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Biomedical subjects

E B Feldman

Publications and source records attributed to E B Feldman.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Saturated and hydrogenated fats in food in relation to health.

The report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) expert panel on detection, evaluation, and treatment of high blood cholesterol in adults published in 1988 evoked great interest from the medical profession, the public, and food manufacturers. The merits of different dietary interventions to lower plasma cholesterol are debated in advertising, popular publications, and research publications. The present paper is a review of the contributions of saturated and trans fatty acids (FA) to the US diet, their metabolism, and effects upon plasma cholesterol. Saturated (SFA) and trans FA are metabolized to yield energy. They are not dietary essentials; SFA can be biosynthesized, and trans FA are not naturally occurring in plants, with only very small amounts in animals. Trans FA are produced in hydrogenation of liquid vegetable oils and are estimated to contribute 3-7% of the fat consumed. Most of the SFA in the US diet (35% of total fat consumed) is obtained from meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products (approximately 60%). The fats and oils consumed directly or as components of food products, mostly baked goods, contribute approximately 20% of the SFA. More than 30 years of research led the NCEP to conclude that SFA was the most potent dietary component in increasing plasma cholesterol, and that no more than 10% of the energy (en%) of the diet should be SFA. Trans FA are metabolized similarly to SFA, but no recommendation has been made about their consumption. Reduction of consumption of SFA should be practiced in a prudent manner, by reducing consumption of foods high in SFA, and not by eliminating classes of foods. Some changes in formulations of foods or preparation practices (type of frying fat) can be made. These modifications may decrease the palatability of the food, thereby presenting a challenge to the food industry. Substitution of fats hydrogenated to contain trans FA for fats high in SFA may not be beneficial to health. Labeling of foods would improve the ability of the consumer to make appropriate choices.

Cholesterol↗

Biochemical, endocrine, and mineral effects of indapamide in black women.

Black women with established essential hypertension, without renal insufficiency or diabetes mellitus, were withdrawn from their usual antihypertensive therapy for 2-3 weeks prior to entry into a study to evaluate pertinent biochemical and mineral effects of indapamide treatment. Twenty patients with a sitting diastolic blood pressure greater than 90 mm Hg had baseline measurements of plasma total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, uric acid, potassium, magnesium, calcium, selenium, renin, norepinephrine, whole blood ionized calcium, and glycosylated hemoglobin. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol was calculated by the Friedewald equation. The patients were placed on a fixed daily dose of 2.5 mg indapamide. Blood pressure and blood tests were repeated at 4, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment. The systolic and diastolic blood pressure were both lowered significantly at week 12. Plasma renin activity was significantly increased. There was no significant change in norepinephrine, glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, uric acid, ionized calcium, calcium, triglycerides, potassium, magnesium, or selenium. Total cholesterol increased with an increase in both high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and LDL cholesterol; however, these increases did not alter significantly either the total/HDL cholesterol or LDL/HDL cholesterol ratios. It is concluded that 2.5 mg of indapamide per day effectively lowers blood pressure with no significant adverse metabolic effects.

Adult↗

Effect of dietary alpha-linolenic acid on equine monocyte procoagulant activity and eicosanoid synthesis.

To investigate the effects of an omega-3 fatty acid-enriched ration on the in vitro response of equine monocytes to endotoxin, an 8-week feeding trial was conducted in which linseed oil served as the source of the omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid. One group of horses was fed a control pelleted ration and the other group was fed an 8% linseed oil-enriched pelleted ration. After 8 weeks of feeding, monocytes were isolated and incubated in the presence of Escherichia coli O55:B5 endotoxin for 6 hr. After 8 weeks on the rations, the mean procoagulant activity and thromboxane B2 production by endotoxin-stimulated monocytes from horses consuming the linseed oil ration decreased by 51% and 71%, respectively, compared with cells from horses consuming the control ration. There was no difference in monocyte synthesis of 12-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid or leukotriene B4 between groups. Fatty acid analysis of membrane phospholipids revealed a decrease in the omega-6:omega-3 ratio in monocytes from horses consuming the linseed oil ration. These data suggest that dietary supplementation with alpha-linolenic acid may modify the response to endotoxin by reducing the synthesis of potentially harmful cellular mediators.

12-Hydroxy-5,8,10,14-eicosatetraenoic Acid↗

Lipid and lipoprotein changes in women taking low-dose, triphasic oral contraceptives: a controlled, comparative, 12-month clinical trial.

Effects on lipid/lipoprotein metabolism of two triphasic oral contraceptives, Triphasil (ethinyl estradiol/levonorgestrel) and Ortho-Novum 7/7/7 (ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone) were compared in a 12-month controlled, prospective clinical trial. The data indicate that use of both estrogen-progestin preparations were accompanied by increases in cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein3 cholesterol, apolipoproteins A1 and B, and triglycerides. Also observed were a decline in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and greater decreases in high-density lipoprotein2 cholesterol levels; the latter were below the lower limits of laboratory's reference range. All other changes remained within clinically acceptable limits. There were no statistically significant differences between the test preparations, suggesting that the impact on lipid metabolism of the triphasic preparations Triphasil and Ortho-Novum 7/7/7 are similar and, given the dynamic balance between the various fractions, are unlikely to impart an adverse cardiovascular risk.

Adult↗

Creation of a regional medical-nutrition education network.

The Southeastern Regional Medical-Nutrition Education Network (SER-MEN) was developed to coordinate and improve nutrition education in a consortium of the medical schools in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. SERMEN's central office is at the Medical College of Georgia with the testing office at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Students, faculty, and consultants in nutrition, education, and computer networking work together on projects on each campus that are coordinated and planned through semiannual meetings. A standardized examination was developed with the Nutrition Test-Item Bank to assess nutrition knowledge at various years of medical students from network schools. Each SERMEN school is connected to a microcomputer system at the central office that provides access to a data base of nutrition education and resources on each campus for developing curricula and syllabi. Funding has been provided by societies, foundations, and government agencies.

Computer Communication Networks↗

Trace element status in multiple sclerosis.

We compared trace element status in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients (n = 27) with and without treatment with corticosteroids and groups of healthy subjects. Concentrations of plasma ceruloplasmin, selenium, and zinc and erythrocyte (RBC) glutathione peroxidase, Se, and Zn were similar in all groups. RBC copper concentrations were significantly lower in MS patients than in control subjects (mean +/- SEM: 0.048 +/- 0.005 vs 0.060 +/- 0.002 mumol/g Hb) because of decreased RBC Cu with steroid therapy. RBC Zn-Cu ratios were significantly higher (14.9 +/- 1.0 vs 10.1 +/- 0.3) in MS patients than in control subjects, differing in both groups of MS patients. In MS and control subjects, RBC Cu correlated significantly with RBC Zn (r = 0.56, 0.49). Disease acuity and disability had no effect on trace-mineral status. These data suggest that in MS there is altered Cu and Zn homeostasis that may cause or result from the disease and is influenced by corticosteroid therapy. Systemic trace element alterations might provide clinically useful markers of MS.

Adolescent↗

Plasma lipoproteins in cortical versus lacunar infarction.

We investigated the relation of plasma lipids to the risk for ischemic stroke by comparing clinical and biochemical characteristics of survivors of cortical (n = 48) and lacunar (n = 36) brain infarction. By analysis of variance, no differences were observed in the concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol, or apoproteins A1 and B. Patients with lacunar infarction, however, had higher concentrations of high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol than patients with cortical stroke. This HDL-cholesterol difference was due primarily to a strikingly low HDL-cholesterol content in white patients with cortical stroke. These data suggest that previously demonstrated differences in HDL-cholesterol concentrations between patients with ischemic stroke and control subjects without stroke may apply to patients with cortical but not lacunar infarction. Separation of cerebral infarction into subtypes based on mechanism may help clarify lipid-related risk factors in cerebrovascular disease.

Age Factors↗

Fenofibrate for the treatment of type IV and V hyperlipoproteinemias: a double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter US study.

The results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter trial of fenofibrate in the treatment of type IV/V hyperlipoproteinemia are reported. Ten study centers in the United States recruited 147 adults with a history of type IV or V hyperlipoproteinemia. After a six- to 12-week dietary stabilization period and a four-week placebo period, patients whose 12-hour fasting total plasma triglyceride levels ranged from 350 to 1,500 mg/dl were continued in the study; 55 patients with levels of 350 to 499 mg/dl were placed in group A and 92 with levels of 500 to 1,500 mg/dl in group B. Patients in each group were randomly assigned to receive 100 mg of fenofibrate or placebo three times daily for eight weeks. In both groups A and B fenofibrate-treated patients showed statistically significant reductions in levels of total cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total triglycerides, and very-low-density lipoprotein triglycerides, and significant increases in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; patients in group B also showed a significant increase in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Sixteen of the 75 fenofibrate-treated patients and 11 of the 72 placebo patients reported adverse events that were potentially drug related; most of these were gastrointestinal and a few reported musculoskeletal and skin reactions. It is concluded that fenofibrate is an effective and safe agent in the treatment of type IV/V hyperlipoproteinemia.

Adolescent↗

A comparison of nutrition knowledge of freshmen and senior medical students: a collaborative study of southeastern medical schools.

It has been documented previously that nutrition knowledge of senior medial students at ten southeastern medical schools varies and is positively correlated with student assessment of the quantity and quality of nutrition education. To determine whether the differences in knowledge are related to the medical educational experience or are simply a reflection of differences in the students' knowledge on entry to medical school, the same examination was administered to entering freshmen at eight of the medical schools. The knowledge scores of freshmen were remarkably homogeneous from school to school (53 +/- 1%, range 51-55%), and nutrition knowledge was significantly higher for seniors than for the freshmen at all schools (mean 69 vs 53%, p less than 0.0001). On the basis of responses to survey items on the examination, the freshman medical students were more inclined than senior students to take a nutrition elective (62 vs 34%, p less than 0.0001), and more freshman rated nutrition as being important to their careers (74 vs 59%, p less than 0.05). These data indicate that 1) entering freshman medical students at the different schools studied have comparable levels of nutrition knowledge and are receptive to nutrition education, and 2) differences in medical training programs most likely explain the previously documented variability in nutrition knowledge of graduating medical students. These findings have important implications for professionals planning curricula for medical-nutrition education.

Education, Medical, Undergraduate↗

Cross-sectional study of nutrition knowledge and attitudes of medical students at three points in their medical training at 11 southeastern medical schools.

Eleven southeastern medical schools cooperated to evaluate nutrition knowledge and attitudes of medical students. This study complements previous reports of an examination of entering freshmen and seniors. Average knowledge scores for 165 students tested after basic sciences (preclinical) training in this study were 67 +/- 7% compared with 53 +/- 6% for freshmen and 69 +/- 8% for seniors. The upperclassmen's scores were higher than the freshmen's (p less than 0.001) and varied with the amount of required nutrition teaching. Only 13% of preclinical students perceived nutrition as important to their careers compared with 74% of entering and 59% of graduating students, suggesting that preclinical teaching reduces their sense of relevance of nutrition to medicine. These findings suggest that nutrition knowledge can be increased through preclinical coursework and that the knowledge level can be maintained through the clinical years. However, the positive attitude of freshmen toward nutrition is lost after preclinical training and is only partially regained after the clinical years.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗

Virgil Sydenstricker: special reference to niacin deficiency encephalopathy.

Virgil Sydenstricker was a member of a notable American family which included authoress Pearl S. Buck and the eminent epidemiologist Edgar Sydenstricker. Dr. Sydenstricker's contributions in the fields of hematology and nutritional disease are legion. His landmark work in sickle cell anemia characterized a definite symptom complex with specific hematologic findings and inheritance pattern. He wrote on the complications of malnutrition and attempted to delineate the specific effects of individual nutritional factors. Dr. Sydenstricker and his associate H. M. Cleckley first described the syndrome of niacin deficiency encephalopathy. Today, the syndrome is still occasionally reported. Niacin deficiency should be considered when unexplained acute confusional states or neurologic deficits occur in the setting of malnutrition, antituberculous drug use, or chronic partial nutritional deficiency with acute increase in metabolic demand.

Brain Diseases↗

Effects of fenofibrate on plasma lipoproteins in hypercholesterolemia and combined hyperlipidemia.

To investigate the lipoprotein effect of fenofibrate in hypercholesterolemia or combined hyperlipidemia (types II A and II B hyperlipidemias, respectively), 240 patients were recruited and 227 randomized to a double-blind randomized trial lasting 24 weeks and 192 patients continued to participate in an open-label phase for another 24 weeks. A 100-mg dose of fenofibrate or a matching placebo was given three times daily. Fenofibrate side effects in excess of placebo affected 6 percent of fenofibrate users and were confined almost entirely to skin rashes. In 180 hypercholesterolemic patients randomly assigned to receive fenofibrate versus placebo, triglyceride and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels decreased 38 percent, total cholesterol levels decreased 17.5 percent, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels decreased 20.3 percent with fenofibrate treatment. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increased 11.1 percent with a decrease in the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio of 27 percent. All differences were statistically significant (p less than 0.01). In combined hyperlipidemic (type II B) patients, triglyceride levels decreased by 45 percent, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels decreased 52.7 percent, total cholesterol levels decreased 16 percent, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels decreased 6 percent, and high-density lipoprotein levels increased 15.3 percent for a low-density lipoprotein cholesterol: high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio decrease of 13 percent. All differences were again statistically significant (p less than 0.01). In both groups of patients, the onset of the drug effect was generally rapid, with maximal total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level lowering achieved within four weeks in hypercholesterolemic patients and maximal triglyceride and cholesterol level lowering in hypertriglyceridemic patients achieved in two weeks. Maximum high-density lipoprotein increases occurred after four weeks in type II A patients and 12 to 16 weeks in type II B patients. Fenofibrate is a well-tolerated drug in the fibric acid series and has putatively beneficial effects on triglyceride, very low-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations in both type II A and type II B hyperlipidemic patients. If the lipid hypothesis of atherosclerosis applies to the lipoprotein changes induced by fenofibrate, reductions in cardiovascular disease risk in both type II A and II B hyperlipidemic patients should result from fenofibrate treatment.

Adult↗

Why, what, and how to implement reduction of cardiovascular risk factors by diet.

Dietary factors ingested in excess, deficient, or in imbalance have been implicated in the etiology, and corrected in the management of cardiovascular diseases, namely atherosclerosis and hypertension. Dietary factors include: calories; fats; cholesterol and other sterols; complex and simple carbohydrates; animal and vegetable protein; alcohol; and minerals. Atherogenesis from diets high in total and saturated fat and cholesterol may relate to increases in plasma total, low- or very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol or triglycerides, or decrease in high density lipoprotein cholesterol, or altered apolipoproteins. A variety of dietary manipulations can influence these lipid and lipoprotein levels and thereby reduce cardiovascular risk. Plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels in the population vary with age, gender, and race; cardiovascular risk is increased when cholesterol levels exceed the 75th or 90th percentile for healthy men and women for age. Abnormally high levels of plasma cholesterol or triglycerides in different lipoprotein carriers comprise the various hyperlipoproteinemias. The clinical presentations and dietary management of elevated LDL cholesterol, and/or VLDL/ and/or chylomicron triglycerides, or increased intermediate density lipoproteins are reviewed and discussed. Attention should be paid to family screening, and hyperlipidemias secondary to diseases or medication should be considered. Dietary counseling and management is advised for children at risk of hyperlipidemia and for adult patients up to 70 years of age. If lipids and lipoproteins are not normalized, then lipid-lowering drug therapy should be considered in adults. For control of hypertension, attention should be paid to calories and alcohol, and to calcium, potassium, and sodium.

Arteriosclerosis↗

Hyperlipoproteinemia, atherosclerosis risk, and dietary management.

There is new impetus for dietary intervention in response to the recent data relating levels of circulating lipids and lipoproteins to atherosclerosis risk. Certain levels of cholesterol, stratified for age and sex, are associated with "moderate" and "high" risk of atherosclerosis. Knowing the relationship of diet to lipid levels and lipid transport by the various lipoproteins enables the appropriate diagnosis and management. Dietary measures include attention to the level of calories and fat, the type of fat, cholesterol content, source of protein, the type of carbohydrate and fiber, and the level of alcohol intake. Lipid (cholesterol) screening at intervals is recommended for all adults and for children at special risk of hyperlipidemia.

Alcohol Drinking↗

Selenium status of malnourished hospitalized patients.

We evaluated selenium (Se) status of 44 hospitalized patients with protein-energy malnutrition. The patients were assigned to "normal" or "low" Se groups-1 and 2, respectively-based on whether the plasma Se level exceeded or was below the value of the mean-2SD of healthy Georgians'. Plasma and erythrocyte Se levels correlated significantly (r = .52, P less than .01). Erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity was highly correlated with plasma Se (r = .68) in group 2; there was no significant correlation between these parameters in group 1. In group 2 the mean plasma prealbumin level was significantly lower, and the mean corpuscular volume and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase level were significantly higher compared to group 1. Other nutritional parameters did not correlate with Se status. Concomitant deficiencies of other nutrients were common in both patient groups. Se levels may relate to protein status, and abnormal hematologic and hepatic parameters may reflect low Se status and/or protein-energy malnutrition. Low Se status is common in malnourished patients from a low Se area, and Se supplementation should be included in their nutritional-repletion regimens.

Adult↗