Clinical and metabolic characteristics of treated hyperlipidemic patients additionally affected by subclinical hyperglycemia

Free Fatty Acids Profiles Are Related to Gut Microbiota Signatures and Short-Chain Fatty Acids

A growing body of evidence highlights the relevance of free fatty acids (FFA) for human health, and their role in the cross talk between the metabolic status and immune system. Altered serum FFA profiles are related to several metabolic conditions, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Recent studies have highlighted the link between gut microbiota and host metabolism. However, although most of the studies have focused on different clinical conditions, evidence on the role of these mediators in healthy populations is lacking. Therefore, we have addressed the analysis of the relationship among gut microbial populations, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, FFA levels, and immune mediators (IFNγ, IL-6, and MCP-1) in 101 human adults from the general Spanish population. Levels of selected microbial groups, representing the major phylogenetic types present in the human intestinal microbiota, were determined by quantitative PCR. Our results showed that the intestinal abundance of Akkermansia was the main predictor of total FFA serum levels, displaying a negative association with total FFA and the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6. Similarly, an altered FFA profile, identified by cluster analysis, was related to imbalanced levels of Akkermansia and Lactobacillus as well as increased fecal SCFA, enhanced IL-6 serum levels, and higher prevalence of subclinical metabolic alterations. Although no differences in nutritional intakes were observed, divergent patterns in the associations between nutrient intakes with intestinal microbial populations and SCFA were denoted. Overall, these findings provide new insights on the gut microbiota–host lipid metabolism axis and its potential relevance for human health, where FFA and SCFA seem to play an important role.

The Fatty Liver Index (FLI) Relates to Diabetes-Specific Parameters and an Adverse Lipid Profile in a Cohort of Nondiabetic, Dyslipidemic Patients

BACKGROUND

Patients with hyperlipidemia are at high risk for developing a fatty liver. The fatty liver index (FLI) is a noninvasive and well-established method for the estimation of a fatty liver. However, little is known about the metabolic characterization of nondiabetic treated patients with hyperlipidemia who have different risk levels for a fatty liver.

METHODS

In this study, 74 nondiabetic patients with hyperlipidemia were divided into 3 groups according to their fatty liver index. A comparison of metabolic characteristics was done. These characteristics included intima media thickness (IMT) and nutritional habits, which were further divided into FLI subgroups with low, intermediate, and high risk for a fatty liver.

RESULTS

Patients with hyperlipidemia, with a high risk for a fatty liver (FLI ≥ 60), had subclinical elevations in parameters of carbohydrate metabolism (insulin, fasting plasma glucose, C-peptide) including a higher insulin resistance (quantitative insulin sensitivity check index, QUICKI) compared to lower FLI groups. These patients also presented a higher risk for a metabolic syndrome (p = 0.018), as well as an adverse lipid profile (e.g., high-density lipoprotein [HDL] cholesterol, triglycerides [TG]-HDL ratio). FLI group 3 was characterized by significantly lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids (p = 0.048).

CONCLUSION

The fatty liver index relates to diabetes-specific parameters and an adverse lipid profile and is an appropriate index for risk evaluation of metabolic syndrome.

Cardiometabolic Risk in Hyperlipidemic Men and Women

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate sex specific differences of metabolic and clinical characteristics of treated hyperlipidemic men and women (HL-men and HL-women). Methods. In this study vascular and metabolic characteristics of 35 HL-women and 64 HL-men were assessed. In addition a sex specific analysis of metabolic and nutritional habits of HL-patients with prediabetes (HL-IGR) was done. Results. HL-women were older and had favourable concentrations of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol), triglycerides (TG), and triglyceride/HDL-cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-ratio) but were also shown to have higher concentrations of lipoprotein-a compared to HL-men. HL-men were characterized as having higher levels of liver-specific parameters and body weight as well as being more physically active compared to HL-women. Brain natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP) was higher in HL-women than HL-men, while no differences in metabolic syndrome and glycemic parameters were shown. HL-IGR-women were also older and still had a better profile of sex specific lipid parameters, as well as a lower body weight compared to HL-IGR-men. No differences were seen in vascular parameters such as the intima media thickness (IMT). Conclusion. HL-women were older and had overall more favourable concentrations of lipid parameters and liver enzymes but did not differ regarding vascular morphology and insulin sensitivity compared to HL-men of comparable body mass index (BMI).