Lipid-lowering activity of artichoke extracts: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Artichoke is a component of the Mediterranean diet. Therefore, the aim of this meta-analysis was to determine if artichoke extract supplementation affected human lipid parameters. The search included PubMed-Medline, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases up to March 28, 2017, to identify RCTs investigating the impact of artichoke extracts on plasma lipid levels.

The use of statins alone, or in combination with pioglitazone and other drugs, for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and related cardiovascular risk. An Expert Panel Statement.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common liver disease, is characterized by accumulation of fat (>5% of the liver tissue), in the absence of alcohol abuse or other chronic liver diseases. It is closely related to the epidemic of obesity, metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). NAFLD can cause liver inflammation and progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis or hepatocellular cancer (HCC).

Lifestyle recommendations for the prevention and management of metabolic syndrome: an international panel recommendation.

The importance of metabolic syndrome (MetS) lies in its associated risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes, as well as other harmful conditions such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In this report, the available scientific evidence on the associations between lifestyle changes and MetS and its components is reviewed to derive recommendations for MetS prevention and management. Weight loss through an energy-restricted diet together with increased energy expenditure through physical activity contribute to the prevention and treatment of MetS.

Adiponectin, lipids and atherosclerosis.

Purpose Of Review: Adiponectin is an adipokine with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiatherogenic, pro-angiogenic, vasoprotective and insulin-sensitizing properties. Several factors may influence adiponectin levels, such as genetic polymorphisms, obesity / body fat distribution, diet and exercise as well as cardiovascular risk factors such as sleep deprivation and smoking as well as medications. Adiponectin has been proposed as a potential prognostic biomarker and a therapeutic target in patients with cardiometabolic diseases.

Effects of selected dietary constituents on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in U.S. adults.

Background And Aim: Growing evidence suggests that some of the effects of diet on cardiovascular disease (CVD) occur through mechanisms involving subclinical inflammation. We assessed the relationship between selected dietary constituents and serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) concentration in a population-based sample of United States adults.

Methods: In this cross-sectional analysis, participants were selected from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and restricted to those with available data on dietary intake, biochemical and anthropometric measurements from 2001 to 2010.

Lipid-modifying effects of krill oil in humans: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Context: Some experimental and clinical trials have shown that krill oil, extracted from small red crustaceans, might be an effective lipid-modifying agent, but the evidence is not conclusive.

Objective: The effect of krill oil supplements on plasma lipid concentrations was assessed through a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis of available randomized controlled trials.

Data Sources: PubMed and Scopus were searched up to March 25, 2016, to identify RCTs investigating the effect of krill oil supplements on plasma lipids.

Dyslipidaemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus: bad for the heart.

Purpose Of Review: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with increased coronary heart disease (CHD) morbidity and mortality. These patients are also more prone to heart failure, arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Furthermore, coronary interventions performed in such high-risk patients have worse outcomes.

The impact of metabolic syndrome and its components on perioperative outcomes after elective laparotomy - A prospective observational study.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a constellation of risk factors, including central obesity, elevated fasting blood glucose, high blood pressure and atherogenic dyslipidemia. This prospective observational study aimed to assess the impact of MetS on perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery with laparotomy.

Methods: We included 105 consecutive non-diabetic patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery with laparotomy.

Homocysteine and Non-Cardiac Vascular Disease.

Elevated homocysteine (Hcy) levels are predictors of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Hyperhomocysteinemia has also been associated with total and CVD mortality. However, whether Hcy is just a marker or plays a causal role in CVD remains to be elucidated.

Lung and kidney: a dangerous liaison? A population-based cohort study in COPD patients in Italy.

Background: COPD is among the major causes of death, and it is associated with several comorbid conditions. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is frequently diagnosed in older people living in Western societies and could impact COPD patients' mortality. We evaluated the relationship between burden of comorbidities, CKD, and mortality in a population-based cohort of patients discharged with a diagnosis of COPD.

Carotid Bifurcation Geometry and Atherosclerosis.

Hemodynamic changes occurring at the initial segments of the arterial bifurcations appear to play an important role in the development of atherosclerotic plaque. Therefore, arterial geometry might be a potential marker for atherosclerosis. Considerable evidence suggests that geometry can influence local hemodynamics at the carotid bifurcation contributing to the development of atheroma.

Vitamin D status and circulating biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction and inflammation in non-diabetic obese individuals: a pilot study.

Introduction: Obesity and inadequate vitamin D status are associated with endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease. We evaluated the associations between vitamin D status (i.e.

Marital Status, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Review of the Evidence.

Background: There is evidence showing that marital status (MS) and marital disruption (i.e., separation, divorce, and being widowed) are associated with poor physical health outcomes, including for all-cause mortality.

Sodium-glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors (SGLT2i): Their Role in Cardiometabolic Risk Management.

Background: Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a novel category of oral antidiabetic drugs that inhibit renal glucose reabsorption and increase renal glucose excretion, thus lowering plasma glucose levels. This unique mechanism of SGLT2i action is insulin independent, thus improving glycemic control without promoting hypoglycemia in the absence of exogenously administered insulin.

Methods: The present narrative review addresses the putative associations between SGLT2i and several cardiovascular (CV) and microvascular risk factors, as well as their effects on cardiac and renal function.

Lipoprotein (a) and Cardiovascular Risk: The Show Must go on.

Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is an independent but moderate, predictor for coronary heart disease (CHD) prevalence and severity. Several established and emerging cardiovascular (CV) risk factors including age, gender, ethnicity, smoking, dyslipidemia, hypertension, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, alcohol consumption, arterial stiffness and hyperuricemia have been linked to Lp(a) metabolism. Apart from CHD, Lp(a) has been also associated with non-cardiac vascular diseases and diseases associated with increased CV risk such as chronic kidney disease, metabolic syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, erectile dysfunction, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, inflammatory bowel diseases and human immunodeficiency virus infection.