dsc-4(qm182), a mutation that suppresses the lengthened defecation cycle of clk-1 also suppresses the delay in germline development. dsc-4 encodes a putative orthologue of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP), a protein essential for the assembly and secretion of apo-B-containing low density lipoproteins (LDL). The effect of dsc-4 on clk-1(qm30), coupled to studies of apoB homologues in worms led to a model suggesting the possibility of using C. elegans in the study of LDL-like lipoprotein particles. The impact of the level of lipoproteins is particularly evident in the germline developmental rate of the worms. / We report here a further elucidation of clk-1 mutants in the study of the biology of LDL-like particles. In particular, we investigated the effect of targeting LDL receptor-like genes by RNA interference (RNAi) on the egg laying rate of clk-1(qm30). We find positive modulating effects by disruption of these putative LDL receptors. In confirmation of our model of lipoprotein metabolism in clk-1 mutants, we find that disruption of these putative LDL receptors produces strikingly different effects in wild-type, clk-1(qm30) or clk-1(qm30); dsc-4(qm182) animals. / In addition, we report unexpected effects of various clk-1 alleles on the phenotypes of animals in which lrp-1 and rme-2 are disrupted. Specifically, we observe an allele specific amelioration of the phenotypes associated with disruption of these genes (abnormal molting and sterility, respectively). We discuss the possible significance of these findings. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Thirty recreationally active individuals, 16 males and 14 females, participated in the study to examine the effects of policosanol supplementation on reaction time, force production and the blood lipid profile. The subjects were matched based on height, weight. gender, current physical activity level and body fat percentage. The matched subjects where randomly assigned to either the policosanol or placebo group. Supplementation period lasted 8 weeks with reaction and decision time measurements taken at baseline, weeks 2, 4, 6 and 8. Force production was evaluated with the Cybex Dynamometer at speeds of 60, 120, 180 and 240 degrees/second at baseline, weeks 2, 4, 6 and 8. Blood was drawn and analyzed at baseline, weeks 4 and 8. A two way repeated analysis of variance was used to analyze differences between pre and post measurement at a significance level of p <_ .05. There were no significant changes in reaction ordecision time between groups. Force production significantly increased in both groups however, there was no significance between groups. The blood analysis demonstrated significant changes in total cholesterol and triglycerides. No differences were found in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol or liver function measurements. It was concluded that further research in needed to examine the effects of reaction time in older individuals with possibly slower reaction times. The increase in force was due to a training effect and not from policosanol supplementation. However, future research with policosanol and strength needs to incorporate a training protocol. The trend observed with the blood parameters was concluded be a normalizing effect rather than a lowering effect. / School of Physical Education

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Florida State University, 2006. / Advisor: R. J. Moffatt, Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Dept. of Nutrition, Food, and Exercise Sciences. Title and description from dissertation home page (viewed June 12, 2006). Document formatted into pages; contains xi, 140 pages. Includes bibliographical references.

No description available.

No description available.

Call number: LD2668 .T4 1985 S22 / Master of Science

Two studies were designed to investigate the time course development of enlarged plasma volume and cholesterol pool size in copper (Cu)-deficient rats as well as influence of Cu deficiency on the lipid composition of lipoproteins. Rats were randomly assigned to three dietary Cu treatments (deficient, marginal, and adequate) in the Study I and two dietary Cu treatments (deficient and adequate) in Study II. Enlargement of plasma volume and cholesterol pool size were established prior to the increase in plasma cholesterol concentration. Cu concentration was decreased, whereas iron and zinc concentrations were increased in the organs of Cu-deficient and Cu-marginal rats. The plasma pool size of VLDL triglyceride was elevated 6-fold, protein and phospholipid were unaltered, and cholesterol was reduced 36%. The plasma pool size of lipid and protein components of HDL and LDL fractions were markedly elevated in Cu-deficient rats.

Lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) was purified 30,000-fold from hog plasma in a homogeneous state as indicated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The purified enzyme had an apparent molecular weight of 66,000 and was found to contain about 21.4 percent (w/w) carbohydrate. The properties of hog LCAT including amino acid composition were compared with human LCAT. High density lipoprotein (HDL) was isolated from the hog plasma by an immunoaffinity column chromatography. The isolated HDL showed nearly identical lipid-protein composition although it contained additional protein components when it was compared to HDL isolated by a traditional method involving ultracentrifugation.

The purpose of this study was to determine if maximal aerobic exercise promotes BDNF expression in obese individuals. Plasma levels and the expression of BDNF in PBMCs were examined. 22 participants (10 obese, 12 non-obese) completed a V02max treadmill test and blood was obtained pre, post, and 1 and 2 hours into exercise recovery. Plasma and PBMCs were isolated and analyzed for BDNF via ELISA and Western blot techniques. A significant effect for time was observed for plasma BDNF (P= <0.00 1 ). Additionally, A significant group-by-time interaction was found from pre-to-RIH for BDNF expression in PBMCs (P= 0.046). Further, significant correlations were found between BMI and waist circumference (r= .91, P< 0.001), WHR (r= .51, P= 0.002) and Pre-to-RlH ratio (r=0.58, P=0.008). Young obese subject's BDNF response to maximal exercise was consistent with previous studies. Post-exercise BDNF expressed in PBMCs were significantly higher than rest suggesting immunological-neuroprotective interactions in the CNS. / Includes bibliography. / Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2016. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Diabetes has become a nationwide epidemic affecting 18.2 million Americans, and the incidence is expected to increase 122% by the year 2025. The dyslipidemia associated with type 2 diabetes—low HDL-C; high TG; and small, dense LDL-C—contributes to the 2 to 4 times greater risk of individuals with diabetes to have a major cardiovascular event. Niacin, a B vitamin, and aerobic exercise have been shown separately to favorably alter the lipid profile. The present study examined a combination therapy of Niaspan®, an extended-release formulation of niacin, and 16 weeks of aerobic exercise in 23 individuals with type 2 diabetes. The dosage of Niaspan® began at 500 mg/day and increased 500 mg/day every 4 weeks up to a maximum dose of 2000 mg/day. Subjects were advised to gradually progress their frequency, intensity, and duration of aerobic exercise until they were expending at least 1500 kilocalories by week 8. Subjects were instructed to make no changes to their diet or diabetes medication regimen. Lipoproteins and subfractions and selected measures of physical fitness were examined before and after the 16 week intervention. Following the 16 week intervention period, there were significant changes (p<0.05) in HDL-C (+28%), TG (-19%), VLDL-C (-12%), and LDL-C (-9%). There were also significant changes in the larger, more buoyant subfractions HDL2 (+48%), VLDL2 (-15%) and LDL1 (-48%). Other subfractions that are smaller and more dense also changed favorably: HDL3 (+24%) and LDL4 (-15%). Although there was no significant weight loss in this population as a result of the intervention, there were significant changes in submaximal heart rate (124.9±17.6 vs. 116.7±16.3 bpm) and resting systolic (136.8±17.5 vs. 128.3±13.8 mmHg) and diastolic (80.3±12.5 vs. 73.2±9.8 mmHg) blood pressure, adaptations that occur with improvement in physical fitness. There were no changes in fasting plasma glucose or glycosylated hemoglobin, contradicting any deterioration in glucose control. Therefore, the combination of Niaspan® and aerobic exercise is effective at altering the lipid profile in individuals with type 2 diabetes. In addition, this intervention is safe in that it does not adversely affect glucose control. / School of Physical Education, Sport, and Exercise Science