168
Dyslipidemia
Dyslipidemia is characterized by lipid anomalies that can lead to the development
of cardiovascular disease (CVD). A change in the lipid metabolism leads to the
development of CVD, lifestyle changes are the hallmark to treat and prevent dyslipidemia. Most commonly used pharmacological therapies include the statins and
fibrates [75–77]. The aim is to prevent cholesterol synthesis by inhibiting the HMGCoA reductase enzyme [78, 79]. Laboratory studies have proved the association
between hyperlipidemia and PCB exposure [80–82]. PCB 77 displayed increased
serum cholesterol levels [83]. Epidemiological studies suggesting PCBs exposure
cause dyslipidemia [84, 85]. It can also elevate triglyceride levels [85–91]. PCB
increases both LDL and TC [90, 92], however, decreases the level of HDL (good
cholesterol) [88, 93]. It is well reported that increased levels of HDL decrease the
risk of CVD [94].
The AhR has established a significant role in the development and function of the
CVD [95]. It is also observed that increased expression of AhR is observed in CVD
patients [96]. TCDD increases blood pressure following an AhR mediated pathway
[97]. It is suggested that PCBs are capable of inducing hypertension. Exposure to
PCBs also increases the aldosterone production [98–100], which was attributed to
increases in CYP11B2 (aldosterone synthase) expression that was free of AhR activation [100].
Conclusion
PCBs have the capability to cause numerous metabolic disorders. Epidemiological
and animal research has revealed that PCBs can lead to metabolic disorders like
hepatic steatosis, obesity, diabetes (type 1 and 2), dyslipidemia, thyroid and endocrine
metabolism. Interestingly, these conditions are isolated risk factors for developing
multiple diseases like liver carcinoma, chronic diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
People residing near and around the industrial, hazardous waste site have increased
risk of these diseases. It is important to recognize several ways to curtail and avoid
PCBs toxicity. Since PCBs are lipophilic, and accumulate in tissues, the people who
are more at risk of exposure to these toxins should properly be educated and regularly
checked for the possible disease. Abundantly antioxidants containing diet and a
decent lifestyle can help counter the unwanted effects of PCBs [101–103]. High fat
diet may decline overall fat burden by enhancing elimination rates, subsequently
decreasing the accumulation of PCBs in the body [104]. Importantly, the research
should continue to open new horizons to identify and minimize the toxic effects of
the PCBs.
Conflict of Interest Authors declare no conflict of interest.
W. Hassan et al.
Dyslipidemia
Dyslipidemia is characterized by lipid anomalies that can lead to the development
of cardiovascular disease (CVD). A change in the lipid metabolism leads to the
development of CVD, lifestyle changes are the hallmark to treat and prevent dyslipidemia. Most commonly used pharmacological therapies include the statins and
fibrates [75–77]. The aim is to prevent cholesterol synthesis by inhibiting the HMGCoA reductase enzyme [78, 79]. Laboratory studies have proved the association
between hyperlipidemia and PCB exposure [80–82]. PCB 77 displayed increased
serum cholesterol levels [83]. Epidemiological studies suggesting PCBs exposure
cause dyslipidemia [84, 85]. It can also elevate triglyceride levels [85–91]. PCB
increases both LDL and TC [90, 92], however, decreases the level of HDL (good
cholesterol) [88, 93]. It is well reported that increased levels of HDL decrease the
risk of CVD [94].
The AhR has established a significant role in the development and function of the
CVD [95]. It is also observed that increased expression of AhR is observed in CVD
patients [96]. TCDD increases blood pressure following an AhR mediated pathway
[97]. It is suggested that PCBs are capable of inducing hypertension. Exposure to
PCBs also increases the aldosterone production [98–100], which was attributed to
increases in CYP11B2 (aldosterone synthase) expression that was free of AhR activation [100].
Conclusion
PCBs have the capability to cause numerous metabolic disorders. Epidemiological
and animal research has revealed that PCBs can lead to metabolic disorders like
hepatic steatosis, obesity, diabetes (type 1 and 2), dyslipidemia, thyroid and endocrine
metabolism. Interestingly, these conditions are isolated risk factors for developing
multiple diseases like liver carcinoma, chronic diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
People residing near and around the industrial, hazardous waste site have increased
risk of these diseases. It is important to recognize several ways to curtail and avoid
PCBs toxicity. Since PCBs are lipophilic, and accumulate in tissues, the people who
are more at risk of exposure to these toxins should properly be educated and regularly
checked for the possible disease. Abundantly antioxidants containing diet and a
decent lifestyle can help counter the unwanted effects of PCBs [101–103]. High fat
diet may decline overall fat burden by enhancing elimination rates, subsequently
decreasing the accumulation of PCBs in the body [104]. Importantly, the research
should continue to open new horizons to identify and minimize the toxic effects of
the PCBs.
Conflict of Interest Authors declare no conflict of interest.
W. Hassan et al.