Serum HDL-cholesterol Concentrations Research Articles

Effects of Life Stress on Serum Corticol and Lipid Concentrations in College Students

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of life stress on serum cortisol and lipid concentration in college students. Life stress levels for last 1 year were determined using a self‐administered life stress questionnaire in 406 college students. It was divided into 3 subgroups by scores distribution based on total life stress scores [the top 25%: high stress group (HSG), the low 25%: low stress group (LSG) and middle range: middle stress group (MSG)]. From 406 college students, fifty college students’ blood (high stress group: n=23, middle stress group: n=9, low stress group: n= 18) were sampled for this study. Serum cortisol level as a stress biomarker and serum triglyceride, total cholesterol and HDL‐cholesterol concentrations were measured. LDL‐cholesterol concentration and atherogenic index (AI) were calculated. Mean life stress level of HSG, MSG, LSG were 138.04 ± 36.3, 58.6 ± 8.7 and 16.3 ± 7.2, respectively. Serum cortisol level was not significantly different among 3 subgroups and there was no significant correlation between serum cortisol level and lipid concentrations. But serum HDL‐cholesterol concentration and AI were significantly different among 3 subgroups and there was significantly negative correlation between life stress level and HDL‐cholesterol concentration (p< 0.01), and there was significantly positive correlations between life stress level and AI (p< 0.01). These results suggested that high life stress level may have adverse effects on cardiovascular disease through decreasing serum HDL‐cholesterol concentration and increasing AI. Also serum cortisol level may not be a biomarker for chronic life stress.

Favorable effects of berry consumption on platelet function, blood pressure, and HDL cholesterol

Background:Berries are a particularly rich source of polyphenols. They also contain other bioactive substances, such as vitamin C. Previous studies indicated that the consumption of polyphenol-rich foods (eg, cocoa, tea, and red wine) may induce beneficial changes in pathways related to cardiovascular health. Whether the consumption of berries has similar effects is unknown. Objective:We aimed to investigate the effects of berry consumption on hemostatic function, serum lipids, and blood pressure (BP). Design:Middle-aged unmedicated subjects (n = 72) with cardiovascular risk factors consumed moderate amounts of berry or control products for 8 wk in a single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled intervention trial. Results:Berry consumption inhibited platelet function as measured with a platelet function analyzer (using collagen and ADP as platelet activator) [changes: 11% and −1.4% in the berry and control groups, respectively; P = 0.018, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA)]. Plasma biomarkers of platelet activation, coagulation, and fibrinolysis did not change during the intervention. Serum HDL-cholesterol concentrations increased significantly more (P = 0.006, ANCOVA) in the berry than in the control group (5.2% and 0.6%, respectively), but total cholesterol and triacylglycerol remained unchanged. Systolic BP decreased significantly (P = 0.050, ANCOVA); the decrease mostly occurred in subjects with high baseline BP (7.3 mm Hg in highest tertile; P = 0.024, ANCOVA). Polyphenol and vitamin C concentrations in plasma increased, whereas other nutritional biomarkers (ie, folate, tocopherols, sodium, and potassium) were unaffected. Conclusion:The consumption of moderate amounts of berries resulted in favorable changes in platelet function, HDL cholesterol, and BP. The results indicate that regular consumption of berries may play a role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Effects of plant stanol esters on serum cholesterol concentrations, relative markers of cholesterol metabolism and endothelial function in type 1 diabetes

We investigated the effect of plant stanol esters (STAEST) on serum total and LDL cholesterol concentrations and endothelial function in subjects with type 1 diabetes (T1D). In addition, the changes in the relative serum markers of cholesterol metabolism were recorded. In a parallel, randomized, double-blind study the intervention group ( n = 11) consumed STAEST spread (2 g/day stanols) and the control group ( n = 8) the same spread containing no added stanols for 12 weeks. At baseline, brachial artery diameter was negatively correlated with serum HDL cholesterol concentration ( r = −0.476, P < 0.05), but not with total or LDL cholesterol concentrations or serum non-cholesterol sterol ratios to cholesterol. Flow-mediated dilatation was positively associated with serum absorption marker ratios to cholesterol, significantly so with the sitosterol ratio ( r = 0.467, P < 0.05). During the intervention, serum total and LDL cholesterol concentrations were reduced by 4.9 and 6.9% from baseline in the STAEST group, and by 10.8 and 16.1% from controls, respectively ( P < 0.05 for all). No significant changes in HDL cholesterol and serum triglyceride concentrations were found. The STAEST consumption reduced serum campesterol and sitosterol ratios by 17–21% ( P < 0.05) from baseline, but the relative serum synthesis markers were not changed. Brachial artery diameter and flow-mediated dilatation did not change during the investigation. In conclusion, STAEST significantly reduced serum total and LDL cholesterol concentrations and serum plant sterol ratios without affecting HDL and triglyceride concentrations in subjects with T1D. STAEST had no effect on endothelial function.

Association of C-reactive protein with surrogate measures of insulin resistance among nondiabetic US from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2002.

Increased C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration and insulin resistance (IR) are associated with increased rates of adverse cardiovascular events. We sought to examine the relationship of CRP with surrogate measures of IR among nondiabetic adults in the US. We conducted analyses using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2002. We analyzed a nationally representative sample of 2514 men and nonpregnant women age > or = 20 years who were non-Hispanic white, non-Hispanic black, or Mexican American. After adjustment for age, sex, race/ethnicity, smoking status, systolic blood pressure, and serum concentrations of HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride, CRP was significantly associated with 10 IR measures (all P values <0.01). The strength of the association attenuated after further adjustment for waist circumference (change in adjusted regression coefficients ranging from 60.0% to 75.1%). The association of CRP with each IR surrogate was similar (standardized regression coefficient ranges from 0.06 to 0.09). The association of CRP (>3 vs <1 mg/L) with the homeostasis model for assessment of IR (> or = 75th vs <75th percentile) was statistically significant among people with a body mass index > or = 30 kg/m(2) (odds ratio, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.3-5.1) or with a body mass index <25 kg/m(2) (odds ratio, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.5-4.2). CRP was significantly associated with the surrogate measures of IR among nondiabetic adults. Obesity may play an important role in the association of CRP with IR in this nationally representative sample.

Abstract 2322: Genetic Risk for Low HDL-cholesterol or High LDL-cholesterol Concentrations

Introduction. A low serum concentration of HDL-cholesterol and a high serum concentration of LDL-cholesterol are risk factors for atherosclerosis. Our goal was to identify genetic variants that confer susceptibility to a low serum concentration of HDL-cholesterol (&lt;1.04 mmol/L) or a high serum concentration of LDL-cholesterol (≥3.64 mmol/L). Methods. A total of 5213 individuals from two independent populations was examined: Subject panel A comprised 3794 individuals who either visited outpatient clinics of or were admitted to the participating hospitals because of various symptoms or for a health checkup; subject panel B comprised 1419 community-dwelling elderly individuals. The genotypes for 100 polymorphisms of 65 candidate genes were determined. Given the multiple comparisons of genotypes with these conditions, we adopted the criterion of a false discovery rate (FDR) of &lt;0.05 for significant association in initial screening with the chi-square test. Results. Examination of genotype distributions by the chi-square test and subsequent multivariable logistic regression analysis with adjustment for age and sex revealed that six [−1131T→C, −3A→G, and 553G→T (Gly185Cys) of APOA5 ; −250G→A and −515C→T of LIPC ; 13989A→G (Ile119Val) of CYP3A4 ] and three [4070C→T (Arg158Cys) and 3932T→C (Cys112Arg) of APOE ; 190G→A (Val64Ile) of CCR2 ] polymorphisms were significantly (FDR &lt; 0.05) associated with low HDL-cholesterol and high LDL-cholesterol, respectively, in subject panel A. To validate these associations, we examined the same polymorphisms in subject panel B. The three polymorphisms of APOA5 and two polymorphisms of APOE were significantly associated with low HDL-cholesterol and high LDL-cholesterol, respectively. The serum concentrations of HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol differed significantly ( P &lt; 0.01, ANOVA) among genotypes of the corresponding polymorphisms in both subject panels. The polymorphisms of APOA5 and APOE were each in linkage disequilibrium. Conclusions. Polymorphisms of APOA5 and APOE are determinants of low HDL-cholesterol and high LDL-cholesterol, respectively. Genotyping of these polymorphisms may prove informative for prediction of the genetic risk for these conditions.

English

The effect of soy protein on serum lipid profile and some lipid metabolizing enzymes in rats fed with cholesterol diets was examined in this study. Rats were subjected to feeding trial over a period of six weeks on formulated diets containing: 20% soy protein with 0% cholesterol (group A), 20% soy protein with 5% cholesterol (group B), 20% soy protein with 10% cholesterol (group C), 0% soy protein with 20% cholesterol (group D), and 5% soy protein with 20% cholesterol (group E). Serum total, VLDL, LDL, and HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were found to be reduced significantly in Groups B and C when compared with Groups D and E (p 0.05). Groups D and E showed significant increased levels (p < 0.01) when compared to other groups. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL), lecithin:cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT), and triglyceride lipase (TGL) activities were found to be significantly reduced (p< 0.05) in groups B and C when compared with groups D and E. Though groups B, C, D, and E rats all showed significant elevation (p < 0.05) in the enzyme activities when compared to the control.

Prediction of genetic risk for dyslipidemia

The purpose of the present study was to identify genetic variants that confer susceptibility to dyslipidemia. A total of 5213 individuals from two independent populations were examined: Subject panel A comprised 3794 individuals who visited participating hospitals; subject panel B comprised 1419 community-dwelling elderly individuals. The genotypes for 100 polymorphisms of 65 candidate genes were determined. The χ 2 test and multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that seven polymorphisms of APOA5, APOC3, APOA1, ACAT2, and LPL were significantly associated with hypertriglyceridemia, six polymorphisms of APOA5, LIPC, and CYP3A4 with low HDL-cholesterol, and three polymorphisms of APOE and CCR2 with high LDL-cholesterol in subject panel A. For validation of these associations, the same polymorphisms were examined in subject panel B. Six polymorphisms of APOA5, APOC3, APOA1, and LPL were again significantly associated with hypertriglyceridemia, three polymorphisms of APOA5 with low HDL-cholesterol, and two polymorphisms of APOE with high LDL-cholesterol. Serum triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol concentrations differed significantly among genotypes of these corresponding polymorphisms in both subject panels. These results indicate that polymorphisms of APOA5, APOC3, APOA1, and LPL are determinants of hypertriglyceridemia and that those of APOA5 and APOE are determinants of low HDL-cholesterol and high LDL-cholesterol, respectively, in Japanese individuals.

Change in lipid components in the adipose and liver tissues of regucalcin transgenic rats with increasing age: Suppression of leptin and adiponectin gene expression

Regucalcin plays a multifunctional role as a regulatory protein in intracellular signaling pathway in many cell types. Regucalcin transgenic (TG) rats have been shown to experience hyperlipidemia with increasing age. This study was undertaken to determine whether lipid components in the adipose and liver tissues are changed in regucalcin TG rats in vivo. Female regucalcin TG rats were used at 7 or 50 weeks of age. Serum triglyceride or HDL-cholesterol concentrations were significantly increased in 7-week-old regucalcin TG rats as compared with those in 7-week-old normal rats. Serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, or free fatty acid concentrations were significantly increased in 50-week-old regucalcin TG rats. Meanwhile, triglyceride content in the adipose tissues was significantly increased in 50-week-old regucalcin TG rats,while the free fatty acid content was not significantly changed. Triglyceride, total cholesterol, or free fatty acid content in the liver tissues was significantly decreased in 50-week-old regucalcin TG rats. Liver glycogen content was significantly decreased in 7- or 50-week-old regucalcin TG rats. In addition, regucalcin mRNA and its protein levels were seen in the adipose tissues of normal rats. Those levels were not significantly changed in regucalcin TG rats at 50 weeks of age. Leptin mRNA expression in the adipose or liver tissues was significantly decreased in 50-week-old regucalcin TG rats. Adiponectin mRNA levels were not significantly changed in the adipose tissues of 50-week-old regucalcin TG rats, while the levels were significantly decreased in the liver tissues. This study demonstrates that the disorder of lipid metabolism in the adipose and liver tissues is induced in regucalcin TG rats with aging, and that the gene expression of leptin or adiponectin is suppressed in TG rats.

Genes Involved in Fatty Acid Partitioning and Binding, Lipolysis, Monocyte/Macrophage Recruitment, and Inflammation Are Overexpressed in the Human Fatty Liver of Insulin-Resistant Subjects

The objective of this study is to quantitate expression of genes possibly contributing to insulin resistance and fat deposition in the human liver. A total of 24 subjects who had varying amounts of histologically determined fat in the liver ranging from normal (n = 8) to steatosis due to a nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) (n = 16) were studied. The mRNA concentrations of 21 candidate genes associated with fatty acid metabolism, inflammation, and insulin sensitivity were quantitated in liver biopsies using real-time PCR. In addition, the subjects were characterized with respect to body composition and circulating markers of insulin sensitivity. The following genes were significantly upregulated in NAFL: peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma 2 (2.8-fold), the monocyte-attracting chemokine CCL2 (monocyte chemoattractant protein [MCP]-1, 1.8-fold), and four genes associated with fatty acid metabolism (acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 [ACSL4] [2.8-fold], fatty acid binding protein [FABP]4 [3.9-fold], FABP5 [2.5-fold], and lipoprotein lipase [LPL] [3.6-fold]). PPARgamma coactivator 1 (PGC1) was significantly lower in subjects with NAFL than in those without. Genes significantly associated with obesity included nine genes: plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, PPARgamma, PPARdelta, MCP-1, CCL3 (macrophage inflammatory protein [MIP]-1 alpha), PPAR gamma 2, carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT1A), FABP4, and FABP5. The following parameters were associated with liver fat independent of obesity: serum adiponectin, insulin, C-peptide, and HDL cholesterol concentrations and the mRNA concentrations of MCP-1, MIP-1 alpha, ACSL4, FABP4, FABP5, and LPL. Genes involved in fatty acid partitioning and binding, lipolysis, and monocyte/macrophage recruitment and inflammation are overexpressed in the human fatty liver.

Low Urine pH

The metabolic syndrome is associated with alterations in renal function. An overly acidic urine has been described as a renal manifestation of the metabolic syndrome in patients with kidney stone disease. This study examined the association between the metabolic syndrome and urine pH in individuals without a history of nephrolithiasis. A total of 148 adults who were free of kidney stones were evaluated in this outpatient cross-sectional study. Height, weight, BP, fasting blood, and 24-h urine chemistries were obtained. Urine pH was measured by pH electrode. The following features of the metabolic syndrome were evaluated: BP; body mass index; and serum triglyceride, glucose, and HDL cholesterol concentrations. The degree of insulin resistance was assessed by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. Participants with the metabolic syndrome had a significantly lower 24-h urine pH compared with participants without the metabolic syndrome. Mean 24-h urine pH, adjusted for age, gender, creatinine clearance, and 24-h urine sulfate, decreased from 6.15, 6.10, 5.99, 5.85, to 5.69 with increasing number of metabolic syndrome abnormalities. An association was observed between 24-h urine pH and each metabolic feature. After adjustment for age, gender, creatinine clearance, urine sulfate, and body mass index, a significant inverse relationship was noted between 24-h urine pH and the degree of insulin resistance. An unduly acidic urine is a feature of the metabolic syndrome and is associated with the degree of insulin resistance.

TNF-alpha -308G&gt;A Polymorphism Modulates Cytokine Serum Concentrations and Macrovascular Complications in Diabetic Patients on Aspirin

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha has pleiotropic effects in cytokine-mediated inflammation underlying atherogenesis. Activation of this inflammatory process is assumed to be different in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. Previous studies in non-diabetic subjects showed no association between TNF-alpha -308G>A polymorphism and coronary artery disease. Vascular complications and cytokine serum concentrations were assessed as a function of the TNF-alpha -308G>A polymorphism in 76 diabetic patients on low-dose aspirin. Of 76 adult diabetic patients, 18 (24%) carried the TNF-alpha -308A allele (17 AG, 1 AA) and 58 (76%) carried wild-type alleles (GG). Prevalence of macrovascular complications was 33% in TNF-alpha -308A allele carriers (AG+AA) and 78% in wild-type allele carriers (GG) (p<0.001). In contrast, prevalence of microvascular complications was 78% and 84%, respectively, and did not significantly differ between the study groups. TNF-alpha -308A allele carriers (AG+AA) compared to wild-type allele carriers (GG) had significantly lower median serum concentrations of hs-C-reactive protein (1.5 vs 2.9 mg/L, p=0.030), interleukin 1-beta (0.9 vs 1.2 ng/L, p=0.046), and interleukin-6 (3.6 vs 4.9 ng/L, p=0.023). In multiple regression analysis, the prevalence of macrovascular diabetic complications was significantly associated with TNF-alpha -308G>A polymorphism (p<0.001) and serum concentrations of HDL-cholesterol (p=0.007) while confounding effects of further variables were excluded. TNF-alpha -308G>A polymorphism modulates cytokine serum concentrations and macrovascular complications in diabetic patients on aspirin. Diabetic carriers of the TNF-alpha -308A allele might benefit more from a prophylaxis with low dose aspirin than non-carriers.

Correlation of Serum Antioxidant Minerals with Blood Lipid Parameters in Obese Middle School Students

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships of obesity, serum antioxidant mineral concentrations and blood lipid parameters in middle school students. Subjects were assigned to two groups, obese (BMI≥25, 32 boys, 24 girls) and normal group (18.5＜BMI＜23, 27 boys, 30 girls). Subjects were evaluated based on anthropometic measurements, 24-hr dietary recalls and blood analysis. The mean age of all subjects was 13.8 years. The mean weight (p＜0.001), BMI (p＜0.001) and body fat (p＜0.05) of obese were higher than those of normal group. There were significant differences in serum HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholestrol, Mn and Zn concentrations between the obese and normal groups. Anthropometric measurements of the subjects were significantly inversely correlated with serum Mn and Zn, and positively correlated with blood lipids. Serum total and LDL-cholesterol were negatively correlated with serum Mn and Zn, and positively correlated with serum Cu and Cu/Zn ratio.

Effect of caffeine on the risk of coronary heart disease- A re-evaluation.

The effect of caffeine intake on the risk of coronary heart disease was studied. Twenty-one rats used were randomly divided into three experimental groups, the first group served as the control while the second and third groups were administered caffeine orally at doses of 10mg/kg body weight and 20mg/kg body weight respectively for fourteen days. Caffeine, at 10mg/kg body weight, significantly increased (P<0.05) serum LDL- cholesterol concentration and coronary heart disease risk ratio while it significantly reduced (P<0.05) serum triacylglycerol concentration when compared with controls. At 20mg/kg body weight, caffeine significantly increased (P<0.05) coronary heart disease risk ratio while it significantly reduced (P<0.05) serum HDL-cholesterol concentration and serum triacylgycerol concentration when compared with controls. No dose response effect was observed possibly suggestive of a threshold effect. These results suggest that caffeine predisposes consumers of caffeine containing beverages to coronary heart disease.

Simultaneous Intake of β-Glucan and Plant Stanol Esters Affects Lipid Metabolism in Slightly Hypercholesterolemic Subjects

Intake of food products rich in water-soluble fiber β-glucan and products enriched with plant stanol esters lower serum cholesterol. Combining 2 functional food ingredients into one food product may achieve additional reductions of serum cholesterol. Our objective was to investigate the effects of a simultaneous intake of β-glucan plus plant stanol esters on lipid metabolism in mildly hypercholesterolemic volunteers. In a randomized, controlled, 3-period crossover study, 40 mildly hypercholesterolemic men and women received muesli in random order twice a day for 4 wk, which provided, in total, 5 g control fiber from wheat (control muesli), 5 g oat β-glucan (β-glucan muesli), or 5 g oat β-glucan plus 1.5 g plant stanols (combination muesli). β-Glucan muesli decreased serum LDL cholesterol by 5.0% compared with control muesli (P = 0.013). Combination muesli reduced LDL cholesterol by 9.6% compared with control muesli (P < 0.001), and by 4.4% compared with β-glucan muesli (P = 0.036). Serum HDL cholesterol and triacylglycerol concentrations did not differ after the 3 treatments. Compared with control muesli, β-glucan muesli increased bile acid synthesis (P = 0.043) and decreased cholesterol absorption (P = 0.011). Addition of plant stanols did not influence bile acid synthesis but decreased cholesterol absorption (P < 0.001) and raised cholesterol synthesis (P = 0.016) compared with control muesli, and the plant stanols decreased cholesterol absorption compared with β-glucan muesli (P = 0.004). The combination muesli decreased serum concentrations of sitostanol compared with control muesli (P = 0.010). Plasma concentrations of lipid-soluble antioxidants did not differ after the 3 treatments. β-Glucan muesli effectively lowered serum LDL cholesterol concentrations. The addition of plant stanol esters to β-glucan-enriched muesli further lowered serum LDL cholesterol, although effects were slightly less than predicted.

Serum visfatin concentrations are positively correlated with serum triacylglycerols and down-regulated by overfeeding in healthy young men

Background:Visfatin is an insulin-mimicking adipokine. Visfatin is elevated in obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, its role in glucose and lipid metabolism in healthy humans is unclear.Objective:The objective was to investigate the correlations of visfatin with phenotypes of glucose, lipids, and body composition and the responses of visfatin to short-term overfeeding in healthy young men.Design:Sixty-one healthy young men were recruited from the Newfoundland population. Serum visfatin, interleukin 6, glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triacylglycerol concentrations were measured with an autoanalyzer, and percentage body fat (%BF) and percentage trunk fat (%TF) were measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Insulin resistance and β cell function were assessed with the homeostasis model. All measurements were completed at baseline and after a 7-d overfeeding protocol exceeding the baseline requirement by 70%. Subjects were classified on the basis of %BF as lean (<21%), overweight (21–25.9%), or obese (≥26%).Results:Multiple regression analysis showed that triacylglycerols correlated with fasting serum visfatin (P< 0.001). Moreover, serum visfatin decreased 19% overall—23% in lean, 9% in overweight, and 18% in obese subjects (P< 0.0001)—after the overfeeding protocol. None of the variables measured, including interleukin 6, were associated with the reduction in visfatin. In contrast with the findings in mice, visfatin concentrations before and after overfeeding did not correlate with glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, β cell function, %BF, or %TF.Conclusions:Visfatin is down-regulated by overfeeding. Under physiologic conditions, visfatin does not appear to control glucose metabolism but may play a regulatory role in lipid metabolism.

Self-rated health showed a consistent association with serum HDL-cholesterol in the cross-sectional Oslo Health Study

To examine the association between serum HDL-cholesterol concentration (HDL-C) and self rated health (SRH) in several age groups of men and women. The study had a cross-sectional design and included 18,770 men and women of the Oslo Health Study aged 30; 40 and 45; 69-60; 75-76 years. In both sexes and all age groups, SRH (3 categories: poor, good, very good) was positively correlated with HDL-C. Logistic regression analysis on dichotomized values of SRH (i.e. poor vs. good health) in each age group of men and women showed that increasing HDL-C values were associated with increasing odds for reporting good health; the odds ratio (OR) was highest in young men, and was generally lower in women than in men. Odds ratios in the 4 age groups of men were 4.94 (2.63-9.29), 2.25 (1.63-3.09), 2.12 (1.58-2.86), 1.87 (1.37-2.54); and in women: 3.58 (2.46-5.21), 2.81 (2.23-3.53), 2.28 (1.84-2.82), 1.61 (1.31-1.99). In the whole material, 1 mmol/L increase in HDL-C increased the odds for reporting good health by 2.27 (2.06-2.50; p<0.001), when adjusting for sex, age group, time since food intake and use of cholesterol lowering drugs. Chronic diseases, pain, psychological distress, smoking, alcohol, length of education, and dietary items did not have any major influence on the pattern of the HDL-C vs. SRH association. There was a consistent positive association between HDL-C and SRH, in both men and women in four different age groups, with the strongest association in young people.

Influence of PPAR-alpha agonist fenofibrate on insulin sensitivity and selected adipose tissue-derived hormones in obese women with type 2 diabetes

PPAR-alpha agonists improve insulin sensitivity in rodent models of obesity/insulin resistance, but their effects on insulin sensitivity in humans are less clear. We measured insulin sensitivity by hyperinsulinemic-isoglycemic clamp in 10 obese females with type 2 diabetes before and after three months of treatment with PPAR-alpha agonist fenofibrate and studied the possible role of the changes in endocrine function of adipose tissue in the metabolic effects of fenofibrate. At baseline, body mass index, serum glucose, triglycerides, glycated hemoglobin and atherogenic index were significantly elevated in obese women with type 2 diabetes, while serum HDL cholesterol and adiponectin concentrations were significantly lower than in the control group (n=10). No differences were found in serum resistin levels between obese and control group. Fenofibrate treatment decreased serum triglyceride concentrations, while both blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin increased after three months of fenofibrate administration. Serum adiponectin or resistin concentrations were not significantly affected by fenofibrate treatment. All parameters of insulin sensitivity as measured by hyperinsulinemic-isoglycemic clamp were significantly lower in an obese diabetic group compared to the control group before treatment and were not affected by fenofibrate administration. We conclude that administration of PPAR-alpha agonist fenofibrate for three months did not significantly affect insulin sensitivity or resistin and adiponectin concentrations in obese subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The lack of insulin-sensitizing effects of fenofibrate in humans relative to rodents could be due to a generally lower PPAR-alpha expression in human liver and muscle.

콜레스테롤 식이를 섭취한 흰쥐에 새송이버섯이 지질대사 및 효소활성에 미치는 영향

새송이버섯이 고콜레스테롤 식이를 섭취한 흰쥐의 지질대사에 미치는 영향을 조사하고자, 생후 8주령 숫쥐를 정상식이군, 대조식이군(5% 옥수수기름, 5% 돈지 및 0.5% 콜레스테롤을 첨가한 식이) 및 대조식이에 새송이버섯 분말을 3% 및 5%씩 첨가한 식이군 (3% 및 5% 새송이버섯군) 등 4군으로 나누어 4주간 사육한 결과는 다음과 같다. 실험동물의 체중증가량 및 식이효율은 대조군에 비하여 3% 및 5% 새송이버섯군이 유의하게 감소되었다. 간과 부고환지방의 무게는 대조군에 비해 5% 새송이버섯군이 유의하게 감소되었다. 간의 콜레스테롤 및 중성지질 농도는 대조군에 비하여 5% 새송이버섯군이 유의하게 감소되었다. 혈청의 중성지 질, 총 콜레스테롤과 LDL+VLDL-콜레스테롤 농도 및 동맥경화지수는 대조군에 비해 새송이버섯군들이 유의하게 감소되었다. 총 콜레스테롤에 대한 HDL-콜레스테롤의 비율은 대조군에 비해 새송이버섯군들이 유의하게 증가되었다. 변의 지질배설량은 5% 새송이버섯군이 대조군 보다 유의하게 증가된 것으로 나타났다 이상의 결과로 보아 고콜레스테롤 식이에 새송이버섯 분말 첨가 급여시 흰쥐의 일부 지질대사를 개선시키는 것으로 나타났다. Effects of dietary supplementation of Pleurotus eryngii(PE) to a diet containig the cholesterol on lipid levels in the liver and serum, and enzyme activities of rats were studied by feeding 8-weeks old male rats with the four diets for 4 weeks, respectively: normal diet, control diet (10% fat + 0.5% cholesterol), 3% and 5% PE diets (control diet + 3% and 5% PE dry powder). The body weight gains and food efficiency ratios of the 3% and 5% PE diet groups were significantly lower than those of the control group. The liver and epididymal fat pad weights, and hepatic triglyceride Levels of the 5% PE diet group were more significantly decreased than those of the control group. The concentrations in serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL+VLDL-cholesterol, and atherogenic index ratios were significantly lower in the 3% or 5% PE groups compared to those of the control group. Ratio of HDL-cholesterol to total-cholesterol was significantly higher in the 3% and 5% PE groups compared to that of the control group. The fecal total lipid excretion of the 5% PE diet group was more significantly decreased than that of the control group. There was no significant difference in the hepatic cholesterol, and the serum HDL-cholesterol concentrations, and the GOT, GPT and <TEX>${\gamma}-GTP$</TEX> activities among the experimental groups. These results showed that the Pleurotus eryngii powder feeding decreased the total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and atherogenic index, and increased the ratio of HDL-cholesterol to total-cholesterol in serum of the rats.

Serum VEGF—As a prognostic factor of atherosclerosis

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been noted in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. To examine the usefulness of the serum concentration of VEGF as an index of atherosclerosis, we analyzed the serum VEGF concentrations in 443 adults who underwent a medical checkup. The mean serum VEGF concentration of men (229 ± 147 pg/ml) was significantly higher than that of women (182 ± 112 pg/ml). The platelet count showed a slight correlation with the serum VEGF concentration in both genders (men R = 0.287, women R = 0.296), corresponding with the results of experiments that platelets are the major source of VEGF in circulating peripheral blood. In men, the serum VEGF concentrations correlated with platelet counts, body fat percentages, leukocyte counts, and HDL-cholesterol concentrations (negative correlation). In the multiple regression analysis performed for men's serum VEGF concentrations, the decision coefficient (R2) was maximized (R2 = 0.173) when the leukocyte count, the body fat percentage, and the HDL-cholesterol concentration were taken into account besides the platelet count. Male smokers’ serum VEGF concentrations were higher than non-smokers’. Smoking in men significantly affected the sex difference in the serum VEGF concentration, leukocyte count, and HDL-cholesterol concentration. We concluded that the serum VEGF concentration might be closely related to atherosclerosis accelerating factor, especially in men.

참나물이 고콜레스테롤식이를 섭취한 흰쥐의 지질대사에 미치는 영향

This study was performed to investigate the effect of ethanol extract of Pimpinella brachycarpa (PB) on serum and liver lipid metabolism in rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats were administered 1% cholesterol and 0.25% sodium cholate to induce hypercholesterolemia. PB ethanol extract (200 mg/kg/day or 400 mg/kg/day) was also administered orally to rats with high cholesterol diet for 6 weeks. We divided 40 rats into five groups; normal diet group (NC), high cholesterol diet group (HC), normal diet and PB ethanol extract (200 mg/kg) administered group (NC-PB), high cholesterol diet and PB ethanol extract (200 mg/kg) administered group (HC-PBL), and high cholesterol diet and PB ethanol extract (400 mg/kg) administered group (HC-PBH). The growth rate and liver weight of the high cholesterol diet group was higher than those of the normal diet group, whereas those of the groups administered PB ethanol extract were gradually decreased. There was a signigicant increase in the activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), asparate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the high cholesterol diet group. The administration of PB ethanol extract decreased serum ALT, AST and ALP activities in a dose-dependent manners. The high cholesterol diet group showed increased serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, free cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels, and decreased atherogenic index, HDL-cholesterol and phospholipid levels as compared with the normal diet group. PB ethanol extract administrated groups showed increased HDL-C/T-C, HDL-cholesterol and phospholipid levels, and decreased serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, free cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol levels as compared with the high cholesterol diet group. There were no differences in the concentrations of serum triglyceride, phopholipid, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and free cholesterol between normal diet groups. The hepatic concentrations of total cholesterol and triglyceride were also lower in PB ethanol extract administrated groups than in the high cholesterol diet group. These results suggest that ethanol extract of PB exerts hypocholesterolemic effect by reducing serum and liver cholesterol contents.