Evaluation of Zinc Intake on Essential Fatty Acid Metabolism
InflammationOxidative Stress1 moreThe purpose of this study is to determine the effect of different dietary zinc intakes on fatty acid metabolism and other zinc biomarkers
The Effectiveness of Smart Health Management Program for Patients With Chronic Illness
HypertensionDyslipidemias1 moreThis study verifies efficacy of Smart Health Management Program developed for patients with chronic illness. The aim of the study is to observe the changes in clinical indicators, quality of life and health related behaviors when providing self-management programs with ICT for chronic disease patients.
The Effect of Prednisone on Atherogenesis as Studied in the Macrophage Foam Cell Formation Model...
AtherosclerosisDyslipidemias1 moreGlucocorticoids (GCs) are a class of endogenous steroid hormones produced by the adrenal glands and controlled by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA). One of the mechanisms of their action is achieved through ligand-receptor attachment to a class of cytosolic steroid hormone receptors termed Glucocorticoid Receptors (GRs). The formed ligand-receptor complex is a transcription factor involved in gene activation of anti-inflammatory products or repression of pro-inflammatory products [1]. Synthetic forms of GCs are a group of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive medications (e.g. Prednisone) that are widely used in clinical practice to treat inflammatory diseases (e.g. Rheumatoid Arthritis, Vasculitis, Asthma). The effectiveness of this class of drugs is limited by numerous adverse effects that include, but not limited to, insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, all of which are well known risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) [2,3]. Furthermore, recent research suggest that inflammation has a key role in development of CVD and can predict prognosis [4]. Inflammatory cells have an important role in the development of atherosclerotic lesion in the arteries. Blood monocyte-derived macrophages are involved in this process, and they infiltrate the lesion where they take up various forms of lipids (cholesterol - rich LDL, and oxidized LDL) as well as triglycerides - rich VLDL), followed by the formation of lipid-laden foam cells, the hallmark of early atherogenesis. Inflammatory cells and molecules as well as proteolytic enzymes secreted from inflammatory cells in the atherosclerotic lesion, have a central role in destabilizing the plaque (vulnerable plaque) leading to its rupture, which, in turn, induces thrombosis, and initiating acute coronary events [4,5]. Based on our understanding of the involvement of inflammation in the early development of atherosclerotic lesion, and our experience with the anti-inflammatory effects of synthetic GCs, a hypothesis emerged suggesting this class of drugs as a way to inhibit early atherosclerotic plaque formation, and to attenuate CVDs [6]. Research results in this field are surprising because while glucocorticoids treatment in humans increase the risk of CVDs [6,7,8,9], animal models shows the opposite, atheroprotection was shown in rabbits [10,11,12] and mice [13,14,15]. This paradox may be explained partially by the fact that clinical studies in this field are mainly conducted in patients with predisposing factors to develop CVD, either because of pre-existing traditional risk factors like Diabetes and Hyperlipidemia, or because of the pre-existing medical condition they are being treated for with GCs (e.g. Rheumatoid Arthritis). Mechanism based research to study the effects of GCs on atherogenesis, without confounding factors, is lacking. Only few studies were performed on GCs in healthy subjects but none of them explored their effects on foam cell formation [16,17]. Our study thus aims to further our understanding of the role of specific glucocorticoid, prednisone, in the process of atherogenesis. In order to achieve that we plan to study the following: 1. The effects of five days of treatment with prednisone on serum lipid concentration and oxidative stress. 2. an Ex-vivo study is planned where the serum of healthy human subjects treated with Prednisone, will be introduced to J774A.1 murine macrophage-like cell line, a well-studied macrophage foam cell formation model.
Enriched Honey With Soluble Fiber and Polyphenols on Satiety and Dyslipidemia
Overweight and ObesityDyslipidemiasThe aim of this trial is to evaluate the possible benefits on saciety and dyslipidemia in subjects with overweight/obesity (BMI ≥25 y <40 kg / m2) and dyslipemia after consumption of a modifed honey with soluble fiber and polyphenols. Some studies have shown the contribution of high-fiber foods in the reduction of the cardiovascular risk. Besides, polyphenols have reported with their potent antioxidant effect and their implication lowering the vardiovascular risk.
SMARTHealth Diabetes in China Using Lay Family Health Promoters
Diabetes MellitusType 22 moreIt's a community-based parallel-arm cluster Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT). An interactive mobile health management system will be developed to support lay family health promoters and healthcare staff to improve clinical outcomes for family members with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). 2,000 participants from 80 sites will be chosen from urban (40 communities) and rural (40 villages) settings in Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province.
Improving Adherence to Statins Among Minority Populations
DyslipidemiaStatins are cholesterol lowering medications that reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. However adherence to these medications has been found to be lower among minorities, a group particularly vulnerable for heart disease. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of a phone based behavioral intervention to mailed educational materials regarding how to control cholesterol and other risk factors. We hypothesized that the behavioral intervention will improve adherence to statins by 15%.
Regulation of Intestinal and Hepatic Lipoprotein Secretion by Resveratrol
DyslipidaemiaInsulin ResistanceResveratrol, an ingredient of red wine and available in Canada in highly purified form as an over-the-counter health supplement, has been shown to have a number of health benefits. Data from in vitro and animal studies suggest that it has beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity and lipid lowering. The investigators are not aware, however, of any mechanistic studies that have examined the effect of highly purified resveratrol in vivo on lipoprotein metabolism in humans. Given the potential therapeutic benefit of resveratrol in correcting the metabolic abnormalities of insulin resistant individuals the investigators plan to examine the effects of resveratrol on intestinal and hepatic lipoprotein production in humans.
Healthy Effects of an Innovative Probiotic Pasta
OBESITYINFLAMMATION2 moreThe aim of the project was the evaluation of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of a whole grain pasta, enriched in barley β-glucans and fortified with strains of Bacillus coagulans, versus a control wheat pasta on healthy volunteers, using a parallel randomized controlled trial.
Lipid-lowering Effects of an Astaxanthin Supplement in Volunteers With Mild Dyslipidaemia
DyslipidemiasThe purpose of this study is to investigate whether astaxanthin supplementation can impact triglyceride plasmatic concentrations in volunteers presenting mild dyslipidemia.
A Study of Evacetrapib in Participants With Abnormal Cholesterol
DyslipidemiaThe main purpose of this study is to measure how much of the drug gets into the blood stream and how long it takes the body to get rid of it when given once a day for 12, 24, and 52 weeks to participants with abnormal amounts of cholesterol and/or fat in the blood stream. Information about any side effects that may occur will also be collected. This study will also evaluate how the study drug reacts in the body when given once a day for 12, 24 and 52 weeks and how the body responds and returns to normal when the treatment is complete. The relationship between study drug and the results from the how the study drug reacts in the body may be explored, if needed.