bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal Change in Plasma Total Homocysteine During Pregnancy and Postpartum in Brazilian Women and its Relation with Folate Status and Other Factors
Authors: Glorimar  , Pereira  , Trugo
Published: January 2006

Abstract: Fasting plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) concentration was determined in a cohort of pregnant Brazilian women (n = 46) supplemented with folic acid from the second trimester of pregnancy. Blood samples were obtained in the first and third trimesters from all women, and 30–40 days postpartum from seventeen women. Plasma tHcy decreased during pregnancy from 10.3 to 8.7 mumol/L, and was 11.6 mumol/L in the postpartum. Plasma and erythrocyte folate increased, consistent with use of the folate supplement, but decreased slightly in the postpartum, whereas the opposite occurred for plasma vitamin B12. tHcy was inversely correlated with plasma and erythrocyte folate in the third trimester (r = –0.585 and –0.460, respectively). This relationship occurred despite the fact that all women had attained what could be considered adequate levels of folate indices. Furthermore, the change (third trimester minus first trimester levels) of tHcy was inversely correlated (p < 0.01) with the changes in plasma (r = –0.573) and erythrocyte folate (r = –0.525). tHcy had no correlation in any of the periods tested with plasma vitamin B12, plasma albumin, hematocrit, hemoglobin, iron indices, dietary intakes of folate, vitamins B12 and B6, and levels of folate supplement.
beta-Carotene is Accumulated, Metabolized, and Possibly Converted to Retinol in Human Breast Carcinoma Cells (MCF-7)
Authors: Torres  , Borojevic  , Trugo
Published: January 2006

The aims of the present study were to investigate the uptake, accumulation, and metabolism of beta-carotene by the human breast carcinoma cell line MCF-7. Beta-carotene uptake was time- and dose-dependent, and independent of cell polarity. Beta-carotene accumulation in cells was linear as a function of its concentration in medium (1.3–4.1 mumol/L). It was accompanied by increasing amounts of retinol, which accumulated in cells following a sigmoid pattern, and by other four putative metabolites. Beta-apocarotenals, epoxides, endoperoxides, retinal, retinoic acid, and retinyl esters were not detected in cell extracts. Beta-carotene and its metabolites did not induce alterations in cell morphology or subcellular localization of epithelial mucins. Beta-carotene and retinol were released from cells that had previously accumulated beta-carotene, and were further incubated in beta-carotene- and retinol-free medium, but intracellular retinol content remained constant whereas b-carotene decreased. In conclusion, beta-carotene added to culture medium in physiological concentrations (1–6 mumol/L) is taken up and metabolized in MCF-7 cells, and is possibly converted to retinol.
Effect of Chromium Supplementation on Blood Glucose and Lipid Levels in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Elderly Patients
Authors: Rabinovitz  , Friedensohn  , Leibovitz  , Gabay  , Rocas  , Habot
Published: January 2006

Intervention trials have shown the beneficial effects of chromium supplementation in type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus). This study investigated the effects of chromium picolinate on elderly diabetic patients within a rehabilitation program. Thirty-nine diabetic subjects, average age 73 years (18 males and 21 females), undergoing rehabilitation following stroke or hip fracture, were recruited to participate in this study. An additional 39 diabetic patients constituted the control group. Along with standard treatment for diabetes, the study group received 200 mug of chromium twice a day for a three-week period. Blood samples, dietary intake, and anthropometric data were collected prior to and post-intervention. Throughout the study period, participants received a diet of approximately 1500 kcal/day. Significant differences in the fasting blood level of glucose compared to the baseline (190 mg/dL vs 150 mg/dL, p < 0.001) were found at the end of the study. HbA1c also improved from 8.2% to 7.6% (p < 0.01). Total cholesterol was also reduced from 235 mg/dL to 213 mg/dL (p < 0.02). A trend towards lowered triglyceride levels was also observed (152 mg/dL vs 136 mg/dL). We conclude that, in this population of elderly, diabetic patients undergoing rehabilitation, dietary supplementation with chromium is beneficial in moderating glucose intolerance. In addition, chromium intake appears to lower plasma lipid levels.
Folate status of adults living in the Canary Islands (Spain)
Authors: Henríquez  , Doreste  , Díaz-Cremades  , López-Blanco  , Álvarez-León  , Serra-Majem
Published: January 2006

Background and aim: Human studies support the hypothesized contribution of folate deficiency to carcinogenesis and vascular risk. We assess the nutritional folate status and its relationship to folate intake, smoking, alcohol consumption, oral contraceptive use, and multivitamin supplements. Methodology: A representative sample of 601 individuals from 18 to 75 years of age was selected from the participants in the Canary Islands Nutrition Survey. A food frequency questionnaire was administered. Serum and erythrocyte levels of folate were determined using a method of automated ionic capturing. Results: Mean serum and red cell folate were 8.2 ng/mL and 214.3 ng/mL, respectively. Only one individual had serum folate below 3 ng/mL, and 21.7% showed moderate deficits (3–6 ng/mL); 10.7% of the sample had erythrocyte folate levels falling below 140 ng/mL, 61.3% between 140 and 240 ng/mL and the remaining 27.9% above 240 ng/mL. A positive significant association was observed between these two folate measurements, as well as between folate intake and each of these biomarkers (p < 0.001). Tobacco consumption was negatively correlated with folate status (p < 0.001). Alcohol consumption, oral contraceptive, and vitamin supplement use were not associated with serum and red cell folate levels. Conclusions: Even though nutritional folate status can be considered minimally acceptable, it may reflect the low level of fruit and vegetable consumption within the Canary Islands population.
Concentrations of Ascorbic Acid in the Plasma of Pregnant Smokers and Nonsmokers and their Newborns
Authors: de Oliveira  , de Carvalho Rondó  , de Moraes Barros
Published: January 2006

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the differences in vitamin C status of Brazilian pregnant women smokers and nonsmokers and their respective newborn babies, and to assess the prevalence of hypovitaminosis C among these two groups of women. The study involved 127 pregnant women, 40 pregnant smokers and 87 pregnant nonsmokers, admitted to a maternity hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. Data concerning the pregnant women's socioeconomic, demographic, obstetric, and nutritional characteristics were collected, as well as data concerning the newborns' anthropometry and Apgar scores. A strongly significant correlation (p < 0.001) was found between the concentrations of ascorbic acid (AA) in both pregnant smokers (r = 0.77) and pregnant nonsmokers (r = 0.61) and their respective umbilical cords. The mean umbilical AA concentration was significantly higher than the mean AA concentration in pregnant women (92.05 ± 41.13 vs. 33.39 ± 18.25 mumol/L, p < 0.001). It was observed that the mean AA was significantly lower for the newborns (p = 0.03) and pregnant women (p = 0.02) from the smoking group. Forty percent (40%) of the smokers and 27% of the nonsmokers presented hypovitaminosis C. We suggest an increase in the consumption of fruits and vegetables by pregnant women, especially the smokers.
Plasma-Kinetic Characteristics of Purified and Isolated Green Tea Catechin Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) after 10 Days Repeated Dosing in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Ullmann  , Haller  , Decourt  , Girault  , Spitzer  , Weber
Published: January 2006

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study assessed the safety, tolerability, and plasma-kinetic behavior of 94% pure crystalline epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) after ten days' repeated dosing in 36 healthy male volunteers. Each of the three treatment groups consisted of 12 subjects; nine of them received oral EGCG in one dose of 200, 400, or 800 mg daily, and three received a placebo. Blood samples for plasma-kinetic EGCG characterization were taken on day 1 and day 10. Kinetic parameters for rate and extent, elimination half-lives, and accumulation factor (R) were determined and compared between day 1 and day 10 for each dosage group. Orally administered EGCG is rapidly absorbed from the gut. Dose linearity was applied for single-dose application (day 1). After repeated dosing (day 10) dose linearity was applied between the 200 mg and 400 mg group. Dose escalation to 800 mg was more than dose-proportional in rate and extent, and statistically different from the 200 mg and 400 mg group. An increase in elimination half-life (t1/2.z) and in the accumulation factor (R) in the 800 mg dosage group indicates dose-dependent saturation of capacity-limited excretion routes or an increase of hepato-duodenal re-circulation. Ten days’ repeated administration of oral doses of EGCG of up to 800 mg per day were found to be safe and very well tolerated.
Cardiovascular Effects of Oral Supplementation of Vitamin C, E and Folic Acid in Young Healthy Males
Authors: Schutte  , Huisman  , Oosthuizen  , van Rooyen  , Jerling
Published: January 2006

Numerous observational studies showed associations of antioxidants (vitamins C and E) and folate intake with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, but randomized controlled clinical trials have generally not supported this hypothesis. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a daily dosage of 1000 mg vitamin C, 800 mg vitamin E, and 10 mg folate on markers of vascular function in 31 young healthy male adults. Cardiovascular values after a 12-week vitamin (14 subjects) or placebo (17 subjects) intervention were compared to baseline values. Cardiovascular parameters (blood pressure, stroke volume, heart rate, cardiac output, vascular resistance, arterial compliance) were measured continuously after an overnight fast under controlled circumstances with a Finometer device. Our main finding was a significant decrease (p = 0.03) in systolic blood pressure in the experimental group. No statistically significant changes were observed within other cardiovascular variables of the experimental group, but possible beneficial decreases in diastolic blood pressure and increases in arterial compliance after 12 weeks of vitamin supplementation were indicated. In conclusion, beneficial effects of antioxidants and folate were observed probably because the supplementation was used by young healthy subjects under carefully controlled conditions.
Goiter Prevalence and Urinary Iodine Excretion in Schoolchildren of Jordan
Authors: Kharabsheh  , Belbesi  , Qarqash  , Azizi
Published: January 2006

Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) are considered a major health problem in the eastern Mediterranean region. In Jordan, an IDD assessment was performed in 1993 following which, a salt iodization and consumption program was implemented and a monitoring survey performed in 2000. In schoolchildren 8 to 10 years of age (2457 in 1993 and 2601 in 2000) goiter was graded according to WHO classification. Urinary iodine was measured in 10% of the children in 1993 and in all of them in 2000. Percent of iodine consumption in households was assessed by rapid kit test in 2000. Prevalence of goiter was 37.7 and 32.1% and median urinary iodine was 40 and 154 mug/L, in 1993 and 2000, respectively. Before salt iodization, the prevalence of goiter and severity of iodine deficiency was more pronounced in rural regions and in the southern part of Jordan. In 2000, all but one governorate had a median urinary iodine (MUI) of above 100 mug/L. The percentage of urinary iodine levels < 50 mug in two governorates was > 20%. Iodine consumption rate of households was 88.3% throughout the country, but was < 70% in three governorates. It is concluded that moderate and severe IDD existed before 1993 in Jordan. Although the iodized salt program has been successful in optimizing MUI, the program for the control of IDD needs further improvement.
Predictors of cardiovascular risk factors in Tehranian adolescents: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study
Authors: Azizi  , Mirmiran  , Azadbakht
Published: January 2006

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the major health and social problems in Iran. The aim of this study is to determine the predictors of CVD risk factors in adolescents residing in district 13 of Tehran. Methods: Dietary intake assessment was undertaken with two separate 24-hour recall interviews with adolescents aged 11–18 years, selected from among 15005 subjects who were participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. After excluding the under- and over-reporters, 290 adolescents remained in the study. Data related to cigarette smoking was collected. Height and weight were assessed and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Blood pressure was measured twice at intervals in a seated position. Serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations were measured in a blood sample after 12 hours of fasting, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was calculated. To determine the predictors of CVD risk factors stepwise linear regression was used. Results: There were strong positive correlations between BMI and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure in girls: (beta = 1.8, p < 0.001; beta = 0.8, p < 0.001) and boys (beta = 0.04, p < 0.001; beta = 0.05, p < 0.01). There was an inverse association between calcium intake and systolic (beta = –0.16, p < 0.05) and diastolic blood pressure in boys (beta = –0.36, p < 0.01), as well as inverse association between calcium intake and systolic (beta = –1.2, p < 0.05) and diastolic blood pressure (beta = –0.05, p < 0.05) and serum triglycerides (beta = –0.1, p < 0.01) in girls. Positive correlations were found between BMI and cholesterol in girls (beta = 0.2, p < 0.01) and boys (beta = 0.31, p < 0.01). Conclusion: Certain dietary and life style factors predict CVD risk factors in Tehranian adolescents.
Melatonin Improved the Disturbances in Hepatic Prooxidant and Antioxidant Balance and Hepatotoxicity Induced by a High Cholesterol Diet in C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Balkan  , Sener  , Çevikbas  , Keyer-Uysal  , Uysal
Published: January 2006

We examined the effect of melatonin in prooxidant and antioxidant state in the liver of C57BL/6J mice fed on a high cholesterol (HC) diet. Mice were fed with normal mice chow containing 1.5% cholesterol and 0.5% cholic acid for 4 months without and with melatonin (10 mg/L in drinking water) treatment. HC diet was observed to increase malondialdehyde (MDA) and diene conjugate (DC) levels in the liver. This diet lowered glutathione (GSH), alpha-tocopherol, and total ascorbic acid levels as well as glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glutathione transferase (GST) activities in the liver, but hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity remained unchanged. Although melatonin treatment did not affect these parameters in mice fed a normal diet, it reduced hepatic MDA and DC levels in mice fed an HC diet. Hepatic a-tocopherol and ascorbic acid levels increased, but hepatic GSH levels remained unchanged in the melatonin-treated HC group as compared to the HC group. Melatonin treatment was found to increase liver GSH-Px and GST activities in mice fed an HC diet. However, SOD activity did not alter in the liver of hypercholesterolemic mice following melatonin treatment. In addition, the histopathological lesions observed in the cholesterol-plus-melatonin group were less severe than those seen in the cholesterol group. According to these observations, we can say that melatonin treatment has an ameliorating effect on the disturbances in prooxidant and antioxidant balance and histopathological lesions in the liver of mice following cholesterol feeding.
A comparison between the antioxidant and peroxynitrite-scavenging functions of the vitamin E metabolites alpha- and gamma-carboxyethyl-6-hydroxychromans
Authors: Galli  , Piroddi  , Iannone  , Pagliarani  , Tomasi  , Floridi
Published: January 2006

Carboxyethyl-6-hydroxychromans (CEHC) are vitamin E metabolites with proposed in vitro antioxidant function. In this study we compared the antioxidant potency of the two main CEHC metabolites found in biological fluids (i.e., alpha-CEHC and gamma-CEHC) using two different experimental models of lipid oxidation: 1) plasma diluted 1/50 vol/vol in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) exposed to 50 muM Cu2+ ions, and 2) LDL (100 mug of proteins) exposed to different pro-oxidants as 2.5 muM Cu2+, 1 mM of the water soluble peroxyl radical generator 2,2'-Azobis(2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride (AAPH) and human macrophages (4 x 105 cells). Moreover, the two CEHC homologues were assessed for the inhibitory effect on the peroxynitrite (ONOO–)-induced nitration of tyrosine (Tyr). The results showed that in the concentration range 0.015–5 muM the CEHC metabolites and the hydrosoluble analogue Trolox exert similar concentration-dependent inhibition of the Cu2+-induced lipid oxidation of plasma. After in vitro exposure to tert-butyl hydroperoxide/Fe2+, CEHC formed chromanoxyl radicals with electron spin resonance spectra matching exactly those of their parent tocopherols. The LDL oxidation induced by AAPH or Cu2+ was significantly and similarly inhibited by 1 muM of both the CEHC homologues and Trolox. gamma-CEHC showed a slight but significantly higher inhibition of the macrophage-induced low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation than alpha-CEHC. Both the CEHC homologues inhibit Tyr nitration induced by ONOO–. However, gamma-CEHC produced a slightly greater inhibitory effect than alpha-CEHC through the formation of the nitrated congener 5-nitro-gamma-CEHC. In all the systems under investigation, low nanomolar concentrations of CEHC (i.e., the concentration range in the blood of subjects with normal dietary intake of vitamin E) produced feeble antioxidant effects. In conclusion, gamma-CEHC and alpha-CEHC show similar concentration-dependent inhibition of plasma and LDL lipid oxidation. gamma-CEHC has a fairly higher potency than alpha-CEHC as ONOO– scavenger through the formation of 5-nitro-gamma-CEHC. CEHC metabolites show the same in vitro antioxidant chemistry of their parent tocopherols, but the characteristic hydrophilicity of these metabolites could result in different biopotency and roles. Further studies are needed to clarify whether CEHC could contribute to the antioxidant network in biological fluids and tissues.
Fruit and Vegetables Consumption in Relation to Health and Diet of Medical Students in Crete, Greece
Authors: Bertsias  , Linardakis  , Mammas  , Kafatos
Published: January 2006

In Greece, prevalence of cardiovascular disease has been increasing during the last few decades. From a public health point of view, it is important to identify lifestyle practices associated with cardiovascular disease risk factors. As part of the Clinical Nutrition course at the University of Crete School of Medicine, 507 medical students (292 men, 215 women) were examined during the period 1995–2001. Individual 24-hour dietary recalls were taken, lifestyle questionnaires were completed, and anthropometric and serum lipid measurements were performed. Fruits and vegetables were consumed by 90% of men (370 ± 275 g/day) and 94% of women (354 ± 283 g/day). Among non/ex-smokers who ate fruit and vegetables, 41% consumed _400 g/day, compared to 31% of current smokers (p = 0.05). The risk for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) < 35 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) _ 130 mg/dL, and total cholesterol/HDL-C ratio (TC:HDL-C) _ 5 decreased with increasing quartile of fruit and vegetables consumption (trend p < 0.01). Fruit and vegetable intake was favorably related to intake of dietary fiber, calcium, magnesium, potassium, folate, and vitamins C, E, A, B1 and B6, and inversely related to saturated and trans fatty acids and cholesterol. Prospective studies should be performed within the general young adult population to assess the long-term effects of fruit and vegetable consumption on chronic disease risk development.
Synergistic Effects of Tocopherol, Tocotrienol, and Ubiquinone in Indomethacin-Induced Experimental Gastric Lesions
Authors: Nafeeza  , Kang
Published: January 2006

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and their adverse effects on the gastric mucosa are yet another set of unresolved medical problems. This study examined the effects of various antioxidants on several gastric parameters after a single exposure to indomethacin. Forty-eight male rats of the Sprague-Dawley (200–250 g) strain were randomly divided to receive a single antioxidant (tocopherol, tocotrienol, or ubiquinone) or a combination of two (tocopherol-tocotrienol, tocopherol-ubiquinone or tocotrienol-ubiquinone) for 28 days. The rats were then challenged with a single dose of indomethacin and killed six hours later. Findings showed that the severity of gastric lesions was comparable in all groups. Only groups that received a combination of antioxidants exhibited reduced lipid peroxidation compared with all other groups (p < 0.05). The combination groups had a higher level of gastric prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) content compared with all other groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference among the groups in the gastric acid concentration and the glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio. We conclude that although supplementation of these antioxidants in combination had desirable effects on lipid peroxidation and gastric PGE2 level, they did not reduce the lesions produced by indomethacin.
Exposure to Retinoic Acids in Non-Pregnant Women Following High Vitamin A Intake with a Liver Meal
Authors: Hartmann  , Brørs  , Bock  , Blomhoff  , Bausch  , Wiegand  , Hartmann  , Hornig
Published: January 2006

Animal liver is a rich source of vitamin A. Due to retinoic acid (RA) metabolites, vitamin A has a teratogenic potential and women are generally advised to avoid or to limit the consumption of liver during pregnancy. In a recent study in non-pregnant female volunteers following single and repeated doses of up to 30,000 IU/day of vitamin A as a supplement, the plasma concentration time curve of all-trans RA acid showed a diurnal-like profile. But, the overall exposure (AUC24h) remained essentially unaltered whereas AUC24h increased linearly with dose for 13-cis and 13-cis-4-oxo RA. The current study in non-pregnant female volunteers showed that a single high vitamin A intake with a liver meal (up to 120,000 IU) exhibited a similar diurnal-like plasma concentration time curve for all-trans RA and its overall exposure remained also unaltered, despite a temporary two-fold increase in peak plasma concentration. Concentrations of 13-cis and 13-cis-4-oxo RA increased several-fold after a liver meal, and exposure (AUC24h) increased three- to five-fold. Pooling our results with data in the literature revealed a linear relation between the mean AUC24h of 13-cis and 13-cis-4-oxo RA and vitamin A intake with liver. Metabolism to all-trans RA of vitamin A with liver seems not to be of safety concern. However, the observed increase of plasma concentrations and the dose-dependent increase in exposure to 13-cis and 13-cis-4-oxo RA support the current safety recommendations on vitamin A intake and suggest that women should be cautious regarding their consumption of liver-containing meals during pregnancy.
Molasses Increases HDL Cholesterol in Rats Research Note
Authors: Schlegelmilch  , Brandsch  , Stangl  , Eder
Published: January 2006

Two experiments were conducted to determine whether molasses might exert effects on serum lipoproteins. In experiment 1, 24 rats were divided into two groups and fed diets containing liquid molasses from sugar beet or sucrose (7.71 g of molasses dry matter or sucrose per kg of diet). The second experiment included four groups of rats (n = 12/group) and was conducted in a bifactorial design, with the factors being molasses (non-supplementation vs. supplementation of 77.1 g of molasses dry matter per kg of diet at the expense of sucrose) and dietary cholesterol (0 vs. 5 g/kg diet). In experiment 1, the ratio of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentration tended to be lower in rats fed the molasses diet than in rats fed the control diet (p < 0.15). In experiment 2, rats fed the molasses diet had higher concentrations of HDL cholesterol (+ 26%) than control rats fed diets without molasses (p < 0.05). This effect was independent of the dietary cholesterol concentration. Concentrations of cholesterol in LDL, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and liver as well as concentrations of triacylglycerols in plasma and liver remained unaffected by molasses in both experiments. In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that supplementation of molasses is effective at raising HDL cholesterol levels in rats.
Effects of Administration of beta-Carotene, Ascorbic Acid, Persimmons, and Pods on Antioxidative Ability in UV-Irradiated ODS Rats
Authors: Hosotani  , Yoshida  , Kitagawa
Published: January 2006

To evaluate the effects of supplementing diets with carotenoid and ascorbic acid (AsA) on the antioxidative ability of Osteogenic Disorder-Shionogi (ODS) rats, we added synthetic b-carotene (bC), AsA, and powders of persimmon (Ka) and pods (Po) containing bC and AsA to the diet and obtained the following results. The urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) concentration was low in the –betaC•AsA and +AsA groups but high in the +betaC. AsA, +Ka, and +Po groups. The thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in both the liver and skin were higher in the –betaC•AsA group than in the +betaC•AsA group and were low in the +Ka and +Po groups. As antioxidant enzymes, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity was high in the +betaC•AsA group, low in the –betaC•AsA group in both the skin and liver, and also high in the + Ka and +Po group in the liver. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was high in the –betaC•AsA group and low in the +betaC•AsA and +Ka groups in both the skin and liver. Catalase (CAT) activity in the liver was low in the –betaC•AsA, + AsA, and +betaC groups and high in the +betaC•AsA and + Po groups. These results confirmed that the administration of betaC, AsA, and persimmons and pods increases antioxidative ability in the skin and liver of ultraviolet-b(UV-B)-irradiated ODS rats.
Does Antioxidant Supplementation Alter the Effects of Acute Exercise on Erythrocyte Aggregation, Deformability and Endothelium Adhesion in Untrained Rats?
Authors: Kayatekin  , Uysal  , Resmi  , Bediz  , Temiz-Artmann  , Genç  , Tugyan  , Açikgöz  , Gönenç  , Akhisaroglu  , Çehreli
Published: January 2006

This study aimed to determine whether high-dose antioxidant supplementation had an impact on the acute exercise effects related to erythrocyte membrane mechanics. Experimental animals (n = 32) were divided into four groups as control, exercised, supplemented, and supplemented + exercise. Four-week antioxidant supplementation (vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc) was applied to experimental animals. Following acute exercise on a motor-driven rodent treadmill, erythrocyte aggregation and deformability, erythrocyte adhesion to endothelial cells, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase activities of the erythrocytes were analyzed. In both supplemented and non-supplemented exercised groups, there was a significant decrease in SOD activities and erythrocyte aggregation, and an increase in adhesion to endothelial cell although there was no change on erythrocyte deformability. There were no differences in the responses to the exercise of supplemented and non-supplemented rats. The data suggested that high-dose antioxidant supplementation did not alter the effects of acute exercise on erythrocyte membrane mechanics.
Plasma Amino Acid Concentrations in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease: A Comparison between UK Indian Asian and Caucasian Men
Authors: Obeid
Published: January 2006

The pattern of plasma free amino acids (PFAAs) of subjects with coronary heart disease (CHD) and controls was investigated. PFAA concentrations of CHD patients (29 Caucasian, 20 UK Indian Asian) and controls (36 Caucasian, 27 UK Indian Asian) were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Plasma free alanine, tyrosine, and isoleucine concentrations were higher in UK Indian Asians compared with Caucasians. Plasma free alanine concentration was higher in CHD patients compared with controls, and the difference was mainly related to the presence of diabetes or elevated blood glucose in the former. Plasma free cysteine concentration was higher in CHD patients compared with controls; this does not seem to be affected by the eating habits of the two races, and seems to be a good marker for CHD and better than that of homocysteine. The data obtained in the present study showed no major alteration in PFAAs pattern in CHD patients except for that of cysteine.
General Obesity and Central Adiposity in a Representative Sample of Tehranian Adults: Prevalence and Determinants
Authors: Azadbakht  , Mirmiran  , Shiva  , Azizi
Published: January 2006

Aims: To determine the prevalence and associations of general and central obesity in adults residing in district 13 of Tehran and to examine the associations of obesity with certain factors. Design: Population-based cross sectional study. Setting: Tehran, the capital of Iran. Subjects: A total of 9984 subjects (4164 men and 5820 women) aged 20–70 years. Methods: Demographic data were collected and anthropometric indices including weight, height, and waist and hip circumference were measured, according to standard protocols. Dietary intake was assessed by means of two 24-hour dietary recall forms. To determine the prevalence and association of general and central obesity, the suggested cut-off for Tehranian people, adjusted for their age group, was used. A body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 24 for men and ≥ 25 for women was used to determine the characteristic of obesity . Central obesity was determined as a waist-hip ratio (WHR) of > 0.86 for men and WHR ≥ 0.78 for women. To determine the associations between general and central obesity and other factors, logistic regression was used. Results: The means of BMI, waist circumference (WC), and WHR were 25.8 ± 4.1 kg/m2, 88.3 ± 11.4 cm, and 0.91 ± 0.07 in men and 27.3 ± 5.4 kg/m2, 87.5 ± 12.9 cm, and 0.83 ± 0.08 in women, respectively. Obesity and central obesity were higher in women than in men; 67% vs. 29% for obesity and 93% vs. 74.1% for central obesity, respectively. Illiteracy (OR = 1.65; 95% CI = 1.13–2.41 in men; OR = 1.87, 95% CI = 1.59–2.21 in women), marriage (OR = 3.84, 95% CI = 3.63–4.29 in men; OR = 3.20, 95% CI = 3.63–4.19 in women), and very low physical activity (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.09–1.53 in men; OR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.10–1.76 in women) were factors associated with obesity. The risk of being centrally obese for men in the fourth quartile of legumes intake was lower than men in other quartiles (p < 0.05). Women in the first quartile of dairy consumption had the highest risk of being generally and centrally obese (OR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.72–2.48 for general obesity and OR = 3.01, 95% CI = 2.36-3.67 for central obesity). The risk of obesity for women in the fourth quartile of energy and saturated fatty acid consumption was higher than for those in the first quartile (OR = 2.69, 95% CI = 2.39–3.11 for energy and OR = 1.36, 95% CI= 1.10–1.64 for saturated fatty acids). The risk of being centrally obese was higher for women in the first quartile of protein intake compared with women in the fourth quartile (OR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.02–2.32). Conclusions: The results from this national population-based study in Iran show high prevalence of obesity in Tehranian adults. The strong associations between obesity and certain life style factors confirm the necessity of multifactorial intervention.
The Effect of Vitamin E Supplementation on Serum DHEA and Neopterin Levels in Elderly Subjects
Authors: van Amsterdam  , van der Horst-Graat  , Bischoff  , Steerenberg  , Opperhuizen  , Schouten
Published: January 2006

Contradictory results have been published on the immune-stimulating effects of vitamin E. Using a randomized placebo-controlled design, the effect of 15 month’s daily supplementation with 200 mg vitamin E on two biomarkers of immunocompetence, i.e. serum DHEA sulfate ester (DHEA-S) and neopterin, was studied. Of the 100 relatively healthy Dutch elderly subjects included in the study, 50 were supplemented with vitamin E and 50 received placebo. As compared to placebo, vitamin E supplementation affected neither serum DHEA-S nor serum neopterin level. This corroborates with the finding that vitamin E supplementation did not affect infection-related severity measures, i.e. total number of days with respiratory infection, and total duration of the infections. It is concluded that vitamin E supplementation does not substantially alter the immunocompetence markers DHEA and neopterin in elderly subjects, and may explain our recently reported failure of vitamin E supplementation to afford protection against acute respiratory infections.
Evaluation of Waist Circumference to Predict Cardiovascular Risk Factors in an Overweight Tehranian Population: Findings from Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study
Authors: Esmaillzadeh  , Mirmiran  , Azizi
Published: January 2006

This study was conducted to evaluate the waist circumference (WC) cut-off points to predict cardiovascular risk factors in the overweight Tehranian population. Anthropometric measures, blood pressure, and biochemical analyses were evaluated for the 15,005 participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. Three thousand sixty-five subjects aged 18–74 years with a body mass index of 25–29.9 were enrolled in this study. Abdominal obesity was defined as WC ≥ 102 cm for men and ≥ 88 cm for women. Sensitivity of WC ≥ 102 cm to detect various cardiovascular risk factors for men aged 35–54 years was between 5% and 14%, and for men aged 55–74 years, was between 12% and 19%. The specificity of this cut-off point was between 93% and 98% and between 86% and 96% for corresponding age-categories, respectively. WC ≥ 88 cm had a sensitivity of between 28% and 41% for identifying cardiovascular risk factors in women aged 18–34 years. Sensitivity tended to increase with age and specificity tended to decrease with age in both genders. These cut-off points had the highest positive predictive value for the more prevalent risk factors in both genders. The negative predictive values were different for various risk factors among age groups. The classic cut-off points of WC failed to provide adequate evidence for the use of WC in detecting cardiovascular risk factors. Further studies should be conducted to determine optimal WC cut-off points for Iranians.
Effects of Increased Dietary Protein and Energy on Composition and Functional Capacities of Blood Mononuclear Cells from Vaccinated, Neonatal Calves
Authors: Foote  , Nonnecke†  , Waters  , Palmer  , Beitz  , Fowler  , Miller  , Johnson  , Perry
Published: January 2006

Effects of increased protein and energy provided by an intensified milk replacer on the antigen-specific, cell-mediated immune response of the neonatal calf were examined. Calves were fed a standard (0.45 kg/day of a 20% crude protein, 20% fat milk replacer; n = 11) or intensified (1.14 kg/day of a 28% crude protein, 20% fat milk replacer; n = 11) diet from 0 to 6 weeks of age. All calves were vaccinated with Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) at 1 week of age. The daily weight gain of intensified-diet calves (0.62 kg/day) was greater than the weight gain of standard-diet calves (0.29 kg/day). Liver, kidney, heart, thymus, and subcervical lymph nodes from intensified-diet calves were heavier than the same organs from standard-diet calves. Flow cytometric analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) populations indicated that CD4+ cells, gamma delta TCR+ cells, and monocyte percentages, although unaffected by diet during the first 5 weeks of the study, were higher in intensified-diet calves at week 6. The decline in gamma deltad TCR+ cell percentages and increase in B cell percentages with increasing age seen in all calves are characteristic of the maturing immune system of the calf. CD8+ T cell or B cell percentages were not affected by diet. In intensified-diet calves, percentages of CD4+ expressing interleukin-2 receptor increased and percentages of gamma delta TCR+ cells expressing interleukin-2 receptor decreased with time. The same populations in standard-diet calves did not change with time. Percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and B cells expressing MHC class II antigen, were unaffected by diet or age. Although mitogen-induced interferon (IFN)-gamma and nitric oxide (NO) secretion increased with age for all calves, PBMC from intensified-diet calves produced less IFN-gamma and more NO than did cells from standard-diet calves at week 6 of the study. Antigen-induced secretion of IFN-gamma and NO also increased with age but was unaffected by diet. Antigen-elicited delayed-type hypersensitivity was unaffected by diet, suggesting increased dietary protein and energy did not alter adaptive immunity in vivo. Overall, these results suggest that feeding calves a commercially available, intensified milk replacer affects minimally the composition and functional capacities of PBMC populations. Additional research is necessary to determine whether these subtle effects influence the calf’s susceptibility to infectious disease.
Vergleich von hämostaseologischen Parametern im arteriellen und venösen Blut bei Patienten mit peripherer arterieller Verschlußkrankheit
Authors: Woller  , Lawall  , Amann  , Angelkort
Published: January 2006

Background: Several studies proved the co-existence of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) and hypercoagulability. However, in practice coagulation parameters are mainly determined from venous blood samples. In this study several coagulation parameters in arterial and venous blood were examined for differences and the validity of coagulation parameters determined in venous blood was investigated. Patients and methods: In 22 patients with peripheral artery disease venous and arterial blood samples from vessels of the diseased leg were examined for the concentration of thrombine-antithrombine III-complex (TAT), prothrombin fragments (F1 and F2) and D-dimers, and results were compared. Results: Mean concentrations of TATs and prothrombin fragments F1 and F2 were significantly higher in arterial than in venous blood. TAT-complex was the most sensitive parameter for quantification of thrombin generation. D-dimer levels did not differ in arterial and venous blood. TAT and F1 and F2 concentrations in arterial and venous blood did not correlate in individual patients whereas D-dimer concentration did. Conclusion: The determination of TAT and F1+F2 in venous blood does not adequately reflect the degree of the local coagulation activation in the arterial system. As indicators for hypercoagulability, D-Dimer values are less sensitive than F1+2, but venous D-dimer concentrations mirror arterial levels.
Die Bedeutung des Flußvolumens sowie des peripheren Abflußwiderstandes für die Frühfunktion von infrainguinalen arteriellen Rekonstruktionen
Authors: Wölfle  , Bruijnen  , Morski  , Kugelmann  , Campbell  , Loeprecht
Published: January 2006

Background: At present, the importance of functional parameters as determinants for graft patency is under debate. Therefore, in our institution a prospective study was undertaken to evaluate the influence of graft blood flow as well as the currently applied methods for outflow resistance measurement on early (≤ 30 days) graft outcome. Patient and methods: 101 arterial revascularisations with infrageniculate graft insertion were entered into this study. After having verified the morphological integrity of the reconstruction, during temporary inflow occlusion total outflow resistance (TOR) was determined as a pressure/flow relationship by perfusion of the graft with saline (flow rates 25, 50, 100, 150 ml/min before and after papaverine) while simultaneously recording pressure generated at the distal anastomosis. In addition, after restoration of blood flow, flow index (FI) was calculated in an analogous way from the TBF through the graft and the respective mean distal anastomotic pressure. Graft patency at 30 days was determined by Duplex ultrasound. Results: Functional parameters were found to be unable to differentiate between patent and failed reconstructions during the 30 day period: The mean TORaveraged values amounted to 722.5 (SD = 310) in patent and 735.9 (SD = 228,1 ) mPRU in occluded bypasses (T-value = 0.1681; n.s.). The corresponding figures were 176.8 (SD = 94.2) and 196.4 (SD = 93.6) ml/min for TBF (T-value = 0.7342; n.s.) and were 0.53 (SD = 0.34) and 0.45 (SD = 0.25 ) PRU for FI (T-value = 0.8905; n.s.). Using multiple logistic regression analysis functional parameters showed no influence on graft patency while graft length and the necessity for intraoperative graft modification emerged to be significant determinants of early graft outcome (R2 adjusted = 0.46; p = 0.006). Conclusion: The results of our study suggest that neither blood flow nor the presently used methods to assess outflow resistance are relevant prognostic factors for early (≤ 30 days) graft performance.
Spontan reversible frühe Restenose nach perkutaner transluminaler Angioplastie
Authors: Leu  , Pfammatter  , Schneider  , Enzler  , Leung  , Hoffmann
Published: January 2006

Early reocclusion and late restenosis are well-known problems after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). We report here on a phenomenon not described so far in two patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease who had PTA of the common iliac and the superficial femoral artery, respectively. Both had a good hemodynamic and clinical initial result. However, within two days after PTA symptomatic reobstruction occurred documented by noninvasive measurements. Noteworthy, this reobstruction was spontaneously reversible within days. The possible pathomechanism is discussed.
Intraabdomineller pulsierender Tumor nach endovaskulärer Behandlung eines infrarenalen Aortenaneurysmas
Authors: Lachat  , Pfammatter  , Moehrlen  , Hilfiker  , Hoerstrup  , Turina
Published: January 2006

A 70 years old patient was successfully treated for infrarenal aortic aneurysm by an endovascular bifurcated prosthesis. Three months later, because of dysuria, he underwent urological examination revealing an abdominal pulsatile tumor. Thereafter, the patient was sent to our emergency ward with suspected symptomatical endoleak. Radiological screening by computer tomography and magnetic resonance angiography showed good post-operative results without endoleak. Patient was treated with antispasmodic medication and is doing well today. Because endovascular repair of aortic aneurysm, in contrast to an open approach, does not eliminate the aneurysm itself, post-operative abdominal palpation can be ambigous. Magnetic resonance angiography – without the need of nephrotoxic contrast medium – compares favourabely to CT and provides excellent pictures with less artefacts for post-operative screening of endoleak. If reperfusion can be excluded, pulsation is due to the transmission of the blood-pressure wave to the thrombosed aneurysm.
Expression der Gewebe- und Plasminogen-Aktivator-Aktivitäten bei chronischen venösen Ulzera
Authors: Rogers  , Burnett  , Lindholm  , Bjellerup  , Christensen  , Zederfeldt   , Peschen  , Chen
Published: January 2006

Background: Chronic wounds have been shown to exhibit elevated levels of several classes of proteinases. Plasminogen activators (PAs) are proteinases which play a major role in the biological processes involved in wound healing and abnormalities in PAs may play a role in the pathology associated with chronic wounds. Here, we investigated the expression of tPA and uPA activities in chronic venous ulcer biopsies. Patients and methods: In 22 patients with chronic venous leg ulcers, punch biopsies were taken from the ulcer base, ulcer margin and uninvolved skin from the thigh of the affected limb and PA activities were assessed using in situ histological zymography. Results: tPA is the main PA activity in uninvolved skin but was reduced in ulcer margin skin and venous leg ulcer tissue compared to normal skin. uPA activity appeared throughout the ulcer margin skin but was at low levels in normal skin. Ulcer base tissue appeared to exhibit a plasminogen-independent proteinase activity not seen in normal or ulcer margin skin. Conclusion: PA activities are altered in and around chronic venous leg ulcers and their distribution suggests that blood vessels in CVI may be damaged and that the tissue is in an inflamed state.
Das arteriovenöse Impuls-System bei totaler Hüftalloarthroplastik
Authors: Eidner  , Pöhlmann  , Anders  , Grohmann
Published: January 2006

Background: Despite the continuing high incidence of deep vein thrombosis after total hip arthroplasty, currently available mechanical thromboprophylactic systems are not sufficiently utilised in Germany. Patients and methods: Duplex-sonographic measurements of the maximum venous flow velocity (V. femoralis) in 10 healthy individuals performed with a leg orientation synonymous to that during total hip arthroplasty were compared to figures obtained during an out-stretched leg position. Additionally, duplex-sonography was conducted on 9 patients intra-operatively during total hip replacement to complete the study. All investigations were executed both with and without application of the A-V Impulse System (AVIS), a mechanical thromboprophylactic procedure. Results: In contrast to the out-stretched leg position, a decreased venous peak flow velocity during surgery as well as in the operation-identical leg orientation was demonstrated in the absence of AVIS. However, by means of AVIS, a significant increase in the venous peak flow velocity (p < 0.01) was achieved for both situations. Additionally, an increased vessel diameter of the V. femoralis communis was observed in 75% of patients due to the leg orientation stipulated for hip replacement surgery. Conclusion: The data suggest that the A-V Impulse System can effectively accelerate the venous reflux-flow during operations involving hip replacements and thus provide an early preventative therapy for deep vein thrombosis after a surgical procedure.
Deep vein thromboses induced by central venous access devices
Authors: Lersch  , Paschalidis  , Theiss
Published: January 2006

Häufigste Komplikationen zentralvenöser Katheter und Ports sind neben Infektionen Thrombosen. Ihre Häufigkeit hängt von der Art der verwendeten Katheter oder Portsysteme, dem Herstellungsmaterial, dem Durchmesser und der Lage ab. Hickman- und zentralvenöse Portkatheter aus Silikon mit einem oder maximal zwei Lumina, deren Spitze in der unteren Hälfte der Vena cava superior oder im rechten Vorhof liegen, sind mit den geringsten Thromboseraten verbunden. Neben einer vor Implantation von Ports gegebenen Antibiotikaprophylaxe ist auch eine Heparinprophylaxe über mindestens 90 Tage vor allem für onkologische Patienten mit hohem Thromboserisiko zu empfehlen. Bei thromboseassoziertem Verschluß von Kathetern kann eine Fibrinolyse mit Urokinase oder Streptokinase zur Erhaltung des venösen Zugangs sinnvoll sein. Im übrigen folgt die Therapie den üblichen Richtlinien für Thrombosen der oberen Körperhälfte.