Comparative study between the free radicals and tumor markers in patients with gastrointestinal tumors

The tumorous processes, increased level of tumor markers and the change of free radical status are associated in patents with gastrointestinal tumors. The aim of this study was to examine free radical status and tumor markers in patients with gastrointestinal tumors. Two hundered and thirteen patients with gastrointestinal tumor were examined. In the control group 44 non-tumorous patients were examined. The tumor markers (CEA, CA 19-9, CA 72-4, AFP, TPA, AGP) and free radical status (total scavenger capacity) were diagnosed using venal blood (obtained by LIA-kits and chemiluminescent methods, LIA-mAT and the Lumat Berthold instrument). It has been found that: (1) The results showed that the tumor markers, TPA and AGP are the best indicators for the tumorous process; (2) The AGP serum level was in the operable case 91.56+/-38.29 mg/dl meanwhile its value was, 128.46+/-47.62 mg/dl (P<0.001) in the inoperable case; and (3) The TPA value was 118.37+/-155.47 mg/dl in the operable case, (P<0.001) while its value was 227.32+/-244.39 mg/dl in inoperable cases. The significantly high levels of the plasma Chemiluminescent Light Intensity (CLI)=28.12+/-25.96; was obtained in patients with rectal tumors vs. in the control cases CLI= 4.27+/-5.12 RLU% (Relative Light Unit; mean+S.D.; P<0.005). In six of these cases, the free radical status examination indicated the presence of the tumor, even though the level of tumor markers was normal. It has been concluded that the testing of both regular tumor markers and free radical status has an important role in the diagnosis and monitoring of the patients with gastrointestinal tumors.     

Changes in plasma fibronectin levels in thyroid diseases

The plasma levels of fibronectin (Fn) have been measured in normal subjects and in patients with thyroid diseases. The mean plasma Fn levels in 62 normal adults was 32.0 +/- 6.0 mg/dl, whereas it was elevated to 62.6 +/- 16.1 mg/dl (mean +/- SD) in 25 patients with hyperthyroidism and decreased to 19.2 +/- 8.0 mg/dl in 9 patients with hypothyroidism. The 9 patients with simple goiter have normal values of 29.1 +/- 8.0 mg/dl. With the administration of anti-thyroid drugs, plasma Fn levels normalized, with a time lag, in parallel with normalization of the thyroid function. Positive correlation was obtained between Fn levels and serum levels of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). The present findings indicate that measurement of plasma Fn both in the basal state and during treatment provides evidence of altered Fn metabolism in thyroid diseases and serves to follow up the effect of treatment.     

Prognostic significance of cytosolic pS2 protein content in gastric cancer

pS2, a 60-amino-acid chain peptide which is the most widespread estrogen-induced RNA messenger in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, is normally detected in the epithelium of gastric mucosa. The aims of this work were to evaluate the cytosolic pS2 content and its clinical significance in gastric carcinomas. Cytosolic pS2 levels were examined by immunoradiometric methods in 108 patients with primary gastric adenocarcinomas. The mean follow-up period was 23.3 months. The cytosolic pS2 levels of the tumors ranged widely, i.e., from 0.1 to 3217 ng/mg protein. There were no significant differences in pS2 content between tumors (mean +/- standard error: 137.2+/-31.4 ng/mg protein) and paired adjacent mucosa samples (n=84; mean +/- standard error: 249.6+/-32.6 ng/mg protein), nor were there any significant differences in tumoral pS2 levels with respect to clinicopathologic parameters such as patient age and sex or tumor location, stage, histologic type or grade. However, the results indicated that high intratumoral pS2 levels were significantly and independently associated with an unfavorable outcome in the overall group of patients (p=0.0266) and in patients with resectable gastric cancer (p=0.003). In conclusion, pS2 may represent a useful biological marker in gastric cancer.     

Correlation between apolipoprotein A-IV and triglyceride concentrations in human sera

Apolipoprotein A-IV concentration was measured by a newly developed competitive enzyme immunoassay in sera from fasted human subjects (n = 105) whose triglyceride concentrations ranged from 20 to 474 mg/dl (total cholesterol below 260 mg/dl) and in which chylomicrons could not be detected. Mean (+/- SD) apolipoprotein A-IV concentration was 13.0 +/- 2.6 mg/dl in sera with triglyceride levels ranging from 20 to 100 mg/dl, 16.9 +/- 3.7 mg/dl in sera with triglyceride levels ranging from 101 to 250 mg/dl, and 22.7 +/- 6.7 mg/dl in sera with triglyceride levels ranging from 251 to 474 mg/dl. The differences among the three groups were highly significant (P less than 0.001). Moreover, variations of apolipoprotein A-IV concentrations according to the triglyceride levels were noted within the normo-triglyceridemic population. Apolipoprotein A-IV concentration was 12.8 +/- 2.1 mg/dl for triglyceride levels ranging from 20 to 75 mg/dl and 16.4 +/- 3.8 mg/dl for triglyceride levels ranging from 76 to 150 mg/dl (P less than 0.01). In the entire population that was studied there was a significant linear correlation (r = 0.61, P less than 0.001) between the concentrations of serum apolipoprotein A-IV and triglyceride. Although the hypothesis of an unknown factor independently influencing both very low density lipoproteins and apolipoprotein A-IV cannot be ruled out, and although no apolipoprotein A-IV was found in the triglyceride-rich lipoprotein fraction after separation by gel filtration, these data suggest that, in fasting subjects, the secretion of very low density lipoproteins could contribute to the plasma apolipoprotein A-IV level.     

The effect of growth hormone administration on lipids and lipoproteins in growth hormone-deficient patients

Plasma lipids, lipoproteins, and lipoprotein cholesterol levels were studied in a group (n = 8) of prepubertal growth hormone-deficient patients before and after growth hormone (GH) administration. Determination of plasma lipoproteins by a sensitive agarose gel electrophoretic technique demonstrated: (a) in the patients with two prebeta bands an intensification of the fast prebeta lipoprotein fraction after growth hormone administration; and (b) in the patients with one prebeta band the appearance of a second prebeta band after growth hormone administration. The mean (+/- SD) plasma triglyceride level before GH was 86 +/- 60 mg/dl and 158 +/- 95 mg/dl after GH (P less than 0.01). Mean (+/- SD) plasma cholesterol level before GH was 196 +/- 25 mg/dl and 174 +/- 28 mg/dl after GH (P less than 0.05). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations decreased significantly (P less than 0.001) from mean (+/- SD) 55 +/- 12 mg/dl before GH to 37 +/- 10 mg/dl after GH. Very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations increased significantly (P less than 0.05) from mean (+/- SD) 13 +/- 12 mg/dl before GH to 23 +/- 15 mg/dl after GH. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations decreased (N.S.) from mean (+/- SD) 123 +/- 15 mg/dl before GH to 114 +/- 15 mg/dl after GH. These lipid and lipoprotein changes could be mediated through the insulin antagonism, hyperinsulinemia, and a decrease in lipoprotein lipase activity caused by growth hormone.     

Anti-hyperglycemic effect of the polysaccharides fraction from American ginseng berry extract in ob/ob mice.

In this study, we evaluated the anti-hyperglycemic effect of a polysaccharides fraction from American ginseng berry extract in diabetic ob/ob mice. All animals received daily intraperitoneal injections of polysaccharides at 150 mg/kg body wt. (n = 5), polysaccharides at 50 mg/kg body wt. (n = 5), or vehicle (n = 5) for 10 consecutive days. On Day 5, as compared to the vehicle-treated mice (230.5 +/- 13.5 mg/dl, mean +/- S.E), mice from both treated groups showed significantly lower fasting blood glucose levels (187.4 +/- 20.5 mg/dl and 187.4 +/- 17.1 mg/dl), respectively (both P < 0.05). On Day 10, compared to the vehicle group (240.1 +/- 12.3 mg/dl), the 50 mg/kg dose group were at 188.4 +/- 12.6 mg/dl (P < 0.05), and the 150 mg/kg dose group were normoglycemic (148.8 +/- 17.6 mg/dl, P < 0.01). Those ob/ob mice treated with vehicle did not, however, show significant changes in fasting blood glucose levels. Data from the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) showed that, compared to Day 0, there was a significant improvement in glucose tolerance in animals who received the 50 and 150 mg/kg polysaccharide doses, and the area under the curve (AUC) decreased 15.5% (P < 0.05) and 28.2% (P < 0.01), respectively. Interestingly, after cessation of polysaccharide treatment, the fasting blood glucose levels stayed lower, and returned to control concentration on Day 30. We also observed that the polysaccharides fraction did not affect body weight changes in ob/ob mice. Our data suggest that the polysaccharides fraction from American ginseng berry extract has a potential clinical utility in treating diabetic patients.     

Erythrocyte insulin receptor and glucose tolerance test in children treated with prednisolone

Insulin receptors of erythrocytes and oral glucose tolerance test (O-GTT) were investigated in sixteen children treated with prednisolone for various diseases. Ten patients (Group 1) received low doses of prednisolone (0.2-0.5 mg/kg body weight/day) and six patients (Group 2) received higher doses of prednisolone (1.5-2.0 mg/kg body weight/day). Compared to the values for controls, the sums of blood glucose (sigma BS) at O-GTT in both group 1 and group 2 patients were significantly elevated. (422 +/- 75 mg/dl, p less than 0.01 Group 1; 419 +/- 39 mg/dl, p less than 0.01 Group 2; 338 +/- 41 mg/dl controls) Significant differences were not observed in the sums of insulin concentration at O-GTT, fasting blood concentration and basal insulin levels among these two groups and the controls. There was a significant increase in the maximum insulin binding in group 2 (9.13 +/- 0.68% in group 2, 7.97 +/- 1.06% in controls, p less than 0.05), but not in group 1 (8.59 +/- 1.82%). There is no significant difference in binding affinity or the number of receptors between any of these two patients' groups and the controls. When patients in group 1 and group 2 were combined, sigma IRI levels were significantly elevated in the patients (p less than 0.05). These results suggested that prednisolone treatment with a smaller dosage as well as with the higher dosage resulted in a carbohydrate intolerance, the main cause of which is located in a postreceptor step (or steps) of insulin action.     

Plasma fibronectin in mammary and uterine carcinomas

Plasma fibronectin was determined in cancer patients and in age- and sex-matched controls and analyzed as a function of age, size of tumor, receptor content of the tumor, metastases and treatment. In the control population, plasma fibronectin increased with age exponentially. The age-dependent increase in plasma fibronectin was strongly attenuated in the cancer population. As normal and cancer curves intersect at about 40-46 years, below this age cancer plasmas have slightly higher values than normal, above this age the inverse is true. No correlation was found between estrogen or progesterone receptor levels and plasma fibronectin values, nor with plasma albumin. Tumor patients with distant metastases gave slightly but significantly higher values than those with local or no metastases. No significant difference was found between tumors when Bloom grading was taken as the second parameter instead of age. The size of the tumor or the type of treatment had no influence. Increased proteolytic activity, increased trapping of plasma fibronectin in tissues and especially in the stromal (desmoplastic) reaction and/or modifications in plasma fibronectin biosynthesis may well be responsible for these results.     

Usefulness of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor in Japanese hyperlipidemic women within seven years of menopause

OBJECTIVE: To assess the therapeutic value of treatment with an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor in women with hypoestrogenic hyperlipidemia caused by menopause. DESIGN: Fifty-six women with total cholesterol (TC) levels of 220 mg/dl or more who were within 7 years of menopause were randomly assigned to receive an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (pravastatin 10 mg/day; treated group, 26 patients) or no medical treatment (nontreated group, 30 patients) in this 6-month nonblinded prospective trial. RESULTS: In the treated group, the mean (SD) TC levels decreased significantly from 254.5+/-22.3 mg/dl at baseline to 204.7+/-22.2 mg/dl (19.6%), and the mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level decreased significantly from 146.7+/-30.5 to 104.3+/-22.5 mg/dl (28.9%); the mean arteriosclerotic index decreased significantly from 2.98 to 2.08 (30.2%). There were no significant changes in either triglyceride levels or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. In the nontreated group, there were no significant changes in the TC, HDL-C, LDL-C, or triglyceride levels; there was also no change in the arteriosclerotic index. After 6 months, the TC level, LDL-C level, and arteriosclerotic index were significantly lower in the treated group compared with the nontreated group (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor lowered TC and LDL-C levels and was useful in the treatment of hypoestrogenic hyperlipidemia for periods of at least 6 months.     

Effect of obesity on erythrocyte count and hemoglobin levels in Libyan diabetic patients

Fasting blood glucose, erythrocyte count and hemoglobin levels of obese and nonobese Libyan diabetic women were determined. The mean values of fasting blood glucose, erythrocyte count and hemoglobin of obese diabetic women were 209.55 +/- 8.85 mg/dl, 4.986 +/- 0.04 X 10(6)/mm3 and 14.51 +/- 0.18 g/dl. The respective values for nonobese diabetic women were 243.47 +/- 12.56 mg/dl, 4.865 +/- 0.06 X 10(6)/mm3 and 14.31 +/- 0.19 g/dl. The mean values of the three variables of obese patients were significantly different from those of the nonobese patients. Statistically significant correlations were found between fasting blood glucose levels and erythrocyte count, and hemoglobin levels in both obese and nonobese patients. The levels of erythrocyte count and hemoglobin of obese patients were higher than those of their nonobese counterparts. This elevation was attributed to the effect of obesity. It is suggested that regulation of body weight should be considered an essential step in the management of diabetes.     

Reduced plasma lipoprotein lipase activity in patients with malignancy-associated weight loss

Post-heparin plasma lipoprotein lipase activity was measured in 28 cancer patients with varying degrees of weight loss, and in 16 normal volunteers. Total lipoprotein lipase activity was decreased by 35.4% (P less than 0.001) in the cancer group. The component lipase activities, hepatic (HLPL), and peripheral (PLPL), were decreased by 40% (P less than 0.001) and 38% (P less than 0.005) respectively. In addition, the level of total peripheral lipoprotein lipase correlated well with the percent body weight lost by these patients (r = 0.6, P less than 0.01). Regardless of extent of disease, patients with lung cancer showed the lowest enzyme activity (mean 191 mU/ml +/- 30 SEM, P less than 0.001) and the greatest percent of weight loss (mean 16%), while patients with breast cancer had nearly normal lipase activity (mean 315 mU/ml +/- 50 SEM, normal 340 mU/ml +/- 22 SEM, P less than 0.10) and minimal weight loss (mean 8.4%). Fasting serum triglycerides were significantly elevated in the patient group (mean 120 mg/dl +/- 9.7 SEM) as compared to normal (mean 71 mg/dl +/- 7 SEM, P less than 0.001). The mean fasting insulin level was elevated in the patient group (13 mU/ml +/- 3.0 SEM), although in the majority of the patients it was found within the normal range (4-24 mU/ml). We conclude that the significant decrease in the total LPL activity may be responsible in part for the characteristic hypertriglyceridemia present in cancer patients.     

Effects of PPARgamma and PPARalpha agonists on serum leptin levels in diet-induced obese rats.

Leptin and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors are two important adipose tissue factors involved in energy metabolism regulation. It has been shown that PPARgamma agonists decrease leptin levels. However, the effects of PPARalpha agonists on leptin have not been investigated much. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a PPARgamma agonist rosiglitazone (RSG) and PPARalpha agonist gemfibrozil (G) on body weight and serum insulin and leptin levels in diet-induced obese rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into six groups according to diet and drug therapy. After four weeks, serum glucose, triglyceride, insulin and leptin levels were significantly decreased in the high-fat-fed and RSG-treated groups compared to the group fed a high-fat diet only (162 +/- 19 vs. 207 +/- 34 mg/dl, 58 +/- 20 vs. 112 +/- 23 mg/dl, 3.1 +/- 1.0 vs. 15.2 +/- 4.0 ng/ml, 1.6 +/- 0.5 vs. 3.6 +/- 1.6 ng/ml, respectively). However, these parameters were not statistically different in RSG animals treated with a standard diet compared to the standard diet group. The high fat+RSG group gained much more weight compared to high-fat and high-fat+G groups (p > 0.05). Additionally, serum glucose, insulin and leptin levels were significantly decreased in the high-fat-fed and G-treated group compared to high-fat group (149 +/- 19 vs. 207 +/- 34 mg/dl, 57 +/- 16 vs. 112 +/- 23 mg/dl, 4.3 +/- 2.1 vs. 15.2 +/- 4.0 ng/ml, 1.6 +/- 0.4 vs. 3.6 +/- 1.6 ng/ml, respectively). These results suggest that PPARalpha agonists may decrease serum glucose, insulin and leptin levels as PPARgamma agonists do in diet-induced obese rats.     

The effect of modern Balinese Baris dancing exercise (MBBDE) on serum lipid profiles.

There is still a lack of information on the effect of regular dancing exercise on lipid profiles. On the other hand, many studies have been carried out on the effect of aerobic exercise on lipid profiles. This study tried to find out the effects of Modern Balinese Baris Dancing Exercise (MBBDE) on serum lipid profiles. Subjects of the study were 30 healthy young male Balinese as an experimental group, and another 30 healthy young Balinese as control group. The MBBDE involved exercise intensity at 70-80% of targeted heart rate, for 50 min period, 3 times per week for 8 weeks. Pre- and post-control group design was applied. Total cholesterol and triglyceride were measured enzymatically. Following MBBDE 3 x 50 min/week for 8 weeks duration, serum level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration increased significantly from 55.3 +/- 2.32 mg/dl to 63.2 +/- 2.82 mg/dl (p < 0.001). It was also associated with the decrease of total cholesterol concentration from 195.5 +/- 21.10 mg/dl to 161.8 +/- 21.29 mg/dl (p < 0.001); triglyceride concentration from 132.2 +/- 9.65 mg/dl to 110.6 +/- 9.08 mg/dl (p < 0.001); and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentration from 113.8 +/- 21.68 mg/dl to 76.9 +/- 20.76 mg/dl (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found in the above parameters in the control group. It is concluded that MBBDE is an aerobic, endurance exercise, and therefore produces beneficial effect on the serum lipid profiles.     

Trace Element Levels in Hashimoto Thyroiditis Patients with Subclinical Hypothyroidism

The present study was conducted to evaluate the serum copper, zinc, magnesium, and selenium levels in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism in the iodine-rich region of Ankara, Turkey. The effects of hormone replacement therapy on these elements were also studied in these patients. Basal levels of selenium and iron in patients were significantly lower than control group (67.7 +/- 10.4 vs. 83.7 +/- 17.3 microg/dl, p = 0.02; 55.7 +/- 38 vs 275.7 +/- 24, P = 0.03 microg/dl). Serum magnesium levels were significantly higher in patient group (2.16 +/- 0.31 vs 1.95 +/- 0.13 mg/dl, P < 0.0001). There was a correlation between selenium levels with hsCRP (r = -0.408, p = 0.007). HsCRP levels in patients with selenium levels <80 microg/l (n = 31) was significantly higher than hsCRP levels in patients with selenium levels >80 microg/l (n = 12; 1.99 +/- 1.0; 1.02 +/- 0.9, p = 0.014). None of these biochemical risk factors and trace elements have changed after euthyroidism in patients with SH when compared to pretreatment levels. Selenium deficiency may contribute to cardiovascular disease risk in these patients.     

Tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) content in colorectal cancer and in surrounding mucosa: relationship with clinicopathologic parameters and prognostic significance

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytosolic tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) content in colorectal cancer, its possible relationship with the clinicopathologic parameters of tumors, and its prognostic significance. We have therefore examined by immunoenzymatic assay the cytosolic tPA content in tumors and paired surrounding normal mucosa samples from 162 colorectal cancer patients. Cytosolic tPA levels were significantly higher in surrounding normal mucosa samples than in neoplastic tissues (4.01 +/- 5.07 vs 2.63 +/- 5.82 ng/mg protein; p < 0.0001). By contrast, no significant correlation was found between tPA content and clinicopathologic tumor parameters such as location, Dukes' stage, histologic grade, and DNA content or S-phase fraction. However, the results indicated that a high cytosolic tPA content (> 0.75 ng/mg protein) in tumors predicted for a shorter relapse-free and overall survival (both p < 0.05) in 123 resectable colorectal cancer patients who were prospectively evaluated during a mean follow-up period of 32.2 months. This suggests that tPA may give additional information to that provided by other biochemical markers currently used in colorectal cancer.     

Role of dietary phosphorus in the progression of renal failure

Dietary phosphorus is thought to be a factor that impairs the residual renal function in patients with chronic renal failure. To determine the effect of dietary phosphorus on the prognosis of chronic renal failure, low-phosphorus milk was prepared from normal cow's milk using boehmite, a synthetic phosphate-ion absorbent. Regular diet, normal cow's milk, and low-phosphorus milk were then given to 5/6-nephrectomized rats and the serum levels of inorganic phosphorus, calcium, creatinine, and blood urine nitrogen in the rats in each group were compared. The serum levels of inorganic phosphorus and calcium were not different among the groups, despite a significant difference in phosphorus intakes. On the other hand, serum levels of creatinine (Cr) and blood urine nitrogen (BUN) in the rats fed low-phosphorus milk were significantly lower (Cr, 0.54+/-0.054mg/dl; BUN, 29.2+/-3.90mg/dl) than those in the rats fed a regular diet (Cr, 0.64+/-0.057mg/dl; BUN, 37.4+/-3.55mg/dl) or normal milk (Cr, 0.61+/-0.040mg/dl; BUN, 34.5+/-3.59mg/dl). No beneficial effect of protein restriction was observed when residual renal functions in rats fed a regular diet and those fed normal milk were compared. The results suggest that dietary phosphorus plays a major role in the progression of renal failure.     

Effect of telmisartan on cholesterol levels in patients with hypertension - Saga Telmisartan Aggressive Research (STAR).

Saga Telmisartan Aggressive Research (STAR) is a single-arm, prospective multi-center trial to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment with telmisartan in patients with hypertension. A total of 197 patients with a systolic blood pressure of > or =140 or a diastolic blood pressure of > or =90 mmHg were enrolled in this study, and were prescribed 20 to 80 mg/day of telmisartan for 6 months. In all patients, both systolic and diastolic blood pressures decreased (159+/-20 to 135+/-12 mmHg, p<0.0001, 87+/-12 to 75+/-8 mmHg, p<0.0001, respectively). In addition, total cholesterol (TC) levels decreased from 200+/-40 to 188+/-33 mg/dl (p<0.05). In patients with TC > or =220 mg/dl, the change was more striking (249+/-33 to 204+/-31 mg/dl, p<0.0001). Even in patients receiving statins, TC levels still were decreased (216+/-51 to 190+/-31 mg/dl, p<0.02). In addition, TC levels were also decreased even in patients receiving telmisartan in exchange for other ARBs with TC > or =220 mg/d. Triglyceride (TG) levels were decreased (270+/-199 to 175+/-74 mg/dl, p<0.005) in patients with TG levels > or =150 mg/dl. Fasting blood glucose (FBG) was decreased (158+/-68 to 138+/-60 mg/dl, p<0.05) in patients with FBG > or =110 mg/dl. These results suggest that telmisartan may have favorable effects on lipid and glucose metabolism, in addition to lowering blood pressure. The profound effect of telmisartan to lower cholesterol suggests a potential use in hypertensive patients with dyslipidemia.     

The relationship between androgens concentrations (testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) and metabolic syndrome in non-obese elderly men

INTRODUCTION: The metabolic syndrome characterized by central obesity, insulin and lipid dysregulation, and hypertension, is a precursor state for atherosclerotic process and, in consequence, cardiovascular disease. Decline of both testicular and adrenal function with aging causes a decrease in androgen concentration in men. It has been postulated that low levels of total testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) are associated with unfavorable levels of several strong cardiovascular disease risk factors, such as lipids and blood pleasure, which are components of the metabolic syndrome, and insulin levels. Both testosterone and DHEA-S deficiency are risk factors of obesity and insulin resistance, but it is not clear, whether this possible influence is independent. The aim of this study was to determined whether lower androgens (testosterone and DHEA-S) levels are associated with the development of metabolic syndrome in non-obese elderly men as well as analysis, whether these sex hormones influents on measured parameters separately. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Together 85 men age from 60 to 70 years (mean 66.3 +/- 1.5 years; mean +/- SEM) were analyzed. Testosterone levels < 4 ng/ml or DHEA levels < 2000 ng/ml and BMI < 30 kg/m(2) were including criteria. Patients were divided into three groups: 52 with testosterone deficiency (L-T), 32 with DHEA deficiency (L-DHEA-S) and 67 with deficiency of both sex hormones (L-T/DHEA-S). The influence of sex hormones deficiency in these groups on blood pressure, lipids, visceral obesity and fasting glucose were measured (according to metabolic syndrome definition NCEP III/IDF). RESULTS: Testosterone levels in L-T, L-DHEA and L-T/DHEA-S groups were respectively 3.19 +/- 0.23 ng/ml, 4.89 +/- 0.45 ng/ml and 3.25 +/- 0.34 g/ml (p < 0.002). While DHEA-S levels were respectively 2498 +/- 98 ng/ml, 1435 +/- 1010 ng/ml and 1501 +/- +/- 89 ng/ml). BMI values do not differ between groups. Waist circumference was significantly higher in L-T/DHEA-S group than in L-T i L-DHEA-S groups (respectively: 99.9 +/- 6,1 cm, 97.1 +/- 7.1 cm i 96.2 +/- 6.4 cm; mean +/- SD, p < 0.05 vs. L-T and L-DHEA-S groups). Mean triglycerides concentration in L-T/DHEA-S group was significantly higher than in L-T and L-DHEA-S groups (respectively: 188.2 +/- 13.3 mg/dl, 161.7 +/- 14.7 mg/dl and 152.2 +/- 12.8 mg/dl (mean +/- SD; p < 0.02 vs. L-T and L-DHEA-S groups). Analysis of prevalence of risk factors showed, that in L-T/DHEA-S group they were more frequent than in other groups. The most significant percentage difference was observed for triglycerides: concentration > or = 150 mg/dl was measured in 31% men in L-T group, 28% men in L-DHEA-S group and 42% men in L-T/DHEA-S group. According metabolic syndrome definition NCEP III/IDF prevalence of this syndrome was: 71% patients in L-T/DHEA-S group, 67% patients in L-T group and 64% patients in L-DHEA-S group. CONCLUSIONS: The DHEA-S and testosterone deficiency was a significant and independent risk factor of the metabolic syndrome in non-obese elderly men. It seems, that triglycerides concentration and waist circumference are more sensitive then others parameters to reflect the influence of sex hormones deficiency on risk of the metabolic syndrome in elderly men.     

Lipoprotein(a) levels in formerly small-for-gestational-age children

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is an independent and inherited risk factor for coronary artery disease. Concentrations of Lp(a) have been widely described in adolescents, but little is known about its concentration in children born small for gestational age (SGA). To assess the influence of intrauterine growth on Lp(a) levels we examined 50 children born SGA and 21 children born adequate for gestational age (AGA). Lp(a) blood levels (mean +/- SD) of the SGA children differed significantly (p < 0.05) from AGA children (22.3 +/- 22.1 vs. 10.9 +/- 7.6 mg/dl). 14 out of 50 adolescents of the SGA group but 1 out of 21 of the AGA group had elevated Lp(a) (>30 mg/dl) concentrations (p < 0.05). These children also had higher triglyceride (1.0 +/- 0.6 mmol/l vs. 0.74 +/- 0.38 mmol/l) levels (p < 0.05) compared to children with Lp(a) levels <30 mg/dl. Adolescents with Lp(a) levels >30 mg/dl showed a significant inverse relation between Lp(a) levels and gestational age (r = -0.68, p < 0. 005). We hypothesize that impairment of fetal growth might influence serum Lp(a) levels in later life.     

Impaired glucose metabolism in hypertensive patients

We have studied glucose tolerance under carefully controlled conditions in 79 patients with arterial hypertension. The results show that, in patients with arterial hypertension but without clinical diabetes mellitus, the glucose tolerance was abnormal in 77.3% and normal in 22.3%. The corresponding figure in the control group of normotensive subjects was 0%. In each test the responses to glucose administration were analyzed by plotting the logarithm of the blood glucose concentration against time. For the points between 60 and 120 min, corresponding to the periods following glucose administration, a linear relationship was obtained and showed a decline at an exponential rate, as noted by other observers. An estimate of the volume of distribution of glucose was obtained as follows. Values observed in hypertensives with a pathological percent fall in blood glucose per minute (Kg) were 29.8 +/- 12.0 (mean +/- SD) liters and those in normal subjects with normal Kg values had a mean of 14.35 +/- 2.98, the difference being highly significant (p less than 0.0001). The results of the theoretical glucose concentration are also presented. Those obtained from subjects with normal Kg values (359.0 +/- 58.4 mg/dl) are significantly higher than in subjects with pathological Kg values (257.6 +/- 51.3 mg/dl; p less than 0.0001). All patients with either pathological or normal Kg values had normal glucose concentration levels, fasting blood sugar and no glucose in the urine specimen. The difference between pathological Kg values (107.0 +/- 25.8 mg/dl) and normal Kg values (90.6 +/- 13.0 mg/dl) was not found to be statistically different (p greater than 0.05). The distribution and means of glucose half time in controls with normal Kg values and hypertensives with pathological Kg values were: 63.5 +/- 11.5 and 137.8 +/- 48.1 min, respectively. The difference between normal and pathological Kg values being statistically significant at a confidence level above 99.5%. We also studied the free glucose pool at zero time. A significantly higher level was found in hypertensives with pathological Kg values, again indicating an impairment in glucose metabolism in this group: 90.6 +/- 26.5 vs. 65.0 +/- 5.4 g (p less than 0.0001). Another study showed an estimate of the mean cellular glucose uptake (MCUg) per minute and per kilogram body weight. The MCUg following glucose loading decreased considerably in hypertensives with pathological Kg values. The percentage reduction ranged between 50 and 55% hypertensives with pathological Kg values 4.1 +/- 0.8, and normotensives with normal Kg values, 8.0 +/- 0.6 (p less than 0.0001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)