Birthweight and Lipids in Adult Life: Population-Based Cross Sectional Study

The purpose of this study was to examine the association of birthweight with lipid profile in the general adult population. Participants in the second-wave of a nationally representative cross sectional AusDiab-study were asked to complete a birthweight questionnaire. Fasting total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C, HDL-C, and triacylglycerol levels were modeled against birthweight. Four thousand five hundred and two people reported their birthweights, mean (SD) of 3.4(0.7) kg. Females with low birthweight-LBW had higher levels of TC, LDL-C, and triacylglycerols, but no difference in HDL-C, than those with normal-birthweight-NBW;≥2.5 kg. People with LBW showed a trend toward increased risk for high TC (≥5.5 mmol/L) compared to NBW. Among females with LBW, the risk for high LDL-C (≥3.5 mmol/L) was increased compared to those of NBW. The risk for low HDL-C (<0.9 mmol/L) was increased among males with LBW compared to those with NBW. Examination of the relationship on the continuum showed no differences except for high triacylglycerol levels among females with the lowest birthweight quintile compared to the higher birthweight quintile. However, the risk for various abnormalities by birthweight quintiles was similar to that when we used the traditional definition of LBW vs. NBW. Females and males with low birthweight differ in their risk for lipids abnormalities. Females had higher risk for high LDL-C, whereas males had high risk for low HDL-C (<0.9 mmol/L). In addition, females with low birthweight had the highest triacylglycerol levels. High LDL-C, low HDL-C, and high triacylglycerols are well-recognized risk factors for cardiovascular disease.     

The ratio of triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol is associated with the risk of chronic kidney disease in Korean men

Dyslipidemia is nephrotoxic and can result in the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The ratio of triglycerides (TG) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (TG/HDL-C ratio) is well-correlated with insulin resistance and cardiovascular events. The aim of this study is to examine the association between the TG/HDL-C ratio and CKD in Korean adults. This study was retrospectively designed based on the National Health Insurance Service-National Health Screening cohort. Seventy three thousand and fifty-two participants aged between 40 and 79 years old at baseline (2009–2010) were included in the final analyses. The study population was classified into three tertile groups (T₁, T₂, and T₃) according to the TG/HDL-C ratio by sex. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for CKD were calculated using Cox proportional hazard regression models. The median follow-up duration was 5.9 years. Higher tertile groups of the TG/HDL-C ratio had lower estimated glomerular filtration rates in both sexes. The cumulative incidence of CKD of T₁, T₂, and T₃ was 11.89%, 12.90%, and 12.91%, respectively, in men and 10.17%, 10.61%, and 14.87%, respectively, in women (all p values < 0.001). Compared with T₁ of the TG/HDL-C ratio, the HRs (95% CIs) of T₂ and T₃ for CKD were 1.212 (1.118–1.315) and 1.183 (1.087–1.287), respectively, in men and 0.895 (0.806–0.994) and 1.038 (0.937–1.150), respectively, in women after being fully adjusted. Higher TG/HDL-C ratios were positively associated with CKD development in men, while middle levels of TG/HDL ratios reduced the CKD incidence in women.     

Occurrence of dyslipidemia in spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage

Background: Dyslipidemia, mainly hypocholesterolemia is considered to be a risk factor (RF) for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (SICH). The aim of our study was to assess its role in our SICH patients. Methods: In a hospital‐based cross‐section study, laboratory assessments of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high‐density cholesterol (HDL‐C) and low‐density cholesterol (LDL‐C) plasma levels were performed in 80 SICH patients without vascular malformation and in a control group (CG) of 80 age‐ and sex‐matched patients with low back pain. All patients were treated at the Departments of Neurology and Neurosurgery, University Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic. Two‐sample t‐test and Mann‐Whitney test were applied when assessing statistical significance. Results: The following mean lipid plasma levels were found in SICH patients versus CG subjects (in mmol/L): TC, 5.89 vs. 5.48 (p = 0.007); TG, 1.31 vs. 2.10 (p <0.0001); HDL‐C, 1.58 vs. 1.33 (p = 0.0001); LDL‐C, 3.70 vs. 3.18 (p = 0.0004). Conclusions: TC and LDL‐C plasma levels were higher in SICH patients in the Olomouc region of the Czech Republic.     

Alterations in the High Density Lipoprotein Phenotype and HDL-Associated Enzymes in Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome

Patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) usually have low high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. We determined the HDL distribution profile as well as the HDL-related lipoprotein associated phospholipase A₂ (HDL-LpPLA₂) and paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activities in subjects with MetS (n = 189) but otherwise healthy. Age and sex-matched individuals (n = 166) without MetS served as controls. The lower HDL-C concentration in MetS patients was due to a reduction in both large and small HDL subclasses (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). As the number of MetS components increased, the HDL phenotype comprised of a greater percentage of small HDL-3 and less large HDL-2 subclasses, resulting in a decreased HDL-2/HDL-3 ratio (P < 0.001 for all trends). Multivariate analysis revealed that HDL-2 levels and the HDL-2/HDL-3 ratio significantly and independently correlated with HDL-C (positively) and TG (negatively) levels. HDL-3 concentration significantly and independently positively correlated with HDL-C and TG levels. HDL-LpPLA₂ activity was decreased in MetS patients (P < 0.01), a phenomenon that may contribute to the defective antiatherogenic activity of HDL in MetS. PON1 activity did not differ between groups. We conclude that MetS, in addition to the decrease in HDL-C concentration, is associated with alterations in the HDL phenotype, which is comprised of a greater percentage of small HDL subclasses. Furthermore, HDL-LpPLA₂ activity is decreased in MetS patients.     

Lipid profile in Venezuelan preschoolers by socioeconomic status

Epidemiological studies have shown that unfavorable serum lipids levels in childhood are predictors of development of atherosclerosis lesions in adulthood. We assessed the lipid profile of 297 Venezuelan preschool children (4-7 years old) from two socioeconomic levels in order to compare them by this characteristic. Their social level was determined according to modified Graffar method, and two groups were obtained: high socioeconomic status (HSES, n=103) and low socioeconomic status (LSES, n=194). Nutritional anthropometric evaluation was performed by weight to height, and NCHS/OMS cut-off point was used. Lipid profile was determined by colorimetric biochemical methods and atherogenic risks factors were calculated. Underweight for HSES was 5.8% and for LSES: 14.9%, while normal status was 78.6% and 70.1%, and overweight was 15.5% and 14.9%, respectively. Mean values for triglycerides were 0.66 +/- 0.27and 0.76 +/- 0.31 mmol/L, total cholesterol (TC): 3.61 +/- 0.65 and 2.98 +/- 0.71 mmol/L, HDL-C: 1.04 +/- 0.18 and 0.62 +/- 0.16 mmol/L, LDL-C: 2.27 +/- 0.61 and 2.01 +/- 0.71 mmol/L, TC/HDL-C: 3.5 +/- 0.78 and 5.0 +/- 1.5; LDL-C/HDL-C: 2.0 +/- 0.71 and 3.4 +/- 1.4 with significant differences between HSES and LSES as shown respectively. A significant association was found (p < 0.01) between lipid values and socioeconomic status, being the LSES preschoolers those with the higher atherogenic risk. Its pattern was of lower HDL-C levels, and higher TC/HDL-C and LDL-C/HDL-C ratio. Comparisons of lipid profile by nutritional status or gender did not show significant differences. Findings indicate that children from low socioeconomic status are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis than children from high socioeconomic status.     

一种由脂肪醇修饰的新型低密度脂蛋白吸附剂的制备及性能

研究了以花生壳膳食纤维为载体,以十二醇为原料,引入了疏水基团的新型低密度脂蛋白(LDL)吸附剂的制备。结果表明,该吸附剂可使血浆总胆固醇(TC)吸附率达到62.7%,低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)吸附率达到78.1%,对高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)的吸附率为28.4%。该吸附剂对低密度脂蛋白具有良好的吸附选择性。     

A High Legume Low Glycemic Index Diet Improves Serum Lipid Profiles in Men

Clinical studies have shown that fiber consumption facilitates weight loss and improves lipid profiles; however, the beneficial effects of high fermentable fiber low glycemic index (GI) diets under conditions of weight maintenance are unclear. In the Legume Inflammation Feeding Experiment, a randomized controlled cross-over feeding study, 64 middle-aged men who had undergone colonoscopies within the previous 2 years received both a healthy American (HA) diet (no legume consumption, fiber consumption = 9 g/1,000 kcal, and GI = 69) and a legume enriched (1.5 servings/1,000 kcal), high fiber (21 g/1,000 kcal), low GI (GI = 38) diet (LG) in random order. Diets were isocaloric and controlled for macronutrients including saturated fat; they were consumed each for 4 weeks with a 2–4 week break separating dietary treatments. Compared to the HA diet, the LG diet led to greater declines in both fasting serum total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). Insulin-resistant (IR) subjects had greater reductions in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; P < 0.01), and triglycerides (TAG)/HDL-C (P = 0.02) after the LG diet, compared to the HA diet. Insulin-sensitive (IS) subjects had greater reductions in TC (P < 0.001), LDL-C (P < 0.01), TC/HDL-C (P < 0.01), and LDL-C/HDL-C (P = 0.02) after the LG diet, compared to the HA diet. In conclusion, a high legume, high fiber, low GI diet improves serum lipid profiles in men, compared to a healthy American diet. However, IR individuals do not achieve the full benefits of the same diet on cardiovascular disease (CVD) lipid risk factors.     

Aerobic Training in Young Men Increases the Transfer of Cholesterol to High Density Lipoprotein In Vitro: Impact of High Density Lipoprotein Size

Exercise training not only improves the plasma lipid profile but also reduces risk of developing coronary heart disease. We investigate whether plasma lipids and high density lipoprotein (HDL) metabolism are affected by aerobic training and whether the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels at baseline influence exercise-induced changes in HDL. Seventy-one male sedentary volunteers were evaluated and allocated in two subgroups, according to the HLD-C levels (< or >40 mg/dL). Participants underwent an 18-week aerobic training period. Blood was sampled before and after training for biochemical analysis. Plasma lipids, apolipoproteins, HDL diameter, and VO₂ peak were determined. Lipid transfers to HDL were determined in vitro by incubating plasma samples with a donor lipid artificial nanoemulsion. After the 18-week period of aerobic training, the VO₂ peak increased, while the mean body mass index (BMI) decreased. HDL-C concentration was higher after the training period, but low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and non-HDL-C did not change. The transfer of esterified cholesterol and phospholipids was greater after exercise training, but the triacylglycerol and unesterified cholesterol transfers were unchanged. The HDL particle diameter increased after aerobic training in all participants. When the participants were separated in low-HDL and normal-HDL groups, the postaerobic exercise increment in HDL-C was higher in the low-HDL group, while the transfer of esterified cholesterol was lower. In conclusion, aerobic exercise training increases the lipid transfers to HDL, as measured by an in vitro method, which possibly contributes to the classical elevation of the HDL-C associated with training.     

Combined effects of EFA deficiency and tumor necrosis factor-α on circulating lipoproteins in rats

Both tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and EFA deficiency (EFAD) have been established as causes of marked perturbations in lipid and lipoprotein metabolism. Excessive levels of circulating TNF-α can coexist with EFAD in various clinical disorders such as cystic fibrosis and type I diabetes. The present study therefore aimed to investigate their combined effects on lipid profile and lipoprotein composition by administering TNF-α to EFAD rats. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL), the ratelimiting enzyme in TG catabolism, was also measured in epididymal adipose tissue. EFAD, after a 4-wk period, induced significant increases in plasma TG (80%, P<0.001), total cholesterol (TC, 27%, P<0.025), and HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C, 62%). Two hours after the administration of TNF-α, a further rise in TG (43%, P<0.05) was noted in controls, but not EFAD animals. TC and HDL-C were unaffected by TNF-α treatment. In addition, TNF-α modified lipoprotein-lipid composition. VLDL and HDL₂ derived from EFAD rats were depleted in apolipoprotein (apo) E and apo A-II, and enriched in apo A-12 h after TNF-α administration. Finally, TNF-α decreased adipose tissue LPL activity in both control and EFAD animals. The TNF-α-induced inhibition was more marked in EFAD rats. The present results demonstrated that TNF-α can amplify or antagonize the effects of EFAD on lipid profile, lipoprotein composition, and LPL activity. These data also suggest that the host's nutritional status is a determining factor for the modulating effect of TNF-α on lipid metabolism.     

Leptospirosis is Associated with Markedly Increased Triglycerides and Small Dense Low-Density Lipoprotein and Decreased High-Density Lipoprotein

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of acute infection with Leptospira interrogans on lipids, lipoproteins and associated enzymes. Fasting serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), apolipoproteins (apo) A-Ι, B, E, C-II, C-III and lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] were determined in patients with Leptospirosis on diagnosis and 4 months after recovery as well as in age- and sex-matched controls. Activities of cholesteryl-ester transfer protein (CETP) and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A₂ (Lp-PLA₂) as well as paraoxonase 1 (PON1) hydrolysing activity and levels of cytokines were determined. LDL subclass analysis was performed with Lipoprint LDL System. Eleven patients (10 men, mean age 49.5 ± 8.4 years) and 11 controls were included. TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, apoA-I, apoB and Lp(a) levels were lower at baseline, whereas TG and apoE levels were elevated compared with 4 months later. At baseline, higher levels of cytokines and cholesterol concentration of small dense LDL particles (sdLDL-C) were noticed, whereas LDL particle size was lower compared with follow-up. Activities of plasma Lp-PLA₂ and HDL-associated Lp-PLA₂ were lower at baseline compared with post treatment values, whereas PON1 activity was similar at baseline and 4 months later. 4 months after recovery, the levels of all lipid parameters evaluated did not differ compared with controls, except for HDL-C which remained lower. PON1 activity both at baseline and 4 months later was lower in patients compared with controls. Leptospirosis is associated with atherogenic changes of lipids, lipoproteins and associated enzymes.     

壳聚糖固定化月桂酸及其吸附LDL性能研究

以月桂酸为原料,将其固定到活化壳聚糖上,制备一种低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)选择性吸附剂。考察了吸附时间、吸附剂用量对血浆LDL-C吸附效果的影响。体外间歇吸附结果表明,LDL-C的吸附率达到58.5%,对血浆总胆固醇(TC)吸附率达到35.1%,而对高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)的吸附率为11.4%,具有良好的选择吸附低密度脂蛋白胆固醇性能。     

A Perinatal Palatable High-Fat Diet Increases Food Intake and Promotes Hypercholesterolemia in Adult Rats

The main goal of the present study was to evaluate the long-term effects of a perinatal palatable high-fat diet on the food intake and cholesterol profile of adult rats. Male Wistar rats (aged 22 days) were divided into two groups according to their mother’s diet during gestation and lactation (C _p, n = 10; pups from control mothers; and HL_p n = 10; pups from mothers fed a palatable high-fat diet). At the 76th day, pups were housed individually for 14 days, and daily food consumption was determined during a period of 6 days. Blood from 100-day-old rats was sampled by cardiac puncture. Fasting (12 h) serum glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides (TG), and VLDL-C levels were determined. The measurement of food intake was higher in the animals submitted to a hyperlipidic diet during the perinatal period. Serum total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, TG, VLDL-C and glycemia were increased in the HL_p group compared to the control group. Our findings show that an early life environment with a high-fat diet can contribute to metabolic disease in later life.     

Consumption of High-Oleic Soybean Oil Improves Lipid and Lipoprotein Profile in Humans Compared to a Palm Oil Blend: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Partially hydrogenated oils (PHO) have been removed from the food supply due to adverse effects on risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). High-oleic soybean oils (HOSBO) are alternatives that provide functionality for different food applications. The objective of this study was to determine how consumption of diets containing HOSBO compared to other alternative oils, with similar functional properties, modifies LDL cholesterol (LDLc) and other risk factors and biomarkers of CHD. A triple-blind, crossover, randomized controlled trial was conducted in humans (n = 60) with four highly-controlled diets containing (1) HOSBO, (2) 80:20 blend of HOSBO and fully hydrogenated soybean oil (HOSBO+FHSBO), (3) soybean oil (SBO), and (4) 50:50 blend of palm oil and palm kernel oil (PO + PKO). Before and after 29 days of feeding, lipids/lipoproteins, blood pressure, body composition, and markers of inflammation, oxidation, and hemostasis were measured. LDLc, apolipoprotein B (apoB), NonHDL-cholesterol (HDLc), ratios of total cholesterol (TC)-to-HDLc and LDLc-to-HDL cholesterol, and LDL particle number and small LDL particles concentration were lower after HOSBO and HOSBO+FHSBO compared to PO (specific comparisons p < 0.05). Other than TC:HDL, there were no differences in lipid/lipoprotein markers when comparing HOSBO+FHSBO with HOSBO. LDLc and apoB were higher after HOSBO compared to SBO (p < 0.05). PO + PKO increased HDLc (p < 0.001) and apolipoprotein AI (p < 0.03) compared to HOSBO and HOSBO+FHSBO. With the exception of lipid hydroperoxides, dietary treatments did not affect other CHD markers. HOSBO, and blends thereof, is a PHO replacement that results in more favorable lipid/lipoprotein profiles compared to PO + PKO (an alternative fat with similar functional properties).     

Association of L‐FABP T94A and MTP I128T Polymorphisms with Hyperlipidemia in Chinese Subjects

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relation between the L‐FABP T94A and MTP I128T polymorphisms and hyperlipidemia in Chinese subjects. We recruited 390 volunteers: 201 hyperlipidemic and 189 healthy volunteers. The L‐FABP T94A and MTP I128T polymorphisms were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP). Anthropometry, lipid profile, and liver function of the subjects were determined. We observed that male carriers of the L‐FABP A94 allele had significantly higher body weight (P = 0.012), higher body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.014), and higher plasma triacylglycerol levels (TAG) (P = 0.033) and lower ratios of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) to total cholesterol (TC) (P = 0.008) than T94 homozygotes. The MTP T128 allele was associated with significantly lower serum TC (P < 0.001) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) (P < 0.001) levels in males. There was a direct correlation between the MTP T128 allele and a decreased risk of hyperlipidemia after adjusting for body mass index (OR = 0.327, 95 % CI: 0.178–0.600, P < 0.001). In conclusion, both the MTP I128T and the L‐FABP T94A polymorphisms can affect serum lipid levels in the Chinese population. The MTP T128 allele offers protection against hyperlipidemia in the Chinese population.     

Serum total homocysteine and lipoproteins levels in young adults from urban and rural areas of Costa Rica

Serum total homocysteine and lipoproteins levels in young adults from urban and rural areas of Costa Rica. This study evaluated the lipid profile and the serum levels of total homocysteine of 400 adults aged 20 to 40 years, residents of rural and urban areas of the central valley of Costa Rica. The results showed that the proportion of subjects from urban areas with high levels of LDL-C (= 4.13 mmol/L) was 11% higher than the proportion of adults from rural areas (29.2% and 18.0%, p = 0.045). On the contrary, the proportion of rural subjects with low HDL-C levels (< 1.03 mmol/ L) was higher 19% than the proportion of urban adults (56.0% and 75.3%, p = 0.001). Rural residents also showed higher serum levels of triglycerides and total homocysteine than the urban residents, although the differences were not significant (TG: 1.94 mmol/L and 2.02 mmol/L, p = 0.529; TH: 9.33 micromol/L and 9.84 micromol/L, p = 0.145). The prevalences of hyperhomocysteinemia (>15 micromol/L), hypercholesterolemia (= 5.17 mmol/L) and hypertriglyceridemia (= 1.69 mmol/L) in the studied population were 5.8%, 53.6% and 50.1% respectively. 82% of the studied population had LDL-C levels above 2.58 mmol/L and approximately 61% of the adults had HDL-C levels lower than 1.03 mmol/L. Our data suggest that the studied costarrican population has a very high cardiovascular risk. The prevalence of low levels of HDL-C (< 1.03 mmol/L), marginal levels of total homocysteine and a tendency to have high levels of triglycerides were the most outstanding cardiovascular risk factors found in this population, specially in rural subjects, which could be associated with the quality of the diet of these habitants. It is necessary to develop effective intervention strategies to promote healthy lifestyles in the population in order to reduce the cardiovascular mortality rates in Costa Rica.     

Oryzanol decreases cholesterol absorption and aortic fatty streaks in hamsters

Oryzanol is a class of nonsaponifiable lipids of rice bran oil (RBO). More specifically, oryzanol is a group of ferulic acid esters of triterpene alcohol and plant sterols. In experiment 1, the mechanisms of the cholesterol-lowering action of oryzanol were investigated in 32 hamsters made hypercholesterolemic by feeding chow-based diets containing 5% coconut oil and 0.1% cholesterol with or without 1% oryzanol for 7 wk. Relative to the control animals, oryzanol treatment resulted in a significant reduction in plasma total cholesterol (TC) (28%, P<0.01) and the sum of IDL-C, LDL-C, and VLDL-C (NON-HDL-C) (34%, P<0.01). In addition, the oryzanol-treated animals also exhibited a 25% reduction in percent cholesterol absorption vs. control animals. Endogenous cholesterol synthesis, as measured by the liver and intestinal HMG-CoA reductase activities, showed no difference between the two groups. To determine whether a lower dose of oryzanol was also efficacious and to measure aortic fatty streaks, 19 hamsters in experiment 2 were divided into two groups and fed for 10 wk chow-based diets containing 0.05% cholesterol and 10% coconut oil (w/w) (control) and the control diet plus 0.5% oryzanol (oryzanol). Relative to the control, oryzanol-treated hamsters had reduced plasma TC (44%, P<0.001), NON-HDL-C (57%, P<0.01), and triglyceride (TG) (46%, P<0.05) concentrations. Despite a 12% decrease in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P<0.01), the oryzanol-treated animals maintained a more optimum NON-HDL-C/HDL-C profile (1.1±0.4) than the contorl (2.5±1.4; P<0.0075). Aortic fatty streak formation, so defined by the degree of accumulation of Oil Red O-stained macrophage-derived foam cells, was reduced 67% (P<0.01) in the oryzanol-treated animals. From these studies, it is concluded that a constituent of the nonsaponifiable lipids of RBO, oryzanol, is at least partially responsible for the cholesterol-lowering action of RBO. In addition, the cholesterol-lowering action of oryzanol was associated with significant reductions in aortic fatty streak formation.     

Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol/High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness: A Cohort Study in China

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C/HDL-C) ratio may carry additional information and has been suggested as a better predictor for atherosclerosis progression and cardiovascular disease (CVD) than LDL-C and HDL-C alone. Therefore, we aim to explore the association between LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and high carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) risk in a large Cohort in Beijing, China. This cohort study included 13,612 adults without high CIMT at first entry and who attended the baseline examination and at least one follow-up annual examination between 2009 and 2016. We used multivariable Cox regression to estimate hazard ratios (HR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and risk of high CIMT. During 37,912 person-years of follow-up, 1996 (1268 men and 728 women) developed high CIMT. Compared with the first quartile of LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, the risk of high CIMT was significantly increased for the fourth quartile of LDL-C/HDL-C ratio (HR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.29–1.78). We observed a significant association between LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and high CIMT risk comparing LDL-C/HDL-C ratio >2.78 with LDL-C/HDL-C ratio ≤2.78 and significant dose–response relationship between LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and risk of high CIMT. The restricted cubic spline showed a significant nonlinear association between LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and the risk of high CIMT (p_{non-linearity} = 0.009). We identify a significant association between LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and the risk of high CIMT in the Chinese Cohort study. Future studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of reducing LDL-C/HDL-C ratio treatment on the development of high CIMT.     

Plasma folate levels are associated with the lipoprotein profile: a retrospective database analysis

Background

Several studies demonstrated an association of homocysteine plasma levels and the plasma lipoprotein profile. This cross-sectional pilot study aimed at analyzing whether blood levels of the two important cofactors of homocysteine metabolism, folate and vitamin B12, coincide with the lipoprotein profile.

Methods

In a retrospective single center approach, we analyzed the laboratory database (2003-2006) of the University Hospital Bonn, Germany, including 1743 individuals, in whom vitamin B12, folate and at least one lipoprotein parameter had been determined by linear multilogistic regression.

Results

Higher folate serum levels were associated with lower serum levels of low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; Beta = -0.164; p < 0.001), higher levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; Beta = 0.094; p = 0.021 for trend) and a lower LDL-C-C/HDL-C-ratio (Beta = -0.210; p < 0.001). Using ANOVA, we additionally compared the individuals of the highest with those of the lowest quartile of folate. Individuals of the highest folate quartile had higher levels of HDL-C (1.42 ± 0.44 mmol/l vs. 1.26 ± 0.47 mmol/l; p = 0.005), lower levels of LDL-C (3.21 ± 1.04 mmol/l vs. 3.67 ± 1.10 mmol/l; p = 0.001) and a lower LDL-C/HDL-C- ratio (2.47 ± 1.18 vs. 3.77 ± 5.29; p = 0.002). Vitamin B12 was not associated with the lipoprotein profile.

Conclusion

In our study sample, high folate levels were associated with a favorable lipoprotein profile. A reconfirmation of these results in a different study population with a well defined status of health, diet and medication is warranted.     

Microplate methods for determination of serum cholesterol,high density lipoprotein cholesterol,triglyceride and apolipoproteins

Microtiter plate methods were developed for the enzymatic determination of serum total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglyceride (TG), and for the turbidometric determination of apolipoproteins. The micromethods resulted in accurate, precise values that were in good agreement with the conventional spectrophotometric assays. The coefficient of variation for TC determinations was 4.5% or less and bias was 5% or less. The lipid micromethod assays are sensitive to 10 mg/dL or less, and the apolipoprotein assay to 1 mg/dL. Less than 100 μL of serum suffices for TC, TG and apoprotein assays; HDL-C requires an additional 100 μL of serum. Advantages of the micromethods include reductions in assay time and in the amount of reagents required.     

Variable frequencies of apolipoprotein e genotypes and its effect on serum lipids in the guangxi zhuang and han children

Guangxi Zhuang, the largest ethnic minority in China, is located in the southern part of the country, and well-known to the world as the longevity village. Studies of apolipoprotein E (APOE) polymorphism in adults suggest the lower frequencies of E4 allele and E4/E4 genotype may account, in part, for the favorable lipid profiles of Guangxi Zhuang. However, the effect of APOE polymorphism on serum lipids in the Guangxi Zhuang children is yet unknown to date. In the present study, genomic DNA was extracted from 278 Guangxi Zhuang and 200 Guangxi Han children. APOE genotypes were determined by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. The fasting serum lipoprotein a [Lp(a)], total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1) and apoB were measured. Our results demonstrated that no significant differences in serum lipids were observed between the Guangxi Zhuang and Han children. The E4/E4 and E4/E3 genotypic frequencies were significantly lower in the Guangxi Zhuang children compared with the Guangxi Han children, whereas for E2/E2, E3/E2 and E4/E2 genotypic frequencies the opposite was presented. Though no significant differences in serum lipid concentrations were found for variant alleles both in the Guangxi Zhuang and Han children, the trend was observed in the association of higher levels of Lp(a), TC, TG and LDL-C with E4 allele in the Guangxi Zhuang children. In conclusion, a significant heterogeneity in APOE genetic variation indeed exists between the Guangxi Zhuang and Han ethnic group. The E4 allele may serve as a genetic marker for susceptibility to higher lipid profiles in the Guangxi Zhuang children. Lifestyle should be modified, according to APOE polymorphism even in the young children.