Total cholesterol, triglyceride and alpha-lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the blood of 40- to 59-year-old men in Moscow and Leningrad]

A population survey of 6.990 males 40--59 years of age living in Moscow and Leningrad was conducted to determine the level of lipids in blood plasma by means of automatic standard biochemical methods. Curves were built of the distribution of the concentration of total cholesterol, triglycerides and alpha-lipoprotein cholesterol, and the average content, the upper levels of the norm (and the lower level of the norm for alpha-lipoprotein cholesterol too) were determined from them. The average content of total cholesterol was 217 mg/100 ml, that of triglycerides 100 mg/100 ml, and that of alpha-lipoprotein cholesterol 50 mg/100 ml. The upper norm levels for total and alpha-lipoprotein cholesterol found by cutting off 10% of the higher values were 270 and 75 mg/100 ml, respectively; the upper norm level for triglycerides (cutting off 5% of the higher values) was 250 mg/100 ml. The lower norm level for alpha-lipoprotein cholesterol (cutting off 10% of the lower values) was 35 mg/100 ml.     

Changes in the plasma volume ( 125 I-serum albumin label) and the total circulating erythrocyte mass ( 51 CrO 4 label) in Japanese quail treated with stilbestrol or with testosterone

The plasma volume and total erythrocyte mass of 4-wk-old Japanese quail were determined using donor blood doubly labeled with ¹²⁵I-serum albumin and ⁵¹Cr. Means of control valucs (30 males, 30 females) were 5.49 ml/100 g body weight for plasma volume and 2.73 ml/100 g body weight for total erythrocyte mass. Means of values for stilbestrol-treated birds (1 mg/day for 7 days; 30 males, 30 females) were 10.8 ml/100 g and 2.36 ml/100g, and for testosterone-treated birds (1 mg/day for 7 days; 30 males, 30 females) were 5.11 ml/100 g and 3.01 ml/100 g, respectively. Stilbestrol induced a 13% greater plasma increase in females than was seen in males. No sex-related effect was apparent with testosterone treatment.     

Cardiovascular determinants of plasma fibronectin in an elderly population: the EVA study

Plasma fibronectin was determined in 1262 individuals (742 females, 520 males) aged 59-71 years at the beginning of an epidemiological study on vascular aging (the EVA study) in Nantes, western France. The average values (62.88+/-20.30 mg/100 ml for males, n=520 and 62.15+/-18.85 mg/100 ml for females, n=742) and the distribution of values were comparable for males and females. Significant positive correlations were found in both sexes between plasma fibronectin values and some cardiovascular risk factors such as body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, triglycerides and fibrinogen. A significant negative correlation was found with high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol. No correlation was found between fibronectin values and smoking or alcohol consumption. Multiple regression analysis showed that systolic blood pressure, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides remained significantly associated with plasma fibronectin whereas only marginal associations were found with age, body mass index and fibrinogen. These results are in agreement with previous findings showing a strong increase in fibronectin in atherosclerotic plaques and also the complex formation between fibronectin and LDL. These results substantiate the claim that modifications of the metabolism of extracellular matrix components accompany the atherosclerotic process.     

Quantitative and qualitative serum lipoprotein analysis. Part 1. Studies in healthy men and women.

Preparative ultracentrifugal and electrophoretic analysis of serum lipoproteins was performed in 30-70-year-old healthy, fasting males (N = 80) and females (N = 77), randomly selected from the Uppsala region, Sweden. The concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides in total serum and in VLDL,LDL and HDL lipoprotein classes are reported. Total serum, VLDL and LDL triglycerides and cholesterol concentrations increased with age, while HDL cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations did not vary with age. Overweight persons had higher total serum triglyceride, higher VLDL cholesterol and triglyceride and lower HDL cholesterol levels. The upper 90% population limit values for non-overweight males/females were: total triglycerides (mmol/l) 2.5/2.0, total cholesterol (mg/100 ml) 298/300, VLDL triglyceride 1.80/1.05, VLDL-cholesterol 32/33, LDL triglyceride 0.69/0.69, LDL cholesterol 210/218, HDL triglyceride 0.32/0.34 and HDL-cholesterol 69/93. The 2 major differences between males and females were that females had lower VLDL but higher HDL concentrations. For VLDL there was a very strong and for LDL a moderately strong positive correlation between cholesterol and triglyceride contents. In HDL however, the mearsured amounts of cholesterol and triglycerides did not correlate at all. Sinking pre-beta lipoproteins was found in about 25% of cases and a second pre-beta band floating at d 1.006, late pre-beta, was found in 35% of male and 25% of female subjects. Subjects with sinking pre-beta lipoprotein did not differ from other subjects with regard to the concentration of cholesterol and triglycerides in the 3 lipoprotein classes. Males, but not females, with the late pre-beta (LPB), had an increased amount of cholesterol in VLDL and a raised cholesterol-triglyceride ratio in this lipoprotein class. Also the LDL triglyceride level was increased in males with the late pre-beta lipoprotein.     

Functional status of the thyroid gland and blood cholesterol levels of donors

The levels of protein-bound iodine (PBI), cholesterol, F factor, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) were studied by a radioimmunoassay in the blood serum of 204 workers and employees (128 males and 76 females) as primary donors and 146 experienced donors (84 males and 62 females) aged 18 to 59 in the city of Frunze. In the primary donors PBI, cholesterol, F factor, T4 and T3 levels in the blood serum were within normal for healthy persons. In the experienced donors T3 and T4 levels in the blood were significantly elevated and a cholesterol level was lowered suggesting an increase in thyroid function. Certain correlation was established between a rise of the level of the thyroid hormones and a drop of the level of cholesteremia. It was concluded that blood giving stimulated thyroid function and lowered the blood cholesterol content.     

Serum cholesterol levels and in-hospital mortality in the elderly

PURPOSE: Although total cholesterol levels among middle-aged persons correlate with long-term mortality from all causes, this association remains controversial in older persons. We explored whether total cholesterol levels were independently associated with in-hospital mortality among elderly patients. METHODS: We analyzed data from a large collaborative observational study, the Italian Group of Pharmacoepidemiology in the Elderly (GIFA), which collected data on hospitalized patients. A total of 6984 patients aged 65 years or older who had been admitted to 81 participating medical centers during four survey periods (from 1993 to 1998) were enrolled. Patients were divided into four groups based on total cholesterol levels at hospital admission: <160 mg/dL (n = 2115), 160 to 199 mg/dL (n = 2210), 200 to 239 mg/dL (n = 1719), and >or=240 mg/dL (n = 940). RESULTS: Patients (mean [+/- SD] age, 78 +/- 7 years) were hospitalized for an average of 15 +/- 10 days. The mean total cholesterol level was 186 +/- 49 mg/dL. A total of 202 patients died during hospitalization. Mortality was inversely related to cholesterol levels (<160 mg/dL: 5.2% [110/2115]; 160-199 mg/dL: 2.2% [49/2210]; 200-239 mg/dL: 1.6% [27/1719]; and >or=240 mg/dL: 1.7% [16/940]; P for linear trend <0.001). After adjustment for potential confounders (demographic characteristics, smoking, alcohol use, indicators of nutritional status, markers of frailty, and comorbid conditions), low cholesterol levels continued to be associated with in-hospital mortality. Compared with patients who had cholesterol levels <160 mg/dL, the odds ratios for in-hospital mortality were 0.49 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.34 to 0.70) for participants with cholesterol levels of 160 to 199 mg/dL, 0.41 (95% CI: 0.26 to 0.65) for those with cholesterol levels of 200 to 239 mg/dL, and 0.56 (95% CI: 0.32 to 0.98) for those with cholesterol levels >or=240 mg/dL. These estimates were similar after further adjustment for inflammatory markers and after excluding patients with liver disease. CONCLUSIONS: Among older hospitalized adults, low serum cholesterol levels appear to be an independent predictor of short-term mortality.     

Oral contraceptive use and fasting triglyceride, plasma cholesterol and HDL cholesterol.

Fasting plasma triglyceride, plasma cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels were studied for 190 white women, ages 21--39 years, who were classified according to their oral contraceptive (OC) usage patterns at two community surveys, 3 years apart. The mean level of fasting triglyceride was higher among current OC users (95 mg/100 ml) than among nonusers (73 mg/100 ml) (p = 0.002). After adjustment for the possible confounding effects of age, weight, current cigarette smoking and fasting glucose level, current OC users still had a mean plasma triglyceride level 19 mg/100 ml higher than that of nonusers (p = 0.007). Current OC users also appeared to have somewhat higher levels of total cholesterol which were of borderline significance in crude and adjusted analyses. There was a nonsignificant inverse relationship of OC use with HDL cholesterol levels. Past use did not affect these results, indicating that the OC-induced lipid changes were reversible.     

Low total cholesterol predicts mortality in the nondemented oldest old

Several studies have demonstrated the importance of hypercholesterolemia as a cardiovascular risk factor and a direct correlation between the reduction in cholesterolemia and the reduction in cardiovascular mortality in populations younger than 65 years. This correlation is controversial in the elderly and, particularly, in the oldest old. The aim of our study was to evaluate the total cholesterol in the oldest old and to assess the eventual presence of correlation between total cholesterol levels and mortality in a group of nondemented oldest old. A subsample of 40 subjects was extracted from the 103 subjects aged over 84 years living in Troina, a rural village in Sicily. We excluded all subjects under therapy with lipid-lowering drugs, demented, with malnutrition or affected by acute or chronic diseases which might cause death in the short term. At the end, 23 subjects (15 males and 8 females) were included in the study. After 2 years, mortality data of all subjects included in the study were obtained from official registers. The statistical analysis was performed by means of the X(2) test. In all subjects the mean of total cholesterol was of 182+/-32 mg/dl (mean+/-SD) and the body mass index was above 20; 17 subjects were in the normal range, 3 were moderately over-weighed and 3 were severely over-weighed. Overall, mortality rate after 2 years was 30% (7 subjects, 4 males and 3 females). We evaluated the relationship between mortality and 4 factors: sex, age, body mass index (BMI) and serum total cholesterol. Mortality was significantly correlated (p<0.002) only with a low level of total serum cholesterol相似文献   

Total serum cholesterol and plasma lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations in cord sera of newborns from hispanic mothers with gestational diabetes

The objective of this research was to determine if gestational diabetes has an impact on the plasma lipoprotein profiles and/or cholesterol content of the plasma lipoproteins in newborns. Very low plus low density lipoproteins and high density lipoproteins in cord sera of newborns from gestational diabetic and non-diabetic mothers were isolated by heparin-affinity chromatography, and the cholesterol content in these plasma lipoprotein fractions were measured with an enzymatic assay. There were no significant differences in baby weights and total serum cholesterol levels between the two experimental groups. High density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (p less than 0.05) were significantly lower while very low plus low density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations (p less than 0.05), very low plus low density lipoprotein cholesterol/high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratios (p less than 0.025), and total serum cholesterol/high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratios (p less than 0.025) were significantly elevated in newborns of diabetic mothers. These results suggest that gestational diabetes altered neonatal plasma lipoprotein metabolism.     

Effect of decreased plasma cholesterol by atorvastatin treatment on erythrocyte mechanical properties

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) are the most commonly used cholesterol-lowering drugs, with recent clinical trends usually aimed at achieving the lowest possible plasma cholesterol levels. Although the effects of increased plasma cholesterol have been previously reported, it is not obvious how very low plasma cholesterol levels would affect membrane composition and the deformability of red blood cells (RBC). The present study investigated the effects of hypocholesterolemia achieved by atorvastatin therapy on RBC membrane and mechanical properties in guinea pigs fed a normal diet. Two groups of animals were used (atorvastatin-treated, n=12; control n=12), and atorvastatin given orally in isotonic phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day for a 21-day period. Our results indicate that the atorvastatin-treated group had significantly lower plasma total cholesterol (17.42+/-1.70 mg/dl), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (5.25+/-2.22 mg/dl) and triglycerides (42.60+/-3.78 mg/dl) than the control group (34.08+/-1.72, 21.17+/-1.41 and 60.64+/-2.43 mg/dl, respectively). In addition, membrane cholesterol content was lower (p<0.0001) and phospholipid content higher (p<0.0001) in the atorvastatin-treated group, thus decreasing the cholesterol to phospholipid ratio; a significant enhancement in sodium-potassium-ATPase activity also occurred. However, in spite the marked changes of plasma and RBC membrane composition, there was no change of RBC deformability. Note that although our results indicate no adverse rheological alterations, extension of our findings to humans requires caution.     

Exogenous estrogen effect on lipid/lipoprotein cholesterol in transsexual males

Lipid/lipoprotein cholesterol values and sex-hormone-binding globulin levels were determined in 40 transsexual males aged 20-38, 20 castrated and 20 non-castrated, taking conjugated estrogens to induce female characteristics. Variables controlled included dose of estrogen, age, weight, smoking, alcohol intake, exercise and diet history. Transsexual males on estrogens had significantly higher mean (+/- SE) HDL cholesterol levels (69.0 +/- 7.1 mg/dl) respectively, for castrated males and (53.8 +/- 6.2 mg/dl) for non-castrated males, respectively compared to normal control males not on hormonal therapy (41.5 +/- 5.4) (p less than 0.001), regardless of dose of estrogen received. The total cholesterol/HDL ratio was 3.31-4.05 in transsexual males on estrogens compared to 5.03 for normal males (p less than 0.001). Transsexual males had mean SHBG levels in the female range (63.4 to 71.8 nmol/ml), significantly higher than controls (26.7 nmol/ml) (p less than 0.001). SHBG levels were correlated with estrogen use, dose and HDL cholesterol levels. We conclude that exogenous estrogens administered to transsexual males results in a female pattern of lipid/lipoprotein cholesterol and SHBG concentration. The decreased total cholesterol/HDL ratio may imply a lower atherogenic potential and a lessened cardiovascular risk in males who take estrogens.     

Longer term effects of early dietary cholesterol level on synthesis and circulating cholesterol concentrations in human infants.

De novo endogenous cholesterol synthesis is an integral component of developing human infant adaptive mechanisms that regulate cholesterol homeostasis. Smaller central pools of cholesterol later in life may contribute to reduced low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations in the plasma and thus reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Early infant adaptive mechanisms may theoretically result in altered central pools of cholesterol in later life. To examine the response of cholesterol homeostasis to long-term dietary cholesterol supplementation, endogenous cholesterol synthesis was studied in 81 full-term healthy neonates at 4 months or at 11 and 12 months of age. Thirty-two infants were breast-fed (BF) (6 males, 7 females), fed regular cows milk protein-based formula (RF) (6 males, 3 females) 0.85 mmol cholesterol/L (33 mg cholesterol/L), or fed regular cow milk protein-based formula with the addition of cholesterol (RF+cholesterol) (5 males, 5 females) 3.44 mmol cholesterol/L (133 mg cholesterol/L). Effects of cholesterol supplementation on cholesterol synthesis rates were evaluated at 4 months of age. Forty-nine other infants, BF (11 males, 6 females) fed RF (7 males, 12 females), or RF+cholesterol (6 males, 7 females) until 6 months of age were studied to test the hypothesis of imprinting using a cross-over design study with a 1-month 250 mg cholesterol/day challenge at 11 months of age. The incorporation rate of deuterium in body water into erythrocyte-free cholesterol over 48 hours was used as an index of cholesterol fractional synthetic rate (FSR) at 4, 11, and 12 months of age. Both plasma total- and LDL-C were higher (P <.04) in BF compared with RF+cholesterol and RF formula-fed groups at 4 months of age. Plasma cholesterol concentrations for all 3 groups were similar at 11 and 12 months of age. FSR (pools/d) was 4-fold higher (P <.0001) in both RF and RF+cholesterol compared with BF groups, but not different between RF and RF+cholesterol formula-fed groups. No differences in FSR before and after cholesterol challenge were observed within the 3 feeding groups at 11 and 12 months of age. However, synthesis rates from 4 months to 12 months increased (P <.03) in BF infants and decreased in both RF+cholesterol (P <.0001) and RF (P <.0001) fed groups. These results demonstrate relative insensitivity of synthesis rates and serum cholesterol concentrations to cholesterol challenge, irrespective of early dietary cholesterol intake in formula-fed and BF infants. These findings support the notion that early dietary cholesterol causes minimal changes in cholesterol metabolism about 6 months after dietary exposure in young infants.     

Impaired plasma viscosity via increased cholesterol levels in peripheral occlusive arterial disease [correction of disase

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between plasma viscosity and lipoprotein and apolipoprotein pattern in normo- and hypercholesterolemic patients with peripheral occlusive arterial disease (POAD). 40 patients with POAD have been selected (8 females and 32 males, mean age: 54+/-3.2 years) with clinically evident superficial femoral occlusive artery disease. They were separated into two groups as normocholesterolemic (plasma total cholesterol <200 mg/dl) and hypercholesterolemic (plasma total cholesterol >200 mg/dl). Plasma total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, total protein, and albumin levels were determined by enzymatic methods using commercial kits. Levels of apolipoprotein AI (apo AI), and apolipoprotein B (apo B) were measured using a immunoturbidometric method. Plasma viscosity (PV) was measured by capillary viscometer. Classifying the patients with PAOD according to the cholesterol levels; hypercholesterolemic (mean total-cholesterol: 227.90+/-26.97 mg/dl) patients had significantly higher LDL-C, PV and triglyceride levels compared with nornocholesterolemic patients (p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively). HDL-C and apo B were significantly lower in hypercholesterolemic patients than in normocholesterolemic patients (p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively). PV was positively correlated with total cholesterol (r=0.485, p<0.05), atherogenic index (r=0.624, p<0.01), total-C/HDL-C ratio (r=0.624, p<0.05), and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio (r=0.707, p<0.001) in hypercholesterolemic patients with POAD. PV was higher in hypercholesterolemic patients with POAD than in normocholesterolemic patients with POAD. We suggest that POAD patients should be regarded as a heterogenous group with lipid and lipoprotein parameters in order to assess the microcirculation in the affected limb. In case of dyslipidemia in POAD patients an elevated plasma viscosity should be considered as coexisting risk factor.     

Hyperlipemia and arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease in the Polynesian population of Rarotonga

Total cholesterol, total triglyceride and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and their relation to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) were investigated in a population of Polynesian Maoris in Rarotonga who are becoming increasingly westernized. 8.5% of the population had plasma triglyceride elevations (triglyceride greater than or equal to 200 mg/dl), and the occurrence of hypertriglyceridemia was significantly higher in males than females. 5.8% of the population had elevations of total cholesterol (cholesterol greater than or equal to 250 mg/dl), and the proportion with elevation of total cholesterol was similar for males and females. 3.2% of the population had elevations of both triglyceride and cholesterol. HDL cholesterol concentrations were relatively low, and no sex differences were observed at any age. Analysis of lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride in a subset of those who had hyperlipemia indicated that the elevations of total cholesterol and triglyceride were mainly due to elevations of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) triglyceride, respectively; furthermore, elevations of VLDL triglyceride and LDL cholesterol were significantly correlated with increase in VLDL apolipoprotein B (apo B) and LDL apo B, respectively. Although an appreciable prevalence of diabetes was observed in this population (male: 6.7%, female: 8.4%), the diabetes could not account for the hyperlipemia. Among 693 subjects between the ages of 30 and 59 years, approx. 3% of males and 1% of females had Q-wave changes, and 16% of females and 4% of males had ST-T changes. Among males with Q-wave abnormalities, hyperlipemia was more frequent. There was also increased frequency of hypertension in those with elevated lipids. The data indicate the occurrence of some hyperlipemia in this population which could be of the familial-combined type; the elevated plasma lipids may contribute to the increased frequency of coronary heart disease.     

Impaired fibrinolysis and increased fibrinogen levels in South Asian subjects

The potential role of haemostatic risk markers is largely unexplored in South Asians, who have increased morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease and an increased prevalence of insulin resistance. To investigate differences in thrombotic risk markers between South Asian and White populations, 42 Asian and 50 White males and 96 Asian and 80 White females, clinically free from vascular disease, were recruited. Venous blood samples were taken for measures of haemostasis and determination of blood lipids. South Asian females showed lower fasting blood glucose than White females (4.6 vs. 4.8 mmol/l, P<0.008). In the South Asian population, total cholesterol was lower in females, with a similar trend in males (females 5.0 vs. 5.5 mmol/l, P<0.001; males 5.1 vs. WM 5.5 mmol/l, P=0.09), but no difference in triglyceride levels. South Asian subjects of both genders had markedly higher levels of fibrinogen (females 3.3 vs. 2.8 mg/dl, P<0.0005; males 3.0 vs. 2.5 mg/dl P<0.002) and PAI-1 activity (females 14.6 vs. 8.7 ng/ml, P<0.0005, males 21.3 vs. 12.2 ng/ml, ) P<0.0005). Factor VII:C was lower in both South Asian groups (females 110.9 vs. 122.4%, P<0.005; males 103.3 vs. 125%, P<0.0005). Factor XII was lower in South Asian females and there were no differences in Factor XII levels in male populations. These results suggest that elevated PAI-1 and fibrinogen in Asians of both genders may contribute to the increased vascular risk experienced in this population; however, the role of dyslipidaemia and Factor VII are not clear in these processes.     

Characteristics of cholesterol transport by various classes of lipoproteins and their apolipoproteins in hypo- and hyperalphalipoproteinemia]

The content in the blood plasma of the main apolipoproteins of lipoproteins of very low and low density apo-B and tetramethylurea-soluble apo-LP as well as lipoproteins of high density apo-A and the relation to apo-LP cholesterol of these classes of lipoproteins were studied in 34 males with different levels of alpha-LP cholesterol. It is shown that in hypoalphacholesterolemia the plasma apo-A content is reduced with the cholesterol/apo-A ratio being less than in normoalphacholesterolemia; at the same time, the content in the plasma of total triglycerides, cholesterol, and protein of very low density lipoproteins is increased and cholesterol saturation calculated for protein of very low and low density lipoproteins does not change. In hyperalphacholesterolemia the plasma apo-A content is increased both in the absolute amount and in relation to apo-B and TMU-soluble proteins; the content of cholesterol on apo-A in high density lipoproteins is the same as under normal conditions and higher than in hypoalphacholesterolemia. The results obtained are discussed in association with the data in the literature concerning the functions of lipoproteins and apo-LP in relation to the transport of cholesterol into the vascular wall and its drainage.     

Black--white differences in plasma lipoproteins in Cincinnati schoolchildren (one-to-one pair matched by total plasma cholesterol, sex, and age).

The suburban, biethnic Princeton School District provided a suitable population of children (ages 6–17) to test the hypothesis that black schoolchildren have higher high density lipoprotein cholesterol (C-HDL), lower low density lipoprotein cholesterol (C-LDL), and lower triglyceride levels than white schoolchildren when pair-matched by total plasma cholesterol, age, and sex. In 194 black-white pairs of male schoolchildren, black children had higher C-HDL (59.5 ± 13.5 versus 54.8 ± 12.7 mg/dl, p < .001), lower C-LDL (105.7 ± 25.8 versus 108.1 ± 26.7, p < .05), and lower triglyceride (60.7 ± 27.2 versus 71 ± 38.1, p < .001). In 222 black-white pairs of female schoolchildren, black girls had higher C-HDL (57.7 ± 13.1 versus 52.0 ± 11.6 mg/dl, p < .001), lower C-LDL (107.4 ± 24.8 versus 109.6 ± 23.3, p < .05, and lower triglyceride (64.0 ± 24.6 versus 80.2 ± 38.6, p < .001). Mean Quetelet indices (weight/height²) did not differ significantly for the black and white males or females. Since, by matching, the pairs did not differ in age, sex, or total plasma cholesterol, and also did not differ by Quetelet, any differences in C-HDL, C-LDL, and triglyceride can be imputed to racial or other unmeasured, racially related environmental differences in the cholesterol-carrying lipoprotein fractions. Persistence of these black-white differences in lipoproteins into adulthood may be associated with a relatively lower risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in blacks than in whites, for any given total plasma cholesterol level.     

Study of age and sex dependance in renal clearances with radioisotopes (author's transl)]

In 85 patients between 15 and 95 years of age (40 male patients and 45 females) without any signs of renal disease (concentration of serum creatinine below 1,4 mg/100ml, normal diastolic blood pressure and normal urine analysis) a highly significant negative correlation was found between glomerular filtration rate (GFR, determined by 51Cr-EDTA - slope-clearance) and renal plasma flow (RPF, determined by 131J-oJHS-iodinehippuricacid-totalclearance) on one side and age on the other. Beginning with a basic value of 160 ml in males and 144 ml in females for GFR, the average decrease per year was 1,2 ml/1,0 ml respectively. The basis value of RPF was 854 ml for males and 673 ml for females, the decrease per year was 5,4 ml in men and 2,9 ml in women. The importance of physiological diminution of clearance values in elderly patients and its consequences for therapy are discussed. The more exact and methodically simpler 51Cr-EDTA-slope-clearance without urine collection should be used instead of the somewhat inaccurate determination of endogenous creatinine clearance especially in older patients.     

Handling during pregnancy in the blue fox (Alopex lagopus): the influence on the fetal pituitary-adrenal axis

Previous studies revealed that handling is a stressor for farmed blue foxes. The present study was designed to examine the effects of a 1-min daily handling stress applied to pregnant blue fox vixens on the function of the fetal pituitary-adrenal system. Plasma concentrations of adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), cortisol, and progesterone, adrenal content of cortisol and progesterone, in vitro adrenal production of these steroids and response to ACTH, and adrenal weights were measured in control (C; n = 73) and stressed (S; n = 58) fetuses. The ACTH levels were lower in stressed fetuses than in the controls (C: males, 128.6 +/- 6.1 pg/ml; females, 165.9 +/- 6.1 pg/ml; S: males, 122.3 +/- 5.4 pg/ml; females, 145.0 +/- 8.1 pg/ml; P < 0.05). In contrast, increased plasma cortisol concentrations in both sexes were demonstrated in stressed compared with control fetuses (C: males, 9.2 +/- 0.4 ng/ml; females, 9.2 +/- 0.4 ng/ml; S: males, 11.8 +/- 0.7 ng/ml; females, 13.2 +/- 0.7 ng/ml; P < 0.00001). The same difference was observed in plasma progesterone concentrations (C: males, 1.54 +/- 0.07 ng/ml; females, 1.49 +/- 0.10 ng/ml; S: males, 1.86 +/- 0.11 ng/ml; females, 1.74 +/- 0.10 ng/ml; P < 0.01). Prenatal stress did not change the baseline adrenal production of cortisol but prevented the cortisol response to ACTH in female fetuses and decreased the progesterone production in both sexes. Additionally, prenatally stressed fetuses of both sexes had significantly lower adrenal weights than controls (C: males, 9.4 +/- 0.3 mg; females, 9.5 +/- 0.4 mg; S: males, 8.1 +/- 0.3 mg; females, 8.2 +/- 0.4 mg; P < 0.001). These results indicate that prenatal handling stress induces a dysregulation of the pituitary-adrenal axis in the fetus and suggest that increased plasma glucocorticoids in the stressed dam can cross the placenta and influence the fetal hypothalamicpituitary-adrenal axis.     

The serum cholesterol value at birth and at the age of 5 weeks.

The cholesterol value of cord blood has been determined in 303 newborns and their mothers at parturition. The mean value was 72 mg/100 ml for the newborns and 253 mg/100 ml in the mothers. By multiple regression analysis it has been shown that a significant independent correlation exists between cord blood cholesterol and the cholesterol of the mothers, birth weight, sex and the blood group of the ABO system of both the newborn and the mother. This demonstrates that several factors known to influence cholesterol in adult life are already operating at birth. Within 1 month the mean serum cholesterol value rises from 77 mg/100 ml at birth to 131 mg/100 ml in 45 infants in whom it was measured.