HDL functionality

The inverse relationship between the non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and testosterone in adult males in the United States: a cross-sectional study based on the NHANES database

Background

Testosterone is a crucial hormone for male health, influencing metabolism, cardiovascular function, bone density, and cognitive abilities. Elevated non-HDL cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio (NHHR) has been implicated in lipid metabolism disorders, which may adversely affect testosterone levels. This study investigates the association between NHHR and testosterone levels in adult males, utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Methods

This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 2,859 adult males from the NHANES cycles 2011-2016. Total testosterone levels were measured using isotope dilution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC-MS/MS). NHHR was calculated and analyzed as both a continuous variable and in quartiles. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models, adjusted for demographic, biochemical, lifestyle factors, and medical comorbidities, were used to assess the relationship between NHHR and total testosterone levels and the risk of testosterone deficiency (TD).

Results

Higher NHHR was significantly associated with lower total testosterone levels and increased risk of TD. In fully adjusted models, each unit increase in NHHR was associated with a decrease in total testosterone levels (β = -16.31, 95% CI: -26.58 to -6.04, P = 0.003) and an increased risk of TD (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.07 to 1.44, P = 0.01). When NHHR was analyzed in quartiles, participants in the highest quartile (Q4) had significantly lower testosterone levels (β = -54.98, 95% CI: -86.21 to -23.74, P = 0.001) and a higher risk of TD (OR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.20 to 3.49, P = 0.01) compared to those in the lowest quartile (Q1). Subgroup analyses confirmed these findings across different age groups, BMI categories, smoking status, and presence of comorbidities. Smooth curve fitting demonstrated a linear relationship among them.

Conclusion

Our study is the first to identify a significant association between elevated NHHR and both reduced total testosterone levels and increased risk of TD in a large, representative sample of adult American males. These findings suggest that NHHR could serve as a valuable marker for early identification of individuals at risk for testosterone decline and TD, enabling timely and targeted clinical interventions.

Association between non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and telomere length: the NHANES 1999-2002

Background

The relationship between non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHHR) and telomere length (TL) remains unclear. This study aims to investigate their association in a nationally representative US population.

Methods

Data from 6,342 adults aged ≥20 were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2002. The NHHR was calculated and categorized into tertiles. TL was measured as the telomere-to-standard reference DNA ratio. Multivariate linear regression and smooth curve fitting were employed to assess the association between NHHR and TL.

Results

The study population (mean age 45.1 ± 0.4 years, 48.9% male) was stratified into NHHR tertiles. Compared with the lowest NHHR tertile, the highest NHHR tertile was associated with adverse inflammatory and cardiometabolic profiles, including elevated white blood cell counts (6.88 ± 0.07-7.54 ± 0.08 × 109/L) and increased prevalence of hypertension (18.81%-25.71%) and diabetes (3.38%-7.17%). An elevated NHHR was significantly associated with a shorter TL (T/S ratio: 1.09 ± 0.02-1.03 ± 0.02; P = 0.0005). This association remained significant in partially adjusted models but was attenuated in a fully adjusted model. Significant interactions were observed for age and hypertension status.

Conclusion

This study revealed a linear inverse association between NHHR and TL, suggesting the utility of the NHHR as a novel biomarker for biological aging. Further prospective studies are warranted to validate these findings.

Blood lipid metabolic biomarkers are emerging as significant prognostic indicators for survival in cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Dyslipidemia is a common comorbidity in patients with cancer, yet the impact of abnormal lipid levels on tumor prognosis remains contentious. This study was conducted to synthesize the current evidence regarding the prognostic utility of blood lipid levels, including high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1), and apolipoprotein B (ApoB), in predicting overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in cancer patients.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed across electronic databases to assess the associations between blood lipid levels and OS or DFS in cancer patients. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to analyze the data. The research protocol was previously submitted to the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO): CRD42023458597.

RESULTS

Our study represents the largest and most extensive evaluation of the prognostic significance of blood lipid levels in cancer to date. It includes a meta-analysis of 156 eligible studies involving 85,173 cancer patients. The findings revealed a significant association between elevated levels of HDL-C, TC, and ApoA1 and improved OS and DFS in cancer patients. In contrast, no significant relationships were identified between LDL-C, TG, and ApoB levels and the OS or DFS of cancer patients.

CONCLUSION

Blood lipids, particularly HDL-C, TC, and ApoA1, emerge as accessible and cost-effective biomarkers that may aid in assessing survival outcomes in cancer patients and potentially inform clinical decision-making.

Association between weight-adjusted-waist index and periodontitis risk: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

There may be an association between obesity and periodontitis, yet no studies have investigated the correlation between the new obesity indicator, the weight-adjusted-waist Index (WWI), and periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the association between the novel obesity index, weight-adjusted-waist index, and periodontitis.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

WWI was utilized to assess obesity, through measuring waist circumference (WC) and body weight. We analyzed cross-sectional NHANES data from 2009 to 2014 (1) using multivariate logistic regression to explore WWI's association with moderate/severe periodontitis; (2) conducting subgroup analyses and interaction tests; and (3) fitting smoothed curves to the age-stratified logistic regression model.

RESULTS

The study involved 11,256 individuals, with 48.55% having moderate/severe periodontitis. Upon adjusting for all relevant variables, a significant correlation between WWI and moderate/severe periodontitis was observed (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01-1.17). Compared to the lowest quartile of WWI, there was a significant increase in the likelihood of moderate/severe periodontitis in Quartile 2 (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.06-1.39) and Quartile 3 (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.07-1.42). Subgroup analyses for gender, age, education, smoking, and diabetes highlighted a positive association between WWI and moderate/severe periodontitis in all subgroups, except for the diabetic population and individuals aged 65 years and older.

CONCLUSION

The analysis revealed a positive correlation between WWI, a novel obesity index, and moderate/severe periodontitis prevalence through diverse modeling approaches.

Integrated aerobic exercise with LDE-docetaxel treatment: a novel approach to combat prostate cancer progression

The variability in response to conventional prostate cancer (PC) therapies, coupled with the emergent issue of drug resistance, underscores the critical need for innovative treatment strategies. Aerobic physical exercise reduced incidence of several cancers, but the mechanism underlying these effects associated the nanoemulsion not fully understood. The application of a lipid nanoemulsion (LDE) delivery system for docetaxel (DTX), showing marked enhancement in therapeutic efficacy when combined with aerobic physical exercise. This novel intervention potentiates the antitumor activity of LDE-delivered DTX by augmenting nanoparticle internalization and inducing cell cycle arrest. Our findings reveal that this synergistic treatment not only significantly reduces prostate weight and mitigates adenocarcinoma proliferation but also attenuates anti-apoptotic BCL-2 protein expression. Concurrently, it elevates pro-apoptotic proteins and diminishes inflammatory markers. Metabolic profiling of the combined therapy group disclosed additional benefits, such as reduced lipid and plasma glucose levels. Collectively, our data illuminate the profound impact of integrating LDE-mediated DTX delivery with structured physical exercise, which together spearhead a dual-front assault on PC. This multimodal approach heralds a new paradigm in PC management, accentuating the promise of combined pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions to elevate tumor suppressor protein activity and refine patient outcomes.

HDL levels modulate the impact of type 2 diabetes susceptibility alleles in older adults

BACKGROUND

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is influenced by genetic, environmental, and ageing factors. Ageing pathways exacerbate metabolic diseases. This study aimed to examine both clinical and genetic factors of T2D in older adults.

METHODS

A total of 2,909 genotyped patients were enrolled in this study. Genome Wide Association Study was conducted, comparing T2D patients to non-diabetic older adults aged ≥ 60, ≥ 65, or ≥ 70 years, respectively. Binomial logistic regressions were applied to examine the association between T2D and various risk factors. Stepwise logistic regression was conducted to explore the impact of low HDL (HDL < 40 mg/dl) on the relationship between the genetic variants and T2D. A further validation step using data from the UK Biobank with 53,779 subjects was performed.

RESULTS

The association of T2D with both low HDL and family history of T2D increased with the age of control groups. T2D susceptibility variants (rs7756992, rs4712523 and rs10946403) were associated with T2D, more significantly with increased age of the control group. These variants had stronger effects on T2D risk when combined with low HDL cholesterol levels, especially in older control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings highlight a critical role of age, genetic predisposition, and HDL levels in T2D risk. The findings suggest that individuals over 70 years who have high HDL levels without the T2D susceptibility alleles may be at the lowest risk of developing T2D. These insights can inform tailored preventive strategies for older adults, enhancing personalized T2D risk assessments and interventions.

Nomogram based on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol for the occurrence of preoperative deep vein thrombosis in patients with intertrochanteric femur fracture: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

This study aims to develop a nomogram and forecast the incidence of DVT in individuals suffering from an intertrochanteric femur fracture.

METHOD

This work created a nomogram using the R programming language and employed logistic regression to determine independent predicting features. An external validation dataset was used to validate the nomogram.

RESULT

The findings demonstrated the independence of LYM (0.02[0.01-0.09], p < 0.001), ALB (0.83[0.74, 0.94], p = 0.002), and HDL-C (0.18[0.04, 0.71], p = 0.014). Good prediction performance with modest errors was shown by the nomogram in both the training and validation groups.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the nomogram that was created using HDL-C, ALB, and LYM can assist medical professionals in determining the likelihood that DVT will occur.

HDL Function across the Lifespan: From Childhood, to Pregnancy, to Old Age

The function of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles has emerged as a promising therapeutic target and the measurement of HDL function is a promising diagnostic across several disease states. The vast majority of research on HDL functional biology has focused on adult participants with underlying chronic diseases, whereas limited research has investigated the role of HDL in childhood, pregnancy, and old age. Yet, it is apparent that functional HDL is essential at all life stages for maintaining health. In this review, we discuss current data regarding the role of HDL during childhood, pregnancy and in the elderly, how disturbances in HDL may lead to adverse health outcomes, and knowledge gaps in the role of HDL across these life stages.

Established and potential cardiovascular risk factors in metabolic syndrome: Effect of bariatric surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim of this review was to provide an overview of the role of novel biomarkers in metabolic syndrome, their association with cardiovascular risk and the impact of bariatric surgery on these biomarkers.

RECENT FINDINGS

Metabolic syndrome encompasses an intricate network of health problems, and its constituents extend beyond the components of its operational definition. Obesity-related dyslipidaemia not only leads to quantitative changes in lipoprotein concentration but also alteration in qualitative composition of various lipoprotein subfractions, including HDL particles, rendering them proatherogenic. This is compounded by the concurrent existence of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which pave the common pathway to inflammation and oxidative stress culminating in heightened atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. Bariatric surgery is an exceptional modality to reverse both conventional and less recognised aspects of metabolic syndrome. It reduces the burden of atherosclerosis by ameliorating the impact of obesity and its related complications (OSA, NAFLD) on quantitative and qualitative composition of lipoproteins, ultimately improving endothelial function and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

SUMMARY

Several novel biomarkers, which are not traditionally considered as components of metabolic syndrome play a crucial role in determining ASCVD risk in metabolic syndrome. Due to their independent association with ASCVD, it is imperative that these are addressed. Bariatric surgery is a widely recognized intervention to improve the conventional risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome; however, it also serves as an effective treatment to optimize novel biomarkers.

The Impact of Monocyte to High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio on All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality in Patients with Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

BACKGROUND

Inflammation plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of aortic stenosis. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of the monocyte-HDL cholesterol ratio (MHR), a new inflammatory marker, in severe aortic stenosis (AS) patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

METHODS

A total of 125 patients with severe AS who underwent TAVR were assessed. Clinical, echocardiographic and laboratory data relevant to the research were retrospectively obtained from the patients' records. The MHR was determined by dividing the absolute monocyte count by the HDL-C value. The primary endpoints were overall and cardiovascular mortality.

RESULTS

During a median follow-up time of 39 months, primary endpoints were developed in 51 (40.8%) patients (overall mortality) and 21 (16.8%) patients (cardiovascular mortality). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that by using a cut-off level of 16.16, the MHR predicted the all-cause mortality with a sensitivity of 50.9% and specificity of 89.1%. In predicting cardiovascular mortality, the MHR exhibited a sensitivity of 80.9% and specificity of 70.1% when a cut-off level of 13.56 was used. In the multivariate analysis, the MHR (p < 0.0001; 95% CI: 1.06-1.15) and atrial fibrillation (p = 0.018; 95% CI: 1.11-3.38) were found to be significant predictors of overall mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed a significant elevation in the MHR among patients who experienced all-cause and cardiovascular mortality and this ratio emerged as an independent predictor of all-cause death in patients with severe AS undergoing TAVR.

The Predictive Value of Monocyte/High-Density Lipoprotein Ratio (MHR) and Positive Symptom Scores for Aggression in Patients with Schizophrenia

Background and Objectives: Schizophrenia with aggression often has an inflammatory abnormality. The monocyte/high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR), neutrophil/high-density lipoprotein ratio (NHR), platelet/high-density lipoprotein ratio (PHR) and lymphocyte/high-density lipoprotein ratio (LHR) have lately been examined as novel markers for the inflammatory response. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between these new inflammatory biomarkers and aggression in schizophrenia patients. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 214 schizophrenia inpatients in our cross-sectional analysis. They were divided into the aggressive group (n = 94) and the non-aggressive group (n = 120) according to the Modified Overt Aggression Scale (MOAS). The severity of schizophrenia was assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). The numbers of platelets (PLT), neutrophils (NEU), lymphocytes (LYM), monocytes (MON) and the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) content from subjects were recorded. The NHR, PHR, MHR and LHR were calculated. We analyzed the differences between those indexes in these two groups, and further searched for the correlation between inflammatory markers and aggression. Results: Patients with aggression had higher positive symptom scores (p = 0.002). The values of PLT, MON, MHR and PHR in the aggressive group were considerably higher (p < 0.05). The NHR (r = 0.289, p < 0.01), LHR (r = 0.213, p < 0.05) and MHR (r = 0.238, p < 0.05) values of aggressive schizophrenia patients were positively correlated with the total weighted scores of the MOAS. A higher MHR (β = 1.529, OR = 4.616, p = 0.026) and positive symptom scores (β = 0.071, OR = 1.047, p = 0.007) were significant predictors of aggression in schizophrenia patients. Conclusions: The MHR and the positive symptom scores may be predictors of aggressive behavior in schizophrenia patients. The MHR, a cheap and simple test, may be useful as a clinical tool for risk stratification, and it may direct doctors’ prevention and treatment plans in the course of ordinary clinical care.

Selenium-Enriched and Ordinary Black Teas Regulate the Metabolism of Glucose and Lipid and Intestinal Flora of Hyperglycemic Mice

Black tea is one of the six major tea categories and has a variety of bioactivities. However, little is known about its comprehensive evaluation of hypoglycemic effects and potential mechanisms. In this study, we investigated the in vivo hypoglycemic activity and potential mechanism for aqueous extracts of ordinary black tea (BT) and selenium-enriched black tea (Se-BT) by using an established high-fat diet together with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced hyperglycemic mouse model. Additionally, we also explored their α-glucosidase inhibition activity. The results show that both BT and Se-BT had a favorable glycosidase inhibitory activity. Moreover, the intervention of BT and Se-BT could regulate the mRNA expression and the level of serum parameters related to glucose and lipid metabolisms. Accordingly, they could activate the phosphoinositide-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway and alleviate insulin resistance (IR) and hyperglycemia. Moreover, supplementation of BT and Se-BT increased the richness and diversity of intestinal flora and altered the abundance of beneficial and harmful bacteria. Both BT and Se-BT could regulate glucose metabolism, alleviate tissue damage, and restore intestinal flora dysbiosis, suggesting that they could be used as a natural functional food for preventing hyperglycemia.

Plasma lipid profiles and homocysteine levels in anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis

Introduction

We aimed to investigate whether lipid profiles and homocysteine levels in patients with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis are related to clinical presentation and prognosis, which may contribute to further research on the pathogenesis and treatment of this disease.

Methods

This study included a total of 43 patients with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis and 43 sex-age-matched healthy controls. Baseline demography, clinical data, patient outcomes, and ancillary examination results were recorded. Patients were followed up every 2-3 months during the first year. The modified Rankin Scale score was used to evaluate the therapeutic effect and clinical outcome.

Results

Among the 43 patients included in this study, 55.81% were male, the mean age of onset was 27 years old, and the median modified Rankin Scale score on admission was 3.0. Apolipoprotein A-1 was significantly lower in patients with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis compared with healthy controls (p = 0.004). Compared with healthy controls, homocysteine (p = 0.002), apolipoprotein B (p = 0.004), Lpa (p = 0.045), and apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-1 (p = 0.001) were significantly increased in patients with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis. According to the modified Rankin Scale scores, 6 months after discharge, 72.09% of patients had a good prognosis and 27.91% had a poor prognosis. In the good prognosis group, age (p = 0.031), lipoprotein a (p = 0.023), apolipoprotein A-1 (p = 0.027) at baseline, and the modified Rankin Scale score on admission (p = 0.019) were significantly higher than those in the poor prognosis group.

Conclusion

This study suggests the possibility that serum lipid profile and homocysteine play an important role in the pathogenesis of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis, providing support for lipid-lowering treatment of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis patients.

Red Cell Distribution Width-to-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio (RHR): A Promising Novel Predictor for Preoperative Deep Vein Thrombosis in Geriatric Patients with Hip Fracture

Background

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a devastating complication in geriatric patients before hip fracture surgery, and the predictive value of red cell distribution width (RDW) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) for DVTs after hip fracture remains to be established. This study aimed to assess the predictive value of RDW, HDL-C, and RDW-to-HDL-C ratio (RHR) in preoperative DVTs screening.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of geriatric patients (≥65 years old) admitted for hip fracture surgery between 2015 and 2020. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and related parameters were used to evaluate the predictive value of the biomarkers. Patients were divided into two groups according to the cutoff value of RHR, and propensity score matching (PSM) and subgroup analyses were performed to assess the true correlations between RHR and DVT.

Results

Among 2566 eligible patients included, we identified RDW with the area under ROC curve (AUC) of 0.532, cut-off value of 15.89, specificity of 88.2%, sensitivity of 18.2%, HDL-C with AUC of 0.574, cut-off value of 1.20, specificity of 55.6%, sensitivity of 59.3%, and RHR with AUC of 0.578, cut-off value of 13.45, specificity of 71.3%, sensitivity of 43.4%. RHR (>13.45) was independently associated with 1.54-fold risk (95% CI: 1.11–2.14, P=0.011) of DVTs among the post-PSM cohort. And compared with the counterparts, the relative risk of RHR associated with DVT was higher in the subgroups of aged 65–79 years (1.61 vs 1.45), non-hypoproteinemia (2.70 vs 1.29), non-diabetic (1.58 vs 1.41), non-hypertension (2.40 vs 1.06), ASA score I-II (2.38 vs 1.04), and femoral neck fracture (1.70 vs 1.50).

Conclusion

RDW, HDL-C and RHR were valuable biomarkers in predicting preoperative DVTs in geriatric patients with hip fracture, and RHR would be more efficient in the subgroups of younger age, better medical condition or femoral neck fracture.

Modulatory effect of berberine on plasma lipoprotein (or lipid) profile: a review

Berberine is a bioactive isoquinoline alkaloid compound extracted from various medicinal plants, such as Barberry. Berberine shows various pharmacological properties that are mainly attributed to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. A growing body of evidence has shown that berberine influences cholesterol metabolism, and consequently, may ameliorate dyslipidemias and atherosclerosis. Plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is known to have an independent negative association with incident cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, several outcomes trials and genetic studies have failed to meet expecting the beneficial effects of elevating plasma HDL-C concentrations. Hence, investigations are currently focused on enhancing the functionality of HDL particles, independent of their plasma concentrations. HDL particles show various qualities because of a heterogeneous composition. Consistent with complex metabolism and composition, various biological functions are found for HDL, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-thrombotic activities. Protective effects of berberine may impact the functionality of HDL; therefore, the present literature review was intended to determine whether berberine can amplify HDL function. It was concluded that berberine may regulate markers of HDL activity, such as apo-AI, cholesterol efflux, LCAT, PON1, and S1P activities and levels. Consequently, berberine may recuperate conditions with dysfunctional HDL and, therefore, have the potential to emerge as a therapeutic agent. However, further human trials of berberine are warranted to evaluate its impact on HDL function and cholesterol metabolism.

Bariatric Surgery-induced High-density Lipoprotein Functionality Enhancement Is Associated With Reduced Inflammation

BACKGROUND

Emerging evidence suggests an association between impaired high-density lipoprotein (HDL) functionality and cardiovascular disease (CVD). HDL is essential for reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) and reduces inflammation and oxidative stress principally via paraoxonase-1 (PON1). RCT depends on HDL's capacity to accept cholesterol (cholesterol efflux capacity [CEC]) and active transport through ATP-binding cassette (ABC) A1, G1, and scavenger receptor-B1 (SR-B1). We have studied the impact of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in morbidly obese subjects on RCT and HDL functionality.

METHODS

Biomarkers associated with increased CVD risk including tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), myeloperoxidase mass (MPO), PON1 activity, and CEC in vitro were measured in 44 patients before and 6 and 12 months after RYGB. Overweight but otherwise healthy (mean body mass index [BMI] 28 kg/m2) subjects acted as controls. Twelve participants also underwent gluteal subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies before and 6 months after RYGB for targeted gene expression (ABCA1, ABCG1, SR-B1, TNF-α) and histological analysis (adipocyte size, macrophage density, TNF-α immunostaining).

RESULTS

Significant (P < 0.05) improvements in BMI, HDL-cholesterol, hsCRP, TNF-α, MPO mass, PON1 activity, and CEC in vitro were observed after RYGB. ABCG1 (fold-change, 2.24; P = 0.005) and ABCA1 gene expression increased significantly (fold-change, 1.34; P = 0.05). Gluteal fat adipocyte size (P < 0.0001), macrophage density (P = 0.0067), and TNF-α immunostaining (P = 0.0425) were reduced after RYBG and ABCG1 expression correlated inversely with TNF-α immunostaining (r = -0.71; P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

RYGB enhances HDL functionality in association with a reduction in adipose tissue and systemic inflammation.

High-Density Lipoprotein Changes in Alzheimer's Disease Are APOE Genotype-Specific

High-density lipoproteins (HDL) play a critical role in cholesterol homeostasis. Apolipoprotein E (APOE), particularly the E4 allele, is a significant risk factor for Alzheimer's disease but is also a key HDL-associated protein involved in lipid transport in both the periphery and central nervous systems. The objective was to determine the influence of the APOE genotype on HDL function and size in the context of Alzheimer's disease. HDL from 194 participants (non-demented controls, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer's disease dementia) were isolated from the plasma. The HDL cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC), lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity, and particle diameter were measured. Neuropsychological test scores, clinical dementia rating, and magnetic resonance imaging scores were used to determine if cognition is associated with HDL function and size. HDL CEC and LCAT activity were reduced in APOE3E4 carriers compared to APOE3E3 carriers, regardless of diagnosis. In APOE3E3 carriers, CEC and LCAT activity were lower in patients. In APOE3E4 patients, the average particle size was lower. HDL LCAT activity and particle size were positively correlated with the neuropsychological scores and negatively correlated with the clinical dementia rating. We provide evidence for the first time of APOE genotype-specific alterations in HDL particles in Alzheimer's disease and an association between HDL function, size, and cognitive function.

Association of lipid profile biomarkers with breast cancer by molecular subtype: analysis of the MEND study

There is conflicting evidence on the role of lipid biomarkers in breast cancer (BC), and no study to our knowledge has examined this association among African women. We estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the association of lipid biomarkers-total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides-with odds of BC overall and by subtype (Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2-enriched and triple-negative or TNBC) for 296 newly diagnosed BC cases and 116 healthy controls in Nigeria. Each unit standard deviation (SD) increase in triglycerides was associated with 39% increased odds of BC in fully adjusted models (aOR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.86). Among post-menopausal women, higher total cholesterol (aOR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.06, 2.57), LDL cholesterol (aOR: 1.59; 95% CI: 1.04, 2.41), and triglycerides (aOR: 1.91; 95% CI: 1.21, 3.01) were associated with increased odds of BC. Additionally, each unit SD increase in LDL was associated with 64% increased odds of Luminal B BC (aOR 1.64; 95% CI: 1.06, 2.55). Clinically low HDL was associated with 2.7 times increased odds of TNBC (aOR 2.67; 95% CI: 1.10, 6.49). Among post-menopausal women, higher LDL cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly associated with increased odds of Luminal B BC and HER2 BC, respectively. In conclusion, low HDL and high LDL are associated with increased odds of TN and Luminal B BC, respectively, among African women. Future prospective studies can definitively characterize this association and inform clinical approaches targeting HDL as a BC prevention strategy.

Monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio (MHR) and the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality: a nationwide cohort study in the United States

Background

Elevated monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio (MHR) is relevant to higher all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with coronary artery disease and other comorbidities. However, the predictive values of MHR for mortality in the general population have been underutilized. This study investigated the association of MHR with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in the adult population of the United States.

Methods

This study included 34,335 participants (≥20 years) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2014 that were grouped according to MHR tertiles. Kaplan-Meier plots and long-rank tests were employed to investigate differences in survival among the groups. Moreover, the relationship of MHR with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality was further explored using multivariate Cox regression and restricted cubic spline analysis.

Results

During the average follow-up of 93.5 ± 56 months, 4310 (12.6%) participants died, with 754 (2.2%) deaths attributed to cardiovascular diseases. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed statistically obvious differences in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among the MHR tertiles (log-rank test: all P < 0.001). In multi-adjusted models, participants in the highest tertile of MHR had an increased risk of all-cause (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10–1.29) and cardiovascular mortality (HR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.17–1.77), compared to those in the lowest tertile. Furthermore, the restricted cubic spline curve indicated that MHR had a non-linear association with all-cause mortality (P < 0.001), and the inflection point of MHR was 0.006. Each 2-fold change in MHR exhibited a 32% decrease (HR = 0.68, 95%CI 0.58–0.82) and a 20% increase (HR = 1.20, 95%CI 1.13–1.27) in the risk of all-cause mortality on the left and right flanks of the inflection point, respectively. Additionally, the risk of cardiovascular mortality increased by 21% per 2-fold change in MHR (HR = 1.21, 95%CI 1.07–1.36) in a linear manner.

Conclusions

MHR was significantly related to all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in the general population independent of established risk factors.

Low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I levels are associated with poor outcome and relapse in autoimmune encephalitis

BACKGROUND

Growing evidence suggests an association between dyslipidemia and autoimmune diseases. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between lipid profiles and prognosis of autoimmune encephalitis (AE) patients.

METHODS

This retrospective study consisted of 114 AE patients from September 2014 to September 2020. Data of clinical parameters, including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), clinical features, comorbidities, therapeutic management, lipid profiles, modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores, outcomes, and relapses were collected. Logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between lipid profiles and outcomes of AE. Correlations between lipid profiles and C-reactive protein (CRP), which is an inflammatory marker, were assessed.

RESULTS

In the univariate logistic analysis, sex (P = 0.030), mental behavior disorder (P = 0.004), disturbance of consciousness (P = 0.002), mRS at study entry (P = 0.020), tumor comorbidity (P = 0.028), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P = 0.029), apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) (P = 0.012), apolipoprotein B (apoB) (P = 0.036) and apoA-I/apoB (P = 0.001) levels were all associated with the unfavorable outcomes of patients. After adjustment for age, sex and mRS at study entry, lower apoA-I and apoA-I /apoB levels were still significantly associated with the unfavorable outcomes of patients. Low HDL-C (P = 0.048) and apoA-I levels (P = 0.026) were also significantly associated with the relapse of AE patients. HDL-C and apoA-I levels were negatively correlated with CRP levels in correlation analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Lipid profiles, especially low HDL-C and apoA-I levels, are significantly associated with the poor outcomes and relapse of AE patients, and seem associated with inflammatory responses. HDL-C and apoA-I levels may be good candidates for predicting prognosis of AE patients.

Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplementation Increases High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol Efflux Capacity and Is Associated with Changes in the HDL Glycoproteome in Children

Prenatal plus postnatal small-quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS) improved child growth at 18 months in the International Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements DYAD trial in Ghana. In this secondary outcome analysis, we determined whether SQ-LNS versus prenatal iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation improves the cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles and alters their lipidomic, proteomic, or glycoproteomic composition in a subset of 80 children at 18 months of age. HDL CEC was higher among children in the SQ-LNS versus IFA group (20.9 ± 4.1 vs 19.4 ± 3.3%; one-tailed p = 0.038). There were no differences in HDL lipidomic or proteomic composition between groups. Twelve glycopeptides out of the 163 analyzed were significantly altered by SQ-LNS, but none of the group differences remained significant after correction for multiple testing. Exploratory analysis showed that 6 out of the 33 HDL-associated proteins monitored differed in glycopeptide enrichment between intervention groups, and 6 out of the 163 glycopeptides were correlated with CEC. We conclude that prenatal plus postnatal SQ-LNS may modify HDL protein glycoprofiles and improve the CEC of HDL particles in children, which may have implications for subsequent child health outcomes. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00970866.

A pilot study of the effects of crocin on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol uptake capacity in patients with metabolic syndrome: A randomized clinical trial

A randomized clinical trial high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol uptake capacity (CUC) is reduced in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS). We have assessed the effect of crocin supplementation on HDL CUC in patients with MetS. Forty-four subjects with MetS were randomly allocated to one of two groups: one group received placebo and the other group received crocin at a dose of 30 mg (two tablets of 15 mg per day) for 8 weeks. Serum biochemical parameters were measured using an AutoAnalyzer BT3000 (BioTechnica). The modified CUC method is a cell free, simple, and high-throughput assay that used to evaluate HDL CUC of serum samples. The decision tree analysis was undertaken using JMP Pro (SAS) version 13. The mean age of the crocin and placebo groups were 38.97 ± 13.33 and 43.46 ± 12.77 years, respectively. There was a significant increase in serum HDL CUC in the crocin group compared to that of the placebo group in patients with MetS (p-value< 0.05). The decision tree analysis showed that serum HDL functionality was more important variable than HDL-C level in predicting patients with hypertension at baseline (p-value < 0.05). Crocin administration (30 mg for a period of 8 weeks) was found to improve serum HDL CUC in patients with MetS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT2013080514279N1.

Prognostic significance of preoperative serum triglycerides and high-density lipoproteins cholesterol in patients with non-small cell lung cancer: a retrospective study

Background

Abnormalities in serum lipids and lipoproteins have been documented to link to the risk of cancers in recent years, but its prognostic value for cancer is not known. This study retrospectively evaluated the significance of preoperative serum lipids and lipoproteins for NSCLC’s prognosis.

Methods

A retrospective review was implemented of 551 patients succumbed to NSCLC. A ROC curve was utilized to determine the best cut-off value and area under the ROC curve. Kaplan-Meier and a Cox proportional hazards model were utilized to perform survival analysis.

Results

With a median follow-up of 42 months, the NSCLC patients in the high TG (> 1.21 mmol/L) and low HDL-C (≤ 1.26 mmol/L) two groups exhibited shorter OS and DFS. In multivariable analysis, preoperative HDL-C and TG can work as independent prognosis factors for OS (P<0.001 for both) and DFS (P<0.05 for both) in patients succumbed to NSCLC.

Conclusion

Abnormalities of serum lipids and lipoproteins metabolism linked to the survival outcomes of NSCLC. Preoperative serum HDL-C and TG may be promising biomarkers to predict the NSCLC patients’ prognosis.

Predictive value of a reduction in the level of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer undergoing radical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy: a retrospective observational study

Background

Cancer patients often exhibit chemotherapy-associated changes in serum lipid profiles, however, their prognostic value before and after adjuvant chemotherapy on survival among non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients is unknown.

Methods

NSCLC patients undergoing radical resection and subsequent adjuvant chemotherapy from 2013 to 2017 at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center were retrospectively reviewed. Fasted serum lipid levels were measured before and after chemotherapy. The optimal lipid cut-off values at baseline and fluctuation were determined using X-tile™. The fluctuations in serum lipid levels and disease-free survival (DFS) were assessed.

Results

Serum cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride, apolipoprotein (Apo) A-I, and ApoB all significantly increased after adjuvant chemotherapy. X-tile determined 1.52 mmol/L of HDL-C and 0.74 g/L of ApoB as the optimal cut-off values before chemotherapy. Patients with HDL-C ≥ 1.52 mmol/L (median DFS: not reached vs. 26.30 months, P = 0.0005) and a decreased HDL-C level after adjuvant chemotherapy (median DFS: 80.43 vs. 26.12 months, P = 0.0204) had a longer DFS. An HDL-C level that increased by ≥ 0.32 mmol/L after chemotherapy indicated a worse DFS. A high baseline ApoB level were associated with a superior DFS. In the univariate analysis and the multivariate Cox analyses, a high baseline HDL-C level and a HDL-C reduction after adjuvant chemotherapy were independent indicators for superior DFS. High baseline HDL-C was related to N0-1 stage (χ² = 6.413, P = 0.011), and HDL-C fluctuation was significantly correlated with specific chemotherapy regimens (χ² = 5.002, P = 0.025).

Conclusions

Adjuvant chemotherapy increased various lipid levels in resected NSCLC patients. A higher HDL-C level before chemotherapy and a reduced HDL-C level after adjuvant chemotherapy were independent predictors of longer DFS in patients with curable NSCLC.

Structural and Functional Impairments of Reconstituted High-Density Lipoprotein by Incorporation of Recombinant β-Amyloid42

Beta (β)-amyloid (Aβ) is a causative protein of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In the pathogenesis of AD, the apolipoprotein (apo) A-I and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism is essential for the clearance of Aβ. In this study, recombinant Aβ42 was expressed and purified via the pET-30a expression vector and E.coli production system to elucidate the physiological effects of Aβ on HDL metabolism. The recombinant human Aβ protein (51 aa) was purified to at least 95% purity and characterized in either the lipid-free and lipid-bound states with apoA-I. Aβ was incorporated into the reconstituted HDL (rHDL) (molar ratio 95:5:1, 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC):cholesterol:apoA-I) with various apoA-I:Aβ ratios from 1:0 to 1:0.5, 1:1 and 1:2. With an increasing molar ratio of Aβ, the α-helicity of apoA-I was decreased from 62% to 36% with a red shift of the Trp wavelength maximum fluorescence from 337 to 340 nm in apoA-I. The glycation reaction of apoA-I was accelerated further by the addition of Aβ. The treatment of fructose and Aβ caused more multimerization of apoA-I in the lipid-free state and in HDL. The phospholipid-binding ability of apoA-I was impaired severely by the addition of Aβ in a dose-dependent manner. The phagocytosis of LDL into macrophages was accelerated more by the presence of Aβ with the production of more oxidized species. Aβ severely impaired tissue regeneration, and a microinjection of Aβ enhanced embryotoxicity. In conclusion, the beneficial functions of apoA-I and HDL were severely impaired by the addition of Aβ via its detrimental effect on secondary structure. The impairment of HDL functionality occurred more synergistically by means of the co-addition of fructose and Aβ.

The role of abnormalities of lipoproteins and HDL functionality in small fibre dysfunction in people with severe obesity

Obesity and associated dyslipidemia may contribute to increased cardiovascular disease. Obesity has also been associated with neuropathy. We have investigated presence of peripheral nerve damage in patients with severe obesity without type 2 diabetes and the status of metabolic syndrome and lipoprotein abnormalities. 47participants with severe obesity and 30 age-matched healthy controls underwent detailed phenotyping of neuropathy and an assessment of lipoproteins and HDL-functionality. Participants with severe obesity had a higher neuropathy symptom profile, lower sural and peroneal nerve amplitudes, abnormal thermal thresholds, heart rate variability with deep breathing and corneal nerve parameters compared to healthy controls. Circulating apolipoprotein A1 (P = 0.009), HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) (P < 0.0001), cholesterol efflux (P = 0.002) and paroxonase-1 (PON-1) activity (P < 0.0001) were lower, and serum amyloid A (SAA) (P < 0.0001) was higher in participants with obesity compared to controls. Obese participants with small nerve fibre damage had higher serum triglycerides (P = 0.02), lower PON-1 activity (P = 0.002) and higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (58% vs. 23%, P = 0.02) compared to those without. However, HDL-C (P = 0.8), cholesterol efflux (P = 0.08), apoA1 (P = 0.8) and SAA (P = 0.8) did not differ significantly between obese participants with and without small nerve fibre damage. Small nerve fibre damage occurs in people with severe obesity. Patients with obesity have deranged lipoproteins and compromised HDL functionality compared to controls. Obese patients with evidence of small nerve fibre damage, compared to those without, had significantly higher serum triglycerides, lower PON-1 activity and a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome.

Revealing the Role of High-Density Lipoprotein in Colorectal Cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly prevalent malignancy with multifactorial etiology, which includes metabolic alterations as contributors to disease development. Studies have shown that lipid status disorders are involved in colorectal carcinogenesis. In line with this, previous studies have also suggested that the serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level decreases in patients with CRC, but more recently, the focus of investigations has shifted toward the exploration of qualitative properties of HDL in this malignancy. Herein, a comprehensive overview of available evidences regarding the putative role of HDL in CRC will be presented. We will analyze existing findings regarding alterations of HDL-C levels but also HDL particle structure and distribution in CRC. In addition, changes in HDL functionality in this malignancy will be discussed. Moreover, we will focus on the genetic regulation of HDL metabolism, as well as the involvement of HDL in disturbances of cholesterol trafficking in CRC. Finally, possible therapeutic implications related to HDL will be presented. Given the available evidence, future studies are needed to resolve all raised issues concerning the suggested protective role of HDL in CRC, its presumed function as a biomarker, and eventual therapeutic approaches based on HDL.

Novel LCAT (Lecithin:Cholesterol Acyltransferase) Activator DS-8190a Prevents the Progression of Plaque Accumulation in Atherosclerosis Models

OBJECTIVE

Enhancement of LCAT (lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase) activity has possibility to be beneficial for atherosclerosis. To evaluate this concept, we characterized our novel, orally administered, small-molecule LCAT activator DS-8190a, which was created from high-throughput screening and subsequent derivatization. We also focused on its mechanism of LCAT activation and the therapeutic activity with improvement of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) functionality. Approach and Results: DS-8190a activated human and cynomolgus monkey but not mouse LCAT enzymes in vitro. DS-8190a was orally administered to cynomolgus monkeys and dose dependently increased LCAT activity (2.0-fold in 3 mg/kg group on day 7), resulting in HDL cholesterol elevation without drastic changes of non-HDL cholesterol. Atheroprotective effects were then evaluated using Ldl-r KO×hLcat Tg mice fed a Western diet for 8 weeks. DS-8190a treatment achieved significant reduction of atherosclerotic lesion area (48.3% reduction in 10 mg/kg treatment group). Furthermore, we conducted reverse cholesterol transport study using Ldl-r KO×hLcat Tg mice intraperitoneally injected with J774A.1 cells loaded with [3H]-cholesterol and confirmed significant increases of [3H] count in plasma (1.4-fold) and feces (1.4-fold on day 2 and 1.5-fold on day3) in the DS-8190a-treated group. With regard to the molecular mechanism involved, direct binding of DS-8190a to human LCAT protein was confirmed by 2 different approaches: affinity purification by DS-8190a-immobilized beads and thermal shift assay. In addition, the candidate binding site of DS-8190a in human LCAT protein was identified by photoaffinity labeling.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the potential of DS-8190a as a novel therapeutic for atherosclerosis. In addition, this compound proves that a small-molecule direct LCAT activator can achieve HDL-C elevation in monkey and reduction of atherosclerotic lesion area with enhanced HDL function in rodent.

Metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes of bariatric surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Bariatric surgery is an effective therapy for morbid obesity that also improves weight-related metabolic parameters and reduces morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this review is to consolidate our current understanding of metabolic, macrovascular and microvascular benefits of bariatric surgery and to provide an update.

RECENT FINDINGS

Early resolution of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) varies by type of bariatric surgery and appears to be mediated by changes in secretion of gut hormones, metabolism of bile acids, expression of glucose transporters and the gut microbiome. Dyslipidaemia, atherosclerosis, microvascular complications of obesity and diabetes, systemic and tissue-level inflammation show evidence of regression and hypertension improves significantly after bariatric surgery.

SUMMARY

Bariatric surgery leads to improvements in obesity-related metabolic comorbidities such as dyslipidaemia, HDL functionality, hypertension, T2DM, insulin resistance and inflammation. It slows the atherosclerotic process and reduces cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Recent data have demonstrated regression of the microvascular complications of obesity and diabetes including the regeneration of small nerve fibres. The magnitude of change in short-term metabolic effects depends on the surgical procedure whilst longer term effects are related to the amount of sustained excess weight loss.

The association of periodontal diseases with metabolic syndrome and obesity

Periodontitis is a multifactorial chronic inflammatory disease associated with dysbiotic plaque biofilms and characterized by progressive destruction of the tooth-supporting apparatus. Globally, it is estimated that 740 million people are affected by its severe form. Periodontitis has been suggested to be linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome. Obesity, defined as excessive fat accumulation, is a complex multifactorial chronic inflammatory disease, with a high and increasing prevalence. Metabolic syndrome is defined as a cluster of obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and dysglycemia. Obesity, metabolic syndrome and periodontitis are among the most common non-communicable diseases and a large body of evidence from epidemiologic studies supports the association between these conditions. Extensive research has established plausible mechanisms to explain how these conditions can negatively impact each other, pointing to a bidirectional adverse relationship. At present there is only limited evidence available from a few intervention studies. Nevertheless, the global burden of periodontitis combined with the obesity epidemic has important clinical and public health implications for the dental team. In accordance with the common risk factor approach for tackling non-communicable diseases, it has been proposed that oral healthcare professionals have an important role in the promotion of periodontal health and general well-being through facilitation of healthy lifestyle behaviours.

Changes in High-Density Lipoproteins Related to Outcomes in Patients with Acute Stroke

Modifications in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particle sizes and HDL-binding proteins have been reported in stroke patients. We evaluated whether the lipoprotein profile, HDL composition and functionality were altered in stroke patients according to their clinical outcome using the modified Rankin Score at 3 months. Plasma samples were obtained from stroke patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis. Levels of cardiovascular and inflammatory markers in plasma were measured using the Human CVD Panel 1 (Milliplex^® MAP). Lipoprotein subfractions from plasma were quantified by non-denaturing acrylamide gel electrophoresis, using the Lipoprint^®-System (Quantimetrix^®), and HDLs were isolated by ultracentrifugation. Relative amounts of paraoxonase-1 (PON1) and alpha-1 anti-trypsin (AAT) in the isolated HDLs were determined by Western blot. HDL anti-inflammatory function was evaluated in human blood-brain barrier endothelial cells stimulated with 100 ng/mL TNFα, and HDL antioxidant function was evaluated via their capacity to limit copper-induced low-density lipoprotein oxidation. Stroke patients with unfavorable outcomes had a lower proportion of small-sized HDLs and increased plasma levels of E-selectin (SELE) and the intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1). HDLs from patients with unfavorable outcomes had lower levels of PON1 and displayed a blunted capacity to reduce the expression of SELE, interleukin 8 (IL8) and the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1) mRNA induced by TNFα in endothelial cells. These HDLs also had a reduced antioxidant capacity relative to HDLs from healthy donors. In conclusion, an increased ratio of large/small HDLs with impaired anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacities was associated with unfavorable outcomes in stroke patients. Alteration of HDL functionality was mainly associated with a low amount of PON1 and high amount of AAT.

Identification of Reversible Small Molecule Inhibitors of Endothelial Lipase (EL) That Demonstrate HDL-C Increase In Vivo

Endothelial lipase (EL) hydrolyzes phospholipids in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) resulting in reduction in plasma HDL levels. Studies with murine transgenic, KO, or loss-of-function variants strongly suggest that inhibition of EL will lead to sustained plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increase and, potentially, a reduced cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Herein, we describe the discovery of a series of oxadiazole ketones, which upon optimization, led to the identification of compound 12. Compound 12 was evaluated in a mouse pharmacodynamics (PD) model and demonstrated a 56% increase in plasma HDL-C. In a mouse reverse cholesterol transport study, compound 12 stimulated cholesterol efflux by 53% demonstrating HDL-C functionality.

Site-Specific Glycoprofiles of HDL-Associated ApoE are Correlated with HDL Functional Capacity and Unaffected by Short-Term Diet

Since high-density lipoprotein (HDL) glycoprofiles are associated with HDL functional capacity, we set out to determine whether diet can alter the glycoprofiles of key HDL-associated proteins, including ApoE, a potent driver of chronic disease risk. Ten healthy subjects consumed a fast food (FF) and a Mediterranean (Med) diet for 4 days in randomized order, with a 4-day wash-out between treatments. A multiple reaction monitoring method was used to characterize the site-specific glycoprofiles of HDL proteins, and HDL functional capacity was analyzed. We describe for the first time that ApoE has 7 mucin-type O-glycosylation sites, which were not affected by short-term diet. The glycoprofiles of other HDL-associated proteins were also unaffected, except that a disialylated ApoC-III glycan was enriched after Med diet, and a nonsialylated ApoC-III glycan was enriched after FF diet. Twenty-five individual glycopeptides were significantly correlated with cholesterol efflux capacity and 21 glycopeptides were correlated with immunomodulatory capacity. Results from this study indicate that the glycoprofiles of HDL-associated proteins including ApoE are correlated with HDL functional capacity but generally unaffected by diet in the short term, except ApoC-III sialylation. These results suggest that HDL protein glycoprofiles are affected by both acute and long-term factors and may be useful for biomarker discovery.

IL-1 Inhibition and Function of the HDL-Containing Fraction of Plasma in Patients with Stages 3 to 5 CKD

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Systemic inflammation modulates cardiovascular disease risk and functionality of HDL in the setting of CKD. Whether interventions that modify systemic inflammation can improve HDL function in CKD is unknown.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

We conducted a post hoc analysis of two randomized, clinical trials, IL-1 trap in participants with GFR 15-59 ml/min per 1.73 m² (study A) and IL-1 receptor antagonist in participants on maintenance hemodialysis (study B), to evaluate if IL-1 blockade had improved the anti-inflammatory activity (IL-6, TNF-α, and Nod-like receptor protein 3), antioxidant function (superoxide production), and net cholesterol efflux capacity of HDL. HDL function was measured using LPS-stimulated THP-1 macrophages or peritoneal macrophages of apoE-deficient mice exposed to the apoB-depleted, HDL-containing fraction obtained from the plasma of the study participants, collected before and after the interventions to block IL-1 effects. Analysis of covariance was used for between group comparisons.

RESULTS

The mean age of the participants was 60±13 years, 72% (n=33) were men, and 39% (n=18) were black. There were 32 CKD (16 IL-1 trap and 16 placebo) and 14 maintenance hemodialysis (7 IL-1 receptor antagonist and 7 placebo) participants. Compared with placebo, IL-1 inhibition, in study A and B reduced cellular expression of TNF-α by 15% (P=0.05) and 64% (P=0.02), IL-6 by 38% (P=0.004) and 56% (P=0.08), and Nod-like receptor protein 3 by 16% (P=0.01) and 25% (P=0.02), respectively. The intervention blunted superoxide production in the treated arm compared with placebo, with the values being higher by 17% in the placebo arm in study A (P<0.001) and 12% in the placebo arm in study B (P=0.004). Net cholesterol efflux capacity was not affected by either intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

IL-1 blockade improves the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties of the HDL-containing fraction of plasma in patients with stages 3-5 CKD, including those on maintenance hemodialysis.

Sulfonylated Benzothiazoles as Inhibitors of Endothelial Lipase

Endothelial lipase (EL) selectively metabolizes high density lipoprotein (HDL) particles. Inhibition of EL has been shown to increase HDL concentration in preclinical animal models and was targeted as a potential treatment of atherosclerosis. We describe the introduction of an α-sulfone moiety to a benzothiazole series of EL inhibitors resulting in increased potency versus EL. Optimization for selectivity versus hepatic lipase and pharmacokinetic properties resulted in the discovery of 24, which showed good in vitro potency and bioavailability but, unexpectedly, did not increase HDL in the mouse pharmacodynamic model at the target plasma exposure.

Unravelling HDL-Looking beyond the Cholesterol Surface to the Quality Within

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles have experienced a turbulent decade of falling from grace with widespread demotion from the most-sought-after therapeutic target to reverse cardiovascular disease (CVD), to mere biomarker status. HDL is slowly emerging from these dark times due to the HDL flux hypothesis wherein measures of HDL cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) are better predictors of reduced CVD risk than static HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. HDL particles are emulsions of metabolites, lipids, protein, and microRNA (miR) built on the backbone of Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) that are growing in their complexity due to the higher sensitivity of the respective “omic” technologies. Our understanding of particle composition has increased dramatically within this era and has exposed how our understanding of these particles to date has been oversimplified. Elucidation of the HDL proteome coupled with the identification of specific miRs on HDL have highlighted the “hormonal” characteristics of HDL in that it carries and delivers messages systemically. HDL can dock to most peripheral cells via its receptors, including SR-B1, ABCA1, and ABCG1, which may be a critical step for facilitating HDL-to-cell communication. The composition of HDL particles is, in turn, altered in numerous disease states including diabetes, auto-immune disease, and CVD. The consequence of changes in composition, however, on subsequent biological activities of HDL is currently poorly understood and this is an important avenue for the field to explore in the future. Improving HDL particle quality as opposed to HDL quantity may, in turn, prove a more beneficial investment to reduce CVD risk.

The Role of High-Density Lipoproteins in Diabetes and Its Vascular Complications

Almost 600 million people are predicted to have diabetes mellitus (DM) by 2035. Diabetic patients suffer from increased rates of microvascular and macrovascular complications, associated with dyslipidaemia, impaired angiogenic responses to ischaemia, accelerated atherosclerosis, and inflammation. Despite recent treatment advances, many diabetic patients remain refractory to current approaches, highlighting the need for alternative agents. There is emerging evidence that high-density lipoproteins (HDL) are able to rescue diabetes-related vascular complications through diverse mechanisms. Such protective functions of HDL, however, can be rendered dysfunctional within the pathological milieu of DM, triggering the development of vascular complications. HDL-modifying therapies remain controversial as many have had limited benefits on cardiovascular risk, although more recent trials are showing promise. This review will discuss the latest data from epidemiological, clinical, and pre-clinical studies demonstrating various roles for HDL in diabetes and its vascular complications that have the potential to facilitate its successful translation.

Hypercholesterolaemia - practical information for non-specialists

Hypercholesterolaemia is amongst the most common conditions encountered in the medical profession. It remains one of the key modifiable cardiovascular risk factors and there have been recent advances in the risk stratification methods and treatment options available. In this review, we provide a background into hypercholesterolaemia for non-specialists and consider the merits of the different risk assessment tools available. We also provide detailed considerations as to: i) when to start treatment, ii) what targets to aim for and iii) the role of low density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Blood lipids and lipoproteins in relation to incidence and mortality risks for CVD and cancer in the prospective EPIC-Heidelberg cohort

BACKGROUND

Circulating concentrations of lipid biomarkers are associated with risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The evidence for a relationship with cancer risk, however, is not entirely consistent. This study aims to assess the relationships of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein (a) (apo(a)), apoB-100, and lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) with risk of common cancer forms and total cancer mortality in comparison to incidence and mortality of CVD.

METHODS

We selected a case-cohort sample out of the prospective EPIC-Heidelberg study, including a random subcohort (n = 2739), and cases of cancer (n = 1632), cancer mortality (n = 761), CVD (n = 1070), and CVD mortality (n = 381). Concentrations of lipid biomarkers were measured in pre-diagnostic blood samples. Hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using Prentice-weighted Cox regression models.

RESULTS

High levels of circulating apoB-100 and TG were inversely associated and high HDL-C levels were positively associated with breast cancer risk (highest vs. lowest quartile (Q4 vs. Q1), HR_apoB 0.71, 95% CI 0.52-0.98; HR_TG 0.65, 0.46-0.92; and HR_HDL 1.39, 1.01-1.93). Higher levels of Lp(a) were associated with an increase in prostate cancer risk (Q4 vs. Q1, HR_Lp(a) 1.43, 1.02-2.03) and high levels of apo(a) were associated with a decrease in lung cancer risk (Q4 vs. Q1, HR_apo(a) 0.52, 0.30-0.91). High TC, HDL-C, apo(a), and Lp(a) levels were associated with a reduction in total cancer mortality (Q4 vs. Q1, HR_TC 0.71, 0.54-0.94; HR_HDL 0.67, 0.50-0.91; HR_apo(a) 0.71, 0.54-0.93; and HR_Lp(a) 0.74, 0.57-0.98). All lipid biomarkers were associated with risk of myocardial infarction, whereby TC, apoB-100, TG, and Lp(a) were positively and HLD-C and apo(a) inversely associated with risk. Only high levels of TG were associated with an increased risk of stroke. None of the lipids were associated with risk of colorectal cancer and with risk of CVD mortality after multivariable adjustments.

CONCLUSIONS

This prospective study demonstrates inverse associations of lipid biomarkers with cancer incidence and mortality, with the exception of positive associations of HDL-C and Lp(a) with breast and prostate cancer risk, respectively. Thus, the observed cancer risk pattern clearly differs from the CVD risk pattern.

A comparison of the effects of low- and high-dose atorvastatin on lipoprotein metabolism and inflammatory cytokines in type 2 diabetes: Results from the Protection Against Nephropathy in Diabetes with Atorvastatin (PANDA) randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Statin therapy is recommended in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) although views on treatment intensity and therapeutic targets remain divided.

OBJECTIVES

Our objectives were to compare the effects of high-intensity and moderate-intensity atorvastatin treatment on lipoprotein metabolism and inflammatory markers and how frequently treatment goals are met in high-risk T2DM patients.

METHODS

Patients with T2DM and albuminuria (urinary albumin:creatinine ratio >5 mg/mmol, total cholesterol <7 mmol/L, proteinuria <2 g/d, creatinine <200 μmol/L) were randomized to receive atorvastatin 10 mg (n = 59) or 80 mg (n = 60) daily. Baseline and 1-year follow-up data are reported.

RESULTS

Patients were at high cardiovascular disease risk (observed combined mortality and nonfatal cardiovascular disease annual event rate 4.8%). The non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) goal of <2.6 mmol/L was achieved in 72% of participants receiving high-dose atorvastatin, but only in 40% on low-dose atorvastatin (P < .005). The proportion achieving apolipoprotein B (apoB) <0.8 g/L on high-dose and low-dose atorvastatin was 82% and 70%, respectively (NS). Total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, non-HDL-C, oxidized LDL, apoB, glyc-apoB, apolipoprotein E, and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 decreased significantly, more so in participants on high-dose atorvastatin. Adiponectin increased and serum amyloid A decreased without dose dependency. Neither dose produced significant changes in HDL-C, cholesterol efflux, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, glycated hemoglobin, serum paraoxonase-1, lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase, or cholesteryl ester transfer protein.

CONCLUSIONS

High-dose atorvastatin is more effective in achieving non-HDL-C therapeutic goals and in modifying LDL-related parameters. Recommended apoB treatment targets may require revision. Despite the increase in adiponectin and the decrease in serum amyloid A, HDL showed no change in functionality.

Evidence-based goals in LDL-C reduction

The evidence from trials of statin therapy suggests that benefits in cardiovascular disease (CVD) event reduction are proportional to the magnitude of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering. The lack of a threshold at which LDL-C lowering is not beneficial, in terms of CVD prevention observed in these trials, is supported by epidemiological and genetic studies reporting the cardio-protective effects of lifelong low exposure to atherogenic cholesterol in a graded fashion. Providing that intensive LDL-C lowering is safe, these observations suggest that many individuals even at current LDL-C treatment targets could benefit. Here, we review recent safety and efficacy data from trials of adjunctive therapy, with LDL-C lowering beyond that achieved by statin therapy, and their potential implications for current guideline targets. Finally, the application of current guidance in the context of pre-treatment LDL-C concentration and deployment of statin therapy is also discussed. The number of patients requiring treatment to prevent a CVD event with statin treatment has been shown to differ markedly according to the pre-treatment LDL-C concentration even when absolute CVD risk is similar. It produces more likelihood of benefit when absolute LDL-C reduction is greater which is largely dependent on pre-treatment LDL-C concentration. This also has to be taken in consideration when deploying new agents like proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 monoclonal antibodies. Patients with highest LDL-C concentration despite maximum statin and ezetimibe therapy will attain most absolute LDL-C reduction when treated with proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 monoclonal antibodies, hence benefit most in term of CVD risk reduction.

High-density lipoprotein from subjects with coronary artery disease promotes macrophage foam cell formation: role of scavenger receptor CD36 and ERK/MAPK signaling

Although high-density lipoprotein is atheroprotective, it can become dysfunctional in chronic inflammatory conditions and increase cardiovascular risk. We previously demonstrated that HDL from subjects with documented coronary artery disease is dysfunctional and is pro-oxidant/proinflammatory in macrophages. Here we examined the influence of dysfunctional/proinflammatory HDL (piHDL) on lipid accumulation in human macrophages, in comparison to functional HDL (nHDL). Exposure of macrophages to piHDL, in contrast to nHDL, resulted in oxidative stress and marked uptake of lipids from piHDL, leading to the formation of foam cell phenotype as noted by oil red O staining with concomitant increase in total cellular cholesterol content. Using western blotting, we identified that piHDL profoundly upregulated the expression of scavenger receptor CD36 and suppressed the expression of ABCG1 and SRB1 in macrophages, thereby facilitating cholesterol influx capacity of macrophages. We then identified that CD36 did not act alone, indeed it was activated in macrophages along with ERK/MAPK, in response to piHDL, which in turn led to lipid accumulation as well as proinflammatory response via activation of NFkB and subsequent release of proinflammatory markers-TNF-ά and MMP-9. These effects were confirmed using pharmacological inhibitors for either CD36 or ERK/MAPK. Furthermore, piHDL treatment moderately activated PPAR-γ and Nrf2, the known regulators of CD36 in macrophages, suggesting that the two forms of HDL differentially regulate CD36 expression. Taken together, the results demonstrate that a novel CD36-ERK/MAPK-dependent mechanism is involved in macrophage lipid accumulation by piHDL, there by revealing the importance of functional deficiency in HDL and its potential link to atherogenesis.