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Clinical evaluation of a new dialyzer, FLX-12 GW, with a polyester-polymer alloy membrane.

The performance of a membrane in renal failure therapy is determined by its structure, its overall mass transfer properties, and its blood compatibility. In this regard, removal of beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2M) has become a major objective of dialysis therapy. In the present study, a newly developed high-flux membrane composed of a polyester-polymer alloy (PEPA) with the components of polyarylate and polyethersulfone (dialyzer FLX-12 GW; Nikkiso Co., Japan) has been evaluated with regard to both biocompatibility and elimination capacity for beta 2M during hemodialysis of 8 stable chronic uremic patients. The clearance values of low molecular weight solutes were in the same range as those reported for high-flux dialyzers of comparable surface area. There was no drop in leukocyte counts and only a minimal fall in platelet counts nearly in the same range as has been observed by other investigators using polyamide membrane. C3a Des Arg generation was low, and C5a Des Arg formation was not significantly influenced. There was a sharp drop in the serum beta 2M level (-35%) during dialysis with a clearance between 59.7 +/- 5.6 ml/min (QB 200 ml/min) and 70.1 +/- 9.7 ml/min (QB 300 ml/min), respectively. Accordingly, the sieving coefficient was calculated to be 0.2 at 30 min after start of dialysis and 0.6 1 h later. The membrane was able to remove 184.0 +/- 22.3 mg/4 h due to an apparent rate of adsorption during the first hour of treatment in combination with high transmembrane transfer in the following time.

Adult↗

Pretreatment with methylprednisolone in coronary artery bypass grafting influences the levels of histamine and tryptase in serum but not in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.

1. The presence of histamine and tryptase in serum during and after coronary artery bypass grafting may be an indication of the induction of inflammation. 2. One group of patients received no glucocorticoids and a second group received methylprednisolone before extracorporeal circulation. In the steroid group no effects were seen on the basal levels of histamine (2.84 +/- 0.12 ng/ml) and tryptase (0.50 +/- 0.05 ng/ml) during and after surgery. In the other group two peak levels of histamine were observed: one at 10 min after starting extracorporeal circulation (4.19 +/- 1.79 ng/ml) and another at 4 h after surgery (8.26 +/- 4.85 ng/ml). In this group tryptase was only elevated during the period of extracorporeal circulation (1.54 +/- 0.16 ng/ml). 3. There were no differences between the two groups in complement activation. C3a levels rose to 170 +/- 8% and 180 +/- 10% of the initial value in the steroid and non-steroid group, respectively. 4. It was concluded that during surgery mast cells were activated, but since tryptase levels decreased in the post-operative period, the second increase in the histamine level can be explained by activation of basophils or by an unknown mechanism for the release of histamine but not tryptase by mast cells. 5. In the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid the levels of histamine and tryptase showed no differences between the two groups of patients, but histamine was enhanced compared with normal levels.

Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid↗

Mast cells are not required for anaphylatoxin-induced ileal smooth muscle contraction.

The complement-derived anaphylatoxin peptides, C3a and C5a, have long been considered to manifest their spasmogenic activities primarily through stimulation of mast cells. Although mast cells represent the major non-circulating repository for histamine, these cells also elaborate a number of additional, highly potent spasmogenic mediators derived from arachidonic acid. The same lipid mediators can be released by many other cell types. As a result, evaluation of the role of mast cells in anaphylatoxin-dependent responses cannot be based exclusively upon an analysis of the mediators released. We evaluated the role of mast cells in anaphylatoxin-induced ileal smooth muscle contractions by testing isolated segments of ileal tissues derived from genetically mast cell-deficient mice and their congenic normal (+/+) littermates. Isolated tissues from either congenic normal (+/+) or mast cell-deficient Sl/Sld mice responded similarly to acetylcholine, histamine, serotonin, prostaglandin E2, and the thromboxane A2 analog, U-46619. At 1 microgram/ml, histamine induced contractions of greater magnitude in tissues from mast cell-deficient animals; however, this mediator also desensitized the tissues to repeat challenge with histamine at the same concentration. C5a at 1 nM resulted in contractions equivalent to approximately 50% of the maximal KCl response; normal and mast cell-deficient tissues responded in a similar manner. C5a also released histamine from the normal mouse ileum, in addition to causing contraction of the tissues. C3a at 200 nM also produced similar contractile responses in both +/+ and S1/S1d tissues. These studies show that the anaphylatoxin peptides C3a and C5a are capable of contracting smooth muscle-containing tissues by a mechanism completely independent of mast cells. In addition, we also demonstrated that mast cell degranulation does not necessarily provoke ileal contraction. Thus compound 48/80, a mast cell degranulating agent unrelated to the anaphylatoxins, did not induce contractions in ileal tissues, even when used at concentrations as high as 100 micrograms/ml. Compound 48/80 did release histamine from the +/+ ileum, however, indicating that the agent was able to cause degranulation of ileal mast cells. Taken together, these data indicate that spasmogenic responses to anaphylatoxins (and possibly other agents) that are associated with mast cell degranulation need not necessarily require mast cell mediator release for their expression.

Animals↗

Monitoring the response to injury.

Tissue trauma leads to a severity-dependent activation of plasma and cellular systems. This response can be recorded by determining parameters which represent the activation state of these systems. In severely injured patients with multiple trauma three out of 14 parameters measured at the time of admission proved to be indicators of subsequent septic complications with a high degree of accuracy: Fibrinopeptide A (FPA--the first split product of fibrinogen), the C3 split product C3a, and the elastase-alpha 1 proteinase inhibitor-complex (E alpha 1 PI). In a second series of multiple-injured patients with femoral fractures who did not develop clinical sepsis (N = 25) these parameters were measured continuously to evaluate the influence of injury severity and of therapeutic strategy on the further course. We found a strong correlation between injury severity (ISS) and the degree of activation. The signs of activation decreased rapidly following immediate operative fixation, and remained elevated or even increased after primary femoral traction and secondary stabilization. The operative procedure did not cause any additional activation. Complications such as infection or the formation of haematomas were reflected by raised parameter levels.

Adolescent↗

Cardiac surgery with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest produces less systemic inflammatory response than low-flow cardiopulmonary bypass in newborns.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare low-flow cardiopulmonary bypass with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in respect to the influence on the systemic inflammatory response. METHODS: Twenty-three infants weighing less than 10 kg and scheduled for repair of congenital malformations were enrolled in a randomized, controlled study. Eleven patients underwent cardiac surgery with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (the DHCA group). Low-flow cardiopulmonary bypass was used in another 12 patients (the LF group). Interleukin 6 and 8 and anaphylatoxin C3a levels were measured 6 times perioperatively. Also, perioperative weight gain and a radiologic soft-tissue index were compared. RESULTS: All patients had an uneventful clinical course. Duration of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest was 40 +/- 4 minutes; the bypass time was significantly shorter in the DHCA group (85 +/- 8 vs 130 +/- 19 minutes). However, the duration of the operation was similar in both groups (245 +/- 30 vs 246 +/- 30 minutes). During cardiopulmonary bypass (rewarming), the concentration of C3a (3751 +/- 388 vs 5761 +/- 1688 ng/mL, mean +/- SEM) was significantly lower in the DHCA group than in the LF group. The interleukin 8 level was significantly lower, and the interleukin 6 level had a tendency to be lower in the DHCA group compared with levels in the LF group. There was less weight gain on the first postoperative day in the DHCA group (65 +/- 61 vs 408 +/- 118 g). The soft-tissue index suggested reduced edema formation in the DHCA group. CONCLUSION: Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest produces less systemic inflammatory response than low-flow cardiopulmonary bypass. In addition, there is an indication of less fluid accumulation postoperatively.

Blood Pressure↗

Hemofiltration during cardiopulmonary bypass in pediatric cardiac surgery. Effects on hemostasis, cytokines, and complement components.

BACKGROUND: This prospective study was intended to determine in a homogeneous population of children whether hemofiltration, performed during cardiopulmonary bypass rewarming, is able to improve hemodynamics and biologic hemostasis variables, to reduce postoperative blood loss, time to extubation, and plasma cytokines, and complement fragments. METHODS: Thirty-two children undergoing surgical correction of tetralogy of Fallot were randomly assigned to a hemofiltration or control group. Hemofiltration was performed with a polysulphone hemofilter during rewarming of cardiopulmonary bypass. Plasma clotting factors, D-dimers, antithrombin-III, complement fragments C3a and C5a, interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were measured before and after hemofiltration. Systemic mean arterial pressure, left atrial pressure, time to extubation, and postoperative blood loss were monitored. RESULTS: In the hemofiltration group, significant reductions in 24-h blood loss (250 (176-356) vs. 319 (182-500) ml/m2, median (minimum-maximum), time to extubation (15 (9-22) vs. 19 (11-24) h), plasma concentrations of C3a, C5a, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were observed compared to control. Arterial oxygen tension on admission to the intensive care unit was significantly greater in the hemofiltration group (136 +/- 20 vs. 103 +/- 25 mmHg, mean +/- SD). Significant increases in mean arterial pressure, clotting factors, and antithrombin-III were noted for the hemofiltration group. No intergroup difference was observed in left atrial pressure, platelets count, D-dimers, interleukin-8, and duration of stay in the intensive care unit. CONCLUSIONS: Hemofiltration during cardiopulmonary bypass in children improves hemodynamics and early postoperative oxygenation and reduces postoperative blood loss and duration of mechanical ventilation. Hemofiltration is able to remove some major mediators of the inflammatory response.

Cardiopulmonary Bypass↗

[Does temperature in extracorporeal circulation affect neutrophil-endothelium interactions?].

The increasing interest in "warm" aerobic cardioplegia requires a critical reevaluation of the systemic effects of the associated normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). As activated neutrophils seem to be essential mediators of the inflammatory response to CPB via the cytotoxicity of the products that are released during their adhesion to endothelial cells, the authors undertook a study of the influence of temperature on the interaction between the neutrophils and the endothelium in 95 patients undergoing warm (31-33.5 degrees C, n = 49) and cold (26-27 degrees C, n = 46) CPB surgery. Blood sampling was performed before, during and after CPB. The following markers of neutrophil-endocardium interaction were analysed: complement activation (C3a), cytokine production (tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukines 1, 6 and 8, and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist); endothelial expression of cytokine-dependent [intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)] and cytokine-independent (P-selectin) adhesion molecules (P-selectin); expression of cytokine molecules on the surface of polynuclear neutrophils (CD11a, CD11b, CD11c); and finally, endothelial adhesion and transendothelial migration of neutrophils (interleukin 8 and elastase). The results showed that, irrespective of temperature, CPB was associated with changes strongly suggestive of phenomena of transendothelial adhesion and migration. Moreover, normothermia increased the intensity of the inflammatory response as shown by increased cytokine production, earlier expression of neutrophil adhesion molecules and increased elastase production.

Aged↗

Human cytokine responses to coronary artery bypass grafting with and without cardiopulmonary bypass.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is associated with a systemic inflammatory response. This has been attributed to cytokine release caused by extracorporeal circulation and myocardial ischemia. This study compares the inflammatory response after CABG with cardiopulmonary bypass and after minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting (MIDCABG) without cardiopulmonary bypass. METHODS: Cytokine release and complement activation (interleukin-6 and interleukin-8, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors 1 and 2, complement factor C3a, and C1 esterase inhibitor) were determined in 24 patients before and after CABG or MIDCABG. The maximum body temperature, chest drainage, and fluid balance were recorded for 24 hours after operation. RESULTS: Release of interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor receptors 1 and 2 was significantly higher (p < or = 0.005) in the CABG group than the MIDCABG group just after operation. After 24 hours, a significant increase in interleukin-6 was also found in the MIDCABG group (p = 0.001) compared with preoperative value. Body temperature and fluid balance were significantly higher after CABG (p < or = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass grafting represents a less traumatizing technique of surgical revascularization. The reduction in the inflammatory response may be advantageous for patients with a high degree of comorbidity.

Aged↗

Clinical evaluation of a new high-flux cellulose acetate membrane.

One major goal of dialysis therapy has become the removal of beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-m). The interdialytic elimination of beta 2-m was studied using a newly developed high-flux cellulose acetate (CA) membrane. The results show that high-flux CA dialyzers offer better biocompatibility than classical Cuprophan or high-flux Cuprophan devices, with regard to leukopenia, C3a desarg generation, and elastase release from polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes. Compared to high-flux CA membranes, high-flux PMMA membranes induce less C3a desarg formation but comparable leukopenia. High-flux PMMA membranes, however cause greater leukocyte stimulation than CA as demonstrated by more PMN elastase release during hemodialysis. Using high-flux CA or high-flux PMMA membranes, serum beta 2-m levels decreased 32% during dialysis. Serum beta 2-m dropped 10% with high-flux Cuprophan membranes, but remained unchanged with conventional Cuprophan dialyzers. Sieving coefficients for beta 2-microglobulin (beta 2-m) were virtually zero with classical Cuprophan and 0.66 with high-flux cellulose acetate membranes. High-flux membranes made of Cuprophan and PMMA gave coefficients of 0.25 and 0.45, respectively. This indicates the high removal capacity of the new CA-membrane for substances with high molecular weight. This high-flux CA membrane thus appears to combine a good degree of biocompatibility with a high capacity for beta 2-m removal.

Adult↗

Superiority of centrifugal pump over roller pump in paediatric cardiac surgery: prospective randomised trial.

OBJECTIVE: The merits of centrifugal pump in adult cardiopulmonary bypass are well established. This study compares the effects of the Medtronic Biomedicus centrifugal pump with conventionally used roller pump in routine cardiopulmonary bypass in infants and children. METHODS: Between June 1996 and March 1997, 42 children (aged 2 days-13 years) undergoing elective cardiac surgery were assigned to either centrifugal or roller pump bypass. The following variables were studied: haemolysis (haematocrit, free plasma haemoglobin, haptoglobins), platelet activity (platelet counts, Beta-thromboglobulin), leukocyte count, cytokine release (IL-2, IL-6, IL-8), complement activation (C3a and C5a), blood and blood product requirements, urine output on bypass, post-operative blood urea, duration of ventilation, intensive care and hospital stay. RESULTS: Age, weight, disease complexity, duration of bypass, and a number of other variables were comparable in the two groups. The centrifugal pump resulted in lower plasma free haemoglobin (mean +/- SD, 50 +/- 23 vs. 72 +/- 35 mg/dl, P < 0.01), higher platelet count (133.1 +/- 34.8 vs. 63.5 +/- 29.6 x 10(9)/l, P < 0.01), less platelet activation (beta-TG 1253 +/- 633 vs. 1657 +/- 677 ng/ml; P < 0.05), less cytokine release (IL-6 329 +/- 57 vs. 392 +/- 59 pg/ml; P < 0.05), and reduced levels of C3a (4822 +/- 274 vs. 5933 +/- 393 ng/ml, P < 0.01). Differences were detected in favour of the centrifugal pump in urine output on bypass (4.1 +/- 0.5 vs. 2.3 +/- 1.9 ml/kg per h, P < 0.01), post-operative maximal urea (6.5 +/- 3.1 vs. 10.2 +/- 6.7 mmol/l, P < 0.02), ventilation time (18.9 + 6.5 vs. 56.5 + 51.7 h, P < 0.01), duration of intensive care (1.4 +/- 0.79 vs. 3.33 +/- 2.8 days, P < 0.05) and hospital stay (5.7 +/- 1.4 vs. 15.75 +/- 23.9 days, P < 0.01), but not in blood and blood product requirements (RCC: 11.26 +/- 4.6 vs. 10.77 +/- 4.2 ml/kg per 24 h, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The centrifugal pump as compared to roller pump results in less blood trauma, reduced platelet activation and less pronounced inflammatory response. There is also an improved renal response during and after bypass. This is translated clinically into reduced requirement for ventilation, shorter intensive care and hospital stays. These results strongly favour the use of centrifugal pump in routine paediatric cardiac surgery.

Adolescent↗

Chemokine production by G protein-coupled receptor activation in a human mast cell line: roles of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and NFAT.

Chemoattractants are thought to be the first mediators generated at sites of bacterial infection. We hypothesized that signaling through G protein-coupled chemoattractant receptors may stimulate cytokine production. To test this hypothesis, a human mast cell line (HMC-1) that normally expresses receptors for complement components C3a and C5a at low levels was stably transfected to express physiologic levels of fMLP receptors. We found that fMLP, but not C3a or C5a, induced macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1ss (CCL4) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (CCL2) mRNA and protein. Although fMLP stimulated both sustained Ca(2+) mobilization and phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), these responses to C3a or C5a were transient. However, transient expression of C3a receptors in HMC-1 cells rendered the cells responsive to C3a for sustained Ca(2+) mobilization and MIP-1ss production. The fMLP-induced chemokine production was blocked by pertussis toxin, PD98059, and cyclosporin A, which respectively inhibit G(i)alpha activation, mitgen-activated protein kinase kinase-mediated ERK phosphorylation, and calcineurin-mediated activation of NFAT. Furthermore, fMLP, but not C5a, stimulated NFAT activation in HMC-1 cells. These data indicate that chemoattractant receptors induce chemokine production in HMC-1 cells with a selectivity that depends on the level of receptor expression, the length of their signaling time, and the synergistic interaction of multiple signaling pathways, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation, sustained Ca(2+) mobilization and NFAT activation.

Antigens, CD↗

Benefit of prestorage leukocyte depletion of single-donor platelet concentrates.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The presence of contaminating white blood cells (WBCs) in platelet concentrates is associated with transfusion reactions and may adversely alter the quality of platelets during storage. Leukocyte depletion by filtration of platelets has been increasingly used to avoid these complications. However, the best time for filtration and the benefits of filtering single-donor platelet concentrates (thrombapheresis, TH) have yet to be clearly defined. METHODS: In a randomized study of 202 TH collected with an Autopheresis C system, we determined whether prestorage filtration (preSF) of WBCs from TH as compared with poststorage (bedside) filtration (postSF) resulted in a better product. Levels of cytokines and C3a accumulating in the medium during storage, platelet activation state, in vivo platelet recovery, and transfusion reactions were compared in pre- and poststorage products. RESULTS: As compared to preSF, significantly more postSF TH had detectable levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha; 47 vs. 15%; p<0.0001) and interleukin 6 (13 vs. 3%; p = 0.02), lower pH (p<0.0001) and decreased levels of C3a (910 vs. 2,000 pg/ml; p<0. 0001). Furthermore, platelet activation was increased in postSF TH (p = 0.022). PostSF TH tended to plug the bedside filter (27% of postSF TH delivered) from day 3 onward. There was also a significant difference in platelet recovery, postSF TH showing a lower corrected count increment (CCI; p = 0.0055) when taking into account the postSF TH that plugged filters (CCI = 0), but no difference when plugged TH were excluded. A correlation could be established between TNF-alpha levels and poor in vivo recovery (p<0.0001). Febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions were low in both groups (4 and 9%). CONCLUSION: These results indicate a benefit of preSF TH as compared with postSF TH based on the following parameters: decrease in cytokine levels, less platelet activation, maintenance of higher pH, and more efficient use of stored platelets (27% of postSF TH were lost because of plugging of filters). These results apply particularly to the Autopheresis C systems with its high initial WBC content.

Blood Component Removal↗

Beta 2-microglobulin generation and removal in long slow and short fast hemodialysis.

We studied the influence of different modes of hemodialysis (HD) on plasma levels of beta 2-microglobulin (P-beta 2-m) and its correlation to changes in leukocyte count, complement activation (C3a), and elastase generation. The influence of dialyzer membrane, membrane surface area, duration of treatment, and blood flow was analyzed with respect to post-HD levels of P-beta 2-m. Twenty patients underwent 12 modes of bicarbonate hemodialysis in random order (n = 252) using three different membranes (Cuprophan [CU], hemophan [HE], or polyamide [PA], two dialyzer areas, and fast (400 mL/min) or slow (200 mL/min) blood flow (Qb) for 2 or 4 hours, respectively. All dialysate was collected and beta 2-m was analyzed (D-beta 2-m). After correction for hemoconcentration, P-beta 2-m concentrations were found to have decreased significantly during treatment with all three membranes (CU, 0.9 +/- 0.3 mg/L, P = 0.002; HE, 1.2 +/- 0.3 mg/L, P < 0.001; and PA, 8.3 +/- 0.3 mg/L, P < 0.001). Elimination of P-beta 2-m was influenced by type of membrane (P < 0.001) and ultrafiltration volume (P = 0.0019) but not by membrane area or Qb. The largest reduction in P-beta 2-m (-10.4 mg/L) was achieved by the following treatment combination: PA membrane, large dialyzer area, and low Qb for 4 hours. P-beta 2-m decreased more during PA dialysis at low Qb for 4 hours (-9.9 +/- 0.5 mg/L) than during high Qb for 2 hours (-6.8 +/- 0.5 mg/L, P < 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Effects of the C5a anaphylatoxin and its relationship to cyclo-oxygenase metabolites in rabbit vascular strips.

Strips of rabbit blood vessels were suspended in vitro and responses to complement peptides C3a and C5a were recorded isotonically. Human C3a (up to 1.5 microM) was inactive on rabbit vascular strips. Human C5a (2.9-59 nM) decreased spontaneous activity of the rabbit portal vein under resting baseline tension. The C5a relaxed strips of portal vein and pulmonary artery that were precontracted with noradrenaline (NA, 200 nM). On the portal vein, C5a-induced relaxation was preceded by a transient contractile phase which decreased with repeated applications of C5a. The magnitude of C5a-induced relaxation of both vessels increased with repeated stimulation by C5a. Maximal levels of relaxation for the third application of C5a at 59 nM averaged 44% and 17% of the NA-induced contraction plateau in portal vein and pulmonary artery, respectively. Strips of rabbit aorta responded minimally to C5a. Indomethacin (5.6 microM) significantly inhibited C5a-induced relaxation of the portal vein and pulmonary artery but had no effect on the early contractile response of the portal vein. Mepyramine (10 microM) failed to modify the C5a response from either vessel, but it reduced the contractile phase of the C5a response on the portal vein when applied in conjunction with indomethacin. The drug SKF 88046, an end organ antagonist of thromboxane (TX) A2 and some contractile prostaglandins, reduced the contractile phase and increased relaxation of the portal vein to C5a but did not modify the response of the pulmonary artery. Radioimmunoassays for 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1 alpha) and TXB2 were performed on the fluid bathing rabbit isolated blood vessels. C5a promoted release of 6-keto-PGF1, over the basal release rate in rabbit tissues. Only trace quantities of TXB2 were produced by rabbit vessels exposed to C5a. 7 It is concluded that the mechanical response of blood vessels to C5a is mainly determined by the type of cyclo-oxygenase products released and by the sensitivity of each blood vessel to these active lipids. Tissue histamine release is also responsible for a component of the response of rabbit portal vein to C5a. The relaxant effect of C5a on rabbit blood vessels may be a phenomenon related to the previously reported hypotensive action of classical anaphylatoxins in vivo.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

Fasting and postprandial plasma concentrations of acylation-stimulation protein (ASP) in lean and obese Pima Indians compared to Caucasians.

OBJECTIVE: ASP stimulates the clearance of free fatty acids (FFA) from the circulation and the synthesis of triglycerides (TG) in adipose tissue. We tested whether fasting and post-prandial plasma ASP concentrations are increased in Pima Indians, a population with a very high prevalence of obesity, but a remarkably low prevalence of dyslipidemia. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Plasma concentrations of ASP, TG, FFA, total cholesterol (CHOL), and insulin (INS) were measured in 15 Pima Indians (P) and 15 Caucasians (C) closely matched for age, sex, and body weight [7 lean and 8 obese subjects, body mass index (BMI) cut-off 30 kg/m2], before and for 4 hours after a standard mixed meal (20% of daily caloric requirements, 41% carbohydrate, 44% fat, 15% protein). RESULTS: Fasting ASP was positively related to percent body fat (dual energy X-ray absorptiometry; r=0.49, p<0.01) and to TG and FFA, independently of percent body fat (partial r = 0.42 and 0.46, respectively, both p<0.05). There were no differences in fasting TG, FFA, CHOL, INS, or ASP between lean C and lean P. In contrast, obese P had lower TG, lower CHOL, higher INS and, on average, 27% lower ASP compared to obese C. The ethnic difference in ASP remained after adjustment for TG, FFA, and percent body fat. ASP decreased in response to the meal in all four groups with no differences between groups. There was a significant inverse correlation between preprandial ASP and the change in FFA 60 minutes after the meal (r=-0.56, p<0.001). DISCUSSION: Pima Indians do not have higher plasma ASP concentrations than Caucasians. Whether other alterations in the ASP-pathway, such as increased sensitivity of adipocytes to ASP, contribute to the high prevalence of obesity and low prevalence of dyslipidemia in Pima Indians, remains to be elucidated.

Adult↗

Treatment of hypercholesterolemia by chemical adsorption of lipoproteins.

Dextran sulfate (Mr 5,000) was covalently linked to porous cellulose beads, and the dissociation constant (Kd) and the maximum binding level (S) of the beads were calculated for the human plasma lipoproteins VLDL, LDL, and HDL. The S values for VLDL and LDL were 2 and 7 g cholesterol/liter of the wet beads and that for HDL was almost negligible, although the apparent Kd were all in the same order. In fact, LDL and VLDL were exclusively adsorbed by the beads from human plasma in vitro. Bound LDL was desorbed with 0.35 M NaCl. The beads were packed in a column (25-ml) and used with polysulfone hollow fibers in experimental LDL-apheresis for WHHL rabbits; LDL cholesterol was reduced from 500 to 200 mg/dl, while HDL, total plasma protein, and major blood cell counts did not change. For LDL apheresis of familial hypercholesterolemia, the sorbent column, 400-ml, was used with the polysulfone hollow fiber filter. The maximum removal of LDL + VLDL cholesterol was 6 to 8 g with a single column resulting in its reduction by 250 to 300 mg/dl after 3.5 liters plasma treatment. Adsorption was negligible with albumin, HDL, IgA, G, M, apoA-I, A-II, C-II, enzymes, and electrolytes. Activated complement fragments, C3a and C5a, were completely adsorbed. By periodic removal of LDL, an increase of HDL cholesterol was observed in some cases. In order to increase LDL removal in a single treatment and to reduce the extracorporeal circulation volume, two small columns (150 ml each) were used alternatively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗