Impacto de la dieta mediterránea sobre las lipoproteínas de alta densidad / Mediterranean diet and HDL

Los niveles, la composición lipídica y proteica y las propiedades funcionales de las li-poproteínas de alta densidad (HDL) determinan las funciones biológicas de esta fracción lipoproteica y su papel protector contra el desarrollo de enfermedad cardiovascular. Estos parámetros de las HDL pueden ser modulados por intervenciones farmacológicas y no farmacológicas. En las dos últimas décadas, se ha establecido que el consumo de una dieta mediterránea, especialmente cuando se suplementa con aceite de oliva extra virgen, mejora diferentes parámetros cuantitativos (niveles de colesterol y número de partículas, en particular de mayor tamaño) y cualitativo-funcionales (capacidad de eflujo celular y esterificadora de colesterol libre, así como las actividades antioxidantes, de relajación endotelial y antiinflamatoria) de las partículas de HDL en humanos. Estos efectos probablemente contribuyen a la acción protectora ampliamente demostrada para la dieta mediterránea frente a diferentes enfermedades crónicas.

Levels, lipid and protein composition, and functional properties of high density lipoproteins (HDL) determine the biological functions of this lipoprotein fraction and its protective role in cardiovascular disease. These HDL-related parameters can be modulated by pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. In the last two decades, it has been established that consumption of Mediterranean diet, especially when supplemented with extra virgin olive oil, improves different quantitative parameters (cholesterol levels and number of particles, as well as particle size) and functional properties (cell cholesterol efflux, cholesterol esterification as well as antioxidant, endothelial relaxation, and anti-inflammatory activities) of HDL in humans. Most likely, these effects contribute to the widely demonstrated benefits of Mediterranean diet intake against different chronic diseases.

El ácido nicotínico aumenta el transporte celular de colesterol de las lipoproteínas de alta densidad en pacientes con hipoalfalipoproteinemia / Nicotinic acid increases cellular transport of high density lipoprotein cholesterol in patients with hypoalphalipoproteinemia

Background: Plasma high density lipoproteins (HDL) are involved in reverse cholesterol transport mediated by the scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI). Nicotinic acid increases HDL cholesterol levels, even though its specific impact on SR-BI dependent-cellular cholesterol transport remains unknown. Aim: To determine the effect of nicotinic acid on HDL particle functionality in cholesterol efflux and uptake mediated by SR-BI in cultured cells in hypoalphalipoproteinemic patients. Material and Methods: In a pilot study, eight patients with low HDL (≤ 40 mg/dL) were treated with extended release nicotinic acid. HDL cholesterol and phospholipid levels, HDL2 and HDL3 fractions and HDL particle sizes were measured at baseline and post-therapy. Before and after nicotinic acid treatment, HDL particles were used for cholesterol transport studies in cells transfected with SR-BI. Results: Nicotinic acid treatment raised total HDL cholesterol and phospholipids, HDL2 levels as well as HDL particle size. Nicotinic acid significantly increased HDL cholesterol efflux and uptake capacity mediated by SR-BI in cultured cells. Conclusions: Nicotinic acid therapy increases SR-BI-dependent HDL cholesterol transport in cultured cells, establishing a new cellular mechanism by which this lipid-lowering drug appears to modulate HDL metabolism in patients with hypoalphalipoproteinemia.

Cardiac biomarkers in the diagnosis, prognosis and management of coronary artery disease: A primer for internists.

Initially coined in 1989, biomarkers have become a cornerstone of modern cardiovascular medicine. The past decade has borne witness to the rapid transition of cardiac biomarkers from bench to bedside in the management of patients with coronary artery disease. The implementation of cardiac biomarkers has transformed the internists' approach to cardiovascular patients. This article reviews several cardiac biomarkers in the context of diagnosis, prognosis, risk-assessment and management of patients at risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Biomarkers are presented according to their relevant role in the atherosclerotic cascade, a pathologic classification of particular value for internists, as it defines the role of these agents in the pathogenesis of heart disease. Where pertinent, limitations of cardiac biomarkers are discussed, thus allowing the discerning practitioner to remain cognizant of situations that may lead to spurious marker elevation or suppression. The review concludes with highlights on novel avenues of biomarker research that promise an exciting future for these entities.

Reversible flow of cholesteryl ester between high-density lipoproteins and triacylglycerol-rich particles is modulated by the fatty acid composition and concentration of triacylglycerols

We determined the influence of fasting (FAST) and feeding (FED) on cholesteryl ester (CE) flow between high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and plasma apoB-lipoprotein and triacylglycerol (TG)-rich emulsions (EM) prepared with TG-fatty acids (FAs). TG-FAs of varying chain lengths and degrees of unsaturation were tested in the presence of a plasma fraction at d > 1.21 g/mL as the source of CE transfer protein. The transfer of CE from HDL to FED was greater than to FAST TG-rich acceptor lipoproteins, 18 percent and 14 percent, respectively. However, percent CE transfer from HDL to apoB-containing lipoproteins was similar for FED and FAST HDL. The CE transfer from HDL to EM depended on the EM TG-FA chain length. Furthermore, the chain length of the monounsaturated TG-containing EM showed a significant positive correlation of the CE transfer from HDL to EM (r = 0.81, P < 0.0001) and a negative correlation from EM to HDL (r = -041, P = 0.0088). Regarding the degree of EM TG-FAs unsaturation, among EMs containing C18, the CE transfer was lower from HDL to C18:2 compared to C18:1 and C18:3, 17.7 percent, 20.7 percent, and 20 percent, respectively. However, the CE transfer from EMs to HDL was higher to C18:2 than to C18:1 and C18:3, 83.7 percent, 51.2 percent, and 46.3 percent, respectively. Thus, the EM FA composition was found to be the rate-limiting factor regulating the transfer of CE from HDL. Consequently, the net transfer of CE between HDL and TG-rich particles depends on the specific arrangement of the TG acyl chains in the lipoprotein particle core.

Ácido linoleico conjugado (ALC), metabolismo de lípidos y enfermedad cardiovascular / Conjugated linoleic acid (ALC), lipid metabolism and cardiovascular disease

High density lipoproteins (HDL) have been inversely related with the risk of cardiovascular diseases and are considered antiatherogenic factors. The vascular protective effect of HDL is associated to the reverse cholesterol transport, where the sterol is mobilized from peripheral tissues to the liver by HDL and redistributed to circulation or delivered through the bile as free cholesterol or transformed into bile acids. In the last years it has been demonstrated that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), an omega-6 fatty acid from ruminants, which is a mixture of positional and geometric isomers of linoleic acid, has hipolipidemic and antiatherogenic properties in animal models. However, the precise effect of CLA on HDL metabolism and the mechanisms involved in these actions have yet not been elucidated. The present work reviews the scientific literature about the possible role of CLA as an antiatherogenic factor by controlling the reverse cholesterol transport.

Las lipoproteínas de alta densidad (HDL) han sido correlacionadas inversamente con el riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular ya que se considera que constituyen un factor de protección antiateroesclerótico. El efecto protector vascular de las HDL se asocia con la vía de transporte reverso de colesterol, proceso por el cual el esterol es movilizado desde los tejidos periféricos hacia el hígado a través de las HDL plasmáticas para ser redistribuido a la circulación, o para su remoción hacia la bilis como colesterol propiamente tal o transformado en sales biliares. Por otro lado, en los últimos a±os el ácido linoleico conjugado (ALC), un acido graso derivado de la serie omega-6 proveniente de animales rumiantes y cuya mezcla está mayoritariamente formada por los isómeros geométricos y posicionales del ácido linoleico (cis 9 trans 11 y trans 10 cis 12), ha demostrado tener propiedades hipolipemiantes y antiaterogénicas en varios modelos animales. Sin embargo, su efecto preciso sobre el metabolismo de HDL y los posibles mecanismos de acción involucrados aún no ha sido dilucidado. El presente trabajo realiza una revisión de la literatura científica en relación al rol antiaterosclerótico que puede tener el consumo de ALC a través del control del trasporte reverso del colesterol.

Transferências lipídicas para HDL em diabéticos tipo 2: associações com microalbuminúria, estatina e insulina / Transferencias lipídicas hacia HDL en diabéticos tipo 2: asociaciones con microalbuminuria, estatina y insulina / Lipid transfer to HDL in type-2 diabetic patients: associations with microalbuminuria, statin, and insulin

FUNDAMENTO: O diabete melito tipo 2 (DM2) é um fator de risco isolado para coronariopatia, principalmente quando associado à microalbuminúria (MA). Alterações estruturais e funcionais das lipoproteínas não são totalmente esclarecidas nesse contexto. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a transferência de lípides para HDL (T) em pacientes DM2 e a associação com a presença da MA e com o tratamento com estatina ou insulina. MÉTODOS: Estudamos 33 pacientes com DM2 e 34 controles pareados para idade. Uma nanoemulsão lipídica artificial radiomarcada com ³H-Triglicéride (TG) e 14C-colesterol livre (CL) ou ³H-colesterol éster (CE) e 14C-fosfolípide (FL) foi incubada com plasma. A nanoemulsão e as lipoproteínas foram precipitadas, exceto a HDL, que teve sua radioatividade contada. RESULTADOS: A TFL ( por cento) foi maior no grupo com DM2 que no grupo-controle (25,2±3,2 e 19,7±3,2 respectivamente; p < 0,001), assim como a TCL ( por cento): 9,1±2,7 e 6,3±1,5 respectivamente; p < 0,001. O diagnóstico de MA não se associou a mudanças da propriedade de transferência. O uso da insulina associou-se à menor TFL ( por cento): 23,5±2,1 contra 26,1±3,3; p = 0,018. Já o uso da estatina associou-se à queda de todas - TCE ( por cento): 3,5±0,9; TFL ( por cento):23,8±2,0; TTG ( por cento): 3,9±0,8; TCL ( por cento):7,4±1,3 - quando comparado ao grupo que não usava estatina (TCE ( por cento):5,9±2,4; TFL ( por cento):26,9±3,6; TTG ( por cento):6,4±2,2; TCL ( por cento):11,1±2,6). CONCLUSÃO: O DM2 aumentou a transferência de lípides de superfície para HDL, enquanto o uso de estatina diminuiu todas as transferências de lípides. A presença de MA não se associou às alterações das transferências de lípides.

BACKGROUND: Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an isolated risk factor for coronary artery disease, especially when associated with microalbuminuria (MA). Structural and functional changes in lipoproteins have not yet been fully elucidated in this context. OBJECTIVE: To assess lipid transfer (T) to HDL in type-2 diabetic patients and its association with microalbuminuria and treatment with statins or insulin. METHODS: Thirty-three patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus and 34 age-matched control subjects were studied. A synthetic cholesterol-rich nanoemulsion radiolabeled with ³H- triglycerides (TG) and 14C-free cholesterol (FC) or ³H- cholesteryl ester (CE) and 14C-phospholipids (PL) was incubated with plasma. Both the nanoemulsion and lipoproteins were precipitated, except for HDL, which was counted for radioactivity. RESULTS: PLT ( percent) was higher in the T2DM group than in the control group (25.2 ± 3.2 and 19.7 ± 3.2 respectively; p < 0.001), as was free cholesterol ( percent FC): 9.1 ± 2.7 and 6.3 ± 1.5 respectively; p < 0.001. The diagnosis of microalbuminuria (MA) was not associated with changes in lipid transfers. Insulin therapy was associated with lower PLT rates: 23.5 ± 2.1 versus 26.1 ± 3.3; p = 0.018. Statin therapy, in turn, was associated with a drop in all lipid transfers - CET 3.5 ± 0.9; PLT: 23.8 ± 2.0; TGT: 3.9 ± 0.8; FCT: 7.4 ± 1.3 - as compared to the group that was not on statin therapy (CET: 5.9 ± 2.4; PLT: 26.9 ± 3.6; TGT: 6.4 ± 2.2; FCT: 11.1 ± 2.6). CONCLUSION:Type-2 diabetes mellitus increased lipid transfer to HDL particles, whereas statin therapy decreased all lipid transfers. The presence of MA was not associated with changes in lipid transfer.

FUNDAMENTO: La diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) es un factor de riesgo aislado para coronariopatía, principalmente cuando asociado a la microalbuminuria (MA). Alteraciones estructurales y funcionales de las lipoproteínas no están totalmente aclaradas en ese contexto. OBJETIVO: Evaluar no sólo la transferencia de lípidos hacia HDL (T) en pacientes DM2, sino también la asociación tanto con la presencia de la MA como con el tratamiento con estatina o insulina. MÉTODOS: Estudiamos a 33 pacientes con DM2 y 34 controles pareados para edad. Se incubó con plasma una nanoemulsión lipídica artificial radiomarcada con ³H-Triglicérido (TG) y 14C-colesterol libre (CL) o ³H-colesterol esterificado (CE) y 14C-fosfolípido (FL). Se procedió a la precipitación de la nanoemulsión y de las lipoproteínas, con excepción de la HDL, que tuvo su radioactividad contada. RESULTADOS: El valor de TFL ( por ciento) resultó mayor en el grupo con DM2 en confrontación con el grupo-control (25,2±3,2 y 19,7±3,2 respectivamente; p < 0,001); la TCL ( por ciento), por su vez, obtuvo los siguientes resultados: 9,1±2,7 y 6,3±1,5 respectivamente; p < 0,001. El diagnóstico de MA no se asoció a cambios de la propiedad de transferencia. El uso de la insulina se asoció al menor valor de TFL ( por ciento): 23,5±2,1 vs 26,1±3,3; p = 0,018. Ya el uso de la estatina se asoció a la baja del valor de todas las lipoproteínas - TCE ( por ciento): 3,5±0,9; TFL ( por ciento):23,8±2,0; TTG ( por ciento): 3,9±0,8; TCL ( por ciento):7,4±1,3 - si comparado al grupo que no usaba estatina (TCE ( por ciento):5,9±2,4; TFL ( por ciento):26,9±3,6; TTG ( por ciento):6,4±2,2; TCL ( por ciento):11,1±2,6). CONCLUSIONES: El DM2 aumentó la transferencia de lípidos de superficie hacia HDL, mientras que el uso de estatina disminuyó todas las transferencias de lípidos. La presencia de MA no se asoció a las alteraciones de las transferencias de lípidos.

Transferência de lípides para a lipoproteína de alta densidade (HDl) em mulheres com diabetes melito tipo 1 / Lipid transfer to HDl in women with type 1 diabetes

INTRODUÇÃO: Os portadores de diabetes melito tipo 1 (DM1) possuem aumentado risco de doença cardiovascular e, ainda assim, podem apresentar perfil lipídico normal. Para esclarecer se os níveis normais de HDL podem ocultar defeitos na função, foram estudados a transferência de lípides para a HDL em DM1. MÉTODOS: Vinte e uma mulheres jovens portadoras de DM1 foram comparadas com 21 mulheres não-diabéticas. Nanoemulsões foram usadas como doadoras de lípides para HDL: uma marcada com ³H-triglicérides e 14C-colesterol livre e outra com ³H-éster de colesterol e 14C-fosfolípides. Após 1 hora de incubação com amostras de plasma, seguida por precipitação química, o sobrenadante, contendo HDL, teve a radioatividade contada. RESULTADOS: Nenhuma diferença foi encontrada nas transferências dos ésteres de colesterol, triglicérides, colesterol livre e fosfolípides para as HDL. CONCLUSÃO: A transferência de lípides para a HDL não está afetada em portadoras de DM1. Isso sugere que a doença não altera a composição de lipoproteínas e a ação de proteínas de transferência.

INTRODUCTION: People with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and may still have a normal lipid profile. In order to clarify whether normal HDL cholesterol levels may conceal defects in HDL function, we have studied the transfer of lipids to HDL in T1DM. METHODS: Twenty-one young women with T1DM were compared with 21 non-diabetic women. Nanoemulsion preparations were used as lipid donor to HDL: one labeled with ³H-triglycerides and 14C-free cholesterol and the other with ³H-cholesteryl esters and 14C-phospholipids. These preparations were incubated with plasma samples for 1h. After chemical precipitation, the supernatant containing HDL was counted for radioactivity. RESULTS: No difference in transfer was observed to nanoemulsion HDL from cholesteryl esters, triglycerides, free cholesterol and phospholipids. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous lipid transfer to HDL was not affected in T1DM patients. This suggests that the disease does not alter lipoprotein composition and transfer protein action in such way as to disturb HDL metabolism.

Associations between Oxidized LDL to LDL Ratio, HDL and Vascular Calcification in the Feet of Hemodialysis Patients

Cardiovascular mortality is associated with vascular calcification (VC) in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The present study was designed to find factors related with medial artery calcification on the plain radiography of feet by comparing C-reactive protein (CRP), plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) and lipid profile including oxidized low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) and to elucidate associations among these factors in HD patients. Forty-eight HD patients were recruited for this study. VC in the feet was detected in 18 patients (37.5%) among total patients and 12 patients (85.7%) among diabetic patients. Diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), pulse pressure, ox-LDL/LDL were higher and high density lipoprotein (HDL) was lower in patients with VC than in patients without VC. Negative associations were found between HDL and CRP, PAI-1. PAI-1 had positive association with ox-LDL/LDL. History of CVD was the only determinant of vascular calcification on the plain radiography of feet. Ox-LDL/LDL, HDL, CRP, and PAI-1 were closely related with one another in HD patients. History of CVD is the most important factor associated with the presence of VC and low HDL and relatively high oxidized LDL/LDL ratio may affect VC formation on the plain radiography in the feet of HD patients.

Alterations in lipid transfer to High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and activity of paraoxonase-1 in HIV+ patients / Alterações na transferência de lípides para a lipoproteína de alta densidade (HDL) e atividade da paroxonase 1 em pacientes HIV+

HIV+ patients often develop alterations of the plasma lipids that may implicate in development of premature coronary artery disease. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) has an important role in preventing atherogenesis and the aim of this study was to investigate aspects of HDL function in HIV+ patients. HIV+ patients (n = 48) and healthy control subjects (n = 45) of both sexes with similar age were studied. Twenty-five were not being treated with antiretroviral agents, 13 were under reverse transcriptase inhibitor nucleosidic and non-nucleosidic (NRTI+NNRTI) and 10 were under NRTI + protease inhibitors (NRTI+PI) treatment. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity and the transfer of free and esterified cholesterol, tryglicerides and phospholipids from a lipidic nanoemulsion to HDL were analyzed. In comparison with healthy controls, HIV+ patients presented low PON-1 activity and diminished transfer of free cholesterol and tryglicerides. In contrast, phospholipid transfer was increased in those patients, whereas the transfer of cholesteryl esters was unchanged. NRTI+NNRTI increases the transfer of cholesteryl esters and triglycerides but in NRTI+PI there was no difference in respect to non-treated HIV+ patients. HDL from HIV+ patients has smaller antioxidant properties, as shown by lower PON-1 activity, and the transfer of lipids to this lipoprotein fraction is also altered, suggesting that HDL function is defective in those patients.

Pacientes HIV+ freqüentemente desenvolvem alterações no metabolismo de lípides que podem influir no desenvolvimento de doença arterial coronária. A lipoproteína de alta densidade (HDL) tem papel importante na prevenção da aterogênese. Para investigar aspectos funcionais da HDL na doença, foram estudados 48 pacientes HIV+ e 45 indivíduos-controle saudáveis de ambos os sexos, com idade semelhantes. Vinte e cinco pacientes HIV+ não recebiam terapia antirretroviral, 13 estavam sob tratamento com inibidores nucleosídicos de transcriptase reversa e não-nucleosídicos (NRTI+NNRTI) e 10 sob tratamento com NRTI e inibidor de protease (NRTI+PI). Analisou-se a atividade da paroxonase 1 e a transferência de colesterol livre e esterificado, triglicérides e fosfolipídios de uma nanoemulsão lipídica para a HDL. Pacientes HIV+ apresentaram menor atividade da paroxonase 1 e menor transferência de colesterol livre e triglicérides em relação aos indivíduos saudáveis. A transferência de fosfolipídios foi maior nesses pacientes, mas a transferência de éster de colesterol foi similar. NRTI+NNRTI aumenta a transferência de éster de colesterol e triglicérides, mas em NRTI+PI não houve diferença comparando com os pacientes HIV+ não tratados. A HDL de pacientes HIV+ tem propriedades antioxidantes reduzidas, evidenciada pela menor atividade da paraxonase 1, e transferência de lipídios alterada, sugerindo que a HDL apresente função defeituosa nestes pacientes.

Ácidos grasos trans y riesgo cardiovascular / Acids fatty trans and cardiovascular risk

Los ácidos grasos trans (TUFAS) son una variante isomérica producida durante los procesos industriales de hidrogenación y calentamiento de aceites vegetales ricos en ácidos grasos poliinsaturados cis (PUFAS). Se ha demostrado epidemiológicamente la relación de su consumo con el desarrollo de cardiopatía isquémica, sin embargo los mecanismos fisiopatológicos implicados no han sido establecidos por completo. Los TUFAS participan en el desarrollo de un perfil lipídico aterogénico, expresado por elevación de las lipoproteínas de baja densidad, y disminución de las lipoproteínas de alta densidad e hiperlipoproteinemia (a), aumentando la probabilidad de desarrollo de procesos aterogénicos y en consecuencia el infarto del miocardio. Adicionalmente los TUFAS antagonizan el metabolismo de los eicosanoides contribuyendo a un estado protrombótico. En virtud de lo anteriormente expuesto, esta revisión pretende describir los mecanismos moleculares implicados en el desarrollo de un estado aterogénico como la consecuencia de la ingesta de ácidos grasos trans.

Estrutura, metabolismo e funções fisiológicas da lipoproteína de alta densidade / Structure, metabolism and physiologic functions of high-density lipoproteins

Diversos estudos clínicos, epidemiológicos e experimentais têm mostrado de maneira incontestável a relação entre dosagem sérica dos níveis de lipoproteína de alta densidade (HDL) e doença cardiovascular. Baixos níveis de HDL estão presentes em aproximadamente 10 por cento da população e representam um dos mais freqüentes achados de dislipidemia nos pacientes com doença arterial coronariana (DAC). Esses níveis reduzidos de HDL poderiam ser incapazes de efetivamente eliminar o excesso de colesterol das paredes vasculares, contribuindo para o fenômeno inflamatório que caracteriza a patogênese da aterosclerose nas suas fases iniciais. Outros inúmeros estudos têm convincentemente mostrado que a HDL também exerce efeitos diretos sobre os processos inflamatórios, por exemplo, através da modulação da expressão de diversas proteínas de fase aguda. Além disso, a HDL também possui diversos outros efeitos antiaterogênicos, como efeitos antioxidantes, inibição da agregação plaquetária e da migração de monócitos. O presente artigo faz uma revisão da literatura atual sobre o metabolismo da HDL e suas principais ações na prevenção da doença arterial coronariana.

Several experimental, clinical and epidemiological researches have shown the incontestable causal relationship between low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) plasma concentrations and cardiovascular pathology on an atherosclerotic basis. Low HDL levels characterize about 10 percent of the general population and they represent the most frequent dyslipidemia in patients with coronary artery disease. Reduced HDL concentrations would be unable to effectively eliminate the cholesterol excess at the vascular wall, contributing to the inflammatory phenomenon that characterizes the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis since its initial phases. Results of numerous studies reasonably allow supposing that HDL is able to exert, also directly, anti-inflammatory actions through the modulation of expression of diverse acute phase proteins. Furthermore, HDL also exerts several other atheroprotective effects, such as antioxidants affects, inhibition of platelets aggregation and monocytes migration. This paper is a review on recent literature data about HDL metabolism and its role in the prevention of coronary artery disease.

Lipoproteína da alta densidade (HDL) como transportadora da proteína amilóide sérica A (SAA) para sítios inflamatórios: lípides, apolipoproteínas e citocinas inflamatórias em exsudato pleural / High-density lipoprotein as transporting of the serum amyloid A protein (SAA) for inflammatory sites: lipids, apolipoproteins and inflammatories cytokine in pleural exudates

Resultados obtidos anteriormente pelo nosso grupo mostraram que a proteína de fase aguda amilóide sérica A (SAA) é um potente estímulo para a expressão de mRNA e liberação de TNF- alfa, IL-1-ß e Il-8 em leucócitos humanos, além de atuar como priming para a lberação de espécies reativas de oxigênio (EROs) por neutrófilos. Nosso objetivo, nesse trabalho, foi mostrar a presença de SAA em exsudatos e definir sua origem, além de verificar sua atividade pró-inflamatória in vivo. Para tanto, utilizamos soro e exsudatos pleurais de 32 pacientes com pneumonia. Mostramos primeiramente a presença da SAA no material inflamatório através de SDS-PAGE, immunoblotting e HPLC. A quantificação de SAA nas amostras foi realizada por ELISA...

A comparative study of allitin and garlic on lipid turnover in a teleost, Anabas testudineus (Bloch).

Both allitin and garlic have anti-lipogenic properties substantiated by the activity of three lipogenic enzymes and lipid profiles. The rise in the HDL levels and simultaneous fall in the LDL upon garlic intake is the most convincing indicator of reduced lipid concentration. However, the administration of allitin recorded a decrease in the HDL and LDL levels, but when calculated on a percentage basis, there was a marginal increase in the HDL level. On the basis of results, it can be concluded that garlic or its derivatives have hypolipidaemic effect in submammalian vertebrates also. The cholesterol lowering effect of allitin and garlic can be commercially exploited for producing fish with low cholesterol for possible human consumption.

Alteraçöes do perfil das subfraçöes de lipoproteínas associadas à terapia de reposiçäo hormonal / Changes in the profile of lipoprotein subfractions associated with hormone replacement therapy

OBJECTIVE: To report the effects of 2 regimens of hormone replacement therapy during the postmenopausal period on the profile of the major lipoprotein subfractions (HDL, LDL, and VLDL). METHODS: We carried out a cohort study in 38 postmenopausal patients who were starting their hormone replacement therapy due to gynecological indications, for a period of 12 weeks. Analysis of lipoprotein subclasses was performed through nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. RESULTS: Hormone replacement therapy cause an increase in the proportion of larger subfractions of VLDL and HDL (p=0.008 and 0.03, respectively) and in the proportion of larger particles of VLDL due to a 36 percent increase in the levels of larger particles (p=0.004), concomitantly with a 15 percent reduction in the levels of smaller particles (p=0.04). In regard to HDL, the increase occurred only a 17 percent increase in the levels of larger particles (p=0.002). No significant change occurred in the distribution pattern of LDL subfractions. CONCLUSION: The proportion of larger subfractions of VLDL and HDL increases after hormone replacement therapy. The increase in the proportion of larger particles of VLDL occurs due to an increase in the levels of the larger subclasses concomitantly with a reduction in the smaller particles. However, an increase in the proportion of larger particles of HDL occurs only due to an increase in the levels of the larger subfractions

La glicacion y glicoxidacion de las lipoproteinas: su importancia en la diabetes mellitus / Lipotrotein glyication and glycoxidation: their importance in diabetes mellitus

La hiperglucemia crónica produce un incremento en nivel de glicación no enzimática de proteínas estructurales y circulantes del organismo generando simultáneamente un estrés oxidativo (producción de radicales libres del oxígeno) y carbonílico, proceso denominado glicoxidación. Se ha demostrado que las diferentes lipoproteínas (LP) plasmáticas son afectadas por la glicación y/o glicoxidación produciéndose en ellas modificaciones fisicoquímicas y alteraciones en su metabolismo. La glicoxidación de las LP adquiere características particulares, con respecto a otras proteínas, por producirse al mismo tiempo en la porción proteica así como en los fosfolípidios que contienen, y generar un estrés oxidativo que favorecería la lipoxidación. Evidencias acumuladas en los últimos años sugieren que los cambios generados especialmente en las LDL que han sido las LP más estudiadas, podrían ser en parte responsables del desarrollo de la micro-macrovasculopatía diabética. Este tipo de complicaciones, una vez establecido es de difícil control y su progresión muchas veces inevitable por las características de irreversibilidad de los procesos de glicoxidación. Por lo tanto, y teniendo en cuenta que la glicación y/o glicoxidación dependen de los niveles promedio de glucosa circulante, la meta principal del tratamiento de las personas con diabetes deberá ser el mantenimiento de dichos promedios en valores lo más cercanos posibles a los de personas sin diabetes. Este trabajo resume los últimos adelantos en la glicaión-glicoxidación de las LP y su importancia en la diabetes melitus para información del profesional no especializado en el tema.