Altered Blood Lipid Research Articles

BLOOD LIPID AND HORMONAL RESPONSES TO 12 WEEKS OF CREATINE SUPPLEMENTATION AND HEAVY RESISTANCE TRAINING.

1273 In order to examine the effects of heavy resistance training and the influence of creatine supplementation on blood lipids and hormonal responses, nineteen healthy resistance-trained men were matched and randomly assigned in a double-blind fashion to either a creatine (n=10) or placebo (n=9) group. Periodized heavy resistance training was performed 3-4 times per week for 12 weeks. During the first week of training, creatine subjects consumed 25 g creatine monohydrate/day while the placebo group ingested an equivalent amount of placebo capsules. Subjects consumed 5 g of supplement per day for the remainder of the study. Resting fasted blood samples were obtained for determination of serum lipoproteins, triglycerides, total testosterone, free testosterone, and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) prior to and after 12 weeks of training and supplementation. There were no significant (P≤0.05) effects of training or supplementation on serum total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, total testosterone, free testosterone, cortisol, or the testosterone/cortisol ratio. There was a significant increase in SHBG (26%) and a decrease in the free androgen index (total testosterone/SHBG)(44%) only in creatine subjects. In healthy men, a 12 week heavy resistance training program, with and without creatine supplementation, did not alter blood lipid profiles or total testosterone and cortisol. Creatine supplementation in conjunction with resistance training does however appear to impact the major binding protein for testosterone. Supported by Twin Laboratories, to WJK

Effect of dietary ghee—the anhydrous milk fat, on blood and liver lipids in rats

Dairy products are important sources of dietary fat in India. Anhydrous milk fat, viz., ghee, is consumed as such in the diet and also is used for frying the dishes. Ghee contains high levels of saturated fatty acids and cholesterol, which are considered risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. In the present study, ghee, at levels ranging from 0.25 to 10%, was included in a nutritionally balanced AIN-76 diet fed to Wistar rats for a period of 8 weeks. The serum lipid profiles of these animals showed a dose dependent decrease in total cholesterol, low density lipoproteins and very low density lipoproteins cholesterol, and triglyceride levels when ghee was present at levels greater than 2.5% in the diet. Liver cholesterol and triglycerides also were decreased in these animals. When ghee was included as a sole source of fat at a 10% level, polyunsaturated fatty acids in the serum and liver lipids were reduced significantly. Similar results were observed when ghee was subjected to a higher temperature (120°C) to generate cholesterol oxidation products and fed to the animals. Although cholesterol oxidation products were not accumulated in serum, significant amounts were accumulated in liver only when ghee was fed as a sole source of fat at a 10% level. This study revealed that the consumption of ghee up to a 10% level in the diet altered blood lipid profiles in such a manner as not to elevate the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.

Very low fat diets.

Very low fat diets.

Blood lipid profiles in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Abnormal blood lipid profiles have been associated with cancer. The objective of this study was to investigate the frequency and clinical significance of altered lipid profiles in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), the most common form of malignant disease in this age group. Fasting blood lipid profiles (cholesterol [C], triglycerides [TG], high density lipoprotein [HDL], low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein, apolipoproteins A1 [apo A1] and B, and lipoprotein a [Lp(a)]) were obtained in 24 children with ALL at diagnosis, 16 children during consolidation therapy with L-asparaginase, and 18 children during maintenance therapy without L-asparaginase. For comparison the authors studied lipid profiles in 15 children previously treated for leukemia, 15 healthy control children, and 17 children with other forms of cancer, both localized and widespread. An altered blood lipid profile was observed at the time of diagnosis of ALL. Statistically significant values included elevated TG (1.82+/-1.23 mmol/L), reduced HDL-C (0.54+/-0.24 mmol/L), and reduced ApoA1 (0.77+/-0.18 g/L) levels. A wide range of Lp(a) levels (0-1990 mg/L) were observed. Significantly reduced HDL-C (0.55+/-0.20 mmol/L) and ApoA1 (0.69+/-0.22 g/L) were observed in children with widespread but not localized solid tumors at diagnosis. C and TG correlated with serum albumin levels. Significant therapy-related changes in lipid profiles were observed in children with ALL during combination therapy with L-asparaginase (extremely elevated TG levels [3.34+/-2.82 mmol/L] and a striking reduction in Lp(a) levels) that were not observed during combination therapy without L-asparaginase or in children during treatment for solid tumors. In this small study there was no relation between these abnormalities and either thromboembolic events or pancreatitis. Blood lipid profiles in children with ALL returned to normal on completion of therapy. The lipid abnormalities observed at diagnosis in children with widespread cancer (ALL or solid tumors) may reflect altered nutritional states or altered lipid metabolism. Reduced concentrations of Lp(a) and elevated TG levels suggest L-asparaginase specific alterations and may provide insight into the toxicity associated with this drug.

Replacement of linoleic acid with α-linolenic acid does not alter blood lipids in normolipidaemic men

The effect of partial dietary replacement of linoleic acid (18:2n-6; linoleic acid-rich diet) with alpha-linolenic acid (18:3n-3; alpha-linolenic acid-rich diet) on plasma lipids was investigated in twenty-nine healthy young men. After a 2-week stabilization period subjects were randomly assigned to either the alpha-linolenic acid-rich diet group (n 15), receiving a mean of 10.1 g of alpha-linolenic acid and 12.1 g of linoleic acid/d, or the linoleic acid-rich diet group (n 14), receiving a mean of 1.0 g of alpha-linolenic acid and 21.0 g of linoleic acid/d, for a 6-week test period. Blood samples were taken at the commencement of the stabilization period and at the start (week 0), midpoint (week 3) and endpoint (week 6) of the test period and plasma lipids analysed. The changes occurring on the linoleic acid-rich diet and alpha-linolenic acid-rich diet were compared but no significant differences in the changes in plasma total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, the subfractions HDL2 and HDL3 or triacylglycerols were found. These results indicate that dietary replacement of linoleic acid with alpha-linolenic acid in the diet of healthy male subjects offers similar cardioprotective benefits with respect to lipid metabolism.

IMPROVEMENTS IN VO2PEAK AND BODY COMPOSITION IS ASSOCIATED WITH ALTERATIONS IN BLOOD LIPIDS AND BLOOD PRESSURES 503

This study determined the impact of cardiovascular exercise on the relationships of improvements in VO2peak, body weight, and% body fat with alterations in blood lipids and blood pressures in males with elevated blood lipids and blood pressures. Subjects (N=343, 26-61 yr.) walked/jogged at an intensity of 70-85% HRR, 3 d/wk, for 6 mo. Comparison of pre and post tests indicated significant (P<.001) improvement in VO2 peak (39 to 43 ml·kg·min), body weight (195 to 187 lbs.), and% fat (27 to 25%) in all subjects. Those subjects (N=136) with cholesterol 200-240 mg/dl reduced their mean cholesterol by 5.6%, from 219 to 207 mg/dl. The 138 subjects with cholesterol >240 mg/dl reduced their values from 272 to 250 mg/dl (8.3%). The 119 individuals with triglycerides >150 mg/dl demonstrated a decrease from 230 to 169 mg/dl or 26%. An increase in HDL from 31 to 36 mg/dl was demonstrated by those 35 individuals with HDL <35 mg/dl. And the cholesterol/HDL ratios were reduced from 7.5 to 6.3 in those 81 individuals with ratios >6. The 39 individuals with SBP >140 mmHg showed a reduction from 151 to 140 mmHg, and the 42 subjects with DBP >90 mmHg reduced from 97 to 88 mmHg (7.2 and 9.2%, respectively). Multiple regression analysis indicated significant (P<.001) relationships of change scores in body weight and% body fat with change scores in cholesterol in subjects with cholesterol 200-240 mg/dl and in those with cholesterol >240 mg/dl, and change in cholesterol/HDL in those with cholesterol/HDL >6, and change in triglycerides in those with triglycerides >150 mg/dl. There was a significant (P<.01), although weak relationship between increase in VO2 peak and decrease in cholesterol in those with cholesterol >240 mg/dl. Finally, there was a significant (P<.001) relationship between the decreases in body weight and diastolic blood pressure in those with diastolic blood pressure >90 mmHg. It can be concluded that 6 mo. of cardiovascular exercise is beneficial in improving VO2 peak, body weight,% fat, blood lipids and blood pressure in those with elevated blood lipids and blood pressures. In addition, loss of body weight and% fat is of primary importance in improving blood lipids and diastolic blood pressure; and improvement in VO2 peak is of secondary importance in reducing cholesterol in those with cholesterol >240mg/dl.

Androgen use by athletes: a reevaluation of the health risks.

It has been estimated that 1 to 3 million male and female athletes in the United States have used androgens. Androgen use has been associated with liver dysfunction, altered blood lipids, infertility, musculotendinous injury, and psychological abnormalities. Although androgens have been available to athletes for over 50 years, there is little evidence to show that their use will cause any long-term detriment; furthermore, the use of moderate doses of androgens results in side effects that are largely benign and reversible. It is our contention that the incidence of serious health problems associated with the use of androgens by athletes has been overstated.

The influence of short-term aerobic training on blood lipids in healthy 10-12 year old children.

This study was designed to examine the ability an endurance exercise training program to alter blood levels of cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides in children. Thirty-one sixth grade students age 10-12 years (20 girls, 11 boys) who were healthy and active volunteered for participation. The training program consisted of 13 weeks of aerobic activities three days a week, 25 minutes per session, with training intensity assessed by heart rate monitors. Serum lipids and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) were measured at the beginning of a control period, 13 weeks later at the beginning of the training program, and at the termination of 13 weeks of training. VO2max values for the group improved 5.4%, but no significant changes were observed in any of the blood lipid levels between the control and training periods. These findings suggest that aerobic training of 13-weeks duration is not an effective means of altering blood lipids in healthy normolipemic children.

Lowering risk without lowering cholesterol: implications for national cholesterol policy.

Current recommendations for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia include drug therapy for persons at sufficiently elevated risk for coronary heart disease. However, no guidelines incorporate the effects of alternative interventions that decrease risk for coronary heart disease but are not used specifically to alter blood lipids. We did a simulation study to estimate the number of hypercholesterolemic adults who would continue to exceed a high-risk threshold after receiving aspirin, antihypertensive medication, and estrogen-replacement therapy. We found that of all persons who are currently candidates for hypolipidemic medication because they are at high risk for coronary heart disease, 6 to 8 million would no longer have this therapy recommended if the abilities of alternative interventions to reduce risk were considered. Pharmaceutical cost savings associated with alternative interventions range from $3 to $4 billion per year. Current guidelines should be revised to account for this effect.

Clinical Aspects of Trace Elements: Zinc in Human Nutrition – Zinc Deficiency and Toxicity

Available evidence suggests that trace elements, such as zinc, once thought to have no nutritional relevance, are possibly deficient in large sections of the human population. Conditioned deficiencies have been reported to result from malabsorption syndromes, acrodermatitis enteropathica, alcoholism, gastrointestinal disease, thermal injury, chronic diseases (eg, diabetes, sickle cell anemia), and in total parenteral nutrition therapy. Awareness that patients with these problems are at risk has led health professionals to focus increasingly on the importance of zinc therapy in the prevention and treatment of deficiency. More recently zinc toxicity and its role in human nutrition and well‐being have come under investigation. Reports have focused on the role of zinc toxicity in causes of copper deficiency, changes in the immune system and alterations in blood lipids. As the numerous challenges presented by the study of zinc in human nutrition are met, more appropriate recommendations for dietary and therapeutic zinc intake are being made.

Blood Lipid Alterations in 6-to 10-Year-Old Passive Smoking Children

The effects of smoking on blood lipid levels have been well documented. Considerable attention is now being focused on involuntary smokers. Cotinine is used as a reliable indicator for estimating individual levels of exposure to tobacco. Individuals with cotinine levels above 2.5 ng/ml are considered passive smokers. In this study, the prevalence of passive smoking was 34.4 % among 6-to 10-year-old primary school children from the low-income community. Total cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density cholesterol levels as well as total cholesterol/low-density cholesterol ratios and high-density cholesterol levels of 19 passive smoker children were compared with those of 11 nonsmokers. A slight elevation in the first four parameters and a reduction in high-density cholesterol levels were observed in the passive smoker group. Although these results were insignificant, the effects of duration and severity of exposure to smoking as well as the dietary habits and economic status of the family need to be studied as contributing factors in causing blood lipid alterations related to atherosclerosis.

Alteration of arachidonate levels in tick salivary glands by dietary modification of host blood lipids.

Tick saliva contains prostaglandins of the 2-series, believed to facilitate bloodmeal acquisition. Because ticks cannot synthesize the prostaglandin precursor, arachidonic acid, investigations were undertaken to study the uptake, incorporation, and distribution of arachidonic acid in the salivary glands of the lone star tick in vitro and in vivo. Uptake of [3H]arachidonate by isolated salivary glands was reduced in the presence of low concentrations of arachidonic or eicosapentaenoic acids, but much higher, non-physiological concentrations of oleic and linoleic acids were required to inhibit [3H]arachidonate uptake. The incorporation of [3H]arachidonate into triglycerides increased at high concentrations of arachidonic or eicosapentaenoic acid, but not at any concentration of oleic or linoleic acid. Eicosatetraynoic acid greatly inhibited [3H]arachidonic acid. Guinea pigs fed hydrogenated coconut oil, safflower/primrose oil, or fish oil exhibited altered blood lipids; notably increased levels of eicosapentaenoic acid when fed fish oil. Salivary gland lipids in ticks fed on these hosts were also altered. Ticks parasitizing fish oil-fed guinea pigs contained high levels of eicosapentaenoic acid with a 30% reduction in arachidonate levels. The results demonstrated that eicosapentaenoic acid in the host diet had profound effects on arachidonate assimilation by tick salivary glands, which could lead to altered prostaglandin content in tick saliva.

Failure of 40 Weeks of Brisk Walking to Alter Blood Lipids in Normolipemic Women

Sedentary, eumenorrheic women (N = 27) 22 to 40 years of age, with high baseline levels of plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, were randomly assigned to a walking (n = 16) or a control group (n = 11). The training program involved treadmill walking 4.8 km (3.0 miles) four times a week for 40 weeks at a mean intensity of 72% maximal heart rate. Aerobic power (VO2max) was improved by 22%, but no training effect was observed in body composition variables or blood lipid/lipoprotein levels. Despite additional increments in exercise intensity over the final 20 weeks of training, most of the improvement in VO2max was observed over the first 20 weeks of the study. Exercising subjects' baseline levels of plasma HDL-C were found to be inversely associated with the change (delta) scores in the lipoprotein (r = -0.51, p < or = .05).

Association of antihypertensive agents and blood lipids in a population-based survey.

Clinical trials indicate that many antihypertensive medications alter blood lipids. These lipid changes may be of sufficient magnitude to influence subsequent coronary heart disease rates. We examined this association in a large population sample (N = 15,918, ages 25-74, 12% on antihypertensive medication) surveyed cross-sectionally from 1980 to 1986. Subjects taking antihypertensive medication had a mean serum total cholesterol 4.0 mg per dl higher than those not taking these medications after we adjusted for age, sex, weight, smoking, alcohol, blood pressure, and exercise. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol was lower in the medicated group by 2.5 mg per dl. There was no evidence that the length of medication use was related to lipid levels.

EFFECTS OF SELF-MONITORED EXERCISE ON SELECTED BLOOD CHEMISTRY PARAMETERS OF END-STAGE RENAL DISEASE PATIENTS

The effects of exercise on patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is relatively unexplored. Of the complications associated with kidney failure, anemia and abnormal blood lipids profiles are among those that exercise may alter. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a self-monitored exercise program on the blood chemistry status in ESRD patients. The program consisted of aerobic activity maintained for a minimum of 15 min at least three times per week at an intensity of 10.8 +/- 2.13 on the Borg rating of perceived exertion scale (this scale correlates with heart rate and is used in cases where heart rate is not a reliable predictor of exercise intensity such as hemodialysis patients). Monthly blood samples were taken to assess the patients status regarding anemia and blood lipids. Results indicate no significant differences (P greater than 0.05) were seen from the beginning of the program until the end of the eighth month as seen below: [table; see text] Values are X +/- SEM. These data indicate that a self-monitored exercise program of moderate intensity may not be beneficial in helping regulate the anemia and altered blood lipid status of ESRD patients. Thus, since no physiological benefits are apparent with a self-monitored exercise program of low intensity, it is important to realize the potential risk involved with patients undertaking an unsupervised exercise program. These data illustrate that ESRD patients need supervised exercise programs in order to elicit a physiological training response.

Effect of Low-Dose Niacin on High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Total Cholesterol/High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio

Niacin significantly alters blood lipid concentrations but its use has been limited because of clinically disturbing side effects. In an attempt to circumvent these drawbacks, 55 patients with cardiovascular disease were given low-dose long-acting niacin, 1 g/d. Treatment was continued for a mean of 6.7 months and lipid values were compared with a non-treated group of 17 patients followed for a mean of 6.3 months. Lipid values did not change in the nontreated group. In the niacin-treated group total cholesterol and triglyceride levels also did not significantly change. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level rose 31% from 1.01 +/- 0.31 mmol/L to 1.32 +/- 0.31 mmol/L and total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio was reduced 27% from 6.4 +/- 1.9 to 4.7 +/- 1.3. Despite these results, 40% of the patients left the study mainly because of side effects. Apart from one patient who developed overt diabetes, of questionable relationship to niacin, no patient developed serious side effects such as jaundice or peptic ulcer as seen with much higher doses of the drug. Although often difficult to administer to patients, niacin, particularly in low dose, deserves consideration as an inexpensive agent especially useful for elevating HDL cholesterol level and altering the total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio.

Strategies to reduce risk factors in hypertensive patients who smoke

Hypertensive patients who smoke have a high risk of developing premature cardiovascular disease. In addition to encouraging these patients to stop smoking, effective nondrug therapies include weight reduction, salt restriction, and alcohol limitation. For patients whose hypertension is severe or who have other health problems, antihypertensive drug therapy is also used. In the past, diuretics and beta-blockers have proved popular. However, these drugs have produced biochemical disturbances, such as diuretic-induced hypokalemia and both diuretic- and beta-blocker-induced alterations in blood lipids. The hazard of such drug-induced alterations may be greater in hypertensive patients, who may already suffer from hypercholesterolemia. Other drugs are available that can treat hypertension with no or beneficial influence on blood lipids. For smokers, the selective α 1-receptor inhibitors may be more attractive, since they also act to counteract the vasoconstriction produced by nicotine. In the future, inhibitors of hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase may offer potential for effective control of blood lipids in hypertensive patients who smoke.

A prospective study of age at menarche, parity, age at first birth, and coronary heart disease in women.

Reproductive events in women are associated with alterations in blood lipids and blood pressure and may therefore influence determinants of coronary heart disease. To investigate the risk of coronary heart disease in relation to age at menarche, parity, and age at first birth, the authors evaluated prospectively the experience of 119,963 US women aged 30-55 years who were free from coronary heart disease in 1976 and were followed through 1982. During 700,809 person-years of observation, 308 incident cases of nonfatal myocardial infarction or fatal coronary heart disease occurred. Younger age at menarche was weakly associated with coronary heart disease (age-adjusted rate ratio of 1.3 for menarche before age 11 years compared with menarche at age 13 years; chi, Mantel extension test for trend = -1.1, p = 0.2). Nulliparous women experienced only a slightly higher rate of coronary heart disease than parous women (rate ratio = 1.2, 95 per cent confidence interval 0.8-1.8). Among parous women, there was no alteration in risk with increasing number of births. Likewise, there was no significant association between age at first birth and coronary heart disease (chi, Mantel extension test for trend = -0.4, p = 0.4). Established risk factors for coronary heart disease nevertheless showed expected relations. These findings show no important association between reproductive experiences and risk of coronary heart disease.

Changes in serum lipids related to the presence of experimental colon cancer.

People at risk from coronary heart disease and large bowel cancer are drawn from the same urbanised, industrialised Western populations. Whilst changes in blood lipids are well recognised in heart disease, little is known of their role in large bowel cancer. This study investigates serial alterations in blood lipids in the 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) rat model of colon cancer. Eighty Wistar rats received a 5 weekly regimen of DMH. At week 10, and at 5 weekly intervals until week 40, random groups of 10 rats were killed and blood taken for total and free cholesterol, phospholipids, triglycerides and liver enzymes. All colonic neoplasms were histologically classified either as adenomas or carcinomas with groups being allocated into tumour-free (n = 16) or tumour-bearing (n = 54), the latter group being further sub-divided into animals with adenoma alone (n = 8) and those with carcinoma (n = 46). Results were considered both sequentially and according to tumour status. Sequential results showed that with increase in colonic neoplasms with time there were accompanying increases in free and % free cholesterol and in phospholipids (P less than 0.001). There were no changes in total cholesterol, triglycerides or liver enzymes. Results according to tumour status showed that whilst there was no difference in total cholesterol or triglycerides between tumour-free and tumour-bearing rats, there was a significant increase in free (P less than 0.01) and % free cholesterol (P less than 0.001) and a decrease in phospholipids in the tumour-bearing animals (P less than 0.001). There was no difference in any serum lipid between tumour-free and adenoma-bearing rats. In animals with carcinoma, while there was no difference in total cholesterol or triglycerides, there was an increase in free (P less than 0.005) and % free cholesterol (P less than 0.001) and a decrease in phospholipids (P less than 0.001) compared to tumour-free rats. The data show for the first time a clear relationship between blood lipids and the presence or absence of large bowel cancer.

Increased plasma apolipoprotein B levels and blood hyperviscosity in non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients: role in the occurrence of arterial hypertension.

An association between arterial blood pressure and blood viscosity has been suggested in healthy and in diabetic subjects, and that the hemorheological pattern may be influenced by blood lipid alterations. In diabetic patients a relationship between arterial hypertension and blood lipid changes may therefore be suggested. This study concerns 19 type II diabetics with hyperlipidemia (triglycerides = 3.2 +/- 1 mmol/l; total cholesterol = 6.1 +/- 1.2 mmol/l; HDL-cholesterol = 0.92 +/- 0.27 mmol/l; VLDL = 29 +/- 5%) (group A), and 19 normolipidemic type II diabetics (triglycerides = 1.15 +/- 0.5 mmol/l; total cholesterol = 5.1 +/- 1 mmol/l; HDL-cholesterol = 1.25 +/- 0.38 mmol/l; VLDL = 20 +/- 5%) (group B). No differences concerning age, body weight, duration of diabetes and glycemic control were found in hyperlipidemic compared to normolipidemic diabetics. On the contrary, higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels were demonstrated in group A (167 +/- 14 mmHg and 101 +/- 5.2 mmHg, respectively) than in group B (144 +/- 15 mmHg, p less than 0.001 and 87 +/- 6.9 mmHg, p less than 0.001, respectively). An increase of plasma apolipoprotein B level (163 +/- 27 mg/dl vs 102 +/- 21 mg/dl, p less than 0.001), of plasma viscosity (1.81 +/- 0.08 mPas vs 1.51 +/- 0.07 mPas, p less than 0.001) and of blood viscosity (5.37 +/- 0.33 mPas vs 5.07 +/- 0.04 mPas, p less than 0.01, at shear-rate of 90 s-1; 18.4 +/- 1 mPas vs 14.1 +/- 0.9 mPas, p less than 0.001 at shear-rate of 2.25 s-1) was found in group A, compared to group B.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)