Tissue culture versus PCR in diagnosis of female genital chlamydia trachomatis infection

Chlamydia trachomatis [C.trachomatis] is the most prevalent sexually transmitted pathogen worldwide. It is common among sexually active young women. Evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of tissue culture followed by antigen detection by immunoflurescencein comparison with nested PCR for diagnosis of genital C. trachomatis infection. This study was carried out on 50 women, among those attending the Gynecology Outpatient Clinics of Benha University Hospital during the period from May 2014 to March 2015. The participants suffer from symptoms suggestive of genital C. trachomatis infection, their ages ranged from 20 to 39 years old [mean +/- SD =29.80 +/- 4.647] .Two endocervical swabs were taken from each patient. One used for cytological examination, and the other used for tissue culture detected by, immunoflurescence as well as nested PCR. The result of tissue culture detected by direct immunoflurecence revealed that out of 50 patient, 24 [48%] were positive for C.trachomatis and 26 [52%] were negative .Result of nested PCR revealed that out of 50 patient, 34 [68%] were positive and 24 [32%] were negative . The result of cytological examination revealed that out of 50 patient, 17 [34%] were positive and 33 [66%] were negative. The sensitivity, specificity, Positive Predictive Value [PPV], and Negative Predictive Value [NPP] of tissue culture for detection of C.trachomatis were 70.6%, 100%, 100% and 61.5% respectively. Roc curve of tissue culture revealed that it is considered to be a good test compared to PCR in diagnosis of genital C.trachomatis. The tissue culture as detected by immunoflurescence is a good test in relation to nested PCR in diagnosis of genital C.trachomatis

Hypoglycemic effects of date seed extract. Possible mechanism of action, and potential therapeutic implications

To investigate the possible mechanism, by which an extract from date seeds exert its hypoglycemic effect. This study was performed at the Anatomy Department, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from May to December 2012. Eighty rats were divided into 4 groups. Group 1 received no treatment. Group 2 received daily ingestions of 10 ml of date seed extract for 8 weeks. Animals of groups 3 and 4 were made diabetic by streptozotocin injection, and were given daily subcutaneous injections of 3 IU/day of insulin for 8 weeks. Group 4 received, in addition, daily ingestions of 10 ml of seed extracts. Rats were sacrificed, and the sera were separated for estimation of serum C-peptide levels. Pancreatic tissues were processed for histological study of the islet cells, immunohistochemical study for insulin secretion and image analysis for insulin quantification. Mean serum C-peptide level was significantly higher in group 4 compared to group 3. Pancreatic islets from rats of group 3 showed weak immunoreactivity for insulin, while those of group 4 showed strong immunoreactivity in some hypertrophied beta cells. Immunopositive cells were detected in the wall of interlobular ducts and in centroacinar cells of pancreas only in group 4. Quantification of insulin immunoreactivity showed a marked reduction in islet size and extent of insulin immunoreactivity in diabetic compared to control groups. Date seed extracts may stimulate endogenous insulin secretion through extra-islet sources

values of serum and ascetic fluid tumor necrosis factor-Alpha [TNF-alpha], TNF-receptor 1 and C-reactive protein [CRP] in patients with cirrhotic ascites

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis [SBP] is defined as an infection of initially sterile ascitic fluid [AF] without a detectable, surgically treatable source of infection. It is a frequent and severe complication of cirrhotic ascites. Because of the high morbidity and mortality of SBP, the rapid and accurate diagnosis is required. The present study aimed to measure the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha], tumor necrosis factor receptor [TNF-r p55] and C-reactive protein [CRP] in both ascetic fluid and serum of patients with sterile and infected cirrhotic ascites to show their diagnostic values as compared to ascitic fluid culture and polymorphnuclear leukocyte [PMN] count. TNF-alpha, TNF-r p55 and CRP were measured in both ascetic fluid and serum of 20 patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis [SBP], in addition to 22 patients with sterile cirrhotic ascites. The results of clinical examination showed a significant difference as regard abdominal pain, fever jaundice, upper GIT bleedings, encephalopathy and Sclerotherapy among both groups. The serum levels of CRP and TNF-alpha were significantly higher in patients with SBP as comparing to patients have sterile ascites, but TNF-r p55 serum level showed no significant difference. On evaluation of ascetic fluid parameters, total leucocytic count [TLC], plymorphnuclear [PMN] count, CRP, TNF-alpha, TNF-r p55 are significantly higher in SBP patient group than group of sterile ascites. Sensitivity and specificity of ascitic fluid PMN [cut-off value >250 cells/ mm[3]] in discriminating infected ascites from sterile ascites were 70% and 86.4%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of ascitic fluid CRP [cut-off value >1.0 mg/dL] in discriminating infected ascites from sterile ascites were 85% and 72.7%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of ascitic fluid TNF-alpha [cut off value >12 pg/ml] in discriminating infected ascites from sterile ascites were 80% and 63.6%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of TNF-r p55 [cut-off value >6.2 pg/ml] in discriminating infected ascites from sterile ascites were 75% and 68.2%, respectively. We concluded that, the elevated serum and ascetic fluid levels of CRP, TNF-alpha and TNF-r may suggest their role in the pathogenesis of ascetic fluid infection and their higher sensitivity and specificity make them to be good discriminators in ascetic fluid infection [especially a cheap and easy ascitic fluid CRP levels]. Thus may help in rapid diagnosis and early start empirical antibiotic therapy without waiting the culture results

relationship between age and risk profile in patients with acute coronary syndrome

There is general agreement on multi factorial etiology of coronary artery disease [CAD] and that the incidence of disease increases with age. Nevertheless, it has been recognized in young age groups more frequently in recent years. Worldwide, about 4% of patients with myocardial infarction [MI] are younger than 40 years of age. These patients frequently have characteristics that are different from those seen in older patients. The relationship between age categories and risk profile in ACS patients remain to be identified. 298 patients with ACS, [230 males and 68 females], with age ranged from [32-85 years] with mean age 51.9 years, were included in the study. The risk factors, lipid profile, cardiac enzymes, ejection fraction [EF%] and angiographic data were analyzed and were compared in different age groups. The study groups were classified as group I [n=83] with age <40 years, group II [n=125] with age >/= 40-<75 years and group Ill [n=90] >/= 75 years. Young ACS patients [group I had more prevalence of male sex, smoking, family history, hyper triglyceridemia and low levels of HDL, higher incidence of ST elevation acute myocardial infarction [STEMI] and lower prevalence of unstable angina pectoris [UA] compared with group II and III. Diabetes Mellitus, hypertension, obesity and female sex were more common in older groups [II and Ill]. As regards angiographic analysis group I showed a preponderance of single-vessel disease and prevalent left anterior descending coronary vessel [LAD] involvement compared with older age groups. Male gender and smoking were correlated positively with more severe CAD in young patients, while diabetes was related significantly to CAD extent in patients >40 years. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that age, male gender, cardiac enzymes and EF% were common predictors of multi vessel disease. Smoking was independent predictors in young patients <40 while Diabetes was the key predictors in older patient groups. In acute coronary syndrome there is an ageassociated difference in patient's related variables including different clinical and risk factors in addition to angiographic data. These variables might improve risk stratification

Preparation and characterization of some thiomalato-metal complexes that have a therapeutic interest

The present article has been carried out to prepare with high yield a thiomalato-gold[I] complex which is used as an antirheumatic drug and is sold under the name myochrisin, in addition to thiomalato complexes of copper, silver and platinum complexes expected to be a therapeutic value. The composition and the optical and structural characteristics of various prepared complexes were determined by using chemical as well as thermal analyses, electronic absorption spectra, infrared spectra, mass spectra and electron spin resonance. The different complexes can be prepared with yields exceeding 75%. These findings indicate that the thiomalato-gold[I] complex can be manufactured on an economic basis

Recovery of vanadium pentaoxide and potassium sulfate from spent catalyst using ammonium sulfate

The aim of the present work was directed to investigate thoroughly, the effectiveness of extraction of vanadium oxides as well as potassium sulfate from the spent vanadium pentaoxide catalyst using ammonium sulfate as an attacking reagent, in order to avoid the use of corrosive acids. The investigation was also aimed to utilize the accumulated amounts of spent catalyst in production of vanadium pentaoxide and potassium sulfate which help in minimization of environmental pollutions arised from accumulation of the former one by times. The chemical reactions between the reactive species, resulted from thermal decomposition of ammonium sulfate and various species forming the spent catalyst at different temperatures ranged between 200-450[degree sign] C were investigated in detail the different reaction products were characterized by means of x-ray diffraction patterns as well as by electronic absorption spectra, whereas the contents of tetra-and pentavalent vanadium species were determined by volumetric methods of chemical analysis. Depending on the different results, samples of vanadium pentaoxide and potassium sulfate were prepared in pure forms from the spent catalyst

Ribosomal DNA sequence analysis of different geographically distributed aloe vera plants: comparison with clonally regenerated plants

A comparison of the sequences in an internally transcribed spacer [ITS] 1 region of rDNA between clonally regenerated A. vera and the same species in Japan, USA and Egypt revealed the presence of two types of nucleotide sequences, 252 and 254 bps. Based on the findings in the ITS 1 region, A.vera having 252 and 254 bps clearly showed a stable sequence similarity, suggesting high conservation of the base peak sequence in the ITS 1 region. However, frequent base substitutions in the 252 bps sample leaves that came from callus tissue and micropropagated plants were observed around the regions of nucleotide positions 66, 99 and 199-201.The minor deviation in clonally regenerated A.vera may be due to the stage of regeneration and cell specification in cases of the callus tissue. In the present study, the base peak sequence of the ITS 1 region of rDNA was adopted as a molecular marker for differentiating A.vera plants from geographically distributed and clonally regenerated A.vera plants, and it was suggested that the base peak substitutions in the ITS 1 region may arise from the different nutritional and environmental factors in cultivation and plant growth stages

Pulmonary effects of thoracic epidural analgesia for cardiac valve replacement surgery

The study was performed on forty patients [ASA physical status II: III] with symptomatic mitral valve disease underwent mitral valve replacement surgery. The patients where criteria were randomly allocated into two equal groups [20 patients each] 1- General anesthesia group [GA] ['control group]. 2- General anesthesia with thoracic epidural analgesia group [TEA group]. Anesthetic technique and management of cardiopulmonary bypass were standardized for all patients. Spirometric data: [FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC% and PEFR,], and respiratory rate were measured at the night before surgery, after extubation by 1h, 12h, 24h, 48h, 72h and [6th postoperative day Arterial Blood Gases: PaO2, PaCO2 and pH were measured after induction of GA by 15 min., after extubation by 48h, 72h and 6th postoperative day. Visual analogue scale [VAS] score for assessment of pain was measured after extubation by 1h, 6h, 12h, 18h, 24h, 48h, 72h and 6th postoperative day. Total dose of fentanyl analgesia was calculated in each group. There were some improvement in respiratory function [FVC, FEV 1 and PEFR.] started at the 3rd to the 6th post operative days.There were insignificant changes in FEV1/FVC all over the study period RR decreased significantly in the epidural group than control group in all readings. There was a significant decrease in VAS in TEA group than the control group throughout the study period. PaO 2 was significantly decreased in both groups at all readings. 1. Intensive Care Unit [ICU] stay: There was insignificant difference between the two groups. 2. Time to first awake /hour was significantly decreased in thoracic epidural group than general anesthesia group [1.3 +/- 0.3 vercus 2.5 +/- 0.6]. 3. Time to extubation /hour was significantly decreased in thoracic epidural group than general anesthesia group [3.5 + 0.2 versus 7.3 +/- 0.3]. 4. Total postoperative fentanyl consumption in 1st 24h was a significant decrease in TEA than GA group [p<0. 00] [677.9 +/- 26 in TEA group versus 1203.4 +/- 44 in general anesthesia group] perioperative epidural infusion of 0.125% bupivacaine and fentanyl, started before induction of anesthesia in valve replacement surgery reduces the total requirements of intraoperative narcotics, without cm appreciable delay in extubation. There was slight improvement in pulmonary function, but not to expected values and far less than control reading indicating multifactorial bases of pulmonary dysfunction in cardiac surgery using CBP

results of arthroscopyic repair of complete thickness rotator cuff tear in chronic impingement of the shoulder joint using the giant needle technique

This work evaluated the results of arthroscopic end to end repair of small and medium sized complete thickness tears of the rotator cuff [<2.5 cm] in hooked type of acromion. Arthroscopic subacromial decompression preceded the rotator cuff repair, where the Fleega giant-needle technique was used. Twelve patients [nine males and three females] were included in this study. The minimum follow up period was one year. University of California and Los Angeles [UCLA] scale for the pre and postoperative evaluations concerning the improvement of pain and function was used. It was concluded that the giant needle technique for the repair of rotator cuff tear, with subacromial decompression, is an excellent method for the treatment of full thickness cuff tear of small and medium size

Enhancement of fracture healing in crossbred dogs using subcutaneous injection of salmon calcitonin

The impaired fracture healing results in pseudoarthrosis or skeletal deformity that causes functional disability bone is composed of cells and organic matrix [30%], and minerals [70%]. Fracture healing consists of three interrelated phases: inflammatory, repair, and remodeling, to return to original tissue structure. To asses the effect of salmon calcitonin on fracture healing during the mineralization process. Twenty crossbred dogs were used in this study. After a fracture was created at the midshaft of the radius and ulna of the animals and stabilized with an external splint. Ten dogs of them were injected subcutaneously with salmon calcitonin. Blood samples were taken from the cephalic or recurrent tarsal vein before the operation and at 2,4, and 6 weeks after the operation. For histological assessment bone biopsy was taken from the fractured sites at 2,4,6 weeks post-operative from both groups. The radiographic analysis revealed complete union at 6 weeks post fracture fixation in the salmon calcitonin treated group [2]. In the other group the fracture remained unhealed till the 10[th] week post-operative. The serum biochemical analysis showed highly significant increase in alkaline phosphatase in group [2] and non significant decrease in calcium level in the group [1]. The histopathological examination. Declared that the periostium was activated, the osteoblasts appeared early and the formation of osteoid callus was noticed at the 4[th] week. At the 6[th] week complete ossification and formation of the boney specules were observed in the group [2]. While in the group [1] all these observations were delayed 4-6 weeks. Salmon calcitonin accelerates fracture healing and therefore proposes that it is a potent bone anabolic agent for clinical use. It also gives us simple and easier interferences by using of external fixation rather than using of the most massive, complex, and expensive internal fixations for treating the simple, single long bone fractures in dogs. Fracture healing, salmon calcitonin, dogs

combination of dual bicortical onlay bone grafting and compression plating for atrophic humeral nonunion

This study was performed to evaluate the functional and radiological results of treatment of the established atrophic nonunited diaphyseal humerus fractures by the combination of compression plating and autogenous dual bicortical bone grafting, to determine whether a standardized treatment of aseptic humeral shaft nonunions results in union after one operation without substantial complications. Eleven adult patients [nine females and two males] who had been diagnosed as atrophic nonunion of humeral diaphyseal fractures were included in this study. All patients were treated by the same technique using compression plating and autogenous fixed dual bicortical bone grafting. The follow up period ranged from 12 to 18 months [average 15 months]. The functional outcome of the operative intervention was evaluated using the Stewart and Hundley [27] rating scale. Union of the fracture occurred in every case. The mean healing time was 18.6 [16-22] weeds. The range of motion of the shoulder and elbow was excellent in 8 patients, that of the shoulder moderate in 3, and, that of the elbow moderate in 2 and poor in 1. the overall functional results were excellent in 7 patients, good in 3 and fair in one case. When attempting to heal persistent nonunited fractures, multiple methods used simultaneously should be considered to increase the chance of success. Given the good functional results in this series, the combination of compression plating and dual onlay bicortical bone grafting appeared to be a good method for treating humeral shaft atrophic nonunions

Functional results of Keller's arthroplasty and its modifications in the treatment of Hallux Rigidus in adults

This study was performed to evaluate the functional results of operative treatment of hallux rigidus in adults by Keller's arthroplasty and modified Keller's arthroplasty. Twenty adult patients, fourteen-females [one of them had bilateral hallux rigidus] and five males were presented to the outpatient clinic in the Suez Canal university hospital was included in the study and they had hallux rigidus of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the big toe grade two [thirteen patients] and grade three [seven patients] patients were divided into two groups, group A operated by Keller's arthroplasty and group B by modified Keller's arthoplasty. Follow up with clinical and radiological assessment was done at six and twelve months for both groups. The functional outcome for both groups was evaluated according to Michael et al., Seven patients in group B [70%] and two patients in group A [20%] had excellent results at one year follow up according to the system proposed by Michael et al., also two patients [20%] of group A have poor results. Limited range of motion and poor foot function as a result of recurrence of osteophyte formation and narrowing of the joint space were the causes of poor outcome. Postoperative complications were only superficial infection in two patients in the first group. Keller's arthroplsty is an easier technique but the modified procedure has a better functional result and it is more stable than Keller's arthroplasty

Functional assessment of arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using bone- patellar tendon-bone autograft

This study aims at analyzing the results of arthroscopic anterior cruriate ligament reconstruction using bone patellar tendon bone auto graft with accelerated postoperative rehabilitation program. Thirty knees in thirty patients, 29 males and one female, were included in this study after clinical, functional, radiological, and arthroscopic assessment and diagnosis of rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament. Lysholm score was utilized to evaluate the patient's symptoms and signs and clinical assessment both pre and postoperatively. The preoperative Lysholm score ranged between 46 and 76 points with an average of 60.6 six months after the operation, the score ranged between 77 and 91 points with an average of 84.8 after one year, the average was 88.6 while at the end of the follow up the average was 92.8 points. All patients showed significant improvement from the preoperative scores. At the end of the follow up, 24 patients [80%] scored excellent [< 90 points] and 6 patients [20%] scored good [77-90 points]. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with bone-patellar tendon-bone auto graft with accelerated postoperative rehabilitation program in young adults, lead to reasonable stability and good overall function of the knee joint

Gastric restriction for morbidly obese Egyptians

The different modalities of gastric restriction regarding their efficacy and complications were investigated. This study has analyzed the results of 120 morbidly obese patients managed by gastric restriction. The results have shown that 83 patients had open vertical banded gastroplasty [VBG], 20 patients had laparoscopic vertical banded gastroplasty [Lap VBG] and 17 patients had Swedish adjustable gastric band [SAGB]. The follow-up period ranged from 6-30 months. Three patients who had VBG died; two because of pulmonary embolism and one due to myocardial infarction. In the VBG group, four patients developed delayed staple line dehiscence and three patients had outlet obstruction. One patient developed gastric fistula in the Lap VBG group. The results have shown that gastric restriction achieves a major weight reduction with much improvement in the comorbid conditions, which are the primary goals of treatment in the morbidly obese patients

Assessment of Il-8 and TNF-alpha in serum and BAL of patients with COPD and lung cancer

There is an increasing evidence for the role of cytokines, especially interlukin-8 [IL-8] and tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha] in the pathogenesis of many chest diseases especially chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] and to some extent lung cancer. Tins study was conducted on three groups comprising 70 smoker subjects; 25 patients [21 males and 4 female] with mild to moderate degree of COPD, 25 patients [21 males and 4 females] with lung cancer and 20 asymptomatic control subject [17 males and 3 females], All subjects were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination, radiological assessment, pulmonary function testing, tissue diagnosis of lung cancer, blood sampling and bronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage [BAL] for assessment of TNF-alpha and IL-8 levels both in scrum and BAL fluid using the enzyme linked immunosorbant assay [ELISA] method. There was a highly significant [P < 0.05] elevation in both serum and BAL levels of IL-8 in COPD and lung cancer patients compared to the healthy control subjects but the difference between the COPD and lung cancer patients was insignificant [P > 0.05], Also, there was a highly significant elevation in both serum and BAL levels of TNF-alpha in COPD and lung cancer patients compared to the control group and the serum as well as the BAL levels of TNF-alpha were significantly higher in lung cancer patients compared to the COPD ones. The BAL levels of IL-8 and TNF-alpha were always significantly higher than the serum levels of the same cytokine in the same group of patients or control subjects. This study concludes that IL-8 and TNF-a levels are increased both in BAL and serum of COPD and lung cancer patients and their assessment may add to the understanding of the ongoing pathogenic inflammatory processes occurring in the smoker's airways till the development of COPD or lung cancer

Studies on some behavioural paterns, performance and immune status in dairy calves under field conditions

This study was carried out in two dairy farms in Beni-Suef governorate on a total of 67 calves from birth till weaning age. The calves in farm [I] isolated from their dams after five days postpartum while in farm [II] the calves kept with their dams. Oral and social behavioural patterns of these calves were recorded. Calf performance as well as average daily gain in body weight, girth, height and length were measured till weaning age. Moreover IgG and IgM were estimated in the sera of newly born calves during pre and post colostrol feeding. These parameters were also estimated in the colostrum. Results revealed an increase in oral behavioural patterns with the advance of age in calves of both farms. The percentage of time in rumination in calves at the age of 6 weeks was significantly higher [20.20%] in farm I than in farm II [14.62%]. Social behaviour under natural rearing system [farm II] was improved to a greater extent than under artifical rearing [farm I]. The obtained results showed an increase in calf birth weight in farm [I] [30.68 Kg] than those in farm [II] [27.70 Kg], while there was no significant difference in the average daily weight gain between the two farms. Moreover, the other calf body measurements showed no significant differences between the two farms. The levels of IgG in farm [I and II] at birth amounted to 1.74 and 1.96 mg/ml respectively. After 24 hours post colostrol feeding these values increased to 35.47 and 39.52 mg/ml. On the other hand, the levels of IgM in farm [I and 11] at birth were 0.18 and 0.14 mg/ml respectively, and increased to 2.69 and 2.73 mg/ml 24 hours after post colostral feeding In the colostrum, the levels of IgG in farm [I] und [II] [21.95 and 21.24 mg/ml] were higher than those of IgM [2.48 and 2.42 mg/ml]. It was concluded that cohabitation of the calves with their dams from birth till weaning favour the calf welfare, improving the social behaviour and immune status which reflects the high performance

Elevated nitric oxide and endotoxemia in schistosonol hypertension

Nitric oxide [NO] is supposed to play a role in mediating vasodilatation and hyperdynamic circulation in liver cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis. It has been suggested that endotoxin might mediate increased synthesis of NO in endotoxemic patients with cirrhosis. The level of NO in schistosomal portal hypertension [SchPH] has not been studied, and whether endotoxemia plays a role in this condition is not known. To evaluate the level of NO and endotoxin in patients with schistosomal portal hypertension, and compare it to those in patients with post-necrotic cirrhosis and to normal individuals The study included 45 consenting patients; 27 with SchPH and living -schistosoma ova on rectal biopsy [11 Child A, 9 B, 7 C], and 1.8 with post-necrose cirrhosis [4 Child A, 6 B, 8 C]; and 15 healthy volunteers. Patients underwent upper GI endoscopy with grading of esophageal varices if present, ultrasonography with measurement of portal vein diameter, and liver biopsy. Patients and controls had plasma nitrite [NO[2]] measured as an indicator of NO production, and plasma endotoxin assayed by limulus amebocyte lysate test Patients with SchPH had significantly higher plasma NO[2] than controls [7.18 +/- 3 7 micro Mol/I vs 1.68 +/- 0.8 micro Mol/L p<0.005]. Endotoxin level was also significantly higher in SchPH than controls [0.46 +/- 0.09 Eu/ml vs. 0.15 +/- 0.05 Eu/ml. p < 0.05]. Non schistosomal patients had levels of NO[2] [6.3 +/- 3 micro Mol/L] and endotoxin [0.45 +/- 0.09 Eu/ml] similar to SchPH [both p > 0 05]. No difference was noted between Child classes in SchPH regarding NO[2] and endotoxin levels. NO[2] levels were positively correlated to the degree of portal hypertension assessed by portal vein diameter on ultrasound in SchPH. No correlation was found between NO[2] and endotoxin levels in SchPH [r = 0.48] SchPH is associated with increased NO production, and endotoxemia, similar to post-necrotic cirrhosis. The level of NO production increased with the severity of portal hypertension in this condition, and was not related to the level of endotoxemia

Low lipoprotein [a] level as a protective factor against coronary heart disease in patients with liver cirrhosis

Patients with liver cirrhosis are known to be at a low risk to develop coronary heart disease [CHD]. Lipoprotein [a] [LP[a]] concentration was studied in twenty patients with liver cirrhosis, twenty patients with established CHD, and ten age-matched controls. Serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein [HDL] cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol were measured in all patients and controls. Lp[a] concentration was found to be reduced in patients with liver cirrhosis in comparison with patients with [CHD] and controls. No correlation was found between Lp[a] level and age of the patient, cigarette smoking, obesity, arterial blood pressure, or serum lipids. These data suggest that an increased concentration of Lp[a] constitutes a strong and independent risk factor for CHD. A low concentration of Lp[a] may be one reason why patients liver cirrhosis are less prone to CHD