Haplotype analysis of the apolipoprotein A5 gene in patients with the metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In recent studies, the T-1131C variant of apolipoprotein A5 (APOA5) gene was found to confer a risk for metabolic syndrome (MS). Here we determined four haplotype-tagging polymorphisms (T-1131C, IVS3+G476A, T1259C, and C56G), and studied the distribution of the naturally occurring major haplotype profiles in MS. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 343 MS patients and 284 controls were genotyped using PCR-RFLP methods. Both in MS and control groups, we confirmed the already known association of -1131C, IVS3+473A and 1259C minor alleles with elevated triglyceride levels. The prevalence of the APOA5*2 haplotype (the combination of T-1131C, IVS3+G476A and T1259C SNPs) was 13.1% in MS patients, and 4.9% in controls (p<0.001); multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that this haplotype confers risk for the development of MS (OR=2.880; 95% CI: 1.567-5.292; p=0.001). We also observed a gender effect: in males a more prominent degree of susceptibility was found. Contrary to the APOA5*2 haplotype, the prevalence rate of APOA5*4 (determined by the T-1131C SNP alone) did not differ between MS patients and controls. We identified a novel haplotype, designated here as APOA5*5 (1259C allele alone); which appears to be protective against MS. CONCLUSION: Our results refined the role of SNP T-1131C in the development of MS. The susceptibility nature of this SNP is limited to the APOA5*2 haplotype, while in APOA5*4 haplotype it did not confer a risk for the disease. In addition, as our current data suggest, the novel APOA5*5 haplotype can confer protection against MS.

[Beneficial effect of the ACE inhibitor captopril in normotensive patients with insulin-dependent diabetes]. / Az ACE-gátló captopril kedvezö hatása normotenziós, inzulindependens cukorbetegekben.

The increase of glomerular filtration can often be observed in patients with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, even in the early stage of the disease and it does not require the presence of microalbuminuria. This phenomenon can be explained by vasoconstriction occurring in the efferent arterioles. Eighteen normotensive, diabetic patients (aged: 28-42) who developed increased glomerular filtration were recruited in this study. The specific objectives were: 1. to study the beneficial effect of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor on the glomerular filtration, 2. to evaluate the effect of this treatment on blood pressure and hemodynamic parameters in normotensive, diabetic subjects. After a placebo period of one week, patients were treated orally a daily dose of 3 x 6.25 mg of captopril for twelve weeks. Glomerular filtration was assessed by the isotopic clearance method and blood pressure recordings were taken every 30 minutes throughout a day using an automatic programmable device. Preload, afterload and linear ejection fraction were estimated by echocardiograph, whereas cardiac index was measured by isotopic first pass technique. At the end of the treatment period a significant decrease of glomerular filtration was observed (from 141.9 +/- 10 ml/min to 98.9 +/- 12 ml/min; p < 0.01. Similarly, the afterload exhibited a significant drop due to drug treatment (45.6 +/- 5.8 x 10(3) dyn/cm2 vs. 55.4 +/- 4.7 x 10(3) dyn/cm2 at the end of the placebo period (p < 0.01). However, preload, linear ejection fraction, and cardiac index did not significantly change during the treatment. According to the results obtained from this study a beneficial effect of captopril on the early development of the glomerular hyperfiltration was demonstrated in normotensive diabetic patients who did not develop microalbuminuria. This issue needs to be investigated further in a large scale clinical trial.

Effects of a novel Hungarian antacid containing Al and Mg (Tisacid) on mucosal prostaglandin generation and oxygen free radicals in normal rats.

A new patented chemical agent (Al-Mg-hydroxy-carbonate; acid-binding capacity greater than 30 mmol/g) was produced by our work-team. After our preliminary pharmacological and some prospective, randomized, multicentre, controlled clinical studies, this antacid was registered (Tisacid tablet and suspension; Alkaloida, Hungary). A cumulative ulcer healing rate of 80-85% was proved by Tisacid monotherapy applied in low doses (from 80 to 160 mmol/day) in patients with duodenal ulcer. The aims of this study were: (i) to determine the role of different antacids on the genesis of mucosal prostaglandins (PGs) (PGE2 and 6-keto-PGF1 alpha) in normal rats; (ii) to evaluate the effects of indomethacin pre-treatment (20 mg/kg b.w.,s.c.) on the Tisacid-induced alterations of gastric mucosal PG-contents; (iii) to analyse the generation of oxygen free radicals and lipid peroxidation in the rat oxyntic mucosa by the application of different doses of Tisacid (activities of CAT, GSH-px and SOD, contents of MDA and red. GSH). It was found that: Tisacid has a potent gastroproprotective effect in gastric mucosa, via (a) an increase in the mucosal levels of PGs, and (b) a scavenging-like effect in normal rat gastric mucosa. It is concluded that the gastroprotective effect of Tisacid appears because of the following: (i) excellent acid-neutralizing capacity; (ii) mucosal generation of PGs (PGE2 and PGI2); (iii) free radical scavenging; (iv) its possible activity as a Ca-antagonist (Mg-containing compound).

[Hormonal changes during administration of dietary fibers in patients with decreased glucose tolerance]. / Az élelmi rostok adását kísérö hormonális változások csökkent glukóz toleranciás egyénekben.

The authors carried out a self-controlled study using 11, non-obese patients with impaired glucose tolerance. The first day an oral glucose tolerance test was performed as a control. This was repeated the next day with a simultaneous intake of 20 g natural wheat bran. On both days blood samples were taken at 30 minute intervals (for three hours period) after glucose or glucose plus bran ingestion to measure the plasma sugar, insulin, C-peptid, gastrin and glucagon levels. It has been found that: 1. With simultaneous bran intake the blood glucose levels were decreased as compared to the control values. 2. The serum insulin, and C-peptid levels were similar in both tests. 3. The glucagon response curve fell below that of the control. 4. The serum gastrin levels did not show any change following either glucose or glucose plus bran intake. It has been concluded, that the dietary fibres are able to decrease of glucagon release, beside their direct inhibitory effect on the level of sugar absorption from gastrointestinal tract.