Impacto da suplementação com ácidos graxos ômega-3 nas subfrações da lipoproteína de alta densidade de indivíduos tabagistas / Impact of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on high density lipoprotein subfractions of smokers

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o efeito da suplementação com ômega-3 nas subfrações das lipoproteínas de alta densidade em indivíduos tabagistas. Métodos Ensaio clínico, randomizado, duplo-cego. Foi selecionada uma amostra com 33 tabagistas, de ambos os sexos, com idade entre 30 e 60 anos, suplementados com ômega-3 (n=17) ou placebo (ácidos graxos ômega-6, n=16) por dois meses. As subfrações das lipoproteínas de alta densidade foram analisadas pelo sistema Lipoprint. Os testes estatísticos foram realizados com o auxílio do programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, versão 20.0. Resultados A média de idade foi 49 anos, com predominância da raça branca. Após a intervenção, o grupo ômega-3 modificou positivamente o perfil lipídico e as subfrações das lipoproteínas de alta densidade dos tabagistas. Nos modelos de regressão linear testados, o percentual de ácido docosahexaenoico plasmático apresentou associações negativas com o percentual das lipoproteínas de alta densidade-pequena. Conclusão A suplementação com ômega-3 está associada a uma alteração favorável na distribuição das subfrações das lipoproteínas de alta densidade, aumentando as lipoproteínas de alta densidade-grande e diminuindo as lipoproteínas de alta densidade-pequena. Isso reforça a importância do ômega-3 na saúde cardiovascular de indivíduos tabagistas.

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the effect of omega-3 supplementation on smokers' high density lipoprotein subfractions. Methods This randomized, double-blind clinical trial included 33 male and female smokers aged 30 to 60 years. The sample took omega-3 fatty acids (n=17) or placebo (omega-6 fatty acids, n=16) for two months. The Lipoprint system analyzed the high density lipoprotein subfractions. The statistical tests were performed by the software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 20.0. Results The mean age of the sample was 49 years, and most individuals were white. After the intervention, the lipid profile and high density lipoprotein subfractions of the omega-3 group improved. In the tested linear regression models, the percentage of plasma docosahexaenoic acid was negatively associated with the percentage of small high density lipoprotein. Conclusion Omega-3 supplementation is associated with a favorable change in the distribution of high density lipoprotein subfractions, increasing the large and reducing the small high density lipoproteins. This finding reinforces the importance of omega-3 fatty acids for smokers' cardiovascular health.

Down-regulation of ATP-binding cassette transporter G1 expression by unmethylated CpG oligodeoxynucleotides in RAW 264.7 macrophages

We have investigated the effect of various forms of phosphodiester cytidine-phosphate-guanosine oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODNs) on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and related genes in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Treatment with the CpG ODNs increased the expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), IL-6, and inducible nitric oxide synthase but not interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). We also investigated the effect of CpG ODNs on the expression of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) and G1 (ABCG1) genes which are known to facilitate cholesterol efflux from macrophages for anti-atherosclerosis. CpG 2006 significantly reduced the levels of ABCG1 mRNA as determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction, whereas ABCA1 mRNA level was not changed. Western blot analysis further confirmed the reduction of ABCG1 protein expression by CpG 2006. In addition, we also determined the protein level of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma), which is recognized as a transcriptional activator of ABC transporters, was also reduced by CpG 2006. Thus, these results suggest that ABCG1 is specifically down-regulated by CpG 2006 in a PPARgamma-dependent manner in macrophages.

Effects of trace elements on albumin and lipoprotein glycation in diabetic retinopathy

To test the effect of some trace elements, on protein and lipoprotein glycosylation and their impact on the severity of diabetic retinopathy. A case control study was conducted in 42 diabetic patients [14 without retinopathy [DC]; 14 with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy [NPDR]; 14 with proliferative diabetic retinopathy [PDR]] at Ebin Al-Haitham Specialized Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq for Ocular Diseases from February to December 2008. In addition to 20 age and gender matched healthy controls [NC]. The glycation of albumin, alpha-, pre beta-, and beta-lipoproteins was measured by agarose gel electrophoresis. Serum levels of cadmium [Cd], selenium [Se], chromium [Cr], zinc [Zn], and copper [Cu] were analyzed by flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometer. There was significant elevation in the mean serum glycated beta-lipoprotein in DC [p<0.05] and a near significant increase [p=0.06] in the means of both glycated albumin and pre beta-lipoproteins among the PDR and NPDR groups. Moreover, a significant reductions in serum means of Cd [p<0.05] and Zn/Cu ratios [p<0.001] were recorded in all diabetic retinopaths as compared to DC. The Cd level rises with the increase in duration of diabetes [p<0.001] and hyperglycemia [p<0.025] whereas, the serum Cr values decreases with the progression of diabetes [p<0.025]. Both glycation and oxidative processes are involved in the development of diabetic retinopathy, and changes in the concentration of Cd, Se, Cr, Zn, and Cu have some impact on the disease progression

Benznidazole vs benznidazole in multilamellar liposomes: how different they interact with blood components?

In spite of its widespread use, benznidazole's (BNZ) toxicity and low efficacy remains as major drawbacks that impair successful treatments against Chagas disease. Previously, attempting to increase the selectivity and reduce its toxicity on infected tissues, multilamellar liposomes (MLV) composed of hydrogenated soybean phosphatidylcholine (HSPC): distearoyl-phosphatidylglycerol (DSPG): cholesterol (CHOL) 2:1:2 mol:mol loaded with BNZ (MLV-BNZ) were designed. In this work we compared different properties of MLV-BNZ with those of BNZ. Opposite to other hydrophobic drugs, the results indicated that slight changes of BNZÎs association degree to proteins and lipoproteins should not modify the percentage of unbound drug available to exert pharmacological action. On the other hand, when loaded in MLV, BNZ reduced its association to plasma proteins in 45 percent and became refractory to the sinking effect of blood, dropping 4.5 folds. Additionally, when loaded in MLV, BNZ had higher volume distribution (160 ± 20 vs 102 ± 15 ml/kg) and total clearance (35.23 ± 2.3 vs 21.9 ± 1.4 ml/h.kg), and lower concentration-time curve (7.23 ± 0.2 vs 9.16 ± 0.5 æg.h/ml) than BNZ. Hence, these studies showed that for MLV-BNZ, the amount of BNZ can be substantially increased, from 25 to 70 percent, being this formulation more rapidly cleared from circulation than free drug; also due to the lower interaction with blood components, lower side effects can be expected.

Comparison of norgestrel- versus cyproterone acetate-containing hormone replacement therapy on lipid-lipoprotein metabolism.

To compare the effects on the lipid profile of estradiol valerate with norgestrel to a regimen of estradiol valerate with cyproterone acetate. Sixty-four healthy women in their perimenopause or early postmenopause, aged between 40-55 years, were randomized to one of the two 21-day sequential regimens: estradiol valerate 2 mg/day for 21 days and combined with either norgestrel 0.5 mg/day or cyproterone acetate 1 mg/day from day 12 to 21, with 7 days of drug-free interval, for 12 cycles. Lipid profiles were followed at baseline, 6 and 12 cycles. Sixty-one subjects completed the study, 30 in the norgestrel group and 31 in the cyproterone group. During 12 cycles of study, serum HDL cholesterol levels decreased significantly in the norgestrel group (p < 0.01) and were unchanged in the cyproterone group. The levels were significantly lower in the norgestrel group than in the cyproterone group (p < 0.05). No differences were found between groups as regards LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels. Triglyceride levels decreased significantly in the norgestrel group (p < 0.01), remained unchanged in the cyproterone group and the levels were significantly different between groups (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the study demonstrated that sequential regimen of estradiol valerate with norgestrel produced less favorable HDL cholesterol but more favorable triglyceride levels than the regimen of estradiol valerate with cyproterone acetate.

Sever hypothyroidism Effect of L- thyroxine therapy on the lipid contents of serum lipoproteins

Thyroidal status has s well known effect on lipid metabolism. Thyroid insufficiency may cause secondary hyperlipidemia, but effect of short course [pound l2 weeks] L-thyroxine therapy on elevated high density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-c] is controversial. Particularly the effect of short course of L-thyroxine therapy on elevated levels of various serum lipoproteins in severely hypothyroid patients.[serum T[4] levels <15 mmol/L and hTSH >150 mU/L] has not been established. To assess the efficacy of L-thyroxine therapy in normalizing the elevated lipid contents of various serum lipoprotein fractions in severe primary hypothyroidism in the local population. DESIGN: Controlled clinical trial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 17 male patients referred to Punjab Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Faisalabad, mean age [mean age 32 +/- 18 years, ranging 23-67 years], having serum levels of T[4] <15 mmol/L and hTSH >150 mU/L were selected. pre-therapy fasting blood samples was taken at the time of diagnosis. All subjects became euthyroid after 9 weeks of L-thyroxine therapy with gradual increase of dosing from 50 to 150 [micro] g/d. Post-therapy fasting blood was taken after 12 weeks of L-thyroxine therapy. With L-thyroxine therapy euthyroid state was achieved within 9 weeks and all patients became free from signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism. Serum triacylglycerols, total cholesterol and LDL-c levels were reduced significantly [P <0.01] but there was a slight reduction in the serum HDL-c levels. CONCLUSIONS: L-thyroxine therapy in severe hypothyroidism does have a cardioprotective effect by normalizing the elevated levels of TAGs, total cholesterol and LDL-c

Acute effects of caffeine on lipoprotein profile, some serum electrolytes and electrocardiogram in albino rats

The effects of different doses of caffeine on the lipoprotein profile, some serum electrolytes and electrocardiogram were experimentally studied in male albino rats. Results showed significant increase in serum triglycerides, decrease in serum potassium, low voltage ECG waves with beginning in rats receiving caffeine in a dose of 7 mg/kg body weight. Rats receiving caffeine in a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight showed significant increase in serum cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoproteins and decrease in serum potassium with ECG changes in the form of depressed ST-segment with some cases of ventricular fibrillation

Terapia asteroidea en el sindrome de ovarios poliquisticos: efecto sobre lipidos, insulina y hormonas sexuales / Steroid therapy in the polycystic ovary syndrome: effect over lipids, insulin and sexual hormones

Se estudia el efecto del acetato de madroxiprogesterona (AMP) y los anticonceptivos orales trifasicos (AOT) sobre las hormonas sexuales, el metabolismo lipidico y la respuesta a la insulina (A Insulina) en el sindrome de ovarios poliquisticos (SOP), estudiamos 22 pacientes obesas. Se determinaron los niveles de LH, SH, Prl, E2, testosterona total (T), DHEA-S, trigliceridos, colesterol total (Ch), C-HDL, C-LDL y la respuesta de la insulina a la glucosa oral, antes y despues de tres meses de tratamiento, Despues del tratamiento con AMP se observo elevacion del cociente E2/T, reduccion del C-HDL. Con el AOT se produjo disminucion del cociente LH/FSH y de la T, con aumento del Ch, C-LDL, A Insulina. Se concluye que se obtienen efectos beneficiosos con el tratamiento sobre las hormonas sexuales, pero se produce modificacion del metabolismo de los lipidos y carbohidratos hacia un patron aterogenico. El AMP produce menos alteraciones que el AOT. Se recomientda realizar evaluacion metabolica de las pacientes con SOP, previa eleccion del tratamiento

Effect of pectin on plasma lipids and lipoproteins in hyperlipidemic rabbits

Results revealed that citrus pectin reduces both total cholesterol and triglycerides. As concern its effect on lipoprotein pattern on hypercholesterolemic rabbits, it highly increases the percent of HDL level after 1 and 2 months but slightly decreases the percent of both LDL and chylomicron. The VLDL was not detected in the electrophoretic pattern