ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases are one of the prime causes of mortality globally. Therefore, concerted efforts are made to prevent or manage disruptions from normal functioning of the cardiovascular system. Disruption in lipid metabolism is a major contributor to cardiovascular dysfunction. This review examines how lecithin impacts lipid metabolism and cardiovascular health. It emphasizes lecithin's ability to reduce excess low-density lipoproteins (LDL) while specifically promoting the synthesis of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles, thus contributing to clearer understanding of its role in cardiovascular well-being. Emphasizing the importance of lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) in the reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) process, the article delves into its contribution in removing surplus cholesterol from cells. This review aims to clarify existing literature on lipid metabolism, providing insights for targeted strategies in the prevention and management of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). This review summarizes the potential of lecithin in cardiovascular health and the role of LCAT in cholesterol metabolism modulation, based on articles from 2000 to 2023 sourced from databases like MEDLINE, PubMed and the Scientific Electronic Library Online. MAIN BODY: While studies suggest a positive correlation between increased LCAT activities, reduced LDL particle size and elevated serum levels of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein (TRL) markers in individuals at risk of ASCVD, the review acknowledges existing controversies. The precise nature of LCAT's potential adverse effects remains uncertain, with varying reports in the literature. Notably, gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and nausea have been sporadically documented. CONCLUSIONS: The review calls for a comprehensive investigation into the complexities of LCAT's impact on cardiovascular health, recognizing the need for a nuanced understanding of its potential drawbacks. Despite indications of potential benefits, conflicting findings warrant further research to clarify LCAT's role in atherosclerosis.
ABSTRACT
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is one of the most extensively used flavour enhancers worldwide. Although it is widely regarded as a safe food additive with no recommended daily dosage, its over-consumption has been associated with notably pathophysiological events in various tissues and organs of the body. Previous studies have reported of the neuro- cardio- and hepato- toxic effects of its excessive exposure. Moreover, the food additive instigates metabolic dysfunction. It has been established that MSG damages male reproductive accessory organs like prostate glands and epididymis. In addition, it impairs serum enzymatic activities and serum levels of testosterone, gonadotropin-releasing hormone, luteinizing hormone and cholesterol. Reduced sperm count, sperm motility, sperm morphology, and sperm viability, imbalances in male reproductive hormones, alongside alteration in the histoarchitecture of the testes and other male reproductive tissues have also been connected with excessive exposure to MSG. Literature reports affirm the link between the over-consumption of MSG and reproductive organ weight and male sexual behaviour. This review article addresses the multi-systemic effects of exposure to MSG and the possible mechanism of action of the compound with a focus on the negative implications of the food additive on male reproductive functions and the possible role of natural antioxidants in male reproductive functions. carefully selected keywords were used during the literature search to gather credible and up-to-date information about the subject matter.
