lower-cholesterol-10.matches:
lower cholesterol
[Iliac aneurysm compared with abdominal aorta aneurysm]

[Article in Danish]

Vammen S, Henneberg EW, Fasting H, Lindholt JS.

Karkirurgisk afdeling, Viborg Sygehus.

The aim of the study was to compare the epidemiology, risk factors and manifestations of iliac and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Two studies were used: 1. Five thousand four hundred and seventy 65-73 year old men invited to screening for AAA. 2. Review of all 350 patients operated for central aneurysms in the county of Viborg in Denmark 1989-1997. Four thousand one hundred and seventy-six attended screening. One hundred and seventy (4.0%) had an AAA. Twenty-one (0.56%) required operation, while the prevalence of operation-requiring iliac aneurysm (IA) was 0.17%. The operative incidence of IA was 18.4 per mill. per year, and 92.4 per mill. per year were operated for AAA. Patients with IA had lower cholesterol-levels, and urological symptoms were present in 42% of cases with isolated IA, and 25% of combined aneurysms compared to 8% of isolated AAA (p < 0.05). Fifty-eight percent of the isolated IAs were ruptured, while only 27% of AAAs were ruptured (p < 0.05). The per- and postoperative mortality was 57% in ruptured isolated IA, 47% in ruptured combined aneurysms, and 31% in ruptured isolated AAA (p < 0.05). IA seems to be more under-diagnosed than AAA, and are often diagnosed because of clinical manifestations, especially urological or rupture. They seem more lethal in ruptured cases.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10981223&dopt=Abstract lower cholesterol



lower-cholesterol-1.matches:
lower cholesterol
The statins--therapeutic diversity in renal disease?

Mason JC.

BHF Cardiovascular Medicine Unit, The Eric Bywaters Centre for Vascular Inflammation, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London W12 ONN, UK. justin.mason imperial.ac.uk

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Statins significantly reduce cholesterol synthesis and reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. In addition, they appear to have beneficial effects independent of their ability to lower cholesterol. Recent publications suggesting a potential role for statin therapy in chronic renal insufficiency, hypertension and following organ transplantation are reviewed. RECENT FINDINGS: Pharmacokinetic studies have shown statins to be well-tolerated and effective in patients on long-term haemodialysis, providing equivalent control of lipid levels to that seen in matched controls. Preliminary clinical trials suggest that statins may have beneficial disease-modifying effects in chronic inflammatory disease. Furthermore, immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory actions may confer benefit following cardiac transplantation, but this remains to be demonstrated definitively in renal transplant patients. Data to date suggest that, in addition to reduction of cardiovascular risk, statins may help slow the progress of chronic renal insufficiency, particularly in patients with proteinuria. Addition of statin therapy may also contribute to the control of systemic and pulmonary hypertension. SUMMARY: Encouraging data in support of a wider spectrum of use for statins are emerging. In addition to reduction of cardiovascular risk through lipid lowering, they may represent an important adjunctive therapy in patients with chronic kidney diseases and post-transplantation. However, further large, well-designed clinical trials are required before their widespread use can be recommended in this setting.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=15586011&dopt=Abstract lower cholesterol



lower-cholesterol-1.matches:
lower cholesterol
Advances in diabetes for the millennium: diabetes and cholesterol.

Rendell M.

Creighton University Diabetes Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.

The development of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors has made it possible to significantly lower cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. A moderate reduction of LDL levels has resulted in substantial decreases on the order of 30% to 40% in cardiovascular mortality. It is yet unknown whether a reduction of cholesterol levels below normal levels can counteract the increased cardiovascular mortality associated with diabetes. Studies thus far do demonstrate at least as much benefit in diabetic as in nondiabetic patients from cholesterol-lowering therapy. Pharmacologic therapy does have side effects. It is important to consider possible adverse effects as we progressively increase the dosage levels of various agents to meet the continually dropping LDL target levels in diabetic patients.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=15647710&dopt=Abstract lower cholesterol



lower-cholesterol-1.matches:
lower cholesterol
Statins, cholesterol, Co-enzyme Q10, and Parkinson's disease.

Lieberman A, Lyons K, Levine J, Myerburg R.

Department of Neurology, University of Miami School of Medicine, 1501 NW 9th Avenue (D4-5), Miami, FL 33136, USA.

'Statins', drugs that lower cholesterol are widely used. Statins block cholesterol in the body and brain by inhibiting HMG-Co-A reductase. This pathway is shared by CoQ-10. An unintended consequence of the statins is lowering of CoQ-10. As CoQ-10 may play a role in PD, its possible statins may worsen PD. Such a report has appeared. Statins came into wide use in 1997-1998, 6 years before our study began. Thus 74% of our patients on a statin had a PD duration of 1-6 years versus 56% of our patients not on a statin. A direct comparison of patients on a statin and not on a statin would bias the study in favor of the statins: patients on a statin would have a shorter disease duration and less advanced PD. Therefore we divided the patients into two groups. Group I consisted of 128 patients on a statin, and 252 not on a statin who had PD for 1-6 years. In this group, disease severity (Hoehn & Yahr Stage), levodopa dose, Co-enzyme Q10 use, prevalence of 'wearing off', dyskinesia and dementia were similar. Group II consisted of 45 patients on a statin and 200 patients not on a statin who had PD for 7-22 years. In this group disease severity, levodopa dose, Co-enzyme Q10 use, prevalence of wearing off, dyskinesia and dementia were similar. Statins although they may affect Co-enzyme Q10 levels in the body and the brain, do not worsen PD at least as assessed by stage, and prevalence of wearing-off, dyskinesia, and dementia.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=15734664&dopt=Abstract lower cholesterol



lower-cholesterol-1.matches:
lower cholesterol
How low can you go?

Davenport RJ.

Efforts to lower cholesterol can backfire, but new work suggests a route for attaining that goal. Cholesterol-abating drugs spur production of an enzyme that helps manufacture the fatty compound, undermining their effectiveness. The results suggest that a cholesterol-like molecule helps eliminate the enzyme. Tapping into this mechanism might aid efforts to improve the drugs.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=15772415&dopt=Abstract lower cholesterol



lower-cholesterol-20.matches:
lower cholesterol
Comparative yolk cholesterol content in four Spanish breeds of hens, an F2 cross, and a White Leghorn population.

Campo JL.

Area de Genetica Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigacion y Tecnologia Agraria y Alimentaria, Madrid, Spain.

Yolk cholesterol content (milligrams per gram of yolk and milligrams per egg) was studied in eggs of four Spanish breeds of hens (Castellana, Buff Prat, Vasca, and Villafranquina), an F2 from a cross between Castellana and Buff Prat (C x BP-F2), and a White Leghorn population. Birds were tested at 30 wk of age. There were differences among breeds (P < .001), cholesterol concentration being significantly lower in the C x BP-F2 (13.14 +/- .26 mg/g yolk) than in the other breeds. Villafranquina and Buff Prat showed significantly lower cholesterol (14.54 +/- .26 and 14.56 +/- .26 mg/g yolk, respectively) than the White Leghorn (16.30 +/- .26 mg/g yolk). Eggs from the Vasca breed contained significantly more cholesterol (19.09 +/- .26 mg/g yolk) than did eggs laid by the other breeds, whereas no differences were found between Leghorn and Castellana. A negative heterosis percentage of -13% was found in the C x BP-F2 when compared with the parental breed means. The reduction in cholesterol concentration per egg observed in the C x BP-F2 (220.49 mg per egg) was not related to breed differences in egg weight or to the proportion of yolk per egg. Eggs from the Vasca breed, with the lightest yolk and smallest yolk: albumen ratio (P < .05), contained the highest amount of cholesterol (304.29 mg per egg). Eggs from the White Leghorn containing the second highest amount of cholesterol (275.63 mg per egg). Thus, the variation in cholesterol content per egg was not attributable to differences in the proportion of yolk.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=7479482&dopt=Abstract lower cholesterol



lower-cholesterol-20.matches:
lower cholesterol
[Correlation between dietary behavior and educational attainment: results of the 1984/85 nutrition survey of the Augsburg MONICA project]

[Article in German]

Kussmaul B, Doring A, Stender M, Winkler G, Keil U.

Institut fur Epidemiologie, GSF-Forschungszentrum fur Umwelt und Gesundheit, Neuherberg, Oberschleissheim.

The relationship between educational attainment and dietary behaviour was examined in a South German population of men aged 45 to 64 years. Analyses are based on data from the MONICA Augsburg Dietary Survey 1984/85 (7-day dietary records, n = 899). The evaluation of the daily food consumption shows that men with higher educational attainment prefer healthier food items than men with lower educational attainment. The healthier food pattern in men with higher educational attainment is reflected in a lower cholesterol intake and in a higher fibre intake. The mean daily intake of vitamins, minerals and trace elements is better in men with higher educational attainment with the exception of the vitamin niacin. The total daily caloric intake, fat intake and the combination of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids is independent of educational attainment. The percentage of carbohydrates, protein and fat of the total caloric intake is nearly the same in all educational attainment groups. The results concerning food pattern and nutrient intake by educational attainment offer important information with regard to the development of strategies for the improvement of nutrition habits.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=7502538&dopt=Abstract lower cholesterol



lower-cholesterol-20.matches:
lower cholesterol
Red cell genetic disorders and plasma lipids.

el-Hazmi MA, Warsy AS, al-Swailem A, al-Swailem A, Bahakim H.

College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

To study the plasma lipid levels in patients with red cell genetic disorders, we investigated 400 normal individuals, 100 sickle cell disease (SCD) patients, 220 sickle cell heterozygotes (Hb AS), and 100 individuals suffering from glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency. Whole blood samples were used for the determination of haematological parameters and red cell indices, and plasma was used for the estimation of plasma lipids using Autoanalyser American Monitor 'Parallel'. Haemoglobin types in the haemolysates were separated by electrophoresis and G-6-PD activity was determined using kits from Boehringer Mannheim GmbH. The results from males and females were analysed separately. In each group cholesterol levels were slightly higher in the male population, while the reverse was true for triglyceride. Sickle cell disease patients had significantly (P < 0.05) lower cholesterol level compared to the normal individuals. In the Hb AS and G-6-PD deficient groups no significant differences were encountered. Multiple regression analysis between cholesterol and haematological parameters showed a statistically significant positive correlation (P < 0.01) between plasma cholesterol and total haemoglobin in each group, particularly in the sickle cell disease patients. The results suggest that increased utilization or decreased production may account for the lower cholesterol level in severely anaemic patients, particularly those with sickle cell anaemia.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=7563270&dopt=Abstract lower cholesterol



lower-cholesterol-11.matches:
lower cholesterol
Cholesterol levels in mood disorders: high or low?

Ghaemi SN, Shields GS, Hegarty JD, Goodwin FK.

Harvard Bipolar Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA. nghaemi partners.org

OBJECTIVES: To assess cholesterol levels in patients with mood disorders. METHODS: All consecutively admitted patients meeting inclusion criteria (n = 50) who were hospitalized in an affective disorders unit received assessments of cholesterol levels. Correlations were made with diagnosis using DSM-IV criteria, current mood states, and other clinical and demographic features of illness. Exclusion criteria included current alcohol abuse, medical illnesses that could influence cholesterol levels, eating disorders, and age greater than 70 years. RESULTS: Cholesterol levels did not differ based on diagnostic status of unipolar depression or bipolar disorder. In the total sample, cholesterol levels were lower in patients with current manic (170.2 +/- 38.9, p = 0.05) and depressive (182.0 +/- 42.0) than in mixed (226.4 +/- 43.3) episodes (p = 0.05). In subgroups of patients with bipolar disorder, manic episodes (169.9 +/- 38.8, n = 9) were associated with lower cholesterol levels than depressive (201.0 +/- 49.4) or mixed (226.4 +/- 44.4) episodes (p = 0.02 for comparison of manic and mixed episodes). Body mass index (BMI), age, alcohol use, and gender did not account for these findings. CONCLUSIONS: Cholesterol levels were lower in manic and depressive than in mixed episodes. No differences were found between diagnoses of unipolar or bipolar mood disorders. Cholesterol may be a state rather than a trait function, and may be influenced by the acute mood state.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11254022&dopt=Abstract lower cholesterol



lower-cholesterol-20.matches:
lower cholesterol
[Relationship between cholesterol levels and depression in the elderly]

[Article in Italian]

Cadeddu G, Fioravanti P, Antonicelli R, Gasparrini PM, Gaetti R.

Divisione di Medicina Geriatrica, Ospedale Geriatrico INRCA, Ancona.

The aim of our study is to evaluate the possible association between lower plasma cholesterol and depression in the elderly. 140 subjects over 65 years old of both sexes were enrolled, of which 60 were affected by depression (DSM-III-R and Hamilton test) and 80 composed a control group homogeneous for sex and age with the previous one. Plasma cholesterol, HLD-cholesterol (HDL-C), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides were measured. A statistically significant difference between cholesterol and LDL-C (p < 0.001) was noted in the total group, in both males and females. Such modifications were independent of sex. In the group with lower cholesterol (cut-off < = 160 mg/dl) a prevalence of depression three times greater than subjects with higher cholesterol was found. In conclusion, the authors recommended a prudent use of lipid-lowering medications in the elderly because of its uncertain benefits.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=7566558&dopt=Abstract lower cholesterol