Mean Serum Total Cholesterol Research Articles

C-Reactive Protein And Lipid Profile In Ischemic Heart Disease A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study

Inflammation plays a major role in the initiation, progression & destabilization of atheroma. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a sensitive marker of inflammation, and elevated levels have been associated with future risk of myocardial infarction (MI). Risk of coronary heart disease & other forms of atherosclerotic vascular disease rises with plasma cholesterol concentration & in particular the ratio of total cholesterol to high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) cholesterol. Measurement of C- reactive protein (CRP) adds to the predictive value of total cholesterol (TC) and HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) in determining subsequent risk of first myocardial infarction. Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was undertaken to observe association between high sensitive CRP and lipid profile level with chronic ischaemic heart disease and was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from July 2010 to June 2011. A total 50 cases were selected purposively according to the selection criteria from the patients admitted in the Department of Cardiology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital with chronic ischaemic heart disease (IHD). Diagnosed IHD patients were taken as cases; age- & sex- matched 50 healthy subjects were taken as controls. Serum hsCRP and serum TC, TAG, LDL-C & HDL-C were measured in all study subjects. Results: The mean serum CRP concentration in cases and controls were 11.22+/-7.64 mg/dl and 1.72+/-0.98 mg/dl respectively. Mean serum TC, TAG, HDL-C and LDL-C in cases groups were 314+/-74 mg/dl, 288+/-60 mg/dl, 36+/-4 mg/dl, and 178+/-22 mg/dl respectively and in controls groups were 175+/-19 mg/dl, 118+/-12 mg/dl, 43+/-2 mg/dl & 126+/-11 mg/dl respectively. Serum hsCRP, Total Cholesterol, TAG & LDL-C were significantly higher in cases than control subjects. Serum HDL-C was significantly lower in cases than control subjects. Conclusions: The present study reveals that the patients of chronic ischaemic heart disease have been found to have close association of increased level of hsCRP and lipid profile.

Serum Lipids in COVID-19

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic still remains as an evolving condition. The available literature suggested that the level of various biochemical parameters was found to be associated with severity of the infection and can be used as markers of severity in patients with COVID-19. However, speculation for association of hypolipidemia with COVID-19 severity was also postulated. Hence, present study is conducted to find association of lipid profile with the severity of the disease. Materials and methods: A case–control study was carried out in the months of August to October 2020 in Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India. Cases included 103 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-positive admitted patients (52 with moderate disease and 51 with severe disease), whereas control included 100 SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR-negative patients visiting outpatient clinic of Department of Respiratory Medicine of the hospital. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) values of participants were evaluated and compared among severe COVID-19 cases and controls as well as in moderate and severe COVID-19 diseased. Results: Among 103 patients, 52 patients had moderate disease and 51 had severe COVID-19 on admission. The mean serum total cholesterol level in cases was 145 ± 64.21 and 161.43 ± 43.48 mg/dL in controls (P = 0.035). Mean serum triglyceride level was 167.22 ± 99.04 mg/dL in COVID-19 cases and 141.73 ± 71.76 mg/dL in control (P = 0.037). Mean serum LDL-C level was 93.77 ± 38.68 mg/dL in cases and 110.74 ± 43.11 mg/dL in control (P = 0.004). Mean serum HDL-C level was 29.61 ± 11.71 mg/dL in cases and 42.35 ± 13.87 mg/dL in control population (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Hypolipidemia was found to be significantly associated with COVID-19 infection in the current study. There was no statistically significant difference found in patients with moderate and severe COVID-19 in this small group study.

Maternal hyperlipidemia and spontaneous preterm delivery: a multi-centre cohort study

Background Hyperlipidemia is a precursor of inflammation and oxidative stress and suggested to be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm delivery. This study evaluated the association between maternal hyperlipidemia and spontaneous preterm delivery. Methods This was a prospective, multicentre cohort study in which 239 pregnant women aged 20–35 years with singleton pregnancy, were consecutively recruited at estimated gestational ages of 14–18weeks. Maternal serum lipids were determined at recruitment over a 2-month period and they were followed up until 37 weeks for the subsequent 6 months. Pregnant women with medical conditions and medications that could alter serum lipid levels were excluded from the study. Demographic and baseline variables were summarized using descriptive statistics. Comparison of continuous variables was done using the student’s t-test and categorical variables were compared using the Chi square or Fisher’s exact test as appropriate. Correlation was determined using Pearson’s correlation. Odd ratios were calculated at 95% confidence interval, width of CI as 10% (0.1) and all significances are reported at p < .05. Findings The prevalence of spontaneous preterm delivery and maternal hypercholesterolemia was 10.2% and 33.1% respectively. There was no significant association between spontaneous preterm delivery and hyperlipidemia in pregnancy (p = .102). Mean serum total cholesterol (mmol/L), LDL cholesterol (mmol/L), HDL cholesterol (mmol/L) and triglyceride (mmol/L) was 5.31 ± 0.84, 2.60 ± 0.72, 1.64 ± 0.36 and 1.23 ± 0.40 respectively in women with spontaneous preterm delivery was similar to mean values of 5.23 ± 0.98, 2.54 ± 0.82, 1.64 ± 0.49 and 1.30 ± 0.59 respectively in women with term delivery. There was no significant correlation between mean individual serum lipids, determined at 14–18weeks gestational age, and gestational age at delivery. Conclusion Serum lipid values determined early in pregnancy were observed to be similar in women with preterm and term delivery. There was no association between hyperlipidemia and spontaneous preterm delivery. There was no correlation of individual mean lipid values, determined early in pregnancy, and gestational age at delivery.

Trends in Cardiovascular Risk Factors in US Adults by Race and Ethnicity and Socioeconomic Status, 1999-2018

After decades of decline, the US cardiovascular disease mortality rate flattened after 2010, and racial and ethnic differences in cardiovascular disease mortality persisted. To examine 20-year trends in cardiovascular risk factors in the US population by race and ethnicity and by socioeconomic status. A total of 50 571 participants aged 20 years or older from the 1999-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, a series of cross-sectional surveys in nationally representative samples of the US population, were included. Calendar year, race and ethnicity, education, and family income. Age- and sex-adjusted means or proportions of cardiovascular risk factors and estimated 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease were calculated for each of 10 two-year cycles. The mean age of participants ranged from 49.0 to 51.8 years and the proportion of women from 48.2% to 51.3% in the surveys. From 1999-2000 to 2017-2018, age- and sex-adjusted mean body mass index increased from 28.0 (95% CI, 27.5-28.5) to 29.8 (95% CI, 29.2-30.4); mean hemoglobin A1c increased from 5.4% (95% CI, 5.3%-5.5%) to 5.7% (95% CI, 5.6%-5.7%) (both P < .001 for linear trends). Mean serum total cholesterol decreased from 203.3 mg/dL (95% CI, 200.9-205.8 mg/dL) to 188.5 mg/dL (95% CI, 185.2-191.9 mg/dL); prevalence of smoking decreased from 24.8% (95% CI, 21.8%-27.7%) to 18.1% (95% CI, 15.4%-20.8%) (both P < .001 for linear trends). Mean systolic blood pressure decreased from 123.5 mm Hg (95% CI, 122.2-124.8 mm Hg) in 1999-2000 to 120.5 mm Hg (95% CI, 119.6-121.3 mm Hg) in 2009-2010, then increased to 122.8 mm Hg (95% CI, 121.7-123.8 mm Hg) in 2017-2018 (P < .001 for nonlinear trend). Age- and sex-adjusted 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk decreased from 7.6% (95% CI, 6.9%-8.2%) in 1999-2000 to 6.5% (95% CI, 6.1%-6.8%) in 2011-2012, then did not significantly change. Age- and sex-adjusted body mass index, systolic blood pressure, and hemoglobin A1c were consistently higher, while total cholesterol was lower in non-Hispanic Black participants compared with non-Hispanic White participants (all P < .001 for group differences). Individuals with college or higher education or high family income had consistently lower levels of cardiovascular risk factors. The mean age- and sex-adjusted 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease was significantly higher in non-Hispanic Black participants compared with non-Hispanic White participants (difference, 1.4% [95% CI, 1.0%-1.7%] in 1999-2008 and 2.0% [95% CI, 1.7%-2.4%] in 2009-2018]). This difference was attenuated (-0.3% [95% CI, -0.6% to 0.1%] in 1999-2008 and 0.7% [95% CI, 0.3%-1.0%] in 2009-2018) after further adjusting for education, income, home ownership, employment, health insurance, and access to health care. In this serial cross-sectional survey study that estimated US trends in cardiovascular risk factors from 1999 through 2018, differences in cardiovascular risk factors persisted between Black and White participants; the difference may have been moderated by social determinants of health.

Impact of Toxoplasma gondii human infections on blood lipid levels

To evaluate the impact of Toxoplasma gondii human infections on blood lipid levels. A total of 1 000 healthy volunteers that were randomly sampled from a tertiary hospital during the period from December 2017 through December 2019 were enrolled, and assigned into the infection group and the control group according to the detection of serum anti-T. gondii antibody using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride (TG) were detected and compared between the two groups. The seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibody was 8.40% in the study subjects, and there were no significant differences between the infection and control groups in terms of gender (χ2 = 1.29, P > 0.05) or age (χ2 = 1.41, P > 0.05). The mean serum LDL (t = 3.89, P < 0.05) and TC levels (t = 3.81, P < 0.05) were significantly higher in the infection group than in the control group, while no significant differences were seen between the two groups in terms of mean serum TG (t = 0.97, P > 0.05) or HDL levels (t = 0.75, P > 0.05). In addition, the proportions of abnormal LDL (χ2 = 9.69, P < 0.01) and TC levels (χ2 = 10.39, P < 0.01) were significantly greater in the infection group than in the control group, while no significant differences were found in the proportion of abnormal TG (χ2 = 0.02, P > 0.05) or HDL level (χ2 = 0.11, P > 0.05) between the two groups. T. gondii human infections affect blood lipid levels, and the individuals sero-positive for anti-T. gondii antibody have higher mean serum LDL and TC, as well as higher proportions of abnormal TC and LDL than sero-negative individuals.

Genetic Analysis of Japanese Children Clinically Diagnosed with Familial Hypercholesterolemia.

Aim: This study aimed to elucidate the gene and lipid profiles of children clinically diagnosed with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). Methods: A total of 21 dyslipidemia-related Mendelian genes, including FH causative genes (LDLR,APOB, andPCSK9) and LDL-altering genes (APOE,LDLRAP1, andABCG5/8), were sequenced in 33 Japanese children (mean age, 9.7±4.2 years) with FH from 29 families. Results: Fifteen children (45.5%) with pathogenic variants inLDLR (eight different heterozygous variants) and one child (3.0%) with thePCSK9 variant were found. Among 17 patients without FH causative gene variants, 3 children had variants in LDL-altering genes, anAPOE variant and twoABCG8 variants. The mean serum total cholesterol (280 vs 246 mg/dL), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C, 217 vs 177 mg/dL), and non-HDL cholesterol (228 vs 188 mg/dL) levels were significantly higher in the pathogenic variant-positive group than in the variant-negative group. In the variant-positive group, 81.3% of patients had LDL-C levels ≥ 180 mg/dL but 35.3% in the variant-negative group. The mean LDL-C level was significantly lower in children with missense variants, especially with the p.Leu568Val variant, than in children with other variants inLDLR, whereas the LDL-altering variants had similar effects on the increase in serum LDL-C toLDLR p.Leu568Val. Conclusion: Approximately half of the children clinically diagnosed with FH had pathogenic variants in FH causative genes. The serum LDL-C levels tend to be high in FH children with pathogenic variations, and the levels are by the types of variants. Genetic analysis is useful; however, further study on FH without any variants is required.

Effect of Anethum graveolens L. (Dill)Consumption on Serum Lipids: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background: Anethum graveolens L. (dill) has been used as traditional medicinal plant for abdominal discomfort, colic, sleep disprders and for promoting digestion since ancient times. Recently, lipid-lowering effect of dill has been noticed. Aim of the study: We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of dill supplementation on human serum lipid profile. Methods: A systematic search for English published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was performed up to December 2019 covering PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and Coherence library. Inclusion criteria were RCT study design, at least one of lipid profile components (triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL-C and HDL-C) levels measured before dill use and also reported as result. The pooled weighted mean difference (MD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated and pooled using a random-effects model. Results: Pooled data of six RCTs involving 171 intervention cases indicated that dill supplementation was associated with a significant reduction in mean serum total cholesterol (MD 95% CI=-3.71 (-5.71,-1.70); p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (MD 95% CI=-1.51 (-2.65,-0.47); p=0.005), triglycerides (MD 95% CI=-2.48 (-3.98,-0.98); p=0.001) and interestingly high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (HDL-C) (MD 95% CI=-2.19 (-3.58,-0.81); p=0.002). Subgroup analysis showed that dill use was more effective in lowering triglyceride in both hyperlipidemic patients, MD 95% CI=-3.54 (-6.49,-0.60); p=0.02) and type 2 diabetes (MD 95% CI=-3.64 (-5.69,-1.58); p=0.001). Dill use reduced the LDL levels more effectively in patients with type 2 diabetes (MD 95% CI=-3.54 (-6.49,-0.60); p=0.03). Conclusion: Dill supplementation significantly improved LDL-C, TG and TC levels but not HDL-C. Further high quality controlled clinical trials on human is needed for more accurate and confirm conclusion.

Clinical biochemistry profile of Leptospira IgG seropositive trade horses

Background: Trade horses in Nigeria are not vaccinated against leptospirosis. Clinical biochemistry profile of Leptospira IgG (LEP-IgG) seropositive trade horses, alongside the effect of physiological factors (age, sex and pregnancy) were determined in this study. Methods and materials: Blood samples were collected via jugular veins of 129 horses of varying ages and sex at the Obollo Afor horse lairage. The harvested sera were subjected to qualitative test for LEP-IgG antibodies by sandwich ELISA method, and serum biochemistry evaluation which followed standard procedures. Results: A total number of 16 (12.4%) trade horses were recorded to be Leptospira seropositive. A significant association was recorded between the presence of LEP-IgG antibodies and age (p = 0.025), sex (p = 0.005), and pregnancy (p = 0.009). The mean serum total protein, albumin and total cholesterol values of the Leptospira seropositive trade horses were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than those of seronegative horses. Also, the mean blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those of seronegative horses. The mean serum ALT, AST, ALP and total protein values of the seropositive stallions were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than those of the Leptospira seropositive mares. The mean serum albumin and creatinine values of the Leptospira seropositive stallions were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those of the Leptospira seropositive mares. The serum ALP of the seropositive young horses was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than those of the adult and horses. The mean serum albumin of young horses was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those of old trade horses. The mean serum ALP value of the pregnant mares was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of the non-pregnant mares. The mean serum albumin value of seropositive pregnant mares was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than those of the non-pregnant seropositive mares. Also, the serum globulin and creatinine values of seropositive pregnant mares were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those of the non-pregnant seropositive mares. Conclusion: Therefore, it was concluded that the seroprevalence of leptospirosis in trade horses was 12.4%. LEP-IgG seropositive horses were hypoproteinaemic, hypoalbuminaemic, hypocholesterolemic, with elevated levels of BUN. This suggests that the level of anti-LEP IgG is less protective and leptospirosis in horses is more associated with hepatic than renal involvement.

No association between subclinical hypothyroidism and dyslipidemia in children and adolescents

BackgroundThere are controversies about the correlation between higher levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and dyslipidemia in children. This study was designed to assess the relation between lipid profile components and TSH levels in children.MethodThis cross-sectional study was performed in a pediatric endocrinology growth assessment clinic in Shiraz, southern Iran. Children aged 2–18 years who referred to the clinic from January until April 2018 were included. TSH levels equal or above 5 mIU/L and lower than 10 mIU/L with normal free T4 (FT4) were considered as having subclinical hypothyroidism (SH).ResultsSix hundred sixty-six children were euthyroid while 181 had SH. No significant difference was found between the mean serum total cholesterol (P = 0.713), LDL-C (P = 0.369), HDL-C (P = 0.211), non-HDL-C (P = 0.929), and triglyceride (P = 0.215) levels between euthyroid children and subjects with SH. There was also no significant difference in the prevalence of dyslipidemias in any lipid profile components between the two groups. The adjusted correlation was not significant between TSH levels and any lipid profile component.ConclusionBased on the results of our study, we found no correlation between SH and dyslipidemia in children. The association between dyslipidemia and SH in children still seems to be inconsistent based on the results of this and previous studies. We recommend a meta-analysis or a significantly larger retrospective study on this subject.

Effect of Fasting Therapy and Low-Calorie Diet on Anthropometric and Serum Lipids in Obese Females

Background: Preclinical and clinical studies have shown the importance of calorie restriction diet in weight reduction and cardiovascular risk factors. In this study, our objective is to compare the naturopathic-based short-term fasting therapy with low-calorie diet (LCD) on anthropometric and lipid profile among obese and overweight persons. A total number of subjects (n = 100) with body mass index (BMI) ≥25 were randomly allocated into either fasting therapy intervention (n = 48) or a LCD (n = 52). Materials and Methods: Participants underwent very LCD (288–904 kcal) in fasting therapy and a LCD (1234 kcal) in the other group respectively for 10 days. Individuals in both the groups were assessed with anthropometric parameters such as BMI, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference and waist-hip ratio, serum lipid profile, and serum leptin levels at the baseline and after 10 days. Results: The anthropometric measurements were decreased significantly in the fasting group when compared with the LCD group (P &lt; 0.05). The decrease in mean serum total cholesterol (TC) (−27.43%), triglycerides (TGs) (−13.05%), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (−20.9%) in the treated group were statistically significant (P &lt; 0.001), whereas serum high density lipoprotein (2.32%) was increased but insignificantly (P &gt; 0.001) when compared with the nontreated group. Conclusions: Our findings support that short-term fasting therapy is beneficial in anthropometric measures and reducing leptin level among obese or overweight person compared to LCD. However, long-term adherence of weight loss with these interventions should be tested in future studies with bigger sample size.

Quercetin Ameliorates Lipid and Apolipoprotein Profile in High-Dose Glucocorticoid Treated Rats.

ResumoFundamento Os glicocorticóides (GCs) são amplamente prescritos para o tratamento de numerosos distúrbios clínicos devido às suas propriedades anti-inflamatórias e imunomoduladoras, e um dos efeitos indesejáveis mais comuns desses medicamentos é a dislipidemia.Objetivo Avaliar o efeito da quercetina, um flavonoide derivado de plantas, no perfil lipídico de ratos tratados com glicocorticóides em altas doses.Métodos Um total de 32 ratos Sprague-Dawley foram distribuídos aleatoriamente entre quatro grupos (8 ratos por grupo) e tratados por 6 semanas com uma das seguintes opções : (i) solução salina normal; (ii) 40 mg/kg de succinato sódico de metilprednisolona (MP); (iii) MP + 50 mg/kg de quercetina; (iv) MP + 150 mg/kg de quercetina. O MP foi injetado por via subcutânea e a quercetina foi administrada por gavagem oral 3 dias por semana. No final do estudo, o perfil lipídico dos animais foi medido através de kits enzimáticos. Os dados foram analisados e a significância estatística foi estabelecida em p <0,05.Resultados Os níveis séricos médios de colesterol total (CT), triglicerídeos (TG) e LDL aumentaram drasticamente em animais tratados com GC em comparação com o grupo controle. Ambas as doses de quercetina (50 e 150 mg/kg) melhoraram o CT (43% e 45%), LDL (56% e 56%) e TG (46% e 55%, respectivamente). A razão Apo B/A1 diminuiu mais de 20% após a ingestão de Anti-Inflamatory Agents.Conclusões Esses dados sugerem que a ingestão de quercetina Quercetin; induzida por glicocorticóides. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(1):102-108)

Secular trends in cardiovascular risk factors among women aged 45\u201354\u2009years in Gothenburg, Sweden, from 1980 to 2014

BackgroundA declining trend in mean cholesterol levels and smoking has been observed in high-income western countries during the last few decades, whereas obesity rates have increased. Simultaneously, mortality from coronary heart disease has decreased. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the trends in cardiovascular risk factors have continued in successive cohorts of middle-aged women over a period of 34 years.MethodsSix population-based, cross-sectional samples of women (n = 2294) mean age: 49.8 years (range: 45–54), living in Gothenburg, Sweden, were investigated between 1980 and 2014.ResultsBody mass index (BMI) increased over time, with a mean BMI of 24.7 kg/m2 in 1980 to 25.7 kg/m2 in 2013–2014, corresponding to a weight gain of 4.5 kg, together with an increase in the proportion of obese individuals (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) from 10.4 to 16.6% (p = 0.0012). The proportion of smokers and women with hypertension decreased from 34.5 to 12.8% (p = 0.0006) and from 37.7 to 24.5% (p < 0.0001) respectively. Mean total serum cholesterol levels decreased from 6.23 (SD 1.09) mmol/L in 1980 to 5.43 (SD 0.98) mmol/L in 2013–2014 (p < 0.0001). Self-reported leisure time regular exercise increased from 7.8% in 1980 to 35.6% in 2013–2014 (p < 0.0001). For women born in 1963, the prevalence ratio of not having any of five major cardiovascular risk factors was 1.82 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38–2.41), compared with women born in 1925–1934.ConclusionThe trend towards increasing obesity, more leisure-time physical activity and less smoking remains, while the decrease in serum cholesterol appears to have abated.

Serum lipids in sub clinical hypothyroidism: A retrospective study

Thyroid hormones are a potent regulator of metabolism, playing a crucial role in regulating energy expenditure and in key physiological mechanisms. Their prominent and well-known role is an increase in basal energy expenditure obtained by acting on carbohydrate, protein and lipid-metabolism. Hypothyroidism is relatively common and is associated with an unfavorable effect on lipid metabolism. Few studies reveal subclinical hypothyroidism to be a risk factor for increased incidence of lipid abnormalities and resulting in cardiovascular abnormalities. Hence study was taken up to find the association of serum lipids with subclinical hypothyroidism.This was a retrospective study conducted in the department of Biochemistry, Malla Reddy hospital. Biochemically identified 102 subjects of Subclinical hypothyroidism subjects between 15-50 years and evaluated for lipid profile were included in the study. In our study, the mean serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol expressed in mg/dl were 189.98±24.16, 166.48±17.4, 37.62±2.89 and 121.34±27.31mg/dl respectively. 41 subjects out of 102 had higher total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol with lesser HDL cholesterol from the acceptable limits.: We conclude that impaired lipid parameters are associated with subclinical hypothyroidism. Hence a regular screening for lipid profile should be considered in subclinical hypothyroidism for early diagnosis, prevention and management of cardiovascular complications.

Adult nephrotic syndrome in the Niger delta sub region: a single centre study at the university of Port Harcourt teaching hospital

Background: Adult nephrotic syndrome is a common cause of chronic kidney disease globally and in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Nigeria there are only few studies on adult nephrotic syndrome, mostly from the south-western Nigeria and rarely from the Niger delta sub-region of Nigeria. This study aims at contributing to the National data on adult nephrotic syndrome, from the perspective of the Niger delta sub-region.Methods: Retrospective analysis of five-year clinical data (January 2007 to December 2011) of adult nephrotic syndrome patients in the University of Port Harcourt teaching hospital was conducted.Results: Forty-four patients, representing 1% of medical admissions and 7.3% of adult renal cases were seen during the period, with mean age of 27.7±8.5 years. There were 32 males (72.7%). Mean duration of illness was 25.3±30.3months. Peak age group was the 20-29 year age group, accounting for 52.3% of cases. Hypertension was seen in 45.5%. Mean e-GFR was 73.5±33.8 ml/min/1.73m2 with CKD 1-3 constituting 93.2% of cases. Mean 24-hour urinary protein excretion was 13.6±8.4 grams/day. Protein excretion &gt;10grams/day was observed in 65.8% of the patients. Mean total serum protein, albumin and total cholesterol were 51.4±11.7g/dl, 22.5±9.9 g/dl and 8.1±3.0 mmol/L, respectively. Anemia was common (68%) and histology showed MCGN (52.6%), MCD (21.1%), membranous (15.8%) and FSGS (10.5%). Though response to therapy was generally poor, immunosuppressive therapy showed better outcomes.Conclusions: The prevalence and pattern of adult nephrotic syndrome in the Niger delta sub-region is similar to that in other parts of Nigeria. It is predominantly a disease of young adult males with high prevalence of hypertension, and poor histologic categories.

A study on serum lipid parameters in individuals with major depressive disorder in comparison to normal controls

BACKGROUND: Evidence seems to suggest that dysfunction in many biological functions is associated with major depressive disorder (MDD). Literature suggests a possible link between different lipid parameters and depression. AIMS: The aim was to study lipid parameters in persons diagnosed with MDD and to find a correlation between these lipid parameters and depression. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a case–control study conducted in outpatient services of the psychiatry department. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 subjects were included in this study. Fifty drug-naive depression cases as assessed clinically and with Hamilton Rating Scale for depression were included in the study group, while the control group comprised 50 normal controls. Lipid parameters were obtained from fasting blood samples in both the groups. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data analysis was performed using SPSS 16. Continuous variables and categorical variables were summarized, respectively, as mean and standard deviation and frequency and percentage. RESULTS: The mean serum total cholesterol (TC) and mean serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the study group were significantly low in comparison to the control group. There was a significant negative correlation with serum TC (r = −0.710; P = 0.0001), mean serum LDL-C (r = −0.608; P = 0.0001), and triglycerides (TGs) (r = −0.289; P = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Drug-naive Individuals with MDD had significantly low TC and LDL-C in comparison to normal individuals. A significantly negative correlation was there between the severity of depression and TC, LDL-C, and TG.

Effects of Melatonin and Allium sativum (garlic) on Dibutyl Phthalate Induced Oxidative Stress on Serum Hormones and Lipid Profile of Rabbit Bucks

Forty two rabbit bucks were used for this study, bucks were randomly divided into 7 groups of 6 each. Group A was administered olive oil for 16 weeks, group B (olive oil + DBP for 16 weeks), group C (melatonin for 8 weeks, then olive oil + DBP for another 8 weeks), group D (garlic for 8 weeks, then olive oil + DBP for another 8 weeks), group E (olive oil + DBP for 8 weeks, then melatonin for another 8 week), group F (olive oil + DBP for 8 weeks, then garlic for another 8 weeks) and group G (olive oil + DBP for 8 weeks, then melatonin and garlic for another 8 weeks). The study lasted for 120 days, during which blood samples were collected on week 8 and 16 for serum hormonal profile determination and on the 120th day of the study, 3mls of blood was collected during sacrifice of each buck into a non EDTA sample bottle for serum lipid profile determination. Results show significant differences (P < 0.0001) in mean FSH, LH and T concentrations between DBP exposed and treatment groups. The results of serum lipid profile showed significant difference (P = 0.0086), in the mean serum total cholesterol concentration (mmol/L) between group B (4.08 ± 0.09) and groups (C, 2.5 ± 0.39; D, 2.35 ± 0.22; E, 3.2 ± 0.50; G, 2.9 ± 0.29), also there was significant difference (P = 0.0066) in the mean serum triglycerides concentration (mmol/L) between group B (1.83 ± 0.21) and all other groups (A, 0.88 ± 0.14; C, 1.15 ± 0.10; D, 1.28 ± 0.17; E, 1.1 ± 0.12; F, 1.35 ± 0.06 and G, 1.2 ± 0.15). Conclusion DBP decreases the concentration of serum hormones and increases total cholesterol and triglycerides concentration but administration of melatonin and garlic has promising protective effects.

Fetal Hemoglobin, Serum Total Cholesterol, Plasma Phosphate and Serum Calcium Levels in Patients with Leukemia and Lymphoma

In this study, fetal hemoglobin (HbF), blood total cholesterol, phosphate and calcium levels of leukemia and lymphoma cases in Mandalay were determined. It was a cross-sectional, comparative study. Thirty adult cases of leukemia and lymphoma and equal number of control subjects of comparable age (14 to 80 yrs) and sex were studied. Mean HbF of leukemia group (n=9), acute myeloid leukemia (AML) subgroup (n=6) and controls (n=30) were 2.72±0.47%, 3.17±0.69% and 1.39±0.25% of total Hb, respectively. The HbF levels of leukemia group and AML were significantly higher than that of controls (p&lt;0.02). Mean serum total cholesterol levels of leukemia group, AML subgroup and controls were found to be 126.5±17.38 mg%, 137.96±24.66 mg% and 177.18±7.68 mg%, respectively. Cholesterol levels of leukemia group and AML were lower than that of controls. Mean plasma phosphate levels of leukemia and lymphoma cases (n=30), leukemia group (n=9) and lymphoma group (n=21) were 1.21±0.07 mmol/l, 1.33±0.17 mmol/l and 1.15±0.06 mmol/l, respectively. Mean phosphate level of controls was 0.94 mmol/l. Plasma phosphate levels of the whole cases and individual case groups were significantly higher than that of controls (p&lt;0.001). Mean serum calcium levels of the whole cases, leukemia group and lymphoma group were 10.16±0.36 mg%, 10.03±0.75 mg% and 10.21±0.45 mg%, respectively. Mean serum calcium level of controls was 8.55±0.14 mg%. Serum calcium levels of the whole cases and individual case groups were found to be significantly higher than that of controls (p&lt;0.01). The study showed that not only raised HbF but also hypocholesterolaemia might be the diagnostic clues in leukemia cases. Recognition of blood phosphate and calcium changes leads to appropriate therapy and a reduction of morbidity.

Cholesterol Variability and Cranial Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in Older Adults: The Cardiovascular Health Study.

Background and Purpose- Serum cholesterol variability, independent of mean, has been associated with stroke, white matter hyperintensities on cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and other cardiovascular events. We sought to assess the relationship between total serum cholesterol (TC) variability and cranial MRI findings of subclinical or covert vascular brain injury in a longitudinal, population-based cohort study of older adults. Methods- In the Cardiovascular Health Study, we assessed associations between intraindividual TC mean, trend, and variability over ≈5 years with covert brain infarction (CBI) and white matter grade (WMG) on cranial MRI. Mean TC was calculated for each study participant from 4 annual TC measurements between 2 MRI scans. TC trend was calculated as the slope of the linear regression of the TC measurements, and TC variability was calculated as the SD of the residuals from the linear regression. We evaluated the association of intraindividual TC variability with incident CBI and worsening WMG between 2 MRI scans in primary analyses and with prevalent CBI number and WMG on the follow-up MRI scan in secondary analyses. Results- Among participants who were eligible for the study and free of clinical stroke before the follow-up MRI, 17.9% of 1098 had incident CBI, and 27.8% of 1351 had worsening WMG on the follow-up MRI. Mean, trend, and variability of TC were not associated with these outcomes. TC variability, independent of mean and trend, was significantly associated with the number of CBI (β=0.009 [95% CI, 0.003-0.016] P=0.004; N=1604) and was associated with WMG (β, 0.009 [95% CI, -0.0002 to 0.019] P=0.055; N=1602) on the follow-up MRI. Conclusions- Among older adults, TC variability was not associated with incident CBI or worsening WMG but was associated with the number of prevalent CBI on cranial MRI. More work is needed to validate and to clarify the mechanisms underlying such associations.

Combined Effect Of Coffee Consumption And Cigarette Smoking On Serum Levels Of Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, And Lipid Profile In Young Male: A Cross-Sectional Study.

ObjectiveTo investigate the associations of coffee consumption and/or smoking on certain clinical outcomes including total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), vitamin B12, and folic acid in a population of young healthy men.MethodThis cross-sectional study was conducted in Amman, Jordan, over 4 months. Participants were approached for study participation and asked to fill a questionnaire about their anthropometric information, habitual smoking, and coffee consumption during the last 3 months. Their fasting blood samples were taken to measure TC and LDL-C.ResultsHealthy male participants (n=117) in the age range of 18 to 26 years were recruited. Mean serum TC was higher in heavy coffee consumers (C++) group (≥3 cups/day) with or without smoking (M= 179.9±34.59 mg/dL and 195.94±23.69 mg/dL) in comparison with moderate coffee consumers (C+) group (1–2 cups/day) (M= 158.1±24.82 mg/dL and 177.23±34.17 mg/dL), and the mean level was higher in subjects who were coffee consumers only than smokers who were coffee consumers. LDL-C levels were higher in participants who were coffee consumers (M= 103.06±34.82mg/dL and 118.06±19.31 mg/dL) than smokers who were coffee consumers (M= 88.6±22.40 mg/dL and 108.26±37.57 mg/dL). No significant difference was noted regarding HDL-C, vitamin B12, and folic acid.ConclusionOur findings showed that heavy coffee consumption was more associated with hyperlipidemia than cigarette smoking. Accordingly, we conclude that moderate coffee consumption may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases or their consequences in male.

Effects of common variations of NOS3 and CAV1 genes on hypercholesterolemic profile in coronary heart disease

Caveolin-1 (CAV-1) plays a crucial role in endothelial-nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) enzymatic activity. Therefore, CAV-1 and eNOS interactions have a significant impact on endothelial dysfunction, cholesterol levels, and atherosclerosis. We investigated the critical variations in NOS3 and CAV1 genes in this case–control study to determine the relations between the coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors. The NOS3-rs1799983, CAV-1 rs3840634, and rs3807990 variations were analyzed in 76 CHD patients and 91 controls using the polymerase chain reaction. Mean serum Total-cholesterol levels were significantly higher in CHD patients with the CAV-1 rs3807990-T allele than in patients with CC genotype (p=0.017). There was a statistically significant correlation between the rs3807990-T allele and hypercholesterolemia in the CHD group (p=0.008). The multivariate analysis confirmed that the CAV-1 rs3807990-T allele (p=0.011) is a risk factor for hypercholesterolemia. Moreover, the serum HDL-Cholesterol level was detected to be higher in patients carrying both CAV1-rs3807990-T and NOS3-rs1799983-T alleles than those with the CAV-1 rs3807990-CC/ NOS3-rs1799983-GG genotype subgroup (p=0.013). These results suggested that the genetic variations of CAV-1 rs3807990 and NOS3-rs1799983 may contribute to the increased hypercholesterolemia risk and thus on the development of CHD.&nbsp;&nbsp;