Lower TC Levels Research Articles

Analysis of ABCB1 Gene Polymorphisms and Their Impact on Tacrolimus Blood Levels in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Tacrolimus (Tc) is an immunosuppressant used in transplant patients, but its therapeutic range is narrow, making precise dosing essential. This study investigates the association of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (ABCB1 3435C>T, 1236C>T, 2677G>T/A) with Tc levels over time to gain better insights into their role in personalized medicine. We conducted the study over four distinct periods: 1-14 days, 15-30 days, 31-60 days, and beyond 60 days post-transplantation. The analysis included allele, genotype, haplotype, and diplotype frequencies of the three SNPs concerning Tc blood levels. Statistical significance was determined, and false discovery rate (PFDR) correction was applied where appropriate. Significant associations were found between the C (ABCB1 C1236T), A alleles (ABCB1 G2677T/A), the CAC haplotype and lower Tc levels. The CAC-TGT and TGT-TGT diplotypes significantly influence how patients metabolize the drug. The TGT haplotype and the AA genotype (ABCB1 G2677T/A) were associated with higher Tc levels, suggesting a long-term genetic influence. Genetic factors, specifically certain SNPs and diplotypes, significantly impact Tc blood levels, with their influence varying over time.

Lipid metabolism parameters and alcohol consumption among men in Arkhangelsk, Russia: The Know Your Heart study

Aim. To assess the association between levels of alcohol consumption and lipid metabolism parameters among adult men.Materials and methods. The study included 881 men aged 35–69 from the general population of Arkhangelsk, who participated in the 2015–17 Know Your Heart study, and 161 men who received inpatient treatment for alcohol-related diagnoses (narcology patients). Participants were divided into five levels of alcohol consumption: non-drinkers, non-problem (infrequent moderate consumption), hazardous (frequent consumption in doses hazardous to health), harmful (prenosological), and narcology patients. Using multivariate linear regressions, we analyzed differences between these groups in atherogenic lipid fractions (total cholesterol [TC], triglycerides [TG], low-density lipoprotein [LDL], apolipoprotein B [ApoB], remnant cholesterol, and non-HDL cholesterol, lipoprotein(a)) (Lp(a)), antiatherogenic lipid fractions (high-density lipoprotein [HDL], apolipoprotein A1 [апо A1]), and in ApoB/апо A1 ratio.Results. Compared with non-problem drinkers, hazardous drinkers had higher mean levels of HDL by 0.22 mmol/L, HDL by 0.07 mmol/L, and ApoB by 0.04 g/L. Among harmful drinkers, mean HDL was higher by 0.15 mmol/L and апо A1 by 0.08 g/L, but the ApoB/апо A1 ratio was lower by 0.06. Among narcology patients, mean TC levels were lower by 0.42 mmol/L, LDL by 0.41 mmol/L, ApoB by 0.09 g/L, ApoB/апо A1 by 0.08, and non-HDL by 0.45 mmol/L, but TG was higher by 0.15 mmol/L. Lp(a) in this group was higher by 0.29 mg/dl only after adjustment for markers of liver function. Non-drinkers had on average lower levels of TC by 0.29 mmol/L, HDL by 0.11 mmol/L, and апо A1 by 0.08 g/L.Conclusions. Compared with non-problem drinkers, hazardous drinkers had elevated levels of both atherogenic and antiatherogenic lipid fractions, hazardous drinkers had only elevated levels of antiatherogenic fractions, and narcology patients had the lowest levels of atherogenic lipid fractions but elevated TG levels. Therefore, lipid profiles may reflect the level of alcohol consumption, which should be taken into account when assessing cardiovascular risk.

A comparative study on lipid profile parameters in athlete and non-athlete adult males

Regular physical exercise has a major impact on lipid status. The particular characteristics of athletes' blood lipid profiles were examined in this literature study. When compared to a sex- and age-matched inactive group, professional athletes' blood lipid level was shown to be much better. Athletes perform lower levels of TC, LDL-C, and TG and equivalent or higher blood levels of HDL-C regardless of whether they participate in endurance or power sports. It was introduced that there are disparities in blood lipid levels and sports disciplines. Although there are many more elements that should be considered for future research, such as food, area of origin, exercise regimen, and even genetic susceptibility. To compare the lipid profile among athlete and no-athlete adult males. Case control study with sample size 150. Adult males of age group 20-50 & apparently healthy males were taken. Serum lipid profile and various anthropometric measurements were done. Data Collection was done using a predesigned and pre-validated interview questionnaire. Serum cholesterol, Triglyceride, VLDL & LDL values were raised in non-athletes compared to athletes and the difference was statistically significant. The serum HDL values were lower in non-athletes compared to the athletes and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). Our study concludes that athletes and non-athletes differ in their lipid profile status. Athletes have better lipid status as compared to non-athletes, thus well protected from the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Physical activity significantly promotes better lipid profile, irrespective of genetic influence.

Association study between genetic polymorphisms in MTHFR and stroke susceptibility in Egyptian population: a case–control study

Stroke is a major global disability cause, and genetic variables for multifactorial illnesses like stroke are crucial for precision medicine. The purpose of this study is to see if genetic variants in the MTHFR gene are associated with a higher risk of ischemic stroke among the Egyptian population. A case–control study was conducted at Mansoura University Hospital, involving 100 stroke patients and 150 healthy volunteers as the control group. Peripheral blood genomic DNA was isolated and single-nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped using ARMS-PCR. The CT and TT genotypes of the C677T gene polymorphism exhibited substantial risks for having stroke disease [(OR 3.856; P ≤ 0.001); (OR 4.026; P ≤ 0.001), respectively]. The T allele was significantly more prevalent among patients compared to controls. (OR 2.517; (P = 0.001)). The over-dominant and dominant models demonstrated a substantial relationship between stroke groups at risk of developing stroke but not the Recessive model. An extensive connection was found between the MTHFR A1298C and stroke danger in three different inheritance models: dominant (CC + CA vs. AA), over-dominant (AA + CC vs AC), and allelic (C allele) (P < 0.001). A highly significant difference in blood pressure, total cholesterol, and triglycerides levels was found between patients and control. While there was no meaningful link discovered between genetic polymorphism with SBP, DBP, TG, LDL, VLDL among stroke group (P > 0.05 for each) except the CC genotype that was significantly associated with lower levels of TC and HDL when compared to CT + TT genotypes. The study evaluates a strong link among MTHFR mutations in genes and the probability to get stroke. The research significantly supports the use of MTHFR ((rs1801133) and (rs1801131) variations in stroke prediction.

Carbohydrate, Lipid, and Apolipoprotein Biomarkers in Blood and Risk of Thyroid Cancer: Findings from the AMORIS Cohort.

Previous studies have examined the link between blood metabolic biomarkers and risk of thyroid cancer, with inconclusive results. We performed a cohort study based on the Swedish Apolipoprotein-Related Mortality Risk (AMORIS) Cohort, including 561,388 individuals undergoing health examinations during 1985-1996 with a follow-up of &gt;30 years. Newly diagnosed cases of thyroid cancer were identified from the Swedish Cancer Register. We assessed the associations of nine blood biomarkers of carbohydrate, lipid, and apolipoprotein metabolism measured at the time of health examinations with the subsequent risk of thyroid cancer and demonstrated the temporal trend of these biomarkers during the 30 years before diagnosis of thyroid cancer. After multivariable adjustment, there was a lower risk of thyroid cancer, per standard deviation increase in total cholesterol (TC; HR 0.91; 95%CI 0.82-0.99) and HDL-C (HR 0.86; 95%CI 0.75-0.99). During the 20 to 30 years before diagnosis, patients with thyroid cancer, as a group, demonstrated constantly lower levels of TC and HDL-C, compared to controls. Further, patients with thyroid cancer demonstrated declining levels of these biomarkers during the ten years before diagnosis, whereas controls demonstrated stable or increasing levels. Taken together, we found blood levels of TC and HDL-C to be associated with the risk of thyroid cancer and that there was a declining level of metabolic biomarkers during the 10 years before diagnosis of thyroid cancer.

Vitamin D status affects the relationship between lipid profile and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein

BackgroundThe biological pathways through which vitamin D is involved in the regulation of systemic inflammation remain largely unknown.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the role of vitamin D status on the relationship between lipid profile and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in pregnant women.DesignSerum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), hs-CRP, and indicators of lipid profiles (total cholesterol, TC; triglyceride, TG; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, HDL-C; low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, LDL-C), were measured in 2479 pregnant women during the second trimester. Potential confounding including maternal sociodemographic characteristics, perinatal health status, diet, and lifestyle was prospectively collected. Multiple regression models and cubic models were used to evaluate the associations.ResultsThere was a significant non-linear relationship between lipid profile (TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C) and hs-CRP (P < 0.05). Increased serum 25(OH)D was significantly associated with decreasing TC, TG, HDL-C, LDL-C, and hs-CRP levels. Compared with medium levels of lipids group, pregnant women with higher levels of TC or TG have higher levels of hs-CRP, and pregnant women with lower levels of TC, HDL-C or LDL-C also have higher levels of hs-CRP in the vitamin D deficient group, and there was a significant correlation between low levels of TG and decreased hs-CRP (adjusted β for TG: -0.063, 95%CI: − 0.120,-0.007) in the non-vitamin D deficient group. Mediators that had appreciable shares of the associations between 25(OH)D and hs-CRP was TG (10.2% of the association; β = − 0.011; total indirect effect: 95% CI: − 0.019, − 0.002). The cubic model suggested that a steep increase in the adjusted regression coefficient of lipid with hs-CRP up to 50 nmol/L of 25(OH)D, and the highest adjusted regression coefficients were observed in pregnant women with 25(OH)D above 50 nmol/L.ConclusionOur findings suggest that high levels of vitamin D during pregnancy may improve lipid profile levels and inhibit elevated hs-CRP induced by high lipid metabolism.

Characteristics of Blood Lipid Profiles of Professional Athletes: A Literature Review

Regular physical activity significantly affects lipid status. In this literature review, the specific features of athletes blood lipid profiles were analysed. Professional athletes blood lipid status was found considerably preferable compared to sex- and age-matched sedentary population. Regardless of endurance or power type of sports activities, athletes perform lower levels of TC, LDL-C and TG and comparable or higher blood levels of HDL-C. The differences in blood lipids levels and sports disciplines were introduced. Although there are much more factors as diet, place of origin, training regime, and even genetic predisposition that should be taken into consideration for future research.

Association study of genetic variants of the ANGPTL3 gene and susceptibility to ischemic stroke.

BackgroundStroke ranks as the third-leading cause of years of life lost worldwide. ANGPTL3 plays important roles in lipid metabolism, atherosclerosis, and occurrence of stroke. The purpose of this study was to evaluate associations of genetic variants in the ANGPTL3 gene with ischemic stroke (IS) risk.MethodsA case–control study was conducted to evaluate the associations of tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the ANGPTL3 gene and risk of IS, as well as serum lipid levels. Dual-luciferase reporter assays in the HEK293T cell line was conducted to evaluate the promoter activity of ANGPTL3 rs6690733.ResultsWe found rs6690733 (C vs A: OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.13–1.59; P=0.001) and rs12563308 (C vs T: OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.64–0.93, P=0.007) were significantly associated with susceptibility to IS. Even corrected for Bonferroni adjustment, the two variants were still significant (0.007×4=0.028). Carriers of the minor allele of SNP rs6690733 had significantly higher levels of TC and LDL-C, while carriers of the minor allele of SNP rs12563308 had significantly lower levels of TC and LDL-C (all P<0.05). For rs6690733, the luciferase assay showed that promoter activity was significantly increased by 67% of plasmids containing the minor C allele compared with the major A allele in HEK293 cells.ConclusionOur study revealed genetic variants of the ANGPTL3 gene could contribute to susceptibility to IS through participating in the regulation of lipid metabolism.

Effects of a nutraceutical combination of monacolin, γ-oryzanol and γ-aminobutyric acid on lipid profile and C-reactive protein in mice.

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two nutraceutical agents aimed to improve lipid profile in a sample of mice.Material and methodsFifty mice were randomly divided into four groups. Control mice were fed a standard diet (SD), while the other three groups were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 4 weeks. At the end of the run-in period, mice fed with the SD continued to follow the SD, while mice fed with the HFD were divided into three groups: one continued with the HFD, one continued to follow the HFD + a blend of natural components derived from rice and fermented rice (monacolin K 3%, γ-oryzanol, and γ-aminobutyric acid) (S1), and the other one followed the HFD + one nutraceutical containing monacolin K 3% alone for 24 weeks.ResultsThe results showed that mice treated with HFD + S1 and HFD + S2 had lower levels of TC compared to mice fed with the HFD alone (p < 0.01, and p < 0.05, respectively). Moreover, mice treated with HFD + S1 had lower TC and LDL-C levels compared to mice fed with HFD + S2 (p < 0.05). Mice treated with HFD + S1 or S2 had lower Tg levels compared to mice fed with the HFD (p < 0.05).ConclusionsWe can conclude that a combination of monacolin K 3%, γ-oryzanol, and γ-aminobutyric acid is more effective than monacolin K 3% alone in reducing the negative effects of a HFD in a sample of specific pathogen-free mice.

Effect of ezetimibe add-on therapy over 52\xa0weeks extension analysis of prospective randomized trial (RESEARCH study) in type 2 diabetes subjects

BackgroundLowering cholesterol levels decreases the risk of atherosclerotic diseases. Effective ways to stably reduce LDL-C level are warranted in type 2 diabetic patients, a high-risk population for CVD, with various anti-diabetic therapeutic background. The RESEARCH study focuses on LDL-C reduction in this population along with modifications of the lipid profiles. We evaluated long-term ezetimibe add-on therapy in T2DM patients with hypercholesterolemia.MethodsIn a randomized, multicenter, open-label, prospective study, a total of 109 T2DM patients not attaining LDL-C target value despite first-line dose statin (10 mg of atorvastatin or 1 mg of pitavastatin) therapy in Japan were recruited. We investigated the difference in cholesterol lowering effect between ezetimibe (10 mg) add-on statin (EAT) group and double-dose statin (DST) group. Changes of parameters related to atherosclerotic event risks were assessed.ResultsThe reduction of LDL-C was larger in the EAT group (28.3%) than in the DST group (9.2%) at 52 weeks as well as the primary endpoint of 12 weeks. EAT achieved significant lower levels of TC and apo B, respectively. Both treatments attained significant reduction in sd-LDL-C or hsCRP on this long-term basis. Notably, sd-LDL-C in EAT reduced as low as 36.1 ± 14.9 mg/dl to reach near the threshold (35.0 mg/dl) for atherosclerosis with significantly higher achievement rate (55.6%) than DST treatment. Simultaneously, hsCRP reduction by EAT attained as low value as 0.52 ± 0.43 mg/l.ConclusionsIn the present 52-week long-term period, ezetimibe add-on therapy showed a robust advantage in lowering LDL-C and in attaining target LDL-C values compared with the doubling of statin dose. Moreover, it’s meaningful that sd-LDL, powerfully atherogenic lipoprotein, exhibited prominent decrease consistently prominently by ezetimibe add-on therapy. DM patients with hypercholesterolemia are at high risk for CAD, and adding ezetimibe onto usual-dose statin treatment in Japan has been suggested as the first-line therapy for those DM patients who failed to attain the target LDL-C value (UMIN000002593).

Polyphenols from hawthorn peels and fleshes differently mitigate dyslipidemia, inflammation and oxidative stress in association with modulation of liver injury in high fructose diet-fed mice

Hawthorn ingestion is linked to health benefits due to the various polyphenols. The present study investigated the differential effects of polyphenols-enriched extracts from hawthorn fruit peels (HPP) and fleshes (HFP) against liver injury induced by high-fructose diet in mice. It was found that the main species of polyphenols in hawthorn was chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, rutin and hyperoside, and their contents in HPP were all higher than those in HFP. Administration of HPP was better than HFP to alleviate liver injury and hepatocyte apoptosis, reflected by the reduction of ALT, AST and ALP activities, as well as the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 in mice. Meanwhile, HPP was also more effective than HFP to mitigate liver inflammation and oxidative stress by inhibiting inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1 and IL-6) release, and elevating antioxidant enzyme activities and PPARα expression, while reducing Nrf-2 and ARE expression in mice. Interestingly, HPP-treated mice also showed the lower levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, VLDL-C and Apo-B, and the higher levels of HDL-C and Apo-A1 than HFP-treated mice via reducing FAS express. These results together with the histopathology of the liver with H&E and oil red O staining suggest that hawthorn fruit, especially its peel, is an excellent source of natural polyphenolic chemopreventive agents in the treatment of liver disorders.

Association between CETP Taq1B and LIPC -514C/T polymorphisms with the serum lipid levels in a group of Tehran's population: a cross sectional study

BackgroundLow level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) has high prevalence in the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) cohort. About 50% of the inter-individual variation in serum HDL-C levels is genetically determined. Polymorphisms in cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) and hepatic lipase (LIPC) genes have been found to be associated with the metabolism and serum concentration of the HDL-C.ObjectivesTo determine the association between Taq1B polymorphism in CETP gene and -514C/T polymorphism in LIPC gene with serum lipid levels and lipid peroxidation in a subgroup of the TLGS population.ResultsSerum HDL-C level had significant association with CETP Taq1B polymorphism and B2B2 subjects had the highest HDL-C levels compared to B2B1 and B1B1 genotypes (37.9 vs. 36.9 and 35.3 mg/dl, respectively; P = 0.01). However, carriers of "B1" allele, in comparison to the non carriers (B2B2), had significantly lower levels of TC (200.1 vs. 215.2 mg/dl; P = 0.005), HDL-C (35.8 vs. 37.9 mg/dl; P = 0.009) and malondialdehyde MDA (4.5 vs. 5.0 nmol/mL; P=0.031). Carriers of the "T" allele in -514C/T polymorphism in LIPC gene had higher means of HDL-C than non carriers (37.7 vs. 35.7 mg/dl, P = 0.04). No other association was found between -514C/T polymorphism and any other serum lipids or MDA level.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the association between Taq1B and -514C/T polymorphisms in the CETP and LIPC genes with the serum HDL-C levels.

The effects of beta2 adrenergic receptor gene polymorphism in lipid profiles

BackgroundExplore the interaction between apolipoprotein E (Apo E), phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and β2 adrenergic receptor (β2-AR) gene polymorphisms and lipid profiles in an elderly Chinese population.MethodsFive hundred subjects aged 65 to 74 years were randomly selected from a community in southern Taiwan to assess the relationship between Apo E, PLA2 and β2-AR gene polymorphisms and lipid profiles. Two hundred sixty-seven participants agreed to have venous blood drawn for DNA studies.ResultsTwo statistically significant differences were noted in TC and LDL-C in the Gln27Glu of the β2-AR gene polymorphism (P = 0.007, P = 0.022). The low-income group had a higher HDL-C level (p = 0.076). The Gln27Glu polymorphism Glu/Glu or Gln/Glu subjects had lower TC levels compared to the Gln27Glu polymorphism Gln/Gln subjects (p = 0.092). Lower TC levels (p = 0.082) and lower LDL-C levels (p = 0.045) in subjects with the Cys19Arg16Glu27 haplotype. Lower TC levels (p = 0.06) were also noted in subjects with the Cys19Gly 16Glu27 haplotype. On the other hand, higher VLDL-C levels (p = 0.185) and higher triglyceride (TG) levels (p = 0.190) were noted in subjects with the Cys19Gly 16Gln27 haplotype. The ε2 allele combined with low income had a positive effect on HDL-C (p = 0.0011), after adding the income factor in this study.ConclusionWhen the effects of Apo E and PLA2 on lipid profiles were included in this study, β2-AR gene polymorphisms reduced significant effect on lipid profiles. Similarly, low income increased effect on HDL-C. This study appeared that the results of gene-gene and gene-environment interaction, it should be considered in further studies for lipid profiles.

Growth of Geobacter sulfurreducens on Poorly Crystalline Fe(III) Oxyhydroxide Coatings

Few studies have examined the molecular to micron-scale interactions between dissimilatory Fe(III)-reducing bacteria and poorly crystalline Fe(III) phases which are frequently the most bioavailable Fe(III) sources in the subsurface. Here we describe methods for analysing these interactions using a range of chemical and spectroscopic techniques. Glass slides were coated with a synthetic poorly crystalline Fe(III) phase and then incubated in the presence of the Fe(III)-reducing bacterium Geobacter sulfurreducens and a suitable growth medium. Growth on the Fe(III)-coating was observed via cell staining and environmental scanning electron microscopy while microbial Fe(III) reduction was quantified using a colorimetric assay. However, following microbial reduction, Fe(II) could not be detected on the slide surface using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Fe(II)-coated control slides showed that the mineral surface was not re-oxidised during handling or analysis. Further experiments intended to demonstrate removal of Tc(VII) and Cr(VI) from solution via abiotic reduction mediated by biogenic Fe(II) on the slide surface resulted in far lower levels of Tc(VII) and Cr(VI) reduction than expected. These data may indicate that the electrons transferred from G. sulfurreducens to poorly crystalline Fe(III) involves the deeper mineral structure, so that Fe(II) phases are not detectable on the surface. The environmental implications of this hypothesis are discussed.

Comparative effects of vitamin E succinate (VES) on serum vitamin E and lipid levels in BALB/c nude mice fed high fat diets containing cottonseed or soybean oil

Purpose: In this study we compared the effects of vitamin E succinate (VES) on the serum vitamin E and lipid levels of mice fed high-fat diets containing 20% cottonseed oil (CSO), or 20% soybean oil (SO). Methods: Forty-eight male BALB/c nude mice, five weeks old were randomly assigned to four groups (n=12/group). Two groups were fed 20% CSO, while the other two groups were fed 20% SO. On day one all mice received subcutaneous injection of 1x106 LNCaP cells in 0.2 mL matrigel. After 3 weeks, two groups were given intraperitoneal (IP) injection of VES (100 mg/kg body weight) in sesame oil (Intervention group), while the other two groups received only sesame oil, three times a week (Control group). Mice were sacrificed at the end of seven weeks. Blood samples were assayed for vitamin E and lipids at baseline and at the end of the study. Results: In the CSO group, Intervention group had significantly lower levels of TC, LDLc, and VLDLc compared to control group (22.5% vs 4%, 19% vs. 6%, 16% vs 3% respectively; p<0.05), while levels of HDL-c, total tocopherol, alpha tocopherol, and VES were elevated (5% vs 12%, 2% vs 8%, 3% vs. 12%; p<0.05). No significant differences were found in the mice fed SO. Conclusion: Serum lipid, total, and alpha tocopherol and VES levels were significantly improved by VES IP injection in high fat diets containing 20% CSO without affecting body weight, while no significant differences were observed in diets containing 20% SO. Supported by Human Nutrition Fund

Lipid profile of women qualifying for hypolipidaemic treatment

Objective — Death rates from coronary heart disease continue to rise in women despite a marked decrease in men for the past two decades. Our study aimed to evaluate essential risk factors in highrisk adult women.Methods — Lipid profiles of 547 dyslipidaemic adult women aged 57.5±10.6years (mean ±standard deviation) were evaluated and stratified according to fasting plasma lipid levels. Classification of the cohort was performed based on triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and correlations between TG and HDL-C were estimated.Results — Patients with TG ≥150mg/dl had lower HDL-C levels compared to those with TG < 150mg/dl (p< 0.001). Patients with HDL-C < 40mg/dl had lower TC levels and higher TG levels compared to those with HDL-C ≥40mg/dl (p=0.012 and p < 0.001, respectively). In the cohort and the subgroups an inverse correlation between TG and HDL-C was observed (r = –0.428, slope = –0.048, p <0.001).Conclusions — The expected inverse correlation between fasting high TG and low HDL levels was confirmed.The novelty of the study is that this correlation persists even in the case of low fasting TG levels.

Distribution of apolipoproteins in normal individuals of various age groups.

The study comprised normal controls with 10 males and 10 females in each decade of age starting from birth till greater than 70 years of age and also 20 cord blood samples (10 males and 10 females). In normal controls there was a progressive increase in the levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides in both men and women with age. Women had significantly lower levels of Tc and TG as compared to men until 40 years of age. Beyond this age levels of Tc were similar to those in men. HDL-c was lower in girls below 10 years of age compared to boys. Above 10 years of age women had significantly higher levels of HDL-c. Apo A-I and A-II levels were also significantly higher in women compared to men.

Cytological Effects of Tc on Young Soybean Plants

Soybean seedlings (Glycine max cv. Williams) were exposed for 24 to 67 h to 99TcO4- (Tc) at various concentrations in dilute culture solution. Reduced primary leaf midrib length was observed with 67-h exposures to greater than or equal to 6.0 mu M Tc. Cellular effects were consistently observed by a light microscope after 43-h or longer exposure to 6.6 microM Tc and higher concentrations. At lower Tc levels, abnormal cells were interspersed among cells of normal appearance. Abnormal cells displayed blockshaped nuclei which were more densely stained by Harris' hematoxylineosin Y than controls; such cells frequently demonstrated incipient plasmolysis. The number of affected cells increased with dose; both nuclei and cytoplasm demonstrated greater staining intensity and more severe plasmolysis at higher levels. At levels of greater than or equal to 13.2 Tc, cellular damage was extensive. Cells were reduced in size and were highly plasmolysed; cell walls were distorted, and intercellular spaces were reduced or became nonexistent. Mitotic activity was observed at Tc levels less than or equal to 9.9 microM. Observed Tc cellular effects are attributed principally to the alteration of membrane permeability characteristics.