Effect of CRP on Some of the in vitro Physicochemical Properties of LDL

Abstract &nbsp;&nbsp; BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is the most important underlying cause of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) which recently has been classified as an inflammatory disorder. Accumulation of large amounts of oxidized LDL in the intima during local inflammation reaction led to increase several factors such as C -reactive protein (CRP). It has also been reported that CRP is able to bind with modified forms of LDL as well as oxidized LDL. These findings suggest possible positive or negative involvement of this protein in atherogenesis. The main objective of the present study was to assess the influence of CRP on LDL oxidation and the possible physical \changes of LDL in the presence of CRP in vitro. &nbsp;&nbsp; METHODS: In this study, the susceptibility of purified LDL to oxidation was assayed by monitoring of formation of conjugated dienes in different physiological concentrations of CRP (0 - 0.5 -2&nbsp; &micro;g/ml) using a shimadzu spectrophotometer. Electrophoresis was used to determine the electrophoretic mobility of LDL in those conditions. &nbsp;&nbsp; RESULTS: CRP significantly reduced the susceptibility of Cu++ -induced LDL oxidation through increasing the lag timeand there was positive relationship between these findings and CRP concentration (P &lt; 0.05). CRP caused a significant reduction in the electrophotretic mobility of LDL compared to native LDL (n-LDL) (P&lt;0.05).&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; CONCLUSION: A considerable reduction was shown in LDL oxidation, in higher concentration of CRP, via an unknown mechanism. The electrophoretic mobility of LDL, in the oxidative condition, decreases in the presence of CRP compared to n-LDL, which can be indicative of the effect of this protein on the physical and chemical properties of LDL. It seems that, other pathway than LDL oxidation is responsible for the effect of CRP on the atherogenesis processes. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Keywords: Atherosclerosis, Creactive protein, Low-density lipoprotein, Inflammation. &nbsp;</p

Effect of Hydrogenated, Liquid and Ghee Oils on Serum Lipids Profile

BACKGROUND: Trans fatty acids are known as the most harmful type of dietary fats, so this study was done to compare the effects of hydrogenated, liquid and ghee oils on serum lipids profile of healthy adults. &nbsp;&nbsp; METHODS: This study was a randomized clinical trial conducted on 129 healthy participants aged from 20 to 60 years old who were beneficiaries of Imam-e-Zaman charitable organization. Subjects were randomly divided into 3 groups and each group was treated with a diet containing cooking and frying liquid, ghee, or hydrogenated for 40 days. Fasting serum lipids, including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), apoprotein A (Apo A), and apoprotein B (Apo B) were measured before and after the study. &nbsp;&nbsp; RESULTS: TC, TG and Apo B had a significant reduction in the liquid oil group compared to the hydrogenated oil group. In the ghee group TG declined and Apo A increased significantly (p &lt; 0.01). Liquid oil group had a significant reduction in HDL-C, compared to the ghee oil group (P &lt; 0.05).&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; CONCLUSION: It was concluded that consuming liquid oil along with frying oil caused to reduce all serum lipid levels. However, ghee oil only reduced TG and increased HDL-C levels. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Keywords: Serum lipids, Apoproteins, Liquid oil, Hydrogenated oil, Ghee, Clinical tria

EFFECT OF AN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUG (PIROXICAM) ON SOME BIOCHEMICAL FACTORS AND DEVELOPMENT OF EXPERIMENTAL ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN RABBITS

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the effect of an anti-inflammatory drug (Piroxicam) on the development of fatty streak in rabbits. Methods: Male rabbits were fed with four types of regimen: a) normal rabbit chow, b) 1% cholesterol diet c) cholesterol diet plus Piroxicam, d) normal rabbit chow plus Piroxicam. After 12 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and the aorta, as well as the right and left branches of the coronary artery were dissected, and histological processing was carried out. Samples were observed under light microscope with different magnifications. Some biochemical tests were measured before and after the treatment. Results: A significant difference was found between the two groups receiving Piroxicam-supplemented diet and the two others (p&lt;0.05) in respect of the mean grade of fatty streaks in the right and left coronary arteries, however, progression of the lesion in aorta was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Piroxicam was found to reduce C-reactive protein (CRP), triglyceride (TG) and LDL-C; it also led to an increase in antioxidant capacity and HDL-C. It is suggested that the anti-inflammatory drug, Piroxicam, has beneficial effects in preventing the development of fatty streaks. &nbsp; Key words: Fatty streak, piroxicam, rabbit, inflammation.</p

ANTIOXIDANT EFFECTS OF L-SERINE AGAINST FATTY STREAK FORMATION IN HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIC ANIMALS

&nbsp; Abstract INTRODUCTION: Peroxidation of blood lipoproteins is regarded as a key event in the development of atherosclerosis. Evidence suggests that oxidative modification of amino acids in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles leads to its convert into an atherogenic form, which is taken up by macrophages. Therefore the reduction of oxidative modification of lipoproteins by increasing plasma antioxidant capacity may prevent cardiovascular disease. methods: In this study, the antioxidant and anti-fatty streak effects of L-serine were investigated in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Rabbits were randomly divided into three groups which were fed high-cholesterol diet (hypercholesterolemic control group), high-cholesterol + L-serine diet (treatment group), and normal diet (control) for twelve weeks and then blood samples were obtained to measure plasma cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), antioxidant capacity (AC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and conjugated dienes (CDS). Right and left coronary arteries were also obtained for histological evaluation. results: No significant difference was observed in plasma cholesterol, TG, HDL, LDL and CDS levels between treatment and hypercholesterolemic control groups (P&gt;0.05). The levels of plasma MDA and AC were 0.29&zwnj; &micro;M and 56%, respectively in the treatment group which showed a significant change in comparison with hypercholesterolemic control groups (P&lt;0.05). The mean size of produced fatty streak also showed significant reduction in the treatment group compared to the hypercholesterolemic group (P&lt;0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that L-serine has antioxidant and anti-fatty streak effects without any influence on plasma lipid levels in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. &nbsp; &nbsp; Keywords: Atherosclerosis, cholesterol, L-serine, antioxidant, lipids, fatty streak.</div

DOES MORPHINE USE INCREASE RISK OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN ANIMALS ON NORMAL OR HIGH-CHOLESTEROL DIET?

Abstract &nbsp;&nbsp; INTRODUCTION: Opioid peptides and exogenous opioids such as morphine have important effects on the cardiovascular system. Today, the opioid system is being considered as a therapeutic target receptor for reducing myocardial ischemia through inhibiting the G protein. Opioid addiction, on the other hand, is one of the major challenges facing humanity and the truth about the effects of opium use on the cardiovascular system is often misted by wrong beliefs. The effect of an exogenous opioid (morphine) on the development and progression of fatty streaks in hypercholesterolemic rabbits was investigated in this study. &nbsp;&nbsp; METHODS: The rabbits were randomly divided into four groups (five in each group): normal, normal + morphine, high-cholesterol, and high-cholesterol + morphine. Biochemical parameters including total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), malondialdehyde, triglyceride (TG), fasting blood sugar (FBS), quantitative chronic reactive protein (CRP), coagulation factor VII, fibrinogen, platelet count, RBC count, WBC count and hemoglobin were measured at the start and end of the study. Pathological studies were conducted on the right and left coronary arteries of the animals to look for evidence of fatty streak formation. &nbsp;&nbsp; RESULTS: The results showed that morphine administration along with a normal diet led to a significant increase in levels of cholesterol, coagulation factor VII, and fibrinogen, while enhancing fatty streak formation in the right and left coronary arteries (P&lt;0.05); it also significantly increased levels of coagulation factor VII, platelets, and weight of rabbits (P&lt;0.05). However, it had no effect on fatty streak formation in the right and left coronary arteries. &nbsp;&nbsp; CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that morphine use with both normal and hypercholesterolemic diet increases the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and atherosclerosis, although it accelerates the development of early atherosclerotic lesions only when administered with normal diet. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Keywords: Atherosclerosis, Morphine, High Cholesterol Diet, Animal Study.</p

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE AND SERUM VITAMIN D LEVEL IN A GROUP OF POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN IN IRAN

Abstract &nbsp;&nbsp; INTRODUCTION: Female carpet-weavers are vulnerable to vitamin D deficiency due to cultural, occupational and economic reasons. This case-control study was conducted to compare the frequency coronary artery disease (CAD) and its risk factors in relation with the serum vitamin D level in 260 female carpet-wearers and non-carpet-weavers in the villages across Isfahan Province in the centre of Iran. &nbsp;&nbsp; METHODS: All postmenopausal women aged over 50 were matched for cultural and socioeconomic status. The participants underwent clinical examinations. Blood samples were obtained and electrocardiography was performed. When necessary, echocardiography and exercise test were also administered to diagnose heart disease. Dietary intake of vitamin D was determined by completing a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. A questionnaire obtaining personal data and length of daily exposure to sunlight was also completed. The existence of CAD was determined using standardized WHO Rose questionnaire and/or the Minnesota electrocardiography coding system. Blood lipids and vitamin D levels were measured using an ELAN-2000 auto analyzer and radioimmunoassay, respectively. &nbsp;&nbsp; RESULTS: The results showed that only the frequency percentage of myocardial infarction (MI) in non-carpet-weavers was significantly higher than in female carpet weavers (P=0.001). The differences of age, serum vitamin D level, blood lipids, blood pressure and other variables were not significant (P&gt;0.05). Neither was there any statistical association between serum vitamin D level and CAD risk factors, however, after adjustment for confounders (age, etc.), a direct relationship was observed between abdominal obesity as measured by waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) (WHR&gt;1) and serum vitamin D level (OR=0.99, P&gt;0.05). Carpet weaving had no effect on CAD risk factors (P&gt;0.05). &nbsp;&nbsp; CONCLUSION: The findings of this study reveal no association between vitamin D and CAD. Further research is recommended into the possible relationship between CAD and vitamin D, as well as vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms responsible for genetic differences in vitamin D uptake by the bone. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Keywords: Vitamin D, carpet-weaver women, coronary artery disease (CAD), risk factors, post-menopause, angina pectoris, ischemia, blood lipids, blood pressure, Iran.</p

Effect of opium addiction on new and traditional cardiovascular risk factors: do duration of addiction and route of administration matter?

Abstract Background There is a belief among some society that opium has a number of beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease. The aim of the present investigation as a cross-sectional study was to assess this hypothesis. Several biochemical factors (Fasting blood sugar, Cholesterol, Triglyceride, LDL-Cholesterol, HDL-Cholesterol, HbA1C, CRP, Fibrinogen, Factor VII, SGOT, SGPT, Lpa, apo A and apo B were evaluated in opium-addicted men (case) against non opium-addicted men(control). Three hundred and sixty opium-addicted men were divided into three groups according to the route of administration (Orally, Vafour and Sikh-Sang) and each group was divided into four subgroups according to the duration of addiction (5 months, 1 year, 2 years and 5 years). Blood morphine concentration was measured by ELISA method. Results The results show that morphine concentration was significantly higher in orally administration. In all routes, there was a direct correlation between blood morphine concentration and period of addiction. Regardless to the period and route of administration, the level of HbA1C, CRP, factor VII, Fibrinogen, apo B, Lpa, SGOT, and SGPT were significantly higher in the case subjects as compared with controls and HDL-Cholesterol and apo a were significantly lower in the case subjects. Conclusion This study demonstrated the deleterious effects of opium on some traditional and new cardiovascular disease risk factors. These deleterious effects are related to the period of addiction and their levels are significantly increased after 2 years of addiction. Route of administration impresses cardiovascular risk factors and "Sikh-Sang" showed the worst effect.</p

A STUDY OF THE ANTIOXIDANT EFFECTS OF IRANIAN CAPTOPRIL ON PATIENTS WITH HYPERTENSION AND HEART FAILURE

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Myocardial ischemia, cerebral ischemia and myocardial infarction are the most important complications of hypertension and atherosclerotic disease in developing countries. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are among the drugs used to treat hypertension and heart failure. Captopril is an ACE-inhibitor which also has antioxidant properties. This study was conducted to assess the antioxidant effects of Iranian Captopril on malondialdehyde (MDA), conjugated dienes (CD) and serum antioxidant capacity before and after treatment. methods: This interventional prospective single-blind study was conducted on 34 mildly hypertensive individuals and 34 patients with stage I and II heart failure. MDA, CD and serum antioxidant capacity were measured in all samples. The patients were then given 50 mg Captopril tablets 2-3 times daily. The measurements were repeated 1.5 months later. results: Comparison of mean MDA, CD and serum antioxidant capacity in hypertensive patients and patients with heart failure before and after drug administration revealed no significant difference in any of the parameters studied. Discussion: Existing evidence is suggestive of the strong antioxidative properties of Captopril in vitro, although these effects have not been borne out by some studies. In the present study, comparison of MDA, CD and serum antioxidants before and after the period of treatment with Iranian Captopril did not reveal any statistically significant difference.Keywords &bull; Antioxidant &bull; ACE inhibitor &bull; High blood pressure &bull; Heart failure &bull; Clinical trial</p

THE EFFECT OF NICOTINE GUM ON BLOOD PRESSURE AND HEART RATE

Abstract&nbsp; INTRODUCTION: Smoking is an important risk factor of coronary artery disease. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for smoking cessation should be considered, especially in coronary patients. methods: Twenty-four healthy smokers, smoking an average of 20 cigarettes a day for 15 years and with moderate cigarette dependence (according to the Fagershtrum questionnaire score) were randomly assigned to 3 groups of 8 and followed up for 5 days. The first group consisted only of cigarette smokers. The smokers in the second group were given a piece of nicotine gum every two hours. The smokers in the third group were given a piece of non-nicotine gum (placebo) every 2 hours. The subjects' blood pressure and heart rate were checked 12 times during four daily intervals (between 7 AM and 12 PM, 1 PM and 6 PM, 7 PM and 12 PM, 1 AM and 6 AM) and recorded in related forms. RESULTS: Systolic pressure was not significantly different in the three groups, but diastolic blood pressure of cigarette smokers was evidently higher than that of subjects who used nicotine and non-nicotine (placebo) gums. DISCUSSION: Heart rate in smokers was higher than in nicotine and placebo users (P&lt;0.0001). It seems that nicotine gum does not act as a cardiovascular disease risk factor. Hence in the context of smoking cessation efforts, its prescription to smokers with cardiovascular disease is recommended.Keywords &bull; Risk factor &bull; NICO rest gum &bull; Smoking &bull; Systolic blood pressure &bull; Diastolic blood pressure &bull; Heart beat &bull; CVD&nbsp;</p