Search results for "Protein"

Update on the role of the atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype in cardiovascular prevention

2009

Higher plasma triglyceride levels and decreased HDL-cholesterol concentrations are usually accompanied by the presence of small, dense LDL in the so-called lipid triad or ‘atherogenic lipoprotein phenotype’. This phenotype is highly atherogenic and its prevalence may suggest an even higher overall burden of atherosclerotic disease as compared with that associated with hypercholesterolemia. As stated by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III, there is evidence suggesting each component of this lipid triad is individually atherogenic. However, the relative contribution of each component cannot be easily determined. Therefore, it has been suggested to consider th…

The antiapoptotic protein BAG3 is expressed in thyroid carcinomas and modulates apoptosis mediated by tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducin…

2007

Abstract Context: We previously showed that BAG3 protein, a member of the BAG (Bcl-2-associated athanogene) co-chaperone family, modulates apoptosis in human leukemias. The expression of BAG3 in other tumor types has not been extensively investigated so far. Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze BAG3 expression in thyroid neoplastic cells and investigate its influence in cell apoptotic response to TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). Design, Setting, and Patients: We investigated BAG3 expression in human thyroid carcinoma cell lines, including NPA, and the effect of BAG3-specific small interfering RNA on TRAIL-induced apoptosis in NPA cells. Subsequently, we analyz…

Should we measure routinely the LDL peak particle size?

2004

Low density lipoproteins (LDL) do not show in humans a normal distribution and comprise two different main fractions: large, buoyant (phenotype pattern A) and small, dense (phenotype pattern B) particles, that differ not only in size and density but also in physicochemical composition, metabolic behaviour and atherogenicity. The prevalence of small, dense LDL changes with age (30-35% in adult men, 5-10% in men <20 years and in pre-menopausal women, 15-25% in postmenopausal women) and is genetically influenced, with a heritability ranging from 35% to 45%. Small, dense LDL correlate negatively with plasma HDL levels and positively with plasma triglyceride levels and are associated with the me…

Sodium-hydrogen exchange inhibition: novel strategy to prevent myocardial injury following ischemia and reperfusion.

1999

Activation of Na+/H+ exchange and subsequent calcium overload in cardiac myocytes appear to play an important role in myocardial tissue injury following ischemia and reperfusion. Results of several in vitro studies in isolated myocytes and heart preparations and in vivo studies in pigs and rats have suggested that inhibition of Na+/H+ exchange is an effective means to prevent lethal reperfusion injury, arrhythmia, and improve myocardial contractile dysfunction. In patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI), any preventive agent is administered immediately before or shortly after reperfusion, rather than before the occurrence of coronary occlusion. The direct interventional approach to t…

Analysis of radiolucent gallstones by computed tomography for in vivo estimation of stone components.

1990

. Successful oral litholytic and other non-operative therapies of gallstones require exact determination of the stone components. Since computed tomography (CT) provides highly sensitive measurement of density, we performed a study to evaluate whether CT measurement of stone density allows a prediction of the composition of radiolucent gallstones. Twenty-eight patients presenting with 29 radiolucent gallbladder (n= 17) or common bile duct stones (n=12) were included. Prior to operative or endo-scopic therapy the attenuation values (Hounsfield Units, HU) were assessed in vivo by CT under standardized conditions (Somatom II, 125 KV, 130 mAs). After surgical or endoscopic stone removal the con…

Reliability of EMA Binding Test in Diagnosis of Hereditary Spherocytosis in Italian Patients

2010

Familial hypercholesterolaemia is underdiagnosed and undertreated in the general population: guidance for clinicians to prevent coronary heart diseas…

2013

AIMS: The first aim was to critically evaluate the extent to which familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is underdiagnosed and undertreated. The second aim was to provide guidance for screening and treatment of FH, in order to prevent coronary heart disease (CHD).METHODS AND RESULTS: Of the theoretical estimated prevalence of 1/500 for heterozygous FH, &lt;1% are diagnosed in most countries. Recently, direct screening in a Northern European general population diagnosed approximately 1/200 with heterozygous FH. All reported studies document failure to achieve recommended LDL cholesterol targets in a large proportion of individuals with FH, and up to 13-fold increased risk of CHD. Based on prev…

Chronic heart damage following doxorubicin treatment is alleviated by lovastatin.

2014

The anticancer efficacy of anthracyclines is limited by cumulative dose-dependent early and delayed cardiotoxicity resulting in congestive heart failure. Mechanisms responsible for anthracycline-induced heart damage are controversially discussed and effective preventive measures are preferable. Here, we analyzed the influence of the lipid lowering drug lovastatin on anthracycline-induced late cardiotoxicity three month after treatment of C57BL/6 mice with five low doses of doxorubicin (5×3mg/kg BW; i.p.). Doxorubicin increased the cardiac mRNA levels of BNP, IL-6 and CTGF, while the expression of ANP remained unchanged. Lovastatin counteracted these persisting cardiac stress responses evoke…

Clinical review: impact of statin substitution policies on patient outcomes.

2009

Background. The increasing awareness of cost issues in health care has led to the increasing use of policy-driven substitution of branded for generic medications, particularly relative to statin treatment for cardiovascular diseases. While there are potential short-term health care savings, the consequences for primary care are under-researched. Our objective was to review data on intensive statin therapy and generic substitution in patients at high cardiovascular risk. Results. Current treatment guidelines for the prevention of cardiovascular disease are consistent in their recommendations regarding statin therapy and treatment targets. Clinical trials demonstrate that to reduce cardiovasc…

Statin intolerance: new data and further options for treatment

2021

Purpose of review Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Administration of statins represents the cornerstone of the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, with demonstrated long-term safety and efficacy. This review aims to revisit statin intolerance mechanisms, as well as to discuss new data and therapeutic options. Recent findings Although statins are well tolerated, myopathy and other adverse effects are a challenging problem, being the main reason for poor adherence to treatment and failure in lowering cardiovascular risk. Statin intolerance is the subject of ongoing research, as these drugs are widely used. There are alternative options o…