Hepatic lipase affects both HDL and ApoB-containing lipoprotein levels in the mouse.

Transgenic mice were created overproducing a range of human HL (hHL) activities (4-23-fold increase) to further examine the role of hepatic lipase (HL) in lipoprotein metabolism. A 5-fold increase in heparin releasable HL activity was accompanied by moderate (approx. 20%) decreases in plasma total and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and phospholipid (PL) but no significant change in triglyceride (TG). A 23-fold increase in HL activity caused a more significant decrease in plasma total and HDL cholesterol, PL and TG (77%, 64%, 60%, and 24% respectively), and a substantial decrease in lipoprotein lipids amongst IDL, LDL and HDL fractions. High levels of HL activity diminished the plasma concentration of apoA-I, A-II and apoE (76%, 48% and 75%, respectively). In contrast, the levels of apoA-IV-containing lipoproteins appear relatively resistant to increased titers of hHL activity. Increased hHL activity was associated with a progressive decrease in the levels and an increase in the density of LpAI and LpB48 particles. The increased rate of disappearance of 125I-labeled human HDL from the plasma of hHL transgenic mice suggests increased clearance of HDL apoproteins in the transgenic mice. The effect of increased HL activity on apoB100-containing lipoproteins was more complex. HL-deficient mice have substantially decreased apoB100-containing low density lipoproteins (LDL) compared to controls. Increased HL activity is associated with a transformation of the lipoprotein density profile from predominantly buoyant (VLDL/IDL) lipoproteins to more dense (LDL) fractions. Increased HL activity from moderate (4-fold) to higher (5-fold) levels decreased the levels of apoB100-containing particles. Thus, at normal to moderately high levels in the mouse, HL promotes the metabolism of both HDL and apoB-containing lipoproteins and thereby acts as a key determinant of plasma levels of both HDL and LDL.

Sensitization to dust mites as a dominant risk factor for asthma among adolescents living in central Virginia. Multiple regression analysis of a population-based study.

Factors influencing asthma were investigated in a population of school children in central Virginia. A survey of 1,054 children in two middle schools (one urban and one suburban) identified 135 students with symptoms suggestive of asthma. Eighty-eight symptomatic children and 123 control subjects were randomly selected for further evaluation by skin testing using common indoor and outdoor allergens; serum assays for total IgE and specific IgE; dust samples assayed for mite (Der p 1 Der f 1), cat (Fel d 1), and cockroach (Bla g 2) allergens; and provocation with histamine to test for bronchial hyperreactivity. Forty-eight of the children with symptoms responded to < or = 3.9 mumol of histamine and were considered to have asthma. Marginal analysis identified elevated total IgE and dust mite, cat, and cockroach sensitization as significant risk factors for asthma. Using multiple regression, only dust mite sensitization was independently associated with asthma (odds ratio = 6.6; p < 0.0001). Dust from 81% of the houses contained high levels of mite allergen (> 2 micrograms/g), while approximately 40% of the children were exposed to cat and 17% were exposed to cockroach allergen. In this population, there was no significant association between asthma and race, socioeconomic status, home smoking, sensitization to outdoor allergens, or allergen concentration in the child's home. In an area where there is a high prevalence of asthma and most houses contain high concentrations of dust mite allergen, sensitization to this allergen is the dominant risk factor for asthma defined as symptomatic bronchial hyperreactivity

Chemical treatment of carpets to reduce allergen: comparison of the effects of tannic acid and other treatments on proteins derived from dust mites and cats.

BACKGROUND: Several chemical treatments have been recommended for reducing mite and other allergen levels in carpets, including the protein-denaturing agent tannic acid (TA). OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the efficacy of TA and other treatments on mite and cat allergens in carpets within houses. The effects of TA were assessed on Der p 1 and Der f 1, on group II mite allergens, and on the major cat allergen Fel d 1. METHOD: Carpet treatments tested were benzyl benzoate moist powder, a 3% TA spray, and two carpet cleaners (Host and Capture). Carpets were treated twice and dust samples collected on a biweekly basis for 8 weeks: these samples were extracted in saline solution alone. Additional studies evaluated the effects of TA on 17 carpets. Carpets were treated twice (on days 0 and 28) and samples collected on days 0, 1, 7, 14, 28, and 42. Eighteen carpets were untreated controls. Dust samples were extracted separately in both saline solution and in the presence of 5% bovine serum albumin. RESULTS: Benzyl benzoate and the two carpet cleaners reduced group 1 dust mite allergen concentrations in carpet dust. In addition, benzyl benzoate and TA reduced airborne group 1 mite allergens by more than 64%. Further studies showed that, in keeping with in vitro studies, TA inhibited the assay and bovine serum albumin abrogated this effect. Significant reductions after treatment occurred only for Der f 1 and group 2 dust mite allergens (p = 0.005 and p = 0.035, respectively). However, for all mite allergens the percentage changes after treatment were significant when compared with untreated carpets (p < 0.005 for Der f 1 and group 2 mite, p < 0.02 for Der p 1) but not for cat allergen (p > 0.3). The results suggested that repeated application of TA was necessary to maintain reduced allergen concentrations. CONCLUSION: Carpet treatments can reduce mite-derived allergen levels in airborne and carpet dust. However, the effects do not appear to be maintained for long periods, are not dramatic, and are different for different allergens.

Effect of combined androgen blockade with an LHRH agonist and flutamide in one severe case of male exhibitionism.

A severe exhibitionist has been treated with the combination of an LHRH agonist and the antiandrogen flutamide in order to maximize androgen blocking and to control his severe deviant behaviour. The results obtained show that the androgen blockade ended his exhibitionistic behaviour and markedly decreased his sexual fantasies and activities, especially masturbation, without significant side effects.