Blood Cholesterol Concentrations Research Articles

Palm kernel oil increases the risk of coronary heart disease in rats compared with ghee

The influence of high fat diets (HFD) containing single fat; palm oil (PO), palm kernel oil (PKO), or ghee on feed efficiency, lipid profile, kidney function and histopathological status of liver and heart of rats were studied. Male adult albino rats were fed on basal diet contained 10% corn oil or HFD that contained either of PO, PKO, corn oil or ghee and 1% cholesterol for twelve weeks. Results showed that feeding rats on HFD containing PO or PKO significantly increased serum total cholesterol, triglycerides and VLDL-C levels compared with those of rats that were fed on basal diet or HFD containing corn oil or ghee. The highest LDL- cholesterol level and the lowest total antioxidant capacity level were recorded in rats that were fed on PKO diet. The histopathological examination showed that feeding rats on HFD diet containing ghee for 12 weeks caused minimum damage to liver cells .Feeding rats on PKO diet caused undesirable histological changes in heart cells. These results indicated that PO and PKO caused more harmful effects on rat's blood serum triglycerides and cholesterol concentrations and liver cells than ghee.

Combined effect of vitamins C and E on zinc status, carbohydrate metabolism and antioxidant values in diabetic rats fed zinc-deficient diet

The aim of this study was to investigate the combined effect of vitamin C and vitamin E on carbohydrate metabolism, zinc status and antioxidant enzymes activities in diabetic rats fed low zinc diet. Female diabetic albino Wistar rats were randomly assigned into five groups. The first group received a diet containing a 54 mg zinc/kg diet (adequate zinc, AZ), the second group received a diet containing 1 mg zinc/kg diet (zinc deficient group, ZD), and the three other groups received ZD diet and treated orally with vitamin E (500 mg/kg body wt) (ZD+VitE), vitamin C (500 mg/kg body wt) (ZD+VitC), and combined vitamins C and E (250 + 250 mg/kg body wt) (ZD+VitC+VitE) respectively. Body weight and food intake were recorded regularly. After four weeks of dietary manipulation. Serum and tissues zinc concentration, alkaline phosphatase activity of low-zinc diabetic animals were significantly lower than those of the control diabetic animals. Dietary zinc deficiency also increased significantly blood glucose, HbA1c, cholesterol and triglycerides concentrations, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate-pyruvate transaminase activities, and malondialdehyde level of low zinc diabetic rats. In contrast, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities and liver glutathione level were reduced. Vit C or vit E may have partial ameliorative effects on these disturbances, whereas vit C and vit E together assured a more efficient protection. In conclusion vitamin E and C act as beneficial and potent antioxidants protect against lipid peroxidation and oxidative damage due to zinc deficiency associated with diabetes mellitus.

Growth Performance, Blood Parameters, Immune response and Carcass Traits of Broiler Chicks Fed on Graded Levels of Wheat Instead of Corn without or With Enzyme Supplementation

Four hundred and fifty one-day Cobb broiler chicken were used to investigate the effect of partial replacement with wheat grain without or with different commercial enzyme products supplementation on growth performance, immune response, blood serum parameters and some carcass characteristics. Broiler chicken were allotted into 9 equal groups (50 chicks of mixed sex per group). Three experimental diet were formulated but the 25% or 50% corn of the basal diet was replaced by wheat grain (w/w) and the diet adjust to be iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric diets, each diet supplemented by Kemzyme plus dry or by Combozyme (enzyme blend commercial products) to be 9 experimental groups. The experimental period continued for six continuous weeks. It was observed that wheat inclusion at 25% instead of corn non significantly reduced body weight and gain of broiler chicken, while 50% replacement improved both parameters when compared with chick group fed on corn-soybean based diet. However, it was observed that wheat inclusion at 25 or 50% instead of corn grain in broiler chicken ration increased feed intake by about 1.3% and 9.8% respectively and consequently deteriorate FCR, PER, EEU and PI by about (4.6% and 4.6%), (8.2% and 6.5%), (4.9% and 4.0%) and (13.7% and (4.2%) respectively when compared with broiler chicken group fed on corn – soybean based diet. Moreover, enzyme supplementation in 25% wheat containing diet increased feed intake but, with 50% wheat inclusion decreased feed intake also, enzyme supplementation in wheat included ration improved FCR, PER, EEU and PI when compared with broiler chick group fed on the same diet without enzyme supplementation. On the other hand, wheat inclusion had no significant effect on blood serum total protein, albumin, globulin and glucose concentrations, while reduced blood serum triglycerides and cholesterol concentrations, also wheat inclusion in the broiler chicken diet had determinately effect on liver function through elevation of some blood serum enzymes when compared with chick group fed on corn-soybean based diet. Regarding immune response, it was observed that wheat inclusion instead of corn reduced phagocytic activity and index, and reduce antibody production against NDV while enzyme supplementation improve the health status of broiler chicken when compared with broiler chicken group fed on the same diet without enzyme supplementation. It was observed that both wheat grain inclusion without or with enzyme supplementation had no significant effect on carcass traits of broiler traits and the most prominent effect was leading to reduction of abdominal fat weight and relative weight and improve thymus gland weight of broiler chicks.

Statins in rheumatology: revisited

[6, 9], mean that extra caution has always been advised in patients suffering from autoimmune diseases and chronically taking drugs which often cause liver damage (NSAIDs, methotrexate, leflunomide). Several years ago, in 2009, the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) issued recommendations about the need to assess the risk of cardiovascular diseases in RA, but also in inflammatory spondyloarthropathies [8]. The recommendations state that the evaluation of the risk can be performed on the basis of cardiac models, e.g. SCORE, taking into consideration the atherogenic index of total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol. The calculated risk should be multiplied by 1.5 in patients with rheumatoid factor (RF) and/or ACPA, duration of the disease > 10 years and the presence of extra-articular manifestations. It was also established that statins, ACE inhibitors or AT-II receptor blockers should be used in compliance with the national standards. However, the approval of statins does not have a provision allowing their use in the treatment of RA, and all recommendations are based on their activity normalizing the blood cholesterol level. This gives rise to the question whether statins can – and should – be used in the treatment of patients at a high cardiovascular risk and with a reduced total blood cholesterol concentration. Precisely this paradox characterizes the population of patients with active RA [3]. The treatment management guidelines to reduce cardiovascular risk [10] published in 2013 by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) enumerate four groups of patients who should benefit from an effective statin treatment: • patients with developed atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, • patients with primary high concentration of LDL cholesterol > 4.9 mmol/l, • diabetic patients aged 40–75 years, • patients without atherosclerosis or diabetes with LDL cholesterol concentration of 1.8–4.9 mmol/l but 10year cardiovascular risk ≥ 7.5%.

Yumurtacı Tavuk Rasyonlarına İlave Edilen Borik Asit ve/veya Bitki Ekstraktı Karışımının Yumurta Verimi ve Yumurta Kalitesi ile Kan Kolesterolü Üzerine Etkileri

Summary This experiment was conducted to determine the effects of boric acid (BA) (60 mg/kg of feed) and plant extract mixture (Fitococci, F) (0.75 g/kg of feed), individually or in combination, on egg production, egg quality parameters and blood cholesterol concentration of laying hens in 23 wk of age. After wk 7 of the trial the level of boric acid in feeds were increased to 180 mg/kg. The feeding period lasted 14 wk. One hundred ninety-two pullets (Hyline) were randomly divided into control and 3 treatment groups each containing 48 birds and 6 replicates (each with 8 birds). At the end of the experiment there were no significant effects of dietary boric acid and plant extract mixture inclusion on feed efficiency, egg weights and egg production, egg quality parameters (shell thickness, breaking strength, and shape index) compared with control. But feed intake of hens which were supplemented with plant extract mixture and boric acid were increased (P<0.01). It was also determined that there were no effects of treatments on blood cholesterol levels. As a result, since hens which were fed with basal diet plus plant extract mixture showed better feed conversion ratio at 9-10 wks, this combination of feed additives can be added to diets without any adverse effect on laying hens. But inclusion of 60 mg/kg boric acid is considered better than 180 mg/kg with regard to feed efficiency in laying hens.

Effects of cooked molasses licking block supplementation pre- and post-partum on feed intake, suckling lamb performance, milk yield and milk quality in dairy sheep. Part 1

This study tested the nutritional benefit of a supplement offered freely to dairy sheep over a period from 60 days before lambing to 60 days after lambing, at stall and grazing. Thirty Sarda dairy sheep on Day 90 of gestation, homogeneous for age, parity number, bodyweight (BW) and body condition score (BCS), were allocated to one of two groups: control (Ctr) or treated (Cry). Over 120 days, both groups received ryegrass hay and concentrate indoors. After weaning, the ewes also had access to pasture for 6 h/day. Throughout the experimental period, the Cry group had ad libitum access to a cooked molasses licking block. No significant differences were observed between the groups in forage, concentrate and total DM intake. During the experiment, the reduction in BCS in early lactation tended to be slower in the Cry than in Ctr group (Ptrend &lt; 0.09), whereas no significant effects were seen on BW. Lamb performance tended to be improved by Cry in terms of liveweight of litter size per sheep (9.65 vs 8.22 kg for Cry and Ctr, respectively; P &lt; 0.07), whereas no significant effects were observed on milk yield and composition, except for a trend for increased fat content in the Cry versus Ctr group (6.15% vs 5.95%, respectively; P &lt; 0.08). Cry ewes had higher blood cholesterol concentrations than did Ctr ewes (1.96 vs 1.63 mmol/L; P &lt; 0.01). Because there were no differences between feed intake at stall and the estimated total DM intake at stall and during grazing between the two groups, the better performance of the Cry group could be explained by an increase of feed use efficiency at the digestive and/or metabolic level.

Comparison of anthropometric and metabolic responses to a short-term carbohydrate restricted diet and exercise versus a traditional diet and exercise

With obesity becoming a public health crisis, numerous dietary and exercise interventions have been advocated for reducing body weight, seldom combining both. The purpose of this study was to determine if a low carbohydrate diet along with moderate exercise will improve dietary, blood cholesterol concentrations and body composition in comparison to the current USDA guidelines along with moderate exercise. Nineteen adults were randomly assigned to either the Atkins diet group combined with walking (LOWCHO) (n = 10) or the current USDA guidelines group combined with walking (TRAD) (n = 9). Following LOWCHO, body mass, fat mass, percentage body fat, blood triglyceride levels, caloric consumption and carbohydrate intake decreased significantly, whereas blood high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels decreased significantly following TRAD. Prescribing a low carbohydrate diet along with moderate exercise can provide individuals with a health-related short-term strategy to curb obesity. Key words : body composition, blood lipids, diet, physical activity, walking.

Effect of fish meal supplementation on production and biochemical alterations in dairy buffaloes during early postpartum period

Abstract Objective To assess the effects of supplementary feeding of fish meal on body condition score, milk production and associated blood biochemical alterations if any, in dairy buffaloes during early postpartum period. Methods Ten pluriparous buffaloes belonging to organized dairy farm were supplemented with 250 g fish meal (FM) daily from day of calving for 90 days postpartum and 5 buffaloes were kept as unsupplemented control. Heparinized venous blood samples were collected from each buffalo on day 0 and 15 days interval thereafter till 75 days postpartum. Body condition score and milk yield was recorded at fortnightly and weekly intervals respectively. Blood samples were analyzed for glucose, total protein, cholesterol, BUN and triglycerides. Results The fish meal supplementation did not affect the body condition score (2.90 ± 0.08 vs . 2.92 ± 0.10 and 2.31 ± 0.04 vs . 2.25 ± 0.09, at start and end of fish meal supplementation in supplemented and control buffaloes respectively) or the average milk production (3.30 ± 0.16 kg vs . 3.5 ± 0.17 kg in supplemented and control buffaloes respectively) significantly. The blood glucose and cholesterol concentrations increased during postpartum period (till 75 days postpartum) in both the groups and in a similar manner. Plasma blood urea nitrogen concentrations were significantly reduced in both groups in postpartum period ( P Conclusions The fish meal supplementation does not affect the observed biochemical parameters. From the study, it can be concluded that fish meal supplementation (250 g daily) do not alter either biochemical profiles or milk production and body condition of the buffaloes.

GARLIC: IT'S ROLE IN ORAL AND SYSTEMIC HEALTH

AbstractA range of treatment modalities are available for the treatment of different oral diseases.The frequent use and misuse of currently available therapeutic agents has led to the evolution of increased incidence of adverse effects and development of resistant strains. Hence the search for an alternative option continues. Medicinal plants have been used as traditional treatment agents since ages. Garlic (Allium sativum) has been recognized for a number of therapeutic properties in the traditional system of medicine. Allium sativum is traditionally employed to treat infection, colds, diabetes, heart disease, and a host of other disorders. Clinically, it has been evaluated for lowering blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose concentration, as well as for the prevention of arteriosclerosis and cancer. It is well known for its potent anti- inflammatory, anti- oxidant, anti-bacterial and antimutagenic properties. This article aims to review the efficacy of garlic in maintaining oral health in particular and overall health in general.

Heart Rate Variability and Heart Rate Turbulence in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies Subjected to High‐Dose Chemotherapy in the Course of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

In hematological malignancies, remissions and cures may be achieved by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) following high-dose chemotherapy (HDC). Cardiotoxicity of such therapy has not yet been fully elucidated. Noninvasive approaches allowing to evaluate an autonomic control of the heart function include analyses of both heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate turbulence (HRT). In 38 patients with hematological malignancies, 24-hour electrocardiography Holter monitoring , with HRV and HRT analysis before HSCT (A test) and after HSCT (B test), was performed. The 24-hour analysis of HRV demonstrated that SDNN, SDNNi, rMSSD, and pNN50 parameters were significantly lower after HSCT as compared to the results obtained before the transplantation (P < 0.05). For period of diurnal activity and for night hours, SDANN, SDNNi, rMSSD, and pNN50 were significantly lower in B test, as compared to the results of A test (P < 0.05). The analysis of HRT demonstrated that turbulence onset parameter was significantly higher, and turbulence slope parameter was significantly lower in B test, as compared to A test (P < 0.05). The multifactorial stepwise backward regression analysis indicated that administration of cyclophosphamide and carmustine and higher concentrations of blood cholesterol represented risk factors for decreased HRV. Cyclophosphamide and higher triglyceride levels represented independent risk factors for decreased HRT. In patients with hematopoietic malignancies treated with HSCT, decreased HRV and HRT were observed after chemotherapy and stem cells administration.

Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to a combination of Tuscan black cabbage, “tri‐coloured” Swiss chard, “bi‐coloured” spinach and “blu savoy” cabbage and maintenance of normal blood LDL‐cholesterol concentration pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Following an application from Italsur s.r.l., submitted pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of Italy, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to a combination of Tuscan black cabbage, “tri-coloured” Swiss chard, “bi-coloured” spinach and “blu savoy” cabbage and maintenance of normal blood cholesterol concentration. The food that is the subject of the health claim, a combination of Tuscan black cabbage (Brassica Oleracea botrytis L.), “tri-coloured” Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris cicla L.), “bi-coloured” spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) and “blu savoy” cabbage (Brassica oleracea convar. capitata var. sabauda L.), is sufficiently characterised. The claimed effect, maintenance of normal blood LDL-cholesterol concentration, is a beneficial physiological effect. No human intervention studies from which conclusions could be drawn for the scientific substantiation of the claim were provided by the applicant. The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between consumption of a combination of Tuscan black cabbage, “tri-coloured” Swiss chard, “bi-coloured” spinach and “blu savoy” cabbage and maintenance of normal blood LDL-cholesterol concentration.

Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to a combination of red spinach, green spinach, red chicory, green chicory, green leaf chard, red leaf chard, red Swiss chard, golden Swiss chard and white Swiss chard and maintenance of normal blood LDL‐cholesterol concentration pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006

Following an application from Italsur s.r.l., submitted pursuant to Article 13(5) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006 via the Competent Authority of Italy, the Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the scientific substantiation of a health claim related to a combination of red spinach, green spinach, red chicory, green chicory, green leaf chard, red leaf chard, red Swiss chard, golden Swiss chard and white Swiss chard and maintenance of normal blood cholesterol concentration. The food that is the subject of the health claim, a combination of red spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.), green spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.), red chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), green chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), green leaf chard (Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla), red leaf chard (Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla), red Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla), golden Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla) and white Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L. var. cicla), is sufficiently characterised. The claimed effect, maintenance of normal blood LDL-cholesterol concentration, is a beneficial physiological effect. No human intervention studies from which conclusions could be drawn for the scientific substantiation of the claim were provided by the applicant. The Panel concludes that a cause and effect relationship has not been established between consumption of a combination of red spinach, green spinach, red chicory, green chicory, green leaf chard, red leaf chard, red Swiss chard, golden Swiss chard and white Swiss chard and maintenance of normal blood LDL-cholesterol concentration.

Mobile health (mHealth) based medication adherence measurement – a pilot trial using electronic blisters in diabetes patients

The aim of the present study was to evaluate a mobile health (mHealth) based remote medication adherence measurement system (mAMS) in elderly patients with increased cardiovascular risk treated for diabetes, high cholesterol and hypertension. Cardiovascular risk was defined as the presence of at least two out of the three risk factors: type 2 diabetes, hypercholesterolaemia and hypertension. For treatment of diabetes, hypercholesterolaemia and hypertension, four predefined routinely used drugs were selected. Drug adherence was investigated in a controlled randomized doctor blinded study with crossover design. The mAMS was used to measure and improve objectively the adherence by means of closed-loop interactions. The mean age of the 53 patients (30 female) was 69.4 ± 4.8 years. A total of 1654 electronic blisters were handed out. A statistically significant difference (P = 0.04) between the monitoring and the control phase was observed for the diabetes medication only. In a post-study questionnaire twenty-nine patients appreciated that their physician knew if and when they had taken their medications and 13 asked for more or automated communication with their physicians. Only one subject withdrew from the study because of technical complexity. The results indicate that mHealth based adherence management is feasible and well accepted by patients with increased cardiovascular risk. It may help to increase adherence, even in patients with high baseline adherence and, subsequently, lead to improved control of indicators including blood pressure and cholesterol concentrations. Electronic blisters can be used in a multi-medication regimen but need to be carefully designed for day-to-day application.

Molasses level in lamb high-energy diets on productive performance, blood chemistry, liver minerals and histopathology

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of increasing levels of molasses on growth performance, carcass characteristics, blood chemistry, liver minerals and histopathology of lambs. Twenty intact male pelibuey lambs with an average weight of 22.4±2.8kg were randomly assigned to one of the four experimental diets containing 0, 60, 120 and 180gmolasses/kg feed (as fed basis) in a completely random design. Lambs were individually confined to 1.5m2 pens. The experiment had a 15-day adaptation period and a 60-day experimental period. As molasses content in the ration increased from 0 to 180g/kg, S increased from 1.1 to 2.1g/kg DM, whereas Cu concentration ranged from 17.3 to 18.4mg/kgDM. All diets contained high concentrations of Fe (198–252mg/kgDM) and Zn (85–104mg/kgDM), and low Mo contents (1.4–1.5mg/kgDM). Molasses level had no effect (P>0.05) on DM intake, average daily gain, gain:feed, slaughter weight, full or empty gastrointestinal tract weight, digesta-free weight, hot and chilled carcass weights, dressing percent, longissimus muscle area, marbling, back-fat thickness, yield grade or KPH fat. Most of the lamb carcasses of this study were graded with small to slight marbling. The clinical status of the lambs was evaluated through histological and blood chemistry tests, obtaining samples on days 0, 15, 30 and 60. Although most blood parameters were within normal ranges, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and cholesterol concentrations decreased (linear; P<0.05) as molasses increased in the diet. Concentrations of the enzymes serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and creatine phosphokinase were also reduced (linear; P<0.05). Concomitant reductions (P<0.01) in liver Zn and Mo concentrations were also noticed. Although no differences (P>0.05) were observed in liver histopathological observations between treatments, Cu-related sub-lethal hepatic damage was evident in all animals, in absence of clinical signs. Special stain showed fine grained Cu deposits within hepatocytes in three cases belonging to different treatments. It appears that lambs consuming the control diet without molasses with a low S content (0.11%) were as susceptible to a pre-hemolytic copper poisoning (Pre-HCP) as those consuming the other diets containing higher Cu concentrations.

Medical Management for Adults with Prader–Willi Syndrome

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a genetic disorder characterized by morbid obesity resulting from insatiable appetite. Complications like diabetes mellitus or other cardiovascular diseases typically occur during lifetime. Lifestyle advice and education as well as limited caloric intake are the major concepts in assistance of PWS patients. A 12.9-month follow-up study, which included 8 formerly genetically diagnosed PWS patients, was conducted. Physical and laboratory examinations were done at the beginning and at the end of the follow-up. Improved medical care and lifestyle advice were given. The participants lived in an assisted living environment with a fixed daily schedule and limited caloric intake. The group of patients consisted of manifest diabetics (n=6) as well as nondiabetics (n=2). Therapeutic concepts were simplified in 2 patients by switching from insulin to oral antidiabetics. The reduction in body weight was moderate, but attributable to a loss of fat mass. A significant reduction in blood cholesterol and triglyceride content was achieved along the observational period as well as a significant reduction of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in the group of diabetic PWS patients. Systolic blood pressure improved during the study. A combination of an assisted living environment following conservative treatments as well as consistent patient care improved the daily and medical situation of PWS patients. Weight loss and, as a consequence, improvements in terms of metabolic condition and blood pressure were observed. A combination of medical and daily routine management should be established in PWS patients to improve their quality of life.

Efficacy and Tolerability of an Herbal Formulation for Weight Management

The clinical effects and tolerability of a novel herbal formulation comprising the extracts of Sphaeranthus indicus and Garcinia mangostana were assessed in two similarly designed randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trials in 100 human subjects with a body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 40 kg/m². Participants were randomized into two groups receiving either 400 mg of herbal blend twice daily or two identical placebo capsules. All subjects received three meals (2000 kcal/day) throughout the study and walked 5 days a week for 30 min. The primary outcome was reduction in body weight. Secondary outcomes were reduction in BMI and in waist and hip circumference. Serum glycemic, lipid, and adiponectin levels were also measured. Ninety-five subjects completed the trials, and data from these two studies were pooled and analyzed. At study conclusion (8 weeks), statistically significant reductions in body weight (5.2 kg; P<.0001), BMI (2.2 kg/m²; P<.0001), as well as waist (11.9 cm; P<.0001) and hip circumferences (6.3 cm; P=.0001) were observed in the herbal group compared with placebo. An increase in serum adiponectin concentration was also found in the herbal group versus placebo (P=.0008) at study conclusion along with reductions in fasting blood glucose (12.2%, P=.01), cholesterol (13.8%, P=.002), and triglyceride (41.6%, P<.0001) concentrations. No changes were seen across organ function panels, multiple vital signs, and no major adverse events were reported. The minor adverse events were equally distributed between the two groups. Our findings suggest that the herbal blend appears to be a well-tolerated and effective ingredient for weight management.

Fabrication and Sensing Capability of Cholesterol Sensors Based on ZnO Nanofibers

In the present work, ZnO nanofibers were applied to electrode materials for the detection of cholesterol. ZnO nanofibers were synthesized using the electrospinning technique with zinc acetate as a precursor. Electrospinning-synthesized ZnO nanofibers were uniformly distributed by properly controlling the electrospinning parameters. After the calcination treatment, nanofibers of pure ZnO phase were synthesized. Then, these fibers were successfully placed on Au-coated glass substrates by dispersion of ZnO nanofibers in ethanol, dropping, and drying, in sequence. Cholesterol oxidase was then immobilized onto the surface of the ZnO nanofibers. To enhance the immobilization, Nafion was additionally applied. The sensing performances of the fabricated ZnO nanofibers-based sensors were analyzed by cyclic voltammetry in terms of cholesterol concentration ranging from 100 to 400 mg/dl. In the I-V curves, measured by cyclic voltammetry, the ZnO nanofiber-based sensor showed a proportional current behavior with cholesterol concentrations in phosphate buffered saline solution. The sensitivity was measured and found to be 30.7 nA/mM·cm2, which is comparable to the values reported in the literature. After not only optimizing the shape of the ZnO nanofibers but also improving the adhesion nature between the ZnO nanofibers and the Au conducting layer, these fibers can be a good candidate for electrode materials in devices used to detect low concentrations of cholesterol in blood.

Contradictory Statements

The article by Scharhag et al. offers a plethora of information, but I am missing a concrete value for a healthy limit to endurance exercise. The section on changes to the ECG contains two apparently contradictory statements: Atrial fibrillation is more common among middle-aged and older endurance athletes than it is among athletically inactive persons of the same age. On the other hand, it has been found that moderate endurance training, as performed in preventive-fitness programs, may actually lower the risk of atrial fibrillation in old age. The only explanation for this contradiction is the intensity of the endurance exercise. More intense training is more likely to result in overstretching of the left atrium. Atrial remodeling then enables atrial fibrillation. Medicine can define clear threshold values for blood pressure, pulse rates, and cholesterol concentrations. For me as a general practitioner it would be very important to know a definite threshold value for healthy physical endurance exercise. What can I recommend to my patients as moderate endurance exercise? Research is currently not able to provide evidence based data to answer this question, which is relevant for routine clinical practice. Many years ago, the campaign “Trimm dich [get fit] Aktion 130” was launched. However, a general pulse rate of 130 for everyone is not differentiated enough and probably not scientifically supported either. I would welcome definitive values, based on age and weight. To this end, age-dependent performance in watts/kg body weight could be used. Even more simply, an endurance exercise threshold could be given as a percentage of the maximum age-related pulse rate. This could form the basis for future studies. -

PP031. The fetal cholesterol acceptor potential in cord sera of intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) neonates

The fetal umbilical cord blood cholesterol concentration is lower in IUGR neonates as compared to gestational age matched controls (CTRL). One possible explanation is an alteration of cholesterol acceptor concentration or functionality and a disturbed interaction with reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) mechanisms at the placentofetal interface. To study receptor specific mechanisms of RCT in response to fetal sera of IUGR and CTRL neonates. Different cell lines were used to determine the fractional efflux of (3)H-cholesterol in response to whole fetal serum (IUGR n=25; CTRL n=25) in the absence or presence of ABCA1 overexpression. Efflux values were correlated to serum concentrations of possible cholesterol acceptors like HDL, apoA1, and apoE. The main finding was a significant over all reduction of fractional cholesterol efflux in response to IUGR serum as compared to CTRL (p<0.001). The differences were abolished after overexpression of ABCA1. Cholesterol efflux over all was highly correlated to HDL and ApoE concentration (n˜=0.777 and n˜=0.60). The reduced cholesterol efflux acceptor capacity appears to diminish cholesterol availability and transplacental cholesterol transport to IUGR fetuses. Moreover, disturbances of RCT are involved in the pathomechanisms of atherosclerosis. Our results represent a link between the known association of being born small for gestational age and risk of developing CVD later in life.

Morphological and functional events associated to weaning in rabbits

It is acknowledged that the most critical period of rabbit post natal development comprises the first 10-15days after weaning, when the animals are most susceptible to gastrointestinal infections and at greatest risk of a fatal outcome. Detailed information on rabbits' weaning is provided. The advantages and disadvantages of early weaning (under 23days of age) are summarised. Regardless of the numerous reports, the effects of early weaning on the growth and development of bunnies and the physiological status of rabbit does are contradictory. The morphological changes in rabbit digestive tract related to weaning - development of intestinal mucosa, height of villi, crypt depth and villus height to crypt depth ratio - are described in detail. The review also goes over several functional changes in rabbits' organism during weaning: blood cholesterol, triglycerides, α-amylase, lysozyme, complement, triiodothyronine and thyroxine concentrations, and the time course of epidermal growth factor in the milk of lactating does. Based on published research reports, both ours and of other authors, we suggest that from a physiological point of view, the early weaning of rabbits is not fully justified at present. Nevertheless, the increasing market demand for rabbit meat makes early weaning an attractive alternative for farmers and necessitates further studies on the optimisation of weaning in this species.