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LDL-cholesterol Levels (ldl-cholesterol + level)
Selected AbstractsEffects of Nigella orientalis and N. segetalis fixed oils on blood biochemistry in ratsPHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH, Issue 1 2006G. Kökdil Abstract Nigella orientalis and N. segetalis fixed oils were administered orally (1 mL/kg/day) to Wistar Kyoto rats for 4 weeks. The effects of the oils on biochemical parameters were compared with a control group that received distilled water under identical conditions. LDL-cholesterol level was decreased significantly in both oil groups while serum total cholesterol and VLDL-cholesterol were decreased significantly following administration of only N. orientalis fixed oil when compared with the control group. The HDL-cholesterol levels were increased significantly in both oil groups. N. orientalis fixed oil significantly reduced Aspartateaminotransferase (AST), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin and urea levels in rats. There was an increase in the albumin, uric acid and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) concentrations, while the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and RDW (red cell distribution width) levels decreased significantly. In N. segetalis fixed oil treated rats, the levels of ALP, Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN), MCHC, RDW were decreased significantly, whereas a significant increase was found in albumin, fibrinogen, Hematocrit (HCT) and MCV levels. The effects of 4 weeks oral intake of N. orientalis and N. segetalis fixed oils on blood malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant status (TOS) were also investigated in rats. The study showed that the oils had no significant effect on MDA production. N. orientalis and N. segetalis fixed oils caused a significant increase in the total antioxidant status in rats. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Active immunization against (Pro3)GIP improves metabolic status in high-fat-fed miceDIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 9 2010I. A. Montgomery Aim: Ablation of gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) receptor signalling can prevent many of the metabolic abnormalities associated with dietary-induced obesity-diabetes. The present study was designed to assess the ability of active immunization against (Pro3)GIP to counter metabolic dysfunction associated with diet-induced obesity in high-fat-fed mice. Methods: Normal male Swiss NIH mice were injected (s.c.) once every 14 days for 98 days with complexed (Pro3)GIP peptide, with transfer to a high-fat diet on day 21. Results: Active immunization against (Pro3)GIP resulted in circulating GIP antibody production and significantly (p < 0.05 p < 0.01) reduced circulating blood glucose concentrations compared to high-fat control mice from day 84 onwards. Glucose levels were not significantly different from lean controls. The glycaemic response to i.p. glucose was correspondingly improved (p < 0.01) in (Pro3)GIP-immunized mice. Furthermore, circulating and glucose-stimulated plasma insulin levels were significantly (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001) depressed compared to high-fat control mice. Liver triglyceride, pancreatic insulin and circulating LDL-cholesterol levels were also significantly reduced in (Pro3)GIP-immunized mice. These changes were independent of any effects on food intake or body weight. The glucose-lowering effect of native GIP was annulled in (Pro3)GIP-immunized mice consistent with the induction of biologically effective GIP-specific neutralizing antibodies. Conclusion: These results suggest that immunoneutralization of GIP represents an effective means of countering the disruption of metabolic processes induced by high-fat feeding. [source] Novel pathways for glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes: focus on bile acid modulationDIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM, Issue 11 2008Eliot A. Brinton Type 2 diabetes is a common disorder with high risk of macrovascular and microvascular complications. These complications are largely driven by hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia and hypertension, for which aggressive treatment is thus warranted. Achieving and maintaining control of all three risk factors is especially difficult, however, and new therapeutic approaches could be useful. Bile acids have a well-established and important role in cholesterol homeostasis. Normally, their levels are maintained primarily by ileal reabsorption and enterohepatic recycling. Bile acid sequestrants bind bile acids in the intestine, reduce this recycling and deplete the bile acid pool, thereby stimulating use of hepatic cholesterol for bile acid synthesis, which leads to accelerated removal of LDL from the plasma and a decrease in LDL-cholesterol levels. Interestingly, recent evidence suggests that bile acid sequestrants can lower glucose levels to a clinically meaningful degree. This review presents this evidence and the possible mechanisms by which these glucose-lowering effects occur and discusses the apparently unique ability of bile acid sequestrants among lipid-lowering agents to significantly improve two cardiovascular risk factors, hyperglycaemia and dyslipidaemia. There is renewed interest in the use of bile acid sequestrants in individuals with type 2 diabetes, most of whom would benefit from additional reductions in both LDL-cholesterol and glycaemia. [source] Statin therapy improves brachial artery vasodilator function in patients with Type 1 diabetes and microalbuminuriaDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 3 2005G. K. Dogra Abstract Aims Type 1 diabetes mellitus patients with microalbuminuria have endothelial dysfunction associated with the degree of albuminuria but not with LDL-cholesterol levels. Lipid-lowering agents such as statins may still be of benefit as they can correct endothelial dysfunction by both lipid and non-lipid mechanisms. We therefore examined the effects of atorvastatin on brachial artery endothelial dysfunction in these patients. Methods In a double-blind, randomized crossover study, 16 Type 1 diabetes mellitus patients with microalbuminuria received 6 weeks of atorvastatin 40 mg/day or placebo, separated by a 4-week washout. Brachial artery, endothelium-dependent, flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and endothelium-independent, glyceryl trinitrate-mediated dilatation (GTNMD) were measured. Results Compared with placebo, atorvastatin produced a significant decrease in apolipoprotein B (34.2%), LDL-cholesterol (44.1%) (all P < 0.001), and oxidized-LDL (35.7%, P = 0.03). There was a non-significant increase in plasma cGMP (P = 0.13) on atorvastatin. FMD and GTNMD increased significantly on atorvastatin (FMD: atorvastatin +1.8 ± 0.4%; placebo +0.2 ± 0.4%, P = 0.007); (GTNMD: atorvastatin +1.3 ± 0.9%; placebo ,1.2 ± 0.6%, P = 0.04). An increase in cGMP was independently correlated with an increase in FMD on atorvastatin (adjusted R2 0.41, P = 0.02). Conclusion Atorvastatin improves endothelium-dependent and independent vasodilator function of the brachial artery in Type 1 diabetes mellitus patients with microalbuminuria. This may relate to pleiotropic effects of statins, in particular reduced oxidative stress and increased availability of nitric oxide. [source] Helicobacter pylori Infection is Associated with Reduced Circulating Ghrelin Levels Independent of Body Mass IndexHELICOBACTER, Issue 5 2005Akiko Shiotani ABSTRACT Background., Ghrelin stimulates growth hormone and has orexigenic and adipogenic effects. Plasma ghrelin levels are reduced in obesity and possibly in Helicobacter pylori infection. Aim., To investigate whether there was a relation between H. pylori infection, body mass index (BMI) and serum ghrelin or leptin levels. Methods., University students undergoing an annual health check-up were invited to participate. H. pylori status was based on the presence of specific IgG H. pylori antibodies in urine. Fasting serum ghrelin, leptin levels, and pepsinogen I and II levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Results., Eight hundred and one students volunteered. There was no significant difference in the height and BMI between those with and without H. pylori infection. The population of ghrelin study consisted of 132 (66 H. pylori -positive and 66 H. pylori -negative) students matched for age, sex, and BMI. The ghrelin level in the H. pylori -positive group was significantly lower (median 55 pmol/l) compared to the H. pylori- negative group (103 pmol/l) (p < .00001). Leptin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and HDL-cholesterol were not different between the two groups, whereas LDL-cholesterol levels were significantly higher (106 versus 100 mg/dl) (p = .03) in the H. pylori -positive group. Leptin levels correlated with the BMI (r = 0.53) (p < .00001). Among H. pylori -positive subjects, ghrelin correlated only with pepsinogen I levels (r = 0.26, p = .04). Conclusions.,H. pylori infection was associated with a reduction in circulating ghrelin levels independent of sex and BMI. [source] Liver histology after current intensified therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia: microvesicular fatty change and siderosis are the main findingsPEDIATRIC BLOOD & CANCER, Issue 3 2003Päivi Halonen MD Abstract Background During modern intensified therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) serum liver enzymes reach fairly high levels. Since no recent data on liver histopathology after therapy are available, we conducted a study of the subject. Procedure Liver biopsy specimens were evaluated and serum liver function tests and lipid profiles measured from 27 consecutive children, aged 3.5,17.6 years, treated according to the regimens for standard (SR) and intermediate risk (IR) ALL. Results None of the patients had entirely normal liver histology. Fatty infiltration was detected in 25 out of 27 (93%) and siderosis in 19 out of 27 patients (70%). Fourteen (52%) had both. Three (11%) also had mild portal and/or periportal fibrosis in addition to fatty change and siderosis. Fatty change was mainly microvesicular. Siderosis was in most cases grade II/IV to III/IV (in 16/19 or 84%). No hepatitis or cirrhosis was found. Serum total and LDL-cholesterol levels were higher in the patients with fibrosis than in the patients with fatty change (P,=,0.036, P,=,0.042) or with siderosis,±,fatty change (P,=,0.036, P,=,0.042). In serial ALT measurements a value of 300 U/L or more was oftener reached in the fibrosis than in the fatty change or siderosis groups (in 33 vs. in 12 or in 4% of the measurements, respectively, P,=,0.014, in Kruskall,Wallis test). Conclusions Microvesicular fatty change and siderosis are the main liver findings after current therapy for childhood ALL. Fibrosis occurs rarely. High values in serial serum ALT measurements repeatedly or a disturbed serum lipid profile may facilitate decisions about the need for a liver biopsy. Med Pediatr Oncol 2003;40:148,154. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Relationship of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size to thyroid function status in KoreansCLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 1 2009Chul Sik Kim Summary Objective, Dyslipidaemia is a well-known manifestation of thyroid dysfunction. Recently, small low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle size has been linked with development of cardiovascular disease. To better understand the effects of thyroid dysfunction on the development of cardiovascular disease, we examined LDL particle size and lipid profiles in subjects with different thyroid function. Methods, Included were 46 patients with overt hypothyroidism, 57 patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, 46 patients with overt hyperthyroidism, 51 patients with subclinical hyperthyroidism, and 110 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. We measured LDL particle size and lipid profiles in these subjects. Results, No significant differences were found in LDL particle size between the groups with different thyroid function. Serum total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels were significantly higher in the cases of hypothyroidism than in the cases of hyperthyroidism and the healthy control subjects. Serum triglyceride levels were higher in subjects with overt hypothyroidism than in those with overt hyperthyroidism or healthy control subjects. Conclusions, LDL particle size, the emerging risk factor for atherosclerosis, did not appear to be significantly affected by the degree of thyroid dysfunction. Increased risk of atherosclerosis in hypothyroidism does not appear to be associated with LDL particle size, the non-traditional cardiovascular risk factor. [source] The relation between two polymorphisms in the glucocorticoid receptor gene and body mass index, blood pressure and cholesterol in obese patientsCLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 1 2003Anna Maria Di Blasio Summary objective ,We have recently reported that, in healthy elderly Dutch individuals, a N363S polymorphism in the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene is associated with higher sensitivity to low-dose dexamethasone (0·25 mg), evaluated as both cortisol suppression and insulin response, and with an increased body mass index (BMI). In the present study we investigated the role of the N363S polymorphism, and a BclI restriction site polymorphism in a group of Italian patients with severe obesity. design Two hundred and seventy-nine patients (mean BMI 45·9 ± 0·9 kg/m2) were genotyped using both PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and Taqman Sequence Detection System. Determination of several metabolic and antropometric parameters was also performed in order to correlate them to the genotype. results In this group of obese patients, 13 subjects (eight female, five males) were heterozygous for the N363S variant (allelic frequency 2·3%) and had significantly higher BMI (P < 0·04), resting energy expenditure (P < 0·03) and food intake (P < 0·01) when compared to wild-type homozygotes. When the data were analysed according to sex, female heterozygotes for the N363S allele had significantly higher BMI (P = 0·04), resting energy expenditure (P = 0·03) and food intake (P = 0·008) than obese women with the wild-type 363 GR gene. Male carriers of this variant also had higher values for these variables although the differences did not reach statistical significance. A case,control study with homozygous wild-type obese subjects which were age-, sex- and BMI-matched, revealed no difference in resting energy expenditure and food intake. The allele frequency of the BclI variant was 27% (89 females and 41 males out of 269 subjects). No differences in anthropometric and metabolic parameters were found between subjects heterozygous or homozygous for this variant GR in this obese population. However, when we studied the effect of the presence of the BclI polymorphism and the N363S variant in the same individual, we found that the subjects who carried both polymorphisms had a tendency towards higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure and significantly higher total and LDL-cholesterol levels (P = 0·005 and P = 0·05, respectively). discussion Taking the results of this study and those obtained in the Dutch population, we speculate that heterozygous carriers of the N363S variant who develop obesity, may become even more obese, possibly because they have a hypersensitive insulin response and thus, via activation of lipogenesis, store fat more efficiently. Furthermore, these data suggest that N363S carriers who carry the BclI polymorphism as well, tend to have a slightly unfavourable cardiovascular profile. [source] The apo A-I gene promoter region polymorphism determines the severity of hyperlipidemia after heart transplantationCLINICAL TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 1 2003Angel González-Amieva Abstract: Background: To study whether the Apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) promoter region gene polymorphism produces changes in the lipid profile of heart transplant recipients. Methods: One hundred and three heart transplant recipients (93 men and 10 women, with a mean age of 47 ± 13 yr) receiving triple immunosuppressive therapy were submitted to a genetic study of the apo A-I gene promoter region. Anthropometric and analytical data, including lipid profile, arterial blood pressure, were collected prior to transplantation and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after transplantation. Results: Sixty-three subjects had the GG genotype and 40 the GA genotype. Carriers of the GA genotype had higher triglyceride levels at 6 months and 2 yr (2.50 ± 1.20 versus 1.93 ± 0.98 mmol/L and 2.46 ± 1.58 versus 1.60 ± 0.68 mmol/L, respectively, p < 0.001), and a greater rise in LDL-cholesterol at 1 yr than the GG subjects (4.57 ± 1.16 versus 4.16 ± 1.18 mmol/L, p < 0.05). Multiple regression analyses showed that genetic variants at the apo A-I promoter region are responsible for 11% of the variability in triglyceride levels at 6 months (p = 0.005). Conclusions: The GA genotype of the apo A-I promoter region produces a greater rise in plasma triglyceride and LDL-cholesterol levels in heart transplant patients. [source] | ||||||||||