Atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype and LDL size and subclasses in patients with peripheral arterial disease

The type of dyslipidemia in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is still ill defined. PAD patients often show elevated triglycerides and reduced HDL-cholesterol, two lipid abnormalities usually accompanied by decreased LDL size in the "atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype" (ALP). We investigated (1) whether PAD patients have lower LDL size, (2) altered LDL subclass distribution and (3) the prevalence of ALP. We measured plasma lipids and LDL size and subclasses by gradient gel electrophoresis in 31 adults with intermittent claudication and 31 age-BMI-matched controls. Patients had higher prevalence of hypertension (p = .0132), smoking (p < .0020) and diabetes (p = .0024), with lower HDL-cholesterol (p < .0001) and increased triglycerides (p = .0057); LDL size was smaller (p < .0001), with decreased larger subclasses (LDL-I, p < .0001; LDL-IIA, p = .0068) and increased smaller particles (LDL-IIIA, p < .0001; LDL-IIIB, p = .0013; LDL-IVA, p = .0029; LDL-IVB, p < .0001). The presence of PAD was independently associated with smoking (OR 7.2, p = .0099), hypertension (OR 6.5, p = .0362), diabetes (OR 5.5, p = .0450) and elevated small, dense LDL (OR 6.7, p = .0497). The concomitant presence of high triglycerides, low HDL-cholesterol and elevated small, dense LDL in patients was 26% (versus 0% controls, p = .0024). ALP seems to characterize PAD dyslipidemia, but prospective studies are needed to test whether this lipoprotein phenotype may represent a risk factor too. © 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved

A fatal case of a paint thinner ingestion: Comparison between toxicological and histological findings

Toluene and xylene are aromatic hydrocarbons commonly used as an industrial solvent for the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, paints, and chemicals. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has determined that toluene levels of 2000 parts per million (ppm) are considered dangerous to life and health. Several studies have examined the absorption of toluene and xylene following inhalation and oral ingestion in humans. Volatile organic compounds that are absorbed into the blood are distributed throughout the body; in particular, distribution of absorbed toluene and xylene in humans and rodents is characterized by preferential uptake in well-perfused and lipophil tissues such as the brain, liver, lungs, and body fat and also in central nervous system. The available studies indicate that xylenes are rapidly absorbed independently from the kind of exposition. We illustrate a fatal case of self-poisoning by ingestion of varnishes diluting solvents, reporting the identification and quantification of volatile organic compounds (toluene, o-m-p xylene) from human biologic liquids and viscera samples using the Solid-Phase Microextraction- Headspace-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry to toxicological analysis, and the histopathological findings evaluated in liver, kidney, and lungs. Copyright © 2010 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Circulating regulatory T cells (Treg), leptin and induction of proinflammatory activity in obese Labrador Retriever dogs.

Over-nutrition and obesity have been associated with impaired immunity and low-grade inflammation in humans and mouse models. In this context, a causal role for unbalanced T regulatory cell (Treg)-dependent mechanisms has been largely suggested. Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder in dogs. However, it is not defined whether canine obesity may influence circulating Treg as well as if their number variation might be associated with the occurrence of systemic inflammation. The present study investigated the immune profile of healthy adult obese dogs belonging to the Labrador Retriever breed, in comparison with the normal weight counterpart. Indeed, obesity has been described as particularly evident in this dogs. With this purpose, 26 healthy dogs were enrolled and divided into two groups based on body condition score (BCS): controls (CTR: BCS 4–5) and obeses (OB: BCS ≥ 7). Our data indicate that adult obese Labrador Retrievers are characterised by the inverse correlation between leptin serum concentration and circulating Treg (CD4+CD25highFoxp3+) levels. In addition, an increased number of cytotoxic T cell effectors (CD3+CD8+) and a higher IFN-γ production by cytotoxic T lymphocytes were observed in OB group. These results may provide new insights into the immunological dysregulation frequently associated to obesity in humans and still undefined in dog