Density Lipoprotein Fraction Research Articles

Influence of Ketogenic Diet and Nutraceutical Correction in the Complex Treatment of Lower Limbs Lipedema

Currently, the ketogenic diet (KD) is used to treat obesity. A prospective study on the use of KD and nutraceutical correction of the nutritional status of patients with lipedema was carried out. Aim. To study the effect of the ketogenic diet, accompanied by correction of changes in the intestinal microbiome and hepatoprotection,on the reduction of fatty deposits in lipedema and the dynamics of changes in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism hormones. Material and methods. 60 patients with lower limb lipedema of stages I-III were randomized into 2 groups: Group 1 received a lowcalorie diet (LCD), physical exercises in the gym (PE), and physical activity (FA) in the form of daily walking up to 3-5 km/ day. Group 2 received a modified version of the Atkins ketogenic diet, physical exercises in the gym and FA, as well as nutraceutical correction of increased appetite, probiotic intestinal composition, hepatoprotection. The duration of the treatment course was 4 weeks. Anthropometric methods and bioimpedansometry were used to control limb circumferences, waist and thigh. Results and discussion. After treatment, patients in 1st group showed a decrease in body weight, lean and active cell mass, a decrease in musculoskeletal mass, and a decrease in total water due to extracellular water. A decrease in total cholesterol and high density lipoproteins (HDL) fraction, an increase in blood triglyceride fraction was noted. Leptin decreased by 12.73%. Patients of the 2nd group showed a decrease in body weight, fat mass, lean mass, total water and extracellular water. There was a decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides, transaminases. Leptin decreased by 32.02%, insulin decreased by 9.87%. To prevent the development of fatty hepatosis against the background of the use of KD, patients of the 2nd group received nutraceutical correction: hepatoprotector Gepamin, metaprebiotic Stimbifid-plus, modulating the formation of resident intestinal microbiota. To reduce appetite, the patients of the 2nd group were also prescribed anorexic - an algal product Nativ containing the polysaccharide fucoidan, having a prebiotic effect. Improvement of reparative processes in the liver, suppression of oxidative processes also contributed to the restoration of the sensitivity of insulin receptors, which was confirmed by the normalization of the lipid-carbohydrate spectrum of blood in patients of the 2nd group after the course of the treatment. The insulin decrease in patients of Group 2 indicated not only insulin resistance decrease , but also the lipogenesis decrease and stimulation of lipolysis. Adipose tissue reduction due to lipolysis stimulation was also indicated by a decrease in leptin expression. Conclusion. Thus, a ketogenic diet, accompanied by nutraceutical correction of the intestinal microbiome and hepatoprotection can be effectively used in combination with physical activity in order to reduce body weight, fat mass and edema, as evidenced by a decrease in the expression level of leptin and insulin, correlating with the levels of fat loss and free water.

Transcriptome analyses unveils the unique requirement for human lipoproteins for optimal ex-vivo expansion of cultured red blood cells for transfusion.

Cultured red blood cells (cRBCs) generated from discarded stem cell sources are being considered as alternative transfusion products. We developed a humanized media (HEMAdef) composed of clinical grade components and dexamethasone (Dex) that sustain amplifications of cRBCs from stem cells discarded from regular blood donations in numbers sufficient for transfusion [1]. These cells, however, have an altered morphology of their plasma membrane which suggests that may reduce their survival in vivo. Since ~50% of the cRBC mass is constituted by lipid, we hypothesized that the plasma membrane abnormalities were caused by insufficient lipid supply. cRBCs produce their plasma membranes starting from lipids supplemented by the media and through a dedicated biosynthetic pathway, well known to be affected by Dex. Comparison of the expression profiling of cRBCs generated with/without Dex [2] identified remarkable similarities in gene expression. The majority of the differences were however detected in genes involved in lipid metabolism. In particular genes involved in lipid synthesis (GPAM and PRKACB) and efflux/degradation (HMGCL and ABCA1) were respectively down and up-regulated in cRBCs obtained with Dex, suggesting that in cultures with Dex cRBCs are exquisitely dependent on exogenous lipids for their membrane biosynthesis. This hypothesis led us to optimize the lipid formulation of HEMAdef by replacing the synthetic liposomes with lipoproteins purified from human plasma which represents the natural carriers for delivering lipids to the cells. These experiments compared the levels of amplification/maturation of cRBCs in HEMAdef supplemented with either synthetic liposomes or the total lipoproteins contained in human plasma (TLP) or its high density (HDL), low density (LDL) and very low density (VLDL) lipoprotein fraction. Addition of LDL and VLDL both increased by 3-2-fold the numbers of cRBCs generated in HEMAdef. TPLF has modest effects on the number of cRBCs generated in HEMAdef but drastically reduced the frequency of cRBCs with membrane abnormalities. More importantly, addition of TLP increased both the number (by 2-3-fold) and the membrane quality of cRBCs generated in HEMAdef. These results confirm the importance of an appropriate lipid supply for correct generation of RBC and identify culture conditions which assure maximal expansion of morphologically normal cRBCs for transfusion.

101 Possible markers of lipotoxicity and anthropometric data in preeclampsia: A study of the mediate postpartum

Introduction This project is part of a line of research aimed at identifying possible laboratory and anthropometric markers in the mediate postpartum period, compared to healthy women. It observes the behavior of these effectors in the maternal organism, collaborating with the prediction and prevention of preeclampsia. Objective Identify in the mediate postpartum period, lipotoxicity markers and anthropometric profile in postpartum women with preeclampsia compared with control group. Methods Cross-sectional study developed at the Guilherme Alvaro Hospital – Santos/Brazil. It was collected blood samples and anthropometric data of 132 women (56 cases and 76 controls) in the mediate postpartum during January 2015 to May 2016. Laboratory markers were analyzed to possibly associate with preeclampsia. Case group: patients with preeclampsia according to the criteria of NHBPEP – National High Blood Pressure Education Program (2000). Control group: women after vaginal delivery with term newborn, without hypertension and/or other comorbidities. Variables analyzed: maternal age, gestational age, body mass index (BMI), neck, arm and abdominal circumferences and newborn weight. Laboratory variables: total cholesterol and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) fraction, triglycerides, serum creatinine, uric acid, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total protein, albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), fasting glucose and HOMA-IR index. Exclusion criteria for both groups: previously diagnosed diabetes mellitus, collagen diseases, smoking, twin pregnancy and fetal malformations. For the numerical variables of the research it was used the Student’s t test and for the statistical analysis the Fisher’s exact test. The significance level was p Results The results allow us to affirm that the groups differ from each other in the variables: maternal age, gestational age, newborn weight, BMI, abdominal, arm and neck circumferences, albumin, CRP, ALT, uric acid, glucose, and HOMA-IR. Conclusion The present study shows that women with preeclampsia have higher body mass index, larger body circumferences, they are older and have an increased insulin resistance than normal ones. Analyzing the study group individually, we can observe that those patients have premature babies and lower birth weight more often. It is also notice increased levels in the study group compared to the control group in non-specific inflammatory (CRP), hepatic (ALT) and renal (uric acid) markers. Albumin was higher in the control group.

English

The present study was undertaken to measure the effects of dietary tyrosine added to rat diet on serum cholesterol levels in the rat. A total of twenty Wistar strain albino rats were fed with different doses of tyrosine enriched diets containing 0.8 g/100 g, 1.0 g/100 g and 1.2 g/100 g. After 3 weeks of experimental feeding, there was significant increase (p<0.05) in total postprandial serum cholesterol of rats fed with graded of tyrosine when compared with the normal control. Same trend was followed in the week 2 of the same feeding pattern. The effects of dietary tyrosine supplementation on cholesterol levels of the high density lipoprotein (HDL) fraction were comparable, but not all significant on the week 3 treatment. However, there was significant decrease (p<0.05) in week 2 of rats fed with the different graded doses of the tyrosine meal when compared with the normal control group. In addition, significant increase was also observed in the low density lipoprotein (LDL) as compared to the control after week 2 and 3 of tyrosine meal treatment. These results revealed that tyrosine supplementation in a physiological amount may increase cholesterol levels in the rat when added to diet, with a slow release of tyrosine during digestion. Key words: Dietary tyrosine, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL).

Selective evaluation of high density lipoprotein from mouse small intestine by an in situ perfusion technique

The small intestine (SI) is the second-greatest source of HDL in mice. However, the selective evaluation of SI-derived HDL (SI-HDL) has been difficult because even the origin of HDL obtained in vivo from the intestinal lymph duct of anesthetized rodents is doubtful. To shed light on this question, we have developed a novel in situ perfusion technique using surgically isolated mouse SI, with which the possible filtration of plasma HDL into the SI lymph duct can be prevented. With the developed method, we studied the characteristics of and mechanism for the production and regulation of SI-HDL. Nascent HDL particles were detected in SI lymph perfusates in WT mice, but not in ABCA1 KO mice. SI-HDL had a high protein content and was smaller than plasma HDL. SI-HDL was rich in TG and apo AIV compared with HDL in liver perfusates. SI-HDL was increased by high-fat diets and reduced in apo E KO mice. In conclusion, with our in situ perfusion model that enables the selective evaluation of SI-HDL, we demonstrated that ABCA1 plays an important role in intestinal HDL production, and SI-HDL is small, dense, rich in apo AIV, and regulated by nutritional and genetic factors.

Comparison of atorvastatin, pitavastatin and rosuvastatin for residual cardiovascular risk using non-fasting blood sampling

Background: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a major cardiovascular risk. However, some patients show symptoms of coronary heart disease (CHD) even though their LDL-C is strictly controlled. Therefore, it is important to treat other risk factors. Methods: Some 129 outpatients with dyslipidemia who were treated with either atorvastatin 10 mg/day (ATO), pitavastatin 2 mg/day (PIT), or rosuvastatin 2.5 mg/day (ROS) were enrolled. After informed consent was obtained, these patients were switched to another statin. Lipid profiles and lipoprotein fraction by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) were compared between before and after 3 months of treatment with non-fasting blood sample. Results: LDL-C did not show any significant changes after switching and was maintained around 2.59 mmol/L in all groups. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was significantly increased in group ATO→PIT (1.43→1.54 mmol/L, p = 0.0010) and ROS→PIT (1.46→1.57 mmol/L, p = 0.0004), and was significantly decreased in group PIT→ATO (1.44→1.36 mmol/L, p = 0.0290). Apolipoprotein A-I (Apo A-I) and preheparin lipoprotein lipase (LPL) mass showed similar changes in HDL-C. Changes in HDL-C showed a significant positive correlation with those in Apo A-I and preheparin LPL mass, and a little but significant negative correlation with changes in Lp(a) and intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL) fraction. Conclusions: ATO, PIT, and ROS have comparable effect on LDL-C lowering. Changes in HDL-C were similar to those in Apo A-I and preheparin LPL mass, and PIT was the most effective treatment in increasing HDL-C, Apo A-I, and preheparin LPL mass.

A novel estrogen-regulated avian apolipoprotein

In search for yet uncharacterized proteins involved in lipid metabolism of the chicken, we have isolated a hitherto unknown protein from the serum lipoprotein fraction with a buoyant density of ≤1.063 g/ml. Data obtained by protein microsequencing and molecular cloning of cDNA defined a 537 bp cDNA encoding a precursor molecule of 178 residues. As determined by SDS-PAGE, the major circulating form of the protein, which we designate apolipoprotein-VLDL-IV (Apo-IV), has an apparent Mr of approximately 17 kDa. Northern Blot analysis of different tissues of laying hens revealed Apo-IV expression mainly in the liver and small intestine, compatible with an involvement of the protein in lipoprotein metabolism. To further investigate the biology of Apo-IV, we raised an antibody against a GST-Apo-IV fusion protein, which allowed the detection of the 17-kDa protein in rooster plasma, whereas in laying hens it was detectable only in the isolated ≤1.063 g/ml density lipoprotein fraction. Interestingly, estrogen treatment of roosters caused a reduction of Apo-IV in the liver and in the circulation to levels similar to those in mature hens. Furthermore, the antibody crossreacted with a 17-kDa protein in quail plasma, indicating conservation of Apo-IV in avian species. In search for mammalian counterparts of Apo-IV, alignment of the sequence of the novel chicken protein with those of different mammalian apolipoproteins revealed stretches with limited similarity to regions of ApoC-IV and possibly with ApoE from various mammalian species. These data suggest that Apo-IV is a newly identified avian apolipoprotein.

Importance of regional differences in the features of type 2 diabetes mellitus in one and the same country—The example of Thailand

Background: A dataset from a nationwide assessment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients fromThailandwas reassessed. Objective: Prevalence of T2DM is highest in the northeast ofThailandand the intention of the study was to assess whether the clinical picture and behavior of patients from the northeast differ from the rest of the country. Materials and Methods: The variables of two groups of patients i.e. those from the northeast ofThailandand patients from the remaining three other regions, with the exception ofBangkok, were compared. The dataset consisted out of clinical laboratory data and the results of a questionnaire recording knowledge and admitted compliance of patients. Results: A higher proportion of patients from the northeast have elevated triglyceride levels and lower high density lipoprotein (HDL) fractions in comparison with the patients derived from the other three regions. The northeasterners know very well and better than the patients of the other regions how to take care of them while having T2DM yet the proportion of those with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values over 6.4% was higher for them than for the other group of patients. Conclusion: In depth investigation by health educators would be useful in order to find out how the relationship between knowledge and practice could be improved for patients from the northeast of Thailand.

Acute impact of apheresis on oxidized phospholipids in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia

We measured oxidized phospholipids (OxPL), lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)], and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)) pre- and postapheresis in 18 patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and with low(∼10 mg/dl; range 10-11 mg/dl), intermediate (∼50 mg/dl; range 30-61 mg/dl), or high (>100 mg/dl; range 78-128 mg/dl) Lp(a) levels. By using enzymatic and immunoassays, the content of OxPL and Lp-PLA(2) mass and activity were quantitated in lipoprotein density fractions plated in microtiter wells, as well as directly on apoB-100, Lp(a), and apoA-I immunocaptured within each fraction (i.e., OxPL/apoB and Lp-PLA(2)/apoB). In whole fractions, OxPL was primarily detected in the Lp(a)-containing fractions, whereas Lp-PLA(2) was primarily detected in the small, dense LDL and light Lp(a) range. In lipoprotein capture assays, OxPL/apoB and OxPL/apo(a) increased proportionally with increasing Lp(a) levels. Lp-PLA(2)/apoB and Lp-PLA(2)/apoA-I levels were highest in the low Lp(a) group but decreased proportionally with increasing Lp(a) levels. Lp-PLA(2)/apo(a) was lowest in patients with low Lp(a) levels and increased proportionally with increasing Lp(a) levels. Apheresis significantly reduced levels of OxPL and Lp-PLA(2) on apoB and Lp(a) (50-75%), particularly in patients with intermediate and high Lp(a) levels. In contrast, apheresis increased Lp-PLA(2)-specific activity (activity/mass ratio) in buoyant LDL fractions. The impact of apheresis on Lp(a), OxPL, and Lp-PLA(2) provides insights into its therapeutic benefits beyond lowering apoB-containing lipoproteins.

CETP‐mediated cholesteryl ester enrichment of apoB subclasses in type 1 diabetes

Accelerated cholesteryl ester transfer (CET) in patients with types 1 (T1D) and 2 diabetes enhances the atherogenicity of the apoB-containing CE acceptor lipoproteins. The study of lipoprotein density fractions cannot identify which of the five immunologically distinct apoB subclasses function as CE acceptors because they are heterogeneous and present in very low-, intermediate- and low density lipoproteins (VLDL, IDL and LDL, respectively). In order to design lipid-modifying therapies that specifically target these CE-enriched lipoprotein particles, it is necessary to first characterize their CE acceptor function. To identify the CE acceptors, we estimated CE net mass transfer to the apoB subclasses LpB:C, LpB:E + LpB:C:E, LpB and LpAII:B:C:D:E from changes in neutral lipids measured by gas chromatography following their separation by sequential immunoaffinity chromatography in the plasma of 12 patients with T1D and six control subjects. In both groups, CE was distributed equally to LpB:E + LpB:C:E and LpB:C. In the T1D CE acceptors, however, both the magnitude of the increase (18% vs. 10%; P < 0·01) and the per particle mass of CE transferred were significantly greater than in controls (T1D: 2·29 μmol ± 2·1 vs. control 0·43 ± 0·43/mg apoB; P < 0·047). While LpB:E + LpB:C:E and LpB:C functioned as CE acceptors in both groups, these subclasses increased their CE content to a greater degree and accrued more CE per particle in the patients with T1D. As this disturbance in lipoprotein remodelling may increase the cholesterol burden and potential atherogenicity of these apoB subclasses, it may be a previously unrecognized factor that increases cardiovascular risk in patients with T1D.

Acute effects of interleukin-6 infusion on apo-B-containing lipoprotein subclasses in humans

IL-6 is believed to mediate the elevation in plasma TG and VLDL lipids in patients with sepsis. Previous studies of lipoprotein density fractions do not reveal the extent to which cytokines change the immunochemically distinct TG-rich (LpB:C, LpB:C:E, LpAII:B:C:D:E) and cholesterol-rich (LpB, LpB:E) apoB-containing subclasses present in VLDL. Therefore, we have directly measured these subclasses following their isolation by sequential immunoprecipitation in seven healthy male subjects during a 3-h infusion with recombinant human (rh) IL-6. Though plasma TG and apoB-containing particle number were unchanged by IL-6, the distribution of TG-rich subclasses was significantly altered. Compared to baseline values, LpB:E + LpB:C:E increased significantly at 0.5 h (p < 0.02) and were higher than saline-infused controls at 0.5 and 1 h (p < 0.05). At 0.5 h LpAII:B:C:D:E reciprocally declined from baseline (p < 0.01). While the pattern of change for total apoB showed an overall decline (p < 0.05), these changes in LpB:E + LpB:C:E and LpAII:B:C:D:E in IL-6 subjects differed from controls (p < 0.05; p < 0.01, respectively). These findings indicate that physiologic concentrations of IL-6 rapidly and selectively regulate the transport of apoB particles that contain apoE. Since apoE has immunomodulatory and host defense functions, these changes may be a previously unrecognized early step in the innate immune response.

Effect of Various Feed Phosphates on Biochemical Indices of Blood and Mineral Composition of Bones in Finishing Pigs

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of three different chemical feed phosphates on the blood biochemical indicators and the content of main minerals of bones in finishing pigs. Over a period of 85 days of fattening, monocalcium (MCP, Finnish product), dicalcium (DCP, Polish product) and calcium-sodium (CSP, Russian product) phosphates were used in fattener feeding. The feeding was based on standard mixtures of starter, grower and finisher type. Dicalcium phosphate was produced according to the new, pro-ecological technology based on phosphoric acid. The content of Ca, Na, P, solubility of P in citric acid, and the concentration of undesirable substances (As, Cd, F, Hg and Pb) were determined in feed phosphates. At the end of the fattening period, blood was collected from 36 finishing pigs (12 from each group) and the following biochemical indicators were determined in the serum: enzymatic activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), creatine kinase (CK), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), lactic acid (LA); the concentration of total protein, albumins, glucose, urea, creatinine, content of triglycerides, cholesterol and its high density lipoproteins (HDL) and low density lipoproteins (LDL) fractions, and mineral components concentration (Ca, Cl, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Na, P, Zn). Basic macroelement content (Ca, Mg, P) was determined in the thigh bones from 30 pigs (10 from each group). Significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) between groups were observed only in some biochemical indicators, i.e. CK, LDH and LA. The highest content of Ca, Mg and P was found in the bones of pigs fed mixtures supplemented with DCP which indicates improved bioavailability of main macroelements from that phosphate.

Control de la dislipemia en pacientes diabéticos en Extremadura

Our study aimed to assess the prevalence and degree of control of dyslipemia, using the 2004 National Cholesterol Education Program criteria, as well as the use of cholesterol lowering drugs in a sample of diabetic patients followed up in primary care settings in Extremadura. In this crosssectional, multicenter study the prevalence and control of cardiovascular risk factors was assessed in a sample of 1022 patients having at least one cardiovascular risk factors who were recruited by general practitioners. A total of 988 subjects were avalaible for statistic analysis of dyslipemia; 320 patients had diabetes mellitus (DM); 178 had at least one cardiovascular disease without diabetes and 506 patients without those diseases were used as control. Total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) fraction were higher in the group control. High density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol was lower in the group DM as compared to control. Triglycerides were higher in group DM. Women had higher HDL-cholesterol and lower triglycerides levels than men. Only 26.6% of diabetics subjetcs and 28.9% of group ECV were well controlled; 42.5% of the control group had LDL cholesterol < 130 mg/dl. 13.3% of diabetics patients suffering from coronary artery disease had LDL-cholesterol < 70 mg/dl. They were taking statins: DM, 56.6); ECV 61.6%; and control, 39.4%. From patients who did not take cholesterol lowering drugs 51.6% in group DM and 33.8% in group ECV would need to take them. The study shows a poor control of dyslipemia in diabetics subjects and high risk patients in spite of lower lipid levels when compared to lower risk population and a more frequent use of cholesterol lowering drugs. Nevertheless, statin use is still lower than currently recommended.

Separation of Apolipoprotein A‐I from Human Plasma by On‐Line Two Dimensional Liquid Chromatography

On‐line two dimensional liquid chromatography (2D LC) was used to determine apolipoprotein A‐I (apo A‐I) in human plasma without sample pretreatment. The water soluble apolipoproteins were separated from other plasma proteins and lipids by reversed phase (RP) LC in the first dimension using acetonitrile/20 mM aqueous ammonium acetate as mobile phase. A strong anion exchange (SAX) column was subsequently employed in the second dimension to separate the apo A‐I in the apolipoprotein fraction using pH gradient elution with simple buffer mixtures of ammonium acetate and ammonium formate as mobile phase. Compared to other methods requiring separation of high density lipoprotein (HDL) fraction by ultracentrifugation and delipidation of apolipoproteins with organic solvents, loss of apo A‐I is avoided in the on‐line 2D approach. The concentration of apo A‐I in plasma, determined by using the calibration curve for commercial apo A‐I, was found to be 1.12 mg/mL. The identity of apo A‐I isolated from human plasma was confirmed by trypsination and peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF).

Growth promoting effects of carp serum components on goldfish culture cells

The growth promoting effect of carp Cyprinus carpio serum was investigated in a medium for goldfish Carassius auratus cell culture. The cell growth rate was decreased in the L-15 medium containing carp serum free from low molecular weight (LMW) fraction of less than 10 000. The addition of this fraction to the medium recovered the original growth rate, whereas the fraction itself did not enhance cell growth. Similar experiments were carried out with carp serum lipoprotein and albumin-like protein fractions. The high density lipoprotein (HDL) fraction containing apolipoprotein (apo) A-I and apoA-II enhanced cell growth at 20°C and 35°C when added with the abovementioned LMW fraction. A good proliferation was observed at both 20°C and 35°C with the HDL fraction at 0.58 mg/mL. Carp albumin-like protein fraction, mainly containing a 71 kDa-component, also enhanced goldfish cell growth with the LMW fraction at the two temperatures. These results suggest that HDL and albumin-like proteins play an important role in the goldfish cell growth cooperatively with LMW substances contained in carp serum.

Familial combined hyperlipidemia in a North Indian kindred

Familial combined hyperlipidemia is the most common genetic hyperlipidemia and is responsible for premature coronary artery disease. It is genetically heterogenous and no single diagnostic marker exists. The authors report an affected North Indian kindred spanning three successive generations with a possible autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance and all of them had combined dyslipidemia [elevated total cholesterol, predominantly the low density lipoprotein (LDL) fraction and elevated triglycerides]. The proband, a 4-month-old male baby, was incidentally discovered to have a lipaemic serum and so further evaluated. Both the index case and his maternal grandmother, a non-obese diabetic (type 2) with hypertension, had an atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype. Lipaemia retinalis was documented in this baby but xanthomas and coronary artery disease were not noted in the kindred. The present case report highlights the failure of dietary therapy in the proband and explores new options.

Reference serum protein and lipoprotein fractions of ostriches (&lt;i&gt;Struthio camelus&lt;i/&gt;) in Turkey : research communication

The aim of this study was to determine for reference purposes the values of serum albumin, alpha 1-globulin, alpha 2-globulin, beta-globulin, gamma-globulin, and alpha-lipoprotein (high density lipoprotein), pre-beta-lipoprotein (very low density lipoprotein) and beta-lipoprotein (low density lipoprotein) fractions of normal ostriches (Struthio camelus) in Turkey. Five male and five female ostriches, 18 months old, were used. All the ostriches were fed on a diet that contained 15.14% crude protein and 2,950 Kcal/kg of metabolizable energy. The serum protein and lipoprotein fractions were measured using agarose gel electrophoresis. The fractions were found to be 60.96% albumin, 0.24% alpha 1-globulin, 15.91% alpha 2-globulin, 13.34% beta-globulin, 9.55% gamma-globulin, 53.77% HDL, 0.60% VLDL and 48.09% LDL.

Uptake and distribution of astaxanthin in several tissues and plasma lipoproteins in male broiler chickens fed a yeast (Phaffia rhodozyma) with a high concentration of astaxanthin

1. The experiments were conducted to evaluate astaxanthin (Ax) uptake in several tissues and plasma lipoproteins of male broiler chickens fed on Phaffia rhodozyma containing a high concentration of Ax. 2. Male broiler chicks (5 weeks of age) fasted for 16 h were given 0 or 45 mg Ax as Phaffia rhodozyma through the crop and blood was collected over the following 24 h. Ax appeared in the plasma at 2 h after administration into the crop. Most (more than 70%) of the Ax was contained in the high density lipoprotein (HDL) fraction in the plasma irrespective of blood sampling times and administration procedure of Ax. 3. Male broiler chicks (2 weeks of age) were fed on a diet containing 0, 50 or 100 mg/kg of yeast Ax for 2 weeks. Of the tissues examined, Ax concentration in the small intestine was highest, followed by subcutaneous fat, abdominal fat, spleen, liver, heart, kidney and skin. The lowest concentration was in the muscles. Ax concentration in the small intestine, subcutaneous fat, abdominal fat, liver and skin rose as dietary content increased, but this was not the case for the spleen, heart, kidney and muscles except for M. pectoralis superficialis. 4. Over 50% of Ax deposited in liver tissues was detected in the microsomal fraction and 15% was in the mitochondrial fraction. In muscles, both fractions of mitochondria and sarcoplasmic reticulum contained Ax.

Hepatic fatty acid metabolism in rats fed diets with different contents of C18:0, C18:1 cis and C18:1 trans isomers.

In the present study the effects of some C18 fatty acids on hepatic fatty acid metabolism have been compared. Male rats were fed cholesterol-free diets containing either C18:0, C18:1 cis or C18:1 trans isomers as the variables. In accordance with previous work, oleic acid in the diet caused an increase in cholesterol concentration in the liver and in the lipoprotein fraction of density (d; kg/l) < 1.006. Oleic acid also reduced the triacylglycerol:cholesterol value in this fraction. Surprisingly, the C18:1 trans isomers diet induced a decrease in the amount of cholesterol in total plasma as well as in the 1.019 < d < 1.063 lipoprotein fraction. Both oleic acid and C18:1 trans isomers increased the concentration of triacylglycerols in the liver. The two C18:1 fatty acids differently influenced the hepatic activities of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-I and 3-hydroxy-acyl-CoA dehydrogenase; both enzymes were inhibited by C18:1 trans isomers, while no change was induced by oleic acid. The activity of the citrate carrier was lower in the oleic acid- and C18:1 trans isomers-fed rats, when compared with the rats fed stearic acid. No diet effects were seen for the activities of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase, diacylglycerol acyltransferase, citrate synthase and phosphofructokinase. The results are interpreted in that oleic acid raised liver triacylglycerol by reducing the secretion of it with the d < 1.006 lipoprotein fraction whereas the C18:1 trans isomers enhanced liver triacylglycerol by lowering the hepatic oxidation of fatty acids.

Mast cell chymase degrades apoE and apoA-II in apoA-I-knockout mouse plasma and reduces its ability to promote cellular cholesterol efflux.

Mast cell chymase is a chymotryptic heparin proteoglycan-bound neutral protease that exerts its activity in extracellular fluids. We studied the effect of chymase on the apolipoprotein compositions and the abilities of plasmas from apolipoprotein (apo)A-I-knockout (A-I-KO) and wild-type (C57BL/6J) mice to stimulate efflux of cellular cholesterol from mouse macrophage foam cells. The A-I-KO apolipoproteins compared with the wild-type (apoA-I, apoA-II, apoA-IV, and apoE) showed total lack of apoA-I, unaltered apoA-II, an absence of apoA-IV, and an increase of apoE. Despite these major differences, the 2 plasmas induced similar high-affinity efflux of cholesterol from the foam cells. Quantitative analysis of chymase-treated plasmas revealed (1) in A-I-KO plasma, complete loss of apoE and apoA-II, and (2) in wild-type plasma, slight reduction of apoA-I associated with complete depletion of the minor pre-beta-high density lipoprotein fraction, strong reduction of apoA-II, and complete depletion of apoA-IV and apoE. Both proteolyzed plasmas had lost the ability to induce cellular cholesterol efflux with high affinity. Addition of discoidal pre-beta-migrating reconstituted high density lipoprotein particles containing human apoA-I or apoA-II to the chymase-treated A-I-KO plasma fully restored its cholesterol efflux-inducing ability, indicating functional replacement of the proteolyzed apoE and apoA-II. Thus, chymase degraded all the nondeleted apolipoproteins of the A-I-KO plasma involved in the high-affinity efflux of cellular cholesterol. This is the first indication that genetically engineered mice could be used as models for examining the hypothesis that extracellular proteases are involved in the development of atherosclerosis by inhibiting the apolipoprotein-mediated removal of macrophage cholesterol.