Background: Several previous studies have reported that dyslipidemia is associated with the risk of hypertension, but these studies are mainly conducted in European and US populations, with a very few studies in the Asian population. Moreover, the effects of atherosclerotic indices, including atherogenic coefficient (AC) and atherogenic risk of plasma (AIP), on hypertension in Asians have not been well described so far. Methods: From 2010 to 2016, altogether 211,833 Chinese adults were ultimately recruited at the health centers in 11 Chinese cities (including Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing, Suzhou, Shenzhen, Changzhou, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hefei, Wuhan, and Nantong). Differences in continuous variables between the two groups were analyzed by the Mann–Whitney test, while those in categorical variables were examined by the Chi-squared test. Logistic regression was applied to evaluate the association between lipid profiles and the risk of hypertension. The predictive values of AC and AIP for the incidence of hypertension were analyzed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Meanwhile, Bayesian network (BN) models were performed to further analyze the associations between the different covariates and the incidence of hypertension. Results: A total of 117,056 participants were included in the final analysis. There were significant differences in baseline characteristics between normotension and hypertension groups (p < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression, the risk of hypertension increased by 0.2% (1.002 [1.001–1.003]), 0.2% (1.002 [1.001–1.003]), and 0.2% (1.002 [1.001–1.003]) per 1 mg/dl increase in total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-c), respectively. However, after adjusting for body mass index (BMI), an increase in HDL level was associated with a higher risk of hypertension (p for a trend < 0.001), and the risk of hypertension increased by 0.6% per 1 mg/dl increase in HDL-c (1.006 [1.003–1.008]). In women, AC had the highest predictive value for the incidence of hypertension with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.667 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.659–0.674]. BN models suggested that TC and LDL were more closely related to the incidence of hypertension. Conclusions: Overall, lipid profiles were significantly abnormal in the hypertensive population than in the normotensive population. TC and LDL were strongly associated with the incidence of hypertension. TC, LDL, and non-HDL-c levels show a positive association, HDL-c shows a negative association, while TG is not significantly associated with the risk of hypertension. After adjusting for BMI, HDL-c turns out to be positively associated with the risk of hypertension. In addition, AC has a good predictive value for the incidence of hypertension in women.

Background: Atherosclerosis is considered a chronic inflammation of arterial vessels with the involvement of several immune cells causing severe cardiovascular diseases. Lipoprotein apheresis (LA) improves cardiovascular conditions of patients with severely disturbed lipid metabolism. In this context, little is known about the impact of LA on various immune cell populations, especially over time. Methods: Immune cells of 18 LA-naïve patients starting weekly LA treatment were analyzed before and after four apheresis cycles over the course of 24 weeks by flow cytometry. Results and Conclusions: An acute lowering effect of LA on T cell and natural killer (NK) cell subpopulations expressing CD69 was observed. The nonclassical and intermediate monocyte subsets as well as HLA-DR+ 6-sulfo LacNAc+ monocytes were significantly reduced during the apheresis procedure. We conclude that LA has the capacity to alter various immune cell subsets. However, LA has mainly short-term effects than long-term consequences on proportions of immune cells.

Assignment (MMed)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Lipoprotein X (LpX) is an abnormal cholesterol-containing particle that may be present in the serum of subjects with cholestasis, lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) deficiency and parenteral nutrition. The biochemistry, metabolism, clinical significance and laboratory analysis of LpX is discussed in this study. This laboratory-based project investigated icteric samples received at the Chemical Pathology laboratory, Tygerberg Hospital, for serum predictors of LpX and the use of a modified non-denaturing polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis system in the detection of LpX. The study showed that the non-denaturing polyacrylamide gradient gel electrophoresis system (2-8%) is a useful test in demonstrating LpX in icteric plasma and has potential for a screening test in LCAT deficiency. Serum concentration of conjugated bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyltransferase, free cholesterol, phospholipid, free cholesterol: total cholesterol ratio and conjugated bilirubin: total bilirubin ratio are all good predictors of LpX. The ratio of free cholesterol to total cholesterol (FC/TC > 0.6) was the best predictor of LpX. In the setting of obstructive liver disease LpX is seen in 66% of patients if total cholesterol is > 7.5 mmol/L. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Lipoproteien X (LpX) is ‘n abnormale cholesterol-bevattende partikel wat teenwoordig mag wees in die serum van persone met cholestase, lesitien:cholesterol asieltransferase (LCAT) gebrek en parenterale voeding. Die biochemie, metabolisme, kliniese belang en laboratorium analise van LpX word bespreek in hierdie werkstuk. Hierdie laboratorium-gebaseerde projek het geelsugtige monsters ondersoek wat ontvang is by die Chemiese Patologie laboratorium, Tygerberg Hospitaal, vir serum voorspellers van LpX en die gebruik van ‘n gemodifiseerde nie-denaturerende polie-akrielamied gradiënt gel elektroforese sisteem in die demonstrasie van LpX. Die bevindinge was dat die nie-denaturerende polie-akrielamied gradient gel elektroforese sisteem (2-8%) is ‘n nuttige toets om LpX te demonstreer in geelsugtige plasma en het potensiaal as ‘n siftingstoets in LCAT gebrek. Serum konsentrasie van gekonjugeerde bilirubien, alkaliese fosfatase, gamma glutamieltransferase, vry cholesterol, fosfolipied, vry cholesterol:totale cholesterol verhouding en gekonjugeerde bilirubien:totale bilirubien verhouding is alles goeie voorspellers van LpX. Die verhouding van vry cholesterol tot totale cholesterol (VC/TC > 0.6) was die beste voorspeller van LpX. In gevalle van obstruktiewe lewersiekte word LpX gesien in 66% van pasiente as die totale cholesterol meer as 7.5 mmol/l is.

<p>Complement factor H (CFH) is a major susceptibility gene for age-related macular degeneration (AMD); however, its impact on AMD pathobiology is unresolved. Here, the role of CFH in the development of AMD pathology in vivo was interrogated by analyzing aged Cfh+/- and Cfh-/- mice fed a high fat, cholesterol-enriched diet. Strikingly, decreased levels of CFH led to increased sub-retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) deposit formation, specifically basal laminar deposits, following high fat diet. Mechanistically, our data show that deposits are due to CFH competition for lipoprotein binding sites in Bruch’s membrane. Interestingly and despite sub-RPE deposit formation occurring in both Cfh+/- and Cfh-/- mice, RPE damage accompanied by loss of vision occurred only in old Cfh+/- mice. We demonstrate that such pathology is a function of excess complement activation and C5a production, associated with monocyte recruitment, in Cfh+/- mice versus complement deficiency in Cfh-/- animals. Due to the CFH dependent increase in sub-RPE deposit height we interrogated the potential of CFH as a novel regulator of Bruch’s membrane lipoprotein binding and show, using human Bruch’s membrane explants, that CFH removes endogenous human lipoproteins in aged donors. Interestingly, although the CFH H402 variant shows altered binding to BrM, this does not affect its ability to remove endogenous lipoproteins. This new understanding of the complicated interactions of CFH in AMD-like pathology provides an improved foundation for the development of targeted therapies for AMD.</p> / Dissertation

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Human Nutrition / Denis M. Medeiros / Laman Mamedova / The internalization of aggregated low-­density lipoprotein (agLDL) may involve the actin cytoskeleton in ways that differ from the endocytosis of soluble LDL. Based on previous findings the P2Y[subscript]2 receptor (P2Y[subscript]2R) mediates these effects through interaction with filamin‐A (FLN‐A), an actin binding protein. Our findings also showed that uridine 5’‐ triphosphate (UTP), a preferential agonist of the P2Y[subscript]2R, stimulates the uptake of agLDL, and increases expression of low‐density lipoprotein receptor related protein 1 (LRP 1) in cultured mouse vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs). The strategy of this research was to define novel mechanisms of LDL uptake through the modulation of the actin cytoskeleton in order to identify molecular targets involved in foam cell formation in vascular SMCs. For this project, we isolated aortic SMCs from wild type (WT) and P2Y[subscript]2R‐/‐ mice to investigate whether UTP and the P2Y[subscript]2R modulate expression of LRP 1 and low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR). We also investigated the effects of UTP on uptake of DiI‐labeled agLDL in WT and P2Y[subscript]2R‐/‐ vascular SMCs. For LRP1 expression, cells were stimulated in the presence or absence of 10 [mu]M UTP. To determine LDLR mRNA expression, and for agLDL uptake, cells were transiently transfected for 24 h with cDNA encoding hemagglutinin-­tagged (HA-­tagged) WT P2Y[subscript]2R or a mutant P2Y[subscript]2R that does not bind FLN‐A, and afterwards treated with 10 [mu]M UTP. Total RNA was isolated, reversed transcribed to cDNA, and mRNA relative abundance determined by RT-­PCR using the delta-­delta Ct method with GAPDH as control gene. Results show SMCs expressing the mutant P2Y[subscript]2R that lacks the FLN‐A binding domain exhibit 3‐fold lower LDLR expression than SMCs expressing the WT P2Y[subscript]2R. There was also decrease in LRP1 mRNA expression in response to UTP in P2Y[subscript]2R‐/‐ SMCs compared to WT. Actinomycin‐D (20 [mu]g/ml) significantly reduced UTP-­induced LRP1 mRNA expression in P2Y[subscript]2R‐/‐ SMCs (P < 0.05). Compared to cells transfected with mutant P2Y[subscript]2R, cells transfected with WT P2Y[subscript]2R showed greater agLDL uptake in both WT VSMC and P2Y[subscript]2R-­/-­ cells. Together these results show that both LRP 1 and LDLR expressions are dependent on an intact P2Y[subscript]2R, and P2Y[subscript]2R/ FLN‐ A interaction is necessary for agLDL uptake.

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar se o complexo Európio- Clorotetraciclina (EuCTc) ou o corante Tioflavina T (ThT) podem atuar como biossensores precisos e eficientes de colesterol numa fração específica, através de procedimentos simples. Para isso estudaram-se as propriedades ópticas do complexo EuCTc e ThT na presença da Lipoproteína de Baixa Densidade (LDL) em seu estado nativo e em seu estado oxidado. O primeiro estudo realizado verificou a melhor razão molar entre o Európio e a Clorotetraciclina, em seguida verificou-se a influência da diálise da LDL na emissão do complexo EuCTc, para obtenção de um protocolo para quantificação da concentração da LDL. Foram traçadas as curvas de calibração da emissão do complexo EuCTc com várias concentrações da LDL nativa, LDL oxidada com íons de Cobre e LDL oxidada com íons de Ferro. Em seguida obteve-se o tempo de vida do íon Európio no complexo EuCTc na presença de diferentes concentrações de LDL nativa e LDL oxidada por íons de Cobre. Na segunda parte do trabalho estudou-se a emissão do corante Tioflavina T na presença da LDL nativa e LDL oxidada. Na terceira etapa as propriedades ópticas dos biossensores EuCTc e ThT foram investigadas na presença do plasma sanguíneo e foram comparadas às emissões do complexo EuCTc e o corante ThT com a LDL ultracentrifugada, para verificar a possibilidade de quantificar a LDL diretamente no plasma sanguíneo. Na última etapa do trabalho desenvolveu-se uma nova metodologia para oxidar a partícula de LDL a partir da irradiação com laser de pulsos ultracurtos, a fim de produzir uma oxidação branda da partícula de LDL e controlada. / The present study aims at assessing the complex Europium-Clorotetracycline (EuCTc) or the dye Thioflavin T (ThT) can act as biosensors accurate and efficient in a specific fraction of cholesterol through simple procedures.For this purpose, it was studied the optical properties of Europium- Chlortetracycline (EuCTc) complex and the thioflavin T (ThT) dye in the presence of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in native state and in oxidized state in vitro. First study realized it was verified the influence of dialysis in the emission of complex EuCTc in the presence of LDL, thereby producing a protocol for use of the complex to obtain the concentration of LDL. It was obtained the calibration curves of the complex with various concentrations of native LDL, the oxidized LDL with copper ions and oxidized LDL with iron ions. It was also obtained from the calibration curve of the emission of the complex in the presence of calcium interferent ion with the concentration found in blood plasma with the oxidized LDL with copper ions. It was obtained the lifetime of the europium ion in the complex in the presence of different concentrations of Native LDL and oxidized LDL by copper ions. In the second part of the work it was studied the emission of the dye thioflavin T in the presence of native LDL and oxidized LDL. In the third part the optical properties of biosensors EuCTc and ThT were investigated in the presence of blood plasma and compared to the emission of the complex EuCTc and the dye ThT with LDL ultracentrifugated to verify the possibility of quantifying directly LDL in blood plasma.In the final part of this work it has developed a new methodology for the LDL particles oxidation from the irradiation of ultrashort laser pulses in order to produce mild and controlled oxidation of the LDL particle.

O efeito do fotossensibilizador na estrutura biológica não é apenas influenciado por suas propriedades fotofísicas, mas também por sua interação específica com biosistemas.Além disso, a localização do fotossensibilizador no tecido tumoral é um importante fator que resulta em diferentes mecanismos de destruição do tumor. Muitos fotossensibilizadores, após administração sistêmica, se ligam às proteínas plasmáticas e com isso são distribuídos em diferentes sítios no organismo. Os fotossensibilizadores hidrofílicos são largamente transportados por albuminas e globilinas e se acumulam preferencialmente no estroma vascular dos tumores. Entretanto, fotossensibilizadores mais hidrofóbicos se ligam às lipoproteínas, principalmente LDL, que promove a entrada do FS na célula através de endocitose mediado por receptor. Sendo assim, a localização do FS depende de sua ligação com as deferentes proteínas plasmáticas, sua farmacocinética e também é influenciada pela diferença entre o tecido normal e tumoral. O tecido tumoral tem pH mais baixo e maior expressão de receptores de LDL do que os tecidos normais, aumentando a seletividade dos FSs as células tumorais. A incorporação de FS hidrofóbicos em lipossomas para a administração sistêmica pode realçar ao transporte deste pelas lipoproteínas. No presente trabalho estudou-se a influência do pH na interação de fotossensibilizadores com lipossomas de DMPC e LDL. Os fotossensibilizadores utilizados nesse estudo foram Photofrin®, Photogem® e Photosan® que são derivados de hematoporfirinas. A metodologia empregada constitui de variação das concentrações de DMPC e LDL para os seguintes valores de pHs 5,0; 7,4 e 9,0, esse último pH utilizou-se somente para DMPC. O complexo FS - DMPC foi obtido por incubação dos FSs na concentração de 10 micro g.mL-1 com diferentes concentrações de DMPC (0 a 400 micro M) por trinta minutos no escuro. Isolou-se o LDL do plasma humano por ultracentrifugação por gradiente de densidade. Após a separação, o complexo FS - LDL foi obtido por incubação (12 horas no escuro) do FS na concentração 10 micro g.mL-1 com diferentes concentrações de LDL (0 a 0,04 micro M). O comportamento desses complexos foi analisado por espectroscopia de absorção ótica e por espectroscopia de fluorescência. / The effect of a photosensitizing compound on biological structures is governed not only by its photophysical properties but also by the specificity of its interaction with biosystems. Moreover, localization of the photosensitizer in the tumor tissue is an important factor affecting the outcome as well as mechanism leading to tumor destruction. Following administration, most photosensitizers are bound to blood components and delivered to different sites in the organism. It is generally accepted that hydrophilic photosensitizers are largely transported by albumins and globulins and mainly accumulate in the vascular stroma of tumors. More hydrophobic sensitizers are bound to lipoproteins, which promote drug internalization by cells through endocytosis of the lipoprotein carrier. In this way, uptake and localization depend on the initial plasma binding and the plasma pharmacokinetics of the drug. However, the selective localization of some photosensitizers are influence for the difference between malignant and normal tissues. Notably, the lower pH of the microenvironment usually found in the tumor tissue and the expression of greater number of LDL receptors on the surface of the tumor cells might influence cellular uptake. Delivery to lipoproteins or target tissues may be facilitated and enhanced by the incorporation of lipophilic photosensitizers into liposomes for systemic administration. In the present work we have studied the pH-dependence of the interaction of photosensitizers with DMPC liposomes and low density lipoprotein (LDL). The photosensitizers used in this study are Photofrin®, Photogem® and Photosan®, which are hematoporphyrin derivates. The methodology used to this work, constitute of various concentrations of DMPC liposomes and LDL at different pH values. It were used the 5,0; 7,4 and 9,0 pH values. The DMPC-drug complexes were obtained by incubation of the photosensitizers 10 _g.mL-1 with differents DMPC concentrations for 30 min in the dark. The LDL was isolated from human plasma by sequential density gradient ultracentrifugation. The LDL-drug complexes were obtained by incubation of the photosensitizers 10 _g.mL-1 with differents LDL concentrations. The incubation was performed in a water bath at 20_C for 12 hours in the dark. The comportment of the complexes was analyzed by fluorescence spectroscopy and UV-visible spectroscopy.

Introdução: O sobrepeso e a obesidade representam um grave problema de Saúde Pública, tendo seu desenvolvimento associado à adolescência, impacto negativo na fase adulta, sobretudo, devido suas complicações metabólicas. Considerando que o caráter crônico e inflamatório de baixa intensidade presente na obesidade estimula a geração de radicais livres, torna-se relevante avaliar a relação entre as adipocitocinas e a oxidação das lipoproteínas. Objetivos: Avaliar a possível influência da obesidade sobre a LDL(-) e adipocitocinas. Material e Métodos: Foram recrutados 156 adolescentes de ambos os sexos, com faixa etária de 10 a 19 anos e regularmente matriculados em escolas públicas da cidade de São Paulo. Os adolescentes foram distribuídos em três grupos: Eutrófico, Sobrepeso e Obeso, segundo COLE et al. (2000). Após jejum (12-15h) foi coletada uma amostra de sangue e a partir do plasma realizamos as seguintes análises: perfil lipídico, glicose e insulina (kits comerciais), LDL(-) e seus auto-anticorpos (ELISA), leptina, resistina e adiponectina (ELISA). O perfil sócio-econômico e clínico dos adolescentes foi investigado por meio de questionários estruturados. Foram coletadas informações antropométricas (peso, altura, circunferência da cintura, porcentagem de gordura) e dados de consumo alimentar (3 x R24h). O consumo alimentar foi estimado por meio do programa NutWin®. As diferenças entre as variáveis qualitativas foram determinadas pelo teste c2. As variáveis quantitativas foram ajustadas pela idade por meio do General Linear Model, sendo as diferenças entre os grupos estabelecidas pelo teste post-hoc de Bonferroni (SPSS®, versão 15.0). Resultados: Dos 156 adolescentes incluídos no estudo, 76 (48,7 por cento ) foram meninos e 80 (51,3 por cento ) meninas, com idade média de 14,5 ± 2,3 anos. Os adolescentes foram distribuídos em três grupos: Eutrófico (n = 52 adolescentes; 33,3 por cento ), Sobrepeso (n = 53 adolescentes; 34,0 por cento ) e Obeso (n = 51 adolescentes; 32,7 por cento ). Estes grupos foram pareados quanto ao sexo, escolaridade da mãe, renda, maturação sexual e antecedentes familiares de doenças. Como previsto pelo critério de estratificação dos grupos, os valores médios de IMC foram diferentes entre os grupos, sendo confirmados pela CC e porcentagem de gordura. Em relação ao hábito alimentar, a análise dos dados brutos e ajustados pela energia e variabilidade intrapessoal não apresentou diferença entre 4 os grupos. As análises da glicemia de jejum, colesterol total, triacilgliceróis e LDL-C não apresentaram diferenças entre os grupos. A insulina plasmática no grupo Obeso apresentou valores superiores aos grupos Eutrófico (p< 0,001) e Sobrepeso (p< 0,001), e o índice HOMA-IR no grupo Obeso apresentou valores superiores aos grupos Eutrófico (p< 0,001) e Sobrepeso (p< 0,001), enquanto o HDL-C apresentou valores maiores no grupo Eutrófico, quando comparado ao Obeso (p=0,012). A LDL(-) e seus autoanticorpos apresentaram diferentes concentrações entre os grupos (p= 0,040; p= 0,026, respectivamente). A leptina no grupo Eutrófico apresentou valores menores que os grupos Sobrepeso (p< 0,001) e Obeso (p< 0,001), assim como o grupo Sobrepeso apresentou valores inferiores ao grupo Obeso (p< 0,001). Perfil inverso foi observado em relação à concentração de adiponectina, A resistina apresentou valores maiores no grupo Obeso (p= 0,006), que no grupo Eutrófico. A leptina apresentou correlações positivas com percentual de gordura (r= 0,540; p= 0,001), circunferência da cintura (r= 0,679; p= 0,003) e IMC (r= 0,670; p< 0,001). Em relação ao metabolismo de carboidratos, a leptina se correlacionou positivamente com a insulina (r= 0,578; p< 0,001) e o HOMA-IR (r= 0,570; p= 0,001), enquanto a adiponectina se correlacionou negativamente com insulina (r= -0,255; p= 0,001) e o HOMA-IR (r= -0,246; p=0,002). Em relação ao perfil lipídico, a leptina correlacionou-se com colesterol total (r= 0,496; p= 0,003), triacilgliceróis (r= 0,409; p= 0,016) e LDL-C (r= 0,416; p= 0,014), assim como a adiponectina correlacionou-se com LDL(-) (r= -0,428; p= 0,012) e a resistina com HDL-C (r= -0,337; p= 0,050). Portanto, os resultados obtidos demonstram que adolescentes com excesso de peso, mesmo ainda considerados clinicamente saudáveis, apresentam diversos parâmetros antropométricos e bioquímicos alterados, que sugerem a presença de um elevado número de fatores de risco cardiometabólico nessa população / Introduction: Overweight and obesity represent a serious Public Health issue. Their development associated with adolescence, generate a negative impact in adulthood, mainly because of metabolic complications. As the low and chronic inflammatory state present in obesity stimulates the generation of free radicals, it becomes relevant to assess the relationship between adipocytokines and the oxidation of lipoproteins. Objective: Evaluate the possible influence of overweight and obesity on the electronegative LDL and adipocytokines (leptin, adiponectin and resistin). Materials and Methods: Adolescents of both genders, aged 10 to 19 years old and regularly registered in public schools at the city of São Paulo were recruited for this research. They were divided into three groups: Healthy weight, Overweight and Obese, according to Cole et al. (2000), by gender and age. After fasting (12-15h) a blood sample was collected and the following tests were performed on each samples plasma: total lipid profile, glucose and insulin (commercial kits), leptin, resistin, adiponectin (ELISA), LDL(-) (ELISA) and its autoantibodies (ELISA). The socio-economic and health profiles of the adolescents were determined by structured questionnaires. Anthropometric (weight, height, waist circumference - WC, percentage of body fat) and food consumption data (3 x 24-hour recall) were collected. The 24-hour recall data was analyzed by the NutWin® software. Differences between qualitative variables were determined by c2 test. Quantitative variables were adjusted for age by means of General Linear Model, being the differences between the groups established by post-hoc Bonferroni test (SPSS ®, version 15.0). Results: Of the 156 eligible individuals, 76 (48.7 per cent ) were boys and 80 (51.3 per cent ) girls, with the average age being of 14.5 ± 2.3 years. The adolescents were divided into three groups: Healthy weight, n = 52 adolescents (33.3 per cent ), Overweight, n = 53 adolescents (34.0 per cent ) and Obese, n = 51 adolescents (32.7 per cent ). These groups were matched up by gender, mother\'s education, income, sexual maturation, and current medical history. As expected by the group inclusion criteria, there were statistical differences in BMI and this profile was confirmed by WC and body fat. Opposite profile was showed for lean body mass. In relation to food consumption, the analysis of crude data adjusted for energy and intrapersonal variability did 6 not differ between the groups. Analyses of fasting glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-C did not differ between the groups. There were higher levels of plasma insulin and HOMA-IR in the obese group than in the healthy weight (p <0.001; p <0.001) and the overweight (p <0.001; p < 0.001) groups. HDL-C in the healthy weight group showed increased values in comparison to Obese one (p = 0.012). The LDL (-) in plasma and its autoantibodies indicated different concentrations between the groups (p = 0.040, p= 0.026, respectively). There were lower values of leptin both in the healthy weight group in comparison with the overweight (p <0.001) and the obese (p <0.001) groups, as well as in the Overweight group in comparison with the Obese group (p <0.001). Opposite profile was observed for adiponectin levels, between the healthy weight group and the overweight (p = 0.019) and obese (p = 0.000) groups. Resistin showed higher values in the obese group (p = 0.006) than in the healthy weight group. Leptin showed positive correlations with body fat percentage (r= 0.540 and p= 0.001), waist circumference (r= 0.679 and p= 0.003) and BMI (r= 0.670 and p <0.001). In relation to carbohydrate metabolism, leptin correlated positively with insulin (r= 0.578 and p <0.001) and HOMA-IR (r= 0.570 and p= 0.001), and opposite profile was showed for adiponectin (Insulin: r= -0.255, p= 0.001; HOMA-IR: r= -0.246, p= 0.002, respectively). Regarding the lipid profile, leptin correlated with total cholesterol (r= 0.496 and p= 0.003), triglycerides (r= 0.409 and p= 0.016) and LDL-C (r= 0.416 and p= 0.014); adiponectin correlated with LDL (-) (r= -0.428, p= 0.012); and resistin with HDL-C (r= -0.337, p= 0.050). Therefore, the results show that overweight and obese adolescents, even those who are still considered clinically healthy, showed several anthropometric and biochemical changes, which suggest increased number of cardiometabolic risk factors in this population

Emulsões artificiais sem proteína simulando quilomicrons e remanescentes de quilomícron foram preparadas por sonicalcação de trioleína, lecitina, colesteril oleato e colesterol em solução aquosa. A seguir foram ultracentrifugadas em gradiente descontínuo de densidade. As emulsões, marcadas com 3H-trioleína e 14C-colesteril oleato foram injetadas via intra-arterial em ratos controle e em ratos tratados com Triton WR1339, sulfato de protamina e heparina, medindo-se a seguir a remoção plasmática do colesteril-ester e dos triglicérides, durante dez minutos. O Triton WR 1339 e a protamina inibiram a lipólise dos quilomícrons artificiais, diminuindo a remoção destas partículas do plasma. O Triton WR 1339 mostrou ser mais efetivo que a protamina nestes efeitos. Por outro lado, a heparina promoveu uma lipólise rápida e brusca nos quilomícrons artificiais, assim como uma aceleração na remoção destas partículas do plasma. Em contraste flagrante com esses resultados, o metabolismo dos remanescentes de quilomícron não foi consideravelmente afetado pelo tratamento com Triton e heparina. Estas experiências indicam que as emulsões artificiais reproduzem o comportamento metabólico dos quilomícrons e remanescentes de quilomícron naturais, em condições em que a atividade da lipase lipoproteica esteja alterada. / Protein-free emulsions models of chylomicrons and chylomicron remnants were prepared by sonicating triolein, lecithin., cholesteryl oleate and cholesterol in aqueous saline media, followed by ultracentrifugation in density gradient solution. The 3H-triolein and 14C-cholesteryl oleate labeled emulsions were injected into the carotid artery of control rats and rats treated with Triton WR 1339, protamine sulphate and heparin. Plasma removal of both labels was measured during ten minutes in two minutes intervals. Triton WR 1339 and protamine sulphate strongly inhibited lipolysis of chylomicron-like emulsions leading to delayed removal of the particles from blood. Triton WR 1339 de appeared to be more effective than protamine to elicit these effects. On the other hand, heparin produced instantaneous lipolysis of the chylomicron-like particles markedly enhancing its removal from plasma. Contrarily, chylomicron remnant-like emulsions were not considerably affected either by Triton WR 1339 or by heparin treatment. The above described results obtained with artificial emulsions support current concepts on the metabolic behavior of natural chylomicron and remnant submitted to changes in lipoprotein lipase action.

Introdução: As dislipidemias representam um dos principais fatores de risco para as doenças cardiovasculares e, particularmente, para a aterosclerose. Portanto, todos os fatores nutricionais capazes de reduzir a sua incidência ou melhorar seu quadro clínico, representam ferramentas importantes para sua prevenção ou tratamento. Além das dislipidemias, as modificações oxidativas da lipoproteína de baixa densidade (LDL) têm relação direta com o processo aterosclerótico. Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a possível influência dos Parâmetros Nutricional (alimentar e antropométrico) e Bioquímicos sobre a geração de LDL- em indivíduos com diferentes níveis de risco cardiovascular Métodos: Para a consecução destes objetivos foram avaliados indivíduos com hipercolesterolemia associada à LDL com (n = 10) ou sem (n = 33) aterosclerose, quando comparados aos indivíduos normocolesterolêmicos (n = 30). A partir desta amostra avaliou-se o hábito alimentar (questionário quantitativo de freqüência alimentar), a antropometria (peso, altura, circunferência da cintura, % de gordura corporal e % de massa magra), o perfil lipídico (colesterol e triacilgliceróis), o conteúdo de LDL- (plasma, LDL total e sub-frações de LDL) e os auto-anticorpos anti-LDL- no plasma. O diagnóstico de aterosclerose foi feito através da pesquisa dos prontuários e da avaliação do índice tornozelo-braço (ITB). Resultados: A análise do perfil lipídico indicou que a concentração de colesterol plasmático no grupo Controle (180,5 ± 19,6 mg/dL) foi menor que a observada nos grupos Hipercolesterolêmico – Hiper (-) (243,5 ± 29,7 mg/dL) e Hipercolesterolêmico com aterosclerose – Hiper (+) (221,1 ± 19,6 mg/dL), sendo a dislipidemia observada resultante do acúmulo de colesterol na LDL. O monitoramento da LDL- no plasma e de seus auto-anticorpos não apresentou diferença significativa entre os grupos. Entretanto, quando se analisou a LDL- na LDL total verificamos que o grupo Controle apresentou conteúdo inferior (850,2 ± 337,8 DO) aos grupos Hiper (-) (1253,1 ± 340,9 DO) e Hiper (+) (1258,5 ± 207,4 DO). Em relação ao hábito alimentar, o grupo Controle apresentou menor consumo de carboidratos e vitamina C, quando comparado ao grupo Hiper (+), e este consumo inferior de ácido graxo monoinsaturado (AGM), ácido graxo poliinsaturado (AGP) e ácido linoléico que o grupo Hiper (-). Não observamos diferença significativa nos parâmetros antropométricos. Considerando que o conteúdo de LDL- no plasma e na LDL (+) densa apresentou correlação positiva, além das correlações positivas entre LDL- isolada e normalizada pelas proteínas e colesterol tanto no plasma, quanto na LDL total e nas sub-frações de LDL, estabelecemos correlações entre estas variáveis e os parâmetros clínicos, de consumo, de composição corporal e bioquímicos. Neste sentido, observamos que houve correlação da pressão arterial sistólica com LDL- no plasma (r = 0,26 e p = 0,03) e escore de risco de Framingham com LDL- na LDL (r = 0,36 e p = 0,01). Em relação ao consumo alimentar, houve correlação entre o consumo de gordura e colesterol com o conteúdo de LDL- no plasma (r = 0,27 e p = 0,02; r = 0,27 e p = 0,02, respectivamente). Verificamos também correlação entre LDL- presente na sub-fração menos densa da LDL com o consumo de AGM (r = -0,27 e p = 0,02), AGP (r = -0,23 e p = 0,05), ácido oléico (r = -0,23 e p = 0,05), ácido linoléico (r = -0,31 e p = 0,01) e vitamina A (r = -0,25 e p = 0,03). As variáveis antropométricas e de composição corporal não apresentaram correlação significativa com a geração de LDL- no plasma, na LDL total e nas sub-frações de LDL, nem com seus auto-anticorpos. Quando avaliamos o perfil lipídico e a LDL- na LDL, observamos correlação positiva com colesterol total (r = 0,52 e p &#8804; 0,001), colesterol associado à LDL, pela equação de Friedewald e analisado na lipoproteína isolada (r = 0,59 e p &#8804; 0,001; r = 0,75 e p &#8804; 0,001, respectivamente), as relações colesterol total/HDL (r= 0,45, p &#8804; 0,001) e LDL/HDL (r= 0,47, p &#8804; 0,001) e colesterol não HDL (r= 0,74, p &#8804; 0,001). Conclusões: Os resultados obtidos mostram que a LDL-, sobretudo quando analisada na LDL, é um importante e sensível parâmetro bioquímico associado ao perfil lipídico, a outros parâmetros de risco cardiovascular e ao consumo alimentar. Portanto, sugere-se que o monitoramento da LDL- faça parte dos protocolos clínicos, visto que este marcador sofre variação em função de fatores exógenos, clínicos e bioquímicos. / Introduction: The dyslipidemias is very important to coronary artery disease (CAD) development, specially in atherosclerosis. Therefore, all nutritional factors able to decrease its incidence represent important tools in the prevent or treatment. In this respect, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) has been associated to atherosclerotic process. Objectives: Our goal was to evaluate the influence of the Nutritional (intake and anthropometria) and Biochemical Parameters in generation of LDL- in subjects with different levels of cardiovascular risk. Methods: Subjects with hypercholesterolemia associated to LDL with (n = 10) or without (n = 33) atherosclerosis and normocholesterolemic (n = 30) were selected. Habitual food intake (quantitative food frequency questionnaire), anthropometric parameters (weight, heath, waist circumference, % body fat and % mass muscular) were evaluated. In plasma we evaluated lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides), LDL- content (plasma, LDL and LDL subfractions) and auto-antibodies anti-LDL-. Atherosclerosis was confirmed by register and ankle-brachial blood pressure index (ABI). Results: The plasma cholesterol in group Control (180.5 ± 19.6 mg/dL) was lower than compared to Hiper (-) group (243.5 ± 29.7 mg/dL) and Hiper (+) group (221.0 ± 19.6 mg/dL). This dyslipidemia was associated to high levels of LDL-cholesterol. The content of LDL- in plasma and its autoantibodies against did not have any significant difference between groups. However, when LDL- content was analyzed in total LDL we verified that Control group showed menas lower (850.2 ± 337.8 DO) than Hiper (-) (1253.1 ± 340.9 DO) and Hiper (+) (1258.5 ± 207.4 DO) groups. Carbohydrate and vitamin C intake in Control group was lower than Hiper (+) group. Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and acid linoleic intake in Hiper (+) was higher than Hiper (-) group. No significant differences in anthropometric parameters were observed when all groups were evaluated. When we analyzed the possible association between variables, we verified positive correlation between blood pressure arterial systolic with LDL- plasma (r = 0.26 and p = 0.03) and Framingham risk score with LDL- in LDL (r = 0.36 and p = 0.01). Total fat and cholesterol intake was correlated to LDL- plasma (r = 0.27 and p = 0.02; r = 0.27 and p = 0.02, respectively). In addition we observed a correlation between LDL- in dense low LDL subfraction with MUFA (r = -0.27 and p = 0.02), PUFA (r = -0.23 and p = 0.05), acid oleic (r = -0.23 and p = 0.05), acid linoleic (r = -0.31 and p = 0.01) and vitamin A (r = -0.25 and p = 0.03). The anthropometric parameters did not show any significant correlation with the LDL- content and its autoantibodies. LDL- in LDL had positive correlation with total cholesterol (r = 0.52 and p &#8804; 0.001), cholesterol associated LDL as calculated by Friedewald equation and crude analysis (r = 0.59 and p &#8804; 0.001; r = 0.75 and p &#8804; 0.001, respectively), TC/HDL ratio (r= 0.45 and p &#8804; 0.001), LDL/HDL ratio (r= 0.47 and p &#8804; 0.001) and non cholesterol HDL (r= 0.74 and p &#8804; 0.001). Conclusion: These results showed that certain component diet could modulate LDL- generation. Furthermore, this particle was correlated with the lipid profile and some of the factors that predispose for cardiovascular desiase.