High Blood Cholesterol Levels Research Articles

Evaluation of the hypolipidemic activity of 6,7-dimethoxycoumarin on placental tissue factor mRNA expression in experimental anti-phospholipid syndrome

Background:Anti-phospholipid syndrome is a thrombogenic and systemic autoimmune disorder that influences fetal life throughout gestation period. Over expression of tissue factor on the surface of monocyte(s) is reported to be a major causative agent in inducing anti-phospholipid antibody-mediated placental thrombosis and fetal loss in pregnant women. The over expression of tissue factor is proposed to be due to high levels of blood cholesterol and oxidized lipoproteins.Objective:In this study, we report the lipid-lowering property and anti-tissue factor activity of one of the naturally occurring coumarin derivates 6,7-dimethoxycoumarin, found aplenty in Chinese medicinal plant Artemisia scoparia, and its effect on tissue factor mRNA expression in experimental anti-phospholipid syndrome.Materials and Methods:Adult female mice were immunized with cardiolipin and beta-2-glycoprotein-1 to induce experimental anti-phospholipid syndrome. Female mice with high titer of aCL were allowed to mate with male, and the female mice were treated with 6,7-dimethoxycoumarin on a daily dose of 5 mg/kg body weight from day 3 to day 15 of gestation. On day 18 of pregnancy, all the animals were dissected to measure biochemical parameters in blood, and TF mRNA expression levels were measured in placenta.Results:Treatment with 6,7-dimethoxycoumarin significantly reduced the levels of cholesterol and plasma lipids by its potent hypolipidemic property, which eventually reduced the over-expression tissue factor at mRNA levels in placenta. We believe that further studies in animal model would reveal the potential therapeutic properties of 6,7-dimethoxycoumarin against anti-phospholipid syndrome.Conclusion:The 6,7-dimethoxycoumarin is capable to reduce the expression of TF in placenta at the mRNA level and thrombus generation indirectly by its potent anti-TF and anti-oxidant activities.

A comparative study on lifestyle and metabolic profile in normal and obese individuals

Background/Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the lifestyle and metabolic profiles in normal and obese. Material and Methods: A cross sectional study design was employed. Information on body weight, height, body fat, food choices, diet and physical activity behavior were collected by a questionnaire among 100 obese adults aged 18-35 years and compared with healthy individuals as controls. Blood samples were collected to analyze blood glucose, heamoglobin and total cholesterol. Result: Mean BMI for obese were 36.2±5 About 50% reported consuming no fruits or vegetables, while 80% preferred fried food over other forms of cooked food. The majority (60%) engaged in 13mg/dl. Blood glucose levels (>100) & total cholesterol levels (>200) significantly higher (p<0.05) in obese individuals compared to control. Conclusions: Dietary and physical activity behaviour of the participants were generally poor. High blood glucose and cholesterol levels found among obese compared to normal. Innovative ways to improve consumption of fruits and vegetables and increase physical activity among the obese are needed.

Studies Probe Mechanisms That Have a Role in Obesity-Associated Morbidities

IN THE LAST HALF CENTURY, WHAT WAS once an evolutionary advantage— being able to quickly store excess calories—and a sedentary lifestyle have contributed to an epidemic of obesity. Along with this increase in the number of obese individuals has come an increase in metabolic syndrome, characterized by insulin resistance, high blood cholesterol levels, and hypertension, elements that raise the risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Although researchers have yet to discover a unifying pathological mechanism underlying the development of metabolic syndrome, they have learned much about how excess adiposity can perturb normal metabolic functions. In particular, the relationship between obesity and chronic low-grade inflammation in various tissues of the body, such as adipose tissue, has been the subject of intense research.

Age-related differences in episodic memory: A synergistic contribution of genetic and physiological vascular risk factors.

Vascular risk is associated with impairments in age-sensitive cognitive functions. However, age-associated differences in vascular risk and cognitive functioning can be explained in part by genetic factors, such as the presence of ε4 allele of the Apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene. Although the links between these factors and cognitive deficits are frequently reported, their joint impact on healthy adults is rarely investigated. We hypothesized that phenotypic indicators of vascular risk (increased pulse pressure and high blood cholesterol levels) and genetic (APOE ε4 allele) risk factors would exert a synergistic negative influence on episodic memory in healthy rather than typical adults. We measured blood pressure, blood cholesterol levels, recognition memory, and free recall in a life span sample of normotensive adults 18-77 years of age. APOE genotype was determined from buccal cultures. A general linear model analysis showed that elevated pulse pressure was associated with poorer memory but only in the carriers of ε4 allele--APOE Status × PP interaction, F(1, 110) = 4.82, η²(p) = .042, p = .03-whereas advanced age was associated with lower memory scores only in ε3 homozygotes: APOE Status × Age, F(1, 110) = 4.92, η²(p) = .043, p = .029. A joint influence of relatively mild risk factors is associated with reduced memory performance, even in healthy adults.

Serum Specific Vasopressin-Degrading Activity is Related to Blood Total Cholesterol Levels in Men but not in Women

The role of vasopressin (AVP) in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease is controversial, but this peptide hormone is elevated in heart failure and some forms of hypertension. Also, AVP has vasoconstrictor, mitogenic, hyperplasic and renal fluid retaining properties which, by analogy with angiotensin II, may have deleterious effects when present in chronic excess. Furthermore, cholesterol blood levels are also associated with hypertension, although the underlying mechanism is not known. Here we analyze the relationship between blood total cholesterol levels and serum vasopressin- degrading cystyl-aminopeptidase activity (AVP-DA) in healthy humans, and the differences between men and women. Linear correlation coefficients were calculated to test relationships between AVP-DA and blood total cholesterol levels. Sex differences were observed for AVP-DA, being this activity higher in men than in women. According to the linear model of the regression analysis, AVP-DA showed a significant negative correlation with blood total cholesterol levels in men, whereas no correlation was observed in women. Several studies in humans demonstrate the existence of greater plasma AVP concentrations in normal men compared to normal women, which could explain the gender-differences observed in the present work in relation with AVP-DA. However, AVP-DA is related to blood cholesterol levels only in men, although in our hands, women showed higher blood cholesterol levels than men. This could indicate that the risk of high cholesterol-related hypertension is more probable in men than in women. Although AVP-DA misregulation could be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension, its relation with cholesterol levels appears only in men, but not in women.

Agregación de factores de riesgo cardiovascular y conciencia de enfermedad en trabajadores de un hospital universitario

Health promotion can be carried out at work places. To assess cardiovascular risk factors among workers of a University hospital. Cross sectional study of 888 participants (aged 41 ± 11 years, 76% women), who answered a survey about cardiovascular risk factors. Body mass index, waist, blood pressure and total cholesterol (TC) by capillary method were determined. Self reported prevalence of risk factors were as follows: 19% of participants had high blood pressure, 30% hypercholesterolemia, 6% diabetes, 41% smoked, 88% were sedentary and 26% had a family history of cardiovascular diseases. Five percent of participants did not have any risk factor, 20% had one risk factor, 32% had two and 43% had three or more. The highest frequency of lack of awareness was about blood glucose values. A high blood cholesterol level was found in 27% of those reporting normal cholesterol levels. Likewise, a high body mass index was found in 18% of those reporting a normal weight. The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in this group of participants is similar to that found in the last national health survey in Chile. Noteworthy is the lack of awareness about these risk factors.

EFFECT OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF OLIVE LEAVES ON BLOOD GLUCOSE AND CHOLESTEROL LEVELS IN DIABETIC RABBITS

The present study aims to investigate the effect of ethanolic extract of Olive leaves(Olea europaea L.) on blood glucose and cholesterol levels in diabetic rabbits. Diabetes was induced in rabbits by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan. The experiment was carried out on 36 rabbits of both sexes weighing between (2100-2500gm). The experimental animals were divided into 3 groups, each group consisting of 12 animals. The first group was left as control, while the second and third groups, they were rendered diabetic by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (175 mg/kg b.wt.). The second group was left as diabetic control, while the third was treated with the ethanolic extract of Olive leaves in a dose of 500 mg/kg b.wt. orally/ day for 4 weeks. Blood samples were collected weekly till the end of the experiment from the heart for determination of glucose and cholesterol levels. The results obtained showed that oral administration of Olive leaves ethanolic extract significantly decreased the high blood glucose and cholesterol levels of the treated diabetic rabbits, as compared to the diabetic control group. In conclusion, Olive leaves of ethanolic extract produces antidiabetic and hypocholesterol levels in alloxan–diabetic rabbits and it may be beneficial to help patients who suffer from diabetes mellitus.

Peripheral cholesterol metabolic disorders and Alzheimer s disease

Strong correlations have been made between high levels of blood cholesterol and the risk to suffer Alzheimer's disease (AD). The question arises on how a peripheral event contributes to a disease that so severely affects the integrity and function of the Central Nervous System. Hypercholesterolemia has been also associated to peripheral metabolic disorders like diabetes, obesity or atherosclerosis that, in turn, predispose to AD. Here we review data, which point to alterations in blood cholesterol levels as a link between these metabolic disorders and AD. We describe and discuss common, cholesterol-related, molecular mechanisms and strategies to fight these conditions that, altogether, constitute a major cause of death in our societies.

Peripheral cholesterol, metabolic disorders and Alzheimer's disease

Strong correlations have been made between high levels of blood cholesterol and the risk to suffer Alzheimer's disease (AD). The question arises on how a peripheral event contributes to a disease that so severely affects the integrity and function of the Central Nervous System. Hypercholesterolemia has been also associated to peripheral metabolic disorders like diabetes, obesity or atherosclerosis that, in turn, predispose to AD. Here we review data, which point to alterations in blood cholesterol levels as a link between these metabolic disorders and AD. We describe and discuss common, cholesterol-related, molecular mechanisms and strategies to fight these conditions that, altogether, constitute a major cause of death in our societies.

Kadar Kolesterol Tinggi Dan Faktor-Faktor Yang Berpengaruh Terhadap Kadar Kolesterol Darah

Background: Cholesterollevel in blood has become one of the risk factors of heart disease. One of the risk factors of heart disease is high cholesterol level. This article analyzes variables that injluence high cholesterol level in blood. Method: Data were obtained from national health research in 2007. Data consist of 21.178 respondents was cleaned up to become 4.566 cleaned data ready to be analyze. Study design was cross sectional and analyzed with stata v. 9 followed by backward stepwise selection. Result: Bivariate analysis shows gender, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, smoking habits and respondents who lack of strenuous activities have a tendency to hypercholesterolemia risk. Keywords: Hypercholesterolemia, Body Mass Index (BMIj, systolic, diastolic blood pressure.

Fluvastatin-induced alterations of skeletal muscle function in hypercholesterolaemic rats

Although statins, the most widely used drugs in the treatment of hyperlipidaemia, are generally accepted as efficient and safe drugs their side-effects on skeletal muscle have been reported with increasing frequency. The lack of an animal model in which these side effects would consistently be observed is one of the important drawbacks in studying statin associated myopathy. To overcome this and enable the studying of the effects of fluvastatin on skeletal muscles an animal model with high blood cholesterol levels was developed. In these animals cholesterol levels rose more than seven fold (from 1.5 ± 0.1 to 10.7 ± 2.0 mmol/l; n = 15 and 16) with a dramatic increase in low density lipoprotein/high density lipoprotein ratio (from 0.29 ± 0.02 to 1.56 ± 0.17). While the latter was reversed by statin treatment, an elevation in blood creatine kinase (CK) level indicated the presence of muscle wasting. Fibers from m. extensor digitorum longus (EDL) showed significant reduction in cross sectional area in the statin treated groups. Statin treatment also decreased the proliferation and fusion of skeletal myotubes in culture. In line with this, resting intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) was reduced in statin treated satellite cells and myotubes. On the other hand, in adult skeletal muscle fibers statin treatment increased resting [Ca(2+)](i) (116 ± 4 nM vs. 151 ± 5 nM; n = 33 and 34) and decreased both twitch and tetanic force both in EDL and m. soleus. In addition, in m. soleus the duration of twitch and tetanic force was shortened. These results clearly indicate that statin administration in these animals results in a myopathy characterized by decreased muscle force and elevated plasma CK level.

Effect of lean red meat from lamb v. lean white meat from chicken on the serum lipid profile: a randomised, cross-over study in women

The main dietary guidelines recommend restricting total and saturated fat intake in the management of high blood cholesterol levels for cardiovascular risk. These recommendations are usually oversimplified by considering that all red meats should be limited and replaced by white meats. However, lean red meat can be as low in fat as white meat. We examined the effects of red meat (lean breed lamb) and lean white meat (chicken) intake on the lipid profile of a group of women with stable life conditions (nuns living in convents). An open-label, randomised, cross-over study was carried out in thirty-six nuns who consumed either lamb or chicken three times per week for 5-week periods with their usual diet. Clinical, dietary and biochemical variables were evaluated at baseline and the end of each diet period. A validated FFQ was used to assess nutrient intake and monitor compliance. The results showed neither between-diet differences in lipid responses nor differences from baseline in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol or TAG for any diet period. In conclusion, consumption of lean red meat (lamb) or lean white meat (chicken) as part of the usual diet is associated with a similar lipid response. These two foods can be exchanged in a healthy diet to increase palatability.

Clinical manifestations of geriatric depression in a memory clinic: Toward a proposed subtyping of geriatric depression

As the older population increases so does the number of older psychiatric patients. Elderly psychiatric patients manifest certain specific and unique characteristics. Different subtypes of depressive syndromes exist in late-life depression, and many of these are associated with cognitive impairment. A total of 109 depressive patients and 30 normal subjects matched by age and educational level were evaluated using a neuropsychiatric interview and an extensive neuropsychological battery. Depressive patients were classified into four different groups by SCAN 2.1 (schedules for clinical assessment in Neuropsychiatry): major depression disorder (n: 34), dysthymia disorder (n: 29), subsyndromal depression (n: 28), and depression due to mild dementia of Alzheimer's type (n: 18). We found significant associations (p<.05) between depressive status and demographic or clinical factors that include marital status (OR: 3.4, CI: 1.2-9.6), level of daily activity (OR: 5.3, CI: 2-14), heart disease (OR: 12.5, CI: 1.6-96.3), and high blood cholesterol levels (p:.032). Neuropsychological differences were observed among the four depressive groups and also between depressive patients and controls. Significant differences were observed in daily life activities and caregivers' burden between depressive patients and normal subjects. Geriatric depression is associated with heart disease, high cholesterol blood levels, marital status, and daily inactivity. Different subtypes of geriatric depression have particular clinical features, such as cognitive profiles, daily life activities, and caregivers' burden, that can help to differentiate among them. The cohort referred to a memory clinic with memory complaints is a biased sample, and the results cannot be generalized to other non-memory symptomatic cohorts.

Symptomatic disc herniation and serum lipid levels

Insufficient blood supply to the intervertebral disc (IVD) has been proposed to play a role as causative factor in IVD degeneration. There is an association between IVD diseases and increased risk of dying of ischaemic heart disease. Obesity and tobacco are potential risk factors for degenerative IVD disease. High blood cholesterol and triglycerides serum levels are risk factors for atherosclerosis, and could be responsible for a decreased in the blood supply to the already poor vascularized IVD. We performed a frequency-matched case-control study to determine the serum levels of patients with symptomatic herniated lumbar disc. We examined the fasting serum lipid levels in 384 subjects who were operated at our institution. Group 1 included 169 consecutive patients (115 men and 54 women; mean age: 59.1 years, range 29-85) who underwent surgery for symptomatic disc herniation. Group 2 (control group) included 169 patients (115 men and 54 women; mean age: 61 years, range 26-86) who underwent arthroscopic meniscectomy for a meniscal tear in the same period. These patients were frequency-matched by age (within 3 years) and gender with patients of Group 1. Sera were extracted from blood samples and the concentrations of total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) were determined. When comparing the two groups, patients with symptomatic herniated lumbar disc showed statistically significant higher triglyceride concentration (P = 0.02) and total cholesterol concentration (P = 0.01). Serum lipid levels may be a risk factor for IVD pathology. An enhanced understanding of these factors holds the promise of new approaches to the prevention and management of IVD pathology.

Emergence and Progression of Albuminuria in a Cohort of Egyptian Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: a 5-year Prospective Study

Introduction: We sought to report the 5-year incidence of proteinuria and risk factors for the progression of diabetic nephropathy in Egyptians with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: Five-hundred and twelve Egyptians with type 2 diabetes were evaluated at baseline and after 5-years of follow-up by a timed urine sample to measure urinary albumin excretion. Baseline evaluation also included a number of potential risk factors of progression of diabetic nephropathy. Results: Patients mean age was 47.5±8.8 years and 47.6% of them were males. Their mean duration of diabetes was 8.9±6.6 years and 44.1% of them were on insulin. At baseline, 62.5% of patients had no proteinuria, 23% had microalbuminuria and 14.5% had overt proteinuria. Among patients that had no albuminuria at baseline, 173/320 still had no albuminuria after 5-years follow up (54.1%), 79/320 developed microalbuminuria (24.7%) and 68/320 developed macroalbuminuria (21.3%). Microalbuminuria progressed to macroalbuminuria in 44/118 patients (37.3%), and 45/512 patients developed end stage renal disease (8.8%). Regression from microalbuminuria to no albuminuria occurred in 49/118 patients (41.5%), regression from overt proteinuria to microalbuminuria occurred in 16/74 patients (21.6%) and regression from overt proteinuria to no albuminuria occurred in 2/74 patients (2.7%). In multivariate analysis, only higher baseline albumin excretion rate (OR 1.4, P < 0.002), higher blood cholesterol levels (OR 2.5, P < 0.02), and depression (2.3, P

Circulating MicroRNAs As Potential Biomarkers of Coronary Artery Disease

See related article, pages 677–684 Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD) continues to be an important socioeconomic problem and the leading cause of death in the Western world. Several cellular components, including endothelial, inflammatory, and smooth muscle cells of the arterial wall, participate in the generation of an atherosclerotic plaque,1 the growth of which is responsible for a progressive narrowing of the lumen of the affected coronary vessel and the ensuing decrease in oxygen-rich blood flow to downstream heart muscle, which may then be acutely or chronically damaged. Progression of CAD is highly variable and is driven by both environmental factors and genetic determinants. The genetic risk is thought to be attributable to an unfavorable combination of genetic variations in multiple genes that have not yet been completely characterized. However, major independent risk factors for CAD are known to include familiarity, high blood cholesterol levels, hypertension, smoking, diabetes, and obesity. Innovative early and reliable biomarkers and therapeutic targets for CAD would thus be acclaimed. MicroRNAs (also known as miRs or miRNAs) are approximately 20- to 25-nt-long noncoding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression by binding to sites in …

Mebomian gland dysfunction and hypercholesterolemia

Abstract Purpose To investigate a possible correlation between Mebomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and hypercholesterolemia (total cholesterol ≥200 mg/dL). Methods Fasting blood cholesterol was measured in 35 MGD patients (mean age 47±14 years) with no history of hypercholesterolemia and in 35 control subjects (mean age 44±12 years) without MGD and no history of hypercholesterolemia, all accrued in September‐November 2009. Subjects aged &lt;18 years or &gt;65 years were excluded from this study Results Hypercholesterolemia was found in 19 (54.3%) cases and 4 (11.4%) controls. Mean cholesterol was 211±38 mg/dL in cases and 160±33 mg/dL in controls. Both differences were statistically significant (P&lt;0.001). Conclusion Results suggest that middle‐aged MGD patients with no history of hypercholesterolemia may have higher blood cholesterol levels than controls of similar age without MGD. If these results are confirmed by larger studies, MGD may become a marker of previously unknown hypercholesterolemia and ophthalmologists may increase their role in the early diagnosis of an important risk factor for coronary heart disease and other atherosclerotic diseases.

Study on prevalence and related factors of chronic diseases among adults in rural area of Zhongshan city

Objective Study on prevalence and related factors of chronic diseases among adults in rural area of Zhongshan city and provide evidences for health care policy making. Methods 15550 adults in rural area of Zhongshan city were investigated about status of chronic diseases and its related factors. Results 46.23% adults suffered from chronic diseases, in which the top five were overweight (30. 8%), hypertension ( 11.9% ), high blood cholesterol level ( 8.5 % ), diabetes ( 8.1% ), and Arthropathy ( 6. 5 % ). The main incorrect life manner were High-fat diet (58.9%), smoking( 25.6% % )and drinking( 15.3 % ). Multi-variable logistic regression analysis showed that time of sitting, salt diet, fat diet, smoking, drinking, quality of sleeping, sport were primary influencing factors of the chronic disease of rural adults. Conclusion The rural adults had high prevalence of chronic disease. Effective health education, active and efficient community service should be Provided, good living habits should be Advocated to promote the health of rural adults. Key words: Chronic diseases; Factors; Logistic regression; Rural area

An Assessment of Key Health Indicators among Emergency Medical Services Professionals

Introduction. Ensuring the health and productivity of emergency medical services (EMS) professionals is important. However, there has been no known national baseline assessment of the health and wellness of EMS professionals in the United States. According to Healthy People 2010, top indicators of personal health include physical activity, body mass index (BMI), and smoking prevalence. Objectives. The objectives of this study included quantifying existing health conditions and describing key health indicators among EMS professionals. It was hypothesized that work-life characteristics were associated with existing health conditions and key health indicators. Methods. Data utilized for this analysis were obtained from a 2007 questionnaire included in biennial national recertification packets. This questionnaire utilized validated items from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and the Longitudinal EMT Attributes and Demographics Study (LEADS). Along with common demographic characteristics, items inquired about existing health conditions (diabetes, asthma, hypertension, myocardial infarction, angina, stroke, and/or high blood cholesterol level), general health, physical activity, and smoking status. Descriptive analyses were performed utilizing chi-square tests, and logistic regression was utilized to describe associations between existing health conditions and the key health indicators. Results. There were 58,435 individuals who became recertified in 2007, with 30,560 (52%) returning questionnaires. Individuals with missing data were removed, leaving 19,960 individual records. There were 4,681 (23.5%) individuals who reported at least one existing health condition. The mean BMI for the study participants was 27.69 kg/m. There were 5,742 (28.8%) individuals classified as having normal weight and 5,146 (25.8%) who were obese. The overwhelming majority of individuals did not meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for physical activity (15,022, 75.3%). There were 3,394 (17.0%) individuals classified as current smokers. Finally, logistic regression analysis indicated that when controlling for work-life characteristics and age, BMI and level of physical fitness were associated with preexisting health conditions. Conclusion. This study was the first known baseline assessment of EMS professionals regarding the key health indicators identified by Healthy People 2010. Investigations regarding the impact of health and wellness in relation to workforce stability should be undertaken. Further research should also be conducted to identify strategies to improve the health of the EMS workforce.

Cardiovascular disease and the potential protective role of antioxidants

th century, cardiovascular disease was responsible for less than ten percent of all deaths globally. However, recent reports indicate that the trend has changed with studies showing that cardiovascular disease currently accounts for about thirty percent of all deaths in the world. It is generally accepted that smoking, high blood cholesterol levels, high triglyceride levels, elevated LDL levels, elevated blood pressure, physical inactivity, insulin resistance, obesity and type 2-diabetes are risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Unfortunately these known risk factors do not provide a full explanation for all cases of heart disease. Recent research has identified what is preferentially termed novel risk factors that may assist to identify persons or populations at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. One such novel risk factor is the presence in the body of freeand hydroxyperoxide radicals. It has been reported that free-and hydroxyperoxide radicals have the potential to damage biological compounds and structures such as proteins, membrane lipids, DNA and carbohydrates and that such damage caused by these radicals are said to be involved in the aetiology and pathogenesis of different diseases such as cardiovascular disease. The link between deficiencies of antioxidants and production of free-and hydroxyperoxide radicals has been reported. This review paper reports on cardiovascular disease, its associated risk factors and the potential protective role of antioxidants in the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease.