A1 Ratio Research Articles

The role of dietary fat on the association between dietary amino acids and serum lipid profile in European adolescents participating in the HELENA Study.

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between amino acid (AA) intake and serum lipid profile in European adolescents from eight European cities participating in the cross-sectional (2006-2007) HELENA (Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence) study, and to assess whether this association was independent of total fat intake. Diet, skinfold thickness, triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), TC/HDL-c ratio, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), apolipoprotein B (Apo B), apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1) and Apo B/Apo A1 ratio were measured in 454 12.5- to 17.5-year-old adolescents (44% boys). Intake was assessed via two non-consecutive 24-h dietary recalls. Data on maternal education and sedentary behaviors were obtained via questionnaires. Physical activity was objectively measured by accelerometry. Alanine, arginine, asparaginic acid, glycine, histidine, lysine and serine intakes were inversely associated with serum TG concentrations in both boys and girls. Intake of other AA like alanine and/or arginine was also inversely associated with serum TC, LDL-c and Apo B/Apo A1 ratio only in girls. An inverse association was observed between intakes of alanine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, serine, tryptophan, tyrosine and valine and TC/HDL-c ratio among female adolescents. Similar results were found in males for serine and tryptophan intakes. It is noteworthy, however, that associations were no longer significant in both genders when total fat intake was considered as a confounding factor. In this sample of adolescents, the association between AA intakes and serum lipid profile did not persist when dietary fat was considered. Therefore, dietary interventions and health promotion activities should focus on fat intake to improve lipid profile and potentially prevent cardiovascular disease.

Effect of a 6-month vegan low-carbohydrate (‘Eco-Atkins’) diet on cardiovascular risk factors and body weight in hyperlipidaemic adults: a randomised controlled trial

ObjectiveLow-carbohydrate diets may be useful for weight loss. Diets high in vegetable proteins and oils may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. The main objective was to determine the...

The Pathosystem Solanum tuberosum L.-Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary in Chapingo, Mexico. Expected, Observed, and Simulated

The 1:1 ratio of the Phytophthora infestans A1 and A2 mating types favors the sexually derived genetic diversity of the late blight pathogen of potatoes, which is widespread in the central highlands of Mexico. This ratio guarantees the successful infection of this pathogen, even in resistant potato hosts. However, wild Solanum species present in the region serve as alternative hosts to the pathogen. Knowledge about the external factors that influence the dynamics of this disease facilitates the assessment and selection for genetically resistant potato cultivars to late blight, in addition to providing the capacity to predict epidemics. This work aimed to assess the expected, observed, and simulated progress of natural P. infestans infection of potatoes during two epiphytotic field seasons (2009 and 2010) at Chapingo, Mexico. Using 8-years of weather datasets, six ideal situations were predicted with four to eight infection cycles of 6 to 12 h each. In comparison to the predictions, the observed effect of the area under the disease progress curve, and its components (AUDPC, RAUDPC, RaRAUDPC), was highly significant, with a low coefficient of variation among the potato cultivars used in the study. In conclusion,weconfirm that the LATEBLIGHT-LB2004model is useful for simulating and predicting late blight epidemics based on the weather conditions of Chapingo, except for the magnitude of the relative humidity threshold variable (RH_threshold), which requires calibration for each cultivar. Resumen La proporcion 1:1 de los grupos de compatibilidad A1 y A2 de Phytophthora infestans favorece la diversidad genetica derivada sexualmente del patogeno del tizon tardio

A RARE ENCOUNTER WITH VERY MASSIVE STARS IN NGC 3125-A1

Super star cluster A1 in the nearby starburst galaxy NGC 3125 is characterized by broad He\ii \lam1640 emission (full width at half maximum, $FWHM\sim1200$ km s$^{-1}$) of unprecedented strength (equivalent width, $EW=7.1\pm0.4$ \AA). Previous attempts to characterize the massive star content in NGC 3125-A1 were hampered by the low resolution of the UV spectrum and the lack of co-spatial panchromatic data. We obtained far-UV to near-IR spectroscopy of the two principal emitting regions in the galaxy with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) and the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS) onboard the Hubble Space Telescope (\hst). We use these data to study three clusters in the galaxy, A1, B1, and B2. We derive cluster ages of 3-4 Myr, intrinsic reddenings of $E(B-V)=0.13$, 0.15, and 0.13, and cluster masses of $1.7\times10^5$, $1.4\times10^5$, and $1.1\times10^5$ M$_\odot$, respectively. A1 and B2 show O\vb \lam1371 absorption from massive stars, which is rarely seen in star-forming galaxies, and have Wolf-Rayet (WR) to O star ratios of $N(WN5-6)/N(O)=0.23$ and 0.10, respectively. The high $N(WN5-6)/N(O)$ ratio of A1 cannot be reproduced by models that use a normal IMF and generic WR star line luminosities. We rule out that the extraordinary He\ii \lam1640 emission and O\vb \lam1371 absorption of A1 are due to an extremely flat upper IMF exponent, and suggest that they originate in the winds of very massive ($>120\,M_\odot$) stars. In order to reproduce the properties of peculiar clusters such as A1, the present grid of stellar evolution tracks implemented in Starburst99 needs to be extended to masses $>120\,M_\odot$.

A Study on APO B100/APO A1 Ratio as a Predictive Parameter for Assessmentof CAD Risk in Uncontrolled Type 2 Egyptian Diabetic Patients

Background: this study was undertaken to study the biochemical effects of lipoproteins and apolipoproteins on uncontrolled Egyptian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and to study if Apo B100/Apo A1 ratio can be used as a predictive factor for assessment of CAD risk in this patients. Patients & Methods: this study was carried out on a group of 60 patients; 20 were non diabetic controls and 40 diabetic patients, who were subdivided into : controlled type 2 diabetic patients (Group I) and uncontrolled type 2 diabetic patients (Group II), based on their glycated hemoglobin level. Levels of triacylglycerols or triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C, Apolipoprotein A1 and Apolipoprotein B100, in addition to fasting blood glucose (FBG) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were estimated,and also, levels of LDL-C were calculated by Friedewald’s formula in all studied cases. Blood samples were collected after an overnight fasting of 10-12 hours, and divided into two parts, the 1st for separation of serum and the 2nd collected in an EDTA-containing tube for HbA1c determination. Results: the obtained results revealed that, levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C and Apo B100 were comparable with no statistical significance between uncontrolled type 2 diadetic patients (group II) with controlled type 2 diabetic patients (group I) and control group.While, a highly significant increase in triacylglycerols levels in group II compared to group I and control group. In contrast, a highly significant decrease in HDL-C and Apo A1 levels in group II compared to group I and control group. Highly significant increase in Apo B100/Apo A1 ratio in group II compared to group I, and a significant increase compared to control group, while it was comparable with no statistical significance in group I compared to control group. Conclusion: this study showed that there was an adverse effect of prolonged hyperglycemia on the apolipoproteins in diabetic patients which is associated with dyslipidemia, good glycemic control is able to make an improvement on this dyslipidemia. Apo B100/Apo A1 ratio can be used as a predictive parameter for assessment of CAD risk in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

New data on eudialyte decomposition inerals from kakortokites and associated pegmatites of the Ilímaussaq complex, South Greenland*

A suite of samples with eudialyte and eudialyte decomposition minerals from the kakortokite and associated pegmatites of the Ilímaussaq complex in South Greenland has been investigated by electron microprobe analysis. Extensive decomposition of eudialyte has resulted in the formation of catapleiite as host for a number of rare and hitherto unknown REE minerals besides known minerals such as monazite and kainosite. Mineral A1 is present in very small amounts in nearly all eudialyte decomposition aggregates and comprises two varieties: Ca-rich A1 with composition HCa3REE6(SiO4)6(F◊) and presumed apatite structure, and Ca-poor A1 with composition (Fe,Mn,Ca)1.5REE6Si6FO22 and unknown structure. Mineral A2 with composition (Ca,Fe)1.2REE4Si6O19−y(OH)2y · nH2O is indistinguishable from A1 in EMP-backscattered light and has only been found at a limited number of localities. Mineral A2 also occurs as a primary mineral at one locality. Additional rare and new REE-minerals are mineral A3 with composition Na0.2Ca0.6Fe0.2Mn0.5 Al0.5REE2.8Si6F0.5O)18-y(OH)2y · nH2O; mineral Uk2 with composition REE2.00F1.50O2.25-y(OH)2y · nH2O; mineral Uk3 with composition CaREE4O7-yOH)2y · nH2O; and mineral Y1 with composition Na2Ca4Y2.7REE1.3F18 (OH)4. The Ce:(Y+La+Pr+Nd+Sm+Gd) molar ratio for A1, A2, A3, Uk2, Uk3 and monazite is close to 1:1. Characteristic for A1, A2 and monazite are substantial solid solutions between La and (Pr+Nd+Sm+Gd) with slowly increasing content of Ce as the content of La increases. A similar pattern does not exist for the REE in fresh eudialyte. Kainosite, identified in one decomposition aggregate, has not previously been found in the Ilímaussaq complex.

Cardiometabolic biomarkers in chronic plaque psoriasis before and after etanercept treatment

Objective: To assess cardiometabolic biomarkers in patients with psoriasis before and after etanercept treatment.Methods: Patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis were randomized to etanercept 50 mg once or twice weekly, double-blinded. Cardiometabolic biomarkers were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment (n = 273).Results: At baseline, 42% of patients had metabolic syndrome. Etanercept was not associated with any clinically relevant adverse effects on cardiometabolic biomarkers. In the once-weekly subgroup, significant mean percentage changes from baseline (p < 0.05) were observed for the quantitative insulin-sensitivity check index (QUICKI; −2.2%), apolipoprotein (Apo) A1 (3.2%), Apo B:Apo A1 ratio (−3.5%), leptin (8.6%) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (−65.5%); and in the twice-weekly subgroup for plasma insulin (15.9%), QUICKI (−2.7%), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; 2.9%), apolipoprotein (Apo) A1 (2.8%), Apo B:Apo A1 (−4.6%) and hsCRP (−74.4%).Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome was common in these patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Etanercept treatment may provide some potentially favorable modulation of insulin sensitivity, HDL-C, Apo A1 and Apo B:Apo A1 ratio.

Facebook usage and risk of poor social capital

Recently, researchers have shown an increased interest in the relationship between Social Network Site (SNS) and Social Capital (SC) [1]–[3]. However, there have been no studies which compare differences in risk of poor social capital of SNS users. This paper will focus on the relationship between three features of Facebook usage (online time, friends and emotion) and risk of poor SC. In addition, this paper will also examine the relationship between measure of cognitive “important of social capital” and risk of poor SC. This cross-sectional study collected 288 survey of Vietnamese Facebook users, who were conventional sampled. We classified users into two groups poor SC and rich SC based on median. Other variables such as Online time, Friends, Emotion and Cognitive were classified into two groups based on median values. We compared risk of poor SC for each group. Group A1 (friends ≤ 200) ratio of poor SC was 13.55% larger than group B1 (friends &gt; 200). Risk ratio A1:B1 was 1.27 (63.1% vs 48.6%; 95% CI: 1.02— 1.59) and proportion test ratio poor of SC A1 greater than ratio poor of SC B1 was P-value = 0.017. Group A2 (daily online time ≤ 30 minutes) ratio of poor SC was 9.08% larger than group B2 (daily online time &gt; 30 minutes). Risk ratio A2:B2 was 1.17 (62.9% vs 50.8%; 95% CI: 0.95—1.53) and proportion test ratio of poor SC A2 &gt; B2 was P-value = 0.08. Group A3 (average emotion ≤ 3.17) ratio of poor SC was 27.4% larger than group B3 (average emotion &gt; 3.17). Risk ratio A3:B3 was 1.62 (70.7% vs 43.6%; 95% CI: 1.3—2.02) and proportion test ratio of poor SC A3 &gt; B3 was P-value &lt; 0.001. Group A4 (average cognitive ≤ 3.75) ratio of poor SC was 26.91% larger than group B4 (average cognitive &gt; 3.75). Risk ratio A4:B4 was 1.6 (72.1% vs 44.6%; 95% CI: 1.30— 1.96) and proportion test ratio of poor SC A4 &lt; B4 was P-value &lt; 0.001. Emotion of Facebook activity and cognitive “important of social capital” may reduce ratio of poor SC of users. Individuals should focus to these factors to gain SC (one factor based on SNS and one factor none related SNS). It seems that online time and number of Facebook friends have a little benefit for users.

PP50 Body Mass Index, Waist Circumference and Incident Coronary Heart Disease in the Million Women Study

BackgroundBody mass index (BMI) and waist circumference are measures of total and abdominal adiposity, respectively, and both relate to coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. However, these measures are highly correlated,...

Dewatering Excess Sludges of Sanitary Sewage by Supersound and PAFC

This experiment adopted supersound and polymeric aluminum ferric chloride (PAFC) dewatering excess sludges. Firstly, aluminum chloride and ferric chloride were synthetized to a novel inorganic flocculant ——PAFC and the optimal molar ratio of A1 and Fe was 7:3. Secondly, PAFC singly dewatered excess sludges. The optimum technological conditionwas the optimum dosage of 120mg/L and pH of 8. As a result , the sludge water content decreased from 87.48% to 70.87%. Thirdly, supersound singly dewatered excess sludges. The optimum technological condition was the optimum power of 150W and time of 2.5min. Lastly, the combination of supersound and PAFC sludge dewatered excess sludges and moisture content was reduced to 70.01%.

Coronary heart disease incidence in women by waist circumference within categories of body mass index

High body mass index (BMI) and large waist circumference are separately associated with increased coronary heart disease (CHD) risk but these measures are highly correlated. Their separate associations with incident CHD, cross-classifying one variable by the other, are less investigated in large-scale studies. We examined these associations in a large UK cohort (the Million Women Study), which is a prospective population-based study. We followed 496,225 women (mean age 60 years) with both waist circumference and BMI measurements who had no vascular disease or cancer. Adjusted relative risk and 20-year cumulative CHD incidence (first coronary hospitalization or death) from age 55 to 74 years were calculated using Cox regression. Plasma apolipoproteins were assayed in 6295 randomly selected participants. There were 10,998 incident coronary events after mean follow up of 5.1 years. Within each BMI category (<25, 25-29.9, ≥30 kg/m(2)), CHD risk increased with increasing waist circumference; within each waist circumference category (<70, 70-79.9, ≥79 cm), CHD risk increased with increasing BMI. The cumulative CHD incidence was lowest in women with BMI <25 kg/m(2) and waist circumference <70 cm, with 1 in 14 (95% confidence interval 1 in 12 to 16) women developing CHD in the 20 years from age 55 to 74 years, and highest in women with BMI ≥30 kg/m(2) and waist circumference ≥80 cm, with 1 in 8 (95% confidence interval 1 in 7 to 9) women developing CHD over the same period. Similar associations for apolipoprotein B to A1 ratio across adiposity categories were observed, particularly in non-obese women. Our conclusions were that both waist circumference and BMI are independently associated with incident CHD.

Effects of an isocaloric healthy Nordic diet on insulin sensitivity, lipid profile and inflammation markers in metabolic syndrome – a randomized study (SYSDIET)

BackgroundDifferent healthy food patterns may modify cardiometabolic risk. We investigated the effects of an isocaloric healthy Nordic diet on insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, blood pressure and inflammatory markers in people with metabolic syndrome.MethodsWe conducted a randomized dietary study lasting for 18–24 weeks in individuals with features of metabolic syndrome (mean age 55 years, BMI 31.6 kg m−2, 67% women). Altogether 309 individuals were screened, 200 started the intervention after 4-week run-in period, and 96 (proportion of dropouts 7.9%) and 70 individuals (dropouts 27%) completed the study, in the Healthy diet and Control diet groups, respectively. Healthy diet included whole-grain products, berries, fruits and vegetables, rapeseed oil, three fish meals per week and low-fat dairy products. An average Nordic diet served as a Control diet. Compliance was monitored by repeated 4-day food diaries and fatty acid composition of serum phospholipids.ResultsBody weight remained stable, and no significant changes were observed in insulin sensitivity or blood pressure. Significant changes between the groups were found in non-HDL cholesterol (−0.18, mmol L−1 95% CI −0.35; −0.01, P = 0.04), LDL to HDL cholesterol (−0.15, −0.28; −0.00, P = 0.046) and apolipoprotein B to apolipoprotein A1 ratios (−0.04, −0.07; −0.00, P = 0.025) favouring the Healthy diet. IL-1 Ra increased during the Control diet (difference −84, −133; −37 ng L−1, P = 0.00053). Intakes of saturated fats (E%, beta estimate 4.28, 0.02; 8.53, P = 0.049) and magnesium (mg, −0.23, −0.41; −0.05, P = 0.012) were associated with IL-1 Ra.ConclusionsHealthy Nordic diet improved lipid profile and had a beneficial effect on low-grade inflammation.

CRT-27 Apolipoprotein B And Apolipoprotein B/a1 Ratio Are Related To Total Occlusion Of Infarct-related Artery In Non-diabetic Patients With Acute Non-st Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Insulin resistance (IR) is an associated with a significant increase in the risk of coronary artery disease. The serum Apolipoprotein B (Apo B) and Apo B/Apo-I ratio are important markers of IR in non-diabetic, normoglycemic subjects. We investigated the role of Apo B and ApoB/Apo A1 ratio in

A Study of Serum Apolipoprotein A1, Apolipoprotein B and Lipid Profile in Stroke

Role of Serum Lipids, Lipoproteins and Lipoprotein related variables in the prediction of Stroke is less clear. Abnormalities in plasma Lipoproteins are the most firmly established and best understood risk factors for Atherosclerosis and they are probable risk factors for Ischaemic stroke, largely by their link to Atherosclerosis. Apo B reflects the concentration of potentially atherogenic particles (LDL), and Apo A1 reflects the corresponding concentration of anti- atherogenic particles (HDL), represent additional lipoprotein related variables that may indicate the vascular risk. To study serum concentration of Apolipoprotein A1, Apolipoprotein B, Apo B/Apo A1 ratio and Lipid profile in Stroke Cases and to compare with healthy controls. A total number of 100 subjects within 30 - 70 years were considered for the study. 50 subjects with Stroke (both clinically as well as Computed tomographically proven cases) and 50 age and sex matched healthy individuals were taken for the study. Total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and Triglycerides are estimated by Enzymatic method using Semiautoanalyser. LDL cholesterol is estimated by Friedewald formula. Apo B and Apo A1 are estimated by Immunoturbidimetric method using Semiautoanalyser. Student 't' test was used to compare the data between cases and controls. Diagnostic validity tests were conducted to assess the Diagnostic efficiency of Apo A1, Apo B and Apo B/Apo A1 ratio. Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and Triglycerides are significantly increased in Cases compared to Controls. HDL - cholesterol is significantly decreased in Cases compared to Controls. Apo B and Apo B/Apo A1 ratio are significantly increased and Apo A1 is significantly decreased in Cases compared to Controls. Diagnostic validity tests showed that, Apo B , Apo A1 and Apo B /Apo A1 ratio have highest Sensitivity, Specificity and Diagnostic efficiency. Apo B , Apo A1 and Apo B / Apo A1 ratio can be used as predictors of stroke along with traditional lipid profile components.

Apolipoprotein B/Apolipoprotein A1 (APO B/APO A1) and LDL/HDL Cholesterol Ratios - Indicators of Metabolic Syndrome

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relations between Apo B/Apo, LDL/HDL and the metabolic syndrome. Apolipoprotein B, APO B/APO A1 ratio and the ratio LDL/HDL cholesterol can be used as indicators of metabolic syndrome. The ratios APO B/APO A1 and LDL/HDL cholesterol allow for more accurate risk assessment of metabolic syndrome.

Treatment with exenatide once weekly or twice daily for 30 weeks is associated with changes in several cardiovascular risk markers

BackgroundDyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes are two of the most significant risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease. Measurement of lipoprotein subclasses provides important information about derangements in lipid metabolism and helps refine cardiovascular risk assessment. Exenatide, a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist, improved glycemic control, obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia in patients with type 2 diabetes in clinical trials.MethodsIn the DURATION-1 trial, patients with type 2 diabetes were treated with exenatide once weekly or twice daily for 30 weeks. This post hoc analysis evaluated the impact of exenatide on lipoprotein subclasses in 211 DURATION-1 patients using vertical auto profile methodology and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences general linear model adjusted for glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and weight.ResultsBaseline lipids and high sensitivity C-reactive protein were normal overall based on the standard lipid panel. Once-weekly exenatide reduced apolipoprotein B and the apolipoprotein B to apolipoprotein A1 ratio (P < 0.05), independent of glycemic improvement and weight loss. A significant shift in lipoprotein pattern away from small, dense low-density lipoprotein-4 cholesterol was also observed (P < 0.05). Exenatide once weekly increased high-density lipoprotein-2 cholesterol, even after adjustment for changes in HbA1c and weight (P < 0.05). Triglycerides, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein were reduced with both the once-weekly and twice-daily exenatide regimens (P < 0.05).ConclusionIn this post hoc analysis, exenatide significantly improved a number of cardiovascular risk markers. Continuous exenatide exposure with exenatide once weekly elicited a greater response than did immediate-release exenatide twice daily, generally independent of glycemic improvement and weight loss. Thus, in addition to improving glycemic control, exenatide induced favorable changes in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism and decreased systemic inflammation.

Correlation between Apolipoprotein B-to-Apolipoprotein A1 Ratio and Total-to-HDL-Cholesterol Ratio in a Healthy Population: Should Castelli Index be Updated?

SUMMARY The total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio (TC/HDL-Cr) was proposed as a marker of coronary risk about 25 years ago by Dr. William Castelli and the suggested target was 0.43; and propose an updated CI target. Material and Methods Apolipoprotein levels were measured by immnuno-phelometry in samples obtained from blood donors. Models of simple linear regression were made to analyze the relationship between the ApoB/ApoA and TC/HDL ratios. A ROC analysis was carried out to evaluate the accuracy of the CI to distinguish between subjects with ApoB / ApoAr ≤0.43 and > 0.43. Subjects with hypertension, vascular disease, diabetes or treated with lipid-lowering drugs were excluded. Results A total of 283 subjects were included, 64% men, 31% smokers. General characteristics (mean ± SD): age 41.8 ± 14 years, BMI 26.2 ± 4, TC 199.5 ± 48 mg / dl, HDL 49 ± 13 mg / dl, CI 4.31 ± 1.3, ApoB 95.2 ± 28 mg / dl, ApoA 157.4 ± 32 mg / dl, ApoB / ApoAr 0.62 ± 0.21. In the overall population, the correlation between ApoB / ApoAr and the CI was 0.90 and the ApoB / ApoAr of 0.43 corresponded to an CI of 3.22. The area under the ROC curve of the CI to distinguish between subjects with ApoB/ApoAr  0.43 and > 0.43 was 0.936 (CI 95% 0.897- 0.975) and OPC was 3.238. Background

IS CARDIOVASCULAR RISK MORE IN DIABETICS BECAUSE OF LOWER APOLIPOPROTEIN A1 LEVELS RATHER THAN HIGHER APO B /APOA1 RATIO?

Diabetics are known to have increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Apolipoprotein B/ A1 ratio is considered to be a good biochemical marker for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) risk assessment. The study was designed to estimate serum levels of apolipoprotein A1 , B and calculate Apo B/Apo A1 ratio in thirty diagnosed patients of type II diabetes attending the diabetic clinic in Lady Hardinge Medical College and Associated SSK Hospital, comparing them with age and sex matched controls and assessing their significance levels. Fasting Plasma Glucose ,Apolipoprotein A1 and apolipoprotein B in serum were measured by on fully automated analyser SYNCHRON CX9 using Kit from Randox . Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS version 17.0.It was found that Fasting plasma glucose was significantly higher in the study group compared to control group (p<0.0001). Apolipoprotein A1 was lower in patients of diabetes mellitus as compared to controls and the difference was very highly significant p<0.0001. Apolipoprotein B levels as well as Apo B/Apo A1 were significantly higher in diabetics compared to controls with p<0.01 for both. It emerged from the study that apolipoprotein A1 levels are more significant compared to apolipoprotein B and ratio of Apo B/Apo A1 and therefore is a better assessor of CAD risk in diabetics.

Effect of walnut-enriched meat on the relationship between VCAM, ICAM, and LTB4 levels and PON-1 activity in ApoA4 360 and PON-1 allele carriers at increased cardiovascular risk

Cardiovascular risk depends largely on paraoxonase (PON-1) and apolipoprotein A4 (APOA4) gene polymorphisms. To compare the effects of consumption of walnut-enriched meat versus low-fat meat (LM) on selected soluble adhesion molecules and leukotrienes (LTB4). In all 22 subjects at increased cardiovascular risk were taken. It is a non-blinded, cross-over, placebo-controlled study. Two 5-week experimental periods separated by 4-6 week wash-out interval. Participants consumed walnut-enriched meat during one period and LM during the other. Diet characteristics, HDLc, Apo A1, paraoxonase, sVCAM-1, sICAM-1 and LTB4 were analysed. PON-1 55, PON-1 192 and APOA4 360 polymorphism effects were also assessed. Individuals consuming walnut-enriched meat displayed higher paraoxonase activity (P<0.001), lower levels of sICAM and aVCAM (P=0.046, P=0.012, respectively) and leukotriene B4 (P=0.044), and lower paraoxonase-1/HDLc and paraoxonase-1/Apo A1 ratios (both, P<0.001) than those consuming LM. Paraoxonase levels correlated negatively with those of sICAM (r=-0.471, P<0.01). Significant decreases (at least P<0.05) were observed in sICAM concentrations in PON-1 55LM+MM, PON-1 QQ192 and APOA4-2 carriers while decreases in sVCAM in QR+RR and APOA4-1 carriers were observed. Paraoxonase-1/HDLc and paraoxonase-1/Apo A1 ratios were significantly influenced by paraoxonase polymorphisms. Walnut-enriched meat appears as a functional meat as consumed in the framework of a mix diet lowered the concentration of some selected inflammatory chemoattractant biomarkers. This effect was largely influenced by PON-1 and Apo A4-360 polymorphisms.

Pitavastatin: finding its place in therapy.

Dyslipidaemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) disease. Despite the widespread availability of effective lipid-lowering agents, an unacceptably large proportion of patients fail to attain their target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level in clinical practice. Reasons for this include undertreatment, poor adherence/persistence with therapy and failure to address non-LDL-C residual risk factors such as high levels of triglycerides, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations and raised apolipoprotein B: apolipoprotein A1 ratios. Pitavastatin is a novel, well-tolerated statin with a noninferior or superior lipid-lowering efficacy to comparable doses of atorvastatin, simvastatin, and prava-statin in a wide range of patients with hypercholesterolemia or combined dyslipidaemia. Compared with other statins, pitavastatin produces consistently greater increases in HDL-C levels that are sustained over the long term. In addition to pravastatin's potent effects on lipid profiles, a number of pleiotropic benefits have been identified that may contribute to a reduction in residual cardiovascular risk in people with dyslipidaemia and could partly account for pitavastatin's ability to regress coronary plaques in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Pitavastatin's unique metabolic profile results in a high efficacy at low (1-4 mg) doses and minimal drug interactions with cytochrome CYP3A4 substrates, making it an excellent choice for people requiring multiple medications. Although future trials are required to assess the impact of pitavastatin treatment on CV morbidity and mortality, studies to date suggest that pitavastatin will play an important role in the future management of dyslipidaemia and in the overall reduction of CV risk.