Search Results (5,539)

Background/Objectives: The clinical presentation of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) and severe heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (sHeFH) often demonstrates substantial overlap, as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels may fall within similar ranges in both conditions. Methods: In this single-center 10-year retrospective study at the University of Debrecen, Hungary, we present the clinical characteristics of patients with 6 HoFH and 6 sHeFH diagnosed by genetic testing, discuss the diagnostic limitations encountered in clinical practice, and outline the key components of therapeutic management. Results: The mean age at diagnosis was lower in the HoFH group (31.83 ± 19.5 vs. 41.83 ± 15.9 years). The differences in total cholesterol (13.48 ± 7.4 vs. 11.02 ± 3.5 mmol/L) and LDL-C levels (10.89 ± 6.6 vs. 8.58 ± 3.26 mmol/L) between the groups were not statistically significant. Interestingly, vascular complications were more frequent in sHeFH group as well (4 vs. 1 patients). In neither the HoFH nor the sHeFH group were we able to achieve the target LDL-C levels, due in part to the specific features of the reimbursement system, patient and parental preferences, the extremely high baseline LDL-C levels, and certain genetic characteristics. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the importance of genetic testing-based personalized therapy in these specific patient subpopulations. We emphasize that serum LDL-C alone is insufficient to distinguish between HoFH and sHeFH patients, and that therapeutic challenges should be anticipated in both groups arising partly from limited patient adherence as well as from financial constraints. Full article

Vegetarianism has historically been associated with cardiometabolic benefits and reduced diabetes risk. Despite having the highest prevalence of vegetarians globally, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in South Asians is amongst the highest globally. This review explores the relationship between vegetarianism and cardiometabolic measures in South Asian populations to clarify this paradoxical relationship. Five databases were searched to identify observational studies published between January 2000 and May 2025 that compared vegetarian diets with non-vegetarian diets and reported cardiometabolic measures. A total of 973 articles were identified, 590 articles were assessed, and 7 studies (n = 184,345) were ultimately included. Overall, each study utilized different dietary intake assessments and reported variable cardiometabolic measures. The three highest-quality studies found that vegetarian adherence was associated with a lower BMI, waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure, lipid levels, and fasting blood glucose compared with non-vegetarian diets. Conclusive findings were limited by the small number of studies, variability in dietary assessment methods, and heterogeneity in the reporting of cardiometabolic measures. These results underscore the importance of conducting more methodologically robust studies to assess cardiometabolic measures and demonstrate the need for culturally consistent dietary assessment tools to reduce inter-study variability and improve dietary reporting in South Asians. Full article

Long-term effects of concussions, particularly in contact sport athletes, have been linked to changes in neuronal health. Lipid dysregulation has emerged as a potential contributor to neuronal injury and may serve as a measurable biomarker of brain pathology. This study investigated cognitive scores and serum lipid biomarkers in retired rugby players with a history of concussion to assess their association with concussion exposure. Serum levels of 24-hydroxycholesterol (24-HC), 25-HC, 27-HC, total triglycerides, and ceramide were compared between retired rugby players with a history of repeated concussions (n = 26) and non-contact sport controls (n = 19). ELISA-based quantification and statistical analyses identified significant group differences. Concussed athletes exhibited significantly lower serum 24-HC and significantly higher levels of 27-HC, triglycerides, and ceramide compared to controls, while no significant difference was observed for 25-HC. These findings indicate that repeated concussion is associated with reductions in cognitive performance and persistent alterations in serum lipid profiles. The observed lipid changes, particularly in 24-HC, 27-HC, ceramide, and triglycerides, may serve as measurable biomarkers of concussion-related biochemical alterations, providing a foundation for future studies aimed at monitoring neurological health in at-risk populations. Full article

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) encompasses ischemic conditions of the heart, brain, and bodily tissues, primarily resulting from hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis (AS), hypertension, and other related factors. CVD accounts for over 40% of global non-communicable disease mortality, making it the leading cause of death and a significant medical burden worldwide. AS, the principal pathological basis for most cardiovascular diseases, is characterized as a chronic, sterile inflammatory condition triggered by lipid overload and various other factors. In recent years, natural bioactive compounds have gained prominence in the treatment of human diseases. Among these, curcumin (Cur) has garnered considerable attention due to its anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering, antihypertensive, and endothelial protective properties. This review examines traditional pharmacological approaches for treating AS, with particular emphasis on the critical mechanisms through which Cur exerts its therapeutic effects. Additionally, it introduces novel nanoformulations designed to address the inherent limitations of Cur, providing valuable insights for researchers investigating its application in AS therapy. Full article

Background/Objectives: This research aims to offer significant insights into the prospective application of bioactive hydrogels composed of alginate, gelatin, and grape skin extract from Serbia (GSE) for treating diabetic wounds, supporting the circular economy and environmental protection. Methods: An acute dermal irritation study was conducted according to OECD guidelines, revealing no visible signs of erythema or edema, confirming the hydrogel’s dermal safety. Afterwards, male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: untreated control (NC), silver sulfadiazine-treated (PC), hydrogel without extract (HG), and hydrogel with GSE (HG + GSE). Wound healing was assessed through a comprehensive approach that included macroscopic wound contraction; biochemical assessment of hydroxyproline content and oxidative stress markers (TBARS, SOD, CAT, GSH); quantification of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6); and histological examination of skin samples using hematoxylin–eosin (H&E) and Masson’s trichrome staining. Results: Daily HG+GSE application over 15 days accelerated wound closure, reaching 99.3% by day 15, surpassing PC (91.2%) and HG (87.7 ± 2.1%). Hydroxyproline levels followed a treatment-dependent pattern, with HG+GSE achieving the highest values throughout, reaching 6.78 ± 0.1 µg/mg dry tissue by day 15—more than double NC. The HG+GSE reduced lipid peroxidation while enhancing enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defenses and markedly lowered pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, indicating systemic anti-inflammatory activity. Histological analysis revealed faster re-epithelialization, increased collagen deposition, and more organized tissue architecture in the HG+GSE group. These outcomes are attributed to the sustained release of bioactive polyphenols such as naringin, caffeic acid, and epicatechin. Conclusions: Overall, this GSE-based hydrogel presents a multifunctional, biocompatible, sustainable, and effective strategy for diabetic wound care. Full article

Background/Objectives: Long-term hospitalization in cardiac patients is associated with significant metabolic and microbial alterations that may influence disease progression and prognosis. Although lipid imbalances, metabolomic shifts, and gut microbiome dysbiosis have each been linked individually to cardiovascular outcomes, their integrated evaluation in long-term-hospitalized patients remains underexplored. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study including 51 cardiac patients hospitalized for more than 25 days, compared with a control group of 41 patients hospitalized for short and intermediate durations (3–24 days). Clinical and demographic data were collected, alongside lipid profiling, metabolomic assessment through liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and gut microbiome analysis using GI360™ sequencing. Ethical approval was obtained, and all data were anonymized. Lipid-related findings are exploratory due to the small number of complete measurements. Results: Preliminary lipid trends were characterized by higher levels of LDL, triglycerides, and Lp(a), and lower HDL, in the long-term group. Metabolomic analyses revealed decreased energy-related metabolites (ATP, phosphocreatine ratio), altered amino acid patterns, and increased ketone utilization. Gut microbiome evaluation demonstrated a significant increase in dysbiosis index, with reduced diversity and dominance of potentially pathogenic taxa. These findings were correlated with clinical severity scores. Cross-domain relationships are exploratory and based on associative profiling rather than deep integrative modelling. Conclusions: Long-term hospitalization in cardiac patients is associated with distinct lipid, metabolomic, and gut microbiome profiles that may serve as predictive biomarkers of adverse outcomes. Future studies should validate these findings in larger cohorts and explore their integration into personalized management strategies. Full article

Background: Endocrine autoimmune diseases (AIDs) exhibit special polygenic characteristics in human leucocyte antigen (HLA) region. Current understanding of their association with lipid metabolism remains constrained by imprecise polygenic risk score (PRS) modeling. Advanced analytical approaches are needed to elucidate the association between genetic susceptibility and lipid metabolic dysregulation. Methods: We proposed a genetic distance-based clumping gPRS to account for linkage disequilibrium in the HLA region. gPRS and pathway gPRS were constructed for individuals diagnosed with type I diabetes (T1D), Graves’ disease (GD), Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) and Addison’s disease (AD) in the UK Biobank, with sex considered as a stratification factor. Latent correlations between gPRS and phenotypes were explored using Kendall’s tau test, two-trait LD score regression (LDSC) and gene annotation. Results: Lipid metabolism served an important function through immune and inflammatory biomarkers across multiple traits. Males with low genetic risk tended to have lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, while the correlation presented the opposite pattern in females. Increased genetic susceptibility to AIDs was associated with elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) across all traits. Moreover, levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6, decreased with higher PRS in males and females, while those of monounsaturated fatty acids exhibited an increasing trend. Conclusion: Our study constructed more precise polygenic risk scores of AIDs, highlighting inflammation-mediated lipid metabolism as a potential pathogenic mechanism in endocrine AIDs, offering valuable insights into shared etiology for future comprehensive investigations. Full article

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), evolutionarily conserved components of the immune system, have attracted considerable attention as promising therapeutic candidates. Derived from diverse organisms, AMPs represent a heterogeneous class of molecules, typically cationic, which facilitates their initial electrostatic interaction with anionic microbial membranes. Unlike conventional single-target antibiotics, AMPs utilize rapid, multi-target mechanisms, primarily physical membrane disruption, which results in a significantly lower incidence of resistance emergence. Their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, capacity to modulate host immunity, and unique mechanisms of action make them inherently less susceptible to resistance compared with traditional antibiotics. Despite these advantages, the clinical translation of natural AMPs remains limited by several challenges, including poor in vivo stability, and potential cytotoxicity. Bioengineering technology offers innovative solutions to these limitations of AMPs. Two techniques have demonstrated promise: (i) a chimeric recombinant of AMPs with stable scaffold, such as human serum albumin and antibody Fc domain and (ii) chemical modification approaches, such as lipidation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of AMPs, highlighting their origins, structures, and mechanisms of antimicrobial activity, followed by recent advances in bioengineering platforms designed to overcome their therapeutic limitations. By integrating natural AMPs with bioengineering and nanotechnologies, AMPs may be developed into next-generation antibiotics. Full article

Objectives: Bovine coronaviruses (BCoV) are endemic worldwide, causing diarrhea, winter dysentery, and bovine respiratory disease in newborn calves. These lead to higher calf mortality, reduced growth of fattening cows, and lower milk production in adult cows, resulting in significant losses to the cattle industry. Since commercial preventive drugs are not available in China, and existing treatments can only reduce the mortality of sick calves without fundamental control, the development of safe and effective vaccines is crucial. Methods: Two mRNA vaccines targeting the BCoV spiny receptor-binding domain (S-RBD) were prepared: XBS01 and XBS02. These two mRNAs, optimized for coding by AI and encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), were injected intramuscularly into mice (10 μg per mouse, twice, 2 weeks apart); a blank control group was not immunized. Serum antibodies, memory B/T cell activation and cytokine secretion were assessed by ELISA, flow cytometry and ELISpot. Results: Both vaccines induced humoral and cellular immunity:anti-S-RBD IgG titers were higher than those of the control group, and there was memory B-cell production and T-cell activation. XBS02 was superior to XBS01 in terms of peak antibody, memory B-cell frequency, T-cell activation rate, and IFN-γ/IL-2 secretion, and showed a stronger Th 1 response. Conclusions: Both BCoV S-RBD mRNA vaccines had good immunogenicity, with XBS02 providing better protection. This study supports the optimization and application of BCoV mRNA vaccines and accumulates data for mRNA technology in veterinary practice. Full article

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with obesity, numerous metabolic complications, and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Adipokines, secreted by adipose tissue, may contribute to the development of these cardiometabolic disturbances. The aim of this study was to investigate the adipokine levels and their relationship with metabolic status in adolescent girls with PCOS. Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 66 adolescent girls with PCOS (mean age: 16.5 ± 1.08 years; study group, SG) and 30 regularly menstruating girls (mean age: 16.2 ± 1.37 years; control group, CG) recruited between 2012 and 2017. All participants underwent physical examination, body composition assessment, liver ultrasonography, and biochemical and hormonal evaluations. Fasting venous blood samples were collected to determine the adipokine profile, and the leptin-to-adiponectin ratio (L/A) was calculated. Results: Compared with the control group, the PCOS group demonstrated significantly lower adiponectin (p = 0.019) and vaspin (p = 0.037) concentrations, and higher RBP-4 levels (p = 0.048). Positive correlations were observed between adiponectin, apelin, and omentin, while negative correlations were found between leptin and L/A and HDL cholesterol levels in the SG. Omentin showed a negative association, and leptin and L/A a positive association, with triglyceride concentration. In the SG, resistin and visfatin levels were negatively correlated with total cholesterol, and resistin also showed a negative correlation with LDL cholesterol. In patients with PCOS, adverse associations were observed between carbohydrate metabolism parameters and insulin resistance indices, while insulin sensitivity indices correlated positively with adiponectin and omentin concentrations. Visfatin levels in the SG correlated negatively with QUICKI. Conclusions: The adipokine profile of adolescent girls with PCOS differs from that of regularly menstruating peers, particularly in adiponectin, RBP-4, and vaspin concentrations. However, the absence of significant correlations between RBP-4 and vaspin and lipid or carbohydrate metabolism parameters suggests that these adipokines are not reliable markers of metabolic disturbances in adolescent girls with PCOS. Full article

This comprehensive narrative review of bioactive plant compounds, pro-resolving anti-inflammatory lipids, and statins shows their potential in the inhibition of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD), pain resolution, tissue repair, and disc regeneration. IVDD is a multifactorial disease involving a multitude of signaling pathways, leading to the loss of normal disc function. An influx of nociceptive mechanoreceptors generate low back pain (LBP). IL6 and IL8 levels are elevated in patients undergoing spinal fusion to alleviate LBP, indicating these pro-inflammatory mediators may be major contributors to the generation of LBP. Apoptosis of disc cells leads to the depletion of key extracellular matrix components that equip the disc with its weight-bearing properties. A biomechanically incompetent degenerated IVD stimulates nociceptor mechanoreceptor activity, generating pain. Myo-tendinous, vertebral body, muscle, and facet joint tissues also contain pain receptors. Disturbance of the normal architecture of the IVD also generates pain in these tissues. Plant compounds have been used in folkloric medicine for centuries. This review attempts to provide a scientific basis for their purported health benefits; however, further studies are still required to substantiate this. Until this evidence is available, it would be prudent to be cautious in the use of such compounds. A diverse range of plant compounds (flavonoids, terpenoids, glycosides, alkaloids, and polyphenolics) inhibit inflammation and apoptosis, reduce spinal pain, and stimulate tissue repair by targeting cell signaling pathways in IVDD. Pro-resolving lipid mediators (lipoxin A4, resolvin D1, protectins, and maresins) also reduce inflammation, maintaining disc health and function. Cholesterol lowering statins disrupt phosphorylation in cell signaling pathways inhibiting IVDD, promoting tissue repair and regeneration. Full article

This study developed and characterized zein-based edible films enriched with curcumin as natural pH-sensitive indicators for monitoring fish freshness. Colorimetric films were prepared with different curcumin concentrations (1–7% wt) and evaluated for physicochemical, mechanical, optical, and antioxidant properties. Increasing curcumin content reduced water vapor permeability (0.085–0.110 g·mm/m²·h·kPa), lowered water contact angles (<90°), and enhanced hydrophilicity. Films exhibited high brightness, with decreased a* and increased b* values, while light transmission decreased, improving UV barrier properties. Colorimetric response (ΔE*) across pH 3–10 was more pronounced at higher curcumin levels, confirming pH-sensitivity. Antioxidant activity significantly increased with curcumin loading (up to 24.18 µmol Trolox/g). Mechanical analysis revealed decreased tensile strength but improved elongation at break, bursting strength, and deformation, supported by SEM images showing more homogeneous, micro-porous structures at 7% curcumin. Zein films containing 7% (wt) curcumin (Z/CR7) were applied to gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) fillets stored at 4 °C for 13 days. Results showed lower TBARS and TVB-N values in Z/CR7 compared to the control, indicating delayed lipid oxidation and spoilage. Colorimetric changes in the films corresponded with fish freshness deterioration, providing a clear visual indicator. Microbiological results supported chemical findings, though antimicrobial effects were limited. Curcumin-enriched zein films demonstrated strong potential as intelligent, biodegradable packaging for real-time monitoring of seafood quality. Full article

Background/Objectives: Coenzyme Q 10 is a lipid molecule that works as a mobile electron transporter in the mitochondrial respiratory chain and, in addition, plays the role of an antioxidant. Interestingly, CoQ10 synthesis in human cells derives from the mevalonate pathway, the same metabolic route that delivers endogenous cholesterol. Mutations leading to Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) alter the levels of CoQ10 production and remarkably, statin therapy associated muscular symptoms (SAMSs) might also be modulated by CoQ10 supplementation. CoQ10 is also provided by diet and only a few studies have calculated the dietary intake of this metabolite among populations. Methods: Here, we present our Spanish FH cohort (n = 261) and characterized relevant clinical, metabolic, and anthropometric parameters. Results: A cohort of 75.1% followed lipid-lowering treatment at inclusion, being the most prescribed drugs statin alone (32.7%) and statins combined with ezetimibe (56.6%). The average time on statin treatment was 3.7 years. Interestingly, 22% of cohort patients presented with SAMS. In addition, we performed an exhaustive literature review to define for the first time the CoQ10 content present in food typically found in Spain or other southern-European countries and classified them from very rich (over 50 mg/kg) to very poor (<1 mg/kg). With this information, we calculated the daily intake of CoQ10 from a small group (12) of selected FH patients using a validated food-frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and determined a daily intake 9.72 ± 2.64 mg/day, different to other described populations. Conclusions: we discussed the relevance of exogenous CoQ10 for FH development and potential SAMS. Interestingly, this information can be extrapolated to define the regular CoQ10 intake of the Spanish population, especially when following the MedDiet. Full article

Therapeutic innovation in cardiovascular medicine is rapidly overcoming the limitations of conventional strategies, providing more targeted, durable, and multidimensional solutions. Key advances include next-generation lipid-lowering agents such as PCSK9 inhibitors, inclisiran, and bempedoic acid, as well as metabolic drugs like SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and dual GIP/GLP-1 agonists, which offer cardiovascular and renal benefits beyond glucose control. At the same time, gene therapies, RNA-based interventions, genome editing tools, and nanocarriers are paving the way for precision medicine tailored to individual patient profiles. In parallel, digital innovations, including artificial intelligence, remote monitoring, and telehealth platforms, are transforming care delivery by enhancing adherence, enabling earlier intervention, and refining risk stratification. Collectively, these developments signify a paradigm shift toward a more personalized, proactive, and systems-based model of cardiovascular care. Full article

This study investigated the effects of vitamin E supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and hepatic lipid metabolism in one-year-old juvenile Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis). A total of 270 fish (initial weight 1.37 ± 0.04 kg) were allocated into 9 fiberglass tanks and fed isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets with graded concentrations of vitamin E (DL-α-tocopherol acetate) including, 0, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg, respectively, for 2 months. Results showed that 1000 mg/kg vitamin E significantly improved growth performance and decreased hepatosomatic index. Dietary vitamin E supplementation significantly reduced the hepatic crude protein and crude lipid levels, withnot significantly affecting moisture and crude ash. Dietary vitamin E led to significant increases in plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and vitamin E levels, while decreasing plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Additionally, it raised liver vitamin E content and reduced hepatic triglycerides, total cholesterol, crude protein, and crude lipid levels. Vitamin E also significantly downregulated mRNA levels of lipogenesis-related genes (ACC1, acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1; FASN, fatty acid synthase; and PPARγ, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ) and inhibited the enzyme activities of ACC1 and FASN, while upregulating lipolysis-related genes (HSL, hormone-sensitive lipase; CPT1, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1α, and PPARα, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α) and enhancing the activities of HSL and CPT1α. Furthermore, vitamin E supplementation significantly improved plasma reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase activities, lowered plasma reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde levels, and hepatic malondialdehyde contents, and upregulated mRNA levels of hepatic Nrf2 (nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2), Keap1 (Kelch-like epichlorohydrin associating protein 1), and CuZnSOD (copper/zinc superoxide dismutase). In conclusion, dietary 1000 mg/kg vitamin E supplementation could improve growth performance, enhance antioxidant capacity, and reduce liver fat deposition, indicating its potential as a beneficial dietary additive for promoting health and lipid regulation in juvenile Chinese sturgeon. Full article