Anti-Obesity Effects of Dietary d-Allulose and Medium-Chain Triglycerides in High-Fat Diet-Fed Rats

d-Allulose, a rare sugar, exerts anti-obesity effects by inhibiting hepatic lipogenesis and promoting energy expenditure. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) consist of three medium-chain fatty acids connected by glycerol. MCTs have been extensively investigated for their ability to reduce body fat accumulation. We previously investigated the anti-obesity effects of a combination of dietary d-allulose and MCT (5% - 13%) in rats;however, we could not confirm the anti-obesity effects of MCT or observed synergetic effects between d-allulose and MCT on body fat loss. We speculated that our previous studies were influenced by the excessive amount of MCT in the diets. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the anti-obesity effects of the simultaneous intake of d-allulose and MCT in rats fed an obesity-inducing high-fat diet with a low amount of MCTs (2%). Thirty-two male Wistar rats (3-week-old) were randomly divided into four groups: control, d-allulose, MCT, and d-allulose + MCT groups. Rats in each group were fed ad libitum on a control (no d-Allulose or MCT), 5% d-allulose, 2% MCT, or 5% d-allulose + 2% MCT diets for 16 weeks. Abdominal adipose tissue weights were significantly lower in the d-allulose diet group than in the control group, whereas no differences were observed between results of the MCT-supplemented groups. The total body fat mass was significantly lower in the d-allulose and MCT diet groups than in the control group, but no differences were observed between the MCT-supplemented groups. These results suggested that anti-obesity effects of dietary d-allulose were observed, and the effects of dietary MCTs were weaker than those of d-allulose. Moreover, we confirmed the interaction between dietary d-allulose and MCT on indicators of obesity. Interestingly, their effects were not synergistic, as MCT supplementation offset the anti-obesity effects of dietary d-allulose. However, the specific mechanisms underlying those effects remain unknown, warranting further investigation.

Progress of Triglyceride Glucose Index in Lesion Severity and Prognosis of Acute Coronary Syndromes

Background: In response to the escalating burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) worldwide, exacerbated by lifestyle changes and socioeconomic shifts, acute coronary syndromes (ACS) stand out as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. The pivotal role of insulin resistance in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, independent of traditional risk factors, has garnered significant interest. Objective: This review aims to synthesize the recent advancements in the utilization of the triglyceride glucose index (TyG index) as a biomarker for assessing the severity and predicting the prognosis of ACS lesions. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases, incorporating keywords such as “triglyceride glucose index”, “TyG index”, “acute coronary syndrome”, “cardiovascular disease”, “insulin resistance”, “coronary artery calcification”, “SYNTAX score”, “Gensini score”, and “major adverse cardiac events”. Studies were included from the inception of each database up to July 2024. Selection criteria encompassed observational studies, case-control studies, and randomized controlled trials, with a particular emphasis on evaluating the diagnostic and prognostic value of the TyG index in patients with acute coronary syndromes. Ultimately, 46 publications met the inclusion criteria. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed in accordance with established guidelines. Results: Evidence suggests that the TyG index, reflecting insulin resistance, blood glucose, and lipid levels, is significantly associated with lesion severity in ACS, including coronary artery calcification, SYNTAX score, and Gensini score. Moreover, it demonstrates predictive power for major adverse cardiovascular events, underscoring its potential as a valuable tool in clinical decision-making. Conclusion: The review highlights the emerging role of the TyG index in the assessment and prognosis of ACS, advocating for its incorporation into clinical practice as a complement to existing diagnostic modalities. However, the establishment of standardized reference ranges and further validation across diverse populations are warranted to refine its applicability in personalized medicine. The interdisciplinary approach is essential to advance our understanding of the complex interplay between insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease, paving the way for the development of more effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Chaiqin Chengqi Decoction as an adjuvant treatment for mild/moderately severe hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis: A retrospective study

Hypertriglyceridemia is the third leading cause of acute pancreatitis(AP),and its incidence is increasing.Due to its relatively insidious etiology,it is easy to be ignored in the early stages.In China,Chaiqin Chengqi Decoction(CQCQD)has long been employed for treating AP.AIM To evaluate the effectiveness of CQCQD in patients diagnosed with mild/moderately severe hypertriglyceridemic AP(HTG-AP).METHODS In this study,the clinical data of 39 patients with HTG-AP admitted from January 2019 to November 2022 were collected.The changes of blood lipids,gastrointestinal symptoms,and abdominal pain before and after treatment were analyzed and compared between the two groups.RESULTS Twenty patients were treated with the conventional HTG-AP regimen,and 19 patients were additionally treated with CQCQD.After receiving treatment,the triglycerides(TG)level of the CQCQD group was lower than that of the CQCQD group(3.14±0.25 mmol/L vs 4.96±0.47 mmol/L,P<0.01).After 3 d of treatment,the patients in the CQCQD group had more bowel movements than the control group(2.51±0.25 times vs 1.00±0.17 times,P=0.01).The gastrointestinal function of most patients returned to normal,and the acute gastrointestinal injury score was significantly lower than that of the control group(0.11±0.07 vs 0.42±0.11,P<0.01).CONCLUSION In patients with HTG-AP,CQCQD can significantly reduce the TG level,shorten the recovery time of defecation,significantly improve the gastrointestinal function.

On the Impairment of Stress-Induced Changes in Triglyceride Levels via a Sub-Toxic Dose of Unmethylated Cytidine Phosphate Guanosine Oligodinucleotide (a Toll-Like Receptor 9 Ligand)

Changes in lipid metabolism have been implicated in protection against infectious diseases. In the first experiment of this study, we measured clinical lipid parameters in a murine model where the unmethylated cytidine phosphate guanosine (CpG) oligodinucleotide (ODN1826), a Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist was administered in combination with D-galactosamine (GalN) that caused relatively liver-specific inflammation and toxicity. In the control mice group injected with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (acute psychological stress model associated with blood sampling), the serum triglyceride (TG) levels showed a rapid decrease followed by a rebound at 24 h as we have recently reported. However, such a TG rebound was impaired in the CpG/GalN- and solely CpG-treated groups of mice despite an absence of liver injury based on serum alanine aminotransferase levels in the latter group. Thus, the stress-associated serum TG rebound was abrogated by the injection of a sub-hepatotoxic CpG dose. In the second experiment, we simply measured the hepatic CD36 and SACRB1 (the gene for scavenger receptor B1 (SR-B1)) transcripts after the i.p. administration of PBS, CpG or CpG/GalN. There was a remarkable elevation of hepatic CD36 transcript expression in both the CpG- and CpG/GalN-treated mice at 8 h post-CpG injection whereas the increase in the PBS-treated mice was slower than the former two groups, suggesting that hepatic CD36 transcript expression is more pronounced in the combined stress models than under psychological stress alone. The individual mice data showed that the increase in CD36 expression was accompanied by a reduction in SCARB1 mRNA, showing reciprocal regulation between these two genes. Together with our previously reported findings, these data suggest that, in a murine model combining psychological stress with TLR-triggered hepatic inflammation, the psychological stress facilitates liver uptake of plasma TG (and its components fatty acids), but the subsequent re-esterification and/or release of TG-rich lipoproteins from the liver is impaired due to the concomitant TLR-signaling. We hypothesize that lipid metabolism during acute stress shifts toward an elevated hepatic uptake of lipids due to concomitant TLR signaling, facilitating the clearance of bacterial lipids by the liver.

Assessment of the triglyceride glucose index in adult patients with chronic diarrhea and constipation

BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence suggests that the gut microbiome is involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance(IR).However,the link between two of the most prevalent bowel disorders,chronic diarrhea and constipation,and the triglyceride glucose(TyG)index,a marker of IR,has not yet been investigated.AIM To investigate the potential association between TyG and the incidence of chronic diarrhea and constipation.METHODS This cross-sectional study enrolled 2400 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database from 2009-2010.TyG was used as an exposure variable,with chronic diarrhea and constipation as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale used as the outcome variables.A demographic investigation based on TyG quartile subgroups was performed.The application of multivariate logistic regression models and weighted generalized additive models revealed potential correlations between TyG,chronic diarrhea,and constipation.Subgroup analyses were performed to examine the stability of any potential associations.RESULTS In the chosen sample,chronic diarrhea had a prevalence of 8.00%,while chronic constipation had a prevalence of 8.04%.In multiple logistic regression,a more prominent positive association was found between TyG and chronic diarrhea,particularly in model 1(OR=1.45;95%CI:1.17-1.79,P=0.0007)and model 2(OR=1.40;95%CI:1.12-1.76,P=0.0033).No definite association was observed between the TyG levels and chronic constipation.The weighted generalized additive model findings suggested a more substantial positive association with chronic diarrhea when TyG was less than 9.63(OR=1.89;95%CI:1.05-3.41,P=0.0344),and another positive association with chronic constipation when it was greater than 8.2(OR=1.74;95%CI:1.02-2.95,P=0.0415).The results of the subgroup analyses further strengthen the extrapolation of these results to a wide range of populations.CONCLUSION Higher TyG levels were positively associated with abnormal bowel health.

Correlation between the triglyceride glucose index and the degree of steatosis and liver fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Objective:To investigate the relationship between triglyceride glucose index(TyG)and the degree of steatosis and liver fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).Methods:Totally 2054 patients hospitalized in the second affiliated hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from September 2020 to September 2021 were retrospectively selected.According to abdominal ultrasound were divided into NAFLD group and non-NAFLD group.In accordance with the degree of steatosis,NAFLD patients were separated into mild group,moderate group and severe group.According to the liver stiffness,NAFLD patients were divided into liver fibrosis group and non-liver fibrosis group.We used the logistic regression to examine the correlation between TyG index and the the degree of steatosis and liver fibrosis.ROC curve was drawn to evaluate the diagnostic value of TyG index for NAFLD and liver fibrosis.Results:The prevalence of NAFLD increased with the increase of the interquartile of TyG index(Q_(1)44.1%,Q_(2)58.7%,Q_(3)71.9%,Q_(4)84.6%,P<0.001);The prevalence of liver fibrosis increased with the increase of the interquartile of TyG index(Q_(1)25.8%,Q_(2)30.2%,Q_(3)38.6%,Q_(4)44.3%,P<0.001).After adjusting for confounders,there was a correlation between TyG index and the degree of steatosis in NAFLD patients(the OR values of mild,moderate and severe groups were 1.383,2.450 and 3.070,P<0.001).TyG index was associated with liver fibrosis(OR=1.132,P<0.001).The ROC curve of TyG index predicted NAFLD was 0.701,with an optimal cutoff value of TyG is 8.57.However,the ROC curve of TyG index predicted liver fibrosis was 0.595.TyG index may not be a reliable predictor of liver fibrosis.Conclusion:TyG index was positively correlated with the degree of steatosis and liver fibrosis in NAFLD.

Mechanisms of intrahepatic triglyceride accumulation

Hepatic steatosis defined as lipid accumulation in hepatocytes is very frequently found in adults and obese adolescents in the Western World. Etiologically, obesity and associated insulin resistance or excess alcohol intake are the most frequent causes of hepatic steatosis. However, steatosis also often occurs with chronic hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection and is also found in rare but potentially life-threatening liver diseases of pregnancy. Clinical significance and outcome of hepatic triglyceride accumulation are highly dependent on etiology and histological pattern of steatosis. This review summarizes current concepts of pathophysiology of common causes of hepatic steatosis, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD), alcoholic fatty liver disease, chronic HCV infections, drug-induced forms of hepatic steatosis, and acute fatty liver of pregnancy. Regarding the pathophysiology of NAFLD, this work focuses on the close correlation between insulin resistance and hepatic triglyceride accumulation, highlighting the potential harmful effects of systemic insulin resistance on hepatic metabolism of fatty acids on the one side and the role of lipid intermediates on insulin signalling on the other side. Current studies on lipid droplet morphogenesis have identified novel candidate proteins and enzymes in NAFLD.

Mechanisms of triglyceride metabolism in patients with bile acid diarrhea

Bile acids(BAs) are essential for the absorption of lipids. BA synthesis is inhibited through intestinal farnesoid X receptor(FXR) activity. BA sequestration is known to influence BA metabolism and control serum lipid concentrations. Animal data has demonstrated a regulatory role for the FXR in triglyceride metabolism. FXR inhibits hepatic lipogenesis by inhibiting the expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c via small heterodimer primer activity. Conversely, FXR promotes free fatty acids oxidation by inducing the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α. FXR can reduce the expression of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, which regulates the assembly of very low-density lipoproteins(VLDL). FXR activation in turn promotes the clearance of circulating triglycerides by inducing apolipoprotein C-Ⅱ, very low-density lipoproteins receptor(VLDL-R) and the expression of Syndecan-1 together with the repression of apolipoprotein C-Ⅲ, which increases lipoprotein lipase activity. There is currently minimal clinical data on triglyceride metabolism in patients with bile acid diarrhoea(BAD). Emerging data suggests that a third of patients with BAD have hypertriglyceridemia. Further research is required to establish the risk of hypertriglyceridaemia in patients with BAD and elicit the mechanisms behind this, allowing for targeted treatment.

Medium-Chain Triglyceride Activated Brown Adipose Tissue and Induced Reduction of Fat Mass in C57BL/6J Mice Fed High-fat Diet

Objective To investigate activation of brown adipose tissue （BAT） stimulated by medium-chain triglyceride （MCT）. Methods 30 Male C57BL/6J obese mice induced by fed high fat diet （HFD） were divided into 2 groups, and fed another HFD with 2% MCT or long-chain triglyceride （LCT） respectively for 12 weeks. Body weight, blood biochemical variables, interscapular brown fat tissue （IBAT） mass, expressions of mRNA and protein of beta 3-adrenergic receptors （β3-AR）, uncoupling protein-1 （UCP1）, hormone sensitive lipase （HSL）, protein kinase A （PKA）, and adipose triglyceride lipase （ATGL） in IBAT were measured. Results Significant decrease in body weight and body fat mass was observed in MCT group as compared with LCT group （P〈O.05） after 12 weeks. Greater increases in IBAT mass was observed in MCT group than in LCT group （P〈O.05）. Blood TG, TC, LDL-C in MCT group were decreased significantly, meanwhile blood HDL-C, ratio of HDL-C/LDL-C and norepinephrine were increased markedly. Expressions of mRNA and protein of β3-AR, UCP1, PKA, HSL, ATGL in BAT were greater in MCT group than in LCT group （P〈O.05）. Conclusion Our results suggest that MCT stimulated the activation of BAT, possible via norepinephrine pathway, which might partially contribute to reduction of the body fat mass in obese mice fed high fat diet.

The Ability of Baseline Triglycerides and Total Cholesterol Concentrations to Predict Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Chinese Men and Women:A Longitudinal Study in Qingdao, China

Objectives The purpose of this study was to assess the association between triglycerides(TG),total cholesterol(TC)at baseline,and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)incidence in a general Chinese population.Further,it aimed to evaluate the ability of TG and TC to predict T2DM incidence.Methods Qingdao Diabetes Prevention Program participants recruited between 2006 and 2009 were followed up in 2012–2015.TG,TC,and T2DM status were measured.Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the association between TG,TC,and T2DM incidence.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to evaluate the ability of TG and TC to identify T2DM participants.Results The incidence of T2DM significantly increased with TG in women and TC in both men and women(Ptrend<0.05).Univariate Cox regression indicated that higher TG{borderline high TG[hazards ratio(HR):2.05;95%confidence interval(CI):1.40,3.00]and hypertriglyceridemia[HR:2.64;95%CI:1.68,4.15]}and TC[hypercholesterolemia(HR:2.05;95%CI:1.43,2.95)]were significantly associated with increased risk of T2DM incidence in women but not in men.Multivariate Cox regression showed that hypertriglyceridemia in women(HR:1.78,95%CI:1.07,2.97),borderline high TC in men(HR:1.61,95%CI:1.04,2.48),and hypercholesterolemia in women(HR:1.68,95%CI:1.81,2.61)had a higher significant risk of T2DM incidence.The optimal cutoff values of TG were>1.15 and>1.23 mmol/L in men and women,respectively.For TC,they were>5.17 and>5.77 mmol/L in men and women,respectively.The area under the ROCs of TG and TC were 0.54(0.51–0.57)and 0.55(0.52–0.58),respectively,in men,and 0.60(0.58–0.62)and 0.59(0.56–0.61),respectively,in women.Conclusion Elevated TG and TC were risk factors for T2DM incidence.However,no predictive capacity was found for both factors to identify T2DM incidence in Chinese men and women.Hence,TG and TC levels in both Chinese men and women might be used for decreasing the incidence of T2DM but no clinical predictive capacity for T2DM.

Triglyceride glucose index for predicting cardiovascular outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease

Background Triglyceride glucose (TyG) index is a novel marker for metabolic disorders, and recently it has been reported to be associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in apparently healthy individuals.However the prognostic value of TyG index in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) is not determined.

Hypertriglyceridemia is positively correlated with the development of colorectal tubular adenoma in Japanese men

AIM： To determine the real association between serum lipid levels and colonic polyp formation. METHODS： We performed a large scale retrospective study to analyze the correlation between the incidence of colorectal adenoma or carcinoma and the fasting serum levels of total cholesterol （TC） and triglycerides （TG） in patients who underwent total colonoscopy for screening for colon cancer. RESULTS： Both levels were significantly elevated in patients with adenomas as compared with patients without any neoplastic lesion （TC 207.6 ± 29.5 vs 199.5 ±34.3, n= 4883, p〈 0.001; TG 135.0 ± 82.2 vs 108.7± 71.5, n= 4874, p〈 0.001）. The difference was significant in patients with tubular adenoma but not in those with villous or serrated adenoma. Multiple logistic regression analysis including age and sex revealed that TG was an independent correlation factor in male （p〈0.01）, but not in female patients. The level of TG in patients with invasive carcinoma did not show a significant elevation from that in patients with adenoma. These findings suggest that hypertriglyceridemia is an independent risk factor for colonic adenoma in men. CONCLUSION： Although a high level of serum triglyceride does not appear to be mechanically involved in the development of carcinoma, reduction of serum TG and intensive surveillance with total colonoscopy may have benefit in men with hypertriglyceridemia.

Long-Term Effects of Docosahexaenoic Acid-Bound Phospholipids and the Combination of Docosahexaenoic Acid-Bound Triglyceride and Egg Yolk Phospholipid on Lipid Metabolism in Mice

The bioavailability of docosahexaenoic acid(DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid(EPA) depends on their chemical forms. This study investigated the long-term effects of DHA-bound triglyceride(TG-DHA), DHA-bound phospholipid(PL-DHA), and the combination of TG-DHA and egg yolk phospholipid(Egg-PL) on lipid metabolism in mice fed with a high-fat diet(fat levels of 22.5%). Male C57BL/6J mice were fed with different formulations containing 0.5% DHA, including TG-DHA, PL-DHA, and the combination of TG-DHA and Egg-PL, for 6 weeks. Serum, hepatic, and cerebral lipid concentrations and the fatty acid compositions of the liver and brain were determined. The concentrations of serum total triglyceride(TG), total cholesterol(TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-c), and hepatic TG in the PL-DHA group and the combination group were significantly lower than those in the high-fat(HF) group(P < 0.05). Atherogenic index(AI) of the PL-DHA group was significantly lower than that of the combination group(P < 0.05). Hepatic TC level in the combination group was significantly lower than that in the HF group(P < 0.05), but no significant difference was observed between the combination group and the PL-DHA group. Both the PL-DHA and the combination groups showed significantly increased DHA levels in the liver compared with the HF group(P < 0.05). However, there were no obvious increases in the cerebral DHA levels in all DHA diet groups. These results suggest that PL-DHA was superior to the combination of TG-DHA and Egg-PL in decreasing the AI. Long-term dietary supplementation with low amount of DHA(0.5%) may improve hepatic DHA levels, although cerebral DHA levels may not be enhanced.

Tradeoff between triglyceride consumption and ovariole development in Plutella xylostella(L.) released in mixed-host environments

After exposure to mixed environments with multiple hosts, the frequency of flight take-offs for Plutella xylostella(L.) is known to increase with a concomitant decrease in female fecundity. The objective of the present study was to elucidate the physiological mechanism underlying the increased flight activity and decreased fecundity of P. xylostella in mixed-host environments. We measured ovariole length, and triglyceride and vitellogenin(Vg) content in P. xylostella females after they were released into different host environments consisting of either a single host(Brassica campestris, Brassica oleracea or Brassica juncea) or a mixture of all three hosts. Our results indicated that ovariole length varied significantly between female adults from different host environments. Females from the B. campestris environment had the longest ovarioles, whereas those from the mixed environment had the shortest ones. A negative correlation was found between ovariole length and the flight take-off frequency of P. xylostella adults. Additionally, there were significant differences in the triglyceride content of P. xylostella females from different host environments. Our data revealed that more triglyceride was consumed by P. xylostella female adults from B. oleracea and the mixed environments than those from environments containing only B. campestris or B. juncea. In contrast, the relative Vg content in P. xylostella females from the mixed environment was lower than that in females from the B. campestris-, B. juncea-or B. oleracea-only environments. In conclusion, the mixed environment caused increased consumption of available energy resources(triglyceride) at the cost of retarding ovarian development and decreasing the amount of Vg produced.

Diagnostic evaluation of acute pancreatitis in two patients with hypertriglyceridemia

We present two diagnostically challenging cases of acute pancreatitis with hypertriglyceridemia accompanied with chylomicronemia caused with a deficiency of lipoprotein lipase and with the presence of type Ⅴ hyperlipidemia. Both cases suffered from acute abdomen following the ingestion of fatty food and revealed the increase in parameters of inflammation without significant elevation of serum amylase levels.The imaging examination of ultrasonography could not detect significant findings of acute pancreatitis and a computer tomography scan eventually confirmed the findings of acute pancreatitis.Both cases responded to a low fat diet and administration of a cholecystokinin receptor antagonist,exhibiting a relief of abdominal symptoms.As in the present cases with acute abdomen following the ingestion of fatty food,the identification of serum hypertriglyceridemia and an abdominal computer tomography scan might be useful in establishing the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis and in developing the therapeutic regimen,when hypertriglyceridemia interferes with the evaluation of pancreatic enzyme activities and ultrasound examination provides poor pancreatic visualization.

Incidence and clinical characteristics of hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis:A retrospective single-center study

BACKGROUND The incidence of hypertriglyceridemic acute pancreatitis(HTG-AP)has increased yearly,but updated population-based estimates on the incidence of HTG-AP are lacking.Reducing serum triglyceride(TG)levels quickly is crucial in the early treatment of HTG-AP.Decreased serum TG levels are treated by non-invasive methods,which include anti-lipidemic agents,heparin,low-molecular weight heparin,and insulin,and invasive methods,such as blood purification including hemoperfusion(HP),plasmapheresis,and continuous renal replacement therapy.However,authoritative guidelines have not been established.Early selection of appropriate treatment is important and beneficial in controlling the development of HTG-AP.AIM To evaluate the effect between patients treated with intravenous insulin(INS)and HP to guide clinical treatment.METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 371 patients with HTG-AP enrolled in the Department of Fujian Provincial Hospital form April 2012 to March 2021.The inpatient medical and radiologic records were reviewed to determine clinical features,severity,complications,mortality,recurrence rate,and treatment.Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to analyze risk factors for severe HTG-AP.Propensity score matching was used to compare the clinical outcomes of INS and HP.RESULTS A total of 371 patients met the HTG-AP criteria.The incidence of HTG-AP was increased by approximately 2.6 times during the 10 years(8.4%in April 2012-March 2013 and 22.3%in April 2020-March 2021).The highest incidence rate of acute pancreatitis was observed for men in the age group of 30-39 years.The amylase level was elevated in 80.1%of patients but was only three times the normal value in 46.9%of patients.The frequency of severe acute pancreatitis(26.9%),organ failure(31.5%),rate of recurrence(32.9%),and mortality(3.0%)of HTG-AP was high.Improved Marshall score,modified computed tomography severity index score,baseline TG,baseline amylase,C-reactive protein(CRP),albumin,aspartate aminotransferase,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,urea nitrogen,creatinine,calcium,hemoglobin,free triiodothyronine,admission to intensive care unit,and mortality were significantly different between patients with different grades of severity(P<0.050).Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that high CRP[P=0.005,odds ratio(OR)=1.011,95%CI:1.003-1.019],low calcium(P=0.003,OR=0.016,95%CI:0.001-0.239),and low albumin(P=0.023,OR=0.821,95%CI:0.693-0.973)were risk factors of severe HTG-AP.After propensity score matching adjusted by sex,age,severity of HTG-AP,and baseline TG,the serum TG significantly decreased in patients treated with INS(P<0.000)and HP(P<0.000)within 48 h.However,the clearance rate of TG(57.24±33.70%vs 56.38±33.61%,P=0.927)and length of stay(13.04±7.92 d vs 12.35±6.40 d,P=0.730)did not differ between the two groups.CONCLUSION The incidence of HTG-AP exhibited a significant increase,remarkable severity,and recurrent trend.Patients with mild and moderately severe acute pancreatitis can be treated effectively with INS safely and effectively without HP.

Pancreatic triglyceride lipase is involved in the virulence of the brown planthopper to rice plants

The brown planthopper(BPH),Nilaparvata lugens,an important rice insect pest,can enhance its virulence to BPH-resistant rice within as short a span as several generations.Here,we cloned a pancreatic triglyceride lipase(PTL)gene(NlPTL)in N.lugens,and found that its mRNA level was higher in the high virulence population(fed on variety Rathu Heenati,P-RH)than in the low virulence population(fed on variety Taichung Native 1,P-TN1).Knocking down NlPTL caused BPH individuals to spend more time in non-penetration and the pathway phases and less time feeding on the phloem of rice plants;these changes consequently decreased food intake,lipid content,survival rate,and fecundity in the insects.These findings reveal for the first time that PTL in BPH is involved in its virulence to rice plants.

The Modulation Effect of Triglyceride Type and Phospholipids Type ω-3 LCPUFA on Mice Gut Microbiota

The evaluation from prospective cohort studies on the dietary ω-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) supplementation and nutritional value is consistent. However, the effect of different types of ω-3 long-chain PUFA (ω-3 LCPUFA) on microbiota in intestine is inconsistent. In this study, the mice were divided into three groups (N, PL, FO), with AIN-93M (N), AIN-93M + Phospholipids type ω-3 LCPUFA (PL) and AIN-93M + triglyceride type ω-3 LCPUFA (FO), respectively. Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE) was used to detect the structure of intestinal microbiota. The data showed that the composition of gut microbiota was changed by treating with the two types of ω-3 LCPUFA. The results revealed that gut microbiota’ enrichment in FO group was decreased while in PL group was increased. The data also showed that the histological morphology of the small intestine in treated mice was improved especially in group PL, which was much more significant and suggested that Phospholipids type ω-3 LCPUFA is beneficial to intestinal health.

Study on the correlation and predictive value of serum pregnancyassociated plasma protein A, triglyceride and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels with gestational diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND Gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)is a concern due to its rapid increase in incidence in recent years.AIM To investigate the correlation and predictive value of serum pregnancyassociated plasma protein A(PAPP-A),triglyceride(TG),and 25-hydroxyvitamin D[25-(OH)D]with GDM in early pregnancy.METHODS A total of 99 patients in early pregnancy admitted to Peking University International Hospital from November 2015 to September 2017 were included,and underwent a fasting glucose test and oral glucose tolerance test screening at 24-28 wk of pregnancy.Of these cases with GDM,51 were assigned to group A and the remaining 48 cases without GDM were enrolled in group B.Serum PAPP-A,TG and 25-(OH)D in the two groups were compared and their correlation with blood sugar was analyzed.In addition,their diagnostic value in GDM was determined using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.RESULTS Group A had markedly lower serum PAPP-A and 25-(OH)D levels and a significantly higher serum TG level than group B,with statistical significance(P<0.05).Furthermore,Pearson analysis identified that PAPP-A and 25-(OH)D levels were negatively correlated with fasting blood glucose(FBG)levels(r=-0.605,P<0.001),(r=-0.597,P<0.001),while TG and FBG levels were positively correlated(r=0.628,P<0.001).The sensitivity,specificity,area under the curve(AUC)and optimal cut-off value of serum PAPP-A level in the diagnosis of GDM were 72.55%,82.35%,0.861 and 16.340,respectively,while the sensitivity of TG in diagnosing GDM was 86.27%,the specificity was 66.67%,the AUC was 0.813,with an optimal cut-off value of 1.796.The corresponding sensitivity,specificity,AUC and optimal cut-off value of serum 25-(OH)D were 64.71%,70.59%,0.721 and 23.140,respectively.Moreover,multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that FBG,vascular endothelial growth factor,Flt-1,serum PAPP-A,TG,and 25-(OH)D were related risk factors leading to GDM in patients.CONCLUSION Serum PAPP-A,TG,and 25-(OH)D levels are all correlated with blood glucose changes in GDM,and are independent factors affecting the occurrence of GDM and have certain value in the diagnosis of GDM.

The Importance of Systemic Balance in Safeguarding Health: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial on VLDL, Triglycerides, Free T3, Leptin, Ghrelin, Cortisol and Visceral Adipose Tissue

The purpose of this clinical trial was to delineate some of the negative consequences of high BMI on health and explore the possibility of a solution. We analysed the blood test results of nine overweight adults with sedentary lifestyles, and an average BMI of 32.23. Results revealed a statistically significant reduction of visceral adipose tissue, very-low density lipoprotein (VLDL), and triglycerides. Testosterone, leptin, IGF-1 and Free T3 increased within the normal range, juxtaposed by cortisol and ghrelin that declined, but without dipping into abnormality. These findings have important implications during the COVID-19 pandemic, where optimal immunity is deemed necessary in limiting susceptibility to the virus. Recent research indicates that weight gain often escalates vulnerability to respiratory track disturbances, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and diabetes. Consequently, pre-existing conditions increase COVID-19 mortality rates. CVD and diabetes emerge out of hormonal imbalances that involve Free T3, leptin, ghrelin, testosterone, and cortisol. Physical training is decidedly the most acclaimed solution, yet, the least implemented one, due to procrastination, or demoralization after investing constant exhaustive effort with no immediately visible physical change. COVID-19 confinement exacerbates the tendency for inactivity, and promotes stress-eating behaviours. Moreover, strenuous exercise, necessary for visceral fat reduction, results in a negative cortisol/testosterone relationship that provokes caloric consumption and inflammation. Offering an alternative to exercise that effectively improves health, boosts metabolism, and controls appetite, may serve as a proactive, and preventive method that can safeguard health.