Search Results (1,260)

Objective: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a growing and significant public health burden worldwide. The evidence regarding whether skipping breakfast affects the development of MetS and its components remains inconsistent and uncertain. This study aimed to synthesize the best available evidence regarding the association between skipping breakfast and the risk of MetS and its components. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. We systematically searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases from inception until May 2025. Two reviewers independently screened titles/abstracts and full texts, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. This review included cross-sectional and cohort studies on the association between breakfast skipping and the risk of MetS and its components. Results: Nine studies were included after quality evaluation by NOS. Pooled results from the meta-analysis revealed that skipping breakfast was significantly associated with an increased risk of MetS (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.04–1.17) and its components—namely abdominal obesity (OR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.01–1.34), hypertension (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.10–1.32), hyperlipidemia (OR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.04–1.23), and hyperglycemia (OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.16–1.37). Conclusions: The meta-analysis demonstrated that skipping breakfast was significantly associated with an increased risk of MetS and its key components—abdominal obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia. These findings highlight regular breakfast consumption as a potential modifiable factor for preventing and managing MetS and related cardiometabolic diseases. Full article

It has long been recognized that elevated circulating lipid levels are among the strongest risk factors for the development of plaques within the arterial wall that are characteristic of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Indeed, decades of studies have identified the deposition of low-density lipoprotein as an initiator of this disease, which coordinates the vascular and immune dysfunction that fuels the advancement of the atherosclerotic plaque. However, in the vessel wall, deposited cholesterol and fatty acids are dynamic in nature and engage signaling pathways. Shifting from metabolic-related pathways, lipid modifications and their conversion to intermediates engage signaling cascades that further perpetuate the inflammatory milieu of the atherosclerotic plaque and its progression towards the fatal end-stage events associated with cardiovascular disease, including myocardial infarction. In this review, we will cover the cellular and molecular mechanisms that preserve homeostasis and advance disease, including how lipid species induce endothelial dysfunction and drive the development of macrophage foam cells. We will additionally discuss ongoing therapeutic strategies to combat the hyperlipidemia that underlies atherogenesis. Full article

Objectives: Emerging evidence suggests that propolis possesses significant anti-obesity properties. While gut hormones and microbiota are known to play crucial roles in obesity development, the specific mechanisms through which propolis exerts its effects via the gut hormone axis remain poorly characterized. Methods: A high-fat diet (HFD) rat model was established to investigate the regulatory effects of propolis. After 10 weeks of intervention, blood serum, liver, colon tissues, and luminal contents were analyzed for metabolic parameters, gene expression of gut hormones and AMPK pathway markers, microbial community structure, and short-chain fatty acid production. Results: Propolis effectively mitigated HFD-induced metabolic disturbances, including excessive weight gain, adipose tissue accumulation, hyperlipidemia, and hepatic dysfunction. These improvements were associated with significant upregulation of the AMPK pathway. Importantly, propolis enhanced intestinal barrier integrity and differentially modulated gut hormone expression by increasing the mRNA levels of Cck, Gip, and Ghrl, and decreasing Lep and Gcg levels. 16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed that propolis administration selectively enriched butyrate- and propionate-producing bacterial species. Correlation analysis further identified the Eubacterium brachy group as a pivotal microbial mediator in the propolis-modulated gut microbiota–gut hormone–liver AMPK axis. Conclusions: Our findings establish that propolis ameliorates obesity-related metabolic disorders by orchestrating crosstalk among gut microbiota, enteroendocrine hormones, and hepatic AMPK signaling. These results elucidate a novel mechanistic pathway in rodents; however, their direct translatability to humans requires further clinical investigation. This tripartite axis offers a mechanistic foundation for developing microbiota-targeted anti-obesity therapies. Full article

Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a prevalent cardiovascular condition and is the most common heart valve disease globally. Hyperlipidemia and aging are key risk factors; consequently, with the aging global population, CAVD incidence continues to rise. Despite extensive research, the pathogenesis of CAVD remains unclear, leading to a lack of effective pharmacological therapies. Consequently, valve replacement surgery persists as the primary treatment option. Establishing suitable animal models is crucial for investigating the complex pathophysiological mechanisms of CAVD in vivo, although an optimal model has yet to be identified. This review provides a concise overview of CAVD pathogenesis and summarizes the application of common animal models—including mice, rats, rabbits, and pigs—in studying valve calcification. We specifically detail the construction of various models and their associated calcific aortic valve phenotypes. Furthermore, we outline common detection methods for assessing aortic valve calcification in these models and suggest future directions for developing improved animal models relevant to CAVD research. Full article

Background/Objectives: Marine-derived oils rich in long-chain polyunsaturated fats have long been associated with positive effects on plasma lipid levels and anti-inflammatory responses. Abalone viscera are rich in oils that are rarely extracted and made available. Methods: Abalone viscera oil (AVO) was extracted by multistage countercurrent extraction using ethanol as a solvent, and its oil quality, fatty acid composition, and in vitro antioxidant activity were determined. Meanwhile, the anti-hyperlipidemic effect of AVO on HFD-induced hyperlipidemia mice was evaluated. Results: The abalone viscera were extracted at a solid–liquid ratio of 1:3 with an oscillation frequency of 300 rpm for 40 min, and the extraction rate was 81.18% after four-stage countercurrent extraction. The acid value, iodine value, peroxide value, vitamin E, and astaxanthin of AVO were 1.26 mg KOH/g, 140.9 g/100 g, 3.6 meq/kg, 105 mg/kg, and 533.8 mg/kg, respectively. The unsaturated fatty acids of AVO account for 56.60%, with eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n3) and arachidonic acid (C20:4n6) the two predominant PUFAs, and oleic acid (C18:1n9) the most dominant MUFA. The DPPH, ABTS, and ·OH radicals scavenging capacities of AVO increased with concentration, and the IC₅₀ values were 6.30 mg/mL, 0.45 mg/mL, and 8.95 mg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the administration of AVO significantly alleviated HFD-induced weight gain, liver fat accumulation, lipid disorder, and oxidative stress in mice. Conclusions: Collectively, our study provides a theoretical basis for the application of AVO and the comprehensive utilization of abalone viscera, which helps increase the additional value of abalone. Full article

Background: Cardiovascular diseases, driven significantly by dyslipidemia, remain a leading global mortality risk. Emerging evidence indicates that Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum), which is a probiotic commonly used in a variety of food products, may contribute to the regulation of blood lipids, although prior studies report inconsistent efficacy and lack mechanistic clarity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of L. plantarum supplementation on blood lipid profiles and explore its potential mechanisms through a systematic review, meta-analysis, and network pharmacology. Methods: We performed a comprehensive literature search across PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and other databases. Meta-analysis was performed using random-effects models to assess changes in total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Network pharmacology was employed to predict molecular targets and pathways. Results: Twenty-six randomized controlled trials (RCTS) involving 2104 participants were included. L. plantarum supplementation significantly reduced TC (SMD: −0.233; 95% CI: −0.458, −0.008; p = 0.042), TG (SMD: −0.227; 95% CI: −0.432, −0.021; p = 0.030), and LDL-C (SMD: −0.251; 95% CI: −0.477, −0.025; p = 0.029), but not HDL-C. Subgroup analyses revealed greater efficacy with interventions lasting >8 weeks and single-strain formulations. Network pharmacology analysis highlighted IL-17/TNF signaling pathway, bile secretion, and other pathways as key mechanisms and targets such as PPARG and MMP9 as key targets. Conclusions: L. plantarum demonstrates significant lipid-lowering effects, particularly for TC, TG, and LDL-C, with sustained use and single-strain formulations yielding optimal outcomes. Mechanistically, it may modulate inflammation, oxidative stress, and lipid metabolism. These findings can support the development of a functional food and dietary supplement using L. plantarum to assist in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, though heterogeneity and strain-specific effects warrant further investigation. Full article

Background: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a key regulator of lipid metabolism. The rare PCSK9 C378W (rs776752113) mutation influences the level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C); however, its association with PCSK9 levels remain unclear. Methods: This study investigates the frequency of the C378W mutation and its effects on PCSK9 levels and lipid profiles in 5901 Taiwan Biobank participants, including 1486 individuals with available whole-genome sequencing data. The C378W mutations were detected using a TaqMan genotyping assay and confirmed using direct DNA sequencing. Results: Whole-genome sequencing data revealed a single carrier of the C378W mutation. The TaqMan assay identified seven carriers of the 378W allele (7/5901 [0.119%]). After the exclusion of an individual with a history of hyperlipidemia, six carriers exhibited significantly lower levels of LDL-C (−30.5%) and PCSK9 (−56.4%) than noncarriers (LDL-C: 81.17 ± 21.79 vs. 116.70 ± 30.70 mg/dL [p = 0.0005]; PCSK9: 67.20 ± 14.83 vs. 154.02 ± 45.52 ng/mL [p = 3.59 × 10⁻¹²]. Moreover, carriers exhibited significantly lower levels of total cholesterol (−18.6%) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C; −28.4%) than noncarriers (total cholesterol: 157.17 ± 19.30 vs. 193.18 ± 35.22 mg/dL [p = 0.0035]; non-HDL-C: 99.50 ± 20.22 vs. 138.91 ± 34.97 mg/dL [p = 0.0005]). Mediation analysis suggests that the association between the C378W mutation and LDL-C levels persisted even after adjustment for PCSK9 levels. Functional characterization indicates that the C378W mutation impairs protein stability and function. Conclusion: In conclusion, the rare C378W mutation represents a loss-of-function mutation in the Taiwanese population. This variant is independently associated with reduced PCSK9 levels and improved lipid profiles, highlighting its potential cardioprotective role. Full article

Obesity concerns a wide range of the population, tending to become a major factor for diseases’ progression and fatality rate increases, with implications concerning the cardiovascular system’s deterioration. Obesity is closely linked with metabolic derangements concerning lipid storage and circulation, and the cellular metabolism affecting most of the internal organs, especially liver and cellular function. In this current study, an analysis of the linking mechanisms between obesity, lipid deterioration, liver, and lipid tissue homeostasis will be performed, with special attention to the pathophysiological characteristics of these detrimental effects on the NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) and the cellular function of the endothelial blood cells, with special reference to the additional burdening of obesity on the autonomous nervous system signaling, and the resulting hypertension. Despite the very complex and pluripotent pathogenic mechanisms with which obesity is intervening in these processes, it could be safely deduced that metabolic and lipid transport manipulation could serve as a crucial factor towards the cellular and tissue function improvement, as the interlinkages in the mechanisms, although highly analyzed, have not been completely deciphered until now. Full article

Background: We investigated immunization status and preventive care among diabetes mellitus (DM) patients by stratifying them into clinically distinct risk clusters based on comorbidities, reflecting a personalized medicine approach. Methods: Using the Austrian health interview survey 2019, we identified four groups: cluster 1 (DM, arterial hypertension (aHTN), dyslipidemia; n = 215), cluster 2 (DM, aHTN, dyslipidemia, obesity class II; n = 33), cluster 3 (DM, aHTN, dyslipidemia, depression; n = 65), and a control cohort (DM without hyperlipidemia, hypertension, depression, or obesity class II; n = 214). The cohorts were compared by chi² tests. By logistic regression the association of the cluster-related variables and the vaccination status/preventive care variables were analyzed. Results: Significant differences in intact diphtheria immunization between the cohorts exist (cluster 1: 45.6%, cluster 2: 27.3%, cluster 3: 52.3%, control: 51.9%, p-value 0.047). Differences in intact tetanus (42.4% vs. 64%, p = 0.027) and diphtheria (27.3% vs. 51.9%, p = 0.013) immunization between cluster 2 and control cohort were investigated. Cluster 2 was negatively associated with tetanus (OR 0.83, p = 0.009) and diphtheria (OR 0.85, p = 0.018) immunization. Cluster 1 reports higher rates of fecal occult blood test (50.7% vs. 39.3%, p = 0.022) and cluster 2 reports a higher rate of colonoscopy (24.2% vs. 8.9%, p = 0.015) in comparison to the control cohort. Conclusions: A personalized medicine approach reveals that DM patients with specific comorbidity patterns, particularly those with hypertension, dyslipidemia, and obesity class II, have lower immunization rates—highlighting the need for targeted preventive strategies. Full article

The housing of laboratory rats in cages with dimensions according to international standards for research animals can hardly be regarded as a stimulating environment, even when fulfilling the minimum requirements for environmental enrichment. Little is known about whether changes in the housing situations to improve living conditions will affect the phenotypic traits of well-known models for human diseases. The obese Zucker fa/fa rat develops hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and fatty liver, and is widely used for studies on metabolic complications of obesity in humans. Young male obese Zucker fa/fa rats were housed in pairs in standard individually ventilated cages (IVCs: floor area 1500 cm² and maximum height 20 cm), or 4–6 rats were housed in a large open cage (LOC: floor area 7705 cm² and height 75 cm). The LOC provided an environment with more physical, social, auditory, visual, olfactory, and tactile stimuli compared to IVCs. The aims were to compare the development of obesity comorbidities and to assess the well-being of rats housed under different conditions. The rats housed in IVCs and the LOC had similar adiposity, blood pressure, hepatic triacylglycerol content, and similar serum concentrations of cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and alanine transaminase. IVC-housed rats showed some signs of distress, such as less interest in nest-building and signs of apathy compared to LOC-housed rats. To conclude, LOC housing did not affect the typical phenotype of obese Zucker fa/fa rats but did improve the welfare of these rats. Full article

Nelumbinis folium (N. folium) exhibits hypolipidemic effects and shows great potential for application in lipid-lowering drugs and healthcare products. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism underlying the hypolipidemic effects of the alkaloid fraction of N. folium (AFN). Animal experiments demonstrated that AFN significantly reduced blood lipid levels and ameliorated liver damage in hyperlipidemic mice. RNA-seq analysis identified 26 reverse-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were primarily involved in the PPAR signaling pathway, fat digestion and absorption, and fatty acid degradation. Using UPLC-MSⁿ, 30 plasma-absorbed components were identified, including 13 prototype alkaloids. Among these, three key active components—nuciferine, N-nornuciferine, and N-methylisococlaurine—were screened via network topology analysis. Molecular docking revealed strong binding affinities between these compounds and key targets. The results showed that N-methylisococlaurine bound to SLC27A4 and CPT1A with strong affinity, while nuciferine and N-nornuciferine bound to ACADVL and PPARA. RT-qPCR results confirmed that AFN modulates the expression of FABP1, SLC27A4, PPARA, CPT1A, ACAA2, APOC3, and APOA4. These findings suggest that AFN exerts its hypolipidemic effects through multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway mechanisms. Full article

Background: Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite established prevention strategies, many patients present with previously undiagnosed vascular risk factors (URFs) at the time of their first-ever ischemic stroke, suggesting missed opportunities for early detection. In Canada, particularly in Quebec, access to primary care is inconsistent, and a substantial proportion of the population lacks attachment to a family doctor (FD). Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of URFs among patients with first-ever ischemic stroke and to evaluate the relationship between URFs, geographic region, and access to primary care in Quebec, Canada. We hypothesized that patients without an FD would have a higher prevalence of URFs. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 610 patients admitted with first-ever ischemic stroke to the McGill University Health Center (MUHC) between 2014 and 2017. Data collected included demographics; known and undiagnosed stroke risk factors such as hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus (DM), hyperlipidemia (HLD), and atrial fibrillation (AF); FD status; and geographic location based on postal code. Results: Among the 610 patients, 136 (22.3%) had at least one URF. The most common URF was HLD (14.3%), followed by HTN (6.2%), AF (1.6%), and DM (0.1%). Of 609 patients with available data, 146 (23.97%) lacked an FD. Patients without an FD were significantly more likely to have undiagnosed HTN (7.6% vs. 2.1%, p = 0.008). No significant differences were observed for the other URFs. Geographic variation was noted in both URF prevalence and FD access, but regional differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Our findings support the hypothesis that a lack of an FD is associated with a higher prevalence of undiagnosed HTN in ischemic stroke patients. Targeted screening and improved access to primary care, particularly in underserved regions, may help to reduce the burden of preventable stroke by facilitating the earlier identification and management of modifiable risk factors. Full article

Background: Mobile health (mHealth) applications have shown promise for the primary and secondary prevention of diseases in high-risk individuals. Implementing mHealth solutions for secondary prevention and early alert systems in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) could have significant societal benefits. However, the attitudes of at-risk populations towards these technologies, including concerns about technological literacy and privacy, have not been thoroughly investigated. As technology incorporation expands, these issues are expected to change. This study aimed to evaluate the attitudes of post-ACS patients towards varying levels of intrusive mHealth applications and how these attitudes evolved over a five-year period. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with two cohorts of post-ACS inpatients (110 patients each from 2014 and 2019), who were surveyed using a 39-item questionnaire assessing their technological literacy and opinions on support tools and intrusive technologies, such as wearables and GPS tracking. Results: The two cohorts exhibited stable demographic characteristics, but in 2019, participants showed higher technological literacy and increased engagement in travel and physical activities. Notably, there was a significant rise in hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and family history of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) in the 2019 cohort. Acceptance of remote health monitoring improved significantly in 2019, influenced by technological literacy. Conclusions: Attitudes towards eHealth solutions and remote biosignal monitoring post-ACS may change over time with increased technological literacy. Future research should address patient-specific concerns that could affect the acceptance of new technological solutions to enhance post-ACS outcomes. Our findings emphasize the importance of improving technological literacy to boost the adoption and effectiveness of eHealth interventions. Full article