Cholesterol Journal Articles

Record 13501 to 13520

Which cholesterol level is related to the lowest mortality in a population with low mean cholesterol level: a 6.4-year follow-up study of 482,472 Korean men
Song, Y. M., J. Sung, et al. (2000), Am J Epidemiol 151(8): 739-47.
Abstract: To evaluate the relation between low cholesterol level and mortality, the authors followed 482,472 Korean men aged 30-65 years from 1990 to 1996 after a baseline health examination. The mean cholesterol level of the men was 189.1 mg/100 ml at the baseline measurement. There were 7,894 deaths during the follow-up period. A low cholesterol level (<165 mg/100 ml) was associated with increased risk of total mortality, even after eliminating deaths that occurred in the first 5 years of follow-up. The risk of death from coronary heart disease increased significantly in men with the highest cholesterol level (> or =252 mg/100 ml). There were various relations between cholesterol level and cancer mortality by site. Mortality from liver and colon cancer was significantly associated with a very low cholesterol level (<135 mg/100 ml) without any evidence of a preclinical cholesterol-lowering effect. With lengthening follow-up, the significant relation between a very low cholesterol level (<135 mg/100 ml) and mortality from stomach and esophageal cancer disappeared. The cholesterol level related with the lowest mortality ranged from 211 to 251 mg/100 ml, which was higher than the mean cholesterol level of study subjects.

Which study conclusions favor so-called primary prevention of increased cholesterol values, which speak against prevention and what therapy guidelines are reliable?
Steinmetz, A. (1994), Internist (Berl) 35(9): 880-1.

Which type of dialysis in patients with cholesterol crystal embolism?
Gillerot, G., C. Sempoux, et al. (2002), Nephrol Dial Transplant 17(1): 156-8.

White wheat flour lowers plasma cholesterol and increases cecal steroids relative to whole wheat flour, wheat bran and wheat pollard in rats
Illman, R. J., G. B. Storer, et al. (1993), J Nutr 123(6): 1094-100.
Abstract: Plasma cholesterol concentrations were significantly lower in rats fed a cholesterol-free diet containing white wheat flour than those fed the diet with whole wheat or wheat bran. Concentrations of total bile acids and neutral sterols in cecal digesta were significantly higher in rats fed wheat flour than in those fed whole wheat, wheat pollard or wheat bran. Digesta bile acids and neutral sterol pools correlated negatively with plasma cholesterol, indicating that excretion was regulating plasma concentration. Total cecal volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations were unaffected by diet but cecal propionate was higher and butyrate lower in rats fed wheat flour than in those fed whole wheat. Cecal digesta butyrate concentrations correlated negatively with the cholesterol metabolite, coprostanol, and with secondary bile acids. Cecal propionate correlated negatively with plasma cholesterol concentration, but butyrate correlated equally positively, suggesting these VFA were indicators rather than regulators of altered cecal steroid metabolism. Effects of white wheat flour on steroid metabolism and cecal VFA resemble those of oat bran and support the observation that wheat flour might be hypocholesterolemic in humans.

WHO clofibrate/cholesterol trial: clarifications
Fowler, P. B. (1993), Lancet 341(8840): 314-5.

Whole body and hepatic cholesterol synthesis rates in the guinea-pig: effect of dietary fat quality
Fernandez, M. L., N. Y. Yount, et al. (1990), Biochim Biophys Acta 1044(3): 340-8.
Abstract: The effects of polyunsaturated, monounsaturated and saturated dietary fat on total and hepatic cholesterol synthesis were studied in the guinea-pig. Male Hartley guinea-pigs were fed semi-synthetic diets containing 7.5% (w/w) of either corn oil (CO), olive oil (OL) or lard for a period of 5 weeks and rates of endogenous cholesterol synthesis were determined from the incorporation of 3Hwater into digitonin-precipitable sterols (DPS) and by measurement of sterol balance. In addition, total and expressed 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase activities were determined in hepatic microsomes. Rates of whole body cholesterol synthesis determined by incorporation of 3Hwater into DPS were significantly lower for guinea-pigs on the CO diet with values of 18.7 +/- 1.8 mumol/h (n = 4) vs. 26.7 +/- 4.8 and 24.6 +/- 1.8 mumol/h for animals on the OL (n = 4) and lard (n = 3) diets (P less than 0.001), respectively. Hepatic cholesterol synthesis rates were significantly decreased in animals on the OL diet, whether determined from incorporation of 3Hwater into DPS or by analysis of HMG-CoA reductase activity. Hepatic total and free cholesterol levels were not different for animals on the three dietary fats; however, cholesteryl ester levels were 35% lower in guinea-pigs fed the lard diet (P less than 0.02). Sterol balance measurements indicated that whole body cholesterol synthesis rates were not affected by dietary fat quality (51.9 +/- 12.2, 42.8 +/- 7.6 and 51.2 +/- 20.2 mg/kg per day for animals on the CO, OL and lard diets, respectively). This is in striking contrast to the observed reduction in cholesterol synthesis rates for animals on the polyunsaturated CO diet as determined by incorporation of 3Hwater into DPS. One possible explanation for the discrepancy between the sterol balance and 3Hwater incorporation data is a polyunsaturated fat-mediated effect on energy utilization, which affects the equilibration of NADPH with the body water pool such that the 3HNADPH has a lower specific activity than body 3Hwater.

Whole body cholesterol, fat, and fatty acid concentrations of mice (Mus domesticus) used as a food source
Crissey, S. D., K. A. Slifka, et al. (1999), J Zoo Wildl Med 30(2): 222-7.
Abstract: The concentrations of dry matter, cholesterol, saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, and 29 fatty acids were measured in four size categories of whole mice (Mus domesticus) that are commonly fed to zoo animals. Dry matter increased with age/size of mice, whereas cholesterol decreased with age/size. Significant differences in fatty acid content were found among mice categories with capric, lauric, and myristic acids. Mice categories had similar levels of palmitic, palmitoleic, heptadecenoic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, gamma linolenic, alpha linolenic, eicosenoic, eicosadienoic, arachidonic, docosahexaenoic, and lignoceric acids. Analyzed lipid content of mice exceeded domestic carnivorous animal requirements for linoleic and arachidonic acids. The fatty acid levels in mice were high, falling between published values in beef and fish. Generally, mice contained higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including the omega-3 fatty acids, and lower levels of saturated fatty acids than beef. Although fatty acid levels met or exceeded some dietary requirements for carnivores and omnivores, a possibility of excessive levels exists that could lead to eye and tissue abnormalities. Furthermore, as the intake of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids increases, the dietary requirement for vitamin E increases. Thus, it is important that lipid profiles of feeder mice be known and considered when examining captive animal diets.

Whole-blood test for total cholesterol by a self-metering, self-timing disposable device with built-in quality control
Law, W. T., S. Doshi, et al. (1997), Clin Chem 43(2): 384-9.
Abstract: A whole-blood test for total cholesterol has been developed that is performed in a low-cost disposable flow device without user intervention (after sample addition). The device meters the sample, separates plasma from erythrocytes, and precisely times plasma flow into various reagent compartments, including a quality-assurance chamber. Test results are displayed as a well-defined and easily readable color bar. A quality-control window attests to the integrity of the test components. Here, we describe the assembly and individual functions of the device and report its performance characteristics. Precision and accuracy studies in four clinical studies at independent locations yielded total imprecision of <5% and an average bias of 1.35% vs the Abell-Kendall method.

Why cholesterol as a central theme in coronary artery disease?
Sacks, F. M. (1998), Am J Cardiol 82(10B): 14T-17T.
Abstract: Evidence from epidemiologic studies and clinical trials have conclusively demonstrated a direct association between coronary artery disease and levels of total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Data from a number of studies suggest that even "average" or "normal" cholesterol levels are too high with respect to coronary artery disease risk. Low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol have also emerged as a coronary artery disease risk. A recent meta-analysis has eliminated much of the controversy surrounding triglyceride's contribution to coronary artery disease risk, establishing triglyceride levels as an independent risk factor. Lowering lipid levels by any means-including pharmacologic, surgical, and dietary/lifestyle changes--decreases coronary artery disease risk.

Why cholesterol-lowering diets should still be encouraged in the face of effective pharmaceutical interventions
Frank, E. (1999), Am J Clin Nutr 70(5): 946.

Why do worms need cholesterol?
Kurzchalia, T. V. and S. Ward (2003), Nat Cell Biol 5(8): 684-8.
Abstract: Cholesterol is a structural component of animal membranes that influences fluidity, permeability and formation of lipid microdomains. It is also a precursor to signalling molecules, including mammalian steroid hormones and insect ecdysones. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans requires too little cholesterol for it to have a major role in membrane structure. Instead, its most probable signalling functions are to control molting and induce a specialized non-feeding larval stage, although no cholesterol-derived signalling molecule has yet been identified for these or any other functions.

Why Eve is not Adam: prospective follow-up in 149650 women and men of cholesterol and other risk factors related to cardiovascular and all-cause mortality
Ulmer, H., C. Kelleher, et al. (2004), J Womens Health (Larchmt) 13(1): 41-53.
Abstract: PURPOSE: To assess the impact of sex-specific patterns in cholesterol levels on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in the Vorarlberg Health Monitoring and Promotion Programme (VHM&PP). METHODS: In this study, 67413 men and 82237 women (aged 20-95 years) underwent 454448 standardized examinations, which included measures of blood pressure, height, weight, and fasting samples for cholesterol, triglycerides, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and glucose in the 15-year period 1985-1999. Relations between these variables and risk of death were analyzed using two approaches of multivariate analyses (Cox proportional hazard and GEE models). RESULTS: Patterns of cholesterol levels showed marked differences between men and women in relation to age and cause of death. The role of high cholesterol in predicting death from coronary heart disease could be confirmed in men of all ages and in women under the age of 50. In men, across the entire age range, although of borderline significance under the age of 50, and in women from the age of 50 onward only, low cholesterol was significantly associated with all-cause mortality, showing significant associations with death through cancer, liver diseases, and mental diseases. Triglycerides > 200 mg/dl had an effect in women 65 years and older but not in men. CONCLUSIONS: This large-scale population-based study clearly demonstrates the contrasting patterns of cholesterol level in relation to risk, particularly among those less well studied previously, that is, women of all ages and younger people of both sexes. For the first time, we demonstrate that the low cholesterol effect occurs even among younger respondents, contradicting the previous assessments among cohorts of older people that this is a proxy or marker for frailty occurring with age.

Why HDL cholesterol is 'good cholesterol'
van der Giet, M. and M. Tolle (2004), Eur J Clin Invest 34(4): 247-8.

Why is low blood cholesterol associated with risk of nonatherosclerotic disease death?
Jacobs, D. R., Jr. (1993), Annu Rev Public Health 14: 95-114.

Why not routinely use best linear unbiased predictors (BLUPs) as estimates of cholesterol, per cent fat from kcal and physical activity?
Stanek, E. J., 3rd, A. Well, et al. (1999), Stat Med 18(21): 2943-59.
Abstract: Measures of biologic and behavioural variables on a patient often estimate longer term latent values, with the two connected by a simple response error model. For example, a subject's measured total cholesterol is an estimate (equal to the best linear unbiased estimate (BLUE)) of a subject's latent total cholesterol. With known (or estimated) variances, an alternative estimate is the best linear unbiased predictor (BLUP). We illustrate and discuss when the BLUE or BLUP will be a better estimate of a subject's latent value given a single measure on a subject, concluding that the BLUP estimator should be routinely used for total cholesterol and per cent kcal from fat, with a modified BLUP estimator used for large observed values of leisure time activity. Data from a large longitudinal study of seasonal variation in serum cholesterol forms the backdrop for the illustrations. Simulations which mimic the empirical and response error distributions are used to guide choice of an estimator. We use the simulations to describe criteria for estimator choice, to identify parameter ranges where BLUE or BLUP estimates are superior, and discuss key ideas that underlie the results.

Why screen children for blood cholesterol levels?
Schieken, R. M. (1991), Ann Epidemiol 1(6): 571-4.

Will lowering population levels of serum cholesterol affect total mortality? Expectations from the Honolulu Heart Program
Frank, J. W., D. M. Reed, et al. (1992), J Clin Epidemiol 45(4): 333-46.
Abstract: Major campaigns now underway to reduce the serum cholesterol levels of entire national populations have not given serious consideration to the high rates of noncardiovascular disease and death associated with low cholesterol levels (less than 190 mg/dl). To explore this problem, the relationships between serum cholesterol levels, measured in 1965-1968 in 7478 Japanese American men in Hawaii, and subsequent total and cause-specific mortality through 1985, were analyzed by multivariate Cox regression to control for potential confounders. Total mortality rates for 1648 deaths showed a U-shaped curve by baseline cholesterol level, with significant inverse trends (p less than 0.03) for deaths due to hemorrhagic stroke, all cancer, benign liver disease, chronic obstructive lung disease and "unknown cause". Only the inverse trends for cancer and benign liver disease showed flattening when 227 deaths in the first 5 years of follow-up were deleted from the analysis. Simulation models using three different strategies of cholesterol reduction in this cohort revealed that none of these approaches had any substantial impact on predicted total mortality over 15 years. However, the population-based approach might theoretically increase mortality for 60% of the cohort with baseline cholesterol levels less than 225 mg/dl.

Will recommended changes in fat and fibre intake affect cholesterol absorption and sterol excretion? An ileostomy study
Ellegard, L., I. Bosaeus, et al. (2000), Eur J Clin Nutr 54(4): 306-13.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To study cholesterol absorption and excretion in ileostomy subjects with different intakes of saturated fat and dietary fibre. DESIGN: Short-term experimental study, with four controlled diets in repeated measurements. SETTING: Out-patients at metabolic-ward kitchen. SUBJECTS: Nine healthy volunteers with conventional ileostomy after colectomy because of ulcerative colitis. INTERVENTIONS: Four diet periods, each of 3 days duration: high saturated fat and low dietary fibre (STAND); reduced saturated fat (RESAT); high saturated fat and high fibre (FATFIB); and reduced saturated fat and high fibre (RESATFIB). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Absorption of cholesterol, and ileal excretion of cholesterol, bile acids, fat and energy. Differences between diets evaluated with Friedman's two-way analysis of variance by rank sum with Bonferroni adjustment, and post hoc differences assessed by rank sum comparison. RESULTS: RESAT and RESATFIB reduced fractional cholesterol absorption by 7% and 10%; RESATFIB and FATFIB increased net cholesterol excretion by 46% and 54% respectively. Further, RESATFIB increased net sterol excretion by 18%, all compared to STAND (P<0.05 for all). All three intervention diets contained more phytosterols than STAND (P<0.05), and the phytosterol content was inversely correlated to fractional cholesterol absorption (r=-0.77, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Current nutrition recommendations to reduce saturated fat and increase dietary fibre affect sterol excretion additively. The effect on cholesterol absorption might be partly explained by the content of dietary plant sterols. SPONSORSHIP: Supported by grants from the Gothenburg Medical Society, grant numbers 94/086 and 99/082, and by the University of Gothenburg.

Will the real cholesterol-nucleating and -antinucleating proteins please stand up?
Harvey, P. R. and S. M. Strasberg (1993), Gastroenterology 104(2): 646-50.

Within-individual variation in serum cholesterol levels: association with DNA polymorphisms at the apolipoprotein B and AI-CIII-AIV loci in patients with peripheral arterial disease
Monsalve, M. V., D. Robinson, et al. (1991), Clin Genet 39(4): 260-73.
Abstract: We have examined the association between variation at the apolipoprotein (apo) B gene and apo AI-CIII-AIV gene cluster and within-individual variation in serum cholesterol levels. Annual measurements were available over a period of 5-10 years in a group of 117 male patients with peripheral arterial disease. The overall within-individual coefficient of variation in cholesterol levels over time was 13.9%. For all patients, Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) genotype at the apo B gene (XbaI and EcoRI) and apo AI-CIII-AIV gene cluster (XmnI, PstI and PvuII-CIII) had previously been determined. At the apo B locus, individuals heterozygous for either the XbaI or EcoRI RFLP showed significantly greater within-individual variability over time compared to individuals of other genotypes. At the apo AI-CIII-AIV gene cluster, individuals homozygous for the common allele of either the PstI or PvuIIA RFLPs showed the greatest within-individual variability over time but there was no difference in this estimate associated with XmnI genotype. Our observations suggest that variation at both the apo B and apo AI-CIII-AIV loci interacts with unidentified environmental factors to determine individual variability in serum cholesterol levels over time.

Cholesterol Articles and Abstracts

Cholesterol Journal Articles