Identification of a receptor mediating absorption of dietary cholesterol in the intestine

Here we show that scavenger receptor class B type I is present in the small-intestine brush border membrane where it facilitates the uptake of dietary cholesterol from either bile salt micelles or phospholipid vesicles. This receptor can also function as a port for several additional classes of lipids, including cholesteryl esters, triacylglycerols, and phospholipids. It is the first receptor demonstrated to be involved in the absorption of dietary lipids in the intestine. In liver and steroidogenic tissues, the physiological ligand of this receptor is high-density lipoprotein. We show that binding of high-density lipoprotein and apolipoprotein A-I to the brush border membrane-resident receptor inhibits uptake of cholesterol (sterol) into the brush border membrane from lipid donor particles. This finding lends further support to the conclusion that scavenger receptor BI catalyzes intestinal cholesterol uptake. Our findings suggest new therapeutic approaches for limiting the absorption of dietary cholesterol and reducing hypercholesterolemia and the risk of atherosclerosis.     

Lower levels of physical functioning are associated with higher body weight among middle-aged and older women

OBJECTIVE: To compare levels of physical function, across levels of body mass index (BMI), among middle- to older-aged women. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. Physical function, body weight and other covariates were measured in 1992. SUBJECTS: 56510 women aged 45-71 y, free of cardiovascular disease and cancer, participating in the Nurses' Health Study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The four physical function scores on the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Short Form-36 (SF36) Health Survey: physical functioning, vitality, bodily pain and role limitations. RESULTS: After adjusting for age, race, smoking status, menopausal status, physical activity and alcohol consumption, there was a significant dose-response gradient between increasing levels of BMI in 1992 and reduced function. For example, women with a BMI between 30-34.9 kg/m2 averaged: 9.0 point lower physical functioning score (95% Confidence interval (CI) -9.5, -8.5), 5.6 point lower vitality score (95% CI: -6.1, -5.1), and 7.0 point lower freedom from pain score (95% CI: -7.6, -6.4). These declines represent an approximate 10% loss of function compared to the reference category of women with BMIs ranging from 22.0-23.9 kg/m2. For the same BMI comparison, heavier women were at 66% increased risk of limitations in ability to work or perform other roles (RR = 1.66; 95% odds ratio (OR) CI: 1.56, 1.76). These findings were replicated when the sample was restricted to women who had maintained their BMI over a ten year period. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to increasing risk of chronic health conditions, greater adiposity is associated with lower every day physical functioning, such as climbing stairs or other moderate activities, as well as lower feelings of well-being and greater burden of pain.     

Evaluation criteria in follow-up studies of flexor tendon therapy

Oxphenisatin is known to induce liver damage and is suspected to cause or perpetuate chronic liver disease. In order to evaluate the hepatotoxic effect of long-term therapy with oxyphenisatin 26 consecutive patients with rheumatoid arthritis were investigated for the presence of liver disease. In all cases, liver biopsy, biochemical liver function tests and determination of Hepatitis-B antigen were performed. Ten patients showed no pathological changes in the liver biopsy and a further 2 had only non-specific changes. Seven patients had fatty liver, 5 passive congestion, one haemosiderosis and only one had cirrhosis of the liver. No correlation was found between the activity of rheumatoid arthritis, and duration of the disease, the drug therapy given, and the liver damage.     

Studies on the activity, properties and isoenzymes of acid phosphatase in the erythrocytes of swine, horse, dog, cat, duck and chicken

Acid phosphatase of erythrocytes of several species was investigated, with three isozymes having been recorded from swine (three types), three (two types) from horse, four (one type) from dog, two (two types) from cat, two (three types) from duck, and two (one type) from fowl. The Michaelis constant of the enzyme varied between 3.5 and 5 X 10(-4) M for the species involved. The species, however, differed slightly for the optimum pH of the enzyme. The average enzymatic activities were (5.68 +/- 0.42 for dog, 4.46 +/- 1.0 for horse, 3.8 +/- 0.24 for swine, 3.72 for cat, 2.5 +/- 0.62 for duck, and 1.9 +/- 0.8 for fowl. All values are units per gram haemoglobin. Even relatively low concentrations (0.2 or 1 mM) of copper, mercury, and cadmium ions were found to be strong inhibitors of the acid erythrocyte phosphatase.     

The radiologic manifestations of idiopathic intestinal pseudoobstruction

Six patients with idopathic intestinal pseudoobstruction underwent extensive radiographic evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract. Propulsive motor activity was consistently absent. All had smooth muscle dysfunction of the esophagus, small bowel, and colon, and two had abnormal gastric emptying. Two forms of the syndrome were observed, characterized by either hyper- or hypoactive smooth muscle. In the hyperactive form chaotic, spontaneous contractions of the esophagus and small intestine occurred and extensive diverticular disease of the colon was present. In the hypoactive form the esophagus was atonic and there was marked widening and hypomotility of the small intestine and colon. The presence of two forms of smooth muscle dysfunction suggests that the syndrome has a heterogeneous pathology and pathophysiology.