Lipid In Men Research Articles

Effect of nicotinic acid on plasma lipid and hepatic gene expression in obese insulin resistant dogs.

Nicotinic acid (NA) is well known for improving plasma lipids in man (decrease in triglycerides (TG), total (TC) and LDL‐cholesterol (LDL‐C) and increase in HDL‐cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels). The aim of this study was to assess the effects of NA in obese insulin resistant dogs.Eight beagle dogs were alloted to 2 groups : treated (n=5) and control (n=3). Treated dogs were given 375mg/d of NA for one week and then 500mg/d for 3 weeks. Insulin sensitivity, plasma TG, TC, free fatty acids and insulinemia were assessed at the end of the experimental period. Plasma lipoproteins were separated, and LDL‐C or HDL‐C were measured. Hepatic expression of ABCA1 and SR‐BI was quantified using real‐time RT‐PCR.NA treatment did not induce any change in either insulin sensitivity or glycemia, insulinemia and free fatty acid concentrations. In the treated group, TG were reduced by 30% (p < 0.05), and TC by 25% (p < 0.001). Analysis of lipoprotein cholesterol showed a reduction in LDL‐C (p < 0.05) whereas HDL‐C was unchanged. All these parameters were unchanged in the control group. No change in the ABCA1 and SR‐BI expression was observed in liver.Our results confirm the effects of NA that have been described in humans, except that concerning the increase in HDL‐C. According to observations recently done in mice, as dogs are devoid of CETP activity, we can hypothesize that CETP might be the link between plasma TG decrease and change in HDL‐C.

The association between TSH within the reference range and serum lipid concentrations in a population-based study. The HUNT Study

The association between TSH and serum lipids in people with no apparent thyroid disease is insufficiently understood. We have studied the association between normal thyroid function, defined as TSH within the reference range of a general population, and concentrations of serum lipids. Cross-sectional, population-based study with 30,656 individuals without known thyroid disease. Using general linear models, we calculated mean concentrations of total serum cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides across categories of TSH. Within the reference range of TSH, there was a linear and significant (P for trend <0.001) increase in total serum cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and a linear decrease (P for trend <0.001) in HDL cholesterol with increasing TSH. Subgroup analyses showed statistically significant associations for all lipids in men above 50 years of age, and for triglycerides in all age groups. For women, associations were statistically significant in all age groups except for HDL cholesterol in women below 50 years of age. The associations with triglycerides and HDL cholesterol were stronger among overweight than normal weight individuals. Within the range of TSH that is considered clinically normal, we found that increasing level of TSH was associated with less favourable lipid concentrations. The association with serum lipids was linear across the entire reference range of TSH.

Lupin kernel fibre-enriched foods beneficially modify serum lipids in men

To examine the effect of a diet containing a novel legume food ingredient, Australian sweet lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) kernel fibre (LKFibre), compared to a control diet without the addition of LKFibre, on serum lipids in men. Randomized crossover dietary intervention study. Melbourne, Australia--Free-living men. A total of 38 healthy males between the ages of 24 and 64 y completed the intervention. Subjects consumed an LKFibre and a control diet for 1 month each. Both diets had the same background menus with seven additional experimental foods that either contained LKFibre or did not. Depending on energy intake, the LKFibre diet was designed to contain an additional 17 to 30 g/day fibre beyond that of the control diet. Compared to the control diet, the LKFibre diet reduced total cholesterol (TC) (mean+/-s.e.m.; 4.5+/-1.7%; P=0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (5.4+/-2.2%; P=0.001), TC: high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (3.0+/-2.0%; P=0.006) and LDL-C:HDL-C (3.8+/-2.6%; P=0.003). No effects on HDL-C, triacylglycerols, glucose or insulin were observed. Addition of LKFibre to the diet provided favourable changes to some serum lipid measures in men, which, combined with its high palatability, suggest this novel ingredient may be useful in the dietary reduction of coronary heart disease risk.

Relationship between lipids and bone mass in 2 cohorts of healthy women and men.

A number of recent findings seem to indicate that fat and bone metabolism are strictly connected. We investigated the relationship between lipid profile and bone mineral density (BMD) in 236 either pre- or postmenopausal women, aged 35-81 years, attending our osteoporosis center ("clinic group"). In order to verify the consistency of the results, 265 men and 481 women aged 68-75, participating in a population-based epidemiological investigation ("community cohort"), were also studied. Lumbar spine, femoral neck, total hip and total body BMD, total body fat, % fat mass and lean mass were measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). In the clinic group, lumbar spine and hip BMD Z score values were both strongly related to all measured serum lipids: the relationship was negative for HDL cholesterol ( P < 0.05) and Apo A lipoprotein ( P < 0.000) and positive for LDL cholesterol ( P < 0.05), Apo B lipoprotein ( P < 0.001) and triglycerides ( P < 0.05). When BMD values were adjusted for body weight and BMI, most relationships remained statistically significant. In the community cohort, total body and hip BMD values were strongly related in both men and women to age, body weight, height, BMI, fat mass, lean mass, % fat mass. Total body and hip BMD were significantly related to serum lipids in both women and men. The relationship was negative for HDL cholesterol and positive for total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. Most of these relationships (triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio in women, and all measured lipids in men) remained statistically significant ( P values ranging from 0.000 to 0.03) when the BMD values were adjusted also for anthropometric measures (body weight, height, fat mass). This study demonstrates for the first time that the lipid profile is strictly related to bone mass in both men and women. The interpretation of this association remains hypothetical but it might open new perspectives for understanding the mechanisms controlling bone metabolism.

Impact of HIV infection and HAART on serum lipids in men.

Alterations in serum lipid values have been widely reported among persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), but no data have yet been reported on changes from preseroconversion lipid values. To describe changes in serum cholesterol levels associated with HIV infection and antiretroviral medication exposure, and 1-time assessment of triglyceride levels post-HAART initiation. The Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study, a prospective study in which homosexual and bisexual men were enrolled and from which 50 of 517 HIV seroconverters were drawn for the analysis herein, who later initiated HAART, involving measurements of stored serum samples obtained between 1984 and 2002. Changes in levels of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) at 6 time points during an average of 12 years; 1-time assessment of triglyceride levels from the third post-HAART clinic visit. Among the 50 men, notable declines in mean serum TC (-30 mg/dL [-0.78 mmol/L]), HDL-C (-12 mg/dL [-0.31 mmol/L]), and LDL-C values (-22 mg/dL [-0.57 mmol/L]) were observed after HIV infection. Following HAART initiation, there were large increases in mean TC and LDL-C values (50 and 21 mg/dL [1.30 and 0.54 mmol/L], respectively); however, the mean changes from the preseroconversion values were 20 mg/dL (0.52 mmol/L) (95% confidence interval [CI], -1 to 41) and -1 mg/dL (-0.03 mmol/L) (95% CI, -25 to 22), respectively. Mean HDL-C remained below baseline levels throughout follow-up. The median value (interquartile range) of triglycerides was 225 mg/dL (2.54 mmol/L) (147-331 mg/dL). Before treatment, HIV infection results in substantial decreases in serum TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels. Subsequent HAART initiation is associated with increases in TC and LDL-C but little change in HDL-C. Increases in TC and LDL-C observed after about 3 years of HAART possibly represent a return to preinfection serum lipid levels after accounting for expected age-related changes.

Impact of HIV Infection and HAART on Serum Lipids in Men

Impact of HIV Infection and HAART on Serum Lipids in Men

Gender specific associations of the Trp64Arg mutation in the beta3-adrenergic receptor gene with obesity-related phenotypes in a Mediterranean population: interaction with a common lipoprotein lipase gene variation

To investigate the association between the Trp64Arg beta3-adrenergic receptor (ADRB3) mutation and obesity-related phenotypes in a Mediterranean Spanish population considering the effect of other genetic and environmental factors. DESIGN AND SUBJECT: Cross-sectional study in 1063 (476 men and 587 women) randomly selected from this population (aged: 18-68 years). Anthropometric (weight, height and waist-to-hip ratio), blood pressure, biochemical (lipids, fasting glucose, and uric acid), life-style variables, and the Trp64Arg, HindIII-Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and apolipoprotein E polymorphism. Frequency of the Arg64 allele was low (0.051; 95% CI: 0.042-0.060). We found gender-specific associations between the Trp64Arg mutation and obesity related phenotypes. In men, carriers of the Arg64 variant had higher body mass index (BMI) (27.63 +/- 3.81 vs. 26.34 +/- 3.57 kg m-2, P=0.049) and total cholesterol (5.85 +/- 1.45 vs. 5.28 +/- 1.06 mmol L-1; P=0.011) compared with wild-type individuals. Logistic regression analysis, revealed that the risk of overweight was two times higher in male carriers of the Arg64 allele. In women, the Arg64 variant was only associated with higher fasting glucose (P=0.031). These genotype effects persisted after adjustment for age, genetic and life-style variables. For the LPL polymorphism, the H-/H- genotype was associated with lower BMI and with lower risk of overweight (OR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.30-0.81) in both men and women. However, after adjustment for covariates, these associations only remained statistically significant (P < 0.02) in women. Moreover, in women, a statistically significant interaction (P=0.026) between the LPL and the ADRB3 gene loci in determining BMI was found. Thus, the Arg64 allele was associated with a higher BMI only in H+/H+ women. The Trp64Arg mutation was associated with BMI and lipids in men. In women, an additional gene-gene interaction with the LPL-HindIII polymorphism may explain the results.

Gender specific associations of the Trp64Arg mutation in the β3‐adrenergic receptor gene with obesity‐related phenotypes in a Mediterranean population: interaction with a common lipoprotein lipase gene variation

Abstract. Corella D, Guillén M, Portolés O, Sorlí JV, Alonso V, Folch J, Sáiz C (School of Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain). Gender specific associations of the Trp64Arg mutation in the β3‐adrenergic receptor gene with obesity‐related phenotypes in a Mediterranean population: interaction with a common lipoprotein lipase gene variation. J Intern Med 2001; 250: 348–360. Objective. To investigate the association between the Trp64Arg β3‐adrenergic receptor (ADRB3) mutation and obesity‐related phenotypes in a Mediterranean Spanish population considering the effect of other genetic and environmental factors. Design and subject. Cross‐sectional study in 1063 (476 men and 587 women) randomly selected from this population (aged: 18–68 years). Measurements. Anthropometric (weight, height and waist‐to‐hip ratio), blood pressure, biochemical (lipids, fasting glucose, and uric acid), life‐style variables, and the Trp64Arg, HindIII‐Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and apolipoprotein E polymorphism. Results. Frequency of the Arg64 allele was low (0.051; 95% CI: 0.042–0.060). We found gender‐specific associations between the Trp64Arg mutation and obesity related phenotypes. In men, carriers of the Arg64 variant had higher body mass index (BMI) (27.63 ± 3.81 vs. 26.34 ± 3.57 kg m−2, P=0.049) and total cholesterol (5.85 ± 1.45 vs. 5.28 ± 1.06 mmol L−1; P=0.011) compared with wild‐type individuals. Logistic regression analysis, revealed that the risk of overweight was two times higher in male carriers of the Arg64 allele. In women, the Arg64 variant was only associated with higher fasting glucose (P=0.031). These genotype effects persisted after adjustment for age, genetic and life‐style variables. For the LPL polymorphism, the H−/H− genotype was associated with lower BMI and with lower risk of overweight (OR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.30−0.81) in both men and women. However, after adjustment for covariates, these associations only remained statistically significant (P &lt; 0.02) in women. Moreover, in women, a statistically significant interaction (P=0.026) between the LPL and the ADRB3 gene loci in determining BMI was found. Thus, the Arg64 allele was associated with a higher BMI only in H+/H+ women. Conclusions. The Trp64Arg mutation was associated with BMI and lipids in men. In women, an additional gene–gene interaction with the LPL‐HindIII polymorphism may explain the results.

Classic Article: Commentary on “Metabolic Studies in Total Parenteral Nutrition with Lipid in Man. Comparison with Glucose

A study was undertaken of patients on a regimen of total parenteral nutrition comparing the nitrogen balance, energy substrates, blood amino acids, immunoreactive insulin, and immunoreactive glucagon levels during the sequential infusion of nonprotein calories as either glucose alone (glucose system) or 83% as Intralipid (Pharmacia Fine Chemicals, Montreal, Canada) and 17% glucose (lipid system). These nonprotein calories were administered with a constant background of amino acids (1 g/kg per day), vitamins, and minerals. Each system was infused for a week at a time and the order of infusion randomized. In some patients whole blood arteriovenous (A‐V) levels of amino acids were measured across forearm muscle. During the glucose system there was a significantly higher level of pyruvate, lactate, alanine, and immunoreactive insulin, consistent with glucose being the principal source of energy. In contrast, during the lipid system there was a rise in free fatty acids and ketone bodies with a fall in insulin, suggesting that lipid was now the principal source of energy. Despite these two very diverse metabolic situations the nitrogen balance with both systems was positive to a comparable degree after the establishment of equilibrium. Correspondingly, A‐V differences of whole blood amino acid nitrogen showed uptake by muscle to an equivalent degree with both systems. Clinical studies indicated that the lipid system as defined herein could be infused by peripheral vein for up to 43 days with resultant weight gain, elevation of serum proteins, and healing of fistulae. Our studies suggest that for both metabolic and clinical reasons exogenously infused lipid is a suitable source of nonprotein calories. (J Clin Invest 57:125–136, 1976)

Apolipoprotein E polymorphism and lipid levels differ by gender and family history of diabetes: the Rancho Bernardo Study.

Association between apolipoprotein E (apoE) gene polymorphism and lipid levels was studied in 164 nondiabetic first-degree relatives of persons with diabetes and 962 nondiabetic persons with no family history of diabetes. Sex-specific genotypic distribution of apoE polymorphism did not differ between persons with and without a family history of diabetes. In first-degree relatives, lipid levels did not differ among persons with apoE2 (E2/2, E2/3), apoE3/3, and apoE4 (E4/4, E3/4) after adjusting for age, waist circumference, smoking, and alcohol and estrogen use. In persons without a family history of diabetes, both men (p<0.01) and women (p<0.001) with apoE2 showed lower levels of total and low density lipoprotein cholesterol compared with persons with apoE3/3 and apoE4. In women with a family history of diabetes, persons with apoE4 had larger waist circumference (p<0.05). ApoE2 allele is associated with more favorable levels of total and low density lipoprotein cholesterol in men and women without a family history of diabetes. ApoE4 allele is associated with obesity independent of dyslipidemia in women but not men with a family history of diabetes. ApoE polymorphism is not associated with lipids in men or women with a family history of diabetes.

Effect of exercise intensity and frequency on lipid levels in men with coronary heart disease: Training level comparison trial

The objective of the Training Level Comparison Trial was to determine whether a more intense exercise program versus a less intensive program has additional favorable effects on blood lipids in men with coronary heart disease (CHD) over a 12-month period. The study—a randomized, controlled trial conducted at 2 clinical centers—enrolled 185 patients with documented CHD. A simple randomization procedure led to unequal numbers of patients in the 2 interventions: 82 in the low-intensity and 103 in the high-intensity group. Target heart rate during exercise corresponded to 50% of maximum oxygen uptake (VO 2 max) ± 5 beats/min in the low-intensity group and 85% ± 5 beats/min in the high-intensity group. The intensity of exercise made little difference on lipid improvements. However, the attendance rates for the 6- and 12-month periods (percentage of total exercise sessions attended) were significantly related to increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (r s [Spearman rank correlation coefficient 0.20 to 0.26, p <0.05]), and decreases in the ratios of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-to-HDL cholesterol (LDL:HDL, r s = −0.24 to −0.28, p <0.01) and total-to-HDL cholesterol (total:HDL, r s = −0.25 to −0.29, p <0.01) at 6 and 12 months. The relation of the attendance rate to LDL:HDL and total:HDL ratios remained significant in repeated-measures regression analysis. Exercise frequency may be more important than intensity in improving HDL cholesterol and LDL:HDL and total:HDL ratios in men with CHD.

Moderate Alcohol Consumption and Postprandial Plasma Lipids in Men With Different Risks for Coronary Heart Disease

Moderate alcohol consumption is associated with a reduced coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. Epidemiologic studies have provided conflicting data which suggests that CHD protection may be modulated or may not be modulated by a person's CHD risk profile. We examined the effects of moderate alcohol consumption (35 g/day) on postprandial lipoprotein metabolism in two groups of healthy middle-aged men who had different plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride concentrations, and body mass index (BMI), which are three major risk factors for CHD; 11 men had lower plasma lipids and BMI (L-men) and 11 men had higher plasma lipids and BMI (H-men). The effects of alcohol on postprandial lipoprotein metabolism were studied in a crossover design after an acute moderate alcohol intake both after a period of abstinence (alcohol-free beer) and after a period of moderate alcohol consumption (alcohol containing beer). Moderate alcohol consumption changed plasma total cholesterol, total triglycerides, and HDL composition in the postprandial period. Alcohol-induced changes were essentially the same over time in both L-men and H-men. However, changes occurred at a different overall plasma concentration for total cholesterol and total triglycerides. Also, the postprandial response to an acute moderate alcohol dose after a period of abstinence seemed not to essentially differ from the response to an acute moderate alcohol dose after a 4-week period of moderate alcohol consumption. These results suggest that men who differ in risk for CHD, based on plasma lipids and BMI, but without previous or underlying disease, have a similar postprandial lipid response to a moderate dose of alcohol.

The Effect of Fasting in Ramadan on the Values and Interrelations Between Biochemical, Coagulation and Hematological Factors

The possible consequences of the long intermittent fasting schedule during Ramadan (one month of food and water intake limited to night hours, a practice that is followed by the majority of the Muslims worldwide) on certain biochemical constituents or coagulation variables have not been extensively documented. During the month of Ramadan and two months after, we monitored the concentration of different plasma lipoproteins, lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)], apoproteins A(1) and B, fibrinogen, factor VII activity and some selected hematological factors in 50 healthy subjects who were employees of institutes related to the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and aged between 30 and 45 years. The effect of fasting in Ramadan on the relationship between biochemical and coagulation variables was also investigated. The values of apoprotein B, Lp(a) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio were significantly decreased during Ramadan (P<0.05), while total cholesterol (Tot-C), triglycerides (TG), LDL-C, HDL-C and fasting blood glucose did not change during that month. Among coagulation and hematological factors, fibrinogen level and factor VII activity were significantly decreased during the month (P<0.05). Results also indicated a significant positive association between fibrinogen level and Lp(a), factor VII activity and Tot-C, LDL-C, TG and Apo B during Ramadan. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of previous reports, as the metabolic and coagulation changes that are considered as atherosclerosis risk factors are counterbalanced during Ramadan.

Higher estradiol concentrations are associated with elevated lipids in men with coronary artery disease

Higher estradiol concentrations are associated with elevated lipids in men with coronary artery disease

Heart rate variability and plasma lipids in men with and without ischaemic heart disease

Decreased 24-h heart rate variability (HRV) is associated with increased coronary mortality. The objective of this study was to examine the relation between plasma lipids and HRV (1) in men with a previous myocardial infarction (MI) and left ventricular dysfunction and (2) in healthy men. Forty seven men (mean age 63 years) with a previous MI and a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤0.40 and 38 healthy men (mean age 37 years) were included. A 24-h Holter recording and fasting blood samples were performed in all the subjects. Plasma total-cholesterol and low-density-lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol were inversely correlated with 24-h HRV in both groups. Plasma cholesterol remained significantly inversely correlated to the 24-h HRV in a stepwise multiple regression analysis. The men were dichotomized according to the mean plasma cholesterol in the study population which was 6.2 mmol/l in patients with a previous Ml, and 5.2 mmol/l in the group of healthy men. In both groups, men with plasma cholesterol levels above the mean had the lowest HRV. In conclusion, the data suggest, that hypercholesterolaemia is associated with a decreased 24-h HRV in men with and without ischeamic heart disease, suggesting an increased risk of sudden cardiac death.

Effects of dietary inulin on serum lipids in men and women with hypercholesterolemia

Inulin, a carbohydrate derived from plant sources, can be classified as a soluble fiber. Since inulin has a bland flavor and a fat-like texture, it can be incorporated into various food preparations to replace sugar and fat. Soluble fibers have been shown to modulate serum lipids, therefore, the present study examined the effect of consuming three servings per day of inulin-containing foods, compared to similar foods without inulin, on serum lipid profiles among hypercholesterolemic men and women. In addition, the practicality of including 18 g/day of inulin in a low-fat diet was investigated. The study was a randomized, double-blind, crossover trial with two six-week treatment periods, separated by a six-week washout. Twenty-one men and women with baseline low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) 3.36–5.17 mmol/L completed the trial. Within each treatment sequence, total and LDL-C increased significantly (7.4% and 12.3%, respectively) during the control phase. There were small, non-significant declines in total- (1.3%) and LDL-C (2.1%) during the inulin phase. Thus, differences in response between periods (inulin minus control) were statistically significant (P < 0.05) for LDL-C (−14.4%) and total cholesterol (−8.7%), respectively. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort was more common during the inulin than control food phase, however, the gastrointestinal side effect profile of inulin was similar to that of other soluble fibers. Although it is not possible to draw firm conclusions from these data, inulin may have blunted the hypercholesterolemic effects observed during consumption of control foods. Additional research will be required to confirm the possible lipid-modulating properties of dietary inulin in humans.

Effect of beta-glucan level in oat fiber extracts on blood lipids in men and women.

An active hypolipidemic component in oats, the soluble fiber beta-glucan, has been concentrated in an oat fiber extract. The oat fiber extract has been used to replace fat in food products. This study was designed to determine if moderate levels of oat fiber extract could be incorporated into a typical diet and whether plasma lipids could be reduced by the amount of beta-glucan added to the diet.Oat fiber extracts containing low (1% by weight) or high (10% by weight) beta-glucan were fed to 23 mildly hypercholesterolemic subjects (seven men and 16 women). A maintenance diet was fed for 1 week followed by diet containing an oat extract for 5 weeks each in a crossover pattern. Five percent of the energy from fat in the maintenance diet was replaced with the oat extract in the experimental diets. Caloric intake was adjusted to try to maintain each subject's initial weight. Fasting blood was collected several days apart after separate 12 hour fasts the end of each period. Plasma was analyzed for triglycerides, total cholesterol, and lipoprotein cholesterol fractions.HDL, HDL2, and VLDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels after the oat extract diets were not significantly different from those after the maintenance diet. Total and LDL cholesterol levels decreased significantly (p < 0.001) from maintenance levels after both diets containing the oat extracts. Total cholesterol levels after the higher beta-glucan extract diet were significantly lower than those after the low beta-glucan diet.Beneficial reduction of cholesterol was obtained with modest amounts of oat extract incorporated into the diet. A significant dose response due to beta-glucan concentration in the oat extract was observed in total cholesterol levels.

Re: "Amount and Intensity of Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, and Serum Lipids in Men"

The Journal is notified by Drs. Jaume Marrugat and Roberto Elosua of two errors in table 5 of their recently published paper (1).

Amount and intensity of physical activity, physical fitness, and serum lipids in men. The MARATHOM Investigators.

Physical activity improves one's lipid profile and increases physical fitness. The present study was aimed at determining the association of amount and intensity of leisure time physical activity with serum lipid profile and physical fitness. A total of 537 healthy men aged 20-60 years were recruited in a quota sampling frame for measurement of physical activity energy expenditure at two different levels. The Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire was administered. Serum lipid and lipoprotein levels were measured, and all participants were given an exercise test. Physical activities with an intensity greater than 7 kcal/minute were significantly associated (p < 0.01) with a higher level of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and a lower atherogenic index (total cholesterol:HDL cholesterol). Independently of other confounding variables, each average 100 kcal/day expended in leisure time physical activity with an intensity greater than 7 kcal/minute during the previous year was associated with an increase of 2.09 mg/dl (0.054 mmol/liter) in HDL cholesterol and a decrease of 0.23 in atherogenic index. However, only physical activity with an intensity greater than 9 kcal/minute was associated with decreases in total cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, and log(triglycerides). Better physical fitness was associated with physical activities of intensities above 5 kcal/minute. There is a threshold in the intensity of exercise associated with serum lipid profile (7 kcal/minute) and physical fitness (5 kcal/minute). Above the former threshold, the relation between amount of physical activity and lipid levels is linear for total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, and atherogenic index and is logarithmic for triglycerides.

Psychosocial and behavioral factors associated with serum lipids in university students

The impact of psychosocial and behavioral factors on serum lipids was examined in 46 male and 47 female students with a mean age of 23 years. Subjects were recruited from the University of Stockholm and the study was performed with the Student Health Care Organization in order to have a basis for intervention programs. Significant associations between serum lipids and parental education, regularity of breakfast habits, nourishing eating, social support, depressive feelings and quality of life are found. However, there is no consistent pattern for these associations in men and women. Thus, some associations are significant for men and some for women. Women with parents having higher levels of education had lower values of cholesterol, triglycerides and apo B, and higher values of apo A-1 (representing the ‘good’ cholesterol) than women whose parents were not highly educated. When controlling the associations for confounding factors such as age, body mass index, physical activity, coffee, alcohol, smoking habits, nourishing eating and quality of life, the associations were strongly confirmed. No similar associations were found in men. Men who reported low social support or social integration and a low perceived quality of life showed a tendency to higher levels of lipids compared to those who reported high integration and quality of life. Regularity of dietary habits was found to be associated to serum lipids in men, the greater the regularity, the lower the lipid levels. The strongest association was found for regularity of breakfast habits. This association was also strongly significant in the regression analysis after controlling for the described confounding factors. A significant association between apo B only and breakfast habits was apparent in the regression analysis even in women.