Review
Hematology
Christian M. Madsen, Anette Varbo, Borge G. Nordestgaard
Summary: Recent studies have suggested that extremely high levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with increased mortality, indicating that HDL may have harmful effects in some instances. Furthermore, observational and genetic studies have shown that HDL might be linked to the development of major noncardiovascular diseases.
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS THROMBOSIS AND VASCULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Mie Balling, Shoaib Afzal, George Davey Smith, Anette Varbo, Anne Langsted, Pia R. Kamstrup, Borge G. Nordestgaard
Summary: Elevated LDL triglycerides are associated with an increased risk of ASCVD and its individual components, as shown in two prospective cohort studies and meta-analyses.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hyungjong Park, Yoonkyung Chang, Heajung Lee, Iksun Hong, Tae-Jin Song
Summary: The study investigates the association between total cholesterol (TC) variability and the occurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) using a Korean database. The results show a positive correlation between higher TC variability and the occurrence of VTE, emphasizing the importance of maintaining stable TC levels to prevent VTE.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura Canclini, Amir Mohammad Malvandi, Patrizia Uboldi, Najoua Jabnati, Liliana Grigore, Alberto Zambon, Andrea Baragetti, Alberico Luigi Catapano
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the interaction between PCSK9 and LDL, and found that PCSK9 interacts with a subfraction of LDL, with a binding percentage ranging from 2% to 30%, which is not correlated with plasma or LDL cholesterol levels. The association of PCSK9 with LDL appears to be sensitive to high salt concentrations. FPLC and iodixanol gradient ultracentrifugation are identified as the most suitable methods for studying this association.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Thomas C. Gilliland, Yuxi Liu, Reza Mohebi, Hannah Miksenas, Sara Haidermota, Megan Wong, Xingdi Hu, Joaquim Rosado Cristino, Auris Browne, Jorge Plutzky, Sotirios Tsimikas, James L. Januzzi Jr, Pradeep Natarajan
Summary: This study investigated the relationships between Lp(a) and OxPLs with angiographic CAD and cardiovascular outcomes. The results showed that Lp(a) and OxPL-apoB were associated with multivessel CAD, and Lp(a), OxPL-apoB, and OxPL-apo(a) were associated with cardiovascular events.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Bradley Tucker, Sonia Sawant, Hannah McDonald, Kerry-Anne Rye, Sanjay Patel, Kwok Leung Ong, Blake J. Cochran
Summary: This study investigates the relationship of blood lipid and lipoprotein levels with leukocyte counts in the UK Biobank cohort, finding that triglyceride levels are positively associated with total and differential leukocyte counts. Other relationships between lipid/lipoprotein levels and leukocyte counts were also explored, providing insight into potential direct involvement in leukogenesis.
Article
Hematology
Minghao Kou, Ning Ding, Shoshana H. Ballew, Maya J. Salameh, Seth S. Martin, Elizabeth Selvin, Gerardo Heiss, Christie M. Ballantyne, Kunihiro Matsushita, Ron C. Hoogeveen
Summary: Triglyceride-related and HDL-related lipids were independently associated with incident PAD, indicating implications for preventive strategies. Principal component analysis identified three components related to PAD risk.
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS THROMBOSIS AND VASCULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Anand Rohatgi, Marit Westerterp, Arnold von Eckardstein, Alan Remaley, Kerry-Anne Rye
Summary: Low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is associated with adverse lifestyle choices, cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory disorders, and other conditions. Therapeutic strategies targeting HDL-C levels have not been successful, and future focus should be on optimizing HDL function for better outcomes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna E. Engell, Henrik L. Jorgensen, Bent S. Lind, Anton Pottegard, Christen L. Andersen, John S. Andersen, Margit Kriegbaum, Mia K. Grand, Lise Bathum
Summary: Lipid levels in blood have decreased significantly in the general population due to the use of statins. This trend was observed in primary health care patients who were not using statins from 2001 to 2018, with substantial decreases in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, especially in the elderly population.
LIPIDS IN HEALTH AND DISEASE
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Takao Hoshino, Kentaro Ishizuka, Sono Toi, Takafumi Mizuno, Ayako Nishimura, Shuntaro Takahashi, Sho Wako, Kazuo Kitagawa
Summary: This study found a close association between atherogenic dyslipidemia (AD) and residual vascular risk in stroke patients. Patients with AD were more likely to have intracranial artery stenosis and had a higher risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and ischemic stroke within 1 year. AD was predictive of major adverse cardiovascular events regardless of baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Petri Kresanov, Juha Mykkanen, Markku Ahotupa, Mika Ala-Korpela, Markus Juonala, Jari Kaikkonen, Mika Kahonen, Terho Lehtimaki, Tommi Vasankari, Jorma Viikari, Olli T. Raitakari
Summary: The study found that oxidized HDL lipids were not significantly associated with lipoprotein subclass lipid concentrations and composition after adjusting for certain factors, while oxidized LDL lipids were associated with multiple markers of lipoprotein subclass lipid concentrations and composition. Additionally, HDL and LDL subclass measures, such as phospholipid and triglyceride composition, were directly associated with oxidized LDL lipids, while cholesterol ester and free cholesterol composition in HDL and LDL were inversely associated. These results suggest that LDL oxidation may play a role in atherogenesis.
FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Ronald M. Krauss, Sarah M. King
Summary: Intravascular catabolism of chylomicrons and VLDLs produces partially lipolyzed remnant particles, which are influenced by lipases, lipid transfer proteins, and exchangeable lipoproteins. ApoE and apoCIII play important roles in the binding, uptake, and retardation of remnants. Cholesterol-enriched remnant particles have been significantly associated with the incidence of ASCVD, especially in dyslipidemic patients with apoE2 isoform. Further research is needed to develop clinical assays capturing the pathologic impact of remnant lipoprotein subspecies and test the effect of therapies reducing their levels on ASCVD.
BEST PRACTICE & RESEARCH CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
George A. A. Robinson, Ines Pineda-Torra, Coziana Ciurtin, Elizabeth C. C. Jury
Summary: Healthy women during childbearing years have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared to men, possibly due to lower levels of atherogenic lipoproteins and higher levels of atheroprotective lipoproteins. However, women with systemic lupus erythematosus face increased cardiovascular disease risk, which may be related to dyslipidaemia.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Rheumatology
George Athanasios Karpouzas, Bianca Papotti, Sarah Ormseth, Marcella Palumbo, Elizabeth Hernandez, Maria Pia Adorni, Francesca Zimetti, Matthew Budoff, Nicoletta Ronda
Summary: Cholesterol loading capacity (CLC) is associated with coronary atherosclerosis presence, burden, and cardiovascular risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is particularly linked to high-risk low attenuation and obstructive plaques in non-users of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARD).
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Michael G. Levin, Verena Zuber, Venexia M. Walker, Derek Klarin, Julie Lynch, Rainer Malik, Aaron W. Aday, Leonardo Bottolo, Aruna D. Pradhan, Martin Dichgans, Kyong-Mi Chang, Daniel J. Rader, Philip S. Tsao, Benjamin F. Voight, Dipender Gill, Stephen Burgess, Scott M. Damrauer
Summary: The study identified ApoB as the major lipoprotein fraction causally responsible for both PAD and CAD risk. Different associations were found between ApoB-lowering drug targets and ApoB-containing lipoprotein subfractions with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, suggesting possible differences in the role of lipoproteins in the pathogenesis of PAD and CAD.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Yutaka Takahashi, Beverly M. K. Biller, Hidenori Fukuoka, Ken K. Y. Ho, Michael Hojby Rasmussen, Navid Nedjatian, Claus Svaerke, Kevin C. J. Yuen, Gudmundur Johannsson
Summary: This study investigated the impact of long-acting growth hormone somapacitan on glucose metabolism in adult growth hormone deficiency patients. The results showed that somapacitan did not adversely affect glucose metabolism compared to daily growth hormone over 86 weeks.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kufre Okop, Peter Delobelle, Estelle Victoria Lambert, Hailemichael Getachew, Rawleigh Howe, Kiya Kedir, Jean Berchmans Niyibizi, Charlotte Bavuma, Stephen Kasenda, Amelia C. Crampin, Abby C. King, Thandi Puoane, Naomi S. Levitt
Summary: This study aims to implement and evaluate a community health worker-led cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk screening program in sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on referral linkages within local primary care systems. The study will recruit and train community health workers and lay health worker volunteers to screen and identify individuals at high risk of CVD, provide referral services, and follow-up at community health clinics. By using a participatory research approach and mobile phone-based screening, referral, and follow-up, this study will provide evidence on the effectiveness of CVD risk screening and the potential for scaling up in the region.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Katherine Murphy, Jamie Berk, Lorrein Muhwava-Mbabala, Sharmilah Booley, Janetta Harbron, Lisa Ware, Shane Norris, Christina Zarowsky, Estelle V. Lambert, Naomi S. Levitt
Summary: The IINDIAGO study aims to develop and evaluate an intervention for disadvantaged GDM women in South Africa. The intervention includes providing information and psychosocial support, as well as offering convenient post-partum screening and counseling. The intervention is designed based on the Behaviour Change Wheel and COM-B model, and involves training peer counselors and a diabetes nurse in patient-centered, motivational counseling methods.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Daniel S. Olsson, Mikael Svensson, Frida Labori, Anna De Geer, Gudmundur Johannsson
Summary: This study investigated the healthcare costs, survival, and cost-effectiveness of growth hormone (GH) replacement therapy in non-functioning pituitary adenoma (NFPA) patients. The results showed that patients receiving GH treatment had higher healthcare costs and higher survival rates. On the other hand, patients with glucocorticoid replacement therapy and diabetes insipidus had lower survival rates.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Ezekiel Musa, Esteban Salazar-Petres, Afolake Arowolo, Naomi Levitt, Mushi Matjila, Amanda N. Sferruzzi-Perri
Summary: This study examined the effects of maternal obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on placental morphology, hormone and cytokine expression, and circulating inflammatory cytokine concentrations. The results showed that both obesity and GDM had specific impacts on placental morphometry and endocrine and inflammatory states, which may be related to pregnancy outcomes.
JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-LONDON
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Kirsten Ailsa Smith, Myrna Van Pinxteren, Nonzuzo Mbokazi, Buyelwa Majikela-Dlangamandla, Peter Delobelle, Naomi Levitt, Nuala McGrath
Summary: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a growing concern in South Africa, and self-management of the disease is challenging for many individuals. This study aimed to develop a couples-focused intervention to improve T2D self-management by involving partners of patients.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Myrna van Pinxteren, Nonzuzo Mbokazi, Katherine Murphy, Frances S. S. Mair, Carl May, Naomi Levitt
Summary: People with multimorbidity in South Africa, especially in low-income settings, experience precariousness due to continuous economic uncertainty, which impacts their capacity to manage their illnesses. This study highlights the multi-faceted nature of precariousness, including financial and housing insecurity, dangerous living circumstances, and exposure to violence. Understanding the treatment burden and capacity of patients in low-income countries is crucial for improving self-management and providing comprehensive care.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Anesthesiology
Martin Thorsson, Tobias Hallen, Daniel S. Olsson, Kaj Blennow, Henrik Zetterberg, Gudmundur Johannsson, Thomas Skoglund, Jonatan Oras
Summary: This study investigated the association between intraoperative hypotension and postoperative brain injury markers. It found that intraoperative relative hypotension was associated with increased postoperative plasma tau and NfL concentrations, suggesting that relative hypotension during surgery may have adverse effects on patients.
ACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Myrna van Pinxteren, Peter Delobelle, Naomi Levitt, Kirsten Smith, Buyelwa Majikela-Dlangamandla, Nuala Mcgrath
Summary: This study explored the impact of diabetes on sexual relationships among men and women living with type 2 diabetes. The findings revealed that both individuals with diabetes and their partners experienced changes in their sexual relationships, but lacked effective communication, leading to increased dissatisfaction and anxiety. The study recommends the provision of more informational support and strengthening communication within couples to improve relationships, quality of life, and indirectly enhance self-management of diabetes.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Christian Lundtoft, Daniel Eriksson, Matteo Bianchi, Maribel Aranda-Guillen, Nils Landegren, Solbritt Rantapaa-Dahlqvist, Peter Soderkvist, Jeniffer R. S. Meadows, DISSECT Consortium, Immunoarray Consortium, Swedish Addison Registry Study Grp, Gerli Rosengren Pielberg, Sophie Bensing, Gerli Rosengren Pielberg, Kerstin Lindblad-Toh, Lars Ronnblom, Olle Kampe
Summary: Autoantibodies against the adrenal enzyme 21-hydroxylase are a hallmark manifestation in autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD). This study identified strong associations between copy number variants in the CYP21 region and the risk of AAD, most likely due to linkage disequilibrium with disease-associated HLA class II alleles.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ragnhildur Bergthorsdottir, Daniela Esposito, Daniel S. Olsson, Oskar Ragnarsson, Per Dahlqvist, Sophie Bensing, Jonatan Natman, Gudmundur Johannsson, Fredrik Nyberg
Summary: Patients with adrenal insufficiency have a similar incidence of COVID-19 infection as the general population, but they have a higher risk of hospitalization, intensive care admission, and death. After adjusting for socioeconomic factors and comorbidities, the hazard ratios for hospitalization, intensive care admission, and death were significantly increased in patients with adrenal insufficiency.
JOURNAL OF INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nonzuzo Mbokazi, Myrna Van Pinxteren, Katherine Murphy, Frances S. Mair, Carl R. May, Naomi S. Levitt
Summary: In economically precarious areas of South Africa, Ubuntu, traditional values, and social networks play a crucial mediating role in helping people with HIV/NCD multimorbidity to self-manage their conditions. Despite facing economic hardship, patients actively cope with their workload by utilizing family relations and external networks, leading to better management of chronic diseases.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jennifer Manne-Goehler, Nicholas Rahim, Eva van Empel, Rebecca de Vlieg, Grace Chamberlin, Amanda Ihama, Alison Castle, Smart Mabweazara, Willem D. F. Venter, Nomathemba Chandiwana, Naomi S. Levitt, Mark Siedner
Summary: Metabolic disease is increasing in people with HIV in South Africa, but little is known about their self-perceptions of body size, health, and nutritional behavior. This study found that HIV-positive individuals had different self-perceptions of their body size and health compared to their actual BMI. Furthermore, the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages was associated with increased obesity risk in HIV-positive individuals.
Meeting Abstract
Oncology
Sam O. Kleeman, Breanna Demestichas, Nicholas Mourikis, Miriam Ferrer, Qing Gao, Dominik Loiero, Yosef J. Riazat-Kesh, Sean Bankier, Dimitrios Chantzichristos, Gudmundur Johannsson, Claire Regan, Jonathan Preall, Viktor H. Koelzer, Brian R. Walker, Hannah Meyer, Tobias Janowitz
Article
Cell Biology
Sam O. Kleeman, Tuba Mansoor Thakir, Breanna Demestichas, Nicholas Mourikis, Dominik Loiero, Miriam Ferrer, Sean Bankier, Yosef J. R. A. Riazat-Kesh, Hassal Lee, Dimitrios Chantzichristos, Claire Regan, Jonathan Preall, Sarthak Sinha, Nicole Rosin, Bryan Yipp, Luiz G. N. de Almeida, Jeff Biernaskie, Antoine Dufour, Pinkus Tober-Lau, Arno Ruusalepp, Johan L. M. Bjorkegren, Markus Ralser, Florian Kurth, Vadim Demichev, Todd Heywood, Qing Gao, Gudmundur Johannsson, Viktor H. Koelzer, Brian R. Walker, Hannah V. Meyer, Tobias Janowitz
Summary: This study found that Cystatin C (CysC) may act as an effector pathway of glucocorticoids (GCs) by recruiting TREM2+ macrophages, and it may be a potential target for combination cancer immunotherapy. The polygenic score capturing predisposition to CysC production predicted checkpoint immunotherapy failure in metastatic cancer patients.