Effect of ascorbic acid on serum cholesterol levels and on die-away curves of 14C-4-cholesterol in baboons

Fourteen young male baboons (Papio ursinus) were divided into two groups. All the animals received the same dietary regimen during a 2%-month adaptation period. During the next 3 months one group received 250 mg and the other 20 mg vitamin C daily. For the last 2% months of the experiment no vitamin C was given to the first group, and that of the second group was increased to 350 mg daily. Simultaneously with the switchover, 14C-4-cholesterol was administered. A classical twopool system for the kinetic behaviour of cholesterol in the body was confirmed. Vitamin C treatment did not alter the serum cholesterol levels significantly, but the production rate was repressed. It was also shown that vitamin C was depleted from the body in a typical two-pool fashion.S. Afr. Med. J., 48, 1182 (1974)

Seasonal variation in serum ascorbic acid and serum lipid composition of free-living baboons (Papio ursinus)

Two surveys were conducted in the Kruger National Park in which 205 baboons were captured. The first survey was done during late summer and the second during late winter. Serum ascorbic acid, serum cholesterol and serum phospholipids were determined. Baboons of both sexes and various ages were captured. This work was undertaken to establish serum ascorbic acid, serum cholesterol and serum phospholipid values for baboons under free-living conditions. A seasonal variation was found, and the serum ascorbic acid serum cholesterol and serum phospholipid values were significantly higher during winter than during summer.S. Afr. Med. J., 48, 1700 (1974

Apolipoprotein B levels and related factors in a rural white South African community - the CORIS study

No Abstract

Endemic goitre in a rural community of KwaZuluNatal

No Abstract

One Health Solutions to Obesity in People and Their Pets

Despite the high prevalence of overweight and obesity in the human and companion animal populations, and the global trends for increasing numbers of affected people and pets, there are few successful interventions that are proven to combat this complex multifactorial problem. One key strategy involves effective communication between human and veterinary healthcare professionals with patients and clients about obesity. In human healthcare, the focus of communication should be on physical activity as part of overall health and wellbeing, rather than assessment of the body mass index; clinical examination of patients should record levels of physical activity as a key ‘vital sign’ as part of their assessment. Successful weight loss programmes for companion animals also involves strategic communication with the entire healthcare team leading clients through the ‘stages of change’. There is great potential in employing a ‘One Health’ framework to provide novel solutions for the prevention and treatment of this condition in people and their pets. Comparative clinical research into the biology of obesity and its comorbidities in dogs and cats is likely to lead to knowledge relevant to the equivalent human conditions. The advantages of companion animal clinical research over traditional rodent models include the outbred genetic background and relatively long lifespan of pets and the fact that they share the human domestic environment. The human–companion animal bond can be leveraged to create successful programmes that promote physical activity in people and their pets with obesity. Dog walking is a proven motivator for human physical activity, with health benefits to both the owner and the dog. Realizing the potential of a One Health approach will require the efforts and leadership of a committed group of like-minded individuals representing a range of scientific and medical disciplines. Interested parties will need the means and opportunities to communicate and to collaborate, including having the resources and funding for research. One Health proponents must have a role in forming public policy related to the prevention and management of overweight and obesity