| For medical practitioners and the general public - Cholesterol Journal Article Catalog. |
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| Leptin-resistant obese mice do not form biliary crystals on a high cholesterol diet Graewin, S. J., K. H. Lee, et al. (2004), J Surg Res 122(2): 145-9. Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Human obesity is associated with leptin resistance and cholesterol gallstone formation. Previously, we demonstrated that leptin-resistant (Lep(db)) obese mice fed a low cholesterol diet have enlarged gallbladders, but a decreased cholesterol saturation index, despite elevated serum cholesterol. Obese humans, however, consume a high cholesterol diet. Therefore, we hypothesized that on a high cholesterol diet, leptin-resistant mice would have cholesterol saturated bile and would form biliary crystals. METHODS: Eight-week old female lean control (n = 70) and leptin-resistant (n = 72) mice were fed a 1% cholesterol diet for 4 weeks. All animals then had cholecystectomies. Bile was collected, grouped into pools to determine cholesterol saturation index (CSI), and examined for cholesterol crystals. Serum cholesterol and leptin were also measured. RESULTS: Gallbladder volumes for Lep(db) mice were enlarged compared with the lean mice (35.8 microl versus 19.1 microl, P < 0.001), but the CSI for the Lep(db) mice was lower than for the lean animals (0.91 versus 1.15, P < 0.03). The obese animals did not form cholesterol crystals, whereas the lean animals averaged 2.2 crystals per high-powered field (hpf) (P < 0.001). Serum cholesterol and leptin were also elevated (P < 0.001) in the obese animals. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that Lep(db) obese mice fed a high cholesterol diet have increased gallbladder volume and decreased biliary cholesterol saturation and crystal formation despite elevated serum cholesterol compared with lean control mice. We conclude that the link among obesity, diet, and gallstone formation may not require hypersecretion of biliary cholesterol and may be related to the effects of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, or both on gallbladder motility. |
| Leptin-resistant obese mice have paradoxically low biliary cholesterol saturation Tran, K. Q., S. J. Graewin, et al. (2003), Surgery 134(2): 372-7. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Human obesity is associated with leptin resistance, elevated serum glucose and lipids, hepatic steatosis, and cholesterol gallstone formation. These gallstones are thought to result from hypersecretion of biliary cholesterol as well as biliary stasis. Leptin-resistant Lep(db) obese mice, which are known to have elevated serum leptin, glucose, and lipids, as well as hepatic steatosis, should be an appropriate model for human gallstone formation. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that leptin-resistant mice would have increased gallbladder volume, biliary cholesterol saturation, and cholesterol crystal formation. METHODS: Sixty lean control mice and 60 Lep(db) obese mice on a low cholesterol chow diet were studied. Gallbladder volumes were measured and bile was pooled to calculate cholesterol saturation index. Serum cholesterol, glucose, and leptin levels were determined from pooled serum. Hepatic fat vacuoles were counted. Bile from a second group of 90 lean control and 59 obese mice was observed microscopically for cholesterol crystal formation. RESULTS: Leptin-resistant obese mice have significantly higher serum cholesterol, glucose, and leptin levels, hepatic fat vacuoles, and gallbladder volume than lean control mice. However, biliary cholesterol saturation index and cholesterol crystal formation were significantly diminished in the obese mice. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that leptin-resistant Lep(db) obese mice have (1) increased gallbladder volume, (2) decreased biliary cholesterol saturation despite elevated serum cholesterol and hepatic steatosis, and (3) decreased in vitro cholesterol crystal formation. We conclude that the link between obesity and gallstone formation does not require hypersecretion of biliary cholesterol. |
| Lercanidipine: short plasma half-life, long duration of action and high cholesterol tolerance. Updated molecular model to rationalize its pharmacokinetic properties Herbette, L. G., M. Vecchiarelli, et al. (1998), Blood Press Suppl 2: 10-7. Abstract: Calcium-channel antagonist drugs of the 1,4-dihydropyridine type have been shown to bind to the L-type calcium channel. These drugs are not only amphiphilic, but new molecular designs have become increasingly lipophilic and can readily transport across cell membranes, accessing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic environments, despite becoming more soluble in the membrane bilayer. This biophysical understanding appears not only to define the molecular pathways for drug binding to the calcium-channel receptor, but also to explain differences in the overall clinical pharmacokinetics observed for different drugs in this class. The pharmacokinetic profile of calcium antagonists, although influenced to some degree by interactions with their target calcium-channel receptor, appears to be largely dictated by their interactions with cell membranes at the molecular level. There appears to be a correlation between the duration of action of such membrane-active drugs and the membrane partition coefficient in conjunction with the washout rate. This class of drugs has evolved from a drug such as amlodipine, with a long duration of action related to prolonged plasma half-life, to lercanidipine, which has the shortest plasma half-life relative to its intrinsically long duration of action. Recently, it was discovered that membrane cholesterol reduces the amount of calcium-channel antagonist that can partition into the membrane. Atherosclerotic disease results in increased levels of membrane cholesterol in smooth muscle cells. Latest generation calcium antagonist, which have a long duration of action, can better overcome this negative effect. Lercanidipine has now been shown to have one of the highest measured tolerances to cholesterol, which may indicate its ability to treat a broad range of hypertensive patients with varying degrees of progressive atherosclerotic disease. On what criteria should the effectiveness of calcium antagonists be evaluated? A good calcium antagonist needs to exhibit a placebo-like side-effect profile, thus ensuring good patient compliance. However, an intrinsically long-lasting, once-a-day dose is also pharmacokinetically desirable. To be a truly optimal calcium antagonist, it should function and be efficacious over a broad range of hypertensive patients. It should be able to control blood pressure in light of other complications such as progressive atherosclerotic disease. Recent studies indicate that during the progression of atherosclerosis, cholesterol levels within cell membranes of the arterial wall increase, a process that can reduce the effective concentration of calcium antagonists in these membranes. What is needed is a calcium antagonist that is slow acting to reduce vasodilatory induced side-effects and intrinsically long lasting to ensure once-a-day dosage, and that possesses a high cholesterol tolerance factor to overcome the molecular and compositional changes taking place in the arterial wall, so that it can treat effectively a broad range of hypertensive patients. |
| Lessons of slicing membranes: interplay of packing, free area, and lateral diffusion in phospholipid/cholesterol bilayers Falck, E., M. Patra, et al. (2004), Biophys J 87(2): 1076-91. Abstract: We employ 100-ns molecular dynamics simulations to study the influence of cholesterol on structural and dynamic properties of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine bilayers in the fluid phase. The effects of the cholesterol content on the bilayer structure are considered by varying the cholesterol concentration between 0 and 50%. We concentrate on the free area in the membrane and investigate quantities that are likely to be affected by changes in the free area and free volume properties. It is found that cholesterol has a strong impact on the free area properties of the bilayer. The changes in the amount of free area are shown to be intimately related to alterations in molecular packing, ordering of phospholipid tails, and behavior of compressibility moduli. Also the behavior of the lateral diffusion of both dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine and cholesterol molecules with an increasing amount of cholesterol can in part be understood in terms of free area. Summarizing, our results highlight the central role of free area in comprehending the structural and dynamic properties of membranes containing cholesterol. |
| Let us avoid cholesterol tests performed by pharmacies! Axelsson, C. G. (1990), Lakartidningen 87(40): 3172. |
| Lethal form of chondrodysplasia punctata with normal plasmalogen and cholesterol biosynthesis Kumada, S., M. Hayashi, et al. (2001), Am J Med Genet 98(3): 250-5. Abstract: We present a male autopsied case of chondrodysplasia punctata with abnormal face, symmetrical proximal limb shortness, severe psychomotor developmental delay, respiratory muscle weakness, and death at the age of 2 years. Although his clinical manifestations were similar to those of rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata (RCDP), biochemical studies using skin fibroblasts did not document the peroxisomal dysfunction described in RCDP. In addition, the sterol profile, for which abnormalities have recently been reported in cases of X-linked dominant form chondrodysplasia punctata (CDPX2), was normal both in the liver and in the fibroblasts. This patient may represent a new lethal form of chondrodysplasia punctata. |
| level of 7alpha-hydroxycholesterol in blood plasma as an indicator of cholesterol catabolism in hyperlipidemia and with hypolipidemic therapy Poliakova, E. D., T. N. Ivanova, et al. (2000), Vopr Med Khim 46(2): 168-75. Abstract: The effect of micronized fenofibrate (Lipanthyl 200 M, Laboratoire Fournier, France, in dose 200 mg per day) on the serum level of 7 alpha-hydroxycholesterol (7 alpha-(OH)C) was studied in 10 men (aged 31-60 years) with hyperlipidemia (total C > 6.5 mmol/l). The levels of 7 alpha-(OH)C as well as that of total C, LDL C, VLDL C and HDL C and triglycerides (Tg) were measured before Lipanthyl 200 M treatment (point 0) and after 1, 2 and 3 months of the drug administration. The content of 7 alpha-(OH)C was determined by the reversed phase HPLC after the enzymatic conversion of serum 7 alpha-(OH)C to 7 alpha-(OH)-4-cholesten-3-one in cholesterol oxidase reaction. 7 beta-(OH)C was used as the internal recovery standard. Lipanthyl treatment resulted in considerable reduction of total C, VLDL C and LDL C levels and 7 alpha-(OH)C content. After the second and third months of therapy serum levels of 7 alpha-(OH)C were significantly reduced from 1.3 +/- 0.1 to 0.8 +/- 0.2 and 0.7 +/- 0.1 mumol/l; (P < 0.02). The decrease of 7 alpha-(OH)C content was associated with the decrease in Tg and VLDL C levels. Thus, our data suggest that the level of 7 alpha-(OH)C of in human serum may be used as an indicator of intensity of cholesterol oxidation into bile acids. |
| Level of knowledge and misconceptions about cholesterol: gender and race differences Tate, U. S. and A. Waikar (1994), Health Mark Q 12(2): 111-24. Abstract: This study highlights the differences in knowledge and misconceptions about cholesterol according to gender and race in the United States. Data were obtained from a randomly selected national sample of 1,068 adults. Respondents were asked a series of true-false questions covering such topics as recommended cholesterol levels, how cholesterol is reduced, the effect of diet, smoking habits, and exercise on cholesterol levels, etc. The results indicated that the knowledge level differed according to gender and race. |
| Level of total cholesterol and triglycerides in blood of workers involved in production of ferromanganese alloys Misiewicz, A., K. Radwan, et al. (1993), Med Pr 44(4): 371-7. Abstract: In the serum of steel mill workers exposed to manganese, iron, chromates, ultraviolet radiation and noise, levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides were determined. In workers under study only increased level of triglycerides was found in comparison with the control group. But in the group of smokers, the level of cholesterol increased in persons above the age of 40 and in persons working longer than 10 years. |
| Level of total cholesterol in serum of patients with breast cancer treated with tamoxifen Wojtacki, J. and A. Dziewulska-Bokiniec (1993), Pol Tyg Lek 48(23-24): 505-6. Abstract: Estrogens play an important role in lipid metabolism regulation. The present study aimed at evaluating an effect of anti-estrogen therapy with tamoxifen on blood serum total cholesterol levels in women with breast cancer. Mean total cholesterol concentration in women treated with tamoxifen was 5.36 mmol/l vs. 6.64 mmol/l in patients not treated with tamoxifen. The difference was statistically significant (P <.001). Hypercholesterolemia was diagnosed only in 1 patient treated with tamoxifen (2.4%) while in 9 (27.35) patients not given this drug. The difference was also statistically significant (P <.001). Lower blood serum concentrations of the total cholesterol in women treated with tamoxifen are probably produced by the estrogen-like effect on lipid metabolism. |
| Levels and criteria for evaluation of primary preventive interventions and their relevance for the cholesterol problem Heyll, U. (1996), Z Kardiol 85(3): 166-70. Abstract: Before medical interventions are implemented, they should be evaluated for their effectiveness, benefit and acceptability. The effectiveness of a measure does not guarantee its usefulness. And even the proof of a benefit, although an indespensable precondition, is not always sufficient for the intervention's acceptability. A decision about the latter can only be the result of a complex ethical discussion. Acceptability is the most important criterion and overrules effectiveness and benefit during evaluation of a treatment. More stringent criteria than those for the evaluation of therapeutic actions must be used for primary preventive interventions, because these relate to healthy people. When various criteria for the evaluation of extensive cholesterol prevention are used in light of the previously mentioned analytical levels, one must conclude that the particular intervention is not warranted. |
| Levels of cholesterol and phospholipids in freshly ejaculated sperm and Percoll-gradient-pelletted sperm from fertile and unexplained infertile men Sugkraroek, P., M. Kates, et al. (1991), Fertil Steril 55(4): 820-7. Abstract: Cholesterol and phospholipid levels were determined in individual sperm samples obtained from 20 fertile and 20 unexplained infertile men. The determination was performed on both washed freshly ejaculated sperm and Percoll-gradient-pelletted sperm. Although sperm cholesterol levels in unexplained infertile patients were significantly lower, i.e., 10.6 +/- 1.3 (mean +/- SD) nmol/10(7) freshly ejaculated sperm and 5.4 +/- 0.7 nmol/10(7) Percoll-gradient-pelletted sperm as compared with 19.9 +/- 1.9 nmol/10(7) and 12.6 +/- 1.5 nmol/10(7) for corresponding sperm populations in fertile donors. Motility parameters measured in 10 sperm samples of the two groups of fertile and unexplained infertile men revealed increases in the amplitude of lateral head displacement and decreases in percent of straightness in sperm tracks from unexplained infertile men. |
| Levels of cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in blood serum of children from Silesia Muchacka, M., E. Malecka-Tendera, et al. (1995), Pediatr Pol 70(2): 127-32. Abstract: In order to estimate the mean and borderline total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels, a group of 1151 children aged 7 to 15 years was examined. They were randomly chosen from elementary schools in Katowice, the capital city of Silesia. Significantly lower total cholesterol levels were found in 14-15 year old boys and girls than in children from the younger age groups. The highest borderline total cholesterol level was found in children aged 10 years. Older children had the lowest borderline HDL-cholesterol values. As the prevention of coronary disease should already start in childhood, it is necessary to assess the mean and borderline lipoprotein levels in school children. The present work, together with the previously published papers from different parts of Poland, may contribute to establishing normal values for our country. |
| Levels of insulin and cholesterol in human follicular fluid Ng, T. B., P. P. Tam, et al. (1993), Int J Fertil Menopausal Stud 38(5): 316-9. Abstract: OBJECTIVE--The intent of this study was to ascertain if there was a correlation between insulin and cholesterol levels in follicular fluid and oocyte fertilizability and developmental potential. MATERIALS AND METHODS--The levels of immunoreactive cholesterol, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol were determined in follicular lipoprotein-cholesterol were determined in follicular fluid samples obtained during transabdominal-transvesicular aspiration of follicles under ultrasound guidance, from patients treated with clomiphene citrate and human menopausal gonadotropin for in vitro fertilization. Insulin was measured by radioimmunoassay and cholesterol by an enzymatic method. RESULTS--Follicles containing oocytes with better fertilizability and greater developmental potential possessed lower concentrations of immunoreactive insulin and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and higher concentrations of low-density lipoprotein- and very-low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. CONCLUSION--These lipoprotein- and very-low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol. CONCLUSION--These changes in the level of cholesterol carried by the various lipoproteins in the follicular fluid strongly suggest that oocyte maturation is influenced by insulin-dependent steroidogenesis. |
| Levels of lactic acid in normal Indians & its relation to food, glucose, cholesterol, raised blood urea Patel, J. C. and M. S. Sawant (1993), Indian J Med Sci 47(9): 217-21. Abstract: 1. The level of lactic acid was found to be between 5mg 25mg percent in 95 percent in 186 normal Indias. There was no difference due to sex and age. 2. Level of lactic acid was estimated in blood of normal persons and diabetes type II patients to observe the effects of food and glucose. The effect of food and and glucose was to take the levels of lactic acid to higher level than normal in about 25 percent of persons examined. 3. Hyperglycemia of over 300 mg raised the blood lactic acid in 25 percent of patients. 4. Lactic acid was not affected by hypercholereteremia but was raised in 60 percent of cases with high blood urea. |
| Levels of lipoprotein(a), apolipoprotein B, and lipoprotein cholesterol distribution in IDDM. Results from follow-up in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial Purnell, J. Q., S. M. Marcovina, et al. (1995), Diabetes 44(10): 1218-26. Abstract: Levels of lipoprotein(a) Lp(a), apolipoprotein (apo) B, and lipoprotein cholesterol distribution using density-gradient ultracentrifugation were measured as part of a cross-sectional study at the final follow-up examination (mean 6.2 years) in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial. Compared with the subjects in the conventionally treated group (n = 680), those subjects receiving intensive diabetes therapy (n = 667) had a lower level of Lp(a) (Caucasian subjects only, median 10.7 vs 12.5 mg/dl, respectively; P = 0.03), lower apo B (mean 83 vs. 86 mg/dl, respectively; P = 0.01), and a more favorable distribution of cholesterol in the lipoprotein fractions as measured by density-gradient ultracentrifugation with less cholesterol in the very-low-density lipoprotein and the dense low-density lipoprotein fractions and greater cholesterol content of the more buoyant low-density lipoprotein. Compared with a nondiabetic Caucasian control group (n = 2,158), Lp(a) levels were not different in the intensive treatment group (median 9.6 vs. 10.7 mg/dl, respectively; NS) and higher in the conventional treatment group (9.6 vs. 12.5 mg/dl, respectively; P < 0.01). No effect of renal dysfunction as measured by increasing albuminuria or reduced creatinine clearance on Lp(a) levels could be demonstrated in the diabetic subjects. Prospective follow-up of these subjects will determine whether these favorable lipoprotein differences in the intensive treatment group persist and whether they influence the onset of atherosclerosis in insulin-dependent diabetes. |
| Levels of non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) in patients with ischaemic heart disease Tauheed, S., S. Shoaib, et al. (2003), J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad 15(1): 33-4. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) is influenced by elevated cholesterol, low density lipoproteins-C (LDL-C), triglycerides and low blood levels of high density lipoproteins (HDL-C). Recently, non-HDL-C has also been suggested as one of the factors involved in IHD. Non-HDL-C is the difference between total cholesterol and HDL-C. Assuming that non-HDL-C levels are raised in IHD, a cross sectional study was designed to evaluate the levels of non-HDL-C in patients of IHD. METHODS: Thirty adult non-smoking male (age 50 +/- 0.51 years) patients of IHD were compared with 30 adult non-smoking males (47.27 +/- 1.15 years) controls without IHD. A 12 hours fasting blood sample was analysed to determine serum cholesterol and HDL on autoanalyzer. RESULTS: Non-HDL-C was significantly raised (p < 0.001) in patients of IHD when compared to controls. Values of non-HDL-C were 158.00 +/- 4.79 and 127.63 +/- 2.82 (Mean +/- SEM) in patients and controls respectively. CONCLUSION: Non-HDL-C contains all known potentially atherogenic lipid particles including LDL-C, intermediate density lipoproteins and very low density lipoproteins cholesterol remnants. Results of this study suggest its possible involvement in IHD. Non-HDL-C is an emerging coronary risk factor. It is a cost effective screening test that may be included in coronary risk profile. |
| Levels of plasma vitamin E, vitamin C, TBARS, and cholesterol in male patients with colorectal tumors Saygili, E. I., D. Konukoglu, et al. (2003), Biochemistry (Mosc) 68(3): 325-8. Abstract: Vitamin E and vitamin C are involved in the defense of the body against free radical and reactive oxygen molecule induced damage. The best characterized biological damage caused by radicals is known as lipid peroxidation. Free radical formation is known to play a major role in the development of cancer. In this study, we measured plasma levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) as a marker of lipid peroxidation, cholesterol, and vitamins E and C as antioxidants in male patients with colorectal tumors (n = 20, 54.5 +/- 8.3 years). The patients had significantly higher plasma TBARS levels than age-matched healthy subjects (p < 0.001). Plasma vitamin C levels were significantly lower in the patients compared to the healthy subjects (p < 0.001). On the other hand, plasma vitamin E levels in the patients were similar to those of healthy subjects. Plasma cholesterol levels were also found to be significantly elevated in patients with colorectal tumors (p < 0.001). Our results suggest that there is an imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant status in tumor genesis. |
| Levels of serum cholesterol in a catalan population.Evolution over a 6- year period (1994-1996) Deniel Rosanas, J., J. Prat Quinzanos, et al. (2002), Aten Primaria 29(5): 278-86. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To study the evolution of the serum levels of cholesterol in a population over 6 years. Design. cross-sectional observational study.Setting. Primary and specialist care in the county of Osona (Barcelona). PARTICIPANTS: Study of those patients attending for health consultations in the county, whether at primary or hospital level, and who had their cholesterol level determined. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: The levels of serum cholesterol of the 7882 patients studied during September to December 1994 was compared with those of the 10 319 patients analysed during the same months of 1999. RESULTS: The mean levels of cholesterol increased steadily in both sexes with age, up to the fifth or sixth decade of life, at which point a slow descent started. Cholesterolaemia was higher in men than in women in the third and fourth decades of life; but from this age on, mean levels are higher in women than in men. Cholesterol levels in both sexes were higher in the 1999 period studied than in 1994. During 1999, 52.7% of men and 52.3% of women had serum cholesterol levels above 200 mg/dL, whereas in 1994 these figures were 49.1% and 49.2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Mean levels of serum cholesterol in the population under study are high and increased between the two sampling years. Preventive and hygiene-diet measures need to be fomented among the general population in order to improve control of cholesterolaemia. |
| Levels of serum total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in patients with major depression in acute period and remission Rabe-Jablonska, J. and I. Poprawska (2000), Med Sci Monit 6(3): 539-47. Abstract: The aim of the study was to determine the level of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol in blood samples taken from 102 patients with recurrent major depression (according to DSM-IV). The analysis was performed during the acute period of major depression in 3 subgroups: with and without suicidal ideation (S+, S-), and after suicidal attempts (AS), and during remission of depressive symptoms. Putative correlations between the level of total cholesterol and severity of depressive symptoms and between total serum cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol and suicidal risk were evaluated. The patients did not suffer from any additional disorders, factors such as specific diet or pharmacotherapy, which could influence the levels of lipids, were absent. The subgroups were identified using clinical evaluation, medical records and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale--HAMD-S as well as a subscale of MMPI-DMS. Biochemical analyses were performed twice in all patients, in the acute period, before pharmacotherapy and after effective pharmacotherapy, in remission. The following parameters were evaluated: total serum cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, T3, T4, TSH, ALT, AST, proteinogram. In all depressed patients with acute depression symptoms, low levels of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were shown. The level of total cholesterol 160 mg/dl or less and the level of LDL-cholesterol 100 mg/dl or less were observed in persons with suicidal behavior only (S+ and AS). Low total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels in persons in the acute period of major depression provided a useful parameter of suicide risk. A significant statistical correlation between the low level of total cholesterol and suicidal ideation was also found (r = 0.82, p < 0.05) as well as between the low level of serum total cholesterol and severity of depression, as evaluated by HAMD-S (r = 0.27, p < 0.05). During the remission of depressive symptoms, total cholesterol level and LDL-cholesterol increased significantly (p < 0.05) but a significant difference (p < 0.05) between subgroups (S-, S+, AS) were still observed. Low total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels in remission in persons with the diagnosis of recurrent major depression may help to estimate the risk of suicidal behavior in the next depressive disorder. Possibly, low level of serum total cholesterol is a stable feature in some persons with recurrent major depression, probably dependent on their predisposition to autoaggression and presence of depressive disorder. |