The effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids on cardiovascular risk factors and urinary mercury in workers employed at electrolytic production of chlorine.

OBJECTIVES: While inorganic mercury is being gradually withdrawn from industry, environmental exposure to mercury is recognized as one of the greatest present toxicological problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) supplementation on selected cardiovascular risk factors and the urinary mercury (Hg-U) concentration in workers occupationally exposed to mercury vapor. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Overall, 38 workers of an electrolyzer hall (Hg-U: 46.6±35.7 µg/g creatinine) and a control group of 60 employees not exposed to Hg (Hg-U: 4.3±15.5 µg/g creatinine) were included in a clinical cross-over study. Clinical and laboratory tests were carried out 4 times: before and after a 3-month period of PUFAs supplementation (1000 mg daily), then after a 3-month break, and then after another 3-month period of PUFAs supplementation. RESULTS: The baseline heart rate (HR) and serum triglyceride levels were higher in the Hg-exposed workers than in the controls, whereas systolic blood pressure (SBP) and cholesterol (C) levels exceeded normal values in both groups. There was a positive correlation between high-density lipoprotein 3 cholesterol (HDL3-C) and Hg-U levels. The PUFAs use was associated with a decrease in both HR and SBP. After the first stage of supplementation, a decrease in the Hg-U concentration was observed. In a multivariate logistic regression model, decreases in Hg-U were associated only with exposure to mercury; ORΔHg = 0.562 (95% CI: 0.323-0.979), p < 0.042. After the second 3-month period of PUFAs supplementation, a significant association between HDL3-C and a Hg-U decrease was shown: ORHDL3 = 1.222 (95% CI: 1.01-1.46), p < 0.033. CONCLUSIONS: In the workers exposed to mercury vapor, PUFAs supplementation led to some beneficial effects on HR and SBP. The first stage of supplementation was associated with a decrease in Hg-U in which HDL3 metabolism probably plays an important role. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021;34(4):551-64.

Urinary leucine aminopeptidase 3 in population environmentally exposed to airborne arsenic.

INTRODUCTION: Environmental arsenic contamination is a major toxicological problem worldwide due to its carcinogenic and nephrotoxic potential. AIM: The purpose of this observational study was to determine the suspected association between urinary arsenic (uAs) and urinary leucine (or leucyl) aminopeptidase 3 (uLAP3) to evaluate uLAP3 as a candidate biomarker of exposure to airborne arsenic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 918 adults occupationally and/or environmentally exposed to airborne arsenic were enrolled in the study. Baseline information (age; sex; history of smoking; alcohol, fish and seafood consumption) was gathered. Total uAs concentrations [µg/L] of 918 subjects, as well as the sum of arsenic species (ΣiAs) in 259 subjects, were obtained. Urinary LAP3 was measured by an immune-enzymatic assay using an ELISA kit. Urinary creatinine concentration was assessed with the IB/lAB/1289 research protocol (version II, 2015-09-17). The values of uAs and uLAP3 were recalculated per unit of creatinine. The association between uAs and uLAP3 was assessed using a logistic regression model adjusted for confounders. RESULTS: The study identified a positive correlation between the logarithm of uAs and the logarithm of uLAP3 in the study population (r = 0.1737, p < 0.0000) and between urinary creatinine and uLAP3 concentration not adjusted for creatinine level (r = 0.1871, p < 0.001). In the logistic regression model, there was also an association between increased (≥15 µg/L) uAs and decreased (below the 25th quartile) uLAP3 [OR uLAP3 = 1.22 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.44, p < 0.02)]. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that urinary LAP3 may be a potential biomarker of arsenic exposure, which warrants further study.

Linseed oil increases HDL3 cholesterol and decreases blood pressure in patients diagnosed with mild hypercholesterolaemia.

BACKGROUND: Linseed oil has cardio-protective effects. However, its antihypertensive action has not yet been well characterised. AIM: The primary purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of short-term dietary supplementation with linseed oil on blood pressure (BP) and lipid metabolism in patients with mild hypercholesterolaemia. The secondary aim was to assess the effect of linseed oil on nitric oxide pathway and selected serum trace metals. METHODS: 150 volunteers: 43 men (49.9 ± 11.5 years) and 107 women (53.2 ± 10.3 years), diagnosed with mild hyper-cholesterolaemia, were assessed prospectively for BP and lipid levels, before and after lipid-lowering diet plus linseed oil supplementation at a dose of 15 mL daily for four weeks (study groups) or four-weekly lipid-lowering diet (control group). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the effect of linseed oil on BP after adjustment for age, sex, height, body weight, body mass index, smoking status, and alcohol consumption. RESULTS: Supplementation with linseed oil significantly decreased low-density lipoprotein (LDL)- and non-high-density lipo-protein (HDL) cholesterol, and increased HDL- and HDL3- cholesterol levels. Additionally, linseed oil decreased diastolic BP in men (95% confidence interval [CI]: -6.0 to -1.1, p < 0.006), whereas in women linseed oil reduced (p < 0.001) systolic BP (-3.6 mmHg; 95% CI: -5.8 to -1.5) as well as diastolic BP (-4 mmHg; 95% CI: -5.8 to -2.1). Women with higher BP displayed an increase in serum L-arginine level (p < 0.01). In the logistic regression model oil consumption was associated with a decrease in mean BP (adjusted odds ratio 3.85; 95% CI 1.32-11.33). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirm the benefit of short-term linseed oil use in mild hypercholesterolaemia, particularly in patients with increased blood pressure.

Lecithin derived from ω-3 PUFA fortified eggs decreases blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Hypertension is the most common risk factor for stroke, coronary heart disease and heart failure, which are the leading causes of death worldwide. Dietary patterns and supplements intakes are becoming important factors in the hypertension. The aim of this study was to estimate the effects of new generation egg yolk phospholipids rich in lecithin (SL) esterified with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids on blood pressure in hypertensive rats (SHR). Here we have reported that lecithin (SL) derived from egg yolk lowers blood pressure in pathology of hypertension. The SHR rats treated with SL had significantly lower blood pressure than control group (157/104 vs. 178/121 mmHg; P < 0.05) and down-regulated mesenteric artery over-response to norepinephrine and potassium chloride, giving similar arterial response as for normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY). Hypertensive rats treated by SL demonstrated significantly lower serum level of inflammatory factors. This work also indicates that SL treatment lowers heart rate and reduces the serum level of oxidative stress marker - nitrotyrosine - by 30-34% in both hypertensive and normotensive animals. Phospholipids with lecithin derived from PUFA fortified eggs may be a valuable dietary supplement in prophylaxis of hypertension and in patients with hypertension, however, this requires further studies on humans.

Serum Lipid Transfer Proteins in Hypothyreotic Patients Are Inversely Correlated with Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Levels.

BACKGROUND Plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity is often decreased in patients with hypothyroidism, whereas less is known about the phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP). We aimed to evaluate simultaneously serum CETP and PLTP activity in patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism. MATERIAL AND METHODS The selection criteria for control group members (without thyroid dysfunction) in this case to case study were levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides similar to those in study group patients (101 patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism). Serum CETP and PLTP activities were measured by homogenous fluorometric assays using synthetic donor particle substrates. RESULTS Serum CETP and PLTP activities in hypothyreotic patients were lower (p<0.001) compared with those in healthy subjects. This lowering was associated with significant changes in HDL-C subclasses: decrease in HDL2- and increase in HDL3 cholesterol levels. Multiple linear regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, smoking habits, and alcohol drinking showed a strong association between hypothyroidism and activity of lipid transfer proteins. A linear inverse relationship between thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and CETP (r=-0.21; p<0.01) and between TSH and PLTP (r=-0.24; p<0.001) was shown. There also was a positive correlation (p<0.001) between CETP and HDL2 cholesterol (r=0.27) and between PLTP and HDL2 cholesterol (r=0.37). A negative correlation between CETP and HDL3 cholesterol (r=-0.22: p<0.01) and between PLTP and HDL3 cholesterol (r=-0.24; p<0.001) has been demonstrated as well. CONCLUSIONS The decreased HDL2 and increased HDL3 cholesterol levels in subjects with hypothyroidism are consequences of decreased activity of lipid transfer proteins. These changes are early symptoms of lipid disturbances in hypothyroidism.

Serum CETP and PLTP activity in middle-aged men living in urban or rural area of the Lower Silesia region. PURE Poland sub-study.

INTRODUCTION: The dependence of lipid transfer proteins on significant pro-atherogenic factors is unclear. The aim of the study was to evaluate serum cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) and phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) activity in relation to lipid disturbances in men living in an urban or rural area. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A group of 427 men, volunteers for the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) sub-study - 263 urban inhabitants (aged 51.9 ±6.0) and 164 residents of villages (aged 51.1 ±5.9) - were examined. In the multivariable linear regression model, the following factors were included as potential confounders: age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, alcohol consumption, hs-C-reactive protein reaction (hs-CRP) and co-existence of chronic diseases. RESULTS: In multiple linear regression models, site of residence (urban or rural area) was the most important independent and consistent predictor of CETP and PLTP activity; ß coefficients (95% CI) for CETP (0.18) and PLTP (-0.29) were significant at levels of p < 0.001. Three-way analysis of variance showed no effect of smoking or moderate alcohol consumption on lipid transfer proteins; however, CETP activity showed an interaction effect between these risk factors. In the group of all men, CETP activity was significantly and positively correlated with total cholesterol (r = 0.24), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = 0.18), and non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = 0.21), whereas PLTP activity was correlated with BMI (r = 0.12). Body mass index in rural men was higher than in the urban male population. CONCLUSIONS: Increased PLTP activity, recognized as a pro-atherogenic factor, and decreased CETP activity, known as a protective factor, both observed in men living in rural areas, are probably conditioned by nutritional and/or genetic factors.

Association between the Type of Workplace and Lung Function in Copper Miners.

The aim of the analysis was to retrospectively assess changes in lung function in copper miners depending on the type of workplace. In the groups of 225 operators, 188 welders, and 475 representatives of other jobs, spirometry was performed at the start of employment and subsequently after 10, 20, and 25 years of work. Spirometry Longitudinal Data Analysis software was used to estimate changes in group means for FEV1 and FVC. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess an association between workplace and lung function. Lung function assessed on the basis of calculation of longitudinal FEV1 (FVC) decline was similar in all studied groups. However, multiple linear regression model used in cross-sectional analysis revealed an association between workplace and lung function. In the group of welders, FEF75 was lower in comparison to operators and other miners as early as after 10 years of work. Simultaneously, in smoking welders, the FEV1/FVC ratio was lower than in nonsmokers (p < 0,05). The interactions between type of workplace and smoking (p < 0,05) in their effect on FVC, FEV1, PEF, and FEF50 were shown. Among underground working copper miners, the group of smoking welders is especially threatened by impairment of lung ventilatory function.

[Serum cystathionine ß-synthase (CBS), cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE ) and cytochrome c oxidase (COX) in copper mine miners potentially expose d to hydrogen sulfide]. / ß-syntaza cystationiny (CBS), γ-liaza cystationiny (CSE) i oksydaza cytochromu c (COX) w surowicy górników kopalni miedzi potencjalnie narazonych na emisje siarkowodoru.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate serum levels of the target enzyme for H2S toxicity--cytochrome c oxidase (COX) and enzymes involved in the synthesis of H2S--cystathionine ß-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) in copper mine miners. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The initial and basic study was conducted respectively in 237 and 88 miners, working in 2 mining shafts: I--no H2S emissions recorded in the last 10 years (study group A) and II--H2S emissions occurred (study group B). A medical examination was performed and 10 ml of blood was collected from miners immediately after exiting the mine. RESULTS: There were no clinical or biochemical changes typical for H2S toxicity. Sulfhemoglobine was undetectable and there were no changes in the red-ox system. However, in group B, regulatory changes were found; a tendency to higher concentration of CBS and CSE, a higher activity of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) compared to group A (p<0.05) and a linear relationship between ACE and CSE (r=0.6927; p<0.001). It has been shown that cigarette smoking decreases COX (p<0.05), however, in miners working in shaft II, the decreased level of COX may result also from the presence of H2S in the gaseous emissions. CONCLUSIONS: COX concentration can be a sensitive indicator of exposure to H2S. The measurements of blood H2S concentrations carried out in workplaces should explain the cause of the changes observed in the COX, CBS and CSE activity.

Unsaturated fatty acids supplementation reduces blood lead level in rats.

Some dietary factors could inhibit lead toxicity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary compounds rich in unsaturated fatty acids (FA) on blood lead level, lipid metabolism, and vascular reactivity in rats. Serum metallothionein and organs' lead level were evaluated with the aim of assessing the possible mechanism of unsaturated FA impact on blood lead level. For three months, male Wistar rats that were receiving drinking water with (100 ppm Pb) or without lead acetate were supplemented per os daily with virgin olive oil or linseed oil (0.2 mL/kg b.w.) or egg derived lecithin fraction: "super lecithin" (50 g/kg b.w.). Mesenteric artery was stimulated ex vivo by norepinephrine (NE) administered at six different doses. Lecithin supplementation slightly reduced pressor responses of artery to NE. Lead administered to rats attenuated the beneficial effect of unsaturated FA on lipid metabolism and vascular reactivity to adrenergic stimulation. On the other hand, the super lecithin and linseed oil that were characterized by low omega-6 to omega-3 ratio (about 1) reduced the blood lead concentration. This effect was observed in lead poisoned rats (p < 0.0001) and also in rats nonpoisoned with lead (p < 0.05).

Postprandial decrease in LDL-cholesterol in men with metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: In some epidemiological studies, blood lipids are determined at non-fasting state, which may impact cardiovascular risk estimation. The aim of this study was to evaluate postprandial LDL-C changes in men with newly diagnosed metabolic syndrome (MetSy). METHODS: 36 male patients were examined: 12 men with and 24 men without MetSy. The fat tolerance test was performed before and after a three-month hypolipidemic treatment. Serum lipids were measured using routine methods, lipid peroxides (LPO) colorimetrically, apolipoproteins A-I, B, and hsCRP immunoturbidimetrically. RESULTS: The postprandial increase in triglycerides was associated with a decrease in LDL-C and a small decrease in apo B. In men with MetSy, the mean change in LDL-C (-19.5 ± 2.3 mg/dl) was greater than in healthy men (-5.7 ± 3.8 mg/dl). All lipid changes (ΔTG, ΔLDL-C and ΔLPO) were linearly dependent on the postprandial non-LDL-cholesterol. After three months of hypolipidemic treatment, in all men with MetSy, the apoB/apoA-I ratio remained the same as before the therapy. CONCLUSION: In men diagnosed with MetSy, postprandial decreases in LDL-cholesterol may cause underestimation of cardiovascular risk. After three months of hypolipidemic treatment, there was only a partial reduction in this risk, as the apoB/apoA-I ratio remained the same.

Lipid pattern in middle-aged inhabitants of the Lower Silesian region of Poland. The PURE Poland sub-study.

INTRODUCTION: A decreased serum high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) is a strong predictor of cardiovascular risk. However, total HDL is a very dynamic, changeable fraction, and does not perform the function of atherosclerosis markers. In the presented study, the pattern of serum lipids, including HDL-C subclasses (HDL2- and HDL3-cholesterol), in a middle- aged Polish Lower Silesia population was defined. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A group of 746 males and 1,298 females, aged 35-70, were investigated. All subjects were participants in the PURE study. Mean serum lipid levels were determined for groups selected on the basis of gender, age, cigarette smoking, drinking alcohol and place of residence (urban/rural area). The data were analyzed using STATISTICA 6.0 PL. RESULTS: In multiple linear regression models, age was the most important independent and consistent predictor of total cholesterol (TC) and LDL cholesterol (LDL-C). The prevalence of low HDL-C (threshold 40 mg/dL in males, 50 mg/dL in females) was 16.5% for males and 22.6% for females. This gender-conditioned difference in the prevalence of low HDL-C was greater in rural (20.0% vs. 30.9%, respectively, in males and females) in comparison to urban (14.4% vs. 17.1%) areas. The lipid pattern was significantly worse in rural than in urban females. Female rural inhabitants showed higher triglycerides (TG) and lower HDL cholesterol (total and contained in subclasses HDL2 and HDL3). Simultaneously, a higher BMI, higher percent of smokers and drinkers and lower age of smoking female rural inhabitants in comparison to urban females were estimated. In the total population, cigarette smoking or drinking alcohol were associated with significant increases in TC, LDL-C and TG, also with decreased HDL-C (smoking) or HDL2-C (drinking). Two-way analysis of variance showed the existence of interaction between these risk factors in their influence on HDL-C and HDL3-C. CONCLUSION: In the middle-aged population of the Lower Silesian region in Poland the place of residence (urban/rural area) had a significant impact on the lipid pattern. This pattern is more atherogenic in rural women than in urban women.

Left ventricular diastolic function in workers occupationally exposed to mercury vapour without clinical presentation of cardiac involvement.

The aim of the study was to evaluate left ventricular diastolic function in workers occupationally exposed to mercury vapour without clinical presentation of cardiac involvement. The studies included 115 workers (92 men and 23 women) occupationally exposed to mercury vapour without clinical presentation of cardiac involvement (mean age: 47.83±8.29). Blood samples were taken to determine blood lipid profile, urine was collected to estimate mercury concentration (HgU) and echocardiographic examination was performed to evaluate diastolic function of the left ventricle. In the entire group of workers occupationally exposed to mercury vapour without clinical presentation of cardiac involvement, Spearman correlations analysis demonstrated the following significant linear relationships: between body mass index (BMI) and ratio of maximal early diastolic mitral flow velocity/early diastolic mitral annular velocity (E/E`) (r=0.32, p<0.05), between serum HDL concentration and E/E` (r=-0.22, p<0.05), between HgU and E/E` (r=0.35, p<0.05), between HgU and isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT`) (r=0.41, p<0.05), between HgU and ratio of maximal early diastolic mitral flow velocity/maximal late diastolic mitral flow velocity (E/A) (r=-0.31, p<0.05) and between serum HDL concentration and E/A (r=0.43, p<0,05). In logistic regression analysis it as shown that independent factors of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction risk in the study group included a higher urine mercury concentration, a higher value of BMI and a lower serum HDL concentration (OR(Hg-U)=1.071, OR(BMI)=1.200, OR(HDL)=0.896, p<0.05). Summing up, occupational exposure to mercury vapour may be linked to impaired left ventricular diastolic function in workers without clinical presentation of cardiac involvement.

[The cardiovascular risk in chemical factory workers exposed to mercury vapor]. / Ryzyko sercowo-naczyniowe u narazonych na dzialanie par rteci pracowników zakladów chemicznych.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, are a leading cause of death in developing and developed countries. Mercury can induce hypertension and atherosclerosis in experimental animals and humans. The assessment of the effect of mercury on the occurrence of cardiovascular system disturbances in the population is an essential task. The aim of this study was to assess the association between mercury concentration in urine and the risk of fatal cardiovascular disease during ten coming years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included chemical factory workers who used mercury in the chlorine production. RESULTS: The mean urine concentration of mercury in 154 workers was 4.9 +/- 11.2 microg/g creatinine. The most common disease was hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: The cardiovascular risk was higher in workers exposed to small or moderate mercury levels than in workers exposed to mercury vapor in high concentrations. Furthermore, the negative association was observed between mercury exposure and smoking in workers with low urinary excretion of mercury.

[Serum and urinary glycosaminoglycans in workers chronically exposed to lead]. / Glikozoaminoglikany w surowicy i w moczu u pracowników przewlekle narazonych na dzialanie olowiu.

BACKGROUND: Glycosoaminoglycans (GAGs) are the constructive elements of proteoglycans (PGs), which together with collagen and non-collagen proteins form the basal extracellular matrix (ECM) components. The quantitative and qualitative disturbances in GAG synthesis are associated with organ and system pathology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of chronic occupational exposure to lead on ECM elements in the cardiovascular system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 167 workers of the copper foundry, including 113 smelters (group I, n=54, blood Pb (B-Pb) level of 200-400 microg/l and group II, n=59, B-Pb level over 400 microg/l) and 54 office workers (control group) were involved in the study. Blood lead and cadmium as well as serum zinc and copper concentrations were determined spectrophotometrically. Serum glucosoaminoglycans and lipid peroxides (LPO) were measured colorimetrically. Urine N-acethyl-b-D-glucosoaminidase (NAG) activity was detected spectrofluorymetrically and leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) activity was detected kinetically. RESULTS: B-Pb concentrations were 306.8 +/- 55.8 microg/l (group I) and 491.7 +/- 50.3 microg/l (group II) in smelters and 116 +/- 48.6 microg/l in the control group. In comparison with controls, the significantly increased serum GAG concentrations were observed in groups I and II (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively), whereas the increased serum LPO concentration was also found in group II (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Lead interacts with ECM, disturbing the metabolism of glucosoaminoglycans. Glycosoaminoglycans can be used as a sensitive indicator of lead toxicity.

The dependence between urinary mercury concentration and carotid arterial intima-media thickness in workers occupationally exposed to mercury vapour.

OBJECTIVES: Mechanisms of the mercury effect on arterial vessel walls include increased free radicals generation, decreased nitric oxide synthesis and increased reactivity to vasoconstrictors, leading to accelerated development of atherosclerosis and arterial hypertension. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between urinary mercury (Hg-U) concentration and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) or intraventricular septum diastolic diameter (IVSDD) to find the best markers of mercury cardiovascular toxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 154 workers of a chemical factory using mercury in chlorine production. Urinary mercury concentration was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Serum lipids were assessed by routine methods using enzymatic assay. Serum total antioxidant status (TAS) was determined by colorimetry. Measurements of IMT and IVSDD were made by ultrasound imaging using MEDISON SA 9900 PRIME system. RESULTS: The mean Hg-U concentration was 1.9+/-2.7 microg/g creatinine in women (n = 29) and 5.6+/-12.2 microg/g creatinine in men (n = 125). In the group of non-smokers (n = 102) there was a positive linear correlation between Hg-U concentration and IMT (r = 0.1728; p < 0.05) and a negative dependence between high density cholesterol (HDL-C) and IMT (r = -0.2109; p < 0.01). The negative linear correlation between serum total antioxidant status (TAS) and carotid IMT (r = -0.2142; p < 0.05), and the positive correlation between HDL-C and TAS (r = 0.1953; p < 0.05) were shown to be valid for the total studied group. Serum lipids in women were normal, but in men the mean triglyceride level was higher than normal. CONCLUSIONS: The occupational exposure to mercury vapour remains in a relationship with early, asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis. The dependence between urinary mercury elimination and carotid intima-media thickness is evidenced in non-smoking workers. Defensive anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms in these workers are strongly related with HDL. In smokers, these protective mechanisms are disturbed.

Drinking of chokeberry juice from the ecological farm Dzieciolowo and distensibility of brachial artery in men with mild hypercholesterolemia.

The aim of the study was to estimate the influence of drinking chokeberry juice on the endothelial function in men with mild hypercholesterolemia. It was shown that chronic treatment with flavonoids improves vascular function and reduces cardiovascular remodelling by increasing NO release from endothelial cells. A group of 35 men diagnosed with mild hypercholesterolemia (mean age: 53.9 +-5.8 years), with no earlier pharmacological treatment, were enrolled to the study. In all men, assessment of endothelial function, and serum lipids level were carried out at four time points: at the beginning of the studies, after 6 weeks of regular drinking of chokeberry juice, after 6 weeks without drinking the juice, then after repeated 6 weeks of drinking chokeberry juice. During the study, significant decreases in serum total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides levels were observed. A statistically significant increase in serum nitric oxide (NO) concentration and in the flow mediated dilatation (FMD) were observed. At the beginning, FMD > or = 7 % was present in 13 of 35 subjects (37.1 %). After 6 weeks of regular chokeberry juice drinking, FMD > or = 7 % was present in 29 of 35 subjects (82.9 %). However, after 6 weeks abstaining from drinking the juice and repeated exposure to 6 weeks drinking of chokeberry juice, FMD > or = 7 % was present in all studied subjects. Regular drinking of chokeberry juice has a beneficial effect on endothelial function and lipid metabolism in men with mild hypercholesterolemia.

The dependence of serum interleukin-6 level on PPAR-alpha polymorphism in men with coronary atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: The association between L162V polymorphism in the gene for peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) alpha and the development of coronary heart disease was examined. METHODS: PPAR-alpha polymorphism was determined in 48 men with angiographically confirmed coronary atherosclerosis and in 51 healthy men. RESULTS: The frequency of the V allele of the L162V polymorphism was four times higher in men with atherosclerosis (0.25 in studied group and 0.06 in controls). The polymorphism was not associated with changes in body mass index, lipid pattern, serum adhesion molecules, or vasoactive agents concentrations. The effect of the polymorphism on the serum interleukin-6 level (IL-6) was observed (p<0.01). The serum IL-6 level was higher in homozygotic than in heterozygotic subjects (p<0.02). Multivariate regression analysis showed the existence of a relationship between simvastatin therapy and serum IL-6 level (r=0.83; p<0.05) in the homozygotic men. While in homozygotic patients with atherosclerosis a negative linear correlation between serum IL-6 and NO concentration was shown, in heterozygotic men positive correlations between IL-6 or HDL cholesterol and adhesion molecule levels were found. CONCLUSION: L162V polymorphism in the gene for PPAR-alpha seems to be associated with atherosclerosis through a mechanism including regulation of the IL-6 level.

[Influence of tobacco smoking on endothelial function in lead-exposed male workers]. / Wplyw palenia tytoniu na czynnosc sródblonka naczyniowego u mezczyzn zawodowo narazonych na dzialanie olowiu.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction is a pathology resulting from smoking and occupational exposure to lead. The aim of the study was to examine the influence of cigarette smoking on biochemical parameters of endothelial function in people occupationally exposed to lead. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study covered 105 men, including 43 lead exposed copper-smelters (mean age 49.9 +/- 4.1) and 62 non-exposed men (mean age 47.3 +/- 9.3) formed the control group. In all subjects, peripheral blood lipid concentrations, biochemical parameters of endothelial function (nitric oxide, endothelin-1, sICAM-1, selectin-E) and inflammation parameters (interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6) were measured. RESULTS: In the group of smokers, including both copper-smelters and control subjects, serum nitric oxide concentrations were lower than in non-smokers. In the serum of men occupationally exposed to lead, sICAM-1 concentrations were higher than in the control group. The lack of physiological correlation between serum concentration of nitric oxide and endothelin-1 resulted from interactions of tobacco smoking with lead exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Workers occupationally exposed to lead should be informed about adverse effects of tobacco smoking in terms of the interaction between nicotine and lead, two combined toxic agents affecting the circulatory system.

Serum vasoactive agents in rats poisoned with cadmium.

OBJECTIVES: Mechanisms of the vascular effect of cadmium vary and involve nervous, hormone and intracellular signaling pathways. However, it is still not clear if mechanisms of the vascular effect of cadmium (Cd) include changes in the synthesis or release of vasoactive agents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of subchronic Cd poisoning on blood nitric oxide or endothelin in blood and to relate it to the redox system activity in vessel walls and to blood Cd concentration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed on male Buffalo rats which were given cadmium in drinking water, 50 or 200 ppm, for 12 weeks. RESULTS: The study showed different dose-dependent changes in toxicological and biochemical status. Mean serum nitric oxide concentration (measured using R&D Systems) was lower in rats poisoned with cadmium compared with the control group (57.7 +/- 7.6 vs. control 65.0 +/- 4.9 micromol/l, p < 0.05), whereas the plasma endothelin-1 level (measured using enzymoimmunoassay) and serum prostaglandin PGF2alpha concentration (determined using R&D System) were similar in all animals. The lipid peroxides concentration (measured colorimetrically) was higher in the group treated with cadmium in a dose of 50 ppm than in controls (5.2 +/- 3.0 vs. controls 1.4 +/- 0.4 nmol/ml, p < 0.001) and gluthatione concentration was decreased in the group treated with cadmium in a dose of 200 ppm as compared with the control group, (1.3 +/- 1.2 vs. control 2.5 +/- 0.9, micromol/l p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded, that cadmium induces oxidative stress in both doses, however, the activity of defending mechanisms depends on Cd dose. Oxidative stress can be responsible for decreased nitric oxide concentration in serum. We suppose that the mechanisms of the vascular effect of cadmium vary and are dose-dependent. Cd used in a dose of 50 ppm for three months induces more severe functional vascular disturbances than its dose of 200 ppm.

[Antiatherogenic effect of high density lipoprotein]. / Przeciwmiazdzycowe dzialanie lipoprotein o duzej gestosci.

Epidemiological studies show the existence of the negative linear correlation between low plasma high density lipoprotein (HDL) and frequency of coronary heart disease (CHD). The low HDL concentration is connected also with the increasing risk of vascular crash in central nervous system. Probably the main mechanism of antiatherogenic action of HDL is its participate in the reserve cholesterol transport. Four stages are included in this process: the transport of free cholesterol from cells to extracellular acceptors (HDL); estrification of HDL cholesterol; transport of cholesterol esters from HDL to VLDL and LDL and uptake of these lipoproteins and cholesterol esters in the liver. The key role in selective uptake in liver and its transport to cells plays scavenger receptor BI. It seems probably that it is also applied in mechanism of efflux of cholesterol from cells. To other properties of antiatherogenic action of HDL belongs its antithrombotic effect: inhibition of adhesion and aggregation of platelets and inactivation of plasma Va and VIIIa factors resulting from participation of HDL as cofactor in protein C activation. HDL prevents also atherogenic modification of LDL by connected with paraoxonase (PON1) activity.