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C Wanner

Publications and source records attributed to C Wanner.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

Oxygen-derived radicals stimulate renin release of isolated juxtaglomerular cells.

We assessed effects of reactive oxygen metabolites on renin release of juxtaglomerular cells (JG-cells) prepared in primary culture from mouse kidneys. Renin activity was measured in culture supernatants and cells. Basal renin release was increased by incubation of JG-cells with xanthine/xanthine oxidase from 26 +/- 1% up to 58 +/- 3% of total activity. This increase was slightly inhibited by superoxide dismutase, and was eliminated by addition of catalase, implicating H2O2 as an intermediate product in the stimulatory cascade. H2O2 applied exogenously dose-dependently stimulated renin release up to 55 +/- 2%; this effect was also prevented by catalase. We propose that reactive oxygen metabolites stimulate renin release in isolated JG-cells. This could have important implications in inflammatory kidney diseases.

Animals↗

Lipoprotein(a): new insights into an atherogenic lipoprotein.

Lipoprotein(a) constitutes a macromolecular complex in human plasma that combines structural features from the blood clotting and the lipoprotein systems. Aside from the discovery of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] as a potential independent risk factor for premature cardiovascular disease its physiological role and activity remains obscure. Since the site of catabolism has not yet been fully characterized, there is intensive search for factors which influence plasma Lp(a) levels. Several clinical conditions and metabolic states have been identified to be added to the disorders of the lipid metabolism itself that modulate Lp(a) plasma levels. Diseases of the kidney and their accompanying factors (proteinuria and nephrotic syndrome) as well as end-stage renal disease and their treatment modalities (hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and kidney transplantation) have all been found to increase Lp(a) plasma levels substantially. Fluctuations in Lp(a) also seem to occur in states of hormonal changes, such as in diabetes mellitus, after estrogen treatment, and during pregnancy. Recently a plausible mechanism for the atherogenic activity of Lp(a) has been ascribed to the inhibiting effect of Lp(a) on plasminogen activation, thus decreasing plasmin formation which in turn reduces the activation of transforming growth factor beta, a potent inhibitor of smooth muscle cell proliferation. Lp(a) exerts its pathological effect at plasma levels in the range of 20-30 mg/dl. Therefore, it seems mandatory to quantitate Lp(a) levels in patients who are at risk of developing progressive atherosclerotic disease to identify those with high levels of this unique atherogenic lipoprotein.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Arteriosclerosis↗

Oxidized lipoproteins inhibit endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Effects of pressure and high-density lipoprotein.

Hypertension and atherogenic low-density lipoproteins cause attenuation of endothelium-dependent dilations in vivo. We investigated a potential interference of high transmural pressure with the effects of low-density lipoproteins on endothelium-dependent dilation in vitro. Furthermore, we determined whether high-density lipoproteins preserve endothelial function. Endothelium-intact rabbit renal arteries were isolated, placed in an organ bath, perfused intraluminally with Tyrode's solution, and exposed to different degrees of transmural pressure and native or oxidized low-density lipoproteins. In preconstricted arteries perfused under low-pressure conditions (30 mm Hg), acetylcholine dose dependently elicited endothelium-dependent dilations that were not altered by increasing the perfusion pressure to 100 mm Hg for 90 minutes (high-pressure conditions). Incubation of the arteries with native or oxidized low-density lipoproteins (0.2 and 1 mg/mL for 60 minutes, respectively) under low-pressure conditions did not attenuate acetylcholine-induced dilations. However, under high-pressure conditions dilations were dose dependently attenuated by oxidized but not by native low-density lipoproteins. Endothelium-independent dilations to glyceroltrinitrate (0.001 to 3 mumol/L) were not affected. Preincubation of the segments with high-density lipoproteins (0.5 mg/mL, 30 minutes) prevented attenuation of dilator responses. The attenuation of endothelium-dependent dilations by oxidized low-density lipoproteins under high-pressure conditions was accompanied by a transmural, dose-dependent infiltration of the vessel wall with lipoprotein, as detected by light microscopy of cryostat sections stained with Sudan III. This infiltration was prevented by high-density lipoprotein. Under low-pressure conditions no lipoprotein infiltration was visible. In segments incubated with native low-density lipoprotein, no lipoprotein infiltration was detectable.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

Preferential uptake of intermediate-density lipoproteins from nephrotic patients by human mesangial and liver cells.

Hyperlipidemia of nephrotic origin could potentially cause glomerular injury as well as increase the risk of atherosclerosis. The precise interaction of human lipoproteins abnormal in lipid and protein composition, with lipoprotein receptors has not been clearly defined. This study examines receptor-mediated uptake and intracellular cholesterol metabolism of apolipoprotein (apo)B,E containing intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL) and apoB-100 containing low-density lipoprotein (LDL), isolated from patients with the nephrotic syndrome (N = 6), in human glomerular mesangial and HepG2 cells. In the patients, serum IDL and LDL cholesterol levels were significantly increased as compared with those of healthy subjects. The IDL of nephrotic patients contained 80% more cholesterol than the IDL of healthy controls. No differences in lipid/protein composition were found in the LDL density range. Therefore, nephrotic and control LDL showed identical affinities for receptor-mediated uptake. In contrast, the IDL of nephrotic patients was taken up by mesangial cells and HepG2 with higher affinity than the LDL. Intracellular sterol synthesis was suppressed more effectively and cholesterol esterification rate was enhanced 2.2-fold by nephrotic IDL as compared with control IDL. These data indicate that hypercholesterolemia of nephrotic origin cannot be explained by reduced ligand binding for LDL. ApoE-containing IDL of patients with the nephrotic syndrome were avidly taken up by glomerular mesangial cells and could therefore play the predominant role in the development of glomerulosclerosis and atherosclerosis associated with this disorder.

Adult↗

Effects of histamine on inositol phosphates and intracellular Ca2+ in human glomerular epithelial cells.

The effect of histamine on the phosphoinositide turnover and intracellular free calcium activity [Ca2+]i was examined in human glomerular epithelial cells in culture. Addition of histamine to glomerular epithelial cells resulted in formation of inositol phosphates in a time- and dose-dependent manner. A transient maximum of inositol trisphosphate (InsP3) was observed within 10 s. Stimulation of protein kinase C by short-term pretreatment (15 min) of glomerular epithelial cells with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate caused a dose-dependent inhibition of the histamine-induced inositol phosphate accumulation. The baseline of [Ca2+]i in the cells was 115 +/- 2.7 nmol/l (n = 103). Histamine (ED50: approx. 2 x 10(-7) mol/l) caused a rapid and transient increase in [Ca2+]i as detected by fura-2 microfluorimetry studies. In a calcium-free extracellular solution the rapid increase of [Ca2+]i was still present. The H1 receptor antagonist mepyramine (IC50: approx. 8 x 10(-9) mol/l) inhibited the histamine (10(-6) mol/l) response on [Ca2+]i. Cimetidine, a potent H2 receptor antagonist, showed no effect. This data indicates that H1 receptor activation causes hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4, 5-bisphosphate by phospholipase C activation, and consecutive mobilization of intracellular calcium. Since histamine is a mediator of inflammation, antigen response and cellular injury, these findings could be of importance for the understanding of glomerular epithelial cell pathology.

Calcium↗

Effects of simvastatin on lipoprotein (a) and lipoprotein composition in patients with nephrotic syndrome.

The influence of simvastatin, a competitive inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase, on quantitative and qualitative changes in lipoprotein metabolism was investigated in 18 patients (group I, 10 with primary kidney disease and group II, 8 with diabetic nephropathy) with nephrotic syndrome. Nephrotic patients exhibited severe hyperlipidemia (serum cholesterol 390 +/- 17 mg/dl and triglyceride 335 +/- 42 mg/dl; mean +/- SEM) and had significantly higher lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] levels (54 +/- 12 mg/dl; median 31 mg/dl, p < 0.01) compared with 20 healthy subjects (mean 12 +/- 1.8 mg/dl; median 7 mg/dl). Fifty-six percent of the patients and 15% of the controls had values greater than 30 mg/dl. Treatment with simvastatin in increasing doses over a period of three months (13 patients received 40 mg/day and 5 patients 20 mg/day at the end of the third month) reduced LDL-cholesterol in both groups of patients (35% and 54%) as well as apolipoprotein B (apoB) (31% and 46%) significantly, but Lp(a) levels were not influenced (57 +/- 21 vs 59 +/- 20 and 50 +/- 14 vs 53 +/- 16 mg/dl, respectively). On the other hand a complex change in lipoprotein composition occurred. The ratio of LDL apoB/LDL cholesterol-ester increased significantly (0.75 +/- 0.03 to 0.84 +/- 0.03 and 0.80 +/- 0.03 to 1.02 +/- 0.1, respectively) and cholesterol concentration in VLDL (64 +/- 16 to 39 +/- 7 and 74 +/- 18 to 55 +/- 74 mg/dl, respectively) was reduced.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Female↗

Elevated plasma lipoprotein(a) in patients with the nephrotic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the influence of the nephrotic syndrome on lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], a plasma lipoprotein associated with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease independently of low-density lipoproteins. Factors that modulate plasma Lp(a) concentrations are poorly understood. PATIENTS: A total of 62 patients: 47 with primary kidney disease and 15 with diabetic nephropathy. MEASUREMENTS: Lipoprotein(a) levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Because apo(a) phenotype has a significant effect on Lp(a) levels, apo(a) isoforms were determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Western blotting, and immunoblotting; the data were compared with a healthy control group. RESULTS: Nephrotic patients had significantly higher Lp(a) levels (mean, +/- SE, 69 +/- 10 mg/dL; median, 46 mg/dL, < 0.01) compared with 91 healthy controls (mean, 18 +/- 2 mg/dL; median 9 mg/dL). Sixty percent of the patients and 18% of the controls had values greater than 30 mg/dL. Lipoprotein(a) levels correlated significantly with apolipoprotein B, serum cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol but showed no correlation with creatinine, albumin, or proteinuria. Within all apo(a) isoform classes, higher concentrations of Lp(a) were seen in the nephrotic patients compared with controls (P < 0.05). Finally, in nine patients with primary kidney disease and elevated Lp(a) levels, remission of the nephrotic syndrome was induced using immunosuppressive drugs and Lp(a) values decreased dramatically (pretreatment mean, 90 +/- 15 mg/dL versus remission mean, 31 +/- 8 mg/dL). A decrease in Lp(a) levels was also observed when patients with diabetic nephropathy progressed to end-stage renal disease (nephropathy mean, 56 +/- 11 mg/dL versus dialysis mean, 34 +/- 10 mg/dL; n = 7). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with the nephrotic syndrome have Lp(a) concentrations that are substantially elevated compared with controls of the same apo(a) isoform. Because Lp(a) concentrations are substantially reduced when remission of the nephrotic syndrome is induced, it is likely that the nephrotic syndrome results directly in elevation of Lp(a) by an as yet unknown mechanism. The high levels of Lp(a) in the nephrotic syndrome could cause glomerular injury as well as increase the risk for atherosclerosis and thrombotic events associated with this disorder.

Adolescent↗

Receptor-mediated uptake of IDL and LDL from nephrotic patients by glomerular epithelial cells.

Although hyperlipidemia is a well-recognized complication of the nephrotic syndrome, the precise interaction of human glomerular cells and human lipoproteins, abnormal in lipid and protein composition, has not been clearly defined. This study examines receptor mediated binding, internalization and degradation as well as intracellular cholesterol metabolism of apoB-100 containing LDL and apoB,E containing IDL, isolated from patients with the nephrotic syndrome (N = 6), in human glomerular epithelial cells and skin fibroblasts. In the patients, serum LDL cholesterol level was increased threefold and IDL elevenfold as compared to healthy subjects. IDL of nephrotic patients contained 72% more cholesterol than IDL of healthy controls. No difference in lipid/protein composition was found in the LDL density range. Therefore, nephrotic and control LDL showed identical affinities for receptor mediated binding, internalization and degradation. Furthermore, inhibition of intracellular sterol synthesis and cholesteryl ester formation after incubation with LDL was comparable. In contrast, cholesterol-rich IDL of nephrotic patients was taken up by glomerular epithelial cells with higher affinity than LDL and control IDL, as well as intracellular sterol synthesis was suppressed more effectively than by control IDL. The cholesterol esterification rate of IDL from patients was enhanced 3.5-fold as compared to control IDL. In comparison to fibroblasts, glomerular epithelial cells showed about 15% of the maximal capacity for LDL uptake, but 31% for IDL from nephrotic patients. The data indicate that hypercholesterolemia of nephrotic origin cannot be explained by reduced ligand binding for LDL. ApoE containing IDL, which accumulate in nephrotic patients, were avidly taken up by glomerular epithelial cells via receptor dependent pathway. These lipoproteins could therefore play the predominant role in glomerular lipid accumulation and development of glomerulosclerosis.

Adult↗

Cyclosporine and oxidized lipoproteins affect vascular reactivity. Influence of the endothelium.

Cyclosporine and in particular oxidatively modified low density lipoproteins can both exert direct vasoconstricting effects. We hypothesized that coincubation of arteries with low density lipoproteins and cyclosporine would enhance their respective influence on vascular tone. Therefore, we investigated vascular reactivity of isolated intact rabbit renal arteries preincubated with cyclosporine in the presence of native and oxidized low density lipoproteins. After preincubation of the arteries with cyclosporine (10 micrograms/ml, 90 minutes), unstimulated vascular tone as well as norepinephrine-induced vasoconstrictions remained unchanged compared with controls preincubated with the cyclosporine solvent dimethyl sulfoxide. Oxidized low density lipoproteins (100 micrograms/ml) in the absence of cyclosporine significantly enhanced vasoconstrictions to threshold concentrations of norepinephrine (78 +/- 10 microns at 30 nM). However, after cyclosporine treatment, the oxidized low density lipoprotein-induced potentiation of contractile responses to norepinephrine was further enhanced (157 +/- 19 versus 71 +/- 11 microns). Native low density lipoproteins had no influence on vascular tone. Potentiation of norepinephrine-induced vasoconstriction by oxidized low density lipoproteins took place in either endothelium-denuded or endothelium-intact arteries, whereas the further enhancement of vascular tone after cyclosporine treatment was seen only in endothelium-intact segments. Endothelium-dependent dilations to acetylcholine were fully preserved after treatment with oxidized low density lipoproteins and cyclosporine. Indomethacin, saralasin, and the thromboxane A2 antagonist daltroban had no influence, but the Ca2+ antagonist verapamil prevented the potentiation of vasoconstrictions by cyclosporine and oxidized low density lipoproteins.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acetylcholine↗

Cyclosporin and oxidized low density lipoproteins synergistically potentiate vasoconstriction: influence of the endothelium.

Cyclosporin (CyA) and oxidatively modified low density lipoproteins (Ox-LDL) are known to cause vasoconstriction, observations of possible clinical significance because lipid disorders favouring the formation of Ox-LDL are common in patients under CyA treatment. We hypothesized that co-incubation of isolated arteries with Ox-LDL and CyA might enhance their respective influence on vascular tone. We investigated vascular reactivity of isolated intact rabbit renal arteries pre-incubated with CyA in the presence of native and Ox-LDL. Following pre-incubation of the arteries with CyA (10 micrograms.ml-1, 90 min), both unstimulated vascular tone as well as norepinephrine-induced vasoconstrictions remained unchanged compared to controls preincubated with the CyA-vehicle di-methyl-sulfoxide. Ox-LDL (100 micrograms.ml-1) in the absence of CyA significantly enhanced vasoconstrictions to threshold concentrations of norepinephrine (78 +/- 10 microns at 30 nM). However, following CyA treatment, the Ox-LDL-induced potentiation of contractile responses to norepinephrine was further enhanced (157 +/- 19 vs 71 +/- 11 microns). Native LDL had no influence on vascular tone. Potentiation of norepinephrine-induced vasoconstriction by Ox-LDL took place in either endothelium-denuded or endothelium-intact arteries, whereas the further enhancement of vascular tone following CyA treatment was seen only in endothelium-intact segments. Endothelium-dependent dilations to acetylcholine were fully preserved following Ox-LDL and CyA treatment. Indomethacin, saralasin, and the thromboxane A2 antagonist daltroban had no influence, whereas the Ca2+ antagonists nitrendipine and verapamil prevented the potentiation of vasoconstrictions by CyA and Ox-LDL.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acetylcholine↗

[The long-term therapy of familial hypercholesterolemia with heparin-induced extracorporeal LDL precipitation].

The long-term tolerance to and effectiveness of heparin-induced extracorporeal LDL precipitation (HELP) in combination with lipid reducing drugs and diet was tested in six patient (5 males, 1 female; mean age 48 +/- 4 years). Follow-up period was over 50 months, in one patient over 24 months, while one man had a sudden cardiac death 57 weeks after starting treatment. The study was divided into three phases. In phase I (24 months) treatment consisted of HELP and conventional lipid-reducing drugs; in phase II (12 months) of lovastatin (80 mg daily) and cholestyramine (12-24 g daily); and phase III (14 months) of HELP, lovastatin and cholestyramine. In phase I it was possible to lower the pre-treatment level of LDL-cholesterol from 306 +/- 18 mg/dl to 173 +/- 13 mg/dl (43.5%). A similar effect (from 307 +/- 21 mg/dl to 155 +/- 17 mg/dl [-49.5%]) was obtained in phase II. The resumption of HELP reduced the pre-treatment LDL concentration to 136 +/- 9 mg/dl (-55.7%). The various treatment regimens were well tolerated. Biochemical data remained unchanged except for iron loss requiring substitution. Thus combined HELP, lovastatin and ion exchange offer for the first time an effective and reliable means in familial hypercholesterolaemia of clearly reducing long-term the mean LDL cholesterol level below the atherosclerosis threshold of 120 mg/dl.

Anticholesteremic Agents↗

Effect of nucleotides on the cytosolic free calcium activity and inositol phosphate formation in human glomerular epithelial cells.

1. Glomerular epithelial cells (GEC) were cultured from human kidneys and immunologically characterized. 2. The effect of extracellular nucleotides on the cytosolic free calcium activity [Ca2+]i was investigated with the fura-2 microfluorescence method. Extracellular UTP, UDP, UMP, ATP, adenosine 5'-O-(3-thio)-trisphosphate (ATP-gamma-S), inosine-triphosphate (ITP), guanyltriphosphate (GTP), 2-methylthio-ATP, AMP, alpha,beta-methylene-ATP and adenosine led to a rapid, transient, concentration-dependent increase of [Ca2+]i, followed by a plateau above the baseline level. 3. In a calcium-free extracellular solution, the rapid increase of [Ca2+]i was still present, whereas the plateau level was abolished. 4. ATP and UTP (ED50 both: 10(-5) M) stimulated inositol trisphosphate (InsP3) formation in GEC. 5. The order of potency for the purine nucleotides in stimulating InsP3 formation was ATP = ATP-gamma-S greater than ADP greater than 2-methylthio-ATP greater than AMP = a,beta methylene-ATP = adenosine. 6. The increase of InsP3 induced by ATP (10(-5) M) could be inhibited by the P2 receptor blocker suramin (greater than 10(-4) M). Reactive blue 2 exhibited a weak stimulating effect on the InsP3 formation and only a weak inhibitory effect at a concentration of 10(-3) M was observed. 7. Protein kinase C activation by preincubation of GEC with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 100 ng ml-1, 15 min) abolished the effect of ATP (10(-5) M) on InsP3 formation. Downregulation of protein kinase C by long term incubation (18 h) with PMA had no significant effect on the phosphoinositol turnover induced by ATP.8. The results indicate that an increase of [Ca2+]i and inositol phosphate breakdown can be mediated via activation of a P2 receptor in human GEC.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Effect of simvastatin on qualitative and quantitative changes of lipoprotein metabolism in CAPD patients.

The efficacy of simvastatin, a competitive inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase, was investigated in 12 patients treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), displaying hypercholesterolemia and moderate hypertriglyceridemia. After a 4-week placebo period, simvastatin was administered in increasing doses over a period of 3 months (1st month 10 mg; 2nd month 20 mg and 3rd month 40 mg day-1). Simvastatin reduced total serum cholesterol (300.0 +/- 15.5 vs. 193.0 +/- 8.0; -35%), LDL cholesterol (203.8 +/- 13.0 vs. 104.7 +/- 6.0; -48.0%) as well as apolipoprotein B (132.3 +/- 6.6 vs. 77.8 +/- 2.7 mg/dl; -40%). Furthermore, the ratio of LDL apo B/LDL cholesterol increased significantly (0.55 +/- 0.016 vs. 0.64 +/- 0.027). Another remarkable effect was the reduction of cholesterol concentration in VLDL (47.8 +/- 5.6 vs. 30.4 +/- 5.2; -35%). Therefore, the ratio of triglycerides/cholesterol in VLDL increased (3.57 +/- 0.3 vs. 4.28 +/- 0.29), indicating VLDL formation poor in cholesterol and rich in triglycerides. However, HDL cholesterol increased significantly from 48.6 +/- 4.4 to 57.9 +/- 5.3 mg/dl (23%). Lipoprotein(a) levels were increased as compared to controls (420 +/- 73 vs. 145 +/- 26 U/l), but were not influenced significantly by simvastatin treatment (539 +/- 99 U/l, 3rd month). No evidence for notable clinical side effects and laboratory abnormalities were reported. Measurement of simvastatin plasma levels 12 h after drug administration (single dose 40 mg) showed no detectable plasma values. At present, it appears that CAPD patients with high serum cholesterol are good candidates for the treatment with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.

Adult↗

Effect of cell density on growth regulation of human glomerular epithelial cells. Inhibition of growth by dbcAMP and cAMP-elevating agonists.

Glomerular epithelial cells (GEC) play an important role in the development of focal glomerular sclerosis. A variety of growth factors and the local cellular environment contribute to growth regulation and development of GEC. To understand whether responsiveness of GEC to growth factors might be modulated by cell density, we investigated the influence of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on cell proliferation, as well as the role of transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) on growth modulation in human visceral GEC in culture plated at different cell densities. Proliferation of cells was determined by [3H]thymidine incorporation. EGF and serum exhibited a dose-dependent stimulation independent of cell density in culture. Addition of TGF beta in concentrations greater than 0.1 ng/ml to cells prestimulated with EGF (1 ng/ml) and plated at densities of 18,000 and 50,000 cells per cm2 was followed by a significant growth inhibition. In contrast, cells plated at 5,000 cells per cm2 were not inhibited upon stimulation by TGF beta in this concentrations range (0.1 and 1.0 ng/ml). Heparin markedly inhibited serum-stimulated cell proliferation in concentrations of 1, 10, and 100 U/ml. De-N-sulphated- and low molecular weight heparin as well as glycosaminoglycans and sulphated polysaccharides (chondroitin sulphate A, B, C, heparan sulphate, dextran sulphate, and hyaluronic acid) failed to inhibit growth. Furthermore, proliferation of human GEC was significantly inhibited by the cAMP analogue dbcAMP (0.1 and 1 mM) and the cAMP-elevating agonists cholera toxin (250 ng/ml) and forskolin (10 and 100 microM). 1,9-Dideoxyforskolin had no effect.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Bucladesine↗

Effects of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors in hypercholesterolemic patients on hemodialysis.

The efficacy of lovastatin and simvastatin, competitive inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase, was investigated in 40 hemodialysis (HD) patients displaying hypercholesterolemia and moderate hypertriglyceridemia (selection of 40 patients required screening of 700 hemodialysis patients). After a four-week placebo period, lovastatin or simvastatin was administered to two groups of 20 patients in increasing doses over a period of three months. Thirty-six patients completed the study. Lovastatin (1st month 20 mg; 2nd and 3rd months 40 mg day-1) and simvastatin (1st month 10 mg, 2nd month 20 mg and 3rd month 40 mg day-1) reduced total serum cholesterol from 280.3 +/- 9.4 to 213.0 +/- 6.7 (-24%) and 295.0 +/- 12.2 to 202.3 +/- 8.9 mg/dl (-31.4%), LDL cholesterol from 161.9 +/- 10.7 to 112.1 +/- 7.9 (-30.8%) and 181.8 +/- 14.7 to 107.4 +/- 8.1 mg/dl (-40.9%), as well as apolipoprotein B (apo B) from 116.0 +/- 6.6 to 83.3 +/- 3.7 (-28.2%) and 134.4 +/- 8.2 to 84.1 +/- 5.3 mg/dl (-37.4%), respectively. Furthermore, the ratio of LDL apo B/LDL cholesterol increased significantly (0.63 +/- 0.02 vs. 0.71 +/- 0.05 and 0.63 +/- 0.02 vs. 0.66 +/- 0.02, respectively). Another remarkable effect was the reduction of cholesterol concentration in VLDL (72.4 +/- 8.9 vs. 47.3 +/- 6.8 [lovastatin] and 78.3 +/- 11.1 vs. 50.7 +/- 8.8 mg/dl [simvastatin], respectively). Therefore, the ratio of triglycerides/cholesterol in VLDL increased (3.2 +/- 0.2 vs. 3.8 +/- 0.3 and 3.2 +/- 0.2 vs. 4.0 +/- 0.2, respectively), indicating VLDL formation poor in cholesterol and rich in triglycerides.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗