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Biomedical subjects

S Jansen

Publications and source records attributed to S Jansen.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Low-fat and high-monounsaturated fatty acid diets decrease plasma cholesterol ester transfer protein concentrations in young, healthy, normolipemic men.

BACKGROUND: Cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) mediates the transfer of cholesteryl esters from HDL to apolipoprotein (apo) B-containing lipoproteins. The possible atherogenic role of this protein is controversial. Diet may influence plasma CETP concentrations. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine whether the changes in plasma lipids observed after consumption of 2 lipid-lowering diets are associated with changes in plasma CETP concentrations. DESIGN: : We studied 41 healthy, normolipidemic men over 3 consecutive 4-wk dietary periods: a saturated fatty acid-rich diet (SFA diet: 38% fat, 20% saturated fat), a National Cholesterol Education Program Step I diet (NCEP Step I diet: 28% fat, 10% saturated fat), and a monounsaturated fatty acid-rich diet (MUFA diet: 38% fat, 22% monounsaturated fat). Cholesterol content (27.5 mg/MJ) was kept constant during the 3 periods. Plasma concentrations of total, LDL, and HDL cholesterol; triacylglycerol; apo A-I and B; and CETP were measured at the end of each dietary period. RESULTS: Compared with the SFA diet, both lipid-lowering diets significantly decreased plasma total and LDL cholesterol, apo B, and CETP. Only the NCEP Step I diet lowered plasma HDL cholesterol. Positive, significant correlations were found between plasma CETP and total (r = 0.3868, P < 0.0001) and LDL (r = 0.4454, P < 0.0001) cholesterol and also between changes in CETP concentrations and those of total (r = 0.4543, P < 0.0001) and LDL (r = 0.4554, P < 0.0001) cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS: The isoenergetic substitution of a high-saturated fatty acid diet with an NCEP Step I or a high-monounsaturated fatty acid diet decreases plasma CETP concentrations.

Adult↗

Wood anatomy of Elaeagnaceae, with comments on vestured pits, helical thickenings, and systematic relationships.

The secondary xylem of Elaeagnus, Hippophae, and Shepherdia is described and illustrated in detail. Shrubs and small trees of Elaeagnaceae have ring-porous or semi-ring-porous wood with simple perforation plates, vascular tracheids, fiber-tracheids, diffuse or rarely paratracheal axial parenchyma, and uni- or biseriate rays in Hippophae and Shepherdia, but wider rays in Elaeagnus. Walls of vessel elements, especially narrow ones, tracheids, or fiber-tracheids sometimes show helical thickenings; in a few instances these intergrade with small bud-like protrusions associated with pits. Scanning electron microscopy illustrates that small to vestigial vestures are present in all species studied, although nonvestured pits are also common. The analogous nature of vestures and helical thickenings is considered. Comparative wood anatomy suggests a rather isolated position of the family Elaeagnaceae; affinities with Rhamnaceae, Proteaceae, and Thymelaeaceae are discussed.

Journal Article↗

[The diet rich in monounsaturated fat modifies in a beneficial way carbohydrate metabolism and arterial pressure].

OBJECTIVE: Two dietary regimens recommended for the reduction of coronary risk, by way of their effects on lipid profile, are the diet low in saturated fat and a diet rich in monounsaturated fats (MUFA). However the effects of these diets on carbohydrate metabolism in healthy subjects are not well known. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of both diets on various parameters of carbohydrate metabolism. METHODS: 41 healthy young males were submitted to 3 consecutive diets, each for a duration of 4 weeks. The first diet was rich in saturated fat (SAT) (38% fat, 20% saturated). The second was rich in carbohydrates following the recommendations of the NCEP-I (National Cholesterol Education Program type I) (28% fat, 47% carbohydrates). The last one was a diet rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (38% fat, 22% MUFA). At the end of each dietary period, blood pressure (BP) and blood levels of glucose, insulin and free fatty acids were determined. 29 subjects were also submitted to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at the end of each diet. RESULTS: The SAT diet induced the highest levels of insulin after the OGTT. The consumption of the MUFA diet determined the lowest levels of fasting blood glucose (-0.60 mmol/l [13%], p < 0.0002), insulin (-9 microUl/ml [47%], p < 0.0002) and free fatty acids (-0.11 mmol/l [24%], p = 0.006), compared to the NCEP-I diet. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were higher in the NCEP-I diet than during the other periods (SBP: +6 mmHg compare with SAT [5%], p = 0.0001; and +5 mmHg compare with MUFA [4%], p = 0.0001; DBP: +20 mmHg compare with MUFA [27%], p = 0.0001) and +6 mmHg compared with SAT [8%], p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Of the diets most commonly used for the treatment and prevention of arteriosclerosis, a diet rich in monounsaturated fats is the most beneficial for the healthy population from the point of view of carbohydrate metabolism and blood pressure.

Adult↗

[The Mediterranean diet improves the profile of male smokers compared with the diet recommended by the American Cholesterol Program (NCEP-I)].

BACKGROUND: A study of the effect of smokers' diets on their atherogenic lipidic profile. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 41 healthy males (32 non-smokers and 9 smokers) consumed consecutively a diet low in fat and rich in carbohydrates (28% total fat content < 10% saturated fats, and 57% carbohydrates), and a diet rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (38% total fat content with 22% monounsaturated fats). At the end of each dietary period, adhesion was confirmed by quantification of LDL cholesterol esters, plasma lipids and insulin levels. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the age or the body mass of the groups of smokers or non-smokers. After both diets tobacco was found to have a significant effect on triglyceride levels (p < 0.0007), HDLc (p < 0.007), apo A-I (p < 0.02) and the LDLc/HDLc ratio (p < 0.005), revealing an interaction between diet and both HDLc levels (p < 0.004) and LDLc/HDLc ratios (p < 0.003). With the low fat and high monounsaturated fatty acid content diets smokers presented higher triglyceride levels (both with p < 0.0002) and LDLc/HDLc ratios (p < 0.0002 and p < 0.05, respectively) and lower levels of apo A-I (p < 0.002 and p < 0.004, respectively). However, in smokers the HDLc levels were only reduced after the low fat diet (p < 0.0003) and after the diet with a high monounsaturated fat content there was a rise in HDLc levels (p < 0.02) and a drop in the LDLc/HDLc ratio (p < 0.005) compared to the group of non-smokers. There were no significant differences in the insulin levels between groups. CONCLUSION: The atherogenic lipidic profile of smokers is due to an effect of tobacco on the lipidic metabolism. This atherogenic profile is accentuated with a low fat diet rich in carbohydrates and can be rectified to some degree with a diet with a high monounsaturated fatty acid content.

Adult↗

Cardiopulmonary bypass reduces pulmonary surfactant activity in infants.

OBJECTIVE: Infants younger than 1 year of age undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery often have severe lung injury necessitating increased postoperative respiratory mechanical support. Inasmuch as the mechanisms may involve an impairment of the pulmonary surfactant system, our aim was to determine whether changes of surfactant occur in such infants. METHODS: From the day of the operation to day 7 after the operation, serial tracheobronchial small-volume lavages of 19 infants (aged 166 +/- 29 days) were fractionated into a small and a large surfactant aggregate fraction and compared with those of 13 infants without lung disease (aged 203 +/- 33 days). RESULTS: After cardiac operations with cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, total protein in lavages was increased 3-fold to 4-fold and decreased linearly with time. Surfactant protein A was increased on day 1 and day 2 and then decreased, whereas surfactant protein B and total phospholipids were increased on day 1. The ratio of phospholipids in small and large surfactant fractions was unchanged, but the surface activity of the large-aggregate surfactant was impaired on days 1 to 3. CONCLUSIONS: Lung injury in infants after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery involves significant biochemical and functional disturbances of the pulmonary surfactant system. Inasmuch as substitution with natural surfactant might correct these deficiencies, the potential of this approach to reduce postoperative morbidity needs to be investigated.

Biomarkers↗

Site-directed mutagenesis of boar proacrosin reveals residues involved in binding of zona pellucida glycoproteins.

Proacrosin, the zymogen form of the serine protease beta-acrosin, is thought to function as a secondary binding molecule between mammalian gametes during fertilization (Jansen et al., 1995: Int J Dev Biol 39, 501-510). The interaction involves strong ionic bonds between positively charged amino acids on proacrosin and negatively charged polysulphate groups on zona pellucida glycoproteins. In this investigation, we identified the basic residues on proacrosin that are important for this binding. Site-directed mutagenesis shows that two groups of amino acids comprising His47, Arg50, and Arg51 together with Arg250, Lys252, and Arg253 are crucial because their deletion or replacement severely reduces affinity for zona glycoproteins. Molecular models of proacrosin reveal that these residues are located along one face of the protein on two exposed surface loops that project over and around the catalytic site. These findings support the hypothesis that polysulphate binding sites on proacrosin are formed by a restricted number of basic amino acids on the surface of the protein, presenting a specific orientation that is complementary to negatively charged sulphate groups on zona glycoproteins. Identification and elucidation of the stereochemistry of these charged moieties will aid design of new kinds of nonsteroidal antifertility agents.

Acrosin↗

Mutation analysis in familial hypercholesterolemia patients of different ancestries: identification of three novel LDLR gene mutations.

Twelve familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) patients of different ancestries living in South Africa were subjected to mutation analysis of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene. Nine different mutations were identified in 10 patients. Six of these, including the founder-related mutation C660X identified in two Lebanese patients, have previously been described in other FH patients with compatible genetic backgrounds, and/or in patients originating from countries where admixture is not uncommon. Characterization of an abnormal electrophoresis pattern detected in exon 4 of the LDLR gene by heteroduplex single-strand conformation polymorphism (HEX-SSCP) analysis, revealed a novel G deletion at codon 185 (617delG) which resulted in a downstream stop codon. Two of the new mutations identified resulted in amino acid substitutions and were designated R57C and Q357P.

Apolipoproteins B↗

The SstI polymorphism of the apolipoprotein C-III gene determines the insulin response to an oral-glucose-tolerance test after consumption of a diet rich in saturated fats.

The S2 allele of the SstI polymorphism of the apolipoprotein (apo) C-III gene has been associated with elevated triacylglycerol concentrations, high blood pressure, and increased risk of coronary artery disease, all of which are characteristic of an insulin-resistant state. To study the effect of this mutation on carbohydrate metabolism in healthy persons, we gave 41 male subjects 3 consecutive diets. The first was rich in saturated fat [15% protein, 47% carbohydrate, 38% fat (20% saturated)], the second was a National Cholesterol Education Program Step 1 diet [15% protein, 57% carbohydrate, 28% fat (< 10% saturated)], and the last was rich in monounsaturated fat [15% protein, 47% carbohydrate, 38% fat (22% monounsaturated, < 10% saturated)]. At the end of each dietary period, subjects received an oral-glucose-tolerance test (OGTT). Apo C-III genotype significantly affected basal glucose concentrations (P < 0.045) and insulin concentrations after the OGTT (P < 0.012). APOC3*S1/APOC3*S2 subjects (n = 13) had higher insulin concentrations after the OGTT than APOC3*S1/APOC3*S1 subjects (n = 28) in the 3 periods (diet 1: P < 0.0004; diet 2: P < 0.01; diet 3: P < 0.008). Multiple regression analysis showed that this polymorphism predicted the insulin response to the OGTT (P < 0.031) and the difference between basal insulin concentrations and insulin concentrations after the OGTT (P < 0.002) with the saturated fat diet. In summary, our results suggest that the mutation in the apo C-III gene affects insulin response to an OGTT, which could result in reduced sensitivity to insulin, especially when persons consume diets rich in saturated fat.

Administration, Oral↗

Plasma lipid response to hypolipidemic diets in young healthy non-obese men varies with body mass index.

Lipid response to dietary fat is highly variable among individuals of a population. The aim of this study was to establish whether being overweight is one of the factors that determines this response. Forty-one non-obese healthy men were divided into two groups according to body mass index as follows: controls, <25 kg/m2; overweight, >25 kg/m2 but <30 kg/m2. After consuming a saturated fat-rich diet (SAT diet: 38% fat, 20% saturated) for 4 wk, subjects were switched to a low fat diet [National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP)-I diet: 28% fat, 10% saturated] for 4 wk and then to a monounsaturated fat-rich diet (MUFA diet: 38% fat, 22% monounsaturated) for 4 wk. Data were analyzed by Student's t test and two-way ANOVA for repeated measures. After consuming the NCEP-I diet, the overweight subjects had a smaller decrease relative to the SAT diet period in plasma total cholesterol [-0.30 vs. -0.67 mmol/L (-7 vs. -16%), P < 0.02] and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol concentrations [-0.24 vs. -0.55 mmol/L (-9 vs. -21%), P < 0.04] than controls. However, in the overweight subjects, the MUFA diet produced a greater decrease in plasma triglycerides than in the controls relative to the SAT diet period [-0.36 vs. -0.03 mmol/L (-26 vs. -4%), P < 0.006] and to the NCEP-I diet period [-0.29 vs. 0. 01 mmol/L (-22 vs. 1%), P < 0.01). Plasma cholesterol concentrations changed to a lesser extent, and triglyceride concentration to a greater extent, in overweight but non-obese young men than in those of normal weight in response to changes in dietary fat composition. Our data suggest that in the diet treatment of obese hyperlipemic subjects, it is more important for them to lose weight than to change the fat composition of their diets.

Adult↗

Emulation of an ELISA reader and quantitative image analysis using the computer program Digital-OD.

Here, we present a Microsoft Windows application that has been written to emulate a microplate reader. After scanning a standard 96-well microplate, color gradations in the slots can be analyzed quantitatively and be used for the estimation of enzyme kinetics, binding assays or concentration determination. In a test, series accuracy of the program was determined. We show that the returned optical densities correlated highly with the true concentrations (r > 0.97). Thus, the software is useful for a wide number of applications. Further, the program is easy to handle and is available free of charge.

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay↗

[Pulmonary hemosiderosis and gastroesophageal reflux in an infant].

Pulmonary hemosiderosis (PH) has been described in association with a variety of immunological and non-immunological diseases. It is characterised by iron-deficiency anaemia, hemoptysis and diffuse pulmonary infiltrates based on recurrent intraalveolar hemorrhages. We present the case of a child with pulmonary hemosiderosis and a pathological gastroesophageal reflux activity. The child suffered from recurrent anaemic episodes the age of three months (hemoglobin level up to 5.4 g/dl). The symptoms decreased after removal of the gastroesophageal reflux and accompanying steroid therapy. There has been one relapse of pulmonary hemorrhage seven months later (hemoglobin level 6.1 g/dl). Since then the patient has been in good general condition and the steroid was slowly reduced. No more anaemic episodes occurred. We discuss a possible association of pathological gastroesophageal reflux activity in pulmonary hemosiderosis.

Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid↗

Bezafibrate and lovastatin decrease the oxidizability of low-density lipoproteins in heart transplant recipients with hyperlidemia.

BACKGROUND: Oxidized low-density lipoprotein plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. We evaluated the effect of two lipid-lowering drugs, bezafibrate and lovastatin, on the susceptibility of low-density lipoproteins for oxidation in vitro in 21 heart transplant recipients with hyperlipidemia. METHODS: Patients were given the same diet for 3 months, and after that they were randomized to lovastatin or bezafibrate for a period of 8 weeks and then crossed over to an additional 8 weeks of either bezafibrate or lovastatin. Baseline parameters were also compared with those of a control group of healthy subjects and after both periods of pharmacologic treatment. RESULTS: The low-density lipoproteins of transplant recipients presents a shorter lag time than in control subjects (64+/-3 vs 80+/-4 minutes, respectively). This parameter increases after both bezafibrate and lovastatin treatment (83+/-5 and 80+/-4 minutes, respectively). Moreover, we did observe a negative correlation between insulinemia and the lag time of oxidation after bezafibrate treatment (r = -0.5014, P < .021) and between the polyunsaturated fatty acids/monounsaturated fatty acids ratio in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol esters and lag time after lovastatin treatment (r = -0.4631, P < .04). CONCLUSIONS: Bezafibrate and lovastatin decrease the oxidizability of low-density lipoproteins in heart transplant recipients with hyperlipemia.

Bezafibrate↗

Influence of the SstI polymorphism at the apolipoprotein C-III gene locus on the plasma low-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol response to dietary monounsaturated fat.

The plasma lipid response to changes in dietary fat and cholesterol can vary between individuals. The SstI polymorphism, arising from a cytosine to guanosine substitution in the 3' untranslated region of the APOC3 gene distinguishes between two alleles--S1 and S2. The S2 allele has been associated with elevated plasma triacylglycerol, cholesterol, and apolipoprotein (apo) C-III concentrations. In 90 young men we examined the effect of the same mutation on the response of low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol to dietary monounsaturated fat. The frequency for the S2 allele was 0.14. Subjects were fed a low-fat diet for 25 d, followed by a diet rich in monounsaturated fatty acid (22% MUFA, 38% total fat) for 28 d; lipoproteins were measured at the end of each diet. There were no significant differences in initial total cholesterol between subjects with the APOC3*S1/APOC3*S1 (S1/S1) and APOC3*S1/APOC3*S2 (S1/S2) genotypes. After consumption of the diet high in MUFA, significant increases in LDL cholesterol (0.13 mmol/L, P < 0.027) were noted in the S1/S1 subjects whereas a significant decrease was observed in the S1/S2 subjects (-0.18 mmol/L, P < 0.046). Significant genotypic effects were seen for diet-induced changes in LDL cholesterol (P < 0.00034), total cholesterol (P < 0.009), and apo B (P < 0.0014). A study of the effect of the interaction between this mutation with that present in position -76 of the APOA1 gene promoter region (G/A) revealed that both mutations had an additive effect on changes in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and apo B induced by diets. Plasma LDL-cholesterol responsiveness to the diet may be explained, at least in part, by variation at the APOC3 gene locus.

Adult↗

Effect of 347-serine mutation in apoprotein A-IV on plasma LDL cholesterol response to dietary fat.

Lipid response to dietary fat and cholesterol is, to a large extent, genetically controlled. Apoprotein (apo) A-IV has been related to fat absorption and to the activation of some of the enzymes involved in lipid metabolism. One mutation has been described in the apo A-IV gene that causes substitution of Ser for Thr at position 347. To study the influence of this mutation on the plasma LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) response in diets of various fat content and fatty acid saturation, 41 healthy male subjects were studied, 25 of whom were homozygous for the Thr allele (347Thr) and the rest who were either homozygous (n = 2) or heterozygous carriers of the Ser allele (347Ser). They consumed three consecutive diets, each of 4 weeks' duration: one rich in saturated fat (SFA diet: 38% fat, 20% saturated), a National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) type 1 diet (28% fat, 10% saturated), and a third rich in monounsaturated fat (MUFA diet; 38% fat, 22% monounsaturated). Carriers of the 347Ser allele presented a greater decrease in total cholesterol (-0.7 vs -0.44 mmol/L, P < .034), LDL-C (-0.62 vs -0.31 mmol/L, P < .012), and apo B (-14 vs -8 mg/dL, P < .01) levels when they were switched from the SFA to the NCEP type 1 diet than homozygous carriers of the 347Thr allele. The change from the NCEP type 1 to the MUFA diet resulted in a greater increase in total cholesterol (0.18 vs -0.05 mmol/L, P < .028) and apo B (5 vs -1 mg/dL, P < .006) levels in the 347Ser than in the 347Thr individuals. In a previous study, we demonstrated that the G-->A polymorphism at position -76 of the gene promoter of apo A-I affects the LDL-C response to dietary fat. We therefore decided to study the effect of the interaction between these mutations on this response. We found that both mutations have an additive effect on total cholesterol, LDL-C, and apo B dietary-induced changes. Our results suggest that total cholesterol and LDL-C response to dietary fat is influenced by the 347Ser mutation of apo A-IV.

Adult↗

Dietary fat clearance in normal subjects is modulated by genetic variation at the apolipoprotein B gene locus.

Apolipoprotein B (apo B) plays a dominant role in cholesterol homeostasis. Several polymorphic sites within or adjacent to the gene locus for apo B have been detected. The X+ allele (XbaI restriction site present) of the XbaI restriction fragment polymorphism on the apo B gene has been found in some studies to be associated with higher serum cholesterol and/or triglyceride levels and with greater dietary response. The present study was designed to evaluate whether the apo B XbaI polymorphism was associated with the interindividual variability observed during postprandial lipemia. Fifty-one healthy young male volunteers [20 X-/X- (X-), and 31 X+/X- or X+/X+ (X+)], homozygotes for the apo E3 allele, were subjected to a vitamin A-fat load test. Subjects with the X- genotype had significantly greater retinyl palmitate (RP) and apo B-48 postprandial responses on both the large and the small TRL lipoprotein fractions compared with X+ subjects. In summary, subjects with the X-/X- genotype at the apo B locus have a greater postprandial response than X+ subjects. These differences observed in postprandial lipoprotein metabolism could explain some of the reported associations of this polymorphism to coronary heart disease risk.

Adolescent↗