Effect of hyperlipidemic serum on lipid peroxidation, synthesis of prostacyclin and thromboxane by cultured endothelial cells: protective effect of antioxidants

An increased lipid peroxides and a decreased production of prostacyclin have been shown in advanced atherosclerotic lesions and plasma. Our purpose was to determine whether the similar findings could be observed in cultured endothelial cells, and whether antioxidants could protect the cell against peroxide injury. In these experiments we have used bovine aortic endothelial cells in culture to address the issue of hyperlipidemia-induced arterial damage. Results of the present study showed that different concentration of hyperlipidemic sera from atherogenic rabbits induced a time- and dose-dependent alteration in the production of prostacyclin and levels of lipid peroxides in endothelial cells. Endothelial cells incubated with hyperlipidemic serum increased prostacyclin generation significantly during the initial stages and then continuously decreased. When endothelial cells were incubated for 36 h, TXA2 generation was also impaired and at the same time the cellular lipid peroxides content increased. There was a positive correlation between the concentration of hyperlipidemic serum and lipid peroxides and an inverse correlation with prostacyclin synthesis. The medium supplemented with antioxidant selenium or vitamin E showed a significant decrease in lipid peroxides and an increase in prostacyclin synthesis. These results suggest that both hyperlipidemic serum and lipid peroxides injury endothelial cells and inactivate prostacyclin synthetase, resulting in a decrease of prostacyclin production, while antioxidants have a protective effect. We conclude that the increase in lipid peroxides in association with hyperlipidemia results in alteration of prostacyclin synthesis that may play an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.     

Evaluation of antihyperlipidemic activity of ethanolic extract of Cassia auriculata flowers

Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for development of coronary artery disease. Cassia auriculata is traditionally used in India for medicinal purposes. In this study, effect of ethanolic extract of Cassia auriculata flowers (Et-CAF) was investigated in Triton WR1339-induced hyperlipidemic rats. Treatment with the Et-CAF (450 mg/kg b.wt) significantly reduced the total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL) levels and significantly increased the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level associated with reduction of atherogenic index in hyperlipidemic rats. However, there was no change in the serum lipid profile of normal rats treated with Et-CAF alone. The results suggest that Et-CAF has a beneficial effect in treating hyperlipidemia and may serve as a potential drug for prevention of hyperlipidemic atherosclerosis.     

Low selenium levels are associated with decreased bone mineral densities

PurposeOsteoporosis has a high worldwide prevalence and detrimental consequences (e.g., increased fracture risk). The amount of bone mineral in bone tissue (i.e., bone mineral density [BMD]) is most widely used indicator of osteoporosis in clinical medicine. Selenium is an essential micronutrient for animals and humans. It is a cofactor for antioxidant enzyme reduction (e.g., glutathione peroxidase). It also enhances immune surveillance and modulates cell proliferation. Study findings on the associations between BMD and selenium levels are inadequate and contradictory. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between hair selenium levels and lumbar spine and femur BMD values.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional study design, we assessed the associations between hair selenium levels and BMD values in 1,167 Korean adults who underwent a health check-up. Each subject was assigned to one of two groups based on BMD (normal group [T-score ≥ -1.0] or low BMD group [T-score < -1.0]). The associations between hair selenium levels and the risk for low BMD were estimated using multivariate logistic regression models.ResultsStudy participants with lower hair selenium levels were older and had higher phosphorous, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin levels. They also had lower BMDs, corrected serum calcium levels, uric acid levels, and creatinine clearance. Participants with low BMDs had significantly lower hair selenium levels (P < 0.001). After adjusting for osteoporosis-related risk factors, the risk of a low BMD was significantly greater for the lower hair selenium quartile groups (P = 0.045).ConclusionIn conclusion, this study found that lower hair selenium levels were associated with low BMD values, independent of the other osteoporosis risk factors examined. Further prospective studies are warranted to determine the role of selenium in the development of osteoporosis.     

Trace element status in Saudi patients with established atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND: Traditional coronary risk factors do not fully explain variations in the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Epidemiological studies have implicated perturbations in selenium, copper, and zinc metabolism in the aetiology of CVD. However, these studies have been principally undertaken in Caucasian populations, in whom trace element intake is generally sufficient. METHOD: We have measured serum and urine selenium, copper, and zinc; and superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and lipid peroxide concentrations in 130 Saudi male subjects with established CVD, and 130 age-matched controls. RESULTS: Diabetes mellitus, positive smoking habit (p<0.0001 for both), and hypertension (p<0.05) were more prevalent among CVD patients. Urinary copper (p<0.0001) and zinc (p<0.05) were higher among controls. Serum selenium concentrations were lower among CVD patients (p<0.001), and a high proportion (52%) had selenium levels below 79mug/L compared to controls (22%) (p<0.0001). Conditional logistic regression analysis, showed the characteristics differentiating CVD patients from controls were serum zinc (odds ratio (OR) 0.92, confidence interval (CI) 0.85-0.99, p<0.05), serum copper/zinc ratio (OR 0.31, CI 0.10-0.96), serum selenium (OR 0.07, CI 0.02-0.31, p<0.0001), and urine selenium (OR 3.34, CI 1.40-7.99, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Measures of trace metals status appear to be associated with the risk of atherosclerosis in a Saudi male population.     

Whole blood glutathione peroxidase and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activities, serum trace elements (Se, Cu, Zn) and cardiovascular risk factors in subjects from the city of Ponta Delgada, Island of San Miguel, The Azores Archipelago, Portugal

Activities of whole blood glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) and serum levels of selenium (Se), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) were measured in 118 apparently healthy subjects aged 20-60 years from the city of Ponta Delgada, Island of San Miguel, The Azores Archipelago, Portugal. Data were analysed by age/gender, lipid profile and blood pressure as cardiovascular risk factors searching for their relevance when assessing reference values for antioxidant biomarkers. GSH-Px was in the same range, but SOD was significantly lower than in other Portuguese populations. Neither activity differed with gender. GSH-Px activity increased with age, namely in normolipidemic men versus the hyperlipidemic group in which a decrease was observed. This suggests a progressive impairment of GSH-Px with age caused by an enhanced production of oxidant species in hyperlipidemia. GSH-Px was 30% lower in male hypertensives versus normotensives. SOD activity did not relate to age or blood pressure but was 17% higher in the hyperlipidemic men versus the normolipidemic group, suggesting a better antioxidant protection by SOD than by GSH-Px in hyperlipidemia and hypertension. Se was higher in men versus women, particularly in the older subjects, and partly related to hyperlipidemia. Zn levels showed a similar dependency on gender, not related to age or lipid profile. Cu levels were much higher in women than in men in all age or lipid profile classes and decreased in hyperlipidemia. They were lowered with age in both genders, particularly in normolipidemic women. The present research therefore suggests that hyperlipidemia and hypertension do affect antioxidant status and should be considered when assessing antioxidant biomarkers in blood.     

Whole blood glutathione peroxidase and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activities,serum trace elements (Se,Cu, Zn) and cardiovascular risk factors in subjects from the city of Ponta Delgada,Island of San Miguel,The Azores Archipelago,Portugal

Activities of whole blood glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) and serum levels of selenium (Se), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) were measured in 118 apparently healthy subjects aged 20–60 years from the city of Ponta Delgada, Island of San Miguel, The Azores Archipelago, Portugal. Data were analysed by age/gender, lipid profile and blood pressure as cardiovascular risk factors searching for their relevance when assessing reference values for antioxidant biomarkers. GSH-Px was in the same range, but SOD was significantly lower than in other Portuguese populations. Neither activity differed with gender. GSH-Px activity increased with age, namely in normolipidemic men versus the hyperlipidemic group in which a decrease was observed. This suggests a progressive impairment of GSH-Px with age caused by an enhanced production of oxidant species in hyperlipidemia. GSH-Px was 30% lower in male hypertensives versus normotensives. SOD activity did not relate to age or blood pressure but was 17% higher in the hyperlipidemic men versus the normolipidemic group, suggesting a better antioxidant protection by SOD than by GSH-Px in hyperlipidemia and hypertension. Se was higher in men versus women, particularly in the older subjects, and partly related to hyperlipidemia. Zn levels showed a similar dependency on gender, not related to age or lipid profile. Cu levels were much higher in women than in men in all age or lipid profile classes and decreased in hyperlipidemia. They were lowered with age in both genders, particularly in normolipidemic women. The present research therefore suggests that hyperlipidemia and hypertension do affect antioxidant status and should be considered when assessing antioxidant biomarkers in blood.     

Relation of cardiovascular risk factors to atherosclerosis in type III hyperlipoproteinemia

The familial lipoprotein disorder type III hyperlipoproteinemia (HPL) carries a marked increase in the risk of accelerated and premature atherosclerosis, but there is considerable variation among affected individuals in susceptibility to cardiovascular disease (CVD). We studied the influence of independent risk factors for atherosclerosis in 67 patients with clinically overt type III HPL and homozygosity for apolipoprotein (apo) E2. Among the different risk factors (lipid and lipoprotein levels, age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus) there was only a statistically significant difference in age between 25 patients with atherosclerosis and 42 patients without atherosclerosis. Serum lipoprotein (a), [Lp, (a)], levels were 30.6% higher in the atherosclerosis group, but this was not statistically significant. We conclude that (in contrast to familial hypercholesterolemia) elevated Lp (a) concentrations may not be regarded as a component of the clinical syndrome of type III HPL.     

Polymorphisms of the gene encoding cholesterol ester transfer protein and serum lipoprotein levels in subjects with and without coronary heart disease

Summary We determined TaqI-A, TaqI-B and EcoNI genotypes at the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) locus in 111 healthy volunteers and in 187 hyperlipidemic men of whom 72 had suffered a myocardial infarction. There were no significant differences in the allele distributions at these polymorphic loci either between the population sample and the hyperlipidemic subjects, or between patients with and without previous myocardial infarction. To detect the associations between the CETP polymorphisms and serum lipid and apoprotein levels, we determined the serum concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, apoA-I, apoA-II and apoB in the subjects studied and correlated them to the 3 RFLPs. No significant differences were observed in the serum levels of apoproteins and lipid parameters between subjects with different genotypes in any of these polymorphic CETP loci, either in the population sample or in hyperlipidemic men. Multivariate analyses did not reveal a significant independent role for any of the 3 polymorphisms in determining serum HDL-cholesterol or apoA-I levels after adjusting for triglyceride and low density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations. This was evident for the group of healthy volunteers and for hyperlipidemic subjects, including those who had survived a myocardial infarction. We conclude that, in Finns, the CETP RFLPs are not useful markers for the risk of coronary heart disease.     

Trace element status (Se, Cu, Zn) in healthy portuguese subjects of Lisbon population

Serum levels of selenium, copper, and zinc were systematically determined in healthy subjects of the Lisbon population. The sample consisted of 183 blood donors of both genders who were divided into two age groups: 20–44 and 45–70 yr of age; relationships with gender, age, the lipid profile, and tobacco consumption were investigated. In the female group, the intake of oral contraceptives and pregnancy were considered for the youngest women, and hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) was taken into account for the oldest ones. Serum concentrations of these elements were in the same range as those found for populations of other European countries. Differences between genders were observed for the three elements studied, with serum selenium and zinc concentrations higher in men and copper levels higher in women. Age-dependent differences were found for selenium: The oldest subjects (regardless gender) presented the highest concentrations of selenium in serum as further demonstrated by the positive correlation with age. In both pregnant and contraceptive-using women, copper was greatly increased, confirming the influence of estrogen status and/or oral contraceptive intake on increased serum copper levels. However, in postmenopausal women, HRT did not significantly affect serum copper levels. Selenium, copper, and zinc status were not different between normolipidemic and hyperlipidemic subjects for the same gender and age range, but selenium levels tended to increase with hyperlipidemia when considering the whole group of subjects. With respect to the lifestyle, higher serum zinc levels were found in tobacco-consuming men. Albumin serum levels were similar for all considered subgroups, except for the pregnant women, for whom a decrease in this parameter was observed. The present study allowed one to obtain reference values for this healthy group of population, which will serve for a comparative study with groups having pathological conditions, such as cardiovascular disease.     

Selenium suppresses oxidative-stress-enhanced vascular smooth muscle cell calcification by inhibiting the activation of the PI3K/AKT and ERK signaling pathways and endoplasmic reticulum stress

Vascular calcification is a prominent feature of many diseases, including atherosclerosis, and it has emerged as a powerful predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. A number of studies have examined the association between selenium and risk of cardiovascular diseases, but little is known about the role of selenium in vascular calcification. To determine the role of selenium in regulating vascular calcification, we assessed the effect of sodium selenite on oxidative-stress-enhanced vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) calcification and the underlying mechanism. Oxidative stress induced by xanthine/xanthine oxidase increased apoptosis, as determined by Hoechst 33342 staining and annexin V/propidium iodide staining, and it enhanced osteoblastic differentiation and calcification of VSMCs, on the basis of alkaline phosphatase activity, the expression of Runx2 and type I collagen, and calcium deposition. These effects of oxidative stress were significantly inhibited by selenite. The following processes may explain the inhibitory effects of selenite: (1) selenite significantly suppressed oxidative stress, as evidenced by the decrease of the oxidative status of the cell and lipid peroxidation levels, as well as by the increase of the total protein thiol content and the activity of the antioxidant selenoenzyme glutathione peroxidase; (2) selenite significantly attenuated oxidative-stress-induced activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT and extracellular-signal-regulated kinase signaling pathways, resulting in decreased osteoblastic differentiation of VSMCs; (3) selenite significantly inhibited oxidative-stress-activated endoplasmic reticulum stress, thereby leading to decreased apoptosis. Our results suggest a potential role of selenium in the prevention of vascular calcification, which may provide more mechanistic insights into the relationship between selenium and cardiovascular diseases.     

Trace element status (Se, Cu, Zn) and serum lipid profile in Portuguese subjects of San Miguel Island from Azores'archipelago.

Data on selenium, copper and zinc in serum of Portuguese inhabitants of the city of Ponta Delgada-Azores Archipelago are reported for the first time. The subjects are of both sexes, aged 20 to 60 years, and non-abusers of alcohol, tobacco or drugs. Serum concentrations of these elements are in the same range than those found for populations of Lisbon and of some other European countries. Differences between sexes are observed, with serum selenium and zinc levels being higher in males than in females, and the copper levels being higher in females as compared to males. These results can be explained by the hormonal status and/or oral contraceptive steroids intake, particularly for copper. Concerning lipid profile, the majority of individuals have serum lipid parameters within the normal range. In addition, no difference in trace element levels between normo and hyperlipidemic individuals is observed and no conclusive results about the relationship of all evaluated parameters to alcohol, tobacco and drug consumption are observed, in agreement with data obtained in the population of Lisbon.     

Hypolipidemic and antioxidative effects of the plant glycoprotein (36 kDa) from Rhus verniciflua stokes fruit in Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemic mice

We investigated the hypolipidemic and antioxidative effects on male ICR mice of a glycoprotein isolated from Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS) fruit. The administration of the RVS glycoprotein (100 mg/kg) for two weeks resulted in a significant decrease in such plasma lipid levels as total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The levels of TC, TG and LDL in the hyperlipidemic model were significantly increased, whereas the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level was considerably decreased. The 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase activity and the level of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were significantly elevated, whereas the production of nitric oxide (NO) was diminished. Moreover, the administration of the RVS glycoprotein prior to inducing hyperlipidemic mice suppressed the increase in the plasma lipid levels (TC, TG and LDL), and decrease in the HDL level in Triton WR-1339-induced hyperlipidemic mice. Furthermore, the RVS glycoprotein significantly inhibited the activity of HMG-CoA reductase and the levels of TBARS in the hyperlipidemic mice. In addition, the activities of detoxicant enzymes [catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)] were gradually augmented after a supplement with the RVS glycoprotein. The results suggest that the RVS glycoprotein would be effective in preventing an increase in the plasma lipid levels and in improving the antioxidant levels. This protein might be useful as a therapeutic agent.     

A comparative study of serum selenium and vitamin E levels in a population of male risk drinkers and abstainers

Depressed selenium and Vitamin E levels may contribute to hepatic injury through lipid peroxidation. To study the effect of moderate alcohol drinking (32.4±23.6 g ethanol/d) on serum selenium and serum vitamin E concentrations, we conducted a matched-pair study of 73 healthy, well-nourished risk drinkers and healthy controls with little or no alcohol consumption. Among risk drinkers, serum selenium was significantly lowered (1.49 vs 1.67 μmol/L;p<0.001) compared with controls. Difference in α-tocopherol concentrations did not, however, reach statistical significance (22.8 vs 24.9 μmol/L;p=0.06). Nutritional and life-style factors differed very little between the two groups. We conclude that even moderate alcohol consumption lowers selenium status. Selenium may thus represent a link joining the hepatotoxic and nutritional backgrounds of alcoholic liver disease.     

Serum and urine malondialdehyde levels in NIDDM patients with and without hyperlipidemia

Malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation, was measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) in 78 noninsulin-dependent diabetic patients, 38 hyperlipidemic patients, and 28 healthy subjects. Diabetic patients were divided into groups and subgroups according to the existence of hyperlipidemia and other complications. Serum and urine MDA concentrations were significantly higher in diabetic and nondiabetic patient groups than in the control group. By contrast to urine MDA level, serum MDA level was significantly higher in hyperlipidemic diabetics than that of normolipidemic diabetics. Serum MDA levels in the hyperlipidemic diabetic group and urine MDA levels in both diabetic groups were significantly higher than those in hyperlipidemic nondiabetic group. In both diabetic groups, the existence of complications didn't affect serum and urine MDA levels. No correlation existed between serum and urine MDA levels in both patient groups and control subjects. This study confirmed the existence of lipid peroxidation disorders in diabetic patients.     

Hair Selenium Levels in Hepatic Steatosis Patients

The purpose of this study was to assess hair selenium levels of liver patients suffering from hepatic simple steatosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in central areas of China. Selenium was measured by an atomic absorption spectrophotometer equipped with the hydride generation system. The levels of selenium in healthy individuals ranged between 0.3 and 0.9 μg/g, and mean hair selenium levels in the male population and female population were 0.59?±?0.18 and 0.57?±?0.15 μg/g, respectively. These concentrations did not vary significantly (P?>?0.05) in relation to the gender. One hundred-eighteen individuals of both sexes aged between 15 and 60 years with hepatic simple steatosis and NASH were selected for this study. The mean and standard deviation of hair selenium concentrations observed in male and female patients with hepatic simple steatosis were 0.54?±?0.16 and 0.50?±?0.15 μg/g, respectively, while the mean and standard deviation of hair selenium concentrations observed in male and female patients with NASH were 0.40?±?0.14 and 0.41?±?0.12 μg/g. Analysis of t test showed a significant difference between NASH (P?<?0.001) patients in hair selenium concentrations when compared with controls.     

The effect of a combined dietary treatment with cholesterol and cholic acid on the lipid metabolism of geese at low or high choline concentrations

A previous study demonstrated that a dietary treatment of young geese with cholesterol and cholic acid raises lipid concentrations in the liver. The present study was carried out to investigate whether such a lipid accumulation caused by those hyperlipidemic compounds can be intensified by low dietary choline concentrations. Therefore, 38 eight‐week old geese were divided into four groups of 9 or 10 animals each and received a basal diet poor in choline which consisted predominately of maize and soy protein isolate over a period of 8 weeks. Treatment factors were supplementation of diets with cholesterol and cholic acid (0 vs. 5 g of cholesterol and cholic acid each per kg) and supplementation of choline chloride (0 vs. 1.5g/kg). Final body weights as well as carcass weights were neither influenced significantly by dietary treatment with cholesterol and cholic acid nor by low dietary choline concentrations. However, feeding diets supplemented with cholesterol and cholic acid markedly increased liver weights (two‐fold), hepatic triglyceride (3.7‐fold) and cholesterol (12‐fold) concentrations and percentages of monounsaturated fatty acids at the expense of saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in the liver. In geese fed diets with cholesterol and cholic acid, insufficient choline supply did not intensify, but even slightly reduced hepatic lipid accumulation. Geese fed diets with cholesterol and cholic acid exhibited markedly increased levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids in plasma and very low‐density lipoproteins, regardless of the choline supply. Muscle tissue of geese fed diets supplemented with cholesterol and cholic acid exhibited also increased concentrations of triglycerides and cholesterol whereas the fatty acid composition of muscle lipids remained unchanged. Among geese without hyperlipidemic treatment, concentrations of triglycerides in plasma and very low‐density lipoproteins as well as the concentrations of phosphatidylcholine in liver and muscle tissue were not reduced by low dietary choline concentrations. Therefore, it is suggested that those animals were able to synthesize endogenous sufficient choline.     

Plasma and erythrocyte selenium and glutathione peroxidase activity in preterm infants at risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between selenium status, as measured by plasma and erythrocyte selenium and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, and other postnatal factors, including selenium intake, gestational age, and oxygen dependence in preterm infants at risk for bronchopulmonary dysplsia. Eighteen preterm infants of 30 wk gestational age or less were included. At postnatal wk 1 and 4, selenium concentrations and GPx activity were measured and oxygen dependence and daily selenium intakes were determined from the medical chart. Plasma and erythrocyte selenium concentrations decreased from wk 1 to wk 4, whereas erythrocyte GPx activity increased. Increased selenium intakes during wk 1 were associated with increased erythrocyte GPx activity at both time-points, as well as a decreased need for supplemental oxygen on d 28. Preterm infants display increasing erythrocyte GPx activity despite declines in plasma and erythrocyte selenium. GPx activity might be enhanced by very early selenium supplementation.     

Hepatic metabolite profiles in mice with a suboptimal selenium status

Selenium is an essential trace element and mediates its functions via various selenoproteins such as glutathione peroxidases or thioredoxin reductases. A suboptimal selenium supply causes metabolic disturbances and is associated with an increased risk to develop different disorders, including cancer or cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to assess the impact of a suboptimal selenium status on the hepatic metabolome of male mice analyzed by a targeted liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry and a method based on non-targeted gas chromatography hyphenated with mass spectrometry. Feeding animals a diet with about half of the recommended selenium content supplied as selenomethionine caused liver glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase activities to decline and lipid peroxidation to increase. Serum T₃ thyroid hormone concentration also declined via a reduced hepatic deiodinase activity. Metabolite profiling revealed predominantly changes in cysteine and carbon-1 metabolism as well as in selected lipid subclasses. In particular the concentrations of palmitoylcarnitines and oleoylcarnitines (C18:1 and C16:1) and various phosphatidylcholine species containing saturated fatty acids were elevated. Increased taurine levels suggested an enhanced cysteine flux through the salvage pathway whereas increased homocysteine levels appeared to be a consequence of a massive down-regulation of cystathionine β lyase (cystathionine β synthase) and a reduced flux through the transsulfuration pathway. The findings demonstrate that a suboptimal selenium status causes alterations in lipid and carbon-1 metabolism in mouse liver. These changes may contribute to the development of diseases associated with a suboptimal selenium status.     

Selenium status of healthy Turkish children

Selenium concentrations, in blood plasma, red blood cells hair of 61 healthy children, ages 0–14 yr, were determined using hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry. Starting from late lactation period, selenium concentrations in all these matrices were found to be increasing with age. A good correlation was found between erythrocyte and plasma, hair and plasma, and hair and erythrocyte selenium concentrations. Although plasma, erythrocyte, and hair selenium concentrations of girls seemed to be higher than that of boys (only in erythrocytes), selenium concentrations of girls were found to be significantly (p<0.002) higher than that of boys, 71±9 ng/mL, vs 65±10 ng/mL, respectively. Selenium status of Turkish children is found to be lower than that found in the literature; marginal selenium deficiency could be important in the development of some selenium deficiency could be important in the development of some selenium deficiency related diseases. There is a need for extension of this study to healthy children from different regions in Turkey and to different disease states.     

Hyperlipidaemia and aortic valve disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Degenerative aortic valve stenosis is a common disease in the elderly, and traditional risk factors for atherosclerotic disease including hyperlipidaemia have been associated with the condition in several studies. This review addresses the role of the various risk factors and the potential for intervention. RECENT FINDINGS: The association of lipid abnormalities such as high lipoprotein(a) levels and the presence of the apolipoprotein E4 allele with aortic stenosis, as well as the presence of several inflammatory markers both in plasma and in surgically excised valves, suggest that the stenotic process is driven by many of the same factors behind atherosclerosis. The aortic valves of animals fed a cholesterol-rich diet exhibit many characteristics in common with the early stages of aortic stenosis. This opens up the potential of retarding the process through intervention strategies. SUMMARY: Hyperlipidaemia is associated with degenerative aortic valve stenosis, and the disease resembles the inflammatory process of atherosclerosis. Randomized controlled clinical trials will be needed to demonstrate the role of lipid intervention in patients with this condition.