The new strategy for modulating dyslipidemia: Consideration from updated understanding on high-density lipoprotein

With further researches on blood lipids and atherosclerosis,especially after the conception of"residual cardiovascular risk",high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C) becomes a new therapeutic target against atherosclerosis.However,the failure of ILLUMINATE study that was targeted at raising HDL-C level disappointed cardiologists all over the world,which indicates the limitation of HDL-C concentration in representing HDL function.The updated understanding of HDL from"quantity"to"quality"brings a new cut-in point for integrative Chinese and Western medicine in preventing and treating dyslipidemia and atherosclerosis. In addition to highlighting statins in directly intervening low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,we should make full use of the superiority of Chinese medicine in overall regulation and individualized treatment to promote the self-healing capacity of the patients,which further regulates abnormity of both concentration and function of the whole blood lipid family to equilibrium.This new strategy for modulating dyslipidemia with mutual complement of advantages from Western and Chinese medicines will no doubt play an important role in future therapies.     

No Additional Cholesterol-Lowering Effect Observed in the Combined Treatment of Red Yeast Rice and Lactobacillus Casei in Hyperlipidemic Patients:A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Objective:To observe the effect of combining red yeast rice and Lactobacillus casei(L.casei)in lowering cholesterol in patients with primary hyperlipidemia,the later has also been shown to remove cholesterol in in vitro studies.Methods:A double-blind clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the cholesterol-lowering effect of the combination of red yeast rice and L.casei.Sixty patients with primary hyperlipidemia were recruited and randomized equal y to either the treatment group(red yeast rice+L.casei)or the control group(red yeast rice+placebo).One red yeast rice capsule and two L.casei capsules were taken twice a day.The treatment lasted for 8 weeks,with an extended follow-up period of 4 weeks.The primary endpoint was a difference of serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)level at week 8.Results:At week 8,the LDL-C serum level in both groups was lower than that at baseline,with a decrease of 33.85±26.66 mg/dL in the treatment group and 38.11±30.90 mg/dL in the control group;however,there was no statistical difference between the two groups(P0.05).The total cholesterol was also lower than the baseline in both groups,yet without a statistical difference between the two groups.The only statistical y significant difference between the two groups was the average diastolic pressure at week 12,which dropped by 2.67 mm Hg in the treatment group and increased by 4.43 mm Hg in the placebo group(P0.05).The antihypertensive activity may be associated with L.casei.Red yeast rice can significantly reduce LDL-C,total cholesterol and triglyceride.Conclusion:The combination of red yeast rice and L.casei did not have an additional effect on lipid profiles.     

Study on the relationship between serum high density lipoprotein and Pi-deficiency syndrome in patients with coronary heart disease

Objective:To explore the relationship of Pi(脾)-def iciency syndrome in TCM with the change of serum high density lipoprotein(HDL) in blood lipid metabolic disorder.Methods:Sixty-eight patients with conf irmed coronary heart disease(CHD) were selected for TCM syndrome typing into Pi-defi ciency(PD) group and non-Pi-def iciency(NPD) group.Routine blood lipids and serum lipoprotein electrophoretogram(SLPG) were determined in all patients to analyze the total content of HDL and its relative contents of sub-components HDL1-5,as well as their relation with PD syndrome.Besides,a healthy control group(62 cases) was set up.Results:The level of serum HDL-C was lowered,SLPG abnormality rate increased in the patients with CHD,with total HDL and the relative contents of sub-component HDL1 and HDL3 signifi cantly lower than those in the healthy control group(P<0.01).The total HDL,HDL1 and HDL3 in the PD group were also lower than those in the NPD group(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion:Serum HDL and its sub-components showed a definite relation with TCM PD syndrome type,therefore,further exploring the granular specificity of HDL and its sub-components as well as their influence on reverse cholesterol transport(RCT) may hopefully provide clues for developing RCT regulatory Chinese new drugs and for CHD prevention and treatment.     

Effect of Tongmai Jiangzhi Oral Liquid (通脉降脂口服液) on Serum P-selectin,von Willebrand Factors and D-Dimer in Patients with Atherosclerosis

Objective: To explore the role of cytokines on the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, and the effect of Tongmai Jiangzhi oral liquid (通脉降脂口服液,TMJZ) on cytokines through observing serum P-se-lectins (Ps), von Willebrand (vWF), and D-dimer (D-D) in atherosclerosis (AS) patients. Methods: Sixty-three AS patients were randomly divided into the treated group (n = 33, treated with TMJZ, 10 ml each time, three times a day) and the control group (n = 30, treated with Lovastatin, 10 mg, once daily). The levels of serum lipids (enzymatic methods), Ps, vWF, and D-D were measured before and after 8 weeks of treatment. Results: Serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apo-protein B-100 (apoB-100) were significantly decreased (P<0.05 or P< 0.01) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly raised (P<0.05) after TMJZ treatment. Serum Ps, vWF, and D-D also declined (P<0.05) after treatment. There was no significant difference between the tre     

Effects of Xuezhikang Capsule(血脂康胶囊) on Blood Lipids,Platelet Activation and Coagulation-Fibrinolysis Activity in Patients with Hyperlipidemia

Objective: To investigate the effects of Xuezhikang capsule (XZK, 血脂康胶囊) on blood lipids level, platelet activation and coagulation-fibrinolysis activity in patients with hyerlipidemia. Methods:Seventy-six patients of hyperlipidemia were randomly divided into two groups, the XZK group (n = 38) treated with XZK 600mg, taken two times per day and the Simvastatin (SIM) group (n = 38) treated with SIM 20mg per day, with the treatment lasting 8 weeks for both groups. Levels of fasting serum lipids, including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high and low density l ipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C and LDL-C),plasma GMP-140, fibrinogen (FIB), tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAl-) and prothrombin time (PT) were all measured before and 8 weeks after treatment. Data were compared before and after treatment and also compared with those measured in 20 healthy subjects of control. Results: Before treantment the levels of TC, TG and LDL-C were obviously higher and HDL-C level was significantly lower in hyperlipidemia patients than those in healthy subjects ( P＜0.05 or P＜0.01). After 4-8 weeks of XZK treatment, the levels of TC, TG, LDL-C and FIB and activities of GMP-140 and PAl-1 were obviously lowered (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01). But in the SIM group there was no obvious change in FIB (P＞0.05), instead it showed obvious increase of HDL-C and decrease of TC and LDL-C after treatment ( P＜0.05 or P＜0.01). Conclusion: XZK could inhibit platelet activity and improve coagulation-fibrinolysis function, besides its lipids lowering effect.     

Serum 25（OH）D and Lipid Levels in Chinese Obese and Normal Weight Males before and after Oral Vitamin D Supplementation

Objective To study the effect of oral vitamin D （VD） supplementation on VD status and serum lipid in Chinese obese and healthy normal-weight men. Methods Twenty-one obese men with their body mass index （BMI）〉28 kg/m2 served as an obese group and 22 healthy normal-weight men with their BMI〈24 kg/m2 served as a control group in this study. After they were given 50 000 IU of oral VD, once a week for 8 weeks, the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25（OH）D] concentration was measured with an enzyme-immunoassay kit. Results After oral VD supplementation, the serum 25（OH）D concentration significantly increased from 46.1＋9.1 nmol/L to 116.7_＋20.3 nmol/L in the obese subjects （P〈O.01） and from 52.8_＋17.8 nmol/L to 181.3_＋30.2 nmol/L in the control ones （P=0.13）. The serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C） level was reduced within the normal reference range in the obese group. However, no significant change was observed in the level of other serum lipids （triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol） in either of the two groups. Conclusion The effect of high-dose oral VD supplementation is weaker on VD status in the obese group than in the control group. High-dose oral VD supplementation has no side effect on serum lipid level in obese and control groups.     

Inhibition of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9: A Novel Mechanism of Berberine and 8-hydroxy Dihydroberberine against Hyperlipidemia

Objective:To investigate the effect and molecular mechanisms of different doses of 8-hydroxy dihydroberberine(Hdber) for the treatment of hyperlipidemia in rats.Methods:A rat model of hyperlipidemia was established by feeding rats a high-fat diet for 4 weeks in 70 rats of 80 animals,and 10 rats were randomly selected as control group.The hyperlipidemic rats were then randomly divided into the following groups:a model group(MOD);a berberine group[BBR,156 mg/(kg·day)];Hdber groups,which were treated with different doses of Hdber[78,39 and 19.5 mg/(kg·day)];and a simvastatin group[SIM,4 mg/(kg·day)].The corresponding therapy was administered to the rats of each treatment via gastric tubes.Normal animals were used as a control group.The blood levels of various lipids,including total cholesterol,triglycerides,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,free fatty acid(FFA),apolipoprotein AⅠ(Apo-A Ⅰ) and apolipoprotein B(Apo-B) were examined.The protein expressions of low-density lipoprotein receptor(LDL-R),sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2(SREBP-2),3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase(HMGCR) and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9(PCSK-9) in liver tissues were determined by Western blot analysis.Results:Compared with the control group of rats,the model group demonstrated a deteriorated blood lipid profile and exhibited increased expression levels of PCSK-9protein in their liver tissues(P0.01).In addition,the high-fat diet decreased the expression levels of LDL-R,SREBP-2and HMGCR proteins in murine liver tissues.However,the addition of berberine or Hdber reversed the blood lipid profile changes(P0.05 or P0.01),decreased the expression levels of PCSK-9 proteins(P0.01),and increased the expression levels of LDL-R proteins in the hyperlipidemic rats(P0.01).These compounds did not significantly influence the expression levels of SREBP-2 and HMGCR proteins in the hyperlipidemic rats.Conclusions:Hdber is effective in the treatment of hyperlipidemia in rats.The therapeutic mechanisms of Hdber may be associated with increasing the expression of LDL-R protein and decreasing the expression of PCSK-9 protein in liver tissues.     

Serum Lipoprotein (a) Concentration in Patients with Nephrotic Syndrome and Its Clinical Implication

Serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] concentration was determined in 42 patients with primary nephrotic syndrome (NS) and the relationships between Lp (a) and plasma lipids, apolipoproteins, serum creatinine (Scr), albumin, urinary proteins (Upro) were also analyzed. The results showed that: (1) serum Lp(a) concentrations in the patients with NS were higher than those in healthy controls;(2) the levels of serum Lp (a) were correlated positively with total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), apolipoprotein B (Apo-B), Upros (Upro). It is concluded that the NS patients had the potential risk of suffering from coronary artery disease, glomerular sclerosis and thrombosis. The remission of NS may partially decrease the serum Lp(a) levels. Further studies are needed to explore the prevention and treatment of dislipedemia in patients with NS.     

~1H nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomic study on efficacy of Qingrehuatan decoction against abundant phlegm-heat syndrome in young adults with essential hypertension

OBJECTIVE: To observe the influence of Qingrehuatan decoction(QRHT) on serum metabolic profile in young essential hypertension(YEH) patients with abundant phlegm-heat syndrome and provide a basis for treatment with the decoction.METHODS: Twelve male YEH patients were randomly selected and serum samples were collected for examination before and after 4 weeks of thetreatment with QRHT. Twelve healthy males were randomly selected and their serum samples were collected as a control. All serum samples were detected using metabolomic technology with1 H nuclear magnetic resonance. Differences in metabolites were studied by principal component analysis and partial least squares-discriminate analysis,which produced scores and loadings plots.RESULTS: After 4 weeks of treatment, serum substances could be distinguished between the YEH patients with abundant phlegm-heat syndrome and the control patients. The specific serum endogenous metabolites tended to improve after the treatment. QRHT can appropriately increase the levels of glucose, lactic acid, citric acid, high-density lipoprotein, phosphatidylcholine, glycerophosphate choline, hydroxybutyrate, alanine, and glutamate.QRHT could also decrease the levels of low-density lipoprotein/very low-density lipoprotein, lipids,N-acetyl glycoprotein, and O-acetyl glycoprotein.CONCLUSION: QRHT can effectively ameliorate metabolic disorders in YEH Patients with abundant phlegm- heat syndrome.1H NMR-based metabolomic technology can provide an objective basis for the treatment of YEH patients with abundant phlegm-heat syndrome using QRHT.     

THE DIFFERENCES OF SERUM CHOLESTEROL AND LIPOPROTEINS IN ANIMALS SUSCEPTIBLE AND NONSUSCEPTIBLE TO ATHEROSCLEROSIS

The differences of serum lipid and lipoprotein (LP,profiles of animals susceptible (rabbit)and nonsusceptible (Beijing duck) to atherosclerosis as well as the distribution of apolipo-protein (apo) A-I and its catabolism in vivo were studied.Eight items,i.e.total cholesterol(TC),high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol,triglyceride,percentage of a-LP and β-LP,β-LP concentration,lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT),and agarose and polyacryla-mide gel electrophoresis of both species were assayed before and after feeding a high fat,high cholesterol diet.Results indicate that the exogenous cholesterol consumed by Beijingducks was carried and transported by HDL,while that in rabbits was transported by lowdensity lipoprotein (LDL).The biological half lives of apo A-I in serum and in HDL were41.11±2.4 and 42.8±1.7 h respectively.and its distribution in different organs was in theorder of liver>kidney>spleen>lung>heart>intestine>muscles>aorta.These resultsshow that the liver is the major organ for metabolizing HDL apo A-I.and the kidneyis also important.The results also imply that in Beijing ducks the cholesterol carried byHDL may be catabolized through apo A-I receptors in the liver and kidney.The differencesin cholesterol binding and in lipoprotein and apolipoprotein metabolism of the two speciesprovide important clues for the elucidation of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.     

Clinical study of trilogy detoxicating therapy combined with routine Western medicine on patients with chronic renal failure

Objective： To investigate the mechanism of Trilogy Detoxicating Therapy in treating patients with chronic renal failure （CRF）. Methods： A total of 142 patients were assigned to the Trilogy Detoxicating Therapy group （the treatment group, 82 patients） and the Western medicine treatment group （the control group, 60 patients）. All of the patients were treated with NovoNorm 1 mg and metformin hydrochloride tablets 0.15 g thrice per day for lowering the blood glucose, as well as Perindopril 4 mg twice daily for lowering blood pressure, recombinant human erythropoietin 2 000 U and a hypodermic injection thrice a week for rectifying anemia, 30 days as one course of treatment, and all patients were treated for two courses. Patients in the treatment group were treated with the Trilogy Detoxicating Therapy [dispersing the five-zang （脏） organs, expelling toxins through colonic dialysis and skin dialysis fumigation] in addition to the aforementioned drugs. Parameters observed and recorded in the study included renal function [serum creatinine （SCr）, blood urea nitrogen （BUN）], blood lipids [triglyceride （TG）, total cholesterol （TC）, low-density lipoprotein C （LDL-C）, high-density lipoprotein C （HDL-C）], plasma total protein （TP）, hemoglobin （Hb）, serum interleukin-6 （IL-6）, and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） before and after the treatment. Results： After two courses of treatment, the levels of SCr, BUN, TG, TC, LDL-C, serum IL-6 and TNF-α decreased significantly, meanwhile HDL-C increased in the treatment group （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. In contrast, no obvious changes of the above mentioned items occurred in the control group. In both groups, the levels of TP and Hb were significantly elevated （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）, but the changes were more obvious in the treatment group （P〈0.01）. Conclusion： Trilogy Detoxicating Therapy played a therapeutic role on patients with CRF possibly through lowering the levels of blood lipids, serum IL-6 and TNF- α     

Effect of detoxification, removing stasis and nourishing yin method on corticosteroid-induced hyperlipidemia in patients with systemic lupus rythematosus

Objective:To observe the effect of TCM therapy for detoxification,removing stasis,and nourishing yin on corticosteroid-induced hyperlipemia in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE),and to investigate its mechanism.Methods:One hundred and seventy patients with SLE were randomly assigned to the integrative medicine group (IM group) and the Western medicine group (WM group),85 in each group.Also,30 healthy subjects selected from blood donors were enrolled in the normal control (NC) group.All patients were treated mainly with prednisone, while those in the IM group were given TCM therapy additionally,and the therapeutic course for both groups was 6 successive months.The changes of serum total cholesterol (TC),triglyceride (TG),high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-G),low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C),very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) and apolipoprotein A (ApoA) were determined and observed.A 2-year follow-up study was carried out in 16 patients of the WM group and 25 of the IM group.Results:Before treatment,no significant difference had been found among the three groups in the serum levels of lipids and lipoproteins.After the 6-month treatment,as compared with the WM group,the IM group showed lower levels of TC,TG,LDL-C,and VLDL-C (P<0.05 or P<0.01) and higher levels of HDL-C and ApoA (P<0.05).A similar effect was also shown by the follow-up study in the IM group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion:TCM therapy for detoxification,removing stasis,and nourishing yin can effectively regulate the levels of serum lipids and lipoproteins in preventing and treating SLE patients with corticosteroid- induced hyperlipemia.     

Effect of Xuezhikang Capsule(血脂康胶囊)on Serum Tumor Necrosis Factor-αand Interleukin-6 in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Hyperlipidemia

<正>Objective:To evaluate the effect of Xuezhikang Capsule(血脂康胶囊) on the serum levels of inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-6(IL-6) in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) and hyperlipidemia,and to explore whether it has anti-inflammatory effect.Methods:A total of 84 patients were randomly assigned to two groups with stratified block randomization, the treatment group(42 cases) and the control group(42 cases).They were treated with Xuezhikang Capsule and polyene phosphatidylcholine capsule for twenty-four weeks,respectively.The changes in serum TNF-αand IL-6 were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay before treatment and at the 12th and 24th week. Results:Compared with those before treatment,the serum levels of TNF-αand IL-6 significantly decreased in both groups after treatment(P0.01).There was no significant change between the two groups for the treatments at different time points(P0.05) and between the two groups for treatments at the same time points (P0.05).Conclusion:Xuezhikang Capsule can inhibit the serum inflammatory factor in patients with NAFLD and hyperlipidemia.     

Combined use of extended-release niacin and atorvastatin: safety and effects on lipid modification

Background Cholesterol-lowering therapy with statins has been reported to reduce the morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to investigate the effects of combined application of extended-release niacin and atorvastatin on lipid profile modification and the risks of adverse events in patients with coronary artery disease. Methods Consecutive 108 patients with coronary artery disease and serum total cholesterol （TC） 〉 3.5 mmol/L were randomized into two groups： group A using atorvastatin and group B using extended-release niacin （niacin ER） and atorvastatin. Plasma lipid profile, glucose, and adverse events were assessed at the hospitalization, and 6 and 12 months after treatment. In addition, clinical cardiovascular events were evaluated after 12 months of treatment. Results The levels of TC, low density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C） were significantly decreased （P 〈0.05） in groups A and B, but the levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C） and ApoA increased by 29.36% and 40.81% respectively after 12 months of treatment in group B （P 〈0.01）. The medications were generally well tolerated in the two groups. No significant difference of adverse events was found between the two groups （group A： 3.2% vs group B 5.1%, P 〉0.05）. Conclusions Combined use of extended-release niacin with atorvastatin was superior to atorvastatin monotherapy alone in lipid profile regulation. Combination therapy with niacin ER and atorvastatin was well tolerated and safe in patients with coronary artery disease.     

Protective Effects of Xiongshao Capsule (芎芍胶囊) on Anti-inflammatory Function of High-Density Lipoprotein in An Atherosclerosis Rabbit Model

Objective: To observe the effects of Xiongshao Capsule(芎芍胶囊, XSC) on anti-inflammatory properties of high-density lipoprotein(HDL), myeloperoxidase(MPO) and paraoxonase 1(PON1) in serum of atherosclerosis(AS) rabbit model and explore the anti-inflammatory protective effects of XSC on HDL. Methods: Sixty rabbits were randomized into the control, the model, XSC low-, medium-and high-dose(Rhizoma Chuanxiong + Radix Paeoniae rubra : 0.6+0.3, 1.2+0.6, 2.4+1.2 g·kg-1·day-1, respectively), and simvastatin(1 g·kg-1·day-1) groups. The model rabbits were fed with high-fat diet and respective drugs for 15 weeks. The blood and thoracic aortas samples were collected at the end of 15 weeks. The levels of serum MPO and PON1 as well as total cholesterol(TC) and free cholesterol(FC) in aorta wall cells were tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Results: TC and FC in the model group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P0.01). Compared with the model group, TC and FC in the XSC groups were significantly lower(P0.05 or P0.01), so was simvastatin group(P0.01). There was no significant difference in PON1 level between groups(P0.05), even between model and control groups(P0.05). The serum MPO level in the model group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P0.05), which was significantly lower in XSC groups as well as simvastatin group(P0.05 or P0.01), and no difference was found between XSC groups and simvastatin group(P0.05). Conclusions: XSC can reduce the serum MPO level in AS rabbits to protect the anti-inflammatory function of HDL, maintaining the normal lipid transport function. TC and FC levels in aorta cells decline, and this process initiated by XSC plays an anti-AS role.     

The Effect of Foods Containing Refined Konjac Meal on Human Lipid Metabolism

A total of 110 elderly people with hyperlipidemia were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The experimental group consumed an ordinary diet plus foods containing refined Konjac meal, and the control group consumed only the ordinary diet. The experiment was carried out for 45 days. The results indicate that for the experimental group blood levels of triglyeendes (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were significantly lowered (P < 0.01) at the end of the trial, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apoprotein (Al) levels were significantly elevated (P<0.01). In contrast, for the control group, the changes in the above parameters were insignificant. The differences in TC. TG, LDL-C, and HDL-C levels between the two groups were statistically significant. The effects of refined Konjac meal on lipid levels in the blood were somewhat different between patients with hyperlipidemia and subjects with risk critical values only. For the former, TG and TC were decreased by 83.8±133.5 mg/dl, and 42.4±23.4 mg/dl. respectively: but for the latter, they are decreased only by -1.1±23.1 mg/dl and 8.3± 18.2 mg/dl, respectively; the difference mentioned above is Statistically significant (P<0.01). 1990 Academic Press. Inc.     

Short-andLong-Term Effects of Xuezhikang(血脂康),An Extract of Cholestin,on Serum Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 Levels

Objective:To investigate the short- and long-term effects of Xuezhikang(血脂康,XZK),an extract of Cholestin,on proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9(PCSK9) level.Methods:Thirty rats were randomly divided into three groups and were given saline,XZK 1,200 mg/kg or lovastatin 10 mg/kg respectively by daily gavage for 3 days(n=10 for each).Sixteen patients without previous iipid-lowering drug treatment for dyslipidemia received XZK 1,200 mg daily for 8 weeks.Fasting blood samples and liver tissue were collected at day 3 for rats,while the blood samples were obtained at baseline and week 8 from patients.The serum PCSK9 and lipid profile were measured.The expression of hepatic low density lipoprotein(LDL) receptor and sterol regulatory element binding protein 2(SREBP-2) were measured by real time-PCR.Results:PCSK9 levels in rats were significantly increased in the XZK and lovastatin groups(P=0.002,P=0.003 vs.control) at day 3,while no significant differences were found in the levels of lipid parameters.PCSK9 levels in patients increased by34%(P=0.006 vs.baseline) accompanied by total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol decreased by 22%and 28%(P=0.001,P=0.002 vs.baseline).The hepatic mRNA levels of LDL-receptor and SREBP-2 were significantly increased in the XZK and lovastatin groups.Conclusion:XZK has significant impact on PCSK9 in a short- and long-term manner in both rats and humans.Moreover,the data indicated that as lovastatin,XZK increased PCSK9 levels through SREBP-2 pathway.     

THE INFLUENCE OF APOLIPOPROTEIN B AND E GENE POLYMORPHISMS ON THE RESPONSE TO SIMVASTATIN THERAPY IN PATIENTS WITH HYPERLIPIDEMIA

Objective. To investigate the effect of apolipoprotein B (apoB) and E (apoE) genetic variations on lipid profile at baseline (before treatment), and also on the subsequent response to simvastatin therapy.Methods. Eighty-eight patients with hyperlipidemia were treated with simvastatin 5mg daily. The plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride (TG) and apo B were measured pre-treatment and at the end of the 4th, 8th and 12th post-treatment week. Polymorphisms of apoB at XbaI locus and apoE were determined by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP).Results. In all patients, relative frequencies of X- allele and X + allele were 0. 943 and 0. 057 for apoB gene respectively. For apoE gene the relative frequency of ε 2 allele was determined as 0. 182, ε3 as 0. 580 and ε4 as 0. 238. The reduction in TC level was more prominent in patients carrying X- allele than in those with X + allele following treatment (-23. 9% vs. -13. 6% , P < 0. 05). Co     

Effects of Quyu Xiaoban Capsule(祛瘀消斑胶囊) on Vascular Endothelial Function in Patients with Atherosclerosis

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of Quyu Xiaoban Capsule (祛瘀消斑胶囊 ,QYXBC) on endothelial dependent vascular relaxation (EDVR) function in patients with atherosclerosis (AS)with ultrasonic technique. Methods: Tested 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. Results: Before 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 (D0) (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 ). Conclusion: QYXBC can lower the level of blood lipids and improve significantly EDVR function.     

Prevalence of Abnormity of Blood Lipid and Associated Factors in Health Examination Population in Beijing

Objective To investigate the prevalence of abnormity of blood lipid and associated factors in healthy population in Beijing. Methods Totally, 38462 individuals who received health examination were enrolled in our study. We divided them into eight groups according to their ages. The levels of serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein cholesterol were tested, and the relationship of blood lipid abnormity with body mass index （BMI） and fasting blood glucose was analyzed. Results The incidences of hypercholesterolemia, hyperglyceridemia, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterolemia, and hyper low-density lipoprotein cholesterolemia presented increasing trend in this population. The incidence rate of abnormity of blood lipid in health examination population increased with BMI increase. The incidence of abnormity of blood lipid in overweight and obesity population was significantly higher than that in low weight and normal weight populations （P〈0.05）. Meanwhile, the trend of abnormal blood lipid incidence coincided with that of abnormal fasting blood glucose. Conclusions The prevalence of overweight, obesity, and abnormity of blood lipid in Beijing presents increasing trend. The incidence of abnormity of blood lipid increases with BMI increase, in coincidence with that of fasting blood glucose.