Hypercholesterolaemia (high cholesterol) is a risk factor for atherosclerosis, a major contributor to cardiovascular disease. Much has been written on managing high cholesterol levels including the use of drug therapy and recommendations about beneficial lifestyle changes relating to nutrition and exercise in particular. Despite this, and the need for patients to engage in self management of a condition which may impact invisibly on their health, little is known about how people living with this risk factor actually manage.The purpose of this grounded theory study is to investigate people's process of living with high cholesterol. Eight participants with self reported high cholesterol levels were interviewed and their data analysed using the process of constant comparative analysis, open coding, selective coding and theoretical coding. A substantive theory in the area of patient self-management of high cholesterol levels was generated through the use of this approach. The theory developed was the basic social process of Maintaining Enjoyment of Life, with two supporting categories, Accepting and Getting On With It.Maintaining Enjoyment of Life was central to the participants' process of living with high cholesterol and the recommended health directives. The identification of this basic social process adds to our understanding of the influences on individuals' motivation for behaviour change and adherence to lifestyle changes. The findings of this study provide understanding that issues relating to behaviour change and adherence are not so much about denying that anything is wrong or not taking personal responsibility, but more about trying to hold on to something important, around which the participants' lives revolve. This is Maintaining Enjoyment of Life. By focussing on this basic social process, which is grounded in the participants' data, health professionals could work more effectively towards empowering patients to identify their own individualised strategies for self-management of high cholesterol. In addition, health directives could focus more on process rather than on do(s) and don't(s).

M.Tech. / It is estimated that 4.5 million South Africans have hypercholesterolaemia. Atherosclerosis and stroke-related conditions have been identified by the South African Department of Health as priority diseases (South African Department of Health, 1998). Hypercholesterolaemia was estimated to have caused 4.6% of all deaths in South Africa in 2000 and is therefore an important cardiovascular risk factor in all population groups in South Africa (Norman et al, 2007). Panax ginseng is the botanical name for the plant commonly known as Korean ginseng. It is part of the Araliaceae botanical family. Korean ginseng has pharmacological actions including lowering serum cholesterol, improved functioning of the pituitary adrenal axis, enhanced protein synthesis and protection of the liver from hepatotoxins (Murray and Pizzorno, 2000a). The aim of the research was to evaluate the effect of Panax ginseng 1X on the total plasma cholesterol level of adult males between the ages of eighteen and fifty years. A sample group of thirty participants was recruited. Interested participants attended an initial interview where they were screened using a questionnaire and physical examinations and were instructed to have a blood test done to determine whether they qualified to take part in the study. Inclusion criteria comprised: adult males between the ages of eighteen and fifty years, total plasma cholesterol level between 4.0 and 6.19 mmol/l and not more than one major cardiovascular risk factor as classified by the U.S Department of Health and Human Services (U.S Department of Health and Human Services, 2001). Participation in the study was voluntary and participants were free to refuse treatment or withdraw from the study at any time. Since standardised Panax ginseng in normal therapeutic doses is rarely associated with side-effects, the anticipated risk for participants in the study was minimal (Murray and Pizzorno, 2000a). The total plasma cholesterol levels were measured by Lancet Laboratories. Body weight was measured and a clinical cardiovascular examination was performed by the researcher. Reliability and validity of clinical investigations was ensured by adherence to procedural documentation. The study was performed in a randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled manner. Participants were divided into two groups of fifteen. For the first four weeks of the trial no treatment was given to either group. After the first four weeks the participants attended a follow-up visit and the total plasma cholesterol level of each participant was retested. The experimental group then received Panax ginseng 1X and the control group received a placebo. Sufficient treatment for a period of eight weeks was issued to both groups. Participants were instructed to take 1.5 ml three times daily in 100 ml of water fifteen minutes before meals and were informed not to make any substantial changes to their lifestyle that could affect plasma cholesterol levels. Such lifestyle changes included alterations of diet, amount of exercise, alcohol or tobacco consumption, sleep pattern and stress levels. Patients attended a follow-up visit after taking the treatment for four weeks and the total plasma cholesterol levels were determined again at the end of the study. Collected data was analysed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages). The total plasma cholesterol level of the experimental group was compared to the total plasma cholesterol level of the placebo group as obtained at the initial consultation, after four weeks and at the conclusion of the study. Groups were compared using independent samples t-tests within each sample group. Differences over time were analysed using dependent samples t-tests and repeated measures ANOVA. Panax ginseng 1X did not provide a statistically significant change in the total plasma cholesterol levels. The use of Panax ginseng is rarely associated with side-effects and in this particular study none were experienced by the participants.

Liver X receptor (LXR), farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) are adopted orphan nuclear receptors that function as lipid sensors. These receptors respond to cellular lipid levels and regulate the expression of target gene. Previously, it was demonstrated that low doses of chlordecone (CD) pretreatment disturbed exogenous cholesterol distribution and cellular lipid transport, storage and metabolism pathway. The aim of this study was to determine whether low doses of CD affect nuclear receptor (LXR��/FXR or PPAR��)-mediated lipid homeostasis. Thus, hepatic microsomal protein contents of cytochrome P450 7a (cyp7a, regulated by LXR��/FXR), and P450 4a1 (cyp4a1, regulated by PPAR��) were determined in male C57BL/6N mice, fed AIN76 or AIN93M diet, received CD (2.5, 5.0 or 15 mg CD/kg body weight). Western blot analysis was used for protein measurements using appropriate antibodies. Cyp7a and cyp4a1 protein levels were confirmed by enzyme activities, cholesterol 7��-hydroxylase and lauric acid hydroxylase activities, respectively. Plasma total cholesterol and triglycerides, body and liver weights were also measured in these dose-response experiments. Plasma total cholesterol and triglycerides levels from animals fed AIN 93M diet were significantly lower than those from animals fed AN 76 diet. However, neither total plasma cholesterol nor triglycerides levels were changed in CD-treated mice fed AN 76 or AN 93M diet. Cyp7a protein level or its enzyme activity was not altered by CD treatment. Likewise, cyp4a1 protein level or its activity was not affected by CD treatment. In summary, the results of the present study do not support the hypothesis that CD treatment alters nuclear receptor (LXR��/FXR or PPAR��)-mediated lipid homeostasis. / Graduation date: 2002

No description available.

Diabetics often have elevated levels of serum lipids and cholesterol and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Streptozotocin-induced diabetes was used to determine whether elevated serum cholesterol levels in diabetics are due to loss of control of hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, which catalyzes the committed step in cholesterol synthesis. Strain A/ST female mice were fed 10% corn oil diets, half with 2% cholesterol. Experimental groups were injected with 9.0 mg streptozotocin / 100g body weight. Diabetes was confirmed by weight loss, elevated blood sugars, and enlarged spleens. Reductase activity was assayed spectrophotometrically. Serum cholesterol levels were determined by gas liquid chromatography. Both diabetic and control mice fed cholesterol had elevated serum cholesterol levels and decreased reductase activities. These observations suggest that HMG CoA reductase is not the primary control point in the control of serum cholesterol levels in diabetic mice. The increase in serum cholesterol in the SI mice was not more than in the control group, suggesting that increased serum cholesterol is not a key factor in the control of coronary heart disease and related diseases in diabetics. The HMG CoA reductase activity was reduced in both SI and control mice fed 2% cholesterol, but not significantly, possibly due to a small sample size. Other substances that control serum cholesterol are all density classes of lipoproteins (high, intermediate, low, and very low) as well as the chylomicrons. / Department of Biology

Thesis (M.S.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1990. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 34-38). Also available via the Internet.

The study was performed to determine factors influencing the esteriflcation of plasma cholesterol in young and aged rats. The distribution of LCAT activity was determined following gel nitration chromatography and ultracentrifugation of whole plasma respectively. When rat plasma was fractionated on a Bio-Gel A-5 Mcolumn, LCAT activity was found to be associated with the HDL fraction. A similar result was observed upon 24 hr density gradient ultracentrifugation of the plasma. However, following prolonged 40 hr preparative ultracentrifugation, the majority of the LCAT activity was displaced into the lipoprotein-free infranatant fraction (d> 1.225 g/ml). The dissociation of LCAT from the HDL fraction occured to a smaller extent in aged rat plasma than in young rat plasma. Plasma incubation (37°C) experiments followed by the isolation of lipoproteins and the subsequent analysis of their cholesterol content revealed that in vitro net esteriflcation of free cholesterol (FC) by LCAT as well as the fractional ufilization of HDL-FC as substrate were lower in the plasma of the aged animal as compared to that of the young animal despite the fact that the total pool of FC was higher in the former. The net transfer of FC from lower density lipoproteins (d<1.07 g/ml) to HDL provided the FC (in addition to HDL-FC) for esteriflcation in the plasma of both young and aged rats, and this process was not substantially affected by aging. Substrate specificity studies indicated that HDL from young rats was a better substrate for LCAT than the HDL from aged rats. The HDL isolated from the plasma of aged rats was enriched with apo E and had a considerably higher molecular weight than the HDL from young rat plasma. The ratio of phosphatidyl choline/sphingomyelin was lower in the HDL of aged rats. These data suggest that the decreased plasma cholesterol esteriflcation in aged rats is due to changes in the composition and size of the lipoprotein substrate (HDL).

Seventeen males participated in an investigation comparing the effects of a three meal per day feeding pattern versus a six meal per day feeding pattern on a serum lipid profile. During a two week acclimation period three meals per day were consumed by all subjects. The subjects were then divided into two groups. Group I consumed three meals per day for six weeks while group II consumed six meals per day for the same amount of time. The two groups then reversed feeding patterns for an additional six week period. Subjects completed five four-day food records which were analyzed qualitatively. Three of the four-day food records for each subject were hand coded and computer processed for kilocalorie, total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol intake. Mean intake of cholesterol was found to be within a desirable range. Mean intake of total fat and saturated fat were noted as exceeding desirable values. Blood samples were collected from each subject following a two week acclimation period and following each of the two six week feeding phases. The samples were analyzed for total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol, and HDL-cholesterol levels. There was no statistically significant difference found between the consumption of three meals per day and six meals per day for the lipid parameters of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol. There was a significant decrease in triglyceride level with the six meal per day feeding pattern with one group but not the other. For both groups there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in HDL-cholesterol levels between the six meals per day and the three meal per day feeding patterns. However, the findings were dissimilar in that for Group I the HDL-cholesterol was higher after the six meal pattern as opposed to the three meal pattern, and for Group II, the opposite was true. / M.S.

A short-term selection experiment was conducted with ICR albino mice produced by the reciprocal crossing of two lines of unselected animals which had been random-bred for 28 generations. Lines were developed by selecting for maximum and minimum serum cholesterol (SC) (lines CH and CL), voluntary physical activity (lines AH and AL), 56-day body weight (lines WH and WL) and feed intake (lines IH and IL). An unselected, random-bred control line was maintained with each pair of divergent selected lines (CC, AC, NC and IC, respectively). In the lines selected for SC, physical activity and 56-day body weight, selection was based on individual performance. Twenty-five paired matings plus five extra paired matings were used to perpetuate the lines each generation for five generations. The feed intake lines were perpetuated by within-sex, full-sib family selection with 30 paired matings per generation for five generations. / Ph. D.

Tan, Sijiao. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 118-136). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Acknowledgements --- p.i / Abstract (in English) --- p.iii / Abstract (in Chinese) --- p.vi / List of Abbreviations --- p.viii / Table of Contents --- p.x / Chapter CHAPTER 1 --- INTRODUCTION / Chapter 1.1 --- Frying --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- General introduction of frying --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Physical and chemical changes of oils during frying --- p.2 / Chapter 1.1.2.1 --- Physical changes --- p.2 / Chapter 1.1.2.2 --- Chemical changes --- p.5 / Chapter 1.1.2.2.1 --- Hydrolysis --- p.5 / Chapter 1.1.2.2.2 --- Oxidation --- p.5 / Chapter 1.1.2.2.3 --- Polymerization --- p.6 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Frying oil selection --- p.11 / Chapter 1.1.4 --- Quality control of frying oil --- p.11 / Chapter 1.2 --- Selection of experiment oil --- p.13 / Chapter 1.2.1 --- Lard as a cholesterol-containing animal fat --- p.13 / Chapter 1.2.2 --- Corn oil as a healthy vegetable oil --- p.14 / Chapter 1.3 --- Current studies on frying oils --- p.18 / Chapter 1.4 --- Atherosclerosis and cholesterol metabolism --- p.19 / Chapter 1.4.1 --- Atherosclerosis --- p.19 / Chapter 1.4.2 --- Cholesterol metabolism and related regulating factor --- p.23 / Chapter 1.5 --- Animal model selection --- p.29 / Chapter CHAPTER 2 --- OBEJECTIVES --- p.30 / Chapter CHAPTER 3 --- MATERIALS AND METHODS / Chapter 3.1 --- Sample lard and corn oil preparation --- p.31 / Chapter 3.2 --- Diet preparation --- p.34 / Chapter 3.3 --- Animals --- p.36 / Chapter 3.4 --- Sample collection --- p.36 / Chapter 3.5 --- GC analysis of fatty acid composition in fresh and fried experiment oil samples --- p.37 / Chapter 3.6 --- Determination of plasma cholesterol and organ cholesterol --- p.41 / Chapter 3.7 --- "Determination of hamster fecal neutral and acidic sterols, corn oil phytosterol content" --- p.44 / Chapter 3.7.1 --- Determination of fecal neutral sterols --- p.44 / Chapter 3.7.2 --- Determination of fecal acidic sterols --- p.45 / Chapter 3.7.3 --- Determination of phytosterol content in corn oil --- p.46 / Chapter 3.8 --- "Determination of composition and concentration of liver triglycerides, total free fatty acids and phospholipids" --- p.51 / Chapter 3.9 --- Statistics --- p.54 / Chapter CHAPTER 4 --- RESULTS IN FRIED LARD EXPERIMENT / Chapter 4.1 --- Fatty acid composition and cholesterol content of experiment lard --- p.55 / Chapter 4.2 --- Body weight and food intake --- p.55 / Chapter 4.3 --- Relative organ weight --- p.55 / Chapter 4.4 --- "Plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL- cholesterol" --- p.60 / Chapter 4.5 --- Organ cholesterol --- p.60 / Chapter 4.6 --- Fecal neutral sterol output --- p.64 / Chapter 4.7 --- Fecal acidic sterol output --- p.64 / Chapter 4.8 --- Effect of fried lard on cholesterol balance in hamster --- p.64 / Chapter 4.9 --- "Effect of fried lard on hepatic triglycerides, free fatty acids and phospholipids concentration in hamster" --- p.68 / Chapter 4.10 --- Correlation between serum HDL cholesterol and liver cholesterol --- p.76 / Chapter 4.11 --- Correlation between serum HDL cholesterol and kidney cholesterol --- p.76 / Chapter 4.12 --- Correlation between serum TG and liver TG --- p.76 / Chapter CHAPTER 5 --- RESULTS OF FRIED CORN OIL EXPERIMENT / Chapter 5.1 --- Fatty acid composition and phytosterol content of experiment corn oil --- p.80 / Chapter 5.2 --- Body weight and food intake --- p.80 / Chapter 5.3 --- Relative organ weight --- p.84 / Chapter 5.4 --- Plasma total cholesterol，triglycerides and HDL- cholesterol --- p.84 / Chapter 5.5 --- Organ cholesterol --- p.87 / Chapter 5.6 --- Fecal neutral sterol and phytosterol output --- p.87 / Chapter 5.7 --- Fecal acidic sterol output --- p.92 / Chapter 5.8 --- Effect of fried corn oil on cholesterol balance and phytosterol balance in hamsters --- p.92 / Chapter 5.9 --- "Effect of fried corn oil on hepatic triglycerides, free fatty acids and phospholipids concentration in hamster" --- p.97 / Chapter 5.10 --- Correlation between serum HDL cholesterol and liver cholesterol --- p.105 / Chapter 5.11 --- Correlation between serum HDL cholesterol and kidney cholesterol --- p.105 / Chapter 5.12 --- Correlation between serum TG and liver TG --- p.105 / Chapter CHAPTER 6 --- DISCUSSION --- p.109 / Chapter CHAPTER 7 --- CONCLUSION --- p.117 / REFERENCE --- p.118