The research aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Opuntia dillenii Haw polysaccharide (OPS) on atherosclerosis of rats. First atherosclerotic rat models were established by high-fat and high-calcium diet. Thirty days later, the rats were treated with low dosage of OPS (0.2 g x kg(-1) x d(-1)) or high dosage of OPS (0.4 g x kg(-1) x d(-1)) by intraperitoneal injection for 60 days continuously. At the end of treatment, thoracic aorta rings were prepared and vasorelaxation of rat thoracic aorta in different experiment groups were determined by using 620M multi wire myograph system in vitro. Blood and livers of rats were collected. Then plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) of rats were separately determined using whole automatic biochemical analyzer; protein level of hepatic apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and that of hepatic diglyceride acyltransferase (Dgat1) were measured by Western Blot technique. Results showed that the ability of rat thoracic aorta to relax decreased markedly in the model group compared with that in the normal group, and significant differences existed in vasorelaxation ratios induced by different concentrations of carbamylcholine chloride (Carb) between these two groups (P < 0.01). After OPS treatment, the ability of rat thoracic aorta to relax improved markedly, the vasorelaxation ratios induced by Carb at 5 and 10 μmol x L(-1) were respectively 0.34 ± 0.08 and 0.62 ± 0.15 in the group treated with low dosage of OPS, while the ratios induced by Carb at 1 and 5 μmol x L(-1) were respectively 0.54 ± 0.08 and 0.98 ± 0.02 in the group treated with high dosage of OPS, which were all significantly different with those in the model group (P < 0.01). Plasma contents of TC, TG and LDL reduced significantly by the treatments both with low and high dosages of OPS compared with those in the model group (P < 0.01). Protein level of hepatic ApoB and that of hepatic Dgat1 decreased significantly after the treatment with high dosage of OPS compared with those in the model group (P < 0.01). These results indicate that OPS can markedly improve the vasorelaxation of thoracic aorta of atherosclerotic rats and has significant anti-atherosclerotic effect; inhibiting the expression of ApoB and Dgat1 and thus decreasing the amounts of TC, LDL and TG serving as one of the molecular mechanisms of its antiatherosclerosis effect.
Animals ; Aorta, Thoracic ; drug effects ; Atherosclerosis ; drug therapy ; Cholesterol ; blood ; Lipoproteins, LDL ; blood ; Opuntia ; chemistry ; Phytotherapy ; Rats ; Triglycerides ; blood

OBJECTIVETo determine whether blood lipids profile, fibrinogen and viscosity were associated with passive smoking (i. e. environmental tobacco smoke, ETS) in Chinese women who never smoke.

METHODSIn Xi'an, China, a case-control study was carried out on 115 cases of coronary heart disease (CHD) defined by coronary arteriography (CAG) and 208 non-CHD controls confirmed by CAG and/or exercise electrocardiography. Data on exposure to ETS, defined as exposure from cigarettes smoking husband or co-workers or both for at least 5 years, was obtained through standardized interviews. Standard laboratory methods were used and the lipid measurements were under US CDC quality control programs.

RESULTSIn the subjects defined by CAG, the levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), HDL2C, apolipoprotein (apo) A1 among passive smokers appeared lower than those in non-passive smokers,but the low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apoB, apoB/A1, fibrinogen, plasma and whole blood viscosity were higher than that in non-passive smokers. There were positive associations of the numbers of coronary arteriosclerosis with the levels of blood lipids,fibrinogen and viscosity. In the non-CHD controls, 81 subjects were not exposed and 127 were exposed to ETS. The P values of t-test for the adjusted (for age, body mass index, present diseases history) means between two groups were listed below: 0.06 (total cholesterol), 0.30 (triglyceride), 0.004 (HDL-C), <0.001 (HDL2-C), < 0.001 (apoA1), 0.009 (apoB), <0.001 (apoB/apoA1), <0.001 (fibrinogen), <0.001 (plasma viscosity), <0.001 and 0.004 [two measures (5.75/s and 230/s) of whole blood viscosity]. The correlation coefficients between cumulative exposure of passive smoking and HDL-C,HDL2-C,apoA1, apoB, apoB/apoA1, fibrinogen, plasma viscosity, and two measures of whole blood viscosity were -0.25, -0.27, -0.30, 0.24, 0.31, 0.32, 0.43, 0.51 and 0.36 (all P<0.01), respectively.

CONCLUSIONPassive smoking could affect blood lipid metabolism, fibrinogen and viscosity in the never smoking women which might contribute to the causation of coronary heart disease.

Apolipoprotein A-I ; blood ; Blood Viscosity ; drug effects ; Cholesterol, HDL ; blood ; Cholesterol, LDL ; blood ; Coronary Disease ; etiology ; Female ; Fibrinogen ; metabolism ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Tobacco Smoke Pollution ; adverse effects

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of lycopene on red blood cell and the level of blood lipid.

METHODSAccording to the level of serum total cholesterol and weight, forty-eight adult male SD rats were divided randomly into six groups: normal control (group A), fed by normal feed; hyperlipidemia group (group B): fed by high fat diet; positive control group (group C): fed by high fat diet plus 10 mg * kg(-1) * d(-1) fluvastatin sodium; lycopene groups: fed by high fat diet plus 11 (group D), 22 (group E), 44 mg * kg(-1) * d(-1) (group F) lycopene through gavage, respectively. For all six groups, the level of serum total cholesterol (TC) and total triglyceride (TG) were measured at the end of 0, 1, 3 weeks of the study by taking samples from tail vein. At the end of the experiment, RBC and HGB were measured.

RESULTSAfter the rats were fed with high-fat feed for a week, models of hyperlipidemia rats were established. At the end of 3 weeks, TC of group A, B, C, D, E and F were (1.31 +/- 0.05), (19.40 +/- 0.54), (4.66 +/- 0.07), (7.18 +/- 0.06), (5.30 +/- 0.28), (4.49 +/- 0.23) mmol/L (F = 4395.72, P = 0.00), respectively;and TG were (0.42 +/- 0.01), (2.29 +/- 0.42), (0.69 +/- 0.03), (1.10 +/- 0.05), (0.63 +/- 0.02), (0.62 +/- 0.04) mmol/L (F = 127.26, P = 0.00), respectively; HGB were (143.13 +/- 6.33), (112.63 +/- 2.56), (124.75 +/- 3.62), (124.63 +/- 7.78), (132.38 +/- 6.41), (142.13 +/- 5.54) g/L (F = 34.14, P = 0.00), respectively; RBC were (6.75 +/- 0.60) x 10(12)/L, (5.08 +/- 0.75) x 10(12)/L, (7.14 +/- 0.82) x 10(12)/L, (5.94 +/- 1.09) x 10(12)/L, (6.18 +/- 0.36) x 10(12)/L and (7.31 +/- 0.58) x 10(12)/L (F = 10.35, P = 0.00), respectively.

CONCLUSIONLycopene have some protective effects on red blood cells of the hyperlipidemic rats by regulating the blood lipid and antioxidant.

Animals ; Carotenoids ; pharmacology ; Cholesterol ; blood ; Cholesterol, LDL ; blood ; Erythrocytes ; drug effects ; Hypercholesterolemia ; blood ; Lipids ; blood ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Triglycerides ; blood

AIMTo evaluate the effect of testosterone (T) on adiponectin serum levels in transsexual female patients.

METHODSWe measured adiponectin, leptin, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone, T, estradiol, lipid profile, biochemical parameters and body composition in 16 transsexual female patients at baseline and after 6 months of T treatment (100 mg Testoviron Depot /10 days, i.m.).

RESULTSAdiponectin levels were 16.9 +/- 7.3 mg/mL at baseline and 13.5 +/- 7.4 mg/mL at month 6 of T treatment (P < 0.05). Leptin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased significantly, whereas body mass index, waist circumference and lean body mass increased significantly after 6 months of T treatment. No changes in insulin or Homeostasis Model Assessment were detected.

CONCLUSIONT can significantly reduce adiponectin serum levels in transsexual female patients.

Adiponectin ; secretion ; Adipose Tissue ; drug effects ; Adult ; Body Mass Index ; Body Weight ; drug effects ; Cholesterol ; blood ; Cholesterol, HDL ; blood ; Cholesterol, LDL ; blood ; Female ; Humans ; Leptin ; blood ; Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin ; metabolism ; Testosterone ; blood ; therapeutic use ; Transsexualism ; drug therapy

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of niacin on the serum adiponectin concentration in hypercholesterolemia rabbit and the adiponectin concentration secreted by adipocytes in normal rabbits. METHODS: Ten male New Zealand white rabbits fed with high cholesterol diet for 8 weeks were randomly divided into 2 groups: (1) The high cholesterol group maintained a high cholesterol diet for 8 weeks. (2) The same cholesterol diet plus niacin (0.4g/kg*d ) were administrated for 6 weeks in the niacin group. A control group was fed with normal diet for 14 weeks. Subcutaneous adipose from the control group was collected for adipocyte culture. Matured adipocytes were incubated with various concentrations of niacin (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0micromol/L). Adiponectin concentrations in the serum and adipocyte culture supernatant were measured by enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, rabbits in the high cholesterol group showed higher serum levels of total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), all of which were significantly reduced by niacin treatment (P<0.01),and serum high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) significantly increased (P<0.01). At 8th week, the mean adiponectin concentration of rabbits fed with high cholesterol diet was significantly lower than that of the control group[(1.268+/-0.039)mg/L vs.(1.449+/-0.107)mg/L,P<0.01]. Niacin treatment significantly elevated the serum adiponectin level which was positively related to HDL-C,and negatively related to TC and LDL-C. Cell experiment in vitro indicated that niacin could significantly induce the adiponectin secretion of adipocytes in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION Niacin can significantly promote the adiponectin secretion of adipocytes, suggesting that niacin probably has an ability of elevating the serum adiponectin level in addition to lipid-lowering effect.
Adipocytes ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Adiponectin ; blood ; metabolism ; Animals ; Cholesterol ; blood ; Cholesterol, Dietary ; administration & dosage ; toxicity ; Cholesterol, HDL ; blood ; Cholesterol, LDL ; blood ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Hypercholesterolemia ; blood ; etiology ; prevention & control ; Hypolipidemic Agents ; pharmacology ; Male ; Niacin ; pharmacology ; Rabbits ; Random Allocation

OBJECTIVETo observe the anti-atherosclerotic effect and its possible mechanisms of Modified Zhenzhu Tiaozhi Capsule (MZTC) in rabbits.

METHODS50 rabbits were divided into five groups, i.e., the normal group, the model group, the simvastatin group (3 mg/kg), the high dose MZTC group (1.6 g crude drug/kg), and the low dose MZTC group (1.6 g crude drug/kg), respectively, ten in each group. The atherosclerosis (AS) model was established by feeding rabbits with high fat diet. Corresponding medicines were administrated on the basis of high fat diet for twelve successive weeks. Levels of blood lipids, serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO) were detected. The area of the aortic tunica intima plaque was determined. The pathological changes of the aorta were observed.

RESULTSCompared with the model group, serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), MDA, and atherosclerotic index (AI) were significantly lowered in the MZTC groups (P<0.05, P<0.01), while serum levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), SOD, and NO obviously increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, and in the MZTC groups were obviously higher than those of the simvastatin group (P<0.01), and there was insignificant difference in other indices. The ratio of the aortic tunica intima plaque percentage to the total tunica intima area was also markedly lower than that of the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Results under light microscope indicated the pathological changes of the aorta was obviously attenuated.

CONCLUSIONSMZTC could inhibit the formation and development of AS plaque. Its mechanism might be associated with regulating lipids metabolism, antioxidation, and improving endothelial functions.

Animals ; Atherosclerosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cholesterol ; blood ; Cholesterol, HDL ; blood ; Cholesterol, LDL ; blood ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Female ; Lipid Peroxidation ; drug effects ; Lipids ; blood ; Male ; Malondialdehyde ; blood ; Nitric Oxide ; blood ; Rabbits ; Superoxide Dismutase ; blood ; Triglycerides ; blood

OBJECTIVETo survey the intake of dietary lipids and analyze serum lipid levels in hypertensive patients, and to study the effects of changing dietary lipids intake on the serum lipid levels.

METHODSTo estimate the intake of dietary fat and to measure the level of serum lipids in hypertensive patients before and after intervention.

RESULTSThe baseline survey showed that the intake of dietary fat and cholesterol were high in those patients. Their fat intake is more than 30% of the total energy intake; serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were higher than the normal level. Correlation analysis showed that body mass index (BMI) and saturated fatty acid (SFA) intake were positively correlated with serum TC, TG and LDL-C; serum HDL-C/TC ratio was positively correlated with monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) intake, and negatively correlated with BMI and SFA. The results implicated that MUFA is the protective factor against hypertension and hyperlipidemia. After one-year community-based nutrition intervention, the serum TC and LDL-C levels of the intervened subjects were reduced dramatically.

CONCLUSIONThe results indicate that reducing the intake of dietary fat and cholesterol and properly increasing dietary MUFA intake have significant effects on lowering serum lipids levels and controlling blood pressure in hypertensive patients.

Aged ; Blood Pressure ; drug effects ; Body Mass Index ; Cholesterol ; blood ; Cholesterol, Dietary ; administration & dosage ; Cholesterol, LDL ; blood ; Dietary Fats ; administration & dosage ; Fatty Acids, Monounsaturated ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; blood ; physiopathology ; Lipids ; blood ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Triglycerides ; blood

Various synthetic progestogens that are used as contraceptives have been reported to influence lipid and lipoprotein fractions differently. Depo-medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), a synthetic progestogen, is used by Nepalese women as a contraceptive agent. Our study aims to determine the effects of long-term use of DMPA on lipid metabolism. We performed this study on 60 healthy Nepalese women who had been using DMPA for more than 2 yr and age- and weight-matched control subjects who were not using hormonal contraceptives. Fasting blood samples were collected from the subjects for the estimation of total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels, and the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were estimated using the Friedewald's equation. TC and LDL-C levels in DMPA users were significantly higher than those in non-users. Our study concluded that DMPA use induces lipid metabolism changes that can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Adult ; Cardiovascular Diseases/etiology ; Cholesterol/blood ; Cholesterol, HDL/analysis ; Cholesterol, LDL/analysis ; Contraceptive Agents, Female/*adverse effects ; Female ; Humans ; Lipid Metabolism/*drug effects ; Medroxyprogesterone Acetate/*adverse effects ; Nepal ; Risk Factors ; Triglycerides/blood

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the therapeutic effects of Quyu Xiaoban Capsule (QYXBC) on endothelial dependent vascular relaxation (EDVR) function in patients with atherosclerosis (AS) with ultrasonic technique.

METHODSTested were the endothelial function and blood lipids of 42 patients with AS in the treated group and 30 healthy volunteers in the control group. And re-examination of these parameters was carried out on the AS patients after they had been treated with QYXBC for 10 months.

RESULTSBefore treatment, the reactive hyperemia induced changes in artery diameter in the treated group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.01), while insignificant difference was found between the two groups in response to nitroglycerin. In the treated group after treatment, with D%-R improved significantly (P < 0.01), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) decreased by 16.3%, 5.6%, 10.2% respectively and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased by 7.5%. EDVR was correlated negatively with the serum TC, LDL-C concentrations and the baseline brachial diameter (D(0)) (r = -0.41, -0.66, -0.59, respectively, all P < 0.01), but correlated positively with HDL-C (r = 0.62, P < 0.05). The ameliorative extent of EDVR was correlated positively to the decreased magnitude of TC and LDL-C concentrations (r = 0.67, 0.59, both P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONQYXBC can lower the level of blood lipids and improve significantly EDVR function.

Adult ; Aged ; Brachial Artery ; physiology ; Carotid Artery Diseases ; diagnostic imaging ; drug therapy ; Cholesterol, HDL ; blood ; Cholesterol, LDL ; blood ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Endothelium, Vascular ; drug effects ; physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; Ultrasonography ; Vasodilation ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo explore the effects of Tongxinluo capsule (TXL) on the atherosclerosis obliterans (ASO) in iliofemoral artery of rabbits.

METHODRabbits were randomly divided into 7 groups: sham, model, TXL (0.8, 0.4, 0.2 g x kg(-1)), Tongsaimai tablet (0.8 g x kg(-1)) and Laishike (0.002 g x kg(-1)). The animal model of ASO was established with a combined method of mechanical trauma, immunologic injury and high fat fodder feeding. Rabbits were administrated the drugs 8 weeks after surgery. The levels of TC, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C in serum were determined at the time points below: pre-experiment (0 week), pre-drug administration (8 weeks post-surgery), 4 weeks after drug administration (12 weeks post-surgery), 8 weeks after drug administration (16 weeks post-surgery), 12 weeks after drug administration (20 weeks post-surgery). Meanwhile, the behavioral study was performed, the distal skin temperature of the injured hind limb detected. The histopathological changes in iliofemoral artery were examined after opacification.

RESULTThe levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, VLDL-C and TC/HDL-C were decreased significantly in serum of ASO rabbits. The severity of lameness in the injured hind limb was improved. The distal skin temperature was increased. The thickness and the ratio of intima area of the iliofemoral artery of the injured hind limb were decreased, while the stenosis extent was improved.

CONCLUSIONTXL might be beneficial to modulate blood lipid, as well as the prevention and treatment for ASO.

Animals ; Arteriosclerosis Obliterans ; blood ; pathology ; prevention & control ; Arthropods ; chemistry ; Behavior, Animal ; drug effects ; Capsules ; Cholesterol ; blood ; Cholesterol, HDL ; blood ; Cholesterol, LDL ; blood ; Drug Combinations ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Femoral Artery ; drug effects ; pathology ; Iliac Artery ; drug effects ; pathology ; Male ; Materia Medica ; administration & dosage ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Rabbits ; Random Allocation ; Triglycerides ; blood ; Tunica Intima ; drug effects ; pathology