Differences In Serum Lipids Research Articles

Association of liver X receptor α (LXRα) gene polymorphism and coronary heart disease, serum lipids and glucose levels

BackgroundTo explore the relationship between the liver X receptor α gene (LXRα) rsl2221497 polymorphism and the susceptibility of coronary heart disease (CHD) and serum lipids and glucose levels.MethodsThe single fluorescently labeled probes technique was used to detect the genotype of rsl2221497 in LXRα gene in 240 CHD patients and 250 healthy control subjects. The difference of genotype distribution between the two groups was analyzed using of Chi-square test. The serum lipids and glucose levels between the different genotypes were also compared.ResultsThe risk of CHD in carriers with (AA + GA) genotype was 1.76 times as that in the GG genotype carriers (OR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.18-2.87, P <0.05), and the risk of CHD in carriers with A allele increased 0.88 times compared to that in G allele carriers (OR = 1.88, 95% CI:1.21-3.43, P <0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for other confounding factors, A allele was an independent risk for CHD. However, there were no differences in serum lipids and glucose levels between each genotype.ConclusionsThe rsl2221497 polymorphism in LXRα gene was associated with susceptibility of CHD in Han population.

Impact of β-thalassemia trait carrier state on cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic profile in patients with newly diagnosed hypertension

Thalassemia minor (Tm), the β-thalassemia carrier state, is followed by favorable lipidemic profile and seems to protect against myocardial infarction mainly in men. However, the cardiovascular risk factor (CRF) and metabolic profile of these subjects has not been thoroughly addressed, although it is not known whether gender differences are involved. We evaluated CRFs, metabolic parameters and risk-prediction equations along with renal function and selected echocardiographic indices in 23,680 consecutive subjects, that is, 11,192 women and 12,488 men, with newly diagnosed hypertension according to the presence or absence of Tm. Of 23,680 patients, 548 (2.3%) had Tm. Compared with patients without Tm, Tm cases had similar gender distribution, age, body mass index and blood pressure. Besides having a better lipidemic profile, Tm patients were less frequently smokers (25% vs. 32%, P<0.001), had a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome (26% vs. 39%, P<0.001) and lower HeartSCORE and INTERHEART scores (P<0.001). Tm patients also had lower levels of fibrinogen and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (P<0.001), lower serum creatinine and higher estimated glomerular filtration rate (P<0.001), lower prevalence of left ventricular hypertrophy (35% vs. 48%, P<0.001) and higher total and mid-wall fractional shortening (P=0.03 and <0.001, respectively). Most of these differences were consistent in both genders, whereas the HeartSCORE and the echo indices were significantly better in Tm only in women. Among patients with newly diagnosed hypertension, those with Tm have a better overall CRF and metabolic profile, beyond the well-known differences in serum lipids. Compared with men, women seem to be at least equally protected.

Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of a Large Niacin Therapeutic Interchange Program

An extended-release niacin product (Niaspan, Abbott Laboratories) was identified as a product with a less costly therapeutic alternative; a therapeutic product interchange was implemented. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a product therapeutic interchange from Niaspan to a controlled-release niacin product (Slo-Niacin, Upsher-Smith Laboratories) among patients at a large US Department of Veterans Affairs health care facility. Patients with active prescriptions for Niaspan underwent a therapeutic product interchange to Slo-Niacin; following conversion of the product, the medical record for each patient was reviewed and pre- and postconversion clinical information and conversion details were transcribed into a database for subsequent analysis and study. The primary efficacy end point was pre- and postconversion level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; secondary efficacy end points were levels of serum total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides. Abnormal serum liver enzyme levels greater than 3 times the upper limits of normal was the primary safety end point; blood hemoglobin A1c was assessed as a secondary safety end point. A total of 5321 patients' medical records were reviewed; for the efficacy evaluation, 539 patients were maintained on a daily dose of Slo-Niacin that was the same as the previous Niaspan dose. The dosage of any other concurrently prescribed dyslipidemia medication was unchanged. Analysis of these cases indicated that the conversion of Niaspan to Slo-Niacin was not associated with a difference in serum lipids over a mean (SD) of 503.9 (98.0) postconversion observation days with the exception of a decrease in mean serum triglyceride concentration of 19.8 mg/dL (p = 0.0003). Evaluation of all 5321 patients given Slo-Niacin for up to 724 days did not detect any safety differences between Slo-Niacin and Niaspan. Local facility cost avoidance exceeded $800,000 in the first postconversion year. Data from a medication use evaluation of modified-release niacin products therapeutic interchange in a large US Department of Veterans Affairs health care facility show that the switch from Niaspan to Slo-Niacin had no negative effects on lipid-altering efficacy or safety but generated significant cost avoidance.

Transferability and Fine Mapping of genome-wide associated loci for lipids in African Americans

BackgroundA recent, large genome-wide association study (GWAS) of European ancestry individuals has identified multiple genetic variants influencing serum lipids. Studies of the transferability of these associations to African Americans remain few, an important limitation given interethnic differences in serum lipids and the disproportionate burden of lipid-associated metabolic diseases among African Americans.MethodsWe attempted to evaluate the transferability of 95 lipid-associated loci recently identified in European ancestry individuals to 887 non-diabetic, unrelated African Americans from a population-based sample in the Washington, DC area. Additionally, we took advantage of the generally reduced linkage disequilibrium among African ancestry populations in comparison to European ancestry populations to fine-map replicated GWAS signals.ResultsWe successfully replicated reported associations for 10 loci (CILP2/SF4, STARD3, LPL, CYP7A1, DOCK7/ANGPTL3, APOE, SORT1, IRS1, CETP, and UBASH3B). Through trans-ethnic fine-mapping, we were able to reduce associated regions around 75% of the loci that replicated.ConclusionsBetween this study and previous work in African Americans, 40 of the 95 loci reported in a large GWAS of European ancestry individuals also influence lipid levels in African Americans. While there is now evidence that the lipid-influencing role of a number of genetic variants is observed in both European and African ancestry populations, the still considerable lack of concordance highlights the importance of continued ancestry-specific studies to elucidate the genetic underpinnings of these traits.

Effects of high molecular weight alcohols from sugar cane fed alone or in combination with plant sterols on lipid profile and antioxidant status of Wistar rats

The effect of feeding a mixture of high molecular weight alcohols derived from sugarcane (SCA), both alone and in combination with phytosterols (PS), on changes in plasma lipids, organ cholesterol accumulation, and antioxidant status of Wistar rats was undertaken. Three separate experiments were conducted and each experiment had 3 subsets. In experiment 1, rats were fed on an AIN-76, semi-synthetic diet supplemented with 0%, 0.5%, and 5% SCA w/w. The second experiment consisted of feeding rats an atherogenic diet (AIN-76+0.5% cholesterol) containing 0%, 0.5%, and 5% SCA w/w. The third experiment consisted of feeding rats an atherogenic diet that contained 2% PS in combination with 0%, 0.5%, and 5% SCA. Rats fed the atherogenic diet exhibited significant elevations in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and significant reductions in the high-density lipoprotein/total cholesterol ratio, regardless of the presence of 0.5% or 5% SCA mixture. Serum cholesterol increased 29% to 35% in these animals compared with animals fed the nonatherogenic diets. In contrast, animals fed atherogenic diets that contained 2% PS exhibited no difference in serum lipids compared with counterparts fed nonatherogenic diets. The combined presence of SCA with PS had no effect on further lowering plasma cholesterol. No changes in C-reactive protein were observed, but plasma oxygen radical scavenging capacity values significantly (p< 0.05) decreased when rats were fed the atherogenic diets that contained the combination of PS and SCA. This result corresponded to an apparent greater (p< 0.05) susceptibility of red blood cells to oxidative stress.

Profil lipidów w surowicy krwi u dzieci chorych na astmę i atopowe zapalenie skóry

IntroductionThere have been few investigations about serum lipid profile in asthma and atopic dermatitis with conflicting results. AimThe aim the study was to analyze serum lipids profiles such as: triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C, LDL-C in children with asthma and atopic dermatitis. Materials and methodsBody mass index (BMI), BMI standard deviation scores (BMI-SDS), and fasting serum TG, HDL-C, LDL-C were measured in 100 asthmatic children, 27 AD children and in 46 healthy children (mean age 10.9±0.9 yrs). ResultsCompared with healthy children, more children in asthma group and AD group were obese (asthma 33%, AD 25.79%, healthy 13.04%). In children with asthma mean value of BMI (asthma: 20,0±0.43, AD: 18.1±1.44 control: 18.76±0.56 and BMI-SDS (asthma: 1.47±0.26, AD: 0.83±0.41 control group: 0.18±0.26) were highest. In asthma children positive correlation between BMI and TG levels (r: 0.41, p=0.011), and negative with HDL-C levels (r: −0.35, p=0.037) was found. In addition serum LDL-C levels correlated positively with BMI-SDS (r: 0.34, p=0.044). In the subgroups children with normal weight serum TG and LDL-C levels in asthma (p<0.04), and TC levels in AD was significantly higher compared to normal weight healthy (p<0.05) children. No correlation between severity of both asthma and AD and serum lipids was found. ConclusionsIn normal-weight children with asthma and atopic dermatitis differences in serum lipids were observed, irrespective of degree of sensitization and disease activity.

Variable Frequencies of Apolipoprotein E Genotypes and Its Effect on Serum Lipids in the Guangxi Zhuang and Han Children

Guangxi Zhuang, the largest ethnic minority in China, is located in the southern part of the country, and well-known to the world as the longevity village. Studies of apolipoprotein E (APOE) polymorphism in adults suggest the lower frequencies of E4 allele and E4/E4 genotype may account, in part, for the favorable lipid profiles of Guangxi Zhuang. However, the effect of APOE polymorphism on serum lipids in the Guangxi Zhuang children is yet unknown to date. In the present study, genomic DNA was extracted from 278 Guangxi Zhuang and 200 Guangxi Han children. APOE genotypes were determined by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. The fasting serum lipoprotein a [Lp(a)], total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1) and apoB were measured. Our results demonstrated that no significant differences in serum lipids were observed between the Guangxi Zhuang and Han children. The E4/E4 and E4/E3 genotypic frequencies were significantly lower in the Guangxi Zhuang children compared with the Guangxi Han children, whereas for E2/E2, E3/E2 and E4/E2 genotypic frequencies the opposite was presented. Though no significant differences in serum lipid concentrations were found for variant alleles both in the Guangxi Zhuang and Han children, the trend was observed in the association of higher levels of Lp(a), TC, TG and LDL-C with E4 allele in the Guangxi Zhuang children. In conclusion, a significant heterogeneity in APOE genetic variation indeed exists between the Guangxi Zhuang and Han ethnic group. The E4 allele may serve as a genetic marker for susceptibility to higher lipid profiles in the Guangxi Zhuang children. Lifestyle should be modified, according to APOE polymorphism even in the young children.

Daidzein-metabolising phenotypes in relation to serum lipids and uric acid in adults in Guangzhou, China

Previous studies have suggested that daidzein's metabolites, equol and O-desmethylangolensin (O-DMA), rather than daidzein itself may contribute to the beneficial effects of soya foods in the prevention of CVD. The present study aims to assess the proportion of equol and O-DMA producers, and to compare differences in anthropometric factors, serum lipids, glucose and uric acid between producers and non-producers in Chinese adults aged 20-69 years. For the present cross-sectional study, 202 subjects (100 women and 102 men) were recruited. Twenty-four-hour urinary daidzein and its metabolites were determined in these subjects while on their usual diet and again after a 3-d isoflavone challenge. Fasting serum lipids, glucose and uric acid were examined on their usual diet. Three days of 24 h dietary recalls were used to assess dietary intakes. Of the 202 subjects, 27 (13.4 %) and 27 (13.4 %) excreted equol and O-DMA on their usual diet, and 101 (50 %) and 94 (46.5 %) produced equol and O-DMA after a load of 80 mg/d isoflavones. Equol producers showed lower serum uric acid ( - 10.2 %, P = 0.001), TAG ( - 29.5 %, P = 0.007) and waist:hip ratio ( - 2.6 %, P = 0.032), and tended to have higher HDL cholesterol (6.3 %, P = 0.069) compared with equol non-producers. There were no significant differences in serum lipids, glucose and uric acid between O-DMA producers and non-producers. In conclusion, equol phenotypes might influence cardiovascular risk.

구기엽 에탄올 추출물이 고지방 식이 유도 비만쥐의 비만과 혈중 생화학적 지표 조절에 미치는 영향

Dept. of Food and Nutrition, Kangwon National University, Gangwon 245-711, KoreaAbstractThis study was conducted to investigate the effects of ethanol extract from Lycii folium (L. folium) leaves on obesity index, serum lipids, homocysteine, leptin, ghrelin, and glucose in obese rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were administrated high-fat diets to induce obesity. Then, obese rats were divided into three diet groups: a basal-diet obese group (BO group), high-fat diet obese group (FO group), and high-fat diet plus L. folium extract obese group (FLEO group). Three groups were each fed experimental diet for 8 weeks. There were no significant differences in body weight and FER among the groups. However, obesity index such as Rohrer index, Lee index, and T.M. index of FLEO group was significantly decreased as compared to FO group. While serum triglyceride of BO group was significantly decreased as compared to FO group, there were no significant differences in serum lipids, homocysteine, leptin, ghrelin and glucose between FLEO group and FO group. In conclusion, these results indicated that ethanol extract from L. folium leaves might be beneficial with anti-obese effect by reduction of obesity indices in obese rats. Key words: Lycii folium, lipids, homocysteine, leptin, ghrelin, obese, rats

Apolipoprotein E polymorphisms, dietary fat and fibre, and serum lipids: the EPIC Norfolk study

To investigate whether blood lipid response to dietary fat and fibre vary according to the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene locus. Regression analysis of intake of dietary fat and lipid fractions according to APOE gene loci was assessed by Pyrosequencing and validated with restriction fragment length polymorphism in 22 915 participants of the Norfolk arm of the European Prospective Investigation of Cancer. There were significant (P < 0.001) differences in serum lipids according to genotype, highest total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and lowest high-density lipoprotein and triglycerides in epsilon4/epsilon4 individuals. There were positive associations between total and saturated fat and serum total and LDL cholesterol, and significant inverse associations (P < 0.001) between polyunsaturated fat and dietary fibre and lipid fractions overall. Associations were in the same direction for epsilon2, epsilon3, and epsilon4 expressing individuals with no significant interactions between diet and genotype group on blood lipids, except in the 3% individuals expressing epsilon2/epsilon4 (P < 0.05) in whom the associations were doubled. In this largest study to date, ApoE gene loci status does not confer exemption from population targets to reduce dietary saturated fat and increase dietary fibre in order to reduce blood lipids and risk of coronary heart disease.

Relationship between the serum concentrations of serotonin and lipids and aggression in dogs

The serum concentrations of serotonin and lipids — triglycerides, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein and very low density lipoprotein — were determined in 18 normal dogs and...

Dietary Supplementation with Chickpeas for at Least 5 Weeks Results in Small but Significant Reductions in Serum Total and Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterols in Adult Women and Men

Aim: To compare the effects of a chickpea-supplemented diet and those of a wheat-supplemented diet on human serum lipids and lipoproteins. Methods: Forty-seven free-living adults participated in a randomized crossover weight maintenance dietary intervention involving two dietary periods, chickpea-supplemented and wheat-supplemented diets, each of at least 5 weeks duration. Results: The serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly lower (both p < 0.01) by 3.9 and 4.6%, respectively, after the chickpea-supplemented diet as compared with the wheat-supplemented diet. Protein (0.9% of energy, p = 0.01) and monounsaturated fat (3.3% of total fat, p < 0.001) intakes were slightly but significantly lower and the carbohydrate intake significantly higher (1.7% of energy, p < 0.001) on the chickpea-supplemented diet as compared with the wheat-supplemented diet. Multivariate analyses suggested that the differences in serum lipids were mainly due to small differences in polyunsaturated fatty acid and dietary fibre contents between the two intervention diets. Conclusions: Inclusion of chickpeas in an intervention diet results in lower serum total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels as compared with a wheat-supplemented diet.

Carbohydrate intake and HDL in a multiethnic population

Background: Ethnic differences in serum lipids are not explained by genetics, central adiposity, lifestyle, or diet, possibly because dietary carbohydrate has not been considered.Objective: The aim was to evaluate the relation between carbohydrate intake and HDL and triacylglycerol concentrations in a multiethnic population.Design: We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study of 619 Canadians of Aboriginal, South Asian, Chinese, and European origin with no previously diagnosed medical conditions. Energy-adjusted carbohydrate intake was measured by a validated food-frequency questionnaire.Results: South Asians consumed the most carbohydrate, followed by European, Aboriginal, and Chinese persons. Mean (95% CI) HDL concentrations in the lowest and highest categories of carbohydrate intake after adjustment for age, sex, ethnicity, physical activity, smoking, the waist-to-hip ratio, body mass index, alcohol intake, and intakes of total energy, protein, and fiber were 1.21 mmol/L (1.16, 1.27 mmol/L) and 1.08 mmol/L (1.02, 1.13 mmol/L), respectively, and HDL cholesterol was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in the lowest tertile of carbohydrate intake than in the highest tertile. High carbohydrate intake was associated with higher fasting triacylglycerols (P = 0.04); the adjusted mean fasting triacylglycerol concentrations in the lowest and highest categories of carbohydrate intake were 1.43 mmol/L (1.28, 1.60 mmol/L) and 1.71 mmol/L (1.57, 1.87 mmol/L), respectively. Fewer servings of sugar-containing soft drinks, juices, and snacks were associated with higher HDL (P for trend = 0.02); the multivariate-adjusted mean HDL in the lowest and highest categories of carbohydrate intake was 1.22 mmol/L (1.17, 1.27 mmol/L) and 1.11 mmol/L (1.06, 1.26 mmol/L), respectively.Conclusions: Differences in HDL and triacylglycerols observed in different ethnic groups may be due in part to carbohydrate intake. Reducing the frequency of intake of sugar-containing soft drinks, juices, and snacks may be beneficial.

Racial Differences in Serum Lipids in HIV+ Women Treated with Protease Inhibitor Regimens

Purpose: To evaluate cardiovascular risk factors in Caucasian and African American HIV+ women undergoing treatment with HAART including a protease inhibitor (PI). Method: Anthropometric measures and fasting blood samples were obtained from 32 Caucasian and 10 African American women. Serum was analyzed for glucose, insulin, and lipid levels. Results: The African American women were significantly older than the Caucasian women. Body mass index (BMI) was higher in the African American women, and 80% of the African American women and 47% of the Caucasian women were overweight. There were no significant differences in fasting insulin, fasting glucose, or HOMA-IR. However, African American women had significantly higher HDL levels, whereas Caucasian women had higher triglycerides and LDL. When age-matched women were compared, total as well as LDL cholesterol was significantly higher in the Caucasian women. The ratio of total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol was 3.4 ± 1.1 in the African American women and 5.5 ± 1.6 (p = .021) in the age-matched Caucasian women. Conclusion: The differences in lipid levels in HIV+ African American and Caucasian women were greater than those reported in the literature for normal women. Although the sample size is small, the data suggest that the effect of HIV infection and/or HAART on lipid levels may be different in Caucasian and African American women. Large-scale studies will be necessary to confirm these results and clarify the mechanisms involved.

Dietary and plasma lipid, lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein profiles among elderly Hispanics and non-Hispanics and their association with diabetes

There are limited data about dietary intakes and plasma lipids of elderly US Hispanics. The disparity in prevalence of type 2 diabetes among population groups underscored our need to assess dietary and plasma risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Plasma lipids and apolipoproteins and dietary intakes of macronutrients were measured in elderly subjects (60-98 y): 490 Hispanics of Caribbean origin (Puerto Ricans and Dominicans) and 163 non-Hispanic whites. Plasma values were related to ethnicity and to macronutrient intake. Differences in plasma lipids due to diabetes were assessed among the Hispanics. Intakes of carbohydrate and polyunsaturated fatty acids were higher and intakes of cholesterol and saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids were lower in Hispanics than in non-Hispanic whites. Concentrations of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and apolipoprotein A-I were significantly lower among Hispanic women than among non-Hispanic white women; a similar trend was seen in men. Dyslipidemia (high triacylglycerols and low HDL cholesterol) was more prevalent among Hispanics with than without diabetes. Ethnic differences in serum lipids exist and appear to be associated with differences in dietary intakes. However, both Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites had lipid profiles indicating a high risk of cardiovascular disease. Hispanics with diabetes were at higher risk of dyslipidemia than were those without diabetes. Our data suggest that lifestyle changes, including diet modification and exercise, could be of significant benefit to both ethnic groups.

Nicotine does not influence arterial lipid deposits in rabbits exposed to second-hand smoke.

Second-hand smoke (SHS) accelerates atherogenesis and impairs vascular function. The role of nicotine in this process has not been defined. To examine the potential effects of nicotine on atherogenesis and vascular function, 48 rabbits receiving a 0.5% cholesterol diet were randomized to control (cholesterol diet only), SHS from nicotine-standard research cigarettes (SHS-ST), and SHS from nicotine-free research cigarettes (SHS-NF). The SHS rabbits were exposed to 48 nicotine-standard (12 animals) or nicotine-free (12 animals) cigarettes/d, 5 d/wk for 10 weeks. Air carbon monoxide and particulates and plasma carboxyhemoglobin were significantly higher in the 2 SHS groups than the control group (P<0.001). The SHS-ST group had significant increases in plasma nicotine and cotinine compared with the other groups (P<0.001). There was no difference in serum lipids. Lipid lesions were increased in both SHS groups (54+/-5% [SEM] aorta and 66+/-4% pulmonary artery, 53+/-7% and 69+/-4%, and 39+/-4% and 43+/-3% in the SHS-ST, SHS-NF, and control groups, respectively; P=0.049 aorta and P<0.001 pulmonary artery). SHS exposure increased arterial lipid lesions, but nicotine did not contribute significantly to this effect. This effect is presumably due to other combustion products in the smoke.

Lack of macrophage fatty-acid-binding protein aP2 protects mice deficient in apolipoprotein E against atherosclerosis.

The adipocyte fatty-acid-binding protein, aP2, has an important role in regulating systemic insulin resistance and lipid metabolism. Here we demonstrate that aP2 is also expressed in macrophages, has a significant role in their biological responses and contributes to the development of atherosclerosis. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-deficient mice also deficient for aP2 showed protection from atherosclerosis in the absence of significant differences in serum lipids or insulin sensitivity. aP2-deficient macrophages showed alterations in inflammatory cytokine production and a reduced ability to accumulate cholesterol esters when exposed to modified lipoproteins. Apoe-/- mice with Ap2+/+ adipocytes and Ap2-/- macrophages generated by bone-marrow transplantation showed a comparable reduction in atherosclerotic lesions to those with total aP2 deficiency, indicating an independent role for macrophage aP2 in atherogenesis. Through its distinct actions in adipocytes and macrophages, aP2 provides a link between features of the metabolic syndrome and could be a new therapeutic target for the prevention of atherosclerosis.

Ethnic differences in erythrocyte membrane fluidity and the association with serum triacylglycerols

The objectives of this study were to determine whether there are differences between black and white individuals with regard to the membrane fluidity of isolated erythrocytes, and/or in the relationships between membrane fluidity, gender and circulating lipids. Fluorescent polarization anisotropy, as an index of membrane fluidity, was determined using the fluorescent probe 1-(4-trimethylammoniumphenyl)-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (TMA-DPH) in 52 black and 52 white individuals, of whom 39 pairs were matched for age, sex and blood pressure. In the 39 matched pairs, the TMA-DPH anisotropy was significantly higher in the black (0.262+/-0.007) compared with the white (0.258+/-0.005) subjects (P<0.005). There was also a significant difference in serum lipids. Gender differences in TMA-DPH anisotropy were observed in the white but not in the black individuals. The associations between membrane fluidity and serum lipids were examined in the total group, separated according to ethnic group. Although the associations were in the same direction in both groups, the association was only significant in the white subjects (r= - 0.42; P<0.02). The ethnic difference in membrane fluidity was abolished when adjusting for serum triacylglycerols. In conclusion, ethnic differences in erythrocyte membrane fluidity, as determined by the use of TMA-DPH anisotropy, appear to be the result of ethnic differences in the level of serum triacylglycerols.

Role of dietary factors in ethnic differences in early risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes

The disparity in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes between African Americans and whites has been well established, and ethnic differences in several risk factors for these diseases are evident in childhood. The current study explored whether dietary factors explain ethnic differences in serum lipids and insulin profiles in children, independent of body composition and social class background. The sample included 95 African American and white children (mean age: 10.0 y). Macronutrient and food group intakes were derived from three 24-h recalls. Cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes risk were determined on the basis of total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, insulin sensitivity (S(i)), and acute insulin response (AIR). Data were analyzed by using t tests, analysis of covariance, and multiple regression. African American children had lower triacylglycerol (P < 0.01), lower S(i) (P < 0.001), and higher AIR (P < 0.001) than whites. Intake of fruit and vegetables was significantly higher, and dairy intake lower, in African American than in white children after adjustment for social class and total energy intake. Several direct relations were observed between diet and insulin action: carbohydrate and fruit intakes were positively associated with S(i) (P = 0.02), and vegetable intake was negatively associated with AIR (P = 0.01). However, neither macronutrient nor food group intake accounted for the ethnic differences in triacylglycerol and AIR. The African American children in our sample showed a greater disease risk than did the white children, even after body composition, social class background, and dietary patterns were adjusted for.

Association of serum low-density lipoprotein metabolism with oestrogen receptor gene polymorphisms in healthy children

The aim of this study was to reveal the association of serum lipid and apolipoprotein levels with oestrogen receptor (ER) Xba I and Pvu II polymorphisms in 102 healthy Japanese school children (56M, 46F) aged 10-15 y. Each genotype of the genomic DNA extracted from peripheral leukocytes was determined using polymerase chain reaction and digestion with Xba I or Pvu II. The genotypes were coded as either X1 or X2 (Xba I) and P1 or P2 (Pvu II), when XI, P1 signified the absence of and X2, P2 the presence of restriction sites. The fasting serum total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triglyceride and apolipoproteins A1, B and E were measured. In the Xba I polymorphism, LDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein B levels of the XI/XI genotype were significantly higher than those of the others. The other lipid and apolipoprotein levels were not significantly different among the three genotypes. In the Pvu II polymorphism, there were no significant differences in serum lipids and lipoproteins among the three genotypes. This study reveals that Xba I polymorphisms are related to LDL metabolism. These findings support previous reports that the LDL-lowering effects of oestrogen occur through the ER (alpha) pathway. The Xba I polymorphism may be one of the genetic factors in the control of LDL metabolism.