (AOR = 3.85, 95% CI: 1.16, 12.78), having elevated triglyceride level (AOR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.03, 4.75), and being overweight or obese (AOR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.16, 0.64) were significantly associated with anemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Anemia was the most prevalent hematological abnormality identified in the present study, followed by leukocytosis and thrombocytosis. Anemia was a mild public health problem among MetS patients in the study area. Routine anemia screening for all MetS patients, especially for those with significant associated factors, may help in the early detection and effective management of anemia, which subsequently improves the patients' quality of life.

Scanning Electron and Atomic Force Microscopic Analysis of Erythrocytes in a Cohort of Atopic Asthma Patients—A Pilot Study

Background: Non-communicable diseases are often associated with chronic inflammation, placing patients suffering from these conditions at a higher risk of thrombosis and other complications. The pathophysiology of asthma and/or atopic asthma is also linked to chronic inflammation, which consequently may alter blood parameters including erythrocyte structure and function. Methodology: The objective of this study was to evaluate differences in erythrocytes between patients with atopic asthma (n = 30) and healthy individuals (n = 30) by evaluating routine haematological parameters; structures and axial ratios of erythrocytes using light microscopy; erythrocyte membrane elasticity using atomic force microscopy; and erythrocyte ultrastructure using scanning electron microscopy. Results: The haematological findings of healthy participants and patients suffering from asthma were within normal clinical ranges together with significantly higher levels of circulating monocytes (p = 0.0066), erythrocytes (p = 0.0004), haemoglobin (p = 0.0057), and haematocrit (p = 0.0049) in asthma patients. The analysis of eosin-stained erythrocytes by light microscopy showed more echinocytes, acanthocytes, and ovalocytes compared to controls and a significant difference in axial ratios (p < 0.0001). Atomic force microscopy findings showed reduced erythrocyte membrane elasticity in asthmatic erythrocytes (p = 0.001). Ultrastructural differences in erythrocytes were visible in the asthma group compared to controls. Conclusion: Altered erythrocyte ultrastructural morphology and a significant change in the haematological profile are evident in atopic asthma and may influence common complications associated with asthma. The impact of these changes on the physiological mechanisms of coagulation and the pathophysiology of asthma needs to be further elucidated.

Effects of Cold Pressed Chia Seed Oil Intake on Hematological and Biochemical Biomarkers in Both Normal and Hypercholesterolemic Rabbits

Most of the studies on the beneficial effects of chia have been conducted with its seeds. There is less evidence about the effects of cold pressed chia seeds oil on hypercholesterolemia-induced alterations. Thus, this study investigated the effects of cold pressed chia seed oil supplementation on certain hematological and biochemical biomarkers in both normal and hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Thirty two male rabbits were assigned to four different groups and fed on: 1) a regular diet (CD), 2) CD supplemented with 10% chia oil, 3) CD supplemented with 1% cholesterol, 4) CD supplemented with 1% cholesterol and 10% chia oil. After six weeks of dietary interventions, mean arterial blood pressure and visceral fat were measured and blood samples were analyzed for lipid profiles and hematological parameters while erythrocyte membranes and retroperitoneal fat were analyzed for fatty acids composition and biochemical biomarkers. Dietary intervention with chia oil achieved control of the hypercholesterolemia-induced increase of mean arterial blood pressure, neutrophil to lymphocytes ratio, erythrocyte membrane fluidity, and improved erythrocyte morphological alterations. With regard to inflammatory biomarkers, chia oil supplementation reduced omega-6/omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ratios and arachidonic/linolenic fatty acids ratios both in erythrocytes and fat from normal and hypercholesterolemic rabbits. The increase of linolenic fatty acid into the retroperitoneal fat was about 9 times higher than its respective controls. These results provide support for the potential health benefits of chia oil intake on hypercholesterolemia-associated clinical, hematological and biochemical alterations.

Platelet and Red Blood Cell Volume Indices in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Alterations in the volume of platelets (mean platelet volume, MPV; platelet distribution width, PDW) and erythrocytes (red blood cell distribution width, RDW) have been reported in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and might serve as diagnostic biomarkers. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the MPV, PDW, and RDW in RA patients and healthy controls. Relevant articles were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar from inception to June 2022. Risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist and certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE. In 23 studies (2194 RA patients and 1565 healthy controls), the RDW, but not MPV or PDW, was significantly higher in RA patients (standardized mean difference, SMD = 0.96, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.15, p < 0.001; moderate certainty of evidence). The substantial heterogeneity observed (I2 = 75.1%, p < 0.001) was virtually removed in a subgroup of prospective studies. In sensitivity analysis, the magnitude of the effect size was not substantially modified by sequentially removing individual studies. There was no significant publication bias. No significant associations were observed between the effect size and pre-defined study or patient characteristics. The results of our study suggest that the RDW might be a useful biomarker for the diagnosis of RA, and complement the clinical information provided by other patient characteristics and laboratory parameters (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022349432).

Adeno-Associated Virus-Mediated Gain-of-Function mPCSK9 Expression in the Mouse Induces Hypercholesterolemia, Monocytosis, Neutrophilia, and a Hypercoagulative State

Hypercholesterolemia has previously been induced in the mouse by a single intravenous injection of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based vector harboring gain-of-function pro-protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9. Despite the recent emergence of the PCSK9-AAV model, the profile of hematological and coagulation parameters associated with it has yet to be characterized. We injected 1.0 × 10¹¹ viral particles of mPCSK9-AAV or control AAV into juvenile male C57BL/6N mice and fed them with either a Western-type high-fat diet (HFD) or standard diet over the course of 3 weeks. mPCSK9-AAV mice on HFD exhibited greater plasma PCSK9 concentration and lower low-density lipoprotein levels, concomitant with increased total cholesterol and non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL)-cholesterol concentrations, and lower HDL-cholesterol concentrations than control mice. Furthermore, mPCSK9-AAV-injected mice on HFD exhibited no signs of atherosclerosis at 3 weeks after the AAV injection. Hypercholesterolemia was associated with a thromboinflammatory phenotype, as neutrophil levels, monocyte levels, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios were higher and activated partial thromboplastin times (aPTTs) was lower in HFD-fed mPCSK9-AAV mice. Therefore, the mPCSK9-AAV is a suitable model of hypercholesterolemia to examine the role of thromboinflammatory processes in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Dendrobium catenatum Lindl. Water Extracts Attenuate Atherosclerosis

Objectives

Dendrobium catenatum Lindl. (DH) is a Chinese herbal medicine, which is often used to make tea to improve immunity in China. Rumor has it that DH has a protective effect against cardiovascular disease. However, it is not clear how DH can prevent cardiovascular disease, such as atherosclerosis (AS). Therefore, the purpose of this study is to study whether DH can prevent AS and the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

Zebrafish larvae were fed with high-cholesterol diet (HCD) to establish a zebrafish AS model. Then, we used DH water extracts (DHWE) to pretreat AS zebrafish. The plaque formation was detected by HE, EVG, and oil red O staining. Neutrophil and macrophage counts were calculated to evaluate the inflammation level. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in zebrafish were measured to reflect oxidative stress. The cholesterol accumulation and the levels of lipid, triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (TC) were measured to reflect lipid metabolism disorder. Then, parallel flow chamber was utilized to establish a low shear stress- (LSS-) induced endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction model. EA.hy926 cells were exposed to LSS (3 dyn/cm²) for 30 min and treated with DHWE. The levels of ROS, SOD, MDA, glutathione (GSH), and glutathiol (GSSG) in EA.hy926 cells were analysed to determine oxidative stress. The release of nitric oxide (NO), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and epoprostenol (PGI₂) in EA.hy926 cells was measured to reflect EC dysfunction. The mRNA expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in EA.hy926 cells was detected to reflect EC dysfunction inflammation.

Results

The results showed that DHWE significantly reduced cholesterol accumulation and macrophage infiltration in early AS. Finally, DHWE significantly alleviate the lipid metabolism disorder, oxidative stress, and inflammation to reduce the plaque formation of AS zebrafish larval model. Meanwhile, we also found that DHWE significantly improved LSS-induced EC dysfunction and oxidative stress in vitro.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that DHWE could be used as a prevention method to prevent AS.

Changes of Hematological and Hemorheological Parameters in Rabbits with Hypercholesterolemia

Hypercholesterolemia plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis, leading to endothelial dysfunction, ischemic events, and increased mortality. Numerous studies suggest the pivotal role of rheological factors in the pathology of atherosclerosis. To get a more detailed hematological and hemorheological profile in hypercholesterolemia, we carried out an experiment on rabbits. Animals were divided into two groups: the control group (Control) was kept on normal rabbit chow, the high-cholesterol diet group (HC) was fed with special increased cholesterol-containing food. Hematological parameters (Sysmex K-4500 automate), whole blood and plasma viscosity (Hevimet-40 capillary viscometer), red blood cell (RBC) aggregation (Myrenne MA-1 aggregometer), deformability and mechanical stability (LoRRca MaxSis Osmoscan ektacytometer) were tested. The white blood cell and platelet count, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin were significantly higher in the HC group, while the RBC count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit values were lower than the Control data. Viscosity values corrected to 40% hematocrit were higher in the HC group. The RBC aggregation significantly increased in the HC vs. the Control. The HC group showed significantly worse results both in RBCs' deformability and membrane stability. In conclusion, the atherogenic diet worsens the hematological and macro- and micro-rheological parameters, affecting blood flow properties and microcirculation.

Inflammatory Biomarkers for Cardiovascular Risk Stratification in Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a frequent autosomal genetic disease characterized by elevated concentrations of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) from birth with increased risk of premature atherosclerotic complications. Accumulating evidence has shown enhanced inflammation in patients with FH. In vessels, the deposition of modified cholesterol lipoproteins triggers local inflammation. Then, inflammation facilitates fatty streak formation by activating the endothelium to produce chemokines and adhesion molecules. This process eventually results in the uptake of vascular oxidized LDL (OxLDL) by scavenger receptors in monocyte-derived macrophages and formation of foam cells. Further leukocyte recruitment into the sub-endothelial space leads to plaque progression and activation of smooth muscle cells proliferation. Several inflammatory biomarkers have been reported in this setting which can be directly synthetized by activated inflammatory/vascular cells or can be indirectly produced by organs other than vessels, e.g., liver. Of note, inflammation is boosted in FH patients. Inflammatory biomarkers might improve the risk stratification for coronary heart disease and predict atherosclerotic events in FH patients. This review aims at summarizing the current knowledge about the role of inflammation in FH and the potential application of inflammatory biomarkers for cardiovascular risk estimation in these patients.

Hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia as biochemical markers of disease in companion rabbits

BACKGROUND

Inflammation has important effects on lipid metabolism, but the relationship between hyperlipidemia, inflammation, and disease remains unknown in rabbits. While rabbits are sensitive to dietary hypercholesterolemia, the etiology of hyperlipidemia when fed non-atherogenic diets is uncertain.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine the association between hypercholesterolemia and patient characteristics, diseases, and select CBC and biochemistry analytes in rabbits, and to measure plasma lipoprotein lipid fractions in rabbits with inflammatory and other diseases.

METHODS

Complete blood count and plasma biochemistry data, including total cholesterol concentrations, were evaluated in 531 companion rabbits. Lipoprotein cholesterol fractions (non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [non-HDLc] and high-density lipoprotein [HDLc]) and triglycerides were measured using a colorimetric enzymatic assay in archived plasma from a subset of 267 rabbits. Rabbits were categorized by age, sex, spay/neuter status, breed, diet status (fed atherogenic dietary components or not), the organ system affected by disease, and the pathologic process.

RESULTS

Cholesterol was associated with fibrinogen (P = 0.01), globulins (P < 0.01), and heterophil (P < 0.01) concentrations. Adjusting for diet, rabbits with severe infection or sepsis (odds ratio [OR] = 13.25, 95% CI = 5.83-30.12), renal failure (OR = 14.42, 95% CI = 5.69-36.54), and hepatopathy (OR = 8.55, 95% CI = 3.55-20.62) had increased risks of hypercholesterolemia. Increased non-HDLc and triglyceride concentrations were also associated with these three disease states (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Hyperlipidemia is associated with biochemical and CBC markers of inflammation, and with severe infection or sepsis, renal failure, and hepatopathy. Independent of diet, increased cholesterol, non-HDLc, and triglycerides are indicators of disease in companion rabbits.

Phenolic-Rich Baccaurea angulata Modulates Inflammatory Biomarkers of Atherosclerosis

Purpose

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading and the most critical type of chronic disease. Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of CVD. Inflammation has been progressively acknowledged as a vital and central player in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. Baccaurea angulata is an underutilized fruit of the island of Borneo. It was obtained from Bau, Sarawak, Malaysia. In our previous studies, B. angulata did not only increase antioxidant enzyme activities, but also slowed the lipid peroxidation process in high-cholesterol-fed rabbits. It was hypothesized that B. angulata fruit would exert an anti-inflammatory effect. This study, therefore, aimed at evaluating and comparing the effects of three different B. angulata whole fruit (WF) juice doses on 11 serum inflammatory biomarkers of atherosclerosis.

Methods

Thirty-five male New Zealand white rabbits were divided into seven groups (n=5). Group CH was fed 1% cholesterol diet only, group C1 was fed 1% cholesterol diet and 0.5 ml/kg/day B. angulata WF juice, group C2 was fed 1% cholesterol diet and 1.0 ml/kg/day B. angulata WF juice, group C3 was fed 1% cholesterol diet and 1.5 ml/kg/day B. angulata WF juice, group N was fed standard pellet only, group N1 was fed standard pellet and 0.5 ml/kg/day B. angulata WF juice, and group N2 was fed standard pellet and 1.0 ml/kg/day B. angulata WF juice for 12 weeks.

Results

The administration of the various juices reduced the concentrations of induced serum inflammatory biomarkers.

Conclusion

This protective effect of B. angulata fruit against cardiovascular risk might be due to its polyphenol content.

Oral administration of Zuccagnia punctata extract improves lipid profile, reduces oxidative stress and prevents vascular dysfunction in hypercholesterolemic rabbits

BACKGROUND

The consumption of flavonoids has been shown to prevent cardiovascular diseases including atherosclerosis. In this sense, in a recent in vitro study we demonstrated that a rich in flavonoids extract from Zuccagnia punctata has beneficial effects on vascular function in aorta from hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of a hydroalcoholic extract from Z.puncata (ZpE) to prevent alterations induced by high cholesterol diet in rabbits.

METHODS

The major components of the ZpE, flavonoids, were analyzed by using a validated reversed phase HPLC method. Rabbits were separated in five groups: fed standard chow (CD); CD orally administrated 2.5 mg, 5 mg or 10 mg GAE/day ZpE (ZpE- CD); fed 1% cholesterol-enriched chow (HD); HD orally administrated 2.5 mg GAE/day ZpE (ZpE-HD); HD orally administrated 2.5 mg rosuvastatin/day (Ro-HD). All diets were administrated by 6 weeks. Body weights (BW), mean blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), visceral abdominal fat (VAF), organ weight (heart, kidney, liver) and vascular morphology were determined. Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), fasting glucose (FG), aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), bilirubin, creatinine, thiobarbituric acids reactive substances (TBARS) and glutathione reduced/oxidized index were measured in serum. Abdominal aorta was excised and vascular function was assessed by acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusiate relaxation and contractile response to norepinephrine and angiotensin II.

RESULTS

The major compounds of ZpE identified were chalcones: 2',4'-dihydroxy-3'-methoxychalcone and 2',4'-dihydroxychalcone. Oral treatment with ZpE reduced MAP, TC, TG, TBARS, aortic intima/media ratio and increased glutathione reduced/oxidized index in HD rabbits. No differences were found in AST, ALT, bilirubin or creatinine. Acetylcholine relaxation was normalized and contractile response to norepinephrine and angiotensin II was reduced in ZpE-HD.

CONCLUSION

Oral administration of ZpE as natural product in the prevention of cardiovascular disease related with hypercholesterolemia and endothelial dysfunction is very promising.

Oxidative burden in familial hypercholesterolemia

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder characterized by high serum levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c). FH is characterized by accelerated development of atherosclerosis and represents the most frequent hereditary cause of premature coronary heart disease. Mutations of the LDL receptor gene are the genetic signature of FH, resulting in abnormal levels of circulating LDLs. Moreover, FH promotes the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which is another key mechanism involved in atherosclerosis development and progression. The aim of this narrative review is to update the current knowledge on the pathophysiological mechanisms linking FH to ROS generation and their detrimental impact on atherosclerotic pathophysiology. With this purpose, we reviewed experimental and clinical data on the association between FH and OS and the functional role of OS as a promoter of inflammation and atherosclerosis. In this regard, oxidant species such as oxidized LDL, malondialdehyde, ROS, and isoprostanes emerged as leading mediators of the oxidative injury in FH. In conclusion, targeting oxidative stress may be a promising therapeutic strategy to reduce atherogenesis in patients with FH.

Comparison of the effects of rosuvastatin monotherapy and atorvastatin-ezetimibe combined therapy on the structure of erythrocyte membranes in patients with coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Abnormalities in the physical properties of the red blood cells (RBCs) membranes may underlie the defects that are strongly linked to cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The aim of the study was to compare the effects of two therapies of equal hipolipemic efficacy on the erythrocyte membrane fluidity, concentration of membrane cholesterol, lipids peroxidation and RBCs distribution witdh in patients with CVD.

METHODS

The study included 44 patients with angiographic evidence of CVD, who despite previous 6-month hypolipemic therapy, did not achieve the concentration of LDL-C <70mg/dl. They were randomly assigned to: rosuvastatin 20mg/day (R20) and atorvastatin 10mg/day combined with ezetimibe 10mg/day (A10+E10). The membrane fluidity, the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances -TBARS, concentration of membrane cholesterol were evaluated after 6 months therapy.

RESULTS

An improvement in lipid parameters was observed in each of the groups studied. In R20 the treatment resulted in 33% reduction concentrations of TBARS in serum, as well as in a decrease in membrane cholesterol by 16%, fluorescence anisotropy of TMA-DPH by 17.7%, fluorescence anisotropy of DPH by 2.8%. In A10+E10 the reduction of TBARS by 20.5% in serum, membrane cholesterol by 15.8% as well as a 14.25% increase in RBC membrane fluidity in the superficial layer (TMA-DPH) and decrease fluidity in the deep layer (DPH) were observed.

CONCLUSION

Rosuvastatin increases the fluidity of erythrocyte membrane and decreases the TBARS in serum to greater extent than does equal hipolipemic combined therapy atorvastatin with ezetimibe.

PPARγ Agonist Ameliorates the Impaired Fluidity of the Myocardial Cell Membrane and Cardiac Injury in Hypercholesterolemic Rats

Hypercholesterolemia can increase the risk of cardiac injury, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. The present study aimed to determine whether changes in the fluidity of the cardiomyocyte membrane may contribute to the increased susceptibility to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury observed in hypercholesterolemic rats. Male Wistar rats were fed a normal (n = 24) or high-cholesterol diet (n = 32) for 10 weeks. At the 6th week, the rats in the high-cholesterol diet group were treated with vehicle (n = 16, HC + V) or pioglitazone (n = 16, HC + PIO), a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) agonist, and treatment lasted for the next 4 weeks. Rats in HC + V group displayed less membrane fluidity, a greater membrane cholesterol-to-phospholipid ratio (C/P), less Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity, and less cAMP content in their myocardial cells than rats fed a normal diet. A strong positive correlation was observed between membrane fluidity and cardiac injury, i.e., the myocardial infarct size when subjected to MI/R (30 min/24 h). Treatment with PIO restored much of the lost hypercholesterolemia-induced myocardial cell membrane fluidity, decreased membrane C/P ratio, increased Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity and cardiac cell cAMP content, improved cardiac function, and reduced the sizes of myocardial infarcts. Results demonstrated that hypercholesterolemia-induced decreased myocardial cell membrane fluidity may contribute to the increased susceptibility to cardiac injury, and PPARγ agonists may have therapeutic value in patients with hypercholesterolemia.

Baccaurea angulata fruit juice ameliorates altered hematological and biochemical biomarkers in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rabbits

Hypercholesterolemia is an important risk factor linked to the alteration of blood hematology and clinical chemistry associated with the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Previous studies have demonstrated the safety and potential health benefits of Baccaurea angulata (BA) fruit. We hypothesized that the oral administration of BA fruit juice could ameliorate the alteration in the hematological and biochemical biomarkers of diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rabbits. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different doses of BA juice on the hematological and biochemical biomarkers in normo- and hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Thirty-five healthy adult New Zealand White rabbits were assigned to seven different groups for 90days of diet intervention. Four atherogenic groups were fed a 1% cholesterol diet and 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5mL of BA juice per kg of rabbit daily. The other three normal groups were fed a commercial rabbit pellet diet and 0, 0.5, and 1.0mL of BA juice per kg of rabbit daily. Baseline and final blood samples after 90days of repeated administration BA juice were analyzed for hematological parameters while serum, aortic and hepatic lysates were analyzed for lipid profiles and other biochemical biomarkers. The alteration of the hemopoietic system, physiological changes in serum and tissues lipid profiles and other biochemicals resulting from the consumption of a high-cholesterol diet were significantly (P<.05) ameliorated by the administration of BA juice. Improvements of the biomarkers in rabbits were dose-dependent, markedly enhanced at the highest dose of juice (1.5mL/kg/day). The results suggest potential health benefits of the antioxidant-rich BA fruit juice against hypercholesterolemia-associated hematological and biochemical alterations in the rabbit.

Action mechanism and cardiovascular effect of anthocyanins: a systematic review of animal and human studies

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are an important cause of death worldwide. Anthocyanins are a subgroup of flavonoids found in berries, flowers, fruits and leaves. In epidemiological and clinical studies, these polyphenols have been associated with improved cardiovascular risk profiles as well as decreased comorbidities. Human intervention studies using berries, vegetables, parts of plants and cereals (either fresh or as juice) or purified anthocyanin-rich extracts have demonstrated significant improvements in low density lipoproteins oxidation, lipid peroxidation, total plasma antioxidant capacity, and dyslipidemia as well as reduced levels of CVD molecular biomarkers. This review discusses the use of anthocyanins in animal models and their applications in human medicine, as dietary supplements or as new potent drugs against cardiovascular disease.

Effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides on oxidative stress in hyperlipidemic mice following chronic composite psychological stress intervention

Chronic composite psychological stress intervention is the accumulation of factors which may induce psychological stress, including food deprivation, water deprivation and swimming in cold water. Approximately 40% of cases of atherosclerosis are associated with chronic composite psychological stress. The aim of the present study was to explore the effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) on blood lipid levels and oxidative stress in hyperlipidemic mice, following chronic composite psychological stress. A hyperlipidemic mouse model was generated, and the mice were subjected to chronic composite psychological stress and treated with LBP for 30 days. After 30 days the triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels were measured in the serum, and the mRNA expression levels of cholesterol 7α‑hydroxylase (CYP7A1) were determined in the liver, in order to observe any changes to lipid metabolism. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in the liver to evaluate the effects of LBP on oxidative stress. The blood serum levels of interleukin‑6 (IL‑6) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP‑70) were measured to evaluate the extent of the aortic inflammatory response, and to determine the protective effects of LBP. The levels of TG, TC, MDA and IL‑6 were significantly higher in the mice subjected to chronic composite psychological stress (HS), as compared with the mice treated with LBP alone (HL), or treated with LBP and subjected to stress (HLS). In addition, SOD and HSP‑70 levels, and the mRNA expression levels of CYP7A1 were significantly lower in the HS group, as compared with that in the HL and HLS groups. These results suggest that chronic composite psychological stress may promote the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis, by inducing the aortic inflammatory response and lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, treatment with LBP significantly inhibited oxidative stress and the aortic inflammatory response.

Diagnostic morphology: biophysical indicators for iron-driven inflammatory diseases

Most non-communicable diseases involve inflammatory changes in one or more vascular systems, and there is considerable evidence that unliganded iron plays major roles in this. Most studies concentrate on biochemical changes, but there are important biophysical correlates. Here we summarize recent microscopy-based observations to the effect that iron can have major effects on erythrocyte morphology, on erythrocyte deformability and on both fibrinogen polymerization and the consequent structure of the fibrin clots formed, each of which contributes significantly and negatively to such diseases. We highlight in particular type 2 diabetes mellitus, ischemic thrombotic stroke, systemic lupus erythematosus, hereditary hemochromatosis and Alzheimer's disease, while recognizing that many other diseases have co-morbidities (and similar causes). Inflammatory biomarkers such as ferritin and fibrinogen are themselves inflammatory, creating a positive feedback that exacerbates disease progression. The biophysical correlates we describe may provide novel, inexpensive and useful biomarkers of the therapeutic benefits of successful treatments.

Poikilocytosis in rabbits: prevalence, type, and association with disease

Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are a popular companion animal, food animal, and animal model of human disease. Abnormal red cell shapes (poikilocytes) have been observed in rabbits, but their significance is unknown. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and type of poikilocytosis in pet rabbits and its association with physiologic factors, clinical disease, and laboratory abnormalities. We retrospectively analyzed blood smears from 482 rabbits presented to the University of California-Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital from 1990 to 2010. Number and type of poikilocytes per 2000 red blood cells (RBCs) were counted and expressed as a percentage. Acanthocytes (>3% of RBCs) were found in 150/482 (31%) rabbits and echinocytes (>3% of RBCs) were found in 127/482 (27%) of rabbits, both healthy and diseased. Thirty-three of 482 (7%) rabbits had >30% acanthocytes and echinocytes combined. Mild to moderate (>0.5% of RBCs) fragmented red cells (schistocytes, microcytes, keratocytes, spherocytes) were found in 25/403 (6%) diseased and 0/79 (0%) healthy rabbits (P = 0.0240). Fragmentation and acanthocytosis were more severe in rabbits with inflammatory disease and malignant neoplasia compared with healthy rabbits (P<0.01). The % fragmented cells correlated with % polychromasia, RDW, and heterophil, monocyte, globulins, and fibrinogen concentrations (P<0.05). Echinocytosis was significantly associated with renal failure, azotemia, and acid-base/electrolyte abnormalities (P<0.05). Serum cholesterol concentration correlated significantly with % acanthocytes (P<0.0001), % echinocytes (P = 0.0069), and % fragmented cells (P = 0.0109), but correlations were weak (Spearman ρ <0.02). These findings provide important insights into underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms that appear to affect the prevalence and type of naturally-occurring poikilocytosis in rabbits. Our findings support the need to carefully document poikilocytes in research investigations and in clinical diagnosis and to determine their diagnostic and prognostic value.