GABA representation in hypoxia sensing: a ventilatory study in the rat.

Phenibut, a nonspecific GABA derivative, is clinically used as an anxiolytic and tranquilizer in psychosomatic conditions. A GABA-ergic inhibitory pathway is engaged in respiratory control at both central and peripheral levels. However, the potential of phenibut to affect the O2-related chemoreflexes has not yet been studied. In this study we seek to determine the ventilatory responses to changes in inspired O2 content in anesthetized, spontaneously-breathing rats. Steady-state 5-min responses to 10% O2 in N2 and 100% O2 were taken in each animal before and 1 h after phenibut administration in a dose 450 mg/kg, i.p. Minute ventilation and its frequency and tidal components were obtained from the respiratory flow signal. We found that after a period of irregular extension of the respiratory cycle, phenibut stabilized resting ventilation at a lower level [20.0±3.3 (SD) vs 31.1±5.2 ml/min before phenibut; P<0.01]. The ventilatory depressant effect of phenibut was not reflected in the hypoxic response. In relative terms, this response was actually accentuated after phenibut; the peak hypoxic ventilation increased by 164% from baseline vs the 100% increase before phenibut. Regarding hyperoxia, its inhibitory effect on breathing was more expressed after phenibut. In conclusion, the GABA-mimetic phenibut did not curtail hypoxic ventilatory responsiveness, despite the presence of GABA-ergic pathways in both central and peripheral, carotid body mechanisms mediating the hypoxic chemoreflex. Thus, GABA-mediated synaptic inhibition may be elaborated in a way to sustain the primarily defensive ventilatory chemoreflex.

Reduction of plasma lipid and homocysteine levels by pyridoxine, folate, cobalamin, choline, riboflavin, and troxerutin in atherosclerosis.

Elevated plasma homocysteine and lipid levels are risk factors for atherosclerosis. The plasma levels of homocysteine, determined in acid hydrolyzates of plasma, were found to be correlated with total cholesterol (r = 0.47, P less than 0.001), triglycerides (r = 0.40, P less than 0.01), and body mass index (r = 0.42, P less than 0.01) in 52 males, aged 30-60. A group of 12 male survivors of acute myocardial infarction was given pyridoxine, folate, cobalamin, choline, riboflavin, and troxerutin for 21 days. The plasma concentrations of homocysteine and alpha-amino adipic acid declined to 68% (P less than 0.001) and 57% (P less than 0.001) of the pretreatment values, and the cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL apo B declined to 79% (P less than 0.001), 68% (P less than 0.01), and 63% (P less than 0.001) of the pretreatment values, respectively. The results suggest a new strategy for control of the metabolic abnormalities in atherosclerosis through the use of naturally occurring, non-toxic nutrients which minimize homocysteine accumulation.

[Obesity as a risk factor for ischemic heart disease]. / Otylosc jako czynnik zagrozenia choroba niedokrwienna serca.

The occurrence of risk factors for ischaemic heart disease in obesity is discussed. The presented view is based on the review of literature and own preliminary experiences. The importance of the distribution of the fatty tissue was shown for the medical practice. Android-type obesity increases the probability of the occurrence of metabolic disturbances leading to ischaemic heart disease.

[Effect of CRP preparation on serum lipids in patients with hyperlipidemia]. / Wplyw preparatu CRP na lipidy surowicy u pacjentów z hiperlipidemia.

In a group of 18 patients with essential hyperlipidaemia the influence was studied of multivitamin CRP preparation given for 12 weeks, on lipid peroxides, cholesterol and triglycerides in the serum. The level of lipid peroxides was decreased significantly. This effect was associated with the increase of the serum level of vitamin E. A decrease was also found of the levels of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol.

Serum triglycerides, cholesterol, low density lipoprotein-apo B and high density lipoprotein cholesterol subfractions after moderate body weight loss.

Low calorie diet (4.18 MJ daily) was given to 48 (35 female, 13 male) obese patients during 24 days followed by 7 days of normal diet (9.61 MJ daily). Patients were treated in sanatorium under steady medical control. The average body weight decrease in women was 5.3 kg and in men 6.2 kg. A significant decrease in serum triglycerides, total cholesterol and apolipoprotein B in low density lipoproteins (LDL-apo B) was observed after low calorie diet. No influence on high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-chol), HDL2-chol and HDL3-chol in men and on HDL3-chol in women was observed. The HDL2-chol decreased in women. The LDL-apo B/HDL-chol ratio decreased in both sexes, however, it was significant only in women. After 7 days of normal diet no further significant changes in serum lipids and lipoproteins were observed.

Hair zinc and copper concentration in survivors of myocardial infarction.

Increased Zn/Cu ratio in the diet, and consequently in the body, was suggested to be of importance in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Head hair of 29 male survivors of myocardial infarction and of 23 control males was studied for the concentration of Zn and Cu. The Zn hair concentration and Zn/Cu ratio in survivors of myocardial infarction was significantly higher in comparison with controls. The inclusion of the Zn/Cu ratio into the discriminant analysis using total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol considerably improved the coefficient R2 and decreased the number of cases not properly classified.