Obesity contributes to metabolic abnormalities such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and glucose intolerance, all of which are risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome. The growing prevelance of metabolic syndrome seems to be an end result of our current lifestyle which promotes high caloric, high-fat foods and minimal physical activity, resulting in a state of positive...

Background: Nutritional supplements are used commonly by people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We aimed to investigate the effects of zinc and α-linolenic acid (ALA) supplementation on markers of glycemia (glucose, HbA1c, insulin) and lipid levels (total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides) in T2DM. Me...

Dyslipidemia increases the risks for atherosclerosis in part by impairing endothelial integrity. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are thought to contribute to endothelial recovery after arterial injury. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) can induce EPC dysfunction, but the underlying mechanism is not well understood. Human EPCs were cultured in endothelial growth medium supplemented w...

We sought to determine whether taurine could specifically protect against coronary artery disease during an atherogenic diet and whether taurine affects the lipid profile, metabolites of methionine, and endothelial atherogenic systems. Rabbits were fed one of the following diets for 4 weeks: (1) control diet; (2) 0.5% cholesterol+1.0% methionine; or (3) 0.5% cholesterol+1.0% methionine+2.5% tau...

BACKGROUND Systemic low-grade inflammation (SLGI), as assessed by measurements of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), is a strong independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Although individuals with hs-CRP ≤ 1 mg/L have been defined as being at low risk according to AHA/CDC guidelines, the value of very low hs-CRP levels (<0.5 mg/L) for public health practices is uncle...

Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) promotes hepatic insulin clearance and endothelial survival. However, its role in the morphology of macrovessels remains unknown. Mice lacking Ceacam1 (Cc1-/-) exhibit hyperinsulinemia, which causes insulin resistance and fatty liver. With increasing evidence of an association among hyperinsulinemia, fatty liver disease, and at...

Eclipta prostrata (Linn) has been used as a traditional medicinal plant to prevent lipidemia and atherosclerosis in Asia. However, its functional properties and the underlying mechanism of action have not been clearly defined. This study was conducted to elucidate the biological basis for hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities of E. prostrata. Charles River Sprague-Dawley CD rats (specific pa...