The effect of carbohydrate and fat variation in euenergetic diets on postabsorptive free fatty acid release

Diet composition and energy content modulate free fatty acid (FFA) release. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dose-response effects of euenergetic variations in dietary carbohydrate and fat content on postabsorptive FFA release. The rate of appearance (R-a) of palmitate was measured by infusion of [2,2-H-2(2)]palmitate after an overnight fast in six healthy men on three separate occasions, i.e. after 7 d on euenergetic control, high-carbohydrate and high-fat diets. The protein content and composition was identical for each diet. Postabsorptive plasma fatty acid concentrations were not different between the high-carbohydrate and control diets (0.36 (se 0.07) v. 0.43 (se 0.04) mmol/l), but were increased after the high-fat diet (0.75 (se 0.09) mmol/l, (

Variation in phenotypic appearance of Graves' disease: effect of genetic anticipation and duration of complaints

Objective: Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to susceptibility of Graves' disease. In this study. we evaluated whether the duration of symptoms or a positive family history of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) are related to specific phenotypes in patients with a first episode of Graves' hyperthyroidism (GH). Design: Cross-sectional multicentre observational study. Patients: Two hundred and sixty-three consecutive Untreated patients (mean age (+/- S.D.) 42.6 +/- 12.4 years: range 16-79 years) with a first episode of GH were included. Biochemical and clinical severity of GH was evaluated. Participants were asked to complete questionnaires about environmental factors (smoking behavior, use of estrogens, stress etc.), the duration of symptoms (interval between start of symptoms and date of referral) and family history For AITD. We ascertained the autoimmune nature of thyroid disease in affected relatives. Family history scores (FHS: high score indicating it close genetic relationship and/or a large number of affected relatives) were calculated for patients with a positive family history for AITD. Results: The peak incidence for the diagnosis of GH was 2-3 months after onset of symptoms (32%, of patients). Duration of symptoms was negatively associated with age (P for trend=0.04). A positive family history for AITD was present in 42.6% of patients. Patients with the highest FHS were more often male (P=0.01) while age at onset was lower (P=0.02) compared to patients with a lower FHS. Among patient groups Mill different HIS. no differences were found in exposure to environmental factors. nor in clinical or biochemical severity of hyperthyroidism. Conclusion: Our study does not Support the hypothesis that a short duration of thyrotoxic symptoms Until diagnosis is related to more severe hyperthyroidism in Graves' disease. WC have Found Supporting evidence for the existence of genetic anticipation in Graves' disease by means of a lower age of onset in the group with the highest FH

Biochemical and Circulatory Parameters during Purely Mental Stress

ABSTRACT. In order to evaluate biochemical and circulatory parameters during purely mental stress, 20 healthy medical students were studied before, during and at the end of an important written medical examination. Plasma catecholamines and diastolic blood pressure rose significantly during the examination, whereas systolic blood pressure did not change and heart rate declined. Continuous ECG recording in 12 of the subjects showed a high peak in heart rate at the start of the examination, quickly followed by a rapid decline to values seen on the previous day. It is suggested that in mental stress without physical effort, the enhanced sympathetic activity triggers an increase in parasympathetic activity which overrides the circulatory effects of the former. 1981 Association for the Publication of the Journal of Internal Medicin