Cholesterol Journal Articles

Record 12961 to 12980

The use of laser radiation for correcting cholesterol metabolic disorders in gallstones
Grubnik, V. V., T. A. Zolotareva, et al. (1993), Klin Khir(11): 18-20.
Abstract: The authors have demonstrated in the experiment that under the influence of irradiation of the liver by means of a semiconductor laser with a wavelength of 890 nm, pronounced activation of its microsomal system occurs. The data obtained have become a basis for the development and introduction in the clinic in 96 patients of a technique of laser correction of hypercholesterolemia. A good therapeutic effect has been noted in all the patients.

The use of the novel substrate-heme complex approach in the derivation of a representation of the active site of the enzyme cholesterol side chain cleavage
Ahmed, S. (2000), Biochem Biophys Res Commun 274(3): 821-4.
Abstract: The previously reported substrate-heme complex approach is used to study the binding of type II inhibitors of the enzyme cholesterol side chain cleavage (CSCC), a cytochrome P-450 dependent enzyme involved in the oxidative cleaveage of the C(20)-C(22) bond of cholesterol. Using the derived model, we have rationalised the inhibitory activity of a number of compounds including aminoglutethimide and pyridoglutethimide and the enantiomers of ketoconazole.

The usefulness of cholesterol as a nutritional-metabolic marker in the septic patient
Lopez Martinez, J., M. Sanchez Castilla, et al. (1995), Nutr Hosp 10(1): 24-31.
Abstract: We studied the behavior of the cholesterol of 118 septic patients on entering Intensive Care and on receiving parenteral nutritional support, to establish its utility as malnutrition and/or monitoring marker. On admission, there was more intensive hypocholesterolemia (104 +/- 39 mg/dl) in those who had developed multi-organ failure (87 +/- 34 mg/dl, p < 0.001). There was no correlation between cholesterol and gravity (APACHE II). Basal cholesterol values were correlated with transferrin (r = 0.58), prealbumin (r = 0.43), retinol-linked protein (r = 0.32) and albumin (r = 0.32) and albumin (r = 0.54). During twelve days' parenteral nutrition, cholesterol and visceral protein levels recovered, and the good correlation was maintained between cholesterol and transferrin while that between cholesterol and prealbumin increased and that between cholesterol and retinol-linked virtually disappeared. There ceased to be a relation between albumin and cholesterol as from day six. In cases where the septic situation was maintained, with clinical deterioration, cholesterol levels did not rise. This, along with the close correlation with transferrin, led us to think that cholesterol is influenced by inflammation mediators, acting as a marker for this more as nutritional parameter. However, in practice, it provides the same information as short-life visceral proteins, and its determination is more accessible.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The utilisation of esterified and unesterified cholesterol derived from chylomicron remnants and high density lipoprotein for bile acid synthesis
Bravo, E., A. Cantafora, et al. (1993), Biochem Soc Trans 21(4): 459S.

The utility of high density lipoprotein cholesterol subclasses measurement
Skoczynska, A., B. Turczyn, et al. (2002), Pol Arch Med Wewn 107(6): 525-32.
Abstract: The aim of our study was to estimate the cholesterol concentrations in high density lipoprotein subfractions (HDL2 i HDL3) in plasma of patients with normocholesterolemia and atherosclerosis of coronary arteries and in patients with myeloproliferative diseases. Blood samples from patients with normal plasma cholesterol levels were analyzed in spite of the fact that atherosclerosis of coronary arteries usually exist with hypercholesterolemia and myeloproliferative diseases usually coexist with hypocholesterolemia. In this way we wanted to determine changes in HDL2 i HDL3 metabolism which occur independently from changes of cholesterol levels in other lipoproteins. Our results showed that in patients suffering from atherosclerosis of coronary arteries with normolipemia the lowering of plasma cholesterol level in subfractions HDL2 and HDL3 was observed. In patients with myeloproliferative disease with normocholesterolemia the slight lowering of cholesterol level in subfraction HDL3 may be connected with moderate hypertriglyceridemia. In both groups of patients the lowering of HDL cholesterol in plasma was accompanied with the increased lipid peroxidation.

The V73M mutation in the hepatic lipase gene is associated with elevated cholesterol levels in four Dutch pedigrees with familial combined hyperlipidemia
Hoffer, M. J., H. Snieder, et al. (2000), Atherosclerosis 151(2): 443-50.
Abstract: Familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL) is a heritable lipid disorder characterized by multiple lipoprotein phenotypes within a single family. Previously, we have shown an increased incidence of mutations in the LPL gene which was associated with elevated levels of very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and decreased levels of high density lipoprotein among the families studied. Now, we report the results of our study on the hepatic lipase gene. We found the HL V73M variant to be present in four FCHL families. By means of a pedigree-based maximum log-likelihood method we analyzed the effect of this variant on the lipid levels in these families. Carriers of the HL V73M variant revealed significantly higher levels of total cholesterol (P < 0.01) and apoB (P <0.01). These findings show that the HL V73M mutant explains another part of the variability in the phenotype observed among FCHL family members, compared with mutations in the LPL gene. Family analysis shows that in these FCHL families, carriers of mutations in the LPL or HL genes have an increased risk for FCHL compared with their non-carrier relatives.

The validity of self-reported leisure time physical activity, and its relationship to serum cholesterol, blood pressure and body mass index. A population based study of 332,182 men and women aged 40-42 years
Aires, N., R. Selmer, et al. (2003), Eur J Epidemiol 18(6): 479-85.
Abstract: The importance of leisure time physical activity as a health indicator became more obvious after the results of large prospective studies were published. The validity of these results depends upon both the selection of the active individuals and to what extent self-reported physical activity reflects the individual's true activity. The purpose of this paper is to describe the changes in self-reported physical activity, and to assess the relation between this variable and other biological risk factors such as blood lipids, blood pressure and body mass index (BMI). This report also aims at corroborating the validity of self-reported physical activity by assessing the consistency of the associations between these biological risk factors and physical activity during a 25-years period. The basis for this analysis is a long lasting observational study with a questionnaire as the most important research instrument, in addition to physiological and biological factors such as BMI, blood pressure and blood lipids. The study population consists of 332,182 individuals, aged 40-42 from different counties in Norway who were invited to participate in health survey during 1974-1999. The objectives of this study are (1) to describe changes in self-reported physical activity from 1974 to 1999; (2) to assess the relation between physical activity and the biological variables; and (3) to corroborate the validity of the variable physical activity by assessing the consistency of the above analysis. The results of the analyses of association between decade of birth and self-reported physical activity show that physical activity among 40-aged individuals decreased during 1974-1999. This trend is stronger among the men. Multivariate analyses revealed differences in BMI and serum cholesterol between levels of self-reported physical activity, gender, smoking habits and decade of birth. The explained percentage of the total variance ranged from 6% for BMI to 7% for serum cholesterol. The similar shape of serum cholesterol and BMI according to physical activity indicates that the validity of self-reported physical activity has remained stable over these 25 years. Furthermore, the analysis of covariance showed that the slopes relating year of birth and serum cholesterol and BMI are parallel for self-reported physical activity thus the validity of the variable is confirmed.

The validity of the cholesterol nucleation assay
de Bruijn, M. A., C. Noordam, et al. (1992), Biochim Biophys Acta 1138(1): 41-5.
Abstract: The validity of the cholesterol nucleation assay rests on the assumption that all cholesterol crystals are removed at the start of the assay so that de novo formation of crystals can be studied. In this paper we have tested the validity of this assumption. Cholesterol crystals were added to supersaturated model bile. Subsequently the mixtures were either filtered over a 0.22 micron filter or centrifuged at 37 degrees C for 2 h at 100,000 x g. After ultracentrifugation the isotropic interphase was collected. Using polarized light microscopy no crystals could be visualized in this fraction. However, the nucleation time of the isotropic interphase decreased from 6.8 +/- 1.1 days to 1.8 +/- 0.2 days (mean +/- S.E., P less than 0.01, n = 5) when 10-100 micrograms/ml crystals were added prior to centrifugation. Similar results were observed when instead of centrifugation the mixtures containing crystals were filtered. After filtration over a 0.22 micron filter no crystals could be detected in the filtrate. Yet the nucleation time of the filtrate decreased from 6.4 +/- 0.7 days to 3.1 +/- 0.5 days (mean +/- S.E.) when 10 micrograms/ml cholesterol crystals were added before filtration (n = 10, P less than 0.01). Since no cholesterol crystals could be detected at the start of the assay the reduction in nucleation time must have been brought about by cholesterol microcrystals that passed through the filter. Supplementation of cholesterol crystals to model bile did not accelerate the nucleation time when the samples were passed over a 0.02 micron filter, indicating that the size of the microcrystals was larger than 20 nm. The effect of addition of cholesterol crystals prior to filtration over a 0.22 micron filter was also tested in the crystal growth assay recently developed by Busch et al. ((1990) J. Lipid Res. 31, 1903-1909). Addition of crystals had only a minor effect on the assay. In conclusion, the reduced nucleation time of biles from gallstone patients is probably not only due to the presence of promoting or the absence of inhibiting proteins, but can be caused by the presence of small cholesterol crystals in these biles.

The validity of the separate determination of total cholesterol in the primary prevention of coronary risk
Gil, V. F., C. Rubio, et al. (1995), Med Clin (Barc) 104(16): 612-6.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to validate total cholesterol (TC) determination in the primary prevention of coronary risk and evaluate the prevalence of low HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) levels at the different TC cut-off points to thereby determine the TC level at which HDL-C determination is of interest. METHODS: The atherogenic index was used as the reference method in TC evaluation with the values of low HDL-C levels being evaluated at the following TC cut-off points: 160, 180, 200, 220, 240, 250, and 300 mg/dl (4.44; 4.66; 5.18; 5.70; 6.22; 6.48; 7.77 mmol/l). According to the results of the Framingham study the atherogenic index or the existence of low HDL-C levels were considered as abnormal. The sample included 4,162 workers from the province of Alicante (Spain) selected by consecutive sampling and opportunistic search in January and February, 1993. Validity was calculated with confidence interval of 95%. RESULTS: The atherogenic index was high in 43.7% of the sample, ranging from 6% in the population with TC lower than 160 mg/dl (4.14 mmol/l) to 76.4% in those oscillating between 250-299 mg/dl (6.48-7.76 mmol/l). Low HDL-C levels were detected in 20.1% with a prevalence ranging from 38.8% in those with a TC of less than 160 mg/dl (4.14 mmol/l) to 11.9% in those with TC > or = 250 mg/dl (> or = 6.48 mmol/l). The cut-off points for low TC had high sensitivity (S) and low specificity (SP) (160 mg/dl 4.14 mmol/l: S = 91.1%, SP = 11.5%; 180 mg/dl 4.66 mmol/l: S = 95.2%, SP = 30.2%). The highest TC points presented very low S and very high SP (250 mg/dl 6.48 mmol/l: S = 46.3%, SP = 87.7%; 300 mg/dl 6.48 mmol/l: S = 7.4%, SP = 97%). CONCLUSIONS: The HDL-cholesterol should be determined in people with a total cholesterol of less than 200 mg/dl (5.18 mmol/l) since, in this group there is an important percentage of individuals with an altered atherogenic index and low HDL-C levels.

The value of albumin and cholesterol blood levels as indicators of the risk of death in dialysis. Working Group of the Piedmont Registry of Dialysis and Transplantation
Salomone, M., G. B. Piccoli, et al. (1994), Minerva Urol Nefrol 46(1): 37-41.
Abstract: In recent years, the availability of large epidemiological series allowed identification of biochemical outcome markers in the dialysis population. Interest towards albumin and cholesterol levels is motivated by their easy availability and by the presence of a strong short-term effect on mortality and morbidity. The aim of the study was an analysis of the relationship between albumin and cholesterol levels at start of dialysis and mortality (gross mortality and Kaplan Meier survival curves). Data were obtained from the Piedmont Regional Registry of Dialysis and Transplantation (Northern Italy Region, about 4,400,000 inhab, 20 Dialysis Centers, open acceptance since mid '70, yearly information on 100% of patients) in the period 1981-1990 (4734 patients on file). Only non diabetic patients with follow-up > = 1 month, who started treatment in the Region, were selected. Patients with renal function recovery were excluded. Albumin levels were dichotomized at 3.5 g/dl. Cholesterol was stratified into 3 levels (< 150, 150-250, > or = 300 mg/dl). The choice of dividing the study into 2 periods (1980-1985 vs 1986-1990) is due to the fact that 1984 has been the year of switch from acetate to bicarbonate dialysis. Prevalence of albumin and cholesterol under the normal range (22% and 15%) is low and rises with age and presence of high risk conditions. A a good correlation with the risk of death of these biochemical markers (stronger for albumin at least in the short term) was observed. No correlations are found with risk of death and elevated cholesterol levels (low number of cases).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The value of apolipoprotein E knockout mice for studying the effects of dietary fat and cholesterol on atherogenesis
Osada, J., J. Joven, et al. (2000), Curr Opin Lipidol 11(1): 25-9.
Abstract: The ability of the apolipoprotein E-deficient mouse to develop spontaneous atherosclerosis, which resembles the human process, is an excellent model in which to assess the impact of dietary factors. This review discusses the role of several nutrients in the development of atherosclerosis and the mechanisms through which they act.

The value of lowering cholesterol after myocardial infarction
Rossouw, J. E., B. Lewis, et al. (1990), N Engl J Med 323(16): 1112-9.

The value of serum albumin and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in defining mortality risk in older persons with low serum cholesterol
Volpato, S., S. G. Leveille, et al. (2001), J Am Geriatr Soc 49(9): 1142-7.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between low cholesterol and mortality in older persons to identify, using information collected at a single point in time, subgroups of persons with low and high mortality risk. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study with a median follow-up period of 4.9 years. SETTINGS: East Boston, Massachusetts; New Haven, Connecticut; and Iowa and Washington counties, Iowa. PARTICIPANTS: Four thousand one hundred twenty-eight participants (64% women) age 70 and older at baseline (mean 78.7 years, range 70-103); 393 (9.5%) had low cholesterol, defined as < or =160 mg/dl. MEASUREMENTS: All-cause mortality and mortality not related to coronary heart disease and ischemic stroke. RESULTS: During the follow-up period there were 1,117 deaths. After adjustment for age and gender, persons with low cholesterol had significantly higher mortality than those with normal and high cholesterol. Among subjects with low cholesterol, those with albumin> 38 g/L had a significant risk reduction compared with those with albumin < or =38 g/L (relative risk (RR) = 0.57; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.41-0.79). Within the higher albumin group, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level further identified two subgroups of subjects with different risks; participants with HDL-C <47 mg/dl had a 32% risk reduction (RR = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.47-0.99) and those with HDL-C > or =47 mg/dl had a 62% risk reduction (RR = 0.38; 95% CI = 0.20-0.68), compared with the reference category; those with albumin < or =38 g/L and HDL-C <47 mg/dl. CONCLUSIONS: Older persons with low cholesterol constitute a heterogeneous group with regard to health characteristics and mortality risk. Serum albumin and HDL-C can be routinely used in older patients with low cholesterol to distinguish three subgroups with different prognoses: (1) high risk (low albumin), (2) intermediate risk (high albumin and low HDL-C), and (3) low risk (high albumin and high HDL-C).

The value of ultrasound harmonic imaging in the diagnostics of gall bladder cholesterol polyps
Paslawski, M., W. Krupski, et al. (2004), Ann Univ Mariae Curie Sklodowska Med 59(2): 293-7.
Abstract: The aim of the study was to assess the value of harmonic imaging in US evaluation of gall bladder cholesterol polyps. Material comprises 40 patients with pathology of gall bladder diagnosed in US examination. 10 patients from this group with gall bladder cholesterol polyps diagnosed in US were included into the study. In each patient supplementary US examination in the harmonic mode was performed. The quality of images in the harmonic mode was better. The walls of the gall bladder were more distinct. The polyps were more evident on harmonic images. THI enable more precise measurements of the polyps. In three cases in the standard mode the inspissated bile was found in gall bladder, and in those patients polyps were difficult to assess. Examination of those patients in the harmonic mode excluded the presence of the bile sludge, and facilitates the assessment of the polyps. In four patients on harmonic images more polyps were found than in the standard mode. In the harmonic mode the level of artifacts generated by the body wall is reduced and contrast resolution is increased due to reduction in noise level. The visualization of gallbladder is improved in the harmonic mode. The assessment of gallbladder polyps in the harmonic mode is easier. The polyps are easily seen, assessment of their margins and size is facilitated by harmonic imaging. The number of polyps revealed in US examination is larger in the harmonic mode.

The variability of serum cholesterol measurements: implications for screening and monitoring
Thompson, S. G. and S. J. Pocock (1990), J Clin Epidemiol 43(8): 783-9.
Abstract: The reliability of screening for high serum total cholesterol is adversely affected by the variability of cholesterol levels over time. This problem is investigated using data on repeated cholesterol measurements for 14,600 men and women in the MRC Mild Hypertension Trial. For measurements 1 year apart, the within-person coefficient of variation (CV) is 7%, which is substantial compared with the between-person CV of 15%. In a screening programme, this within-person variability may lead to the misclassification of individuals and inappropriate intervention. For example, 28% of middle-aged British men with a single cholesterol measurement above 6.9 mmol/l have a long-term average cholesterol below that value even without intervention. Using averages of several cholesterol measurements reduces, but does not eliminate, these problems. Furthermore, monitoring the effect of interventions in individuals by sequential cholesterol measurement may be unhelpful or even misleading. These problems cast serious doubt on the value of general population screening for high cholesterol levels.

The very-high-density lipoprotein fraction of rabbit plasma is rich in tissue-derived cholesterol
Nanjee, M. N. and N. E. Miller (1991), Biochim Biophys Acta 1086(2): 241-3.
Abstract: When plasma from rabbits, which several weeks earlier had been infused with 3Hcholesterol, was subjected to equilibrium density gradient ultracentrifugation, the specific radioactivity of cholesterol in the very-high-density lipoprotein (VHDL) fraction (d 1.22-1.32 g/ml) was three to 8-fold greater (mean, 5.5-fold; P less than 0.001) than that in high-density lipoproteins (HDL; d 1.06-1.21 g/ml). On size exclusion chromatography of plasma, no increase in specific radioactivity was seen in particles smaller than HDL. These findings suggest that those apolipoprotein-lipid complexes that dissociate from HDL during ultracentrifugation to form the VHDL fraction contain proportionately more tissue-derived cholesterol than do those that are more tightly bound to HDL.

The Veterans Affairs High-Density Lipoprotein Intervention Trial: baseline characteristics of normocholesterolemic men with coronary artery disease and low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Veterans Affairs Cooperative Studies Program High-Density Lipoprotein Intervention Trial Study Group
Rubins, H. B., S. J. Robins, et al. (1996), Am J Cardiol 78(5): 572-5.
Abstract: This report describes the baseline characteristics of the 2,531 patients with coronary artery disease enrolled in the Veterans Affairs Cooperative Studies Program High Density Lipoprotein Intervention Trial. The population is characterized by a large percentage of elderly patients, diabetic patients, and patients with the clinical characteristics of the insulin-resistance syndrome.

The waist-to-hip ratio corrected for body mass index is related to serum triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol but not to parameters of glucose metabolism in healthy premenopausal women
Sonnichsen, A. C., M. M. Ritter, et al. (1993), Clin Investig 71(11): 913-7.
Abstract: Android obesity is associated with metabolic disorders, but the causality of this relationship remains unclear. We investigated the association of body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) with hormones, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, serum lipoproteins, and the serum activity of hepatic enzymes in 40 healthy premenopausal women (BMI 19.2-46.1, mean 32.6 +/- 1.3 kg/m2; WHR 0.68-1.01, mean 0.82 +/- 0.02). BMI correlated with WHR (r = 0.52, P < 0.01). After correction for WHR, BMI was negatively correlated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and positively with total and very low density lipoprotein triglycerides, insulin sensitivity, blood glucose, serum insulin and glucagon. After adjustment for BMI, WHR was significantly associated with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total and very low density lipoprotein triglycerides, and the serum activities of hepatic enzymes but not with insulin sensitivity, blood glucose, serum insulin, or glucagon. According to these results, body fat distribution assessed by WHR is related to hypertriglyceridemia and alterations in hepatic function such as a fatty liver. WHR is not primarily related to glucose metabolism in healthy premenopausal women without preexisting metabolic disorders such as glucose intolerance. Therefore the observable association between android obesity and manifest impairment in glucose metabolism may develop secondarily during persisting hyperinsulinemia, which itself is primarily related to obesity. Thus an android body fat distribution may rather be an accompanying feature than a predictor of impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance.

The way of evaluation of cholesterol accepting capacity of plasma high density lipoproteins
Torkhovskaia, T. I., L. I. Ivanova, et al. (2004), Biomed Khim 50(6): 615-20.
Abstract: The simple way of quantitative evaluation of high density lipoproteins (HDL) capacity to absorb additive cholesterol quantity is proposed. It allows to evaluate indirectly intensity of the first, rate limiting stage of reverse cholesterol transport its accepting from the cells by means of HDL. The way includes the usage of stable artificial cholesterol donor--cholesterol covered inert polymer particles, which are than more convenient, than cell culture use. The total HDL rough fraction (i.e. serum after apoB lipoproteins removal) was shown to include more than 50% cholesterol in addition to yet presenting amount. But this ability is sharply reduced, or sometimes even is completely absent, in HDL of 63 coronary heart disease (CHD) patients (as compared with 41 healthy donors). This difference of potential cholesterol accepting capacity is revealed even at the same initial HDL concentrations. The negative correlation (r = - 0.32, p < 0.05) between this HDL property (delta HDL cholesterol) and their oxidability in the ions Cu2+ presence was observed. This underlines atherogenic role of HDL oxidability. The treatment of patients by phospholipids (as Lipostabyl) resulted to recovery of HDL cholesterol accepting capacity. The possible mechanisms of junction of this HDL activity with their oxidability are discussed, as well as necessity of evaluation of HDL properties and reverse cholesterol transport for the choice of care strategy of CHD patients.

The West of Scotland Coronary Prevention Study: a trial of cholesterol reduction in Scottish men
Shepherd, J. (1995), Am J Cardiol 76(9): 113C-117C.
Abstract: The West of Scotland Coronary Prevention Study is a primary prevention trial designed to test the hypothesis that reduction of serum cholesterol with pravastatin (a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor) over an average of 5 years will reduce the incidence of fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarction. At entry, 6,595 men aged 45-64 years were randomized to treatment with either pravastatin (40 mg/day) or placebo. None of the men at entry had evidence of previous myocardial infarction. All were given smoking and dietary advice throughout the study, which will terminate in 1995. The principal endpoints are: (1) death due to coronary artery disease (CAD) plus nonfatal myocardial infarction; (2) death due to CAD; and (3) nonfatal myocardial infarction.

Cholesterol Articles and Abstracts

Cholesterol Journal Articles