lower-cholesterol-5.matches:
lower cholesterol
Statins stimulate arachidonic acid release and prostaglandin I2 production in rat liver cells.

Levine L.

Department of Biochemistry, Brandeis University Waltham, MA 02454, USA. llevine brandeis.edu

Statins inhibit 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl (HMG-CoA) reductase, the rate limiting step in cholesterol synthesis. They are, therefore, used clinically to lower cholesterol and prevent atherosclerosis. Statins have beneficial effects on multiple organ systems. Some of these effects are found in the absence of significant changes in cholesterol levels. Polyunsaturated fatty acids also inhibit HMG-CoA reductase and have many of the same beneficial effects of statins. Four statins (mevastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin and atorvastatin) have been tested in rat liver cells for their effect on arachidonic acid (AA) release and prostaglandin I2 production induced in the presence of lactacystin and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. Each statin stimulated release of AA and induced prostaglandin I2 production. Mevalonate, the product of HMG-CoA reductase, did not reduce the stimulation observed in the presence of simvastatin indicating that HMG-CoA reductase activity is not involved. In view of the multiple biologic properties of AA, the AA released as a result of the action of the statins may play a role in some of the pharmacological effects attributed to these drugs.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12689340&dopt=Abstract lower cholesterol



lower-cholesterol-5.matches:
lower cholesterol
Cholesterol-lowering properties of amaranth grain and oil in hamsters.

Berger A, Gremaud G, Baumgartner M, Rein D, Monnard I, Kratky E, Geiger W, Burri J, Dionisi F, Allan M, Lambelet P.

Cytochroma Inc., 330 Cochraine Drive, Markham, ON L3R 8E4, Canada.

Amaranth was an important ancient grain and has current nutritional potential, being high in protein, fiber, lysine, magnesium, calcium, and squalene. Limited, inconsistent evidence demonstrates amaranth grain or oil can lower cholesterol in animal models. In the present study, hamsters received hypercholesterolemic diets consisting of a control, 10 or 20% Amaranthus cruentus grain, or 2.5 or 5% crude amaranth oil for four weeks. Amaranth oil (5%) decreased total and non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol by 15 and 22%, respectively, compared to control. Amaranth grain (20%; providing 1.4% amaranth oil) lowered non-HDL cholesterol and raised HDL cholesterol. Amaranth grain and oil decreased very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol by 21-50%; and increased fecal excretion of particular neutral sterols and the bile acid ursodeoxycholate. Amaranth oil (5%) additionally increased the cholesterol synthesis rate, possibly due to compensatory mechanisms; and decreased hepatic cholesterol ester, indicating reduced cholesterol ester availability for VLDL secretion and consistency with reduced VLDL cholesterol. Amaranth thus affected absorption of cholesterol and bile acids, cholesterol lipoprotein distribution, hepatic cholesterol content, and cholesterol biosynthesis. Amaranth grain and oil did not affect these pathways identically.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12690910&dopt=Abstract lower cholesterol



lower-cholesterol-5.matches:
lower cholesterol
Cholesterol and interleukin-6 concentrations relate to outcomes in burn-injured patients.

Vanni HE, Gordon BR, Levine DM, Sloan BJ, Stein DR, Yurt RW, Saal SD, Parker TS.

The Rogosin Institute, 505 East 70th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA.

The goal of this study was to determine the relationship among lipid concentrations, cytokine concentrations, and clinical outcomes of burn patients. Twenty-eight patients admitted within 24 hours of burn injury, segregated based on burn size, had blood samples drawn 24 and 48 hours after burn injury and then weekly for 3 weeks. Measurements included total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, interleukin (IL)-6, soluble IL-2 receptor, and soluble necrosis factor p55 and p75 receptors. Infection, length of stay (LOS), and survival were monitored. Cholesterol and lipoprotein concentrations decreased by at least 40% in patients with burns >20% total body surface area and inversely correlated with IL-6. Lower cholesterol and higher IL-6 values correlated with higher infection rates and longer LOS. IL-6 was the strongest predictor for LOS. In conclusion, outcomes after burn injury are related to low cholesterol and elevated IL-6 levels.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12792232&dopt=Abstract lower cholesterol



lower-cholesterol-5.matches:
lower cholesterol
Cholesterol metabolism in 8 to 12-year-old children born preterm or at term.

Mortaz M, Fewtrell MS, Cole TJ, Lucas A.

Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, King's College London, London, UK.

Studies in animals have indicated that cholesterol metabolism is susceptible to manipulation by diet and growth in early life. In humans, low birthweight has been associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease. AIM: To establish whether plasma lipids and indicators of cholesterol absorption, synthesis and breakdown differ in children born preterm and at term. METHODS: Plasma total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triacylglycerols, apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B, lathosterol (indicator of cholesterol synthesis), campesterol (indicator of cholesterol absorption), 7-alpha hydroxycholesterol (indicator of cholesterol breakdown) were measured in up to 407 children born preterm and 36 children born at term. RESULTS: Children born preterm had lower cholesterol synthesis (p = 0.002) and lower cholesterol breakdown (p < 0.001) than those born at term, but their plasma cholesterol concentration was not significantly different. After adjusting for current size, birthweight and gestational age were significantly related to plasma lathosterol and 7-alpha hydroxycholesterol. However, when both birthweight and gestational age were adjusted, only gestational age remained significant. There were no significant differences in plasma campesterol between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Being born preterm may have a long-term effect on cholesterol metabolism in children 8-12 y later. Those born prematurely had lower cholesterol synthesis and breakdown, but their plasma cholesterol concentration was similar at this age. These parameters need to be studied in older cohorts.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12839278&dopt=Abstract lower cholesterol



lower-cholesterol-12.matches:
lower cholesterol
18 bp insertion/duplication with internal missense mutation in human hepatic lipase gene exon 3. Mutations in brief no. 181. Online.

Tiebel O, Gehrisch S, Pietzsch J, Gromeier S, Jaross W.

Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University, Dresden, Germany. otiebel rcs.urz.tu-dresden.de

Human hepatic lipase (hHL) plays an important role in hydrolysis of triglycerides from plasma lipoproteins. The enzyme also hydrolyzes HDL2 lipids resulting in smaller HDL particles with a lower cholesterol content and properties similar to HDL3. hHL is localized in liver sinusoids, ovary and adrenal gland. These findings propose an influence on processing of cholesterol. Here we report an insertion mutation in exon 3 of hHL. The 18 bp duplication contains an additional internal point mutation (GenBank-Accession #AF037404). The female mutation carrier suffered from severe adiposity with total cholesterol of 291,6mg/dl, HDL-cholesterol of 55,3mg/dl, LDL-cholesterol of 206,8mg/dl and triglycerides of 80,8mg/dl. Following cloning of a PCR-amplified fragment the mutation was confirmed by cycle sequencing. Sequence analysis revealed an inserted repeat of 18 nucleotides. Furthermore the patient carries an additional missense mutation A-->G at nucleotide 9 of the repeat which results in an amino acid exchange from Ile-->Val at codon 4 of the repeat. These data enable us to report the insertion of HisTyrThrValArgVal which might be responsible for the moderate shift in lipid metabolism of the heterozygous patient.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=10660332&dopt=Abstract lower cholesterol



lower-cholesterol-6.matches:
lower cholesterol
Improvement of Endothelial Function by HMG-CoA Reductase Inhibitors.

Wassmann S, Nickenig G.

Endothelial dysfunction is the early and crucial state of atherosclerosis that is associated with a poor prognosis. Mechanistically, endothelial dysfunction is caused by reduced nitric oxide bioactivity. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) effectively lower cholesterol plasma levels and profoundly decrease the cardiovascular risk of hypercholesterolemic patients. It is well established that statins improve endothelial dysfunction in those patients. The underlying mechanisms are less clear. It is thought that pleiotrophic, cholesterol-independent effects of statins such as increase of nitric oxide bioactivity and reduction of oxidative stress may contribute to the vasoprotective effects of statins. Therefore, it is speculated that statins, at least in part, improve endothelial function independent of plasma cholesterol concentrations and may thereby exert beneficial clinical effects. This notion of statins as general atheroprotective drugs has been underlined by in vitro experiments, animal studies and small clinical trials. However, large-scale clinical intervention studies are needed to confirm a positive influence of statins on endothelial dysfunction and cardiac event rates in normochlesterolemic patients. (c) 2002 Prous Science. All rights reserved.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12677213&dopt=Abstract lower cholesterol



lower-cholesterol-6.matches:
lower cholesterol
Statins stimulate arachidonic acid release and prostaglandin I2 production in rat liver cells.

Levine L.

Department of Biochemistry, Brandeis University Waltham, MA 02454, USA. llevine brandeis.edu

Statins inhibit 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl (HMG-CoA) reductase, the rate limiting step in cholesterol synthesis. They are, therefore, used clinically to lower cholesterol and prevent atherosclerosis. Statins have beneficial effects on multiple organ systems. Some of these effects are found in the absence of significant changes in cholesterol levels. Polyunsaturated fatty acids also inhibit HMG-CoA reductase and have many of the same beneficial effects of statins. Four statins (mevastatin, lovastatin, simvastatin and atorvastatin) have been tested in rat liver cells for their effect on arachidonic acid (AA) release and prostaglandin I2 production induced in the presence of lactacystin and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. Each statin stimulated release of AA and induced prostaglandin I2 production. Mevalonate, the product of HMG-CoA reductase, did not reduce the stimulation observed in the presence of simvastatin indicating that HMG-CoA reductase activity is not involved. In view of the multiple biologic properties of AA, the AA released as a result of the action of the statins may play a role in some of the pharmacological effects attributed to these drugs.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12689340&dopt=Abstract lower cholesterol



lower-cholesterol-6.matches:
lower cholesterol
Cholesterol-lowering properties of amaranth grain and oil in hamsters.

Berger A, Gremaud G, Baumgartner M, Rein D, Monnard I, Kratky E, Geiger W, Burri J, Dionisi F, Allan M, Lambelet P.

Cytochroma Inc., 330 Cochraine Drive, Markham, ON L3R 8E4, Canada.

Amaranth was an important ancient grain and has current nutritional potential, being high in protein, fiber, lysine, magnesium, calcium, and squalene. Limited, inconsistent evidence demonstrates amaranth grain or oil can lower cholesterol in animal models. In the present study, hamsters received hypercholesterolemic diets consisting of a control, 10 or 20% Amaranthus cruentus grain, or 2.5 or 5% crude amaranth oil for four weeks. Amaranth oil (5%) decreased total and non-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol by 15 and 22%, respectively, compared to control. Amaranth grain (20%; providing 1.4% amaranth oil) lowered non-HDL cholesterol and raised HDL cholesterol. Amaranth grain and oil decreased very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol by 21-50%; and increased fecal excretion of particular neutral sterols and the bile acid ursodeoxycholate. Amaranth oil (5%) additionally increased the cholesterol synthesis rate, possibly due to compensatory mechanisms; and decreased hepatic cholesterol ester, indicating reduced cholesterol ester availability for VLDL secretion and consistency with reduced VLDL cholesterol. Amaranth thus affected absorption of cholesterol and bile acids, cholesterol lipoprotein distribution, hepatic cholesterol content, and cholesterol biosynthesis. Amaranth grain and oil did not affect these pathways identically.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12690910&dopt=Abstract lower cholesterol



lower-cholesterol-6.matches:
lower cholesterol
Cholesterol and interleukin-6 concentrations relate to outcomes in burn-injured patients.

Vanni HE, Gordon BR, Levine DM, Sloan BJ, Stein DR, Yurt RW, Saal SD, Parker TS.

The Rogosin Institute, 505 East 70th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA.

The goal of this study was to determine the relationship among lipid concentrations, cytokine concentrations, and clinical outcomes of burn patients. Twenty-eight patients admitted within 24 hours of burn injury, segregated based on burn size, had blood samples drawn 24 and 48 hours after burn injury and then weekly for 3 weeks. Measurements included total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, interleukin (IL)-6, soluble IL-2 receptor, and soluble necrosis factor p55 and p75 receptors. Infection, length of stay (LOS), and survival were monitored. Cholesterol and lipoprotein concentrations decreased by at least 40% in patients with burns >20% total body surface area and inversely correlated with IL-6. Lower cholesterol and higher IL-6 values correlated with higher infection rates and longer LOS. IL-6 was the strongest predictor for LOS. In conclusion, outcomes after burn injury are related to low cholesterol and elevated IL-6 levels.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12792232&dopt=Abstract lower cholesterol



lower-cholesterol-6.matches:
lower cholesterol
Cholesterol metabolism in 8 to 12-year-old children born preterm or at term.

Mortaz M, Fewtrell MS, Cole TJ, Lucas A.

Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, King's College London, London, UK.

Studies in animals have indicated that cholesterol metabolism is susceptible to manipulation by diet and growth in early life. In humans, low birthweight has been associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease. AIM: To establish whether plasma lipids and indicators of cholesterol absorption, synthesis and breakdown differ in children born preterm and at term. METHODS: Plasma total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, triacylglycerols, apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B, lathosterol (indicator of cholesterol synthesis), campesterol (indicator of cholesterol absorption), 7-alpha hydroxycholesterol (indicator of cholesterol breakdown) were measured in up to 407 children born preterm and 36 children born at term. RESULTS: Children born preterm had lower cholesterol synthesis (p = 0.002) and lower cholesterol breakdown (p < 0.001) than those born at term, but their plasma cholesterol concentration was not significantly different. After adjusting for current size, birthweight and gestational age were significantly related to plasma lathosterol and 7-alpha hydroxycholesterol. However, when both birthweight and gestational age were adjusted, only gestational age remained significant. There were no significant differences in plasma campesterol between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Being born preterm may have a long-term effect on cholesterol metabolism in children 8-12 y later. Those born prematurely had lower cholesterol synthesis and breakdown, but their plasma cholesterol concentration was similar at this age. These parameters need to be studied in older cohorts.

Online source: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=12839278&dopt=Abstract lower cholesterol