lower-cholesterol-23.matches:
lower cholesterol
Opportunistic screening for hypercholesterolaemia: characterization of two different drop-out groups and status after 2 years.

Ovhed I, Odeberg H, Rastam L.

Lyckeby Primary Health Care Centre, Sweden.

A total of 507 men and 686 women were opportunistically screened for hypercholesterolaemia and reinvited for a follow-up visit with the nurse after 2 years. Seven-hundred and thirty three (62%) re-attended (group A), while 226 (19%) did not, but saw the nurse at one or more pre-scheduled 6 month check-ups (group B). Two-hundred and thirty-three (20%) did not attend at all (group C). There was no difference between the groups in the number of parallel physician consultations during follow-up. Both groups B and C had higher proportions of smokers than group A. Group C were younger, had lower cholesterol and lower blood pressure (after adjustment for age) than group B, which in turn, had higher cholesterol and blood pressure than group A. The prevalence of hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia declined during the 2 years in group A. Of 189 smokers at baseline, 26 (14%) quit during follow-up. Of the 544 non-smokers, however, 31 (6%) commenced, to out-balance the quitters. Only five of the 43 patients in group A who had a persistent cholesterol of > or = 7.9 mmol/l received medication. It is likely that drop-out from a follow-up programme of this kind is to some extent justified because of the parallel organizations for care.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8168681&dopt=Abstract lower cholesterol



lower-cholesterol-23.matches:
lower cholesterol
Is duodenal bile representative of gallbladder bile? A comparative study.

Choudhuri G, Agarwal DK, Saraswat VA, Negi TS, Saxena R, Kapoor VK.

Dept. of Gastroenterology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India.

Thirty-nine patients with cholelithiasis were prospectively studied to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative differences between duodenal bile and gallbladder bile. Duodenal bile obtained before cholecystectomy by nasoduodenal intubation and ceruletide injection was qualitatively similar to gallbladder bile obtained during surgery. Microscopic cholesterol crystals as an indicator of cholesterol gallstones (n = 35) could be detected in 31 (89%) and 35 (100%; p = NS), respectively. Moreover, there was no difference in the molar percentage of three biliary lipids and the mean cholesterol saturation index (1.54 +/- 0.72 and 1.74 +/- 0.42; p = NS) of the two sources of bile. Duodenal bile was, however, dilute as compared with gallbladder bile, as evidenced by lower cholesterol crystal counts (167 +/- 247 versus 705 +/- 978; p < 0.01), lower total lipid concentration (5.8 +/- 2.7 versus 11.1 +/- 5.6 g/dl; p < 0.001), and lower concentrations (in mmol/l) of the three bile lipids--that is, total bile acids, phospholipids and cholesterol (p < 0.001). Good concentrated bile (total lipid concentration > or = 5 g/dl) could be obtained in 74% of duodenal bile samples, compared with 90% of gallbladder bile (p = NS). Our study shows that, although duodenal bile is dilute as compared with gallbladder bile, it is qualitatively similar to gallbladder bile and, because of the ease and safety of its collection, can be used to study serial alterations in biliary composition in individual subjects.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8266023&dopt=Abstract lower cholesterol



lower-cholesterol-11.matches:
lower cholesterol
Nutrition survey in elite rhythmic gymnasts.

Cupisti A, D'Alessandro C, Castrogiovanni S, Barale A, Morelli E.

Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy. acupisti int.med.unipi.it

BACKGROUND: Young female rhythmic gymnasts have been identified as a potential risk group for malnutrition because of their attitude of weight reduction and leanness. METHODS: This study aimed to assess the dietary practices of 20 rhythmic gymnasts of the Italian national team, on the basis of a three-day food records collected by clinical interview. Twenty-four age-matched non-athletic females served as controls. RESULTS: The reported energy intake was similar in gymnasts and controls (28.5+/-5.6 vs 28.2+/-7.8 kcal/kg b.w., per day), but less than the recommended and the estimated requirements. Energy intake from carbohydrates was higher (53+/-6 vs 49+/-6%, p<0.05) and that from lipids lower (31+/-6 vs 34+/-4%, p<0.05) in gymnasts than in controls. In the former the energy supply from breakfast was higher (24+/-2 vs 16+/-4%, p<0.001) and from snacks was lower (8+/-9 vs 17+/-10%, p<0.01). Gymnasts also distinguished from controls for lower cholesterol and saturated fatty acid intake, and for higher fibre (14+/-5 vs 9+/-2 g/1,000 kcal, p<0.001) and Vitamin A dietary content. Calcium, iron and zinc intake were less than 100% RDA in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: In some ways, dietary practices of rhythmic gymnasts meet nutritional recommendations more than those of non athletic controls, though discrepancy between reported energy intake and estimated energy requirement exists. Suboptimal calcium, iron and zinc intake were observed both in gymnasts and in controls, hence minerals supplementation could be required. The dietary attitude could be regarded as a positive aspect of rhythmic gymnastics, provided athletes, physicians and coaches correct dietary errors and avoid excessive food restrictions.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11297006&dopt=Abstract lower cholesterol



lower-cholesterol-23.matches:
lower cholesterol
Carcass and muscle characteristics of Yorkshire, Meishan, Yorkshire x Meishan, Meishan x Yorkshire, Fengjing x Yorkshire, and Minzhu x Yorkshire pigs.

Lan YH, McKeith FK, Novakofski J, Carr TR.

Department of Animal Science, University of Illinois, Urbana 61801.

Five barrows and five gilts from each of the following breed types, Yorkshire (Y), Meishan (Ms), Fengjing x Y, Minzhu x Y, Ms x Y, and Y x Ms were slaughtered at an average live weight of 103 kg. Carcass composition and muscle characteristics were evaluated at 24 h postmortem. Chemical characteristics and palatability attributes were evaluated on the longissimus and semimembranosus muscles. No significant interactions between breed x muscle, breed x sex, or muscle x sex were observed so data were pooled across muscle and sex. Yorkshire had higher (P < .05) carcass weight, longissimus muscle area, trimmed and boneless ham and loin weights, and boneless picnic weight than Ms and the crossbreds were intermediate between Y and Ms. Yorkshire had higher (P < .05) muscling score, untrimmed ham weight, trimmed picnic weight, and juiciness score. Yorkshire had a lower cholesterol content than Ms or crossbreds, and Y had the highest water-holding capacity. The longissimus muscle from Ms and the crossbreds was firmer than that from Y (P < .05), and muscle from Ms had a higher pigment concentration (P < .05). Yorkshire and Fengjing x Y had higher tenderness scores (P < .05).

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8294286&dopt=Abstract lower cholesterol



lower-cholesterol-23.matches:
lower cholesterol
Epstein-Barr virus infectivity of Raji and Molt 4 cells: differences in cellular membrane lipids and apparent microviscosity.

Patel RA, Hutt-Fletcher LM, Crews FT.

Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610.

Infection of lymphocytes by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is initiated by attachment of the major virus glycoprotein gp350/220 to a cell surface glycoprotein, known as CR2 (CD21). In a productive infection the virus envelope fuses with host cell membranes either at the cell surface or within endocytic vesicles. To investigate the relevance of host cell membrane properties in the fusion process, we used the lymphoblastoid cell lines Raji and Molt 4. Both cell lines express CR2 and bind EBV; however, only the Raji cell supports virus-cell fusion. Lipid analysis of the two cell lines indicated that Raji cells had a significantly lower cholesterol to phospholipid molar ratio due to a greater membrane content of phospholipid relative to protein. Determination of cell membrane fluid dynamics by fluorescence polarization indicated that the apparent membrane microviscosity of Molt 4 cells was significantly greater than that of Raji. Increasing Raji cell membrane apparent microviscosity to values similar to those of Molt 4 cells by incubation with cholesteryl-hemisuccinate caused a reduction in EBV fusion with Raji cells. However, experiments designed to allow EBV infection of Molt 4 cells whose plasma membranes had been fluidized were unsuccessful. These studies suggest that the lipid composition and other as yet unidentified factors are involved in entry of EBV into cells.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8391180&dopt=Abstract lower cholesterol



lower-cholesterol-23.matches:
lower cholesterol
Phenotypic variation among familial hypercholesterolemics heterozygous for either one of two Afrikaner founder LDL receptor mutations.

Kotze MJ, De Villiers WJ, Steyn K, Kriek JA, Marais AD, Langenhoven E, Herbert JS, Graadt Van Roggen JF, Van der Westhuyzen DR, Coetzee GA.

Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, South Africa.

Two common founder-related gene mutations that affect the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) are responsible for approximately 80% of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) in South African Afrikaners. The FH Afrikaner-1 (FH1) mutation (Asp206-->Glu) in exon 4 results in defective receptors with approximately 20% of normal activity, whereas the FH Afrikaner-2 (FH2) mutation (Val408-->Met) in exon 9 completely abolishes LDLR activity (< 2% normal activity). We analyzed the contribution of these mutations and other factors on the variation of hypercholesterolemia and clinical features in Afrikaner FH heterozygotes. The type of FH mutation, plasma triglyceride levels, and age of patients each contributed significantly to the variation in hypercholesterolemia, whereas smoking status, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and gender had no influence. Although all FH heterozygotes had frank hypercholesterolemia, patients with the FH1 mutation had significantly lower cholesterol levels than those with the FH2 mutation. FH1 heterozygotes also tended to have milder clinical features. The differences between the two FH groups could not be explained by a difference in the common apolipoprotein E variants. This study demonstrates that mutational heterogeneity in the LDLR gene influences the phenotypic expression of heterozygous FH.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8399083&dopt=Abstract lower cholesterol



lower-cholesterol-23.matches:
lower cholesterol
Community-based cholesterol screening and education to prevent heart disease: five-year results of the North Coast Cholesterol Check Campaign.

van Beurden E, James R, Montague D, Christian J, Dunn T.

North Coast Public Health, Lismore.

A cardiovascular disease screening and education campaign was conducted throughout the North Coast Region of New South Wales from 1987 to 1991. Objectives were: to screen 20 per cent of the adult population for blood cholesterol and other heart disease risk factors; to raise awareness of the risks associated with a high-fat diet; to provide nutrition counselling and referral advice for those with elevated cholesterol; and to monitor these participants' cholesterol levels with a follow-up test at three months. During the five years, 42,869 individuals or 18 per cent of North Coast adults participated, with some overrepresentation of women aged 40 to 60 years. Initially, 65 per cent of participants had elevated cholesterol levels (> or = 5.5 mmol/L) and 46 per cent were overweight (body mass index over 25). A three-month retest was offered to all participants with elevated cholesterol, of whom 53 per cent attended. Participants who received nutrition counselling generally reported dietary changes which were reflected in significant cholesterol and weight reductions. Of participants who attended retest, 63 to 87 per cent had reduced cholesterol levels and 57 to 71 per cent reduced weight. A stratified random sample of participants was retested at one and three years. Reductions in cholesterol were well maintained for one year but showed signs of relapse after three years. There was a tendency for initially lower cholesterol levels to increase over a three-year period. Contributing factors included aging, regression to the mean and complacency. Maintenance may be enhanced by regular reinforcement of nutrition changes and development of more supportive environments.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8399702&dopt=Abstract lower cholesterol



lower-cholesterol-23.matches:
lower cholesterol
Prolonged infection with hepatitis B virus and association between low blood cholesterol concentration and liver cancer.

Chen Z, Keech A, Collins R, Slavin B, Chen J, Campbell TC, Peto R.

Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Infirmary.

OBJECTIVE--To determine whether prolonged infection with hepatitis B virus is associated with a lower blood cholesterol concentration. DESIGN--Cross sectional study. SETTING--81 villages in rural China with a high prevalence of chronic infection with hepatitis B virus. SUBJECTS--1556 apparently healthy men aged 35-64 years, randomly selected. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Hepatitis B virus carrier state; plasma concentrations of cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, and apolipoprotein A I. RESULTS--238 (15%) of the men were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen, indicating that they were chronic carriers. Plasma concentration of cholesterol was 4.2% (0.11 mmol/l) lower among carriers (that is, positive for hepatitis B surface antigen) than among non-carriers (95% confidence interval 0.6% to 8.0% (0.01 to 0.21 mmol/l), p < 0.05), and apolipoprotein B concentration was 7.0% (0.036 g/l) lower (2.8% to 11.2% (0.014 to 0.058 g/l), p < 0.001). In contrast, no association was observed between plasma concentrations of cholesterol or apolipoprotein and hepatitis B that had been eradicated (that is, patient positive for hepatitis B core antibody but negative for hepatitis B surface antigen). CONCLUSIONS--Chronic hepatitis B virus infection, which usually starts in early childhood in China, seems to lead not only to a greatly increased risk of death from liver disease but also to a somewhat lower cholesterol concentration in adulthood. This common cause produces an inverse association between cholesterol concentration and risk of death from liver cancer or from other chronic liver diseases.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8490412&dopt=Abstract lower cholesterol



lower-cholesterol-23.matches:
lower cholesterol
[Cardiovascular risk factors in former and new Germany. City comparison of Leipzig/Nurnberg on the incidence of increased cholesterol values and other cardiovascular risk factors]

[Article in German]

Richter WO, Richter V, Rassoul F, Sonnichsen AC, Rotzsch W, Schwandt P.

Medizinische Klinik II, Universitat Munchen.

FUNDAMENTALS: Cardiovascular risk factors depend decisively on living conditions and nutrition. The aim of the present study was to establish whether the different living conditions in the eastern and western parts of Germany were associated with differences in the frequency and severity of these risk factors. METHOD: In Leipzig, 15,291 people (9,600 women and 5,691 men), in Nuremberg 8,387 (4,559 women and 3,828 men) were examined either after responding to a public appeal, or in the factory, etc. RESULTS: Clearly elevated cholesterol levels (> 250 mg/dl) were found in 33.8% of the men, and 35.9% of the women in Leipzig, and in 39.1% of the men and 50.7% of the women in Nuremberg. This larger incidence of treatment-requiring hypercholesterolemia in Nuremberg was distributed throughout all age groups up to the age of 60. Hypertension was significantly more common among the 30 to 80-year-old women, and the 20 to 40-year-old and 50 to 80-year-old men in Leipzig. the frequency of cigarette smoking, diabetes mellitus and overweight did not differ significantly between the two cities. In cases with known dyslipoproteinemia, drug treatment was rarely applied, and the therapeutic aim of a cholesterol level < 200 mg/dl, was achieved in only 2-6% of those treated. The most significant difference with respect to cardiovascular risk factors was serum cholesterol. It is possible that a higher ingestion of monounsaturated fatty acids and more physical activity may be responsible for the lower cholesterol levels in Leipzig.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=8514223&dopt=Abstract lower cholesterol



lower-cholesterol-24.matches:
lower cholesterol
Cholesterol in model membranes. A molecular dynamics simulation.

Edholm O, Nyberg AM.

Department of Theoretical Physics, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.

Molecular dynamics simulations of a model membrane with inserted cholesterol molecules have been performed to study the perturbing influence of cholesterol. In the fluid phase of a lipid bilayer at 13 mol% concentration of cholesterol, local ordering of the hydrocarbon chains is induced. This perturbation decays with the distance from the cholesterol, and the effect extends 1.25 nm. It can be monitored in several ways, e.g., by an order parameter corresponding to deuterium nuclear magnetic resonance quadrupolar splittings, by the fraction of gauche bonds, or by the local bilayer thickness. At constant surface density, the local ordering is accompanied by disordering of the bulk phase, and, consequently, the net ordering effect is small. After compressing the system laterally in accordance with experimentally known surface areas, the bulk order parameters agree with those of a pure system, and the average order parameters are in accordance with experimental data. The necessity for this lateral compression is supported by calculated lateral pressures. At lower cholesterol concentration (3%), no direct perturbing effect is observed. A smaller lateral pressure than in a pure system indicates that the system with cholesterol is expected to have a smaller surface area, which would result in an increase of the order parameters, thus accounting for the experimental observations. The lack of spatial variation is, however, puzzling and may indicate a cooperative ordering effect.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=1420927&dopt=Abstract lower cholesterol