Serum Lipids In Patients Research Articles

RETRACTED: The Effect of Coenzyme A Capsule on Serum Triglyceride Concentration in Patients With Hypertriglyceridemia

Retraction notice for “The Effect of Coenzyme A Capsule on Serum Triglyceride Concentration in Patients with Hypertriglyceridemia: Results of a Multicenter Clinical Trial” by Tianming Xuan, Bifeng Wu, Yunpeng Shang, Jiangtao Lai, Xiaosheng Hu, Zhong Liu, and Junzhu Chen The article has been retracted due to its earlier publication in substantially similar form as follows: Effect and Safety of coenzyme A on Hyperlipidemia by Zhao Shu-ping, Chen Ya-qin, Chen Jun-zhu, Lai Jiang-tao, published in the Chinese Journal of New Drugs and Clinical Remedies; 2012:242-245. The Effects of Coenzyme A on Serum Lipids in Patients With Hyperlipidemia: Results of a Multicenter Clinical Trial by Ya-qin Chen, Shui-ping Zhao, Jun-zhu Chen and Jiangtao Lai, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism on January 4, 2013 jc.2012-2702. DOI:10.1210/jc.2012-2702.

The Effects of Coenzyme A on Serum Lipids in Patients With Hyperlipidemia: Results of a Multicenter Clinical Trial

The aim of the study was to evaluate the lipid-lowering effects and clinical safety of a natural hypolipidemic compound, coenzyme A (CoA) capsule, in Chinese patients with moderate dyslipidemia. A total of 244 subjects (170 males and 74 females; aged 18-75 y) having moderate dyslipidemia (triglyceride [TG], 2.3-6.5 mmol · L(-1)) were randomly divided into 3 groups, to which placebo (group A, n = 81), CoA 200 U/d (group B, n = 79), and CoA 400 U/d (group C, n = 84) were administered, respectively. Blood lipoproteins, liver and renal functions, blood glucose, and complete blood count were measured at the baseline and after 4 or 8 weeks of treatment. After treatment for 4 weeks, TG was reduced by 5.1, 15.7, and 14.4% in groups A, B, and C, respectively. After treatment for 8 weeks, TG decreased .9, 21.7, and 36.1%, respectively. Compared with group A, the primary efficacy outcome TG in groups B and C significantly decreased (P < .01), and the difference between groups B and C was also significant (P < .01). Plasma total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were not significantly different. Furthermore, there was no difference in blood glucose, hepatic and renal function test parameters, incidence of myopathy, or gastrointestinal tract symptoms among the 3 groups. CoA can effectively reduce plasma TG levels in subjects with moderate dyslipidemia and has no obvious adverse effect.

Fatty Acid Composition of Serum Lipids in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Serum fatty acid content mainly reflects dietary fat intake. It is not known whether alterations of serum fatty acid compositions predict type 2 diabetes risk. We evaluated fatty acid contents in serum of the 76 normal and 98 diabetic adults taking part in a cross sectional study, using a gas chromatography method. The contents of total saturated (SFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) of the diabetic subjects were significantly higher when compared to the controls (p = 0.006, p = 0.02 respectively). Serum linoleic and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFAs) contents of subjects with diabetes were significantly lower than the control group (p = 0.02). There was a negative correlation (p = 0.001, r = -0.429) between serum PUFAs contents and cholesterol/HDL-C ratio in the control group, whereas this correlation in people with diabetes was not significant (p = 0.12). The correlation between serum TG (triglyceride) and SFAs contents of the diabetic patients was significantly positive (p = 0.01, r = 0.252). A significant negative correlation (p = 0.001, r = -0.421) was found between PUFA contents and serum TG levels of people with diabetes; however, the same correlation for the control group was not significant (p = 0.56). Diabetes incidence was significantly and positively associated with the proportions of serum palmitic, total saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid contents. Our findings with the use of this biomarker suggest that the dietary fat profile, particularly that of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, may contribute to the etiology of diabetes. It seems that patients with type 2 diabetes can have good control on lipid parameters with a higher intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids than saturated fatty acids.

Effects of Fish Oil on Cytokines, Glycemic Control, Blood Pressure, and Serum Lipids in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective: We examined the ability of dietary fish oil to suppress markers of inflammation and consequent effect(s) on serum fasting glycemia, lipids, and blood pressure in patients with T2DM. Design: Correlations between serum fasting interleukin-6, Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), TNF-α (TNF-α), C-reactive Protein (CRP), and sialic acid, with indices of glycemia, insulin, and lipids were determined in 26 patients with T2DM at baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after supplementation with fish oil (3 g/d) to analyse possible correlations between markers of inflammation and indices of glycemia. Results: There were no significant correlations between markers of inflammation with indices of glycemia at baseline, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after fish oils supplementation. Serum CRP concentrations were negatively correlated with fasting serum LDL, and with Cholesterol (r=-0.424, P<0.04; r=- 0.447, P<0.03, respectively). Fasting IL-1 β concentrations were positively correlated with fasting LDL, and with cholesterol at week 4 (r=0.482, P<0.02; r=0.469, P<0.02, respectively). There were no significant correlations between serum lipids with markers of inflammation at the end of intervention. There were no significant changes in serum fasting insulin, and glucose concentrations at the end of the intervention. Conclusions: A moderate dose of fish oil did not lead to deleterious effects on glycemic control in patients with T2DM, with preserved triacyglycerol-lowering capacities.

Serum Lipids in Patients with White Coat Hypertension

Aim: Serum lipid levels were investigated in white coat hypertension in comparison with essential hypertension and normotension. Material and Methods: We selected three groups of patients, 40 essential hypertensives, 40 white coat hypertensives, and 40 normotensives. Blood samples were taken in the morning from peripheral veins after 12 hours fasting period. Plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and glucose were determined by the enzymatic dry chemistry method using a Behring apparatus. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol values were computed according to the Friedewald formula. Results: Mean office blood pressure values were significantly higher in hypertensive patients and white coat hypertensive patients than those of control subjects (p 0.05, respectively). Total cholesterol and triglycerides levels were slightly higher in patients with hypertensive patients than white coat hypertensives and control groups, but this different was not significant statistically (p=0.07). Plasma HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and glucose levels were not significantly different in each group (p>0.05). Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that white coat hypertensive patients present similar lipid profile to normotensive people, so in our opinion, the white coat hypertension is a benign condition.

Antioxidant supplementation and serum lipids in patients with Graves' disease: Effect on LDL-cholesterol

The effect of supplementation with a fixed combination of antioxidants (beta-carotene, selenium, vitamins C and E) on serum lipids was monitored in patients with newly detected Graves' disease. Measurements were made prior to the commencement of therapy and after 30 and 60 days. Patients were randomized into two groups. Test group comprised patients who received antioxidant supplementation in addition to methimazole, while patients treated with methimazole only were in the control group. The concentration of total and HDL-cholesterol increased significantly in test and control groups (p < 0.05) but these groups did not differ significantly. Concentration of LDL-cholesterol increased significantly in the test group only (p < 0.005) and was significantly different from the control group 60 days after the commencement of therapy (p < 0.005). Significant increase in the LDL-cholesterol concentration in the test group requires further investigations.

Analysis of factors influencing serum lipids of patients with chronic hepatitis B infection

Analysis of factors influencing serum lipids of patients with chronic hepatitis B infection

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment: Effect on Serum Lipids in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a common disorder in adults. Its hallmark is repetitive episodes of partial or complete obstruction of the upper airway during sleep associated with increasing respiratory efforts. This leads to oxyhaemoglobin desaturation, sleep fragmentation, and daytime symptoms, mainly excessive sleepiness. Accumulating evidence suggests that intermittent hypoxia and oxyhaemoglobin desaturation may, irrespective of obesity, lead to elevation of serum lipids even in non-dyslipidaemic OSA patients. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is the treatment of choice for OSA, since it eliminates upper airway collapse during sleep and improves sleep fragmentation, daytime symptoms and quality of life. Moreover, it has been proposed that the amelioration of breathing disturbances during sleep can improve several markers of the lipid profile, such as total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol as well as apolipoproteins A, B and C. Indeed, some studies have reported improvements in these parameters especially in CPAP adherent patients. However, other studies failed to confirm this beneficial effect. The present article reviews the issue whether CPAP treatment exerts a beneficial effect on lipids.

LDL吸着療法(LDL-A)における血清脂質動態に関する検討

LDL吸着療法(LDL-A)における血清脂質動態に関する検討

The influence of systemic inflammation and autoimmunity to serum lipid in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine whether inflammation state and autoimmune antibodies are associated with increased lipid in those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsA total of 402 RA patients...

Change in Serum Lipids after Acute Coronary Syndromes: Secondary Analysis of SPACE ROCKET Study Data and a Comparative Literature Review

It has long been an accepted belief that serum cholesterol significantly falls after myocardial infarction and that a return to pre-event levels takes approximately 3 months. The magnitude and clinical significance of this fall has recently been challenged. In the Secondary Prevention of Acute Coronary Events-Reduction Of Cholesterol to Key European Targets (SPACE ROCKET) trial, we measured serum lipids of individuals on day 1 and between days 2 and 4 after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Second, we performed a thorough literature review and compared all studies reporting data on absolute changes in lipids immediately after AMI, using weighted means. Of 1263 SPACE ROCKET participants, 128 had paired lipid measurements where both samples had been measured using identical methods at baseline and on days 2-4 after AMI. The mean lowering in total cholesterol between day 1 and day 2-4 was 0.71 mmol/L (95% CI 0.58-0.84; P < 0.0001) and in triglycerides was 0.10 mmol/L (-0.14-0.33; P = 0.405). A total of 25 papers showing absolute lipid changes post-AMI were identified. The combined data demonstrated a mean fall in total cholesterol of 9% to 11% from baseline over days 3-14 post-AMI, whereas for triglycerides, there was a rise of 18% from baseline to between day 9 and 12 weeks. After a secondary analysis of SPACE ROCKET data and a comparison of previously published data, we report a 10% fall in total cholesterol after AMI-a difference that is of high clinical significance. Consequently, measurement of serum lipids in patients with AMI should be performed within the first hours after presentation.

Fasting Plasma Glucose and Serum Lipids in Patients With Primary Aldosteronism

An association between primary aldosteronism and metabolism disorders has been reported. The aim of this retrospective study was to test for this association by comparison between large cohorts of patients with primary aldosteronism and with essential hypertension. We retrieved the records of 460 cases with primary aldosteronism (103 lateralized, 150 not lateralized, and 207 undetermined) and of 1363 controls with essential hypertension individually matched for age and sex. We compared clinical history; blood pressure levels; body mass index; levels of fasting plasma glucose and serum triglycerides; total, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; and the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and impaired fasting glucose among subtypes of primary aldosteronism, as well as between cases with primary aldosteronism and their matched controls. Fasting plasma glucose and serum lipid levels did not differ among the 3 subtypes of primary aldosteronism. The prevalence of impaired fasting glucose was lower in patients with primary aldosteronism than their matched controls, but the prevalence of hyperglycemia (impaired fasting glucose or diabetes mellitus) and blood levels of glucose and lipids did not differ between cases and controls. There was no significant difference between preoperative and postoperative levels of either fasting plasma glucose or serum lipids in patients who underwent adrenalectomy and had follow-up data available. The analysis of this large group of patients with primary aldosteronism and essential hypertension does not confirm a higher prevalence of carbohydrate or lipid metabolism disorders in the former. It is unlikely that the prevalence of metabolic syndrome differs significantly between patients with primary aldosteronism and those with essential hypertension.

Levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine, nitric oxide and lipid peroxidation markers in patients with end-stage renal disease having peritoneal dialysis treatment

Objectives In this study, we aimed to investigate the activities of paraoxonase-1 (PON1) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and the levels of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), nitric oxide (NO), oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), ceruloplasmin (CP), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), malondialdehyde (MDA), 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) and lipids in serum of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) having continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) treatment and controls living in the Antalya region, Turkey. Design and methods Fifty-three patients with ESRD were enrolled in this study and were treated by CAPD. As the control group ( n = 32), subjects with normal renal function were included. Results Serum PON1 activity and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were decreased in ESRD patients whereas ADMA, NO, oxLDL, CP, TBARS, MDA and HNE levels and NOS activity were increased with regard to control group. In CAPD patients, ADMA positively correlated with NO, CP, oxLDL, TBARS and MDA levels whereas negatively correlated with PON1 activity. On multiple logistic regression analysis, risk factors associated with ESRD included CP, TBARS, triglycerides (TG) and very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-C) levels. Conclusions Our data have demonstrated that ESRD patients on CAPD treatment exhibit increased lipid peroxidation reactions and decreased antioxidant protection. The assay of serum HNE and MDA may be useful to evaluate the individual accumulation of these toxic aldehydes to test the efficiency of new dialysis strategies in removing them.

Genetic variation and antipsychotic drug effects on serum lipids.

Evaluation of: Smith RC, Segman RH, Golcer Dubner T, Pavlov V, Lerer B: Allelic variation in ApoC3, ApoA5, and LPL genes and first and second generation antipsychotic effects on serum lipids in patients with schizophrenia. Pharmacogenomics J. DOI: 10.1038/sj.tpj.6500474 (2007) (Epub ahead of print) [1] . Some newer antipsychotic drugs may raise serum lipid levels, but it is not known whether specific genetic variants affect an individual's susceptibility to this. In 189 schizophrenia patients treated with either first- or second-generation antipsychotic drugs, Smith and colleagues analyzed drug-by-genotype interaction effects on serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels using five polymorphisms in three genes that affect serum lipids: APOC3, APOA5 and LPL. Three interactions involving the APOA5 -1131 T/C polymorphism remained significant after adjustment for multiple testing; the rarer C allele was associated with higher serum cholesterol levels in patients treated with first-generation antipsychotics, and lower levels in those treated with clozapine or olanzapine. This article emphasizes aspects of their study which illustrate points that may be useful in planning future pharmacogenetic studies.

Allelic variation in ApoC3, ApoA5 and LPL genes and first and second generation antipsychotic effects on serum lipids in patients with schizophrenia

Schizophrenic patients who are treated with antipsychotics, especially second generation antipsychotics, such as clozapine and olanzapine, manifest an increase in cholesterol and triglycerides as well as other changes associated with diabetes or the metabolic syndrome. Previous studies have shown that polymorphisms in several genes that regulate lipid metabolism can influence the levels of these lipids and response to drug treatment. We have investigated in an exploratory study whether polymorphisms in the apolipoprotein C-III (ApoC3), apolipoprotein A-V gene (ApoA5) and lipoprotein lipase genes influence differential lipid response to treatment with three second generation antipsychotics-olanzapine, clozapine and risperidone-or treatment with a first generation antipsychotic. A total of 189 patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who were being treated with a single antipsychotic were studied in a cross-sectional study design in which fasting serum cholesterol and triglycerides and selected single-nucleotide polymorphosms (SNPs) in the three lipid metabolism genes were assessed. The treatment with antipsychotic monotherapy makes drug haplotype ascertainment less complex. Our analyses showed several nominally significant drug x gene and drug x haplotype interactions. The rarer C allele or the ApoA5_1131 (T/C) SNP was associated with higher cholesterol levels in patients treated with first generation antipsychotics and lower cholesterol levels in patients treated with olanzapine or clozapine. The rarer C allele of the ApoA5_SW19 (G/C) SNP was associated with higher cholesterol in risperidone-treated patients. An ApoA5 CG haplotype was associated with decreased cholesterol in olanzapine- or clozapine-treated patients and higher cholesterol in patients treated with first generation antipsychotics. The presence of the rarer T allele of the ApoC3_1100 (C/T) SNP or the presence of the ApoC3 TG haplotype was associated with decreased triglyceride levels in patients treated with olanzapine or clozapine and a nonsignificant trend for increased triglycerides in patients treated with first generation antipsychotics. The presence of the ApoC3 CC haplotype was associated with increased triglycerides in patients treated with olanzapine or clozapine. The overall magnitude of the effects was not large. These results provide a potential initial step toward a pharmacogenetic approach to selection of antipsychotic treatment which may help minimize the side effect of increases in serum lipids.

Measuring and Treating Serum Lipids in Patients in a Chest Pain Observation Unit

We evaluated opportunities to initiate statin therapy in 574 consecutive subjects admitted to a chest pain observation unit (CPOU). Ten-year Framingham risk scores were retrospectively calculated for all patients according to the National Cholesterol Education Program and Adult Treatment Panel III 2001 recommendations. Subjects were then stratified according to (1) recommendations for initiation of a lipid-lowering medication and (2) whether they received lipid-lowering drug therapy at discharge. Of 574 subjects, we excluded 50 with previously established coronary heart disease or who were already taking a statin medication on presentation, 23 with missing data, and 80 who did not have a low-density lipoprotein (LDL) measurement at admission. Of the remaining 421 subjects, the mean age was 47 years, 40% were men, 57% were white, 31% had hypertension, 27% were current smokers, and 6% had diabetes. Ten-year risk calculation classified 47% (n=199) at low risk (<2 risk factors), 32% (n=134) at moderate risk (>or=2 risk factors and <10% risk), 11% (n=48) at moderate-high risk (10% to 20% risk), and 10% (n=40) at high risk (>20% risk). Of the entire cohort, 23% of subjects (n=96) had hypercholesterolemia, of which 52% (n=50) met indications for initiation of lipid-lowering medication. Only 6% of patients with an indication for treatment (n=3) were prescribed a lipid-lowering medication on discharge, leaving 94% (n=47) untreated for their hypercholesterolemia. In conclusion, patients admitted to a CPOU have a high prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, and therefore, an increased long-term risk for cardiovascular events. In addition to their primary role, CPOUs should focus on primary prevention and reduction of long-term risk.

Impact of Large-Volume Liposuction on Serum Lipids in Orientals: A Pilot Study

Recent advances in liposuction techniques now make it possible to remove considerable amounts of subcutaneous adipose tissue. However, the metabolic consequences of this procedure are not well documented. The aim of this study was to identify the effects from the surgical removal of subcutaneous fat on the body weights and serum lipids of patients who have undergone large-volume liposuction. In this study, eleven consecutive patients with a minimum aspirate volume of 5,000 ml were evaluated, and their serum lipids were measured at a postoperative 2-month follow-up assessment. Tumescent fluid was infiltrated using the superwet technique. The liposuction device used was a Liposlim power-assisted liposuction system. The amount of solution infiltrated and the volume of aspirate were measured. Pre- and postoperative serum lipids, body weights, and body mass indices were compared. Statistical analysis was performed on lipid profile changes and aspirate volumes using Spearman's correlations. The average volumes of infiltrate and aspirate were 7,241 and 6,790 ml, respectively. Mean body weight decreased from 64.5 +/- 18.8 to 59.9 s +/- 17.8 kg (p < 0.01). The change in body weight per 1 l of aspirate volume was 0.67 +/- 0.10 kg/l. The mean body mass index dropped from 23.8 +/- 4.4 to 22.0 +/- 4.2 kg/m(2) (p < 0.01), and the mean total serum cholesterol levels from 168.2 +/- 23.6 to 162.9 +/- 26.5 mg/dl, an average of 3.2%. The mean low-density lipoprotein (LDL) decreased from 94.3 +/- 20.5 to 89.5 +/- 19.0 mg/dl, a 5.1% drop, and the mean high-density lipoprotein (HDL) decreased from 55.8 +/- 9.5 to 53.7 +/- 10.7 mg/dl, a 3,8% drop. The mean HDL/LDL proportion increased from 62.6 +/- 20.9% to 63.5 +/- 22.4%, averaging 1.4%. However, no significant correlation was found between the aspirated volume of fat and lipid profile change. In conclusion, over a 2-month period, large-volume liposuction reduced weight and total cholesterol level and increased the HDL/LDL ratio. The authors hope to discover whether the therapeutic impact of liposuction is long-lasting, and to determine whether it reduces the morbidity and mortality associated with obesity.

Consumption of wheat fibre signifficantly decrease serum lipids in patients with metabolic syndrome

Consumption of wheat fibre signifficantly decrease serum lipids in patients with metabolic syndrome

Microcrystalline Cellulose-Free NaP Tablets (INKP-102) Achieve Comparable Overall and Superior Ascending Colon Cleansing Rates Versus Visicol® Tablets: A Pooled Analysis of Phase II and III Trials

Microcrystalline Cellulose-Free NaP Tablets (INKP-102) Achieve Comparable Overall and Superior Ascending Colon Cleansing Rates Versus Visicol Tablets: A Pooled Analysis of Phase II and III Trials Douglas Rex Background: Visicol (Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Morrisville, NC) contains 13% microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), an excipient which can leave a residue, usually in the ascending colon, and impair full visibility during a colonoscopy. A new MCC-free sodium phosphate (NaP) tablet formulation, INKP-102, has been developed as an alternative bowel purgative to Visicol. Prior data have shown 32 tablets of INKP-102 to be preferred by patients and better tolerated than 40 Visicol tablets. To fully evaluate the efficacy of INKP-102 versus Visicol, a pooled efficacy analysis of phase 2 and phase 3 randomized, clinical trials was conducted. Methods: Patients received INKP-102 40 (60 g) or 32 tablets (48 g), 4 tablets at a time, or Visicol 40 tablets (60 g), 3 tablets at a time. Overall colon cleansing (OCC) and ascending colon cleansing (ACC) were assessed by a physician questionnaire using a 4-point scale, based on colonic contents. Patients were considered responders if they achieved a rating of ‘‘excellent’’ (O90% of mucosa observed, mostly liquid colonic contents, minimal suctioning required) or ‘‘good’’ (O90% of mucosa observed, mostly liquid stool, significant suctioning required) colon cleansing. Results: All randomized patients who received at least 1 dose of study medication and underwent a colonoscopy were included: 262, 269, and 264 patients treated with INKP-102 40 tablets, INKP102 32 tablets, and Visicol 40 tablets, respectively. A large, comparable percentage of OCC responders was reported in all groups; 97% and 96% for INKP-102 40 and 32 tablets, respectively, compared with 94% for Visicol 40 tablets. However, a significantly larger number of ACC responders was observed with INKP-102 40 (96%) and 32 tablets (94%) compared with Visicol 40 tablets (88%; P Z 0.0006 and P Z 0.0090 versus INKP-102 40 and 32 tablets, respectively). Of these responses, 74% and 76% were rated as excellent with INKP-102 40 and 32 tablets, respectively, compared with 51% with Visicol 40 tablets. Conclusion: This pooled analysis demonstrates that patients treated with 32 tablets of INKP-102 achieve a comparable OCC response and a superior ACC response compared with patients receiving 40 tablets of Visicol. The absence of MCC in INKP-102 may account for the differences in ACC response observed. The benefits of this new tablet NaP formulation suggest INKP-102 will be the first choice for tablet bowel purgatives. T1393 Association of Obesity, Serum Glucose and Lipids with the Risk of Advanced Colorectal Adenoma and Cancer: A Case-Control Study in Korea Yong Woo Chung, Dong Soo Han, Yoon Kyung Park, Byoung Kwan Son, Chang Hee Paik, Yong Cheol Jeon, Joo Hyun Sohn Background: Previous studies on life style for colon cancer risk suggest that obesity, serum lipids and glucose might be related to colorectal adenomas as well as to colorectal carcinogenesis. This case-control study was conducted to investigate the association between obesity, serum lipids and glucose, and the risk of advanced colorectal adenoma and cancer. Methods: Patients with histologically confirmed colorectal cancers (n Z 105), same number of patients with advanced colorectal adenomas matched by age and sex, and the same number of controls matched by age and sex were selected in Hanyang University Guri Hospital between January 2002 and June 2004. Results: Adenoma group showed significantly higher levels of mean BMI (p ! 0.01), serum glucose (p ! 0.01) and triglyceride (p ! 0.05). In cancer group, mean BMI and serum lipids levels were significantly lower than adenoma group (p ! 0.01), but mean serum glucose level was higher than adenoma group (p Z 0.19). In logistic regression analysis, there was a significant trend of increasing advanced colorectal adenoma risk with the rise in BMI (ptrend ! 0.001). Increasing trend for the risk with fasting serum glucose was also seen (ptrend Z 0.08). Both triglyceride and cholesterol were not stastically significant. Conclusions: Obesity and hyperglycemia are positively related to the increased risk of advanced colorectal adenomas. In this regard, insulin resistance associated with glucose intolerance is thought to play a role in colorectal carcinogenesis. Lower levels of BMI and serum lipids in patients with colon cancer may be the results of nutritional and metabolic changes in advanced cancer patients, not the direct causes of colon cancer.

Efficacy and safety of Monascus purpureus Went rice in subjects with hyperlipidemia

The purpose of this study was to assess the lipid-lowering effect of Monascus purpureus Went rice on serum lipids in patients with hyperlipidemia, and to assess its safety by reporting adverse events and clinical laboratory measurements. This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. In all, 79 patients (aged 23-65 years) with a mean baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level of 5.28 mmol/l (203.9 mg/dl) received a twice daily dose of placebo or Monascus purpureus Went rice (600 mg) for 8 weeks. At week 8, Monascus purpureus Went rice therapy reduced LDL-C by 27.7%, total cholesterol by 21.5%, triglycerides by 15.8% and apolipoprotein B by 26.0%. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-I levels were increased by 0.9 and 3.4% respectively (not significant). No patient in the Monascus purpureus Went rice treatment group had an alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or creatine phosphokinase (CPK) measurement that was > or = 3 times the upper limit of normal at week 4 and week 8. Monascus purpureus Went rice significantly reduced LDL-C, total cholesterol, triglycerides and apolipoprotein B levels, and was well tolerated in patients with hyperlipidemia. However, this study only provides data from an 8-week trial and long-term safety and efficacy data are needed.