Changes in plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol and phospholipid in acute viral hepatitis and cholestatic jaundice

Forty-four male and female subjects aged 22-57 years were studied. Thirteen patients had acute viral hepatitis, and eleven patients had cholestatic jaundice due to carcinoma of the head of the pancreas. Twenty healthy volunteers who served as controls were also included. In hepatitis patients, the mean plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC) and the high density lipoprotein (HDL)-phospholipid/phospholipid (HDLPL/PL) ratio were reduced, and HDL-cholesterol (HDLC), HDL-phospholipid (HDLPL) and the phospholipid/total cholesterol (PL/TC) ratio were normal, while total phospholipid (PL) levels and the HDLC/TC ratio were significantly increased compared to the control values. In patients with cholestatic jaundice the mean plasma total cholesterol, phospholipid and HDLC levels were elevated, and HDLPL/PL, HDLPL, HDLC/TC and PL/TC remained normal compared to the control values. A comparison within the patient groups showed that plasma TC, PL and HDLC levels were significantly increased in cholestatic jaundice when compared with the corresponding levels in hepatitis patients. The mean plasma levels of HDLPL, HDLC/TC and PL/TC did not show any significant variation within the patient groups. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) correlated positively with TC, and total protein correlated negatively with TC and HDLPL, while albumin correlated negatively with TC, HDLC and HDLPL in cholestatic jaundice. Alanine amino-transferase (ALAT) also correlated positively with PL in cholestatic jaundice, while albumin correlated positively with TC in hepatitis. The results suggest that lipoproteins might be metabolized differently in these two forms of cholestasis.     

Five-year trend in serum HDL-lipoprotein cholesterol in the Finnish population aged 25-64 years. A suggestion of an increase

High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) was measured in the population surveys carried out in Finland in 1982 and 1987. The mean (+/- SD) of HDLC for men aged 25-64 years was 1.23 +/- 0.32 mmol/l in 1982 and 1.30 +/- 0.33 mmol/l in 1987, the increase being 5.7%. Respective values in women were 1.46 +/- 0.33 mmol/l and 1.58 +/- 0.35 mmol/l, an increase of 8.2%. The increase was significantly greater in women than in men (P less than 0.001). The prevalence of low HDLC (less than or equal to 0.9 mmol/l) fell from 13.5 to 9.6% in men and from 3.2 to 1.4% in women. Factors associated with low HDLC were the history of ischemic heart disease (IHD), diabetes and hypertension in both sexes and the positive family history of IHD in women. Subjects with low HDLC also had higher body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio and serum total cholesterol (TC) concentration than subjects with normal HDLC. Changes in BMI, waist-hip ratio, alcohol intake, leisure time physical activity, prevalence of smoking or in the dietary variables recorded, did not explain the increase in HDLC.     

血清非高密度脂蛋白胆固醇对缺血性脑卒中患者急性期神经功能损害的影响

目的探讨血清非高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(non-HDLC)对缺血性脑卒中急性期神经功能损害的影响及其在风险评估中的临床价值。方法选择符合入组条件的急性缺血性卒中患者共611例,应用美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表(NIHSS)、中国脑卒中患者临床神经功能缺损程度评分量表(1995)(CSS)、欧洲版神经功能缺损评分(ESS)以及日常生活能力评定量表Barthel指数(BI)评价神经功能。同时测定空腹血糖、糖化血红蛋白(HbA1c)、血清高敏C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)、同型半胱氨酸(Hcy)、总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDLC)和低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDLC)等生化指标,并计算出non-HDLC的含量,比较non-HDLC高水平组与理想水平组患者NIHSS、CSS、ESS、BI分值,以探讨高non-HDLC水平与急性缺血性卒中神经功能损害的关系。结果与non-HDLC理想水平组患者相比,高non-HDLC水平组患者体质指数高、NIHSS、CSS评分高(P0.05),ESS和BI分值低(P0.05)。血清TC、TG、LDLC、Hcy、空腹血糖和HbA1c水平高,HDLC水平低(P0.05)。相关分析发现,随着non-HDLC水平升高,急性缺血性卒中神经功能损害的危险性明显增加。结论 Non-HDLC水平增高是缺血性脑卒中患者急性期神经功能损害的危险因素,可作为缺血性脑卒中神经功能损害危险评估的有效靶点。     

围绝经期女性心肌梗死患者冠状动脉病变特点及其与雌激素水平的关系

为探讨围绝经期女性冠心病患者的冠状动脉病变特点及其与雌激素水平的关系,对２６ 例围绝经期和３８ 例绝经期后女性急性心肌梗死患者的冠状动脉造影结果及血清雌二醇和血脂水平进行对比分析。结果发现,围绝经期女性急性心肌梗死患者的冠状动脉轻、中度狭窄及单支血管病变明显多于绝经期后女性急性心肌梗死患者（ Ｐ＜ ０ ．０１） ,其血清雌二醇及高密度脂蛋白胆固醇水平较正常对照者明显降低,但高于绝经期后女性急性心肌梗死患者（ Ｐ 均＜ ０ ．０１） ;而血清总胆固醇、甘油三酯及低密度脂蛋白胆固醇水平较正常对照者明显升高,但低于绝经期后女性急性心肌梗死患者（ Ｐ 均＜ ０ ．０１） 。结果提示,围绝经期女性冠心病患者的冠状动脉病变以轻、中度狭窄和单支血管病变为主,其血清雌激素水平降低幅度较小,脂代谢异常程度较轻。     

Coffee and tea consumption, dietary fat intake and serum cholesterol concentration of Finnish men and women

The association between the consumption of coffee and tea and serum cholesterol concentration was studied in a population sample of 653 men and 695 women from east and south-west Finland. Cholesterol and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were determined from fresh serum samples. Smoking and the intake of coffee, tea and alcohol were assessed by a questionnaire, and nutrient intake was determined from 3-day food records. Serum cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol showed a positive and linear association with coffee consumption in men. In women, no such significant linear association was evident, although the highest mean serum cholesterol levels were found in subjects consuming seven to nine cups of coffee daily. Both in men and in women coffee consumption was positively associated with smoking and the intake of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol. Serum cholesterol values, adjusted for age, body mass index, smoking, dietary cholesterol, fatty acids, alcohol and physical activity, showed a significant linear association with coffee consumption in men but not in women. Although coffee consumption and high intake of saturated fatty acids and cholesterol were related both in men and in women, adjustment for dietary and other confounding factors did not remove the association between coffee consumption and serum cholesterol concentration in men.     

High density lipoprotein cholesterol and body composition of female runners

Twenty-two women participating in an endurance running program had determinations of body composition, of plasma total cholesterol (TC) and HDL cholesterol (HDLC) concentrations before and after increasing their running by 30 miles/wk. Mean total body weight, fat weight and relative body fat showed significant decreases, while mean lean weight significantly increased. Mean HDLC increased 5 mg/dl (p < 0.01). Although increases of HDLC correlated with increases in lean weight, exercise per se appears to increase HDLC of women.     

Serum cholesterol concentration before and after streptokinase in acute myocardial infarction

Abstract. Objective. To determine if serum cholesterol concentration should be measured before or after streptokinase therapy within the first 24 h of myocardial infarction. Design. Prospective study of patients receiving streptokinase therapy for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Setting. Coronary care unit of a district general hospital. Subjects. Thirty-one patients (26 men aged 38–74 years, mean 60 years) admitted with a definite diagnosis of myocardial infarction. Intervention. Streptokinase therapy given intravenously at a mean of 5 h (range 1.5–15 h) after the onset of chest pain. Main outcome measures. Serum cholesterol concentration just prior to, and 11.5 h (range 4–20.5 h) after streptokinase administration. Results. There was a significant mean fall of 0.4 mmol l^?1 (P = 0.002, 95% CI = 0.2–0.6) in serum cholesterol concentration from a pre-streptokinase concentration of 7.0 (range 5.3–9.9) to a post-streptokinase concentration of 6.6 (range 4.9–9.9). In the patients who showed a fall in cholesterol concentration, the magnitude of fall correlated with the baseline cholesterol concentration (r = 0.66, P < 0.01) but not with peak cardiac enzyme activities (r = 0.05, P > 0.2 for aspartate aminotransferase; r = 0.10, P > 0.2 for lactate dehydrogenase), time from onset of chest pain to post-streptokinase measurement (r = 0.27, P > 0.2) or time from streptokinase administration to post-streptokinase measurement (r = 0.01, P > 0.2). Conclusion. Serum cholesterol concentration may be underestimated when measured after streptokinase therapy, particularly when the true basal value is high. Further management of this risk factor may be based more accurately on its measurement before than after streptokinase therapy within the first 24 h of AMI.     

Lower levels of serum albumin and total cholesterol associated with decline in activities of daily living and excess mortality in a 12-year cohort study of elderly Japanese

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between levels of serum albumin and total cholesterol (TC) and risk of subsequent mortality and future decline in activities of daily living (ADLs) in elderly people.
DESIGN: Population-based cohort study.
SETTING: National Integrated Project for Prospective Observation of Non-Communicable Disease and Its Trends in the Aged, 1980.
PARTICIPANTS: One thousand eight hundred forty-four Japanese individuals aged 60 to 74 randomly selected throughout Japan and followed for 12.4 years.
MEASUREMENTS: Decline in ADLs and mortality.
RESULTS: After adjusting for other covariates, the multivariable odds ratios (ORs) of impaired ADLs were highest in the lowest albumin quartile (≤40 g/L) for women. The multivariable OR of having a composite outcome of death or impaired ADL for the lowest albumin quartile compared with the highest was 1.56 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.94–2.57) for men and 3.06 (95% CI=1.89–4.95) for women. Serum albumin was significantly and inversely associated with a composite outcome of death or impaired ADLs in the group below the median of TC in both sexes (multivariable OR for 1-g/L increase in serum albumin=0.88 for men (95% CI=0.79–0.97) and 0.79 for women (95% CI=0.72–0.87)), which was not significantly associated in the group with TC at or above the median.
CONCLUSION: In the Japanese general population, low-normal serum albumin and TC levels are associated with loss of activity during old age, especially for women.     

Serum HDL Cholesterol in a High Coronary Risk Population in Eastern Finland

ABSTRACT The serum high density lipoprotein (HDL) and total cholesterol levels and their determinants were explored in a random population sample from eastern Finland, an area with an exceptionally high mortality and morbidity from coronary heart disease (CHD). A total of 1792 persons aged 14–65 years were studied. Serum HDL cholesterol was determined in one series by using an enzymatic method after precipitation by dextran-magnesium chloride. The mean serum HDL cholesterol was 1.41 mmol/l in men and 1.62 mmol/l in women. Although a multivariate linear regression model explained 21% (for men) and 28% (for women) of the variation in serum total cholesterol, the same variables were able to account for only 9 and 4%, respectively, of the variation in serum HDL cholesterol. Among men, obesity and the daily consumption of tobacco products were inversely associated and the weekly consumption of beer and age were directly associated with serum HDL cholesterol and the serum HDL cholesterol/total cholesterol ratio.     

围绝经期女性心肌梗死患者冠状动脉病变特点及其与雌激素水平的关系

为探讨围绝经期女性冠心病患者的冠状动脉病变特性及其与雌激素水平的关系,对２６例围绝经期和３８例绝经期后女性急性心肌梗死患者的冠状动脉造影结果及血清雌二醇和血脂水平进行对比分析。结果发现,围绝经期女性急性心肌梗死患者的冠状动脉轻,中度狭窄及单支血管病变明显多于绝经期后女性心肌梗死虱,其血清雌二醇及高密度脂蛋白胆固醇水平较正常对照组明显降低,但高于绝经期后女性急性心肌梗死患者;而血清总胆固醇,甘油三酯     

甘薯的抗家兔主动脉粥样硬化形成作用

为观察甘薯糖蛋白对家兔实验性动脉粥样硬化形成的影响并探讨其可能的发病机制。将 4 0只新西兰白兔随机分为正常组 (饲以普通饲料 )、高脂组 (饲以胆固醇饲料 )、低剂量甘薯糖蛋白 (简称低剂量 )组 [饲以胆固醇饲料 +糖蛋白 0 .0 6g/ (kg·d) ]和高剂量甘薯糖蛋白 (简称高剂量 )组 [饲以胆固醇饲料 +糖蛋白 0 .1g/ (kg·d) ]。在实验开始时和 12周时分别检测血清总胆固醇、甘油三酯、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇、超氧化物歧化酶和丙二醛含量。第 12周末处死动物 ,行主动脉病理形态学观察。结果发现 ,实验前各组血清检测指标无明显差异。实验 12周 ,高脂组、低剂量组和高剂量组血清总胆固醇、甘油三酯、低密度和高密度脂蛋白胆固醇以及丙二醛含量均高于或明显高于正常组 (正常组、高脂组、低剂量组和高剂量组的总胆固醇分别为 1.2 7± 0 .73、2 0 .2 6± 0 .13、15 .2 7± 0 .83和 11.2 8± 1.6 2mmol/L ;甘油三酯分别为 0 .85± 0 .18、1.85± 0 .35、1.71± 0 .2 8和 1.5 1± 0 .11mmol/L ;低密度脂蛋白胆固醇分别为 0 .5 0± 0 .0 7、18.99± 2 .6 5、14 .2 7± 3.0 4和 12 .13± 3.5 6mmol/L ;高密度脂蛋白胆固醇分别为 0 .5 4± 0 .11、0 .75± 0 .10、0 .81± 0 .0 6和 0 .94± 0 .0     

新疆牧区哈萨克族与蒙古族低密度脂蛋白胆固醇水平调查与影响因素分析

目的 调查新疆牧区哈萨克族、蒙古族低密度脂蛋白胆同醇(LDL-C)水平,观察其差异,分析其影响因素.方法 采用整群随机抽样的方法选取新疆和丰县牧区年龄≥30岁的牧民632人为调查对象,其中哈萨克族325人,蒙古族307人;抽取空腹12 h静脉m 3ml,采用日立7600全自动生化分析仪测定血浆总胆固醇(TC)、甘油三酯(TG)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)的浓度,并根据公式计算出LDL-C的浓度,对资料进行汇总,并采用t检验、方差分析或协方差分析的方法观察两民族间血浆LDL-C水平的差异,并进一步采用多元逐步同归分析的统计方法研究其影响因素.结果 哈萨克族、蒙占族的LDL-C平均水平分别为(3.68±1.16)mmol/L和(3.29±1.23)mmol/L,两民族间LDL-C平均水平存在明显的差异(P<0.001);哈萨克族人群中LDL-C水平主要与平均动脉压相关,而蒙占族主要与体质指数密切相关.结论 血浆LDL-C水平受多种因素的影响,存在明显的民族差异,即便是主要劳动方式和生活习惯十分相似的民族问LDL-C水平的主要影响凶素也各不相同.     

普罗布考与阿托伐他汀合用对急性冠状动脉综合征的调脂及抗氧化作用

目的 观察普罗布考与阿托伐他汀联合治疗对急性冠状动脉综合征患者血脂、血清氧化型低密度脂蛋白水平及对氧磷酶1活性的影响.方法 38例急性冠状动脉综合征患者随机分为对照组(n=20,阿托伐他汀10mg/d)和治疗组(n=18,阿托伐他汀10 mg/d+普罗布考1 000 mg/d),随访4周.两组在治疗前后分别测定血清总胆固醇、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇、甘油三酯、血清氧化型低密度脂蛋白水平及对氧磷酶1活性.结果 治疗4周后,对照组低密度脂蛋白胆固醇降低15.4%、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇上升13.7%(P<0.05),血清总胆固醇、甘油三酯略有下降但未达到统计学意义(P>0.05);治疗组血清总胆固醇、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇、甘油三酯分别下降28.1%、28.5%、14.2%(P<0.01)和23.3%(P<0.05);与对照组相比,治疗组血清总胆固醇、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇和高密度脂蛋白胆固醇下降更为明显(P<0.01).治疗后,两组血清氧化型低密度脂蛋白水平均明显降低,对氧磷酶1活性均明显升高(P<0.01);而治疗组血清氧化型低密度脂蛋白水平和对氧磷酶1活性的变化比对照组更为明显(P<0.01).治疗前的血清氧化型低密度脂蛋白水平、对氧磷酶活性及两者治疗后的变化值与血脂各指标之间均无相关关系(P>0.05),而对氧磷酶活性与血清氧化型低密度脂蛋白水平呈显著负相关(r=-0.669,P<0.01).结论 阿托伐他汀与普罗布考合用具有协同降胆固醇作用和抗氧化作用,但普罗布考降高密度脂蛋白胆固醇的作用不能被阿托伐他汀抵消.     

A comparative research on obesity hypertension by the comparisons and associations between waist circumference,body mass index with systolic and diastolic blood pressure,and the clinical laboratory data between four special Chinese adult groups

Background: The obesity-hypertension pathogenesis is complex. From the phenotype to molecular mechanism, there is a long way to clarify the mechanism. To explore the association between obesity and hypertension, we correlate the phenotypes such as the waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SB), and diastolic blood pressure (DB) with the clinical laboratory data between four specific Chinese adult physical examination groups (newly diagnosed untreated just-obesity group, newly diagnosed untreated obesity-hypertension group, newly diagnosed untreated just-hypertension group, and normal healthy group), and the results may show something. Objective: To explore the mechanisms from obesity to hypertension by analyzing the correlations and differences between WC, BMI, SB, DB, and other clinical laboratory data indices in four specific Chinese adult physical examination groups. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2012 to July 2014, and 153 adult subjects, 34 women and 119 men, from 21 to 69 years, were taken from four characteristic Chinese adult physical examination groups (newly diagnosed untreated just-obesity group, newly diagnosed untreated obesity-hypertension group, newly diagnosed untreated just-hypertension group, and normal healthy group). The study was approved by the ethics committee of Hangzhou Center for Disease Control and Prevention. WC, BMI, SB, DB, and other clinical laboratory data were collected and analyzed by SPSS. Results: Serum levels of albumin (ALB),alanine aminotransferase (ALT), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), uric acid (Ua), and TC/HDLC (odds ratio) were statistically significantly different between the four groups. WC statistically significantly positively correlated with BMI, ALT, Ua, and serum levels of glucose (GLU), and TC/HDLC, and negatively with ALB, HDLC, and serum levels of conjugated bilirubin (CB). BMI was statistically significantly positively related to ALT, Ua, LDLC, WC, and TC/HDLC, and negatively to ALB, HDLC, and CB. DB statistically significantly positively correlated with ALP, BMI, and WC. SB was statistically significantly positively related to LDLC, GLU, serum levels of fructosamine (FA), serum levels of the total protein (TC), BMI, and WC. Conclusion: The negative body effects of obesity are comprehensive. Obesity may lead to hypertension through multiple ways by different percents.

GGT, serum levels of gamma glutamyltransferase; ALB, serum levels of albumin; ALT, serum levels of alanine aminotransferase; LDLC, serum levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol; TG, serum levels of triglyceride; HDLC, serum levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol; FA, serum levels of fructosamine; S.C.R, serum levels of creatinine; IB, serum levels of indirect bilirubin; ALP, serum levels of alkaline phosphatase; CB, serum levels of conjugated bilirubin; UREA, Urea; Ua, serum levels of uric acid; GLU, serum levels of glucose; TC, serum levels of the total cholesterol; TB, serum levels of the total bilirubin; TP, serum levels of the total protein; TC/HDLC, TC/HDLC ratio.     

冠心病患者血清脂蛋白残粒胆固醇、血脂水平检测及其相关性分析

目的研究脂蛋白残粒胆固醇（RLP-C）在冠心病发病中的作用。方法检测76例冠心病患者（冠心病组）和40例正常查体者（对照组）血清RLP-C、TC、HDL—C、LDL-C水平,并对冠心病组血清TC水平不同者RLP-C水平进行比较。结果冠心病组血清RLP-C水平显著高于对照组（P〈0．01）;冠心病组血清TC水平正常者血清RLP-C水平显著高于血清TC水平临界和升高者（P〈0．01）。结论血清RLP-C水平升高是冠心病重要的独立致病因子;对于血清TC正常者进行RLP-C检测有重要的临床意义。     

Body mass index (weight/height2) or percentage body fat by bioelectrical impedance analysis: which variable better reflects serum lipid profile?

We present population data on percentage body fat (%BF) by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) in 12,287 men and 6657 women aged 30-69 y. In addition, we examined relationships among BMI, %BF and serum lipids (total-cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol (HDLC), TC/HDLC ratio, LDL-cholesterol (LDLC) and triglycerides (TG)) in order to determine whether body mass index (BMI, kg/m2) or %BF by BIA better reflected lipid metabolism. Women had larger %BF than men in all age groups. On the other hand, women aged < 60 y had smaller BMI than corresponding men. Regardless of age, BMI was obviously correlated with %BF (r = 0.743-0.924). As previously reported, high BMI and high %BF were strongly associated with high serum TC/HDLC ratio and TG, and low serum HDLC rather than high serum TC and LDLC. Compared with BMI, %BF by BIA was better correlated with the serum indices except for serum HDLC. These results were found in both sexes, and there was a trend in which younger subjects had stronger correlations among BMI, %BF and serum lipids. Consequently, %BF by BIA (an index of body composition) better reflects serum lipid profile than BMI.     

Total serum cholesterol and cholesterol lipoprotein fractions in random sample of Warsaw population

The aim of the study was to evaluate the level of lipid risk factors in a random sample of Warsaw population aged 35-64 years, 764 men and 775 women, were screened within framework of the Pol-MONICA Warsaw Study. The lipids were determined by enzymatic methods in laboratory controlled by CDC Lipid Standardization Program in Atlanta. In the screened sample the observed levels of total cholesterol (5.76 +/- 1.01 and 5.68 +/- 1.03 mmol/l respectively in men and in women) and LDL cholesterol (3.67 +/- 0.90 and 3.56 +/- 0.94 mmol/l respectively) were rather high what can indicate on rather high coronary risk of Warsaw population. On the other hand the high mean level of HDL cholesterol (1.36 +/- 0.36 and 1.53 +/- 0.35 mmol/l respectively) and its subfractions HDL2 (0.24 in men and 0.39 mmol/l in women) as well as HDL3 (1.12 and 1.14 mmol/l respectively) observed in this sample can decrease this global risk. The compared mean level of cholesterol in lipoprotein fractions in the group of investigated persons with and without clinical manifestations of coronary heart disease confirm the observed in the other studies the higher mean levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in persons with coronary heart disease.     

Genetic-epidemiological evidence on genes associated with HDL cholesterol levels: A systematic in-depth review

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles exhibit multiple antiatherogenic effects. They are key players in the reverse cholesterol transport which shuttles cholesterol from peripheral cells (e.g. macrophages) to the liver or other tissues. This complex process is thought to represent the basis for the antiatherogenic properties of HDL particles. The amount of cholesterol transported in HDL particles is measured as HDL cholesterol (HDLC) and is inversely correlated with the risk for coronary artery disease: an increase of 1 mg/dL of HDLC levels is associated with a 2% and 3% decrease of the risk for coronary artery disease in men and women, respectively. Genetically determined conditions with high HDLC levels (e.g. familial hyperalphalipoproteinemia) often coexist with longevity, and higher HDLC levels were found among healthy elderly individuals.     

Factors Associated with Changes in Serum Cholesterol during a Community-based Hypertension Programme

ABSTRACT A cohort of 1 019 male and 1 232 female hypertensives, aged 25–59 years, based on a random population sample, was followed for five years during a community-based cardiovascular prevention programme. A small mean reduction in serum cholesterol level was found. The observed changes in casual serum cholesterol values were partly due to the regression to the mean. The reductions were most marked in elderly people and in those with high baseline serum cholesterol values. The partial regressions of the cholesterol change were computed in subgroups by age, sex and baseline serum cholesterol level. Changes in weight in men and in age in women were the strongest independent predictors of the change in serum cholesterol. Changes in dietary fat intake were also associated with the change in serum cholesterol. Only a small part of the total variation in the change in serum cholesterol was explained by the regression models. The results indicate that reduction of the serum cholesterol level among hypertensive persons, especially men, was caused by changes in their dietary habits.     

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels of very old people in the diagnosis of dementia

Serum cholesterol fractions and triglycerides were determined in 68 female hospital patients over 90 years of age with senile dementia of Alzheimer type (AD; n = 22) with multi-infarct dementia (MID; n = 23) or without dementia (n = 23). There were no significant differences in serum HDL cholesterol levels between the three groups, but the ratio of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) to total cholesterol was lower in MID patients than in patients without dementia. In all three groups the concentrations of serum cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) and triglycerides were relatively low and the concentration of HDLC was normal. The concentrations of serum triglycerides and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol were significantly (P less than 0.05) higher in MID patients than in AD patients. The mean levels of serum total cholesterol and LDLC were significantly (P less than 0.001) higher in MID patients than in patients without dementia. The mean levels of LDLC of AD patients were higher than in patients without dementia. The results do not support the suggestion that HDLC levels may be of diagnostic value in multi-infarct dementia.