Measured Serum Total Cholesterol Research Articles

Changes of lipoproteins in phenylalanine hydroxylase-deficient children during the first year of life

BackgroundInfluence of hyperphenylalaninemia on lipoproteins in early life remains unclear. MethodsWe enrolled 24 phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH)-deficient children who were classified into a phenylketonuria (PKU) group (n=12) lacking PAH activity and a benign hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) group (n=12) having partial PAH activity, and their 11 non-affected siblings. We measured serum total-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol levels together with apolipoproteins for the first year of life, and compared them with those of 30 age-matched healthy controls. ResultsThe affected groups invariably had lower cholesterol levels than non-affected groups. At birth, HDL-cholesterol decrease was greatest and predominated over the LDL-cholesterol decrease: total cholesterol, 28/36% decrease to the control level in HPA/PKU; HDL-cholesterol, 33/51%; LDL-cholesterol, 20/28%. At 3months, the opposite changes were observed: total cholesterol, 16/28%; HDL-cholesterol, 13/23%; LDL-cholesterol, 16/33%. At 12months, LDL were still significantly lower in both groups (8/18%, p<.05 and .001), although HDL was significantly decreased only in the PKU group (15%, p<.05). Apolipoprotein A-I/A-II and B changed respectively in accordance with HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol changes. Despite similar phenylalanine levels, the PKU group invariably had lower cholesterol concentrations than the HPA group had. ConclusionIrrespective of phenylalanine concentrations, lipoprotein synthesis in PAH-deficient children, particularly in PKU children, was suppressed in early life.

Lipid peroxidation and total cholesterol in HAART-naïve patients infected with circulating recombinant forms of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 in Cameroon.

BackgroundHIV infection has commonly been found to affect lipid profile and antioxidant defense.ObjectivesTo determine the effects of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and viral subtype on patient’s cholesterol and oxidative stress markers, and determine whether in the absence of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), these biochemical parameters could be useful in patient’s management and monitoring disease progression in Cameroon. For this purpose, we measured total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol (LDLC), HDL cholesterol (HDLC), total antioxidant ability (TAA), lipid peroxidation indices (LPI), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in HIV negative persons and HIV positive HAART-naïve patients infected with HIV-1 group M subtypes.MethodsWe measured serum TC, LDLC, HDLC, plasma MDA, and TAA concentrations, and calculated LPI indices in 151 HIV-positive HAART-naïve patients and 134 seronegative controls. We also performed gene sequence analysis on samples from 30 patients to determine the effect of viral genotypes on these biochemical parameters. We also determined the correlation between CD4 cell count and the above biochemical parameters.ResultsWe obtained the following controls/patients values for TC (1.96±0.54/1. 12±0. 48 g/l), LDLC (0. 67±0. 46/0. 43±0. 36 g/l), HDLC (105. 51±28. 10/46. 54±23. 36 mg/dl) TAA (0. 63±0. 17/0. 16±0. 16 mM), MDA (0. 20±0. 07/0. 41±0. 10 µM) and LPI (0. 34±0. 14/26. 02±74. 40). In each case, the difference between the controls and patients was statistically significant (p<0.05). There was a positive and statistically significant Pearson correlation between CD4 cell count and HDLC (r = +0.272; p<0.01), TAA (r = +0.199; p<0.05) and a negative and statistically significant Pearson correlation between CD4 cell count and LPI (r = −0.166; p<0.05). Pearson correlation between CD4 cell count and TC, CD4cell count and LDLC was positive but not statistically significant while it was negative but not statistically significant with MDA. The different subtypes obtained after sequencing were CRF02_AG (43.3%), CRF01_AE (20%), A1 (23.3%), H (6.7%), and G (6.7%). None of the HIV-1 subtypes significantly influenced the levels of the biochemical parameters, but by grouping them as pure subtypes and circulating recombinant forms (CRFs), the CRF significantly influenced TC levels. TC was significantly lower in patients infected with CRF (0.87±0.27 g/l) compared to patients infected with pure HIV-1 subtypes (1.32±0.68 g/l) (p<0.017). MDA levels were also significantly higher in patients infected with HIV-1CRF01_AE (0.50±0.10 µM), compared to patients infected with CRF02_AG (0. 38±0. 08 µM) (p<0.018).ConclusionThese results show that HIV infection in Cameroon is associated with significant decrease in TAA, LDLC, HDLC and TC, and increased MDA concentration and LPI indices which seem to be linked to the severity of HIV infection as assessed by CD4 cell count. The data suggests increased oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in HIV-infected patients in Cameroon, and an influence of CRFs on TC and MDA levels.

Serum total cholesterol: A mortality predictor in elderly hospitalized patients

Elevated serum total cholesterol levels are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular mortality among middle aged adults, but not the elderly. We therefore examined whether increased serum total cholesterol reduces mortality risk in the hospitalized elderly. Of 1852 patients consecutively admitted to an acute geriatric department from 1/1/99-12/31/00, only 298 (49.6% males, mean age 81.36 ± 6.3 years) who had measured serum total cholesterol and albumin levels were included in the study and followed until August 31, 2004. Mortality data were extracted from their death certificates. During follow-up of 3.47 ± 1.87 years, 248 patients died. These patients had significantly lower levels of baseline serum total cholesterol (183.3 ± 45.4 vs. 200.2 ± 37.9, p = 0.01) and albumin (3.6 ± 0.5 vs. 3.8 ± 0.3 g/l, p = 0.002) than the survivors. In the Cox regression analysis, serum total cholesterol emerged as a significant, independent predictor of mortality in this cohort. Specifically, each 1 mg/dl increase in serum total cholesterol reduced risk of death by 0.4%. This association persisted even after controlling for serum creatinine, age, body mass index, dementia and congestive heart failure. These factors were also significantly, independently associated with mortality. In very elderly hospitalized subjects, increased levels of serum total cholesterol and albumin may be associated with reduced mortality risk.

Effects of dietary fucoxanthin on cholesterol metabolism in diabetic/obese KK-A y mice

BackgroundFucoxanthin is a xanthophyll present in brown seaweeds and has several beneficial effects, including anti-obesity and anti-diabetic effects. However, we and another group previously observed that fucoxanthin increases serum cholesterol levels in rodents. Cholesterol is an important component of cell membranes and biosynthesis of bile acids. Serum cholesterol levels are also closely associated with atherosclerosis. Therefore, we sought to identify the mechanism underlying the increase in serum cholesterol levels by fucoxanthin.MethodsDiabetic/obese KK-Ay mice were fed a diet containing 0.2% fucoxanthin for 4 weeks. The mice were sacrificed, and total blood samples were collected for the measurement of serum total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and non-HDL-cholesterol levels. Cholesterol content in tissues was also analyzed. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were performed to determine hepatic mRNA and protein expression of genes involved in cholesterol metabolism, respectively.ResultsDietary fucoxanthin significantly increased serum HDL and non-HDL cholesterol levels, and reduced hepatic cholesterol content. In liver, the expression of SREBP1, SREBP2 and their target genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis significantly increased and tended to increase in the fucoxanthin-fed mice, respectively. In contrast, hepatic levels of LDLR and SR-B1 proteins which is important factors for LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol uptake in the liver from serum, decreased to 60% and 80% in the fucoxanthin-fed mice, respectively, compared with the control mice. Further, we found that dietary fucoxanthin significantly increased the mRNA expression of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), which enhances intracellular degradation of LDLR in lysosomes.ConclusionsFucoxanthin increased HDL-cholesterol and non-HDL-cholesterol levels in KK-Ay mice by inducing SREBP expression and reduced cholesterol uptake in the liver via down-regulation of LDLR and SR-B1, resulted in increased serum cholesterol in the mice.

Seasonal measurement of serum total cholesterol and malondialdehyde in healthy subjects

Objective: To evaluate serum total cholesterol (TC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in healthy subjects in winter and summer seasons. Subjects and methods: This study was conducted at the college of Pharmacy, University of Mosul. Twenty healthy subjects, non-smokers, free from any medication were included in this study. Five mL of blood sample from each subject was taken in winter and other blood sample was taken from the same subject in summer and analysed for serum TC and MDA. Results: No significant difference was noticed between winter and summer for serum TC (٤.٦٥±٠.٥٩ mmol/L versus ٤.٤٥±٠.٦ mmol/L). However, serum MDA in summer (١.١٩±٠.٢ µmole/L) was significantly higher (P < ٠.٠١) than in winter (٠.٩٦±٠.١٦ µmol/L) Conclusion: Oxidative stress increases in hot weather. Seasonal serum lipid profile levels depend on life style of the people and their geographical location.

Long Chain Acyl-CoA Synthetase-3 Is a Molecular Target for Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptor δ in HepG2 Hepatoma Cells

ACSL3 is a member of the long chain acyl-CoA synthetase (ACSL) family that plays key roles in fatty acid metabolism in various tissues in an isozyme-specific manner. Our previous studies showed that ACSL3 was transcriptionally up-regulated by the cytokine oncostatin M (OSM) in HepG2 cells, accompanied by reduced cellular triglyceride content and enhanced beta-oxidation. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanism underlying the OSM-induced activation of ACSL3 gene transcription in HepG2 cells. We showed that OSM treatment resulted in a coordinated elevation of mRNA levels of ACSL3 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARdelta). The effect of OSM on ACSL3 mRNA expression was inhibited by cellular depletion of PPARdelta. By utilizing a PPARdelta agonist, L165041, we demonstrated that activation of PPARdelta led to increases in ACSL3 promoter activity, mRNA level, and protein level in HepG2 cells. Analysis of the ACSL3 promoter sequence identified two imperfect PPAR-responsive elements (PPRE) located in the ACSL3 promoter region -944 to -915, relative to the transcription start site. The up-regulation of ACSL3 promoter activity by PPARdelta was abolished by deletion of this PPRE-containing region or mutation to disrupt the binding sites. Direct interactions of PPARdelta with ACSL3-PPRE sequences were demonstrated by gel mobility shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Finally, we provided in vivo evidence showing that activation of PPARdelta by L165041 in hamsters increased ACSL3 mRNA and protein levels in the liver. These new findings define ACSL3 as a novel molecular target of PPARdelta in HepG2 cells and provide a regulatory mechanism for ACSL3 transcription in liver tissue.

The Influence ofSam-Chil-Geun(Panax Notoginseng) on the Serum Lipid Levels and Inflammations of Rats with Hyperlipidemia Induced by Poloxamer-407

PurposeAtherosclerosis is characterized by the progressive deposition of lipids and inflammatory process. We attempted to develop a chemically-induced hyperlipidemic mice model, using poloxamer-407 and evaluated the lipid lowering and anti-inflammatory effect of P. notoginseng compared with that of atorvastatin, an antihyperlipidemic drug.Materials and MethodsMale Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: control group without any intervention (normal), poloxamer 500 mg/kg i.p. (P), poloxamer plus atorvastatin 1.34 mg/kg p.o. (P + ST), poloxamer plus P. notoginseng 40 mg/kg p.o. (P + NG40), and poloxamer plus P. notoginseng 100 mg/kg p.o. (P + NG100). After 3 weeks, we measured serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride, interleukin (IL)-1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels, and reports of cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 & intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) appearances in each group.ResultsAfter 3 weeks, serum cholesterol levels significantly decreased in P + ST and P + NG40 groups. Significant decrease of LDL level was only noted in the P + ST group. P + ST, P + NG40, and P + NG100 also had decreased serum triglyceride levels; however, P + ST and P + NG40 showed no statistical difference of the triglyceride lowering effect. The results of IL-1 and TNF-α and the appearance of COX-2 and ICAM were statistically not different in each group.ConclusionsP. notoginseng 40 mg/kg showed significantly lowering effects on serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. We suggest a well-designed study showing the effects of regulating blood lipids with combined administration of P. notoginseng and statin-drug.

Effects of vitamin E on serum enzymes and electrolytes in hypercholesterolemia

It is not known if vitamin E in hyperlipidemia and hypercholesterolemia of longer duration has any beneficial or adverse effects on electrolytes, and liver and kidney function. The objectives of this study are to determine (i) if long duration of mild hypercholesterolemia has any adverse effects on serum electrolytes, glucose and enzymes related to liver and kidney functions; (ii) if vitamin E has any effects on serum electrolytes, glucose and enzymes related to liver and kidney function in hypercholesterolemia. Blood samples were collected from the rabbits before and at various intervals during administration of a high cholesterol diet (0.25%) for 2 and 4 months, and while on a high cholesterol diet with vitamin E following a high cholesterol diet. Measurements of serum total cholesterol (TC), glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), albumin, creatinine, electrolytes [sodium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl), and carbon dioxide (CO2)] were made. High cholesterol diet for 2 months produced hypercholesterolemia which was associated with reductions in serum glucose, unaltered serum electrolytes, ALT, ALP, GGT, albumin and creatinine, and increased levels of AST. Hypercholesterolemia for 4 months had effects similar to hypercholesterolemia for 2 months except it lowered serum ALP. Vitamin E did not affect any of the parameters except serum glucose and Cl, which decreased compared to the values at month 2. Hypercholesterolemia for short and long term does not have adverse effects on liver or kidney function, and serum electrolytes. Vitamin E during hypercholesterolemia does not affect serum electrolytes or liver and kidney function.

Abstract 2893: Enhanced Myocardial Ischemic Tolerance in Hypercholesterolemic APOE Knockout Mice is Associated with Increased Expression of Caveolin 1 and Metallothionein

Hypercholesterolemia (HC) is an established risk factor for atherosclerosis and vascular endothelial dysfunction. Paradoxically, we and other investigators have found that animals with HCL are more resistant to myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (Isch-Rep) injury. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this clinically relevant ischemia-resistant phenotype remain poorly understood. To this context, the present study was designed to identify novel molecular mediators for the HC-induced cardioprotection against Isch-Rep injury. Adult male C57BL/6J wild-type (C57BL-WT) mice and homozygous apolipoprotein E knockout (APOE-KO) mice were fed with regular rodent chow. The hearts were isolated and subjected to 20 min of zero-flow global Isch and 30 min of Rep in Langendorff mode. Infarct size and ventricular contractile function were assessed. Blood samples were collected from each mouse after the heart isolation procedure to measure serum total cholesterol (TCL). As summarized in Table 1 , the APOE-KO mice had developed HC, which was accompanied with significantly better post-Isch cardiac contractile function (DF and ±df/dt max ) and smaller infarct size as compared with C57BL-WT control mice. In a parallel series of experiments, heart tissues were collected from C57BL-WT and APOE-KO mice and total tissue lysates were prepared for Western blot analysis. We found significant enhancement in cardiac expression of caveolin 1 (Cav-1) and metallothionein (MT) in APOE-KO mice, whereas caveolin 3 (Cav-3) and T-complex protein 1beta (TCP-1beta) were significantly downregulated under HC. Electron microscopy revealed a selective increase in caveolae density on the endothelial cell membranes of APOE-KO mice. This study has provided the first evidence demonstrating that the remarkable ischemia-resistant phenotype of HC is associated with enhanced expression of two cytoprotective proteins - Cav-1 and MT in the heart. This research has received full or partial funding support from the American Heart Association, AHA National Center. Table 1

Biosensor based on enzyme coupled PVC reaction cell for electrochemical measurement of serum total cholesterol

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) being chemically inert and corrosive resistant with ease in molding to various shapes and size, was used to fabricate enzyme reaction beaker which acts as electrochemical cell for three electrode-based system for measurement of serum total cholesterol. Inner bottom surface of PVC beaker (15 mL) was chemically modified for covalent immobilization of cholestryl esterase and cholesterol oxidase using glutaraldehyde as a coupling agent. HRP incorporated carbon paste working electrode was fabricated for amperometric measurement at a potential of −50 mV. The sensor showed optimum response within 20 s at pH 7.0 with incubation temperature of 45 °C. K m and V max for cholesteryl acetate were 760 mg dL −1 and 0.9 mA s −1, respectively. The PVC-based electrochemical cell showed a correlation of 0.9916, with the values estimated with a commercially available Bayer's Enzo Kit. The reaction cell lost 50% of its initial activity during its regular use for 200 times over a period of 100 days when stored in 0.1 M sodium phosphate buffer, pH 7.0 at 4 °C. No metabolite interference was observed. The overall results strengthen our view that PVC can be used as a solid support for immobilization of enzymes and their applications in biochemical measurements.

Serum biochemical changes in rabbits on a regular diet with and without flax lignan complex following a high-cholesterol diet

Flax lignan complex (FLC) isolated from flaxseed suppresses development of hypercholesterolemic atherosclerosis. It does not produce regression of atherosclerosis, but prevents its regular diet-induced acceleration following a high-cholesterol diet. It is not known if replacement of a high-cholesterol diet with a regular diet has deleterious effects on body organs. To determine if short-term use of a high-cholesterol diet, and a regular diet with or without FLC following the high-cholesterol diet, have any adverse effects on serum electrolytes, glucose and enzymes related to the liver, kidneys, skeletal muscle and intestines. Blood samples were collected from the rabbits before and at various intervals during the high-cholesterol diet, and while on the regular diet with or without FLC, following the high-cholesterol diet. Measurements of serum total cholesterol, glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), albumin, creatinine, electrolytes (sodium [Na], potassium [K], chloride [Cl]) and carbon dioxide (CO(2)) were taken. The high-cholesterol diet produced hypercholesterolemia, which was associated with reductions in serum glucose and no significant changes in serum Na, K, Cl, CO(2), ALT, ALP, AST, GGT, albumin or creatinine. Regular diet with or without FLC, following the high-cholesterol diet, reduced serum total cholesterol and glucose, increased serum Na, Cl and creatinine, but produced no significant alterations in serum K, CO(2), ALT, AST, GGT or albumin. FLC reduced serum ALP, but regular diet produced no significant change. Short-term use of a high-cholesterol diet, or a regular diet with or without FLC following the high-cholesterol diet, does not produce deleterious effects in the liver, kidneys, skeletal muscle, intestine or bone, as shown by changes in serum electrolytes, glucose and enzymes.

Evaluation of the Impact of the Kuwait Diabetes Care Program on the Quality of Diabetes Care

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of the Kuwait Diabetes Care Program on the quality of care provided for diabetic patients in the Primary Health Care setting. Materials and Methods: The Kuwait Diabetes Care Program developed, published and disseminated clinical practice guidelines, conducted training courses, standards for diabetes care, and introduced a monitoring and evaluation system. Four audits (September 1999, October 2001, 2002 and 2003) were carried out at five diabetic clinics. September 1999 referred to in this study as first (baseline) audit was prior to the introduction of the clinical practice guidelines. The three other audits were performed to assess adherence with the guidelines in the administrative management of patients’ records and implementation of the standards. Two hundred and fifty patients were involved in the study. Results: The proportion of patients with organized, structured files increased significantly from 60.0 to 100.0% (p < 0.001), and recording of patients’ demographic data increased from 38.6 to 95.6% (p < 0.001). Use of structured visit sheets, proper fixation of the laboratory and prescription sheets had also improved significantly. The prevalence of smoking assessment, fundus examination, and foot examination increased significantly from 2.8 to 27.2% (p < 0.001); 2.4 to 31.6% (p < 0.001); 0.4 to 40.4% (p < 0.001), respectively. The prevalence of measuring urinary microalbumin, serum creatinine and HbA_1c increased significantly from 4.4 to 26.4% (p < 0.001); 16.0 to 78.4% (p < 0.001), and 10.4 to 60.8% (p < 0.001), respectively. The prevalence of measuring serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, and LDL-C levels increased significantly from 16.4 to 80.0% (p < 0.001); 14.4 to 80.0% (p < 0.001); 2.4 to 32.8% (p < 0.001), and 2.4 to 24.0% (p < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion: This audit shows that a national diabetes program was associated with improved processes of diabetes care. Further, support from health authorities, provision of manpower resources, a continuing monitoring and evaluation system, and conduction of structured education programs may lead to further improvements in the quality of diabetes care.

Stability of serum total and high density lipoprotein cholesterol during whole blood incubation examined by high performance liquid chromatography

目的 检查全血贮存对血清总胆固醇(TC)和高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDLC)的影响,并探讨其可能机制.方法建立高效液相色谱(HPLC)方法,测定不同个体全血样品经不同温育后血清TC、总游离胆固醇(TFC)、HDLC和高密度脂蛋白游离胆固醇(HDLFC),计算有关参数或指标并做统计分析.结果建立的HPLC方法平均批内变异系数0.22 %～0.51 %;全血温育造成血清TC和HDLC变化(平均0.6 %～2.1 %和2.0 %～4.1 %),有些个体变化明显(TC >±3 %,HDLC>±5 %).结论建立血清TC、TFC、HDLC和HDLFC的精密测定方法;血清TC和HDLC在不同条件下的全血贮存中,受血清体积变化、血细胞-脂蛋白间胆固醇交换或转移等许多复杂因素的影响而发生变化;血脂测定标本应尽量减少不必要的贮存。

Blood pressure, serum total cholesterol and contraceptive pill use in 17-year-old girls.

Many studies have analysed the relation between cardiovascular risk factors and oral contraceptive use in adult women, whereas information on the possible health effects of oral contraceptive use during adolescence is lacking. The effect of current contraceptive pill use on blood pressure and serum total cholesterol concentration was studied in a cross-sectional sample of 120 adolescent girls with a mean age of 17.4 years. After the girls had rested for 5 minutes in the sitting position, trained study nurses measured blood pressure three times consecutively using a mercury sphygmomanometer. The nurses also administered a questionnaire gathering information on the use of oral contraceptives, smoking and parental social class. In the morning blood samples were taken for the measurement of serum total cholesterol. Mean age (+/-SD) was 17.4+/-0.8 years. Blood pressure averaged (+/-SD) 108.7+/-9.9 systolic and 68.0+/-8.2 mmHg diastolic. Serum total cholesterol was 4.5+/-0.7 mmol/l. Forty-nine girls (41%) were taking the contraceptive pill. Of these, 44 (90%) were on a combination of ethinyloestradiol (20-35 microg) and a progestogen, four (8%) on anti-androgens (35 microg) and one (2%) only on a progestogen. After adjustment for age, body mass index, smoking and alcohol status systolic blood pressure was 4.6 mmHg higher (95% CI 1.2-8.1; P<0.001) in current pill users than in girls not currently on the pill (111.4 versus 106.8 mmHg). Adjusted for the aforementioned covariates, diastolic blood pressure was not related to pill use (68.2 versus 67.8 mmHg; P=0.7). Serum total cholesterol was 0.43 mmol/l (95% CI 0.18-0.60; P=0.001) higher among girls using oral contraceptives (4.7 versus 4.3 mmol/l), irrespective of whether or not the model was adjusted for age, body mass index, smoking and alcohol status. In 17-year-old girls, the use of oral contraceptives was associated with a nearly 5 mmHg higher systolic blood pressure and a 0.4 mmol/l higher level of serum total cholesterol. The long-term prognostic implications of our findings remain to be elucidated.

Long-term time-related predictivity of coronary events as a function of a single measurement of serum cholesterol and systolic blood pressure.

To study the time-related association of a single measurement of serum cholesterol and systolic blood pressure with the occurrence of a first coronary event in a population sample of middle-aged men. A single measurement of serum total cholesterol and systolic blood pressure (along with age, cigarette consumption, physical activity at work and body mass index as possible confounders) was made in 1,605 coronary disease-free men aged 40-59 belonging to the Italian rural cohorts of the Seven Countries Study. During 25 years of follow-up 353 men developed a first event, that is a coronary death (sudden or not), and definite or possible myocardial infarction. Twenty-five partitioned proportional hazards models were solved, one for each independent year of follow-up, to predict the risk of incident events. Single-year hazard functions, separately for serum cholesterol and systolic blood pressure, were cumulated and smoothed. The resulting curves showed a regularly increasing risk for coronary events. They fit straight lines, with large correlation coefficients for both serum total cholesterol (r = 0.99) and systolic blood pressure (r = 0.99). These slopes were similar to the coefficients estimated by a single proportional hazards model solved for all events during 25 years. A single measurement of serum total cholesterol and systolic blood pressure in middle aged-men maintains a regular and monotonic relationship with occurrence of a first coronary event during 25 years of follow-up.

Significance of the atherosclerogenic index and body fat in children as markers for future, potential coronary heart disease.

The purpose of this study is to establish a simple marker in children for future, potential risks of coronary heart disease. We measured serum total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) by enzymatic methods, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) by the dextran sulfate-magnesium method and estimated body fat by the new impedance method in 1289 children (651 boys and 638 girls) in the fourth grade (9 or 10 years old) to obtain the atherosclerogenic index (AI). We also investigated the children's lifestyle. The probability of an AI score of 3 or more was significantly higher in children with an estimated 23-25% body fat than in those with body fat less than 17%. Moreover, the odds ratio increased along with an increase in the percentage of body fat. When body fat was estimated as being greater than 29%, the odds ratio was 11-fold higher than those with body fat less than 17%. When body fat was greater than 23%, the children's physical activity, as assessed by the questionnaire, was found to be poorer than those with lower body fat. Levels of TC and TG were significantly higher and that of HDLC was lower in those with less body fat. The AI is a useful indicator of obesity in children. The combination of AI and percentage body fat is a good indicator for evaluating children who would be at a greater risk of obesity, hyperlipidemia, unhealthy eating habits and inadequate physical activity. The hypothetical risk levels for future coronary heart disease are an AI score of > or = 3 and percentage body fat > or = 23% in Japanese children.

Serum lipids and apolipoproteins in Spanish children and adolescents: a 5 year follow‐up

This study was designed to assess "tracking" of serum lipids and apolipoproteins in three age groups of Spanish children over a 5 year period. A total of 84 6-year-old, 89 10-year-old and 64 14-year-old children were evaluated in 1989 (with measurement of serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoproteins and apolipoproteins A1 and B), and re-evaluated in 1994. Correlation coefficients between initial and final lipid and apolipoprotein values were as follows: total cholesterol, 0.66; low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, 0.65; high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, 0.61; triglycerides, 0.61; apolipoprotein A1, 0.60; apolipoprotein B, 0.66. When age groups were analysed separately, children who were 14 years old at the beginning of the study showed higher correlation coefficients, particularly for total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol ( > 0.7 in both cases). More than 70% of children who were in the top quintile of total, LDL or HDL cholesterol as well as apolipoprotein A1 or B in 1989 remained in the top quintile 5 years later.

Association between Serum Cholesterol and Leucocyte Lysosomal Function

Wycombe, UK); between-batch ev 5· 0% at 6'4070 HbAl c ' We observed significant correlations (P 0·05). Stepwise multiple regression analysis (n = 36 complete data sets) determined the dependence of each enzyme activity on serum cholesterol, age, sex and HbAl c as explanatory variables. {3-D-Nacetylglucosaminidase, {3-D-glucuronidase and {3-Dgalactosidase all showed significant associations with cholesterol (respectively, F= 12· 84, P=O·OOI; F= 13'04, P=O'OOI; F=4'70, P=0·037), independent of age, sex or HbAl c concentration. Sialidase (a-neuraminidase) activity was significantly associated both with cholesterol and, less strongly, with HbAl c (F=7·93; P=O·013 and 0'041, respectively). Neither age nor sex had a significant independent influence on sialidase (P>0·05). It should be noted that MNL sialidase activity, although chiefly lysosomal, may contain a minor contribution from a non-lysosomal isoenzyme.P Lysosomal enzymes are responsible for intracellular breakdown of complex macromolecules, and can also act extracellularly to degrade endothelial glycoconjugates, thus influencing membrane permeability. Increased plasma lysosomal enzyme activities may contribute to the development of vascular disease in diabetic and non-diabetic subjects. The sources of such activities remain to be defined, but circulating leucocytes or platelets represent likely candidates. We therefore studied lysosomal enzymes in mononuclear leucocytes (MNLs), and measured serum total cholesterol, a recognized risk factor for atherogenesis. Blood was drawn from 36 non-fasting healthy control subjects (21 men, 15 women), always between 9.15-10.00a.m., and MNLs (>98% pure, platelet-free) were immediately prepared by Dextran sedimentation and Isopaque-Ficoll centrifugation. The activities of seven lysosomal glycosidases in cell sonicates were assayed fluorimetrically (within-batch coefficients of variation [Cvs] <3,2%) using methylumbelliferyl derivatives, I and related to protein measured by a Lowry method. Serum total cholesterol was measured by a cholesterol oxidase/paminophenazone method on a Hitachi analyser (Boehringer Mannheim UK Ltd, Lewes, UK); between-batch ev 2·5070 at 6· 9 mmol/L. Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c ) was also assayed (Novoclone ELISA method Dako, High

Clinical factors useful in predicting aortic valve structure in patients >40 years of age with isolated valvular aortic stenosis

A number of reports have described the frequency of coronary arterial narrowing in patients with valvular aortic stenosis. No published reports have examined the structure of the stenotic aortic valve in adults and related the valve structure to variables, including coronary arterial narrowing, useful in predicting that structure. One hundred eighty-eight patients having aortic valve replacement for isolated valvular aortic stenosis were studied. All patients were >40 years of age at the time of aortic valve replacement, all had coronary angiograms preoperatively, and of 182 patients (97%) measurements of serum total cholesterol had been obtained and 184 (98%) had body mass index calculated. The structure of the operatively excised valve was classified as unicuspid or bicuspid (congenitally malformed), or tricuspid aortic valve. A logistic regression model was developed that found 4 factors (age, serum total cholesterol, angiographic coronary artery disease and body mass index) to be predictive of aortic valve structure: (1) Patients with at least 3 or all 4 factors high or present (i.e., age >65 years, serum total cholesterol >200 mg/dl, body mass index >29 kg/m 2 and coronary artery disease) had a low probability (10 to 29%) of having a congenitally malformed valve; (2) patients with at least 3 or all 4 factors low or absent (i.e., age <65 years, serum total cholesterol ≤200 mg/dl, body mass index ≤29 kg/m 2, and no coronary artery disease) had a high probability (72 to 90%) of having a congenitally malformed valve. Thus, the morphology of the operatively excised stenotic aortic valve can be predicted with knowledge of the age, serum total cholesterol, body mass index and coronary artery status of the patient.

92097949 One measurement of serum total cholesterol is enough to predict future levels in healthy postmenopausal women

92097949 One measurement of serum total cholesterol is enough to predict future levels in healthy postmenopausal women