Role of genetic factors (CETP gene Taq I B polymorphism and Apo A-I gene Msp I polymorphism) in serum HDL-C levels in women.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels are determined by a variety of environmental and genetic factors. The cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) and apolipoprotein A-I (Apo A-I) are considered to be associated with HDL-C metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the CETP gene Taq I B and Apo A-I gene Msp I polymorphisms and plasma lipid levels taking into account environmental factors, and to determine the combined effects of these polymorphisms on HDL-C levels in Japanese women. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study involved 270 Japanese women aged 30-69 years. We found a significant association between the CETP genotypes and HDL-C levels (p=0.0020), which were also associated with the Apo A-I gene (M1) polymorphism. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that both the CETP Taq I B and Apo A-I gene (M1) genotypes were independent predictive variables. The strength of the association between the Apo A-I (M1) subgroup and HDL-C levels was reduced in the subjects with a high Body Mass Index (BMI). The combination of genotypes provided more detailed information about HDL-C levels. The "high risk" combination of the M1+ (M1+/+) and B1B1 genotypes was associated with the lowest HDL-C level (1.52+/-0.36 mmol/L), and the "low risk" combination of the M1- (M1+/- or M1-/-) and B2B2 genotypes was associated with the highest HDL-C levels (2.06+/-0.34 mmol/L). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the combination of the two polymorphisms influences HDL-C levels in women, and that the association between genetic factors and HDL-C levels is altered by environmental factors. They may also help to detect individuals with low HDL-C levels at high risk for coronary artery syndrome.

Apheresis technology for prevention and regression of atherosclerosis.

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a congenital disorder of cholesterol metabolism, which is due to a deficiency in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors. The homozygous form of FH is especially liable to coronary artery disease (CAD) in youth because of the very high LDL-cholesterol levels. It is resistant to drug therapy, and LDL-apheresis is the only practical way of treatment for these patients. Some patients with heterozygous FH also have high LDL-cholesterol levels that cannot be brought down into the optimum range by any combination drug therapy. We have treated or are treating 10 homozygous and 28 heterozygous FH patients in our hospital or in affiliated hospitals expert in blood purification. Among the 10 homozygous patients, 2 died of myocardial infarction. Only one young female patient is still free of symptoms, and the other patients have been suffering from regurgitation through the aortic valve although they have not experienced myocardial infarction. Rapid rebound of LDL-cholesterol after each apheresis treatment limits the period during which LDL-cholesterol is in the optimum range. The use of atorvastatin at a high dose (40 mg/day) was attempted to suppress this rebound. In contrast with good results in receptor-defective-type patients, receptor-negative-type patients did not show a response in LDL-cholesterol levels to the statin therapy although there was a slight increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol with a decrease in very-low-density lipoprotein-triglyceride and -cholesterol. Follow-up study of the patients with heterozygous FH revealed that LDL-apheresis was effective in lengthening the life expectancy of the patients with pre-existing CAD, especially those who had received intervention coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). It was also shown that the use of probucol in combination with LDL-apheresis was effective in reducing coronary events as shown by the necessity of CABG or PTCA. Clinical data on the effect of LDL-apheresis, recently reported from some other institutions in Japan, will also be reviewed.

Characteristic cardiovascular manifestation in homozygous and heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.

BACKGROUND: The aortic valve dysfunction of patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) suggests that hypercholesterolemia affects not only coronary arteries but also the aortic valve. We studied the aortic root of patients with homozygous FH and those of patients with heterozygous FH to characterize the premature atherosclerotic lesions by using histopathologic specimens. METHODS AND RESULTS: The aortic roots of 10 patients with homozygous FH, age 9 to 58 years, were studied by cardiac catheterization with several angiographies. The aortic roots of 39 patients with heterozygous FH under age 60 years were also examined for aortic and mitral valvular functions by color Doppler echocardiography, and 30 normocholesterolemic patients with coronary artery disease were examined as control subjects. In addition, in 22 patients with FH and 20 control subjects, the internal diameter of the aortic annulus and the aortic ridge in cardiac cycles were measured. Of the 10 homozygotes with FH, 8 patients had aortic regurgitation demonstrated by aortography; 3 of them showed significant transvalvular pressure gradients. Stenotic changes of coronary ostia were observed in 8 of the 10 homozygotes with moderate coronary atherosclerosis. Of the 39 heterozygotes with FH, 10 patients had aortic regurgitation shown by Doppler echocardiography, as did only 1 of the 30 control subjects (P <.05). The average diameter and distensibility of the ascending aorta were significantly reduced in the heterozygotes compared with the control subjects. The surgically resected cusp specimens of aortic valves obtained from 1 homozygous and 1 heterozygous patient showed significant thickening of the cusp with foam cell infiltration. CONCLUSIONS: Premature atherosclerosis in FH had a characteristic distribution, affecting the aortic root dominantly. The involvement of the aortic valve indicating "hypercholesterolemic valvulopathy" was a peculiar feature of FH, especially its homozygous form, but was reminiscent of ubiquitous processes caused by hypercholesterolemia.

Insulin resistance as an independent risk factor for carotid artery wall intima media thickening in vasospastic angina.

Studies have shown the presence of insulin resistance together with compensatory hyperinsulinemia in vasospastic angina as well as obstructive coronary artery disease. There is growing evidence that the development of coronary atherosclerosis may be closely related to systemic atherosclerosis as well as coronary spasm. However, no information is available about the possible relationship between insulin resistance and the existence of carotid atherosclerosis in vasospastic angina without segmental stenosis or luminal irregularities in coronary angiograms. To evaluate the independent effect of insulin resistance on carotid intima media thickening, we performed insulin sensitivity tests (steady-state plasma glucose method) on 40 patients with vasospastic angina and 24 control subjects with angiographically intact coronary arteries. Both oral glucose tolerance tests and lipid analyses were performed. Using B-mode ultrasonography, we assessed intima media thickness and plaque formation of common carotid arteries in these subjects. The steady-state plasma glucose level in the vasospastic angina group was about twofold higher than that of the control group, confirming the presence of insulin resistance in patients with vasospastic angina. The patients with vasospastic angina showed a significant increase in the average intima media thickness of the carotid wall and frequency of plaque formation, although they were comparable to the control subjects in risk factors other than insulin resistance. The intima media thickness was correlated with age (r = .62, P < .001), 2-hour insulin area (r = .45, P < .01), and steady-state plasma glucose level (r = .68, P < .0001) in patients with vasospastic angina. Similar correlations were observed in the control subjects. Multiple regression analyses of data indicated that 67% of the variation in the intima media thickness could be accounted for by age, steady-state plasma glucose level, and cigarette-years in vasospastic angina. In addition, differences in IMT were independently related to vasospastic angina. These results suggest that insulin resistance in association with compensatory hyperinsulinemia may be an important pathogenic factor for the development of coronary artery spasms and systemic early atherosclerosis.

[A surgical case of total anterior papillary muscle rupture after acute myocardial infarction].

Mitral regurgitation (MR) due to rupture of the papillary muscle is one of the most serious complications of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) as well as ventricular septal perforation and ventricular free wall rupture. We experienced a case of complete rupture of the anterior papillary muscle. A 68-year-old man experienced an episode of dyspnea. Electrocardiographic findings were consistent with postero-lateral infarction. Massive MR is present on color Doppler imaging. He was transferred to our hospital for urgent operative indication because of papillary muscle rupture due to AMI. Six hours after the onset, the operation was performed with intra-aortic balloon pump in place. The anterior papillary muscle was ruptured completely in the mid portion. He underwent a mitral valve replacement with a SJM prosthetic valve. There is a few cases with successful urgent surgery for a complete rupture of anterior papillary muscle.

Novel marine di-Z-carotenoids: cucumariaxanthins A, B, and C from the sea cucumber Cucumaria japonica.

The novel marine carotenoids, cucumariaxanthins A (1), B (2), and C (3), were isolated from the northern sea cucumber Cucumaria japonica. Their structures and absolute stereochemistries were determined to be (5S,6S,5'S,6'S)-(9Z,9'Z)-5,6,5',6'-tetrahydro-beta,beta- carotene-4,4'-dione for 1; (5S,6S,4'S,5'S,6'S)-(9Z,9'Z)-4'-hydroxy-5,6,5',6'-tetrahydro-beta, beta- caroten-4-one for 2; and (4S,5S,6S,4'S,5'S,6'S)-(9Z,9'Z)-5,6,5',6'-tetrahydro-beta,beta-car otene-4,4'- diol for 3 by extensive spectroscopic analysis and by the modified Mosher's method. Cucumariaxanthin C showed an inhibitory effect on Epstein-Barr virus activation in a short-term in vitro assay.

Common mutations in the low-density-lipoprotein-receptor gene causing familial hypercholesterolemia in the Japanese population.

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a common genetic disorder caused by mutations of the LDL-receptor gene. In the present study, we investigated four Japanese FH homozygotes and identified five point mutations: a splice site mutation in intron 12 (the 1845 + 2 T-->C mutation), a missense mutation in exon 7 (the C317S mutation), a nonsense mutation in exon 17 (the K790X mutation), a missense mutation in exon 14 (the P664L mutation), and a missense mutation in exon 4 (the E119K mutation). We developed simple methods for detecting these mutations. When we examined the presence of these mutations in 24 unrelated FH homozygotes, the 1845 + 2 T-->C mutation was found in 7 of them, and the other four mutations were unique for each proband. We also screened 120 unrelated FH heterozygotes for these mutations and found that the frequencies of the 1845 + 2 T-->C, C317S, K790X, P664L, and E119K mutations were 13.3% (16/120), 6.7% (8/120), 6.7% (8/120), 3.3% (4/120), and 1.7% (2/120), respectively. These mutations were found in more than 30% of unrelated Japanese FH patients. By using the detection methods developed in this study, the diagnosis of more than 30% of the genetic bases of Japanese FH heterozygotes is expected.

Hyperbetalipoproteinemia with small low-density lipoprotein, a characteristic disorder of lipoprotein in essential hypertension.

The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the characteristic lipoprotein disorder in essential hypertension. Twenty-six patients with essential hypertension (HT) but without diabetes mellitus or obesity and 24 healthy subjects (control) were recruited into this study. Lipoproteins of HT and controls were separated by ultracentrifugation to very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL), low-density liproprotein (LDL), and (HDL) fractions. Cholesterol and triglycerides were determined with enzyme assay, and apoB were determined by highly sensitive latex agglutination (Kyowa-hakko Co. LD). There was no difference in age (mean +/- SE; HT, 63 +/- 2 versus control, 60 +/- 2 years) or body-mass index (22.7 +/- 0.4 versus 21.7 +/- 0.5 kg/m2) between HT and controls. Blood pressure in HT and controls was 158 +/- 2/87 +/- 12 mm Hg and 123 +/- 3/72 +/- 2 mm Hg, respectively. Cholesterol did not change significantly in plasma (192.1 +/- 7.0 versus 176.4 +/- 4.2 mg/dL), VLDL (15.2 +/- 2.4 versus 11.8 +/- 1.7 mg/dL), IDL (14.8 +/- 2.4 versus 10.7 +/- 1.6 mg/dL), LDL (93.7 +/- 4.6 versus 83.1 +/- 3.9 mg/dL), nor in HDL (51.9 +/- 2.7 versus 58.1 +/- 3.2 mg/dL). Triglycerides (TG) increased in plasma (120.0 +/- 10.0 versus 87.5 +/- 9.3 mg/dL, p < 0.05), although TG did not change in all subfractions. ApoB increased in plasma (105.5 +/- 5.1 versus 85.6 +/- 3.6 mg/dL, p < 0.01), IDL (9.0 +/- 1.3 versus 5.4 +/- 0.6 mg/dL, p < 0.05), and LDL (76.3 +/- 4.3 versus 59.4 +/- 3.7 mg/dL, p < 0.01) in HT compared with controls. The ratio of cholesterol to apoB in LDL decreased (1.27 +/- 0.06 versus 1.48 +/- 0.08, p < 0.05). In essential HT, number of apoB containing lipoproteins (IDL, LDL) increased. Low ratio of cholesterol to apoB was noted in LDL, indicating the presence of small, dense LDL. As cholesterol in LDL was normal, hyperbetalipoproteinemia is also a characteristic disorder of essential HT.

Different apheresis methods in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia in primary biliary cirrhosis: a case report.

The two different modes of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis, cascade filtration (CF) and dextran-sulfate cellulose (DSC) adsorption, were compared for efficiency of cholesterol removal in a patient with severe hypercholesterolemia due to primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). Decrement in the total cholesterol level by the DSC method was less than that by the CF method. Apolipoprotein B was decreased to almost null by both modules whereas the decrease in albumin was much greater in the second filter of the CF method than in the DSC column. Lipoprotein X which constituted the major portion of serum cholesterol in PBC became negative by passing plasma through the second filter. The CF method was preferred to the DSC method for removal of lipoprotein X, but albumin substitution was mandatory to prevent the decrease of serum albumin in the CF method.

Inhibitory effect of natural carotenoids on Epstein-Barr virus activation activity of a tumor promoter in Raji cells. A screening study for anti-tumor promoters.

As a screening study for anti-tumor promoters, 51 carotenoids with diverse structures were examined for their inhibitory effects on the Epstein-Barr virus activation activity of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) in Raji cells. The results showed that most of the carotenoids exhibited inhibitory activity, and in general, no cytotoxicity on Raji cells was observed in the assay. Among the carotenoids, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and lactucaxanthin showed the strongest inhibitory activity, superior to the well known anti-tumor promoter, beta-carotene. Heteroxanthin, peridinin, and halocynthiaxanthin showed cytotoxicity at the high concentration (1000 molar ratio per TPA), but indicated a strong inhibitory effect at the lower concentrations, which were only weakly toxic (500 and 100 molar ratios). Based on these results, the essential moiety for the activity of carotenoids was considered to be the 3-hydroxy-epsilon-end group.

[Minimum required number of anesthetists for general hospitals (41-1300 beds) in Japan--analysis of questionnaire, 1992].

BACKGROUND: We have elucidated the deficit of anesthetists in general hospitals excluding university hospitals by assessing the results of questionnaires from 204 institutions in Japan. METHODS: Answers to the questionnaire were computed in average, maximum, and minimum values, using MS-Excel soft ware for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The 204 hospitals were classified into 4 groups; G-1(46)-more than 640 beds, G-2(53)-more than 500 beds, G-3(53)-more than 360 beds, and G-4(52)-less than 359 beds, respectively (parenthesis indicate hospital numbers). The number of cases of anesthesia performed by anesthesiologists were 2055(G-1), 1516(G-2), 1177(G-3) and 959(G-4), respectively. The number of anesthetists per operating table were as follows; 0.62(G-1), 0.62(G-2), 0.58(G-3) and 0.74(G-4), but remarkably low compared to the number of operating theater nurses: 5.49(G-1), 2.96(G-2), 2.82(G-3) and 3.07(G-4). Moreover, the number of emergency cases were as follows; 235(G-1), 187(G-2), 134(G-3) and 125(G-4), respectively. In prolonged surgery over 6 hours, patients were anesthetized with an exchange system or two anesthetists system in 74% of the institutions in G-1. Also, 28-50% of anesthetists in the 4 groups were concerned with intensive care medicine and 0.94-1.54 anesthetists worked in pain clinics with combined operation-theater tasks 1.37-2.49 days per week. In G-1-G-4 institutions, we found that anesthesia cases per year were equivalent to 5 times their bed numbers. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the number of anesthetists should be at least 50% of that of operation-theater nurses. Without increasing anesthesiologists, we cannot expect sophisticated medical care in the 21st century.

[Progress in diagnosis of arteriosclerosis in humans--review].

Most of cerebrovascular diseases or ischemic heart diseases, the major causes of death in Japan, occur as terminal symptoms of atherosclerosis. Much effort has been made to prevent these diseases and also to assess premature atherosclerosis. Recently, new models of tools for diagnosis has been developed. There are several ways to determine the existence of atherosclerosis, namely (1) to find the major risk factors of atherosclerosis such as hyperlipoproteinemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and/or smoking, and also (2) for apparent cardiovascular patients, to examine the pathogenesis of the disease by using invasive methods such as selective arteriography, intravasculoscopy, and intravascular ultrasonic examination, if necessary, and (3) for asymptomatic people, to apply hypoinvasive examinations such as the ultrasonic examination, the computed tomography and magnetic resonance angiography. As a non-invasive diagnostic method, we have been trying to assess the progression of atherosclerosis clinically by computed tomography (CT) of the abdominal aorta. Recently we developed a new computer program to define the wall thickening and calcification of aorta on personal computer. In the near future, progression and regression collaboration studies in Japan may be achieved.

Anti-neoplastic effect of halocynthiaxanthin, a metabolite of fucoxanthin.

We have reported that fucoxanthin, a natural carotenoid, inhibited the growth of human neuroblastoma GOTO cells. In the present study, we show that a metabolite of fucoxanthin, halocynthiaxanthin, which is isolated from sea squirt Halocynthia roretzi, has a more potent inhibitory effect. Halocynthiaxanthin (5 micrograms/ml) caused complete suppression of GOTO cell proliferation, whereas fucoxanthin reduced the growth rate by only 88.8% compared with the control, at day 2 after the drug treatment. Furthermore, halocynthiaxanthin also inhibited the growth of other human malignant tumor cells. Thus halocynthiaxanthin seems to be a promising anti-neoplastic agent.

Siblings with normal LDL receptor activity and severe hypercholesterolemia.

We report about a brother and sister having clinical symptoms similar to those of homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) but surprisingly who have normal low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor activities (M. Harada-Shiba et al, J Jpn Atheroscler Soc 1991; 19:227-242). The LDL receptor activities in the cultured fibroblasts of the patients were compared with those of FH heterozygotes and homozygotes for the LDL receptor mutation. The LDL receptor activities in the cultured fibroblasts of the patients were in the normal range, but their plasma cholesterol concentrations were similar to patients with homozygous FH. After the plasma LDL was removed by plasmapheresis in both patients, plasma cholesterol levels started to increase. The "rebound" of plasma cholesterol was compared with those for heterozygous and homozygous FH. The plasma cholesterol levels of the patients, which were greater than 410 mg/dl 2 weeks after plasmapheresis, were much higher than those of FH heterozygotes (232-311 mg/dl) but similar to those of FH homozygotes (345-464 mg/dl). The urinary mevalonate excretion rate, which reflects the rate of whole-body cholesterol synthesis, was higher for the brother (patient 1, 32.6 nmol/kg.day-1) than for the normal subjects (17.7 +/- 4.1 nmol/kg.day-1) but was similar to those of FH homozygotes (31.2 +/- 4.3 nmol/kg.day-1) and heterozygotes (29.8 +/- 10.9 nmol/kg.day-1). To estimate the catabolic and production rates of cholesterol in the brother, the time course for the increment in the total cholesterol level after plasmapheresis was analyzed by the two-compartment model.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Changes in coagulation factors by passage through a dextran sulfate cellulose column during low-density lipoprotein apheresis.

To determine the extent of adsorption of coagulation factors by a dextran sulfate cellulose column used for selective removal of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), various coagulation factors were measured before and after application to the column during LDL apheresis. The column almost completely adsorbed many coagulation factors. Although the bradykinin concentration was markedly increased by passing the plasma through the column, this increment was suppressed by nafamostat mesilate which inhibits the initial contact phase of the intrinsic coagulation pathway. The von Willebrand factor, which forms a complex with factor VIII in plasma, is reduced in apheresis with nafamostat mesilate to the same extent as in apheresis without nafamostat mesilate. Thus, coagulation factors seem to be adsorbed by different mechanisms which include activation of the initial contact phase by the negative charges of dextran sulfate and concomitant adsorption with the phospholipid portion of lipoproteins containing apolipoprotein B or with von Willebrand factor.

Effect of nafamostat mesilate on bradykinin generation during low-density lipoprotein apheresis using a dextran sulfate cellulose column.

The dextran sulfate (DS) cellulose column usually used for low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis, is an activator of the contact phase of intrinsic coagulation pathway. Hageman factor (factor XII), high-molecular-weight kininogen (HMWK) and prekallikrein (PK) form a complex on the surface of this activator, and bradykinin is released from HMWK by the action of kallikrein converted from PK. Heparin, a frequently used anticoagulant, has no effect on this process, whereas a protease inhibitor, nafamostat mesilate (FUT-175) is thought to inhibit the process. Five patients with severe hypercholesterolemia were treated with LDL apheresis using heparin or FUT-175, each on a different day. During treatment with heparin, factor XII, HMWK, and PK were markedly decreased by passing through the DS column. A distinct generation of bradykinin was observed by passing through the DS column, which led to an increase of blood bradykinin levels from 12.5 +/- 5.3(Mean +/- SEM) pg/ml to 127.3 +/- 67.1 pg/ml after 1000 ml plasma treatment. FUT-175 almost completely suppressed this bradykinin generation. Because bradykinin generated during LDL apheresis seems to have some vasodilative effect, FUT-175 might be preferred in cases with unstable hemodynamics, although this presumption remains to be demonstrated.

Evaluation of albumin loss during low-density lipoprotein apheresis.

Because the reduced plasma oncotic pressure from hypoproteinemia causes hyperlipidemia, serum albumin levels should be maintained during low-density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis. The amount of albumin loss was evaluated in seven patients with familial hypercholesterolemia during LDL apheresis in which columns packed with dextran sulfate-cellulose beads were used as a selective adsorbent of LDL. Serum albumin level significantly decreased from 4.3 +/- 0.3 (mean +/- SD) g/dl to 3.6 +/- 0.2 g/dl. The albumin loss was assessed by two different methods: 1) radioimmunoassay of microalbumin content in the discarded fluid, and 2) measurement of changes in plasma albumin reserve. The albumin losses during one apheresis session were 3.7 +/- 2.9 g and 8.3 +/- 5.7 g, respectively, depending upon which of two different methods was used. There was a significant correlation between these two methods (r = 0.84, p less than 0.02). The amount of albumin loss during apheresis was estimated to be between 4.1% and 9.1% of total plasma albumin reserve, and more than half of the decreased serum albumin level appeared to be attributable to dilution due to the electrolyte solution used for priming of the extracorporeal circuit.

Serum lipid and lipoprotein profiles in patients with xanthomas: a correlative study on xanthoma and atherosclerosis (I).

In an attempt to correlate xanthomas with atherosclerosis, the characteristics of serum lipid and lipoprotein profiles are explored in xanthoma patients. Xanthomas are classified into 5 subtypes: xanthelasma, planar xanthoma, papulo-eruptive xanthoma, tuberous xanthoma and tendon xanthoma. The clinical characteristics of xanthoma patients are summarized in the following. 1) Xanthelasma in 2 different types: one normolipemic and the other hyperlipidemic; of 30 xanthelasma patients, 5 were normolipemic, one of them had low HDL-cholesterol. 2) Tuberous and tendon xanthomas were all hypercholesterolemic, with serum cholesterol above 300 mg/dl and LDL-cholesterol above 255 mg/dl, while HDL-cholesterol was within normal range. 3) The xanthoma patients were generally not obese. 4) Their laboratory findings often showed such abnormalities as elevated levels in serum fibrinogen, LDH, CPK and uric acid. The resemblance of the clinical characteristics between xanthomas and atherosclerotic vascular disease, e.g., myocardial infarction, was striking. If the causation of their common tissue alterations by lipid accumulation is pathologically and biochemically defined, the correlation between those 2 kinds of disease can be established.