Differences In Serum Triglycerides Research Articles

Karbamazepin Kullanan Hastalarda Serum Lipid Düzeylerinin Değerlendirilmesi

Epilepsy is a neurological disease that requires long-term drug therapy. Carbamazepine (CBZ) is a drug that is effective in partial seizures, including complex partial seizures, and tonic-clonic seizures. It was aimed to evaluate the effect on serum lipid profile in patients who used CBZ. Medical biochemistry laboratory data between January and December 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients (n=59) who used monotherapy and at least 2 years of CBZ were included in the study. Patients under 18 years of age were not included. In the control group, 34 healthy people with normal blood parameters, who applied to outpatient clinics for different reasons at the same age, and did not have a disease that would affect the lipid profile, were selected. The mean age of the patients was 36 ±8 years. LDL-cholesterol levels were found to be higher in patients treated with carbamazepine compared to the control group (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in serum triglyceride (TG), and HDL-cholesterol levels in the patient and control groups (p>0.05). There was no gender difference in the effect of carbamazepine on LDL-cholesterol (p>0.05). High serum LDL-cholesterol levels cause atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. The lipid profile of carbamazepine, which is used regularly at the therapeutic level, changes. Due to the association of high LDL-cholesterol levels with atherosclerosis, it is important to monitor lipid levels in patients using CBZ, especially considering the long duration of use of this pharmacotherapy.

Components of the metabolic syndrome in girls with Turner syndrome treated with growth hormone in a long term prospective study.

Components of the metabolic syndrome are more common in patients with Turner syndrome (TS) than in the general population. Long-term growth hormone (GH) treatment also affects the parameters of carbohydrate metabolism. Therefore, all these factors should be monitored in girls with TS. To assess the occurrence of metabolic syndrome components in TS girls before GH treatment and to monitor changes in metabolic parameters throughout GH therapy. 89 TS patients were enrolled in the study. Clinical and laboratory data after the 1st (V1), 3rd (V3), 5th (V5) and 10th (V10) year of GH therapy was available respectively in 60, 76, 50 and 22 patients. The patients' biochemical phenotypes were determined by glucose 0', 120', insulin 0', 120', HOMA-IR, Ins/Glu ratio, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides (TG) concentration. Obesity was found during V0 in 7.9% of patients,V1 - 5%, V3 - 3.9%, V5 - 2%, V10 - 0%. No patient met diagnostic criteria for diabetes. A significant increase in the basal plasma glucose 0' was found in the first five years of therapy (pV0-V1 < 0.001; pV0-V3 = 0.006; pV0-V5 < 0.001). V10 glucose 120' values were significantly lower than at the onset of GH treatment (pV0-V10 = 0.046). The serum insulin 0' and 120' concentrations as well as insulin resistance increased during treatment. No statistically significant differences in serum TG and HDL-cholesterol levels during GH therapy were found. The development of insulin resistance and carbohydrate metabolism impairment have the greatest manifestations during GH therapy in girls with TS. Monitoring the basic parameters of carbohydrate-lipid metabolism in girls with TS seems particularly important.

Temporal-Regulation of Serum Lipids and Stearoyl CoA Desaturase and Lipoprotein Lipase mRNA in BALB/cHnn Mice

Databases for genes expressed in humans or cell cultures are being developed as a part of the Human Genome Project. Because genomes respond to nutritional and other environmental variables, quantitative analyses of mRNA abundance under defined nutritional and physiological states are required to understand normal metabolism and to clarify differences between normal and disease phenotypes. Reported here are comparisons of food intake, growth, serum lipids and expression of mRNA for hepatic stearoyl CoA desaturase (Scd1) and heart lipoprotein lipase (Lpl) in female BALB/cHnn mice following food deprivation and refeeding at the end of 2 wk of feeding semipurified diets with 3, 10 or 20% corn oils. Body weights and utilization of dietary energy were similar for mice fed all three diets. There were no differences in serum lipid concentrations associated with the level of dietary fat during subsequent food deprivation and refeeding, but significant differences in serum triglycerides and total serum cholesterol were observed between food-deprived and fed mice. Heart lipoprotein lipase and hepatic Scd1 mRNA expression levels were affected significantly by concentration of corn oil and by time after eating. These and other studies examining gene regulation by dietary variables and nutrient availability are discussed in relation to development of diet-regulated gene databases for laboratory animals fed semipurified diets.

Metabolic profiles differences of overweight patients on olanzapine, clozapine and risperidone

AimsWe set out to examine the differences in metabolic profiles of at risk (overweight) patients across commonly used atypical antipsychotics (Olanzapine, Risperidone, Clozapine). We hypothesized that Olanzapine and Clozapine group will have more metabolic abnormalities compared to Risperidone.BackgroundCardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among people with schizophrenia. Since the introduction of atypical antipsychotics, there is cumulative evidence of their association with metabolic abnormalities. Clozapine and Olanzapine are known to constitute the highest metabolic risks amongst atypical antipsychotics.MethodThis study is based on the data of 67 subjects recruited into a 12-week open-labelled trial looking at the effects of adjunctive Aripiprazole in atypical antipsychotics for weight reduction and improvement in metabolic profile. Metabolic profiles including weight, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, serum total, HDL and LDL cholesterol levels and triglycerides were measured at baseline. The measurements were then compared across the different subgroups of atypical antipsychotics. The definition of metabolic syndrome proposed by the Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel (Adults Treatment Panel III) was used.ResultThe atypical antipsychotics were grouped into Olanzapine (n = 27), Risperidone (n = 24) and Clozapine (n = 16). More than 50% of clozapine-treated and Olanzapine-treated overweight patients were demonstrated to have metabolic syndrome at baseline. There was a statistically significant difference in serum triglycerides (p = 0.012), LDL (p = 0.046) and HbA1c (p = 0.045) across the three groups as demonstrated by one-way ANOVA. A Tukey post hoc test showed that both the Olanzapine (p = 0.032) and Risperidone (p = 0.013) groups demonstrated statistically significant lower serum triglycerides when compared to Clozapine. Interestingly, the mean serum HbA1c was significantly lower in Clozapine when compared to Olanzapine group (p = 0.045), perhaps reflecting the closer monitoring of fasting blood sugar in clozapine patients. When controlled for age and BMI, the significant differences in serum triglycerides remain between Clozapine and Risperidone groups [but not for serum HbA1c]. There were no statistically significant differences across the groups with respect to other metabolic parameters.ConclusionAt baseline, metabolic dysregulation was demonstrated in all subgroups of overweight patients. As hypothesized, patients on Olanzapine and Clozapine groups fared worse than Risperidone. Further studies examining long term effects of atypical antipsychotics in a larger sample of patients are warranted to confirm these findings. These findings have clinical significance in terms of choosing the first antipsychotic for drug naïve patients or where there is no clinically significant difference in efficacy.

Metabolic profiles differences of overweight patients on olanzapine, clozapine and risperidone

AimsWe set out to examine the differences in metabolic profiles of at risk (overweight) patients across commonly used atypical antipsychotics (Olanzapine, Risperidone, Clozapine). We hypothesized that Olanzapine and Clozapine group will have more metabolic abnormalities compared to Risperidone.BackgroundCardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among people with schizophrenia. Since the introduction of atypical antipsychotics, there is cumulative evidence of their association with metabolic abnormalities. Clozapine and Olanzapine are known to constitute the highest metabolic risks amongst atypical antipsychotics.MethodThis study is based on the data of 67 subjects recruited into a 12-week open-labelled trial looking at the effects of adjunctive Aripiprazole in atypical antipsychotics for weight reduction and improvement in metabolic profile. Metabolic profiles including weight, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, serum total, HDL and LDL cholesterol levels and triglycerides were measured at baseline. The measurements were then compared across the different subgroups of atypical antipsychotics. The definition of metabolic syndrome proposed by the Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel (Adults Treatment Panel III) was used.ResultThe atypical antipsychotics were grouped into Olanzapine (n = 27), Risperidone (n = 24) and Clozapine (n = 16). More than 50% of clozapine-treated and Olanzapine-treated overweight patients were demonstrated to have metabolic syndrome at baseline. There was a statistically significant difference in serum triglycerides (p = 0.012), LDL (p = 0.046) and HbA1c (p = 0.045) across the three groups as demonstrated by one-way ANOVA. A Tukey post hoc test showed that both the Olanzapine (p = 0.032) and Risperidone (p = 0.013) groups demonstrated statistically significant lower serum triglycerides when compared to Clozapine. Interestingly, the mean serum HbA1c was significantly lower in Clozapine when compared to Olanzapine group (p = 0.045), perhaps reflecting the closer monitoring of fasting blood sugar in clozapine patients. When controlled for age and BMI, the significant differences in serum triglycerides remain between Clozapine and Risperidone groups [but not for serum HbA1c]. There were no statistically significant differences across the groups with respect to other metabolic parameters.ConclusionAt baseline, metabolic dysregulation was demonstrated in all subgroups of overweight patients. As hypothesized, patients on Olanzapine and Clozapine groups fared worse than Risperidone. Further studies examining long term effects of atypical antipsychotics in a larger sample of patients are warranted to confirm these findings. These findings have clinical significance in terms of choosing the first antipsychotic for drug naïve patients or where there is no clinically significant difference in efficacy.

Study on the relationship between FFA and gout flare.

To detect the serum free fatty acid (FFA) concentration in patients with primary gouty arthritis (GA) and to explore the correlation between FFA and gout flare. Sixty patients with acute GA, 60 patients with GA remission, 60 patients with asymptomatic hyperuricemia (HUA), and 60 normal controls were enrolled in this study. Serum FFA concentration was detected by enzymatic determination in four groups, and the relationship between serum FFA, serum urate (SU), and other clinical and laboratory parameters was analyzed. (1) Serum FFA concentration was significantly higher in the acute GA than in the GA remission, the asymptomatic HUA, and the normal control (H= 72.191, P< 0.001). (2) There were no significant difference in serum triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentration between the acute GA, the GA remission, the asymptomatic HUA, and the normal control group. FFA may be involved in the acute attack of gout in conditions of monosodium urate crystal deposition in the joints. Triglyceride and LDL-C may not be involved in the acute attack of gout. FFA may be used as an indicator to monitor the status of GA in clinical.Key Points• Lin Pei and Linfeng Xie designed the randomized controlled trial and were responsible for the development of the protocol.

Changes in nutrient and calorie intake, adipose mass, triglycerides and TNF-α concentrations after non-caloric sweetener intake: A pilot study.

Establishing the safety of non-caloric sweetener consumption in humans is a difficult task, since many contradictory results have been reported. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of frequent intake of sucrose, sucralose or steviol glycosides, on selected anthropometric, biochemical and immunological parameters in healthy, young adults. 38 individuals with normal body mass index were recruited and randomly divided into three experimental groups. After a washout week (where food with added sweeteners was restricted), each group was supplemented with sucrose (8×5g packets/day), sucralose or steviol glycosides (4×1g packets/day each) for 6 weeks. Selected variables were measured before and after treatment in each group and differences within and among groups were assessed. Our results showed that, compared to baseline, there was a modest but significant increase in weight (p=0.0293) in the sucralose group, while the steviol glycosides group reduced their fat mass (p=0.0390). No differences were observed in glycaemia; however, there was a significant increase in serum triglycerides (77.8-110.8mg/dL) and cholesterol (162.0-172.3mg/dL) in the sucrose group, whereas the steviol glycosides group presented lower triglycerides (104.7-92.8mg/dL) and TNF-α concentrations (51.1-47.5pg/mL). Comparison among groups showed differences in serum triglycerides (p=0.0226), TNF-α (p=0.0460) and IL-β (p=0.0008). Our results suggest that, even in a short time span, frequent intake of steviol glycosides may have positive effects on metabolic parameters that may be relevant for human health.

Effect of Different Dietary Sources of Oils on Growth Performance and Profile of Lipid, Testosterone and Fatty Acids in Rabbit Bucks.

The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with sunflower oil (SFO), flaxseed oil (FSO) or 1% SFO+1% FSO on growth performance, and lipid, testosterone and fatty acid profiles of California rabbit bucks. Number of 24 California bucks having 5.3-5.5 months of age and weighing 2316-2429 g were divided into four groups (n=6). Bucks in the control group were fed free commercial diet, while those in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th groups were fed the same diet with 2% SFO, 2% FSO, or 1% SFO+1% FSO, respectively. Growth parameters were determined during the experiment (16 wk). Serum lipid, testosterone and fatty acid profiles were determined.Results showed insignificant treatment effect on body weight, feed intake and weight gain during the experiment (0-16 wk).The differences in serum triglycerides and total lipids between treatment groups and control were not significant, but triglycerides increased (P<0.05) in FSO- than SFO-bucks. Phospholipids decreased (P<0.05) only by SFO+FSO, while total cholesterol and LDL increased (P<0.05) by SFO or SFO+FSO, but HDL was not affected. All oil types increased (P<0.05) Non-HDL, being higher (P<0.05) in SFO+FSO than in SFO or FSO. Serum Castelli I and II indices,AST and ALT activity, serum total fatty acids and fatty acid profile were not affected by treatment. In conclusion, balancing the ratio between n-6: n-3 fatty acids is important to be the easiest approach to indicate this would be intake of oils rich in n-3 or n-6 fatty acids, such as sunflower and flaxseed oils, respectively.

Effects of protease supplementation in low fish meal pelleted and extruded diets on growth, nutrient retention and digestibility of gibel carp, Carassius auratus gibelio

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of exogenous protease supplementation in low fish meal pelleted and extruded diets on growth, nutrient retention and digestibility, and serum biochemical indices of gibel carp, Carassius auratus gibelio. A high-fish meal (HF) diet containing 90g/kg fish meal and a low-fish meal (LF) diet containing 30g/kg fish meal (60g/kg fish meal was isonitrogenously replaced by soybean meal) were designed as the positive and negative control diet, and 125, 150 and 175mg/kg exogenous protease were supplemented in the LF diet, respectively. The five formulas were then processed with pelleting and extruding, respectively, to obtain ten diets. After the pelleting and extruding, the retention rate of the protease activity was 77.98% and 37.65%, respectively. The diets were fed to gibel carp with an initial body weight of 35.0±0.2g for 12weeks. In pelleted diets, the supplementation of 150 and 175mg/kg protease in LF diet significantly improved weight gain, nutrient apparent digestibility coefficients (dry matter and crude protein), nutrient retention (crude protein and crude lipid) and decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR) when compared to negative control (P<0.05), and showed the similar values as the positive control (HF group). In extruded diets, despite no significant differences in growth, nutrient digestibility and retention among treatments, fish fed diet supplemented with 150mg/kg protease showed numerically higher values than fish fed the negative control diet (P<0.10). When comparing the extruded diets and the pelleted diets, fish fed extruded diets had significantly higher body lipid level and lipid retention than fish fed pelleted diets, and the fish fed extruded diets except the HF diet showed the significantly higher protein retention than fish fed pelleted diets with the same formulation, respectively. There were no significant differences in serum triglycerides, total cholesterol and glucose levels among all groups, and no significant differences in serum total protein and albumin levels among groups except the extruded HF group. The above results showed that the supplementation of 150–175mg/kg protease in pelleted LF diet, but not in extruded LF diet, could improve the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and nutrient retention of gibel carp when compared to the LF diet without protease. Statement of relevanceThe present study showed that supplementing exogenous protease to pelleted diet containing 30g/kg fish meal, but not to the extruded diet, could improve the growth, apparent digestibilities of dry matter and crude protein, and retention of protein and lipid for gibel carp. The above results will guide the proper application of protease in fish diet.

Zinc supplementation and the effects on metabolic status in gestational diabetes: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

ObjectiveTo the best of our knowledge, no reports are available indicating the effects of zinc supplementation on metabolic status in women with gestational diabetes (GDM). This study was designed to determine the effects of zinc supplementation on glucose homeostasis parameters and lipid concentrations in GDM women. MethodsThis randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed among 58 women diagnosed with GDM, primigravida and aged 18–40years old. Patients were randomly divided into two groups to receive 233mg zinc gluconate (containing 30mg zinc) supplements (n=29) or placebo (n=29) per day for 6weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken at the beginning and end of the trial to quantify glucose, insulin and lipid concentrations. ResultsPatients who received zinc supplements had significantly higher serum zinc concentrations (+6.9±13.2 vs. −1.5±16.5mg/dL, P=0.03) than those received the placebo. In addition, zinc-supplemented patients had reduced fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (−6.6±11.2 vs. +0.6±6.7mg/dL, P=0.005), serum insulin levels (−1.3±6.6 vs. +6.6±12.2μIU/mL, P=0.003), homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (−0.5±1.6 vs. +1.5±2.7, P=0.001), homeostatic model assessment-Beta cell function (HOMA-B) (−0.7±25.0 vs. +26.5±49.5, P=0.01) and increased quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) (+0.01±0.01 vs. −0.01±0.02, P=0.004) compared with the placebo. Additionally, significant differences in serum triglycerides (+13.6±61.4 vs. +45.9±36.5mg/dL, P=0.01) and VLDL-cholesterol concentrations (+2.7±12.3 vs. +9.2±7.3mg/dL, P=0.01) were observed following the administration of zinc supplements compared with the placebo.We did not observe any significant effects of taking zinc supplements on other lipid profiles. ConclusionsTaken together, 30mg zinc supplementation per day for 6weeks among GDM women had beneficial effects on metabolic profiles.

Effect of Oil Massage on Growth in Preterm Neonates Less than 1800 g: A Randomized Control Trial

To study the effect of oil massage on growth in preterm babies less than 1800 g. This randomised controlled trial was conducted in Neonatal intensive care unit of a level II hospital. Neonates with birth weight < 1800 g, gestation < 35 wk and < 48 h of age at enrolment were included in the studies. Eligible neonates were randomized to one of the two groups (a) Oil massage along with standard care of low birth weight (b) Standard care of low birth weight without massage. Weight, length and head circumference was measured in the two groups at 7 d intervals. Serum triglyceride levels were measured at enrolment and at completion of study. Primary outcome variable was weight gain at 28 d after enrolment. A total of forty-eight neonates were randomisd to either oil massage group (n = 25) or standard care of low birth weight without massage group (n = 23). Mean (SD) weight of babies in the two groups was 1466.4 ± 226.8 g in oil massage group and 1416.6 ± 229.9 g in the control group. At 28 d, weight gain in the oil massage group (476.76 ± 47.9 g) was higher compared to the control group (334.96 ± 46.4 g) (p < 0.05). At 7 d, less weight loss (7.80 ± 9.8 g) was observed in babies in oil massage group compared to control group (21.52 ± 19.4 g) (p = 0.003). However, there was no significant difference in serum triglycerides and other anthropometric parameters. Oil application has a potential to improve weight gain and cause less weight loss in first 7 d in low birth weight neonates.

Beneficial dietary effect of turmeric and sulphur on weight gain, fat deposition and lipid profile of serum and liver in rats.

This study was designed to investigate the effects of turmeric powder and processed sulphur on the weight gain, body fat deposition and lipid profile of serum and liver in Wistar rats. Twenty-five rats of 6weeks old were divided into five groups with 5 rats in each group. Each group was fed different diets as follows I. common diet (CON); II. high fat diet (HFD); III. 10% turmeric powder with HFD (T); IV. 10% turmeric powder and 0.19% processed sulphur with HFD (TS); and V. 0.38% processed sulphur with HFD (S). The experimental feeding was continued for 6weeks. The body weight gain and feed efficiency ratio (FER) in the T and TS group rats were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than that of the HFD group rats. The retroperitoneal fat weights in the rats belong to T, TS and S groups were lower than that of the HFD group rats and the TS group had significant (p < 0.05) reduction in retroperitoneal fat compared to the HFD group rats. The epididymal fat weights in rats of the T, TS and S groups also showed a lowering tendency compared to that of the HFD group rats. The hepatic total lipid levels in the T and TS group rats were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than that of the HFD group rats. The hepatic triglyceride level in the rats of TS group was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than that of the HFD group rats. The serum total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) associated cholesterol contents in rats of the T and TS group were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of the HFD group rats, however, there was no significant difference in serum triglyceride. The results suggest that turmeric powder along with sulphur can reduce the weight gain, body fat deposition and improve serum and liver lipid profile in rats fed with a high fat diet.

Is Fetuin-A/α2-Heremans-Schmid Glycoprotein Associated with the Metabolic Syndrome in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease?

Introduction: Components of the metabolic syndrome are highly prevalent in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients – some of which paradoxically appear to predict an improved outcome in this population. We hypothesized that the circulating calcification inhibitor fetuin-A/AHSG, which is also a natural inhibitor of the tyrosine kinase insulin receptor, could be one factor explaining the association between increased fat mass and a survival advantage in CKD and thus conducted an explorational study to provide preliminary data to support further research into this hypothesis. Patients and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, we evaluated 198 CKD stage 5 patients (GFR 6.8 ± 0.2 ml/min; 62% males, mean age 52 ± 1 years) close to the start of renal replacement therapy. We studied circulating AHSG (ELISA) and two common functional AHSG gene polymorphisms (at amino acids Thr248Met (C-T) and Thr256Ser (C-G) using Pyrosequencing®) and related these to multiple components of the metabolic syndrome. Results: Median circulating AHSG was lower (p < 0.01) in type-2 (0.22 g/l) and type-1 (0.16 g/l) diabetics as compared to non-diabetic CKD-5 patients (0.24 g/l). AHSG correlated with both total and truncal fat mass in type-2 diabetics (rho 0.37 and 0.39; p < 0.001, respectively), but not in type-1 diabetics or non-diabetics. Both SNPs significantly influenced circulating levels of AHSG, and were also associated with significant differences in serum triglycerides and HDL cholesterol. Furthermore, there were significant differences in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome criteria between the AHSG Thr256Ser (C-G) genotype groups, with a more atherogenic lipid profile in AHSG high producers (Thr/Thr homozygotes). In multivariate analysis, the association between circulating AHSG and fat mass remained significant also after adjustment for age, gender, inflammation (CRP >10 mg/l), and AHSG genotype. Conclusions: The present, explorational, study supports further, mechanistic, studies into a physiological link between AHSG and body fat mass in patients with CKD. As we observed an association between higher fat mass and elevated AHSG levels, these preliminary results may form the basis of further study to establish if the observed associations may be one reason why obesity has been reported to constitute a survival advantage in CKD.

Effects of active component in Cichorii on lipid metabolism of rat with hypertriglyceridemia complicated by hyperuricemia and hyperglycemia

To observe the effect of active component in Cichorii (N3) on lipid metabolism of rat with hypertriglyceridemia complicated by hyperuricemia and hyperglycemia. Hypertriglyceridemia complicated by hyperuricemia and hyperglycemia was induced in rats by feeding a kind of feedstuff containing high fructose for 21 days. Then three different doses of N3 were administered continuously to the rats for 35 days. The effects of N3 on lipid metabolism were observed by determining the levels of serum triglyceride (TG), uric acid (UA), glucose (GLU) and free fatty acids (FFA) and the activities of fatty acid synthetase (FAS) and hepatic lipase (HL) from the liver and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) from the heart. Twenty-one days after feeding a high-fructose diet, the levels of serum UA, TG and GLU in the untreated group were significantly higher than those of the normal control group. Thirty-five days after administering N3, there was no statistical difference in serum TG and heart LPL activity between the untreated group and the normal control group, while liver FAS activity, serum FFA level and liver HL activity in the untreated group were significantly higher than those in the normal control group. Different doses of N3 treated rats all showed a decrease of TG, UA and GLU levels. N3 could decrease FAS activity and FFA level, and increase LPL and HL activities significantly. N3 in Cichorii may regulate the lipid metabolism of the rats with hypertriglyceridemia complicated by hyperuricemia and hyperglycemia by decreasing FAS activity and FFA level, and increasing LPL and HL activities.

Apolipoprotein E polymorphism and lipoprotein compositions in normolipidaemic xanthelasma patients

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) phenotypes and lipoprotein compositions in xanthelasma patients have been reported in different series. To investigate the apoE polymorphism and lipoprotein compositions in xanthelasma patients by using rapid polymerase chain reaction, and searched for an association between apoE polymorphism and the lipoprotein levels in xanthelasma patients. ApoE polymorphism and the different types of serum lipoproteins were studied in 25 patients with xanthelasma and compared with 27 normal subjects. All of patients were found to be normolipidaemic. The patients had significantly higher concentrations of total cholesterol and apolipoprotein B, and lower concentrations of apolipoprotein A. There was no difference in serum triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentrations. The distribution of apoE genotypes and alleles was the same in both groups. The apoB, apoA and cholesterol levels did show statistically significant differences in the direction of an increased risk of atherosclerosis. Patients with xanthelasma demonstrated slight differentiations in the apoE polymorphism and metabolism of lipoproteins that require further clarifications.

Apolipoprotein E polymorphism and lipoprotein compositions in patients with Behçet's disease

Behçet's disease (BD) is a multisystemic disease of unknown etiology characterized by chronic relapsing oral-genital ulcers and uveitis. Some abnormalities in lipoprotein metabolism have been described in patients with BD. In this study, apolipoprotein E (apo E) polymorphism and lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations in 30 patients with BD were compared with those of 27 control subjects. Both patients and controls were found to be normolipidemic. Patients with BD had significantly higher concentrations of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol than those of controls (P < 0.05); however, there was no difference in serum triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol concentrations. The distribution of apo E genotypes and alleles was the same in both groups. There were slight differences in allele frequency between the groups, but this was not statistically significant. The high HDL cholesterol levels observed in our patients were not related to abnormalities in apo E alleles.

Effect of metformin on the clinical and metabolic assessment of women with polycystic ovary syndrome

A longitudinal prospective study was conducted in 21 women with polycistic ovary syndrome (PCOS), aged 27.20 ± 5.02 years and treated with metformin (1500 mg/day) for 8 weeks. The patients were assessed for spontaneous menstruation, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist/hip ratio (WHR), glucose and insulin concentrations under fasting conditions and after a 75-g glucose tolerance test, lipid profile, testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I. Spontaneous menstruation was observed in 81% of the women treated with metformin, with no changes in weight or BMI. Waist measurement and the WHR were reduced. The quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) improved from 0.33 ± 0.03 to 0.35 ± 0.04 (p < 0.005), and serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol were reduced, while high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol was increased. Serum testosterone concentrations were also reduced. There were no differences in serum triglycerides, SHBG or IGF-I. The occurrence of spontaneous menstruation and changes in the pattern of body fat distribution, the reduction in serum testosterone concentrations, the improvement in lipid profile and the reduction of insulinemia with the use of metformin permit us to conclude that treatment with this drug is of benefit to women with PCOS.

Acute reduction of serum leptin level by dietary conjugated linoleic acid in Sprague-Dawley rats.

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of conjugated linoleic acid on lipid accumulation in adipose tissue. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a diet containing 2% conjugated linoleic acid for 1, 3, 6, and 12 weeks. In rats fed 2% conjugated linoleic acid, the weight of perirenal white adipose tissue was comparable with that of rats fed a conjugated linoleic acid-free diet. For fatty acid composition of perirenal white adipose tissue, both 16:1/16:0 and 18:1/18:0 ratios were significantly lower in the conjugated linoleic acid-fed group than the control group. Although there was no remarkable difference in serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, and phospholipid levels between dietary groups, serum leptin level was significantly lower than the control group, and lipid content in the perirenal white adipose tissue exerted a tendency toward low compared to the control value at 1-week feeding. On the other hand, leptin level in perirenal white adipose tissue was significantly lower in the conjugated linoleic acid-fed group than the control group at 12-week feeding. In conclusion, these observations suggest dietary conjugated linoleic acid is an acute reducer of serum leptin level. This may afford an explanation of the mechanism of anti-obesity effect in conjugated linoleic acid.

Acute reduction of serum leptin level by dietary conjugated linoleic acid in Sprague-Dawley rats

The purpose of this study was to clarify the effect of conjugated linoleic acid on lipid accumulation in adipose tissue. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a diet containing 2% conjugated linoleic acid for 1, 3, 6, and 12 weeks. In rats fed 2% conjugated linoleic acid, the weight of perirenal white adipose tissue was comparable with that of rats fed a conjugated linoleic acid-free diet. For fatty acid composition of perirenal white adipose tissue, both 16:1/16:0 and 18:1/18:0 ratios were significantly lower in the conjugated linoleic acid-fed group than the control group. Although there was no remarkable difference in serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, and phospholipid levels between dietary groups, serum leptin level was significantly lower than the control group, and lipid content in the perirenal white adipose tissue exerted a tendency toward low compared to the control value at 1-week feeding. On the other hand, leptin level in perirenal white adipose tissue was significantly lower in the conjugated linoleic acid-fed group than the control group at 12-week feeding. In conclusion, these observations suggest dietary conjugated linoleic acid is an acute reducer of serum leptin level. This may afford an explanation of the mechanism of anti-obesity effect in conjugated linoleic acid.

Type A behaviour pattern and hypercholesterolemia in elder patients

To examine the relationship between type A behavior pattern and hypercholesterolemia, we recruited 109 primary hypercholesterolemic patients without treatment for hyperlipidemia (30 males and 79 females) and then classified them according to Maeda's questionnaire into two groups; type A group (16 males and 35 females, aged 73.1 +/- 8.7) and type B group (14 males and 44 females, aged 71.3 +/- 8.7). We studied serum total cholesterol, serum triglyceride and BMI. Serum total cholesterol was shown significantly higher in type A group than that in type B (233.0 +/- 22.8 vs 223.9 +/- 14.2 p < 0.01) and BMI lower (24.0 +/- 3.9 vs 25.4 +/- 3.9 p < 0.05), however, there was no significant difference in serum triglyceride between two groups (148.96 +/- 8.2 vs 134.0 +/- 48.8). Although there was no significant difference in BMI, serum total cholesterol was significantly higher in the women's group and in the 60s. This study suggests that type A behavior pattern is related to lipid metabolism, however we should take gender and age into consideration to study the relationship between type A behavior pattern and lipid metabolism.