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Query: UMLS:C0004153 (atherosclerosis)
 77,401 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Previously we have shown that incubation of heparinized blood with a low dose of lipopolysaccharides (5 ng/ml) resulted in a 60% higher generation of TxB2 in the blood of young men as compared with that of young women. In the present study, we investigated a group consisting of 38 healthy men and 38 healthy postmenopausal women aged 50-73 years with no drug use and no known chronic disease. In contrast to our earlier observation that young men produce more TxB2 than young women, no significant difference was observed between the men and women when all the participants above 50 years of age were included (5.7 +/- 0.6 ng/l for men versus 5.2 +/- 0.7 ng/l for women). However, a strong correlation was found with simple regression analysis when increasing TxB2 generation was compared with years after menopause (P < 0.0001). No such correlation was observed for increasing age of men and their TxB2 production. The LPS stimulation system of whole blood was also used to evaluate the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) in older people. Men were found to generate 60% more TNF-alpha than women, but no correlation was found between increasing age of women and TNF-alpha production as observed with TxB2. Risk factors such as SDS-cholesterol, fibrinogen and factor VII were the same in men and women, whereas total cholesterol was higher in women than in men (P < 0.05). Since TxA2 is known to be a mediator of atherosclerotic-induced lesions and TNF-alpha is a well-established indicator of inflammatory reactions, we propose that the reduced production of TxB2 and TNF-alpha in women in our model system may partially explain the lower incidence of atherosclerosis in women as compared with men, and the phenomenon of increased incidence of this disease after menopause.
Atherosclerosis 1993 Aug
PMID:Thromboxane production in the blood of women increases after menopause whereas tumor necrosis factor is reduced in women compared with men. 825 57

Chlamydia pneumoniae, a Gram-negative bacterium, formerly named TWAR but identified as a distinct species since 1988, is now considered to be the most common agent of chlamydial infection in Scandinavia. C pneumoniae has a different tissue trophism from that of Chlamydia trachomatis, since C pneumoniae may infect bronchi and lungs, macrophages, monocytes, and endothelial cells. C pneumoniae, like other chlamydiae, has a slow, intracellular life cycle. An absence of reaction from the host cells, combined with scant tissual reaction owing to the low endotoxic activity of chlamydial lipopolysaccharide, may help to explain the usually discreet clinical picture. Atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease may follow chronic lung infection, and acute pneumonic episodes can trigger myocardial infarct. Asymptomatic infection with C pneumoniae is widespread. Intriguing diagnostic questions are the possible existence of a non-pathogenic carrier state, and the conceivable sensitization of the host with respect to a heterotypic, secondary chlamydial infection by, for example, C trachomatis, giving rise to an aggravated clinical picture. Early antibiotics are indicated to avoid the development of chronic disease.
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PMID:[Chlamydia pneumoniae--pathogenesis and perspectives]. 848 Feb 96

Under normal circumstances, free radicals that are produced through biological processes and in response to exogenous stimuli are controlled by various enzymes and antioxidants in the body. Laboratory evidence suggests that oxidative stress, which occurs when free radical formation exceeds the ability to protect against them, may form the biological basis of several acute medical problems, such as tissue injury after trauma, and chronic conditions, such as atherosclerosis and cancer. A potential role for the antioxidant micronutrients (vitamin C, vitamin E, and the carotenoids) in modifying the risk for conditions that may result from oxidative stress has stimulated intense research efforts, increased interest in micronutrient supplements, and heightened consumer interest in these compounds. Much remains to be learned, however, about the bioavailability, tissue uptake, metabolism, and biological activities of these micronutrients. These biological characteristics will ultimately determine their clinical usefulness in modulating oxidative stress. Also, whether the antioxidant mechanism explains their relationship with risk for acute and chronic disease in epidemiologic studies remains to be determined. Increased knowledge in this area of nutrition science will have an impact on both clinical dietetics practice and public health nutrition guidelines.
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PMID:Update on the biological characteristics of the antioxidant micronutrients: vitamin C, vitamin E, and the carotenoids. 912 Jan 87

Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease characterized by the focal accumulation of plaque (leukocytes, macrophages, smooth muscle cells, lipids, and extracellular matrix) in the vessel wall that ultimately leads to obstruction of the lumen through gradual progression, plaque rupture with intraluminal thrombosis, or both. The "vulnerable" plaque is smaller in size, richer in lipids, and more infiltrated with macrophages than the stable fibromuscular lesion. Therefore, lowering the lipid or macrophage pools stored in the plaque may stabilize the plaque and reduce the risk for plaque rupture. Indeed, cholesterol-lowering trials have yielded a significant reduction in acute cardiac events. Antithrombotic therapy may further prevent acute coronary syndromes by altering the consequences of plaque rupture. However, we need to address the earlier stages of atherosclerosis, namely, endothelial dysfunction. Current hypotheses concerning its pathogenesis focus on vascular endothelial injury, the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein and its effects on the endothelium, which set off a cascade or responses involving the complex interaction of growth factors and cytokines leading to increased oxidative stress, increased free radical formation, destruction of nitric oxide, endothelial dysfunction, increased platelet aggregation, thrombosis, inflammation, plaque formation, proteolysis, plaque fissure, and rupture.
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PMID:Endothelial dysfunction in coronary heart disease. 887 44

Nutrition and food science have each enhanced the development of an abundant, nutritious, safe food supply. A healthy diet should contain all of the required nutrients and sufficient calories to balance energy expenditure and provide for growth and maintenance throughout the life cycle. Importantly, dietary factors are associated with 5 of the 10 leading causes of death, including coronary heart disease, certain types of cancer, stroke, noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis. National health care expenditures for 1990 totaled $666 billion of which 30% are related to inappropriate diet. Identification of external factors that contribute to premature death would aid preventive efforts, improve the quality of life, and reduce health care costs. Even though genetic predisposition increases susceptible people's risk for many of these chronic diseases, these conditions may be diminished or prevented by improvements in the American diet. Each stage of the life cycle has specific nutrient needs. Throughout infancy, childhood and adolescence nutrients are required to meet the growth processes as well as cognitive function. During pregnancy nutrients are required for both mother and developing infant needs. Adult nutrition focuses on tissue maintenance, nutrient and energy needs, and disease prevention. As the population of elderly increase in number and greater age, nutritional needs must be met to minimize certain disease states and assure the quality of life. Nutrition associated health risks have been identified for coronary heart disease, cancer and diabetes mellitus. Recommendations for each includes a decrease in dietary fat, awareness of caloric intake and enhancement of nutrient density including an increase in fruit and vegetables. These recommendations also impact obesity and diminish the compounding of other disease states affected by excessive body weight. Calcium intake at early ages affects development of bone density and manifestation of osteoporosis. Current gaps in knowledge are also identified that could improve health. Numerous nutrients are being examined for their regulation of specific gene expressions and in the processes of transcription and translation. To offer food products with greater nutrient density or improved functional health ingredients, modification of existing foods is needed to assure an improved diet. Policies to improve health require integration of nutrition needs with economic growth and development, agriculture and food production, processing, marketing, health care and education, and includes changing life styles and food choices. Increased research support is required to achieve national health goals with emphasis on nutrition and food sciences. Education methods must be improved to better inform consumers, to encourage food producers and manufactures to produce healthier foods, to assure training of future professionals and to provide legislators with the basis to make informed decisions. Recommendations to CFERR are identified. Improved quality and availability of nutritious foods will result in a healthier, more productive population. A decrease in the occurrence and duration of chronic disease should diminish the cost of health care and allow these resources to further benefit the nation. International concerns about undernutrition include 780 million people who are malnourished, lacking sufficient food to meet their basic nutritional needs for protein and energy, and 2 billion people who subsist on diets lacking essential nutrients needed for growth, development and physiological maintenance. National concerns about undernutrition exist based on incomplete data identified by indices of hunger and characterized by an increased demand for food assistance for women, children and the elderly. Major health problems in the US impacted by diet and nutrition include coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, some types of cancer, non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, hypert
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PMID:Interrelationships of food, nutrition, diet and health: the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges White Paper. 889 67

To better characterize the heavy proteinuria occasionally described in cholesterol atheroembolic renal disease (CAE), we reviewed the clinical features and histological findings of 24 patients found at renal biopsy to have CAE. Twelve (50%) had a typical clinical presentation soon after an invasive vascular procedure. Eight (33%) underwent biopsies to evaluate proteinuria and four (17%) with insidiously developing renal failure to exclude rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. All had usual and similar risk factors for CAE; 71% were male, 96% had peripheral vascular disease, 79% had recently undergone an invasive vascular procedure, 74% were hypercholesterolemic, and all were hypertensive. Proteinuria was higher and serum creatinine lower in the proteinuria group. In the nine (38%) nephrotic patients, serum creatinine measurements were lower (2.7 +/- 1.2 v 5.6 +/- 2.4 mg/dL), duration of renal disease to biopsy longer, and time from biopsy to dialysis greater (23.5 +/- 14.8 v 0.03 +/- 0.098 mo, P < 0.05 for all). Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) was observed in 15 (63%) of the biopsy specimens. Although FSGS itself did not occur more commonly in nephrotic patients, these patients did have a higher fraction of segmentally sclerosed glomeruli (0.158 +/- 0.097 v 0.026 +/- 0.050, P < 0.01). A variant of FSGS, the cellular lesion with epithelial cell prominence and capillary loop collapse, was observed in 7 of 9 (78%) patients with nephrotic-range proteinuria, but in only 3 of 12 (25%) patients with lesser degrees of protein excretion (P < 0.05). The cellular lesion was accompanied by higher mean proteinuria, 7.6 +/- 4.3 versus 2.1 +/- 2.4 g/24 hr (P < 0.01). In a larger group of patients with a similar age range as the CAE group who were identified by search of a computerized biopsy database, membranous nephropathy was the only other form of idiopathic glomerulonephritis that occurred with CAE. One of 82 (1.2%) patients with membranous nephropathy also had CAE, compared with 20 of 102 (19.6%) with FSGS (P < 0.0002, chi2). Thus, the finding of FSGS with CAE was not coincidence. Mean follow-up was 20 +/- 26 months (range, 0 to 103 months). Six patients (25%) were followed-up at least 3 years after renal biopsy. These findings indicate that extended survival in CAE is not rare and that heavy proteinuria occurs as part of a chronic disorder with distinctive histological features. Cholesterol atheroembolism with FSGS should be considered in the differential diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome in elderly patients with advanced atherosclerosis.
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PMID:Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis associated with nephrotic syndrome in cholesterol atheroembolism: clinicopathological correlations. 904 Dec 8

Chronic diseases develop in susceptible individuals following exposure to environmental conditions including high fat diets. Inbred strains of mice differing in susceptibility to atherosclerosis, diabetes, obesity and certain cancers are models for understanding the genetic basis and molecular mechanisms whereby diet influences these polygenic and multifactorial disorders. Expression sequence tags (EST) and disease quantitative trait loci (QTL) are also being identified with these strains. Reported here are comparisons of food intake, growth, nonfasting serum lipids and expression of mRNA for hepatic apolipoprotein E (ApoE), hepatic stearoyl CoA desaturase (Scd1) and heart lipoprotein lipase (Lpl) in a 2 x 2 x 2 design with C57BL/6J and BALB/cByJ mice fed semipurified diets with 4 or 20% saturated (coconut) or unsaturated (corn) oils for 4 mo. Histological studies of aortas and coronary arteries are also reported for these animals. After 4 mo, BALB/cByJ mice were significantly heavier and had significantly higher total serum cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in the fed state than C57BL/6J mice. Efficiency of utilizing dietary energy did not differ consistently between strains. Oil level affected serum total cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL cholesterol, which were significantly greater in mice fed high fat diets. Lpl and ApoE mRNA expression levels were not significantly affected by mouse strain, oil source or oil level. Scd1 mRNA expression, however, was significantly higher in C57BL/6J than in BALB/cByJ mice and was lower in all mice fed 20% compared with those fed 4% fat diets. Genes regulated differently by diet among strains with distinct susceptibility to diet-influenced disease may be associated with molecular pathways contributing to incidence or severity.
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PMID:Lipid level and type alter stearoyl CoA desaturase mRNA abundance differently in mice with distinct susceptibilities to diet-influenced diseases. 910 6

During the last 30 years, research in the field of nutrition and chronic disease causation has led to exciting, significant progress in providing an understanding of specific risk factors and chemopreventive agents. The major health problems considered are cardiovascular diseases and the nutritionally linked cancers, including those in the stomach, colon, breast, prostate, ovary, and endometrium. The major elements considered were salt, type and amount of fat, and heterocyclic amines formed during cooking. Bran cereal fiber, as well as vegetables, fruits, and tea have been shown to inhibit the complex processes of initiation and development of these diseases. One aspect involved in initiation and development of both cardiovascular diseases and the cancers noted are abnormal oxidative processes leading to the generation of hydroxy radicals and peroxy compounds. In part, the protective role of vegetables, fruits, and tea is to provide antioxidant vitamins and specific polyphenols that display a powerful inhibition in oxidative reactions. Epidemiological studies as well as laboratory experimentation have yielded sound data and evidence in support of the fact that vegetables, fruits, and tea and specific antioxidants therein account mechanistically for inhibition. Geographic pathology has provided important data that populations with a regular intake of tomato products, such as in the Mediterranean region, have a lower incidence of the chronic diseases noted. The current Symposium is considering the varied mechanisms of action of tomato products in general, and one of the active principles, lycopene. Cooking is a factor in releasing the desirable antioxidants from tomatoes. Cooked tomato products may be preferable to the raw vegetable or juices derived from tomatoes bearing on absorption of the active principles. Optimally, absorption of lycopene, a highly lipid-soluble chemical, is improved in the presence of a small, but essential amount of oil or fat. Research in the field of nutrition and health has shown that monounsaturated oils such as olive oil or canola oil are most desirable, since such oils do not increase the risk of atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, or the nutritionally linked cancers. The International Symposium on tea conducted in 1991 has provided worldwide interest in research on the beneficial effects of tea. It is now hoped that the present Symposium, dealing with another inexpensive and readily available food, tomatoes, will enhance interest in and funding for additional research, to underwrite future recommendations for possibly enhanced production and use of tomato-derived nutritional elements, with the goal of application to the prevention of major chronic diseases, the treatment of which is costly and often ineffective.
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PMID:Evaluation of the evidence on the role of tomato products in disease prevention. 960 12

Powerful diagnostic technology, plus the realization that organisms of otherwise unimpressive virulence can produce slowly progressive chronic disease with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations and disease outcomes, has resulted in the discovery of new infectious agents and new concepts of infectious diseases. The demonstration that final outcome of infection is as much determined by the genetic background of the patient as by the genetic makeup of the infecting agent is indicating that a number of chronic diseases of unknown etiology are caused by one or more infectious agents. One well-known example is the discovery that stomach ulcers are due to Helicobacter pylori. Mycoplasmas may cause chronic lung disease in newborns and chronic asthma in adults, and Chlamydia pneumoniae, a recently identified common cause of acute respiratory infection, has been associated with atherosclerosis. A number of infectious agents that cause or contribute to neoplastic diseases in humans have been documented in the past 6 years. The association and causal role of infectious agents in chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer have major implications for public health, treatment, and prevention.
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PMID:Infectious causes of chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer. 971 80

Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring plant compounds which have oestrogenic and/or anti-oestrogenic activity. They are present in many human foodstuffs including beans, sprouts, cabbage, spinach, soyabean, grains and hops. The main classes are the isoflavones, coumestans and lignans. This review assesses the evidence that these substances may have adverse and/or beneficial impacts on the risk of several hormone-dependent diseases in humans. Evidence from studies of various animal species has demonstrated that ingestion of high levels of phytoestrogens can produce adverse effects on reproductive endpoints including fertility. Studies in laboratory animals have also shown that exposure to high doses of phytoestrogens during development can adversely affect brain differentiation and reproductive development in rodents, but may also have possible beneficial effects. In humans, there is a lack of information concerning the possible effects of high doses of phytoestrogens in infants and this should be addressed as a matter of priority so that any risks (or benefits) can be established. In adults, no current data exist to suggest that consumption of phytoestrogens at the levels normally encountered in the diet is likely to be harmful. Epidemiological studies suggest that foodstuffs containing phytoestrogens may have a beneficial role in protecting against a number of chronic diseases and conditions. For cancer of the prostate, colon, rectum, stomach and lung, the evidence is most consistent for a protective effect resulting from a high intake of grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables; it is not possible to identify particular food types or components that may be responsible. Dietary intervention studies indicate that in women soya and linseed may have beneficial effects on the risk of breast cancer and may help to alleviate postmenopausal symptoms. For osteoporosis, tentative evidence suggests phytoestrogens may have similar effects in maintaining bone density to those of the related pharmaceutical compound ipriflavone. Soya also appears to have beneficial effects on blood lipids which may help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. Generally, however, little evidence exists to link these effects directly to phytoestrogens; many other components of soya and linseed are biologically active in various experimental systems and may be responsible for the observed effects in humans. It is concluded that dietary phytoestrogens may have a role in the prevention of several types of chronic disease including certain cancers. However, at present the evidence is not sufficient to recommend particular dietary practices or changes. Encouraging findings from laboratory and clinical studies indicate the need for further research to clarify the biological activities of phytoestrogens in humans.
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PMID:Phytoestrogens and human health effects: weighing up the current evidence. 988 30


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