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Biomedical subjects

H Wolf

Publications and source records attributed to H Wolf.

At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Protein abundancy and mRNA levels of the adipocyte-type fatty acid binding protein correlate in non-invasive and invasive bladder transitional cell carcinomas.

The adipocyte type fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP) is a small molecular weight fatty acid-binding protein whose expression correlates both with the grade of atypia and the stage of bladder transitional cell carcinomas (TCCs). To determine if the protein abundancy correlates with the mRNA levels in non-invasive and invasive lesions, we have analysed fresh TCCs (grade II, Ta; grade III, T2-4) by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) and measured the mRNA levels using the reverse transcription linked polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Overall, the results showed a good correlation between protein abundancy and mRNA levels, indicating that the lack of expression of the protein observed in some lesions reflects low levels of transcription of the A-FABP gene rather than translational regulation. In addition, our studies showed that the loss of A-FABP protein observed in some tumors is not compensated by an increase in the skin fatty acid-binding protein PA-FABP, as is the case in the A-FABP knockout mice.

Carcinoma, Transitional Cell↗
PubMed1998

Increased concentrations of genotype-interpreted Ca 19-9 in urine of bladder cancer patients mark diffuse atypia of the urothelium.

We investigated the use of genotype-interpreted measurements of the tumor marker Ca 19-9 in the urine of bladder cancer patients as a marker of the extent of urothelial disease. Ca 19-9 in urine (sialyl-Le(a)/creatinine ratio) was measured in 81 bladder cancer patients and correlated to T-category, histologic grade, and presence of urothelial dysplasia. As reference group, Ca 19-9 ratio was measured in urine from 21 apparently healthy individuals. The amount of sialyl-Le(a) expressed is influenced by the Lewis genotype and secretor status. Accordingly, secretor status was determined in urine by a novel ELISA method, and the Lewis genotypes of all of the individuals were determined by PCR cleavage methods. Ca 19-9 concentrations in urine were higher (P < 0.01) in bladder cancer patients than in healthy individuals and significantly (P = 0.02) higher in cancer patients with concomitant urothelial dysplasia than in those with normal urothelium. For individuals Lewis-genotyped as homozygous wild-type, Ca 19-9 concentrations in urine were higher, both in cancer patients (P = 0.06) and in healthy individuals (P = 0.004), than in the heterozygous individuals. Furthermore, nonsecretor cancer patients had higher (P < 0.01) Ca 19-9 concentrations in urine. Attention is drawn to the possibility of a general genotype interpretation of a result in clinical chemistry.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Useful laboratory tests for studying thrombogenesis in acute cardiac syndromes.

We review laboratory tests that evaluate thrombogenesis during acute coronary syndromes. These tests have been found to be valuable research tools in more clearly understanding the pathophysiology of acute coronary syndromes. In particular, we describe tissue factor, tissue factor pathway inhibitor, prothrombin fragment 1.2, thrombin-antithrombin complex, fibrinopeptide A, tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), t-PA-PAI complex, Bbeta 15-42-related peptides, fibrinogen degradation products, fibrin degradation products, D-dimer, platelet factor 4, beta-thromboglobulin, 5-hydroxytryptamine, thromboxane B2, prostacyclin, endothelin, angiotensin-converting enzyme, soluble thrombomodulin, C1-esterase inhibitor, anaphylotoxins C3a, C4a, and C5a, bradykinin, tumor necrosis factor, leukotriene C4, platelet activating factor, anti-phospholipid antibody, and von Willebrand factor. Some of these tests may prove to be useful in clinical diagnosis and management of acute coronary syndromes. Clinical outcome studies are needed to determine which tests may be cost effective and medically useful.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1998

Efficacy of a low molecular weight heparin administered intravenously or subcutaneously in comparison with intravenous unfractionated heparin in the treatment of deep venous thrombosis. Certoparin-Study Group.

BACKGROUND: The main objective of the study presented was to test if thrombus regression can be improved by treatment with an intravenously or subcutaneously administered low molecular weight heparin (LMWH). Patients with acute deep vein thrombosis were randomly assigned to receive either intravenous UFH (131 patients), intravenous (i.v.) LMWH (128 patients), or 8000 IU of the same LMWH bid subcutaneously (s.c.) (128 patients). All patients were treated with heparin for 14 to 16 days. Vitamin-K-antagonist prophylaxis was started between Day 12 and Day 14 after enrollment into the study. METHODS: Phlebographies and perfusion/ventilation lung scans were performed at baseline and on Days 12 to 16. Primary endpoint of the study was a reduction of the phlebographic Marder score. Secondary endpoints were recurrent thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (PE), major and minor bleedings and the rate of PE at inclusion and at the end of the study assessed by ventilation/perfusion scans. RESULTS: The Marder score improved by at least 30% in 32.4% (95% CI: 22.6 ... 42.2) of the patients receiving UFH, in 34.0% (95% CI: 24.9 ... 44.0) receiving LMWH i.v. and in 42.6% (95% CI: 32.8 ... 52.8) treated with the low molecular weight heparin s.c. The difference between LMWH s.c. and UFH was 10.2% (95% CI: -3.7% ... +24.5%) (p = 0.11). PE with clinical signs confirmed by objective methods occurred in three patients of the UFH group, one of whom died and was not observed in patients of the i.v. or s.c. LMWH-groups. During the first 15 days no patient receiving UFH or i.v. LMWH, and one patient on s.c. LMWH had a recurrent thrombosis. Major bleedings were observed in four patients receiving i.v. UFH compared to nine patients on i.v. LMWH (one of these patients died) and one patient on s.c. LMWH. Perfusion ventilation lung scans were obtained from 287 patients at baseline and from 246 patients on Days 12-16. PE, defined according to PIOPED-criteria as intermediate or high probability scans, was observed in 38.0% of the patients entering the study and in 18.3% on Days 12 to 16. New asymptomatic PE occurred less frequently in the groups on LMWH (7.1%, 7.5%, respectively) than in the UFH-group (12.6%) (not significant). CONCLUSIONS: S.c. treatment with a LMWH (certoparin) (b.i.d.) is at least as effective as UFH i.v. The hypothesis of increased efficacy of subcutaneous LMWH in resolving venous thrombi will have to be confirmed by an independent study comparing s.c. LMWH with UFH. The i.v. continuous infusion of the LMWH for 12 to 16 days does not result in a higher venous re-opening rate than intravenous standard heparin.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

[Patient satisfaction with the information in received after molecular oncology examination of bladder cancer].

A questionnaire was mailed to participants in a scientific project on the molecular oncology of bladder cancer to evaluate the participants' satisfaction with the information procedure as required by the Helsinki Deklaration and the Danish Law on a Scientific Ethical Committee System. Of the 584 questionnaires sent 73% were returned. Ninety percent of the respondents were satisfied with the written and 85% with the oral information given before entering the study. Seventy-six percent were satisfied with the timing of the information, and 83% (bladder cancer group) or 73% (control group, BPH' patients) were satisfied with the length of time, given for consideration on entering the study. Very few patients had felt any pressure to participate in the scientific project. Most patients were willing to participate in other scientific studies, and the majority of patients favoured the creation of tissue banks.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Proteome profiling of bladder squamous cell carcinomas: identification of markers that define their degree of differentiation.

One hundred fifty fresh bladder tumors were analyzed blindly by two-dimensional PAGE in combination with proteome identification techniques (microsequencing and mass spectrometry) and immunofluorescence of cryostat sections. Of these, six showed protein expression patterns corresponding to squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). All tumors were already invasive at the time of presentation, and in most cases, the histopathological grade could not be determined with certainty. The more differentiated of the tumors included SCC 589-1, a lesion showing extensive keratinization, and 536-1, a pure SCC that resembled normal skin growing invasively into the muscle. Both tumors expressed keratins 5, 6, 10, 14, 16, 17, and 20, as well as the differentiation-associated proteins psoriasin, psoriasis-associated fatty acid-binding protein (PA-FABP), and galectin 7. SCC 589-1, however, exhibited higher levels of keratin 10, PA-FABP, and galectin 7 and, in addition, expressed keratins 13, 15, and 19, which were not detected in the pure SCC. Involucrin, glutathione S-transferase pi, stratifin (14-3-3 sigma), and the SCC antigen 1, on the other hand, were less abundant in SCC 589-1. In comparison, less-differentiated tumors did not express keratin 10 and were characterized by a decreased expression of keratin 14, psoriasin, PA-FABP, galectin 7, and stratifin (14-3-3 sigma). Indeed, two of these lesions (553-1 and 651-1) could be readily lined up in order of decreasing degree of differentiation based on the expression of these markers. The degree of differentiation of the other two SCCs could not be assessed with certainty because they may represent special cases (SCC 646-1, solid tumor; SCC 485-1, special differentiation pattern). All six SCCs externalized psoriasin to the urine, supporting the contention that this protein, alone or in combination with other polypeptides, may represent a useful marker for the early detection of these lesions.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗
PubMed1997

Recombinant human immunodeficiency Pr55gag virus-like particles presenting chimeric envelope glycoproteins induce cytotoxic T-cells and neutralizing antibodies.

Very recently, we demonstrated that the replacement of the human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) gp41 transmembrane protein by an Epstein-Barr virus gp220/350-derived membrane anchor resulted in the incorporation of chimeric envelope (Env) oligomers into Pr55gag virus-like particles (VLPs), exceeding that of wild-type gp160 by a factor of 10. In this study, we examined the immunostimulatory properties of Pr55gag VLPs to both (i) chimeric HIV-1 gp120 external envelope proteins and (ii) full-length gp160 presented on the outer surface of the particles. Immunization studies carried out with VLPs presenting different derivatives of the chimeric and wild-type Env proteins elicited a consistent anti-Pr55gag as well as anti-Env antibody response in complete absence of additional adjuvants. In both cases, the immune sera exhibited an in vitro neutralizing activity against homologous HIV-1 infection in MT4 cells. Noteworthy, these VLPs were also capable of inducing a strong CD8+ cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) response in immunized BALB/c mice that was directed toward a known CTL epitope in the third variable domain V3 of the gp120 external glycoprotein. However, the induction of V3-loop-specific CTLs critically depended on the amounts of Env proteins that were presented by the Pr55gag VLPs. Moreover, the CD8+ CTL response was not significantly altered by adsorbing the VLPs to alum or by repeated booster immunizations. These results illustrate that Pr55gag VLPs provide a safe and effective means of enhancing neutralizing humoral responses to particle-entrapped gp120 proteins and are also capable of delivering these proteins to the MHC class I antigen processing and presentation pathway. Therefore, antigenically expanded Pr55gag VLPs represent an attractive approach in the design of vaccines for which specific stimulation of neutralizing antibodies and cytotoxic effector functions to complex glycoproteins is desired.

AIDS Vaccines↗
PubMed1997

Increased incorporation of chimeric human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gp120 proteins into Pr55gag virus-like particles by an Epstein-Barr virus gp220/350-derived transmembrane domain.

Noninfectious Pr55gag virus-like particles containing high quantities of oligomeric human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope (Env) proteins represent potential candidate immunogens for a vaccine against HIV-1 infection. Thus, chimeric env genes were constructed encoding the HIV-1 exterior glycoprotein gp120 which was covalently linked at different C-terminal positions to a transmembrane domain (TM) from the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) major Env glycoprotein gp220/ 350. All chimeric Env-TM polypeptides as well as the wild-type HIV Env proteins were equally produced and incorporated at the outer surface of insect cells using the baculovirus expression system. In the presence of coexpressed HIV Pr55gag polyproteins significantly decreased amounts of wild-type Env proteins were presented at the cell surface, whereas the membrane incorporation of the Env-TM chimeras was not affected. Biochemical and immunoelectron microscopical analysis of particles that were efficiently released from these cells displayed the incorporation of both wild-type Env and chimeric Env-TM proteins on the surface of VLPs. However, the quantities of particle-associated chimeric Env-TM proteins exceeded those of incorporated wild-type Env proteins by a factor of 5-10. Chemical cross-linking and subsequent polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of VLP-entrapped Env proteins revealed that the chimeric Env-TM proteins form homodimers and a higher-order oligomer, similar to that observed for wild-type Env proteins. Thus, the results of this study clearly demonstrate that the replacement of the gp41 transmembrane protein of gp160 by a heterologous, EBV gp220/350-derived membrane anchor provides an effective strategy to incorporate high quantities of oligomeric HIV gp120 proteins on the surface of Pr55gag virus-like particles.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1997

Topical application of low molecular weight heparin in a rabbit traumatic anastomosis model.

Low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) are antithrombotic drugs composed of lower molecular weight components of heparin with an apparent molecular weight in the range of 4.0-8.0 KDA. These agents have been used clinically for several years. They have different mechanisms of action compared to heparin, a longer half-life and much higher bioavailability. Anticoagulant drugs such as heparin have been used topically in our previous studies to avoid bleeding complications observed with systemic administration. In this study, low molecular weight heparin (Certoparin, Sandoz) was topically administered in a rabbit ear arterial crush-avulsion thrombosis model and compared with heparin. The animals were divided into three groups: LMWH, heparin and saline control groups. In the LMWH group, the patency rate was 71% (10 of 14) at both 1 and 7 days. The patency rate in the heparin group was 95% (19 of 20) at 24 hrs and 80% (16 of 20) at 7 days. In the saline control group, the vessel patency rate was 17% at 24 hrs and 13% at 7 days. Clotting times such as ACT, PT and APTT performed on samples drawn one hour after drug administration were within the normal ranges for both the control and the treatment groups. The results suggest that topical administration of LMWH prevents the occurrence of thrombosis at the traumatic anastomosis site to a similar degree as heparin.

Administration, Topical↗
PubMed1997

The diurnal rhythm in fetal heart rate in a twin pregnancy with discordant anencephaly: comparison with three normal twin pregnancies.

In a discordant anencephalic twin the hypothesis was tested that the fetal brain is necessary for the expression of a diurnal rhythm in fetal heart rate. Fetal heart rate recordings were made over a 24 h period in a discordant anencephalic twin pregnancy and in three normal twin pregnancies. Cosinor analysis was used to assess rhythmicity in fetal heart rate and maternal heart rate or activity. Correlations between maternal and fetal rhythms were calculated. A significant diurnal rhythm was found for the fetuses of the control twins, but in neither of the fetuses of the discordant anencephalic twin pregnancy. The maternal rhythm was 1-2 h in advance of the heart rate rhythms in all fetuses except the anencephalic one, whose heart rate did not show any correlation with the maternal diurnal rhythm. We conclude that the fetal brain contributes to the generation of the diurnal rhythm in fetal heart rate and synchronization of maternal-fetal rhythms.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Lytic replication of Epstein-Barr virus in the peripheral blood: analysis of viral gene expression in B lymphocytes during infectious mononucleosis and in the normal carrier state.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been shown to establish latency in resting B lymphocytes of the peripheral blood. This creates a virus reservoir in contrast to lytic virus replication, which is thought to be restricted to differentiated epithelial cells in vivo. So far, the route of transmission between B cells and the production of progeny virus in the epithelial tissue has remained unclear. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry analysis of 16 patients with acute infectious mononucleosis (IM) and 25 healthy seropositive donors was performed to detect lytic replication gene products in B lymphocytes of the peripheral blood. Transcriptional activity was found in peripheral blood B lymphocytes (PBLs) for BZLF1 in 88%, BALF2 in 50%, and BcLF1 in 25% of the tested IM patients. All positive results were further confirmed in enriched B-cell populations by antigen determination using immunostaining with the APAAP technique. Furthermore, we detected transcripts for BZLF1 in 72% and for BALF2 in 16% of peripheral B lymphocytes of healthy seropositive donors. In contrast to patients with IM, no signals for BcLF1 were ever found in healthy seropositive donors. In these individuals, lytic replication of EBV is probably restricted by immunologic and gene regulatory mechanisms, whereas in the absence of immunologic control, reflected here by IM patients, the production of infectious virus becomes visible in PBLs.

B-Lymphocytes↗
PubMed1997

The adenovirus E4orf6 protein can promote E1A/E1B-induced focus formation by interfering with p53 tumor suppressor function.

We have recently shown that the adenovirus type 5 E4orf6 protein interacts with the cellular tumor suppressor protein p53 and blocks p53 transcriptional functions. Here we report that the E4orf6 protein can promote focus formation of primary rodent epithelial cells in cooperation with adenovirus E1A and E1A plus E1B proteins. The E4orf6 protein can also inhibit p53-mediated suppression of E1A plus E1B-19kDa-induced focus formation. Mutant analysis of the E4orf6 protein demonstrates that these activities correlate with the ability of the adenovirus protein to relieve transcriptional repression mediated by the carboxyl-terminal region of p53 in transient transfection assays. We further demonstrate that expression of wild-type E4orf6 correlates with a dramatic reduction of p53 steady-state levels in transformed rat cells. Our data demonstrate that adenovirus type 5 encodes two different proteins, E1B-55kDa and E4orf6, that bind to p53 and contribute to transformation by modulating p53 transcriptional functions.

Adenovirus E1A Proteins↗
PubMed1997

Stress, coping, and social support as psychosocial factors in readmissions for ischaemic heart disease.

This exploratory investigation aimed to identify psychological and social factors associated with early (4 months postdischarge) readmission to hospital of persons with ischaemic heart disease (IHD). Data on stress (Stress Appraisal Scale), coping strategies (Ways of Coping Questionnaire), and social network/social support (Norbeck Social Support Questionnaire) were collected from 100 persons with the primary diagnosis of IHD prior to discharge from hospital. Twenty-four persons were readmitted during the 4-month study period. The sample was divided into two groups for analysis: (1) persons with a first admission for IHD, and (2) persons with a prior history of admission for IHD. In comparison to persons with multiple admissions for cardiac illness, first time admissions appraised their IHD as less central and threatening, perceived less affective and affirmational support from health professionals, and identified health professionals less and neighbours more as sources of support. Greater use of the coping strategy 'seeking social support' was associated with the readmission of persons who had had their first admission for IHD. Less use of the coping strategy 'accepting responsibility' was associated with the readmission of persons who had a history of prior admission for IHD.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1997

Short-term immunotherapy: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter study of molecular standardized grass and rye allergens in patients with grass pollen-induced allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Short-term immunotherapy (STI) can be beneficial for patients who are noncompliant with long-term specific immunotherapy. OBJECTIVE: The efficacy and tolerance of STI with seven preseasonal injections of molecular standardized allergens from grass and rye pollen has been investigated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter study with 87 patients at 12 German University hospitals. METHODS: Symptoms of the eyes, nose, and bronchi and use of symptomatic drugs were documented daily in diaries by patients with allergic rhinitis to grass and/or rye pollen and without bronchial asthma. Patients were monitored by skin prick test titration and measurement of levels of specific IgE and IgG4. RESULTS: The median nasal score for the 10 weeks with the strongest symptoms during the grass pollen season was significantly lower (p = 0.014) with 35.0 for STI (n = 41) versus 69.0 for placebo (n = 40); the overall symptom score was 54.0 for STI versus 97.5 for placebo (p = 0.020). Only STI-treated patients exposed to less than 40 pollen grains per cubic meter per week showed a significantly lower nasal symptom score of 39.0 versus 75.0 for placebo (p = 0.006); these patients also had fewer nasal symptoms and less use of topical nasal drugs (p < 0.001). The threshold dose in skin prick tests was significantly higher, being 9.06 histamine equivalent for skin prick test (HEP) for STI-treated patients who received the maximum dose (n = 22) versus 4.33 HEP for placebo (p = 0.005). Specific IgE levels were significantly higher, being 55.9 SU/ml for STI versus 39.2 SU/ml for placebo after seven injections (p = 0.006) and level of specific IgG4 was 5.36% for STI versus 1.28% for placebo (p < 0.001). No severe systemic reactions were observed. CONCLUSION: STI with seven preseasonal injections with molecular standardized allergens is effective and well tolerated.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Long-term impact of perinatal bereavement. Comparison of grief reactions after intrauterine versus neonatal death.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate possible differences in emotional impact on parents following either a deliberate intrauterine death or a neonatal death in extremely preterm growth retarded infants. DESIGN: Retrospectively matched study by audiotaped semi-structured interview, 3-9 years after the perinatal loss. RESULTS: Nineteen couples (ten in the intrauterine death group and nine in the neonatal death group) consented to participate. More than 50% of the intrauterine death group couples could not share or discuss their emotions. Most partners in this group did not feel the loss of their own child. Discongruent grieving between partners was more pronounced in the intrauterine death group and could be identified as a risk factor for prolonged and abnormal grief reactions. Four couples (three in the intrauterine death group and one in the neonatal death group) developed long-term emotional disturbance and psychosocial problems. Long-term follow-up in both groups was failing remarkably. CONCLUSION: Assimilating a non-intervention policy followed by fetal death requires different skills and is more complicated than grief support around an early neonatal death. Follow-up is essential to identify the couple 'at risk' and to mobilize extra support.

Affective Symptoms↗
PubMed1997

Impact of membrane choice and blood flow pattern on coagulation and heparin requirement--potential consequences on lipid concentrations.

BACKGROUND: We reasoned that procoagulant activity, and by implication heparin requirement, during haemodialysis are influenced, amongst other factors, by the type of membranes and the geometry of the blood line system. In addition, there are indications that heparin has dose-dependent effects on the lipid status of chronic haemodialysis patients. METHODS: In a parallel group design we compared patients treated with cuprophane (CU) and polycarbonate-polyether (PC-PE) plate dialysers. In both groups, blood line geometry was varied by including in a first phase and omitting in a second phase drip chambers in the arterial blood line. End-points were changes in coagulation parameters, i.e. thrombin-antithrombin III complex (TAT), plasmin-anti-plasmin complex (PAP), and prothrombin fragment (F1 + 2) concentrations measured by sandwich ELISA. Subsequently all patients were switched to PC-PE dialysers for 6 months and the heparin dose was reduced in a stepwise fashion. Lipid levels and coagulation parameters were monitored. Finally, in an ancillary study, the correlation between heparin dose and LDL/HDL ratio was assessed in patients chronically exposed to PC-PE membranes and low doses of heparin. RESULTS: Post-dialytic concentrations of coagulation and fibrinolysis parameters were significantly lower in the PC-PE group (TAT 31.0 +/- 4.4 micrograms/l; PAP 1180 +/- 148 micrograms/l; F1 + 2 4.2 +/- 0.4 nmol/l) compared to the CU group (TAT 57.3 +/- 10.8 micrograms/l; PAP 1789 +/- 185 micrograms/l; F1 + 2 8.8 +/- 1.0 nmol/l), independently of the use of an arterial drip chamber. Omission of the arterial drip chamber led to lower TAT in the CU group (42.2 +/- 5.8 micrograms/l, P < 0.05), but not in the PC-PE group. In contrast, PAP and F1 + 2 concentrations did not change significantly in either group. Down-titration of heparin dose (from 20.4 +/- 1.1 to 9.4 +/- 0.9 IU/kg/h) was associated with a significant decrease in serum triglycerides (from 2.9 +/- 0.9 to 2.0 +/- 0.6 mmol/l, P < 0.05), LDL-cholesterol (from 3.4 +/- 0.2 to 2.7 +/- 0.4 mmol/l, P < 0.05) and LDL/HDL-ratio (from 3.2 +/- 0.3 to 2.0 +/- 0.3, P < 0.05) with no significant change of total or HDL-cholesterol after 6 months. In an ancilliary analysis, a correlation between lipid parameters (LDL/HDL ratio) and heparin dose was confirmed in 24 patients chronically exposed to PC-PE membranes (r = 0.473, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In a prospective exploratory study (i) heparin requirement is lower with the use of a polycarbonate-polyether membrane compared to a cuprophane membrane, (ii) heparin requirement is influenced by blood line geometry (decreased with omission of an arterial drip chamber), and (iii) in patients on polycarbonate-polyether membranes down-titration of heparin is associated with a reduction of serum triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and LDL/HDL ratio. Our data suggest that reduction of heparin dose improves lipid profile. These preliminary observations require confirmation by parallel group controlled studies with controlled dietary intake.

Aged↗