Inflammatory markers and Lp(a) levels as cardiovascular risk factors in androgenetic alopecia.

It is not well-established whether patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) show a higher cardiovascular risk and higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS). Therefore, we aimed to analyze the cardiovascular risk and the prevalence of MS by means of a case-control study. We determined lipidic, inflammatory, hormonal and insulin resistance parameters with conventional laboratory methods in 50 male early-onset AGA patients and 50 controls. AGA patients did not show statistical differences for insulin resistance (glucose, insulin, C peptide, HOMA), lipids (total-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, tryglicerides) or hormonal parameters (testosterone, free androgen index, sex hormone-binding globulin) P >  0.05, respectively. No differences between groups were observed in prevalence of MS or its components (P >  0.05). AGA patients showed higher levels of fibrinogen, C-reactive protein (CRP) and lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) (P = 0.016, P = 0.019 and P = 0.032, respectively). In the unadjusted logistic regression analyses, PCR >4 mg/L, fibrinogen >395 mg/dL and Lp(a) >59 mg/dL increased the risk of AGA, but in the adjusted logistic regression analyses, only PCR >4 mg/L and Lp(a) >59 mg/dL independently increased this risk (OR = 5.83, 95% CI 1.33-25.59 P = 0.020; OR = 3.94 CI 95% 1.08-14.43 P = 0.038). The present study indicates that AGA patients do not show differences in either insulin resistance or prevalence of MS. However, AGA patients show a higher cardiovascular risk characterised by an increase in inflammatory parameters and Lp(a) levels.

Serum lipid responses to phytosterol-enriched milk in a moderate hypercholesterolemic population is not affected by apolipoprotein E polymorphism or diameter of low-density lipoprotein particles.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The importance of both low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) size and the apolipoprotein E (Apo E) in the atherogenic process is known, but there is little information with regard to the effect of phytosterols (PS) on these parameters. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of PS on lipid profile and LDLc size according to Apo E genotype. SUBJECTS/METHODS: This was a randomized parallel trial employing 75 mild-hypercholesterolemic subjects and consisting of two 3-month intervention phases. After 3 months of receiving a standard healthy diet, subjects were divided into two intervention groups: a diet group (n=34) and a diet+PS group (n=41) that received 2 g/day of PS. Total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerols, LDLc, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), non-HDLc, Apo A-I and B-100, LDLc size and Apo E genotype were determined. RESULTS: Patients receiving PS exhibited a significant decrease in TC (5.1%), LDLc (8.1%), non-HDLc (7.4%) and Apo B-100/Apo A-I ratio (7.7%), but these effects did not depend on Apo E genotype. No significant changes were found in lipid profile according to Apo E genotype when patients following dietary recommendations were considered as a whole population or separately. No variations in LDLc size were observed in any of the intervention groups. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that Apo E genotype does not have an impact on the lipid response to PS as a cholesterol-lowering agent in mild-hypercholesterolemic patients. Furthermore, the evidence obtained confirms that LDLc particle size is not modified when PS are added to a standard healthy diet.

Levels of C3 in patients with severe, morbid and extreme obesity: its relationship to insulin resistance and different cardiovascular risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: Increased C3 has been related to body mass index (BMI) and insulin resistance, although there are not sufficient studies in subjects with morbid obesity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the levels of C3 as a function of the BMI in subjects of both sexes, with severe, morbid and extreme obesity, and their possible relationship to insulin resistance or associated diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia. SUBJECTS: The study included a total of 316 patients (110 men and 206 women) with severe obesity (17.1%), morbid obesity (54.4%) and extreme obesity (28.4%), with an average BMI of 46.70+/-7.37 kg/m2. MEASUREMENTS: The glucose and insulin levels were determined baseline, and 2 h after a 75 g of oral glucose load. The homeostasis model of assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. A lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, apolipoprotein AI and apolipoprotein B100) was obtained and C3 levels determined by nephelometry. RESULTS: When distributing the patients by quartiles of BMI, we found a progressive increase in the levels of C3, and no significant differences in the rest of analytical variables studied were found; the mean values of C3 were 127.78+/-29.7 mg/dl.A significant correlation was found between C3 and the BMI (r=0.263, P<0.001), baseline insulin (r=0.237, P=0.001) and HOMA-IR (r=0.237, P=0.001). High blood pressure was found in 111 patients, type 2 diabetes in 74 patients and dyslipidemia in 139 cases. When distributing the levels of C3 according to the number of associated risk factors (hypertension, diabetes and dyslipidemia), we found significant differences between these patients and those who presented no associated diseases (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: A relationship between C3 and the progressive increase of BMI in subjects with severe, morbid or extreme obesity was established. This increase in C3 was closely related to insulin levels and the values for HOMA-IR. Furthermore, we also found an increase in C3 as more diseases related to insulin resistance, such as diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia, were associated with the obesity.

Genes implicados en la hiperlipemia familiar combinada / Genes involved in the familial combined hyperlipidemia

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The relation between obesity, abdominal fat deposit and the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene I/D polymorphism and its association with coronary heart disease.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the relation between overweight, obesity and fat distribution with I/D polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene and its association with coronary heart disease (CHD). DESIGN: Cross-sectional, case-control study. SUBJECTS: A total of 185 cases (141 males) who had suffered at least one episode of CHD and 182 controls (127 males). MEASUREMENTS: Body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol and fasting glucose were measured with standard methods, genotyping the I/D polymorphism of ACE gene. RESULTS: Obesity and abdominal fat deposit are associated with CHD in women, but not independently. We have found an association between obesity and abdominal fat deposit with the ACE gene I/D polymorphism in subjects with CHD. Subjects with CHD and DD or ID genotypes have significantly higher prevalence of obesity and abdominal fat deposit and higher values of weight and waist circumference. In addition, the DD and ID genotypes increased crude OR of obesity. The DD and ID genotypes of the ACE gene I/D polymorphism and BMI are independently associated with CHD. CONCLUSION: There is a relation between the type and grade of obesity with the genotypes of the ACE gene I/D polymorphism in subjects with CHD.

Evaluación de la malnutrición en pacientes obesos de ambos sexos tratados con dieta de muy bajo contenido calórico / Malnutrition evaluation in obese patients of both sexes on a very low caloric content diet

Hemos evaluado la eficacia de la dieta de muy bajo contenido calórico durante 6 semanas en pacientes con obesidad grave (grados II y III). Se seleccionaron 27 hombres y 61 mujeres, valorando parámetros antropométricos (peso, índice de masa corporal, cintura, cadera, C/c, masa grasa y área grasa intraabdominal) y bioquímicos de malnutrición (índice creatinina-altura [ICA], albúmina, transferrina, proteína fijadora de retinol [PFR], prealbúmina, C3 y recuento de linfocitos) al inicio y tras 6 semanas de tratamiento con dieta de muy bajo contenido calórico. En los hombres encontramos un descenso significativo del peso, índice de masa corporal, cintura, cadera, masa grasa y área grasa intraabdominal. En mujeres fue significativo el descenso de peso, índice de masa corporal, cadera y masa grasa. Encontramos malnutrición inicial en el 7,4 por ciento de los hombres y en el 14,7 por ciento de las mujeres, tras el tratamiento en el 22,2 por ciento de los hombres y 34,4 por ciento de las mujeres (p<0,05). En los parámetros bioquímicos de la malnutrición proteica los hombres sólo presentaron descensos significativos en el ICA y las mujeres en transferrina, PFR, prealbúmina, C3. En conclusión, podemos afirmar que las dietas de muy bajo contenido calórico resultan eficaces para la pérdida de peso en sujetos obesos graves. Sin embargo, en un período de seguimiento de 6 semanas hemos encontrado la presencia de malnutrición proteica en mujeres especialmente, estando en éstas afectado el compartimento visceral, mientras que en los hombres se afecta el compartimento muscular (AU)

[Malnutrition evaluation in obese patients of both sexes on a very low caloric content diet]. / Evaluación de la malnutrición en pacientes obesos de ambos sexos tratados con dieta de muy bajo contenido calórico.

We have evaluated the effectiveness of a very low caloric content diet (VLCD) during 6 weeks in patients with severe obesity (grades II and III). Twenty-seven men and 61 women were selected for evaluation of anthropometric (weight, body mass index [BMI], waist, hip, C/c, fatty weight and intra-abdominal fatty area) and biochemical (creatinine-height index [CHI], albumin, transferrin, retinol binding protein [RBP], prealbumin, C3, and lymphocytes count) malnutrition parameters, at the beginning and after 6 weeks of treatment with VLCD. In men we found a significant decrease of weight, BMI, waist, hip, fatty weight, and intra-abdominal fatty area. In women the decrease of weight, BMI, hip, and fatty weight was also significant. We found baseline malnutrition in 7.4% of men and in 14.7% of women, and after the treatment in 22.2% of men and in 34.4% of women (p < 0.05). With regard to the biochemical parameters of protein malnutrition, only men showed significant decrease in the CHI and only women showed significant decrease in transferrin, RBP, prealbumin, and C3. In conclusion, we can state that different types of VLCD are effective for weight loss in severe obese subjects. However, within a period of follow-up of 6 weeks we have detected the presence of protein malnutrition, especially in women, being in these patients affected the visceral compartment while in men the muscular compartment is affected.

[Malnutrition prevalence in institutionalized elderly people in Valencia Community, Spain]. / Prevalencia de malnutrición entre ancianos institucionalizados en la Comunidad Valenciana.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to know the prevalence of malnutrition in an institutionalized elderly population according to age and sex. PATIENTS AND METHOD: We studied 615 institutionalized patients, with a mean age (SD) of 79.33 (9.07) years. Anthropometric parameters included weight, height, knee-heel length, tricipital and subescapular skin folds, arm perimeter and fat mass. Biochemical parameters included: total cholesterol, triglycerides, albumin, prealbumin, transferrin,retinol-binding protein, C3 and lymphocyte count. Malnutrition prevalence was 26.87% (CI 95%, 23.15-30.86), 29.08% (CI 95%, 22.82-35.97) in men and 25.59% (CI 95%, 25.01-30.61) in women. Anthropometric parameters were found to be decreased in all malnourished patients. Significant decreases in albumin and retinol-binding protein concentrations were observed in some age groups of malnourished patients. We also found a decrease in the total cholesterol level in parallel to an age increase in both sexes, regardless of the nutritional status. Triglyceride levels were significantly decreased in both males and females with malnutrition. CONCLUSIONS: We detected a high prevalence of malnutrition, yet lower than reported in other studies with similar age groups.

Ciprofibrate effects on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus subjects.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Hyperglycemia, dyslipoproteinemia, arterial hypertension and coagulation abnormalities are the most important cardiovascular risk factors. Hypertriglyceridemia and low high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDLc) seem to be related with insulin resistance. Fibric acid derivates (fibrates) are effective in the treatment of dyslipoproteinemia in diabetes. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ciprofibrate in improving dyslipoproteinemia and its effect on fibrinogen plasma concentrations, carbohydrate metabolism variations and insulin action. METHODS AND RESULTS: 13 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus were treated with diet and placebo for 4 weeks and then randomized to one of two treatments: ciprofibrate 100 mg or placebo for four weeks. After a four-week wash-out period they were crossed over as shown in Figure 1. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDLc), very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDLc), HDLc, Apolipoprotein B100, fibrinogen, insulin and Lp(a) were measured. Insulin erythrocytes union was made by the Gambhir method. There was a 15% decrease in total cholesterol (p < 0.05) and 47% decrease in triglycerides (p < 0.01); similar changes were observed in VLDL-cholesterol and VLDL-triglycerides; 17% increase in HDL-cholesterol (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in LDL-cholesterol, apolipoprotein B100 and lipoprotein (a). Fibrinogen decreased 10% (p < 0.05). A non-significant 10% decrease in insulin secretion (area under curve) after oral glucose was observed with ciprofibrate. These findings indicate a decrease in receptor affinity. A non-significant decrease in insulin receptor number/cells was also observed. CONCLUSIONS: Ciprofibrate has a potent hypolipidemic effect, especially a decrease in triglycerides, VLDL and fibrinogen, and an increase in HDL-cholesterol, but does not influence glycemic control nor insulin action. Decreased insulin secretion may be due to peripheral use of glucose due to the drug's antilipolytic action.

Effect of thyroid hormone replacement on lipoprotein(a), lipids, and apolipoproteins in subjects with hypothyroidism.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of thyroid hormone replacement on total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apolipoprotein A-I and B-100, and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] in subjects with hypothyroidism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 17 patients with clinical primary hypothyroidism, studies were done before and after thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Free thyroxine and thyrotropin were determined by chemiluminescent assay. Total cholesterol and triglycerides were measured by enzymatic methods, and HDL-C was measured after dextran sulfate-MgCl2 precipitation. Apolipoprotein A-I and B-100 were assayed by immunonephelometry. For measurement of Lp(a), we used a sequential sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: After levothyroxine treatment, the mean concentration of thyrotropin decreased from 91.4 to 3.7 microIU/mL, and free thyroxine increased from 0.5 to 1.2 ng/ dL. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein A-I and B-100 decreased after thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Lp(a) levels also decreased significantly (P<0.05) after treatment, from a mean of 33.4 to 25.6 mg/dL. CONCLUSION: Hypothyroidism is associated with an increase in total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C, apolipoprotein A-I and B-100, and Lp(a). A reduction in lipid and lipoprotein levels after thyroid hormone replacement in our study cohort resulted in a less atherogenic profile.

Lipoprotein (a) and other risk factors in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Studies have established a relationship between lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels and cardiovascular disease, but few have studied Lp(a) in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). METHODS: We determined Lp(a) concentrations, levels of glycated hemoglobin, and the personal and family history of atherosclerosis in 88 patients with NIDDM (53 men and 35 women; age, 33-70 years) and 90 age- and sex-matched controls. Twenty-three patients with NIDDM had cardiovascular disease (CVD group) and 65 did not (non-CVD group). RESULTS: Lp(a) levels were higher in CVD than non-CVD patients (P < 0.01). Triglyceride levels negatively correlated with Lp(a) (r = -0.51, P < 0.05), independently of the metabolic control of diabetes. Patients with poor metabolic control (glycated hemoglobin > 7.5%) had higher Lp(a) levels than the control group (P < 0.05). Lp(a) levels were higher than 0.30 milligram in 11% of patients without CVD and 55% of those with CVD (P < 0.05). Cluster analysis showed that Lp(a), as well as total cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein B100, and age were independently related to CVD in patients with NIDDM (P < 0.001 for triglycerides and P < 0.05 for the other variables). CONCLUSIONS: Lp(a) levels can be considered an independent risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis in NIDDM.

[Literature review on fenofibrate]. / Revisión bibliográfica sobre fenofibrato.

Phenofibrate is one of the hypolipidemic agents derived from the fibric acid that is more frequently used nowadays, because it has shown several advantages over other hypolipidemics belonging to the same family, and a greater power, which allows to obtain greater reductions in LDL levels and less side effects. Its mechanism of action affects basically the metabolism of triglycerides, with a reduction in their synthesis and an increase in their catabolism, being able to act as well on the metabolism of cholesterol, mainly at the level of its catabolism. The phenofibrate, thus, has apparently shown a significant hypolipidemic effectivity, decreasing plasmatic levels of c-LDL and triglycerides and increasing levels of c-HDL, resulting in a less atherogenic lipidic profile.