Interactions of the apolipoprotein C-III 3238C>G polymorphism and alcohol consumption on serum triglyceride levels.

BACKGROUND: Both apolipoprotein (Apo) C-III gene polymorphism and alcohol consumption have been associated with increased serum triglyceride (TG) levels, but their interactions on serum TG levels are not well known. The present study was undertaken to detect the interactions of the ApoC-III 3238C>G (rs5128) polymorphism and alcohol consumption on serum TG levels. METHODS: A total of 516 unrelated nondrinkers and 514 drinkers aged 15-89 were randomly selected from our previous stratified randomized cluster samples. Genotyping of the ApoC-III 3238C>G was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism combined with gel electrophoresis, and then confirmed by direct sequencing. Interactions of the ApoC-III 3238C>G genotype and alcohol consumption was assessed by using a cross-product term between genotypes and the aforementioned factor. RESULTS: Serum total cholesterol (TC), TG, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), ApoA-I and ApoB levels were higher in drinkers than in nondrinkers (P < 0.05-0.001). There was no significant difference in the genotypic and allelic frequencies between the two groups. Serum TG levels in nondrinkers were higher in CG genotype than in CC genotype (P < 0.01). Serum TC, TG, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and ApoB levels in drinkers were higher in GG genotype than in CC or CG genotype (P < 0.01 for all). Serum HDL-C levels in drinkers were higher in CG genotype than in CC genotype (P < 0.01). Serum TC, TG, HDL-C and ApoA-I levels in CC genotype, TC, HDL-C, ApoA-I levels and the ratio of ApoA-I to ApoB in CG genotype, and TC, TG, LDL-C, ApoA-I and ApoB levels in GG genotype were higher in drinkers than in nondrinkers (P < 0.05-0.01). But the ratio of ApoA-I to ApoB in GG genotype was lower in drinkers than in nondrinkers (P < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the levels of TC, TG and ApoB were correlated with genotype in nondrinkers (P < 0.05 for all). The levels of TC, LDL-C and ApoB were associated with genotype in drinkers (P < 0.01 for all). Serum lipid parameters were also correlated with age, sex, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, blood pressure, body weight, and body mass index in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the ApoC-III 3238CG heterozygotes benefited more from alcohol consumption than CC and GG homozygotes in increasing serum levels of HDL-C, ApoA-I, and the ratio of ApoA-I to ApoB, and lowering serum levels of TC and TG.

Apolipoprotein C-III gene polymorphism and several environmental factors with serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Hei Yi Zhuang and Han populations.

BACKGROUND: Apolipoprotein (apo) C-III gene polymorphisms have been associated with increased plasma triglycerides (TGs) and coronary artery disease, but the results have not always been concordant among diverse populations. The present study was undertaken to detect the association of the apoC-III 3238C>G polymorphism and several environmental factors with serum lipid profiles in the Guangxi Hei Yi Zhuang and Han populations. METHODS: A total of 490 subjects of Hei Yi Zhuang and 540 participants of Han Chinese aged 15 to 89 years were randomly selected from our previous stratified randomized cluster samples. Genotyping of the apoC-III 3238C>G was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism combined with gel electrophoresis and then confirmed by direct sequencing. RESULTS: There was no difference in the genotype and allele frequencies between the 2 ethnic groups (P > 0.05), but G allele and GG genotype frequencies were higher in females than in males, or in high TG than in normal TG individuals in Hei Yi Zhuang (P < 0.01); and in high total cholesterol than in normal total cholesterol subgroups, in high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) than in normal LDL-C subgroups, or in high apoB than in normal apoB subgroups in Han (P < 0.05). There were also differences in the genotypic frequencies between normal apoA-I and low apoA-I subjects in Hei Yi Zhuang, and between males and females or between normal TG and high TG subgroups in Han (P < 0.05). Serum TG and apoA-I levels were correlated with genotype or allele in Hei Yi Zhuang, and TG, LDL-C, and apoB levels were associated with genotype in Han (P < 0.05). Serum lipid parameters were also correlated with age, sex, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, blood pressure, body weight, and body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in genotypic and allelic frequencies between the Hei Yi Zhuang and Han populations. But the 3238G carriers have unfavorable serum lipid profiles. The differences in the serum lipid profiles between the 2 ethnic groups might result from different gene-environmental interactions.

Association of LIPC -250G>A polymorphism and several environmental factors with serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations.

BACKGROUND: The association between -250G>A polymorphism in the promoter region of the hepatic lipase gene (LIPC) and plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration is contradictory in diverse ethnics. Bai Ku Yao is an isolated subgroup of the Yao minority in China. This study was designed to detect the association of LIPC -250G>A (rs2070895) polymorphism and several environmental factors with serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations. METHODS: A total of 778 subjects of Bai Ku Yao and 648 participants of Han Chinese aged 15-80 were randomly selected from our previous stratified randomized cluster samples. Genotyping of the LIPC -250G>A was performed by polymerse chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism combined with gel electrophoresis, and then confirmed by direct sequencing. RESULTS: The levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), HDL-C, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and apolipoprotein (Apo) AI were lower in Bai Ku Yao than in Han (P < 0.01 for all). The frequencies of GG, GA and AA genotypes were 50.0%, 43.3% and 6.7% in Bai Ku Yao, and 35.7%, 50.6% and 13.7% in Han (P < 0.01); respectively. The frequencies of G and A alleles were 71.7% and 28.3% in Bai Ku Yao, and 61.0% and 39.0% in Han (P < 0.01). The levels of HDL-C and the ratio of ApoAI to ApoB in Bai Ku Yao were lower in GG genotype than in GA or AA genotype (P < 0.05-0.01). The levels of TC, HDL-C, LDL-C and ApoB in Han were lower in GG genotype than in GA or AA genotype (P < 0.05-0.01). The levels of HDL-C and the ratio of ApoAI to ApoB in Bai Ku Yao, and the levels of HDL-C, LDL-C and ApoB in Han were correlated with genotype and/or allele (P < 0.05 for all). Serum lipid parameters were also correlated with age, sex, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, blood pressure, body weight, and body mass index in both ethnic groups. CONCLUSIONS: The differences in the serum lipid profiles between the two ethnic groups might partly result from different genotypic frequency of LIPC -250G>A or different LIPC-enviromental interactions.

Polymorphism of the sterol regulatory element-binding protein-2 gene and its association with serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Hei Yi Zhuang and Han populations.

BACKGROUND: Information about the association of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-2 (SREBP-2) gene polymorphism at the 1784G>C locus and serum lipid parameters is limited and contradictory. The present study was undertaken to compare the difference in the SREBP-2 gene polymorphism and its association with serum lipid levels between the Guangxi Hei Yi Zhuang and Han populations. METHODS: Genotyping of the SREBP-2 gene in 768 subjects of Hei Yi Zhuang and 798 participants of Han Chinese aged 15 to 89 was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS: The frequency of G allele was 88.9% in Hei Yi Zhuang and 84.7% in Han (P < 0.001). The frequencies of GG, GC, and CC genotypes were 78.9%, 20.1%, and 1.0% in Hei Yi Zhuang, and 70.4%, 28.6%, and 1.0% in Han (P < 0.001), respectively. The frequencies of G allele and GG genotype in Han, but not in Hei Yi Zhuang, were higher in males than in females, or in high total cholesterol (TC >5.18 mmol/L) subgroup than in normal TC subgroup (P < 0.01 for all). In high TC subgroup, TC, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B levels in Han were lower in GG genotype than in GC/CC genotype (P < 0.05-0.01). CONCLUSIONS: There were significant differences in the genotypic and allelic frequencies of the SREBP-2 gene polymorphism at the 1784G>C locus between the Hei Yi Zhuang and Han populations. The individuals carrying the G allele have more favorable lipid profiles than those carrying the C allele in Han but not in Hei Yi Zhuang.

The environmental and genetic evidence for the association of hyperlipidemia and hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: Both hyperlipidemia and hypertension are the risk factors for coronary heart disease. Although studies have shown that there is an association between plasma lipid and blood pressure levels, the association of hyperlipidemia and hypertension is still not well established. The present study was undertaken to compare the differences in several environmental and genetic factors between hyperlipidemia and hypertension in the Guangxi Hei Yi Zhuang population. METHODS: A total of 1669 participants were surveyed by a stratified randomized cluster sampling. Information on environmental factors was collected with standardized questionnaires. Genotyping of angiotensin-converting enzyme, angiotensinogen, angiotensin receptor 2, apolipoprotein (apo) A-I, apoB, apoE, cholesteryl ester transfer protein, G-protein beta-3 subunit, hepatic lipase, lipoprotein lipase, microsomal triglyceride transfer protein, regulator of G-protein signaling 2, and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-2 was also performed. RESULTS: There were 358 (21.45%) participants with isolated hyperlipidemia, 257 (15.40%) with isolated hypertension, 189 (11.32%) with both conditions, and 865 (51.83%) normals. Hyperlipidemia was positively correlated with age, BMI, alcohol consumption, total energy and total fat intake, apoE, and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein genotypes, and negatively associated with total dietary fiber intake, apoA-I, and lipoprotein lipase genotypes. Hypertension was positively correlated with male sex, age, hyperlipidemia, total energy, total fat, and sodium intake, apoE, angiotensin receptor 2, and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein genotypes, and negatively associated with education level, total dietary fiber intake, angiotensin-converting enzyme, apoA-I, and lipoprotein lipase genotypes. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that hyperlipidemia and hypertension have many common risk factors. Hyperlipidemia is associated with hypertension in many aspects.

Association of diet and lifestyle with blood pressure in the Guangxi Hei Yi Zhuang and Han populations.

OBJECTIVE: To detect the association of diet and lifestyle with blood pressure in the Guangxi Hei Yi Zhuang and Han populations. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study of hypertension. SETTING: Both populations were from seven to nine villages in Napo County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. SUBJECTS: A total of 1068 subjects of Hei Yi Zhuang and 933 participants of Han Chinese aged 20-89 years were surveyed by a stratified randomised cluster sampling. RESULTS: The levels of systolic blood pressure and pulse pressure were higher in Hei Yi Zhuang than in Han (125.20 (sd 18.62) v. 121.88 (sd 15.99) mmHg and 48.64 (sd 14.75) v. 44.98 (sd 11.12 ) mmHg, P < 0.001 for each, respectively). The prevalence of hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension was also higher in Hei Yi Zhuang than in Han (25.19 % v. 17.26 % and 12.45 % v. 3.86 %, P < 0.001 for each, respectively). Mean arterial pressure was positively correlated with gender, age, physical activity, TAG, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, total energy, total fat and salt intakes, and negatively associated with education level and total dietary fibre intake in Hei Yi Zhuang (P < 0.05-0.001), whereas it was positively associated with gender, age, physical activity, BMI, waist circumference, total cholesterol, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, total energy, total fat and salt intakes, and negatively associated with education level and total dietary fibre intake in Han (P < 0.05-0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The differences in blood pressure levels and the prevalence of hypertension between the Hei Yi Zhuang and Han populations were associated with different dietary habits, lifestyle choices, education level, as well as geographical surroundings.

Hyperlipidaemia and its risk factors in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the differences in hyperlipidaemia prevalence and its risk factors between the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of hyperlipidaemia. SETTING: Both populations were from Lihu and Baxu villages in Nandan County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China. SUBJECTS: A total of 1170 healthy subjects of Bai Ku Yao and 1173 participants of Han Chinese aged 15-89 years were surveyed by a stratified randomized cluster sampling. Information on demographic, dietary and lifestyle characteristics was collected by standard questionnaires. Blood pressure, height, weight, waist circumference, serum lipids and apolipoproteins were measured, and BMI (kg/m2) was calculated as weight divided by the square of height. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of hypercholesterolaemia, hypertriacylglycerolaemia and hyperlipidaemia in Bai Ku Yao and Han were 12.4 % v. 26.2 % (P < 0.001), 15.0 % v. 14.8 % (P > 0.05) and 24.4 % v. 33.9 % (P < 0.001), respectively. Hyperlipidaemia was positively correlated with BMI, waist circumference, total energy and total fat intakes, and negatively associated with physical activity and total dietary fibre intake in Bai Ku Yao (P < 0.05 to 0.001). Hyperlipidaemia was positively associated with age, alcohol consumption, BMI, waist circumference, total energy and total fat intakes, and inversely correlated with physical activity and total dietary fibre intake in Han (P < 0.05 to 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hypercholesterolaemia and hyperlipidaemia was significantly lower in the Bai Ku Yao than in the Han population, which might result from different dietary habits, lifestyle choices and physical activity level, as well as genetic factors between the two ethnic groups.

Comparison of serum lipid profiles and the risk factors between the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han nationalities / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

The levels of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, apolipoprotein (APO) A1 and APO B were lower in Bai Ku Yao than those in Han nationalities (all P<0.01). There was no significant difference in serum triglyceride levels and the ratio of Apo A1 to Apo B between two nationalities. Dyslipidemia was positively correlated with body mass index, waist circumference, total energy and total fat intakes, and inversely correlated with degree of physical activity and total dietary fiber intake in both ethnic groups. In addition, dyslipidemia was also positively correlated with age and alcohol consumption in Han, but not in Bai Ku Yao.

Comparison of hypertension and its risk factors between the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations.

OBJECTIVE: Little is known about the prevalence of hypertension in Bai Ku Yao, an isolated subgroup of the Yao minority in China. The aim of this study was to compare the difference in the prevalence of hypertension and its risk factors between the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of hypertension in 1170 subjects of Bai Ku Yao and 1173 participants of Han Chinese aged 15-89 was conducted by a stratified randomized cluster sampling. Information on diet and lifestyle was collected with standardized questionnaires. Blood pressure, serum lipids and several anthropometric parameters were obtained in all subjects. RESULTS: Systolic, diastolic and pulse pressure levels and hypertension prevalence (10.85% vs 16.45%, p<0.001) were lower in Bai Ku Yao than in Han. Hypertension was positively correlated with male, age, physical activity, body mass index, waist circumference, total energy, total fat and sodium intakes, and negatively associated with education level and total dietary fibre intake in both ethnic groups (p<0.05-0.001). Hypertension was also positively associated with alcohol consumption in Han. The rates of awareness, treatment and control were lower in Bai Ku Yao than in Han (p<0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: The difference in the hypertension prevalence between the two ethnic groups might result from different diet, lifestyle, physical activity level, sodium intake and genetic factors.

Sex differences in environmental and genetic factors for hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Sex differences are observed in many aspects of mammalian cardiovascular function and pathology. Hypertension is more common in men than in women of the same age. Although the effects of gonadal hormones on blood pressure are considered contributing factors, the reasons for sex differences in hypertension are still not fully understood. The present study was undertaken to compare the differences in several environmental and genetic factors between men and women in the Hei Yi Zhuang, an isolated subgroup of the Zhuang minority in China. METHODS: Information on demography, diet, and lifestyle was collected in 835 women and 834 men aged 15 to 84 years. Genotyping of angiotensin-converting enzyme, adrenergic receptor beta(3), aldehyde dehydrogenase 2, calpastatin, connexin 37, hepatic lipase, lipoprotein lipase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor, and von Willebrand factor also was performed in these subjects. RESULTS: The levels of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and the prevalence, awareness, and treatment of hypertension were lower in women than in men (P < .05). Hypertension was positively associated with age, physical activity, alcohol consumption, body mass index, waist circumference, hyperlipidemia, total energy, total fat, sodium intake, and sodium/potassium ratio, and negatively associated with education level, total dietary fiber, potassium intake, angiotensin-converting enzyme, aldehyde dehydrogenase 2, and hepatic lipase genotypes in men (P < .05). Hypertension was positively associated with age, hyperlipidemia, total energy, total fat, sodium intake, sodium/potassium ratio, calpastatin, and von Willebrand factor genotypes, and negatively associated with education level, total dietary fiber, potassium, calcium intake, lipoprotein lipase, and thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor genotypes in women (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Sex differences in the prevalence of hypertension in the Hei Yi Zhuang population may be mainly attributed to the differences in dietary habits, lifestyle choices, sodium and potassium intakes, physical activity level, and some genetic polymorphisms.

Association of TaqIB polymorphism in the cholesteryl ester transfer protein gene with serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Hei Yi Zhuang and Han populations.

BACKGROUND: Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) plays an important role in lipoprotein metabolism. The present study was undertaken to compare the difference in the CETP TaqIB gene polymorphism and its association with serum lipid levels between the Guangxi Hei Yi Zhuang and Han populations. METHODS: A total of 758 subjects of Hei Yi Zhuang and 778 participants of Han Chinese were surveyed. Genotyping of the CETP TaqIB was performed using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism and then confirmed using direct sequencing. RESULTS: The genotypic and allelic frequencies were significant differences between smokers and nonsmokers, or between hypertensives and normotensives in Hei Yi Zhuang, and between drinkers and nondrinkers in Han. The levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apolipoprotein AI in Hei Yi Zhuang but not in Han were higher in B2B2 genotype than in B1B1 genotype (P < 0.01 for each). Higher HDL-C levels in Hei Yi Zhuang were found only in females, nondrinkers, nonsmokers, subjects with a body mass index of 24 kg/m or lesser, or normotensives in B2B2 genotype. Higher HDL-C levels in Han were found only in females in B2B2 genotype and in subjects with a body mass index of 24 kg/m or lesser or normotensives in B1B2 genotype. The levels of HDL-C in B1B1 and B1B2 individuals in both ethnic groups were higher in drinkers than in nondrinkers. CONCLUSIONS: There were significant differences in the interactions between the CETP TaqIB genotypes and several environmental factors in the Hei Yi Zhuang and Han populations. The polymorphism predicted differences in HDL-C and ApoAI in the Hei Yi Zhuang but not in the Han Chinese, even after adjustment for confounding variables. This means that the gene may not be truly involved in regulation of high-density lipoprotein metabolism or that there is an ethnic-specific effect.

Diet, lifestyle, and blood pressure of the middle-aged and elderly in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations.

BACKGROUND: Bai Ku Yao is an isolated subgroup of the Yao minority in China. Little is known about the association of diet and lifestyle with the prevalence of hypertension in this population. METHODS: A total of 485 subjects of Bai Ku Yao and 501 participants of Han Chinese aged 40-89 were surveyed using stratified randomized cluster sampling. Information on diet and lifestyle was collected by using standard questionnaires. Blood pressure (BP) and serum lipid levels were measured. RESULTS: Physical activity levels, carbohydrate, vegetal protein, and dietary fiber intake were higher in Bai Ku Yao than in Han, whereas educational level, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and total energy, fat, protein, dietary cholesterol, and salt intake were higher in Han than in Bai Ku Yao. Systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressure (PP) levels and the prevalence of hypertension (21.9% vs. 28.9%, P < 0.05)were lower in Bai Ku Yao than in Han. Hypertension was positively correlated with age, physical activity,BMI, and waist circumference, as well as with total energy, fat, and salt intake, and negatively associated with educational levels and dietary fiber intake in both ethnic groups (P < 0.05 for all). Hypertension was also positively correlated with triglycerides (TGs) in Bai Ku Yao and alcohol consumption in Han (P < 0.05 for each). CONCLUSIONS: The differences in BP levels and the prevalence of hypertension among the middle-aged and elderly between Bai Ku Yao and Han might result from different dietary patterns, lifestyle choices, physical activity levels, sodium intake, and even genetic factors.

Serum lipids levels in subjects aged 40 years and over in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao population / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective To detect the serum lipids levels in the subjects aged 40 years and over in the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao population. Methods A total of 485 subjects of Bai Ku Yao and 501 Han people aged 40 years and over were surveyed by cluster sampling methods. Informations on demography, diet and lifestyle were collected by standard questionnaires. Blood pressure, height,weight, waist circumference, serum lipids and apolipoproteins (apo) were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Results Education level, height, weight, BMI, waist circumference,blood pressure levels, hypertensive prevalence, and the intakes of total energy, total fat, total protein, dietary cholesterol, and salt were higher in Han than in Bai Ku Yao (P<0.05 or P<0.01),whereas physical activity level, and the intakes of carbohydrate, vegetal protein, and total dietary fiber were higher in Bai Ku Yao than in Han (all P<0.001). The serum levels of total cholesterol,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apo A1, and apo B were significantly lower in Bai Ku Yao than in Han [(4. 43±0. 90)vs. (4.96±1.04)mmol/L, P<0. 001;(1.73±0. 42) vs. (2.01±0. 49) mmol/L, P<0. 001;(2. 62±0. 75) vs. (2. 72±0. 78)mmol/L, P<0. 05;(1. 36±0. 33) vs. (1. 48±0. 24)g/L, P<0. 001;and (0. 86±0.23) vs. (0. 95±0. 22)g/L,P<0. 001 ;respectively]. There were no significant differences in serum triglyceride level and the ratio of apo Al over apo B between the two ethnic groups (P>0. 05). Conclusions There are significant differences in lipids levels and the risk factors between Bai Ku Yao and Han populations, which might result from different dietary habits, life styles, and physical activities.

Cardioprotective role of cardiotrophin-1 gene transfer in a murine model of myocardial infarction.

We observed the effect of cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) gene transfer on cardiomyocytes in a murine model of myocardial infarction. Sixty male CD-1 mice weighing approximately 40 g were used in the study. Forty mice were subjected to left coronary artery ligation and randomized to receive AdCT-1 vector (treated group) or AdLacZ vector (control group) treatment, with 20 mice for each group. AdCT-1 or AdLacZ vector was directly injected into the border zone of the ischemic myocardium at six sites, 10 min after ligation (10 microl/site, 2.5 x 10(6) PFU/100 microl). Twenty mice undergoing thoracotomy and injection of an equal volume of phosphate-buffered saline solution but not coronary ligation served as sham group. Hemodynamics, histopathology and cardiomyocyte apoptosis were detected at 2 weeks after injection. Four animals in sham, nine in control, and six in treated groups died during the experiment. The remaining 41 mice were included in the study. Mean arterial pressure, left ventricular systolic pressure, and the maximum rate of left ventricular pressure rise or fall were significantly higher in treated group than in control group (P < 0.01 for all), whereas left ventricular end-diastolic pressure, infarct size, the ratio of right ventricle or lung weight to body weight, and apoptotic index were significantly lower in treated group than in control group (P < 0.01 for all). The caspase-3 activation and mitochondrial cytochrome c release were also lower in treated group than in control group (P < 0.01 for each). AdCT-1 injection significantly inhibited Fas, Bax and p53, and increased CT-1 and Bcl-2 expression in myocardium. Our results suggest that AdCT-1 vector can be effectively transfected and continued to express bioactive CT-1 protein in myocardium. CT-1 plays an important cardioprotective effect on myocardial damage in the murine model of myocardial infarction.

Comparison of demography, diet, lifestyle, and serum lipid levels between the Guangxi Bai Ku Yao and Han populations.

Bai Ku Yao is an isolated subgroup of the Yao minority in China. Little is known about dyslipidemia in this population. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of demography, diet, and lifestyle on serum lipid levels between the Bai Ku Yao and Han populations. A total of 1,170 subjects of Bai Ku Yao and 1,173 subjects of Han Chinese aged 15-89 years were surveyed by a stratified randomized cluster sampling. The levels of total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), and apoB were significantly lower in Bai Ku Yao than in Han. Physical activity level and total dietary fiber intake were higher, whereas body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, total energy intake, and total fat intake were lower in Bai Ku Yao than in Han. Hyperlipidemia was positively correlated with BMI, waist circumference, and total energy and total fat intakes and negatively associated with physical activity level and total dietary fiber intake in both populations, but it was positively associated with age and alcohol consumption only in Han. The differences in the lipid profiles between the two ethnic groups were associated with different dietary habits, lifestyle choices, and levels of physical activities.

Effect of the 3'APOB-VNTR polymorphism on the lipid profiles in the Guangxi Hei Yi Zhuang and Han populations.

BACKGROUND: Apolipoprotein (Apo) B is the major component of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and chylomicrons. Many genetic polymorphisms of the Apo B have been described, associated with variation of lipid levels. However, very few studies have evaluated the effect of the variable number of tandem repeats region 3' of the Apo B gene (3'APOB-VNTR) polymorphism on the lipid profiles in the special minority subgroups in China. Thus, the present study was undertaken to study the effect of the 3'APOB-VNTR polymorphism on the serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Hei Yi Zhuang and Han populations. METHODS: A total of 548 people of Hei Yi Zhuang were surveyed by a stratified randomized cluster sampling. The epidemiological survey was performed using internationally standardized methods. Serum lipid and apolipoprotein levels were measured. The 3'APOB-VNTR alleles were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels, and classified according to the number of repeats of a 15-bp hypervariable elements (HVE). The sequence of the most common allele was determined using the PCR and direct sequencing. The possible association between alleles of the 3'APOB-VNTR and lipid variables was examined. The results were compared with those in 496 people of Han who also live in that district. RESULTS: Nineteen alleles ranging from 24 to 64 repeats were detected in both Hei Yi Zhuang and Han. HVE56 and HVE58 were not be detected in Hei Yi Zhuang whereas HVE48 and HVE62 were totally absent in Han. The frequencies of HVE26, HVE30, HVE46, heterozygote, and short alleles (< 38 repeats) were higher in Hei Yi Zhuang than in Han. But the frequencies of HVE34, HVE38, HVE40, homozygote, and long alleles (> or = 38 repeats) were lower in Hei Yi Zhuang than in Han (P < 0.05-0.01). The levels of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and Apo B in Hei Yi Zhuang but not in Han were higher in VNTR-LS (carrier of one long and one short alleles) than in VNTR-LL (the individual carrying two long alleles) genotypes. The levels of TC, triglycerides (TG), LDL cholesterol, and Apo B in Hei Yi Zhuang were higher in both HVE34 and HVE36 alleles than in HVE32 allele. The levels of TC, TG, HDL-C and Apo B in Hei Yi Zhuang were also higher in homozygotes than in heterozygotes. There were no significant differences in the detected lipid parameters between the VNTR-SS (carrier of two short alleles) and VNTR-LS or VNTR-LL genotypes in both ethnic groups. CONCLUSION: There were significant differences of the 3'APOB-VNTR polymorphism between the Hei Yi Zhuang and Han populations. An association between the 3'APOB-VNTR polymorphism and serum lipid levels was observed in the Hei Yi Zhuang but not in the Han populations.

Intramyocardial injection of vascular endothelial growth factor gene improves cardiac performance and inhibits cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies suggest that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a regulator of naturally occurring angiogenesis. However, whether VEGF plays a role in cardiomyocyte apoptosis is not known. AIM: To investigate the effects of intramyocardial injection of VEGF165 cDNA on cardiac performance and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in a rat model of acute myocardial infarction. METHODS: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent left coronary artery ligation and were randomised to receive VEGF165 cDNA (treated group) or pcDNA3.1 (control), injected directly into the border zone of the ischaemic myocardium. Twenty rats underwent thoracotomy and injection of pcDNA3.1, without coronary ligation (sham group). Haemodynamic and apoptotic parameters were measured two weeks after injection. RESULTS: Three sham, eight control, and five treated animals died. Haemodynamic parameters and microvessel counts in the treated group were significantly better than in the control (P<0.05 to 0.01). Apoptotic index in the treated group was less than in the control (P<0.01). Caspase-3 activation and mitochondrial cytochrome c release in the treated group were also lower than in the control (P<0.01). VEGF165 cDNA treatment significantly inhibited p53, Fas, Bax, and increased VEGF and Bcl-2 expression in the myocardium. CONCLUSION: Intramyocardial injection of VEGF165 cDNA significantly improved cardiac performance, stimulated angiogenesis and reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis, in a rat model of acute myocardial infarction.

Effects of demographic, dietary and other lifestyle factors on the prevalence of hyperlipidemia in Guangxi Hei Yi Zhuang and Han populations.

BACKGROUND: Han is the largest nationality and Zhuang is the largest minority among 56 nationalities in China. Hei Yi (means black-worship and black dressing) Zhuang is a special subgroup of 43 ethnic subgroups of Zhuang. There are limited data about the effect of environmental factors on the prevalence of hyperlipidemia in this population. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of demographic, dietary, and other lifestyle factors on the prevalence of hyperlipidemia in Hei Yi Zhuang and Han populations. DESIGN: We performed a cross-sectional study of 1166 randomly selected people of Hei Yi Zhuang aged 7-84 years from seven villages in Napo County, Guangxi, China; and 1018 people of Han aged 6-89 years from nine villages in the same region. METHODS: Information on demographic characteristics, dietary patterns, and other lifestyle factors was collected by standard questionnaires. Blood pressure, height, weight, waist circumference, serum lipids and apolipoproteins were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated as a measure of weight relative to height. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and hyperlipidemia in Hei Yi Zhuang and Han were 23.6 versus 27.0% (P>0.05), 12.3 versus 14.4% (P>0.05) and 29.9 versus 34.2% (P<0.05), respectively. The prevalence of hyperlipidemia was positively correlated with age, BMI and blood pressure (P<0.05- 0.001) in Hei Yi Zhuang, whereas it was positively associated with age, BMI, blood pressure and alcohol consumption in Han (P<0.01-0.001). There was no significant correlation between the prevalence of hyperlipidemia and sex or cigarette smoking in Hei Yi Zhuang, Han or a combined population of Hei Yi Zhuang and Han (P>0.05), and alcohol consumption in Hei Yi Zhuang (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The current study reveals that there is a significant difference in the prevalence of hyperlipidemia and its risk factors between Hei Yi Zhuang and Han, which might result from different demographic characteristics, dietary habits and other lifestyle factors.

Prevalence of hyperlipidemia and its risk factors for the middle-aged and elderly in the Guangxi Hei Yi Zhuang and Han populations.

BACKGROUND: Han is the largest and Zhuang is the second largest among the 56 nationalities in China. Geographically and linguistically, Zhuang can be classified into 43 ethnic subgroups, among which Hei Yi (which means "black worship" and "black dressing") Zhuang is the most conservative group, according to its unique culture and customs. Little is known about the lipid profiles and corresponding risk factors of hyperlipidemia in this population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of demographic characteristics, health-related behaviors, and lifestyle factors on the prevalence of hyperlipidemia for the middle-aged and elderly in the Guangxi Hei Yi Zhuang and Han populations. METHODS: A sample of 657 people of Hei Yi Zhuang aged 40 years and over was randomly selected from 7 villages in Napo County, Guangxi, China. Information on demographic characteristics, health-related behaviors, and lifestyle factors was collected by questionnaire. Blood pressure, height, weight, waist circumference, and serum lipid and apolipoprotein (apo) levels were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated as a measure of weight relative to height. The results were compared with those in 520 people of Han living in the same region. RESULTS: The prevalence of hyperlipidemia in the Hei Yi Zhuang was significantly lower than that in the Han (36.2% vs 42.3%; p < .05). The levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apo B in Hei Yi Zhuang were also significantly lower than those in the Han (p < .05 to .001), but the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and the ratio of apo A-I to apo B in the Hei Yi Zhuang were significantly higher than those in the Han (p < .01 and < .001, respectively). There were no significant differences in apo A-I levels between the two ethnic groups (p > .05). The prevalence of hyperlipidemia was positively correlated with BMI and blood pressure in the Hei Yi Zhuang. Hyperlipidemia was positively associated with age, BMI, and blood pressure and negatively associated with gender (female higher) in the Han. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study of the middle-aged and elderly population, the Hei Yi Zhuang have a more favorable lipid profile and a lower prevalence of hyperlipidemia than do the Han, and there is also a significant difference in the risk factors for hyperlipidemia between the two ethnic groups, which might result from the effects of different demographic characteristics, health-related behaviors, and lifestyle factors.

Effects of demographic characteristics, health-related behaviors and lifestyle factors on the prevalence of hypertension for the middle-aged and elderly in the Guangxi Hei Yi Zhuang and Han populations.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hei Yi (meaning black worship and black dress) Zhuang is the most conservative group among the 43 ethnic subgroups of Zhuang in China due to its unique culture and customs. The prevalence of hypertension in this population has not been well defined. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to compare the effects of the demographic characteristics, health-related behaviors and lifestyle factors on the prevalence of hypertension in the middle-aged and elderly of the Guangxi Hei Yi Zhuang and Han populations. METHODS: A total of 657 people of Hei Yi Zhuang aged 40 and over were randomly selected from 7 villages in Napo County of China. Information on the demographic characteristics, health-related behaviors and lifestyle factors was collected by questionnaire. Blood pressure, height, weight, waist circumference, serum lipid and apolipoprotein levels were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated as a measure of weight relative to height. The results were compared with those of 520 Han who live in the same district. RESULTS: The prevalence of hypertension and isolated systolic hypertension in Hei Yi Zhuang was significantly higher than in Han (32.9 vs. 24.6%, p < 0.01, and 16.7 vs. 5.2%, p < 0.001, respectively). The systolic blood pressure levels and pulse pressure in Hei Yi Zhuang were also significantly higher than in Han (129 +/- 20.1 vs. 125.8 +/- 17.4 mm Hg, p < 0.01, and 51.5 +/- 16.1 vs. 47.1 +/- 12.0 mm Hg, p < 0.01, respectively). The prevalence of hypertension was positively correlated with triglycerides, male, age, and alcohol consumption in Hei Yi Zhuang, whereas it was positively correlated with total cholesterol, male, age, alcohol consumption and BMI in Han. The rates of awareness, treatment and control in Hei Yi Zhuang and Han are 7.9 vs. 19.5%, 4.2 vs. 13.3% and 1.4 vs. 9.4% (p < 0.01 for all), respectively. CONCLUSION: The current study reveals a significant difference in the prevalence of hypertension, blood pressure levels, and the relative factors between the Hei Yi Zhuang and Han ethnic groups, which may have been due to differences in geographical characteristics, lifestyle, sodium intake, education levels, and even genetic factors.