Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 106 in total

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  1. Nallappan D, Chua KH, Ong KC, Chong CW, Teh CSJ, Palanisamy UD, et al.
    Food Funct, 2021 Jul 05;12(13):5876-5891.
    PMID: 34019055 DOI: 10.1039/d1fo00539a
    Obesity is a driving factor in the onset of metabolic disorders. This study aims to investigate the effects of the myricetin derivative-rich fraction (MD) from Syzygium malaccense leaf extract on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and its associated complications and its influence on uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) and gut microbiota in C57BL/6J mice. Mice were randomly assigned into four groups (n = 6) and given a normal diet (ND) or high-fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks to induce obesity. The HFD groups (continued with HFD) were administered 50 mg kg-1 MD (treatment), 50 mg kg-1 metformin (positive control) and normal saline (HFD and ND controls) daily for four weeks via oral gavage. The ten-week HFD-feeding resulted in hyperglycemia and elevated urinary oxidative indices. The subsequent MD administration caused significant weight reduction without appetite suppression and amelioration of insulin resistance, steatosis and dyslipidemia. Besides, MD significantly reduced lipid hydroperoxides and protein carbonyls in tissue homogenates and urine and elevated Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and reduced glutathione (GSH) and thus, alleviated oxidative stress. The weight reduction was correlated with downregulation of inflammatory markers and the increased UCP-1 level, suggesting weight loss plausibly through thermogenesis. The Akkermansia genus (reflects improved metabolic status) in the HFD50 group was more abundant than that in the HFD group while the non-enzymatic antioxidant markers were strongly associated with UCP-1. In conclusion, MD ameliorates obesity and its related complications possibly via the upregulation of UCP-1 and increased abundance of Akkermansia genus and is promising as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of obesity and its associated metabolic disorders.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dyslipidemias
  2. Motshakeri M, Ebrahimi M, Goh YM, Matanjun P, Mohamed S
    J Sci Food Agric, 2013 May;93(7):1772-8.
    PMID: 23208488 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.5971
    BACKGROUND: Sargassum polycystum, a brown seaweed, contains various nutrients and bioactive compounds that have antioxidant and healing properties. The research hypothesises that antioxidants and pigments in dietary S. polycystum extracts can improve insulin sensitivity, blood sugar levels and blood lipid levels in a rat model of type 2 diabetes. The diabetes was induced by a high-sugar, high-fat diet for 16 weeks to enhance insulin resistance, followed by a low-dose intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (35 mg kg(-1) body weight). The doses of S. polycystum tested on diabetic rats were 150 and 300 mg kg(-1) body weight for the ethanolic extract or 150 and 300 mg kg(-1) for the water extract. Normal rats, untreated diabetic and metformin-treated diabetic rats (n = 6) were used as control.

    RESULTS: Both doses of the alcohol extract of S. polycystum and the 300 mg kg(-1) water extract, significantly reduced blood glucose and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C ) levels. Serum total cholesterol, triglyceride levels and plasma atherogenic index were significantly decreased after 22 days treatment in all seaweed groups. Unlike metformin, S. polycystum did not significantly change plasma insulin in the rats, but increased the response to insulin.

    CONCLUSION: The consumption of either ethanolic or water extracts of S. polycystum dose dependently reduced dyslipidaemia in type 2 diabetic rats. S. polycystum is a potential insulin sensitiser, for a comestible complementary therapy in the management of type 2 diabetes which can help reduce atherogenic risk.

    Matched MeSH terms: Dyslipidemias/blood; Dyslipidemias/drug therapy
  3. Lee ZV, Arjan Singh RS
    Cureus, 2021 Jan 07;13(1):e12542.
    PMID: 33425567 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.12542
    Transient cortical blindness after coronary angiography has long been reported in the literature; however, this condition remains rare until today. We report a case of transient cortical blindness after coronary angiography, bypass graft angiography, and coronary angioplasty, which was deemed to be secondary to contrast agent. A 60-year-old man who underwent prior coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) started to experience recurrence of exertional and resting chest pain one year after CABG. In addition to coronary artery disease, he has underlying type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Due to technical reasons, he was unable to undergo a computed tomography (CT) angiography of the coronary arteries and bypass grafts. Invasive coronary and bypass graft angiography were done, followed by stenting of the left circumflex artery. Thirty minutes after completion of the procedure, the patient had bilateral blurring of vision, which worsened drastically to only being able to perceive light bilaterally. The patient otherwise did not have any other neurological deficits. Binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy revealed no significant abnormalities apart from mild non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy of the left eye. A non-contrasted CT scan of the brain revealed acute subarachnoid bleed in both occipital lobes, but a subsequent magnetic resonance imaging scan of the brain revealed no evidence of intracranial bleed. The patient's vision gradually improved eight hours after the index event, and his vision completely normalized 12 hours later. The patient was discharged well two days later, and at one-month, three-month, and six-month follow-up, the patient remained angina-free, and his vision had remained stable bilaterally.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dyslipidemias
  4. Yeow TP, Aun ES, Hor CP, Lim SL, Khaw CH, Aziz NA
    PLoS One, 2019;14(1):e0211210.
    PMID: 30682116 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211210
    It remains widely perceived that early-onset Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) in children and adolescents is rare and clinically distinct from Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). We studied the challenges of classifying subtypes of early-onset diabetes using clinical features and biomarkers, and management of these patients. We reviewed retrospectively the record of patients < 25 years old who attended the diabetes clinic in Penang General Hospital, Malaysia between 1st December 2012 and 30th June 2015. We examined their clinical features, C-peptide and pancreatic autoantibodies. Comparisons were made between T1D and T2D for magnitude, demographics, metabolic status and complications. We studied 176 patients with a mean age of 20 ± 3.7 years, 43.2% had T1D, 13.6% had T2D, and 13.6% had mixed features of both. When tested, pancreatic autoantibodies were positive in 59.4% of the T1D. T2D presented two years later than T1D at 14.3 years, 20% were asymptomatic at presentation, and 50% required insulin supplementation despite fasting c-peptide of > 250 pmol/L. HbA1C of ≤ 8.0% (64 mmol/mol) was achieved in 30.3% of T1D, 58.3% of T2D on OAD and 16.7% of T2D on insulin. The T2D had greater cardiovascular risk with higher body mass index, more dyslipidaemia, higher blood pressure and earlier onset of nephropathy. The overlapping clinical features, variable autoimmunity, and beta-cell loss complicate classification of young diabetes. Pancreatic autoantibodies and C-peptide did not always predict diabetes subtypes nor respond to insulin. The poor metabolic control and high cardiovascular risk burden among the T2D highlight the need for population-based study and focused intervention.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dyslipidemias
  5. Vântu A, Ghertescu D, Fiscă C, Mărginean A, Hutanu A, Gheban D, et al.
    Malays J Pathol, 2019 Apr;41(1):25-32.
    PMID: 31025634
    INTRODUCTION: Experimental models are essential for clarifying the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in the context of diabetes mellitus (DM). We aimed to evaluate the presence and the magnitude of several factors known to promote atherogenesis, and to assess the potential of a pro-atherogenic environment to stimulate the development of atherosclerotic lesions in a rat model of long-term type 1 DM.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six control and five DM Wistar rats were evaluated. DM was induced at 11 weeks of age using streptozotocin (STZ; 60 mg/kg, intraperitoneal). Animals were monitored up to 38 weeks of age, when plasma glucose, lipid profile, and markers specific for systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and oxidative stress were measured. The amount of fat within the aortic wall was assessed semiquantitatively using Oil Red O staining.

    RESULTS: Diabetic rats presented significantly higher plasma glucose (p < 0.001), total cholesterol and triglycerides (both p = 0.02), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (p = 0.01), and vascular endothelial growth factor (p = 0.04) levels, and significantly lower interleukin-10 (p = 0.04), superoxide dismutase (p < 0.01), and glutathione peroxidase (p = 0.01) levels than the control rats. Mild (grade 1) atherosclerotic lesions were observed in the aortic wall of 80% of the diabetic rats and in none of the control rats.

    CONCLUSIONS: This study presents a STZ-induced type 1 DM rat model with one of the longest follow-ups in the literature. In this model, long-term DM created a highly pro-atherogenic environment characterised by hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, systemic inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and oxidative stress that resulted in the development of early aortic atherosclerotic lesions.

    Matched MeSH terms: Dyslipidemias
  6. Kay, Sin Tan, Navarro, Jose C, Ka, Sing Wong, Yi, Ning Huang, Hou, Chang Chiu, Poungvarin, Niphon, et al.
    Neurology Asia, 2014;19(2):117-127.
    MyJurnal
    Background and Objective: There is a lack of international collaborative studies on young adults with ischaemic stroke in Asia. The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors, aetiology and outcome at hospital discharge of these patients across 8 participating countries in Asia. Methods: This was a prospective, observational, multicentre, hospital based cohort study. Consecutive young stroke patients with confirmed cerebral infarction between the ages of 18-49 were recruited from December 2011 to May 2012. Data was collected for patient demography, risk factors, investigations, clinical profile and TOAST classification. Outcome measures were death and independence (modified Rankin score≤ 2) at hospital discharge. Results: Two hundred and eighteen patients with the mean age was 40.8±6.7 years were recruited. There was a larger proportion of male patients with a ratio of 1.9:1. Traditional risk factors observed were hypertension (n=103; 47.3%), dyslipidaemia (n=93; 42.4%), smoking (n=85; 38.8%), diabetes (n=53; 24.3%), alcohol use (n=33; 15.0%), a previous history of stroke and transient ischaemic attacks (6.4%), family history (n=12; 5.5%), migraine (n=6;2.8%), pregnancy related (n=5; 2.3%) and numerous cardiac risk factors (0.9-5.5%). The majority suffered arterial infarction; n=216 (99.4%) while n=2 (0.6%) had venous strokes. The predominant stroke subtypes were large artery atherosclerosis (LAA); 29.8% and small vessel occlusion (SVO); 20.2%. LAA and SVO accounted for 37.5% of all stroke subtypes in the ≤36 year age-group. Cardioembolism (15.1%) and stroke of determined aetiology (14.7%) contributed to the other categories of identified stroke subtypes. Mortality on hospital discharge was 3.1% while 65.1% of patients were independent on discharge. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the substantial presence of premature atherosclerosis and conventional risk factors in young ischaemic stroke patients from 8 Asian cities. Venous infarction from cerebral venous thrombosis was rare in this study. Outcome on hospital discharge was poorer compared to Western studies. Detection of vascular risk factors and primary prevention measures should be initiated during late adolescence or early adulthood in urban Asia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dyslipidemias
  7. Cheong AT, Ahmad Z, Chew BH
    MyJurnal
    Prevalence of diabetes is escalating both globally as well as in Malaysia. With the epidemic of diabetes and its related morbidities and mortalities, health care professionals are facing an unprecedented challenges in controlling the disease. Objective: To determine the metabolic control and the cardiovascular risk factors among type 2 diabetic patients in a primary care setting. Method: This was a cross sectional study conducted in a primary care clinic in Selangor, Malaysia. Inclusion criteria were all type 2 diabetic patients aged 18 and above and were being followed-up for more than six months prior to the recruiting period in May 2009. The demographic data were obtained through face- to-face interview. Height, weight and blood pressure of the patients were taken during the day of data collection. The co-morbidities and laboratory results were obtained from the medical records. Results: Two-hundred patients were recruited. The mean age was 58.6 (SD=10.5) with 79.0% of the patients aged more than 50 years old. The majority of the patients were female (62.5%). One-tenth (11.5%) were smokers. More than half of the patients (64.0%) had co-morbid of hypertension and half of them (50.5%) had dyslipidaemia. A total of 72.5% of the patients had 3 or more cardiovascular risk factors. Less than one fifth of the patients had achieved the target of control for glycaemia, blood pressure, LDL and BMI. Those age 60 and above had significantly higher proportion of patients achieving fasting blood glucose control (p=0.033). Conclusion: The majority of type 2 diabetic patients had multiple cardiovascular risk factors (3 or more risk factors) and had not achieved the recommended goals in
    metabolic control.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dyslipidemias
  8. Ng TP
    Sains Malaysiana, 2016;45:1351-1355.
    Dementia poses a major global burden of care to society and health systems in ageing populations. The majority (over 60%) of persons with dementia in the world are found in Asia and developing countries with rapid rates of population ageing. Improving and maintaining the cognitive health of older persons is vital to national strategies for dementia prevention. Increasing numbers of population-based ageing cohort studies in the past decade have provided a better understanding of the factors that contribute to cognitive function and decline in old age. The roles of major demographic, psychosocial, lifestyle, behavioral and cardiovascular risk factors contributing to cognitive health were discussed using examples from the Singapore Longitudinal Ageing Studies. They include socio-demographic factors, particularly education and marital status, leisure time activity such as physical activity, social engagement and mental activities, psychological factors such as depression, cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors: obesity, diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia, and the metabolic syndrome, under-nutrition, low albumin, low hemoglobin, nutritional factors such as blood folate, B12 and homocysteine, omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids, tea drinking and curcumin-rich turmeric in curry meals. These factors are found to be associated variously with cognitive functions (memory and learning, language, visuospatial, attention and information processing speed), rates of cognitive impairment and cognitive decline, or increased risk of developing MCI and progression to dementia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dyslipidemias
  9. Chia PL, Earnest A, Lee R, Lim J, Wong CP, Chia YW, et al.
    Ann Acad Med Singap, 2013 Sep;42(9):432-6.
    PMID: 24162317
    INTRODUCTION: In Singapore, the age-standardised event rates of myocardial infarction (MI) are 2- and 3-fold higher for Malays and Indians respectively compared to the Chinese. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence and quantity of coronary artery calcification (CAC) and non-calcified plaques across these 3 ethnic groups.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective descriptive study. We identified 1041 patients (810 Chinese, 139 Malays, 92 Indians) without previous history of cardiovascular disease who underwent cardiac computed tomography for atypical chest pain evaluation. A cardiologist, who was blinded to the patients' clinical demographics, reviewed all scans. We retrospectively analysed all their case records.

    RESULTS: Overall, Malays were most likely to be active smokers (P = 0.02), Indians had the highest prevalence of diabetes mellitus (P = 0.01) and Chinese had the highest mean age (P <0.0001). The overall prevalence of patients with non-calcified plaques as the only manifestation of sub-clinical coronary artery disease was 2.1%. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of CAC, mean CAC score or prevalence of non-calcified plaques among the 3 ethnic groups. Active smoking, age and hypertension were independent predictors of CAC. Non-calcified plaques were positively associated with male gender, age, dyslipidaemia and diabetes mellitus.

    CONCLUSION: The higher MI rates in Malays and Indians in Singapore cannot be explained by any difference in CAC or non-calcified plaque. More research with prospective follow-up of larger patient populations is necessary to establish if ethnic-specific calibration of CAC measures is needed to adjust for differences among ethnic groups.

    Matched MeSH terms: Dyslipidemias/ethnology
  10. Buranakitjaroen P, Mangklabruks A, Leungwattanakij S, Ngaothamatasn W, Malhotra C, Chee C, et al.
    J Med Assoc Thai, 2007 Jun;90(6):1100-8.
    PMID: 17624203
    OBJECTIVE:
    Assess the effectiveness of sildenafil in Asian males with erectile dysfunction (ED) and one or more of the co-morbidities, mild-to-moderate hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes.

    MATERIAL AND METHOD:
    A six-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter study was carried out in Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. One hundred and fifty five male subjects were randomized (2:1) to sildenafil (n = 104) or placebo (n = 51). Sildenafil was started at 50 mg and increased (100 mg) or decreased (25 mg) at week 2 if necessary.

    RESULTS:
    On the primary efficacy endpoint, sildenafil-treated subjects had significantly better scores on the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questions 3 and 4 than placebo (p < 0.001, both questions). When accumulated into IIEF domains, all five domains were significant in favor of sildenafil. In addition, sildenafil-treated subjects were more satisfied with treatment and had a higher intercourse success rate. The majority of adverse events were mild in severity; the most commonly reported treatment-related events were dizziness (7.7%) and tinnitus (2.9%).

    CONCLUSION:
    Sildenafil (25, 50, and 100 mg) was found to be an effective, safe, and well-tolerated treatment for ED in the present study population of Thai, Malaysian, and Singaporean males who also had increased cardiovascular risk.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dyslipidemias/complications*
  11. Shaharir SS, Mohamed Said MS, Kong NC
    Reumatismo, 2012;64(6):341-9.
    PMID: 23285477 DOI: 10.4081/reumatismo.2012.341
    OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence of thickened carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and its associated risk factors in patients with lupus nephritis (LN) who were in remission.
    METHODS: This was a cross sectional study in which consecutive LN patients who were in remission and attending our Nephrology/SLE Clinic were included. Their demographic profile, traditional cardiovascular risk factors and treatment medications were evaluated by clinical interview and review of medical records. Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) was measured using B Mode carotid ultrasonography. CIMT was considered to be abnormally thickened if it exceeded the 75th percentile matched for age-and sex-matched normal controls. The associated factors for thickened CIMT were examined.
    RESULTS: A total of 39 patients with a mean remission duration of 29 ± 24.3 months and on a mean prednisolone dose of 9.10 ± 7.83 mg daily completed the study. Six patients (15.4%) had thickened CIMT. On univariate analysis, male gender, patient age, older age at diagnosis, higher serum CRP levels, greater proteinuria and higher mean cumulative azathioprine dose were associated with thickened CIMT (P<0.05). Lower mean cumulative doses of cyclosporine A (CyA) and mycophenolic acid (MPA) (P<0.05) each were associated with thickened CIMT. Using regression analysis, the associated factors of CIMT were older age at diagnosis and proteinuria.
    CONCLUSIONS: Lupus factors particularly age at diagnosis and proteinuria were the associated factors of thickened CIMT. Larger prospective trials are indicated to confirm our findings.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dyslipidemias/epidemiology
  12. Gijsberts CM, Groenewegen KA, Hoefer IE, Eijkemans MJ, Asselbergs FW, Anderson TJ, et al.
    PLoS One, 2015;10(7):e0132321.
    PMID: 26134404 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0132321
    BACKGROUND: Clinical manifestations and outcomes of atherosclerotic disease differ between ethnic groups. In addition, the prevalence of risk factors is substantially different. Primary prevention programs are based on data derived from almost exclusively White people. We investigated how race/ethnic differences modify the associations of established risk factors with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events.

    METHODS: We used data from an ongoing individual participant meta-analysis involving 17 population-based cohorts worldwide. We selected 60,211 participants without cardiovascular disease at baseline with available data on ethnicity (White, Black, Asian or Hispanic). We generated a multivariable linear regression model containing risk factors and ethnicity predicting mean common carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and a multivariable Cox regression model predicting myocardial infarction or stroke. For each risk factor we assessed how the association with the preclinical and clinical measures of cardiovascular atherosclerotic disease was affected by ethnicity.

    RESULTS: Ethnicity appeared to significantly modify the associations between risk factors and CIMT and cardiovascular events. The association between age and CIMT was weaker in Blacks and Hispanics. Systolic blood pressure associated more strongly with CIMT in Asians. HDL cholesterol and smoking associated less with CIMT in Blacks. Furthermore, the association of age and total cholesterol levels with the occurrence of cardiovascular events differed between Blacks and Whites.

    CONCLUSION: The magnitude of associations between risk factors and the presence of atherosclerotic disease differs between race/ethnic groups. These subtle, yet significant differences provide insight in the etiology of cardiovascular disease among race/ethnic groups. These insights aid the race/ethnic-specific implementation of primary prevention.

    Matched MeSH terms: Dyslipidemias/ethnology
  13. Erejuwa OO, Nwobodo NN, Akpan JL, Okorie UA, Ezeonu CT, Ezeokpo BC, et al.
    Nutrients, 2016;8(3).
    PMID: 26927161 DOI: 10.3390/nu8030095
    Diabetic dyslipidemia contributes to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Hence, its treatment is necessary to reduce cardiovascular events. Honey reduces hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia. The reproducibility of these beneficial effects and their generalization to honey samples of other geographical parts of the world remain controversial. Currently, data are limited and findings are inconclusive especially with evidence showing honey increased glycosylated hemoglobin in diabetic patients. It was hypothesized that this deteriorating effect might be due to administered high doses. This study investigated if Nigerian honey could ameliorate hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. It also evaluated if high doses of honey could worsen glucose and lipid abnormalities. Honey (1.0, 2.0 or 3.0 g/kg) was administered to diabetic rats for three weeks. Honey (1.0 or 2.0 g/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) increased high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol while it significantly (p < 0.05) reduced hyperglycemia, triglycerides (TGs), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, coronary risk index (CRI) and cardiovascular risk index (CVRI). In contrast, honey (3.0 g/kg) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced TGs and VLDL cholesterol. This study confirms the reproducibility of glucose lowering and hypolipidemic effects of honey using Nigerian honey. However, none of the doses deteriorated hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dyslipidemias
  14. Phang ZH, Chew JJ, A/P Thurairajasingam J, Ibrahim SB
    PMID: 30656250 DOI: 10.5435/JAAOSGlobal-D-18-00059
    Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma is a rare condition defined by bleeding in the epidural space of the spine with no identifiable causes such as trauma, vascular malformation, or bleeding disorders. This is a case of a 79-year-old woman with a medical history of diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and hypertension presented with the sudden onset of severe thoracolumbar back pain associated with weakness and numbness in her bilateral lower limb. Examination of the lower limb showed bilateral lower limb motor and sensory deficits. Laboratory investigations showed normal results. MRI showed posterior extradural intraspinal hematoma from T11 to L3 vertebrae. Patient underwent right hemilaminectomy and posterior decompression of T12 and L1 vertebrae to evacuate the hematoma. Postoperatively, her neurologic complications improved gradually. Decision was made not to restart aspirin. On follow-up at 1 year, the patient had complete recovery of neurologic complications of both lower limb and had no recurrence of bleeding. In short, this is a case of spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma associated with long-term use of low-dose aspirin in an elderly patient requiring surgical evacuation of hematoma with good functional outcome after the surgery. Therefore, aspirin should be prescribed cautiously especially to elderly patients.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dyslipidemias
  15. Darrat M, Flaherty GT
    PMID: 31548898 DOI: 10.1186/s40794-019-0094-8
    Background: Older people represent a significant proportion of overseas travellers. The epidemiology of older international travellers is not well described in the literature. This study aims to identify demographics, travel characteristics and the medical profile of older travellers seeking pre-travel health advice in a specialist travel medicine clinic.

    Methods: Records of travellers aged 60 years and older attending the Tropical Medical Bureau clinic in Galway, Ireland between 2014 and 2018 were examined. Descriptive and inferential.analysis of data was performed.

    Results: A total of 337 older travellers sought pre-travel health advice during the study period. The mean age of the cohort was 65.42 (±10) years. Most of the travellers (n = 267, 80%) had at least one travelling companion. Nearly half of older travellers (n = 155, 46.8%) were travelling with a single companion. Tourism was the main reason for travel for the majority (n = 260, 77.6%), followed by visiting friends and relatives (VFR) (n = 23, 6.9%) travellers. The mean interval remaining before the planned trip was 4.36 (±2) weeks, and the mean duration of travel was 3.16 (±1) weeks. The most popular single country of destination was India with 33 (9.8%) visitors, and South East Asia was the most popular region with 132 (39.2%) older travellers. The majority of travellers (n = 267, 79.2%) had a documented pre-existing medical condition. The most commonly reported medical conditions were hypertension (n = 26, 7.7%), dyslipidaemia (n = 18, 5.3%), diabetes mellitus (n = 12, 3.5%), insect bite sensitivity (n = 11, 3.3%), and hypothyroidism (n = 9, 2.6%). Antihypertensive agents (n = 32, 9.4%) and statins (n = 24, 7.1%) were the most frequently used medications. Typhoid (n = 112, 33.2%) and hepatitis A (n = 84, 24.9%) were the most common vaccinations administered to older travellers at the clinic.

    Conclusions: This study provides an insight into the demographics, travel characteristics, and medical profile of elderly travellers seeking advice at a large travel clinic in Ireland. A wide range of travel destinations, diseases and medication use was reported among this group of travellers, which may enable travel medicine physicians to provide more tailored advice and to more appropriately counsel older travellers.

    Matched MeSH terms: Dyslipidemias
  16. Mohammed Nawi A, Mohammad Z, Jetly K, Abd Razak MA, Ramli NS, Wan Ibadullah WAH, et al.
    Int J Hypertens, 2021;2021:6657003.
    PMID: 33628485 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6657003
    The trend of global prevalence for hypertension has been dramatically increasing for the past two decades in Southeast Asian countries. A systematic review aiming to assess the prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors among the urban population in Southeast Asian countries was conducted. We performed database searches of PubMed and Web of Science and performed meta-analysis to determine the pooled prevalence estimate. The overall pooled prevalence estimate of hypertension for Southeast Asian urban population was 33.82%. Among this, 33.98% of hypertension was reported in the community and 32.45% among adolescents in school. The common risk factors that we found were male, ethnicity, education and socioeconomic level, body mass index, waist circumference, smoking, and dyslipidaemia. The review indicates an urgent need for primary and secondary prevention activities. Therefore, a multisectoral and intersectoral approach and collaboration should be undertaken to improve the overall health outcomes of all populations in all Southeast Asian countries.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dyslipidemias
  17. Noor Alicezah Mohd Kasim, Chua Yung An, Hapizah Nawawi
    MyJurnal
    Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), the commonest and serious but potentially treatable
    form of inherited dyslipidaemias, is characterised by severely elevated plasma low-density
    lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) level, which subsequently leads to premature coronary artery
    disease (pCAD). Effectiveness of FH early detection and treatment is supported by the
    outcome of several international cohort studies. Optimal FH management relies on
    prescription of statins either alone or together with other lipid-lowering therapies (LLT).
    Intensive lifestyle intervention is required in parallel with LLT, which should be commenced at
    diagnosis in adults and childhood. Treatment with high intensity statin should be started as
    soon as possible. Combination with ezetimibe and/or bile acid sequestrants is indicated if
    target LDL-C is not achieved. For FH patients in the very-high risk category, if their LDL-C
    targets are not achieved, despite being on maximally tolerated statin dose and ezetimibe,
    proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type1 inhibitor (PCSK9i) is recommended. In statin
    intolerance, ezetimibe alone, or in combination with PCSK9i may be considered. Clinical
    evaluation of response to treatment and safety are recommended to be done about 4-6 weeks
    following initiation of treatment. Homozygous FH (HoFH) patients should be treated with
    maximally tolerated intensive LLT and, when available, with lipoprotein apheresis. This review
    highlights the overall management, and optimal treatment combinations in FH in adults and
    children, newer LLT including PCSK9i, microsomal transfer protein inhibitor, allele-specific
    oligonucleotide to ApoB100 and PCSK9 mRNA. Family cascade screening and/or screening
    of high-risk individuals, is the most cost-effective way of identifying FH cases and initiating
    early and adequate LLT.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dyslipidemias
  18. Dolzhenko MM, Barnett OY, Grassos C, Dragomiretska NV, Goloborodko BI, Ilashchuk TO, et al.
    Adv Ther, 2020 11;37(11):4549-4567.
    PMID: 32979190 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-020-01490-z
    Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of premature deaths globally and in Ukraine. Dyslipidemia is a recognized risk factor for the development of CVD. Therefore, early detection and appropriate management of dyslipidemia are essential for the primary prevention of CVDs. However, currently, there is a lack of Ukraine-specific guideline recommendations focusing on the management of dyslipidemia in individuals with low-to-moderate CV risk, thus creating an urgent need for structured and easily implementable clinical recommendations/guidelines specific to the country. An expert panel of cardiologists, endocrinologists, and family physicians convened in Ukraine in March 2019. The expert panel critically reviewed and analyzed the current literature and put forth the following recommendations for the management of dyslipidemia in individuals with low-to-moderate risk of CVDs specific to Ukraine: (1) family physicians have the greatest opportunities in carrying out primary prevention; (2) lipid-lowering interventions are essential for primary prevention as per guidelines; (3) a number of nutraceuticals and nutraceutical combinations with clinically established lipid-lowering properties can be considered for primary prevention; they also have a suggested role as an alternative therapy for statin-intolerant patients; (4) on the basis of clinical evidence, nutraceuticals are suggested by guidelines for primary prevention; (5) red yeast rice has potent CV-risk-lowering potential, in addition to lipid-lowering properties; (6) in patients with low-to-moderate cardiovascular risk, a nutraceutical combination of low-dose red yeast rice and synergic lipid-lowering compounds can be used as integral part of guideline-recommended lifestyle interventions for effective primary prevention strategy; (7) nutraceutical combination can be used in patients aged 18 to 75+ years; its use is particularly appropriate in the age group of 18-44 years; (8) it is necessary to attract the media (websites, etc.) to increase patient awareness on the importance of primary prevention; and (9) it is necessary to legally separate nutraceuticals from dietary supplements. These consensus recommendations will help physicians in Ukraine effectively manage dyslipidemia in individuals with low-to-moderate CV risk.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dyslipidemias
  19. Leelavanich D, Adjimatera N, Broese Van Groenou L, Anantachoti P
    Risk Manag Healthc Policy, 2020;13:2753-2768.
    PMID: 33273873 DOI: 10.2147/RMHP.S281629
    Purpose: The drug classification system, as prescription or non-prescription drug category, has been utilized as a regulatory strategy to ensure patient safety. In Thailand, the same system has been used for decades, though the drug classification criteria were updated to accommodate drug re-classification in 2016. These new criteria, however, have not been applied retroactively. Inconsistency in drug classification has been observed leading to concerns regarding the drug classification system. This has prompted the need for a review of the drug classification system in Thailand. This study aims to explore Thailand and other selected countries' regulatory management regarding the drug classification system, drug classification criteria, and drug classification itself.

    Methods: The drug classification systems of the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Canada were selected to study alongside Thailand's system. The regulatory review was conducted through each country's drug regulatory agency website and available published research. Complementary interviews with drug regulatory authorities were conducted when written documentation was unclear and had limited access. Fifty-two common drugs were selected to compare their actual classifications across the different countries.

    Results: All selected countries classified drugs into two major groups: prescription drugs and non-prescription drugs. The studied countries further sub-classified non-prescription drugs into 1-4 categories. Principles of drug classification criteria among countries are similar; they comprised of three themes: disease characteristics, drug safety profile, and other drug characteristics. Actual drug classification of antibiotics, dyslipidemia treatments, and hypertension treatments in Thailand are notedly different from other countries. Furthermore, 77.4% of drugs studied in Thailand fall into the behind-the-counter (dangerous) drug category, which varied from antihistamines to antibiotics, dyslipidemia treatments, and vaccines.

    Conclusion: Thailand's drug classification criteria are comparable with other nations; however, there is a need to review drug classification statuses as many drugs have been classified into improper drug categories.

    Matched MeSH terms: Dyslipidemias
  20. Zaribaf F, Mohammadifard N, Sarrafzadegan N, Karimi G, Gholampour A, Azadbakht L
    J Cardiovasc Thorac Res, 2019;11(1):19-27.
    PMID: 31024668 DOI: 10.15171/jcvtr.2019.04
    Introduction:
    Lipid metabolism is one of the main concerns of cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. Little is known about the association between dietary patterns and dyslipidemia. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine such association among Iranian adults.
    Methods:
    This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1433 Iranian adults in Isfahan Healthy Heart Program (IHHP). Usual dietary intakes were assessed with the use of a 48 items food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Factor analysis was used to identify dietary patterns. Three major dietary patterns were identified: western, semi healthy and healthy fat patterns.
    Results:
    After adjustment, subjects in the upper quartiles of western dietary pattern were more likely to have high total cholesterol concentrations than those in the first quartile (odds ratio [OR]: 2.07; 95% CI: 1.25-3.42). Individuals with greater adherence to western dietary pattern had greater odds of having high low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels compared with those in the lowest quartiles (2.53; 1.45-4.40).
    Conclusion:
    Semi healthy dietary pattern was not associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. Same trend was observed for healthy fat dietary pattern. Significant association was found between western dietary pattern and dyslipidemia among Iranian adults.
    Matched MeSH terms: Dyslipidemias
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