2.2. Blood sampling
Blood samples were collected from the participants after 12 hours of fasting to measure the levels of endothelial markers, lipid profile, and fasting blood glucose. Then, the sample were centrifuged for 30-45 minute and frozen at 70°C. The levels of sVCAM- 1, sICAM-1, and E-selectin were measured using commercial ELISA kits (Biosource International and Bender MED Systems) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. ELISA kits were also used to measure low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).