| For medical practitioners and the general public - Cholesterol Journal Article Catalog. |
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| The effect of a histidine-excess diet on cholesterol synthesis and degradation in rats Hitomi-Ohmura, E., N. Amano, et al. (1992), Lipids 27(10): 755-60. Abstract: Feeding a diet high in excess histidine (5% L-histidine) resulted in hypercholesterolemia and enlargement of the liver in rats. To clarify the mechanism of the hypercholesterolemia, cholesterol synthesis and degradation were followed. We found that hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase activity in histidine-excess diet rats was significantly higher than in rats fed a basal diet. Incorporation of 3H water into cholesterol of liver slices from rats fed the histidine-excess diet was higher than incorporation into liver slices from rats fed the basal diet (expressed per liver per 100 g body weight). In vivo incorporation of 3H water into hepatic cholesterol was also higher, but the incorporation into cholesterol of the small intestine was lower in histidine-fed rats than in rats fed the basal diet (expressed per liver per 100 g body weight). Hepatic cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase activity was similar in both groups. The data suggest that the hypercholesterolemia caused by histidine-excess diet appears to be due to the stimulation of cholesterol synthesis in the liver. |
| The effect of a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet on serum high density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride Turley, M. L., C. M. Skeaff, et al. (1998), Eur J Clin Nutr 52(10): 728-32. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine whether substituting carbohydrate for saturated fat has any adverse effects on serum high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglycerides in free-living individuals. DESIGN: Randomised crossover trial. SETTING: General community. SUBJECTS: Volunteer sample of 38 healthy free-living men with mean (s.d.) age 37 (7) y, moderately elevated serum total cholesterol 5.51 (0.93) mmol/l and body mass index 26.0 (3.6) kg/m2. INTERVENTIONS: Participants completed two six week experimental periods during which they consumed either a traditional Western diet (36%, 18%, and 43% energy from total, saturated, and carbohydrate, respectively) or a low-saturated fat high-carbohydrate diet (22%, 6% and 59% energy from total, saturated, and carbohydrate, respectively). Dietary principles were reinforced regularly, but food choices were self-selected during each experimental period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Serum lipids, body weight and plasma fatty acids. RESULTS: Reported energy and nutrient intakes, plasma fatty acids, and a drop in weight from 79.1 (12.5) kg on the Western diet to 77.6 (12.0) kg on the high-carbohydrate diet (P < 0.001) confirmed a high level of compliance with experimental diets. Total and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol fell from 5.52 (1.04) mmol/l and 3.64 (0.88) mmol/l, respectively on the Western diet to 4.76 (1.10) mmol/l and 2.97 (0.94) mmol/l on the high-carbohydrate diet (P < 0.001). HDL cholesterol fell from 1.21 (0.27) mmol/l on the Western diet to 1.07 (0.23) mmol/l on the high-carbohydrate diet (P = 0.057), but the LDL:HDL cholesterol ratio improved from 3.17 (1.05) on the Western diet to 2.88 (0.97) on the high-carbohydrate diet (P = 0.004). Fasting triglyceride levels were unchanged throughout the study. CONCLUSIONS: Replacement of saturated fat with carbohydrate from grains, vegetables, legumes, and fruit reduces total and LDL cholesterol with only a minor effect on HDL cholesterol and triglyceride. It seems that when free living individuals change to a fibre rich high-carbohydrate diet appropriate food choices lead to a modest weight reduction. This may explain why the marked elevation of triglyceride and reduction of HDL cholesterol observed on strictly controlled high-carbohydrate diets may not occur when such diets are followed in practice. |
| The effect of a probiotic milk product on plasma cholesterol: a meta-analysis of short-term intervention studies Agerholm-Larsen, L., M. L. Bell, et al. (2000), Eur J Clin Nutr 54(11): 856-60. Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Certain fermented dairy milk products may have beneficial effects on plasma cholesterol levels. However, a number of studies have produced conflicting results as to whether dietary supplementation by a probiotic dairy product containing the bacteria culture Causido(R) reduces plasma cholesterol. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a meta-analysis of intervention studies to evaluate the effect of the Causido(R) culture on plasma total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol. THE PROBIOTIC MILK PRODUCT: The yoghurt product Gaio(R) is fermented with Causido(R), composed of one strain of Enterococcus faecium (human species) with the proposed cholesterol-lowering effect, and two strains of Streptococcus thermophilus. STUDY INCLUSION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Six studies were identified from a literature search and from the yoghurt producer. All studies met the inclusion criteria. Summary data for plasma concentrations of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were extracted from the original publications or by personal request to the authors. Data from 4-8 weeks of treatment duration was used. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: We performed a traditional meta-analysis where mean differences between intervention and control of the pre-post changes in total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were calculated, as well as 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: In the six studies included in the meta-analysis, the Gaio(R) interventions produced changes in total cholesterol above those of the control groups ranging from -0.02 to -1.02 mmol/l and in LDL-cholesterol ranging from -0.02 to -1.15 mmol/l. After inclusion of an open-label study, the meta-analysis of the double-blind studies showed that Gaio(R) as compared to the control group changed total cholesterol by -0.22 mmol/l (95% CI: -0.35 to -0.08, P<0.01) and LDL-cholesterol by -0.20 mmol/l (95% CI: -0.33 to -0.06, P<0.005). The outcome was essentially the same if all studies were included. CONCLUSIONS: The present meta-analysis of controlled short-term intervention studies shows that the fermented yoghurt product produced a 4% decrease in total cholesterol and a 5% decrease in LDL-cholesterol when the open-label study is excluded. To demonstrate sustained effects on blood lipids, long-term studies are required. SPONSORSHIP: MD Foods A/S, Denmark. |
| The effect of a reduction in plasma cholesterol on the evolution of coronary disease Fernandez-Aviles, F. and E. Garcia-Moran (1995), Rev Esp Cardiol 48 Suppl 5: 43-51. Abstract: Elevated serum cholesterol level has a causal role in the genesis of coronary atherosclerosis and causes plaque activation because it leads to plaque rupture, increases thrombus formation and adversely influences the function of endothelial cells. In patients with evidence of coronary heart disease (angina pectoris, previous myocardial infarction or previous coronary revascularization) the overall effect of cholesterol reduction therapy on the progression of lesions is modest. Nevertheless, the results of secondary prevention trials provide evidence that a reduction in the level of cholesterol leads to a significant decrease in the rate of cardiovascular events, in the rate of new procedures of revascularization by means of coronary surgery or angioplasty, in the coronary-heart-disease-mortality and in the non-coronary-heart-disease mortality. These effects probably mean some benefit on function, vulnerability and thrombogenicity of the plaque. In patients with previous revascularization procedures interest of secondary prevention by means of cholesterol lowering must be special, because in them the probability of long-term success should be optimized for the maximum patient benefit and the best use of health-care resources. |
| The effect of acyl CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase inhibition on the uptake, esterification and secretion of cholesterol by the hamster small intestine Burrier, R. E., A. A. Smith, et al. (1995), J Pharmacol Exp Ther 272(1): 156-63. Abstract: Acyl CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) inhibitors are known to inhibit cholesterol absorption and are under investigation to reduce hypercholesterolemia. These studies examine the effect of an ACAT inhibitor 2,2-dimethyl-N-(2,4,6-trimethoxyphenyl)-dodecanamide (PD128042) on the uptake, metabolism and secretion of cholesterol by the hamster intestinal wall in a short-term model. Preliminary studies in this model indicated that the uptake of 14C-cholesterol and its subsequent esterification 2 hr postoral dosing occurs primarily in the duodenal and jejunal segments of the small intestine and most of the radiolabeled cholesterol and cholesteryl ester in the plasma was associated with chylomicrons. In both single- and multiple-dose studies, PD128042 (50 mg kg-1 day-1) did not inhibit intestinal uptake of 14C-cholesterol but 14C-cholesteryl ester formation was inhibited. The free 14C-cholesterol appearing in plasma was not affected despite a large reduction in 14C-cholesteryl ester. In contrast, cholestyramine (1 g kg-1 day-1) inhibited the uptake of the radiolabeled free cholesterol and the appearance of cholesteryl ester in the intestine and plasma. The effects of PD128042 on cholesterol and cholesteryl ester mass associated with scraped intestinal mucosa were consistent with the effects observed with the use of the radiolabeled cholesterol. In addition, PD128042 did not affect the uptake of appearance of radiolabeled triglyceride in the intestinal wall after oral gavage of 3H-trioleoylglycerol. Taken together, the data suggest that ACAT inhibition reduces cholesterol absorption by limiting cholesteryl ester incorporation into chylomicrons and has no effect on the intestinal processing of free cholesterol to be secreted into plasma. |
| The effect of adding cholesterol to laying hen diets as powder or predissolved in fat Berrio, L. F. and J. A. Hebert (1990), Poult Sci 69(6): 972-6. Abstract: An experiment was conducted to determine if adding supplemental cholesterol to the feed or first adding it to the supplemental fat source of laying hen diets would result in differences in egg yolk and liver cholesterol levels. Five levels of cholesterol (0.5, 1, 2, and 4%) and three levels of animal tallow (0, 4, and 8%) were used. The diets were randomly assigned and fed for 35 days to individually caged hens within each of six replicates. Eggs laid on or near Days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 were used for cholesterol analysis. Liver cholesterol, egg production, and feed intake were also assessed. Mixing cholesterol with the fat source before feed incorporation did not promote higher yolk or liver cholesterol levels and were essentially the same as the method in which powdered cholesterol was added directly to the feed. A linear increase in yolk and liver cholesterol was observed with 0.5, and 1% dietary cholesterol. Yolk cholesterol also increased linearly during the first 14 days of cholesterol administration. Further increases in yolk cholesterol, however, were not obtained with either the higher levels of dietary cholesterol or the extended feeding times. |
| The effect of aggregation state of amphotericin-B on its interactions with cholesterol- or ergosterol-containing phosphatidylcholine monolayers Barwicz, J. and P. Tancrede (1997), Chem Phys Lipids 85(2): 145-55. Abstract: Amphotericin B (AmB) is the most effective antibiotic used in the treatment of systemic fungal infections. It is generally thought that the activity of this drug results from its interaction with ergosterol, the main sterol of fungi membranes. However, AmB also interacts with cholesterol, the major sterol of mammal membranes, thus limiting the usefulness of this drug due to its relatively high toxicity. The aim of the present work is to study the molecular basis of the interactions of AmB with these sterols contained in a DOPC film by using the monolayer technique. Two different concentrations of the sterols in the film (13 and 30%) at an initial surface pressure of 30 mN/m were studied, which correspond to conditions found in various biological membranes. Four concentrations of AmB in the subphase, ranging from a molecularly dispersed to a highly aggregated state of the drug were studied. Our results show that the monomeric form of AmB interacts with the ergosterol containing film solely. On the other hand, when AmB is dispersed as a pre-micellar or as a highly aggregated state in the subphase, a very significant selectivity of its interactions between the two sterols is observed which is shown in our experimental results by a difference of 8 mN/m in the surface pressure when AmB interacts with ergosterol as compared to cholesterol. We show that the activity of AmB is most likely related to the micellar form of the antibiotic. In addition, we observe that upon increasing the amount of ergosterol in the film, the insertion of AmB is largely promoted, results that are discussed in terms of the molecular organization of the sterols within the monolayer film. We show that these results provide a better understanding of the action of AmB (activity/toxicity) at the membrane level. |
| The effect of aggressive and moderate lowering of LDL-cholesterol and low dose anticoagulation on plasma lipids, apolipoproteins and lipoprotein families in post coronary artery bypass graft trial Alaupovic, P., J. D. Fesmire, et al. (1999), Atherosclerosis 146(2): 369-79. Abstract: The reported results (The Post Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Trial Investigators. The effect of aggressive lowering of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and low-dose anticoagulation on obstructive changes in saphenous-vein coronary-artery bypass grafts. New Engl J Med 1997;336:153-162) of the Post Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (Post CABG) trial have shown that aggressive lowering was more effective than moderate lowering of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in reducing the progression of atherosclerosis in saphenous-vein grafts (27 vs. 39%; P < 0.001); low dose warfarin had no effect on the progression of atherosclerosis. The present report describes the effect of long-term (an average of 4.3 years) aggressive treatment with high (40-80 mg/day) and moderate treatment with low (2.5-5 mg/day) doses of lovastatin on lipids, apolipoproteins (apo) and apoA- and apoB-containing lipoprotein families. To achieve the target LDL-cholesterol levels (60-85 mg/dl for aggressive group and 134-140 mg/dl for moderate group), cholestyramine (8 g/day) was given to 25% of subjects on aggressive and 5% of subjects on moderate treatment. Although with both treatment strategies there were significant decreases (P<0.001) in the levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, apoB, LDL-apoB and cholesterol-rich Lp-B family, percent changes in the levels of these variables were greater in the aggressive- than in the moderate-treatment groups. These treatments had only marginal effects in increasing the levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol, apoA-I and Lp-A-I and Lp-A-I:A-II families. The long-term aggressive treatment exerted no effect on the concentrations of triglycerides, apoC-IlI, apoC-III in VLDL + LDL and triglyceride-rich Lp-Bc families. Neither treatment affected the levels of Lp(a). The potentially modifying influence of warfarin and apoE phenotypes on lovastatin-induced changes in lipoprotein variables was found to be of little significance. It is likely that the beneficial effect of lovastatin in reducing the progression of atherosclerosis in grafts is mediated through its specific lowering effect on cholesterol-rich Lp-B particles. |
| The effect of alfalfa-corn diets on cholesterol metabolism and gallstones in prairie dogs Cohen, B. I., E. H. Mosbach, et al. (1990), Lipids 25(3): 143-8. Abstract: Cholesterol gallstones were present in prairie dogs fed alfalfa plus corn with and without exogenous cholesterol (0.4%). The diets fed to the animals for eight weeks contained alfalfa plus corn in fixed proportions of 50:50, 85:15 and 15:85 (w/w). At sacrifice, all animals were healthy but had not gained weight; no deaths occurred during the experiment. Cholesterol gallstones were present in all groups. In the absence of exogenous cholesterol, the highest stone incidence was found in the animals which received the lowest fiber (highest corn) diets (alfalfa plus corn, 50:50, 67%; alfalfa plus corn, 15:85, 83%). Cholesterol gallstone incidence was 100% when exogenous cholesterol was added to the alfalfa plus corn diets (50:50 and 15:85). No pigment gallstones were detected in any animal. Liver and plasma cholesterol concentrations were highest in the animals receiving alfalfa plus corn (15:85) plus 0.4% cholesterol (4.29 mg/g, and 356 mg/dl, respectively). These values were lowest in animals receiving 85% alfalfa plus 15% corn without cholesterol (2.19 mg/g and 88 mg/dl, respectively). Lithogenic indices were below 1.00 in all groups. Biliary bile acids were mainly amidates of cholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid, with the former predominating. Thus, gallstones can be formed in prairie dogs in the absence of exogenous cholesterol; gallstone incidence is reduced by dietary fiber. |
| The effect of alpha blockade on cholesterol regulation in vitro and in vivo Owens, D. and G. H. Tomkin (1992), Biochem Soc Trans 20(4): 342S. |
| The effect of an ethanol extract derived from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) on bile acid absorption and cholesterol levels in rats Stark, A. and Z. Madar (1993), Br J Nutr 69(1): 277-87. Abstract: The hypocholesterolaemic properties of an ethanol extract from defatted fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds were investigated. Purification of the crude extract by dialysis produced an isolated component with haemolytic properties. The dialysate was also found to contain saponins demonstrated by thin-layer chromatography. Experiments in vitro employing the everted-sac technique showed that the ethanol extract had the ability to inhibit taurocholate and deoxycholate absorption in a dose-dependent manner. In two separate feeding experiments, hypercholesterolaemic rats were fed on 30 or 50 g ethanol extract/kg for a 4-week period. Reductions in plasma cholesterol levels ranged from 18 to 26% and a tendency for lower concentrations of liver cholesterol was observed. These results indicate that the ethanol extract from fenugreek seeds contained hypocholesterolaemic components which appear to be saponins that interact with bile salts in the digestive tract. |
| The effect of apolipoprotein E isoform difference on postprandial lipoprotein in patients matched for triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, and HDL-cholesterol Superko, H. R. and W. L. Haskell (1991), Artery 18(6): 315-25. Abstract: The postprandial response to three test meals provided during a single day was investigated in subjects with either the apo E3/3 phenotype (n = 8), or the apo E4/3 phenotype (n = 4), who had LDL-C greater than 160 mg/dl. Vitamin A (60,000 U/m2) was ingested with the first meal and retinyl palmitate determined four hours later. Triglyceride and total cholesterol concentration were determined on whole plasma and total cholesterol and free cholesterol determined following single spin ultracentrifugation (d less than 1.006 g/ml) and dextran precipitation of the d greater than 1.006 fraction to separate apoprotein-B containing lipoproteins. Fasting values revealed significantly lower HDL-cholesterol ester (p less than 0.03) and HDL3-cholesterol ester (p less than 0.03) and significantly greater HDL-free cholesterol (p less than 0.03) and HDL3-free cholesterol (p less than 0.02) in subjects with the E4/3 phenotype. Four hour postprandial HDL and HDL3 cholesterol ester increased significantly more (p less than 0.05) in E4/3 patients and HDL and HDL3 free cholesterol decreased significantly more (p less than 0.05) in E4/3 subjects. Eight-hour postprandial change values maintained the significant HDL3-cholesterol ester and free cholesterol difference, and, revealed a significantly greater triglyceride rich lipoprotein cholesterol ester reduction (p less than 0.01) in the E4/3 group. Individuals with the apolipoprotein E4/3 phenotype reveal significant differences in postprandial lipemia compared to individuals with the E3/3 phenotype, and, postprandial lipemia following multiple meals reveals differences not apparent from responses to a single meal. |
| The effect of ascorbic acid on the measurement of total cholesterol and triglycerides: possible artefactual lowering in individuals with high plasma concentration of ascorbic acid Benzie, I. F. and J. J. Strain (1995), Clin Chim Acta 239(2): 185-90. |
| The effect of bile acid hydrophobicity on nucleation of several types of cholesterol crystals from model bile vesicles Stolk, M. F., B. J. van de Heijning, et al. (1994), J Hepatol 20(6): 802-10. Abstract: Nucleation of cholesterol crystals is thought to occur from cholesterol-phospholipid vesicles. We tested the hypothesis that bile acids are necessary for nucleation of cholesterol crystals. Model bile vesicles were prepared by KBr density ultracentrifugation of supersaturated model bile and mixed with one of the following bile acids: ursodeoxycholate, taurocholate, cholate, chenodeoxycholate or deoxycholate in final concentrations of 3, 30 and 100 mM. Vesicles were also mixed with various combinations of ursodeoxycholate and deoxycholate. Nucleation was assessed semi-quantitatively with polarizing microscopy. After 5 days, samples were again subjected to ultracentrifugation. Addition of 3 and 30 mM taurocholate, cholate, chenodeoxycholate and deoxycholate to vesicles induced nucleation. The extent of nucleation increased significantly with increasing bile acid hydrophobicity: deoxycholate > chenodeoxycholate > cholate > taurocholate (p < 0.05). At 100 mM bile acid this order was reversed (p < 0.05) because most of the cholesterol was solubilized in micelles as shown by ultracentrifugation after 5 days. Percentages of vesicular cholesterol decreased with increasing hydrophobicity: deoxycholate < chenodeoxycholate < cholate < taurocholate (p < 0.05). Ursodeoxycholate did not induce nucleation. At least seven cholesterol crystal shapes could be distinguished and all crystal types could be found after addition of various combinations of ursodeoxycholate+deoxycholate. We conclude that in this model: (a) bile acid species play an important role in the precipitation of cholesterol crystals from model bile vesicles; (b) the more hydrophobic bile acids induce more cholesterol crystal precipitation; and (c) the hydrophobicity of bile acids influences cholesterol crystal morphology. |
| The effect of breakfast cereal on diet and serum cholesterol: a randomized trial in North Karelia, Finland Kleemola, P., P. Puska, et al. (1999), Eur J Clin Nutr 53(9): 716-21. Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that a high carbohydrate breakfast with breakfast cereal leads to a meaningful reduction in dietary energy intake from fat, especially from saturated fat, and thus lower serum cholesterol levels. DESIGN: An open randomized controlled cross-over trial. The subjects were randomized into intervention breakfast cereal or usual breakfast (control) groups. SETTING: Free-living subjects aged 29-71 y in Eastern Finland SUBJECTS: 224 enrolled, 209 completed the study. The subjects were recruited from a survey of a random population sample and from other sources, and their serum cholesterol was not lower than 5.0 mmol/l. Recruited persons did not have any chronic disease or very low saturated fat intake. INTERVENTION: The cereal group consumed 80 g (men) or 60 g (women) cereal at breakfast and the control group continued their usual dietary habits for six weeks. After a wash out of six weeks, a cross-over with another six week trial period took place. Measurements (including serum samples and a 3 d food record) took place before and after the two trial periods. RESULTS: The intervention period led to 2.5 en% (energy percent units) reduction in saturated fatty acids intake. The reduction in total fat intake was 5.5 en%. This was compensated for by increased intake of carbohydrates. The reduction in saturated fatty acids intake led to modest (but in group 1 significant) 0.15 mmol/l (2.5%) reduction in total serum cholesterol level. CONCLUSIONS: The trial showed that regular cereal breakfast can lead to reduced intake of total and saturated fatty acids of the daily diet and consequently to reduction in serum cholesterol level. |
| The effect of bromocriptine and anti-growth hormone serum on the cholesterol economy of the lactating rat mammary gland Shand, J. H. and D. W. West (1990), Biochem Soc Trans 18(6): 1166. |
| The effect of calcium antagonists on cholesterol metabolism in human aortal intima cells and macrophage lines Iakushkin, V. V. and A. N. Orekhov (1992), Biokhimiia 57(11): 1684-92. Abstract: Effects of two Ca-antagonists, verapamil and nifedipine, on the total cellular cholesterol content and accumulation, as well as on the synthesis and hydrolysis of cholesteryl esters in human aortic intimal smooth muscle cells and P388D1 cell line have been studied. Verapamil and nifedipine used at 10(-6) M and higher concentrations decreased the total cellular cholesterol content (by 25-40%) in intimal cells isolated from atherosclerotic lesions without any effect on the cholesterol content in normal intimal cells or P388D1 cells. At 2 x 10(-5) M verapamil and nifedipine prevented the accumulation of cholesterol induced by atherogenic blood serum or atherogenic low density lipoproteins in both types of cells. At 10(-5) M and higher concentrations verapamil and nifedipine inhibited (2-3-fold) cholesteryl ester synthesis in intimal cells and, used at 10(-6) M and higher doses, in P388D1 cells as well. Verapamil and nifedipine (2 x 10(-5) M) enhanced the hydrolysis of cholesteryl esters in both types of cells. The Ca-channel agonist Bay K8644 had no effect on cholesteryl ester synthesis, nor did it suppress its inhibition by Ca-antagonist. The beta-receptor blocker propranolol induced the accumulation of cholesterol in intimal cells and inhibited the synthesis and hydrolysis of cholesterol esters in these cells. The data obtained suggest that the antiatherosclerotic action of Ca-blockers is determined by their ability to reduce the cellular cholesterol content which is suggested to be the result of enhanced hydrolysis of cellular cholesteryl esters. |
| The effect of calcium antagonists on total calcium and magnesium levels in the aorta of rabbits after administration of dietary cholesterol Drabkova, E., Z. Lazarova, et al. (1992), Cas Lek Cesk 131(5): 146-8. Abstract: The objective of the work was to investigate the effect of calcium blockers--dilthiazem (2 mg.kg-1.day-1), isradipine (2.5 mg.kg-1.day-1) and verapamil (0.25 mg.kg-1.day-1) on the calcium and magnesium content of the rabbit aorta with experimental atherosclerosis induced by a 1% cholesterol diet. In the aorta of rabbits kept on a cholesterol diet the calcium and magnesium content, as compared with a control group on a ordinary diet, increased significantly. In the experimental groups to whom during the eight-week period on the cholesterol diet at regular 12-hour intervals calcium antagonists were administered the calcium and magnesium content of the aorta reached normal levels. The antiatherogenic effect was, however, produced only by verapamil when administered in therapeutic doses. |
| The effect of celiprolol on the blood lipid profile in hypertensive patients with high cholesterol levels Fogari, R., A. Zoppi, et al. (1991), Cardiovasc Drugs Ther 4 Suppl 6: 1287-90. Abstract: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of chronic antihypertensive therapy with either celiprolol or atenolol on plasma lipids in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Forty-six patients with essential hypertension and a total cholesterol (TC) concentration greater than 220 mg/dl were studied. After 1 month on placebo, patients were stratified into five classes on the basis of their plasma TC levels and then randomized to receive atenolol 100 mg/day or celiprolol 400 mg/day for 1 year. Blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and blood samples for evaluation of TC, HDL cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) were taken before and after the placebo period, and every 6 months from the beginning of the active treatment. Celiprolol and atenolol caused similar reduction in BP. Both atenolol and celiprolol decreased TC. Atenolol significantly reduced HDL-C, while celiprolol increased it (p less than 0.01 at 12 months), and the difference between the two drugs was statistically significant in this regard. LDL-C levels were not significantly affected by atenolol, but were progressively reduced by celiprolol (p less than 0.05 at 6 months, p less than 0.01 at 12 months). TG rose under atenolol but was reduced by celiprolol (p less than 0.05). The results of this study show that the celiprolol-induced changes in plasma lipids may be favorable and suggest that, in hypertensive patients with high cholesterol levels, beta-blocker therapy with celiprolol may be effective in lowering BP without worsening the lipid profile. |
| The effect of cholesterol absorption inhibition on low density lipoprotein cholesterol level Gylling, H. and T. A. Miettinen (1995), Atherosclerosis 117(2): 305-8. Abstract: The degree of serum cholesterol lowering by up to almost maximal inhibition of cholesterol absorption was tested during neomycin and neomycin + sitostanol treatment in six hypercholesterolemic men. Neomycin decreased cholesterol absorption efficiency by 49% and the combination by 79%, and serum cholesterol level by 27% and 36%, respectively. The correlation between the absorption percentage and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was significant (r = 0.510), and the regression equation (y = 0.04x + 2.59) suggested that the mean LDL cholesterol content would be about 2.5 mmol/l at zero cholesterol absorption. In conclusion, in hypercholesterolemic subjects, the lowering of LDL cholesterol appears to be limited to a low normal range only by almost totally inhibiting cholesterol absorption. |