Dehydroepiandrosterone Behavior and Lipid Profile in Non-Obese Women undergoing Abdominoplasty

Background The aim of this study was to determine any change in dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and lipid profile in non-obese women after abdominoplasty. Methods An auto-controlled clinical trial was carried out. 9 women aged 35 to 40 years with BMI 22–25 kg/m² were studied. Basal lipid profile and DHEA were performed and repeated 1 month postoperatively. Statistical analysis used Wilcoxon signed-ranks test (two-tailed). Results Weight of resected specimen was 606.11 ± 143.4 grams. No significant changes were observed in high-density cholesterol (48.0 ± 9.6 vs 48.8 ± 11.0 mg/dl; P = 0.106) or in triglycerides (119.2 ± 50.9 vs 148.4 ± 45.8 mg/dl; P = 0.139). Significant increases were obtained in DHEA (3.69 ± 3.05 vs 11.09 ± 6.3 ng/ml; P < 0.008), low-density cholesterol (LDL) (87.4 ± 23.5 vs 108.5 ± 28.3 mg/dl; P < 0.008 and total cholesterol (155.1 ± 30.6 vs 186.6 ± 33.1 mg/dl; P < 0.008). Conclusion Excision of subcutaneous abdominal fat in studies 1 month later increased DHEA, whose role is controversial in visceral fat distribution, and increased LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol, both risk markers for cardiovascular illness.     

Effect of Simvastatin on Lipid Accumulation and the Expression of CXCL16 and Nephrin in Podocyte Induced by Oxidized LDL

Objective: To investigate the effect of simvastatin on lipid accumulation and the expression of CXCL16 and Nephrin in murine podocytes induced by oxidized LDL (OxLDL) in order to explore the mechanism of protection. Methods: Murine podocytes (MPC5) were incubated with OxLDL (80 μg/ml) at different concentrations of simvastatin (0, 1.0, and 2.0 μg/ml) for 48 hours. Oil red O staining was used for the assessment of lipid accumulation in podocytes, and colorimetric cholesterol detection kit was used for the quantitative measurement. CXCL16 and Nephrin expression were detected by using Western blot. Results: OxLDL-treated MPC5 cells exhibited significantly higher intracellular lipid accumulations compared with the untreated group. Colorimetric detection found that total cholesterol was 90.3 ± 30.1 μg/ml in untreated cells and 226.5 ± 21.6 μg/ml in OxLDL-treated cells. The difference was statistically significant (p < .01). While cells were treated with both OxLDL and simvastatin, we observed little lipid accumulation. Total cholesterol in OxLDL + simvastatin cells were 151.8 ± 6.8 μg/ml and 135.5 ± 26.9 μg/ml under 1.0 μg/ml or 2.0 μg/ml of simvastatin treatment, respectively. Both were statistically significantly lower than that of the OxLDL treated cells (p < .05). Western blot analysis showed that CXCL16 expression was significantly increased (p < .05) in OxLDL-treated cells compared with the untreated cells, and was significantly inhibited by application of simvastatin (p < .05). The analysis of nephrin expression showed that there were no changes in group simvastatin compared with that of control group (p > .05). Nephrin expression was significantly reduced by treatment with OxLDL (p < .01), and was significantly increased by application of simvastatin (p < .05). Conclusion: Simvastatin treatment could significantly decrease lipid accumulation in murine podocytes and this protective effect was realized through inhibition of the expression of CXCL16 and increase in the expression of nephrin.     

Bariatric Surgery Improves Atherogenic LDL Profile by Triglyceride Reduction

Background  Small dense low-density lipoprotein (LDL) are atherogenic particles frequently observed in obese patients. Fatty acids modulate LDL. Objective of this study was to determine the relations between plasma phospholipid fatty acid composition and the presence of small dense LDL particles in morbidly obese patients treated with laparoscopic gastric banding (LAGB). Methods  Small dense LDL, plasma lipids, lipoproteins, apoproteins, and phospholipid fatty acid composition (a marker of dietary fatty acid intake) were quantified before and 12 months after surgery in four men and 11 women who were morbidly obese and (BMI > 40 kg/m²) eligible for surgery, consecutively treated with LAGB at the Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of the University of Padova. Results  BMI was 48.3 ± 4.8 kg/m² before and 36.1 ± 5.5 kg/m² after LAGB. Plasma triglycerides and apoprotein E levels significantly decreased, while HDL cholesterol significantly increased after LAGB. A reduction of small dense LDL with an increase of LDL relative flotation (0.34 ± 0.04 before vs 0.38 ± 0.03 after LAGB, p < 0.001) was also observed. These modifications were neither related to weight reduction nor to changes in phospholipid fatty acid composition, but they were associated to triglyceride reduction, which explained 76.7% of the LDL relative flotation variation. Conclusion  Weight loss obtained by LAGB in morbidly obese subjects was accompanied by triglyceride reduction, high-density lipoprotein increase, and an improvement of the atherogenic LDL profile. Triglyceride reduction, but not the extent of weight loss or dietary fatty acid modifications, is the determinant of modifications of LDL physical properties in these patients.     

Oxidised low‐density lipoprotein,a possible distinguishing lipid profile biomolecule between prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa) share common conditions such as lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and dyslipidaemia. Whether an extensive lipid profile analysis could discriminate between BPH and PCa was the objective. Thirty‐six (36) BPH and twenty (20) PCa outpatients of a urology clinic plus forty (40) controls without LUTS, but normal PSA, were recruited. Body mass index (BMI), lipid profile (total cholesterol [CHOL], triglycerides [TG], high‐density lipoprotein [HDL], very‐low‐density lipoprotein [VLDL], low‐density lipoprotein [LDL] and Castelli's risk index I [CR I] [TC/HDL]), oxidised LDL, apolipoprotein E, ceramide and PSA were determined. Mean ages for BPH, PCa and control were 69 ± 13, 67 ± 10 and 53 ± 7 years respectively. Most parameters apart from BMI and HDL were significantly different compared to the control group. oxLDL for BPH versus control, PCa versus control and BPH versus PCa was significant (p < 0.001, p = 0.02 and p < 0.001 respectively). Ceramide showed significant group differences. Between BPH and PCa, total cholesterol, LDL and Apo E were significantly different (p = 0.00, p = 0.01 and p = 0.03 respectively). Apo E could potentially be a discriminating biomarker. Receiver operating characteristic curves for TPSA, Apo E and oxLDL demonstrated sensitivity of 69.44 and specificity of 88.24 for oxLDL, hence more discriminatory.     

Changes in serum lipid levels after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in morbidly obese dyslipidemic and normolipidemic patients

Background: This study investigated the effect of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) performed for morbid obesity on serum lipid levels of dyslipidemic and normolipidemic patients.

Methods: 141 patients who underwent LSG between September 2014 and January 2016 were included in the study.

Results: The patients’ mean body mass index was 46.27?±?6.79?kg/m² preoperatively, 31.60?±?5.37?kg/m² in the 6th month postoperatively and 27.80?±?4.25?kg/m² in the 12th month (p?<?.001). Preoperatively and 12 months after the operation, mean total cholesterol (TC) levels and mean LDL cholesterol, mean HDL cholesterol, and mean triglyceride (TG) levels were statistically significantly decreased (p?<?.01). Comparing TC levels in the 12th month with preoperative levels, dyslipidemic patients showed a statistically more significant decrease than normolipidemic patients. LDL cholesterol levels were significantly decreased in both the groups. HDL cholesterol levels increased significantly in both groups while mean TG levels decreased significantly in patients with high preoperative TG levels, but not in patients with normal preoperative TG levels.

Conclusions: Although this technique exerts its effect primarily by reducing gastric volume, besides its metabolic and hormonal effects, it also improves serum lipid levels (decreasing TC, LDL cholesterol and TG levels, and increasing HDL cholesterol levels). It therefore contributes to decreasing cardiovascular diseases.     

Decreased Estradiol Levels and Free Androgen Index and Elevated Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin Levels in Male Idiopathic Osteoporosis

Estrogen deficiency is an important pathogenetic factor in female osteoporosis, and androgens are known to have anabolic effects on bone. In this study we have compared 12 men with idiopathic osteoporosis, age 27–55 years, with 12 age-matched men, with respect to serum levels of sex steroids, biochemical markers of bone turnover, bone density, and body composition. All subjects showed values within the normal range for all hormonal parameters. The patient group compared with the controls had significantly lower serum levels of estradiol (71 ± 13 versus 85 ± 14 pmol/liter, P < 0.03); estradiol/sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) ratio (22.4 ± 12.1 versus 39.5 ± 18.6 pmol/mg, P < 0.02); free androgen index (51.0 ± 19.4 versus 74.1 ± 33.1%, P < 0.05); and higher SHBG (3.7 ± 1.6 versus 2.5 ± 1.0 mg/liter; P < 0.04). The men with idiopathic osteoporosis had significantly lower body mass index (23.2 ± 2.8 versus 25.9 ± 3.3 kg/m², P < 0.05); and a tendency to lower percentage of total body fat (14.2 ± 5.5 versus 18.6 ± 6.0%; P < 0.10) than the controls. Regression analyses revealed that bone mineral density in femoral neck correlated significantly and positively with the ratio estradiol/SHBG (r = 0.67; P < 0.04) and negatively with SHBG concentrations (r =−0.63; P < 0.04) in the group of patients. These findings could represent a pathogenetic mechanism in male idiopathic osteoporosis. Received: 19 March 1998 / Accepted: 24 June 1998     

Selection of normal spermatozoa with a vacuole‐free head (x6300) improves selection of spermatozoa with intact DNA in patients with high sperm DNA fragmentation rates

Intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI, 6300× magnification with Nomarski contrast) of a normal spermatozoon with a vacuole‐free head could improve the embryo's ability to grow to the blastocyst stage and then implant. However, the most relevant indications for IMSI remain to be determined. To evaluate the potential value of IMSI for patients with a high degree of sperm DNA fragmentation (n = 8), different types of spermatozoa were analysed in terms of DNA fragmentation. Motile normal spermatozoa with a vacuole‐free head selected at 6300× magnification had a significantly lower mean DNA fragmentation rate (4.1 ± 1.1%, n = 191) than all other types of spermatozoa: non‐selected spermatozoa (n = 8000; 26.1 ± 1.5% versus 4.1 ± 1.1%; P < 0.005), motile spermatozoa (n = 444; 20.8 ± 2.7% versus 4.1 ± 1.1%; P < 0.001) and motile, normal spermatozoa selected at 200× magnification (n = 370; 18.7 ± 2.7% versus 4.1 ± 1.1%; P < 0.001) and then motile, morphometrically normal spermatozoa with anterior vacuoles (n = 368; 15.9 ± 2.9% versus 4.1 ± 1.1%; P < 0.05) or posterior vacuoles (n = 402; 22.5 ± 3.6% versus 4.1 ± 1.1%; P < 0.001) selected at 6300× magnification. For patients with high sperm DNA fragmentation rates, selection of normal spermatozoa with a vacuole‐free head (6300×) yields the greatest likelihood of obtaining spermatozoa with non‐fragmented DNA.     

Risk factors for hyperlipidemia in long-term pediatric renal transplant recipients

Hyperlipidemia (HL) is a common problem in adult renal transplant (TP) recipients, contributing to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and chronic TP nephropathy. There are multiple causes of HL post renal TP in adult patients, including pre TP HL, immunosuppressive agents, renal dysfunction, hypoalbuminemia secondary to nephrotic syndrome, obesity, and conditions that lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We evaluated the incidence and risk factors of HL in 62 pediatric renal TP recipients (15.4±4.2 years, range-3.0–22.3 years) with long-term (6.7±3.1 years) functioning [glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 66.7±23.2 ml/min per 1.73 m²] allografts. The mean serum cholesterol (C) level was 205.5±43.6 mg/dl. Thirty-two patients (51.6%) exhibited elevated serum C levels. The mean serum triglyceride (TG) level was 157.3±88.4 mg/dl. Serum TG levels were elevated in 32 patients (51.6%). In patients with elevated serum levels of either C or TG, the mean low-density lipoprotein level (LDL) was 138.6±44.1 mg/dl (normal <130 mg/dl) and the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level 54.6±15.9 mg/dl (normal>34 mg/dl). Of those patients studied, 45.5% had high LDL levels, whereas 9.1% exhibited low HDL levels. The two risk factors for elevated serum C levels in our patient population were pre-TP HL and increased years since TP. The only risk factor for elevated serum TG levels was reduced GFR. A family history of HL had a significant deleterious impact upon serum levels of C (P=0.01), but did not affect serum TG levels (P=0.7). Years on dialysis prior to TP, history of prior TP, gender, body mass index, and disease leading to ESRD had no influence upon the development of post-TP HL. We conclude that post-renal TP HL is a significant problem in pediatric renal TP recipients. Received: 13 January 1999 / Revised: 19 May 1999 / Accepted: 21 May 1999     

Acute Effects of Ethanol on Mineral Metabolism and Trabecular Bone in Sprague-Dawley Rats

In order to assess the effects of acute ethanol intoxication on bone, 45 female Sprague-Dawley rats were studied. Five rats were sacrificed at baseline. The remainder received either ethanol (2 g/kg of body weight) intraperitoneally or isotonic saline. Rats were sacrificed in groups of 10 (5 intoxicated and 5 placebo) at 1, 4, 8, and 24 hours after injection. At the time of sacrifice, a blood sample was obtained and the 4th vertebra was excised for histomorphometric analysis of undecalcified bone. Effect of ethanol was assessed by an analysis of variance test using a Scheffé procedure. In ethanol-treated rats we observed (mean ± SD, ethanol versus controls, maximum difference point, P value) a significant decrease in osteiod surface with osteoblasts (42.86 ± 15.61% versus 64.57 ± 6.24%, P < 0.05); osteoclast number (0.05 ± 0.02 n/mm² versus 0.17 ± 0.09 n/nm², P < 0.05), and osteocalcin (36.9 ± 2.21 ng/ml versus 45.8 ± 5.1 ng/ml, P < 0.05). Osteoclast surface was initially reduced (0.129 ± 0.09% versus 0.425 ± 0.26%, P < 0.01) but showed a subsequent increase (0.765 ± 0.24% versus 0.226 ± 0.17%, P < 0.01) attributable to alcohol. There was also a significant decrease in serum Ca (8.51 ± 0.23 mg/dl versus 9.10 ± 0.29 mg/dl, P < 0.01) and parathyroid hormone values (23.51 ± 5.72 pg/ml versus 76.39 ± 11.66 pg/ml, P < 0.001). We conclude that acute alcohol intoxication in rats induces early striking changes in bone histology and analytical parameters, not completely reversed after 24 hours. These data are consistent with a toxic effect induced by alcohol on bone. Received 30 May 1996 / 31 December 1996     

Reduced Plasma Zinc Levels,Lipid Peroxidation,and Inflammation Biomarkers Levels in Hemodialysis Patients: Implications to Cardiovascular Mortality

Despite the fact that low plasma zinc (Zn) levels play important roles in the oxidative stress, the relationships between lipid peroxidation and inflammation biomarkers with low plasma Zn levels have not been investigated in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Zn plasma levels, electronegative LDL [LDL(–)] levels, and inflammation markers as predictors of cardiovascular (CV) mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Forty-five HD patients (28 men, 54.2 ± 12.7 years, 62.2 ± 51.4 months on dialysis and BMI 24.3 ± 4.1 kg/m²) were studied and compared to 20 healthy individuals (9 men, 51.6 ± 15.6 years, BMI 25.2 ± 3.9 kg/m²) and followed for 24 months to investigate the risks for CV mortality. LDL(–) levels were measured by ELISA, plasma Zn levels by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, C-reactive protein (CRP) level by immunoturbidimetric method, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) levels by a multiplex assay kit. HD patients presented low plasma Zn levels (54.9 ± 16.1 μg/dL) and high-LDL(–) (0.18 ± 0.12 U/L) and TNF-α (5.5 ± 2.2 pg/mL) levels when compared to healthy subjects (78.8 ± 9.4μ g/dL, 0.10 ± 0.08U/L, 2.4 ± 1.1 pg/mL, respectively, p < 0.05). Zn plasma levels were negatively correlated to TNF-α (r = –0.49; p = 0.0001) and LDL(–) (r = –0.33; p = 0.008). During the 2 years, 24.4% of the patients died, all due to CV disease. Analysis by the Cox model showed that high CRP, TNF-α, IL-6 levels, and long duration of HD were significant predictors of mortality. In conclusion, reduced Zn levels were associated with lipid peroxidation and inflammation, and we confirm here in a Brazilian cohort of HD patients that inflammation markers are strong predictors of CV death.     

Bone modeling in gallium nitrate-treated rats

Summary Gallium nitrate (GaN) reduces cancer-related hypercalcemia and inhibits bone resorptionin vitro. This study investigated the effects of chronic GaN administration on bone, kidney, and parathyroid gland activity of growing rats. Experimental animals received GaN (1.75 mg elemental gallium i.p. QOD×8, Ga⁺), and controls received the solvent (Ga⁻). In the bone of Ga⁺ rats the number of osteoclasts was increased (Ga⁺: 70.4±2.31 osteoclasts/mm²; Ga⁻: 46.5±1.61 osteoclasts/mm²,P<0.001), and apposition rate and osteoid width were unchanged. Ga was concentrated in bone (2.4 μmol/g cortical bone) and detected by electron microprobe on the surface of a few trabeculae. Alkaline (Alp) and acid (Acp) phosphatase activities were higher in Ga⁺ than in Ga⁻ calvaria (Ga⁺: Alp 223±23.4 U/mg prot, Ga⁻: Alp 145±13.3 U/mg prot,P<0.02; Ga⁺: Acp 69.5±4.7 U/mg prot, Ga⁻: 57.5±2.8 U/mg prot,P<0.05). Serum iPTH was increased (Ga⁺: 112.9±17.6 pg/ml, Ga⁻: 41.4±7.4 pg/ml,P<0.01), serum calcium was reduced (Ga⁺: 2.4±0.02 mmol/l, Ga⁻: 2.6±0.03 mmol/l,P<0.001); calciuria remained comparable to controls. Relative to the hypocalcemia this suggests renal loss of Ca. The calcemic response to hPTH 1-34 (i.v. 50 μ/kg) was decreased 2 hours after injection of the hormone (ΔCa: TPTX Ga⁺: 0.11±0.04 mmol/l, Ga⁻: 0.33 ±0.03 mmol/lP<0.01). In conclusion, Ga, at the dosage used, does not inhibit the activity of osteoblasts in rats and does not interfere with mineralization but increases the number of osteoclasts through stimulation of parathyroid gland activity, induced by a fall in serum calcium. The hypocalcemia seems to be related to skeletal resistance to PTH and to increased renal calcium loss.     

Type of arteriovenous fistula,NYHA class and apelin in hemodialyzed patients

Apelin, a newly discovered adipocytokine, is produced by white adipose tissue and also expressed in kidney and heart. Increasing evidence suggests a role for apelin in the pathology of the cardiovascular system. It was demonstrated that apelin may contribute to the pathophysiology of human chronic heart failure. Apelin locates at the endothelium—a site of key functional importance in the kidney, and apelin has been shown to increase cardiac output. Cardiovascular disease is a major contributor to the mortality and morbidity of patients with chronic renal failure. We previously found that apelin was significantly lower in dialyzed patients with coronary artery disease and its level was predicted by cardiac function. Creation of a-v fistula might contribute to the development or worsening of chronic heart failure. The aim of this study was to assess associations between apelin, other adipocytokines, NYHA class and location of a-v fistula in hemodialyzed patients. This cross-sectional study was performed on a cohort of one hundred, clinically stable hemodialyzed patients. We investigated plasma apelin as well other adipocytokines: resistin, visfatin and von Willebrand factor (vWF)—a marker of endothelial cell injury. In patients with a-v fistula on the forearm (n = 77), apelin was significantly higher than in patients with a-v fistula on the arm (n = 23) (56.79 ± 23.56 vs. 43.12 ± 23.19 pg/ml). Patients with forearm a-v fistula had lower left ventricular internal end-diastolic dimension (LVIDd) (P < 0.05), left ventricular internal end-systolic dimension (LVISd) (P < 0.05), NYHA class (P < 0.05), hsCRP (P < 0.01), plasma vWF (P < 0.01), and plasma resistin (P < 0.05), whereas the ejection fraction was higher than in patients with arm a-v fistula (P < 0.05), as well as hemoglobin (P < 0.05), hematocrit (P < 0.01), prevalence of diabetes (n < 0.05), prevalence of coronary heart disease (P < 0.05), serum pH (P < 0.05), serum bicarbonate (P < 0.05). Apelin was related to echocardiographic parameters, presence of diabetes, coronary artery disease, chronic heart failure, NYHA class and serum lipids (total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides), hsCRP, vWF, residual renal function, and Kt/V. In multiple logistic regression analysis, apelin was significantly associated with ejection fraction (beta value was −0.51, P = 0.007), the presence of diabetes (beta value 0.39, P = 0.049), a-v fistula arm location (beta value 0.42, P = 0.047). Multiple adjusted r ² for variables in the equation = 0.45, F = 1.75, P = 0.04, SE of estimate = 20.85. Apelin level in dialyzed patients is predicted by cardiac function, presence of diabetes and location of a-v fistula. Apelin might be involved in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease in chronic renal failure. The arm location of the fistula might contribute to the development or the worsening of chronic heart failure in hemodialyzed patients.     

Captopril reduces the proteinuric effect of human growth hormone in adriamycin nephrosis

 Developing male Sprague-Dawley rats (125 g) with adriamycin (doxorubicin hydrochloride) nephrosis (AN) were treated with growth hormone (GH) which may induce hyperfiltration potentiating glomerulosclerosis. Since captopril (CAP) reduces hyperfiltration, we studied its effects in GH-treated rats with AN. After 41, 76, and 90 days of therapy, urine protein excretion was significantly (P<0.05) reduced in GH-treated AN plus CAP compared with AN rats receiving GH alone. After 90 days, urine protein, creatinine ratio was significantly (P<0.05) increased in GH-treated AN (95.2±13.9) compared with untreated AN (64.8±7.8) and GH-treated AN rats plus CAP (41.8±8.8). The mean serum cholesterol level was significantly (P<0.05) reduced in GH-treated AN rats receiving CAP compared with AN rats receiving GH alone and untreated AN controls. Histologically tubular dilation was significantly (P<0.05) reduced in GH-treated AN rats plus CAP compared with AN rats receiving GH alone. Tubular atrophy and scarring were significantly (P<0.05) increased in AN rats treated with GH compared with untreated AN rats, and normalized in GH-treated AN rats plus CAP. We conclude that CAP reduces the proteinuric response of GH in rats with AN and ameliorates tubular injury. Received: 5 March 1997 / Revised: 7 October 1998 / Accepted: 9 October 1998     

Combined treatment of hypercholesterolemia of renal transplant allograft recipients with fluvastatin and gemfibrozil

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of combined treatment with fluvastatin (F) and gemfibrozil (G) in hypercholesterolemic renal transplant recipients (RTR). Ten hypercholesterolemic (total cholesterol [TC] > 220 mg/dl) RTR (7 men) with mean age 44 years (range 25‐56 years) who remained hypercholesterolemic after 3 months of treatment (period A) with fluvastatin (40 mg/d) continued taking the same dose of F plus G (600 mg/dl) for another 3‐month period (B). Serum total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), LDL cholesterol (LDL‐C), triglyceride, serum creatinine (creatinine phosphokinase (CPK), serum glutamic‐oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) were measured before treatment and at the end of periods A and B. Mean TC levels were 360.30 ± 62.42 mg/dl, 324.10 ± 100.53 mg/dl, 270.80 ± 67.77 mg/dl; mean LDL‐C levels were 259.33 ± 71.43 mg/dl, 219.60 ± 81.31 mg/dl, 189.70 ± 65.51 mg/dl; mean HDL‐C levels were 37.10 ± 11.68 mg/dl, 39.80 ± 13.21 mg/dl, 41.00 ± 12.94 mg/dl; mean triglyceride levels were 354.60 ± 183.29 mg/dl, 349.30 ± 242.94 mg/dl, 207.00 ± 85.35 mg/dl before treatment and at the end of periods A and B, respectively. There was a statistically significant fall of serum TC (P = 0.002), LDL‐C (P = 0.016), and triglyceride (P = 0.029) levels at the end of periods A and B. Kidney and liver function did not change. F and G combined treatment is safe and useful in patients who do not respond satisfactorily to monotherapy with F. Gemfibrozil augments the effect of F on TC, LDL‐C, and triglyceride levels.     

Abnormal cell calcium concentrations in cultured bone cells obtained from femurs of obese and noninsulin-dependent diabetic rats

Summary Cytoplasmic free calcium concentration [Ca²⁺]i was quantified in cultured bone cells with osteoblastic characteristics. The cells were obtained from femurs of obese (fa/fa) Wistar-Kyoto rats, from nonobese, noninsulin-dependent diabetic (NIDD) Sprague Dawley rats, and from their appropriate controls. [Ca²⁺]i was also determined in bone cells obtained fromin vivo insulin-treated NIDD rats. Obese (Wistar Kyoto) rats had increased body weight (313±13 vs. 249±4 g;P<0.01), decreased femur weights (0.68±0.05 vs. 0.89±0.05 g;P<0.05), similar glucose levels (148±5 vs. 139±3 mg/dl), and higher plasma insulin levels (6.0±0.5 vs. 0.7±0.1 ng/ml;P<0.01) when compared with their nonobese [(fa/+); (+/+)] littermates. Nonobese, NIDD rats, compared with their appropriate controls (nondiabetic Sprague Dawley rats) had higher plasma glucose levels (235±32 vs. 145±3 mg/dl;P<0.01) but their plasma insulins, body weights, and femur weights were similar to controls (0.7±0.1 vs 0.6±0.1 ng/ml; 302±4 vs. 318±14 g; 0.97±0.4 vs. 0.98±0.04 g, respectively). Long-term (4 weeks) daily insulin treatment (2 u/100 g) of the NIDD rats increased their plasma insulin (1.9 ng/ml;P<0.05) and body weight (369±13 g;P<0.05) but did not change their plasma glucose levels (225±5 mg/dl), or femur weights (0.98±0.4 g). [Ca²⁺]i in bone cells derived from the femurs of obese animals was higher than in cells derived from their nonobese littermates (156±22 vs. 71±13 nM;P<0.01). In bone cells from NIDD rats, [Ca²⁺]i was lower compared with controls (146±22 vs. 229±19 nM;P<0.001). Insulin treatment of the diabetic animals augmented the decrease in [Ca²⁺]i in their bone cells (68±11 nM;P<0.005 compared with nontreated rats). These data reveal that [Ca²⁺]i in cultured bone cells from obese nondiabetic and nonobese NIDD rats differs from that of their controls. Compared with their controls, the changes in [Ca²⁺]i in bone cells from the NIDD and obese animals were in opposite directions. Whether the underlying mechanisms for the changes in cell [Ca²⁺]i in nondiabetic obese and nonobese NIDD animals differ, and whether the changes in [Ca²⁺]i observed in the cultured cells reflect thein vivo condition in bone cells of these animals are questions that await further investigations.     

Effects of atorvastatin versus probucol on low-density lipoprotein subtype distribution and renal function in hyperlipidemic patients with nondiabetic nephropathy

Objectives: Small dense low-density lipoprotein (LDL) plays an important role in glomerular injury through conversion to an oxidatively modified form of LDL. However, few studies have evaluated the effects of antilipidemic agents on the LDL particle size and renal function in hyperlipidemic patients with nondiabetic nephropathy. Methods: This study was a randomized crossover trial comparing the effects of atorvastatin (10 mg/day) and probucol (500 mg/day) administered for 24 weeks in 31 patients (urinary albumin excretion 0.3–2.0 g/day and creatinine clearance >30 mL/min/1.73 m). Lipid parameters, mean LDL particle diameter, creatinine clearance, and urinary albumin to creatinine excretion ratio were measured before and during treatment periods. Main findings: Atorvastatin and probucol significantly reduced the serum total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol concentrations. When stratified by mean baseline LDL particle size at 25.5 nm, atorvastatin increased (p < 0.05) LDL particle size from 24.6 ± 0.5 to 25.2 ± 0.9 nm only in the <25.5 nm (pattern B) group, whereas probucol decreased (p < 0.05) LDL size from 24.8 ± 0.9 to 24.2 ± 0.9 nm in the pattern B group and from 25.9 ± 0.5 to 24.6 ± 0.8 nm in the ≥25.5 nm (pattern A) group. No significant differences in urinary albumin/creatinine excretion ratio and creatinine clearance were observed in both groups during treatment. Conclusions: Only atorvastatin improved the LDL-subtype distribution in hyperlipidemic patients with nondiabetic nephropathy, although both agents exhibited no renoprotective action, suggesting that the effects on LDL-subtype distribution do not directly lead to renoprotection.     

Investigation of serum vitamin D and ischaemia-modified albumin levels in infertile Turkish men

Our aim was to explore the existence of a possible relationship of sperm motility with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OH VD) levels and with ischaemia-modified albumin ( IMA) levels in infertile Turkish men. A total of 30 men with nonobstructive azoospermia (no spermatozoa in ejaculate), 30 men with oligospermia (total progressive motile sperm count (TPMSC) <15 × 10⁶/ml) and 33 fertile men with normospermia (with at least one child, as the control group) were enrolled in the study. The mean 25-OH VD levels for groups 1, 2 and 3 were 9.31 ± 6.46, 19.71 ± 12.80 and 30.52 ± 12.49 respectively (p < .05). There was a statistically significant difference in serum IMA levels among the groups (479.32 ± 307.56 vs. 296.37 ± 127.27 vs. 150.04 ± 81.05, respectively; p < .05). A positive correlation between serum 25-OH VD levels and TPMSC, and a negative correlation between TPMSC and serum IMA levels were determined. Infertile men had lower serum 25-OH VD and higher IMA levels than fertile men, with a positive correlation between serum 25-OH VD levels and TPMSC, and a negative correlation between TPMSC and serum IMA levels. Vitamin D supplementation may increase the sperm motility.     

Spinal cord injury causes more damage to bone mass, bone structure, biomechanical properties and bone metabolism than sciatic neurectomy in young rats

Introduction Although both spinal cord injury (SCI) and sciatic neurectomy (NX) can cause osteopaenia in young rats, the effects of these two injuries on cortical and cancellous bone may differ. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of SCI and NX on bone weight, bone material property, bone mass, bone geometry, trabecular microarchitecture, mechanical strength and bone turnover in young rats.Materials and methods Thirty six-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomised into three groups (10 per group): SCI, bilateral sciatic NX and untreated control (CON). All rats were killed on day 21. Bone mineral density (BMD) was studied using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). At death, the right proximal tibial metaphysis and the fourth lumbar vertebra were examined for bone structural geometric analysis by micro-computed tomography (CT) and then processed for histomorphometry to assess bone cell activity. Serum N-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (NTX) and osteocalcin (OC) levels were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Biomechanical strength properties of the femur and humerus were measured by three-point bending, and the third lumbar vertebra and the proximal end of tibia were tested by compression.Results BMD in the sublesional areas of SCI rats was significantly lower than that of NX rats (proximal tibia, 0.176±0.018 g/cm² vs. 0.224±0.015 g/cm², P<0.001). Bone volume (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N) and thickness (Tb.Th) in the tibial second spongiosa of SCI rats were significantly less than those in NX rats (BV/TV: 7.15±1.18% vs. 12.32±1.83%, P<0.001; Tb.N: 1.23±0.22 vs. 2.38±0.45, P<0.001; Tb.Th: 33.73±5.15 μm vs. 42.80±7.44 μm, P<0.01) and trabecular separation (Tb.Sp: 1,053.37±164.24 μm vs. 748.32±129.36 μm, P<0.01) was significantly greater than in NX rats. Furthermore, poorer trabecular connectivity was found in SCI rats than in NX rats (number of nodes, N.Nd/TV: 1.04±0.09 vs. 3.29±0.53; number of terminus, N.Tm/TV: 28.53±3.17 vs. 21.64±2.31, P<0.01). The bone formation rate of the tibial second spongiosa in SCI rats was significantly higher than in NX rats (2.06±0.13 vs. 1.53±0.09, P<0.001) and, also, the eroded surface in SCI rats was significantly higher than in NX rats (13.42±1.24 vs. 10.36±1.07, P<0.001). In addition, biomechanical tests showed that SCI rats had poorer biomechanical properties of the femur, proximal tibia and fourth lumbar vertebra than in NX rats. There were significantly higher levels of OC in SCI rats compared with NX rats (30.19±1.17 vs. 21.15±1.76, P<0.001). Also, serum NTX levels were significantly higher than in NX rats (51.60±2.61 vs. 33.85±1.93, P<0.001).Conclusion SCI caused more damage to bone mass, bone structure, biomechanical properties and bone metabolism than NX in young rats. This suggests that different mechanisms may underlie osteopaenia following SCI and NX.     

Comparison of methods for isolating primary hepatocytes from mini pigs

Successful porcine hepatocyte isolation is crucial for the development of bioartificial liver devices and hepatocyte transplantation. Serva collagenase NB grades are formulated collagenases that are suitable for various tissue isolation applications. N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) can improve the viability of human hepatocytes. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two collagenases and effect of NAC on hepatocyte isolation from porcine liver tissue. Porcine hepatocytes were isolated using the perfusion method from Bama mini pigs assigned to the Serva NB 4 group (n=6), the Serva NB 8 group (n=6), or the NB 8+NAC group (n=6). Viability and yield were defined as fresh hepatocytes and their spheroids formation after 24‐hour rocker culture in serum‐free medium. Metabolic function was assessed by gene expression, albumin, and urea synthesis. All procedures resulted in successful hepatocyte isolation. Cells from the NB 8+NAC group had (97.8±1.9)% viability, which was higher than the NB 8 group with (94.4±2.4)% and the NB 4 group with (94.5±3.2)% (P<.001). The final cell yield reached (11.8±1.0)×10⁹ cells in the NB 8+NAC group, compared to (9.5±2.1)×10⁹ cells in the NB 8 group (P<.01) and (9.1±1.1) ×10⁹ cells in the NB 4 group (P<.001). The secretion of albumin was superior in the NB 8+NAC group at a concentration of (425.8±35.3) ng/mL compared to the NB 8 group (339.1±32.6) ng/mL (P <.001) and NB 4 group (293.6±43.3) ng/mL (P <.01). The injury of hepatocytes also decreased in the NB 8+NAC group (P<.01). The data are presented as means ± SD. Formulated collagenase Serva NB 8 and NAC could improve the porcine hepatocyte isolation, resulting in higher yields of viable cells.     

Effect of electrolyzed strong acid water on peritoneal irrigation of experimental perforated peritonitis

Purpose  Electrolyzed strong acid water (ESAW) is generated by the electrolysis of a weak sodium chloride solution. Although ESAW is known to have a strong bactericidal activity and to be harmless to the living body, its effectiveness and safety in the treatment of perforated peritonitis has not been well established. Methods  Male Wistar rats were used for the study. Three hours after cecal ligation and puncture, the cecum was resected and the peritoneal cavity was irrigated with 50 ml of saline (Group S, n=12) or ESAW (Group E, n=14). The 5-day survival rate was compared between the two groups. In another pair of animals (n=10 each), bacteria in the ascitic fluid were counted at 6 and 18 h after irrigation. Results  No adverse effects of ESAW were observed in the experimental group. The 5-day survival rate was 25% (3/12) and 85.7% (12/14) in Groups S and E, respectively (P < 0.01). The bacterial count at 18 h after the irrigation in Groups S and E was (5.0 ± 2.5) × 10⁵/ml and (2.2 ± 2.0) × 10⁴/ml, respectively (P < 0.0001). Conclusion  Peritoneal lavage with ESAW had no adverse effect, and achieved more effective decontamination than saline for perforated peritonitis. Therefore, the results of this study are considered to warrant and support the clinical application of ESAW.